[FM18] Home Is Where The Heart Is

[SixPointer]

Big ask here especially away from home first. Marseille strong outfit have some great players and world class in Payet. We will have to be at our very best to get into the next round.

4-1 is flattering we had chances ourselves and am no to disheartened with the performance in the end there quality shun threw and they took there chances. Definitely positives to take even though its a hammering.

 

Tie was more or less dead but a creditable draw nonetheless and again in only our second season positives to take. 

[SixPointer]

January was quiet for the first team. We bring in 4 faces kids from championship clubs.

Scott Bailey arrives from Livingstone for 40k needs work but there is raw talent there.

Duncan Caldwell joins from Falkirk for 28k again needs work again Berra tutoring

Greig Cook signs from Hamilton for 40k poor personality but capped at Scotland 19's and Everton were looking at him. Michael Smith resolute character hopefully brings him on. 

 

Kyle Hamilton comes in from Inverness Caley Thistle for 46k What a player this kid could be immediately tutored by Aaron Hughes before he retires.

David Reid comes in from the youth intake we don't use a target man but could become a cracking player and a different option to attack. A few other signed but not worth a mention at this stage.

[SixPointer]

The last round of league fixtures before the split.

Superb round of fixtures for us unbeaten in all 11. Kicked off with a massive result at Celtic park other big wins against Hibernian and Aberdeen two draws on the road were slack but a good point at home to Rangers.

Inspiring counter attacking performance from the boys. Hamilton kept Celtic at bay while Morgan and Keane snapped up our 2 only real chances of the game. Griffiths scored a absolute screamer late on to make for a interesting last 5 minutes but we held strong massive result in the title race.

Dundee arrive at Tynecastle 3 goals before half time sent us on our way to the 3 points. Walker blasted in a beautiful volley after a poor headed clearance. Souttar played a ball in the channel to send Kean threw on goal he placed it past the keeper something we expect from this man he got his second from the spot.

A trip over the firth of forth to East End Park. Very comfortable victory Windass opened the scoring after taking the ball of the left back and firing into the far corner. Windass then turned provider beating the left back before cutting back for Crawford to slide home. Young Darren Potter made his first SPL start in for the suspended Gallacher and was impressive. Not a shot on target for our opponents. 

Superb performance and result to match against the saints. Defensively solid again not a shot on target. Walker slid Keane in between the right back and centre half for the first. Windass the played the ball to Walker on the edge for him to rifle home. Macleod play Morgan on the wing for the player to hammer home at the near post.

We travel to Ayrshire and are lucky to escape with a point in the end. Keane could have scored 5 suppose we he is aloud a bad day here and there. Fulton Blasted home from range after good work from Liam Smith down the right. very similar goal to rescue us a point when Smith played into the middle of the park for MacLeod to drive and hit. Should have won with the chances but Kilmarnock also created chances.

Walker set us on our way early against the highlanders walker then turned provider for young Callum smith who was in for the injured Keane and put us back in front before Crawford gave us a 2 goal cushion. Crawford then got his second late on.

Poor performance poor result poor game all but Jay Fulton's absolute rocket making a habit of these long range strikes gets it from his dad! Young Kyle Hamilton made his debut and didn't look out of place Souttar has moved to right back as I noticed him playing well there for Scotland with Michael Smith being injured.

Vintage performance against 4th placed Aberdeen. Crawford played in the channel for Windass to tuck home. Windass then crossed for Young Smith to power a header home. Crawford fired in a wonderful free kick. Kyle Hamilton lead by example in what was a class defensive performance from the back 4 a star in the making.

Certainly not a classic but 3 points no the less at fir park. Walker squared from the left for smith to tap home perfect start. Smith has impressed in Keane's absence. Kipre the was unfortunate to score an own goal from a Smith strike in the area.

Nothing like hammering the wee team. Record is immense in this one for Steve Fulton now dominating most of the games. Smith knocked the ball down for Morgan after a Lewis MacLeod ball morgan fired home to keep up his nice record against Hibs becoming a bit of a hero. David Gray converted a Walker cross into his own net. Walker the cut back to the edge of the box for Fulton to blast home. Hibernian then got a man sent off for a two footed tackle on my centre half who was going nowhere never seen anything like it.

Massive top of the table clash going into the last game before the spilt. Rangers took an early lead due to a Berra mistake. Second half Morgan then found himself in the inside right forward and had a few crossed narrowly headed wide from smith. Before Gallacher crossed and found Morgan at the back post to half volley home good point against a very strong Rangers side

The league table is extremely tight a only a point between us and Rangers and only 4 points to 3rd place Celtic. Aberdeen and Hibernian have had stronger seasons which can only be good for Scottish football. The title race is on!! Who is it going to be?

[SixPointer]

Sad news that his leg break could end his career at 31 he was still in amongst the goals when he played this season and he scored a lot the season before.

Begged him to stay but wasn't to be. was Still worth 5 million at this team hard to take.

Fantastic feature this never seen it before! Sort softens the blow NOT!

[Sheriff7]

21 minutes ago, SixPointer said:

Sad news that his leg break could end his career at 31 he was still in amongst the goals when he played this season and he scored a lot the season before.

Begged him to stay but wasn't to be. was Still worth 5 million at this team hard to take.

Fantastic feature this never seen it before! Sort softens the blow NOT!

Oh another new feature from Si??Soon you will be the 'boss' in league,surprised Celtic is 5 points behind...Good luck against very important game against Marseille!!

[SixPointer]

19 minutes ago, Sheriff7 said:

Oh another new feature from Si??Soon you will be the 'boss' in league,surprised Celtic is 5 points behind...Good luck against very important game against Marseille!!

Marseille put me out! We’re to strong it’s at the top of the page. They were too strong 

[SixPointer]

The Split The Title Race

Tight at the top what a spectacle a 3 way title race in Scotland is very much a rare occurrence. Some tasty fixtures Ranger vs Hearts at Ibrox is massive to begin with. Celtic vs Rangers at Parkhead. Hearts vs Celtic at Parkhead. If Celtic are still in the race the last day is more favourable with them going across the city to Partick Thistle while we travel to Easter road for the Edinburgh derby anything can happen in a derby. Rangers travel north to play Aberdeen in what is close as a derby as you can get.

[BoxToBox]

13 hours ago, SixPointer said:

Sad news that his leg break could end his career at 31 he was still in amongst the goals when he played this season and he scored a lot the season before.

Begged him to stay but wasn't to be. was Still worth 5 million at this team hard to take.

Fantastic feature this never seen it before! Sort softens the blow NOT!

Oh, that's brutal, here's 200k to replace a 5m striker....

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, BoxToBox said:

Oh, that's brutal, here's 200k to replace a 5m striker....

Exactly young smith has stepped up to the mantel to be fair. Just about to play the spilt games the now!!

[Sheriff7]

15 hours ago, SixPointer said:

Marseille put me out! We’re to strong it’s at the top of the page. They were too strong 

Oops Sorry mate i show the post but i thought it was only the draw..

[SixPointer]

Bad start to the title hopes we now rely on other teams to take points of Rangers. We did miss 2 great chances but I think over the 90 minutes Rangers deserved the 3 points and the impetuous in the title race. Celtic drawing at Aberdeen is some consolation.

Talk about bouncing back! Sublime performance against the Dons. Keane with another hatrick. Morgan with a brace and two assists young Cochrane was also amazing a great performance all round pitty to lose a sloppy goal. Rangers beat Patrick thistle and Celtic beat Hibernian. So no change in the race.

Complete performance and result Morgan really finding another gear now along with young Cochrane. Makes me more annoyed with the Rangers performance as we have shown in the next two games we are better than we performed. 

Rangers beat Celtic at Parkhead thought that would be were they would slip up wasn't to be. We still trail them by two points and have a goal better in difference.

Fantastic result to get 3 points anytime at Celtic park is great albeit against a poor Celtic team by there standards really dropped of compared to last season. Michael Smith crossed for Keane to head home . 1-0 you never feel comfortable but Celtic only had one real chance and Hamilton was equal to it. Hamilton has been much improved this season and finds himself in the Scotland squad. Morgans cut back found Fulton on the edge of the box and he blasted home in typical fashion.

Rangers beat Hibs 3-0 to leave the table looking like this going into the final game. We need Aberdeen to pull of something and us to win at Easter Road. Celtic have fell off and will be 3rd poor by there standards.

The Final Day

Rangers travel to rivals Aberdeen and we travel to rivals Hibernian!

We hold up our end of the deal should have scored more hope it doesn't come back to bites us. We created a lot first half Crawford setting Keane clean threw on goal twice not like Keane to miss Hibs  also had a great chance first half but Souttar blocked well after Hamilton parried the ball to a Hibs player. Keane came in at half time on a 6.3 after his two chances but I stuck with him he spurned another chance but the law of averages I knew he would take one 6.1 rating and stuck to my guns Crawford slipped him in a 4th time and bang!! The faith was repaid. Hibs did threaten on the break a few times but we saw it out. Now to Pittrodrie.

Rangers draw 0-0 thanks to Ex Aberdeen star Jack being sent off early on get it up him Judas But was it enough its mighty close.

IT WAS!!!! We win the league on a goal difference by a goal! I think we deserved this over the course of the season.

We win the league for only the 5th time in our long history and the first time since 1960! Getting praised from my hero John Robertson something else!

We do the double for the second time in our proud history last time being 1960 with the league and league cup double! We still have the Scottish cup to play!

[SixPointer]

This is the biggest chance of our club ever doing the treble!! The highlanders can provide a shock though so we cant become complacent. We have done this before against Gretna in 2006 needing penalties to beat them.

Unbelievable Achievement!! Fulton Must Be a Club Legend! 

We made it difficult for ourselves! But we got there In the end! Walker sent us on our way early doors after Morgan squared to the back post for a tap in. We should have been 3 up before the equaliser but Keane spurned a few chances from Crawford through balls. Ross County equalised just after the half hour market what a screamer it was as well against the run of play but we had to adjust to get back in front. We huffed and puffed Crawford opening up the County defence at his leisure he was unplayable to think we got him on a free and he is on 3 grand a week this was his cup final. It was Morgan though how provided the cross from the left for Keane to head home to send the Hearts fans into Raptures!!

[BoxToBox]

What a title race that was!

[SixPointer]

6 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

What a title race that was!

Was unbelievable!! Was actually paying more attention to the rangers game than my own at points!! Wife never took well to all the screaming and shouting hahah!

[SixPointer]

End Of Season Review And Awards

A truly remarkable season winning all domestic trophies!

The fact that Celtic are the biggest underachievers just shows you how bad a league campaign they had.

Celtic again the biggest underachievers Keane top scorer again. Fantastic performance in Scottish specially that 8-0

Nice to see the rivals biggest underachievers. Good record in this cup runner up and winner in the two seasons.

Was a few candidates for player but I agree Morgan just shaded it. Keane scored 50 in all competitions in 51 games some return. Fulton goals a screamer I have tried to GIF it but am hopeless at it. Crawford 100% the singing of the season on a free has been outstanding. Team of the year I agree with bar one Henderson should be swapped for Fulton (manager bias to son) and walker moved out wide.

Keane breaks the goal record which has stood from 1930 amazing!

Morgan cleans up well deserved think premiership sides may look at him his 20 million buyout clause should see us make money at least. Keane and Walker worth a mention and am sure Crawford would be involved if it was a top 5.

Over the moon for this kid just hope I can hold onto him signed a new deal with 30 million buyout and optional 2 years for us valued at 8 million now. What a season he had and has every chance of pushing Lewis Macleod out the side. 

8 players in the team of the year says it all really! can understand right back as Michael Smith has been in and out. The fact Cochrane and MacLeod have been alternating makes sense for one of them to miss. Cant believe Morelos keeps Crawford out the side though.

Shows you how good we really were in Europe!

I knock on affect from that great news for Scotland 2 clubs with the potential to qualify for champions league and a extra Europa league place!

[Wavelberry]

Stuff of legend. Well done sir. Now it's about retention and Europe.

[SixPointer]

9 hours ago, Wavelberry said:

Stuff of legend. Well done sir. Now it's about retention and Europe.

Thanks man can’t see me doing it again!  can’t take all the credit the Board backed me heavy with the Tranfers. Players like Fulton Macleod Keane weren’t cheap by hearts standards plus a read of one @Cleon article give me a ideas with my counter tactic. 

[SixPointer]

After a long hard summer the window is closed we did miss out on a few top targets but did bolster the squad with a good balance of talent and experience in the end. 3.4 million spent in total.

Ryan Christie

Pick of the bunch arriving on a free from Celtic capable of playing right across out attacking midfield 3 a great option I think best suited to inside forward on the right but as you seen last seen we often chop and change that 3 depending on opponents and strategy. Could be the same as Crawford who was electric coming on a free last season.

Danny Finlayson

Great potential in this young lad 500k possibly over spent but not sure why rangers let him go. Already impressed with his start. Souttar tutoring him so hopefully we can mould him into a great centre half. Will get game time.

 

Liam Evans

We had to interact with board for this guy 1.4 expensive for 17 year old but he comes into the club and is instantly one of the most exciting prospects I see a big future for this lad. Strong mental attributes needs work technically but has plenty of good teachers. Will Certainly have game time this season. Fought of interest from Brighton and Newcastle. 

Chris Donaldson

14.75k a bargain from our affiliate clubs Stenhousemuir. Capped at under 19's has the raw talent decent determination and personality and he knows where the onion bag is. What a season he has as a 16 year old albeit in league 2.

Ethan Hamilton

Free from Man United will be a back up to Cochrane and Macleod In case of injury still has room to grow will do a job plus Hibernian wanted him so thought id steel him.

David Nairn

DOF brought this lad in 80k if he is anything like the last one he brought in am sure we will have a gem on our hands. That aggression, bravery, teamwork and work rate! Needs work but we have resolute Michael Smith working with him and at 16 I fancy him to grow technically.

Jack Rodwell

Once tipped for the top now finds himself north of the border In bonnie Scotland looking to win medals in his later career. Decent free and has experience at a higher level will be back up to Jay Fulton In that centre midfield defend role. This deal also allows me to send Dean Campbell out on loan for some much needed first team football.

Liam Palmer 

Free transfer comes in to challenge Michael Smith for the right back role. Our main target was Jonjoe Kenny but we missed out by 2k wages. Palmer is solid enough for Scottish football but right back is an area where we will need a long term buy for European level. Healthy Competition nonetheless.

Jake Cooper

 Cover for captain Berra who's pace is on the decline tried to find a left footed centre half of a similar mould so that he fits in with the partnership of Souttar. Cooper is off this style the main target is looking like Liam Lindsay but 10 million price tag was to much this season. Cooper was a monster in Fm 16 and am hoping to unlock that monster only 24 so can improve.

Adam Armstrong

Another player that Newcastle thought had a big future after scoring a load for Coventry wasn't to be and he has been on loan at Mk dons most recently. Looking to rediscover that potential. Expensive buy but there wasn't anything else out there and I began to panic. Him and Smith will back up Keane.

Chris Brunt

Felt I needed some experience at left back with Gallacher 20 and back up Potter 18 years of age. Plus potter needed a decent tutor to bring him on. 34 he has no pace but still technically good and as the left back role is a attack am sure he still has something to give in the SPL.

Callachan wasn't as good as Campbell even though he is a hearts fan time for him to move on. Brandon had a great loan season at Falkirk but didn't progress enough and deserved first team football we would just hold him back. Smith similar case had a reasonable season last season but needs to be playing every week. Peter Grant played every game for the Motherwell side that got relegated but he wasn't going to make the grade his pace just lets him down to much hopefully he kicks on though. Kavanagh had become unhappy with less first team action due to Gallacher's fine form. Lennon again was decent enough cover but Finlayson and Young Hamilton are better and I need space for them. Currie scored for fun for Stranraer but Donaldson and Reid are better and 3 year younger. Jon McLaughlin the only player on the list I wanted to keep but was unhappy with losing his number one jersey to Jack Hamilton.   

[BoxToBox]

That's one hell of a window!

We have a player in common too, the heart of my defence is Finlayson, albeit in my case as a loanee.

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, BoxToBox said:

That's one hell of a window!

We have a player in common too, the heart of my defence is Finlayson, albeit in my case as a loanee.

There was a few others that slipped through my fingers. He’s played 4 games for me and he’s not looked out his depth! Him and Hamilton will push the first team. I have a update nearly ready of the squad so people can see them all but currently watching hearts v hibs so it will wait!!

[Sheriff7]

What an amzing end in league!!Congrats mate!European coefficients are amazing too,180!!places up and almost half league teams will play in Europe from next season....

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, Sheriff7 said:

What an amzing end in league!!Congrats mate!European coefficients are amazing too,180!!places up and almost half league teams will play in Europe from next season....

Thanks mate! The other Scottish clubs have added well Celtic have spent a fortune well be tough task with them hibs have also recruited well should be another class season and hopefully we all progress in Europe.

[BoxToBox]

3 hours ago, SixPointer said:

but currently watching hearts v hibs so it will wait!!

Got the win! I was watching but fell asleep(not the games fault) at half time and woke up in the Spurs game 2nd half.

Demi looked pretty handy on his debut, can tell he's really a winger though.

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, BoxToBox said:

Got the win! I was watching but fell asleep(not the games fault) at half time and woke up in the Spurs game 2nd half.

Demi looked pretty handy on his debut, can tell he's really a winger though.

Yeah he looked good nearly scored as well. Will be a good move for him to here for the physical side of his game.  You missed the second half we dominated both goalies made good saves tho 

[Vélodrome]

How has Cochrane developed for you?

[SixPointer]

11 hours ago, Vélodrome said:

How has Cochrane developed for you?

Brilliant still has some attributes to work on but his performances are outstanding young player of the year in Scotland last season for us. There will be a squad update tonight. When screen shots of all the players 

[metallimuse]

Well done mate, you've invested very very wisely and considering I had a lot of them in my Aberdeen team (who won 5 back to back titles )  I never had any doubt you'd do it.

I also had Finlayson and Christie looking at your summer incomings.

Good luck in Europe, I never seemed to manage much but I did bring up our coefficients with constantly being in the Champs group stage and Europa when I could.

By the time I left Aberdeen we had 2 Scots teams in champs group automatically and 1 in the playoff. Pretty much the top six after the split always ended up in Europe  

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, metallimuse said:

Well done mate, you've invested very very wisely and considering I had a lot of them in my Aberdeen team (who won 5 back to back titles )  I never had any doubt you'd do it.

I also had Finlayson and Christie looking at your summer incomings.

Good luck in Europe, I never seemed to manage much but I did bring up our coefficients with constantly being in the Champs group stage and Europa when I could.

By the time I left Aberdeen we had 2 Scots teams in champs group automatically and 1 in the playoff. Pretty much the top six after the split always ended up in Europe  

Thanks mate! The board have backed me well when I’ve needed the funds also new training and youth facilities on the way so they have to be thanked as well for my shrewd business. Very excited for the future it always hard to crack the champions league with Scottish clubs specially when I’ve restricted myself to British only! Do you have any screenshots of the Aberdeen side?

[metallimuse]

I'll stick some up when I'm home after work.

I restricted myself to Scots only but I did end up nabbing two lads fae the Ivory Coast over those 9 years who I used for some cash boosts after developing them.

Never harboured any chance of champs league glory but still found it tougher than normal this year, found it difficult just getting out the groups. Think I made it to quarters in Europa one season mind.

Won the Europa in my 1st year in Europe with Sampdoria after I moved though

[SixPointer]

Looking forward to seeing some of the shots. Yeah I’ve no real aspirations of champions league or Europa league glory just domestic domination was the idea but it I can get some then who’s going to knock it back 

[SixPointer]

Current Squad and Tactics 

Goalkeepers

Hamilton first choice has really improved since the first season had a good teacher in McLaughlin. He is also now Scotland number 1 and at 25 can still improve. Early promotion for Smith from the 20's with McLaughlin leaving. Scotland's under21 keeper bags of potential. I am looking for a more experienced back up and a strong tutor for this kid so he may be back to the 20's.

Defenders

Michael Smith (top) Liam Palmer are both solid options at right back not sure who will be first choice will see who performs well can see it being a good fight for it. In the long term we will need to improve this position for European level. David Nairn is kid looking to break into the first team in the next few years I would throw him in if there was injuries.

Tony Gallacher (top) is first choice some of his attributes haven't improved as much as I liked but the boy performs great only 20 so can improve cost us 56k now worth 5. Darren Potter is back up really impressed with this kid great personality and determination still has room to improve broke his foot pre season though. Brunt came in for that reason and also to help guide the youngster.

What a partnership this has become. Berra club captain and leader no nonsense defender and Souttar a solid ball playing defender with the ability to pick a pass bring the ball out. They have complemented each other great shame Berra is now getting on. Looking for long term successor to become Souttar's partner.

Jake Cooper back up for Berra a towering defender of a similar style not sure if he can be the long term replacement unless he improves. Danny Finlayson(middle) and Kyle Hamilton are two fantastic prospects Hamilton looks the better of the two a shame he isn't left footed as I believe he has the potential to replace Berra long term. Both will rotate in the back up slot at the right side of the defence.

Midfielders

Jay Fulton yes the managers son has the centre midfield defend slot nailed down he has been superb since he joined breaks up play and plays the easy ball has got a rocket of a strike on him and likes to hit them from range. Lewis Macleod is expected to start next to him in the deep lying playmaker role has been a great addition last season does pick up a lot of injuries Harry Cochrane will push him for the starting slot.

Jack Rodwell backs up fulton still has a lot to offer specially at Scottish level brining him aloud one of our prospects to go get a regular first team action. Harry Cochrane what a lad he will push MacLeod all the way I even think he will take him to think he is only 18 and still improving he is going to be club legend as long as we hold onto him.

Dean Campbell is loaned out for first team action the option to recall is there in case Fulton or Rodwell picking a serious injury. Only 18 has everything needed for that defensive role hopefully game time will improve him. Ethan Hamilton is back up to MacLeod and Cochrane he is of good quality for Scottish football and is still young enough.

Morgan, Walker, Crawford and Christie our fab 4! These 4 will interchange in the 4 attacking midfield roles 4 fantastic players all capable of winning games on there own. Morgan is playable as a winger on the left or cutting in from the right in the inside forward role he goes threw spells of enjoying one or the other. Walker can play all 3 tends to be the opposite of Morgan but equally effective behind the striker. Crawford the least versatile of the 4 plays behind the striker a absolute steal on a free can hit the odd screamer as well as laying them on. Christie the new kid on the block also a free I see his best position as the inside forward role coming in from the right but also looks capable playing wide left and threw the middle.

Windass has been a great first season buy find himself down the pecking order now but still has a lot to offer in terms of the squad he can play either wide roles as well which is useful. Evans a costly arrival but has the potential to be one of the best attacking midfielders in Scotland well be getting game time. Henderson really only suited to the inside forward role on the left can back up as a striker considered sending him out on loan for first team action but he has always delivered we called upon so shown him some loyalty. Scott Bailey is a kid with a bright future in the 20's needs work technically.

Will Keane 50 in 51 last speaks for itself by far our best striker. Only 26 coming into his prime if he can keep up that sort of record he has every chance of breaking the all time goal scoring record. Play on the shoulder brilliantly and he is a true fox in the box at times.

Armstrong arrived in the summer as cover tried to find a similar player to Keane so we don't have to change the set up looks like that mould of player that can play on the shoulder. Smith has done great when called upon was another considered for a loan deal but there wasn't much out there to bring in to let him go. Famous for scoring a late winner away to Lazio in the Europa league.

Donaldson looks like he could be a goal machine very quick and we know he knows were the goal is after his season in league 2. Keane will hopefully bring him on. David Reid was the star of the last intake don't use a target man but the coaches reckon he is a class act there is definitely raw talent not sure he will ever fit our style though.

Tactics

Our most attacking of the 3. There is times when the inside forward left becomes a winger depending on opponents weakness and game situation and now with Christie in that left hand side role suits him so we may see Morgan play as a winger on the left In this shape time will tell. PI's are keeper roll it out and defenders pass short and full backs get forward more. AP and AF close down much more the idea is them to win the ball back quick or delay the opposition till we get our shape. 

Middle off the 3 normally our starting point for most games plenty of cross balls playing this way Keane loves a header to himself in the box so if we have joy early on we rarely leave this. PI's keeper roll it out defenders pass it short.AP and AF close down much more the idea is them to win the ball back quick or delay the opposition till we get our shape again.

Our low block have a lot of success with this tactic in games against bigger clubs or away from home. Really solid defensively and we have pace on the wings to break and Crawford linking it to keane the predator. Pi's are keeper throw out he also has PPM start counter attacks from throw. Wingers have get forward further. The front 2 have the press on as well same idea to delay until we retreat to our defensive shape. sometimes the AMC role changes to shadow striker depending on the game.

The opponent instructions change every game depending on what plans I make for the weaknesses and strengths of the opposition.

 

[metallimuse]

Have to do multiple posts to upload due to size but here’s my best match day squad 1st three years.

[metallimuse]

Can’t get my others to load 

[metallimuse]

Oh wait, next 3 years

[metallimuse]

Last 3 seasons. Dunno why it’s taken so long to load 

[SixPointer]

@metallimuse some great players in the sides!! Cochrane and McGinn would be some paring but he obviously won’t keave hibs for me. Can see why you won 5 back to back titles. Jason Cummings looks like a goal machine 

[metallimuse]

Yeah I was lucky to bring in some great players and also develop some outstanding youth players. Scott Wright became the clubs all time top goal scorer while I was in charge and Jamie Brownie was courting offers from all over Europe but I was able to keep hold of him, also my midfield always had a conveyer belt of youngers coming through challenging.

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, metallimuse said:

Yeah I was lucky to bring in some great players and also develop some outstanding youth players. Scott Wright became the clubs all time top goal scorer while I was in charge and Jamie Brownie was courting offers from all over Europe but I was able to keep hold of him, also my midfield always had a conveyer belt of youngers coming through challenging.

My intakes haven’t been great but due a recruitment and junior coaching upgrade and I’ve been on the hunt for a new HOYD. Looks like a great side you built you should have wrote about it. 

[metallimuse]

I'm a bit of an Arsene Wenger from back in the day and always build up my youth facilities, coaching and training. I've never managed a youth only save but that's how I treat each save and only buy players under 23 normally if I have to. I never spend silly money even on the rare occasion I end up late in a save at a major club.

Left Aberdeen originally for Chelsea with the goal of stripping out all the overseas players and using young English talent but I was trying to sign players from other English teams reserves who were valued at £750k and couldn't even sign them with offers of £60m so I went back to my Aberdeen save and moved to Sampdoria instead. I will never manage in England on the game again as the money and transfer market is just stupid.

It's a dream to have a full youth first 11 that's good enough to compete though.

[metallimuse]

Liking the look of your squad overall, you've got great kids there in still what is a very young squad, you probably won't need to spend much money next few years.

I'd be playing Potter, Nairn, Kyle Hamilton & Finlyson heavily in domestic cups as they all have potential that needs tapping.

Personally I'd bin off Rodwell as you have Ethan Hamilton with so much potential and it's important he gets game time.

What's Dean Campbell's potential as I like the look of his stats.

If anything I'd say your squad is too big to really give enough game time to the youngers coming in.

[SixPointer]

The youngster are going to be Scottish and league cup this season and there will definitely be game time. Campbell is better than Hamilton and is much more suited to the defend role in the middle of the park but he was unhappy with game time so loaned him out so he plays every week. Rodwell is only in for that reason. Need some experience for Europe as well. Am trying to keep balance.

[metallimuse]

I normally operate with a squad of 21 with a lot of rotation so all players will have 20 games roughly depending on how I get on in the cups. Coming to Italy though ith only one domestic cup I've found it quite tough to give my youngers sufficient game time as if I play them against weaker opposition in the league I can get found out as I already inherited a very young squad as it was.

I'm coming into December and a point behind Juventus in the league but not sure if I can make a serious title push.

[SixPointer]

@metallimuse Sure you can push on and give them a run for there money!!! This season my first 11 if you like will have more rotation with Christie being added and the younger guys really kicking on. 

[SixPointer]

Pre Season

Great pre season only loss to Dortmund in a narrow loss. big wins against Racing Club and Mainz. 2 good wins for the young lads against Airdrie and Stenhousemuir.

Champions League Qualifiers

Dinamo Tbilisi are brushed aside 12-0 on aggregate. A tough tie against Crvena Zvezda(Red Star Belgrade) needed extra time to get through after stalemates home and away. A old foe from last year Legia Warsaw were push aside in a 5-0 aggregate win. Great results and performances Specially defensively we know we can score loads but the defence seems to be improving and improving.

Big test against the Greek Champions

We do it!! 

Tough group but that's what its all about.

[metallimuse]

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaamn son! That's one tough group

[SixPointer]

31 minutes ago, metallimuse said:

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaamn son! That's one tough group

We’ve beaten Lazio before!! Just got to be set up right. Very tough indeed though be delighted with 3rd place and Europe after Christmas 

[BoxToBox]

Start to the season makes it look like you're becoming a very complete side.

[SixPointer]

3 hours ago, BoxToBox said:

Start to the season makes it look like you're becoming a very complete side.

We had a small hiccup in the league but there than That qualifiers and first 5 games have been brilliant! Some many options now! Only place long term is for when Berra retires. 

[metallimuse]

Depends how you handle it though, if you go realistic and allow players to leave if you have acceptable bids from top teams come in then you can always keep building.

[SixPointer]

52 minutes ago, metallimuse said:

Depends how you handle it though, if you go realistic and allow players to leave if you have acceptable bids from top teams come in then you can always keep building.

If I get bid for players I think is good value and deal for the club they will be on there way!