Jump to content

AI Experiment - what would happen if?


Recommended Posts

Great stuff as usual Kipfizh.

I like the new section with the Genie Scout % but I'm wondering how accurate this really is, I have no problem with Galloway being the best Fullback in the world but a Center Back with 10 in Marking cannot possibly be the best in the world, there must be some well rounded CBs around.

Very disappointed by the Bandits missing Europe again and really scared, as always, about the new man in charge... what kind of manager will the board get us this time?

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 4.3k
  • Created
  • Last Reply
Originally posted by djhdjh:

Just a quick request to see how Barnet are getting on? What league, have we got a new stadium yet (desperate search for the last decade in real life) and is Kleanthous still chairman?

Barnet have spent most of their time in League Two and the Conference, but in 2043/44 got all the way up to the Championship. Two consecutive relegations put paid to that, but they were re-established in League One before coming bottom last season and dropping back to League Two.

Their only trophy of any note is actually one they are the current holders of – their terrible league season last year was offset by their triumph in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

No new stadium, but Barnet, along with most clubs, have a new board, with a new chairman by the name of James Fashanu. He's not half bad, actually.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally posted by chopper99:

Fantastic update as always. I'm absolutely gutted that we sold Lomas. He was steadily approaching his massive potential and should have started a lot more games imo.

True, but if there's one position the Bandits are well stocked in, it's strikers. Finley, McDermott, Americo and Martin are all top class and at their peak, and Lomas didn't want to wait.

Ellis is still there, and can play up front, but he's the only young one left now.

The Bandits did sign a striker in the summer, I'll detail him in just a moment....

Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally posted by DefoesRightBoot:

Like the scouting/positional section, one thing I'd suggest as an addition though here would be their club and nation mentioned (eg Joe Galloway (West Ham / England, 24, 181/190, 80.81%)) - I know some get mentioned along with their clubs etc in the write-up part of this but would be interested to see it for the whole of the "World XI"

Will do!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally posted by AB-forever:

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

Let us hope that someone good and influential joins the club and can finally get us that title!

Just like we did the other times icon_frown.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yep, it's same old same old icon_smile.gif

Why couldn't Terry Arthur just feck off and leave the squad as it was?! Hate him now icon_mad.gif

He was so close to leaving the squad intact, but at least he left before he could cull anymore.

If you asked me, I'd want a scout hired as the next manager. At some clubs, you need to be tactically astute and motivational.

At the Bandits, where money is plentiful, the most important attributes are those of judging the ability and potential of players. The rest can take care of itself.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally posted by Meitheisman:

Great stuff as usual Kipfizh.

I like the new section with the Genie Scout % but I'm wondering how accurate this really is, I have no problem with Galloway being the best Fullback in the world but a Center Back with 10 in Marking cannot possibly be the best in the world, there must be some well rounded CBs around.

Very disappointed by the Bandits missing Europe again and really scared, as always, about the new man in charge... what kind of manager will the board get us this time?

True, it isn't the most scientific approach, but it does allow us to directly compare two players using a tool other than CA.

So far, it has been promising. While, like CA, it cannot be relied on, it does suggest that Sergienko isn't as good as he seems, whereas Abdulkadir really is (which you can tell from their respective performances).

I'd hope that when we next come across a Maia, this will point him out as a fraud from the start.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Terry Arthur's leaving present

The days were ticking away until Arthur moved into retirement. Once again the fans were desperate for a good appointment to be made, preferably someone who could tell a player when they saw one.

But Arthur had one more surprise in store. Having sold the club's most promising young striker, he tried to make amends by signing one at the other end of his career.

Eduardo Castillejo is a legendary name in world football. The Spanish striker tore club and international defences apart for years, before moving into his 30s and slowing down. A former world star, a former world best in fact, at his peak he was a terrifying prospect.

Now fading a little, he is looking for a new challenge. And he's coming to the Bandits.

Eduardo Castillejo

He is some way from his peak of 198 CA, but even at his current level of 163, he is no slouch.

Sure, he isn't the player he was, and sure, the team hardly needed another striker, but you have to admit, he's quite a signing nonetheless.

Link to post
Share on other sites

WOW! It'll be pleasing to see Castillejo on duty for Bandits. Not a star signing and not needed urgently, that's for sure. But imagine a team like Spurs (dunno English football too deep, was just compare to match Bandits with todays clubs) signing Raul from Madrid. It is huge in my opinion.

All fingers crossed for a decent manager with good skills in JPA, JPP & Tactical Knowledge.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally posted by 5ergio:

WOW! It'll be pleasing to see Castillejo on duty for Bandits. Not a star signing and not needed urgently, that's for sure. But imagine a team like Spurs (I dunno English football too deep, was just trying to compare Bandits with todays clubs) signing Raul from Madrid. It is huge in my opinion.

All fingers crossed for a decent manager with good skills in JPA, JPP & Tactical Knowledge.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Talk about a legend! Great signing by Arthur, and while Castillejo may not be the player he once was (and what a player he was) he still looks pretty handy. But the main bonus for me here is the fact that the Bandits reputation has now landed then such a star. Perhaps more will follow.

And who knows what skills Castillejo will be able to pass on to the future Bandit stars of tomorrow.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally posted by kipfizh:

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

Great stuff as usual Kipfizh.

I like the new section with the Genie Scout % but I'm wondering how accurate this really is, I have no problem with Galloway being the best Fullback in the world but a Center Back with 10 in Marking cannot possibly be the best in the world, there must be some well rounded CBs around.

Very disappointed by the Bandits missing Europe again and really scared, as always, about the new man in charge... what kind of manager will the board get us this time?

True, it isn't the most scientific approach, but it does allow us to directly compare two players using a tool other than CA.

So far, it has been promising. While, like CA, it cannot be relied on, it does suggest that Sergienko isn't as good as he seems, whereas Abdulkadir really is (which you can tell from their respective performances).

I'd hope that when we next come across a Maia, this will point him out as a fraud from the start. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Fair enough... but why did you only give us Castillejo's CA/PA and not his Genie Scout % then? icon_wink.gif

Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally posted by Meitheisman:

Fair enough... but why did you only give us Castillejo's CA/PA and not his Genie Scout % then? icon_wink.gif

Haha, touche, mon ami icon14.gif

He has a target striker rating of 75.88%, which places him as the second highest rated striker at the club, behind Americo's 77.70% (a player I suspect has been underused at the club).

Incidentally, Americo is second overall in the club, Pacheco unsurprisingly leads the way with a 77.97% wing back rating, due to his fearsome Roberto Carlos style stats.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally posted by kipfizh:

Coming, coming, coming.... icon_smile.gif

Woohoo icon_smile.gificon14.gif

I'm very excited about this season for some reason. I've got a feeling it's going to be interesting, not sure why. Ineresting may not equal successful, I just think something interesting is going to happen....

Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally posted by Meitheisman:

If we gave Kipfizh 10p every time we check this thread out he'd be all right... and we'd get the updates x times faster. I liiiiiike icon14.gif

Seriously, I doubt that it would cost much to set up a Paypal account to receive money. I haven't done it myself, but maybe someone could volunteer to guide Kipfizh through it.

Probably less than ten percent of viewers would donate, but it may be worth the effort to ask. He's not going to get enough to live on, but it might keep him in good spirits.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Originally posted by kipfizh:

Nah, no money thanks, I've motivated enough by just doing the experiment, life's just quite busy at the moment icon_smile.gif

That said, you'll see the squad details shortly, and chopper99, it has been interesting icon_wink.gif

You should set up a paypal account anyways though, I'd be more than willing to send in a fiver for example and I'm sure a few others will send you in a few quid, you could earn yourself a small amount of money which you definitely deserve!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry folks, the squad report will now probably be on Sunday.

I've actually had these week off work, and you'd think that would give me more time, but there's been a whole heap of DIY to do and without a train journey to and from work it's been slow progress here.

As far as running it, it takes no time at all to run the season, the write up takes ages though.

Bear with me...

Link to post
Share on other sites

WOW What can I say! I happened apon this thread 3 days ago and have managed to finally get to the end, been reading it while my FM08 game did its daily processes and I lost count how many times I got so wrapped up in this I completely forgot about FM. Joined the Facebook group and bookmarked the Bandits page.

Well done Kipfizh what you have done is beyond anything I have see before and judging by the other comments I'm not the only one who has been hooked!

Class Act! Keep it up! icon14.gificon14.gif

Link to post
Share on other sites

Right, it's been too long! I've written the report in a strange order this season, so although you're only getting the squad report now, the rest is about half done so should arrive pretty quickly this week.

And here we go with the quite interesting squad stuff...

Link to post
Share on other sites

Season 2051-52

Bandits report - Transfers

Transfers In

Transfers Out

Just as the Bandits had been settling in to life under Neil Angus, with him bringing in some excellent prospects, he retired, and was replaced by Terry Arthur, their former assistant. His first season was mixed, with some varied signings, and the eventual arrangement of three painful sales, but on the field they reached sixth, their best finish in years, and were only denied a European slot by some very bad luck.

Towards the end of the season, Arthur also revealed he was retiring in the summer, and once again the fans entered the close season wondering what state they would be in come August.

Summer

The summer began with the pre-arranged sales of three of the club’s most promising youngsters. Aaron Lomas moved to Spurs for 17.25m, a handy profit but a loss nonetheless as the striker was quite the talent. Youth product Kyle Cox left the club for the second time, this time moving to QPR for 3.2m, while centre back Michael Thomas moved to Man City for 3.6m having been unhappy at the lack of opportunities he was getting.

All three had very high potential, but none of the three were playing regularly, as their positions were occupied by decent players.

Before he left, Terry Arthur oversaw the sale of one more player. Jami Priha has made little impression on the first team as there were plenty of quality goalkeepers ahead of him in the pecking order, and he found himself moving to Arsenal for 2.7m, pretty good business when you take into account his signing cost nothing.

The Bandits’ fans still disliked Arthur for the sales of three talents, and after his previous exploits in the transfer market, they wanted him out quickly to allow his replacement to rebuild. But before he left, he was to make some signings of his own. The first was on a free, Croatian defensive midfielder Josip Simunovic coming to the club. The 26 year old is a squad player at best, with a CA of 154 and a PA only four points higher. Not an inspiring start.

The second signing, however, was much better, and practically broke the bank. German attacking midfielder David Schweinsteiger cost 22.5m from Stuttgart, but the 28 year old came with a big reputation, having starred for years in the Bundesliga. With his CA peaked at 173, he would instantly command a spot in the team.

If his arrival turned heads, the next one spun them around until dizzy. Eduardo Castillejo was a legend, a former world star, but was on the decline. Even so, it was a shock to see the Bandits capture him from Inter for only 5.75m, as even in his 30s the man was a deadly finisher, and with a history at the very top of the game, could tutor some of the prospects in the squad. The fans were delighted.

Arthur wasn’t even done there. Determined to make an impact before leaving, his final signing was 27 year old Scottish right winger Robbie Clark, who with a CA of 167 and a PA of 179 was quite the player again. Costing 10.5m from Sunderland, he would command a first team place for the season.

And with that, Terry Arthur retired.

He was replaced by a much younger man, Mark Nicholson, who would turn 50 during the season. With a CA and PA both at 119, he is perfectly capable, but as with all managers, it is the distribution of attributes that is most important.

Mark Nicholson

The key with Mark Nicholson is that his best attributes are the scouting ones, which at some clubs would be a disadvantage, but at the Bandits it is crucial. With their unlimited transfer funds, it is imperative for any manager to pick players carefully, and construct a winning squad. With Nicholson, he is good at both judging players’ ability and potential, so that part of his make up is spot on.

Also good news is his tactical knowledge, plus the fact that he works with youngsters well. In fact, the reason his CA doesn’t appear to be high is simply that he isn’t a good coach, but with Goalkeeper 1 as assistant manager, who specialises in the coaching attributes, it seems the Bandits have finally got a team that complement each other. Will it work?

For the rest of the summer, Nicholson only sold one player, reserve right winger Eric Lamberti, who had lost his place due to Pacheco’s arrival, and with the signing of Robbie Clark was now way down the pecking order.

The next day, he made his first signing, a young Finnish goalkeeper, Heikki Halonen, who at 21 already had 156 CA, with the potential to rise to 171 and be a very talented player. The signing was a good indication of Nicholson’s ability to spot a player, and his realisation that the club’s keepers were aging.

His second and final signing of the summer was 26 year old Serbian central midfielder Vukasin Hadziburic, who cost 8m from Partizan and would become a regular fixture in the team all season. An extremely talented player, his CA of 172 could rise to 179.

January

Collen Mnguni had played a reasonable amount of games at left back during the season, but his average rating of a dismal 6.18 didn’t impress Nicholson, who sold him as soon as January rolled around. Joining him at the exit door was Antonio Carnevale, who had never made an impression on the first team and wouldn’t be missed.

Coming into the club was England Under 21 right back Simon Cook, a 2.9m capture from Aston Villa, whose CA of 152 was too low for immediate first team action, but could rise as high as 170. Another good spot.

On the other flank, left back Michael Boateng arrived for 3.9m from Nottm Forest, another 21 year old with promise, whose CA of 144 could rise to 169. The average age of the squad was coming down at last.

25 year old defender James Stroud had been playing regularly for the Bandits, without impressing too much, and Nicholson wasn’t enamoured with what he saw, so he used him as bait in an exchange deal with Arsenal, in order to sign 22 year old central midfielder Neil Pollard. It seemed the Bandits had got the better end of the deal, with Pollard’s already impressive CA of 161 potentially rising to 177.

The same day, Nicholson made another impressive capture, but instead of going for youth went for the established quality of Norwegian Jonas Haaland, splashing out 10.5m to acquire him from Chelsea. The 29 year old is adept in either full back position, but more comfortable on the right, and while his CA has come down from the stunning PA of 188, it is still at 176, making him one of the club’s best players.

With Romain Remy losing his place in central midfield, and playing extremely poorly when he did feature, Nicholson was glad to recoup 5.25m for the 29 year old, as he moved to QPR. He wouldn’t impress there either.

The fans were feeling good – reserves and players not performing were leaving, and a combination of established talent and real promise was coming into the club. And Nicholson wasn’t finished. Next to arrive was Spanish defender Adrian Simon, who at 30 was intended as just a squad player, but able to play practically anywhere in defence, he is versatile and extremely useful, his CA having not yet dropped from its peak of 166.

The final sale of the January transfer window was a part exchange deal, but it was the first time that Nicholson had let a favourite go. Although he had signed a number of defenders, Steve Beckford had been starring for the Bandits, averaging a stunning 7.61, but he had caught the eye of Chelsea, who paid 2.2m and Italian central midfielder Massimo Basile for the star. While the fans were unhappy to see Beckford leave, he would struggle for Chelsea, averaging comfortably under 7, while Basile began to show real talent. With a CA of 164, he is already a very good player, but he PA of 185 is stunning, even though his 25 years probably prevents him from getting there. Had Nicholson pulled off another coup?

He still wasn’t done, making one more signing in Kristoffer Hals, a 22 year old Norwegian central defender who may go on to replace Beckford in time. Already he has a CA of 161, which can rise to 171, and with years on his side, he could be another real talent.

And with that, the chequebook was put away. Reserves had been sold, players who weren’t performing had gone, and the only player the fans were unhappy to see leave was Steve Beckford, and they even managed to get money and a decent player for him. But their real delight was in the set of signings. The Bandits had paid 83m during the season, a transfer deficit of nearly 50m, but no-one will mind when the new manager brings in a wonderful combination of peaked talent and young promise.

There was a feelgood factor around the club, but one word of caution – transfer dealings are Nicholson’s strength. Can the rest of his staff help him push the club forward? Or will he be unable to manage perhaps the best squad they have ever had? It promises to be interesting.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Bandits report - squad

Top 20 in Squad (sorted by CA)

Name, Pos, Age, CA-PA

Pacheco, D/WB/M R, 26, 179-179 (-)

Martin, ST, 29, 178-178 (-)

Haaland, D/WB RL, 29, 176-188 – new signing

Schweinsteiger, AM/F C, 28, 173-173 – new signing

Americo, ST, 27, 172-172 (-)

Fatih, DC, 29, 172-173 (+1)

Hadziburic, DM, 26, 172-179 – new signing

Johnstone, GK, 32, 171-173 (-1)

Dompig, D/M C, 26, 170-170 (-)

de Jong, DC, 31, 168-170 (+1)

Clark, AM R, 27, 167-179 – new signing

Simon, SW/D LC, 30, 166-166 – new signing

Basile, MC, 25, 164-185 – new signing

Pollard, MC, 22, 161-177 – new signing

Hals, DC, 22, 161-171 – new signing

Thackeray, AM L, 29, 160-170 (-2)

Beckham, GK, 32, 160-161 (-)

Finley, ST, 31, 158-169 (-8)

Castillejo, ST, 32, 157-198 – new signing

Halonen, GK, 21, 156-171 – new signing

Players in last season’s top 20 who have left the club:

Lomas, ST, 22, 169-198

Beckford, SW, DLC, 26, 169-170

Brock, GK, 38, 165-175 (retired)

Remy, DM, 28, 165-166

Stroud, D RLC, 24, 163-177

Thomas, DC, 22, 159-173

Mnguni, D/WB L, 33, 154-175

Cox, AM RC, 20, 153-177

Players in last season’s top 20 who have dropped out of the top 20:

Reid, MC, 30, 154-170 (-5)

McDermott, ST, 34, 137-159 (-16)

It’s all change with the Bandits this year – half of their top 20 are new signing, with plenty of last season’s list moving on. Overall, the squad looks far better, the only downside being the sale of the youngsters that Terry Arthur oversaw.

Since Nicholson’s arrival, the age of the squad has reduced, and there are some real talents up there.

Notable others:

Harper, AM/F C, 17, 131-181 (+22)

Sayer, ST, 21, 149-174 (+12)

Ellis, AM/F C, 19, 127-174 (+9)

There are no new youth players this season, but the three that remain from the academy are progressing nicely. Sayer must be pushing for a first team place now, especially with Finley and McDermott fading, and Castillejo being so old, while Harper and Ellis continue to show great promise. Ellis needs to increase his improvement rate a little though.

CA of X or above:

190 : 0 … 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

180 : 0 … 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

170 : 0 … 1, 2, 1, 3, 4, 4, 4, 6, 9

160 : 0 … 3, 7, 8, 10, 9, 12, 9, 15, 17

150 : 0 … 15, 19, 16, 21, 20, 19, 19, 21, 23

140 : 0 … 24, 26, 20, 26, 25, 25, 27, 27, 29

130 : 0 … 29, 29, 26, 30, 30, 28, 30, 30, 32

120 : 0 … 30, 32, 28, 31, 30, 29, 34, 30, 35

110 : 0 … 31, 32, 28, 32, 31, 31, 35, 33, 37

100 : 2 … 34, 33, 30, 38, 34, 33, 39, 36, 38

It isn’t often you see improvement across the board, but that’s what we have this season. The number of 170+ players has now hit a fantastic nine, with plenty of backup behind that. It surely won’t be long before they have a 180 player and are featured in the distribution of world stars.

It is the strongest squad the Bandits have ever had, and there is youth in there too. Are things finally looking up?

Link to post
Share on other sites

My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I looked at the Transfers In screen and saw that the club had spent over £80m!

Some excellent looking signings in there, and I can't say I'm too bothered by the players going the other way (apart from all the youngsters Arthur flogged icon_mad.gif)

All in all a promising start, they've definitely got the squad now to break into the top 4 at least.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I couldn't give a monkeys if he just got off a banana boat having spent his previous time selling chips icon_biggrin.gif. What a completely stunning set of ins and outs. If he's even half decent and just puts the players out there, in their good positions, and lets them get on with it, this could be a stellar season and possible Title.

Fantastic.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...