Bromley FC (...And the Rest of the World)

[City2000]

I really get immersed in the entire world of my save, and not only my team

Thanks for the compliments on Bromley! If there is any info/screenshot from my save which you would like, let me know, I have nearly every League as playable

I really think thats one of the great things about FM, seeing the whole game world evolve and two game worlds are rarely if ever the same.

Will do

[abulezz]

AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS 2015 – MOROCCO

GROUP A

Ivory Coast: 3 (Tiote, Doumbia, Ya Konan) – Sol Bamba, D (7.4 AR)

Algeria: 1 (Ziaya)

Guinea: 1 (Goma)

Egypt: 3 (Metab, Shawky, Gedo) – Mohammed Shawky, M (1 Goal, 8.3)

Ivory Coast: 2 (L.Traore (2) ) – Kolo Toure, D (8.4 AR)

Guinea: 1 (I.Bangoura)

Algeria: 1 (Ziaya)

Egypt: 4 (Gedo (2), Mateeb, Farag) –Gedo, F (2 Goals, 9.0 AR)

Ivory Coast: 2 (Gervinho, Romaric) – Kolo Toure, DC (1 Assists 7.7 AR)

Egypt: 2 (Gedo, Shawky)

Algeria: 0

Guinea: 3 (I.Bangoura (2), M.Bangoura) – Ismael Bangoura, F (2 Goals, 9.2 AR)

OVERVIEW: Ivory Coast, who got 3rd place in the ANC 2013 in Libya, got things started off on a positive note by defeating Algeria, who had lost to eventual champions South Africa in the Quarter-Finals at the ANC 2013. Finally returning the tournament were Egypt, who hold the record for having won the tournament 7 times, and they defeated Guinea to take all 3 points from their first match back. Guinea were effectively knocked out after Matchday Two when Ivory Coast picked up their 2nd victory, defeating them 2-1 thanks to a Lacina Traore brace. In the match between bitter rivals, Egypt decimated Algeria 4-1, with Gedo scoring a brace. Algeria’s Abdulmalek Ziaya scored his 2nd goal of the tournament, but it was all for naught as Ivory Coast and Egypt both captured qualification. The top two teams fought it out to a 2-2 draw, leaving Egypt top of the group, and their striker Gedo recorded his 4th goal of the tournament. Guinea, meanwhile, ended the tournament on a positive note, defeating the unimpressive Algerian team 3-0.

GROUP B

Tunisia: 3 (Msakni, Korbi, Khazri) – Youssef Msakni, M (1 Goal, 1 Assist, 8.1 AR)

Burkina Faso: 2 (Pitroipa, Traore)

Burundi: 2 (Dugary) – Jaafar Ndayisenga, D (1 Assist, 8.4 AR)

Togo: 0

Burkina Faso: 4 (K.Traore, Ab.Traore, Outtarra, Al.Traore) – Mohamed Koffi, M (2 Assists, 8.8 AR)

Burundi: 1 (Ntibazonkiza)

Togo: 0

Tunisia: 1 (Korbi) – Youssef Msakni, M (1 Assist, 7.7 AR)

Burundi: 1 (Gatoto)

Tunisia: 4 (Mathlouthi (2), Abdennour,Saihi) – Ali Mathlouthi, F (2 Goals, 8.9 AR)

Burkina Faso: 2 (A.Traore, Kabore) – Charles Kabore MC (1 Goal, 8.2 AR)

Togo: 1 (Abraw)

OVERVIEW: Tunisia, formerly one of Africa’s footballing giants, has fallen on to some hard times lately, failing to advance past the Group Stages in the past 2 ANCs and also failing to qualify to the World Cup. They did, however, get their campaign started on the right foot, defeating Burkina Faso in an entertaining match, with Youssef Msakni of Ajax playing especially well. Burundi, this tournament’s minnows, surprised the Togolese team, defeating them convincingly 2-0, but were outclassed by Burkina Faso, losing 4-1 to them on Matchday Two. Tunisia confirmed their participation in the Quarter-Finals with a 2-0 over Togo, with Khaled Korbi scoring his 2nd goal of the tournament and Msakni delivering another MotM performance. Tunisia completed the Group Stages with 9 points in their 3 games, defeating Burundi 4-1, while Burkina qualified to the Quarter-Finals after beating their neighbors Togo 2-1.

GROUP C

Ghana: 1 (Asamoah) – Kolja Afriyie, D (9.7 AR)

Morocco: 0

Cameroon: 2 (Song, Eto’o) – Alex Song, M (1 Goal, 7.8 AR)

Nigeria: 2 (Moses, Obi)

Morocco: 3 (Chamakh, Qasmi, Carcela) – Younes Belhanda, M (1 Assist, 8.3 AR)

Nigeria: 2 (Obi, Ujah)

Cameroon: 3 (Eto’o (2), Sutchuin) – Benoit Angbwa, DR (2 Assists, 8.6 AR)

Ghana: 2 (K.Osei (2) )

Morocco: 1 (Qasmi) - Younes Belhanda, MR (8.2 AR)

Cameroon: 2 (Eto’o, Ndjeng)

Ghana: 3 (A.Ayew, Asamoah, Amoah) – Kwadwo Asamoah, MC (1 Goal, 7.9 AR)

Nigeria: 3 (Ideye (2), Utaka)

OVERVIEW: This group was easily this tournament’s group of death, featuring 4 of Africa’s biggest teams. The 2012 ANC champions, Ghana, were defeated in the Quarter-Finals the following tournament by minnow Sierra Leone, and were hoping to right that wrong, along with their failure to qualify to the World Cup, this tournament. The hosts, Morocco, were defeated in the ANC 2013 by Ivory Coast in the Quarter-Finals, and were hoping to show their home fans that they were still one of Africa’s best teams. It was the West Africans who won their first game, however, thanks to a near perfect game by their 32 year old right back Kolja Afriyie. Cameroon, beaten Finalists in the ANC 2013, went up against perhaps the most underachieving African side in recent times, Nigeria, and came out with a 2-2 draw. The hosts were able to record a victory against Nigeria in Matchday Two, however, defeating them 3-2 in an exciting game. Cameroon gathered all 3 points from their match with Ghana, delivering another enteraining match in this group. The 3-2 scoreline was highlighted by two braces by Samuel Eto’o and Kevin Osei. It came down to Matchday Three – Cameroon did the job against the hosts, with Eto’o scoring his 4th goal of the tournament as they won 2-1, and bitter rivals Nigeria and Ghana fought it out to 3-3 draw in a fantastic game. In the end, it was Cameroon who topped the group, and they were joined in the Quarter-Finals by Ghana.

GROUP D

Mali: 2 (Yatabare, Maiga)

Senegal: 2 (Diouf, Sow) – Morgaro Gomis, M (1 Assist, 7.7 AR)

Sudan: 0

Angola: 1 (Chara) – Maninho, D (1 Assist,7.8 AR)

Senegal: 2 (Diouf, Sow) – Kara, M (1 Assist, 7.7 AR)

Sudan: 2 (El Taher, Osunwa)

Angola: 3 (Rafael (2), Fissi)

Mali: 4 (K.Traore (2), Yatabare, Maiga) – Kalilou Traore, M (2 Goals, 9.0 AR)

Sudan: 0

Mali: 3 (Maiga (2), Yatabare) – Drissa Diakite, DR (8.9 AR)

Angola: 0

Senegal: 2 (Dia, Sow) – Issiar Dia, MC (1 Goal, 7.8 AR)

OVERVIEW: Mali were riding high from their performance in the World Cup 2014, where they defeated Germany 5-4 before falling to Belgium in the 2nd Round, while Senegal had fallen off, failing to qualify to the World Cup and failing to advance past the Group Stages in the 2013 ANC. Mali, who were also 2012 ANC Finalists, fought to a draw with their neighbors, after seeing a 2-0 lead diminished in the final 5 minutes of the match by Senegal. Angola pulled off an expected victory against Sudan, but left it late before finding the only goal of the match, but the Sudanese surprised the Senegalese, holding them to a 2-2 draw, giving Senegal only 2 points from their first 2 games. It was Mali that topped the group after Matchday Two, getting 4 points after defeating Angola 4-3. Substitute Kalilou Traore nailed a brace in the second half to give Mali the victory in an epic match. They would not relinquish it, defeating Sudan 3-0, with Modibou Maiga, Mali’s World Cup hero, getting his 4th goal of the tournament, and Sambou Yatabare scoring his 3rd of the tournament. Senegal joined Mali in the Quarter-Finals, defeating Angola 2-0, with Moussa Sow scoring in every match they played, bringing his total to 3 in the competition.

Quarter-Finals

Mali vs. Egypt

Mali had been one of the most entertaining teams in Africa the past few years, and they were showcasing it this year again, led by Modibou Maiga’s 4 goals. The seven time champions, Egypt, also performed well in the Group Stages, with Gedo also scoring 4 goals. Mali’s run, however, would end short against Egypt, as the North Africans won 1-0 in a tight contest. Ahmed Fathi would score the only goal of the game, but if it was not for Mali’s GK Oumar Sissoko, the goal would have been a lot more for Egypt.

Egypt: 1 (Fathi)

Mali: 0 – Oumar Sissoko, GK (9.2 AR)

Burkina Faso vs. Ghana

Led by Mohamed Koffi, Burkina Faso were hoping to upset their southern neighbors, who featured Kwadwo Asamoah. The tournament had been wildly entertaining in the Group Stages, but this match was the exact opposite. It was not until the dying seconds of the game did the first goal get scored, and surprisingly, it was Bakary Kone, Burkina Faso’s Brighton based central defender, that hit it, sending Ghana packing the Quarter-Finals against heavy underdogs for the second ANC in a row.

Burkina Faso: 1 (Kone) – Bakary Kone, DR (1 Goal, 7.6 AR)

Ghana: 0

Ivory Coast vs. Senegal

The two West African nations both got through the Group Stages without losing a match, but the former was a lot more impressive, scoring 7 goals in the process. The match was a strange one – even though Ivory Coast dominated the possession, they had less than half of Senegal’s 20 shots on goal. Salomon Kalou opened up the scoring for Ivory Coast early in the second half, but Baba equalized. The game went all the way to penalties, where Ivory Coast finally won and advanced to the Semi-Finals.

Ivory Coast: 1 (Kalou) Won on Penalties 4-3 – Sol Bamba, DC (8.3 AR)

Senegal: 1 (Baba)

Tunisia vs. Cameroon

The most anticipated match in the Quarter-Finals, Tunisia were playing like the team that was one of the biggest on the continent at the turn of the century, while Cameroon had topped the tournament’s group of death. Indeed, the teams were each other’s equal all the way to the final minute of extra-time. The drama, however, was found at the end of regulation time, when Cameroon thought they had won the match 2 minutes past the 90th minute when Samuel Eto’o scored his 5th goal of the tournament. In the dying seconds of the match, however, Majid Ben Balgacem equalized for the Tunisians, and wild celebrations ensued. In the end, Cameroon would have enough in them to see off the North Africans on penalties, advancing to the Semi-Finals

Cameroon: 1 (Eto’o) Won on Penalties 4-2

Tunisia: 1 (Balgacem) – Hamdi Kasraoui, GK (8.2 AR)

 

Semi-Finals

Burkina Faso vs. Ivory Coast

The surprise team of the tournament, Burkina Faso were attempting to advance to the Finals for the first time in their history. Ivory Coast were one of the pre-season favorites and had just advanced past Senegal in an intense Quarter-Finals matchup, one year after becoming the first African team to reach the Semi-Finals of the World Cup in the tournament’s history. In the end, Ivory Coast’s talent was too much for its northern neighbors to handle, winning the match 2-0 thanks to goals from Salomon Kalou and Seydou Doumbia. This would be Ivory Coast’s first final in 9 years, where they lost to Egypt at the ANC 2006 in Egypt.

Ivory Coast: 2 (Kalou, Doumbia) – Salomon Kalou, M (1 Goal, 7.8 AR)

Burkina Faso: 0

Cameroon vs. Egypt

Both teams had displayed solid performances leading up to this matchup – the North Africans were back in the tournament for the first time since winning it in 2010, and Cameroon were trying to win it after falling to South Africa (who did not even qualify) at the ANC 2013 in South Africa. It was not to be for Egypt, however, as Cameroon advanced to their second consecutive Finals, defeating them 2-1. Samuel Eto’o scored his a tournament leading 6th goal, and the second goal was scored by Yannick Ndjeng before Ahmed Ali got one back for Egypt. Cameroon held on to the victory, however, ensuring that they would have a chance to do what they could not two years ago.

Cameroon: 2 (Eto’o, Ndjeng) – Yannick Ndjeng, F (1 Goal, 1 Assist, 7.9 AR)

Egypt: 1 (Ali)

Finals

Cameroon vs. Ivory Coast

These two teams had not met each other in recent years, but make no mistake about it, these were bitter rivals. Cameroon had scored 10 goals (6 of them by way of their striker Samuel Eto’o), but had also conceded 7 goals. Ivory Coast had also scored 10 goals, but had conceded 5 goals in a tournament filled with score lines. It was an entertaining first half, with Cameroon’s Gaeten Bong scoring first in the 26th minute. Just 3 minutes later, however, Seydou Doumbia equalized for Ivory Coast, and the first half would end 1-1. In the second half, Cameroon turned up the pressure, finally scoring in the 61st minute through Yannick Ndjeng, his 3rd goal of the tournament. The game would end 2-1, and Cameroon would lift the title for the 5th time in their history, and for the first time since 2002, when they won back to back titles.

Cameroon: 2 (Bong, Ndjeng) – Gaeten Bong, DL (1 Goal, 7.6 AR)

Ivory Coast: 1 (Doumbia)

Overview

One of the most entertaining continental competitions in recent years, the ANC 2015 in Morocco was filled with high scoring games, dramatic endings, and a champion worthy of the title. Cameroon’s victory came despite conceding 8 goals in 6 appearances, concentrating on out scoring their opponents as opposed to stopping them from scoring. They were led by Samuel Eto’o’s 6 goals, and that would be a record 3rd time that the player would win the tournament’s Golden Boot. He would also be crowned the ANC’s best player, a crowning achievement for the 33 year old Anji striker. Overall, despite the initial disappointment of the champions, South Africa, not qualifying, the tournament was wildly successful, and with Ivory Coast breaking an important barrier in the World Cup 2014 by advancing to the Semi-Finals, African football continues to rise in prestige. Nigeria sacked Stephen Keshi after 3 years, after failing to qualify to the Quarter-Finals. He als failed to get Nigeria into the World Cup.

BEST PLAYER: Samuel Etoo, Cameroon (6 Aps, 6 Gls, 7.40) – Runner-Up: Youssef Mkanzi, Tunisia (4 Aps, 1 Goal, 3 Asts, 7.35)

TOP GOALSCORER: Samuel Etoo, Cameroon (6 Goals)- Runner-Up: Modibo Maiga, Mali (4 Goals)

BEST GOALKEEPER: Hamdi Kasraoui, Tunisia (7.28 AR)

[abulezz]

CHAMPIONS CUP 2014/15

Group A: No surprises here, as Barcelona topped the group and Manchester City qualified alongside them. Wolfsburg and Rosenborg were knocked out.

Group B: Serie A Runners-up Fiorentina did well, qualifying over Villareal, while 2013 Semi-Finalists Lyonnais topped the group. Belgian champions Standard Liege finished bottom.

Group C: German champions Dortmund were the biggest shock of the Group Stages, finishing last in their group, behind Zurich. Benfica qualified along with Finalists Manchester United, who topped the group.

Group D: Since their surprising run in 2012, where they were defeated by eventual champions Barcelona in the Semi-Finals, Shakhtar have failed to impress. This time around, however, they finish top of their group, with Austrian champions FC Salzburg upsetting both Ajax and Sampdoria and qualifying.

Group E: The Champions Cup title holders Real Madrid qualified, but they did not top the group. That honor went to surging Paris Saint-Germain, as Fenerbache and Croatian champions Dinamo were knocked out.

Group F: Arsenal and Sevilla, not surprisingly, were the two teams that made it out of this group, with the former topping it. Olympiakos and Celtic were knocked out in the process.

Group G: English champions Chelsea topped the group while Serie A champions Roma came in 2nd place. Portuguese champions Sporting and Russian champions Lokomotiv Moscow were knocked out in this group of champions.

Group H: The best team in the group stages was, without a doubt, French club Marseille, who won all their games, scored 21 goals and only conceded 2 goals. They were joined by FC Kobnhaven, who upset Werder Bremen when they beat them for 2nd place. Lech, champions of Poland, finished in last pace.

[abulezz]

2014/15 FEBRUARY UPDATE

We hit a good run of form, finding our way back to the play-off picture, and despite the loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford, the financial rewards more than made up for it. Going over my fixtures, I realized we had not given up a loss in the npower League One at home all season! That's right - Fort Hayes Lane! I keep fearing we're going to start losing left and right, but if we can keep this form up for a couple of months, we should atleast find ourselves in the Play-Offs battling for a 4th straight promotion.

As reinforcement, I bought two players on Free Transfer during the January window: Aaron Martin and Massimo Luongo. I was sad to see our starting left back Marnick Vermijl leave, but Zulte Waregem offered my 60k + incentives, and I thought that was a good offer considering my financial well being was being threatened.

[deltablue]

Well done on remaining so competitive.

[abulezz]

Well done on remaining so competitive.

Thanks! We've done an awesome job since the beginning of the year - hopefully we can keep the defense tight and keep putting points between us and 7th place.

[abulezz]

The development of my best young player through the year:

August 2014 - February 2015:

[Barney Butterball]

Looking good, your doing my local team proud

[abulezz]

Looking good, your doing my local team proud

Hehe, you're from Bromley? Ive been managing them since FM10 - Ive went around on Google Street View - it looks like a real pleasant area!

[abulezz]

SOUTH AMERICAN U20 CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 – ARGENTINA

Brazil came into the tournament hope to make it a record of 5 straight SAM U20 titles, but it was surprising Ecuador who took it for the first time in the history of the competition. They went the entire length of the championship without losing a single match, led by Wilson Alcivar (who scored 9 goals, 2nd best in the tournament) and David Esponiza. The star of the tournament, however, was Brazilian giant Xaropinho, who broke the scoring record with 12 goals, and won the Best Player award, recording a 8.49 AR. Pedro and Maicon both played well, but Brazil’s second best player was Jose. Other strong performers were Chile’s Marcelo Robles and Juan Carlos Godoy, Venezuela’s Juan Carlos Arango, and Peru’s Sergio Merino.

[cerud]

Wow, that young player...I could use him!

[abulezz]

Wow, that young player...I could use him!

If you mean Xaropinho, I have never been more intrigued by any player in all my time of playing CM and FM since 1998 - AC Milan are getting him for less than 2 million!

[deltablue]

He's such class.

[City2000]

Xarapinho does look good. No wonder Milan have snapped him up and at a bargain price aswell.

Still looking good with Bromley, another promotion could be on the cards.

[abulezz]

He's such class.

Xarapinho does look good. No wonder Milan have snapped him up and at a bargain price aswell.

Still looking good with Bromley, another promotion could be on the cards.

For some reason, this save has so many quality young players coming through, more so than any other time I can remember in the previous versions of FM. There is going to be such class in 8-10 years time Im sitting in 4th place, just lost to 3rd place Rotherham, so automatic promotion might be a stretch with 8 games to go and 5 points off, but we seem, at east, safely in the play off picture!

[deltablue]

Will that do you for now, if you lose?

[abulezz]

The only youth prospect from this year's bunch with any real potential (4.5*)

My current left winger is only slightly better, so I decided to speed up his progress and give him the starting position.

Ebby Harwood

[abulezz]

CHAMPIONS CUP 2014/15

Second Round

Manchester City vs. Shakhtar

First Leg – City of Manchester Stadium: This was a game marked by injuries more than anything else, with Samir Nasri, James Milner, and Wesley Sneijder all falling during the match for the English, while Andriy Pyatov (Shakhtar’s starting GK) and Luiz Adriano getting injured for the Ukrainians. Skakhtar surprised Man City by taking the lead in the 5th minute through Eugene Seleznyov (CC: 6 Aps, 3 Gls – UL: 18 Aps, 17 Gls, 7.55), who also scored the last goal of the game in the 69th minute. In between, Man City scored 2 goals through Edin Dzeko (CC: 6 Aps, 3 Gls – PL: 22 Aps, 13 Gls) and Lassana Diarra (CC: 6 Aps, 4.85 TpG – PL: 23 Aps, 2 Gls, 6 Asts). The result was favorable for Shakhtar, who would head back to Donetsk having scored 2 away goals.

Man City: 2 (Dzeko, Diarra) – Vincent Kompany (8.5 AR)

Shakhtar: 2 (Seleznyov (2) )

Second Leg – Donbas-Arena: It was a great first leg, and the second leg was no less entertaining. Shakhtar again surprised the masses as it did in 2012, defeating Man City 3-2 at home and sending the English team out of the Champions Cup. Dzeko (CC: 7 Aps, 4 Gls – PL: 25 Aps, 17 Gls) opened up the scoring in the 5th minute, but it took only 7 minutes for the Ukrainians to level the score through Vitaly Vitsenets. Taras Stepanenko (CC: 7 Aps, 2 Gls, 7.50 – UL: 19 Aps, 1 Goal, 4.51 TpG) scored in the 30th minute, but the resurgent Carlos Teves (CC: 8 Aps, 4 Gls – PL: 25 Aps, 19 Gls, 5 Asts, 7.67), who had found new life under manager Alan Shearer, equalized the score. The first leg hero, Seleznyov (CC: 7 Aps , 4 Gls – UL: 19 Aps, 17 Gls), would play the role again, scoring Shakhtar’s 3rd goal just before the end of the first half. The second half featured excitement, but no goals, and it was a 5-4 aggregate victory for Shakhtar.

Shakhtar: 3 (Vitsenets, Stepanenko, Seleznyov) - Taras Stepanenko (1 Goal, 8.3 AR)

Man City: 2 (Dzeko, Tevez)

Sevilla vs. Paris Saint-Germain

First Leg – Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan: A relatively drab affair without any goals, the match finished in a 0-0 draw that disappointed both teams. PSG defender Mamadou Sakho was sent off in the 26th minute, but Spanish side Sevilla could not take advantage of the situation, and instead, looked to control the game in the middle of the park instead of pressing hard at the French. The end result was a goalless draw, with the hope that the second leg in Paris would bring more entertainment than the dull affair in Spain.

Sevilla: 0 – Jose Angel (8.8 AR)

Paris Saint-Germain: 0

Second Leg – Parc de Princes: After a boring goalless draw in Sevilla, PSG were looking to seal the victory at home. Things rarely go as planned, however, as Sevilla striker Maicon (CC: 7 Aps, 5 Gls) scored to give the Spanish side the lead in the 6th minute. Just 15 minutes after that, right back Frank Beria was sent off for PSG. They could not get the ball rolling, and Sevilla managed to hang out to their slender 1-0 lead, finally advancing on a 1-0 aggregate victory.

Paris Saint-Germain: 0

Sevilla: 1 (Maicon) - Alberto Lora (8.0 AR)

FC Kobnhaven vs. Chelsea

First Leg – Parken: The Danish champions had made it to this stage in 2012, where they lost to Manchester United, and this time, they were up against Premier League champions Chelsea, who were expected to win this matchup comfortably. That was not the case in Copenhagen, however, and it took 88 minutes for the visitors to finally score, winning the match 1-0. By no means were Chelsea clearly the better team, but Tranquillo Barnetta, who had been used mostly as a substitute this season by the English, saved their blushes, and they headed off to London with a crucial away goal.

FC Kobnhaven: 0

Chelsea: 1 – Ashley Cole (8.7 AR)

Second Leg – Stamford Bridge: They had a tough time against the Danes in Copenhagen, but this tie was over by the 20th minute in London, as Chelsea got off to a comfortable lead and never looked back. Sergio Aguero (CC: 8 Aps, 8 Gls, 7.81 – PL: 28 Aps, 10 Gls, 9 Asts) scored in the 13th minute, and then his partner up front, Fernando Torres (CC: 6 Aps, 3 Gls, 3 Asts – PL: 22 Aps, 10 Gls) followed suit in the 20th minute. From their Chelsea buckled up, and they did not score again, but neither did FC Kobnhaven, ending it with a 3-0 aggregate win for Chelsea.

Chelsea: 2 (Aguero, Torres) – Sergio Aguero (1 Goal, 1 Assist, 9.0 AR)

FC Kobnhaven: 0

Benfica vs. Barcelona

First Leg – Estadio de Luz: The Spanish champions went up against Benfica in this all-Iberian matchup, and came out 2-1 winners in Lisbon in the first leg. It was an even game, and it was in fact Benfica who struck first through Oscar Cardozo (CC: 7 Aps, 6 Gls – PL: 15 Aps, 12 Gls) in the 3rd minute. Very early in the second half, Dani Alves (CC: 6 Aps, 5.02 TpG, 7.48) scored to equalize the match, and it was Lionel Messi (CC: 3 Aps, 2 Gls, 7.90 –SL: 15 Aps, 7 Gls, 4 Asts, 7.90) who scored the winner for Barcelona.

Benfica: 1 (Cardozo)

Barcelona: 2 (Alves, Messi) – Dani Alves (1 Goal, 8.7 AR)

Second Leg – Nou Camp: The difference in class showed in Barcelona, as the home squad ran out easy 2-0 winners against the Portuguese. Despite dominating the possession, it was not until early in the second did they finally score, by way of Alexis Sanchez (CC: 6 Aps, 5 Gls, 7.98 – SL: 25 Aps, 12 Gls), and shortly after that,Gylfi Sigurdsson put the tie beyond any doubt, sealing the 4-1 aggregate victory for the Spanish champions.

Barcelona: 2 (Sanchez, Sigurdsson) – Dani Alves (9.0 AR)

Benfica: 0

FC Salzburg vs. Manchester United

First Leg – Red Bull Arena: The Austrian champions could not have asked for a tougher matchup in the Second Round, but they more than held their own at home, and the match finished in a 0-0 draw that was sure to frustrate Martin Jol and his Manchester United side. There were not many chances on both sides, with the majority of the matched played in the middle of the park, and although Salzburg will be heavy underdogs in Old Trafford, they go into the second leg on equal ground and having not conceded at home.

FC Salzburg: 0

Manchester United: 0 – Darren Fletcher (8.1 AR)

Second Leg – Old Trafford: The courageous display that Salzburg delivered at home was forgotten in Old Trafford, as Manchester United came out comfortable 3-0 winners against the Austrian champs. Javier Hernandez (CCC: 8 Aps, 4 Gls – PL: 28 Aps, 20 Gls) scored a brace, and Milan Badelj (CC: 8 Aps, 1 Goal) scored his first of the tournament to help guide last year’s beaten Finalists into their 5th straight Quarter-Finals.

Manchester United: 3 (Hernandez (2), Badelj) – Eden Hazard (1 Assist, 9.0 AR)

FC Salzburg: 0

Roma vs. Lyonnais

First Leg – Olimpico: The Serie A champions went up against the French champions in what promised to be a great matchup. True to form, the first leg was quite the enthralling game that ended in a 2-2 draw. Roma took a 2-0 lead, with Daniel Osvaldo (CC: 7 Aps, 3 Gls – IL: 19 Aps, 6 Gls) and Miralem Pjanic (CC: 7 Aps, 2 Gls, 4 Asts – IL: 21 Aps, 3 Gls, 6 Asts) scoring in the first 25 minutes of the match. Just before halftime, however, young striker Ishak Belfodil scored his first goal in the competition to half the lead. In the 76th minute, Michael Bastos (CC: 7 Aps, 1 Goal, 5 Asts) scored Lyonnais’ second goal and equalized the match, finishing off a superb comeback that left Roma reeling.

Roma: 2 (Osvaldo, Pjanic) - – Miralem Pjanic (1 Goal, 1 Assist, 8.3 AR)

Lyonnais: 2 (Belfodil, Bastos)

Second Leg – Stade de Lumieres: The most entertaining match of the second round was played in Lyon, as the French squad defeated the Italian champions 4-2. Bastos (CC: 8 Aps, 2 Gls, 6 Asts) opened up the scoring, but Luca Antonelli (CC: 8 Aps, 1 Goal) equalized in the 28th minute. The most exciting part of the match began after Radja Nainngolan scored in the 61st minute, sparking a frenzy of goals. At this point, Lyon had taken a 2-1 goal lead, and things became more comfortable when Jimmy Briand (CC: 8 Aps, 4 Gls – FL: 24 Aps, 8 Gls, 9 Asts) scored in the 77th minute to give them a 2 goal lead. It took just 3 minutes for Roma to answer with their own goal, when substitute Odion Ighalo nailed a goal in the 80th minute, putting Roma within 1 goal of qualifying. Alas, it was not to be for the Italians, as Briand scored his second of the game in the 90th minute, leading Lyon to a 6-4 aggregate win in a most entertaining tie.

Lyonnais: 4 (Briand (2), Nainngolan, Bastos) – Guieda Fofana (2 Assists, 8.9 AR)

Roma: 2 (Antonelli, Ighalo)

Fiorentina vs. Marseille

First Leg – Artemio Franchi: This was, on paper, an exciting matchup between two rising teams in football, and the match did not fail to deliver on that promise. The two teams put forth a fantastic game that had its share of drama, as well as excitement. Fiorentina took the lead through their Montenegrin star Stefan Jovetic (CC: 7 Aps, 3 Gls, 4 Asts – IL: 22 Aps, 8 Gls), who scored in the 22nd minute. Just 11 minutes later, Younes Belhanda (CC: 7 Aps, 2 Gls, 4 Asts – FL: 21 Aps, 7 Gls, 6 Asts) equalized for the visitors, and just before the stroke of halftime, Fiorentina defender Andrea Masiello got himself sent off. The second half was no less exciting, and it was Marseille who took the lead through Ghanaian Jordan Ayew (CC: 6 Aps, 6 Gls, 8.08 – FL: 22 Aps, 9 Gls), who was quickly becoming one of the best young talents on the planet. Their lead, however, would not stick, and Jovetic grabbed himself a brace before Sebastien Corchia gave the Italians a 3-2 lead and the victory. Jovetic had an absolutely storming game, single-handedly carrying his club to victory with only 10 men – Mareille simpy had no answer. His performance was the finest in the Champions Cup this season by any player.

Fiorentina: 3 (Jovetic (2), Corchia) – Stefan Jovetic (2 Goals, 1 Assist, 10.0 AR)

Marseille: 2 (Belhanda, J.Ayew)

Second Leg – Stade Velodrome: This exciting tie lived up to its billing in the second leg, as well, ending in a 2-2 draw thanks to a late goal by Fiorentina’s Santiago Silva. The goal was also the reason Fiorentina went through, after Marseille had scored through Omer Dameri and Alex Teixeira (CC: 8 Aps, 4 Gls – FL: 21 Aps, 6 Gls, 4 Asts) and made the game 2-1. The first goal had come from Alberto Gilardino (CC: 8 Aps, 6 Gls – IL: 26 Aps, 12 Gls) in the 10th minute, before the French scored two goals to take the lead. In the end, Fiorentina advanced on a 5-4 aggregate win.

Marseille: 2 (Dameri, Teixeira) – Cesar Azpilicueta (1 Assist, 7.9 AR)

Fiorentina: 2 (Gilardino, Silva)

Real Madrid vs. Arsenal

First Leg – Bernebau: The biggest matchup in the Second Round on paper, both teams played very cautiously throughout, and the game ended in a fair 1-1 draw. Karim Benzema, who has been Real Madrid’s emergency striker the past few years, scored for the home side, while talented Belgian Marouane Fellaini (CC: 7 Aps, 1 Goal, 4.75 TpG) scored for the English. The result was viewed as a disappointment by the defending champions, who now had to travel to London and try to win away from home.

Real Madrid: 1 (Benzema) – Fabio Coentreao (8.2 AR)

Arsenal: 1 (Fellaini)

Second Leg – Emirates Stadium: A close match of two European giants was expected in London, but the outcome was a different story. The English side dominated the match from start to finish, and the defending champions were helpless against them, losing the match 3-0. Arsenal manager Andres Villas-Boas had outcoached and outwitted his Portuguese counterpart, Jose Mourinho, with goals coming from Aaron Ramsey (scoring his first goal in the competition), Marouane Fellaini (CC: 8 Aps, 2 Gls), and Jack Wilshire (CC: 4 Aps, 2 Gls). Arsenal won on a 4-1 aggregate.

Arsenal: 3 (Ramsey, Fellaini, Wilshire) – Marek Hamsik (1 Assist 8.4 AR)

Real Madrid: 0

[deltablue]

Bit of a shock with Shakhtar

[abulezz]

Bit of a shock with Shakhtar

They are a strong side - they had a run in the Champions Cup that saw them get to the Semi-Finals in 2012, and theyve captured the Ukrainian League in 2012 and 2014. They certainly have alot of talent on their side.

[abulezz]

What do you guys think - can I sneak in another automatic promotion? I must say, I am so proud of this team - big win after big win!

[ArsenalMetro]

You've certainly got it in you!

[City2000]

Looking good for another promotion

[AK22]

Gonna be close!

[abulezz]

You've certainly got it in you!

Looking good for another promotion

Gonna be close!

If I can take advantage of my game at hand, I can see us beating out Swindon for 2nd place. In fact, the last game we played, we beat them 2-0 at home, which helped. Anyway, I really hope we get the automatic promotion spot - I dont want any Playoff heartbreak!

[Braundjoh]

Nice going so far, good luck for the rest of the season Out of interest, how is Corrigan doing?

[deltablue]

Most definitely, in your hands.

[abulezz]

Nice going so far, good luck for the rest of the season Out of interest, how is Corrigan doing?

He's currently on loan away from AC Milan - I don't know, but his growth seemed to have stalled.

October 2013 (Couple of months before getting sold) - April 2015

[Braundjoh]

They haven't really done a good job with him, even managed to lower his determination. Maybe you'll get him back one day

[abulezz]

They haven't really done a good job with him, even managed to lower his determination. Maybe you'll get him back one day

He was great when he was playing for me - but if I keep getting promoted, he wont be much use in the Championship or Premiership!

[cerud]

Did you squeak into the promotion spot yet?

[abulezz]

CHAMPIONS CUP 2014/2015

Quarter-Finals

Chelsea vs. Lyonnais

First Leg – Stamford Bridge: The English champions got off to a positive start against the French champions, defeating them 3-1, but the scoreline was flattered them. In truth, an own goal in the 57th minute and a penalty converted by Sergio Aguero (CC: 9 Aps, 9 Gls – PL: 30 Aps, 11 Gls) in the 90th minute saved them from a result that would’ve reflected the match better. The aging Frank Lampard (CC: 9 Aps, 1 Goal) also scored for Chelsea, while Gueida Fofana got an away goal for the French.

Chelsea: 3 (Maeyens o.g, Lampard, Aguero) – Petr Cech (8.2 AR)

Lyonnais: 1 (Fofana)

Second Leg – Stade de Lumieres: Chelsea had taken a sizable lead at Stamford Bridge that would require a big effort from the French side to overcome, but the English club hung on, albeit just barely. Sergio Aguero, who had been Chelsea’s hero this campaign, scored early in the first half, and despite Jimmy Briand and Lisandro Lopez scoring, it was not enough, as Chelsea won the tie 4-3 on aggregate against Lyonnais.

Lyonnais: 2 (Lopez, Briand)

Chelsea: 1 (Aguero) – Sime Vrsaljko (8.1 AR)

Sevilla vs. Manchester United

First Leg – Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Sevilla: A very even, if somewhat boring match was played in Sevilla, and only a Frederico Macheda penalty separated the two sides. The striker converted the penalty in the 82nd minute, giving Manchester United a crucial away goal and leaving Sevilla with the unenviable task of having to find a victory in Old Trafford.

Sevilla: 0

Manchester United: 1 (Macheda) – Eden Hazard (7.7 AR)

Second Leg – Old Trafford: Although the scoreline suggested that this was an even contest, the truth was Manchester United dominated this match, having 56% of the possession and shooting 26 shots in total. It took 89 minutes for Javier Hernandez to give Manchester the 1-0 victory and put the tie beyond any doubt, but the truth was, Man United had played better over both legs. Manchester United defeated Sevilla 2-0 on aggregate.

Manchester United: 1 (Hernandez) – Eden Hazard (7.6 AR)

Sevilla: 0

Fiorentina vs. Arsenal

First Leg – Artemio Franchi, Florence: Fiorentina were not doing great in the Serie A (6th), and Arsenal were currently leading the Premier League table, but the Italian side had it going right in Europe, as they defeated Arsenal 2-0 at home. Khouma Babacar (CC: 6 Aps, 1 Goal – IL: 23 Aps, 13 Gls), the Senegalese striker who had declared for the Italian national team, opened up the scoring in the 36th minute. Halfway into the second half, Arsenal’s star left back, Leighton Baines, was sent off, and Fiorentina capitalized in the 82nd minute through Arouca.

Fiorentina: 2 (Babacar, Arouca) – Valon Behrami (1 Assist, 8.1 AR)

Arsenal: 0

Second Leg – Emirates Stadium: Fiorentina were convincing in their first leg home win over Arsenal, and that did not change in the second leg, defeating them 2-0 and advancing to the Semi-Finals. It was the Alberto Gilardino show, scoring a brace and just generally running circles around the English club’s defense. Fiorentina won on a 4-0 aggregate victory against Arsenal.

[bArsenal:[/b] 0

Fiorentina: 2 (Gilardino (2) ) – Alberto Gilardino (2 Goals, 8.8 AR)

Shakhtar vs. Barcelona

First Leg – Donbas-Arena, Donetsk: In an uncharacteristic match for Shakhtar, the conceded 2 own goals and gifted the match to the defending Spanish champions, Barcelona. Alexis Sanchez (CC: 7 Aps, 6 Gls, 7.93 – SL: 28 Aps, 13 Gls) opened the scoring for the Spanish side, but Yaroslav Rakitski and Taras Stepanenko conceding own goals in the 25th and 28th minute the ended Shakhtar’s hopes in the match, and probably the tie.

Shakhtar: 0

Barcelona: 3 (Sanchez, Rakitski o.g, Stepanenko o.g) – Thiago (2 Assists, 8.2 AR)

Second Leg – Nou Camp: This was a very even match, much more so than expected, but the damage was already done by Barcelona in the Ukraine. Shakhtar still could not manage to find the net, however, and it was Sergio Busquets who scored the only goal of the game, giving Barcelona the 1-0 victory in a slightly dull match. Barcelona won on a 4-0 aggregate over Shakhtar.

Barcelona: 1 (Busquets) – Cesc Fabregas (1 Assist, 7.7 AR)

Shakhtar: 0

Semi-Finals

Chelsea vs. Barcelona

First Leg –Stamford Bridge, London: In his first full season in charge of the club, Tony Pulis had led Chelsea to the Premiership title, and this season, he was on a mission to capture the Champions Cup title. This was his finest win as a manager, and it was his counterpart Roberto Mancini’s worst defeat. The English champions, helped by two uncharacteristic own goals by the player who is widely considered the best defender in the world, Gerard Pique, won the match an incredible 5-1, slumping the defending La Liga champions into a world of despair. Sergio Aguero continued his magical showing in the tournament, scoring a brace and handing out an incredible 3 assists. His performance this game was nothing short of brilliant. Ismael Bangoura, bought for £8.5 million at the beginning of the season, contributed the first goal of the match.

Chelsea: 5 (Aguero (2), Gerard Pique o.g.(2), Bangoura) – Sergio Aguero (2 Goals, 3 Assists, 9.6 AR)

Barcelona: 1 (Messi)

Second Leg – Nou Camp, Barcelona: In the second leg, Barcelona were clearly the better team, but there was simply no way the Spanish champions could overcome the result in London, winning 1-0 at home but losing the tie. Andre Iniesta (CC: 9 Aps, 2 Gls, 3 Asts – SL: 24 Aps, 10 Gls, 8 Asts) scored the only goal of the match, but it was Chelsea who would advance to the Finals, denying Barcelona a chance to recapture the title they won three times in a row from 2011 till 2013. Chelsea won 5-1 on aggregate.

Barcelona: 1

Chelsea: 0 – Javier Mascherano (1 Assist, 7.7 AR)

Fiorentina vs. Manchester United

First Leg – Artemio Franchi, Florence: Manchester United had been to 3 Finals the past 4 years, and were looking to make it 4 Finals in 5 years, as well as a second straight trip. It was worth noting that all of the trips ended up in losses, and manager Martin Jol experienced that heartbreak last year when his team was defeated by Real Madrid in Amsterdam. Fiorentina, led by manager Marcelo Bielsa, who took over in November after Quique Flores left for Athletic Bilbao, had never been the Finals before. Their inexperience at this level shown in a big way as Manchester United ran 4-1 winners away from home, with a brace from Eden Hazard, and goals from Javier Hernandez and Antonio Valencia. This put the English side one step closer to a return to the Finals, and would give Fiorentina a huge task to overcome at Old Trafford.

Fiorentina: 1 (Gilardino)

Manchester United: 4 (Hazard (2), Valencia, Hernandez) – Eden Hazard (2 Goals, 9.3 AR)

Second Leg – Old Trafford, Manchester: Having gone down 4-1 at home, to pull a result at Old Trafford seemed impossible for Biesla and his men. The fact was, Manchester was one of the elite clubs of the world, and possessed scintillating talent in all corners of its team. What transpired in Manchester this night would surely go down in the history of not only Fiorentina, but also Italian football, as the Florence club managed to win 4-0 against all odds. It was thanks to their Senegalese born Italian striker, Khouma Babacar (CC: 9 Aps, 3 Gls – IL: 28 Aps, 16 Gls) who scored a brace, and the player that had carried them to this point, Alberto Gilardino (CC: 12 Aps, 11 Gls – IL: 31 Aps, 13 Gls), who also scored a brace, that the team was able to win so convincingly. Martin Jol was devastated, along with the rest of his team, and Fiorentina would advance to the Finals for the first time in their history. Fiorentina would win 5-4 on aggregate against Manchester United.

Manchester United: 0

Fiorentina: 4 (Babacar (2), Gilardino (2) ) –Khouma Babacar (2 Goals, 9.3 AR)

[deltablue]

Fiorentina have been on fire.

[abulezz]

Did you squeak into the promotion spot yet?

It was easier than I thought! Srolled through my last few games, and voila! I'll have an end of season report up soon!

[abulezz]

Fiorentina have been on fire.

Yes, they have been! Truthfuly, they have a fabulous team - they have assembled some fantastic talent, and with 2 games to go in the Serie A, they are 3 points from top spot, in 3rd.

[deltablue]

You've done it again!

[abulezz]

You've done it again!

Yes! Not quite as impressive as my FM11 save (First place all the way to the Championship, and then automatic promotion there all in 5 seasons), but I am proud of my boys As long as you can get a few quality players on the free transfer market, it always helps! I am pleasantly surprised at the 1st place - in reality, it had as much to do as the other teams' failures as it was to do with our impressive form. No complaints though!

[abulezz]

Our stadium's capacity will now be a staggering 8,000! Better than nothing I suppose...

[abulezz]

Arsenal Sold to Consortium

May 15th, 2015: Arsenal have been bought by a consortium led by local businessman Joe Baird has been completed, as Peter Hill-Wood has given up his position as Chairman and the club now moves into a new era. Baird has suggested that big plans are afoot for his new club, with changes coming sooner rather than later. It is unlikely the acquisition will see the departure of manager Andre Villas-Boas, as he has led the club well in his first season, advancing to the Quarter-Finals of the Champions Cup and currently has them in 1st place with 2 games left to play in the Premier League.

[AK22]

Any increase in capacity is a bonus. Good luck in the Championship

[abulezz]

Any increase in capacity is a bonus. Good luck in the Championship

Yea, it will definitely help bring some money in

[abulezz]

TOP CLUB MANAGERS SACKED

May 24th 2015: In shocking news, Chelsea and Manchester United have both sacked their managers today. Martin Jol, who had led Manchester United to 4th and 5th place finishes last year and this year, respectively, had also taken the team to the Champions Cup Finals last year, where they lost to Real Madrid. Even more surprising than the Jol sacking was the Tony Pulis firing – although he finished 6th in the Premier League this year, Chelsea are in the Champions Cup Finals against Fiorentina. The timing of his sacking has brought animosity towards the club’s Russian owner, Roman Abrahamovich; it is said that he sacked him as punishment for his Premier League finish, thus not allowing the manager the chance to win the Champions Cup title.

[abulezz]

CHAMPIONS CUP 2014/2015

Finals

Fiorentina vs. Chelsea

Estadio da Luz, Lisbon: Fiorentina’s run through the Champions Cup to reach the Finals was the most surprising since Porto won against Monaco in 2004, led by Jose Mourinho. The truth was, however, the club had finished Runners-up in the Serie A in 2013/14, and Marcelo Biesla had led them to a 3rd place finish this season, just 2 points off of newly crowned champions Inter Milan. They had two of the brightest young talents in football in Stefan Jovetic (CC: 13 Aps, 5 Gls, 4 Asts – IL: 30 Aps, 11 Gls) and Khouma Babacar (CC: 10 Gls, 4 Asts – IL: 29 Aps, 16 Gls),not to mention a resurgent Alberto Gilardino, who had scored 11 goals in the Champions Cup.

Chelsea, however, were a team on a rapid decline, and they had controversially sacked their manager, Tony Pulis, just a few days before the Champions Cup Finals, presumably as punishment for finishing 6th in the Premier League, just one season after leading them to the title. The reality was, Sergio Aguero (CC: 13 Aps, 13 Gls, 6 Asts, 7.72 – PL: 36 Aps, 17 Gls, 11 Asts) had carried his club on his back for most of the knockout rounds, which included him demolishment of Barcelona in the Semi-Finals.

Chelsea’s lack of unity showed at the very beginning of the match, and by the end of the first half, Fiorentina had taken an incredible 3-0 lead. The club’s hero, Jovetic, had nailed a brace, and it was their young striker Babacar that finished off the half with a goal of his own. The second half proved to be much better for the English club, who were led in this match by former Shalke 04 manager Huub Stevens, but they could not break through the Italian defense. It was Aguero, fittingly, who scored in the 78th minute through a penalty, but that was to be the last goal scored in the match. Fiorentina defeated Chelsea 3-1, and Marcelo Biesla was hailed a legend by the fans for bringing the club their first ever Champions Cup title. Their rise through the world of football had been remarkable, and of course, it was captain Jovetic who took the MotM. Fiorentina, one of the most unlikely of champions, had proven their merit, and they were Europe’s new team to beat.

Fiorentina: 3 (Jovetic (2), Babacar) – Stefan Jovetic (2 Goals, 8.8 AR)

Chelsea: 1 (Aguero)

Awards and Overview

CHAMPIONS CUP BEST PLAYER: Sergio Aguero, Chelsea (13 Aps, 13 Gls, 6 Asts, 7.72) – The 26 year old Argentine nearly single-handedly led Chelsea to the Champions Cup title this year, falling short only in the Finals against an impressive Fiorentina side. His 13 goals included a brace against Barcelona in the Semi-Finals in a performance that dismantled a team widely viewed as the best club side in the history of football. He was involved in every match, finding the net twice in the Quarter-Finals as well. The 13 goals were the 4th highest total in the history of the Champions Cup.

[abulezz]

This might be a little late, but they were a few retirements in the 2014/2015 of note:

Kenny Dalglish: June 2014 was the date Liverpool legend, and manager, Kenny Dalglish announced his retirement from football, leaving behind a highly respected and admired legacy. A winner of the highest caliber during his playing days, he won the Scottish League 4 times in the 1970s before heading to Liverpool, where he lifted the Champions Cup 3 times and the English Premier League title 5 times. As a manager, Dalglish was no less a winner, leading Liverpool to the Premier League title 3 times, and Blackburn to their famous title in 1995. When he returned to management with Liverpool in 2009, he led the squad to back to back EURO Cup titles in 2013 and 2014 before deciding it was time for him to step away. On a personal level, he won the English Football of Year twice, in 1979 and in 1983, the English Player’s Player of the Year in 1983, and was named Premier League Manager of the Year in 1995.

Louis Van Gaal: This retirement took many people by surprise in June 2014, considering the Dutchman had just taken the reigns of Arsenal two years before, finishing 4th in 2013 and 3rd in 2014, while leading them to the Quarter-Finals of the Champions Cup in 2014 before losing to AC Milan. It was Van Gaal who led Ajax Amsterdam to their success in the 1990s, winning the Eredivisie 3 times in a row between 1994 to 1996, and lifting the Champions Cup in 1995. He also won the EURO Cup before that in 1992. After leaving Ajax, he took the helm at Barcelona, leading them to back to back La Liga titles in 1998 and 1999. After stints with the Dutch national team and Barcelona once again, he led AZ to their 3rd Eredivisie title in 2009, and then went on to lead Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title in 2010, as well as to the Champions Cup Finals, where he lost to Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan in 2010. After Bayern Munich, he took control of Arsenal, where he stayed until he retired. He was the Dutch Manager of the Year in 2007 while was at AZ and the German Manager of the Year in 2010.

Claudio Ranieri: Getafe’s manager announced his retirement in July 2014, capping off a great career that, unfortunately, did not see any top tier titles. Regardless, Ranieri has and is held in very high esteem by his colleagues and fans both. His two seasons with Getafe finished with 11th place in 2012/13 and 14th place in 2013/14. Before that, he had been at Sevilla, leading them to 7th place.

Arsene Wenger: The French legend decided to call it quits after the World Cup 2014, where he led France to the Qurter-Finals before falling to eventual champions Brazil in an epic match. He had been in charge of France for 2 years, taking over after their dismal performance in the Euro 2012 from Laurent Blanc. He started his managerial career at Nancy, before moving to Monaco, where he lifted the Ligue 1 title in 1988. He went to Japan to manage Grampus for a year, before moving to Arsenal, where he spent 16 years. It was at the English club Wenger cemented his legacy, winning the Premier League 3 times (1998, 2002, 2004), and the FA Cup twice. He led Arsenal to the Champions Cup Finals in 2006, falling to Barcelona. After finishing 4th in 2011/12, he resigned from Arsenal, citing the need for a different challenge. Shortly afterwards, he was named head coach of the French national team. He was named Premier League Manager of the Year in 1998, 2002, and 2004. He was also French Manager of the Year in 2008.

[City2000]

Congrats on another promotion

Great effort from Fiorentina to win the CL, taking care of three English clubs along the way!

[abulezz]

Congrats on another promotion

Great effort from Fiorentina to win the CL, taking care of three English clubs along the way!

Thanks! Fiorentina really took everyone by surprise - Jovetic was great, and Gilardino scored a number of important goals. They defeated 3 English teams on the way, as you said, but save for Arsenal, they were all going through slumps.

[abulezz]

This is nice

[abulezz]

2014/2015 Season Review

npower League One: Champions

Johnstone Paint Cup: South First Round, lost to Brentford

FA Cup: Fourth Round, lost to Manchester United

Season Review

At the beginning of the season, I was hopeful we could compete for a play-off spot but by no means would I have been disappointed if we finished somewhere safe. We started off strong, but then started sinking into the mid-table, where I expected we would remain for the rest of the season, and quite honestly, was more than happy with that. Then, the wins started coming, and by February, we were in the Top Seven. Slip ups from the teams ahead of us saw us creep into the Top Two in April, and by the end of the campaign, we had managed to seal the title.

It was an up and down season, at times experiencing more frustration than anytime I have had so far this career, but it only made the reward sweeter. Four automatic promotions in a row (3 of them as Champions) is nothing to laugh at, and I could not have been prouder of this team. I was upset at our early exit in the Johnstone Paint Trophy, given that we needed the financial relief that came with the wins, but that was more than made up with our league run. That and our Fourth Round matchup with Manchester United, of course, which netted us almost £1 million from TV money and gate receipts.

For the first time, I cannot say I had any stand out performers, but we were solid in every part of the field. We scored enough goals, and we conceded a manageable amount, and most importantly, we hit form at the right time, making that final push that gave us the title.

Key Players:

Elliot Law - Stats: Our 21 year old captain won the Bromley Player of the Year for the 3rd time in 4 seasons, and deservedly so. He was our leading scorer, again, and although he was not as prolific as he was in the lower leagues, he was still our most potent threat upfront. He had 17 goals in the league (20 overall), and was consistent throughout the season.

Tom Parkes – Stats: The 23 year old central defender was the heart of our back four, and scored 6 goals in the league, mostly from corner kicks. He was our most consistent performer, and he was actually better in the League One than he was a division lower.

Porvaldur Magnusson – Stats: A good season for the 19 year old, who showed remarkable improvement throughout the season. He declared for the English national team, forgoing his Icelandic background for his adopted home. He was equally impressive in the back as he was in the middle of the pitch, and he is easily my brightest prospect.

Michael Higdon – Stats: The 31 year old striker was our 2nd leading scorer after Elliot Law, hitting 16 goals in the league. He scored many important goals, as well, and although his ability seemed to decrease slightly, he ended the season strong. It was his first season with the club, and needless to say, he was great Free Transfer signing.

Aaron Mooy – Stats: The 24 year old Australian was deemed a waste of money when he came for £250k from Exeter, but 6 goals and 12 assists in the league later, there were no such complaints. He was the starting right winger, and he led the team in assists (14 overall) – his speed was important for us down the wing, and his crosses were well received by the strikers.

Lucas Correa – Stats: He cost the club £70k from Argentine side Rosario Central, and it was quite a bargain as the 31 year old contributed significantly in the middle of the park. He scored 4 goals and had 8 assists in the league, and what he lacked in pace, he made up for in consistency.

Jaakko Alatalo – Stats: The 21 year old Finnish central defender completed his second season with the club showing great improvement in his ability, and along with Parkes, was the reason the team was able to concede a lot fewer goals than expected.

Notable Youths:

Glen Baker: He’s still only 17 years old, and he was my starting left winger for most of the season (33 Aps, 3 Goals, 10 Assists), but he just did not show the type of development I was hoping for. Of course, there is still time, but I was disappointed – I was expecting more.

Ebby Harwood: The 16 year old was part of the youth intake this season, and the only decent one at that, but I have hopes. I really do not know how he will turn out, but he seems like he could be a decent prospect.

Transfers

I spent a lot more than I had hoped to spend, nearly £1 million, but it was all well spent. Aaron Mooy and Porvaldur Magnusson were well worth the money, Michael Higdon was our second leading scorer, while Lucas Correa and Steven Saunders both were immediate starters. The Free Transfers, highlighted by Aaron Martin were all serviceable. As for the players I sold, I did not especially want to see Marnick Vermijl leave, but the £60k + clauses was enough to convince me to part with him. Nikon El Maestro, however, I was happy to see leave for £100k one year after I had brought him on the Free Transfer.

[powells_red_army]

Well done on getting into the Championship

[abulezz]

French Ligue 1 2014/2015

2015 Team of the Year

Player of the Year: Javier Pastore, Paris Saint-Germain (31 Aps, 10 Goals, 9 Assists, 3 MotM, 7.63)

GK of the Year: Stephane Ruffier, AS Saint-Ettiene

Foreign Player of the Year: Frederico Balzaretti, Paris Saint-Germain (34 Aps, 4 Assists, 7 MotM, 7.71)

Most Promising Player: Sergio Oliveira, OGC Nice (35 Aps, 3 Goals, 2 Assists, 1 MotM, 6.77)

Manager of the Year: Alex Dupont, Montpellier

German Bundesliga 2014/2015

2015 Team of the Year

Player of the Year: Mario Gotze, Dortmund (28 Aps, 6 Goals, 14 Assists, 11 MotM, 8.02)

GK of the Year: Rene Adler, Leverkusen

Defender of the Year: Alex Sandro, Wolfsburg (32 Aps, 5 Assists, 11 MotM, 7.62)

Midfielder of the Year: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern Munich (30 Aps, 8 Goals, 6 Assists, 6 MotM, 7.60)

Striker of the Year: Goran Pandev, FC Koln (25 Aps, 9 Goals, 8 Assists, 6.96)

Manager of the Year: Markus Babbel, Dortmund