[FM 18] The Ballad of Stalin ‘El Bobo’ Pinzón – Part 1: One Zulte to Rule Them All… and in the Darkness Bind Them

[ManUtd1]

 

 

There's only one thing that could make Rony de Pony this happy...and, yes, it is exactly what you're thinking.  #ThereIsNoDana #ThereIsOnlyZuulte

Remind me to be nicer to my brother-in-law...

[oriole01]

[Minuy600]

Your brother-in-law is great. Welcome back.

[ManUtd1]

 

Oooooohhhhhh.... Super Brendan likes to play his EquiMagic online...

[ManUtd1]

13 hours ago, oriole01 said:

   

9 hours ago, Minuy600 said:

Your brother-in-law is great. Welcome back.

 

[john1]

Great to see this save back!!

[Fer Fuchs Ake]

Great result for the forum. 

[ManUtd1]

The well-wishes are amazing, guys -- glad to be back with this save!

Although, I'm pretty sure the Board is having a laugh.  I've been asking for a new stadium, gentlemen...

 

[ManUtd1]

Mocking a woman is like drinking too much wine. It may be fun for a short time, but the hangover is hell.

2021-22 Season Review

What an odd year...the build up, the chase...the interminable Spring, and then it all ends in a rush.  Atletico were too much for us, but we did ourselves proud against a side that waltzed to the La Liga title.  No reason for disappointment there, a draw away and a hard-fought, narrow loss at the Regenboog.

Utterly dominant in Belgium.  Making waves on the Continent.  This is the start of something good.

The jackals are knocking on my door.  Dortmund.  Burnley.  Everton.

Certainly, at some point I will have to move on.  But not now.  Not with what we're building here in the Belgian countryside...a side to knock the European elites off their perch.  This summer, Hamalainene and Verboom will move on, making way for youth already at the club. The sky's the limit...a few signings are likely, but we'll keep things low-key for the most part.

Goals for 2022-23: Defend our JPL title.  Make a run in the CL knockout rounds.

Squad|League Overview|Finances Overview|Income Detail|Expenditures Detail|Transfers

JPL Fixtures|JPL Championship Group Fixtures|Champions League Fixtures|Croky Cup Fixtures

 

[ManUtd1]

2021-22 European Review

What's stranger than Wenger going to Liverpool?  Wenger dominating the Premier League with Liverpool, that's what.  I can hardly believe it, either.

Elsewhere...Atletico, PSG, Bayern, Juve...kind of par for the course, with the exception of La Liga.  Fenerbahce has been awful, Panathinaikos-esque.  Malmo has hit a wobble.

The Champions and Europa Leagues continue to be dominated by English sides...makes my head hurt.  Time to put an end to that, eh?

       

 

 

[ManUtd1]

3 friendlies, 3 wins for the Dutch.  We've drawn France and Ukraine in the Nations League, so the Crabhammer will be severely tested this fall.

(I played all 3 matches, but did not take contemporaneous screenshots of the 1st 2.)

   

[ManUtd1]

Let's talk tactics/squad for a minute.  

I've implemented @Guimy's defensive playmaker/quarterback in the defensive line and love it -- both with Zulte and Holland.  Just a modest tweak, but one that seems to work well with the new "brings ball out of the back" PPM which I adore.  Frankly, it makes me want to bring back the libero from FM 17...  But that's an issue for another day.

In terms of the squad, as indicated above both Hamalainen and Verboom will leave when their contracts expire at the end of June.  To fill in their spots, I'm using two converted wingers -- Armel Mazingu-Tshimanga and Cedric Verbrugghe.  Both are youth products, both have tremendous potential.  Mazingu-Tshimanga always performed when played as a winger last year, but I want him attacking from deep this coming year.  Cedric is young, but the reality is he's solid.  And finding youth products to purchase has proven very hard in the last few months.

  

I've also promoted Jack Livingstone into the first team squad.  He'll play as the Segundo Volante in my 2nd XI, with Prevost moving into the defensive playmaker/quarterback role in my 1st XI (replacing Severin, who drops to the 2nd XI with the ever-disappointing Vermeire marked for a loan spell).

 

In goal, I anticipate that Vinther may be off for greener pastures at some point.  I've got Diego Tiboni coming through the youth squad, but also landed Polish lad Mateusz Domaradzki for a cool $1.8M.  He's a bargain.  We're set at goalkeeper for years to come.  Bostyn is on his way out the door.

  

[ManUtd1]

Redemption, thy name is Luca.  He brought me two potential signings...one went to City, the other may still be coming...

Luca, about before... I was only speaking in jest.  I meant no offense to your mother, sister or the various inanimate objects that might -- or might not -- be found in their bedside tables...

  

[ManUtd1]

In case you were wondering, Pep is back at City...splashing the cash on players.  I could have used Inamori.  The guy is brilliant.

 

[wynter]

Antoniou looks very impressive, hoping it comes through. Verbrugge is the most impressive of the lot for me. 

[ManUtd1]

4 minutes ago, wynter said:

Antoniou looks very impressive, hoping it comes through. Verbrugge is the most impressive of the lot for me. 

Verbrugghe could be very solid.  I suspect that his stats are a bit inflated by his one-footedness, but whatever.  We're Zulte, for urCristiano's sake.  If he didn't improve one attribute point from today, he'd be in the squad.

Ouch...just got this message.  Inter, Milan and Napoli want him.  If they bid, I'm proper fooked.

 

[ManUtd1]

Australia 2022; World Cup Review

What a World Cup!  Poland stronk.  Poland smash.  A great day for football.

Note: England even managed to lose on penalties.

 

 

[ManUtd1]

27 minutes ago, wynter said:

Antoniou looks very impressive, hoping it comes through. Verbrugge is the most impressive of the lot for me. 

And...this is why I rarely post until the deal is signed.  Far more often than not, the players go elsewhere.  Nikos chose Milan...

 

 

LUCA!!!

[VillaSmith]

I take a couple weeks away from reading this forum and when I come back this thread has both died and been brought back...

Brilliant news that it's been saved though, your brother-in-law is great!

[ManUtd1]

1 hour ago, VillaSmith said:

I take a couple weeks away from reading this forum and when I come back this thread has both died and been brought back...

Brilliant news that it's been saved though, your brother-in-law is great!

He may make an appearance... As a side character. RAFO.

[ManUtd1]

First league match tomorrow, at the Regenboog against Gent.  The lads seem ready.  

Most of all, I'm ready for the Champions League draw next month.  We're virtually guaranteed to be a 4th seed again, although there is slim, outside chance that we could fall into Pot 3.  It would certainly make all the difference.

A knock at the door.  Georges, one of my personal staff enters with some new guy.  Kind of nerdy looking -- you know the type, clearly way smarter than you, but with questionable fashion sense and (almost certainly) an encyclopedic knowledge of Star Wars.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  I love me some Padme Amidala...  And don't get me started on Rei, she could light my saber...  But, I digress.

Apparently he's in tech, as Georges moves me out from behind the desk to give this guy room to work on my laptop...oddly slow lately.

Kid has some odd tattoos, I must say.  Three-interlocking diamonds on the inside of his forearm?  Odd in the extreme.  Kids these days, eh?

And, what the hell kind of name is "Kyle," anyways?  Why is he wearing white sneakers with jeans?! Is this 1983?! Does he have a Member's Only jacket?!

"HI, I'm Kyle.  Just your generic IT guy.  Did you try turning it off and back on again?"

For ****'s sake, I hope he knows what he's doing.

[ManUtd1]

I like that the Board thinks this was a big step.

No.  You idiots reduced our capacity this past summer, from 13000 down to 11,650 by adding less than 2000 seats.  I'm just trying to get us back to square 1.

And what Daddy really wants is a new stadium.

 

[ManUtd1]

The presser after the Supercup was a joyous occasion.  But I couldn't help but want to correct one thing. 

"Honestly, gentlemen.  I don't think that winning the Belgische Supercup is worth this type of accolade...just yet.  Of course, when I'm done, Zulte will be more popular than Jesus.... I mean...you know... Jesus was alright but his disciples were thick and ordinary..."

You could have heard a pin drop.  That is, right until everyone started calling in the story.  Charlotte is not pleased with me.  How was I supposed to know they were referring to Jorge Jesus?! 

Right. Okay, Charlotte, you have to tell me these things, alright?  Throw me a frickin' bone here.  I'm the boss.  Need the info.

[ManUtd1]

This is the kind of draw we needed.  We snuck in as the final side in Pot 3.  The lads are all pleased...Bobby Manc's Galatasaray is vulnerable, as is PAOK.

As I walk back to my office to begin the planning, Kyle passes me in the hall.

"Your welcome," he mutters, not quite meeting my eyes.  His shoes aren't tied.  What the...?

"Excuse me?"

Kyle looks extremely nervous at someone speaking directly to him.  "Relax, son.  What was that?"  

I sound like such an idiot.  Son?  He's my age.  Too late now.

"The draw, boss.  I...fixed it."  

"Fixed it?"

"Yes, boss.  We needed a favorable draw this year so, I ... fixed it."

"You... fixed the draw?"

"Yes, boss.  We're good.  Computer's been wiped.  No one will know."

I can't tell if he's joking, so I just nod and smile.  I need to talk to Georges.

"Ehh...thank you?"

"Your welcome, boss.  Anything for the club.  There is no Dana, eh?  Am I right or am I right?"

I laugh nervously.  After all, he's been in my office.  On my laptop.  And now claims to have fixed the Champions League draw.

"No one can trace it, boss.  Don't worry."

Oh, ****.  I don't think he's kidding...

 

[OnlyLyon]

This is already looking great !

Lots of young talent, an emotional roller coaster (cheers to your brother in law!) and a fantastic draw. Good to see that you brought back the interlocking diamonds plot!

Good luck for this season !

 

[ManUtd1]

8 hours ago, OnlyLyon said:

This is already looking great !

Lots of young talent, an emotional roller coaster (cheers to your brother in law!) and a fantastic draw. Good to see that you brought back the interlocking diamonds plot!

Good luck for this season !

Glad to have you here, man!  Thanks for the well-wishes!

[ManUtd1]

Interesting transfer business, here.

My favorites are: (1) Lindelof to Monaco in July 2020, seeing as how most United supporters would pay Monaco to take him off of our hands; and (2) Gabriel Jesus joining Dortmund in January 2022, after Dortmund’s sale of Alexander Isak to Manchester United.  Very Stealth United.

 

[wynter]

Amazing how many times I've seen Dennis Man as a free agent this year and in this one he's worth 116mil 

[ManUtd1]

1 minute ago, wynter said:

Amazing how many times I've seen Dennis Man as a free agent this year and in this one he's worth 116mil 

I had to double-check to make sure he wasn't a regen!  Clearly, this dichotomy is a random PA in effect.

Regardless, he's had quite the journey in my save/  Bought by Valencia for $14.5M, only to then head off to the bright lights of Paris.

  

[Fer Fuchs Ake]

Tielemans might also have a randomised PA. I see he's been sold to Bayern for £119M in your save whereas in mine, Monaco transfer listed him for around £11M. Would you mind showing a screenshot of what he's like on your save? He's fairly average on mine.

[ManUtd1]

3 minutes ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Tielemans might also have a randomised PA. I see he's been sold to Bayern for £119M in your save whereas in mine, Monaco transfer listed him for around £11M. Would you mind showing a screenshot of what he's like on your save? He's fairly average on mine.

Not sure what his PA is set to, but he's turned out pretty impressive here.

 

[Fer Fuchs Ake]

Cheers. He looks better than he does in my save so his PA may fluctuate a little.

[ManUtd1]

After the match, I told Claude Puel that if France doesn't give up its claims on Saint Martin, next time we'd hit them for 7 and formally tear up the Treaty of Concordia.  What are you going to do, Claude?! 

Mind you, the FA now wants a word.  I'm not quite certain that my appointment as manager of the national side encompasses the authority to rip up a 374 year-old treaty...  But I'm in Puel's head now.

    

(Narrative jokes aside, this is the most absurd result I've had in FM 18.  Racing out to a 4-0 lead when we were being comprehensively outplayed...smashing them 6-1 in the end.  And we weren't playing on the counter!  Default CrabHammer with an attacking mindset for the full 90 since we were at home.  Beautiful.)

[ManUtd1]

7 minutes ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Cheers. He looks better than he does in my save so his PA may fluctuate a little.

Could be.  Was he injured, or just not getting playing time in your save?  Could be that Monaco signed someone who sucked up all those valuable minutes, too.

[ManUtd1]

When you meet a rival off the pitch, look him in the eyes and shake his hand.  Then, wink at his girlfriend...  She knows she's dating a loser.

September 2022 Mini-Update

An ideal start to the campaign.  Rampant domestically, clinical with the Dutch.  We're on the march.

And I can already hear the Champions League anthem echoing in my head...we host PAOK on Tuesday.

 

[ManUtd1]

Welcome to the Regenboog, gentlemen.  I've already told Jens that the club will not pick up his bill for commuting to training by helicopter.  And, as a precaution, I've also warned the lads that headbands should not be worn at training...

  

  

[ManUtd1]

When you meet a rival off the pitch, look him in the eyes and shake his hand.  Then, wink at his girlfriend...  She knows she's dating a loser.

October 2022 Mini-Update

Notwithstanding France's win, there's no doubt Puel remains shaken.  At our post-match handshake, Puel was nervous.  "Mansieur Pinzon... 'zis, spat with ze island... Is no problem, yes?"

I just glared at him.  Refusing to let go of his hand.  Drawing him closer.  Until he I could see the whites of his eyes.  My knuckles straining to crush his.

"Ah hah!  Now the monkey comes out of the sleeve.  Sint Maarten is ORANJE, you ****."

So, yeah.  That happened.  Even with the loss the Dutch sit atop the table given our head-to-head advantage with Puel's men.  After our comeback (utterly undeserved) win in Ukraine, we're one win away from winning our group.

With Zulte, we remain in epic form.  Smashing the Greeks at home, before stealing 3 points in Italy.  The Turks are coming to town next week in what could be an epic battle.  With 3 points, we'd be on the verge of the knockout rounds.

 

 

[ManUtd1]

I didn't need this.  Not today.  Not ever, if I'm being honest.

Why did I make that promise?!  Why did I actually follow through?!

No, it's not what you think.  Not that.

The news?  Fine.  You're going to find out anyways.  The erotic thriller I penned for Felix's fanfic compilation, after the lads won the League a few years back?  As promised in the thick of the title race?

The only times I've thought about it since have been upon receipt of the quarterly royalty checks... I should have noticed that they were getting larger.  I should have returned my lawyer's increasingly-frantic calls.

Two Men: One Cup was not only optioned by a major Hollywood studio.  It will premiere in February, with Keanu Reeves and John Malkovich starring as Rodgers and Moyes, respectively.  The critics are all a-flutter.  There's even Oscar buzz for Keanu's "tender portrayal of a man in conflict with his own desires."

Kill me know.  Please.

  

[ManUtd1]

Ertuğrul ... who?!

 

 

[ManUtd1]

Always be polite.  Professional.  And have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

November 2022 Mini-Update

A result against Ukraine in Amsterdam.   That's all we need to secure a spot in the Nations League Semifinals next summer.  Did we deliver?  Did we, ****.

A 4-1 romp, following on the heels of a 2-0 win over Italy in Turin.  We've done it.  Nearly one year to the date from my appointment, and you'd be hard pressed to argue that the Dutch are not back on track.  There's work to be done, but we've reason to be optimistic.  Qualifying for the Euros cannot begin soon enough...the qualifying groups will be drawn next month.

Domestically we hit our first wobble, with the 2nd XI losing 2-nil in Anderlecht.  Yet, we're so far ahead that even their foul-mouthed, idiotic owner knows enough to keep quiet.

In Europe?  Sublime.  We are on top of our Group, followed by PAOK of all sides...with a -9 goal difference.  Go home, Milan and Galatasaray, you're drunk.

 

 

[Minuy600]

Fantastic. 

[OnlyLyon]

Tremendous results already. It seems that you've managed to build a good momentum with both Zulte and Holland. I hope you can keep it going.

(PAOK second placed with a -9 GD! )

[Sir_Liam]

It's great to see this back. 

[ManUtd1]

[ManUtd1]

[kidthekid]

Great champions league start.

[ManUtd1]

57 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

Great champions league start.

Thanks, man. We're firing on all cylinders, while the Italians and Turks have been next to useless. Very fortunate.

[ManUtd1]

17 hours ago, Minuy600 said:

Fantastic. 

Thanks, man!

16 hours ago, OnlyLyon said:

Tremendous results already. It seems that you've managed to build a good momentum with both Zulte and Holland. I hope you can keep it going.

(PAOK second placed with a -9 GD! )

Fingers are crossed. I've got 4 young Dutch players coming in the January transfer window. No idea where I'm going to stick them...

11 hours ago, Sir_Liam said:

It's great to see this back. 

It's great to be to be back! 

[ManUtd1]

[john1]

1 hour ago, ManUtd1 said: