AI Experiment - what would happen if?

[kipfizh]

Premiership Analysis - Reputation

(league position in bold)

1 (1). Sheff Wed (7) – 8718 (-351)

2 (2). Liverpool (1) – 8371 (+73)

3 (4). Tottenham (2) – 8141 (+64)

4 (3). Chelsea (4) – 8074 (-63)

5 (8). Bandits (5) – 7920 (+146)

6 (5). Leeds (9) – 7916 (-91)

7 (6). West Ham (14) – 7637 (-284)

8 (12). Newcastle (3) – 7467 (+405)

9 (7). Man City (16) – 7417 (-468)

10 (9). QPR (8) – 7384 (-175)

11 (10). West Brom (11) – 7204 (-166)

12 (13). Aston Villa (12) – 7063 (+17)

13 (11). Sunderland (13) – 7037 (-26)

14 (14). Burnley (6) – 6942 (-72)

15 (15). Man Utd (10) – 6878 (+90)

16 (-). Arsenal (15) – 6348 (+76)

17 (17). Portsmouth (18) – 6196 (+55)

18 (-). Chesterfield (17) – 5946 (+124)

19 (-). Leicester (20) – 5833 (+121)

20 (16). Derby (19) – 5681 (-1049)

Promoted sides

Port Vale – 6273 (+740)

Nottm Forest – 6336 (+723)

Colchester – 5436

Sheff Wed find their lead at the top cut once again – they used to be dominant, but have now daded away. Not a lot of change elsewhere in the top four, but the Bandits make a very decent rise from eighth to fifth after the run to the UEFA Cup semi final. Newcastle also enjoy an excellent season, while Portsmouth inexplicably find their reputation goes up despite a relegation and no cup run.

Coming up, Forest look reasonable, but Colchester almost look doomed before they start.

[kipfizh]

Premiership Analysis – Team Ability

(league position in bold)

1 (1). Chelsea (4) – 73.89 (-0.22)

2 (3). Liverpool (1) – 72.67 (-0.64)

3 (8). West Ham (14) – 72.51 (+1.83)

4 (7). Man City (16) – 72.23 (+0.66)

5 (2). Sheff Wed (7) – 72.16 (-1.75)

6 (6). Tottenham (2) – 71.89 (+0.04)

7 (4). Bandits (5) – 71.64 (-1.28)

8 (14). QPR (8) – 71.15 (+1.58)

9 (5). Aston Villa (12) – 71.00 (-1.00)

10 (11). Leeds (9) – 70.59 (+0.53)

11 (-). Arsenal (15) – 70.45 (+1.07)

12 (9). West Brom (11) – 70.41 (-0.21)

13 (12). Sunderland (13) – 70.34 (+0.60)

14 (13). Man Utd (10) – 70.17 (+0.45)

15 (15). Newcastle (3) – 69.75 (+0.24)

16 (10). Derby (19) – 68.82 (-1.63)

17 (16). Portsmouth (18) – 67.47 (-1.65)

18 (-). Chesterfield (17) – 67.21 (+0.38)

19 (17). Burnley (6) – 67.09 (+0.07)

20 (-). Leicester (20) – 65.96 (+0.93)

Promoted sides

Port Vale – 64.94 (-0.10)

Nottm Forest – 65.41 (-0.58)

Colchester – 63.54

Chelsea comfortably retain their place at the top of the list, with champions Liverpool coming in second place. West Ham still have a great side even if they are not performing in the league, while Man City are faring even worse – an excellent set of players nearly got them relegated.

Sheff Wed are fading badly now, while the Bandits suffer a big slip too, pushing them down to seventh.

At the other end, Leicester were always doomed, but Burnley are punching far above their weight, finishing sixth. Of the promoted sides, only Forest seem to have a hope.

Overachievers : Newcastle, Burnley

Underachievers : Man City, West Ham

Title Prediction : Chelsea to come back and win the league

Relegation Prediction : Port Vale and Colchester to be joined by Sunderland

[kipfizh]

Summary

It was a season of so nearly for the Bandits, reaching the semi finals of the UEFA Cup before losing in extra time, the semi finals of the FA Cup before being narrowly defeated by Sheff Wed, and sitting fourth until the final day, when a 3-0 defeat saw them edged out of the Champions League places on goals scored.

The stock of the club rose nonetheless thanks to what was a fantastic season overall, and perhaps a trophy could’ve been won had they not been fighting on so many fronts. Reynolds has made a few great signings and a few odd decisions, so the summer will be interesting to see.

Speaking of the summer, it is World Cup year, and the best three players in the world, Bucci of Italy, Perez of Mexico and Charton of France, are all in the same horrendous group. There could be some interesting clashes. How will England fare?

Liverpool pinched the league from Spurs on the final day, after the champions managed to lose to bottom club Leicester. Further down the leagues, a new giant club is rising – Welling gaining their second successive comfortable promotion after their FA Cup triumph from two years ago. How far can they go?

The former Bandits are all moving into retirement – former Bandit manager Left Back 1 won the league with Liverpool in the final season of his career, while Goalkeeper 1 will also retire as Bandits’ assistant manager in the summer.

One thing is guaranteed – the summer will hold plenty of interesting news (and I say that because I’ve gone on two weeks!!)

Bandit’s former manager watch

Justin Edinburgh has retired.

Steve Brackstone has retired.

Gary Perry has retired.

Dean Glover has retired.

Martin Lawton has retired.

Danny Gamble has retired.

Phil Edwards has retired.

Ben Clayton hasn’t found employment in three years now.

Stuart Davies has retired.

Left Back 1 had a glorious season in charge of Liverpool, winning the Premiership. He retires this summer.

Neil Angus has retired.

Terry Arthur has retired.

Mark Nicholson left West Ham with them 13th in the Premiership, and they finished 14th without him, also winning the UEFA Cup. He left to join Benfica, and his only match was a heavy defeat as they went out of the Champions League to Milan.

[kipfizh]

World View - Ones to watch

Your annual guide to the stars of tomorrow:

Juan Carlos Gimenez (San Lorenzo/Argentina, 17, 116/199, Midfielder: 59.74%) is a young Argentinian who is unnoticed even in his own country so far, but has the potential to be a world star.

Previous tips (legends, or players still with promise)

Carlo Lupo has retired.

Hugues Guichard (Bayern Munich/France, 32, 129/195, Target Striker: 70.79%), loses another 26 CA points, and spends the season on loan at Bayer Levekusen, where he scores ten times in twenty games. He can still play.

Bjorn Strand (West Ham/Norway, 31, 161/193, Target Striker: 78.27%), loses seventeen more points, but isn’t slowing down, scoring another 23 goals for West Ham this season.

Umit Abdulkadir (Real Madrid/Turkey, 29, 191/199, Fast Striker: 78.20%), manages to retain his CA this season after falling away from his peak a year ago. He is as prolific as ever, scoring 24 goals at an average of 7.86, and scoring the winner in the Champions League final.

Reiner Helbig (Barcelona/Germany, 28, 190/199, Midfielder: 74.86%), gains the one point he needed to reach 190, and is another in the Maia school of undeserving world beaters. His scouted rating gives him away as not being the talent he should be, and if that doesn’t do it, his 6.36 rating will. I’d have taken him out of the section ages ago if it weren’t for the 190 rating – he isn’t one to watch at all.

Leonardo (Barcelona/Brazil, 27, 185/185, Target Striker: 76.08%), gained the last five points of CA he needed to reach his peak, and scores 22 goals in his first full season at Barcelona.

Peter Schulz (Bayern Munich/Germany, 29, 182/188, Target Striker: 76.29%), drops one more point, but has the best season of his career, scoring an incredible 37 goals at an average of 7.92. Watch him this summer.

Fabrizio Bucci (Inter/Italy, 28, 192/199, Target Striker: 76.91%), falls away from his peak by losing seven points, and also drops way below the 80% scouted rating he held last season. But don’t think he’s losing his way – he isn’t, scoring another 32 goals at an average of 7.77. The World Cup is in Italy this summer, he is expected to be the main man.

Joe Galloway (Liverpool/England, 27, 186/190, Full Back: 80.13%), gains one more CA point, and rises above the 80% scouted rating mark again. Has another excellent season for Liverpool, winning the Premiership.

Guillaume Charton (Lyon/France, 27, 194/194, Goalkeeper: 76.10%), reaches his peak after gaining the last two points of CA he needed, and continues to be ridiculously good for Lyon. He will make France very difficult to beat this summer.

Juan Perez (Real Madrid/Mexico, 24, 194/194, Winger: 79.45%), gains the last two CA points to reach his peak, but despite his amazing talent, struggles to keep up his form at Real Madrid. Mexico are in the same group as Italy and France this summer, so they will struggle.

Aaron Lomas (Tottenham/England, 25, 184/198, Target Striker: 79.31%), gains two more points, but isn’t threatening his potential of 198 just yet. Last season looks a little like a flash in the pan as he struggles a bit more this year.

Graham Thomas (Liverpool/England, 23, 183/198, Centre Back: 75.67%), rises five CA points, and begins to settle at Liverpool, playing well and winning a Premiership medal.

Francisco Javier Rua (West Ham/Spain, 25, 181/192, Winger: 74.71%), gains three points, moves from Fiorentina to West Ham for 20.5m after one season in Italy, but struggles to settle. He may not be as good as his CA suggests.

Andre Luis (Valencia/Brazil, 23, 179/198, Attacking Midfielder: 73.46%), gains five more CA points, and moves to Valencia for 14.25m and former Bandit starlet Gustavo Rodriguez. Luis is struggling in Spain.

Raymond van Dijk (Chelsea/Holland, 22, 178/195, Full Back: 79.59%), rise 13 more points, finally breaking into the Chelsea team, but like so many before him, is struggling at Stamford Bridge.

Roberio (Marseille/Brazil, 20, 168/198, Winger: 72.84%), gained 13 more CA points, and moved from Porto to Marseille for 7.25m, although he isn’t playing well for his new club.

Olivier Texier (Valencia/France, 21, 167/199, Winger: 70.85%), gains another 19 CA points, but still isn’t playing well for Valencia, where he has been a regular. He will join Sheff Wed in the summer.

Robert Wojcik (Korona Kielce/Poland, 16, 120/194, Target Striker: 63.55%), gains 23 points, and at the age of only 16 scores 22 goals in 25 games for his hometown club. The Polish league may not be the strongest, but that’s impressive.

[kipfizh]

World View - World beaters (by CA)

Gillaume Charton (Lyon/France, 27, 194/194, Goalkeeper: 76.10%) moves into joint first place after gaining the last two CA points he needed to reach his potential. He will again make France very difficult to beat this summer, after once again starring for Lyon. He is without doubt the best goalkeeper the world has seen in the last twenty years.

Gillaume Charton

Juan Perez (Real Madrid/Mexico, 24, 194/194, Winger: 79.45%) joins Charton as leader of the world beaters list after gaining the final two points of his CA too. But he struggled to make an impact this season despite his obvious talent, failing to recapture the form of last year. He still has time on his side, but faces the tough task of helping Mexico qualify from a group containing Italy and France this summer.

Juan Perez

Fabrizio Bucci (Inter/Italy, 28, 192/199, Target Striker: 76.91%) falls away from his peak, and loses the top spot, dropping to third on the list, but scored 32 goals in another prolific season, and at 28 is now in the peak of his career. The timing is perfect for him – this is the summer the World Cup comes to Italy, and all eyes are on him to help them win the trophy. Can he do it?

Fabrizio Bucci

Umit Abdulkadir (Real Madrid/Turkey, 29, 191/199, Fast Striker: 78.20%) manages to keep his CA at 191 and remains in fourth place after another remarkable season at Real Madrid. The guy is utterly deadly, but having failed in the past to turn it on in international tournaments, will miss out entirely this summer as Turkey have failed to qualify.

Umit Abdulkadir

Reiner Helbig (Barcelona/Germany, 28, 190/199, Midfielder: 74.86%) is a new entry on the list, and about the nicest thing I can say about him is that he’s got a CA of 190. Because, in reality, he’s a bit rubbish. In fact, he’s more than a bit rubbish, he’s totally and utterly useless. His average of 6.36 makes me wonder if Maia was really that bad. Helbig has a place assured on the world beaters hall of shame, the hopeless pile of Chris Kiwomya that he is. If he’s on here next year, I’m tempted to edit the game and given him a nasty case of broken leg. It might improve his game.

Reiner ‘Donkey’ Helbig

Mathieu Adam (Real Madrid/France, 24, 190/192, Goalkeeper: 76.98%) is about the unluckiest man in world football. He is a truly remarkable goalkeeper, and won a Champions League medal with Real Madrid this season, conceding just 14 goals in 44 games for his club, and averaging 7.91. In most circumstances, you would expect him to be a major star of the World Cup this summer, but unfortunately for him, he’s French, and that means Charton is blocking his path to the national side. Just three years Charton’s junior, his career could be filled with frustration.

Mathieu Adam

[kipfizh]

World View - World beaters (by scouted rating)

Joe Galloway (Liverpool/England, 27, 186/190, Full Back: 80.13%) returns to the top of the world beaters list when looking at scouted rating, the second time he has been here. The full back had another superb season for Liverpool, helping them win the Premiership, and will be a big part of England’s plans this summer.

Joe Galloway

Last season’s winner, Bucci, is still on the CA world beaters list, but his scouted rating fell to 76.91%, way off the mark required to make it here.

Here are the best players in the world, in each position, by scouted rating:

Goalkeeper: Mathieu Adam (Real Madrid/France, 24, 190/192, 76.98%)

Sweeper: Terry Hill (Bayern Munich/England, 26, 171/183, 77.31%)

Centre Back: Joe Galloway (Liverpool/England, 27, 186/190, 77.31%)

Left Back: Joe Galloway (Liverpool/England, 27, 186/190, 80.13%)

Right Back: Raymond van Dijk (Chelsea/Holland, 22, 178/195, 79.59%)

Left Wing Back: Joe Galloway (Liverpool/England, 27, 186/190, 79.21%)

Right Wing Back: Pacheco (Liverpool/Portugal, 28, 179/179, 77.18%)

Defensive Midfielder: Jochen Kunert (Chelsea/Germany, 31, 163/187, 75.77%)

Central Midfielder: Juan Perez (Real Madrid/Mexico, 24, 194/194, 77.47%)

Attacking Midfielder: Ronald Diaz (Newcastle/Bolivia, 30, 171/177, 77.28%)

Left Winger: Fabrizio Pastore (Barcelona/Italy, 24, 176/179, 76.36%)

Right Winger: Juan Perez (Real Madrid/Mexico, 24, 194/194, 79.45%)

Fast Striker: Thiago (Sevilla/Spain, 27, 181/190, 78.74%)

Target Striker: Aaron Lomas (Tottenham/England, 25, 184/198, 79.31%)

Losing their place:

Gillaume Charton (GK), Arkaitz Rubio (SW), Olivier Raffin (CB), Terje Jensen (RWB), Luis Calderon (LW), Bjorn Strand (FS), Fabrizio Bucci (TS)

In a list dominated by Joe Galloway and Juan Perez, the most frustrating thing for all Bandits fans is the presence of two of their former players, Pacheco and Aaron Lomas, rated as the best right wing back and target striker in the world, respectively.

[kipfizh]

World View - Distribution of 180+ CA players

The clubs

Real Madrid – 8 (+3) (194, 191, 190, 184, 184, 181, 181, 180)

Lyon – 6 (+4) (194, 185, 183, 182, 181, 180)

Barcelona – 3 (-) (190, 187, 185)

Liverpool – 3 (+2) (186, 184, 183)

Bayern Munich – 3 (-) (184, 183, 182)

Inter – 2 (-3) (192, 180)

Milan – 2 (-) (186, 185)

Tottenham – 2 (-) (184, 180)

Chelsea – 2 (+1) (184, 183)

Deportivo – 1 (-) (186)

Sheff Wed – 1 (-) (182)

West Ham – 1 (+1) (181)

Sevilla – 1 (+1) (181)

QPR – 1 (-) (181)

Marseille – 1 (-) (181)

Lazio – 0 (-1)

Man City – 0 (-1)

Roma – 0 (-1)

Total – 37 (+6)

The number of stars rises to 37, and Real Madrid and Lyon gain seven of them between them to share fourteen of the stars. These two clubs are now way ahead of everyone else.

The leagues

Spain – 13 (+4)

England – 10 (+3)

France – 7 (+4)

Italy – 4 (-5)

Germany – 3 (-)

Total – 37 (+6)

Spain, England and France all make significant gains, but Serie A slips to fourth in the European League rankings.

The nationalities

England – 7 (+1)

Spain – 5 (+4)

France – 4 (+2)

Italy – 4 (+2)

Germany – 3 (-1)

Brazil – 3 (-)

Turkey – 2 (-)

Argentina – 2 (-)

Mexico – 1 (-)

Russia – 1 (-1)

Belgium – 1 (+1)

Holland – 1 (-)

Serbia – 1 (-)

Portugal – 1 (+1)

Slovenia – 1 (-)

Greece – 0 (-1)

N. Ireland – 0 (-1)

Peru – 0 (-1)

Total – 37 (+6)

It is World Cup year, and England lead the way with seven stars. Spain time their rise from one to five very well, which the usual suspects of France, Italy, Germany and Brazil are also up there.

[Celtic 08]

Do u only ave england loaded?

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by Celtic 08:

Do u only ave england loaded?

Yes, and that's one of the things that will change in the FM09 version.

[cms186]

Hey Kip, great update as usual, nice to see Forest bounce straight back up

Out of curiosity, do Teams that have been relegated from the Premiership tend to bounce back up or do they struggle and do the parachute payments they get help at all?

[wisescummer]

why is Helbig so useless? Great passing, good creativity, good teamwork and work rate, even determination isn't that bad. Could it be Barcelona arent utilising him properly, as he could be a brilliant deeper lying midfielder like Riquelme (especially with 17 tackling)

[vurogj]

Originally posted by wisescummer:

why is Helbig so useless? Great passing, good creativity, good teamwork and work rate, even determination isn't that bad. Could it be Barcelona arent utilising him properly, as he could be a brilliant deeper lying midfielder like Riquelme (especially with 17 tackling)

When I look at him I see barely average off the ball, positioning and decision making. So he's rarely in the right place at the right time, and if he is, is going to do something stupid with it.

[ross8]

not a bad season really. just a shame we couldn't hold onto 4th place or go that extra step in one of the cup comps. still at least we are going forward, and from what you've said about the summer kip i for one cant wait to hear about it

[ross8]

Also heartbreaking to see Pacheco and Aaron Lomas included in the best players in the world list.

If we had of held onto them then maybe last season could have ended in glory

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by cms186:

Hey Kip, great update as usual, nice to see Forest bounce straight back up

Out of curiosity, do Teams that have been relegated from the Premiership tend to bounce back up or do they struggle and do the parachute payments they get help at all?

It is very rare that none of the three promoted sides are ones that were relegated the previous season - usually at least one goes straight back up, more often two.

[The Lambs]

Great up date as usual. The Bandits are the nearly men so often.

In my opinion, unless they manage to pull of a major trophy win by luck, they are always going to struggle to hold onto the best players, reputation plays such a huge place in that. Money almost seems a secondary condition.

Weird how the regen managers are so poor, that looks to have been sorted for FM08.

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by vurogj:

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

why is Helbig so useless? Great passing, good creativity, good teamwork and work rate, even determination isn't that bad. Could it be Barcelona arent utilising him properly, as he could be a brilliant deeper lying midfielder like Riquelme (especially with 17 tackling)

When I look at him I see barely average off the ball, positioning and decision making. So he's rarely in the right place at the right time, and if he is, is going to do something stupid with it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, he has two options - be a creative midfielder or a holding one. He doesn't have the flair or dribbling ability of the former, or the positioning and decision making of the latter.

He has skills, but they don't really relate to him being great in one position. He should be better than his is though. His hidden attributes are decent.

Can't really blame his club - he's been rubbish at every club in his career.

[iacovone]

Excellent stuff kip

For a second there I thought my prediction of European success was going to come true!

Just 1 more year left imo!

[kipfizh]

World Cup Preview - 2054

Hosts: Italy

Holders: Scotland

Pre-tournament predictions

The top stars belong to England and Spain, but in the latter case, most of their 180+ players are actually in the low 180s, so they may not be as well placed as it seems. England have a very decent chance this time around though, as their top players are spread well around the team.

The group of death features the three top players in the world, with Italy, France and Mexico all placed together. With France so difficult to beat and Italy having home advantage, it will be tough for Mexico, and Juan Perez may find himself on an early flight home.

My prediction this time is for England to finally lift the trophy once again, beating Italy in the final to break Bucci’s dreams once again.

As a dark horse though – watch for Brazil, who haven’t be a threat in decades, but have in Thiago and Leonardo a 185/184 partnership up front that could cause serious problems.

World beaters

The only world beater to be missing out this season is Umit Abdulkadir, as Turkey failed to qualify.

Gillaume Charton (Lyon/France, 27, 194/194, Goalkeeper: 76.10%)

Juan Perez (Real Madrid/Mexico, 24, 194/194, Winger: 79.45%)

Fabrizio Bucci (Inter/Italy, 28, 192/199, Target Striker: 76.91%)

Umit Abdulkadir (Real Madrid/Turkey, 29, 191/199, Fast Striker: 78.20%) – failed to qualify

Reiner Helbig (Barcelona/Germany, 28, 190/199, Midfielder: 74.86%)

Mathieu Adam (Real Madrid/France, 24, 190/192, Goalkeeper: 76.98%)

Ones to watch

A couple of big names miss out, but there are still plenty of potential stars to keep an eye on.

Hugues Guichard (Bayern Munich/France, 32, 129/195, Target Striker: 70.79%) – not selected

Bjorn Strand (West Ham/Norway, 31, 161/193, Target Striker: 78.27%) – failed to qualify

Leonardo (Barcelona/Brazil, 27, 185/185, Target Striker: 76.08%)

Peter Schulz (Bayern Munich/Germany, 29, 182/188, Target Striker: 76.29%)

Aaron Lomas (Tottenham/England, 25, 184/198, Target Striker: 79.31%)

Graham Thomas (Liverpool/England, 23, 183/198, Centre Back: 75.67%)

Francisco Javier Rua (West Ham/Spain, 25, 181/192, Winger: 74.71%)

Andre Luis (Valencia/Brazil, 23, 179/198, Attacking Midfielder: 73.46%)

Raymond van Dijk (Chelsea/Holland, 22, 178/195, Full Back: 79.59%)

Roberio (Marseille/Brazil, 20, 168/198, Winger: 72.84%) – not selected

Olivier Texier (Valencia/France, 21, 167/199, Winger: 70.85%) – not selected

Robert Wojcik (Korona Kielce/Poland, 16, 120/194, Target Striker: 63.55%) – failed to qualify

Juan Carlos Gimenez (San Lorenzo/Argentina, 17, 116/199, Midfielder: 59.74%) – not selected

[kipfizh]

Newsflash - Reynolds resigns

In the opening days of June, James Reynolds resigns as manager of the Bandits, choosing to try his luck in Spain with Deportivo.

He is replaced by the very similar looking Scott Tait, a 57 year old with 100 CA and 110 PA. Another one who is good at spotting talent but poor elsewhere, he becomes the third consecutive manager of this type in charge of the Bandits.

Scott Tait

[tomadeira08]

Great read, defintely kills the time in the office shhh!! Don't tell anyone.

The Bandits really could do with getting a manager in that can really tactically do something, the players themselves are talented but that talent can only take them so far. But maybe Tait can do something with the poor displine at the club, seemed to be a few players getting sent off through the season.

Does Tait have any previous achievements?

I have recently started my own team Ramesses Rovers over at my site Life In FM, I hope you don't mind. It will be interesting to see how they compare with each other especially on FM 08.

[iacovone]

Scott Tait is the new man at the helm...With judging player ability: 6 I'm not all that confident that he will be a good appointment. Summer transfer window will give us a good insight into his ability in my opinion.

Looking forward to the World Cup. Where are Scotland the holders?

[kipfizh]

Newsflash - The Bandits have their first 180 CA player

It seems James Reynolds left the Bandits a parting gift.

Aitor Rubio scored 20 goals for Liverpool last season, averaging 7.60 in a superb season, and the 25 year old Spanish striker was awarded the Footballer of the Year award after playing a major part in his side's Premiership title campaign.

And on July 1, he will become a Bandit, for an initial fee of 36.5m, with clauses that could increase that to 43.5m.

His CA has already peaked at a very impressive 184, and he will become comfortably the highest rated player at the club.

Aitor Rubio

He's quite handy.

[dryden76]

Originally posted by kipfizh:

Newsflash - The Bandits have their first 180 CA player

It seems James Reynolds left the Bandits a parting gift.

Aitor Rubio scored 20 goals for Liverpool last season, averaging 7.60 in a superb season, and the 25 year old Spanish striker was awarded the Footballer of the Year award after playing a major part in his side's Premiership title campaign.

And on July 1, he will become a Bandit, for an initial fee of 36.5m, with clauses that could increase that to 43.5m.

His CA has already peaked at a very impressive 184, and he will become comfortably the highest rated player at the club.

Aitor Rubio

He's quite handy.

Oh My God!!! finanlly they buy a star player, and money talks as what other reason would the best player in the country leave the champions..........

[wisescummer]

What a transfer fee. Unless i've missed something comfortably a new record. Re the new manager, looks a poor choice. Yeah he should be able to identify good kids, but picking the best side will be hit and miss, and when he does his awful tactics will cause problems.

[gcormack]

stopped reading the post a while ago after the elation of the bandits getting promoted to the premier league and am so glad this thread is still going. just wanted to know what a big transfer fee is right now (sorry if you posted one recently) but in 2054, 43.5mil might not be the biggest around

[Young Jimlad]

I wonder if Rubio will turn all of those draws last season into wins...of course that relies on the new man being able to maintain the same or fewer instances of defeat.

[JRHaggs]

Any reason in particular that Rubio wasn't among the 'Ones to Watch' in the 'World Cup Preview'? Furthermore, was he selected for the World Cup side? It seems like the Footballer of the Year would be on the roster.

That aside, what a signing! Thank you, James Reynolds. This surely bodes well for at least the next season, barring any [gulp!] tragic injuries.

Now if Tate can just do enough to get the team in a position to succeed...

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by tomadeira08:

Does Tait have any previous achievements?

Actually, yes he does. He was manager of Crystal Palace and took them to fifth in the Premiership and into Europe.

He then jumped to Leeds and won the Premiership with them, before joining West Brom last season and stabilising them.

He actually has a pretty impressive past, this one.

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by JRHaggs:

Any reason in particular that Rubio wasn't among the 'Ones to Watch' in the 'World Cup Preview'? Furthermore, was he selected for the World Cup side? It seems like the Footballer of the Year would be on the roster.

The 'Ones to Watch' section exactly replicate the yearly Ones to Watch, which are a history of one or two players each season that I pick out as future world beaters.

Usually, these players have the potential to be high 190 CA players in the future. Some turn out to be amazing, some don't, but Rubio's 184 PA means that although a terrific player, he never quite had the potential of a Bucci or Abdulkadir.

But yes, he is in the Spain squad, although his opportunities are restricted by the fact that they are flush with strikers.

[kipfizh]

World Cup Review - 2054

Group Stage

Germany cruised through Group A, winning all three of their games at a canter, while Scotland also qualified, having little trouble finishing second. Paraguay and Morocco both went out with a whimper.

Group B was the proverbial group of death, with the world’s best three players fighting it out for hosts Italy, France and Mexico, while Uruguay made up the numbers. In the opening round, Mexico shocked Italy with an entertaining 3-2 win, while France sauntered past Uruguay. Mexico then put themselves in a great position by beating Uruguay, while France put Italy out, beating them 2-1. Italy battered the French, knowing that they needed a result, but they found Charton in man of the match form in goal, stunting even Bucci. The hosts and favourites were out. They took out their frustration on Uruguay in the final match, winning 4-0, while Mexico continued their impressive form, edging France 1-0 to top the group.

Leonardo was Brazil’s star in Group C, scoring four times as they topped the group with ease. The Czech Rep snuck into second ahead of the USA, while Iraq finished bottom without putting up much of a fight. Presumably USA’s game against Iraw was well policed – it was a draw FIFA would not have wanted.

Group D saw Denmark in impressive form, forcing Portugal down into second place, but never in danger of going out, as Colombia and Libya never looked like qualifying.

Spain safely negotiated Group E, along with South Korea, who easily overcame a poor Croatia side and an even worse Mali outfit.

England waltzed through Group F without any problems whatsoever, and Australia, Sweden and Tunisia all beat each other to finish with three points, Australia sneaking though on goals scored.

Group G was all about an improved Argentina side, who won the group with plenty to spare, while two time former champions Belgium managed to just about squeak through in second place, ahead of Jamaica and Japan.

Finally, Holland were given a shock in the opening game of Group H, losing to Ivory Coast, but with everyone hammering Saudi Arabia and Russia knocking the Ivorians back, Holland needed to beat Russia to qualify. But they lost 3-2, and Russia topped the group, with the Ivory Coast joining them in the second round. Holland are another high profile casualty.

Second Round

Abdulkadir never made it to the tournament, and Bucci was out after suffering in a lethal group, but there were still plenty of world beaters left, representing France, England, Germany and Mexico.

Having survived the group of death, France had another tough ask, playing Germany in the second round, and with both sides defending well, it went to penalties. It took thirteen spot kicks each to separate them, and it was eventually Germany who knocked more of the world beaters out.

On the same day, Perez’s Mexico met holders Scotland, and again the tie went to penalties after a goalless draw, but this one was over rather sooner, Scotland missing all four of their kicks to gift Mexico the win. In fairness, Mexico had dominated the match and were quickly establishing themselves as serious contenders.

Match number three saw shootout number three as Denmark knocked the Czech Rep out after a 1-1 draw, while in the final game in that half of the draw, the previously impressive Brazil ran out of steam and lost 2-1 to Portugal.

England had what many considered to be the plum draw, playing South Korea, and it turned out that way, Duane Jackson’s hattrick giving them a 3-0 win and taking his tally for the tournament to six. Spain also comfortably progressed, cruising past Australia 2-0.

On the final day of the round, dark horses Belgium were edged out 1-0 by Russia, while Argentina continued their progress, knocking out the Ivory Coast on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

[kipfizh]

Quarter Finals

With Charton and Adam now also out of the running, there were just three world beaters remaining – the completely useless Helbig of Germany, Galloway of England and Perez of the very impressive Mexico.

The quarter finals began with a clash between Mexico and Portugal, and it was the Mexicans who continued their march towards the final, winning 2-1 in a tightly contested game. In the second match, Reiner Helbig actually produced a decent performance, scoring both goals from midfield in Germany’s 2-1 victory over Denmark. Surely he can’t just turn it on now?

England looked good again as they beat Argentina 2-1 in the third quarter final, controlling the game well and looking every bit the favourites they now were, and in the final match, Spain completed the semi final lineup, beating Russia 1-0 in a match that should’ve seen them win by a far greater margin.

Semi Finals

So with all three of the world beaters surviving the quarter finals, it was now looking like there would be a change from the norm, and one of them might actually win the trophy. In fact, only Spain could deny them, as they filled three of the other spots. Could they do it?

Two Peter Schulz goals were enough for Germany to destroy England’s dream in the first semi final, winning 2-1 and putting another world beater in Joe Galloway out. Was Reiner Helbig going to follow in Maia’s footsteps as an undeserving medal winner?

He was the only world beater who could do it, as Juan Perez missed the other semi final through suspension and Mexico were hammered 3-0 by Spain, for whom new Bandit Aitor Rubio hadn’t played a minute in the entire tournament. Would he appear in the final?

Final

England sealed third place, beating Mexico 2-1 despite Perez returning and scoring, but then it was on to the final. Would a world beater win the trophy, even one as hopeless as Helbig, or would Spain deny them once again?

The match started perfectly for Spain, as they took the lead in the third minute, doubling their advantage before the half hour. But Peter Schulz proved Germany’s hero once again, scoring his fifth and sixth of the tournament to take the match to extra time, and eventually penalties.

The Germans were always ahead in the shoot out, and eventually, with Spain having scored two from five, and Germany two from four, who else but Reiner Helbig would step up to take the final penalty, and give the Germans victory?

But Cabrera, the Spanish keeper, made the save, and repeated the trick after Spain had missed their sixth kick. Eventually spot kick seven went in, and Cabrera made his fourth consecutive save to win the World Cup for Spain.

So the world beaters were denied, and how ironic that Helbig had the chance to win it for his country, and blew it.

Rubio never got to come on.

[kipfizh]

I'm not going to do a report card for the World Cup this year, as I think it's clear who had good tournaments and who didn't.

Bucci had a shocker, Charton was up and down, Helbig was improved but then blew it, Adam didn't get to play, Galloway was okay, and Perez was decent.

Schulz was the star of the ones to watch, along with Leonardo, both scoring hatfuls. No one else managed much!

[StanleyRovers]

finally a 180 CA player , spain must have a lot of quality strikers for him not to have even played

i was so excited when i saw we were in two semi-finals! Gutted that we blew it tho, and then 4th place too

I have a good feeling about next season, despite the managers lack of tactical knowledge, motivation etc.

Also, if its not too much trouble, i have a question, have San Marino ever qualified for a international tournament?

[Scott1990]

Oh great, the Bandit manager has a tactical knowledge of... 2. I gather that this isn't too good, is it?

Interesting world cup, shocked to see the Germans losing on PKs though!

[AB-forever]

Another promising season ending with disappointment

But Liam Johnston seems to be an eccentric but world class keeper despite his advancing years

The new manager seems to suck but his achievements apparently aren't so bad. Maybe there's hope...

Finally a 180+ CA player and he really looks good except for his composure and decisions

Denmark went to the Quarter Finals of the World Cup while Sweden went out in the group stages

KUTGW Kip it's amazing that you can still find the energy to keep this running I just have two questions:

Who are the best Danish players in the game now?

And has the Bandits' scouting knowledge improved since last time I asked?

[wisescummer]

i believe the last German to miss a penalty was shot (Ve do not lose at Ze Penalties!!!), so anyone who doesn't like Helbig may be in luck

[mattpiulton]

wow a 180 CA player! Come on lad!

[mattpiulton]

I really don't see the Bandits winning the league, until they get a decent manager.

[Meitheisman]

Heartbreaking season, although I'd rather have the Bandits play like this and keep hopes up all season than just sit confortably mid table all year long and finish 5th because of a good run.

It's getting frustrating though, are we ever going to win a major trophy?

[Heisenberg]

quick question, one I'm sure must have been asked before but I couldn't find it when I skimmed through:

What program is Kip using to check the CA and PA of players? I'm interested in looking at my teams on old FM07 saves, wondering if anyone can tell me where to get something I can use?

[Meitheisman]

I know he uses FM Genie Scout but I can't remember if he also uses another program.

[wisescummer]

Just Google Genie Scout 2007 and it'll come up.

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by StanleyRovers:

Also, if its not too much trouble, i have a question, have San Marino ever qualified for a international tournament?

No, they haven't, and they are a truly absymal team, going 25 years between 2006 and 2031 without even scoring a goal, including 88 consecutive defeats.

They've never been close to qualifying.

[kipfizh]

Originally posted by AB-forever:

Finally a 180+ CA player and he really looks good except for his composure and decisions

The guy is class - now the Bandits just have to catch him otherwise he'll leave...

Who are the best Danish players in the game now?

Nicklas Johansen (28, 179/179) has been the best Danish player in the world for years. A top striker, he was prolific for Sunderland before moving to Juventus for 21.5m. He scored 37 goals in 51 games, at an average of 7.78 this season, and has 38 goals in 55 caps.

Halil Berg (27, 165/169) takes care of the other end - Feyenoord's keeper ensures that Johansen's goals are difficult to reply to, and was actually Johansen's teammate at Sunderland for years.

Jacob Madsen (32, 163/189) has been around for years, and Leeds' left back is still a first choice in the Premiership.

That's is for players above 160

And has the Bandits' scouting knowledge improved since last time I asked?

Actually yes, it's much better - thanks to their feeder clubs, they have perfect knowledge of Peru, Denmark (Esbjerg, since you ask!), Bulgaria, China, Nigeria, Morocco and Angola, as well as England and Northern Ireland.

They also have almost perfect knowledge of Montenegro, Paraguay, Ecuador, Slovakia, Macedonia, Croatia, Albania, Sweden and Bosnia.

The picture is much better now.

[kipfizh]

Season 2054-55

Bandits report - Transfers

Transfers In

Transfers Out

After a season of so nearlys, James Reynolds decided not to continue with the Bandits, jumping ship to Deportivo at the start of the summer. His departure left the fans with mixed feelings – while his transfer ability wasn’t top notch, he did bring in some excellent players and did pretty well with them, managing to qualify for Europe again despite three cup runs.

But his time was up, and he was replaced by Scott Tait, who arrived with a very decent history, having succeeded at his last couple of clubs. The 57 year old has a CA of 100 and a PA of 110 which is unlikely to be reached, and while he has some strengths, notably judging a player’s potential, coaching and man management, his weaknesses include judging the current ability of a player and tactics. Worryingly, his hidden ‘buying players’ attribute is a miserable four. Can he succeed?

Scott Tait

Summer

After last summer’s clearout of all the deadwood, the fans were hoping that this close season wouldn’t see the same level of departures. After a few youth players were allowed to leave, Manuel Ackermann, a 30 year old Turkish left back who had been signed for 3m four years earlier, departed having made no impact on the first team.

Next to go was first choice left or centre back Adrian Simon, who at 33 was deemed past his best. Last season was a poor one for Simon, averaging just 6.47, and with him on the decline Tait decided he wasn’t needed anymore.

There was only one sale remaining, and it was a disappointing one, first choice left winger Tony Harris moving to Chelsea for 27.5m having established himself in the first team. But perhaps this was a masterstroke – a 21 year old with a CA of 173 might seem fantastic, but he wasn’t playing particularly well, and after moving to Chelsea had an appalling time, averaging just 6.33. He will probably be on the ‘worst signings of the season’ list having cost so much.

And that was it for sales. Some players were also arriving, and the most exciting was the parting gift Reynolds had left before moving on.

Aitor Rubio was the reigning Footballer of the Year, having scored twenty goals in Liverpool’s successful Premiership campaign last season. But a price of 36.5m was enough to persuade Liverpool to sell, and the 26 year old Spanish striker went on to become a regular starter, unsurprising given his tremendous 184 CA, which has hit its potential to make him the Bandits’ first world star.

Scott Tait’s first signing was less spectacular, bringing in Italian full back Francesco Martinelli, the 26 year old costing 3.3m from Man City. He may have a PA of 173, but his CA of 154 is unlikely to see him ever reach that potential.

His next move was to replace to outgoing Tony Harris by signing a new left winger, but Francisco Lopez is another whose potential seems a long way away. His PA of 179 is never going to be reached by his CA of 160, especially as the Mexican is 29. But he is a good player, and played a big role in Mexico’s World Cup run, and would go on to become the first choice on the left wing, although his price of 15.5m from Liverpool seems excessive.

And that was it for the summer. Left wingers had come and gone, and a star striker had been signed. It seemed as if the summer had gone okay, but mainly because of Reynolds rather than the new manager.

January

January began with Michael Boateng joining Leeds, the left back having failed to impress, before central midfielder Neil Pollard followed him, moving to Chelsea for 8.5m, and leaving Tait needing to sign a new player in the middle of the park.

Next to leave was Bandit youth star Tom Sayer, who had hit the age of 24 without breaking into the first team. The striker was certainly a talent, but even with a PA of 174 he was unlikely to ever be first choice – if there is one place the Bandits are strong, it is up front. Rubio’s arrival just confirmed to Sayer that it was time for him to move on, and Sunderland paid 4.6m for him. Shame to see him leave, but he isn’t quite on the level required – with a CA still at 158, he might not even reach his potential.

22 year old Spanish centre back Alejandro Torres was next to leave, another who had been earmarked as a future first teamer with a CA of 176, but it wasn’t to be, and he joined Arsenal for 4.6m

The next sale hurt – 27 year old centre back Shaun Rowntree had been enjoying another excellent season, but when Barcelona came calling there was no competition, he wanted to leave, and the eventual fee of 15.5m was about right. A great player, but with only a few years left at the top the fee was pretty good. The Bandits aren’t on the level to stop players going to Camp Nou just yet.

The final sale was another top name, but again it seemed like inspired business. Central midfielder Warren Adams had been playing poorly despite his CA of 173, and at 28 should surely be at his peak and starring. Despite struggling, Aston Villa were prepared to pay 20m for him, and off he went, not doing that much better for his new club.

So the first team had certainly been disrupted by a few sales, but they were either players who weren’t playing well, or ones that were moving to much bigger clubs. Only the Rowntree sale really hurt, and the young defender Torres could’ve turned out to be a star in a few years time.

One thing was for sure – sales of two centre back and two central midfielders left the Bandits looking weak down their spine – Tait needed to act.

And act he did, forking out 36m to bring England international central midfielder George Birchall in from Spurs. The 27 year old had had a fantastic season for Tottenham last season, and his CA of 177 is excellent even though it will not reach his amazing PA of 188. He walked straight into the team, and is quite the player.

Champions Liverpool then made their third big sale to the Bandits of the season, centre back Graham Christie plugging the gap at the back. The 26 year old has a CA of 175 and a PA of 179, so even costing 17m his price seems good.

Tait had made a good start filling the gaps in the team’s spine, and he continued by paying Spurs 8m for 25 year old right back Luke Matthews, his CA of 171 some way from his tremendous PA of 185. Another very good signing.

And there was one more to come, a squad player who could play in central defence or central midfield – 31 year old Kevin Parker arriving from Sheff Wed for 8.25m. His CA has already come down to 166 from his PA of 176, but that isn’t the point – Tait was aware that he needed more bodies in the centre of the team, and signed Parker as backup, albeit an expensive one.

And that was it – the size of the squad was largely the same as last season, but the names have changed, and a couple of superstars signed, notably Rubio up front and Birchall in midfield.

Tait’s attributes suggest that he is better at spotting potential than ability, a fact backed up by some of his signings – they have huge potential but not enough time left in their careers to reach it. Nonetheless, his signings were better than a ‘buying players’ rating of four would’ve suggested.

So how would they do?

[kipfizh]

Bandits report - squad

Top 20 in Squad (sorted by CA)

Name, Pos, Age, CA-PA

Rubio, ST, 26, 184-184 – new signing

Birchall, MC, 27, 177-188 – new signing

Christie, DC, 26, 175-179 – new signing

Messner, ST, 26, 175-175 (-)

Matthews, DR, 25, 171-185 – new signing

McParland, GK, 25, 170-173 (+3)

Dompig, D/M C, 29, 170-170 (-)

Johnstone, GK, 35, 169-173 (-)

Halonen, GK, 24, 167-171 (+4)

Harper, AM/F C, 20, 166-181 (+10) – new entry in top 20

Parker, DC/DM, 31, 166-176 – new signing

de Lange, ST, 26, 166-172 (+1)

Cook, D/WB R, 24, 166-170 (+3)

Gomez, DR, 30, 164-180 (+2)

Veiga, D/WB L, 26, 164-178 (+1)

Haaland, D/WB RL, 32, 163-188 (-13)

Fuente, ST, 27, 163-163 (-)

Lopez, AM L, 29, 160-179 – new signing

Reid, SC, 26, 160-165 (-)

Russell, WB/AM R, 29, 159-184 (+2)

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

Harris, AM L, 21, 173-178

Adams, MC, 27, 173-175

Rowntree, DC, 26, 172-177

Pollard, MC, 24, 167-177

Simon, SW/D LC, 32, 166-166

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

Martin, ST, 32, 155-178 (-3)

Schweinsteiger, AM/F C, 31, 152-173 (-14)

It’s all change, as four of the top five players in the club are new signings. Rubio is the star, but the three extra 170+ players makes up for the sale of three. Harry Harper breaks into the top twenty, and in fact into the top ten, and if the kid can be retained he has a bright future.

Last season’s best player, Jonas Haaland, is now 16th, after his alarming decline.

If star kids can be retained, any signings will just improve this squad further. How far can they go?

Notable others:

None

Torres and Sayer are sold, and Harper makes his way into the top twenty. They are short of quality youngsters.

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, 1

170 : 0 … 3, 4, 4, 4, 6, 9, 5, 6, 7

160 : 0 … 10, 9, 12, 9, 15, 17, 19, 18, 19

150 : 0 … 21, 20, 19, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 26

140 : 0 … 26, 25, 25, 27, 27, 29, 33, 29, 26

130 : 0 … 30, 30, 28, 30, 30, 32, 35, 30, 26

120 : 0 … 31, 30, 29, 34, 30, 35, 36, 31, 27

110 : 0 … 32, 31, 31, 35, 33, 37, 39, 31, 27

100 : 2 … 38, 34, 33, 39, 36, 38, 41, 29

The squad is again smaller, made up of a top 26, who are all 151 CA or better, and then the reserves. There is actually only one player between 103 and 151 AI, so there really is practically no backup for those 26 – it is all down to them.

The good news is at the top of the list, with Rubio becoming the club’s first ever 180 CA player, and the 170 and 160 ranges also rise.

[AB-forever]

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 AB-forever:

Who are the best Danish players in the game now?

Nicklas Johansen (28, 179/179) has been the best Danish player in the world for years. A top striker, he was prolific for Sunderland before moving to Juventus for 21.5m. He scored 37 goals in 51 games, at an average of 7.78 this season, and has 38 goals in 55 caps.

Halil Berg (27, 165/169) takes care of the other end - Feyenoord's keeper ensures that Johansen's goals are difficult to reply to, and was actually Johansen's teammate at Sunderland for years.

Jacob Madsen (32, 163/189) has been around for years, and Leeds' left back is still a first choice in the Premiership.

That's is for players above 160 </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Glad to hear that you also mentioned Nicklas Johansen the last time I asked and I think he was 20 years old at that point, so he has developed well, playing for Juventus and all

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 AB-forever:

And has the Bandits' scouting knowledge improved since last time I asked?

Actually yes, it's much better - thanks to their feeder clubs, they have perfect knowledge of Peru, Denmark (Esbjerg, since you ask!), Bulgaria, China, Nigeria, Morocco and Angola, as well as England and Northern Ireland.

They also have almost perfect knowledge of Montenegro, Paraguay, Ecuador, Slovakia, Macedonia, Croatia, Albania, Sweden and Bosnia.

The picture is much better now. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Have they ever loaned a player out to Esbjerg? and have they ever recieved a Danish regen because of this link?

[lukegjpotter]

I'm going to try some thing like this but I'm going to do it with one player in the Irish league playing for my local team of galway united!!

[chopper99]

Hmmm, interesting pre-season so far. A couple of quality players out and a couple of quality players in. In terms of ability the squad doesn't seem too much different than last season, apart from Rubio being a lot better than any player they've had before. Will he be the catalyst they need to push onto the next level?

Of the players going in and out I was quite disappointed to see Torres going for only £4.6m and I was quite disappointed with the managers purchase of Francisco Lopez for the left wing, surely he could have found someone better?

What will be interesting this season will be the cetral midfield, a section of the team that's always seemed to underperform in terms of ratings. Maybe this season that will change with the introduction of Birchall.

All in all quite exciting in terms of talent brought in but I'd like to see more young talented players at the club. Can't wait for the seaosn update and as always Kip.