(FM20) London Calling

[Mandy42]

points in the bank over games in hand any day of the year!

any loan strikers available? 

otherwise get the man a wheelchair!

[Maw74]

Loving this, getting my hopes up, I'm a Spurs fan so they normally get shattered, don't you dare.............I know it's Fulham but come on man I am rooting for you.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

March 2035

This is the month we play in all 4 competitions.

Ooooooooo I wasn't expecting that! I think just see that show just how good our defence is and how much we rely on it.

Just the casual 13m lost this month. The price you pay with only 2 home games all month! I should get getting money this month irregardless of the Juve result so hopefully we will stem the flow of losses towards the end of the season. We need more money from elsewhere, sponsorships and what not.

Just a couple of big away games this month. We could really take control of our title destiny this month...or we could lose it.

I'm not massively bothered about the Carabao Cup Final. I have made as many changes as I could to keep the squad fresh. That isn't many!

Well we won the cup. I've not cared about this competition for a few seasons and yet here we are. Back to back winners.

Europe next season at least. Obviously we want the Champions League.

We did this last season and then lost in the FA Cup. I'm going to keep rotating as much as possible to keep as much of the team as fresh as possible. Honestly at this point going out of the FA Cup wouldn't be completely the end of the World.

Same result. Glad to see Koffi get only his 3rd goal of the season. I'm really hoping he kicks on from here. Into the Quarter Final we go.

Well its a very winnable game. Full squad or not depends on if we are still in the Champions League truth be told. It means we don't play Chelsea this month.

Liverpool, away, huge title game.

Huge win! Massive win! We were second best and I was happy with a draw. The late goal was perfect.

Juventus at home. We have a lead can we keep it?

Job well and truly done. In truth we should have won but I'm not complaining. Into the Quarter Final we go.

Wolves at home. 1 of only 2 league games this month. We need to keep the pressure on.

Youth Intake time!

Unspectacular. As always. I'm really hoping now we have reached the pinnacle that next season we will have 1 or 2 that could make the first team at some point.

Great win even if the performance wasn't brilliant. At this stage points mean more! 

Our league games are over for the month but there are still games in hand so I'll leave the league table for now.

You know what I'm happy with this draw. We beat them home and away this season. We can do it and maybe reach another Semi Final.

Derby in the FA Cup Quarter Final next. There is an International Break after it so you know what...I'm going for it.

Into the Semi Final we go.

Well its the hardest team left. The other semi final is Leicester v Stoke. Are we set up of a repeat of our FA victory a few years ago?

April is going to be ridiculous but my God I can't wait to see how this pans out!

[andychar]

14 hours ago, Maw74 said:

Loving this, getting my hopes up, I'm a Spurs fan so they normally get shattered, don't you dare.............I know it's Fulham but come on man I am rooting for you.

I'm getting my hopes up and that can only end in tears for everybody!

 

18 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

points in the bank over games in hand any day of the year!

any loan strikers available? 

otherwise get the man a wheelchair!

He broke his wrist this time last season and managed to play through it. Get this man a litre of milk! Stat!

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

April 2035

Is this the biggest month in Fulham's history?

Once again not much League action due to the Cups. 

We start the month with the easiest (by a Country mile) game of the month. We can't afford a slip up.

Job done here.

Everybody else had easy games so its as you were at the top.

Liverpool next. At home, the important thing is not conceding here. A win would be nice as well!

We were lucky here. We were second best throughout so I'm delighted to hold them to nothing. A score draw is all we need at Anfield. We can do it!

We have Stoke away next. They are 6th in the league and on form. They won't be an easy game in the slightest. Huge test of our title chances.

Fantastic win! We were the better team and deserved although it was very nervy at times. We stay with them!

Top 4 all won so its as you were.

Haha ok mate!

Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg time. If we get an early goal it changes the entire game. If we score first we are put into a great position.

Everybody is shattered. We just had to go through the fatigue.

I am lost for words. 3-0 down I had more than given up hope and was considering subs to save energy. I didn't and then witnessed probably the greatest game of this save. Unbelieve. Truely unbelievable.

We have been here before. I want revenge. Sweet, sweet revenge.

While we were producing "Anfield 2035" (I'm sure it will catch on with Liverpool fans). Chelsea did this...

They dropped points! The first blink of the title race. We need City to drop points now.

Speaking of City its FA Cup Semi Final next. It would be nice to bag another cup Final but right now it's really low on my priorities!

You already know I'm going to milk the entire final month of this season.

I have made several changes ahead of City. It feels like I'm handing them a place in the final but honestly I don't have a choice.

We were 2nd best throughout. Despite this we actually had the ball in the back of the net twice, both goals chalked off so you know what I don't think it was ever going to be our day.

City have knocked us out the Cup 3 seasons in a row and I hope they burn in hell.

Just the same matter of Chelsea away next in the League. Not a must win but a must not lose. City play Arsenal at the same time. Huge night in the title race.

A must not lose. Even game and very fair result. It keeps both teams well and truly in the title race.

Huge drama in Manchester! It means Liverpool take advantage.

Don't know why Liverpool have an EC next to them. Things couldn't be tighter. We still have to host City...2nd to last game of the season.

One final game this month before we head into a massively busy and very important May. It's Arsenal at home. The little games keep coming.

And with that equaliser I think that could be the title gone. City are looking too strong to drop points.

Unreal. Nobody wants this title!

The title...with 4 games to go...is in our hands. No worried about finishing Top 4. That should be sorted. I've so bloody nervous!

[andychar]

Fulham

Champions League Semi Final First Leg

Last season we were minutes away from the final until a stoppage time equaliser from Barca saw us out on away goals. Heartbreaking. 

I want revenge but its important this tie isn't over before the second leg. We need an away goal, we need to learn from last season's mistakes but we also need to make sure we don't go crazy.

First time he's won it for a while.

Adjas missed an absolute sitter but other than that it's been an even game. We really need an away goal!

Simple pump into the box. Simple header. Bad defending and we are up against it. Still an away goal changes everything.

You know what. F*** this game. We finished the game with 10 men thanks to an inujry. We were forced into 2 subs because of minor injuries. Absolutely everything that could have gone against us went against us and then the icing on the cake was the 97th minute 2nd goal which pretty much ends the tie. 

F*** YOU!

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

Gameweek 35

We need to bounceback from that FM bull. We have injuries galore. Next man up. That's all it has to be.

Chelsea faces a tricky home game but should win. Liverpool play rock bottom. 

Then on Sunday after our game...

City face a tricky game aswell.

We are away to 14th place Southampton. A win here could really give us a foothold depending on results elsewhere.

I think fitness is starting to catch up to us now. Injuries and stamina issues.

Koffi heads up ahead. Great start!

Fantastic start! Cariou with a rare start and a rare goal.

TAA with the goal. Brilliant stuff.

3-0 at HT as we have taken our foot off the gas in order to save energy.

Lifeline for Southampton. Worst possible time for it I think,

We held on. Good win!

Chelsea won. Liverpool won. City won.

We did secure Top 4 which is a good feeling.

3 more wins.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League 

Gameweek 36

I mean technically the Barca second leg is first but I'm not even gonna bother with updates...it doesnt end well for us.

While we try and turn around a 2-0 loss City will play their game in hand. At home to Spurs. A loss there takes the pressure off the game against City. Although with Chelsea in the mix I think I'm going to need to win all 3 games.

Not going to lie. I've not picked my strongest side against Barca, already assuming its a lost cause. Another great season in the Champions League though. Surely 2nd seeds next season.

Ok I wasn't going to do this but...game on?

At least we are making a fight out of it.

Well it was a good effort but it was the absolute joke of the circumstances which led to the 97th minute 2nd goal in the 1st leg which has screwed us. I feel we have been unlucky twice now against Barcelona.

2 late goals give City a win and advantage in the league. It means now we are going to have to beat them.

Onto Derby away. Its our final away game of the season.

Wow that is a massive increase to what we normally have. What this season has showed me is rather than spending it all one that 1 massive player we may need to bring 2 or 3 faces in and try and boost numbers. Our squad is too thin.

Chelsea and Liverpool both at home against teams in the bottom 4. Man City once again play on the Sunday. They are away to Wolves.

Lets not pay attention to others. We know 3 wins will be enough for us.

We are missing 2 starts. Gugu being the main one.

Ibanez hasn't scored in ages but this is one of his biggest goals. We started strong but getting the goal is massive.

Groza doubles our lead! He's been worth the money at WBR this season.

2-0 at HT. Just need to hold on.

Minutes after TAA is dismissed Derby are back in this game. What a horrible 10 minutes coming up for Fulham fans.

Very nervy finish! But Fulham hold on for a vital 3 points!

Chelsea won. 

Liverpool won.

Pressure is on City....

What pressure?

Fulham v Man City. If we win we are top heading into the final game. Draw and we will be 3rd needing a lot of help. Lose and the title challenge is over for another season.

Must win.

 

[Maw74]

What a battle for the title! 

[Djuicer]

London Calling has been a standing  column in the swedish newspaper Aftonbladet for several years covering football from England, but london in particulary! #TMK

Edited April 9, 2020 by Djuicer

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

Gameweek 37

No question this is a massive game. Probably the biggest of the save. We have no choice but to win this game. 

Second to last game ever at Craven Cottage...lets make the last game actually mean something.

1st minute - First shot on goal falls to the visitors. They know if they win tonight they are Champions. Huge game.

2nd minute - Fulham's turn as they force the keeper into a save from a free kick. Neither keeper troubled though.

5th minute - First good save and its the hosts pushing forward. They know anything other than a win pretty much surrenders the title.

35th minute - And is that the goal that wins the title! Fulham have been the better team here and have been suckerpunched on the counter.

43rd minute - It could be 2. Free kick is whipped into the box and the header is just over. Can Fulham weather the storm?

Fulham were in control. Goals change games and City are 45 minutes away from the title.

17 seconds is all its taken and its 2. City are going to be Champions as Fulham just haven't recovered since conceding.

58th minute - Fulham should be back into it. A free kick crossed in, it falls to Koffi who smashes it straight at the keeper. It seems Fulham have saved their worst performance of the season till when it really mattered. Every single fan out there will be cursing their luck this season and be left wondering what if Filipp hadn't broken his leg.

61st minute - Koffi is once again given a Golden Opportunity through on goal but he blasts it wide! What a day to forget your shooting boots.

70th minute - Fulham again come forward and a header is just tipped over. It was never going to be their day.

73rd minute - Now then. Is this the turning point? Its a penalty.

Gugu will step up, he missed his last penalty. If he misses here then surely thats the game.

He makes no mistake! 2-1. Game on. We are in for a huge last 20 minutes here at Craven Cottage. Can Fulham keep their slim title hopes alive?

80th minute - They have done it! 2-2! Gugu in the right place at the right time in the box. He gives the keeper no chance with his head. Unreal finish here. 10 minutes plus stoppage time. Do we have one final twist?

84th minute - This is amazing! Fulham have completely turned this game around! 3-2! The Cottage absolutely errupts. The game has changed now. Can Fulham hold on?

86th minute - Holding on is not what Fulham are doing, they are going for the throat and it takes a good save to keep it 3-2. Unpredictable finish incoming.

Unreal game of football. What a turnaround. If Fulham win at the last ever game at Craven Cottage they are Champions.

What a huge final day we got.

[andychar]

26 minutes ago, Maw74 said:

What a battle for the title! 

I don't think my heart can take this!

17 minutes ago, Djuicer said:

London Calling has been a standing  column in the swedish newspaper Aftonbladet for several years covering football from England, but london in particulary! #TMK

Any resemblance to any Swedish Newspaper standing columns, real or fictional are purely coincidental. 

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

Gameweek 38

A very very long season all comes down to this. 90 minutes stand between us and the Premier League title. I do wish we had an easier game.

Something tells me Man Utd aren't going to go down without a fight.

Funny thing is I'm sure Man City are thinking the same thing. 

So does this potentially open the door for Chelsea?

Newcastle are 13th but it wont be straight forward.

So what does everybody need to win the title?

Fulham - WIN or MATCH CITY RESULT and BEAT CHELSEA RESULT

Manchester City - WIN and FULHAM LOSE 

Chelsea - WIN and FULHAM LOSE or DRAW and MAN CITY LOSE or DRAW

It's really that simple. A point might not be enough depending on results elsewhere. 

We are in the best position lets see it through!

Ok I'm stupidly nervous but lets rip this plaster off and get on with it.

First blood City. First lead change of the day at the top of the league.

Chelsea lead, a Liverpool goal and suddenly they are top! Fulham started the day top but after just 12 minutes they are 3rd.

BONNIN! Fulham lead! All the top 3 lead, its as you were at the top. 2nd lead change of the day. Fulham will be hoping its the last.

Its been an even here. The last ever 45 minutes are about to begin at Craven Cottage. And they are the biggest in the Clubs history.

Philp has won the Golden Boot by an absolute country mile this season and he has done everything he can today to help Chelsea. They are relying on Manchester United and Liverpool to spoil the party.

Newcastle refuse to go down without a fight.

Wow what a turnaround. Chelsea now need 3 goals to go their way. 1 in each game.

You can cut the tension in the Cottage with a knife!

As word spreads around Craven Cottage that City have gone 2-0 up they know they are going to need to hold on if they are Champions. They can't rely on anybody else.

Well if Chelsea's title challenge wasn't over with the City 2nd it is now. From 2-0 up to 3-2 down. Bad final day for them.

Awful day for Chelsea!

We are into the final 2 minutes. Can Fulham hold on?

They can do better than hold on! An outpouring of emotion! The very last game at Craven Cottage will see Fulham lift the Premier League title in unbelievable circumstances!

[andychar]

Fulham 

Awards and Shizzle

I mean yes 35 goals in 38 games is amazing but the fact that Filipp broke his leg in February and still finished 3rd is amazing! It shows just how much more comfortable this title win could have been if it had stayed healthy.

And the award for least surprising award goes to...

I want this man's virtual babies.

10.25m this man cost and he has won Golden Glove both season's he's been with us.

Delighted.

Well that's not bad really.

Fantastic season and won of my best achievements I reckon.

I can't wait until he has a full season! I nearly got my 30 goal striker!

Ethan Barnes being erased from history. Sorry boxtobox.

Solid effort considering Lucio broke it the season we were in the Conference League.

The off-season is a big one. We need to be in a position where we can challenge for the title and the Champions League once again. We will be 1st seeds in the Champions League.

Haha one more time for good measure.

6/10 months.

What a stressful month it was.

[noikeee]

Congratulations Andy! Bloody hell, this has been a long time in the making, must feel so good to finally win the Premier League!

[andychar]

6 minutes ago, noikeee said:

Congratulations Andy! Bloody hell, this has been a long time in the making, must feel so good to finally win the Premier League!

 you have absolutely no idea! Happiest I've been on FM for a long time. Now to take Europe and then the World and then can put a pin in the save!

[andychar]

Fulham 

Off-Season 2034-35

Ok so how do you improve the side who won the league? You add to it. We were lacking in depth and struggling to compete in all competitions. We had to ditch the FA Cup. I don't want that. I think I need a bigger squad, it does mean there's going to be some unhappy campers but it will be worth it.

I do have 1 big money signing in mind though.

We will be losing TAA at the end of next season. Its good because it means I've not got a decision to make. He was still a good back up player and I'm happy for him to see out his career with us.

Our average attendance was a full house...

Good job we got this. The first thing this Stadium will see is the London Cup. Spurs, West Ham and of course the holders Crystal Palace are invited this season.

We also had a tour of China. You all know how much I love China.

We were expected to do well but not as well as winning the league. 

I've made the decision now its not really London based anymore to get rid of the lower English league and add some European leagues.

Just a few to begin with. Will add more. 

I've had offers and turned them down for Anieto and Koffi. I don't really want to be getting rid of anybody but if somebody comes in for Koffi and wants to part with 80m I'm not going to say no!

Brice comes to us for free and is already worth 54m. Can't grumble with that! I think I need to sell a striker because I don't need 5 of them. 

We are back to being rich again. It will be interesting to see how much we lose a month now we have moved in our new Stadium.

The board status says they are happy and intend to be around for a long time. Keep pumping me with 80m to spend and I'll be happy as well!

We bagged our big name signing. 

I've been chasing this guy since the start of last season. 69m he has cost me and 30% sell on of profit. I don't intend to be getting rid of him anytime soon. He will slot straight into the first team for a decade or 2 easily.

And with that it was time to start Pre-Season.

[andychar]

Fulham

Pre-Season 2035-36

Well I can't not be full of hope this season. Our already solid defence has improved. We have Filipp healthy (which honestly feels like a new signing). I have a couple of things to look at the transfer market. Anieto is probably heading out the door, hes been a good servant. 

There is still a lot of transfer talk about Koffi. I think on paper Koffi is still our 2nd best striker but honestly if somebody came in and offered 80m I wouldn't turn it down! Somebody (Newcastle from the looks) needs to pull the trigger!

Aineto gone. He was in his last year and I didn't really want to renew so it makes sense. A little less than his value but his replacement has already been bagged so no complaints with this one. 

London is ours once again as we steamrolled past everybody. Palace provide no shocks this year! Onto China we go.

I am touting the services of Cariou and Koffi. I am going to take a massive hit on Cariou due to his transfer clause of 50% sell on of profit but his contract is up in 2 seasons and theres no chance he's going to sign a new one. I need to make any profit I can from him. Koffi, I've asked for 90m. If I can get that then I can buy a World Class midfielder with it. I will potentially have 110m to spend if both go.

If Koffi doesn't then I'm sure his unhappiness with me will drop once he starts playing.

China was a success. We are yet to concede this pre-season. 

3 more friendlies before we get our season underway against City in the Community Shield.

We have somebody who will be considered top goalscorer! Hope he gets a full season this season!

New signing even appears in this list!

The award will be named after him by the time he's through.

So close to absolute perfection! We were much better than PSG. Not to worry though. Very positive signs.

Cariou has gone but honestly we get nothing for him really.

I was banking on selling Koffi but nobody wants to put their hands in their pocket for him. There are still a few days for developments. I am worried we are a little short in midfield if anything does happen. 

[andychar]

Fulham

Squad 2035-36

Goalkeepers

No change here. 

2x Golden Glove winner. I still maintain he isn't fantastic but I have no reason to swap him just yet.

Can't argue with his statline.

He isn't good enough to start so hopefully he never needs to!

Defenders

You've seen the new signing. Here's the others.

Cost me 54m last Summer. 36 games at an average of 7.10. He was worth it.

Entering his 4th season with us. 35 apps last season with an average of 6.99. His best season yet. 

Tapia will be dropping to the bench but I imagine he will be getting play time this season not to worry about making him unhappy. 36 apps with average of 7.06. Very good defender.

Yousefi remains at the club but after 2 serious injuries his career has stagnated massively. He will be a squad player only. 

Wingers

No changes here.

Nardini still the starter on the left. 28 apps last season in the league 5 goals 7 assists and 7.09 average. Great season.

Rafal still can do a job when called upon. 20 app last season in the league 2 goals 5 assists average of 7.01. Entering his 5th season with us he cost me 3.5m.

Groza wrote himself into Fulham legend with that winner against City. Still the highest fee ever paid at Fulham. 33 apps 4 goals 7 assists and ave of 7.09.

TAA is entering his final season. I didn't ask to reconsider retirement because with 130k a week it stopped me having to make a decision. He made 30 apps last season 6.84 average.

Defensive Mid

Still the only out and out DM on the team. Entering his 6th season at the club. Cost us 8m.

Never really let us down!

Midfielders

You know how I feel about this man. 33 apps 10 goals 7 assists 7 PotM average 7.41 Young Player of the Season. Just signed a new 5 year deal. I'm happy!

Ibanez is entering his 6th season with us. 15m he cost me. 

Always delivered.

Torres is the 3rd but he will play a lot this season. Entering his 5th season he played in 32 games 2 goals 4 assists 6.94 average.

I want another midfielder either this window or next. We are potentially dangerous low on them.

Strikers

You've seen the new striker we picked up on a free. We have 4 others. I want to get rid of one (Koffi) but nobody bidding and time is running out before the window closes.

We need to hope and pray he's the same player he was before he broke his leg. 25 games 17 goals ave 7.37. Amazing to see what season he could have had if he got to finish it.

His finishing lets him down. 28 games 6 goals and 3 assists. Came good towards end of season but if I can get 80m for him I'd be laughing.

Kept popping up with goals last season. 31 games 12 goals average 7.16. If Koffi left he would be number 2. Maybe he should be regardless.

The curious case of Rachid Adjas.

One good season but just never reached his potential. Despite being valed at a fortune!

[kidthekid]

Congrats on the league title. That defender looks immense. No weaknesses.

[Mandy42]

Congratulations on the title,

now to go  back to back!

amused me looking at the Gugu award table, I was thinking, all you need to do is sign the other players that won the other months.

And then you go and sign Nathan! 

[andychar]

32 minutes ago, Mandy42 said:

Congratulations on the title,

now to go  back to back!

amused me looking at the Gugu award table, I was thinking, all you need to do is sign the other players that won the other months.

And then you go and sign Nathan! 

I think the League is going to play second fiddle to the Champions League this season if I can. Top 4 is obviously the aim. 
I wanted Nathan last season and spent the entire year sending scouts to watch him. I put a bid in I knew I couldn’t afford just to make him unhappy. Put him as my top target. I really scummed my way to getting him for half the price of what they asked for to begin with!

On 10/04/2020 at 09:50, kidthekid said:

Congrats on the league title. That defender looks immense. No weaknesses.

Cheers box! My only worry is his bravery but other than that I love him. Not as much as Gugu mind. 

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

August 2035

We start the season with a Community Shield game againts Man City. I remember the last time we played.

Good times.

Anyway onto this season.

Late goal but we 100% deserved it. We looked very good.

Andrew Boyd comes to us on loan from Man Utd. He will provide cover if needed. I'm happy with it.

Derby are 20th at 1000-1. Highest we have been predicted to finish. 

Koffi stays...for now, We have 5 strikers...all good enough to play. I think we could be in for a busy winter.

Tricky start indeed!

Well that's a damn frustrating way to start the season. They deserved absolutely nothing from this game. We dominated. Not happy even though if you had offered me a point at the start I would have taken it.

First league match at the new Stadium next and its Wolves we host.

Good win. We had 2 goals disallowed as well so could have been even better. Good start to the new era at Fulham Stadium.

Watford away finishes the short opening month.

Back to back 4-1 wins. We are bossing games and its brilliant to see Filipp has picked up where he left off. Hard to complain about anything at the moment but I'm sure I'll find something.

I will continue not caring about this competition as we travel to Premier League opposition.

We are seeded first thanks to the title win. I think sometimes being 1st is hard than being 2nd. 

Well it had to be! We face Barca for the 3rd year in a row. A lot eariler than normal this time. Lyon we have faced in 3 out the last 4 Group Stages. 

I'm not worried about them. Astana don't fill me with dread either. I think we should be going through no problem. Last season proved by drawing Juve that finishing Top can mean absolutely nothing. 

Solid start. We should be 3 from 3 but not going to complain this early on. Big games next month.

[Mandy42]

don't know why but your flashback picture to the previous Community Shield result isn't loading for me.

Great start to the season though

[andychar]

33 minutes ago, Mandy42 said:

don't know why but your flashback picture to the previous Community Shield result isn't loading for me.

Great start to the season though

Its not for me either. Oh well. You get the drift. It was a flashback to the 3-2 win over City which meant we went into the Final Day with title in our own hands.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

September 2035

Som early season tricky games. We play Astana back to back which could be good for us.

We start the month at home to Chelsea, really don't want our first defeat at the new Stadium to be against our rivals.

Love it. Absolutely love it.

Yep ok. Its an FMing that takes us 5 points behind Chelsea already. I'm not panicking after 4 games but its not ideal. We really should be 4 from 4 instead we have 7 points from 12.

International Break now. Great timing really when I just wanna get to Villa and absolutely destroy them.

Oh seriously get f****d. At least buy me dinner first.

Villa away. I'm not confident with our back up Keeper. It's made me think that maybe we need to bring one in in January. Although its only been one injury in 2 seasons so maybe that's an overreaction.

3 to 4 months. See how it feels!

Keeper screwed up. All the strikers have forgotten how to score. Probably the worst in game 2 weeks since I've taken over at Fulham! Certainly for a long time.

Champions League next. Either the keeper bucks his ideas up or the strikers bail him out otherwise this season is going to be over before its even started. Just glad it's not Barcelona!

Boy did we need that. Good win good performance. Filipp is flopping at the moment but he's wanted by Madrid so I'm going to offer him a new contract to warn people off.

Man United at home. It doesn't get any easier!

Awful start but we responded well in the end. Great result. We need the striker to keep firing really. Interesting to note we haven't kept a clean sheet all season.

Carabao Cup next. Rotation and no pressure on this game.

Our strange relationship with this competition continues. Into the 4th Round we go after a fairly convincing performance.

Spurs away next. They have started strong so it won't be easy.

Nice draw. Even with rotation I think we should win.

Things just aren't clicking in the absolute slightest. I don't know how we have managed to strength the defence and yet haven't kept a clean sheet in the league yet. 

Its been so very frustrating. Its shown me one thing. We can't afford never to have a keeper as reserve who we would be happy sticking as a first teamer. 

Its been a very challenging month. If we won every game we were the better team in we would have 21 points out of 21. We have 10.

[Mandy42]

last season you had an injury at one end of the pitch but you came through.

this season you hopefully can do the same with an injury at the other end.

Again, any ageing keeper with better stats than your reserve you can bring in as a short term fix on loan?

Plus what are the boards expectations? Seen as the media only think you will finish 5th.

[andychar]

10 minutes ago, Mandy42 said:

last season you had an injury at one end of the pitch but you came through.

this season you hopefully can do the same with an injury at the other end.

Again, any ageing keeper with better stats than your reserve you can bring in as a short term fix on loan?

Plus what are the boards expectations? Seen as the media only think you will finish 5th.

Didn’t think you could bring anybody in outside the transfer window? Unless are you thinking free transfers?

Wouldn’t be a problem if the strikers were doing their job at the other end but they are so hit and miss at the moment. 
 

Europa League is the ask but honestly anything other than Champions League would be financial suicide. 

[Mandy42]

I thought I remember there being panic loans for keepers in real life after a big injury, but that might have been during the transfer window

Clubs can sign free agents after the deadline - at any stage of the season - as long as they left their previous club before the transfer deadline. No loan signings can be made by EFL or Premier League clubs after the deadline, except in extreme circumstances - such as a club's senior goalkeepers all being unavailable.

So take your reserve keeper round the back of the chemical sheds and put a bullet in him, then you can bring someone in (if FM works the same way)

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

October 2035

Good to see its going to get easier! 

This reminds me of Hampton and Richmond. We were the better team in most games just not picking up results. It's been more than frustrating. Even this early it feels the title has gone. We need to concentrate on the Top 4.

Its good to see its not just us. Liverpool and Man United also struggling, it gives me hope that if we do start picking up the results we deserve then the teams above us might not be able to stay with the pace.

Barca away. I don't think I'm expecting a win here at all. Maybe a draw would be a good result!

Could have gone either way but much like absolutely everything this season it went against us. Keeper shocking. Strikers couldn't hit a barn door. Life is really crap at the moment.

City at home. For the love of God give me a break.

Now that's more like it! We went behind again but came back strong. 

International Break. I'm hoping I've got my keeper back at the end of it.

Keeper back and first clean sheet of the season. Coincedence? We weren't at our best here to be honest. In fact could argue Derby were the better side. We took our chances. Its happened the other way around a lot this season so I'm glad to be on the giving end for a change.

Astana next as we take the long trip to effectively Asia. We should still get out the group although it won't be as winners.

Job done in Kazakhstan. We could have had more but not going to complain. 

Newcastle at home next. Chance to get a few wins back to back to bring us back up near the top.

You have got to be kidding me. Thats 3 broken legs for first teamers in the same of less than 2 full season. Ridiculous.

We won but at a massive cost. Sarnowski is going to get a lot game time than he thought!

Hull City now. As many changes as possible.

Given the circumstances I would have been happy letting him off.

I think the red card stopped this being a contest. Into the Quarters we go.

The league table is looking like this...

Good month sees us 5 points off the top and into the top 4. Much better.

[kidthekid]

Back in the title race...where you belong.

[TheRobert]

Where did you buy Groza from?

Edited April 12, 2020 by TheRobert

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

November 2035

I don't want to care about it but I really don't want to lose against Chelsea again.

Short month compared to what looks like a ridiculous December.

We start with back to back home games, both of which are winnable and both of which are important in their own way.

Good win. Good performance. Starting to look like our old self after a very bad start.

Astana next. A win and surely we have done enough to get through.

Great performance. They obviously didn't come here to play football. Its a big win that means we are still in with an outside chance of pipping Barcelona if we match the 2-0 at home.

Big International Break now. 17 days in between games. Its welcome as we are suffering a little with fatigue.

Because there isn't much else left to upgrade.

Oh wow I asked but wasn't expecting a yes. It will increase the capacity by just under 4k. Any opportunity to bring in more fans. We are selling out most of the big games meaning there is still a reason to increase the capacity.

We weren't good enough. Disappointing performance. 

Lyon next and really all we need to do is avoid a 4-0 loss.

Annoying to lose so late as neither side did enough to win the game. I did rotate a little knowing qualification was in the bag. I sacrificed the chance of finishing top but I think in the long run it will be worth it. It does however mean we are absolutely going to crawl through.

We will host Barca in a pointless game which will allow us to rest more players and likely only go through thanks to our head to head with Lyon.

So first time not finishing top of the Group who are we likely to face? With 1 game left it could either one of the following...

OM, Real Madrid, Sevilla, AS Monaco, Atletico Madrid, Galatasary and PSG. There are some tough teams in there but honestly only 2 fill me with absolute dread. We could get lucky yet. 

The Premier League table looks like this...

Missed opportunity against Stoke as a win would have put us within a win of Top. Still after the start we had I'm glad to be in the Top 4.

[andychar]

43 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

Back in the title race...where you belong.

I'm happy with the response. It's really shown me the importance of having a decent back up GK. Lesson learned!

26 minutes ago, TheRobert said:

Where did you buy Groza from?

We got him from Inter. He started life as a Regen from CFR Cluj.

[Maw74]

Congratulations on the PL title.

That must have been agonising though, only 1-0 up until injury time, very tense, waiting to see if FM is gonna kick you in the.........

Edited April 12, 2020 by Maw74

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

December 2035

As mentioned December is going to be a long month!

We start with a big game against high flying Leicester.

Yep ok.

Arsenal away next.

Well that's the season over. What an absolute joke.

Not the best draw but I think the FA Cup might have to be sacrificed again this season.

Great response. Very tight game. 2 great goals, first their equaliser and then the winner.

I've made the decision not to panic buy a keeper. I'm going to spend big in the Summer.

Norwich at home. If we win we close the gap at the top back to 5. That being said we need to just be focusing on the Top 4. 

Unfreakingbelievable. Its just not been our season.

Barca next in a game that means nothing. I'm going to use Instant Result and rotate as much as possible...this could be messy.

They must have been resting players aswell.

Its nice to get through based on points rather than head to head. Not that it matters.

So when the draw comes along we can get one of...

OM, Monaco, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid. I know which 2 I would prefer but as long as we avoid Real Madrid I think we will have a chance...we are going to get Real aren't we.

Its not horrible from the looks.

Everton away next. It's not going to be an easy game. I just have no confidence in this side that's the issue at the moment.

We are stuck in a bit of a funk at the moment. If a team deserved to win this it was us but we can't really argue with a point.

Chelsea away in the Carabao next. My mind has been made up, we are resting players. Top 4 is the aim. Not the Conference League.

You could have bet your house on it. Everything this season has just completely gone against us. 

Oh well we will give it a good go. Barca got PSG. The joys of winning the group!

Absolutely everybody is shattered. We have lost to many of the first team to injuries at points in this season. I just can't see any light at the end of this tunnel.

We won the second half at least.

We have 3 very winnable league games coming up. I'm pretty much demanding 9 points from 9. Nothing less.

It won't live long in the memory but I'm happy with 3 points at the moment. Just got to keep plodding along.

We have Brighton back to back now starting away from home. Brighton have been somewhat of a bogey team since they snapped our Premier League unbeaten run. Truth be told right now I just don't trust the team.

Once again its absolutely **** poor defending and we might as well not have anybody in Goal because he is worse than useless. Its amazing how much of our good form comes from the Keeper.

Brighton at home now. We should be winning it. Lets see how the keeper can screw us over this time.

You. Have. Got. To. Be. Kidding. Me. Who the actual hell is tackling the keeper in training? Absolutely ridiculous.

I honestly have no words.

The fun has been completely sucked out of this. 

 

[andychar]

I know I’m being very salty but I wouldn’t mind it if it was once in a while. But it seems every other game is like the Brighton one and it’s taken absolutely all the fun out of this for me. 

[Maw74]

22 minutes ago, andychar said:

I know I’m being very salty but I wouldn’t mind it if it was once in a while. But it seems every other game is like the Brighton one and it’s taken absolutely all the fun out of this for me. 

I totally get you, it does seem to happen too often, like you say once in a while yeah that happens, I thought it was bad enough in my saves, often takes me a little while to calm down before I continue.

[andychar]

28 minutes ago, Maw74 said:

I totally get you, it does seem to happen too often, like you say once in a while yeah that happens, I thought it was bad enough in my saves, often takes me a little while to calm down before I continue.

Haha I’ve come away and calmed down. Was ready to throw towel in but just gotta keep going. 
I wasn’t going to buy a keeper in January but I’m going to have to seriously think about it. 

[Mandy42]

IF You’re going to tackle the keeper in training make sure you kill him!!!! So I can bring in a replacement. Other wise leave him the **** alone

[Nobby_McDonald]

Very well done winning the league Andy.

Did Stoke reach the FA Cup final?

[andychar]

37 minutes ago, Nobby_McDonald said:

Very well done winning the league Andy.

Did Stoke reach the FA Cup final?

They did. They got beat by City. Can’t remember the score. They finished 7th in the League so are playing in the Conference League this season. 

[Nobby_McDonald]

Nice one.

[andychar]

4 hours ago, Mandy42 said:

IF You’re going to tackle the keeper in training make sure you kill him!!!! So I can bring in a replacement. Other wise leave him the **** alone

I’ve got a new keeper thank God. You’ll see him in the January post. Fairly happy with him! Ben Smiths contract is up in the Summer and there will be no tears shed when he leaves. 

[andychar]

Just now, Nobby_McDonald said:

Nice one.

I’ll keep you updated on how they are doing! 

[Nobby_McDonald]

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

January 2036

A new year and hopefully a new Fulham!

Not as busy as December. I'm going to rest players for the FA Cup. It will be sacrificed.

Southampton at home to start the year. Fulham Stadium hasn't been kind to us as we bed in. 

Yep. More of the same I see.

My starting strikers. I mean these stats obviously mean **** all.

Villa away next. I couldn't give a flying.

Say hello to our panic buy keeper. He's not bad with room to improve. Got him for 19m release clause.

His first game will be Villa.

Well its a win. We deserved it. Happy with the clean sheet!

City away next. First real challenge for the new keeper. 

Well we started terribly. First half we were a shambles. Shoots of life in the second and I think we more than deserved our late goal. Great point.

Spurs at home next. The Top 4 is creeping out of sight so this is a big game.

Koffi has gone for a poor 66m. I thought I could get more but really I can't turn it down. I was hoping to reinvest but the day before the transfer went ahead the board decrease transfer revenue to 80%. We don't have enough to bring in the player I want. I seriously wish this board did one they have been awful since coming in. Everything I've wanted has been an absolute battle.

We are also losing Gugu for the rest of the month as he's on International Duty with the Brazilian U23's. Anything else this awful season wants to throw at me!?

Lots of money brought in. Which is good because we are still losing 10m a month!

Home to Championship side Sheff United. I will be resting players as much as I can.

Big win. Much needed win!

Newcastle away. Never easy.

Another late goal has cost us all 3 points. Normally it would be a good point but to throw away not 1 but 2 leads really isn't good enough. We aren't going to be playing Champions League next season at this rate.

Derby at home next. We need to finish the month strong.

Well to say we finished strong would be an overstatement but we got a win. Our strikers not even Filipp are performing at the moment.

We do still have one more game this month as we host Sheff Utd in the FA Cup. The aim is still Top 4 so I will be rotating.

I wasn't looking for a striker in January but when one falls into your lap for 4.5m then who am I to say no?

Its been an emotional rollercoaster!

Not exactly the best 900th game. Disjointed performance from a disjointed lineup. New Striker started and was terrible!

This is what the career has looked like. 

And this is what the table looks like...

We have already conceded more goals than last season and the season before. We are still aiming for Top 4 but you look at that form its not pretty and shows the inconsistance.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

February 2036

Shorter month. Huge games in all 3 cups. I think its time to consider the FA Cup our only chance of success this season! I will see who I draw in the next round and make a decision on strength of time.

If we get through its Brentford at home. We have a clear path to the Quarter Final. Would we be foolish not to take it?

Good news. Not like we are close to the limit.

We start the month with a chance of revenge against Southampton. Every game at the moment feels like a must win. I just have no confidence in the team and I think Madrid are going to destroy us over 2 legs.

@Nobby_McDonald Stoke are straight through to the 2nd Knockout Round in the Conferenence Cup after winning their Group. 

Spurs v Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final which should mean the Top 6 get a European Place. Yes I'm worried at the prospect of no Europe at all next season.

What a complete steaming pile this side has become this season.

FA Cup next. Decision made. We need the cup otherwise I don't think we are going to have Europe at all next season.

Oh Jesus this season is going to break me. They even had a goal disallowed at 3-3. I don't think I'm going to mentally survive this.

We have a winnable game in the next round. We shall see what happens.

Wolves next away from home and with the extra time we are dead on our feet.

Good gritty performance. I wouldn't have complained had Wolves snatched an equaliser. 

International Break next. I'm just praying for no injuries!

Another one.

Liverpool at home next. They are in the Top 4 we are out the Top 4. We need a win really.

Their keeper finished on 8.4 and was Man of the Match by a Country mile. We deserved to win this game. Probably the best we have played for a long time and if it hadn't been for the keeper pulling a Gordon Banks it could have been 3 or 4.

It was a decent summary of just how much has gone against us this season in a single game. We hit the bar in the 91st minute as well.

Real Madrid next. If we play like we did against Liverpool we have a chance!

As 500th games go its a big one!

Arrgghhh we were so close to an absolutely huge win! We were hanging on a little towards the end but nobody could have complained if we held on. Its still game on for the second leg but I think we need to be free scoring and hope for an away goals win cos I can't see us beating them in Spain?

League table isn't looking pretty. I think its going to Europa League next season for the first time this save.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

March 2036

We have a chance for a good month here.

I don't want to give up on Top 4 yet. 6 poitns isn't a lot when we have Spurs to play still this season.

We start with rock bottom away from home. 

And the joke continues. We finished with 10 men because of an injury because...why not?

Brentford at home next and really the FA Cup is the only thing we have left to play for. Top 4 has well and truly gone.

Its a win, an unconvincing one but a win nonetheless.

Truly amazing. Could be the 4th season in a row we are knocked out by City. Don't fancy our chances but lets just wait and see what happens.

We host Everton in the league next. We are stuck between a rock and a hard place. The season could be over after this month if we are knocked out the FA Cup and Champions League (both of which have a good chance of happening). If that happens it will be Instant Resulting the rest of the season.

Finally a result fitting of our performance. Yes it was a few late goals but it feels good to finally get a result like this!

Norwich away next. Its the game just before Madrid so expect changes as we put all our eggs into the Cup Baskets.

5th broken leg in 2 seasons. I start to call serious bull**** now.

If Emilio was a horse he would have been shot the season he's had.

The first injury this season was his first for 2 years. 

I'm going to need a NFL Style "don't touch the keeper" policy in training me thinks!

We created 8 yes EIGHT Clear Cut Chances and still only managed a draw thanks to a late goal. Just FM things.

Real Madrid next and then City. The whole season rests on us getting a result away to 2 of the best teams in the World. Fantastic.

Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. Never in my wildest dreams with the season going as it has did I think we were going to get anything from this tie. The season is still alive. We are into the Champions League Quarter Final.

Its also proof we can go toe to toe with the big boys. Real Madrid were the holders of this competition. Worth noting as well Barcelona got knocked out. 

Lets wipe out all of Madrid! I think looking at the teams its on the "easier" half of the draw. If we win we will face with Man City or Liverpool in the Semi Final. We have beaten both in the previous couple of years. Our road to the final is set.

City in the FA Cup now. Full strength squad. Cups are all I have!

Amazing comeback. We were second best first half. We were brilliant second half. I was forced into going 3 up front and we exploded from there. Fantastic effort and we are into the Semi of the Cup. 

The season is well and truly still alive!

International Break ends the month. The league table looks like this...

Top 4 has gone. I suppose we can still get there as holders. Stranger things have happened right...

[Mandy42]

great cup results to keep you hyped! though it just goes to show how much of a hero your keeper was in your previous 2 seasons