AI Experiment - what would happen if?

Marc Vaughan · March 15, 2007

Please don't wait so long between updates next time

PS> Do you have the original save game from this by the way? - as I'm sure a few of the readers would like to have a play and see if they get the same results or indeed to just see if they can do better with the Bandits ..

Amaroq · March 15, 2007

Originally posted by grep:
SI are hiring ...you gave them one of the best curriculum ever seen

keep up the good work !!

No, no, SI, keep your mitts off of him! We need him to write a story for FM-Stories next!

Chasing Lamely · March 15, 2007

Hey,

Been following this with interest, but was just wondering - where are Swindon at the moment? I've found in long-term games they tend to get up to the championship for a couple of years, then freefall, so I was just wondering if they were doing the same in your game?

kipfizh · March 16, 2007

Originally posted by Marc Vaughan:
Please don't wait so long between updates next time

PS> Do you have the original save game from this by the way? - as I'm sure a few of the readers would like to have a play and see if they get the same results or indeed to just see if they can do better with the Bandits ..

I'll get cracking on finishing the next update, pronto

I can upload the edited database, a starting point for the game, and this game when it's done - no problem

As for how long this is going on for - ages. By the time this experiment is done, the original Bandits players will have retired.

From management

Unless of course it gets to the point where there's nothing else to prove.

On an aside, I have to say that the AI has really impressed me so far. Reputation has been the only thing that's come out as a potential improvement, and everything that has happened can be explained.

brianb · March 16, 2007

Great thread kip, really well done...one thing i've noticed is that the bandits seem to be running themselves as a break even(ish) business, which is clearly absurd given their resources, i've noticed something similar in the past when bigger teams get relegated, and it seems like they're all terrified of making a loss, irregardless of how much of a cash reserve they're sitting on....no chairman/managers would have such a glaring lack of ambition with those resources, i think you've given SI something to seriously think about if they want to improve the long term games....it isn't realistic that clubs value breaking even over success on the fiel when they have huge cash reserves waiting for them

Also my own two cents worth is that rather than reputation being (basically)the sole factor determining a players interest in joining the club, there should be an attribute which is used in conjunction with reputation to decide if a player would be interested in joining you, that basically reflect how attractive a club will seem to players, factors such as possibility of high wages, his own current wages, style of football favoured by the team, ambition of the club to sign players, etc should all be taken into account....

If i've repeated anything others have said(or that is actually in the game i apologise)

matt_lfc_matt · March 16, 2007

kipfizh, do you reckon 'The Bandits' will ever spend their money? Get to the Premiership? by the way this is one of the greatest threads i have ever read! WELL DONE!!!

Rovers Andy · March 17, 2007

Wow, just read the whole thread, great stuff

Pleased to see Rovers make a tidy profit on the keeper and I'd have a go with the Bandits if you uploaded the DB

njligernj · March 17, 2007

it isn't realistic that clubs value breaking even over success on the fiel when they have huge cash reserves waiting for them

Agreed. While a team in the Prem might realistically just be happy to break even (or make a profit) as long as they can maintain their status, I don't think it's realistic for a team to have that much money and be happy in the lowest league. In other words, IRL, who would invest that much money in a club and then not spend a penny? You can get a far higher rate of return in another investment -- unless your goal is to progress the team up the league (and have the chance for more money and/or success) it doesn't make sense to invest *that* heavily in a club. By not spending the money the imaginary chairman is actually losing money in terms of what that amount of money would "earn" him in outside investments. Why invest that much and then not spend any of it? Doesn't make much sense.

They likely could have managed the promotion and staying in L2 with 500K in the bank. My question is whether the lack of ambition is purely the fact that it's set low or if the AI is unaware of the money in the bank and is just running the team purely on auto-pilot even though one very significant part has been changed. I'm not sure any progress will ever be made until the ambition level of the manager and/or chairman is raised.

Fridgecake · March 17, 2007

Well you say that there may not be much progress until a more ambitious chairman/manager is installed. They have done ok considering they will have to have replaced every single member of their squad in a short space of time.

I can't remember how many they brought from other clubs rather than free transfers, not looked at page 1 since i read it back when it was first being written (though I'll probs go back and have a look now). But I agree the fact they seem to be have large amounts of money and are not spending it does seem a bit odd..

KUTGW kipfizh, looking forward to another update

Fridgecake · March 17, 2007

They have had to* replace

Not they will have too.. should have proof read..

Sam00000000000001 · March 17, 2007

Just been reading through this. (took me 1hr 45mins)(was playing FM at the same time). This is an excellent thread. The Bandits have done worse than i expected as i thought they would be at least in the championship by now.

All the players are brilliant and im not surprised England won the world cup.

KUTGW kipfizh

foobar · March 17, 2007

Originally posted by kipfizh:
Season 2016-17

Club report

English National Conference: (Pos 5), P 46, W 21, D 11, L 14, F 67, A 52, GD +15, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 16th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2013-14

English National Conference: (Pos 1), P 46, W 20, D 18, L 8, F 68, A 46, GD +22, Pts 78

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

...

2016-17

English League Two: (Pos 6), P 46, W 17, D 16, L 13, F 64, A 51, GD 13, Pts 67

(Media Prediction: 24th)

League

FA Cup: 3rd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

...

There is a slight worry though. This season is bound to raise the expectations around the board and fans, and unless the squad is strengthened, this season could be exposed as a fluke, and this could endanger the managerâ€™s position. Will that happen?

I predict a 1st place finish (promotion at the very least) in the next season. Either that or we're in for a series of 4-5 "edge of the playoffs" finishes before they finally break through and win the whole thing.

Here's hoping for the former.

turrhall · March 18, 2007

Well done Kipfizh, this is a brilliant, informative, interesting read. Please post again soon, I'm getting withdrawal symptoms!

March 18, 2007

Awesome thread kipfizh, took me ages to read through it but it was SO worth it.

kipfizh · March 19, 2007

Season 2017-18

Club report

2006-07

English Conference South: (Pos 1), P 42, W 30, D 6, L 6, F 82, A 29, GD +53, Pts 96

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: Winners

2007-08

English National Conference: (Pos 7), P 46, W 22, D 8, L 16, F 68, A 55, GD +13, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: Finalist

2008-09

English National Conference: (Pos 7), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 73, A 65, GD +8, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 17th)

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

FA Trophy: 1st Round

2009-10

English National Conference: (Pos 9), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 58, A 57, GD +1, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 10th)

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

FA Trophy: 3rd Round

2010-11

English National Conference: (Pos 6), P 46, W 21, D 10, L 15, F 75, A 55, GD +20, Pts 73

(Media Prediction: 12th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2011-12

English National Conference: (Pos 18), P 46, W 16, D 9, L 21, F 59, A 66, GD -7, Pts 57

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 3rd Round

2012-13

English National Conference: (Pos 5), P 46, W 21, D 11, L 14, F 67, A 52, GD +15, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 16th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2013-14

English National Conference: (Pos 1), P 46, W 20, D 18, L 8, F 68, A 46, GD +22, Pts 78

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2014-15

English League Two: (Pos 21), P 46, W 12, D 15, L 19, F 60, A 69, GD -9, Pts 51

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 1st Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South Quarter Final

2015-16

English League Two: (Pos 21), P 46, W 14, D 10, L 22, F 56, A 73, GD -17, Pts 52

(Media Prediction: 23rd)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2016-17

English League Two: (Pos 6), P 46, W 17, D 16, L 13, F 64, A 51, GD 13, Pts 67

(Media Prediction: 24th)

FA Cup: 3rd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2017-18

English League Two: (Pos 15), P 46, W 16, D 14, L 16, F 63, A 65, GD -2, Pts 62

(Media Prediction: 10th)

League

FA Cup: 1st Round

League Cup: 3rd Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

As suspected, the previous season was a one-off, and the Bandits werenâ€™t able to maintain it with their squad getting worse. And, as expected, the expectations had gone up, and this caused the chairman to act. Shortly after Christmas, with the Bandits skirting close to relegation, Steve Brackstone was given the push, with his assistant, Gary Perry promoted to manager.

Gary Perry

He looks like a decent coach, but his man management and motivational skills are shocking, so quite how heâ€™s going to get the best out of his players is a mystery. On the plus side, he breaks the mould in that he is the Bandits first ever adventurous coach, so perhaps their brand of football will improve?

They signed a couple of players, more on that later, and recovered a little under their new manager to push towards mid-table, which could be a sign of things to come â€“ perhaps they will improve under their third manager?

Certainly he might want to bring in new players â€“ they need them.

kipfizh · March 19, 2007

Good player reports

Goalkeeper 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 47, Conc 29, Cln 15, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.66

2007-08, Bandits, CA 166: Apps 49, Conc 56, Cln 12, MoM 6, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.51

2008-09, Bandits, CA 178: Apps 32, Conc 38, Cln 6, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.28

Transfers to Blackburn for 650k

2008-09, Blackburn, CA 178: Apps 14, Conc 16, Cln 4, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2009-10, Blackburn, CA 184: Apps 41 (1), Conc 45, Cln 13, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.38

2010-11, Blackburn, CA 189: Apps 32, Conc 48, Cln 5, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2011-12, Blackburn, CA 192: Apps 43, Conc 62, Cln 7, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2012-13, Blackburn, CA 194: Apps 45, Conc 65, Cln 9, MoM 4, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.58

Transfers to Arsenal for 27m

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 196: Apps 56, Conc 70, Cln 18, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 197: Apps 43, Conc 34, Cln 19, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.74

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 198: Apps 33, Conc 30, Cln 13, MoM 4, YC 0, RC 1, Avg 7.61

2016-17, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 40, Conc 49, Cln 10, MoM 0, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2017-18, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 51, Conc 57, Cln 16, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.49

Notes: Finally becomes the last player to reach the magic 200 CA figure, and has an excellent season to celebrate, winning the UEFA Cup and maintaining Arsenalâ€™s consistent finish of third. Reaches 42 caps. Comes second in European Goalkeeper of the Year.

Goalkeeper 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 10 (4), Conc 6, Cln 8, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.93

Transfers to Leeds for 675k

2007-08, Leeds, CA 167: Apps 43, Conc 45, Cln 12, MoM 7, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2008-09, Leeds, CA 181: Apps 35, Conc 45, Cln 4, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.26

2009-10, Leeds, CA 189: Apps 42, Conc 51, Cln 8, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2010-11, Leeds, CA 191: Apps 37, Conc 41, Cln 8, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2011-12, Leeds, CA 195: Apps 57, Conc 68, Cln 17, MoM 10, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2012-13, Leeds, CA 196: Apps 51, Conc 77, Cln 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.27

2013-14, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 39, Conc 52, Cln 7, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2014-15, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 59, Conc 72, Cln 14, MoM 8, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2015-16, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 40, Conc 45, Cln 10, MoM 8, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2016-17, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 56 (2), Conc 64, Cln 17, MoM 10, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.60

2017-18, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 41 (1), Conc 46, Cln 12, MoM 7, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.60

Notes: Continues to achieve high standards as he heads towards his career peak, reaching 70 caps. Comes third in European Goalkeeper of the Year.

Left Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 9 (5), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.14

Transfers to Tottenham on a free

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 165: Apps 42, Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 175: Apps 40, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2009-10, Tottenham, CA 187: Apps 45, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.11

2010-11, Tottenham, CA 194: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.35

2011-12, Tottenham, CA 197: Apps 39, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2012-13, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 42, Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2013-14, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 35, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2014-15, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 1, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2015-16, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 43, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2016-17, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 43, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.28

2017-18, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 45, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.36

Notes: Raises his game again, but Spurs finish 17th, just one place (but fourteen points) off the relegation zone. Reaches 55 caps with two goals.

Left Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 153: Apps 51 (1), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Transfers to Liverpool for 40k

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 165: Apps 40 (1), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 6.73

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 179: Apps 50, Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.30

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 183: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 192: Apps 53, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.47

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 198: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 7, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.23

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 8, RC 2, Avg 7.29

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.84

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2015-16, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 56, Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.41

2016-17, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 45, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2017-18, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 39, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.26

Notes: Liverpool recover to finish second after previous disappointments, and he reaches forty caps without yet scoring for his country.

Right Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 154: Apps 4, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 8.00

Transfers to Newcastle for 400k

2007-08, Newcastle, CA 165: Apps 39, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.18

2008-09, Newcastle, CA 181: Apps 46, Gls 1, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.28

2009-10, Newcastle, CA 187: Apps 3, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Chelsea for 27.5m

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.27

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.39

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 60, Gls 1, Asts 9, MoM 2, YC 8, RC 1, Avg 7.55

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.12

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 8, RC 2, Avg 7.26

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.56

2017-18, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.51

Notes: Has another excellent season, as Chelsea retain their Premiership title, as he reaches sixty caps with two goals. Comes second in European Defender of the Year.

Right Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 155: Apps 50, Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.70

Transfers to Liverpool for 24k

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 166: Apps 29 (8), Gls 1, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.03

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 178: Apps 51 (1), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.15

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 188: Apps 49 (1), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.34

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 195: Apps 54 (1), Gls 1, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 52 (1), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.38

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 6, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.54

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.47

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 57, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

2015-16, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 51 (1), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.56

2016-17, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 42, Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.33

2017-18, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 31, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.29

Notes: Has an average season even though the club raises their overall performance massively, and adds only two caps to reach 39 with two goals.

Centre Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 17 (6), Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.57

Transfers to Tottenham on a free

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 166: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 181: Apps 41, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.22

Transfers to Milan on a free

2009-10, Milan, CA 187: Apps 31, Gls 4, Asts 5, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.32

2010-11, Milan, CA 192: Apps 52, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.25

2011-12, Milan, CA 196: Apps 46, Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 4, Avg 7.48

2012-13, Milan, CA 200: Apps 35, Gls 10, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 9, RC 2, Avg 7.46

2013-14, Milan, CA 200: Apps 41, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 5, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.44

2014-15, Milan, CA 200: Apps 38, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2015-16, Milan, CA 200: Apps 40, Gls 9, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.43

2016-17, Milan, CA 200: Apps 44, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 12, RC 0, Avg 7.70

2017-18, Milan, CA 200: Apps 45, Gls 2, Asts 10, MoM 10, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.67

Notes: Continues his fantastic form in Italy, and continues to star in the England defence, reaching 76 caps with one goal. European Defender of the Year.

Centre Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 3 (5), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.25

Transfers to Arsenal on a free

2007-08, Arsenal, CA 166: Apps 49, Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.02

2008-09, Arsenal, CA 177: Apps 52, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.19

2009-10, Arsenal, CA 184: Apps 51, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 6.98

2010-11, Arsenal, CA 190: Apps 49, Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.02

2011-12, Arsenal, CA 194: Apps 53, Gls 3, Asts 5, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.34

2012-13, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 49, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 2, Avg 7.33

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 11, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.71

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 5, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2016-17, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 52, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 8, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2017-18, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 53, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 2, Avg 7.47

Notes: Maintains his consistent form, reaching 43 caps with two goals, and winning the UEFA Cup. World Player of the Year, surprisingly.

Centre Back 3

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 49 (3), Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.77

Transfers to Chelsea for 55k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 166: Apps 23 (12), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.89

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 20 (6), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.96

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 22 (9), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 39 (3), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.40

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 41 (3), Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.61

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 51 (2), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.47

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 42 (6), Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.17

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 47 (3), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.54

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 36 (2), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.16

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.44

2017-18, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 43 (2), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.40

Notes: Continues to impress at Chelsea, retaining the Premiership, and reaching 49 caps with his four goals. But his CA has started to drop as he moves past his peak at this level. Comes third in European Defender of the Year.

Centre Back 4

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 45 (1), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.80

Transfers to Chelsea for 28k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 32 (4), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.14

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 28 (4), Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.84

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 32 (4), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 23 (11), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53 (1), Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 10, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.62

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (1), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (2), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 50 (2), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 4, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 52, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2017-18, Chelsea, CA 195: Apps 42 (2), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.50

Notes: Retains the Premiership but his ability begins to drop after an excellent season. Reaches 35 caps with one goal.

Left Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 13, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.15

Transfers to Man Utd for 170k

2007-08, Man Utd, CA 165: Apps 39 (3), Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.19

Transfers to Chelsea for 10.5m

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 48, Gls 7, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 6.73

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 48, Gls 4, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.08

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 192: Apps 45, Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.16

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 53 (2), Gls 9, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.45

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 56, Gls 8, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.48

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53 (1), Gls 12, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.57

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (3), Gls 9, Asts 5, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 8, Asts 8, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.74

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 57, Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2017-18, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 10, Asts 8, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 3, Avg 7.71

Notes: Returns to stunning form, and closes in on 100 caps, reaching 82 with 16 goals. Retains the Premiership with Chelsea, and remains at 200 CA as his peak extends. Discipline isnâ€™t great though. European Midfielder of the Year, and European Footballer of the Year.

Left Mid 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 44, Gls 11, Asts 9, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.61

Transfers to Portsmouth for 300k

2007-08, Portsmouth, CA 165: Apps 40, Gls 7, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.28

2008-09, Portsmouth, CA 180: Apps 48, Gls 6, Asts 9, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.52

Transfers to Man Utd for 11.5m

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 185: Apps 57, Gls 15, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.42

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 190: Apps 51, Gls 10, Asts 7, MoM 6, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2011-12, Man Utd, CA 196: Apps 50, Gls 7, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 50, Gls 8, Asts 12, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.72

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 37, Gls 11, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.68

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 8, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2015-16, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 43, Gls 10, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.60

2016-17, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 40, Gls 5, Asts 8, MoM 6, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.88

2017-18, Man Utd, CA 194: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.25

Notes: Performance drops on Man Utdâ€™s return to the Premiership, but takes his tally to 41 caps with eleven goals.

Right Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 17 (19), Gls 6, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Chelsea on a free

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 12 (17), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.66

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 178: Apps 11 (11), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.45

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 15 (18), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 21 (19), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 43 (8), Gls 12, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 2, RC 2, Avg 7.47

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54 (1), Gls 8, Asts 7, MoM 7, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 60 (1), Gls 8, Asts 12, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.75

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 11, Asts 11, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 9, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 56, Gls 11, Asts 8, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.57

2017-18, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 10, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.94

Notes: What a stunning season. Is the best player in Chelseaâ€™s Premiership retaining side, and after a slow start to his career at Stamford Bridge is now absolutely flying. Also highly recognised by England, reaching 70 caps with 13 goals. Comes third in European Midfielder of the Year, third in European Footballer of the Year, and third in World Footballer of the Year. He must like bronze.

Right Mid 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 40 (1), Gls 9, Asts 8, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

Transfers to Chelsea for 20k

Loaned to Rangers

2007-08, Rangers, CA 166: Apps 49 (1), Gls 17, Asts 12, MoM 11, YC 16, RC 0, Avg 7.72

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 8 (13), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.67

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 182: Apps 12 (4), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.75

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 12 (5), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 20 (16), Gls 7, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 0 (1), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Arsenal in a part-exchange, him and 29m for Fabregas

2012-13, Arsenal, CA 198: Apps 49, Gls 14, Asts 10, MoM 10, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.76

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 4, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.40

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 17, Asts 2, MoM 7, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 14, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.59

2016-17, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 13, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.49

2017-18, Arsenal, CA 196: Apps 53, Gls 16, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.55

Notes: Improves his performance again, winning the UEFA Cup in the process, and reaches 27 caps with five goals. CA is now starting to drop, however.

Centre Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 18, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.17

Transfers to Man Utd for 675k

2007-08, Man Utd, CA 159: Apps 33 (5), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 6.55

2008-09, Man Utd, CA 173: Apps 10 (9), Gls 3, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.53

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 181: Apps 27 (13), Gls 6, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 191: Apps 18 (12), Gls 6, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2011-12, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 8 (23), Gls 5, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.06

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 20 (16), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.14

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 9 (16), Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 1, Avg 7.08

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 7 (15), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.05

Transfers to Arsenal for 27m

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 3, Asts 10, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.43

2016-17, Arsenal, CA 196: Apps 49, Gls 7, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.69

2017-18, Arsenal, CA 197: Apps 55, Gls 10, Asts 10, MoM 3, YC 13, RC 0, Avg 7.58

Notes: Has another superb season and wins a medal for a change â€“ the UEFA Cup. Reaches 24 caps with four goals in a still stunted international career, but fears that his peak may be gone were dismissed as his CA re-rises back up. Comes third in World Player of the Year.

Centre Mid 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 2, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Portsmouth on a free

2007-08, Portsmouth, CA 165: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 5, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.21

Transfers to Man Utd for 11.25m[/b}

2008-09, Man Utd, CA 180: Apps 33 (5), Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.82

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 184: Apps 50 (2), Gls 11, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 189: Apps 45 (5), Gls 12, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.52

2011-12, Man Utd, CA 193: Apps 47 (1), Gls 5, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.46

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 43 (4), Gls 14, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 46 (1), Gls 16, Asts 5, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.68

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 46 (1), Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

Transfers to Chelsea for 47.5m

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 34 (16), Gls 4, Asts 6, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.26

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 6, YC 6, RC 2, Avg 7.46

2017-18, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 48 (2), Gls 6, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.32

Notes: Continues to play solidly if not as spectacularly as some of his colleagues, but sees his CA maintain the high level of 200. Makes it to 57 caps with five goals. Comes second in European Midfielder of the Year, and second in European Footballer of the Year. Wins World Footballer of the Year.

Centre Mid 3

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 40 (1), Gls 2, Asts 6, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.41

2007-08, Bandits, CA 165: Apps 53, Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.45

Transfers to Man Utd for 975k[/b]

2008-09, Man Utd, CA 180: Apps 41 (2), Gls 8, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 186: Apps 36, Gls 6, Asts 5, MoM 9, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.75

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 194: Apps 43 (7), Gls 10, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.52

2011-12, Man Utd CA 200: Apps 47 (1), Gls 12, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 45 (3), Gls 10, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.31

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 45 (2), Gls 6, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 44, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.43

2015-16, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 50, Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.54

2016-17, Man Utd, CA 196: Apps 36, Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2017-18, Man Utd, CA 190: Apps 39, Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Notes: Plays very well for Man Utd again and continues his lengthy international career, reaching 74 caps, although he will be disappointed with his return of only four goals. His ability level has really begun to drop now though.

Centre Mid 4

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 54 (1), Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.53

Transfers to Chelsea for 1.4m

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 42 (2), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.77

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 176: Apps 20 (10), Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.73

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 35 (5), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.14

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 50 (1), Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.24

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 57, Gls 3, Asts 11, MoM 3, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 7.54

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 57, Gls 3, Asts 8, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 44, Gls 7, Asts 5, MoM 1, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.34

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.47

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51 (3), Gls 1, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 8, RC 1, Avg 7.43

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 37 (6), Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.26

2017-18, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 33 (6), Gls 4, Asts 5, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.97

Notes: A poor season. The high point was retaining the Premiership, but the rest of the news is bad. CA is dropping, he is playing less as a result for club and country, adding only two more caps to reach 45 with three goals. And his performance level is extremely poor for a player that good.

Striker 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 3 (32), Gls 7, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.91

Transfers to Chelsea on a free

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 36 (4), Gls 21, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.28

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 23 (9), Gls 18, Asts 2, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.31

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 11 (13), Gls 8, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 193: Apps 32 (4), Gls 21, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.56

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 39 (7), Gls 21, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.61

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 43 (5), Gls 27, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 44 (6), Gls 26, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.62

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 33 (7), Gls 21, Asts 1, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.63

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 41 (6), Gls 25, Asts 3, MoM 4, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.55

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 34 (6), Gls 25, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.55

2017-18, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 28 (5), Gls 16, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.48

Notes: Continues to score regularly when played, but his level of appearances is beginning to drop, along with his CA. As with many at Chelsea, the suspicion is theyâ€™ll become surplus to requirements before long. Reaches a phenomenal 69 goals in 75 caps. Comes third in European Striker of the Year.

Striker 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 55, Gls 37, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 8.11

Transfers to Chelsea for 100k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 26 (7), Gls 20, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.15

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 22, Gls 13, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.55

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 184: Apps 52 (1), Gls 31, Asts 3, MoM 9, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.89

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 52 (1), Gls 31, Asts 4, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.83

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 54, Gls 34, Asts 5, MoM 10, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.98

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 31, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.76

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 60, Gls 35, Asts 5, MoM 9, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.88

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 50, Gls 28, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.92

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53 (1), Gls 31, Asts 3, MoM 8, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.98

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 195: Apps 36 (1), Gls 17, Asts 3, MoM 5, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.84

2017-18, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 46 (1), Gls 26, Asts 2, MoM 5, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.77

Notes: CA suggests that his ability levels are dropping, but you wouldnâ€™t guess it from these performances. Is prolific once again for club and country, winning the Premiership and reaches 65 goals in 85 appearances for England. European Striker of the Year.

Striker 3

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 1 (25), Gls 2, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.58

Transfers to Chelsea on a free

Loaned to Sheff Utd

2007-08, Sheff Utd, CA 165: Apps 30, Gls 20, Asts 3, MoM 8, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.77

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 3, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 181: Apps 26 (5), Gls 17, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 185: Apps 28 (8), Gls 17, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.61

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 6 (12), Gls 5, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 30 (9), Gls 22, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.44

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 21 (15), Gls 17, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.22

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 14 (5), Gls 13, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.79

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 22 (7), Gls 16, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.48

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 22 (13), Gls 14, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.23

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 35 (9), Gls 22, Asts 3, MoM 4, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.55

2017-18, Chelsea, CA 192: Apps 21 (17), Gls 15, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.29

Notes: Now looks destined to never fulfill his potential as he remains third choice for club and country. With his performance dropping, his CA dropping, and a comparatively poor return of 14 goals in 41 internationals, the wind down seems to have begun.

Striker 4

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 55 (2), Gls 31, Asts 2, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.91

2007-08, Bandits, CA 166: Apps 2, Gls 4, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 9.00

Transfers to Liverpool on a free

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 166: Apps 46 (1), Gls 23, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.34

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 180: Apps 52, Gls 26, Asts 0, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 190: Apps 45, Gls 25, Asts 1, MoM 11, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.87

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 194: Apps 53, Gls 31, Asts 2, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.83

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 58, Gls 42, Asts 5, MoM 14, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 8.07

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 33, Asts 4, MoM 11, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.85

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 37, Asts 1, MoM 14, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 8.22

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 33, Asts 3, MoM 11, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.88

2015-16, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 33, Asts 1, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.96

2016-17, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 46, Gls 27, Asts 0, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.76

2017-18, Liverpool, CA 186: Apps 36, Gls 27, Asts 1, MoM 11, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.97

Notes: Is the driving force behind Liverpoolâ€™s rise back up from the lower half of the Premiership to second. Reaches 47 goals in 64 caps, but again wins no club medal and sees his CA drop an alarming 16 points.

kipfizh · March 19, 2007

Bad player reports

Idiot A

2006-07, Tottenham, CA 150: Apps 47, Gls 8, Asts 8, MoM 7, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 7.34

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 165: Apps 39, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 7.21

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 177: Apps 1, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Fiorentina for 13.25m

2008-09, Fiorentina, CA 177: Apps 34, Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.56

2009-10, Fiorentina, CA 184: Apps 37, Gls 6, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 4, Avg 7.41

2010-11, Fiorentina, CA 190: Apps 39, Gls 10, Asts 4, MoM 8, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.72

2011-12, Fiorentina, CA 197: Apps 7, Gls 3, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 8.14

2012-13, Fiorentina, CA 200: Apps 20, Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.35

2013-14, Fiorentina, CA 200: Apps 16, Gls 3, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.56

Leaves Fiorentina on a free, joins Tottenham

2014-15, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 8, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.35

2015-16, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 40, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2016-17, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 40 (3), Gls 6, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.30

2017-18, Tottenham, CA 196: Apps 39 (1), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 2, Avg 7.07

Notes: With one year left on his contract and still complaining, you would have to assume the next season at Spurs will be his last. However, with his CA and performance levels dropping, will he be able to move on to the bigger club he craves? Spurs struggle to 17th this season, as he reaches three goals in 49 caps, playing only occasionally for his country.

In fairness to him, he complained only once this season, when towards to finish line he was dropped for a few games. With his peak seemingly ending, he may have to get used to that. Being an idiot, he undoubtedly wonâ€™t. Will he get even more vocal?

Idiot B

2006-07, Newcastle, CA 150: Apps 46, Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 3, Avg 7.30

Transfers to West Ham for 11.5m

2007-08, West Ham, CA 165: Apps 40, Gls 5, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.13

2008-09, West Ham, CA 177: Apps 42, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.29

2009-10, West Ham, CA 185: Apps 49, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.35

2010-11, West Ham, CA 193: Apps 42 (2), Gls 4, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2011-12, West Ham, CA 197: Apps 32, Gls 5, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.22

2012-13, West Ham, CA 197: Apps 9 (2), Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.91

Released by West Ham, joins Fulham on a free

2012-13, Fulham, CA 197: Apps 28, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.57

2013-14, Fulham, CA 200: Apps 52, Gls 2, Asts 8, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 7.38

2014-15, Fulham, CA 200: Apps 30 (3), Gls 2, Asts 9, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 2, Avg 7.30

2015-16, Fulham, CA 200: Apps 23 (4), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.19

2016-17, Fulham, CA 199: Apps 7 (16), Gls 4, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.83

Leaves Fulham, joins Sunderland on a free transfer

2017-18, Sunderland, CA 198: Apps 46, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.37

Notes: Unsurprisingly, allows his contract at Fulham to expire, leaving them in the summer and then joining Sunderland, who he helped to 14th in the Premiership.

The fans were understandably concerned about his signing when he first arrived, but their fears seemed to be misplaces as he got his head down, worked hard, played well, and most importantly, kept his mouth shut.

But of course that wouldnâ€™t last, and towards to end of the season he demanded a transfer, and then a few weeks later started going on about his personal problems again. A true troublemaker.

kipfizh · March 19, 2007

Other stats

England, yet again, won their qualifying group for the World Cup, again winning ten out of ten and conceding none. Their group of Denmark, Colombia and Guinea should be navigated fairly safely, and with the Banditsâ€™ old players turning 29 this summer it would seem like this may be their last World Cup as a unit. Can they make it three in a row?

Chelsea won the league ahead of a traditional looking table, with Liverpool and Arsenal coming close behind. Relegation was sealed early, with a 14 point gap between 17th and 18th proving that the correct sides went down. Man Utd continued their climb back to 7th.

Premiership

West Ham took the FA Cup, beating Norwich in the final, and there was a shock in the League Cup and League One Blackpool sneaked past Newcastle on penalties. It will interesting to see them in Europe next season.

On the European front, Real Madrid returned to winning ways, beating Milan in the Champions League final, while Arsenal won the UEFA Cup ahead of Gelsenkirchen.

kipfizh · March 19, 2007

Summary

After last seasonâ€™s excellent season, normality was restored to the Bandits this year as they dropped to mid-table. This isnâ€™t really surprising when you think they havenâ€™t been signing anyone. Unfortunately for Steve Brackstone, last seasonâ€™s success brought with it higher expectation, and when it wasnâ€™t fulfilled, he was out of the door.

Gary Perry, his assistant, looks an interesting choice for manager. The club think he is the business, as theyâ€™re paying him a massive 27k a week, but with his motivational and man-management skills being so appalling, will he be able to turn a bad run around? At least under his adventurous mind, the team may become more interesting.

The players are now beginning to show signs of decline in their performances, at least in some cases. They turn 29 this summer and many CAs are dropping quite quickly now. At Chelsea especially, will these players get phased out of the team?

The big clubs are back, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal as the top three, and Man Utd recovering to 7th. Will this continue, or will the â€˜lesser lightsâ€™ rise back to the top?

Itâ€™s World Cup summer again, and this could be the starsâ€™ last World Cup together â€“ can England make it three in a row?

The idiots are still complaining, although it has been noticeable that over the past couple of years, part of their reason for complaint is a lack of first team football. Will they get angry as their ability fades and they get dropped? Thatâ€™ll be fun to watch.

Banditâ€™s former manager watch

Gillingham, led by Justin Edinburgh, consolidated in League One, finishing mid table again.

Steve Brackstone, meanwhile, remains unemployed.

kipfizh · March 19, 2007

Bandits squad

The number of players interested rises again, from 4812 to 4996, so the reputation of the club still appears to be rising. If this continues, they should move up the leagues in time, it just might be a slow and painful process.

Top 20 in Squad (sorted by CA)

Name, Pos, Age, CA-PA

Kinch, ST, 28, 119-119 (0)

Askey, DC, 29, 118-118 (0) â€“ new signing

Gillies, D/WB RL, MR, 22, 117-150 â€“ new signing

MacDonald, MRLC, 29, 116-117 (0)

Atkinson, GK, 27, 116-116 (0)

Hinds, AML, 27, 110-110 (0)

Law, GK, 22, 108-115 (+2)

Bloomfield, AM RC, 27, 108-108 (0)

Liversidge, D/AM L, 28, 107-109 (0)

Bryant, ST, 22, 106-113 (+3)

Cornwall, WB/AM R, 20, 102-113 (+9)

Barker, DRC, 35, 101-130 (-8)

Hendry, MC, 31, 100-101 (-1)

Wells, ST, 27, 97-97 (0)

Townsend, DC, 18, 95-116 (+13)

Knox, D/M/WB R, 23, 87-88 (+2)

Bullivant, AM R, 19, 79-99 â€“ new entry in top 20, youth player

Harris, AM L, ST, 18, 78-117 â€“ new entry in top 20, youth player

Rowland, DM, 17, 76-124 â€“ new entry in top 20, youth player

Davies, D/WB/M L, 18, 76-119 â€“ new entry in top 20, youth player

Players in last seasonâ€™s top 20 who have left the club:

Savage, DC, 24, 128-134

Bennett, DR, 25, 112-112

Saunders, GK, 20, 94-101

Murphy, AM RC, FC, 19, 86-107

Carrick, D/AM R, 17, 69-158

Players in last seasonâ€™s top 20 who have dropped out of the top 20:

Hill, ST, 19, 72-74 (+1)

The report is up and down this season. On the up side, there are new signings at the top of the list, and Gillies especially looks to be a cracking signing, with his 150 PA. And at the base of the list are a bunch of promising youngsters, to counteract the aging nature of the side.

On the down side, they keep letting their best players leave. Savage, an excellent defender, was sold and replaced by a peaked defender four years his senior, while Carrick had massive potential but was allowed to leave. To make matters worse, theyâ€™ve relied on the goals of Kinch and Wells for years now, but they are now 28 and 27 and will need replacing soon. Can they cope without them?

CA of X or above:

190 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

180 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

170 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

160 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

150 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

140 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

130 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

120 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0

110 : 0, 2, 2, 3, 2, 6, 7, 6, 6

100 : 2, 4, 7, 7, 6, 13, 13, 12, 13

90 : 7, 11, 10, 9, 10, 16, 17, 15, 15

80 : 13, 14, 13, 13, 16, 21, 21, 18, 16

70 : 19, 22, 21, 20, 22, 27, 25, 19, 23

60 : 26, 26, 25, 23, 24, 32, 30, 24, 26

50 : 30, 31, 31, 26, 26, 35, 33, 28, 32

Again, this squad is in stasis â€“ the top end isnâ€™t getting better (in fact itâ€™s getting worse), but at least there is more depth at the bottom end. The list of 32 players is now the complete squad, with no-one under 50 CA.

kipfizh · March 19, 2007

World View

Wayne Rooney, now 32, has spent his entire career at Man Utd, scoring nearly 200 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo, now 33, played poorly for Man Utd for years before joining Barcelona. Barcelona, to answer a question, are down to four Spaniards, two of them being Iniesta and Reina.

Theo Walcott has remained at Arsenal but disappointed, his only good season coming on loan at Genk.

The best two players in the world, bar the old Bandits, that started the game, are Pim den Otter, who is at Barcelona, and Carlos Vela, Arsenalâ€™s Mexican, who has scored over 150 times for them and at only 29 has represented his country 104 times.

To answer another question, Swindon have just reached the Premiership via the playoffs.

My shortlist of 24 players now looks like this:

Shortlist

The Bandits move ahead of Man Utd in the rich list, to reach a new high of 7th:

Rich Clubs

kipfizh · March 19, 2007

Random Thoughts

Has anyone noticed that the top three for European Footballer of the Year are almost always identical to the top three for European Midfielder of the Year? I think perhaps this is subtly lent too much towards the midfielders, although in fairness it is in real life too.

Yes, the Bandits are being run as a business, making a consistent profit and not spending it, but they are gradually improving. The squad may not be getting better yet but the reputation is crawling up and this is only going to help in the future.

Team information page coming later.

Jimbokav1971 · March 19, 2007

kipfizh. Excellent update again .

I've been an avid reader from the start, and wonder if you could update us on some of the young Fred's that The Bandits have let go.

Also, not sure if all these are home-grown, but where did Carrick, Jewell, Terrell & Savage go, for how much and how are they doing?

Also, how about some records for The Bandits.

Most league appearances?

Most League goals?

And how have the facilities improved? Money obviously isn;t a problem, but have the board been investing it in the facilities?

Maybe some attendance info would be good too.

Also, Idiot B was tutoring Darren Chapman in 2014 when he was at Fulham. What was Champan like then and how has he progressed? Did he pick up any bad habits.

One last thing, (sorry). What position have the idiots being played in, or is it not something that you have checked?

dante · March 19, 2007

Nice update again. Seems the Bandits are stabilizing though...the new manager hardly an improvement.

bring on the world cup results !

Nailer123 · March 19, 2007

hey great post and a really interesting read KUTGW

i would just liek to add that Shaun MacDonald for the bandits is my cousin from up in swansea so glad to see someone appreciates him

Konquest · March 19, 2007

Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:
And how have the facilities improved? Money obviously isn;t a problem, but have the board been investing it in the facilities?

First of all, great work kipfizh.

Jimbo: Facilities were top class from the start, so the board cannot upgrade it, I think. Other than that, great suggestions.

It was good to see the Bandits buying players. With a higher rep and higher expectations, I think they are bound to improve...

timpino · March 19, 2007

Ahhhh, finally an update, sitting up for about a week only drinking coffe, waiting for an update made me a bit shaky

KUTGW

craig_killie · March 19, 2007

I'm really enjoying this thread.

I'd have thought some top youth players would have come through the Bandits' academy by now - considering they have the best facilities available.

I'm also looking forward to having a go at playing with the Bandits when you get round to uploading the database.

kipfizh · March 19, 2007

Your questions answered

For those wondering how easy/difficult it is to manage the Bandits with such unnaturally talented players, hereâ€™s your answer:

Conference South

Smallest win so far â€“ 7-0. Biggest â€“ 24-0.

Striker 1â€™s record â€“ Played 24, Goals 160, Assists 46, MoM 19, Avg Rating 10.00

Of course this is with an extremely attacking tactic in a pathetic league, with the most perfect team the world will ever see. But it goes to show that the management of the Bandits in those early years was poor â€“ these players are really quite ridiculously good.

Can you show us the team information screen?

Information Screen

Also, not sure if all these are home-grown, but where did Carrick, Jewell, Terrell & Savage go, for how much and how are they doing?

Carrick, 18 (born in 2000!!) left on a free transfer last summer to join Sheff Utd, and is part of their youth setup, having not broken through yet.

Savage, 18, left in January to join Nottm Forest for 275k, and has been a regular for them ever since, also gaining a Wales Under 21 caps. Looks like a real player, hopefully if the Bandits go up a division they can keep hold of players like him.

Jewell, 22, was sold to Ipswich three summers ago for 9k, and has been a regular for them ever since, also gaining two Under 21 caps for England. Leicester have swooped, and are signing him for 600k in July.

Terrell, 30, left at the age of 25, while the Bandits were in the Conference, joining Aldershot for 140k. However, they were then relegated to the Conference in the same season the Bandits went up, so he moved on to Mansfield for 150k, where he is playing regular Championship football at a decent standard.

It is clear that all of these players couldâ€™ve improved the fortunes of the Bandits. They all have quality, and none of them shouldâ€™ve been sold. But players rule the roost these days, and until they move up the leagues, thatâ€™s the position theyâ€™ll be stuck in.

Also, how about some records for The Bandits. Most league appearances? Most League goals?

Pathetically, the Bandits biggest win was back in 2006, 12 years ago, and was only 4-0. Their biggest reverse was by the same score. Theyâ€™ve gone 20 games unbeaten, but this season broke the other record, going 11 games without a win, costing Steve Brackstone his job.

Mensah-Omari Kinch rules the players records, with the most league appearances (394), and league goals (180). He really is going to be missed when he grows old.

The record attendances, both low and high, have been recent. The lowest was 80004, at the end of the dismal run at Christmas, and the highest six months earlier, in the playoff semi against Exeter, which drew a massive 139970, just 30 short of the capacity.

The stadium is perfect, so no improvements can be made.

No other record have been broken in recent years, but Iâ€™ll add a stats page to each report, detailed the best and worst of their season.

Also, Idiot B was tutoring Darren Chapman in 2014 when he was at Fulham. What was Champan like then and how has he progressed? Did he pick up any bad habits.

He is listed as fairly ambitious, so quite possibly, although he hasnâ€™t kicked up a fuss anywhere. Iâ€™m not sure the six month tutoring period is enough to become a compete prat.

What position have the idiots being played in, or is it not something that you have checked?

Full back seems to be the most common, it is almost as if the team selection goes from back to front, placing the players in one by one. This results in the idiots filling the first available position they are the best at, which happens to be full back.

Can anyone at SI confirm or revoke that this is how team selection works? It is just a hunch, but I find it interesting that they are generally (but not exclusively) slotted there.

FcPoliFan · March 19, 2007

I was wondering, what can you tell us about the club rep? Have you been following the changes with the Genie Scout? Because in my experience, managing a top squad in Romania, I was faced with the fact that my rep declined although I wont Championship and Cup two years in a row.

timpino · March 19, 2007

I find it to be very true that the AI fills up spots according to the way the positions are lined up, ie in Ã–rebro, Sweden there is an awesome striker, that is probably one of the best in the league, but he is also natural all the way from DR to AMR on the right wing, the result: he plays right back or right midfield almost all games, playing well but not to the most benefit of the team.

Coding the AI to recognise were players make the most impact would be very hard imo as it would have to weigh it against every other player on the team...

darrenwicks · March 20, 2007

kipfizh - while on the subject of questions... could i trouble you for a screenshot of all the current/last season english leagues to see where our favourite teams are at?

thanks

TPA · March 20, 2007

Originally posted by darrenwicks:
kipfizh - while on the subject of questions... could i trouble you for a screenshot of all the current/last season english leagues to see where our favourite teams are at?

thanks

No offence mate but IMO that is totally irrelevant. This experiment should only concentrate on Bandits and the created players. Of course kipfizh has the final word about this.

Berrern · March 21, 2007

Been following this thread ever since the beginning, and I just have to heap praise on Kipfizh: Amazing thread! Best read ever on these forums, I am so excited every update!

My first and last order of business when at work is to check this thread, the same when I come home - and before I go to bed.

Keep it up Kipfizh, this is truly awesome work!!

De Siem · March 21, 2007

The sugar daddy tick box makes a lot of difference.

I've ran a similar experiment. Created a new club and put them in the Conference North.

Add some knowledgeable (business) board members, no coaching staff and also added some goldie oldie player that didn't have a contract anywhere else to the playing roster. gave about 15 million in the bank and a decent portion of that for wages and transfers. This all based on the 7.0.2 database.

Ran this a few times on holiday mode on a quad G5 ppc. (The game seems to crash come jan 2028)

The only difference being that sugar daddy was ticked or wasn't ticked.

During the times that it wasn't ticked the club didn't get any higher than league 2, also the quality manager hired was not very good.

With sugar daddy ticked, the club got as far as the Championship with their stadium extended by 10.000 seats (from a 1000 with 100 seated), although this took about 12-13 years.

the quality of staff was much higher. This club with sugar daddy managed to obtain the services of Carlos Queiroz in the first season. This happened both times i ran this test.

So i would imagine if Kipfizh's experiment was run the same but with sugar daddy ticked (which he hadn't judging from his post on page 6)the Bandits would fare much better.

Pompeyboyz · March 22, 2007

I love this thread so much I might just run something similar at home myself....just to while away the days between kipfish's updates.

mark johnson · March 22, 2007

The sugar daddy tick box makes a lot of difference.
I've ran a similar experiment. Created a new club and put them in the Conference North.

Add some knowledgeable (business) board members, no coaching staff and also added some goldie oldie player that didn't have a contract anywhere else to the playing roster. gave about 15 million in the bank and a decent portion of that for wages and transfers. This all based on the 7.0.2 database.

Ran this a few times on holiday mode on a quad G5 ppc. (The game seems to crash come jan 2028)

The only difference being that sugar daddy was ticked or wasn't ticked.

During the times that it wasn't ticked the club didn't get any higher than league 2, also the quality manager hired was not very good.

With sugar daddy ticked, the club got as far as the Championship with their stadium extended by 10.000 seats (from a 1000 with 100 seated), although this took about 12-13 years.

the quality of staff was much higher. This club with sugar daddy managed to obtain the services of Carlos Queiroz in the first season. This happened both times i ran this test.

So i would imagine if Kipfizh's experiment was run the same but with sugar daddy ticked (which he hadn't judging from his post on page 6)the Bandits would fare much better.

I'd disagree,

based on what we've seen so far its all about the rep and not about the Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£

wonglf · March 22, 2007

Originally posted by mark johnson:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The sugar daddy tick box makes a lot of difference.

I've ran a similar experiment. Created a new club and put them in the Conference North.

Add some knowledgeable (business) board members, no coaching staff and also added some goldie oldie player that didn't have a contract anywhere else to the playing roster. gave about 15 million in the bank and a decent portion of that for wages and transfers. This all based on the 7.0.2 database.

Ran this a few times on holiday mode on a quad G5 ppc. (The game seems to crash come jan 2028)

The only difference being that sugar daddy was ticked or wasn't ticked.

During the times that it wasn't ticked the club didn't get any higher than league 2, also the quality manager hired was not very good.

With sugar daddy ticked, the club got as far as the Championship with their stadium extended by 10.000 seats (from a 1000 with 100 seated), although this took about 12-13 years.

the quality of staff was much higher. This club with sugar daddy managed to obtain the services of Carlos Queiroz in the first season. This happened both times i ran this test.

So i would imagine if Kipfizh's experiment was run the same but with sugar daddy ticked (which he hadn't judging from his post on page 6)the Bandits would fare much better.

I'd disagree,

based on what we've seen so far its all about the rep and not about the Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

read back a few pages, one of the SI people said you will attract higher quality players if you have a sugar saddy as they know he will be willing to poor money into the club.

in other words having a sugaar daddy effectively rasies your reputation.

Marc Vaughan · March 22, 2007

Full back seems to be the most common, it is almost as if the team selection goes from back to front, placing the players in one by one. This results in the idiots filling the first available position they are the best at, which happens to be full back.
Can anyone at SI confirm or revoke that this is how team selection works? It is just a hunch, but I find it interesting that they are generally (but not exclusively) slotted there.

Its not quite that simple in fact the team selection algorithm is amazingly complicated because of the number of weird and wonderful rules it has to take into account.

It obviously attempts to maximise the overall ability of a team as a whole - taking into account the managers judgement and their personalities (so some might always play their best striker up front even if he could fill in better as a left back then their other option for that position etc.).

timpino · March 22, 2007

Nice response Marc, so a cautious manager would probably opt to play a great striker/awesome right back at back while an adventurous will opt to play an awesome striker/great right back in a striker position?

If that is the case then it finally makes sense to me Swedish managers are all about defence... *sigh*

BTW still sitting up drinking coffe and hitting F5 every five minutes waiting for an update...

darrenwicks · March 23, 2007

Originally posted by TPA:
No offence mate but IMO that is totally irrelevant. This experiment should only concentrate on Bandits and the created players. Of course kipfizh has the final word about this.

its called "out of interest" and to see how the leagues are going. ever been curious?

TPA · March 23, 2007

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

No offence mate but IMO that is totally irrelevant. This experiment should only concentrate on Bandits and the created players. Of course kipfizh has the final word about this.

its called "out of interest" and to see how the leagues are going. ever been curious? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nah, not really. If you want to see how your favourite team is doing in 2016 why don't you leave FM running on your computer overnight. You don't need kipfizh to do that for you, do you?

Jimbokav1971 · March 23, 2007

Originally posted by Mark Johnson.
I'd disagree,

based on what we've seen so far its all about the rep and not about the Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£Â£

It appears, (at least to me), that a major benefit from having a Sugar Daddy, isn't just the money available, but also the increased reputation that having a Sugar daddy brings.

It's far easier to earn money in the game than it is to build reputation, therefore reputation is invaluble.

Jimbokav1971 · March 23, 2007

derrenwicks & TPA please don't spoil this thread by bickering.

If Kipfizh wants to do it he will. If he doesn't, he won't.

End of.

kipfizh · March 23, 2007

I actually made a mistake pages ago, when it comes to the sugar daddy tick box.

I thought I hadn't ticked it, but I've checked the database, and I have. So the Bandits do have a sugar daddy.

Not that it's making a difference to their finances, they're already rolling in it so they hardly need an injection

And in fairness, their reputation is pretty good - I had a good scan in the last season through the players they can sign, and there's some real talent in there, that I'd sign if I was their manager. But I'm not convinced their managers have had the ability to spot the talent.

Perhaps as they rise, they'll attract better managers as well as players and thu increase the speed of their improvement?

kipfizh · March 23, 2007

Originally posted by Marc Vaughan:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Full back seems to be the most common, it is almost as if the team selection goes from back to front, placing the players in one by one. This results in the idiots filling the first available position they are the best at, which happens to be full back.

Can anyone at SI confirm or revoke that this is how team selection works? It is just a hunch, but I find it interesting that they are generally (but not exclusively) slotted there.

Its not quite that simple in fact the team selection algorithm is amazingly complicated because of the number of weird and wonderful rules it has to take into account.

It obviously attempts to maximise the overall ability of a team as a whole - taking into account the managers judgement and their personalities (so some might always play their best striker up front even if he could fill in better as a left back then their other option for that position etc.). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks for the reply - what I should've really done is analyse the teams the idiots were at (I'll do that next season), I guess it would make sense to slot them in wherever the team is weak, although as you say, the manager may have a preferred spot for his best player.

Glad to hear it's complicated though - the AI behaviour I'm seeing all over the game in this experiment seems remarkably thorough.

TPA · March 23, 2007

Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:
derrenwicks & TPA please don't spoil this thread by bickering.

If Kipfizh wants to do it he will. If he doesn't, he won't.

End of.

Yep. Sorry about that. I was just getting a little bit annoyed about that after kip's each update people ask him how this or that team or player are doing while it had nothing to do with the original idea of this experiment.

I'm not going to comment any more about this issue because I want this excellent thread be kept on topic.

Peace.

kipfizh · March 23, 2007

Season 2018-19

Club report

2006-07

English Conference South: (Pos 1), P 42, W 30, D 6, L 6, F 82, A 29, GD +53, Pts 96

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: Winners

2007-08

English National Conference: (Pos 7), P 46, W 22, D 8, L 16, F 68, A 55, GD +13, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: Finalist

2008-09

English National Conference: (Pos 7), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 73, A 65, GD +8, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 17th)

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

FA Trophy: 1st Round

2009-10

English National Conference: (Pos 9), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 58, A 57, GD +1, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 10th)

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

FA Trophy: 3rd Round

2010-11

English National Conference: (Pos 6), P 46, W 21, D 10, L 15, F 75, A 55, GD +20, Pts 73

(Media Prediction: 12th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2011-12

English National Conference: (Pos 18), P 46, W 16, D 9, L 21, F 59, A 66, GD -7, Pts 57

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 3rd Round

2012-13

English National Conference: (Pos 5), P 46, W 21, D 11, L 14, F 67, A 52, GD +15, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 16th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2013-14

English National Conference: (Pos 1), P 46, W 20, D 18, L 8, F 68, A 46, GD +22, Pts 78

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2014-15

English League Two: (Pos 21), P 46, W 12, D 15, L 19, F 60, A 69, GD -9, Pts 51

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 1st Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South Quarter Final

2015-16

English League Two: (Pos 21), P 46, W 14, D 10, L 22, F 56, A 73, GD -17, Pts 52

(Media Prediction: 23rd)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2016-17

English League Two: (Pos 6), P 46, W 17, D 16, L 13, F 64, A 51, GD 13, Pts 67

(Media Prediction: 24th)

FA Cup: 3rd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2017-18

English League Two: (Pos 15), P 46, W 16, D 14, L 16, F 63, A 65, GD -2, Pts 62

(Media Prediction: 10th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

League Cup: 3rd Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2018-19

English League Two: (Pos 7), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 64, A 62, GD 2, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 16th)

League

FA Cup: 3rd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

The Bandits spent the season bouncing in and out of the play-offs, and snuck back in on the final day of the season. However, they lost both legs of the semi-final to Aldershot, who ended up getting promoted.

Gary Perry sold Gillies, who had looked like a great signing but his poor performances last season saw him labelled as the leagueâ€™s second worst acquisition. He brought in a few new players who we will analyse in their squad review later.

Again, they didnâ€™t make a lot of progress in the cups, only getting through in the FA Cup, before Middlesborough ended their hopes.

Itâ€™s a promising start for the new manager, but two years ago, Steve Brackstone achieved for a season and then dropped away. Perry will need to maintain this start if he wants to keep his job.

kipfizh · March 23, 2007

Good player reports

Goalkeeper 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 47, Conc 29, Cln 15, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.66

2007-08, Bandits, CA 166: Apps 49, Conc 56, Cln 12, MoM 6, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.51

2008-09, Bandits, CA 178: Apps 32, Conc 38, Cln 6, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.28

Transfers to Blackburn for 650k

2008-09, Blackburn, CA 178: Apps 14, Conc 16, Cln 4, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2009-10, Blackburn, CA 184: Apps 41 (1), Conc 45, Cln 13, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.38

2010-11, Blackburn, CA 189: Apps 32, Conc 48, Cln 5, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2011-12, Blackburn, CA 192: Apps 43, Conc 62, Cln 7, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2012-13, Blackburn, CA 194: Apps 45, Conc 65, Cln 9, MoM 4, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.58

Transfers to Arsenal for 27m

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 196: Apps 56, Conc 70, Cln 18, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 197: Apps 43, Conc 34, Cln 19, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.74

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 198: Apps 33, Conc 30, Cln 13, MoM 4, YC 0, RC 1, Avg 7.61

2016-17, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 40, Conc 49, Cln 10, MoM 0, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2017-18, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 51, Conc 57, Cln 16, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.49

2018-19, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 56 (1), Conc 67, Cln 14, MoM 4, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.49

Notes: Maintains his excellent form from last season, and heads slowly towards fifty caps, reaching 46. European Goalkeeper of the Year.