PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 63rd minute: DJ: Sporting Lisbon have a corner. It's the Serbian midfielder Slavisa Blagojevic who is going to take this one. He puts it into the box... glanced on by Jannik Embers and LUIZ HENRIQUE IS THERE!!!!!!! HE'S GOT ANOTHER ONE!!!! DJ: The Brazilian who scored two goals the last time that Sporting Lisbon won the tournament, has now got two tonight and ohhh look at the Anderlecht bench and the fans in the stand. They look like they know they've got a difficult task on their hands now. DJ: It's SPORTING LISBON 2-0 ANDERLECHT Alec: I felt a great disturbance in the force, as if millions of Belgian voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 71st minute: DJ: Anderlecht trying everything they can to get back into this game. They've brought on captain Vinny Booty from the bench. Not much more than a squad player these days, the Milton Keynes-born midfielder is looking to make an impact for his side tonight. Alec: Milton Keynes: You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 80th minute: DJ: Luc Leclere has the ball on the half-way line. The centre back desperately trying to play it out from the back for Anderlecht. They need a goal and they need it fast. Luc Leclere possibly looking to launch it forward to Baba Soumah. Alec: Remember, use the force, Luc. DJ: Leclere hits it up to Soumah, who wins an aerial battle with a Sporting defender, he heads it to Vinny Booty. Booty to strike it... DJ: OH AND A GOOD SOLID SAVE FROM THE KEEPER! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 85th minute: DJ: A last throw of the dice for Thierry as he throws on left winger Ethan Robbins for the defender Luc Leclere. He's got 3 at the back and now 4 in forward positions. Ethan Robbins the pacey American, do you think this is a good substitution, Alec? Alec: Yes indeed, if he's a fast winger. DJ: A fast winger? You've never heard of Ethan Robbins? Alec: Should I have? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 92nd minute: DJ: Sporting Lisbon on the counter-attack here. Anderlecht committed too many men forward and now Lisbon look to kill the game off beyond any shadow of a doubt. It's Emanuel Ruida running down the wing and he finds Luiz Henrique... DJ: HENRIQUE ON A HAT-TRICK.....OH AND HE'S DONE IT!!!! A HAT-TRICK IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL! A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE FROM THE BRAZILIAN WHO HAS WON IT FOR HIS SIDE TONIGHT! DJ: It's SPORTING LISBON 3-0 ANDERLECHT DJ: Oh and Luc Leclere the Anderlecht defender looks gutted on the bench. He's sure he could have stopped that counter-attack if he'd have been on the pitch for that. Do you have any words of wisdom or commiseration for him, Alec? Alec: There was nothing you could have done, Luc, had you been there. You'd have been killed too, and the droids would now be in the hands of the Empire. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 94th minute: DJ: The drone referee has blown for full-time and it's SPORTING LISBON 3-0 ANDERLECHT DJ: A disappointing result for Thierry and his Anderlecht side who were the underdogs tonight, but what a run it was to get this far! I have to say Thierry is doing so well down there in Belgium, the man has exceptional skills. Alec: But he still has much to learn. His abilities have made him... well, arrogant. DJ: Hey, wait, isn't that a Ewan McGregor Obi Wan quote? Alec: You didn't hear anything. DJ: I didn't hear anything. Alec: You're going to call an end to proceedings here tonight and let everyone go about their business. DJ: I'm going to call an end to proceedings here tonight and let everyone go about their business. Alec: Move along. DJ: Move along. Alec: Now play some Fleetwood Mac, there's a good lad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 End of Season Update, pt 2 Kelvin Mohammed was the star at CAM with lots of goal contributions. Baba Soumah extremely good up-front, although as mentioned did have a goal-drought in the last 5-6 weeks of the season, on the balance of play you have to let him off with 34 goals and 5 assists in 47 games though. Mathias Wouters very good at left back and probably the stand-out defensive performer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 Paul Hart's Career History This covers the first 40 seasons of the save, from 2018-2058 Spoiler --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season Club League Position Achievements/Other --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018/19 Arsenal Premier League 4th Europa League winners 2019/20 Arsenal Premier League 2nd Champions League winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2020/21 Paris SG Ligue 1 1st Ligue 1 & Coupe de la Ligue winners 2021/22 Paris SG Ligue 1 1st Ligue 1, Champions League & Trophee Des Champions winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 AS Roma Serie A 3rd Italian Cup runners-up 2023/24 AS Roma Serie A 2nd Italian Cup winners 2024/25 AS Roma Serie A 1st Serie A winners 2025/26 AS Roma Serie A 2nd Italian Super Cup winners & Champions League runners-up 2026/27 AS Roma Serie A 1st Serie A, Italian Cup & Champions League winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2027/28 Atletico Madrid La Liga 3rd N/A 2028/29 Atletico Madrid La Liga 2nd N/A 2029/30 Altetico Madrid La Liga 2nd Champions League winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2030/31 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 6th N/A 2031/32 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 5th Europa League winners 2032/33 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 3rd European Super Cup winners 2033/34 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 2nd N/A 2034/35 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 1st Bundesliga winners 2035/36 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 2nd German Super Cup & Champions League winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2036/37 Zenit St Petersburg Russian PL 1st Russian Premier League, Russian Cup & Super Cup winners 2037/38 Zenit St Petersburg Russian PL 1st Russian Premier League, Russian Cup & Super Cup winners 2038/39 Zenit St Petersburg Russian PL 1st Russian Premier League & Super Cup winners 2039/40 Zenit St Petersburg Russian PL 1st Russian Premier League, Russian Cup & Super Cup winners 2040/41 Zenit St Petersburg Russian PL 1st Champions League & Domestic Treble winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2041/42 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 3rd N/A 2042/43 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 4th Taca de Portugal runners-up 2043/44 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 6th N/A 2044/45 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 6th Europa League winners 2045/46 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 3rd European Super Cup winners 2046/47 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 4th N/A 2047/48 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 4th Portuguese League Cup winners 2048/49 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 1st Primiera Liga & Champions League winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2049/50 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd N/A 2050/51 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd N/A 2051/52 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd Dutch Cup winners 2052/53 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd Dutch Cup & Super Cup winners 2053/54 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd Dutch Cup winners 2054/55 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd Dutch Cup winners 2055/56 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 1st Eredivisie, Dutch Cup & Super Cup winners 2056/57 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 1st Eredivisie, Champions League & Super Cup winners 2057/58 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 1st Eredivisie, Club World Cup, Euro Super Cup & Super Cup winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paul Hart's Trophy Cabinet Spoiler Champions League x8 - 2019/20 (Arsenal), 2021/22 (Paris SG), 2026/27 (AS Roma), 2029/30 (Atletico Madrid), 2035/36 (VFL Wolfsburg), 2040/41 (Zenit St Petersburg), 2048/49 (Portimonense SC), 2056/57 (Vitesse Arnhem) Europa League x3 - 2018/19 (Arsenal), 2031/32 (VFL Wolfsburg), 2044/45 (Portimonense SC) Club World Cup x1 - 2057/58 (Vitesse Arnhem) European Super Cup x3 - 2032/33 (VFL Wolfsburg), 2045/46 (Portimonense SC), 2057/58 (Vitesse Arnhem) Bundesliga x1 - 2034/35 (VFL Wolfsburg) German Super Cup x1 - 2035/36 (VFL Wolfsburg) Serie A x2 - 2024/25, 2026/27 (AS Roma) Italian Cup x2 - 2023/24, 2026/27 (AS Roma) Italian Super Cup x1 - 2025/26 (AS Roma) Ligue 1 x2 - 2020/21, 2021/22 (Paris SG) Coupe de la Ligue x1 - 2020/21 (Paris SG) Trophee Des Champions x1 - 2021/22 (Paris SG) Primeira Liga x1 - 2048/49 (Portimonense SC) Portuguese League Cup x1 - 2047/48 (Portimonense SC) Russian Premier League x5 - 2036/37, 2037/38, 2038/39, 2039/40, 2040/41 (Zenit St Petersburg) Russian Cup x4 - 2036/37, 2037/38, 2039/40, 2040/41 (Zenit St Petersburg) Russian Super Cup x5 - 2036/37, 2037/38, 2038/39, 2039/40, 2040/41 (Zenit St Petersburg) Eredivisie x3 - 2055/56, 2056/57, 2057/58 (Vitesse Arnhem) Dutch Cup x5 - 2051/52, 2052/53, 2053/54, 2054/55, 2055/56 (Vitesse Arnhem) Dutch Super Cup x4 - 2052/53, 2055/56, 2056/57, 2057/58 (Vitesse Arnhem) Thierry's Career History --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season Club League Position Achievements/Other --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2058/59 Genclerbirligi SK Turkish Super Lig 5th Turkish Super Cup runners-up. Sacked. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2059/60 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 5th N/A 2060/61 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 3rd N/A 2061/62 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 3rd Scottish Cup winners 2062/63 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 2nd N/A 2063/64 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 3rd Scottish Cup runners-up 2064/65 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 3rd Scottish League Cup runners-up 2065/66 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 2nd Scottish League Cup runners-up 2066/67 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 2nd N/A 2067/68 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 1st Scottish Premiership, Cup & League Cup winners 2068/69 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 2nd N/A 2069/70 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 3rd Champions League runners-up & League Cup winners 2070/71 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 2nd Champions League & Scottish Cup winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2071/72 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League winners 2072/73 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League & Super Cup winners 2073/74 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League & Super Cup winners 2074/75 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League & Belgian Cup & Super Cup winners 2075/76 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League & Super Cup winners 2076/77 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Champions League runners-up & League & Super Cup winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thierry's Trophy Cabinet Champions League x1 - 2070/71 (St. Mirren) Scottish Premiership x1 - 2067/68 (St. Mirren) Scottish Cup x3 - 2061/62, 2067/68, 2070/71 (St. Mirren) Scottish League Cup x2 - 2067/67, 2069/70 (St. Mirren) Belgian Pro League x6 - 2071/72, 2072/73, 2073/74, 2074/75, 2075/76, 2076/66 (Anderlecht) Belgian Cup x1 - 2074/75 (Anderlecht) Belgian Super Cup x5 - 2072/73, 2073/74, 2074/75, 2075/76, 2076/77 (Anderlecht) Nations Completed Nations completed as Paul Hart: 1. England - Arsenal 2. France - Paris SG 3. Italy - AS Roma 4. Spain - Atletico Madrid 5. Germany - VFL Wolfsburg 6. Russia - Zenit St Petersburg 7. Portugal - Portimonense SC 8. Holland - Vitesse Arnhem Nations completed as Thierry: 9. Scotland - St. Mirren Nations completed by the AI: 1. England - Manchester City 2. Germany - RB Leipzig 3. Spain - Valencia CF 4. Portugal - Sporting Lisbon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 Nations Remaining (based on nation coefficient ranking) Turkey Belgium Austria (+2) Czech Republic (-1) Switzerland (-1) Denmark Croatia (+3) Serbia (+4) Bulgaria (+5) Ukraine (-2) Poland (-2) Norway (+3) Romania (-6) Sweden (-1) Iceland (+1) Greece (-5) Republic of Ireland Israel Slovenia Slovakia Hungary Finland Wales Belarus Northern Ireland Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 Some incredible runs this season from ourselves and Besiktas, with Celtic also doing well to reach the Semi and Galatasaray making it 2 Turkish sides in the Quarters for the first time possibly ever. Malmo of Sweden and RB Salzburg of Austria also making the knockout stages. A lot of fairly big names populating the latter stages of the Europa League, with Schalke ultimately winning it. Dinamo Zagreb of Croatia make the last 16, with a Stoke/Rangers last 16 match also pretty strange to see. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 Besiktas refuse to let a Champions League Semi Final get in the way of a 3rd straight title, although Galatasaray pushed them right to the wire. Unbelievable scenes in the Ukraine as Obolon-Brewer Kyiv put an end to Shakhtar's two decades of dominance. They become just the 5th side to ever win the Ukranian title in its 85 year history. Basel make it 3 in a row, with Lugano the surprise 2nd place getting the other Champions League Spot. A poor year for St. Gallen who have been doing well in recent times, as they finish 6th and miss out on Europe completely next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 Aside from us reaching the CL final not a great year for the Belgian sides. STVV with a very early CL exit, although to St Mirren it is fair enough I suppose. Zulte Waregam went out of the Europa League early on to Hibs. Hibs were never super strong but Zulte aren't great so I wouldn't be too surprised if Hibs were the better side. Standard Liege did reasonably well to get to the last 16 of the Europa League, but we were let down by Club Brugge and STVV. Although to be fair Club Brugge went out in 3rd of a group with Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Georgian side Torpedo Kutaisi, whilst STVV went out of a group with Tottenham Hotspur, Kayserispor and Partizan Belgrade. If I'm honest they should have got through that group really. The Champions League win for Sporting obviously helping the still dominant Portuguese reign supreme. Turkey still trying to catch England but not quite there and Scotland now in a position to catch them back up. France still quite comfortably ahead of us with Italy nowhere near us in 9th really. Ukraine really not doing all that well these days, with Shakhtar out of the Champions League that's unlikely to help their cause either. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobby_McDonald Posted April 6, 2020 Share Posted April 6, 2020 So close Paul. There's always next year... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 (edited) Summer Transfers The big departure this summer saw captain Vinny Booty leave in a big money move for Marseille. He wanted first team football and with our new CM signings he couldn't get it so I let him go, with Baba Soumah getting the captaincy now. Man City came in with big money for 2nd choice striker Guilaume Hendrickx which seemed excessive given I don't see a future for him as first choice for us if we want to win the Champions League. He's a good young player though and came through our Academy, good for him to get a big move and I wish him the best and at least they didn't come in for Baba Soumah Maurice Billy our back-up left back left for Inter after not really making it as first choice and back-up right back left to join Cercle Brugge. The main signing was replacing Vinny Booty as 3rd choice central midfielder, I got 25 year old Spaniard Juanjo Espina from Atletico in a pretty decent deal. We then had to sign a back-up right back and left back so we did, with Quenten actually being a former Academy graduate who left for the Turkish side a few years back. Edited April 6, 2020 by PaulHartman71 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 6, 2020 Author Share Posted April 6, 2020 Another Super Cup in the bag 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 7, 2020 Author Share Posted April 7, 2020 Mid-Season Update Belgian Cup A good run sees us through to the Semi Final stage. Pro League 4 wins from our first 5 with lots of goals already. Disappointing to register a first defeat of the season in just the second game of it though. 2 more defeats from our next 5, with 3 more wins. Seem to be struggling away from home a little bit. We managed to register some better form in October and November, with 4 wins from 5 and a solitary draw against AA Gent, albeit very luckily given Soumah's late equaliser. A couple of memorable performances including a 6-1 destruction of KRC Genk, but another loss, this time to Charleroi. We top the table despite our 4 losses. Champions League A pretty difficult group of Wolfsburg, Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb. We got the win as expected in Croatia but they certainly made us work for it, with Soumah's late strike a welcome relief. Wolfsburg still a very strong side, although it looked like we'd get at least a point for much of the match, until they got two late sucker punch goals to seal 3 points. Benfica another tough side and they got some revenge for us knocking them out in the knockout stages last season, as a rampant second half performance saw them win out 4-1 winners after we were 1-0 up at half-time. We kept our composure a lot more in the home leg and managed to get a hugely important victory. Another win against Zagreb which again was crucially important in the grand scheme of the group. A massive massive win away to Wolfsburg gets us through, with the goal coming so late making it extra special, although we could have actually gone through with a draw anyway. Wolfsburg top the group so we have to make do with being 2nd seeds. Porto in the next round is a big ask, given they won it 2 years ago and reached the final the year before that. Of course we're no mugs ourselves as we made the final last year, but this is not the team you want to play in the Round of 16 really. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 8, 2020 Author Share Posted April 8, 2020 No real ins and outs in the January window. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 8, 2020 Author Share Posted April 8, 2020 Pre-Split Update Belgian Cup A final with Eupen awaits as we look to win our 2nd Belgian Cup, a competition that has often eluded me. Pro League 4 wins from 5 to start the new year, with just a mad 4-3 loss at Oud-Huverlee setting us back a bit. Ethan Robbins with a great hat-trick against Westerlo. Possibly our first 5 from 5 of the season as we end the pre-split phase, a great run of games with some fantastic performances from the boys. Despite the losses we've had it's the easiest ride we've had for a while. Zulte 5 behind us but I don't really see them or anyone else catching us at this point. Lokeren go down despite finishing 4th a few seasons back. Cercle Brugge who finished 2nd just last season and started this one in the Champions League came perilously close to getting relegated. Champions League A solid first leg performance against Porto sees us 1-0 winners thanks to Matthias Bachmeier's timely strike towards the end of the match. A brilliant away performance sees us seal the deal with a fabulous win in Portugal, with a goal from Kelvin Mohammed and a brace from midfielder Noe Villar who really stepped up to the plate following his big money move last summer. A huge test awaits in the next round as we face RB Leipzig, who won the thing 4 years ago. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tacchi Posted April 9, 2020 Share Posted April 9, 2020 On 08/04/2020 at 23:32, PaulHartman71 said: Possibly our first 5 from 5 of the season as we end the pre-split phase, a great run of games with some fantastic performances from the boys. I think possibly even your first 5/5 since you are in Belgium... Can't wait the games against Leipzig! Good luck! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 (edited) End of Season Update Belgian Cup Eupen, much like their fans, didn't really turn up so we get just our second Cup win. Pro League A poor start with a loss to Brugge, but then we won 3 in a row including an unbelievable desolation of Zulte Waregem, before a drab draw with Standard Liege. A reasonable end to the season, with 3 wins from our final 5. It was plain-sailing in the end. Club Brugge get the other Champions League spot. Champions League A disappointing display in Leipzig against a strong side all but put an end to our Champions League hopes. We struggled against them again at home, at least getting a draw on the night this time. Baba Soumah was in brilliant form this season, with 33 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances. It will be very hard to keep him this summer, as the vultures are circling, with majority interest from Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Man United, Man City, Vitesse and Atletico Madrid. It would be quite funny if he ended up going to Man City after I joked at the start of the season that they bought the wrong striker from us. Kelvin Mohammed excellent again at CAM, he too has a lot of interest, with PSG and Sporting Lisbon both pursuing him. He has a £66M release clause in his contract that's been there since when he first signed and he has not wished to part with. I'd certainly pay that for him so if any side has the money this summer he will probably be gone. Finally, an excellent year for Steve Bonneau who really broke out. He filled in a lot at right back last season during our Champions League run, although he is a centre back by trade and this season he has began to cement himself as a regular starter in his natural position. Edited April 10, 2020 by PaulHartman71 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 Paul Hart's Career History This covers the first 40 seasons of the save, from 2018-2058 Spoiler --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season Club League Position Achievements/Other --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018/19 Arsenal Premier League 4th Europa League winners 2019/20 Arsenal Premier League 2nd Champions League winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2020/21 Paris SG Ligue 1 1st Ligue 1 & Coupe de la Ligue winners 2021/22 Paris SG Ligue 1 1st Ligue 1, Champions League & Trophee Des Champions winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2022/23 AS Roma Serie A 3rd Italian Cup runners-up 2023/24 AS Roma Serie A 2nd Italian Cup winners 2024/25 AS Roma Serie A 1st Serie A winners 2025/26 AS Roma Serie A 2nd Italian Super Cup winners & Champions League runners-up 2026/27 AS Roma Serie A 1st Serie A, Italian Cup & Champions League winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2027/28 Atletico Madrid La Liga 3rd N/A 2028/29 Atletico Madrid La Liga 2nd N/A 2029/30 Altetico Madrid La Liga 2nd Champions League winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2030/31 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 6th N/A 2031/32 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 5th Europa League winners 2032/33 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 3rd European Super Cup winners 2033/34 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 2nd N/A 2034/35 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 1st Bundesliga winners 2035/36 VFL Wolfsburg Bundesliga 2nd German Super Cup & Champions League winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2036/37 Zenit St Petersburg Russian PL 1st Russian Premier League, Russian Cup & Super Cup winners 2037/38 Zenit St Petersburg Russian PL 1st Russian Premier League, Russian Cup & Super Cup winners 2038/39 Zenit St Petersburg Russian PL 1st Russian Premier League & Super Cup winners 2039/40 Zenit St Petersburg Russian PL 1st Russian Premier League, Russian Cup & Super Cup winners 2040/41 Zenit St Petersburg Russian PL 1st Champions League & Domestic Treble winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2041/42 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 3rd N/A 2042/43 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 4th Taca de Portugal runners-up 2043/44 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 6th N/A 2044/45 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 6th Europa League winners 2045/46 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 3rd European Super Cup winners 2046/47 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 4th N/A 2047/48 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 4th Portuguese League Cup winners 2048/49 Portimonense SC Primeira Liga 1st Primiera Liga & Champions League winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2049/50 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd N/A 2050/51 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd N/A 2051/52 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd Dutch Cup winners 2052/53 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd Dutch Cup & Super Cup winners 2053/54 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd Dutch Cup winners 2054/55 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 2nd Dutch Cup winners 2055/56 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 1st Eredivisie, Dutch Cup & Super Cup winners 2056/57 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 1st Eredivisie, Champions League & Super Cup winners 2057/58 Vitesse Arnhem Eredivisie 1st Eredivisie, Club World Cup, Euro Super Cup & Super Cup winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paul Hart's Trophy Cabinet Spoiler Champions League x8 - 2019/20 (Arsenal), 2021/22 (Paris SG), 2026/27 (AS Roma), 2029/30 (Atletico Madrid), 2035/36 (VFL Wolfsburg), 2040/41 (Zenit St Petersburg), 2048/49 (Portimonense SC), 2056/57 (Vitesse Arnhem) Europa League x3 - 2018/19 (Arsenal), 2031/32 (VFL Wolfsburg), 2044/45 (Portimonense SC) Club World Cup x1 - 2057/58 (Vitesse Arnhem) European Super Cup x3 - 2032/33 (VFL Wolfsburg), 2045/46 (Portimonense SC), 2057/58 (Vitesse Arnhem) Bundesliga x1 - 2034/35 (VFL Wolfsburg) German Super Cup x1 - 2035/36 (VFL Wolfsburg) Serie A x2 - 2024/25, 2026/27 (AS Roma) Italian Cup x2 - 2023/24, 2026/27 (AS Roma) Italian Super Cup x1 - 2025/26 (AS Roma) Ligue 1 x2 - 2020/21, 2021/22 (Paris SG) Coupe de la Ligue x1 - 2020/21 (Paris SG) Trophee Des Champions x1 - 2021/22 (Paris SG) Primeira Liga x1 - 2048/49 (Portimonense SC) Portuguese League Cup x1 - 2047/48 (Portimonense SC) Russian Premier League x5 - 2036/37, 2037/38, 2038/39, 2039/40, 2040/41 (Zenit St Petersburg) Russian Cup x4 - 2036/37, 2037/38, 2039/40, 2040/41 (Zenit St Petersburg) Russian Super Cup x5 - 2036/37, 2037/38, 2038/39, 2039/40, 2040/41 (Zenit St Petersburg) Eredivisie x3 - 2055/56, 2056/57, 2057/58 (Vitesse Arnhem) Dutch Cup x5 - 2051/52, 2052/53, 2053/54, 2054/55, 2055/56 (Vitesse Arnhem) Dutch Super Cup x4 - 2052/53, 2055/56, 2056/57, 2057/58 (Vitesse Arnhem) Thierry's Career History --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Season Club League Position Achievements/Other --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2058/59 Genclerbirligi SK Turkish Super Lig 5th Turkish Super Cup runners-up. Sacked. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2059/60 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 5th N/A 2060/61 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 3rd N/A 2061/62 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 3rd Scottish Cup winners 2062/63 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 2nd N/A 2063/64 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 3rd Scottish Cup runners-up 2064/65 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 3rd Scottish League Cup runners-up 2065/66 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 2nd Scottish League Cup runners-up 2066/67 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 2nd N/A 2067/68 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 1st Scottish Premiership, Cup & League Cup winners 2068/69 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 2nd N/A 2069/70 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 3rd Champions League runners-up & League Cup winners 2070/71 St. Mirren Scottish Premiership 2nd Champions League & Scottish Cup winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2071/72 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League winners 2072/73 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League & Super Cup winners 2073/74 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League & Super Cup winners 2074/75 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League & Belgian Cup & Super Cup winners 2075/76 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League & Super Cup winners 2076/77 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Champions League runners-up & League & Super Cup winners 2077/78 Anderlecht Belgian Pro League 1st Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup & Super Cup winners --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thierry's Trophy Cabinet Champions League x1 - 2070/71 (St. Mirren) Scottish Premiership x1 - 2067/68 (St. Mirren) Scottish Cup x3 - 2061/62, 2067/68, 2070/71 (St. Mirren) Scottish League Cup x2 - 2067/67, 2069/70 (St. Mirren) Belgian Pro League x7 - 2071/72, 2072/73, 2073/74, 2074/75, 2075/76, 2076/77, 2077/78 (Anderlecht) Belgian Cup x2 - 2074/75, 2077/78 (Anderlecht) Belgian Super Cup x6 - 2072/73, 2073/74, 2074/75, 2075/76, 2076/77, 2077/78 (Anderlecht) Nations Completed Nations completed as Paul Hart: 1. England - Arsenal 2. France - Paris SG 3. Italy - AS Roma 4. Spain - Atletico Madrid 5. Germany - VFL Wolfsburg 6. Russia - Zenit St Petersburg 7. Portugal - Portimonense SC 8. Holland - Vitesse Arnhem Nations completed as Thierry: 9. Scotland - St. Mirren Nations completed by the AI: 1. England - Manchester City 2. Germany - RB Leipzig 3. Spain - Valencia CF 4. Portugal - Sporting Lisbon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 Nations Remaining (based on nation coefficient ranking) Turkey Belgium Austria Croatia (+3) Switzerland Czech Republic (-2) Serbia (+1) Ukraine (+2) Norway (+3) Sweden (+4) Bulgaria (-2) Denmark (-6) Poland (-2) Romania (-1) Greece (+1) Iceland (-1) Republic of Ireland Slovenia (+1) Israel (-1) Slovakia Hungary Finland Wales Belarus Northern Ireland Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 Wolfsburg win their first Champions League for 11 years and what a run they went on, with 8-0, 9-2 and 7-0 aggregate wins over Galatasaray, St Mirren and Vitesse to get to the final were they beat Real Madrid 4-3 after extra-time. Another European trophy for Portugal as Benfica beat Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final. Rosenborg, Steaua Bucharest and Rapid Vienna doing well to reach the last 16. Good to see Eupen and Club Brugge make it there too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 A big upset in Turkey as Bursaspor, who came 3rd last season, won their first Turkish Super League for 68 years. Galatasaray miss out on Champions League, with Fenerbacche having a horrendous season and missing out on Europe altogether. Shakhtar reclaim their crown at the first time of asking, although Chornomorets did run them close. 4 in a row for Basel, as Lugano finish in 2nd again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 As we're 60 years in I'm gonna do a brief round-up of a few things, namely relating to the Champions League since the start of the save. First the Hall of Fame though: The only real newcomer is Turkish regen player turned manager Sercan Aytekin, who has now retired. A fairly unnotable journeyman player in the Turkish leagues he plied his trade most notably for Boluspor and Osmanispor and 6 other relegation battling type sides. As a manager though he smashed it. Initially getting his break as a caretaker manager at Osmanispor, he managed to get the top job at Kayserispor, before joining Besiktas in the mid to late 2050's where he won a few Turkish Super Leagues and Cups. This got him noticed and he then got a move to Roma, where he won two domestic trebles, before joining Chelsea. He won a few Premier Leagues before then going to Porto, where he won a title there, before going to PSG and winning loads of trophies including titles and his first Champions League. He then went back to Roma, winning 6 straight titles and two Champions Leagues. He saw out his career in the Bundesliga with a solitary season at Wolfsburg where he won the domestic treble. This helped him rise up to an impressive 6th place in the rankings. No other newcomers though and as you can see with around 20 years left of his managerial career Thierry is someway off even 20th spot. The lack of trophies in Scotland may well have cost him a place, but it was a very competitive league to be fair. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 8 - Atletico Madrid 7 - Manchester City, Paris SG 5 - Wolfsburg 3 - Real Madrid, Man United, Chelsea, Roma, RB Leipzig, Sporting Lisbon 2 - Zenit, Vitesse Arnhem, Valencia, Olympique Marseille, Porto 1 - Arsenal, Benfica, Bayern Munich, Portimonense, St. Mirren By country: 14 - England 13 - Spain 9 - France, Germany 7 - Portugal 3 - Italy 2 - Russia, Holland 1 - Scotland Most Champions League wins since start of the save in 2018/19 by clubs and nations 16 - Manchester City 15 - Atletico Madrid 11 - Paris SG 10 - Wolfsburg 8 - Manchester United 6 - RB Leipzig, Real Madrid 5 - Olympique Marseille, AS Roma 4 - Zenit St Petersburg, Chelsea 3 - Sporting Lisbon, Liverpool, Vitesse Arnhem, Porto 2 - Valencia, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Benfica, St. Mirren 1 - Arsenal, Portimonense, Barcelona, Juventus, Feyenoord, Rangers, Galatasaray, Andrlecht By Country: 32 - England 24 - Spain 18 - Germany 16 - France 9 - Portugal 8 - Italy 4 - Holland, Russia 3 - Scotland 1 - Turkey, Belgium Most Champions League final appearances since start of the save in 2018/19 by clubs and nations 16 - Real Madrid 8 - Atletico Madrid* 7 - Manchestser City*, AC Milan, Paris SG* 6 - Bayern Munich, Manchester United 5 - Barcelona, Liverpool, Wolfsburg* 4 - Ajax, Chelsea, Porto 3 - Inter Milan, Olympique Marseille, RB Leipzig*, AS Roma*, Benfica, Sporting Lisbon* 2 - Juventus, Nottingham Forest, Valencia*, Vitesse Arnhem*, Zenit St Petersburg* 1 - Arsenal, Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund, Celtic, FC Steaua Bucharest, Feyenoord, Hamburger SV, Portimonense* PSV Eindhoven, Red Star Belgrade, St Mirren* * - First win since start of save Most time Champions League winner (since start of competition in 1955/56) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 Since start of the save: World Cup Euros Copa America African Cup of Nations Asian Cup Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 Cercle Brugge eliminated by eventual Turkish champions Bursaspor, before going out in a Europa League group with Genclerbirligi, FH of Iceland and Hibs. STVV out by Swiss side Sion in the Europa playoffs. Club Brugge and Eupen especially doing well to get to the last 16 of the Europa League though. Not a great deal of change really, although Turkey could potentially pip Spain to 4th next season. We're still quite far apart from the nations ahead and behind us. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 10, 2020 Author Share Posted April 10, 2020 Summer Transfers Well, as predicted we did lose Baba Soumah and Kelvin Mohammed unfortunately. Funnily enough it was Man City who ended up with Soumah after out bidding everyone else, can't argue with that price at all. Mohammed's release clause was met by both PSG and Sporting Lisbon and he chose PSG. Ethan Robbins the American left winger has been very good since he signed 18 months ago but £51M for him was pretty crazy money and not a bid I was going to turn down from Man United who wanted him. Mohammed Benali who has been a good squad player at right wing for more or less my whole time here wasn't playing anymore and with 1 year left on his deal he ended up going to Club Brugge. Rafik Alioui is a decent CAM option who came through our Academy and despite decent loan spells has never really looked like breaking into the first team here, so he left for Benfica for just under £10M with 1 year left on his contract too. Jonathan Delorte had 1 season as back-up full back and wasn't going to start any time soon so I let him join the Turkish champions when they came in for him, whilst youth players who were decent but not our level in Hendry Bertrand and Yves Mputu left too. Rayco is a 23 year old Spanish CAM recruited from the Canary Islands to replace Kelvin Mohammed. Not quite as good but has the potential to get there. Erev Dvir is an Israeli international striker who joins us from the Czech champions, again I'm not sure he's quite as good as Soumah but he too has the ability to get there. Maybe a bit older than I would have liked to sign a striker but he's not thaaat old. Cedric Blanchet joins to be a rotation left winger and looks very good. And then we have our new second choice left back New candidate for best name. If it's pronounced how I think then damn that's great porn star name 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 11, 2020 Author Share Posted April 11, 2020 Another summer, another Super Cup win... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 11, 2020 Author Share Posted April 11, 2020 Mid-Season Update Belgian Cup We've made it through to the Semi Final of the Belgian Cup, with only Antwerp giving us any problems. Belgian Pro League 5 wins from 5 to start the season with a bang, with lots of goals flying in. We registered our first defeat of the season at home to Oud-Huverlee and also dropped points in Genk, but other wise it was 3 more wins with new striker Erez Dvir becoming more confident and composed in-front of goal. 4 wins from our next 5, with Westerlo coming ever so close to beating us, but it was Dvir's last minute strike that mad sure they only got a point. We ended the year in style with a further 5 wins from 5. 10 points (although kinda 5 really) between us and second in what has been a very good start to the season for us. In the Champions League we were drawn up against last year's winner's Wolfsburg, Valencia and the old enemy...Genclerbirligi. A change of revenge in Thierry's first trip to his old ground in Anderlecht colours, but the Turkish side defended extremely well and continued their undefeated streak against Thierry sides following his failure to beat them despite numerous chances whilst at St. Mirren. Valencia held us to a 2-2 draw despite us taking a 2-0 lead, with the Spanish side fighting hard to the end. We went away to the champion and could not quite get anything from the match. At one point they were actually 3-0 up and with 2 second half goals we looked like we might pull off a huge comeback, but we couldn't quite find the equaliser. A much better defensive performance in the return home tie saw us pull of a famous 1-0 victory against the reigning champions of Europe. A huge moment both in this group and Thierry's career as he finally gets one over on the side who sacked him all those years ago. The 2-0 victory over Genclerbirligi sees a historic blood feud finally settled thanks to a brace from Israeli international Erez Dvir. Try as we might we could not find a winner against Valencia who once again proved a tough side to beat. We go through top of the group which is brilliant. Genclerbirligi somewhat surprisingly also sneaking through against the odds as they won both their home against Wolfsburg and Valencia, also sneaking a draw in Germany to knock out the champions in the process. I don't want to get too ahead of ourselves but Basel is about as kind a draw as you're going to get at this stage of the Champions League. I would be very disappointed if we go out to them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 11, 2020 Author Share Posted April 11, 2020 A nice boring transfer-free window in January! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 12, 2020 Author Share Posted April 12, 2020 Pre-Split Update Belgian Cup A nice easy 3-0 aggregate victory over last year's finalists Eupen sets up a final with Standard Liege in April. Pro League # 3 wins from 5 to start the new decade and the last year of the 70's, with Zulte Waregam catching us away from home unexpectedly. 5 wins from 5 to end the regular season. I don't think we're in much danger of being caught in the final 10 matches... An incident which did happen was starting midfielder, Matthias Bachmeier, who of course cost us the best part of £69M did his cruciates against Club Brugge in the first game of the new year and he will miss the entirety of the rest of the season. Due to the depth we have in the side and that it would mean we were over-loaded in that position next season I opted not to sign a replacement centre mid and will rely on Amparo and Juanjo Espina, who are in the rotation/back-up roles in the squad precisely for scenarios such as this. Champions League Basel took a surprise lead in the first leg, but by the half hour mark thanks to our other pricey centre mid Noe Villar we were level with a crucial away goal. Basel then had a man sent off for an innocuous second yellow in the second half and I thought it was our chance to kill the tie. I thought we had squandered that chance but thanks to goals from a corner from Ahmed Fages and then a nice strike from Erez Dvir a minute later we pretty much put the tie to bed in injury time. Spyros Thymaras gave us a 1-0 lead after just a minute played, then Noe Villar made it 2-0 and 5-1 on aggregate which pretty much killed the atmosphere of the match and it was played at a much slower pace after a frantic first ten minutes as we looked to keep the ball. Rayco made it 3-0 on the night later on towards the end of the match. Chelsea await us in the Quarter Final. They reached the final just 3 years ago so are by no means an easy opponent, although an interesting thing I noticed when tallying up past winners was that an English side have not actually won the tournament for 15 years since Chelsea beat a Vitesse side managed by Paul Hart. Some dangerous sides still left in the tournament. Porto got past a difficult test with Manchester City, whilst the side who beat us in the final 2 year's ago Sporting Lisbon smashed past a very strong side in their own right in Marseille. A few of my former sides doing well in Vitesse and Portimonense, with Genclerbirligi surprisingly sneaking past PSG. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 12, 2020 Author Share Posted April 12, 2020 A fantastic performance at Stamford Bridge saw us win the game 2-1, getting 2 crucial away goals in the process, although Chelsea did get a late late goal to keep themselves in the tie. An absolute goal-fest in the home return tie saw us win 5-3 on the night and ultimately 7-4 on aggregate. A pretty mental match especially given Chelsea got 3 away goals and that we were 4-1/6-2 up at half-time In a battle of the last two Paul Hart sides it was Vitesse who emerged victorious against Portimonense following a penalty shoot-out. In the Semi Final they will face Genclerbirligi, who have somehow sneaked through again, this time on away goals against Porto. We face Sporting Lisbon, the side who smashed us 3-0 in our last final. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 13, 2020 Author Share Posted April 13, 2020 End of Season Update Pro League 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss to start off the championship group, not great form but with the title in the bag already I wasn't all too fussed. We actually lost star-striker Erez Dvir to injury at the start of the month too in an injury which will likely put him out for the rest of the season. Not ideal, with Alexandre Andre, the second choice Youth academy graduate being forced to step-up. We had another youth academy graduate, Gael Poisson, on loan at Oud-Huverlee, who scored 16 goals in 33 games for them up until April. Despite him being ineligible to play for us in the Pro League I made the decision to recall him from his loan so he could deputise for Andre in the remaining Champions League and Belgian Cup matches, hard luck Oud-Huverlee, who to be fair were rivalling us for the title... We ended the season in incredible form, with 5 wins from 5, with Alexandre Andre finding some great form with two hat-tricks in consecutive matches against Oud-Huverlee and Club Brugge. We ran away with it this season, with nobody getting anywhere near us. Belgian Cup The Cup final happened to take place just 3 days before our second leg Champions League Semi Final so I put out a heavily rotated squad in the final, thankfully with places up for grabs this didn't have an impact on the performance, as we smashed Standard Liege 4-1, with a brilliant hat-trick from Lukas Lefevre our back-up right winger and Johann Caro also getting on the score-sheet. Champions League We went into the first leg in Lisbon against Sporting without one of our first choice central midfielders, as well as our first choice striker. But this did not matter. After a gripping start we kicked off the second half in style, with Noe Villar striking home to make it 1-0. Amparo smashed home to round of a nice counter-attack 20 minutes later, then in injury time, in his first appearance for Anderlecht all season, Gael Poisson came off the bench to score in a Champions League Semi Final to make it 3-0. Poisson did well enough leading the line in the Belgian Cup final that I gave him the nod 3 days later with Alexandre Andre not in the best of form, well Poisson did not let down, as he grabbed 2 goals in the first half to make it 3 goals in 3 appearances all season for us. We were 3-0 up at half-time, 6-0 on aggregate, but Sporting Lisbon did not give up and by the 80th minute made it 3-3 on the night, 6-3 on aggregate, they did keep trying to get back into the game, with Luiz Henrique, who scored the hat-trick against us two years ago in the final getting the 3rd, but a Noe Villar goal in the 88th minute on the break killed off any remaining hope of them finding a further 3 goals. 7-3 on aggregate and goodnight Sporting Lisbon. That set ups a final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff with, well, Genclerbirligi. The dark horses who we shared a Group Stage conquest of champions Wolfsburg with have, against the odds, followed us right through to the final. When we beat them in the Group Stage I thought that was it and the long-standing feud and bitterness was all over as Thierry finally got the duck off his back of getting one over on them, but now they could claim the ultimate revenge. This makes the final a much more frightening prospect as whilst you never want to lose, when we lost 2 years ago there was always the hope that we can get to another final, but this time there is more at at stake, as if we lose this time then we've let Genclerbirligi win it and we can never get the back. The fight... is on! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 13, 2020 Author Share Posted April 13, 2020 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobby_McDonald Posted April 13, 2020 Share Posted April 13, 2020 Come on Paul... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zethani Posted April 13, 2020 Share Posted April 13, 2020 Crazy, crazy final 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
olliep Posted April 14, 2020 Share Posted April 14, 2020 Fingers crossed!!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 The stage is set tonight for a huge Champions League final in Wales between Genclerbirligi and Anderlecht. The man in the middle of this to most of the press is Anderlecht manager, Thierry, who was sacked after just 1 season at the Turkish side at the start of his career. In subsequent interviews he has always maintained that everything happens for a reason and that his good times at St Mirren and Anderlecht may not have happened without that set-back, yet he has also always held a vicious grudge against Genclerbirligi and that is set to boil over in a big fashion tonight. Thierry was unable to get a win over Genclerbirligi at 5 times of asking at former club St.Mirren, but in the second of two group stage matches this season he was able to get that win with Anderlecht. In a post-match press conference following that victory he called an end to the hostilities and said he was over the feud, but little could he have known that not only would Genclerbirligi make it through their Group of Death, but ultimately follow themallthe way to the final. But there is a forgotten man in all of this. Genclerbirligi are actually managed by one of Thierry's former players at the club based in Ankara, with 43 year old club legend Onder Arslan at the helm. He was in his early 20's barely out of the club's Academy during the Russian Brazilian's time at the club, but despite his youth he was by all accounts the former Zenit goalkeeper's best player in the season that Genclerbirligi board members deemed unacceptable enough to fire him for. Onder Arslan went on to feature for his boyhood side 761 times in all competitions, with 153 club goals to his name. He captained the famous 2066 side that won a historic Europa League trophy. Arslan retired from football 8 years ago with 147 Turkish caps and 31 goals also to his name and eventually took charge at then second tier Turkish side Sanliurfaspor. He helped them to a historic promotion, before jumping ship to manage Osmaalispor for a season, before getting another promotion to Antalyaspor. He impressed there too and last summer got the call from his old club, who never could have expected the club legend would exceed expectations to the extent of reaching a Champions League final. Arslan will already go down in Ankara folk-lore for his exploits as a player and will no doubt be remembered as a manager regardless of the outcome tonight, but if he could grant Genclerbirligi and the Turkish nation their first ever Champions League win tonight, he really would be the stuff of eternal legend. We leave you pondering this with a classic song released a century ago this year... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 The team news ahead of Thierry's Anderlecht side's second final appearance in 3 years. 6 of the 11 who started in Kiev will start again tonight in Cardiff. Marcio Fernando in goal, the 28 year old Brazilian who idolised Thierry growing up, has been good again this season and no doubt played a role in the side getting this far. Luc Leclere again starts at centre back, with Mathias Wouters the ever reliable left back. Noe Villar has had an excellent season at central midfield and will look to control the game tonight. Spyros Thymaras, the 25 year old Greek right winger has also had a good season and has managed 4 goals and 3 assists in 11 Champions League appearances so far this year. Two of the other 5 who started in the last final have left the club, with Kelvin Mohammed of course joining PSG, with Baba Soumah joining Man City. Of the others, Taimuraz Stapanov who started the last final at centre back is on the bench tonight, with Steve Bonneau at centre back alongside Luc Leclere. Bonneau also started the last final, out of position at right back, as he filled in for usual right back Ahmed Fages who missed with a nasty blood clot injury. He's been a regular fixture again this season though, with Bonneau back to his natural centre back positon. Matthias Bachmeier misses out at central midfield after doing his cruciates in January, which put him out for the entire season. He is replaced by 28 year old experienced Brazilian midfielder, Amparo, who has barely put a foot wrong in the appearances he has started this season in place. Rayco, signed in the summer starts at attacking midfield, with another new signing, French left winger, Cedric Blanchet chosen over the 27 year old French team-mate Johann Caro. Caro despite being excellent when he does play has struggled with repeated knocks for the last 2-3 seasons and Blanchet has been consistent enough to keep the older man out of the team even when he has been fit. Caro will surely have a point to prove if he does come off the bench tonight though. Finally, up front tonight is Alexandre Andre, a 22 year old graduate of their youth academy, who has 14 goals in 39 senior appearances for the side. Anderlecht are without their top scorer in Erez Dvir, Israeli international striker who has 25 goals in 42 games for them this season, including 7 in the Champions League. He twisted his ankle a few weeks ago which sadly put him out of this game. Alexandre Andre faced unlikely competition up-front from fellow youth academy graduate, the 22 year old Gael Poisson who came through the same youth intake as him. Poisson spent the vast majority of this season on loan at Oud-Huverlee, where he managed 16 goals in 33 games for them before being recalled due to the injury crisis despite not being able to play in league games. Poisson has featured in the Belgian Cup final and the two Champions League Semi Finals since returning to the side, with 3 goals in those 3 games, with all the goals coming against Sporting Lisbon. Some were possibly expecting him to start in Andre's place tonight and perhaps even Thierry considered that at one point, although Andre managed to score back to back hat-tricks in league games against Oud-Huverlee and Club Brugge in the last few games of the season, which has perhaps given him the edge over Poisson coming into this match, whether that is the right decision remains to be seen. We'll know one way or another by the end of tonight... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 David Johnson: That was Cheap Trick with Surrender and you have to say quite the fitting song tonight given Thierry is looking to avoid surrendering the Champions League trophy to former side Genclerbirligi. DJ: You join us live from the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff for what is sure to be a most entertaining Champions League final. In what has been widely tipped as the "Thierry-derby" we see his Anderlecht side who have dominated Belgian football in recent years face off against the Turkish dark-horse side who infamously sacked him all those years ago, Genclerbirligi. DJ: Joining us at this time for a short appearance is a lady who needs no introduction to the Welsh contingent here tonight, we have the Princess of Wales, Paula Windsor, who is of course the grand-daughter of the great manager Paul Hart, who managed Thierry at Zenit St Petersburg. Paula is of course married to James Windsor, grandson of Prince Harry... and Paula, your royal highness, who do you have your money on tonight? PW: Well David I don't like to partake in betting, but I think it is quite clear that Anderlecht are the favorites tonight. Thierry's side made the final just two years ago and I think he will be looking to right the wrong's that occurred both that night and of course the wrongs that occurred when Genclerbirligi sacked him two decades ago. DJ: Of course, Paula, some may argue that Genclerbirligi making the final vindicates their decision to let Thierry go in the first place. PW: David, with all due respect that was two decades ago. If they had not let him go in the first place they wouldn't have had to wait this long to reach a final. I give them some credit they have done very well in the Europa League in recent years, of course winning it not that long ago, but the Champions League is a different ball game. Galatasaray reached a Champions League final a while back, where have they been since? Nowhere. The same can be said of Rangers. A one off final appearance is not the same as winning it and I do not think Genclerbirligi will win it tonight. DJ: Well, strong words from the Princess of Wales there, oh and look at this. We're joined now by the spirit of Harrison Ford, such was the popularity of the reanimation of Alec Guiness for our last final, we've brought back Harrison Ford for a one off special for commentary tonight. DJ: Harrison, how do you feel about joining Paula the Princess of Wales on this broadcast? HF: Look, your Worshipfullness, let's get one thing straight. I take orders from just one person : me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 1st minute: DJ: We're under way here in Wales as the drone referee buzzes for kick-off and oh what's this? The wookie mascot who is representing our broadcasting provider affiliated with Disney appears to have gotten into a slight disagreement with the drone referee. I think he wants a match-ball. HF: Let him have it. It's not wise to upset a Wookie. DJ: But sir, nobody worries about upsetting a droid. HF: That's cause droids don't pull people's arms out of their sockets when they lose. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 12th minute: DJ: Goktug Aydemir the winger has it for Genclerbirligi in the Anderlecht half. He passes ahead to Brayan Jimenez, the Peruvian darts past Steve Bonneau and he picks out a nice through ball to Enrico van Leeuwen the Belgian... IT'S ENRICO VAN LEEUWEN!!!! OH AND HE'S DONE IT!!!! HIS STRIKE FROM JUST INSIDE THE ANDERLECHT BOX FLIES PAST THE KEEPER AND STRAIGHT INTO THE TOP CORNER. Would you believe it?! The Belgian has put his side ahead here and it could be a Belgian who plays an all important role in preventing the first ever Belgian winner of the Champions League. Thierry has his head in his hands on the touch-line. It's a nightmare start for him against the nightmare final side. GENCLERBIRLIGI 1-0 ANDERLECHT DJ: Harrison, do you see any way back for Anderlecht tonight? HF: Listen, kid. I've flown from side of this galaxy to the other; I've seen a lot of stranger stuff. But I've never seen anything to make me believe that a Belgian side could win the Champions League. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 29th minute: DJ: Noe Villar trying to make something happen for Anderlecht. He passes forward to Spyros Thymaras on the right wing, he darts past a defender and puts a cross into the box, it's intercepted by a defender but the ball falls and... ALEXANDRE ANDREEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH BUT HIS STRIKE IS STRAIGHT AT THE KEEPER! They've said in training against the remote goalkeepers he's been in fine form this week, but he couldn't get the goal there. HF: Good against remotes is one thing. Good against the living, that's something else. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 32nd minute: DJ: Rayco having some luck up against the Genclerbirligi defence. Thierry's side pushing for an equaliser here. Rayco finds Spyros Thymaras outwide, then back to Rayco, Rayco plays it into the middle... AND ALEXANDRE ANDREEEEE DOES SCORE THIS TIME!!!! HE'S HEADED IT THAT STRAIGHT PAST THE KEEPER AND THE BACK-UP STRIKER HAS A GOAL IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL!!! A HUGE EQUALISER HERE AS THIERRY IS LOOKING SLIGHTLY RELIEVED DOWN THERE ON THE TOUCHLINE. GENCLERBIRLIGI 1-1 ANDERLECHT DJ: Alexandre Andre is enjoying this moment on the touching. He's celebrating in real style! HF: Great, kid. Don't get cocky! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 45th minute: DJ: It's half-time here as the drone referee blows for half-time. We're gonna take a short-break here as we give you another 1970s classic, chosen by Paula Princess of Wales who is of course very rich. HF: Rich? DJ: Rich, powerful. More wealth than you can imagine. HF: I don't know, I can imagine quite a bit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 46th minute: DJ: We're back underway in Cardiff and what a huge 45 minutes this is for both Belgian and Turkish football. We will crown a winner of the Champions League from a new country tonight, but who will it be? Anderlecht? or Genclerbirligi? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 56th minute: DJ: Thierry making a substitution here. It's the left winger Cedric Blanchet coming off for Johann Caro. Blanchet hasn't got in the game too much tonight and his manager is hoping for something special from Caro instead. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulHartman71 Posted April 14, 2020 Author Share Posted April 14, 2020 70th minute: DJ: A corner for Anderlecht. Caro to whip it into the middle... LUC LECLERE IS THERE!!! OHHH BUT THE KEEPER MANAGES TO GET A HAND TO IT AND IT'S CLEARED UP FIELD. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now