BJT

Season 2 – Squeaky Bum Time It’s all very tight at the top, though the league has now become a two horse race between Juventus and Moss’ Milan. Milan are still fighting in the Euro Cup where they are at the Quarter Finals stage, whereas Juventus now only have the league to play for. You would have to fancy Juventus with the free goal-scoring talent they have at hand and only one priority to play for. However, the giants from Turin still have to go to the San Siro to play Milan in the penultimate game.

Season 2 - August to December Review Serie A (Current Position – 1st) This year’s Serie A competition looks to be a tight affair. With Juventus not replacing Buffon after retirement, Juventus appear to be a weaker squad this year. In addition, Milan appears to have a better squad balance and are playing Moss’ system better. The defensive has tightened up quite considerably, and no long-term injuries suffered in the campaign so far. However after last year’s collapse from 2nd spot to almost missing out on the ECL, Moss knows there is a lot of work to do to maintain the challenge for the Scudetto. Coppa Italia (1st Round – In Progress) No games have yet been played by Milan in this competition, but they have drawn a home tie again Bologna. -- ECL (KO Group Stages – Euro Cup Qualification) After starting the group promisingly snatching an away draw to Man City with 10 men, the return match at home ultimately cost Moss’ side their place in the next round. Key men were unavailable for the game, with discipline and injuries resulting in a weakened starting line up. PSG coasted the group, dispatching Milan both times they played. It will be interesting to see how Moss chooses to prioritise the cup competitions during this second part of the year.

Season 2 Objectives After scraping into the top four places, this year will be one very much of maintaining this position. With a tiny transfer budget and funds only made available by selling existing squad members, Milan probably won’t yet be ready to give a real title challenge at this point. A tough Champions League group that includes PSG, Man City, and Dynamo Kiev will mean reaching the board objectives of the knockout stages will be a real challenge. Moss will do his best, but the likelihood is third spot is where Milan should expect to finish. Board Expectations Serie A – ECL Qualification Euro Cup – ECL Knockouts Coppa Italia – Not Important Transfer Activity With quality right winger Suso only available for five games last season, this will be like a new signing if he can stay injury free. Moss will be hoping his presence will increase the team’s proficiency in taking their chances, especially with Milan creating the most in last season’s Serie A. Last minute deals saw Argentinian defender Mussachio leave for Barcleona. The +40mil transfer fee was too good to turn down for a backup player, giving Moss a little more manoeuvrability in the market. Moss also decided to let Rodriguez go to PSG for a little over 11mil, with Emerson from Chelsea brought in as his replacement. Caldara came in as Mussachio’s replacement for a fee of 15mil to keep the squad balanced with cover. Moss also saw the chance to bolster his midfield by snapping up Barcelona failure Andre Gomes. Moss will be hoping the midfielders will be motivated to prove his critics wrong. Other signings made were done prior to Moss taking the helm. Although Kalinic and Fabio Borini have now joined permanently after being on loan last year, Moss likely fails to see a future for either of these players at the club and will want to move them on at the very first opportunity. First XI

Season 1 - Review A large degree of relief for the AC Milan fans when it was finally confirmed they would be participating in next season's Champions League. Roma were pushing The Rossoneri all the way for fourth spot, but Moss' troops held firm after picking up 14 points out of 21 in the end of season run-in. Juventus took home the domestic double this year, smashing all opposition which came in their way, finishing with a total of 96 points in the league with a +70 goal difference. Napoli and Lazio both finished above Milan, tied on 77 points, with Moss' side being 3 points adrift of both. Moss will have learnt a lot from his first season in charge, from both the talent at his disposal to the defensive problems that were further magnified in the second half of the season. Milan's home form also was not the best, losing at home five times is far too many to be challenging for the title. But surpisingly the away form was second best in the league, only behind champions Juventus. The top 3 performers this year go to Andre Silva, scoring 32 goals in 48 games averaging 7.44 in rating. Giacomo Bonaventura did a great job after being injured for the first few months of the season, also averaging 7.44 and chipping in with 10 goals and 13 assists. Alessio Romagnoli had a good season at the back averaging 7.40, and performed better than the ageing Bonucci. Despite the tougher second half of the season, some statistics do give some telling reading. Milan were kings of the possession by a fair way, averaging just under 60% possession whilst also creating the most chances by any team, even ahead of Juventus. However the lack of clean sheets amounting to only 15, along with 12 red cards suffered during the Serie A campaign really did hinder any hopes of finishing closer to top spot. Next season will prove tricky. It appears Moss still doesn't quite know his best eleven. The budget agreed at the end of the year doesn't even reach 1 million to spend. It appears Moss will need to do a lot of wheeling and dealing in the Summer to be able to bring in the additional recruits needed to close the gap to this years champions.

Season 1 - Squeaky Bum Time After a good run of form coming into the New Year, since the turn of the year there has been a great contrast in fortunes and unfortunately for the worse. With teams now sitting back more and playing more direct and on the counter, it has exposed our defensive frailties. One big factor has been the poor discipline shown by Moss' squad. Currently Milan have considerably suffered the most red cards so far this season, and finding any rhythm and squad consistency has been hard to come by as a result. With April and May left of the calendar months, although still in a position to quality for the Champions League, there is stiff competition developing. And after suffering defeats such as 0-1 at home to Spal, 1-5 at home to Fiorentina, 5-2 away to Napoli, and a 2-5 home defeat to Juventus, confidence is low. Milan also went out to Liverpool in the 2nd round of the Euro Cup, although this defeat could be forgiven. Moss will need to turn things around quickly if they are to make a top four finish theirs. However the harder fixtures appear to be out the way, but putting away teams that sit-back is not a forgone conclusion.

Season 1 - August to December Review Serie A (Current Position – 2nd) Milan have done well to end the first half of the year in second place. After having a great start to the year, as the media described “Milan down to the bare-bones”, led to Milan suffering a poor run of form. For the majority of the time, Milan were lounging in fifth spot. But after a good away point away to runaway leaders Juventus, Milan have won seven games on the bounce, placing Moss’ side in a strong position to reach their target of a top four finish. Coppa Italia (KO – Quarter Finals) An agonising defeat via the dreaded penalty shootout ended Milan’s hopes of reaching the Semi-Finals. Despite dominating proceedings at the Stadio Olimpico, Moss’ side were unable to unlock the Roma door, with Bonucci missing the final penalty. The game had ended 0-0 after ET. Euro Cup (Current Status – Reached Knockout Stages) After disposing of Quabala and Sion in the qualification stages, Milan comfortably came out top of their Euro Cup group. With teams such as Apol Limassol, Vitesse and Malmo there was not much resistance. However Malmo did spring a surprise defeat winning 2-1 on their own turf. Current Evaluation A generally good start to Moss' Milan career. Transfers made in the Summer have so far performed well, contributing to the current successes. The majority of performances have been good, but there has been the tendency for some inconsistent games. The 2-0 home defeat to Lazio was perhaps the most poor display this season so far, but the 4-0 away thumping against Roma in the league being the highlight. Silva up-front has nearly scored a goal every game, and new signing Juanpi has come in and done extremely well for Suso who has missed a substantial number of games so far. The development of Locateli in the centre of midfield has been a real plus filling in for any injuries in this area of the squad. Montolivo's best days are past him, and has dropped down the pecking order following Locateli's promising form. The key area as suggested in the league table is working on the defence. Although Milan have some good defenders, left back Rodriguez is perhaps lacking a little pace to be comfortable playing in a high defensive line. Moss is already scouting for a left back for the next Summer transfer window.

Season 1 Objectives Moss’ first priority is to break into the Champions League places. A good domestic cup run is also of importance to not only bringing in confidence to the players, but to instil a mentality of being able to compete for trophies. Player wise, Moss wants to get to know his players, and then identify those areas where the team needs to invest to promote the football he wants to implement. Moss is also looking forward to work with Bonucci and also help the development of Donarumma whom he sees as integral to the long-term success of the club. Board Expectations Serie A – Euro Cup Qualification Euro Cup – Reach Final Coppa Italia – Not Important Transfer Activiy With a long term injury to first team right back Conti, Moss had his hand forced to invest in a good right back replacement, picking Villareal and Spanish full back Mario as his choice. Two advanced playmakers also joined the fray, with two highly technical players in Pizzi and Ozyakup identified as players who can do a good job to try and control the centre of the park. Inside forward Juanpi has added depth to the attacking third of the squad, a capable replacement for Suso on the right side of the front three. First XI

(FM18) Rossoneri Resurrection The past five seasons of 8th, 10th, 7th, 6th, and again this year failing to make Europe’s elite competition has seen the once giants of Italian football fall into a state of mediocrity, with a failure in no longer attracting the best talent that the football world has to offer. With rivals Inter in the same boat, and no recent signs of improvement having been shown, The Milan board have decided to place their faith in Moss as the man to resurrect past successes which have been away from the red half of the San Siro for far too long. Impressed with the “Moss footballing philosophy” of an attacking and patient brand of possession based football, it is felt he will be able to build a strong rapport with the fans and bring back trophies the club so desires. The Moss Philosophy Involves high pressing and a high defensive line to promote the return of quick ball retrieval prior to the recycling and patient building of sustained pressure in the offensive third, aided by a highly symmetrical formation design whilst utilising the full width of the pitch. The three midfielders will act as pivots, to bring a degree of ball retention stability whilst bringing in the offensive wingbacks into play, overlapping the inside forwards who will bring the more direct attacking threat towards the opponent’s back-line. The lone forward will assist in creating the space for the inside forwards by dropping deep, leaving space for them to exploit through the middle, whilst also having the ability to cause problems with both dribbling skill and creativity. Moss loves to promote a patient, very fluid short passing and attacking possession football game, aiming to create a “well oiled machine” that will be difficult to contain.

Game: FM18 Type of Game: 2 player Age: 34 Timezone: UK When can you play: Work during the week, so weekends only from mid-afternoon onwards. Steam: gtjbm

2011/2012 Season (Mid Season Update) General Progress: -8th Position, well clear of relegation It’s been a better than expected first half of the season, that especially after struggling greatly after the first handful of games. This was likely due to the many new faces that needed some time to gel together. Since then, we have had some excellent results, such as beating Real Madrid at home 2-0, and beating Athletico Madrid 2-1 away. It has also been a time to throw in some of the youngsters. With Trezeguet having injury problems this year, Immobile has put in some excellent performances and grabbing some crucial goals in achieving our fine run of form. Revised Goals / Transfer Activity: -More of the Same -Struggling to Identify Targets, Financial Concerns It would be overly ambitious to try and pinch 7th spot to bring us into a European place, although we are only 2 points adrift from Malaga occupying this position. We haven’t had too many long term injuries, and so maintaining our position to finish within the top 10 would be a good achievement, and a significant improvement upon last year’s eventual safe finish in 14th. It has however been highly frustrating in identifying players on the Bosman this season, and also individuals to replace our leaders whom will no longer be playing a major part in next season’s first XI. Finances are also now beginning to prove a problem, especially with wage restrictions. This may be a real stumbling block to our future ambitions.

"Paz shows Pepe how it's done" After Pepe scored two own goals to hand Hercules a win over Real Madrid earlier this season, 32 years old Captain and centreback of Hercules Abraham Paz, felt he could still further teach Pepe a lesson or two in how to score goals, but at the right end of the pitch. Scoring a hatrick of goals from centreback, Hercules beat Real Sociedad 3-0 to leave Sociedad languishing in the relegation zone, and inching Hercules further away now currently laying in mid table 11th place after just under a dozen games of the season gone so far. This is a glimpse of the talents that will be missing next year, as early reports suggest this may be the captains last year at the club. However after this performance, the gaffer must surely be reconsidering his stance on the matter.

**Hercules 2 vs Real Madrid 0** "he who does not shoot, scores" A master-class performance from Hercules in parking the bus and causing frustration, laid the basis for a shock win at the Jose Rico Perez. In front of a packed house, the delighted home crowed were treated to an art of first class finishing. Many would think the talents of David Trezeguet, or Siem De Jong were the cause of carving up the Real Madrid back line. But to many's amazement, it was none other than Pepe, the king of artful diving, demonstrated some world class strikes, hitting the back of the net twice - just at the wrong end. Those managers who claim you have to shoot to score - take a look at the game statistics, this would prove otherwise. Real Madrid 17 shots and no goals, to Hercules 0 shots and 2 goals. ...Parking the bus, at it's finest!!!!

2011/2012 Season (Pre-Season) Squad: -Lost a star, but increased depth Unfortunately, Athletico Madrid had made a number of moves in signing Daniel Parejo who played a big role in controlling our midfield last year. Although making around a 6 million profit, he will be sorely missed, and a bitter blow in trying to push the club forward. His replacement Siem De Jong although a good player, is not quite at the same level or fills the natural role in our system. But I am hoping he can adapt, and whilst also investing in a more solid midfield partner in McDonald Mariga, I am hoping this partnership will thrive and make up for the loss of Parejo. No other real changes of quality to the first XI, but we have bolstered our numbers, whilst also investing in a highly rated centre back Mbiwa. Hopefully he will be one for the future, and replaces the short team measure purchase of last year of Igor Mitreski. Expectations: -Agreed to avoid relegation, but hoping for mid-table With the number of changes and not finding an adequate replacement for two key aging players in my team, if we are able to finish where we did last year without threat of relegation, it would be a good year. Developmental Aims: -Replacing the Aged -Same system used as 2nd half of last season Both Trezeguet and Abraham Paz are both influential figures in the side, and both happen to fill the two captain spots. It will be difficult to find players to replace them whilst having the same influential impact these two guys have on the side. I will have to do much scouting throughout the year, in trying to identify targets who can adequately fill the boots of these two important players. I will also be using the same tactical system that worked well second half of the season. We need stability again this year, before we can hopefully try to push on to a top half finish and challenge for Europe. Transfer Highlights -Busy Business! Highlighted above our the main changes that will affect our side. In addition, Faubert has been brought in from West Ham. A very versatile right sided player, whom is actually good enough to start down our right flank this year in place of Sperdutti. A few youngsters at cheap value have also been invested in to up the numbers and hopefully develop to important squad players in the future. This includes Immobile, Aanholt, and Ariaudo, replacing old aged players. We have also invested in Gonzalo Castro from Mallorca, to replace the previously loaned Roysten Drenthe. Jelie Vossen has been brought in as the potential goal getter for Trezeguet. His attributes look promising, but he seems unwilling to improve his individual game after private discussions with him. It may be a stumbling block in his development.

2010/2011 Season (Review) -Final Position: 14th (board target achieved) -Spanish Cup 5th round (board target achieved) League Review: -A strong second half of the season After investing in a couple of key defensive signings in the January window, this appeared to have paid dividends. Although having the 3rd worst defensive record in the league, we were better at the back in a number of games since the signings. We finished 6 points off the drop in the end, but it was a comfortable finish to the season, as at one point this gap had been at 10 points. A fantastic run of results midway through the second part of the season was critical in our survival efforts. The board were delighted with our final safe mid-table position. Cup(s) Review: -Spanish Cup- We came up against a tough Athletico Madrid outfit in the 5th round, and with quality players such as Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa in their ranks, we were not able to produce an upset. This was another target though achieved with the board hoping for us to reach the 5th round. Aims for Off Season: -Improve the Squad Further, maintaining progress made this year I think one area I will need to look into will be a striker, as David Trezeguet has now hit 33 and his best years will be well passed. He did however perform admirably over the course of this season, being our top goal scorer. We also need to strengthen our centre back area. We have two good full backs, but a number of our problems was lacking a pacey centre back. We cannot afford to come unstuck again this year, as I am sure teams will likely play a little more defensively and look to hit us more on the break come next year. A replacement for Roysten Drenthe who was at loan to us this year filling in the left wing slot, will also be high on the agenda. === Screenshots (in Order) -End of Season Squad (Main 18) -Final League Table -Transfers Ins / Outs

2010/2011 Season (Mid Season Update) -4th from Bottom in 17th place General Progress: -Concerning first half of the season, a better goalkeeper required A real tough struggle after 19 games of the season gone. We started the season off well, hovering in mid table after around 12 or so games. We then suddenly fell into a slump, struggling to score goals and shipping them in freely at our end. Only Real Sociedad, Mallorca, and Zaragoza lay below us. These sides probably on paper should not be down in the mix, so the second half of the season promises to be a tense finish in our aim of staying up. We lay one point above the relegation zone. Highly unimpressed with my current goalkeeper Piet Velthuizen, whom at an average of 6.40, seems to feel this is a good enough standard to keep him in the first team. I was not amused with his back chat towards me after showing what I believe, to be justified discontent at his performances so far. Revised Goals / Transfer Activity: -Less Adventurous -Carlos Kameni brought in as new first team goalkeeper, Javier Pinola comes in at left back After seeing our team falter, it would appear trying to score more than the opposition, is imbalanced with our highly incapable back line. Consequently, this second half of the season will be seen with a much more structured and more negative approach. Hopefully this will tighten things up slightly, whilst still causing teams a few problems going forward on the counter.