Is it a witch? BURNHaM!!!!

[ron6632]

Season review

This was always going to be an all or nothing season. We had a quite superb 1st half to the season, only losing 2 games before the new year. We had a few sticky results through January and February, but we managed to pick up enough points to keep us in the hunt. We had lost Shane Cramp in pre-season to a long term injury, meaning he was starved of game time, and it took a while for the Baxter/Kolev partnership to click - in fact by his standards, Baxter had a bit of a disappointing season, missing numerous easy chances which cost us points.

We could have won the title - the two Wolves games were key. We were the better side in both games, but lost them. The 12 point swing would have been enough to win us the title!

Of concern was our performances against bigger sides. We lost heavily to Swansea, Bolton and Middlesbrough, something that has not really plagued us in recent times. How this will translate in the Premiership should be interesting. Still, we had the 3rd smallest wage budget in the division, the smallest stadium and really should have been looking at a relegation battle. The adventure continues though - I am under no illusions (yes I know I say it every season) - the next season will be tough!

Championship - An improvement on last season was an incredible achievement. Promotion to the Premiership!

FA Cup - Through to the 5th round for the first time ever where we were comprehensively beaten by a struggling Middlesbrough side

Carling Cup - Our league form counted for nothing as we crashed out to Walsall in the 2nd round. They were struggling in the division below so a very frustrating cup exit.

Diddy Cup - 7th consecutive win in the trophy, a comfortable win against Didcot

Key Players

Peter Crook - Still number 1. 19 clean sheets in all competitions is not to be sniffed at.

Michael White - A rock at the back and contributed a number of goals as well. Badly injured in the 2nd half of the season and we really missed him in defence, possibly contributing to some poor results.

Jan Krog - Is getting better and better and has been called up for the Danish Euro Championship squad. Consistent and a great passer he is a fixture in the centre of the park, especially after the departure of Klopcic.

Derek Tong - Stayed injury free and contributed 19 assists from the right wing. Still young and developing.

Nikolay Kolev - Had a shaky start to his Burnham career, but developed brilliantly through the season scoring 31 in all competitions. Looks like he will be a class act.

Records

Top Scorer - Nikolay Kolev 31

Top League Scorer - Nikolay Kolev 22

Most Assists - Derek Tong 19

Average Rating - Nikolay Kolev 7.27

Player of the Year - Nikolay Kolev

League Competition 
-------------------------------------------
2011/12  Evo-Stik Southern D1 C - 10th   |
2012/13  Evo-Stik Southern D1 C - 4th    | Lost in Playoff S/F
2013/14  Evo-Stik Northern D1 S - 1st    | Champions - Promoted to Evo-Stik Southern Prem
2014/15  Evo-Stik Southern Premier - 1st | Champions - Promoted to BSS
2015/16  Blue Square South - 9th         |
2016/17  Blue Square South - 2nd         | Promoted to BSP via Playoffs
2017/18  Blue Square Prem - 6th          |
2018/19  Blue Square Prem - 1st          | Champions - Promoted to League 2
2019/20  League 2 - 9th                  |
2020/21  League 2 - 1st                  | Champions - Promoted to League 1
2021/22  League 1 - 1st                  | Champions - Promoted to Championship
2022/23  Championship - 6th              | Lost in Playoff Semi-Final to Stoke City
2023/24  Championship - 2nd              | Runners-up - Promoted to Premier Division

Cups
---------------------------------
FA Cup
---------------------------------
2011/12 - 1st Qualifying Round v Congleton
2012/13 - 4th Qualifying Round v Corby
2013/14 - 2nd Qualifying Round v Eastbourne Boro
2014/15 - 2nd Qualifying Round v Staines
2015/16 - 4th Qualifying Round v Chippenham
2016/17 - 2nd Round v Cheltenham
2017/18 - 3rd Round Replay v Middlesbrough
2018/19 - 1st Round v Norwich City
2019/20 - 3rd Round Replay v Nottingham Forest
2020/21 - 3rd Round v Southampton
2021/22 - 3rd Round Replay v Leeds Utd
2022/23 - 4th Round v Derby County
2023/24 - 5th Round v Middlesbrough

Carling Cup
---------------------------------
2019/20 - 1st Round v Aldershot
2020/21 - 2nd Round v Stoke City
2021/22 - Semi Final v Manchester City
2022/23 - 2nd Round v Stoke City
2023/24 - 2nd Round v Walsall

[ron6632]

Ups and Downs in England

Premier League
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                Top 3                | Relegated
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12 - Man U, Man City, Chelsea    | Swansea, Norwich, QPR
2012/13 - Spurs, Man U, Arsenal       | Birmingham, Burnley, Newcastle
2013/14 - Man City, Chelsea, Man U    | Stoke, Norwich, Southampton
2014/15 - Man U, Liverpool, Man City  | West Ham, Swansea, Wigan
2015/16 - Man U, Man City, Chelsea    | Reading, Wolves, Charlton
2016/17 - Man U, Chelsea, Man City    | Watford, Newcastle, Cardiff
2017/18 - Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea   | Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Charlton
2018/19 - Man U, Chelsea, Man CIty    | Everton, Cardiff, Newcastle
2019/20 - Aston Villa, Chelsea, Man U | Burnley, Southampton, Bolton
2020/21 - Man U, Spurs, Reading       | Stoke, Watford, Charlton
2021/22 - Man U, Man City, Liverpool  | Newcastle, Middlesbrough, West Brom
2022/23 - Man City, Man U, Chelsea    | Wolves, Cardiff, Burnley
2023/24 - Spurs, Reading, Man U       | Huddersfield, Liecester, Stoke

Championship
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                Promoted                  | Relegated
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12 - Birmingham, West Ham, Burnley    | Bristol City, Peterborough, Crystal Palace
2012/13 - Southampton, Norwich, Leicester  | Huddersfield, Portsmouth, Preston
2013/14 - Reading, Swansea, Burnley        | Millwall, Sheff Utd, Nottingham Forest
2014/15 - Stoke, Birmingham, Charlton      | Hull, Colchester, Crystal Palace
2015/16 - Newcastle, Watford, Cardiff      | Barnsley, Derby, Nottingham Forest
2016/17 - Reading, Middlesbrough, Charlton | Hull, Blackpool, Crystal Palace
2017/18 - Cardiff, Newcastle, Wolves       | Ipswich, QPR, Norwich
2018/19 - Birmingham, S/hampton, Charlton  | Hull, Coventry, Crawley
2019/20 - Middlesbrough, Everton, Watford  | Derby, Preston, Scunthorpe
2020/21 - S/hampton, Newcastle, Cardiff    | Ipswich, Hull, Doncaster
2021/22 - Huddersfield, Charlton, Burnley  | Plymouth, Crawley, Preston
2022/23 - Middlesbrough, West Brom, Stoke  | Norwich, Swindon, Scunthorpe
2023/24 - Wolves, Burnham, Burnley         | Plymouth, Preston, Leeds

League 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                Promoted                       | Relegated
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12 - Preston, Sheff Utd, Huddersfield      | Bury, Colchester, Leyton Orient, Yeovil
2012/13 - Swindon, Sheff Wed, Scunthorpe        | Chesterfield, Tranmere, Oldham, Wycombe
2013/14 - Charlton, Crystal Palace, Colchester  | Leyton Orient, Hartlepool, Plymouth, Bradford 
2014/15 - Sheff Utd, Notts Forest, Huddersfield | Stevenage, Rotherham, Carlisle, Chesterfield
2015/16 - Colchester, Hull, Crystal Palace      | Rochdale, Walsall, Peterborough, Morcambe
2016/17 - Derby, Bristol City, Barnsley         | Aldershot, MK Dons, Barnet, Hereford
2017/18 - Hull, Preston, Crawley                | Tranmere, Notts Forest, Plymouth, Bournemouth
2018/19 - Norwich, Luton, Ipswich               | Bury, Mk Dons, Wycombe, Brentford
2019/20 - Wrexham, Hull, Plymouth               | Torquay, Chesterfield, Lincoln, Hartlepool
2020/21 - Preston, Scunthorpe, Crawley          | Millwall, Bradford, Tranmere, Macclesfield
2021/22 - Burnham, Derby, Cheltenham            | Ipswich, Blackpool, Shrewsbury, Oldham
2022/23 - Preston, Portsmouth, Plymouth         | Barnet, Aldershot, Ebbsfleet, Bournemouth
2023/24 - Newport Co, Peterborough, Crawley     | Walsall, Rotherham, Crystal Palace, Carlisle

League 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                Promoted                                 | Relegated
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12 - Swindon, Plymouth, Torquay, Bradford            | Cheltenham Aldershot
2012/13 - Colchester, Rotherham, Crawley, Leyton Orient   | Northampton, York
2013/14 - Chesterfield, Wycombe, Hereford, Bury           | Gillingham, Accrington
2014/15 - Lincoln, Luton, Morecambe, Wrexham              | Crewe, Tranmere
2015/16 - Barnet, Hartlepool, Shrewsbury, Aldershot       | Southend, AFC Wimbledon 
2016/17 - Rotherham, Plymouth, Tranmere, Bradford         | Stevenage, Rochdale
2017/18 - MK Dons, Peterborough, Oldham, Aldershot        | Oxford, Darlington
2018/19 - Chesterfield, Tranmere, Plymouth, Carlisle      | AFC Wimbledon, Dag & Red
2019/20 - Cheltenham, Barnet, Ebbsfleet, Macclesfield     | Yeovil, Wycombe
2020/21 - Burnham, Bournemouth, Chesterfield, Nott Forest | Leyton Orient, Bury
2021/22 - Bristol Rovers, Walsall, Hartlepool, Newport Co | Brentford, Macclesfield
2022/23 - Ipswich, MK Dons, Stockport, Blackpool          | Bradford, Tranmere
2023/24 - Colwyn Bay, Southend, Gateshead, Hereford       | Truro, Oldham

[SRL88]

Cracking work getting promoted.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Excellent work Ron.

[cerud]

Nice job on promotion. It's interesting that in every career I see, Portsmouth usually end up falling down several leagues.

[SRL88]

Great work getting promoted .

[ron6632]

Excellent work Ron.

Cheers. It's looking like a fun season is on the cards!

Nice job on promotion. It's interesting that in every career I see, Portsmouth usually end up falling down several leagues.

It's the same for me - I don't think that I've played a career where they haven't ended up rattling around the Championship or League 1. I'm pretty sure they have only recently come out of admin in this save.

Great work getting promoted .

Cheers!

[ron6632]

Preview



The financial crisis at the club hasn't really materialised, although we are around £10m in the red. The £40m TV for the Premier Division should just about cover that, as long as our expenditure is kept under control.

This time I am under no illusions - this will be a difficult season. If we can avoid the drop then the club should be able to push on to bigger things, but financially relegation would be a disaster.

We have the nucleus of a fine squad, but we desperately need some Premiership quality defenders as this has been the weakest area of the side.

There is news on the stadium front - we are extending Burnham Stadium to a 10k seater, but we are lodging with Reading, meaning we will (hopefully) benefit from some decent gates before we move back home.



Players In



Leifur Valdimarsson - Iclandic DC who has potential. Immediately loaned out so he gets first team experience.

Nicolo Di Fabio - Italian DC signed from AC Milan. The first of a series of defensive minded signings.

Tuna Kose - D/DM, M C from Turkey on loan with an option to buy. Gives me formation options

Kerem Wylie - GK signed for free from Portsmouth. Only 24 but looks a very solid prospect

Michele Brunetti - Another signing from Milan. The M C will add much needed competition in the centre of the park

Laurent Salaun - French DC. Massive prospect and could immediately become a key player at the back.

Connor Wickham - Former Arsenal striker/winger. Getting on a bit but some massive quality.

Ersin Pop - Young striker bought for £3m. Only 18 so a prospect who has a massive future

Players Out

Martin Mitchell - Decent enough striker who came from the youth system. Suffered in the shadow of Cramp and Baxter. I let him go so he could get 1st team football

Octavio Martinich - Was making waves about not being a first team regular so I let him go.


Club Info




Chairman Status: Happy to stay




Finances: Okay




Estimated Value: £23M




Stadium: Madejski Stadium 24172

Burnham Stadium 5257 (extending to 10000)


Training Facilities: Fairly Basic




Youth Facilities: Minimal




Junior Coaching: Exceptional




Youth Recruitment: Basic




Media Prediction: 20th



Expectations



Board



League - Stay clear of relegation


FA Cup - 4th round


Diddy cup - Couldn't care less


Carling Cup - 3rd Round



Media - 20th They give us no chance!



Me



League - Avoid relegation


FA Cup - 5th round


Diddy - win with kids


Carling Cup - 3rd round



Reduce the debt (might stand a chance!)



Club Progress

[ron6632]

August

Prem (a) v Liverpool 2-1 Wickham (82), Kolev (90+4)

We start with a very tough away tie at Anfield and I am expecting a defeat. We deservedly fall behind in the 32 minute as there is a constant procession towards our goal. I change things second half and we get a scarcely deserved equaliser from sub Wickham with 8 minutes left. We complete a smash and grab when Kolev scores a direct freekick deep into injury time.

Prem (h) v Arsenal 1-0 Kolev (8)

We get a full house against Arsenal and Kolev completes a brilliant move to give us an early lead. Arsenal threaten but never really create any clear chances while we are dangerous on the break. A deserved win that gives me confidence that we can beat the drop

CC2 (a) v Plymouth 3-1 Esposito (17, 20), Cramp (35)

A very good display with a few fringe players getting a start. Esposito bags a brace in 20 minutes before we concede to a rare attack. Cramp gets the third with a tap in to complete the scoring midway through the first half.

Prem (a) v West Brom 2-0 Kolev (23), Fielding (o.g. 44)

A very good performance at the Hawthorns sees us pick up 9 points out of 9. Kolev gives us a deserved lead on 23 minutes, and an own goal is awarded to the West Brom keeper (it looked to me like Espositos header went straight in!) just before halftime. With the job pretty much done the second half is a scrappy affair with no real chances.

[ron6632]

September

Prem (h) v Blackburn 0-3

Reality hits in this even game. My keeper has a mare, conceding 2 own goals in the first half, the second he dropped into the net. We lose a third on the counter in the second half. We aren't helped by a biased referee and injuries to Madlmayr and Tong.

Prem (a) v Man U 1-3 Krog (pen 24)

Just what we needed after the Blacburn game is a trip to Old Trafford. They get a very early goal, but we rally after the shaky start and get a deserved equaliser, albeit from a rather dodgy looking spot kick. We get into to half time level, but we switch off at the back and lose two early goals. Cramp comes on and spends a grand total of 6 minutes on the pitch before getting sent off, scuppering any hope of a comeback.

CC3 (a) v Wigan 0-1

We start nervously in a scrappy game but gradually assert some authority on the match. However it is Wigan who score first in the 38th minutes, getting a lucky goal from a corner. We continue to control the game but fail to get behind their defence, creating very few chances. A damp squib of a game.

Prem (h) v Chelsea 2-3 Kolev (10), Amendola (80)

Despite a very encouraging start, Chelsea score a cracker early on to take the lead. We equalise almost immediately though, Kolev slotting home Baxters through ball. Chelsea regain the lead against the run of play, Moreira just running through my defence and slotting home from 3 yards out. They get a third at the start of the second half and look as if they could go on to score a barrel load. We rally late on though, and sub Amendola heads in from a corner with 10 minutes left. We keep going to the final whistle but can't find an equaliser to round off a dreadful september.

[deltablue]

Good first month, shame about the rest.

[ron6632]

Good first month, shame about the rest.

Has been a strange opening to the season - I think there was some complacency in the squad through September

October

Prem (a) v Charlton 3-1 Brunetti (19), Tong (32), Krog (45+1)

Charlton sit below us in the league in what could be a very important early fixture for us. We are second best for the opening period but still take the lead when Brunetti volleys home a Tong freekick on 19 minutes, his first for the club. We begin to get a grip of the game and Tong gets our 2nd, heading in a Kolev freekick, taken from the opposite side of the pitch. Krog get the 3rd on the stroke of half-time, tapping in a perfect cut back from Brunetti after a lightning counter attack. It is an even second half with neither side really threatening, although Charlton pull one back through an incredibly soft penalty right at the end of the game. A deserved win to banish the miserable September.

Prem (h) v Birmingham 0-0

Another huge game for us against a side that we really need to get at least a point against. City have a couple of early chances, but we gradually take control without ever really looking dangerous. The second half follows the same pattern as we only threaten from long range. I'm happy with a clean-sheet and point.

Prem (h) v Reading 3-0 Kolev (31, 86), Esposito (60)

We play our landlords as the home side. Reading sit in 3rd, and were runners up in the Premier League last season. We start well, keeping possession of the ball for long periods of the game. Brunetti splits the Reading defence playing in Kolev, who passes the ball into the corner of the net on 31 minutes. Reading have a player sent off for a dreadful tackle and from the resulting freekick the ball is played to Esposito who fires an unstoppable shot from long range. Kolev rounds off the scoring in the 86th minute with a simple finish from a Krog pass. Brillliant result against a very good Reading side.

League Table

[deltablue]

Back to good again...

[ron6632]

Back to good again...

And keeping it going

November

Prem (a) v Sunderland 2-0 Stefanov (o.g. 79), Kolev (81)

Sunderland have had a poor start to the season, picking up only 6 points from 9 games. It takes us a while to settle in this game as our defence looks shaky at times. We get a break when Sunderland have a perfectly good goal chopped off for offside before half time. We dominate possession in the second half without ever really causing any great problems, but we take the lead when a Baxter cross is deflected into the net by a defender. Kolev and Baxter combine only a couple of minutes later with Kolev producing a calm finish to seal the win.

The result sees the Sunderland manager sacked and I am subsequently offered the job!

Prem (a) v Everton 1-0 Kolev (42)

We rip Everton apart in the first half but are thwarted by their goalkeeper until a thunderous drive by Kolev gives us a 42nd minute lead. Everton are reduced to 10 midway through the second half. We can't add to the score in a result that flattered Everton

Diddy Cup (h) v Chesham 4-1 Baxter (24), Smith (48), Gorman (63), Ersin Pop (65)

It takes us 24 minutes to get in front, Baxter finally scoring his first of the season. Chesham equalise in the 32 minute, my defence just letting them wander through to score. Full back Smith shows my strikers how its done right at the start of the second half with a super curling effort. Gorman heads a third from youngster Percival's cross in 63 minutes. Ersin Pop then scores his first for the club moments later to complete the scoring.

Prem (h) v Tottenham 2-2 Kolev (38), Wickham (77)

This game was a real football cliche - a game of two halves! We were pretty dreadful in the first half, falling 2-0 behind to through balls which caught out my defenders. Kolev did pull one back directly after their second goal giving us a chance going into the second half. We come out a different side and create chance after chance, although our finishing really lets us down. Spurs have a player sent off and I go for broke which pays off when Wickham scores from Krogs through ball. Smith is sent off near the end and it is a helper skelter finish with both sides missing open goals. On balance a draw was probably the right result.

[deltablue]

Very good indeed!

[ron6632]

December

Prem (a) v Aston Villa 2-0 Baxter (42), Kolev (78)

Villa have been poor so far, but this makes them dangerous opponents. It's end to end stuff with both sides having chances. Baxter gets his first league goal of the season, turning in Esposito's fine cutback on 42 minutes. We are under pressure for a lot of the second half, but a fine move on the halfway line sets Kolev free, who gets the break of the ball from a defenders tackle and taps the ball home from a yard out.

Prem (h) v Burnley 3-0 Kolev (pen 45, 74), Baxter (90+3)

Burnley are struggling badly in the league, lying bottom of the table. The first half is one way traffic, although we do struggle to break them down. Baxter is pushed over in the box on the stroke of half time and Kolev tucks away the penalty superbly. Burnley start the second half on the offensive but it is short lived. They have a player dismissed for a foul on Baxter when clean through to hand us back the initiative. Kolev gets his second after a smart turn in the box on 74 minutes then Baxter completes the scoring in injury time, half volleying in Tongs cross.

Prem (a) v Man City 0-4

A tough ask away to one of the big guns. We fall behind after 6 minutes as we look to be overrun at the back and at times our goal leads a charmed life. They get a second 5 minutes before half time to dash our hopes. The game is effectively over on the restart as City score from the kick off. They get an undeserved 4th late on to complete the scoring. They deserve their win, but the result is a flattering one for City

Prem (h) v Fulham 3-0 Kolev (13, 55), Di Fabio (65)

We look to bounce back against a mid-table Fulham side. Kolev opens the scoring on 13 minutes, beating his man 20 yards out then finishing with a deft chip over the keeper. He gets his second after the break, a simple finish after Esposito sees his initial shot parried by the keeper. Di Fabio gets his first for the club, skilfully turning in a long throw to make it three.

On another pleasing note we have a black bank balance after this game. £52k to be exact. Hopefully I can get some facility upgrades soon!

Prem (a) v Southampton 2-0 Kolev (25), Esposito (60)

It is an end to end game with both sides looking dangerous. In the 25th minute Kolev continues his good form, heading in a superb Gomes cross from close range. Southampton rally in the second half, but Madlmayr produces another super cross for the unmarked Esposito to sweep home from the back post. In the end a comfortable boxing day win which amazingly puts us top of the league, temporarily at least.

In other news the board has agreed to upgrade our youth recruitment level to…..wait for it…….a fairly basic level

Prem (h) v Middlesbrough 1-1 Kolev (29)

Middlesbrough have been a bogey team. In 6 games against them we have lost 5 and drawn 1, conceded 19 goals and scored only 5. I hope to change this in the last game of 2024. Kolev gives us a deserved lead after being played in by Krog on 29 minutes. We are the better side in this match, but pay the penalty with 8 minutes left from a swift counter attack after our corner.

League Table

Half Season Review

I would never have considered that at this stage of the season we would be sitting in 2nd in the Premier League. The team has performed time and time again to prove our early results were not just a flash in the pan. The only black mark was September where we lost every game, but we have been consistent and pretty much deserve the league placing.....for the moment. The January blues are yet to come, but even a total collapse shouldn't be enough to see us drop into the relegation zone. Our defence has been outstanding, although our attack has found goals hard to come by (apart from Kolev!) which gives cause for concern.

Key Players

Kerem Wylie - The Gk has been immense. 10 clean sheets in the top division and some incredible stops along the way. Has made the shirt his. An outside chance of an England call up soon if he keeps performing like this.

Laurent Salaun - The French DC has been a rock at the back, for the most part. Big step up from White and Duffy. Still only 21

Nicolo Di Fabio - Not quite as consistent as his defensive partner but still a huge part of how we play. Only 21 as well. If I can keep these two together we could progress onto much bigger things.

Jan Krog - Has formed a super partnership with Michele Brunetti in the middle of the park. Can control games and split defences wide open.

Michele Brunetti - The young Italian had a shaky start at the club but has grown into the team until his injury. Both him and Krog have proved they can compete with the best in the division

Nikolay Kolev - 16 goals in 18 starts. He is getting better and better for us but the danger is we become a one man team. Desperately needs goalscoring support from players like Baxter and Wickham

[Nobby_McDonald]

Doing excellent here Ron...

[ron6632]

January

Prem (a) v Wolves 0-2

We are arguably the better side, but Wolves hit us with two sucker punches while our finishing is dire. They get the first on the counter on the half hour, and then seal the win with 4 minutes left as we push hard for the equaliser.

Prem (h) v Liverpool 0-3

We have the lions share of possession but Liverpool take us apart. It is only 1-0 with 10 minutes to go, but again as we go for broke we lose another two goals. Very poor performance.

Prem (a) v Arsenal 0-1

I shut up shop in this one and limit Arsenal to long range efforts. We look comfortable and I have settled for a point when we lose a sloppy goal from a corner deep into injury time at the end of the match. To say I am furious is an understatement as we fully deserved the point from the game.

FA3 (h) v Burnley 3-0 Baxter (19), Kolev (47), Tong (65)

A comfortable victory against a Burnley side who look doomed in the Premier League. Baxter prods us into a first half lead, then goals from Kolev and Tong see us safely into the next round. Good performance and much relief that we have stopped the rot.

Diddy Cup Q/F (a) v Abington Utd 5-1 Wickham (6), Smith (23), Cramp (47), Baxter (73, 90+5)

Just the sort of game we needed to get back on track. The result was never in doubt as we controlled the game from start to finish.

Prem (h) v West Brom 2-1 Kolev (22), Baxter (37)

Despite the scoreline, this was a very one sided victory. Kolev is put through by Krog for the 1st, and Baxter finally scores again in the league to make it 2 before half time. They pull a goal back after the break, but that is as far as they get as we see the game out very comfortably.

Prem (h) v Blackburn 1-3 Kolev (70)

A very even game in which Blackburn take the lead at the start of the second half. Kolev gets the equaliser with 30 minutes to go, but we can't push on and find a winner. A draw about the right result.

An injury to one of my regular centre back pair is a huge blow, Di Fabio out for 4 weeks.

[ron6632]

Doing excellent here Ron...

Cheers - the new year is proving to be a bit more of a challenge

[ron6632]

February

FA4 (a) v Birmingham 0-1

Truly awful performance as we only manage 1 shot at goal. Birmingham are not much better and the goal is a lucky one, hitting my keeper after rebounding from the post. Poor start to the month.

Prem (a) v Chelsea 0-5

We travel to Stamford bridge and get a hiding. Our performances of late against the top sides have been of concern - we are capitulating without much of a fight.

Prem (h) v Man U 0-4

We return to our home at Burnham Stadium, the capacity now at 10,000. We get ripped to shreds as Man U toy with us. Two goals in each half are enough to sink us.

Prem (h) v Charlton 1-0 Tong (48)

A vast improvement in this game against a poor Charlton side. We dominate from start to finish, but only manage to get a 48th minute goal when Tong turns in an Esposito cross at the back post. A real relief to get a goal and a win.

In other news, the board has agreed to extend the stadium (only by 750 seats!) and improve training facilities - finally we can get away from using the local pitches and portacabins

[ron6632]

March

Prem (a) v Birmingham 0-0

Another visit to St Andrews, this time drawing a blank. It is as poor a game as our previous encounter in the cup, but we struggle, even when they are reduced to 10 men in the first half. Still, after recent form I am happy to take a point and clean sheet.

Prem (h) v Sunderland 2-1 Esposito (50), Di Fabio (75)

Poor first half sees no goals. Esposito scores in the 50th minute with a fine volley, and Di Fabio heads in a corner for his first for the club. They pull one back with 8 minutes left, but we hold on for another vital 3 points.

Diddy Cup S/F (h) v Aylsbury 6-0 Salaun (15), Greene (o.g. 20), Baxter (29, 46), Kolev (63), Cairidi (83)

Confidence building performance for the team, with a start for some fringe players. Will hopefully kickstart some goals for my attackers again.

Prem (a) vReading 1-4 Kolev (2)

We get off to the best possible start, Kolev firing us in front within 2 minutes from a well worked throw in. We go on to squander 3 gilt edge chances in quick succession so it is only natural that Reading equalise with their first effort on goal in 17 minutes. They take the lead with their second a few minutes later. We lose a third before half time and I can't believe it as we could have at least a 4 goal lead. We lose another after half time and still create enough chances to win the game. Shocking finishing.

Prem (h) v Everton 0-0

We are without Kolev who was injured in the last match. His absence is felt as we draw a blank in this game.

The board has now also agreed to upgrade our Youth Facilities in the close season - progress is being made

[ron6632]

April

Prem (a) v Tottenham 0-3

We concede within a minute after really slack defending and we are two down within 10. Spurs score another as we capitulate and we are lucky to only be 3 down at half time. The second half is damage limitation and we manage to avoid conceding any more goals.

Prem (h) v Aston Villa 2-0 Moyo (61) Baxter (90+2)

We finally get a win, although we leave it late. We are helped by Villa playing the whole of the second half with 10 men, Moyo eventually scoring a superb individual effort. Baxter seals it in injury time giving us a precious 3 points.

Prem (a) v Burnley 0-2

As we continue to struggle to score we edge the game on possession and chances, but concede a goal in each half. Burnley are relegated after this game and our hopes of a european spot are drifting away.

Prem (h) v Man City 1-1 Pop (90+4)

For once we get the luck, and Man City suffer from poor finishing. They take the lead midway through the first half and it looks as if it could be a cricket score. We rally though, and an improved second half sees Ersin Pop head his first league goal for the club deep into injury time.

[ron6632]

May

Prem (a) v Fulham 1-1 Moyo (37)

Moyo fires us into a deserved 1st half lead as we could and probably should be at least 2 goals up. We are dire second half and are lucky only to concede a late equaliser as I am just glad to pick up a point against a side one place below us in the table.

Diddy Cup final (a) v Chalfont St Peter 4-0 Baxter (22, 48), Moyo (29), Kolev (31)

Some light relief in the form of the local association cup final. I play a strong side in the hope that I can get some palyers performing again. A well deserved, if expected victory for our 8th (I think) consecutive defence of the trophy.

Prem (h) v Southampton 2-2 Wickham (1), Esposito (33)

We blow Saints away in the first half, Wickham scoring from the kick off and Esposito tapping in a cross midway through the half. We are sloppy either side of half time (literally a 3 minute spell across both halts) which costs us 2 points and ends our chase for Europe.

Prem (a) v Middlesbrough 6-1 Kolev (5, 55, 61), Gomes (17), Baxter (43, 47)

We finally do what we have been threatening to do by blowing one of my bogey teams out the water. A superb Kolev hattrick and Baxter brace gives us our most satisfying victory of the season. Why can't we play like this all the time?

Prem (h) v Wolves 0-0

Final game of the season is broadcast live on TV. We dominate and create a lot of chances, but all our goal quota was used up at the Riverside Stadium. Poor way to end the season, leaving us in 8th place, two points away from a european place.

Final League Table

[ron6632]

Season review

An incredible journey this season. We started in blistering form, apart from a blip in September, and most of the division struggled against the unknown quantity. To be sitting second top of the league at the halfway stage was in itself an incredible achievement for the club, but alas, it was not to last. Unsurprisingly clubs adapted their game plan in the new year. That and a combination of truly awful finishing from my strike force, saw our form dip considerably and we began a slow slide down the table. Some heavy defeats against the bigger clubs were frustrating, but we still picked up points where it mattered to finish a very respectable 8th. In the end I have to be happy with the clubs debut season in the Premier Division which has seen our stadium extended, our facilities (finally) upgraded (in progress as I type) and our debt wiped out.

League - 8th place is a brilliant effort, although after our 1st half to the season I am a little disappointed that we couldn't hold on for a european place (I don't want much do I )

FA Cup - Very annoyed to go out in the 4th round v Birmingham

Carling Cup - We crash out to Championship Wigan in the 3rd round. Not a happy bunny during our early season blip.

Diddy Cup - 8th consecutive win in the trophy.

Key Players

Kerem Wylie - The Keeper was immense. 15 clean sheets in his first season in the top division is a great return. Cemented his place as the club No 1

Nicolo Di Fabio - Former Milan defender was a rock at the back. We suffered when he was injured. Still young will only get better.

Jan Krog - Once again the beating heart of our midfield. Could chip in with a few more goals, but created 8 from the centre of the pitch. Still only 20 as well.

Aris Esposito - Winger caused chaos to defences. Suffered from fatigue later in the season, but was a real creative force. 10 assists and 6 goals was a good haul

Nikolay Kolev - Just brilliant. Runner up in the golden boot. Single handedly dragged the team through the season with his 22 goals in the league.

Records

Top Scorer - Nikolay Kolev 25

Top League Scorer - Nikolay Kolev 22

Most Assists - Aris Esposito 10

Average Rating - Nikolay Kolev 7.26

Player of the Year - Nikolay Kolev

League Competition
-------------------------------------------
2011/12 Evo-Stik Southern D1 C - 10th |
2012/13 Evo-Stik Southern D1 C - 4th | Lost in Playoff S/F
2013/14 Evo-Stik Northern D1 S - 1st | Champions - Promoted to Evo-Stik Southern Prem
2014/15 Evo-Stik Southern Premier - 1st | Champions - Promoted to BSS
2015/16 Blue Square South - 9th |
2016/17 Blue Square South - 2nd | Promoted to BSP via Playoffs
2017/18 Blue Square Prem - 6th |
2018/19 Blue Square Prem - 1st | Champions - Promoted to League 2
2019/20 League 2 - 9th |
2020/21 League 2 - 1st | Champions - Promoted to League 1
2021/22 League 1 - 1st | Champions - Promoted to Championship
2022/23 Championship - 6th | Lost in Playoff Semi-Final to Stoke City
2023/24 Championship - 2nd | Runners-up - Promoted to Premier Division
2024/25 Premier League - 8th |

Cups
---------------------------------
FA Cup
---------------------------------
2011/12 - 1st Qualifying Round v Congleton
2012/13 - 4th Qualifying Round v Corby
2013/14 - 2nd Qualifying Round v Eastbourne Boro
2014/15 - 2nd Qualifying Round v Staines
2015/16 - 4th Qualifying Round v Chippenham
2016/17 - 2nd Round v Cheltenham
2017/18 - 3rd Round Replay v Middlesbrough
2018/19 - 1st Round v Norwich City
2019/20 - 3rd Round Replay v Nottingham Forest
2020/21 - 3rd Round v Southampton
2021/22 - 3rd Round Replay v Leeds Utd
2022/23 - 4th Round v Derby County
2023/24 - 5th Round v Middlesbrough
2024/25 - 4th Round v Birmingham

Carling Cup
---------------------------------
2019/20 - 1st Round v Aldershot
2020/21 - 2nd Round v Stoke City
2021/22 - Semi Final v Manchester City
2022/23 - 2nd Round v Stoke City
2023/24 - 2nd Round v Walsall
2024/25 - 3rd Round v Wigan

[ron6632]

Ups and Downs in England

Premier League
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                Top 3                | Relegated
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12 - Man U, Man City, Chelsea    | Swansea, Norwich, QPR
2012/13 - Spurs, Man U, Arsenal       | Birmingham, Burnley, Newcastle
2013/14 - Man City, Chelsea, Man U    | Stoke, Norwich, Southampton
2014/15 - Man U, Liverpool, Man City  | West Ham, Swansea, Wigan
2015/16 - Man U, Man City, Chelsea    | Reading, Wolves, Charlton
2016/17 - Man U, Chelsea, Man City    | Watford, Newcastle, Cardiff
2017/18 - Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea   | Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Charlton
2018/19 - Man U, Chelsea, Man CIty    | Everton, Cardiff, Newcastle
2019/20 - Aston Villa, Chelsea, Man U | Burnley, Southampton, Bolton
2020/21 - Man U, Spurs, Reading       | Stoke, Watford, Charlton
2021/22 - Man U, Man City, Liverpool  | Newcastle, Middlesbrough, West Brom
2022/23 - Man City, Man U, Chelsea    | Wolves, Cardiff, Burnley
2023/24 - Spurs, Reading, Man U       | Huddersfield, Liecester, Stoke
2024/25 - Man U, Chelsea, Spurs       | Charlton, West Brom, Burnley

Championship
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                Promoted                  | Relegated
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12 - Birmingham, West Ham, Burnley    | Bristol City, Peterborough, Crystal Palace
2012/13 - Southampton, Norwich, Leicester  | Huddersfield, Portsmouth, Preston
2013/14 - Reading, Swansea, Burnley        | Millwall, Sheff Utd, Nottingham Forest
2014/15 - Stoke, Birmingham, Charlton      | Hull, Colchester, Crystal Palace
2015/16 - Newcastle, Watford, Cardiff      | Barnsley, Derby, Nottingham Forest
2016/17 - Reading, Middlesbrough, Charlton | Hull, Blackpool, Crystal Palace
2017/18 - Cardiff, Newcastle, Wolves       | Ipswich, QPR, Norwich
2018/19 - Birmingham, S/hampton, Charlton  | Hull, Coventry, Crawley
2019/20 - Middlesbrough, Everton, Watford  | Derby, Preston, Scunthorpe
2020/21 - S/hampton, Newcastle, Cardiff    | Ipswich, Hull, Doncaster
2021/22 - Huddersfield, Charlton, Burnley  | Plymouth, Crawley, Preston
2022/23 - Middlesbrough, West Brom, Stoke  | Norwich, Swindon, Scunthorpe
2023/24 - Wolves, Burnham, Burnley         | Plymouth, Preston, Leeds
2024/25 - Cardiff, Watford, Huddersfield   | Cheltenham, Crawly, Portsmouth

League 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                Promoted                       | Relegated
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12 - Preston, Sheff Utd, Huddersfield      | Bury, Colchester, Leyton Orient, Yeovil
2012/13 - Swindon, Sheff Wed, Scunthorpe        | Chesterfield, Tranmere, Oldham, Wycombe
2013/14 - Charlton, Crystal Palace, Colchester  | Leyton Orient, Hartlepool, Plymouth, Bradford 
2014/15 - Sheff Utd, Notts Forest, Huddersfield | Stevenage, Rotherham, Carlisle, Chesterfield
2015/16 - Colchester, Hull, Crystal Palace      | Rochdale, Walsall, Peterborough, Morcambe
2016/17 - Derby, Bristol City, Barnsley         | Aldershot, MK Dons, Barnet, Hereford
2017/18 - Hull, Preston, Crawley                | Tranmere, Notts Forest, Plymouth, Bournemouth
2018/19 - Norwich, Luton, Ipswich               | Bury, Mk Dons, Wycombe, Brentford
2019/20 - Wrexham, Hull, Plymouth               | Torquay, Chesterfield, Lincoln, Hartlepool
2020/21 - Preston, Scunthorpe, Crawley          | Millwall, Bradford, Tranmere, Macclesfield
2021/22 - Burnham, Derby, Cheltenham            | Ipswich, Blackpool, Shrewsbury, Oldham
2022/23 - Preston, Portsmouth, Plymouth         | Barnet, Aldershot, Ebbsfleet, Bournemouth
2023/24 - Newport Co, Peterborough, Crawley     | Walsall, Rotherham, Crystal Palace, Carlisle
2024/25 - Norwich, Doncaster, Q.P.R             | Exeter, Preston, Gateshead, Hereford

League 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                Promoted                                 | Relegated
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2011/12 - Swindon, Plymouth, Torquay, Bradford            | Cheltenham Aldershot
2012/13 - Colchester, Rotherham, Crawley, Leyton Orient   | Northampton, York
2013/14 - Chesterfield, Wycombe, Hereford, Bury           | Gillingham, Accrington
2014/15 - Lincoln, Luton, Morecambe, Wrexham              | Crewe, Tranmere
2015/16 - Barnet, Hartlepool, Shrewsbury, Aldershot       | Southend, AFC Wimbledon 
2016/17 - Rotherham, Plymouth, Tranmere, Bradford         | Stevenage, Rochdale
2017/18 - MK Dons, Peterborough, Oldham, Aldershot        | Oxford, Darlington
2018/19 - Chesterfield, Tranmere, Plymouth, Carlisle      | AFC Wimbledon, Dag & Red
2019/20 - Cheltenham, Barnet, Ebbsfleet, Macclesfield     | Yeovil, Wycombe
2020/21 - Burnham, Bournemouth, Chesterfield, Nott Forest | Leyton Orient, Bury
2021/22 - Bristol Rovers, Walsall, Hartlepool, Newport Co | Brentford, Macclesfield
2022/23 - Ipswich, MK Dons, Stockport, Blackpool          | Bradford, Tranmere
2023/24 - Colwyn Bay, Southend, Gateshead, Hereford       | Truro, Oldham
2024/25 - Shrewsbury, Rotherham, Crystal Palace, Millwall | York, Macclesfield

[Nobby_McDonald]

Great debut with the big boys.

[deltablue]

Already not far from Europe.

[ron6632]

Great debut with the big boys.

Cheers. Great start, but I think the second of half of the season is what we can expect next year

Already not far from Europe.

Gutted to just miss out. So near and yet so far

Still can't complain about the clubs debut at the top level!

[ron6632]

Preview

Last season was one of consolidation which went way above expectations. It will be difficult, but not impossible, to improve this season - a huge ask for the club. Again I will be happy to avoid relegation although I am convinced that we are superior to the majority of lower end sides in the division. Consistency will be the key, especially after New Year when we usually have a bit of a down turn. I will push in the cups as well, with good draws we may just stand a chance of upsetting things a little. I have strengthened the squad gradually, preferring that to sweeping changes.

Players In


Maciej Paprocki - Young Polish defender who can play centrally or on the left. Already has a senior cap for his country. Backup for now.

Trygve Hansen - Norwegian Left winger with bags of quality bought for a bargain £550k. Should be an important player for us.

Tim Kristian Halvorsen - Norwegian striker signed from Rosenborg. Good prospect at 20 but a gamble with a £5m price tag.

Ivan Lasarte - Spanish striker brought in to give us some depth up front.

Vadim Sergeev - Young Ukranian who has been capped at senior level at 19. Signed on a pre-contract from Karpaty where he was scoring for fun. I have high hopes for this one.



Players Out


Connor Wickham - the former England cap and Arsenal player never really performed for us. He was picking up a big wage and getting old so I moved him on.

Lewis Hendry - Had fallen out the 1st team equation and was making waves. Didn't really want to lose him as he was still a top player, but I feel we have better at the club.



Club Info




Chairman Status: Will listen to offers




Finances: Secure




Estimated Value: £46.5M




Stadium:Burnham Stadium 10514


Training Facilities: Fairly Basic




Youth Facilities: Minimal




Junior Coaching: Exceptional




Youth Recruitment: Basic




Media Prediction: 14th



Expectations



Board



League - Mid Table


FA Cup - 4th round


Diddy cup - Couldn't care less


Carling Cup - 3rd Round



Media - 14th - big improvement from last place



Me



League - Avoid relegation - I'm an endless optimist


FA Cup - 5th round


Diddy - win with kids


Carling Cup - 4th round



Improve the facilities.



Club Progress

Info

[ron6632]

August

Prem (a) v Wolves 3-1 Pop (1), Kolev (77), Krog (pen 81)

We kick off and it takes us 28 seconds to get the ball in the net, Ersin Pop thumping home Krogs pass. Wolves settle well as we struggle to retain possession. We switch off in the second half, gifting Wolves an equaliser that they don't really deserve. We do look dangerous going forward though, and a fine move sees Krog play in Kolev for a simple finish with 13 minutes to go. We are awarded a penalty with 10 minutes left which Krog calmly scores to round off an excellent opening day victory.

Prem (h) v Cardiff 2-0 Salaun (72), Krog (pen 90+2)

My 800th game in charge of Burnham. We have an unsteady start but gradually grow into the game. It is poor fayre though with few chances for either side. I change the system for the second half and the game becomes more open. We take the lead from a corner, Salaun heading home with 20 minutes left and seal the tie when Cardiff concede a penalty in injury time that Krog slots home.

CC2 (h) v Bolton 3-1aet Kolev (59, 92), Salaun (105+1)

We struggle to make an early impact in this game and have our keeper to thank for keeping the score level. We eventually do settle and start to boss the game without really creating anything. We fall behind as everyone switches off at the back letting Bolton just walk the ball into the net. Again I change the system for the second half and we do improve, Kolev scoring a superb goal to level the tie and we begin to create and miss good chances. It goes to extra time and it is Kolev again who immediately puts us ahead. Salaun looks to have put us through at the halfway point, heading in a superb Brunetti free kick.

Prem (a) v Middlesbrough 3-2 Kolev (6), Sergeev (69), Hansen (77)

We last less than three minutes, conceding from a freekick, but we equalise through Kolev from the kick off. They waltz through us for a second midway through the first half and we look dead and buried. We toil away second half and manage an equaliser, Hansen feeding Sergeev for a goal on his debut. We then turn the game on its head, Esposito crossing for Hansen to head his first for the club with 77 minutes gone. We shut up shop and hold on to take a vital victory.

[ron6632]

September

Prem (h) v Huddersfield 0-1

We have never played Huddersfield either in a competitive or friendly match. The first half is a bore fest with virtually no action at all. We give away a penalty in injury time which consigns us to an undeserved defeat.

Prem (a) v Watford 1-1 Delahunty (o.g. 8)

We have a solid start to the game and take the lead when a Kolev header that rebounds off the bar is turned home by a defender. Watford worm their way into the game, but we get to half time ahead after a pretty drab affair. The defence self implode at the start of the second half, conceding a very soft goal. We ride our luck second half and despite Watford having a man sent off we are lucky to get a point.

CC3 (a) v Man City 3-0 Esposito (27), Amendola (74), Moyo (90+2)

It is a fairly even game but we gradually take control, and Esposito slides in a Baxter cutback on 27 minutes to give us a deserved lead as we dominate the rest of the half. It is a much more finely balanced second half, and Amendola is left unmarked at the near post to volley in a corner in the 74th minute. We round the game off when Moyo fires a brilliant long range shot that goes in off the post to give us a significant victory against one of the top sides in the league.

Prem (h) v Birmingham 2-2 Hansen (17), Amendola (75)

Birmingham sit bottom with only one point, yet they dominate us from the start and take a 13th minute lead. Hansen puts us level after a fine pass from Krog just 3 minutes later. We start to control the game but fall behind again towards the end of the half. Amendola scores from a corner to give us a deserved equaliser as the game peters out to a draw.

[ron6632]

October

Prem (a) v Tottenham 0-1

I am serving a touchline ban for this game against the side top of the table. It is pretty much one way traffic from Spurs as we struggle to make any impact on the game. We do well to get in at half time level. There is more of the same in the second half and it looks as if we are going to hold on, but a combination of poor passing and stupid fouled see us give away a last minute goal.

Prem (a) v Man U 0-4

They are on top from the start and hit us on the counter attack for the first and a corner for their second. They even get a third right on half time. We are awarded a penalty right after half time which Kolev spoons over the bar. We perform better after the break but still concede a final goal with 10 minutes left.

Prem (h) v Fulham 4-2 Hansen (9), Kolev (20), Krog (43), Salaun (50)

I look to bounce back in this home game. It is a poor start as we concede from an early freekick. Hansen taps in from a corner on 9 minutes to put us level, then Kolev finishes well to make it 2. Krog is put through to finish superbly just before half time, although there is still enough time for Fulham to pull one back before the break. We dominate the second half, Salaun finally getting the goal from a corner on 50 minutes.

CC4 (a) v Burnley 5-2 Kolev (19, 87), Di Fabio (33, 81), Baxter (46)

A comfortable win for us with Kolev and Di Fabio both bagging a brace.

[ron6632]

November

Prem (h) v Everton 3-0 Kolev (pen 24, pen 48), Pokorny (o.g. 67)

We go out and dominate Everton in a bizarre match. Kolev puts us ahead with a penalty on 24 minutes, he then misses one on half time before scoring a third just after the break. Baxters shot on 67 minutes is deflected in by a defender to give us the win.

Prem (h) v Sunderland 2-0 Halvorsen (30), Amendola (43)

It is an even start to the game with neither side really on top. Halvorsen puts us in the lead with a fine shot in off the post from outside the area, his 1st for the club. We gradually take control and it is no surprise when Amendola forces home a rebound after a corner. The second half is pretty much a non-event as we comfortably maintain our lead to take the points.

Diddy Cup (a) v Beaconsfield 4-0 Halvorsen (12), Crighton (34, 39), Kolev (89)

We take the lead when the gk inexplicably drops the ball on the penalty spot, leaving Halvorsen with the easiest finish ever. Crighton scores the second with a well taken freekick, and he makes it three with a superb long range effort a few minutes later. Kolev makes it 4 right at the death, completing a very comfortable win.

Prem (h) v Southampton 1-2 Baxter (46)

We lose keeper Wylie to injury in the first few minutes, leaving fullback Smith as my choice for keeper. We lose Halvorsen as well, all inside the first 10 minutes and to compound it all lose the first goal as well. We lose a second before the half hour to pretty much seal our fate. Baxter pulls one back right after half time, thumping home a cross. We push hard and have chances but can't find the equaliser. We aren't helped when Krog is taken off injured as well, leaving us down to 10 men. Costly game.

Prem (a) v Blackburn 0-0

We just about edge a relatively even first half and Blackburn probably have the better of the Second. 0-0 bore draw.

[ron6632]

December

CC Q/F (a) v Everton 1-0 Halvorsen (73)

It is even stuff for the first 20 minutes until Everton have a player sent off for a second booking. We dominate and have the better chances, but can't seem to find a goal until an Everton freekick goes horribly wrong and sub Halvorsen runs the length of the pitch to slot under the keeper. That goal is enough to win us the game and put us in the semis.

Prem (h) v Aston Villa 4-3 Kolev (9, 13, 45), Caniggia (o.g. 27)

A lucky win at home to Villa. Kolev scores a first half hat trick with a Villa o.g. sandwiched in between. We establish a 3-0 lead, only for Villa to pull two back before half time. Kolev does make it 4 on the half time whistle to restore a 2 goal lead. Villa get a late third to make a very nervy final few minutes.

Our facilities are finally finished after this game. We have gone to Basic youth facilities and Adequate training facilities. More work to be done here me thinks!

Prem (a) v Arsenal 3-2 Kolev (42, 53), Krog (90+1)

I set up in a 4-6-0 in an attempt to grind out a result against a struggling Arsenal side who have just sacked their manager. We dominate early possession and Sergeev spurns a great chance, hitting the bar when clean through. We switch off though and Arsenal score an undeserved opening goal in the 20th minute, their first effort on goal. They go on to boss the game. It's our turn to score against the run of play, Gomes putting an inch perfect cross into the box for Kolev to head home late in the half. We miss a number of gilt edge chances but it is Kolev who scores again after being put through by an impressive Krog pass as we boss the early stages of the second half. Arsenal get a second goal, again against the run of play, this time from a corner. They push for a winner as the game seems to swing their way altough we keep plugging away. Krog skips through the defence in injury time to calmly pass the ball into the net for number 3 to give us a deserved win and historic win.

Prem (a) v Man City 1-3 Krog (42)

I stick with the same system that impressed against Arsenal in the hope that lightning might strike twice. City use a system that I struggle against though, and they take an early lead from a dubious freekick. We gradually work our way into the game and Kolev misses an easy chance. We surrender most of the possession but look dangerous on the break, and we get an equaliser when Krog volleys in a Moyo freekick. City change their system for the second half as we look much more dangerous, but they still score from a cross that should have been defended with 25 minutes left. Kolev is brought down in the box and misses the penalty costing us the game as City manage a third in injury time. Gutted at the result which should have been a draw.

Prem (h) v Liverpool 1-0 Brunetti (84)

I had just been offered the job at Anfield prior to this match and the offer was difficult to turn down. Turn it down I did, as I feel there is unfinished business at Burnham going into Boxing Day. I revert to a 4-4-2, mainly due to injuries. We struggle for the first 15 minutes, but work our way into the game and gradually start to turn the screw. Despite all our chances, it takes until the 84th minute to open the scoring, Brunetti volleying in Moyo's freekick. That heralds a frantic final few minutes, but we hold to take the points.

Prem (h) v Chelsea 2-0 Esposito (56), Sergeev (81)

We ride our luck (a lot) in the first half against a very strong Chelsea side. They come out strong second half as well, but we hit them on the counter, Esposito finishing off a fine move at the back post. With Chelsea leaving huge gaps at the back we capitalise with 10 minutes left, Hansen's cross finding Sergeev, who finally heads in a goal, his second for the club. That goal seals an incredible 3 points from a game we could easily have lost by 3 or 4 goals.

[cerud]

Looking like a decent start

[SRL88]

I dont approve of the Liverpool result but a great start nonetheless.

[deltablue]

Some good results there.

[ron6632]

Half Season Review

We sit in 6th in the table at the halfway point, a great achievement so far this season. Kolev has been immense for us with very little scoring support from my other strikers. Fortunately there has been a steady trickle of goals from around the pitch which has helped matters. In general we have been performing well, but we occasionally just roll over to sides which is becoming frustrating, especially teams like Man U, City and Reading (trust me - they are a very good side!)

I have splashed some cash as well going into the transfer window with (at least) three players arriving who should have a positive impact on the squad. A Georgian striker who looks the real deal, a Dutch attacking midfielder who can dribble at light speed, and a much needed right full-back from Spain.

With the position we are in, I feel that a European place is on the cards - if the form keeps up, there is no reason why we cannot find ourselves in the Champions League qualifiers - although that is possibly too ambitious at this stage. The added players should certainly make a difference to us and improve the squad we have.

Key Players

Nikolay Kolev - Has produced the goods again so far this season. Top goalscorer. I dread a loss of form or injury!

Trygve Hansen - The left winger has been immense. A creative force and gets into good scoring positions. First name on the team sheet.

Kerem Wylie - The Keeper is still immense and seems to have reduced his silly mistakes tally. Gives my back four great confidence - 20 for communication is key.

Nicolo Di Fabio - Former Milan defender has been superb (mostly), but can suffer bouts of blatant stupidity. Still young - needs a calming influence beside him

Jan Krog - Still only 20 and is a key player in my young midfield. Scores goals, creates goals and generally works his socks off.

Players in

Eduardo - Right back signed from Real Madrid for £6.25m. Class above what we have already and represents a real step up in quality.

Wim Arts - £5.75m from Atletico Madrid. Pace 18 and dribbling 17. Am retraining him as a winger, but already he looks a stunning player. May struggle to fit him into my main system though.

Giorgi Gabunia - Georgian Striker signed from GNK Dinamo for £4.1m. Am really excited about this player.

League Table

[ron6632]

Looking like a decent start

Cheers. We have been pretty consistent so far, but we do struggle against the big sides - include Reading in this - they are managed by a certain Mr Mouriniho

I dont approve of the Liverpool result but a great start nonetheless.

We were very lucky really. I think our head to head is 50/50 at the moment

Some good results there.

Really pleased with the first half. Struggling to find a system to counter the 4-2-3-1 though!

[ron6632]

January

Prem (a) v Cardiff 5-1 Gabunia (20, 53), Esposito (54), Moyo (72), Arts (79)

We travel to the bottom side with a couple of new additions to the side. Debutant Gabunia grabs the opening goal, pouncing on Esposito's cross. We gift Cardiff a goal though as they play right through our defence. Gabunia gets his second after the break, again turning in an Esposito cross. We get a swift third, Esposito this time being played in and beating the keeper at his near post. We get a 4th on the counter, Moyo having to fight off two other players to tap the ball into the empty net. My other new signing, Arts, comes off the bench to score a great individual effort on his debut.

Diddy Cup Q/F (h) v Aylesbury 4-0 Sergeev (12), Gabunia (21, 73), Eduardo (37)

I feel for Aylsbury, I really do. Not one shot at goal, although they did keep the score respectable.

FA3 (h) v Wigan 2-0 Gabunia (76), Baxter (90+1)

It is an even first half against struggling Championship side Wigan, neither side creating any real chances. It is a Moyo freekick that unlocks the Wigan defence, finding the head of Gabunia with 15 minutes left. Baxter settles it in injury time, blasting home a rebound.

LC S/F 1st leg (h) v Reading 0-1

We revert to the 4-6-0 in an attempt to foil the Reading system. We look dangerous on the break, although Reading make most of the play. We do get to half time at a relatively comfortable 0-0 though. Eventually Reading change to a 4-4-2 and we follow suit in an attempt to find a goal. Reading get an undeserved winner in the last minute of injury time.

Prem (h) v Middlesbrough 2-0 Gabunia (56), Boot (o.g. 60)

We control the first half comfortably but our final ball and finishing let us down badly. We up our game in the second half and a brilliantly worked move sees Krog play in Gabunia who shimmies round the keeper to score. We get a second soon after, Kolev's shot rebounding from the post, off the keeper and in to complete the scoring in a very one sided match.

Prem (a) v Reading 1-2 Gabunia (74)

I revert to the 4-6-0 that Reading struggled with in our previous meeting but we lose a soft early goal. Despite Reading hogging the ball again, we create the better chances and really should have scored an equaliser through Arts meaning we are unlucky to be behind at the break. Our cause is not helped when a defender is sent off but we get a lucky break when our keepers long ball evades the defender and sub Gabunia sneaks in to slot the ball home. We are unfortunate to lose a second goal with four minutes left through another defensive error which gives Reading a second undeserved win over us in a week.

Prem (a) v Huddersfield 1-1

We are poor in an even first half, not managing to create any real chances. They take the lead midway through the first half, but Di Fabio heads home a corner in injury time to rescue a point.

LC S/F 2nd Leg (a) v Reading 1-3 Segeev (71)

The less said about this game the better. Awful performance.

FA4 (h) v Watford 2-0 Gabunia ( 20), Sergeev (pen 81)

Gabunia gets the first after being put through by Kolev and we complete the win with a Sergeev penalty with 10 minutes to go.

[ron6632]

February

Prem (h) v Watford 6-0 Gabunia (20, 35, pen 80), Hansen (31, 60), Brunetti (88)

It is an even game to start as we play Watford in back to back games. We eventually take the lead on 20 minutes, Gabunia thundering home a Hansen pass. Hansen makes it two on the half hour mark, turning the ball in from close range after Amendola heads a corner back across goal. Kolev feeds Gabunia who beats two defenders and the goalkeeper for our third. We get a fourth on 60 minutes when Krog plays in Hansen who blasts the ball home for his second. Gabunia gets his hat trick with 10 minutes to go, blasting home an unstoppable penalty. We round things off with a brilliant freekick from Brunetti, giving us a superb win.

Prem (a) v Birmingham 2-0 Esposito (2), Dupuis (o.g. 4)

We open the scoring within 2 minutes, Esposito pouncing on a rebound off a defender after good work by Gabunia. 2 minutes later we extend our lead when a tackle on the lively Gabunia goes wrong and the ball finishes in the net. The game turns into an end to end affair with both sides creating chances making the next goal vitally important. There is no third goal in the game as the second half peters out into a damp squib. An important 3 points though away from home.

Prem (h) v Wolves 4-0 Gabunia (15, 45+2, 48), Hansen (20)

Wolves are struggling badly and have lost their last 5 games making this game a real banana skin. We have a slow start, only gradually working our way into the match. We take the lead on 15 minutes, Krog playing in Gabunia who passes the ball into the net. We get a second 5 minutes later, Hansen heading home a Kolev corner. This seems to knock the stuffing out of Wolves as we go on to completely control things. The game is as good as won on half time when Gabunia turns at the edge of the box and fires high into the net for his second of the game. He finishes his hat trick off after the break with a carbon copy goal to put the game well beyond Wolves.

Some breaking news. We are undergoing a board takeover, apparently with a consortium looking to take control of the club, the deal to be completed within 4 weeks. They are also looking at bringing in their own manager .

Prem (h) v Tottenham 4-2 Hansen (50, 76), Gabunia (60, 82)

Spurs sit one place below us in 5th making this a hugely important tie against the dreaded 4-2-3-1 formation. Despite a good start it is Spurs who get an early goal from a lump over the top, even after we have a goal disallowed. They get an undeserved second on the half hour to make things very difficult for us. Hansen pulls one back after the break after the players get a roasting, then 10 minutes later Gabunia continues his fine form after being played in by Arts. Hansen gets his second with 15 minutes to go, turning in Eduardo's cross from a tight angle to give us the lead. Arts, who had been a lost sheep in the first half, then plays in Gabunia for his second to complete a stunning comeback and finish the game with 3 assists.

The consortium that are taking over the club are ready to name Eddie Howe as their new manager according to the Sun. But since when have you ever believed anything in the papers? Still, I wont be a happy bunny if I lose my job when they take over.

FA5 (h) v Barnsley 4-2 Gabunia (50), Kolev (56, 83), Halvorsen (74)

We are in complete control of the game until Barnsley score a wonder goal in the 20th minute, their first effort on goal. Our finishing is dire, but we do get the equaliser eventually at the start of the second half. Unsurprisingly it is Gabunia who scores after being set up by Hansen. 5 minutes later Kolev finishes a swift counter attack to finally break his goal drought and give us a deserved lead. Barnsley score another cracker to equalise, only their 3rd effort on goal! We get another though, Arts playing through Halvorsen to slide the ball past the keeper. Kolev seals our progress into the next round, again hitting Barnsley on the counter with 8 minutes left.

Prem (a) v Fulham 2-0 Kolev (4), Gabunia (21)

It takes us just under 4 minutes to go ahead, Kolev scrambling in a Tong cut back. Fulham start to push hard, but in the 20th minute they are caught out by a ball over the top that Gabunia snaps up to put us two ahead. They keep pressing in the second half and we have keeper Wylie to thank for keeping us ahead in the game. In the end we hold firm to take a huge three points away from Craven Cottage.

[ron6632]

March

Prem (h) v Man U 1-1 Hansen (3)

We take a surprise early lead with a quite superb move, Hansen taking the ball round the keeper. It is a fast paced game with both sides creating a lot of chances. It is Utd who get the next goal though a few minutes before half time, although we are not helped by a clearly biased ref. We have chances to win it in the second half but can't find the finish. We hold on for a point.

Diddy Cup S/F (h) v Chalfont St Peter 3-1 Halvorsen (18, 45), Gorman (30)

Utterly dominant display, although we take our foot off the gas at 3-0, conceding a late goal. Scoreline should have been double that, but our finishing was dire.

Prem (a) v Everton 3-1 Gabunia (1, 28), Hansen (90+3)

42 seconds is all it takes for Gabunia to combine brilliantly with Hansen and fire us into the lead. Our blistering start begins to fade as Everton bully their way into the match. Unfortunately for them it leads to a sending off for one of their defenders resulting in Gabunia combining with Hansen again for his 20th goal of the season. Everton pull one back midway through the second half with my defence posted missing. We go on to seal the points in injury time, Kolev putting Hansen through to score a thumping drive.

Prem (a) v Sunderland 0-0

A dreadful first half, although we do create chances towards the end of it which really should have been taken. The second half follows a similar pattern as we squander a few very good chances. The game ends in a damp squib at 0-0.

The takeover is complete. The good news is they have pumped £13m into the club and are upgrading our training facilites. They also did mention that I am to keep my job - they also have said that I am not deserving of a new contract - considering that I have now been at the club for a rather long time on a non-contract agreement getting paid the princely sum of bugger all, I find this rather irritating!

FA Q/F (h) v Sheff Wed 1-1 Kolev (90+1)

We lose an early goal from a corner as we dominate the early proceedings. Worse we lose three players to injury in the first half. We battle away but our finishing is dire until Kolev pops up in injury time to slam the ball home and save our blushes.

Prem (h) v Reading 0-3

Dire performance. Reading are our bogey team, big style

[ron6632]

April

FA Q/F Replay (a) v Sheff Wed Di Fabio (3), Halvorsen (55, 90)

We start the game with a goal, Di Fabio heading in a corner on 3 minutes which is about as exciting as the first half gets. We get a second at the start of the second half, Halvorsen turning in a cross. Wednesday injure another three of my players before grabbing a late goal from a free kick. Halverson goes up the other end though and puts us in the semi-final.

Ch (a) v Southampton 2-2 Tong (6), Hansen (49)

We make a fine start to the game despite our injury crisis. It is Tong who gets his first of the season, collecting Smith's cross and slotting the ball under the keeper. We give the ball away on the half hour and they get an undeserved equaliser. We lose a second just before half time. We walk the ball into the net at the start of the second half, Sergeev feeding Hansen who taps home from a yard. We lose another two players to injury during this match meaning I am happy enough to salvage a point.

Prem (h) v Blackburn 4-1 Kolev (28), Halvorsen (42, 55), Arts (75)

The game is a slow burner at the the start but we gradually grow into it, missing a number of good chances and hitting the woodwork twice. Eventually Halvorsen plays in Kolev who scores his first league goal for a very long time. We hit the woodwork twice more, before a fine passing move out of defence plays in Halvorsen who finishes in style just before half time. We hit the woodwork a 5th time, before Halvorsen gets his second from a Krog through ball. Blackburn pull a goal back from a rare counter attack before Arts scores a superb low effort from outside the area. A fine win.

Prem (a) v Aston Villa 2-2 Gabunia (34), Moyo (75)

It is a slow start to the game as we gradually take control without ever really causing major problems. Villa fight back until Gabunia scores an outstanding individual effort, running from the halfway line. We concede from a corner in the second half as Villa dominate but retake the lead when Moyo hammers home from outside the area with 15 minutes left. Villa are back on terms 2 minutes later as we switch off at a freekick

FA S/F (n) v Man U 0-2

The game is finely balanced and we are very unlucky to fall behind at a stage that we were the better side. We never really recover and a second goal for Utd in the second half seals the result.

Prem (h) v Arsenal 4-2 Hansen (12, 67), Kolev (19, 41), Gabunia (53)

It is Arsenal that get the early goal but we hit back in the 12 minute, Hansen finishing well for the equaliser. Kolev taps in just 7 minutes later as we turn the game round. He gets another just before half time after a direct through ball sets him free from the defence. We make it 4 in the second half, Kolev crossing for Gabunia to tap home on 53 minutes. We get a 5th when a corner isn't cleared properly, Arts crossing for Hansen to tap home. We concede from a corner in injury time to take a little of the gloss off the result.

Prem (a) v Chelsea 1-2 Gabunia (60)

Huge game that could have a bearing on whether we qualify for the Champions League. We dominate the game entirely, but our finishing is dreadful. Chelsea have two efforts at goal and two goals. Gabunia pulls one back in the second half but we can't find a way past the Chelsea keeper.

Diddy Cup Final (a) v Wycombe 2-1 Kolev (16), Arts (30), Halvorsen (43)

Quite simply one way traffic and it was only a matter of time until we score, Kolev with a neat finish. Arts gets the second with a low effort from the edge of the box. Arts then produces some stunning wing play to cross for Halvorsen to volley home. We can't add to the tally in the second half but it is enough to retain the trophy.

Prem (h) v Man City 0-6

City are awarded the softies penalty ever within 2 minutes which they duly dispatch. They are awarded a second on 10 minutes and it looks like we have been beaten by the ref rather than City. We go onto collapse and lose a further 4 goals in our worst result of the season.

Prem (a) v Liverpool 4-3 Kolev (1, 26), Hansen (64), Chrighton (86)

Kolev opens the scoring on 34 seconds but Liverpool hammer us and get a deserved equaliser. Kolev, though, gets his second, pouncing on a defensive error in the 26th minute. They equalise from the kick off then we have a perfectly legitimate goal chopped off. Liverpool take an undeserved lead in the second half then we are awarded a penalty that Hansen puts away. Chrighton, who has been away on loan for most of the season, looks to have one it with 4 minutes left firing home from the edge of the area.

The result leaves us in 5th place, and we qualify for Europe for the first time in the clubs history.

[deltablue]

Very good season, especially the Liverpool win.

[cerud]

Hopefully, they change their minds and enew your contract at the end of the season. That would suck otherwise.

[iHeadHunta x]

Unlucky against City, bounce back!

[Nobby_McDonald]

Excellent progress Ron.

[SRL88]

Took a bit of a spanking against Man City.

[iHeadHunta x]

Unlucky against ****** mate