(FM20) London Calling

[andychar]

Fulham

Champions League Final

We have a week to rest up. City have had 2. We have the confidence coming into it. City have the pressure. They finished 5th thanks to their 2-2 draw against 20th place Swansea. If they want to play Champions League football next season they need to win.

They haven't won the Champions League since 2022/23 season. In fact this is their first Final since then. 

Both sides have booked a place in the Clup World Cup in 3 seasons time but that isn't even in the mind at this time.

City are only of only 2 teams who have actually beaten us this season. (Bloody Derby). They beat us 2-1 in the first game of the season. We went 37 games unbeaten in the Premier League.

Excellent news for our selections.

We are favourites but its way to close to call.

16th minute - Half a chance for Fulham. Markovich from close range but a very tight angle. Straight at the keeper. Cagey opening.

27th minute - Chen Hao wins the ball in midfield and plays it forward. Fran with a rash shot over the bar. Neither side really threatening.

41st minute - A ball is played by Gugu to Fran and he's bearing down on goal. A last ditch challenge blocks the shot. Brilliant defending.

42nd minute - From the corner a great chance falls to Bonnin on the edge of the box and he forces a great save out the keeper. Its all Fulham and they are getting closer.

From the corner the ball bounces around the box before it falls to Chen Hao who fires it home! Fulham were getting closer and now they deservedly lead!

Fulham lead and its richly deserved. City need to be much better in the second half.

60th minute - Gugu intercepts in midfield and drives forward but his shot goes harmlessly over the bar.

67th minute - Chen Hao does well to win it in midfield and drives forward. He should have crossed but instead shoots wide. A cross and it could and probably would be 2-0.

76th minute - Fulham come forward again. Groza finds Sarnowski who hits a weak shot straight at the keeper.

Finally Fulham put this game to bed! Free kick whpped in and it finds Borja who scored in both legs of the Semi and now the Final. 

Fulham are on the verge of being Champions of Europe once more.

92nd minute - Sarnowski should make it 3. Fulham are still looking dangerous.

Its a scoreline which doesn't flatter Fulham at all. They have been laregly dominant from start to finish. Worthy Champions. Chen Hao gets his second as a decent cross from Sarnowski finds Chen Hao along the ground and he blasts home.

Fantastic performance.

Unreal season really.

30 trophies to go. I reckon another 15 seasons.

[andychar]

Fulham

Round Up 2037/38

Never really show this so here is the best XI.

There is only 1 person here who I have nothing to do with and that's the back up keeper. A few surprises. Didn't realise Adjas had 301 Fulham appearances to his name! Nobody has scored 100 goals with Adjas being closest!

Gugu walks that to the surprise of nobody.

Gugu the best at everything, including picking up yellows.

No Strikers though.

Well pressure is on next season to repeat this year.

[andychar]

Fulham

Post-Season 

More records tumble.

Gugu is just amazing and its crazy to think I've signed Fuentenebro's replacement. Although Emilio will be my starter next season 100%.

60k Stadium incoming. I don't know how much I can expand this Stadium but I reckon I want more!

Its a World Cup year and I'm tempted to dip my toe back into International Management. 

Meet Pedro. He cost me 20m (his release clause) and honestly I think its a massive steal. He is the back-up/replacement to Bonnin in DM I've never really had.

For the second season in a row Torres has come up to me wanting to leave. This time he feels he has achieved everything. I don't want to stand in his way but won't settle for less than 80m.

There is also interest in Angulo. I won't be selling him if I don't need to but if a bid comes in I'll struggle to not sell him I think.

Best team in Europe.

Our training facilities must have aged a bit so aren't as good as they were. That will change!

They finished 5th in La Liga last season. We have to see this as a very good opportunity to get another trophy under our belts.

We sign Jan our new GK who will be placed on the loan list straight away. He needs playing time of which I won't be giving him.

A list of all clubs who are Worldwide rep. We are technically the 2nd most reputable team in the World.

Another chance for a quick trophy. Although I think it will be harder than the European Super Cup.

The pressure is there now. We are expected to reach Final's in all competitions and Win the League.

So just like that we move into Pre-Season.

[Mandy42]

Quadruple! Fantastic stuff. 
 

neither Arsenal or Chelsea won a thing? 

[andychar]

Fulham

2038/39

Pre-Season

Another record. I imagine this will be broken again this season. Bit of a jump!

7.70 from 54 games is unbelievable.

Ever get the feeling you over did it with Friendlies? I organised loads and then teams came to be and asked if I wanted one. Who am I to say no?

Ok so changes made and it looks a bit more modest.

The World Cup is still going on so I don't know what kind of team I'll be able to put out for the Monaco game at least.

See we are just a team full of Brits!

So I plan on getting rid of Lillingston. His contract runs out end of the season. I'm only asking 20m. Its a loss but it will save me 100k a month. I'm offering Ferretti a new 2 year contract which is unusual for me. Not one for giving older people a new contract but he can still do a job I think. He's still asking for a lot of money but he's great to have the depth in the squad.

We have 6 players over the age of 30. That's probably the most we have had in a long time!

Looking at the squad I've bought 2 youngsters who aren't ready for the first team but both could be amazing. The plan is to sell Torres for 80m giving Sousa the game time he will need this season and to loan out my keeper. If I can sell Torres for 80m and Lillingston for 20m that will give me a transfer kitty of 150m. I might go out and buy an out and out 5 star striker.

I like this because I can see him lasting another 5 seasons as our starter.

Unless he breaks his foot in Pre-Seaon. Big loss already.

So USA beat Spain in the World Cup final. I've decided not to go for an International Job. I don't need the distraction.

3rd in a row but it didn't half cost us losing Groza.

Another British Citizen.

We have managed to loan our new Keeper. Hopefully he will get the game time he needs to improve and be ready to take over from Fuentenebro next season.

Lillingston and Torres continue to stick around like a nasty fart.

We have nobody in the Top Goalscorer list. That doesn't surprise me!

Gugu is favourite for the award he destroyed last season.

The fact we have 3 players who could win this award tells you how set up we are for the next 5 seasons at least.

Despite making zero improvements to the first team we are favourites to win the league. I'm happy with that.

I think we can get rid of Lillingston but it looks like Torres is going to stick around for another Window. It means we don't really have the funds needed to properly improve the side. But it means we will have the budget come January maybe.

The transfer window closing date is fast approaching so any business will need to be done swiftly.

Not a horrible Pre-Season. We are ready for the new year. Starting with the chance to win one of 6 trophies. 

[andychar]

15 minutes ago, Mandy42 said:

Quadruple! Fantastic stuff. 
 

neither Arsenal or Chelsea won a thing? 

Not a sausage. At the moment it's only Chelsea I'm really worried about. Spurs will be overtaken soon and in our rear view mirror.

[andychar]

Fulham

August 2038

Premier League, Super Cup and Community Shield 

Golden opportunity to add 2 more trophies to the list here.

Starting with the Community Shield against United.

I thought we had blown it! We controlled the game without creating much then were suckerpunched with a late goal. I was ready to be angry at the time then a last gasp goal took us to penalties where we were perfect. 

6 behind Spurs now. We can't overtake them this season but we can get close!

Before the start of the Premier League season we had the transfer window to wrap up. Lillingston still clinging to the squad. Into the final 24 hours and still no movement. Its looking increasing likely we won't be buying anymore this window.

Lillingston goes! 11m which is a lot less than I wanted but with no wage contribution we save a lot of money.

Nobody is matching my 80m for Torres so right now he stays.

We had a bid accepted for a player and the contract agreed but we just ran out of time. Its another Striker. Now they want the 73m release clause which is about 25m than we had agreed. Nope, not gonn happen! We have 3 strikers for the season. Hopefully that's enough!

We have a lot of money built up for the January window if needed. 

We start the new season at home to Southampton. We will be looking to start better than we did last year!

Good win. Easy win to start the season. Nice to see Fran with the early goals.

Chance now to pick up our second trophy of the second. We should be beating Bilbao.

Gugu seemingly has picked up where he left off. Good performance. Never really in trouble.

Fantastic stuff. 

28 trophies from the top. We still have 4 to fight for this season. Lets get into it.

Early test away to Liverpool.

Well a bit to unwrap here. On the face of it I should be annoyed. We were 2-0 up with 7 minutes to go. But the fact is we didn't deserve it. They were the much better team. An away point here is a good point. Yes we could and should have won but we wouldn't have deserved it. Bottom line....no complaints.

Wolves at home next. Lets bounce back with a win and a better performance.

Bah here we go again with the frustrating 0-0s! Adjas is injured for more than a month which means we have 2 strikers. Which means when we are looking like we aren't going to score in a month of Sundays we can do nothing.

Chelsea away rounds up the month, a point would be good but we could do with the win!

I've got my man. 

45m + 5% of profit. He's young. He's a striker. I have high hopes. But I've been there before with Strikers!

Watford in the League Cup. Should be winnable with a few changes but not too many.

Very easy draw in the Champions League. Absolutely no complaints and we should be winning all these games really.

3rd draw in a row, 2nd 0-0 in a row and honestly I'm starting to get worried I've left this side to thin on the Ground. Adjas injured we can't make any changes and we are struggling. End of the day though, its another decent away point.

Its been another pretty disappointing start to the season. We were 7 points off United last season so we know not to panic. Although if we were panicking after 4 games it would be a bit of an overreaction! Good news is for injuries there's a 2 week International Break coming up. Chance to regain some fitness for some.

Despite the negatives we are only 3 points off top. Could be worse I guess?

[Nobby_McDonald]

Fantastic season Andy.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League, Champions League and League Cup

September 2038

I had a nice update ready and my son close Chrome so this is a rushed post.

Gugu missed a penalty in the first half and I thought here we go again, Luckily we turned it on and picked up a nice win. Hopefully a corner has been turned.

Champions League up next. We start away to Basel. We should be winning it really.

We did our very best to lose a 3-0 lead. We got lucky at 3-2 they had a goal chalked off. Happy with the win and a good strat to what should be a simple Group Stage.

More frustation and its becoming painfully obvious what needs improving. We are getting a new striker in January and he can't come soon enough.

League Cup next. Home to Watford. I will be making changes.

Excellent news. Lets celebrate with an empty League Cup game!

And on that note I'm going to post this and restart because my laptop is running awfully and it needs rebooting!

Edited August 1, 2020 by andychar

[andychar]

September 2038

So the rest of the month looks like this.

3 competitions 3 home games. Lets bounce back from that 0-0 that feels like ages ago!

Another 0-0. I'm very worried. We need a striker who is consistent. Markovich hasn't scored in 16 games, most of which he's been the starter. Watford had a penalty to win it and missed, they were punished not long after. We are through that's the main thing I suppose.

Great draw. Couldn't have gone better. Well we will try our best. Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs still in it and kept apart. Not good for us!

Brighton at home next. Come on lets get a goal please!

Well that's more like it! Adjas back from injury into the starting line up and pops up with a goal. 

Until we do the Stadium again our highest attendance will forever be Brighton.

That's it for the league this month so here's the table...

We are the last team left unbeaten but we have more draws than wins. That being said we are only 3 points off top which amazingly is Stoke! Look at Arsenal as well. 7 games no wins. Could they be in trouble this season?

We finish the month with a home game in the Champions League as we look to make it two from two in Europe.

Good win. Fairly straightforward.

Healthy lead already. I really can't grumble with the City draw in the League Cup after this draw and getting Rotherham in the Quarters of the FA Cup last season!

 

Edited August 1, 2020 by andychar

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League, Champions League and League Cup

October 2038

Tricky start to October...

Lots of away games but once again apart from the United game you have to say it could still be a good month.

I think that will be broken again before the end of the season.

We have played all the Big Boys away from home to start the season meaning on paper the second half of the season will be easier.

Despite everything I'm trying to do financially we are still losing 10m a month!

We play United then do into a much needed International Break.

Fantastic result here. We were great in the first half. We were under the cosh in the second but the defenders were strong. I'm more than happy with the defensive aspect of this team.

Our only home game this season. Watford again. Stronger team that played in the League Cup so hopefully we pick up the win and continue this mini purple patch.

International Break first though. Some players who haven't been picked it will be a chance to gain some fitness. My small squad is being tested already

We lose Nardini for a month. Sarnowski will have to come in. 

Great win. Nice few goals to put the icing on it. Nice to see the strikers getting on the scoresheet!

Away again in the Champions League next and a chance to take control of the Group.

A good win. Clanger from the keeper. Every now and then he will remind me just why I don't like him despite the numerous clean sheets.

We have taken control of the group and finishing top should be a formaility from here.

Back to league action now and we travel to Middlesborough.

Another nice win, although we made things difficulty for ourselves. Not the most convincing but I'm happy.

City in the League Cup. Rotation is a must. It probably means I'm sacrificing the trophy but the board dont't care about it.

Bah despite the changes we were the better team. We should have won but didn't. Once again let down by complete lack of fire power. We need January like now!

Arsenal and Spurs through to the Quarters while Chelsea fell like us.

Dream draw would be them facing each other, get rid of one at least.

What dreams are made of. We will be cheering Spurs on. Its not much of a big deal if they win a trophy. Just means we will be 4th a bit longer.

Just had a look at Stadium's, the list hasn't updated so it still says our capacity is 20k. After doing some digging we have the 4th highest Capacity in the Country behind Manchester United, Spurs and Arsenal. Looking at attendances I don't feel the need to increase capacity anymore which is a shame! I'll see how it goes next season with Average attendance.

Villa away rounds up the month. A win maintains the pressure at the top. We have only lost twice since the Club World Cup Final defeat. Both times its been City away.

World Class players change games and that's what Gugu did he. 

It means the table looks like this...

Its taken 11 games but the top 5 have risen. We remain unbeaten but still behind leaders Chelsea. Looking good so far I'd say.

[andychar]

Fulham

November 2038

Premier League and Champions League

Small month this month and it will bring no complaints from me.

That being said theres 2 tricky games in the Premier League. We should have Champions League wrapped up this month.

OM up first. A win would secure qualification but not top, depending on how results go.

I really like Pedro Sousa, off the bench to devestating effect today. He is 100% replacement for Chen Hao who is very hit and miss. Great win and it means...

Still have to wait to secure top as Basel couldn't do us a favour. We should have that secure next game.

International Break now. The usual. Just pray for our players safety.

I have a feeling this will be broke again this season. To but it into context that 6-2 win netted us 4.5m in total thanks to prize money. Just in case you wondered if it was worth winning that meaningless game.

So erm...funny story.

You know how you can ask the board for funds to buy a player you can't afford and sometimes they say yes? Well I did that, then I thought about it and decided nah. I'll just cancel at the contract stage. The board offered the contract. No problem right? I'll just click no when it comes to confirming it...

Long story short this guy is joining us in January

38m which is his release clause.

I mean he's not a horrible player but now I have 5 strikers for 2 positions and all of them will be expecting to play. Adjas is finally having a decent season as well.

Lucas didn't even last 24 hours. I wanted to sell him in January. He fractured his lower leg. This will really hinder me selling him.

World beating once again.

I'm seriously considering selling Nardini. I like him he's done great for us but the amount of injuries are getting ridiculous now.

Another 6. Obviously red card helped but we looked very good. Great to see Markovic finally score, he chalked up 2 assists as well. I'm going to have 5 strikers in January all of which could do very well. Gugu continues his amazing...well...career.

Basel up next. A win and its top. Any else and we might have to wait. I've made several changes ahead of a massive game against City.

Nice easy win. Lots of changes but didn't matter. Top with ease.

Easy group as we expected.

So who could I face in the First Knockout Stage? At the moment its any one of...

RB Leipzig, PSG, Bayer Levekusen, Sevilla, Inter, Monaco, Benfica, FC Bayern, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Besiktas or Real Madrid. 

There are a few names to avoid but PSG and Madrid could still finish top. Bayern is the one that stands out to avoid.

City away next. We have lost 3 games since the start of last season and 2 of them have been City away. I'd take a point.

Another bang even game that City come away with the 3 points. We lost Adjas for a month as well meaning we are going to have to play a very busy December with only 2 strikers. January can't come soon enough!

It leaves the table looking like this...

We remain top. Been a good run and once again its City who have been the thorn in our side. But I'm happy to be top!

 

 

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League and Champions League

December 2038

December is historically a big month and this one is no different.

On paper it could be a good month. Depends on how we do with Adjas who has had a good season.

We get Championship Bournemouth in the FA Cup. Chelsea and Arsenal drew each other which is very sweet.

We start the month at Home to Stoke. Its a game we should be winning but Stoke continue to have a very good year.

Who needs strikers when you have penalties and a goal scoring CM. Easy game very happy.

Arsenal away next. They aren't the team they used to be but I'm not going to take them lightly. We will be going up against Virgil Van Dijk again. It will be the 4th different club we have faced him as their manager.

Great win another good performance. Gugu is just an unreal player and I will be staying with this save until he retires! I've never had a regen I've enjoyed more than him.

Last Champions League game next. I've made as many changes as possible which is about 5.

Nah not good enough. Fran scored 1 but he missed a few sitters. We should have won. Its cost us a million. 

Oh well. We are through a very comfy with it.

So who can we face in the next round? It's one out of the following...

RB Leipzig, PSG, Sevilla, AS Monaco, FC Bayern, Roma or Real Madrid. 

Its going to be a 50/50. We don't tend to get lucky with knockout fixtures so I'm expecting a rematch of last season's Semi Final against Real Madrid. Chelsea dropped down into the Europa League which might be bad for our trophy hunting.

Newcastle up next. We tend to draw against these guys.

You could seriously put your mortgage on it.

4 out of the last 5 games against them have ended in a draw.

Anyway shake off another 0-0 and just be thankful we have not 1 but 2 new strikers coming in January!

Barnsley away next. They haven't won in the league all year....

Fantastic stuff.

Champions League draw time! Can we get the luck?

Can we ****.

Arsenal reach the Semi of the League Cup beating Spurs. Not good news for us. If there's one team we don't want winning anything its Arsenal at the moment.

Great win against a struggling side. Will help the GD.

We have our back to back games next against Derby. Still salty about the 2 games last season against them!

Good win. Good performance. We play them in 2 days time. More of the same please.

Not good enough and once again Derby are a thorn in our side. A missed penalty, a goal chalked off and Derby scoring with their 2nd shot of the game, when it's not your day its really not your day.

It means we finish 2038 with the table looking like this...

Its not bad. A few draws again this month but we still sit top at the half way stage. I would say the 2nd half on paper is easier than the 1st half so if we are top now surely we can see it through to the end of the season. Another big couple of months ahead.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Stoke are doing well.

[andychar]

11 hours ago, Nobby_McDonald said:

Stoke are doing well.

Stoke had a good season last season as well. Still had a top 4 chance last day. I think they could be there to stay. 

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League and FA Cup

January 2039

We start the last year of the decade against Championship opposition. 2 new strikers arrive. If they are here for the game they will both be starting. Some rotation maybe needed.

This comes as a shock but I am absolutely delighted! Massively deserved.

I mean surely this is the same thing but wooooo.

Masson is the keeper I wanted and truth be told it looks like my experiement with the newest keeper has failed so he will be my priority come Summer.

Well that was a scare. We were dominant from start to finish and got caught with a sucker punch. I don't wanna think where we would be without Gugu. That's 20 goals in 24 games in all competitions this season. Am I finally going to get that 30 goal season!?

League One Plymouth in the next round. Very nice draw.

Leicester away next. 

Giacinto Pane, Welcome to Fulham. It was an even game we were maybe just edging before the red card. After that we controlled and got the all important breakthrough. Big win on the back off a disappointing draw against Derby.

Man Utd at home next. I've noticed we are selling out all our homes games but I've not got the option to expand the Stadium. Is this because we have just done it or is it because the ground can't be expanded anymore? I'm sure if it carries on over the next few years we will find out. I'm not against a new Stadium so soon after this one. It will mean a chance for it to be named after me! And I'm not going to be looking to spend any more money after getting my GK for a good 3/4 seasons.

Fantastic win and performance. Fran isn't a name that pops up a huge amount but this season he has 13 goals and 11 assits this season. Gugu moves on 22 goals. I will be having a countdown to 30! Fillip got closest for us with 24 goals in the season.

It was a week where we won, 2nd drew, 3rd lost, 4th lost, 5th drew and 6th lost. Huge winners! 

Brighton away next. I will never forgive them for ending up record breaking Premier League unbeaten streak.

Not the most convincing win but I'll take it. Gugu was suspended and we missed his presence. It worries me if he picks up an injury. Didn't help Chen Hao also missing through Internationals.

Middlesbrough up next. They are rock bottom. Lets put them in their place!

Well again it wasn't convincing. We are starting to struggle a wee bit with fitness and injuries. We are really short in Midfield which I didn't think would ever happen!

Plymouth away in the Cup next. Chance to rest and we should still be comfortably through.

Not going to lie I was worried after the sending off but I'm happy with the result. We are through to the next round that's all that matters.

I mean I appealed the red card but I didn't say anything about the Refs!?

Home to Championship Leeds. Should be a nice easy passage into the Quarter Final. Chelsea and Spurs still in the competition.

Watford next. Its not going to be easy with the current state of the side.

Great comeback. Markovic came on and assited and scored. Massive result. Very pleased.

Leicester at home closes out what feels like a very long month.

Arsenal miss out on the League Cup final in hilarious circumstances.

We were a bit lackluster. Did we deserve it? Maybe but I certainly can't argue with a 0-0. Our 5th of the season.

Torres has gone to Stoke for 37.5m. That's a lot less than I wanted to sell him for but his contract was up next season and I wanted to cash in while I could. 

It means after a very busy few month the league table looks like this...

Games in hand all over the place but we are sitting pretty at the top of the table and I have absolutely no cause for complaints at the moment.

[andychar]

I'm in the process of swapping my Hard Drive for an SSD. I honestly can't wait!

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League and Champions League

February 2039

Huge couple of games.

We hold a 6 point lead over 2nd place Liverpool. If we win we open up a huge gap. Probably the biggest gap we have ever had at the top of the table. Then we go to France in the hopes we can stay in the tie ahead of the home leg.

This is the first time playing since setting up my new SSD. So it will look different. I've downloaded a different skin and the badges (minus Man Utd) but I've left kits because honestly, I'm not that fussed. Hopefully I'll notice a difference in the performance of my laptop whilst keeping the performances on the field!

Fantastic result. The sending off obviously helped but not going to complain. We open up a huge lead at the top. 9 points with 12 games to go. Still a long way to go but its looking very good.

We move onto PSG next. I'd love another red card for them. We have a nice break in between games.

We got 2 of them! Glecio has had a good few games coming off the bench and he rescued a brilliant draw away from home. It gives us the advantage going into the second leg.

Southampton away next. We can go into it with a sense of calm with a 9 point lead.

Amazing result. We looked calm and collected. Very good stuff.

We finish the month at home to Barnsley. They aren't bottom like they were last time, they are second bottom. This should be a straightforward 3 points.

We are looking very very good. (The Southampton match summary looks better but that only comes up before the team talk so I need to keep remembering to do it!).

It means after a good won the league table looks like this...

Honestly it couldn't be looking any better really. The bottom 3 are shocking!

 

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup

March 2039

3 cup competitions this month.

Starting with a very winnable tie against Leeds in the FA Cup, I will be resting players.

It wasn't spectacular but it didn't need to be. Happy to be through.

Newcastle away next, this I think is the hardest Premier League game out the 3 as silly as it sounds.

Home to Championship side once again. Love to see it. It also means City has been pushed to next month.

Chelsea and Spurs still in the cup and all 3 of us have been kept apart.

This is a great win. Its another clean sheet and we move one game closer to the title. Things are looking the best they ever have.

PSG at home next. First leg left this in the balance. A win is good enough.

Now this is a record I wasn't expecting. Be bitter sweet if we draw 2-2.

Absolutely job done! It was a very open game, both teams having chances. We scored the early goal and was just brilliant defending. Fantastic result.

Thats 30 games unbeaten. That's a new record. It helps last time we were eliminated it was away goals after 2 draws! We haven't lost since November 2036.

Next up is Arsenal who aren't the team they were, it won't be easy though.

Another win. We finally concede in the league and it took 30 games to get to double figures conceded goals. The defence and goalkeeper has been amazing. Its making me think twice in spending the month to replace the keeper.

Lets face it...

He has kept over 20 clean sheets in 4 seasons. Is looking set to break the record again. His average rating is never amazing because there are some games he just has nothing to do. I'd be crazy to replace.

Portsmouth in the cup wraps up the month. Must be an International Break. The draw for the Champions League Quarter Final up first. Lets face it at this stage there is no easy game.

He hasn't hit 30 goals yet! In fact he's still 6 off it.

We will be travelling to Germany. I don't remember facing these before so it will be a nice change of pace. 

If we go through we will face the winner of Barcelona v Liverpool in the Semi.

Chelsea through in the FA Cup and Spurs out. Would have prefered it the other way around.

Boat load of changes. It led to a disjointed performance and it took a wondergoal from Chen Hao but its a win and that's all that matters. We are through to the Semis.

Last couple of wins my assistant has told me to tell the players they were disappointing despite winning. I can't bring myself to do it!

Deffo the hardest draw we could have got. Chelsea v Southampton make up the other Semi. Could we have a repeat of last years final?

The league table looks like this...

The title is pretty much in the bag at this point. Shame we can't get 100 points! Too many draws.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup

April 2039

Now this has to be the busiest April I think I've ever seen...

Massive month, I think we have the league in the bag at this point so all the effort will be in the Champions League and FA Cup. We dream of back to back Trebles.

We start with a game against Stoke. I will be keeping an eye on fitness, we need to keep the Champions League as the priority. Stoke have massively come off the boil ever since Nobby said they were doing well.

The intake is in and its dreadful. Not even worth a screenshot. Best player is potential 3 star. Nobody will be making it.

3 in a row.

Fantastic result. Not a great performance but we are churning out results, with a few changes as well so I'm happy. Pane has really started his Fulham career well. At the moment we are 13 points clear at the top, with a game in hand.

RB Leipzig up next. If we can take a lead to Germany I'll be confident of keeping it. We have played RBL before but only in friendlies.

We have taken control of the tie. Very good performance. We dominated from start to finish really. It will be a big effort from RBL to turn this around but its not impossible.

Villa at home next. They are in trouble in the league and I want to add to their woes. Although there will be changes to help fitness. We lose Chen Hao meaning we are missing our 2 starting midfielders.

Easy win. The sending off helped but it wouldn't have mattered to much. We are now 14 points clear with a game in hand. Basically we are one win away from the title.

Second Leg in the Champions League. We go with a 2-0 lead and surely its enough to see us through to the Semi Final.

Not the greatest Win % but its been a good career so far!

Gugu is back. Come on please just 6 more goals!

If we get through it will be Liverpool in the Semi.

We got the goal that killed the game and it was plain sailing from there really.

Proof if it was needed. We have played Liverpool twice before in knockouts, knocking them out twice.

First leg as you can see will be this month.

City up next in the FA Cup. Big Sem, hoping to keep our Treble alive.

Into the Final we go. Brilliant performance. Very pleasing. Gugu 5 goals from 30!

We qualified for the Champions League as well and got our budgets for next season.

They are huge! Nearly 500k more to spend in wages and 81m in budget. I want to get rid of Glecio as well, the guy I accidentally bought. That could be another 50m!

I'm pretty sure I will be getting the keeper I've been wanting and that will be me done for a while.

It will be a repeat of last seasons final as both of us look to get one more trophy closer to Arsenal!

We play City and Chelsea back to back at home next. A win in either will win the league, although it all depends on other results as well we could lose both and still be Champions.

We were very much in control. Not happy with the late goal or the late injury meaning we finished with 10 men.

We are 16 points clear and there is only 1 team that can catch us now and that's Chelsea. They have a game in hand to go 13 points behind with 15 to play for. Our next game...Chelsea at home.

Its a big month so I think that's a good time to split it up...

 

 

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League and Champions League

April 2039

We continue the month with a very simple game. Avoid defeat and we are champions. Its against Chelsea at home, surely the pinicle of every Fulham fan's dream.

4th time in 5 years and 3rd in a row. By far the easiest one. It means...

We move on trophy closer. I can't see Arsenal winning any silverware anytime soon. If anything Chelsea are the team to catch!

No time to rest. Liverpool in the Champions League Semi Final First Leg. We start at home so would love a lead to take to Mersey.

Great win. Very close game. They had a goal disallowed in stoppage time. We kept a clean sheet which is just as big as the win.

Wolves wraps up what has been a loooong but very good month. There will be as many changes as possible.

Everything is pointing to the fact I should be taking this game seriously!

This is my Fulham record up to now. I can see myself being here for another 700 games.

Another 1-0 win and the good times keep coming!

Fantastic stuff.

Top 4 looks all but sorted. Fantastic season. We have the chance to finish with 97 points. Either way its going to be our greatest ever season.

[andychar]

Fulham

Champions League Semi Final Second Leg

We haven't milked the league because it was a foregone conclusion. Doesn't mean I can't milk the Champions League!

4 of these in a row in a season of domination.

We come to Anfield with a slender 1-0 lead. An early goal for us really puts us in control.

Liverpool aren't easy opposition though. We can't assume we are going through. We need to earn it. 

7th minute - First chance and it falls to Liverpool. Simple free kick pumped forward forces a great save from the keeper. Striker could have done better.

Well its been a nothing game so far. Fulham are happy to absorb attacks. Liverpool haven't really created much of worth.

54th minute - Liverpool come forward again. Cross finds a player on the edge of the box who fires wide. Half a chance. Still 0-0. Fulham will be happy with how the game has gone so far.

67th minute - That's the first chance for Fulham. Well worked ball into the box but the shot is fired straight at the keeper.

83rd minute - A goal saving block! Liverpool work the ball down the wing, the cross comes low and is fired on target but the defender gets there. Huge with 7 minutes plus stoppage time left.

There it is! Fulham thought they were home and dry now they need a goal a go through. A decent shot is saved but straight into the path of the striker who slots it home into an open net. Probably the easiest but most important goal of his career.

What are Fulham made of?

Extra Time. Here we go.

98th minute - Its been all Liverpool, much like the 90 minutes. Another fine stop from the keeper.

105th minute - This time its Liverpool with a huge defensive block. Pane is through on goal but a great sliding block stops the shot reaching the keeper.

112th minute - A surgical pass from Gugu finds Sacuedo who has busting a gut to get forward. A tired shot is straight at the keeper. He looks dead on his feet.

So that's it. 210 minutes of football couldn't find a winner. It will now go to the pressure of a penalty shootout.

Liverpool step up first....Osbourne cool as you like. 1-0.

The best player in the World Gugu steps up...sends the keeper the wrong way. 1-1.

Lane whose goal in stoppage time sent us here steps up. Blasted past the keeper who went the right way but couldn't get anything on it. 2-1.

Ibenez for Fulham. Finds the corner! 2-2. Tension ramps up that little bit more.

Davie up for Liverpool...SAVED! The keeper went the right way and its advantage Fulham!

19 year old Pane steps up. A lot of pressure to put on young shoulders...he hit it wide! Liverpool get away with one. We are 2-2 after 3 each. The pressure out there can be cut with a knife.

Wanderson steps up for Liverpool and finds the corner with ease. 3-2 and all the pressure now shifts to Fulham.

Silva steps up...SAVED! Liverpool are one penalty away from the Champions League Final. What a turnaround from that first miss.

Soares steps up with one simple job, sending his side through...SAVED! Incredible scenes. He went straight fown the middle, the Fulham keeper didn't move. Lifeline!

Adjas steps up, he needs to score otherwise Liverpool are through. Fans can't look....What a penalty! He finds the corner.

We are 3-3 after 5 penalties. 210 minutes couldn't separate them and neither could 5 penalties. We have reached Sudden Death.

Barcuch steps up in a position he wouldn't have wanted to find himself in...SAVED. The keeper guesses right and gets a strong hand to it! Now Fulham are one penalty away from the Champions League Final!

Nathan Coppens the CB is going to step up. What a moment for him, his heart must be racing...the run up...STRAIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE! Keeper guessed and he guessed wrong!

What a night of football here and what a result for Fulham.

It looked dead and buried for Fulham but they somehow turned it around to reach their second Champions League Final in a row.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

May 2039

So it was time to finish the Premier League and rest players for the Cup Final once again.

We still had to find out who we will be facing in Cardiff and the Champions League Final...

4-2 Agg win over Inter saw the badgeless Man Utd reach the final.

Sarnowskis is going. He's 32 now. We got 8 years of service out of him and still made 14m profit on him. We don't get a lot added to the Transfer Kitty which is annoying. Its because we are in the Red at the moment, although that certainly won't be for long. Not with all the prize money coming our way.

Everton at home next. We should be winning but quite a few changes.

This game stunk of a game that just didn't matter. We still need to maintain form ready for the Cup Finals. Its out 6th 0-0 draw of the season.

Spurs away next. 2 games to go, just wanted to get through them to be honest. Going to Instant Result.

Its hard not to care really but thats an awful result. The stats were bang on level we just had a bad 2 minutes. Sure it means nothing, still doesn't feel good though.

Last game of the season is Sheff United away. I will be playing my full strength team because I want them to have the match practise ahead of the Cup Finals. Hope we get no injuries.

Amazingly all 3 teams in the bottom 3 can still stay up!

Good finish to the season. It was my strongest team. I feel we are ready for the Cup Finals!

The Final table looks like this...

Final day wasn't kind to the bottom 5 who all lost. In the end we won the league by 17 points. Can't complain in the slightest really!

[andychar]

Fulham

Season 2038-39 Awards and Records

A good season with plenty of awards...

The more I think about replacing this guy the better be gets.

Gugu is just on another level.

He conceded 14 goals all season, 3 of which were in the garbage games after the title had been won.

Fran has been a good signing so far without ever really excelling. The rest I've got no complaints over. 

We are losing our Back Up WBL so really I think getting one of them in is the only thing I want to do this Off-Season.

[andychar]

Fulham

FA Cup Final 2038/39

Its Fulham v Chelsea. 

It's a repeat of last season's Final which we won. 

It's a chance to gain 1 more trophy on Arsenal. Either way we will be updating the totals!

Its 1st v 4th. Chelsea got knocked out the Europa League at the Semi Final stage so this is their only chance of silverware this season.

We are favourites but it really is too tight to call.

It's Chelsea's 3rd FA Cup final in a row. Is it 3rd time lucky for them?

Without further ado here we go!

Wow what a start! A simple cross into the box and a free header back post. Fulham haven't started yet!

9th minute - It should be 2. A brilliant flowing move from Chelsea ends with a shot into the side netting when really he should have found the net. Let off for Fulham.

Its been an awful day for Fulham so far. Its an own goal. A shot comes in from the edge of the box, keeper dives it goes past him, hits the post, hits the GK and goes in. Bizarre but Chelsea are not complaining. Fulham are in trouble.

19th minute - First chance for Fulham cross comes in and is headed by Chen Hao, straight at the keeper who tips it over. Signs of life?

Fulham have been poor. Very very poor. They need a shot in the arm at half time.

55th minute - Second half is the same as the first and Chelsea should have this game won. Another shot finds the side netting when really the keeper should have been worked. 

Fulham make a double change. Pane has been awful, Adjas comes on. Chen Hao hasn't done anything Sousa comes on. Is this the shot in the arm needed?

68th minute - Fran comes off and Markovich on. Final roll of the dice but Fulham have been awful.

70th minute - When it isn't your day it isn't your day. Fulham subs Sousa and Markovich connect beautifully and the ball is in the back of the net, but its ruled out for Offside. 

Any wind in Fulham sails seem to have disappeared with that decision.

75th minute - A brilliant tackle in midfield from Gugu, excellent passing play by Fulham and Gugu picks up the ball and drives forward. He shoots but his shot is horribly wide. Fulham haven't turned up today. It's been depressing to watch.

Chelsea have been clinical while Fulham have been wasteful. That has been the difference here today. A ball is played over the top. The striker looks a mile offside but its not called. The ball is placed calmly passed the keeper. I would say it was game over before this goal but it certainly is now.

Watching a replay and it was Bonnin playing him onside. Fulham have been awful. This isn't the side that we have seen all season.

Chelsea scored 2 goals with their 5 shots on target and even scored with 1 of their 7 off target. Fulham "worked" the keeper 6 times but honestly couldn't have scored in a month of Sundays.

It means the updated trophy table looks like this...

Chelsea move to within 2 of Arsenal. They are 100% going to be the team we are chasing soon.

Chelsea winning the cup means we are set up for a mouthwatering Community Shield between Fulham and Chelsea!

Fulham need to pick themselves up from one of the worst performances in years as they play United in the Champions League FInal next.

[andychar]

Fulham

Champions League Final 2038/39

How emotionally battered are Fulham after that heavy defeat in the FA Cup Final? They have a week to pick themselves up as they chase their 3rd Champions League in in 4 seasons. 

United haven't tasted the Final since 2031/32 where they beat Bayern.

It is the 3rd All English Final in a row.

United are favourites, but we were favourites against Chelsea and we know how that finished!

7th minute - First half chance. Nardini with some good work down the line, crosses and finds the striker who heads it over. Tricky header so hard to be to critical.

18th minute - First save either keeper has had to make. Corner for Fulham, Fran heads it straight at the keeper. 

Not a great Final so far with both teams feeling each other out.

28th minute - Its United's turn to fire a header wide. Keeper dived not knowing where it was going. 

32nd minute - Fran works his way into the box and is bought down! The ref has blown. He wants to double check. VAR says its a penalty!

It will be Gugu stepping up...

No mistake! 1-0 Fulham!

44th minute - The ball is in the back of the net! United think they have levelled just before half time but its ruled out for offside.

47th minute - A great block by the Fulham defender and they are clinging on at the moment. The half time whistle can't come soon enough.

Even game with Gugu's penalty the difference.

And just like that we are level! United with the free kick, its looped to the back post, headed back across goal and headed into a largely open goal. Game very much on!

79th minute - Nothing has happened since the goal and Fulham have made all 3 subs. United have yet to show their hand. Sarnowski comes on for his last game in a Fulham shirt, Markovic and Sousa are on. Not long to make the difference.

90th minute - United shold have won it! Cos comes forward 1 on 1 with the keeper but its saved! It goes across the goal but luckily finds a Fulham defender who blasts it clear.

4 minutes added on, anything can happen here.

90 minutes couldn't split the teams. Lets see if another 30 can do the trick.

91st - Free kick in a dangerous position and its fired straight at the Fulham keeper. 

Half time in extra time and neither side look dangerous. Its like they are more bothered about not conceding than scoring.

United have won it! There's still 10 minutes to go but that's the goal that wins this game.

Pedro Sousa comes off for Ibanez as Fulham plunge everything forward.

United will play the last 6 minutes with 10 men after a second yellow card. Mini lifeline for Fulham. If United weren't keeping everybody back they are now!

And as per usual absolultey nothing happened between the red card and final whistle.

What an awful finish to the season for Fulham. Two hard to take Cup Final defeats.

 

[andychar]

Fulham

End of Season 2038/39

Absolutley not happy with how the season has ended. Here are the awards.

Still no 30 goal season! Although I shouldn't be relying on my CM to do it!

Could have been so much better but we leave the season 3 trophies closer to Arsenal than we left it.

We will have the chance for 5 trophies next season. Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield.

If only he didn't get injured for a month!

So he matched his record. Thank you for the pointless message.

And that's it. We head into the Post-Season. I need to make a decision on what I'm going to do with money.

[andychar]

Fulham

Off-Season 2038/39 & Pre-Season 2039/40

First thing to announce is the departure of Ferreti. We got him for free. He spend 2 seasons with us. We are still paying an absolutely shed loads of wages on his despite him leaving but it's probably worth it. His contract was out at the end of the season and I wanted to make a little profit on him.

Because I'm happy with the first team at the moment I'm tempted to not spend any money but keep the players I'd normally send out on loan.

I think we can break this one more time. I don't think we can expand the Stadium anymore.

No London Cup this year as no team seemed to be free! Instead we tour China and then France and then a one off game against Wolfsburg.

Not the most challenging set of games but it will be nice for a run around!

We have put a bid in for 28m for a back up WBL. I didn't want to spend a fortune but Nardini was injured quite a lot last seasons so I needed somebody half decent!

United are somewhat surprise favourites this season. We should be there or thereabouts.

Gavin Walker the CM is one of the players who will come into the team next season. He's made good strides and actually has room to move. He will be the only English player we have the in squad after Overton is set to leave. He has been out back up keeper and didn't feature once last season.

I have a decision to make. He still has 5 star potential. Do I throw him in the deep end this season? Or do I send him out on loan again?

No doubt Emilio is still the better keeper. I'm thinking of sending off on loan again and giving him one more season to progress in somebody's starting XI.

I have 5 Stikers again. I'm wanting to get rid of Glecio (the mistake from January). As long as I get what I paid for him I'm happy.

Amazingly we are only at a B- for managerial rating. Turns out losing 2 cup finals really turn the board off!

Its only for 12 days but Jesus welcome to Fulham!

I'm not expecing wonders from him. Just to be a solid back up for Nardini.

So its a new day for me and the first thing I've done is offer and had accepted 65m for the keeper of my dreams...just as my young keeper I'm wanting to blood goes out on loan.

Tour of China complete and it was a successful one really.

Still 4 more friendlies. 

I thought I was going to get my keeper no worries but since Real Madrid and Man City have put bids in, higher than the one I've had accepted so I'm paniking a little!

Glecio still hangs on. I've offering 40m now. I paid 38m so we are getting to "taking a loss" territory.

And there goes the Keeper. They offered him 150k more than I did. And I bumped my original offer up by 55k. So really I didn't stand a chance! Well...I still have my project as Plan B.

So with that only thing left to do is get rid of Glecio and then I'll be ready for the season.

Going into his 118th year and hoping for his first apperence.

He doesn't want to stay. Amazing I'm going to end up in the same position I was at the start of last season with only 3 strikers. I've told him if we get a bid of 66m we will accept.

Bookies don't consider any of our players favourites for Top Scorer. Not even an outside chance odd.

We bought Glecio by complete accident and made 1.5m on him. Stonks!

Surely its Gugu who should be favourite?

Clean sweep in friendlies. It wasn't exactly the hardest but nice to see so many clean sheets. Didn't want to replace my keeper anyway!

We still have a couple of the Gugu Young Player of the Year Award. Chen Hao is wanted by Barcelona and if they came in with a good bid I'd find it hard to turn down knowing I've got Pedro Sousa waiting in the wings.

So with all that its Chelsea in the Community Shield coming up. Lets do this.

[andychar]

Fulham

Community Shield 2039/40

vs Chelsea

Lets start the season in the right way...

Well well well. Here we go.

We haven't made any splashes in the Transfer Window so the Starting XI will look identical to the FA Cup and Champions League Finals.

12th minute - GOAL Fulham take the lead and that's a great goal. Fran get put through and a lovely finish. Great start Fulham.

29th minute - Chelsea's first chance and its a jinking run into the box but he drags the shot wide.

42nd minute - Brilliant work by Nardini down the wing. Cross finds Fran who heads straight to the keeper. Should have been 2.

Fulham have been better at half time and deserve the lead but its not been a great game of football.

57th minute - Gugu hits the post! A stunning shot from out the box beats the keeper but not the post. So unlucky.

64th minute - Decent chance for Chelsea but the shot finds the keeper.

65th minute - Fulham break well and the ball is laid into Fran who lines up the shot but its a brilliant block by the defender.

69th minute - Fulham are knocking on the door. Gugu with the whipped ball in and this one could easily have gone in but its cleared off the line.

79th minute - A melee in the box and somehow its cleared once again. Fulham are banging on the door now looking to finish this game off.

Well a bit of an anticlimax really.

Deserved win for Fulham. Great start to the season.

Its another trophy!

Fulham move to within 3 of Spurs and 26 of Arsenal. I reckon we are on for 13 more seasons to overtake Arsenal. 2 trophies a season.

[andychar]

Fulham

Premier League

August 2039

Had a full month ready to post and clciked on the X by accident closing the tab.

For the love of God sort out the damn thing so I don't leave everything!

I'm p***** because of that and because of how the month went so here you go. Half arsed post.

Here's the month. Tricky start.

We played well and deserved the win. Their goal was a wonder strike.

Would have been happy with a point at the start but after the man sent off, pure dominance and a missed penalty it seems like 2 points dropped. 

Don't see anything happening personally.

Hit the woodwork 3 times and there's no way in hell we shouldn't have won this game.

We got West Ham in the Cup. They are in the Championship at the moment so should be a win.

Decent draw in the Champions League. Not a straightforward top but should be through no problems.

More absolute frustration as once again we should have won.

Here are the stats for the 3 draws.

There's no way we shouldn't have won all 3 games. We should be say here 4 wins from 4 but instead we have 6 points and one very unhappy manager.

We deserved so much better.