AI Experiment - what would happen if?

Jimbokav1971 · May 10, 2007

Have a look at a la Liga Chairman then.

They buy all they players don't they?

slimblues · May 10, 2007

best thread ever , also have the players became coachs managers yet >?

zeusbheld · May 10, 2007

Originally posted by slimblues:
best thread ever , also have the players became coachs managers yet >?

is there anything that runs on a mac that can look at non-players in a running game? i can check on my former ass man neil redfearn, he started out a player and is now a manager.

Jimbokav--will look at Real chair when i fire that memory hog up again.

kipfizh · May 11, 2007

Originally posted by Kees04:
Completely understand this, but I'm not interested in posting my results on the forums, don't have enough time to do it nowadays, just wanna play it for my own gain really.

I know it might seem like I'm being ridiculous, but the minute I upload the database, this experiment will be simmed out by someone for 100 years, posted, and the predictions people make for the future will be based upon that, not what they think should happen.

That said, once these ex-Bandits get their overly-talented selves into management, the season updates shouldn't take half as long to write up, so that database upload might not be far away

On the update note, there's one coming tonight. Sorry about the massive delay, this should be the longest gap we have.

kipfizh · May 11, 2007

I'm convinced it's Interference that determines just how much the chairman actually does, rather than how well he does it.

I guess the nightmare chairman is a 20 Interference 1 Buying Players monster, who splashes out 30m on Ade Akinbiyi.

Part 2 of this experiment will focus mainly on chairmen and managers, so hopefully more will become clear then It is in design.

Meitheisman · May 11, 2007

Thanks for the chairmen's attribute zeusbheld. Could you please look up what Bandit's Chairman attributes were at the beginning of the game too please?

KUTGW kipfizh, can't wait for the next update!

JoseRR · May 11, 2007

Originally posted by kipfizh:
On the update note, there's one coming tonight. Sorry about the massive delay, this should be the longest gap we have.

Cant wait KUTGW

Part 2 of this experiment will focus mainly on chairmen and managers, so hopefully more will become clear then It is in design

And I really cant wait for this!! Well done on all your work so far - I look everyday hoping for an update. Im sure this next experimant will be just as great when this one ends!

zeusbheld · May 11, 2007

Originally posted by Meitheisman:
Thanks for the chairmen's attribute zeusbheld. Could you please look up what Bandit's Chairman attributes were at the beginning of the game too please?

KUTGW kipfizh, can't wait for the next update!

bandits are a made-up team for kipfizh' experiment. only kipfizh can look that up.

Meitheisman · May 11, 2007

Fisher Athletic, the worst ranked side in the Conference South, have been replaced by 'The Bandits'

That's from the 1st post of this thread so I guess if you look up Fisher Athletic's Chairman it would be the same... or did you change the chairman's attributes as well Kipfizh?

VonBlade · May 11, 2007

Originally posted by kipfizh:
So - what are your conclusions?

If I've one thing to say, it's that even allowing for massive loyalty of the ex-bandits only a couple moved clubs once they'd hit the big-time.

In "real life" there are only a handful of players who wont move if the money is right. But pretty much everyone else is for sale, if the money is good.

So I'm fairly disappointed at the lack of transfer activity for players who are clearly the Zico of their generation.

I can't wait to see what happens with Bandits v2. A very ambitious board and quality loyal manager could see the club rise much faster than they have this time.

VB

zeusbheld · May 11, 2007

Originally posted by Meitheisman:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Fisher Athletic, the worst ranked side in the Conference South, have been replaced by 'The Bandits'

That's from the 1st post of this thread so I guess if you look up Fisher Athletic's Chairman it would be the same... or did you change the chairman's attributes as well Kipfizh? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

possibly but probably not given that most lower teams seem to have randomized attributes each time you start the database. when i played fisher the chairman 'loved the club' i read where for someone else, he sold it.

zeusbheld · May 11, 2007

ok i did look and fisher doesn't list any staff so it is random.

FYI the database editor comes on your game disk and was installed with FM.

Meitheisman · May 11, 2007

Thanks zeusbheld!

And no I don't have the editor since I play FM on xbox 360 and SI didn't create an editor for this version which is why I was asking you to check it out for me... I wasn't just being lazy

Jimbokav1971 · May 11, 2007

vonblade. Maybe you missed the bit in the opening post about the attributes being changed.

20s in everything, except dirtiness (1) and injury proneness (1), and mentally ambition (1) and controversy (1).

That makes them really loyal. The only way that they were going to leave is if they weren't wanted by their clubs. As it was generally "big boys" that signed them in the first place, there weren't many bigger clubs to mobe on to.

Obviously there were some exceptions. One started at Spurs I think and soon moved on for big bucks, and another moved to Spain for silly money. I think there were 2 more between the English giants, but that's it. If you asked me before-hand what I would expect, I would have expected it to be even more like this ie. a player refusing to sign for a bigger club out of loyalty to the old club. I suppose it's swings and roundabouts because a lack of controversy would hinder this.

errol · May 11, 2007

Primus Inter Pares KIPFIZH, you have done an excellent piece of 'investigative reporting'.This would definitely go down in the annals of FM.Your experiment has given all of us food for tought,including the SI team,as was noted in the post of Mr. Vaughn.I am sure,that after such work,we'll all play FM, with a greater level of 'awareness' and may reduce some of the complaints regarding the 'inteligence' of the AI.On a personal note,it was important for me to note ,that money isn't all,maybe the case of Chelsea underscores this point.I also wonder,if the Bandits would ever achieve EPL status and how long that would take them.You can and should be extremely proud of your work.Congratulations!!!

kipfizh · May 11, 2007

Season 2023-24

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)

FA Cup: 3rd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2019-20

English League Two: (Pos 6), P 46, W 18, D 13, L 15, F 69, A 66, GD 3, Pts 67

(Media Prediction: 10th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South Semi Final

2020-21

English League Two: (Pos 10), P 46, W 17, D 15, L 14, F 67, A 61, GD 6, Pts 66

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2021-22

English League Two: (Pos 1), P 46, W 25, D 9, L 12, F 74, A 54, GD 20, Pts 84

(Media Prediction: 10th)

FA Cup: 5th Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: Finalist

2022-23

English League One: (Pos 13), P 46, W 16, D 15, L 15, F 73, A 63, GD +10, Pts 63

(Media Prediction: 23rd)

FA Cup: 4th Round

League Cup: 3rd Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South Semi-Final

2023-24

English League One: (Pos 11), P 46, W 17, D 13, L 16, F 65, A 71, GD -6, Pts 64

(Media Prediction: 19th)

League

FA Cup: 2nd Round

League Cup: Finalist

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

Never challenging for promotion, but never in danger of relegation, this wasnâ€™t the most interesting season in the Banditsâ€™ history, but given that it was only their second in League One, theyâ€™ll happily take that.

Having brought a couple of players into the club in both transfer windows, they at least appear to recognize that the squad needs some improvement, and this bodes well for the future.

For the third season running, the cups provided a highlight. With little progress in two of the competitions, it was the turn of the League Cup to take precedence. After a couple of simple rounds, West Brom (who finished third in the Championship) were dispatched in round three, before Premiership Watford found themselves victims of the Bandits for the second time in three years.

A favourable draw saw a home tie against Championship strugglers Wrexham in the quarters, and they were dismissed with ease, before a tough tie against Premiership top half regulars Sunderland. Over two legs, this was always going to be tough, but after a home draw, they traveled north and won 2-1 at the Stadium of Light to set up a final showdown with Man Utd.

A 1-1 draw in the final saw the tie go to extra time, but when United took the lead there was to be no recovery.

So four more giant killings takes the total to ten in only three years, and proves that they can compete at higher levels. Now they need to get there.

kipfizh · May 11, 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

2019-20, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 38 (2), Conc 39, Cln 13, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.55

2020-21, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 51, Conc 67, Cln 13, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2021-22, Arsenal, CA 191: Apps 41, Conc 41, Cln 14, MoM 4, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.54

2022-23, Arsenal, CA 191: Apps 49, Conc 52, Cln 11, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.55

2023-24, Arsenal, CA 189: Apps 36, Conc 40, Cln 12, MoM 7, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.61

Notes: Has another excellent season as his consistent performances continue to impress. Will return to the Champions League next season after Arsenal recovered to fourth. Reaches 70 caps and is still holding his CA high.

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

2018-19, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 56, Conc 62, Cln 12, MoM 6, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.45

2019-20, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 57, Conc 69, Cln 15, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.37

2020-21, Leeds, CA 192: Apps 43, Conc 54, Cln 10, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2021-22, Leeds, CA 189: Apps 34 (2), Conc 37, Cln 12, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.64

2022-23, Leeds, CA 188: Apps 47, Conc 53, Cln 15, MoM 9, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2023-24, Leeds, CA 185: Apps 31 (2), Conc 27, Cln 15, MoM 4, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.36

Notes: Has a fantastic record of conceding less than a goal a game while keeping clean sheets in nearly half his matches, as he helps Leeds to finish second. Adds one more cap to reach 107, but his international career is slowing down.

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

2018-19, Tottenham, CA 193: Apps 39, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.36

2019-20, Tottenham, CA 191: Apps 46, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 7, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.24

2020-21, Tottenham, CA 190: Apps 39, Gls 3, Asts 3, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2021-22, Tottenham, CA 186: Apps 19, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2022-23, Tottenham, CA 182: Apps 46, Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.43

2023-24, Tottenham, CA 178: Apps 38, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 7.47

Notes: After last seasonâ€™s best performance, he raises his game even more as he threatens to end his career on a high. Adds one more cap to reach 71 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

2018-19, Liverpool, CA 195: Apps 39, Gls 1, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.31

2019-20, Liverpool, CA 192: Apps 36, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.25

2020-21, Liverpool, CA 191: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.54

2021-22, Liverpool, CA 190: Apps 45 (1), Gls 1, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2022-23, Liverpool, CA 186: Apps 38, Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2023-24, Liverpool, CA 182: Apps 37 (1), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.39

Notes: Continues to play very well as his CA remains at a very high level even as he approaches 35. Reaches 86 caps with one goal as Liverpool have a good season, finishing sixth. Comes third in European Defender of the Year.

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

2018-19, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 56, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.25

2019-20, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 48 (1), Gls 0, Asts 8, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.27

2020-21, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.43

2021-22, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 56, Gls 1, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 2, Avg 7.34

2022-23, Chelsea, CA 183: Apps 50, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 8, RC 2, Avg 7.06

2023-24, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 40 (1), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.05

Notes: Doesnâ€™t have a great season performance-wise, but continues to take medals home â€“ Chelsea comfortably win the Premiership for the fourth season in succession, and take the FA Cup too, completing the double. Reaches 92 caps with two goals but his star is fading.

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

2018-19, Liverpool, CA 193: Apps 46, Gls 0, Asts 7, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2019-20, Liverpool, CA 190: Apps 41, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 2, Avg 7.20

2020-21, Liverpool, CA 189: Apps 50 (1), Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 1, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.41

2021-22, Liverpool, CA 191: Apps 50 (2), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.25

2022-23, Liverpool, CA 187: Apps 38, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.13

2023-24, Liverpool, CA 182: Apps 38 (1), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.33

Notes: International career continues with 73 caps and three goals, and domestically he raises his performances again as Liverpool finish sixth.

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

2018-19, Milan, CA 192: Apps 45, Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 5, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.42

2019-20, Milan, CA 189: Apps 37, Gls 5, Asts 4, MoM 10, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.78

2020-21, Milan, CA 194: Apps 40, Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.63

2021-22, Milan, CA 189: Apps 49, Gls 4, Asts 8, MoM 4, YC 10, RC 0, Avg 7.45

2022-23, Milan, CA 190: Apps 44, Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 6, YC 9, RC 2, Avg 7.43

2023-24, Milan, CA 183: Apps 41, Gls 7, Asts 11, MoM 7, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.63

Notes: Never slows down. Remains at the very highest level, and offers more from an attacking point of view, contributing plenty of goals and assists for his teammates. Reaches an enormous 138 caps with two goals, and unless he retires could well reach an amazing 150. Will he? 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

2018-19, Arsenal, CA 191: Apps 55, Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 8, RC 1, Avg 7.40

2019-20, Arsenal, CA 188: Apps 43, Gls 1, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2020-21, Arsenal, CA 191: Apps 44, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 2, Avg 7.36

2021-22, Arsenal, CA 191: Apps 44, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.39

2022-23, Arsenal, CA 182: Apps 54, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 7, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2023-24, Arsenal, CA 182: Apps 44, Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 4, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.34

Notes: Mr consistent. Never lets his club down, and continues to play the occasional game for England, reaching 65 caps and two goals.

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

2018-19, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 51 (1), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.37

2019-20, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 46, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.35

2020-21, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 30 (1), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.42

2021-22, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 47 (2), Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2022-23, Chelsea, CA 185: Apps 35 (7), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 6.76

2023-24, Chelsea, CA 182: Apps 38 (4), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.95

Notes: It is incredible to think that he hasnâ€™t been playing well for a while now, yet has still just picked up his fourth Premiership medal in a row, adding the FA Cup for good measure. Canâ€™t seem to reproduce the form from earlier in his career, but reaches 60 caps with four goals for England.

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

2018-19, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 54 (2), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2019-20, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 42, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2020-21, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 53, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.21

2021-22, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 50, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2022-23, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 49, Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2023-24, Chelsea, CA 184: Apps 44 (2), Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.28

Notes: Continues to play solidly as he claims another Premiership medal, and an FA Cup as well. Manages 71 caps with two goals. Has been demanding a new contract.

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

2018-19, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 53, Gls 14, Asts 5, MoM 8, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.57

2019-20, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 50, Gls 11, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2020-21, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 57, Gls 9, Asts 3, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.42

2021-22, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 55, Gls 8, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2022-23, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 52, Gls 13, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.08

2023-24, Chelsea, CA 176: Apps 50, Gls 14, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.26

Notes: After a dip in performances last season, his rises from the ashes again to help Chelsea win another Premiership, and the FA Cup. He had a prolific season in front of goal too, helping push his rating up. Reaches an enormous 136 caps with an impressive 23 goals and his career continues to shine.

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

2018-19, Man Utd, CA 189: Apps 39, Gls 5, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.54

2019-20, Man Utd, CA 189: Apps 36, Gls 8, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.25

2020-21, Man Utd, CA 194: Apps 39, Gls 5, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2021-22, Man Utd, CA 190: Apps 37, Gls 10, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.41

2022-23, Man Utd, CA 187: Apps 45, Gls 8, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.33

2023-24, Man Utd, CA 180: Apps 45, Gls 7, Asts 3, MoM 7, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.58

Notes: Raises his game to help Man Utd avoid relegation and beat the Bandits in the final of the League Cup. Pushes his way back into the England side, reaching 62 caps with 14 goals. Without him, Man Utd may struggle again.

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

2018-19, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 53 (1), Gls 9, Asts 5, MoM 6, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.54

2019-20, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 48 (1), Gls 13, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2020-21, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 51 (2), Gls 14, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.62

2021-22, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 55, Gls 14, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 10, RC 0, Avg 7.65

2022-23, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 47 (1), Gls 9, Asts 8, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.17

2023-24, Chelsea, CA 174: Apps 12 (9), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.67

Notes: The consistent levels of a couple of years ago have now completely disappeared. John Terry does not appear to rate him as a player, and he barely gets a game, contributing little when he does. To add to the bad news, he CA has dropped 17 points in two seasons, but his international record, standing at 115 caps and 25 goals, remains excellent.

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

2018-19, Arsenal, CA 191: Apps 58, Gls 18, Asts 6, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.76

2019-20, Arsenal, CA 191: Apps 46, Gls 11, Asts 8, MoM 7, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2020-21, Arsenal, CA 187: Apps 43, Gls 10, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.40

2021-22, Arsenal, CA 187: Apps 44, Gls 11, Asts 6, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2022-23, Arsenal, CA 178: Apps 50 (1), Gls 10, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.41

2023-24, Arsenal, CA 179: Apps 42 (1), Gls 11, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.51

Notes: For the tenth season in a row, he reaches double figures on the scoring charts, a fantastic achievement for a midfielder, and he remains the rock in Arsenalâ€™s team as they finish in their customary fourth place. Reaches 55 caps with 15 goals.

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

2018-19, Arsenal, CA 190: Apps 48, Gls 3, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.56

2019-20, Arsenal, CA 189: Apps 42 (1), Gls 6, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.49

2020-21, Arsenal, CA 189: Apps 47, Gls 5, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.28

2021-22, Arsenal, CA 189: Apps 40, Gls 6, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.45

2022-23, Arsenal, CA 185: Apps 54, Gls 7, Asts 7, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.50

2023-24, Arsenal, CA 173: Apps 31 (1), Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.34

Notes: Is currently considering his options at Arsenal as he approaches 35, but from a playing point of view he can still compete at the top level. Reaches 71 caps with seven goals, but his CA is now beginning to drop quickly. He has been quite unsettled this season, at first requesting a new contract, then falling out with teammate Shaun Barnes, and finally missing two months with a hip injury.

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

2018-19, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 44 (2), Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.24

2019-20, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 39 (1), Gls 3, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.35

2020-21, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 43 (5), Gls 5, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.15

2021-22, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 35 (4), Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.23

2022-23, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 42 (4), Gls 3, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.22

2023-24, Chelsea, CA 183: Apps 32 (5), Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.84

Notes: His CA remains impressive but his performances do not. A complete disappointment for Chelsea this season, he still somehow manages to play regularly, winning another Premiership medal and the FA Cup. Also still a regular for England, with 97 caps and five goals. Will look to reach his century next season, but may have to raise his game.

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

2018-19, Man Utd, CA 188: Apps 32, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.59

2019-20, Man Utd, CA 193: Apps 39, Gls 4, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.44

2020-21, Man Utd, CA 194: Apps 36, Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.22

2021-22, Man Utd, CA 189: Apps 34, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 8, RC 1, Avg 7.38

2022-23, Man Utd, CA 184: Apps 45, Gls 5, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.40

2023-24, Man Utd, CA 182: Apps 44, Gls 6, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 2, Avg 7.23

Notes: Performances drop a little but still plays very solidly, winning a League Cup medal with the win over the Bandits in the final. Approaches a century of caps, with 99 and five goals.

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

2018-19, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 31 (5), Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 1, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 6.89

2019-20, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 30, Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.57

2020-21, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 39 (4), Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.40

2021-22, Chelsea, CA 185: Apps 24 (10), Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.94

2022-23, Chelsea, CA 178: Apps 10 (12), Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.36

2023-24, Chelsea, CA 174: Apps 19 (13), Gls 5, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.66

Notes: Well, he plays better than last season, but thatâ€™s really not saying very much. Another poor season sees him lose his international place and remain on 71 caps and six goals, but he does win another Premiership medal and also wins the FA Cup, albeit playing poorly in the final. Fading badly.

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

2018-19, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 18 (11), Gls 13, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.48

2019-20, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 13 (10), Gls 11, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.39

2020-21, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 16 (12), Gls 10, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.54

2021-22, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 29 (10), Gls 21, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.59

2022-23, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 26 (3), Gls 18, Asts 2, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2023-24, Chelsea, CA 168: Apps 46 (3), Gls 29, Asts 6, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.61

Notes: He finally becomes a regular choice at Chelsea again after many seasons playing the squad rotation game, and the club are rewarded with a set of impressive performances, and the most prolific season of the veteranâ€™s career. Plays just twice more for England, scoring once, to reach 118 caps with 97 goals, tantalizingly short of the century scoring feat. CA is falling fast now though.

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

2018-19, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 54, Gls 27, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.63

2019-20, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 48, Gls 27, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.92

2020-21, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 49, Gls 29, Asts 2, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.88

2021-22, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 44 (1), Gls 24, Asts 1, MoM 5, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.93

2022-23, Chelsea, CA 178: Apps 44 (3), Gls 26, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2023-24, Chelsea, CA 171: Apps 26 (9), Gls 21, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.63

Notes: Despite not playing as much as he has in the past, he still has a remarkable season for such a veteran, scoring freely and playing fantastically. He wins another Premiership medal and the FA Cup, but his most impressive achievements are still at international level, where he continues to play and score regularly, now with an amazing 123 goals in 146 internationals. Has been demanding a new contract.

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

2018-19, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 11 (5), Gls 5, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2019-20, Chelsea, CA 186: Apps 16 (9), Gls 12, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.40

2020-21, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 17 (5), Gls 10, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.27

2021-22, Chelsea, CA 186: Apps 13 (2), Gls 8, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.73

2022-23, Chelsea, CA 182: Apps 34 (4), Gls 23, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2023-24, Chelsea, CA 167: Apps 17 (14), Gls 15, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.10

Notes: Last seasonâ€™s more regular place was lost again this time around, and although he continues to score at an impressive rate, is clearly beginning to show his age. CA is dropping incredibly quickly, and while he still wins another Premiership medal, he isnâ€™t picked for the FA Cup final and misses out there. Plays just one more international to reach 54 caps and 18 goals.

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

2018-19, Liverpool, CA 189: Apps 48, Gls 32, Asts 3, MoM 11, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.90

2019-20, Liverpool, CA 190: Apps 41, Gls 25, Asts 1, MoM 8, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.85

2020-21, Liverpool, CA 188: Apps 53, Gls 28, Asts 3, MoM 10, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.74

2021-22, Liverpool, CA 186: Apps 38, Gls 20, Asts 2, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.87

2022-23, Liverpool, CA 178: Apps 39, Gls 20, Asts 2, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.72

2023-24, Liverpool, CA 179: Apps 40, Gls 25, Asts 0, MoM 7, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.82

Notes: Strangely, while the rest of the strikers lose their CA at a rapid rate, his actually increases this season, and that matches his performance levels, as he continues to score hatfuls for his club, also adding four more in three games for England to reach 61 goals in 97 caps.

kipfizh · May 11, 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

2018-19, Tottenham, CA 181: Apps 0 (3), Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.67

Transfers to Leeds on a free transfer

2019-20, Leeds, CA 172: Apps 49 (1), Gls 1, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 7.22

2020-21, Leeds, CA 161: Apps 24 (4), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.14

Transfers to Leeds for 5m

2021-22, Palermo, CA 144: Apps 25, Gls 4, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 6, Avg 7.36

2022-23, Palermo, CA 135: Apps 38 (2), Gls 6, Asts 19, MoM 0, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.50

Transfers to Everton for 2.4m

2023-24, Everton, CA 112: Apps 22 (5), Gls 5, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.59

Notes: While Idiot B has now retired from the game, this idiot continues, but he may be wise in following his colleague out of the game after a poor season back in the Premiership with Everton, who narrowly avoided relegation by one point.

He joined Everton for 2.4m at the start of the season, and was met with the familiar unhappy reaction from the fans, who he criticized for judging him so soon. His impact has not been positive, however, and while he has continued to remain quiet throughout the rest of the season he doesnâ€™t have the ability to play well at this level anymore.

Will surely never add to his 49 caps and three goals, but hasnâ€™t mentioned retirement so may go on for another year yet.

Idiot B â€“ Retired 22/06/2023

kipfizh · May 11, 2007

Other stats

England surprised nobody by topping their qualifying group with eight wins from eight, scoring 27 and conceding none. It has been around fifteen years since they last conceded a goal in a qualifying game. Their group for the European Championships isnâ€™t easy, placed with Serbia, Sweden and Holland. Can they win the trophy back?

Chelsea won the Premiership for the fourth season in a row, and won it comfortably this time around, with Leeds recovering to second. Of the other traditionally big clubs, Arsenal and Liverpool both remained near the top, but Man Utd slipped towards another relegation battle.

Premiership

Chelsea beat Leeds to two trophies this season, pipping them in the League and also on penalties in the FA Cup, while Man Utd defeated a valiant Bandits side, in extra time, in the League Cup.

In Europe, Real Madrid continued their amazing run, reaching their seventh successive Champions League final, and taking their fifth win in that time, hammering Deportivo. In the UEFA Cup, Juventus edged out Benfica on penalties.

kipfizh · May 11, 2007

Summary

The Bandits didnâ€™t have a very interesting league season, but reached their first major cup final, pushing Man Utd all the way before being defeated in extra time. The cup runs from the last few years could mean one of two things â€“ either the club is really progressing now and has the capability to succeed at a higher level, or the manager is superb at motivating his side for one off matches. It remains to be seen which.

Such a shame they didnâ€™t win it â€“ a European adventure wouldâ€™ve done wonders for the reputation, but the cup run should help that on its own.

Some of the ex-Bandits are now finding it tough. Although a few are still performing as before, most are beginning to show signs of fading ability, and in the case of a few players at Chelsea, their performances have completely collapsed.

Iâ€™ve always found in FM games that the 35 year mark is one a player never recovers from. It seems as soon as an outfield player hits that age, all semblance of playing ability disappears. All 22 ex-Bandits (and one remaining idiot) will hit 35 this summer, during the European Championships (where England will surely field the oldest side in international history). Does this mean that next season will see their absolute demise?

Idiot A is still hanging onto his career, although his efforts at Everton didnâ€™t really help them very much. It is somewhat surprising that heâ€™s still going, given that his ability level are so much worse than Idiot Bâ€™s were when he retired last summer. Surely this coming season will be his last?

England probably have one more shot at a major honour this summer before the stars retire from international football. Keepers aside, I canâ€™t see the ex-Bandits playing in the World Cup at 37. Can they go out in style? Or will they go out on penalities?

Banditâ€™s former manager watch

Justin Edinburgh, the Banditsâ€™ first manager, is now a Premiership manager. Sheff Wed have gone from strength to strength and won the Championship this season, by four points. He will be seeing some familiar faces in the top flight next season.

Steve Brackstone, however, doesnâ€™t seem to last at any club he manages. Yeovil sacked him this season while struggling in the lower half of the league, but didnâ€™t improve after hiring Frank Lampard to replace him, finishing 16th.

Meanwhile Brackstone was hired by Wrexham, who were bottom of the Championship and in need of a miracle. They didnâ€™t get one, finishing 13 points adrift of the second bottom side, and they will return to League One, where they will meet the Bandits.

Contrasting fortunes of the two managers, Edinburgh is doing a superb job but Brackstone canâ€™t hold a job down.

kipfizh · May 11, 2007

(Bandits squad should be on the way, apparently the post is being held back because a word matched a filter somewhere....)

Best and Worst

New records:

Highest League Position â€“ 11th in League One (previous: 13th)

Highest Transfer Fee Paid â€“ 275k, for Simon McKee

Most League Appearances - Mensah-Omari Kinch â€“ 614 (previous: 585)

Most League Goals â€“ Mensah-Omari Kinch â€“ 293 (previous: 282)

This season:

Best player â€“ Kinch, 7.32

Top scorer â€“ Bryant, 26

Worst player â€“ Bowles, 6.47

Kinch and Bryant remain the main two, with Wells relegated to the reserves, but now Jenkins may replace the legendary Kinch up front.

My shortlist of 23 (no Idiot B anymore!) players now looks like this:

Shortlist

The Bandits fall one place to seventh in the rich club list:

Rich Clubs

MurrayLeMur · May 11, 2007

Loving this thread kipfish.Very good thread to read.Keep it up

zeusbheld · May 11, 2007

Originally posted by Meitheisman:
Thanks zeusbheld!

And no I don't have the editor since I play FM on xbox 360 and SI didn't create an editor for this version which is why I was asking you to check it out for me... I wasn't just being lazy

no worries, i just put that up there in case anyone didn't know.

next season ought to be really interesting, with all the little bandits on the decline. retirement parties soon, no doubt.

i find it interesting that there were no 'late bloomers'--they all reached their peak by about 24.

kipfizh · May 12, 2007

Okay, last night I tried to post the Bandits' squad details but the post got held back. It still isn't there, so I'm going to try and post it again - let's see!

(Part 1)

Bandits squad

Cup finals really do the trick! The number of players interested in joining the Bandits has leapt again, this time going from 5927 to a new high of 6322.

Top 20 in Squad (sorted by CA)

Name, Pos, Age, CA-PA

Bowles, AML, 30, 126-134 â€“ new signing

McKee, AM RL, 29, 120-132 (0)

Jenkins, ST, 26, 119-119 â€“ new signing

Law, GK, 28, 115-115 (0)

Ashton, DRL, 28, 115-115 (0)

Atkinson, GK, 33, 113-116 (-2)

Townsend, DC, 24, 113-116 (+1)

Bryant, ST, 28, 113-113 (+1)

Watson, MC, 32, 111-135 (-4)

Harvey, MC, 27, 111-111 (0)

Davies, D/WB L, 26, 109-109 (0)

Pearson, AM LC, 27, 107-111 â€“ new signing

Ashley, DC, 21, 106-110 (+4)

Joynes, DM, AM RC, 31, 105-111 (-4)

Askey, DC, 35, 101-118 (-9)

Slade, ST, 20, 100-100 (+9)

Butler, DC, 21, 98-101 (+5)

Clifford, ST, 21, 95-95 â€“ new signing

Lilley, GK, 93-119 â€“ new entry in top 20, youth player

Hart, DR, 20, 92-109 â€“ new entry in top 20, youth player

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

Gallagher, DM, 18, 92-128

Cooper, AMR, 29, 88-91

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

Kinch, ST, 34, 88-119 (-8)

Wood, AMC, 21, 88-98 (+3)

Wells, ST, 33, 86-97 (-6)

MacDonald, MRLC, 35, 67-117 (-17)

It is a landmark season in the history of the Bandits. The two main goal threats, the two main stars of the team, Kinch and Wells, have both fallen out of the top 20, and are on their way out. It has been coming for a while, so how has Gary Perry managed in replacing them?

In the summer he signed Bowles and Pearson, two attacking midfielders, probably in an attempt to lighten the load on the strikers. Bowles is excellent but 30, and Pearson is solid enough. However, both seem to be struggling, with average ratings not far above 6.00.

He followed up in January by signing Jenkins, who has peaked with a CA of 119 but is now 31 ahead of Kinch and at 26 he wonâ€™t be deteriorating for a while. He also signed Clifford, but with a low PA I canâ€™t see him shining. Jenkins scored eight goals in his 21 appearances and looks very bright, while Clifford is yet to play.

As for the rest, there are still a lot of old players in there, and they will need replacing. The strikers were always going to be the tricky ones though.

$Walcott\'s Wonderkids$ · May 12, 2007

Great stuff as always Kipfizh

Doesn't look like any of the ex-Bandits are going to end their playing days at their former club, which is a bit of a shame but I suppose understandable due to the large gap in standards between the 2 levels of football they are playing at the moment.

Will be interesting to see if any of the ex-bandits end up managing the Bandits one day though

kipfizh · May 13, 2007

Thanks SI for clearing the squad post - can anyone read it and tell me why it was flagged (The squad post two posts up from this one)?

I'm sure there's a keyword in there somewhere that caused it to be flagged, but for the life of me I can't figure out which one it was

Anyway, part two of the squad post:

CA of X or above:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

120 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 2

110 : 0, 2, 2, 3, 2, 6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 8, 7, 7, 9, 10

100 : 2, 4, 7, 7, 6, 13, 13, 12, 13, 13, 16, 12, 12, 12, 16

90 : 7, 11, 10, 9, 10, 16, 17, 15, 15, 20, 22, 16, 15, 17, 20

80 : 13, 14, 13, 13, 16, 21, 21, 18, 16, 21, 26, 20, 22, 21, 26

70 : 19, 22, 21, 20, 22, 27, 25, 19, 23, 25, 30, 23, 25, 27, 28

60 : 26, 26, 25, 23, 24, 32, 30, 24, 26, 30, 32, 26, 28, 28, 38

50 : 30, 31, 31, 26, 26, 35, 33, 28, 32, 34, 35, 30, 32, 34, 42

Now that is an improvement. Record numbers of 110+ and 100+ at the top level shows that the cream of the crop are getting better, very solid numbers underneath show that thereâ€™s more strength in depth, and even the record 60+ and 50+ numbers show that the squad is the biggest and best theyâ€™ve ever had.

Promising signs â€“ will they continue?

klose11 · May 13, 2007

A great season to read about there, it'll be interesting to see if any ex-bandits decide to retire during the next season. Surely they'll start dropping like flies over the next 2/3 seasons.

LichR · May 13, 2007

Hey,

Does anyone else notice that the Bandits never keep their best young players?

they always seem to leave after being promoted from youth.

Why is that? Kipz, could you look into that?

(are they just being prized away by bigger clubs? or the club fails to see their potential and just let them go on free?)

Thanks!

Mighty Red · May 13, 2007

Kip - is there a common attribute decrease in the ex-bandits who are no longer playing well? I.e. - have those that are playing badly all lost significant pace/stamina etc compared to those that are still playing well?

steve_888 · May 14, 2007

Kip - Excellent update as always but has anyone else noticed that the Bandits have a ridiculous number of players. They have around 180 players, most of which must be youngsters, and maybe this what is stopping them signing first team players.How much of their wage budget do they ahve remaining?

kipfizh · May 14, 2007

Originally posted by LichR:
Hey,

Does anyone else notice that the Bandits never keep their best young players?

they always seem to leave after being promoted from youth.

Why is that? Kipz, could you look into that?

(are they just being prized away by bigger clubs? or the club fails to see their potential and just let them go on free?)

Thanks!

They're not letting them go for free, but clubs in higher divisions (sometimes only the Championship) spot that the player could be good for them, and puts in a bid.

One thing I'm finding is that they really don't fight hard to keep those players. Whether that's a lack of ambition of a lack of ability to spot potential, I'm not sure.

kipfizh · May 14, 2007

Originally posted by Mighty Red:
Kip - is there a common attribute decrease in the ex-bandits who are no longer playing well? I.e. - have those that are playing badly all lost significant pace/stamina etc compared to those that are still playing well?

Stamina's still pretty good, but their pace has gone completely - most stats are still around 13-15 but pace and acceleration are generally down at about 6.

Most of the bandits have similar stats, so those that aren't playing so well probably just aren't being as well utilised.

kipfizh · May 14, 2007

Originally posted by steve_888:
Kip - Excellent update as always but has anyone else noticed that the Bandits have a ridiculous number of players. They have around 180 players, most of which must be youngsters, and maybe this what is stopping them signing first team players.How much of their wage budget do they ahve remaining?

No they don't have that many players.

If the table reads:

110+ : 1

100+ : 5

90+ : 6

That doesn't indicate 12 players, it indicates six. Since a player with 107CA is both 100+ and 90+, he is counted in both.

This was done so you could see an accurate assessment of one band of ability. Otherwise you'd get the daft scenario where the 80+ bracket goes down, but that's actually a good thing because all those players are now 90+.

That's also why the number always rises as you look down the table.

They actually currently have a squad of 47.

Meitheisman · May 14, 2007

KUTGW Kipfizh

Could you please post Bandit's Chairman attributes as it may help answer the question you asked?

One thing I'm finding is that they really don't fight hard to keep those players. Whether that's a lack of ambition of a lack of ability to spot potential, I'm not sure.

Thanks.

VonBlade · May 14, 2007

Originally posted by kipfizh:
That doesn't indicate 12 players, it indicates six. Since a player with 107CA is both 100+ and 90+, he is counted in both.

Ah. Although, personally speaking, who cares if they are in the 90s too? Having a player only appear in whichever section matches their highest ability would be easier for long-term comparisons. But this is such genius why worry

For the next one, I'd be interested (apart from a super-ambitious chairman) to have the players on longer-term deals so they don't all leave on frees. They might all leave after one season anyway, but it would be insightful to see if any take their loyalty up the divisions with the club, rather than bolting for the cash.

VB

ajani · May 14, 2007

great thread

i'm more excited than ever to see what happens next season and if any of the good players signs again for the bandits

please hurry

kipfizh · May 15, 2007

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

That doesn't indicate 12 players, it indicates six. Since a player with 107CA is both 100+ and 90+, he is counted in both.

Ah. Although, personally speaking, who cares if they are in the 90s too? Having a player only appear in whichever section matches their highest ability would be easier for long-term comparisons. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually, I find it harder - if you see a line like this:

90+: 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 7, 5, 4

You might think that the number of players they have with 90+ AI has started to drop. But it hasn't, it's only because they're being counted in a higher bracket.

I can always post the grid in both forms if different people prefer different ways, so one table showing:

100+

90+

80+

etc

and the other showing

100-109

90-99

80-89

For the next one, I'd be interested (apart from a super-ambitious chairman) to have the players on longer-term deals so they don't all leave on frees. They might all leave after one season anyway, but it would be insightful to see if any take their loyalty up the divisions with the club, rather than bolting for the cash.
VB

Yeah, it'll be interesting to see if anything can stop their rise to the Premier League. If the combination of an ambitious chairman, ambitious manager, loyal player and long contract can't, then nothing can.

kipfizh · May 15, 2007

Originally posted by Meitheisman:
KUTGW Kipfizh

Could you please post Bandit's Chairman attributes as it may help answer the question you asked?

Thanks.

Sure, here you go:

Robbie Rooney, Age 59

CA 150, PA 158

Chairman Stats:

Business 17

Interference 19

Patience 10

Resources 13

General Stats (do these matter?):

Adaptability 10

Ambition 9

Controversy 10

Loyalty 11

Pressure 9

Professionalism 8

Sportsmanship 13

Temperament 17

Meitheisman · May 15, 2007

Thanks kipfizh.

I'm not really sure what chairman attributes really change but do you think that his high Interference grade might have something to do with all of the original Bandits moving to bigger clubs really fast and his high Business grade might have something to do with him not spending a lot on new players and selling the good youth when he gets one.

Anyone?

Fridgecake · May 15, 2007

Meitheisman actually raises a good point, what constitutes a good or a great chairman?

If a chairman who is very business minded, he may see it that selling players early rather than waiting would be a better investment as the money can be returned back into the club earlier than say a larger amount at a later date.. while one who is less business minded may see that you've got a good player and encourage that he is held on to..

This could be done for each attribute and in some cases actually having a chairman with low numbers across the board (or at least in the majority of stats) could bode well for a club. For example one with low interference, low professionalism, low patience, but with high resources and high ambition, could give the manager a lot of money and just tell him to do the job or get sacked..

Think that raises an interesting point for the different chairmen that are possible..

mark johnson · May 17, 2007

Keeping it on page one!!

He Who Knows All · May 18, 2007

Originally posted by mark johnson:
Keeping it on page one!!

I'll second that motion

waz_nufc_awk · May 19, 2007

Originally posted by He Who Knows All:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by mark johnson:

Keeping it on page one!!

I'll second that motion </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll second that emotion

kipfizh · May 20, 2007

Hmm, Meitheisman, your points on the chairman are interesting. Unlike the players, it is harder to define a 'good' or 'bad' chairman. It'll be interesting to see which combinations of attributes brings most success.

kipfizh · May 20, 2007

Season 2024-25

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)

FA Cup: 3rd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2019-20

English League Two: (Pos 6), P 46, W 18, D 13, L 15, F 69, A 66, GD 3, Pts 67

(Media Prediction: 10th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South Semi Final

2020-21

English League Two: (Pos 10), P 46, W 17, D 15, L 14, F 67, A 61, GD 6, Pts 66

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2021-22

English League Two: (Pos 1), P 46, W 25, D 9, L 12, F 74, A 54, GD 20, Pts 84

(Media Prediction: 10th)

FA Cup: 5th Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: Finalist

2022-23

English League One: (Pos 13), P 46, W 16, D 15, L 15, F 73, A 63, GD +10, Pts 63

(Media Prediction: 23rd)

FA Cup: 4th Round

League Cup: 3rd Round

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South Semi-Final

2023-24

English League One: (Pos 11), P 46, W 17, D 13, L 16, F 65, A 71, GD -6, Pts 64

(Media Prediction: 19th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

League Cup: Finalist

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2024-25

English League One: (Pos 11), P 46, W 19, D 8, L 19, F 64, A 64, GD 0, Pts 65

(Media Prediction: 11th)

League

FA Cup: 1st Round

League Cup: Semi-Final

Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy: South Quarter Final

After a poor start to the season, the Bandits found themselves in the relegation zone after ten games, but the middle part of the season saw a stunning run of form and a rise all the way up into the playoffs. Coming into the later stages, they were third and looking good, but all of a sudden their form went out of the window, failing to win any of their last ten games and falling all the way to eleventh.

Only a couple of new players were brought in, and many were allowed to leave, including the legendary Lee Wells, who did not find another club and retired.

Once again, the League Cup provided the highlight of the season though. After early exits in the FA Cup and Johnstoneâ€™s Paint Trophy, they continued their giant killings in their favourite competition. After dispatching Premiership QPR (who have come second in the Premiership for the past couple of years) in the second round, they beat West Ham (who came second in the Premiership this year) in the third round on penalties.

But it was round four that would provide the most stunning result in Bandits history. Liverpool came to the huge ground, and were duly taken apart, losing 3-0 to the rampant League One side.

Man City, another strong Premiership side (they came fifth this year), were nervous in the quarter-finals, and it showed, as the Bandits ran out 2-1 winners to advance to the semi-finals for the second season running, where they faced Arsenal. That was where the run would end, losing both legs in a 4-0 aggregate defeat. Arsenal went on to win the final.

So four more Premiership scalps brings the number of giant killings to fourteen in four years. They are building something of a reputation in the cups, especially at home, and they fear absolutely no-one. If they could regain some consistency, these wins may be in the league in the future.

kipfizh · May 20, 2007