[FM16] Vitkovice? More like Kidkovice!

[dan_simmonds]

March 2019

Fotbalová Národní Liga

Manager's notes

We played bottom of the table Taborsko in our first match after the winter break, and Zemanek and Valenta combined again to give us the lead. Schuster doubled our advantage just 2 minutes later, before Tarbosko pulled one back. We ground it out in a dull second half, but started the second part of the season with exactly what we required. Zemanek and Valenta combined again to give us the lead against Slavoj Vysehrad before our opponents levelled on the stroke of half time. Despite our opponents being reduced to 10 men, we were unable to break them down and it finished 1-1. We faced Usti nad Labem next, and with Zemanek ruled out with a heel injury, Pacholik was given a chance in the hole behind Valenta. He obliged by giving us the lead, and what turned out to be the winner. The final game of the month saw us take on Pardubice, and Valenta scored yet again to give us the lead. Pacholik rewarded my faith in his continued presence in the number 10 role with a second, and we had another fine result to round off the month.

Next month

Keep up the charge in a far more difficult month of fixtures

[dan_simmonds]

After an excellent month, it was nice to be recognised for the team's fine form.

[dan_simmonds]

Youth Intake 2019

This is another excellent intake. Vladyka will no doubt lead my line for years to come, whilst we continue to strengthen the middle of the park with Rezek, Vojtisek & Kucera all fitting in there. Navratil will give Schuster and Kaminek competition on the right hand side, and we start to build strength in depth with our youth team.

Prospects:

1. Tomas Vladyka

2. Matej Navratil

3. Petr Rezek

4. Pavel Vojtisek

5. Daniel Kucera

[tyler16]

14 decisions at 15 years old is really nice for Rezek. Looks a great prospect.

[dan_simmonds]

April 2019

Fotbalová Národní Liga

Manager's notes

The month opened with a visit to fourth placed Karvina, and a dull 0-0 kept us ahead of the chasing teams for that second promotion spot. However, it came at a cost as Wojnar was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. We travelled to Bohemians and played the counter to full effect, Valenta and then a brace including a late goal from Zemanek saw that partnership continue to flourish with a great win to lift us into the top spot. We returned to the Mestsky to face Ziln, and Valenta opened the scoring with his 15th goal of the season. Ziln equalised soon after half time, and despite a disallowed goal for Kaminek, neither side could find a winner. The onslaught continued with our last game of the month, 3rd placed Pribram and we took another crucial point to keep us in the title race and top of the table.

Next month

Hold on. Of course I'll take 2nd heading into the final month (and a day into June).

[dan_simmonds]

14 decisions at 15 years old is really nice for Rezek. Looks a great prospect.

Due to injuries he's already training with the first team. He might get a chance towards the end of the season.

[dan_simmonds]

May/June 2019

Fotbalová Národní Liga

Manager's notes

The most crucial month in the club's history began with a visit to title rivals Viktoria Zizkov. We found ourselves behind after 17 minutes, and a second goal 10 minutes from time consigned us to a first defeat in 16 games and we took a blow in the title race. We faced Opava next, looking to bounce back and Kaminek scored just before the break. Unfortuately we conceded an equaliser with 15 minutes to go, and continued to stumble towards the finish. We returned home to face Slovacko slowly relinquishing our grip on a promotion place, but Kaminek gave us the lead. Slovacko pulled one back and we looked like we were dropping more points when Karel Pacholik grabbed a 93rd minute winner to keep our hopes alive. Schuster gave us the lead against Most, but yet again we were pegged back late in the game and our faint title hopes were over. We were still in pole position for promotion though, and headed into our penultimate game against Lokomotiva Vltavin where we could only draw 0-0. Fortunately all of the other promotion rivals either drew or lost, so going into the last game of the season against Frydek-Mistek our fate was in our hands. We were banged up, missing Novak through injury, Ofori playing through the pain, Zemanek only fit enough to make the bench and for 86 minutes it looked like we'd thrown away our chance of promotion. Enter Jiri Kolar. Off the bench to score his first and most important goal for the club. A 1-0 win and promotion was achieved!

Next month

Pinch ourselves and try and tie Zemanek and Valenta to new contracts

[dan_simmonds]

Promotion acheived!



The fans are happy...



The board are delighted...



Board of Directors (and former players) at other clubs are enjoying our success...



Most importantly, the players are happy. It might not be enough for Zemanek, but Valenta looks like he's staying!

[dan_simmonds]

FC Vitkovice

End of Season 3 - 2018/19

Fotbalová Národní Liga

Wow. What a season. We just made it difficult to beat us, and looked at one stage as though we might win the whole competition, but I'll definitely take promotion although I feel it's a year too early. But what an outstanding campaign.

Ceská pošta Cup

The board asked us to make the third round and we did. Easily beating lower league opposition and then falling to Synot Liga team Sigma Olomouc. If we play like that next year, it's going to be a tough long season.

Transfers

No transfers, as part of my challenge

First Team

Key Players

1. Petr Wojnar - MC - This guy is the engine in the team and was fantastic yet again. We really missed him when he was injured during the run in, and he's one of the few older heads who is likely to be around after the end of next season.

2. Jaroslav Valenta - ST - Wow. Where did this guy come from. All eyes were on Zemanek at the start of the year to provide the goals, but with 15 goals and 7 assists at the tender age of 18, this guy will lead the line for years to come, especially with the pending departure of Zemanek.

3. Jiri Novak - DC - When we started the season in a 4-1-4-1, he was positioned as a DM. As we moved to a 4-4-2, he became invaluable at CB and was one of our most consistent players, even out playing his senior colleague Ofori.

Youth Team

Another nice youth intake saw us bolster this team yet again with some promising prospects. Many have moved up into senior squads, but the U21's and U19's are pretty much just one big squad at the moment.

Best Three 'Yoofs'

1. Jaroslav Valenta - ST - Leading goalscorer and only eligible for this award for one more year. Now vice captain to Ofori with Ciganek 3rd choice behind Novak.

2. Jiri Novak - DC - Strong, versatile, and a great young player. Don't be surprised if he becomes vice captain once Ofori leaves.

3. Vojtech Zacharias - GK - Got a chance with an injury to Rosnik and took it with both hands. Literally. I couldn't drop him and we were rewarded with the best defence in the league. Outstanding season from the young stopper.

NB: 'Yoofs' are defined as 19 or under in the Simmonds school of management.

Youth Intake

A fantastic intake with Mezek, Vladyka and Navratil all capable of making the step up to first team level.

Facilities

No improvements this season, but following the promotion, I'll be looking for any chance I can get to improve them!

Finances

Bigger sponsorship deals, more ticket revenue, things are going to be a lot healthier at the end of next season. For now though, we need to concentrate on keeping our place in the top flight.

Board Objectives

Fotbalová Národní Liga - Avoid relegation - PROMOTION!

Ceská pošta Cup - Third Round - Achieved and we went as far as we could reasonably expect.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Season   |  League                 | League Position |  Ceská pošta Cup      | Europa League| Champions League |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2016/17  |  Fotbalová Národní Liga | 10th            |  3rd Round            | N/A          |  N/A             |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2017/18  |  Fotbalová Národní Liga | 11th            |  3rd Round            | N/A          |  N/A             |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2018/19  |  Fotbalová Národní Liga | 2nd             |  3rd Round            | N/A          |  N/A             |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/Code]

[dan_simmonds]

We agreed on the number one player this year, Petr Wojnar. Good to see Valenta and young right back Mares who was consistently excellent all season get some recognition as well.

[dan_simmonds]

We overachieved this year, and we were recognised for that at the end of season awards.



Zacharias and Mares making it into the team of the year, unfortunately for Valenta he just missed out.



Ah shucks, what a nice trophy to receive.



Valenta made it into the top 3 young players of the year after what was a fantastic season.

[dan_simmonds]

The board wanted to extend our scouting network, I wanted to invest in my training and youth facilities. It was a stalemate. No decision made either way.

[dan_simmonds]

Preseason 2019

Manager's notes

Due to the overspill from the World Cup, we had a much shorter preseason than in previous years. A four week preseason saw us play three games. A poor start against Brumov was rescued with 10 minutes to go when Vecera grabbed a late winner. Pacholik and Vecera grabbed the goals in a comfortable 2-0 victory over Caslav before our final preseason game against Olomouc-Holice saw Valenta and Kaminek round off our 100% preseason record and ensure that we didn't concede a goal at any stage.

Next month

Win at least one game, and prove that we can belong in this division.

[dan_simmonds]

Start of season four - 2019/20

First Team Squad

We've only lost one player of note, and that was Zemanek. It's up to Pacholik to prove we don't need him, and there are more youngsters waiting in the wings, desperate for a chance.

Transfers

No transfers as part of my challenge.

Key Players

1. Petr Wojnar - MC - He'll be crucial to the team again this season. If we stay up it'll be down to his tigerish attitude in the midfield.

2. Jaroslav Valenta - ST - The new VC is our goalscorer. If we get another 15 from him next season, we'll stay up.

3. Vojtech Zacharias - GK - Responsible for our defensive effort. Outstanding last season and now needs to replicate that at a higher level.

This season's objectives

Board Objectives

Zynot Liga - Battle bravely against relegation

Ceská pošta Cup - 3rd Round

This season's objectives

Zynot Liga - Battle bravely against relegation - 14th. If we finish 14th I'll be so happy.

Ceská pošta Cup - 3rd Round - It'd be nice to make the fourth round this season.

[deltablue]

Good work going up.

[dan_simmonds]

July/August 2019

Zynot Liga

Ceská pošta Cup



Manager's notes

Our first season in the top flight opened with a trip to Slovan Liberec, and we soaked up the early pressure before Pacholik played Valenta through for his first goal of the season and our first in the top flight. Our opponents equalised with a penalty just before half time, and then we fell behind halfway through the second half before conceding a third and had a rude awakenening to life in the top flight. Czech sleeping giant Sparta Prague were our first visitors of the season, and we found ourselves ahead through Pacholik after 10 minutes before Musil grabbed a second just 6 minutes later to put us in dreamland. Sparta pulled one back, but Wojnar restored our two goal cushion before Sparta had a man sent off early in the second half. Pacholik got his second of the game, before Vladyka came off the bench to score on his debut for the club. What a victory! The next fixture saw us travel to Viktoria Plzen, but suffered a 2-0 defeat after a late penalty decided what had been an even game. Then we faced our fellow promoted team Viktoria Zizkov, but were unable to take anything from the game falling to our 3rd defeat in four games by a goal to nil. Our final league game of the month would see us take on Jihlava, and we fell behind in the first half. We grabbed an equaliser through Valenta's endeavour as our opponents scored an own goal, but the lead lasted less than 60 seconds and we found ourselves near the bottom of the pile at the end of our first month in the top flight. Our final game of the month saw some respite in the cup, as we faced Lisen. Valenta opened the scoring after just 2 minutes, and then doubled our advantage at the half hour mark. Novak put the gloss on a comfortable win from the spot to round off the month and give us a little bit of confidence heading into September.

Next month

Stay out of the relegation zone

[dan_simmonds]

Good work going up.

Cheers! Now we just need to stay there!

[Dexter_Morgan]

Well done on the promotion, looks like it may be hard work for you stay up but the Sparta Prague result is at least a positive for you, hopefully you can pick some points up quickly and get a bit of morale in the squad going.

[dllu]

Great result, even though Sparta have had a horrible start to the season. Push on and you should have enough about you to stay up!

[dan_simmonds]

September 2019

Zynot Liga

Ceská pošta Cup



Manager's notes

We opened September after the international break, and faced Sokolov at the Mestsky. Valenta gave us the lead, and Vecera came off the bench to double the advantage and despite a late consolation for the visitors, we took our second top flight win. Valenta gave us the lead against Mlada Boleslav, aand we held on in the second 45 to take back to back wins! We travelled to Ziln in the cup, and the recalled Pacholik gave us the lead after just two minutes, but were pegged back 6 minutes later. The rest of the game was an even affair, but we conceded a late goal and bowed out of the cup. Bottom side Znojmo were our final opponents of the month, and fell behind early on. Valenta got an equaliser in the 84th minute but our opponents came back at us and we rounded off the month with a defeat.

Next month

Picking up a couple of wins would be really nice.

[dan_simmonds]

Well done on the promotion, looks like it may be hard work for you stay up but the Sparta Prague result is at least a positive for you, hopefully you can pick some points up quickly and get a bit of morale in the squad going.

We're doing ok. If we finish 11th, it'll be a fantastic result. These youngsters have a significant amount of potential.

Great result, even though Sparta have had a horrible start to the season. Push on and you should have enough about you to stay up!

Yes, it was a massive result, and we've picked up a couple more since then. I'm feeling positive.

[dan_simmonds]

October 2019

Zynot Liga

Manager's notes

We travelled to Brno for our next game, and their superior quality told as we tumbled to a 2-0 defeat. After a two-year break, the Ostrava derby returned to the Mestsky and despite Schuster having two great chances to win it for us, we were unable to get the result and instead picked up our first draw of the season. Our final game of the month saw us face top of the table Jablonec. Despite our best efforts, they proved why they were top and we lost by a goal to nil.

Next month

Get a win and get out of the relegation zone.

[Dexter_Morgan]

Tough month there, hopefully you'll start hitting the back of the net soon

[dan_simmonds]

November/December 2019

Zynot Liga

Manager's notes

Valenta gave us the lead against relegation rivals Ceske Budejovice but we were pegged back in the second half, and could only take a point. We then faced Hradec Kralove, but found ourselves behind in the 13th minute. The game petered out and we suffered another defeat. The next game as we headed towards the Xmas break was against Sigma Olomouc, and we fell behind in the 4th minute before Schuster levelled it up. Sigma scored again just before half time, before Novak equalised again and we had another vital point. The final game of November brought Slavia Prague to the Mestsky, and a 0-0 result brought another point. The last game before the winter break saw the return leg of our 5-1 drubbing of Sparta Prague. Unfortunately, Sparta had picked themselves up after their European exploits, and we found ourselves with far more of the ball, but 2-0 down where it really mattered. We are 2 points from safety at the winter break, and need a strong start to the second half of the season.

Next month

Rest, plan the second half of the season and look forward to a youth intake.

[dan_simmonds]

Tough month there, hopefully you'll start hitting the back of the net soon

It continues to be tough. Zemanek remains a huge loss, and he's currently sitting in Mlada Boleslav's U21 squad. I would've loved to have seen what him and Valenta could've done in tandem in this division.

[dan_simmonds]

Winter Break 2020

Manager's notes

Our usual winter break was scheduled with three games against lower league opponents. Valenta opened the scoring against Kolin, but we succumbed to a 2-1 defeat. Teplice were stiffer opposition, but we rose to the challenge and took a 1-1 result that really should've been more. Pacholik then bagged a hat trick against Olomouc-Holice and we looked ready to return to our dogfight in the league.

Next month

Try and pick up three points from somewhere, and get ourselves into that little group above the relegation zone.

[dan_simmonds]

February 2020

Zynot Liga

Manager's notes

The first match after the winter break saw us fall by a goal to nil against Slovan Liberec. Wojnar then rescued a point for us against Viktoria Plzen, before fellow promoted side Viktoria Zizkov beat us at their place. Valenta has scored, but not in a competitive match for months, and we could really do with his goals.

Next month

Win. Two very winnable games coming up against Jihlava and Sokolov. We need 6 points from those games.

[dan_simmonds]

Youth Intake 2020

Yet another excellent intake. The youth candidates completed outplayed their u19 counterparts, and came away with a 2-1 despite Fojtik's own goal. There are a number of players here who will be useful in years to come, including the aforementioned Fojtik, although I see his long term future at left back. Kovar will be trained to play MR and compete with Prokes, Zak will play at ML whilst Prochazka looks a fantastic prospect at CM. We've also got a solid backup goalkeeper coming through who may just pose some competition to Zacherias.

Prospects:

1. Pavel Kovar

2. Daniel Zak

3. Ladislav Prochazka

4. Jan Prokes

5. David Fojtik

[dan_simmonds]

March 2020

Zynot Liga

Manager's notes

A must win double arrived in March, and we took on Jihlava first. They were reduced to 10 men after just 11 minutes, but took the lead. Schuster responded 5 minutes later, but despite our best efforts we weren't able to get the victory. After that draw, the game against Sokolov took on even more importance. Yet again, we fell behind but then Wojnar took over the show, firstly converting the penalty won by Valenta, then crossing for Pacholik's winner. A much needed first win in 13. Our travels continued at 3rd placed Mlada Boleslav, and Valenta gave us the lead in first half stoppage time. A magnificent second half rearguard got us all three points, and gave us just a little bit of breathing room at the end of the month as we tried to avoid the drop.

Next month

Stay in 14th. That's all we have to do.

[dan_simmonds]

April 2020

Zynot Liga

Manager's notes

With a tough month ahead, we opened with a very winnible game against Znojmo as we looked to win our third straight. We had chances to win, but couldn't find the back of the net but gained a crucial point to keep us out of the relegation zone. We faced Brno next without the services of Valenta who was ruled out for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder and they used their experience and nous to walk away from the Mestsky with a 2-0 win. The derby was next for us, and although we fell behind Schuster got us a very credible point. We travelled to league leaders Jablonec next, hoping that we would still be out of the relegation zone following this round of fixtures. The month ended with a 4-0 drubbing, but our rivals also lost and we were in pole position going into the final month.

Next month

We've been fantastic this season, but it's a tough month although if we get 6 points I reckon we'll be safe. It'll be heartbreaking to go down, but the board look like they'll offer me a new contract regardless.

[deltablue]

Good luck hanging on.

[dan_simmonds]

May 2020

Zynot Liga

Manager's notes

A crucial game against bottom side Ceske Budejovice was our opener, and Misinsky gave us the lead from the spot after 28 minutes. The lead lasted less than 60 seconds, and our opponents took a valuble point away from the Mestsky as we continued to hold our heads above water. We fell behind against Sigma Olomouc, and looked like we would drop our last home game of the season but Pacholik scored with 15 minutes to go and we grabbed another valuable point as our rivals both lost. With two games left we were four points clear of the relegation zone, but had to face league chasing Hradec Kralove next. We were 2-0 down at the half, before Pacholik pulled one back, but any hopes we had of a positive result faded with our opponents' third goal. A fourth followed, and despite Musil grabbing a consolation we fell to defeat. Sokolov's defeat meant that it was down to a final day survival shootout with Ceske Budejovice who had beaten Jihlava. As long as we matched their result, we would stay up. We fell to a 2-0 defeat, but Ceske Budejovice were only able to get a 1-1 draw in their final game, and we stayed up... on goal difference!

Next month

What can I say? We stumbled and stumbled like a drunk kid towards the toilet, but we stayed up. Breathe a huge sigh of relief, take a summer break and hope that this years' experience has helped the kids.

[dan_simmonds]

Good luck hanging on.

We did it... just!

[abulezz]

Good job staying up - looked rough for a bit there.

[dan_simmonds]

FC Vitkovice

End of Season 4 - 2019/20

Zynot Liga

I have no fingernails left after that. But we survived, and that's the important thing. Another year of experience for my youngsters, but I think we'll go down if we have the same amount of points next season.

Ceská pošta Cup

We made the third round very comfortably due to our status as a top flight club, but were dismissed by lower league Ziln. Improvement is needed next season for certain.

Transfers

No transfers, as part of my challenge

First Team

Key Players

1. Petr Wojnar - MC - Cruical experience in the middle of midfield and I know I can rely on this guy. Incredibly useful to have him around the dressing room as Musil, Kriva and Sadek continue to develop.

2. Vojtech Zacherias - GK - He beat out Rosnik at the start of last season and he's not let me down yet. A good season from the young stopper, and he'll continue to grow within this team.

3. Jaroslav Valenta - ST - You realise how important a player is for you when you don't have him. 8 goals led the team for the season, but not having him for the run in nearly cost us. Keeping him fit and in tandem with Pacholik for next season will decide whether we stay up or not. APOEL are sniffing around, but they've been told to meet his release clause or he's not going anywhere. I hope they won't, and he seems happy with us.

Youth Team

Another nice youth intake saw us bolster this team yet again with some promising prospects. Many have moved up into senior squads, but the U21's and U19's are pretty much just one big squad at the moment.

Best Three 'Yoofs'

1. Vojtech Zacherias - GK - I've covered him above, but literally the first name on the teamsheet.

2. Jaroslav Valenta - ST - Last time he'll qualify for this award as he turns 20, and becomes an elder statesman!

3. Vlastimil Musil - MC - He came through and looked like he would be second fiddle to Sadek. Now he's formed a partnership with Wojnar that I can't see being broken up for another two seasons at the very least.

NB: 'Yoofs' are defined as 19 or under in the Simmonds school of management.

Youth Intake

Another good intake for us, and a number of players that will now look to try and force their way into the established squad. The U19's and U21's are improving every season and we can start to cherry pick which players will really make an impact for the football club.

Facilities

No improvements this season due to a lack of funds. I'm not sure where the money is going to come from to be honest, but I could really do with improving the facilities.

Finances

Despite all of the benefits of being promoted we've still lost money. Europe is where the big bucks are at, and we need to consolidate our position here, and then push on again.

Board Objectives

Zynot Liga - Battle bravely against relegation - 14th and safety!

Ceská pošta Cup - Third Round - Met the board objective, but should be looking to go further as a Zynot Liga club.

[dan_simmonds]

Wojnar takes back to back player of the year honours, whilst Valenta is voted young player of the year. Strikers always get more credit than keepers!

[dan_simmonds]

Good job staying up - looked rough for a bit there.

Cheers, it really was. We've since taken a huge blow when thinking about our next season and chances of staying up.

[Dexter_Morgan]

Close but at least you managed survival which is a fantasic achievement in the first promotion season on a youth challenge so well done

[BoxToBox]

Man that was tight!

[dan_simmonds]

We make nearly 200k which is great for the bank balance, but at what cost to our hopes of staying in the division another season. Pacholik now has this team on his shoulders, and we revert back to the 4-1-4-1 as a matter of necessity, rather than because I think we're ready to.

[dan_simmonds]

Close but at least you managed survival which is a fantasic achievement in the first promotion season on a youth challenge so well done

Cheers. It'd be nice to stay another season, but without Valenta, I fear we're doomed.

Man that was tight!

It was. Genuinely didn't watch the match on the last day, just had the latest score screen up for 90 minutes.

[dan_simmonds]

Some of the Valenta money being used to allow us to train our youth so they're a little closer to the first team when they come through.

[dan_simmonds]

Preseason 2020

Manager's notes

It appears that the preseason is a much shorter affair than in the division below, and after a heady two week break, we hit the preseason trail. Pacholik gave us an early lead against Brumov, and we ground out the 1-0 victory. Jakubcovice were our second preseason opponents, and Mares got us off to the perfect start. However our opponents were just up for it more than we were and hit back twice to consign us to a first preseason defeat. Needing to bounce back, we faced Dukla Hranice and goals from Musil, Sadek & Vecera gave us a comfortable victory. We fell behind against Vlasim, but Wojnar equalised and Pacholik gave us the lead and then grabbed himself a brace as I gave my week 1 starting lineup a good 70 minute runout. Whether we're ready to replace Valenta or not, the season's here.

Next month

Try to get off to a good start, and put some early space between us and the relegation zone.

[Dexter_Morgan]

At least your youth coaching has an upgrade now, how about youth recruitment? In my save i've done nearly 5 years (albeit at a crap level) and not had the option once

[dan_simmonds]

Start of season five - 2020/21

First Team Squad

More of the old guard have gone, and we've lost our best source of goals in Valenta. More and more of the players in our squad are moving between the seniors and U21's, but the starting XI will be very similar to the one we had last season.

Transfers

No transfers as part of my challenge.

Key Players

1. Petr Wojnar - MC - The two time defending player of the year. Any success we have will be as a result of his partnership with Kriva and Musil.

2. Karel Pacholik - ST - Newly appointed as vice captain, the goals we need to stay up will have to come from him. Lots of pressure for him to live up to.

3. Tomas Kriva - DM - We've moved back to the 4-1-4-1 and now Kriva is crucial to the team. He has to protect that back four to make it worthwhile to include him at the expense of a second striker.

This season's objectives

Board Objectives

Zynot Liga - Battle bravely against relegation

Ceská pošta Cup - 2nd Round

This season's objectives

Zynot Liga - Battle bravely against relegation - Same as last year. I want to finish 14th.

Ceská pošta Cup - 2nd Round - I expect us to at least make the third round, but would love to make the fourth round for the first time.

[dan_simmonds]

At least your youth coaching has an upgrade now, how about youth recruitment? In my save i've done nearly 5 years (albeit at a crap level) and not had the option once

Me neither. I request an upgrade to the facilities twice a season, but I'm always told we don't have enough money.

[dan_simmonds]

July/August 2020

Zynot Liga

Ceská pošta Cup



Manager's notes

We opened the season against Sparta Prague, victims of our greatest ever victory. Alas, there was to be no repeat, and we lost our opening game by 2 goals to nil. We returned to the Mestsky for our second game of the season and were once again on the recieving end of a 2-0 defeat, this time to Viktoria Plzen. We looked to bounce back with victory over our fellow promotees, Viktoria Zizkov, and with the 4-1-4-1 clearly not working we switched back to a 4-4-2 with the youngster Plesek given a chance to impress whilst Vladyka continuing his recovery from a broken leg. We succumbed to a 1-0 defeat, but looked better then we had at any point so far. Promoted side Dukla Prague were our next opponents, and we took the lead with an own goal forced by Pacholik after a swift counter attack. However, we weren't able to come away with more than a point, as we conceded from a corner, but at least we were on the board for the season. We had a 100% record against Slovacko under my stewardship, but that was put to the test just 15 minutes in, but Kucera making his debut in place of the injured Pacholik grabbed his first goal for the club for a crucial equaliser. With only a cup game to come, we would finish the month in the relegation zone, but looked forward to the return of Pacholik, and perhaps Vladyka after the international break. Respite from the league arrived as we travelled to Rosice in the cup, and Kolar gave us the lead after 2 minutes before Kucera made it two in two. Zbynek Plesek then grabbed his first goal for the club to wrap up a victory that was much needed after a difficult opening month.

Next month

Win the relegation battle against Jihlava, and await the return to fitness of the two players who will be crucial for us in Pacholik and Vladyka.

[dan_simmonds]

September 2020

Zynot Liga

Ceská pošta Cup



Manager's notes

An early relegation 6 pointer saw us take the lead against Jihlava through the returning Kaminek, before he turned provider for Vecera early in the second half. Kucera then came off the bench for his 3rd in 3 and wrap up a valuable victory for the team despite a late consolation for our opponents. We faced top of the league Mlada Boleslav at the Mestsky next, and came away with a credible draw to stretch our unbeaten run to 5. My wide men being profligic continued in the same vain against Opava in the cup, as Kolar missed a fine chance to give us the lead as we were taken to penalties by the lower league team. Zacherias proved himself to be the hero with the only save, and we progressed into the 4th round for the first time under my stewardship. A chance to go unbeaten all month came as we visited Znojmo, but we fell behind after half an hour and weren't able to get back into it as we finished the month poorly.

Next month

Continue to pick up points, and see how far we can go in the cup.

[dan_simmonds]

October 2020

Zynot Liga

Ceská pošta Cup



Manager's notes

We'd face Brno three times in quick succession, firstly in the league, then in the cup. We took the lead in the league game through an own goal, before Pacholik broke his duck for the season to give us a 2-0 halftime lead and a hard earned victory. Derby day arrived before the first leg of the cup, as we 'hosted' Banik Ostrava. We fell behind but were given hope when our opponents had a red card issued. Unfortunately, we couldn't make the advantage tell and conceded a second late on as Banik ruled Ostrava. Our second meeting with Brno saw Schuster give us the lead. A mistake by Koutny let the home side back in with 10 minutes to go, and we took a credible draw ahead of the second leg. As weary legs played their 3rd game in eight days, we welcomed Champions Jablonec to the Mestsky. We bossed the game from the off, and Vladkya scored his first goal in 22 games to mark his return after severe injury. We controlled the game from then on out, and restricted Jablonec to long shots to complete the victory. Hradec Kralove who sat one place below us in the table. Pacholik gave us an early lead from a Vladyka assist as that front two started to gel, but our bad run against this team would continue as two second half goals would see us end the month on a loss, but sitting 14th and crucially 2 points clear of the relegation zone.

Next month

Keep up this form. I'll happily win one, lose one for the rest of the season. We'll be safe if we do that.

[Dexter_Morgan]

Much better period there, keep it up