The Bootroom 2008 Big Challenge - Meon Valley

[Ginger]

C'mon the Valley!!

Can't wait for the next update!

[Fudger]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by playmaker:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Fudger:

Ill work on it now and post it up when im finished. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks. Don't forget to check the Defoe issue. Can't have Pompey going bankrupt! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Haha yeah will do. Regarding finances for Valley, ill just take a screen shot of whatever is in the database for Meon Valley on the database you made and copy the exact figueres, names etc into the 8.0.2 database update, ill also do the stadium, new one and current, the players who are defaulted in etc. Take me a while, but should be ok xD

[betterspud]

End of Season roundup 07/08

It's take me a long time to play through the first season, but it was time well spent. As shocking start to the season, but a few loan-ins later, the team were starting to show what they can do. At times we had to grind out the 1-0 wins against stronger teams, utilising the physical advantage that the team has.

A few shaky patches during the season, coinciding with injuries to key players, were the only thing that kept us short of the playoff slots and a chance at promotion,, but with a good run near the end of the campaign, we managed to finish in 11th place, a massive achievement for the Valley.

Table Graph

Top Goalscorer Tomlinson 21, Rhys Murphy (loan) 17, Jennings 7

Top Assits Tomlinson 9, Carthy 5, Jennings 5, Murphy 5, Christie 5

Top AvR Murphy 7.70 (20 apps), Tomlinson 7.47 (47 apps), Jonathan Evans 7.27 (48 apps)

Will Tomlinson's contributions have been massive. I don't think I've ever seen an individual deliver so much single-handedly in a season before. Amazing solo goals, pinpoint crosses, headed goals, long range, short range... it's all there. And at just 18 years old, he's obviously destined to become a world class player. Just hope that I can hold on to him for a while longer before cashing in on some big bucks!

Hopefully the board will see fit to give me some real money to spend now and I can plan for Valley's Premiership push. I expect to be there within another two years or I'll consider it a failure...

[playmaker]

***Holiday Game – Brighton v Meon Valley***

Team Line-up

Paul Fairclough names an unchanged team against 5th placed Brighton. Doncaster face Leeds at Elland Road, so this is Valley’s chance – possibly their last chance, to get into the second automatic promotion place.

1 Chris Kelly

2 Chris Burns

4 Simon King

14 Gordon Greer

28 Ben Clark

17 Mark Yeates

29 Liam Davis

24 Kevin Nicholls

6 Marcus Bean

23 Calvin Zola

31 John Cunliffe

Match Report

Meon Valley started poorly once again. The first chance fell to Brighton after just 21 seconds, but Alex Revell fired well wide. He had a second chance just 30 seconds later, this time hitting the side netting. Valley’s defence once again looked slow out of the blocks in every sense.

By the time 90 seconds of the game had passed, Brighton had once again beaten the offside trap, but this time Joe Gatting made no mistake and gave Brighton the early lead. Ben Clark came forward to take a header, but could only find Brighton captain Dean Hammond who played Gatting through into the empty space. The disastrous start left Valley fans hoping for a miracle.

And it came after 7 minutes in the form of another Mark Yeates freekick, very much against the run of play. His shot was heading wide until Dean Cox deflected it into his own net. The game turned into a tense affair with neither teams offering a cutting edge until another Yeates freekick in the 25th minute. This time the ball deflected into the path of a grateful Shane Higgs in the Brighton goal.

Calvin Zola should perhaps have put Valley ahead ten minutes before half time after good work by John Cunliffe on the left, but his weak shot was easily snapped up by Higgs. Cunliffe picked up a knock, but still managed to set up Marcus Bean just before half time. The midfielder found himself in unusual territory and failed to keep his composure, sending another shot wide, before Jonny Hennel replaced the struggling Cunliffe.

Valley started the second half strongly, but Brighton perhaps came the closest with Hammond’s long range effort at the end of the best move of the match. Valley looked happy to play for a draw, but came close to taking the lead. Yeates corner resulted in a goal mouth scramble before Brighton eventually hacked the ball away.

With 10 minutes to go Fairclough switched to a 4-5-1 formation, replacing Zola with Andre Boucaud and leaving Hennel to lead the line on his own. Brighton responded by going all out attack, but it was the UFOs who found themselves with a chance to wrap up the win. With superior numbers in the midfield, Valley found it easy to thread Hennel through but he hit the ball straight at Higgs.

Three minutes from time Hennel latched on to Boucaud’s through ball, breaking the offside trap. Adam Hinshelwood cynically brought him down and Darren Readman was left with no choice but to wield the red card. Moments later Valley fans thought their side had won it. Yeates played a corner back to Hennel on the edge of the area. His shot was deflected but Liam Davis thrashed it in from close range. Unfortunately for the away side, he did so from an offside position.

Now it was Brighton on the back foot and Valley pressing forward for the winner. A fired up Davis had two shots blocked before Bean put a long range shot inches wide of the post.

Chris Kelly (6), Chris Burns (6), Simon King (7), Gordon Greer (7), Ben Clark (5), Mark Yeates (8), Liam Davis (6), Kevin Nicholls (7), Marcus Bean (7), Calvin Zola (6), John Cunliffe (7), Jonny Hennel (6), Andre Boucaud (7), Jamie Lowry (7)

The point means that Valley are guaranteed a playoff place, but with Doncaster picking up a surpise win against Leeds and Millwall taking three points, second place looks beyond them now – it’s a real long shot. With two games of the regular season left Leeds are top with 79 points, followed by Doncaster and Millwall on 78 and Meon Valley in fourth on 74 points. The title is still mathematically possible! If Liam Davis goal had been allowed to stand, just three points would separate the top four.

The bad news is that John Cunliffe is out for the rest of the season with a pulled hamstring.

[playmaker]

***Holiday Game – Meon Valley v Port Vale***

Team Line-up, including recent form

Jonny Hennel comes in to replace the injured John Cunliffe.

1 Chris Kelly (6-7-7-7-6)

2 Chris Burns (7-7-6-7-6)

4 Simon King (7-7-5-7-7)

14 Gordon Greer (8-5-4-7-7)

28 Ben Clark (7-8-6-7-5)

17 Mark Yeates (7-9-6-8-8)

29 Liam Davis (7-8-7-7-6)

24 Kevin Nicholls (6-8-6-7-7)

6 Marcus Bean (6-8-6-7-7)

23 Calvin Zola (6-8-6-6-6)

25 Jonny Hennel (7-6-7-7-6)

Match Report

Valley looked in more determined mood as the game began, defending well, before Jonny Hennel forced Joe Anyon into a 7th minute save after the striker latched on to a through ball. Ben Calrk did well to stop a Port Vale move, but Mark Yeates lost miscontrolled his pass, leaving the centre back exposed. Luke Rodgers couldn’t finish and spared Valley’s most in form player’s blushes.

The UFOs continued to push forward, but spurned a string of early chances. Yeates then played the ball down the right for Hennel. The seventeen year old stand in striker found himself in space and moved towards the penalty area before hitting an absolute rocket into the top corner from a tight angle to put Valley 1-0 up.

Hennel visibly grew in confidence and continued to run rings around the Port Vale defence, but his stunning performance was ended by injury five minutes before half time. Daniel Williams replaced the unfortunate striker to make just his third appearance from the bench this season. With news filtering through that Doncaster were 2-0 up, it looked as if Valley’s only route to promotion was through the playoffs.

Williams looked threatening either side of half time with Anyon twice denying him a goal. The Port Vale continued to thwart Valley, saving two attempts from Yeates. Marcus Bean finally beat the in form keeper only for his shot to came back off the bar.

Valley were all over the visitors and finally got the goal they deserved as Calvin Zola nodded in a Yeates cross after good work fro Marcus Bean. Port Vale briefly threatened but Chris Kelly proved that he had not fallen asleep to deny them a way back into the game. But the Valley keepers must have been furious at his defenders as they fell asleep and Anthony Barry converted the corner to make it 2-1.

Valley had chances to finish the game off. Liam Davis ran half the length of the pitch and shot from a wide position, but couldn’t beat the keeper. Moments later, Port Vale managed to clear their lines after a penalty area melee.

Port Vale had claims for a penalty turned down as the fourth official signalled a minimum of ofur minutes stoppage time. Anyon made his way up from his goal and as Valley tried to clear the resulting confusion left substitute David Foley with a guilt edge chance. Valley were saved by the post and narrowly clung on to their lead until the final whistle.

Valley’s striker jinx struck again in the dying seconds as Zola became the third player in two games to leave the pitch prematurely.

Chris Kelly (7), Chris Burns (7), Simon King (7), Gordon Greer (7), Ben Clark (7), Mark Yeates (8), Liam Davis (7), Kevin Nicholls (7), Marcus Bean (7), Calvin Zola (8), Jonny Hennel (7), Daniel Williams (6)

Wins for Doncaster and Millwall allowed them to leapfrog Leeds who could only draw. Meon Valley missed out on automatic promotion, but still have the playoffs. The surprising home defeat to bottom side Yeovil looks to have been very costly. Doncaster and Millwall have 81 points, Leeds 80 and Valley 77 points.

Both Calvin Zola and Jonny Hennel face a race to be fit for the playoffs and Paul Fairclough would be wise to rest them for the Bradford game considering there is nothing riding on it.

[playmaker]

***Holiday Game – Season 2 Final Standings***

Meon Valley played out a 0-0 bore draw on the final day, with nothing riding on the result.

1st Doncaster Pl(46), W(25), D(9), L(12), GF(70), GA(41), GD(29), Pts(84)

2nd Millwall Pl(46), W(24), D(12), L(10), GF(74), GA(52), GD(22), Pts(84)

3rd Leeds Pl(46), W(26), D(5), L(15), GF(80), GA(56), GD(24), Pts(83)

4th Meon Valley Pl(46), W(22), D(12), L(12), GF(64), GA(46), GD(18), Pts(78)

5th Brighton Pl(46), W(20), D(13), L(13), GF(66), GA(56), GD(10), Pts(73)

6th Bournemouth Pl(46), W(19), D(14), L(13), GF(62), GA(57), GD(5), Pts(71)

7th Crystal Place Pl(46), W(17), D(15), L(14), GF(65), GA(54), GD(11), Pts(66)

Playoff Semi-Finals

Bournemouth v Leeds

Brighton v Meon Valley

Valley have recently recorded a 1-1 draw at Brighton’s ground. The home game earlier in the season went Valley’s way, ending in a 3-0 victory. Valley would surely be the favourites to meet Leeds in the playoff final. Doncaster or Millwall would perhaps have been more favourable opponents, had they not avoided the whole drama.

[Fudger]

Its taking longer than expected with the database, I am hoping to get it done soon, but with the editor opened twice at the same time, it is very slow. Ive done coustomizing all Meon Valley, the stadium etc, now just to do the players and staff. All is a replica of how it was on 8.0.1

[WillT23]

Summer 2008

I got Meon to finish in a respectable 20th position at the end of the season, a decent second half of the year allowing us to finish a good 14 points clear of the relegation places.

Pete Jennings was made player of the season, Fraizer Campbell stayed top scorer with 11 goals despite only playing 12 games in a 3 month loan spell from Manchester Utd. Junior Agogo was next on the list with 10 goals, and was named Signing of the Season in the Championship - I got him for £250,000.

Bad news however, Will Tomlinson decided to leave the club and join Plymouth for £2,400,000. I had been given a transfer budget of £1,500,000 after telling the board that I expected a Mid-Table finish, and some more money was added after the transfer, so I decided to strengthen the squad.

Goalkeepers:

Chris Kelly

Craig Hopper

Defenders:

Chris Burns

Luke Chambers (Captain) (Signed from Nottingham Forest in January 2008 for £180,000)

Ibrahim Tall (Free Transfer)

Patrick van Aanholt (Loan from Chelsea)

Alex Pearce (Loan from Reading)

Danny Simpson (Loan from Man Utd)

Jon Harley (Free Transfer)

Midfielders:

Seth Johnson

Neil Lennon (Free Transfer)

Lewis McGugan (Nottingham Forest £500,000)

Ben Wilkinson (Free Transfer)

Eugen Bopp (Free Transfer)

Scott Donnelly

Wade Elliot (Free Transfer)

Jay Tabb (Coventry £375,000)

Pete Jennings

Strikers:

Junior Agogo

Dean Bowditch (Free Transfer)

Jon Parkin (Stoke £190,000)

Players Out:

Simon Johncock (Retired)

Will Tomlinson (Plymouth £2,400,000)

Matt Jansen (TNS - Loan)

Robert Dawson (TNS - Loan)

David Pitt (TNS - Loan)

Matt Baker (TNS - Loan)

Malcolm Christie (Leyton Orient Free)

Up the Valley!

[playmaker]

***Holiday Game – Playoff Semi-Final 1st Leg v Brighton***

Team Line-up

Paul Fairclough has a strong line-up available. Only John Cunliffe is missing, but Jonny Hennel has proved an able deputy.

1 Chris Kelly

2 Chris Burns

4 Simon King

14 Gordon Greer

28 Ben Clark

17 Mark Yeates

29 Liam Davis

24 Kevin Nicholls

6 Marcus Bean

23 Calvin Zola

25 Jonny Hennel

Match Report

The first half an hour was a largely uneventful affair, until a string of defensive errors set Brighton’s Jake Robinson on his way. Fortunately he put his shot straight at Chris Kelly and the Valley back line could breathe a sigh of relief.

Both teams cancelled each other out for the virtually the entire first half. Another Robinson shot fizzed past the post from distance, but that is as close as anyone came to a goal in the opening 45 minutes. Valley had only two shots, neither on target. Brighton managed one more in a half totally dominated by defensive performances.

Valley started the second half in much better form. Burns, Zola and Yeates combined well, before Burns crossed for Liam Davis to head in. Unfortunately he was ruled offside. Robinson continued to threaten, getting in behind Burns, before Gordon Greer recovered. He couldn’t clear the danger though and Robinson got his shot in, albeit well wide.

Despite having the better of the possession and chances, Brighton failed to defend a 64th minute corner properly. Marcus Bean headed in Mark Yeates far post corner and this time there was no flag. An away goal in such a tight game could prove to be vital.

Valley began grew I confidence and began to play. Hennel played a one-two with Zola to break free of the Brighton defence, but put his shot over the bar.

Brighton dominated possession, but couldn’t find a way through. Valley were managing to see out the remaining minutes without much threat to their goal. That was until the 91st minute, when a reverse ball in behind Greer found Brighton substitute Jack Lyons. Chris Kelly came out to intercept, but Lyons rounded him and slotted home.

Valley had thrown away the goal advantage, but an away goal is not to be sniffed at.

Chris Kelly (5), Chris Burns (6), Simon King (7), Gordon Greer (7), Ben Clark (7), Mark Yeates (7), Liam Davis (6), Kevin Nicholls (6), Marcus Bean (8), Calvin Zola (6), Jonny Hennel (7)

[playmaker]

***Holiday Game – Playoff Semi-Final 2nd Leg v Brighton***

Team Line-up

Paul Fairclough names an unchanged side.

1 Chris Kelly

2 Chris Burns

4 Simon King

14 Gordon Greer

28 Ben Clark

17 Mark Yeates

29 Liam Davis

24 Kevin Nicholls

6 Marcus Bean

23 Calvin Zola

25 Jonny Hennel

Match Report

Valley showed that they were prepared to battle for the result as the game started. Gordon Greer, Kevin Nicholls and Marcus Bean chased each chased the ball down in succession forcing Brighton deep into their own half. A long ball then found the ever dangerous Jake Robinson, and although Ben Clark got his tackle in Robinson broke free to register the first shot on goal, saved by Chris Kelly.

Valley defended the corner, but switch off as the ball was played back in. Robinson pounced and gave Kelly no chance to put Brighton 1-0 ahead (2-1 on aggregate).

The UFOs fought back, with Jonny Hennel and Marcus Bean both going close. They dominated possession with Brighton happy to sit back and felt they could have had a penalty in the 20th minute. Valley though they had equalised in the 30th minute. Zola got to Higgs parry first and slotted home, but was ruled offside.

Valley continued to run the show, but couldn’t hit the target and went in at half-time still trailing. As the second half began, Valley had an early scare. Robinson turned provider and Dean Hammond beat the keeper by not the post.

Brighton were beginning to run the show now – Valley could not even created another goal chance. A Dean Cox corner was cleared and Alex Revell’s long range drive only just cleared the top of the goal.

Valley looked uncertain in defence, until Marcus Bean regained possession and sent Hennel on his way. His hesitation allowed the defender to nick the ball off him, but the lose ball fell to Mark Yeates who had no hesitation in putting the ball away for the equaliser as the Brighton keeper struggled to get back on his line.

With the game finally balanced, Valley had regained their poise and Yeates began to look threatening down the right. His first cross was cleared, but the second found Zola who found the net to put Valley 2-1 up.

Valley had the chance to seal the game with quarter of an hour left. Liam Davis played a great cross field ball to Yeates who crossed for Hennel. The keeper came for the ball but missed it and Hennel fluffed his lines, putting the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.

The game once again turned in Brighton’s favour, but Nicholls and Bean fought hard to protect the defence. A long ball found Lyons on the edge of the penalty. With the defence stranded Chris Kelly came to the rescue with a brilliant save as he closed Lyons down.

Fairclough took Zola off and replaced him with Andre Boucaud for the final 10 minutes, switching to a defensive 4-5-1 formation. But it was Brighton who were on the back foot. The game was over in the 89th minute. Mark Yeates beat his man on the right and put a pinpoint cross on to the head of substitute Daniel Williams. He nodded home his first ever goal for Valley and put the game beyond doubt at 3-1.

Chris Kelly (7), Chris Burns (7), Simon King (7), Gordon Greer (8), Ben Clark (7), Mark Yeates (9), Liam Davis (7), Kevin Nicholls (6), Marcus Bean (7), Calvin Zola (7), Jonny Hennel (6), Daniel Williams (7), Andre Boucaud (6)

Leeds Beat Bournemouth 4-1 to seal a 7-3 aggregate win and meet Valley in the final.

[playmaker]

Right, this is it, the match that will finally seal Meon Valley's fate for the season. Fingers crossed...

***Holiday Game – Playoff Final v Leeds***

Team Line-up

Valley are boosted by the return of John Cunliffe and field a full strength team. Jonny Hennel might feel a little aggrieved at losing his place, but it would be impossible to leave Cunliffe out.

1 Chris Kelly

2 Chris Burns

4 Simon King

14 Gordon Greer

28 Ben Clark

17 Mark Yeates

29 Liam Davis

24 Kevin Nicholls

6 Marcus Bean

23 Calvin Zola

31 John Cunliffe

Match Report

Leeds were clear favourites to win, but the early chance fell to Valley. A long ball found Calvin Zola but Casper Ankergren was out quickly to smother his shot. Leeds replied with Johnathon Douglas surging through the middle. He ran from the half way line, but his shot did not trouble Chris Kelly.

Valley were having more of the ball but Leeds were looking more threatening. Simon King was forced to head over his own crossbar as the UFOs desperately defended a corner. Leeds came even closer in the 41st minute. Michael Timlin, enjoying the freedom of the wider Wembley pitch, crossed for Jermaine Beckford who headed the ball towards goal. Chris Kelly was forced to claw it away as he fell backwards.

A minute later John Cunliffe’s misplaced pass gave possession back to Leeds and Yoann Folly forced Kelly into another save. Valley twice cleared corners and then two more crosses.

Just before half time, a poor clearance fell to Liam Davis on the left wing. His cross found Cunliffe at the near post and he showed why he was in the team, nodding the ball home to make it 1-0 to Valley, very much against the run of play.

Seven minutes into the second half Yeates nearly made it 2-0. His free kick was saved, after Zola had been fouled. Leeds were beginning to look rattled as Valley pushed forward and controlled the game. Even Ben Clark found himself in on the action. Zola held the ball up and played the defender in, but his 20 yard shot was saved and Leeds hacked the ball away again.

Cunliffe and Bean exchange passes and Cunliffe played a delightful through ball to Zola. His shot was parried and fell to Cunliffe, but the normally reliable striker looked tired and put his shot wide, with the goal empty.

Leeds couldn’t find a way back into the game and Valley threw on three substitutes to keep the energy of the side up. Conor Callan forced the keeper into a save as his 25 yard shot won Valley another corner.

Five minutes from the end Leeds came forward, but Ben Clark regained possession. His hopeful punt forward was met by the Leeds keeper who had ventured off his line, but Jonny Hennel closed him down and as the ball broke lose, coolly sent his shot goalwards from 35 yards, putting the game beyond any doubt.

Leeds managed one final go at goal, with Beckford putting the ball into the side netting. But that was it. Meon Valley dominated the second half and got the win they deserved.

Paul Fairclough had got his side promoted at the first attempt and Valley would have a second stab at the Championshp.

Chris Kelly (8), Chris Burns (7), Simon King (7), Gordon Greer (8), Ben Clark (7), Mark Yeates (7), Liam Davis (8), Kevin Nicholls (7), Marcus Bean (7), Calvin Zola (7), Jon Cunliffe (8), Jonny Hennel (7), Conor Callan (7), Janie Lowry (7)

[Fudger]

Woo! Come on The UFO's!

[Ginger]

Just starting my third season with the Valley - only 9 months off the new stadium!!

I managed a second season finish in 13th place, following a fantastic final day relegation escape in the first season.

Things are really looking good and I am quietly confident of making at least the playoffs.

I will update tomorrow with players etc.

[Ginger]

Just started my third season, still in the championship. Surprisingly I will be up against recently relegated Aston Villa, vying for promotion.

Three games in I am top of the league and have just celebrated my greatest comback!

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/4281/meonvforestvr4.jpg

[playmaker]

*** Holiday Game - Season 3 Update***

First up, aplogies for the lack of updates. Between finishing off articles (including the Meon Valley article od course), a funeral and a job interview I never quite found the time.

Tha fanzine takes it up to the end of season three, so I will quickly update that (nothing new if you've already read the fanzine). Link to the full article here.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/5laz7q

Season Three – Second Chances

Paul Fairclough was obviously determined to make a better go of establishing Meon Valley in the Championship than his predecessor. He immediately sold club captain Chris Kelly for £975k and then went on a spending rampage, signing 11 players with the money. Chad Harpur proved to be a disastrous replacement for Kelly, conceding 17 goals in 8 appearancesl leaving Valley to rely on 18 year old Jonathon North, signed from Watford for just £10k.

Fairclough did a good job of creating squad depth, but failed to improve the first team in any significant way. Striker Michael Mifsud some how managed to clock up 17 appearances by Christmas, despite only netting 4 goals. Zola, with a proven goalscoring record in the both Championship and League One seasons could get nowhere near the team. The same fate befell Jonny Hennel.

As Fairclough failed to settle on a regular eleven, Valley’s form suffered. At the halfway point of the season they once again found themselves in the relegation zone and chairman Namred Rovlorac sacked his second manager in two and a half years.

Despite the problems, Valley were in a far better position than the 07/08 season and were always in touching distance of safety. New manager Tommy Soderberg arrived with a big reputation and high expectations on his shoulders. Five points from the three games over the Christmas an New Year period, followed by a 2-0 victory over QPR in Valley’s first ever FA Cup game gave reason for optimism, lifting Valley out of the relegation zone for the first time since September.

A disastrous January and February saw them pick up just one win in eleven attempts, and fail to score of five occasions. As bad as that run was, March and April saw an equally remarkable recover – seven wins and two draws in an unbeaten nine game run set a club record and took Valley to safety with two games to spare. Needless to say, they promptly lost the final two games leaving them just one point above relegated Millwall, but facing a second consecutive season in the Championship at last.

Final Place – 20th

[playmaker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ginger:

Just started my third season, still in the championship. Surprisingly I will be up against recently relegated Aston Villa, vying for promotion.

Three games in I am top of the league and have just celebrated my greatest comback!

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/4281/meonvforestvr4.jpg </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would have had a heart attack during that game!

[playmaker]

*** Holiday Game - Season 3 Sign-Up Players***

Observations

Mental abilities are clearly as important as technical abilities. No one area seems to have produced more success stories than the other. In the first season or two, the players with technical ability seemed to get greater recognition, but this has fallen away in the long term.

The more playing opportunities have become limited for the players with potential, the harder they have found it to progress their abilities. It would seem that games are every bit as important as training. As expected, the players with current ability have all carved out a career of some sort. Although their PA is not far above their CA, they seem to have made more progress in their attributes. Again, this supports the importance of playing time.

If I can give one piece of advice based on these observations, it is that you should always have a recall option if you send a player on loan. The time spent there is no good if it doesn’t develop your player. In that case, get them back under your control

Hennel and Burns are the only real success stories and two players from one intake of youngsters is a realistic return. Several players are likely to be released a the end of the season, so there will be a desperate scramble to find a club. One player with great potential is already finished. Football can be very harsh and others may follow suit.

Physical attributes play a large part – the players who have done well, have better strength, pace and fitness. However, it is not enough to have these capabilities alone – not unless you want to play for Margate. The higher you go, the more you need a good balance of abilities.

Let’s look at the four groups of players – the Current Technies, Current Mentals, Potential Techies and Potential Mentals. And the most mental one of the lot is Sneaky Ninja…

David Pitt (PA/Techie – DM) – Has so far not made a single appearance for Valley. This is most likely down to his poor physical attributes and the fact that in three years he has had food poisoning twice, three colds, a stubbed toe, damaged foot, twisted ankle and pulled hamstring.

Mark Baker (PA/Techie – ST) – Baker has probably been the weakest of the young strikers so far, but 8 goals in 9 reserve games this year suggests that he may still come good, but he may have to move to get first team games.

Scott Mackay (PA/Techie – DC) – His lack of physical presence has limited any real prospects Mackay has of getting in to the first team. Good heading, marking and tackling ability should make him a good lower division defender once he matures.

Craig Hopper (CA/Mental – GK) – Spent two seasons as Chris Kelly’s understudy, but has fallen further down the pecking order with two new goalkeepers brought in. Since he is near his potential he is unlikely to ever become first choice at Valley and will probably have to join a League One or Two club soon.

Keith Spendiff (CA/Mental – DC) – Spendiff was a regular in the side in the first season, but it came too early in his career. Nevertheless, he attracted the attention of Scunthorpe before moving on to Aberdeen, where he has yet to make an appearance.

Jonny Hennel (PA/Technical – ST) – Despite being one of the youngest players, Hennel benefited immensely from Dan Higham’s tutoring and established himself as the main backup striker as Valley pushed for promotion. Hennel is not particularly bright, but he has all the key attributes of a good striker, and has made the most rapid progress of any player. 6 goals in 15 starts bodes well for the future.

Robert Dawson (PA/Technical – DC) – Has gradually slipped down the divisions, first with Valley, then with Rotherham. After showing some early promise seems to have faltered badly and an average rating of 5.84 in League Two, suggest that Dawson may be destined for non-league football. He has the highest PA in the team, but it just shows that potential means very little.

Shaun Bullitt (PA/Mental – MC) – Made four appearances on the bench in his first season but has made little progress despite decent mental attributes. His technical attributes are just too low to ever see him making the first team.

David Evans (PA/Technical – DR) – No appearances so far and is another one that does not seem to be progressing towards his potential ability.

Sergio Harris (PA/Mental – DL) – Despite limited first team opportunities, Harris looks a decent prospect – if he can overcome his technical deficiencies. Two games in the promotion season bought an average rating of 7.00, but he is still a long, long way from the finished article.

Conor Callan (PA/Mental – MR) – With Tomlinson, then Yeates ahead of him Callan was never likely to make an impact on the first team. Has improved each season, particularly on loan to feeder club Chester, but at 20 years old he is running out of time.

Chris Burns (CA/Technical – DR) – The right back is Meon Valley’s record holder for appearances and has improved each year. Could well be at Valley for years to come, but as he is near to his potential may well fall out of favour if the club progresses with their new financial capabilities.

Sneaky Ninja (CA/Technical – DC and then some) – A centre back with a penchant for getting forward is either going to become a legend or a liability. So far Ninja has been both, with some very erratic performances. Has moved twice, first to Tranmere, then to Walsall. He has a decent number of games under his belt, but is possibly the one current ability player who’s future looks rocky.

Luke Kelland (PA/Mental – MR) – The right winger made 7 appearances in the first season, but as Valley have padded out their team with senior players he has not made a single appearance since. His technical attributes look poor, but with time still on his side, his pace and flair make him an interesting wildcard.

Blan Page (PA/Mental – ML) – Shows real potential and is perhaps undervalued. On his rare appearances for the first team, he quite often pops up with an assist. He has spent a little while on loan at Margate where he grabbed 2 assist in 3 games. Developing nicely and should feature in the future. His one achilles heal for a wide player is lack of pace.

Daniel Williams (PA/Mental – ST) – Williams has been an absolute goal machine at youth level, despite not being a natural finisher. His one goal for the senior side came in the playoff semi-final. Has spent the season on loan at Margate, where 5 goals in 21 games is perhaps a little disappointing.

Billy Hawkins (PA/Technical – ML) – Lack of games at any level means that Hawkins has not progressed at all. With his contract due to run out, is likely to be t the end of his Valley career.

John Brian Carthy (CA/Mental – MC) – Some good performances in season two, saw him earn a move to Scunthorpe. Since the two clubs have swapped divisions, this may not have been the best move, but he has firmly established himself as a decent League One midfielder.

Nick Burcher (CA/Mental – GK) – Always down the pecking order from Kelly and Hopper, Burhcer left without making an appearance for Valley. He is currently Grays first choice keeper and has helped them to stay in League Two, putting in some good performances along the way.

Joe Albertella (PA/Technical – MC) – Potential is a very fickle thing. Albertella had the lowest

CA, but one of the highest PAs. However, his potential was not recognised and he was released in 2009. Having failed to find a club, he is now out of the game completely.

Louis Jackson (PA/Technical – ST) – To begin with Jackson looked a decent prospect. Two goals in five appearances in Valley’s first season were followed up by 8 on loan at Margate, where he got an average rating of 7.15. However, this season he has stalled big time and has nothing but a brief loan spell at Ebbsfleet (now in League Two) and three subs appearances for the reserves to show for his efforts. Another player likely to be shown the door when his contract ends.

Scott Sherman (PA/Mental – DL) – Slowly improving, but with no first team appearances and only a few days left on his contract, it looks like his days are numbered.

Harley Rabbit (PA/Physical – ML/WBL) – Fast, but lacking in intelligence (like his real life counterpart who lives in my garden), Rabbit was immense on loan at Margate, but league football is clearly beyond him. He still has a year left to prove his worth.

[playmaker]

The plan now is to work through the next seven seasons and see how Meon Valley are doing after a decade.

The stadium could provide a financial boost, but I have a funny feeling that things will get worse before they get better. The AI always seems to take a while to catch up with it's spending power.

[playmaker]

***Holiday Game - The Five Pros***

Just a quick update on the five original players...

Simon Johncock Went to Sheff Utd to becoem assistant manager and this proved to be a good career move. With Sheff Utd in the bottom half of the table, he got the manager's job and has been in charge for two months.

Will Tomlinson Moved from Sheff Utd to promoted Coventry for £3.1m, making his Premiership debut. Coventry got relegated and Tomlinson managed an average rating of 6.61 qith 3 goals and 4 assists in 30 appearances. He has 7 U21 caps to his name.

Dan Higham Spent one season at Aberdeen, scoring 11 goals in 33 games before a £3.7m transfer back to Birmingham. He scored 20 goals in 39 appearances to take Birmingham to second place in the Championship.

Chris Kelly Fast becoming a Meon Valley legend. The only one of the five pros still playing for the UFOs

Pete Jennings First team coach at Valley. Still improving. Not much else to say.

[playmaker]

Aagh! I'm talking rubbish. Chris Kelly has in fact left Meon Valley and is now playing for Leeds in League 1. He should really be playing at least a division higher.

[coldkohmew]

Hope i can do my very best...

[Ginger]

Once the stadium is finished its a gold mine!

I am making almost £900k per home game - with attendances of 44,000!

Just need to stay in the job long enough to spend it!