[FM20] Undermine Them At Your Peril

[SixPointer]

Banik Ostrava

The real sleeping giant of Czech football from the heart of the coal mines hence the title

Formed in 1922 mainly by people from the famous Kamenec coal mining settlement in Ostrava the 3rd biggest city in the Czech Republic. The club was a poor club to begin with and struggled to afford its own playing fields until 1934 when after years of struggle they could afford some land. Many of the coal miners volunteered to help construct the field for free many working there after work. The club took its time to eventually challenge in the higher divisions it took around 15 years to go from obscure minnows to top flight. The Czechoslovakia first league was dominated by teams from Prague however the club did manage to win 3 tittles 1976,1980,1981 before the league folded in 1993. The Czech first league has proved a tougher task with the club only winning one title in 2004. Cup success is much the same 3 Czechoslovakia cups and one Czech cup in 2005 the clubs last silverware. The Mitropa Cup win provides some minor European success in 1989 however they have come close to more major success with the UEFA Cup quarter final 1975 the Cup Winners Cup semi final 1979 and the European Cup quarter final 1981.

Banik Ostrava have a large passionate following from there industrial city which saw them boast the highest average attendances in the country throughout the 2000s. They have a crazy ultra following name Chachari which translates to bad boys they are famed for there loyalty, violence and great displays. The fans have been housed in the Mestsky Stadion since 2015 a ground they share with local rivals FC Vitkovice after the clubs famous Bazaly was closed. The site is now being transformed into a youth academy.

Another thing the club is well known for is producing good quality players from there youth ranks many going on to become Czech internationals a few good examples are Tomas Galasek, Marek Jankulovski current DOF and legendary striker Milan Baros who still leads the line for the club at the tender age of 37. The club was bought by Vaclav Brabec in 2016 after financial difficulties the club however was still relegated later that year but Brabec had a plan he invested heavily in the youth and training ground and linking the club to schools to help boost the production of talent even more to help rebuild the club. The club bounced back the year later as they finished runner up. He has Promised to begin work on the academy at the Bazaly site which will have 5 practice fields.

The Aim

Banik Ostrava have the potential to really challenge the big Prague two and the new recent giants Viktoria Plzen. They have a great youth system a good history and a great fanbase the club is back on the up after a takeover and a bounce back from relegation and a Czech Cup final appearance last term. The aim is to solidify there status as best of the rest knocking the likes of Mlada Boleslav, Jablonec, Slovan Liberec and Sigma Olomouc aside then go after the big 3 and bring home a title and eventually secure ourselves at the top table before trying to go one better than our European history and bringing a major honour home.  

Rules

There are no real hard rules here. I always try to play the game with some form of realism so most signings will likely be from Eastern Europe but that depends how big we become. I will look to the academy naturally as its good and its what most clubs in the Czech republic would look to in real life.

The Database

 

Purely eastern European database

I will be back with who is the manager and some in game analysis of the club next time before getting stuck into the save. 

 

Edited November 24, 2019 by SixPointer

[Hootieleece]

I will Czech this out. subbed.

[SixPointer]

15 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

I will Czech this out. subbed.

Will have a lot more updates over the weekend

[SixPointer]

Manager News

As per i like to play as a real person i like the realsim it helps me with building a story.

Breaking news from Ostrava today

Bohumil Panik has left the club to join Gornik Zabrze in Poland. His two successful season have earned him a move back to polish football having managed Lech Poznan and Pogon Szczecin.

David Holoubek is the man to take the reigns

In his player career he played in 3rd Czech league. His manager career started in Humpolec. He moved to Prague in 2004 for study sport in Charles University.

In 2012, he became head coach at Sparta's U19 team. In season 2015/16 Sparta U19 won Czech 1st junior league.

In June 2016 he became assistant in Sparta's A-team (he was still coach of U19). In September 2016 the head coach was fired after losing derby with city rival Slavia and David Holoubek became acting head coach. He can be head coach only for 2 months because he hasn't got UEFA Pro Licence. In November 2016 he was formally replaced On 21 December 2016 Sparta announced that club sport director became head coach and Holoubek first coach. After a poor run of results was in March 2017 whole coaching squad dissolved and Holoubek went back to Sparta's U17 team

In June 2017 he announced on his Twitter account that he became an owner of UEFA Pro Licence.

On 22 December 2017 Holoubek signed a contract with Slovan Liberic. He lasted a year before moving on.

On 4 June 2018 Holoubek signed a contract with MFK Ruzomberk. Again he lasted a year

 

Regard as a great coach in particular with youth players but has only had a good 2 month spell as a manger. Banik have took a bit of chance on Holoubek. But his reputation of coaching and philosophy of football cant be denied a hard pressing and attractive brand of football. I have given he the following attribute spread and kept his pro football to regional to tie in. 

 

Edited November 24, 2019 by SixPointer

[SixPointer]

The Club In Game

Club Vision

Youth Policy

Developing youth players is to be expected as the club is well renowned for it. Although am not sure its the best youth system in the country as the board suggest I would imagine that to be Sparta. Definitely in terms of quality of facilities anyway. I do know that Banik Ostrava have produced a lot of Czech and Czechoslovakian internationals though. It suits Holoubek style being a successful youth coach.

Playing Style

Play direct football I feel like Holoubek will be trying his best to sway the board away from that. He isn't a route one type of manager nor is he Tiki-Taka but does like to build from the back. Whether the board are willing to except change is another thing.

5 Year Plan

Grow the club's reputation will naturally happen If we succeed in our mission to conquer the big 3 and Czech football.

Maintain the best youth system in the country. Like I said before I would think that would be Sparta but again it could be because of the clubs reputation as good talent spotters and the amount of internationals that have came threw. Anyone who knows better about this it would be interesting to hear there view as to why Banik are being suggested as this? anyway Holoubek will be looking to youth when it eventually comes for now we only have 3 players in the under 19's all goalkeepers.

Work with in a budget Holoubek has the ability to be a bit of a wheeler dealer he likes bargains to mix in with his kids he is bringing threw and nurturing so this suits him down to the ground. After all " you wont win anything with just kids" very famous quote ha

End Of The Season

Looking to maintain best of the rest there is a few clubs that will be looking to claiming that one Jablonec, Mlada Boleslav, Sigma Olomouc and Holoubek's former club Slovan Liberic. So he will have to get of to a flyer this year. Although the board only expect a top half finish but with the league lay out I think that may be 6th but we will get to that later. Quarter final of the cup is modest enough considering the club where runners up last year.

Club Infrastructure 

Finances

The finances are healthy enough they could be better though. No debt which is always a good sign especially after recent financial difficulty. Holoubek will have to be careful not to fall into that trap again. If we blow the transfer money we will be left nearly even so we will have to do some deals and keep an eye on the wage budget. 

Facilities

We have a 15,123 all seater stadium that we share with FK Vitkovice. I would like to get our own stadium but it appears that's not on the way anytime soon anyway am sure our loyal fans will still turn out in the droves. Great training and youth facilities sees us ranked 3/4 in the league something Holoubek will be looking to build on. Good academy and Youth recruitment again sees the club up there with the very best in the league.

Squad Analysis

Goalkeepers

Jan the man Lastuvka is definitely number one he is aging but still a solid goalkeeper. Budinsky is good enough as a back up. Feel we are solid enough here for the time being but may keep an eye out for a potential long term replacement for the number 1 jersey. 

Right Back

 Our first obvious weak spot in the side with only one natural right back and he is aging and pretty average. Pazdera will do as a back up but we need to strengthen here. Fillo could play as a complete wing back in a 352 if we went down that road but he can play as standard right back.

Left Back

Similar to right back we are thin in this position but this time the ageing Fleisman is good enough to be first choice so its a backup/prospect we will be looking to here. Holzer like Fillo could play complete wing back in a 352.

Centre Backs

Patrizio Stronati leads the way at centre back the left footed no nonsense defender is a solid option at centre back. Sindelar and Prochazka will provide cover with Pokorny looking to breakthrough. Think a first choice Partner is needed here for Stronati someone good on the ball.

Centre Midfield

We have 3 very good centre midfielders with a nice balance to them. Hruby is certainly the standout and is capable of the spectacular and may prove to be the magician to unlock tight defences but his work rate and teamwork are very poor. He will need to be balanced of with Janos who is a workhorse that will cover ground and break up play he does also has the ability to play with the ball at feet. Jirasek is somewhere in between the two. He will probably be the one that roams more and makes the runs into the final third. kaloc will probably be loaned for first team football to see if it can kick him on to being something and foltyn will be sold. I feel we need 3 good prospects here to cover our 3 first choice boys.

The Wings

The wings is the one place were we don't have any immediate issues Fillo And Holzer give us great first choice options on each flank. Granecny is the biggest prospect at the club and should go on to become a top player if he can get his intelligence on the park sorted out. while Reiter gives us good cover and can play either side. Azevedo will likely be sold as he doesn't make the grade and will probably command a decent fee to let us strengthen other areas.

Strikers

Milan Baros Ostrava legend is the best striker at the club. He still has all the technical ability but his fitness and work rate are gone at 37 years of age. He is the captain but he doesn't suit Holoubek's idea of pressing from the front so unless he was combined with workers around him he may fined himself used as a impact player. To be fair both wide players have that work rate so it may not be much of an issue. Kuzmanovic and Diop are both likely to be moved on as one has no work rate and the other couldn't finish his dinner both will command decent fees to re invest in the front line. Smola has just arrived and will be used as back up. we definitely need to add two strikers to the side especially at least one capable of playing pressing forward.

Summary

 To summarise Holoubek has inherited a team with a strong spine. An experienced goalkeeper behind a young solid centre back with and tasty balance in the centre of the park with pace on one wing and creativity on the other and a finisher up top. Hruby and Baros are the luxury players that Holoubek needs for the technical side of his game while others balance it and bring the hardworking side of his game with the work rate and ability to do the simple things well. We need a bit of work in the transfer window. Right back is priority with a centre back needed probably one good on the ball. a worker up top is also essential and some prospects in the centre of the park to bolster the options.

Tactic

This is what David Holoubek has come up with for the start of the season. A high pressing front line with a fast paced passing game. With a attacking right flank that's looking to overload before the left sneaks in. A deep lying forward drawing defenders out to allow the inside forward and mezzala to break threw. A ball winner in the middle of the park to offset the playmaker who will be given a free reign. The left back is conservative to balance the overlapping attacking wing back on the right. all in all Holoubek has tried to find the perfect balance to implement his style of play. This is how he will start pre season it may change with transfers or things picked up in the early games.

Staff

Holoubek first day in the job and he has wiped out the majority of his backroom team to make way for his disciples who will install his philosophy throughout the club.

 

 

Next up will be a League preview, the pre season friendly's, Staff recruitment and hopefully some transfer news. 

Edited November 25, 2019 by SixPointer

[SRL88]

nicely written! Love the content. looking forward to this

[SixPointer]

40 minutes ago, SRL88 said:

nicely written! Love the content. looking forward to this

Thank you very much glad you like it. And continue to do so!

[SixPointer]

 

The Czech first league, Know as the Synot Liga is the top division in the Czech football league system. It was founded in 1993 after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and therefore the Czechoslovakia league. It is contested by 16 clubs and operates a promotion relegation system with the Czech national football league. The current holders are Slavia Prague

Since 20018/2019 the season runs from July to May with teams playing 30 regular games were each team plays each other twice once at home and once away this runs from July to April. Then the teams are divided into three groups or superstructure if you like that kind of term. The top 6 teams enter the championship group each teams play each other just once 5 games. Teams 7th-10th are Europa league play offs and the best of them plays against the 4th or 5th placed teams it depends on the cup winner. 11th-16th play the relegation group 5 games just like the championship group. 16th placed is automatic relegation 15th and14th playoff against 2nd and 3rd from the Czech national league.

League Positions For Superstructure

Past Winners

Sparta Prague lead the way with 12 titles. City rivals Slavia are up next with 5 titles and 10 runners up Viktoria Plzen are 3rd with 5 titles all coming in the last 9 years there the new kids on the block in terms of the big 3. Slovan Liberic have 3 titles and the only team outside the big 3 to win it in the last ten years. Banik Ostrava yes us are the only other club to win a title coming in the 2003/2004 season.

Media Prediction

Plzen are favourites for the title with Slavia second and Sparta take last place out of the big 3 from the bookies. Jablonec are the most fancied by some distance to shock the big 3 according to the bookmakers then you have ourselves, Liberic, Sigma, Mlada and Teplice all in the mix after. Rivals Opava are favourites for the drop along with Pribram and Ceske Budejovice.

Dream Eleven

Not a single player makes the dream 11 from outside the big 3 it really does show you how much quality they have compared to the rest that no one else can even get one position. Tomas Soucek is the best player in the league someone David Holoubek could only dream of having in his team right now.

Sponsorship

 

The Prague giants are well out in front in terms of sponsorship money over 5 million more than Plzen the latest club to join the big boys. Again outlining the massive gap between the clubs and the two giants its not as easy task as Holoubek first thought.

Stadiums

I know what your thinking? 5 teams all play at the Mestsky stadium? don't worry its simply translates so city stadium that is all. The Eden stadium of Slavia holds the most followed by Sparta. But there is many notorious grounds you can visit in this league one is actually the Dolicek also in Prague but of Bohemians they often fill the smallest stadium in the league to bursting point and make a racket! Sigma also have a great stadium for atmosphere with large steep stands at either end of the goal one being a large away end which Banik have filled before with many big displays see picture below.

 

What a sight for an away team to come out to! Holoubek will be dreaming of this and hoping his side can attract many of these sights.

League Summary

The league structure is something that adds a little bit of an extra edge I feel it adds the extra dimension needed to keep things alive especially with so many clubs closely rated for best of the rest. This while traveling to some vintage venues where fans make it tough for any visiting teams makes it a tasty league.

David Holoubek is now starting now realise that his task isn't as simple as first thought there is a distinct gap Between the top 3 sides and the rest of the league. The good thing is it used to only be two. Plzen is the example to follow they showed the big boys can be got at with the right vison and plan. Banik could well realise its potential as a true Czech powerhouse. Is David Holoubek the man? we will soon find out.

 

Up next Pre season results with tactical analysis, Transfer window and staff recruitment.  

Edited November 28, 2019 by SixPointer

[Kingofcm03]

On 21/11/2019 at 14:25, SixPointer said:

Banik Ostrava

The real sleeping giant of Czech football from the heart of the coal mines hence the title

Formed in 1922 mainly by people from the famous Kamenec coal mining settlement in Ostrava the 3rd biggest city in the Czech Republic. The club was a poor club to begin with and struggled to afford its own playing fields until 1934 when after years of struggle they could afford some land. Many of the coal miners volunteered to help construct the field for free many working there after work. The club took its time to eventually challenge in the higher divisions it took around 15 years to go from obscure minnows to top flight. The Czechoslovakia first league was dominated by teams from Prague however the club did manage to win 3 tittles 1976,1980,1981 before the league folded in 1993. The Czech first league has proved a tougher task with the club only winning one title in 2004. Cup success is much the same 3 Czechoslovakia cups and one Czech cup in 2005 the clubs last silverware. The Mitropa Cup win provides some minor European success in 1989 however they have come close to more major success with the UEFA Cup quarter final 1975 the Cup Winners Cup semi final 1979 and the European Cup quarter final 1981.

Banik Ostrava have a large passionate following from there industrial city which saw them boast the highest average attendances in the country throughout the 2000s. They have a crazy ultra following name Chachari which translates to bad boys they are famed for there loyalty, violence and great displays. The fans have been housed in the Mestsky Stadion since 2015 a ground they share with local rivals FC Vitkovice after the clubs famous Bazaly was closed. The site is now being transformed into a youth academy.

Another thing the club is well known for is producing good quality players from there youth ranks many going on to become Czech internationals a few good examples are Tomas Galasek, Marek Jankulovski current DOF and legendary striker Milan Baros who still leads the line for the club at the tender age of 37. The club was bought by Vaclav Brabec in 2016 after financial difficulties the club however was still relegated later that year but Brabec had a plan he invested heavily in the youth and training ground and linking the club to schools to help boost the production of talent even more to help rebuild the club. The club bounced back the year later as they finished runner up. He has Promised to begin work on the academy at the Bazaly site which will have 5 practice fields.

The Aim

Banik Ostrava have the potential to really challenge the big Prague two and the new recent giants Viktoria Plzen. They have a great youth system a good history and a great fanbase the club is back on the up after a takeover and a bounce back from relegation and a Czech Cup final appearance last term. The aim is to solidify there status as best of the rest knocking the likes of Mlada Boleslav, Jablonec, Slovan Liberec and Sigma Olomouc aside then go after the big 3 and bring home a title and eventually secure ourselves at the top table before trying to go one better than our European history and bringing a major honour home.  

Rules

There are no real hard rules here. I always try to play the game with some form of realism so most signings will likely be from Eastern Europe but that depends how big we become. I will look to the academy naturally as its good and its what most clubs in the Czech republic would look to in real life.

The Database

 

Purely eastern European database

I will be back with who is the manager and some in game analysis of the club next time before getting stuck into the save. 

 

Good Idea for a save. I also had them on my list

[SixPointer]

7 hours ago, Kingofcm03 said:

Good Idea for a save. I also had them on my list

Yeah enjoying it so far. It was a trip to Prague for a stag doo that got me researching czech football. In the end it was a toss up between. Them or Botev in Bulgaria   

[SixPointer]

Transfer Window

The transfer window swings open and David holoubek jumps right threw head first with seven new signings coming in and eight leaving. A statement of intent from the former Prague youth coach. But before all of this he landed a target in his main weak point.

Marko Petkovic

What a coup on a free transfer. The ex Spartak Moscow man Petkovic is still only 26 and is a solid all round wing back. Holoubek starts his transfer business with a shrewd deal. "Marko has come in and will be a fantastic addition to the squad. A hardworking wingback who can do damage going forward but can defend also when needed. Great bit of early business for the club"

Ondrej Karafiat

Holoubek has returned to a former club Slovan Liberic to pick up Karafiat. A deal that has cost the club around 500k but could rise to 800k. His work rate and vison does cause some concern but technically he is outstanding for his age with some work on his mental attributes he could become superb also has potential to become a libero. "Ondrej is someone who I've worked with before and he is a real talent comfortable on the ball and can start many attacks for us from defence. A ideal partner for Stronati same age and opposite kinds of defenders I cant wait to work with him again"

Daniel Tetour

350k manages to prise the Dukla Prague captain away from the club. A ball winning midfielder who is physically outstanding he isn't to bad with the ball at his feet either ideal for breaking up play and recycling the ball. "Daniel is someone I watched closely last season he didn't deserve to be relegated and is far to good for that level. He is ideal to come in and gives us real competition for places in front of the back 4"

Szilveszter Hangya

Holoubek's Hungarian scout informed him off Hangya's availability for a mere 48k he is certainly worth a punt. Still only 25 he has been capped for his country maybe needs a new club to get him back on that path. "Another great hardworking wingback who can attack and defend. he will bring a challenge to Fleisman who will also help Szilveszter by taking him under his wing. I look forward to working with him on his next step"

Lukas Zelenik

500k from league rivals Fastav Zlin a workaholic striker much needed to balance the decline of Baros physical stats. A pretty heft fee could be a possible over spend but was needed to be done. Two strikers left so it freed up the funds. "Lukas is what I need from a striker he is brilliant at being the first line of defence and initiating our press his work rate is second to none in the league"

Stanislav Klobasa

Klobasa arrives for 205k a more pacey version of Zelenik probably more balanced and consistent with his attribute spread where as Zelenik has some obvious weaknesses but with some great strengths. " Stan has impressed the last two season in the Czech national league I felt it was time to give him the chance to step back up similar to Lukas I like him as he's a hardworking striker but he also has pace to go in behind"

Roman Kvet

Young Kvet comes in to challenge in the middle of the park. Far from the finished article but 250k with 200k in add ons was worth bringing him in from FK Pribram. Certainly capable of banging a few in from distance and has the work rate to play in that midfield 3 . "Roman is a player with great potential and if we give him the right guidance we will be rewarded with a fine footballer he is a bit of a rough diamond just now but I think I can get the best out of him "

Ondrej Kocourek

Kocourek is another young player to come in and challenge for a place in the middle of the park. Technically very gifted and very easy on the eye he is a similar type of player as Hruby just with more appetite to work hard. "Ondrej is a ball player in every sense I've brought him in to add some youthful flair to our ranks I cant wait to give him a chance to show his worth"

Tomas Rukas

The Russian lands in Czech football from Zenit. He's not a world beater but for 80k he will add some cover after selling an older centre back. "Tomas has arrived here with the attitude to prove the people at Zenit were wrong to let him go I want to to help him in his quest"

Transfers Out

Spending 2.7 million Holoubek was always aware people would have to move on and he managed to raise 1.1 million. 

Three big sales came from Dame Diop a pressing forward who couldn't finish, Kuzmanovic a poacher who didn't work hard enough for holoubek's high press and Azevedo a inside forward who lacked any mental quality. The rest of the funds were brought in by players aging or who haven't made the grade by 21.

Summary

Happy with recruitment got every position holoubek requested from the board. Managed to keep the finances right on most deals and kept the books relatively balanced with just under half a million in the bank and around 18 thousand in wages left as well. "I'm now happy I have all the players needed to implement my style of play at the club we still have some more long term targets out there but I cant thank the board enough for there support in bringing in all my targets"

Other News

Holoubek convinced the board to drop the direct football style but he had to show great ambition to get them onside he now must challenge for silverware in his second season.

Pre Season

The Miners Welfare Cup brings FC BATE Borisov of Belarus to town while Steaua take on Dynamo Brest in the other semi.

A superb fight back in holoubek's first match sees the Belarusian champs knocked out and a final against Steaua awaits.

A fine 2-1 win against the Romanian champs sees the Miners Welfare trophy stay in Ostrava. This tournament will run every pre season. It will only be clubs from eastern European that are invited hopefully all champions of there country.

Already in two games we can see the midfield three are going to be strong.  Man of the match from Hruby first game and goals from Janos and Jirasek in the second game.

Minsk was up next before three local games the last coming against rivals and the club we share our stadium with FC Vitkovice. Holoubek's side has came through it with there winning streak maintained.

Then there was a harsh lesson to be learnt in Istanbul. Down to ten men early doors the Turkish giants completely dominated  from start to finish. A harsh lesson but a valuable one for Holoubek and his side.

 

A Short trip to Poland followed by the visit of the Scottish champions Celtic to Ostrava then rounded off by a local tie to finish of a successful pre season. Players got there fitness Holoubek worked on some tactical fine tuning and the fans got a small glimpse of what is hopefully to come.

 

Up Next Will Be The Start Of The Season 

[ManUtd1]

Loving all the detail and heart that is going into this!

[Hootieleece]

Great Start. Looking forward to the season.

[SixPointer]

5 hours ago, ManUtd1 said:

Loving all the detail and heart that is going into this!

Thanks man. Been a long time since I had the time to write like this so am really enjoying it. 

 

2 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Great Start. Looking forward to the season.

Thanks! Hopefully get off to good start in league! Feel like everything so far has went according to plan!

[SixPointer]

I missed the coaching update so will slot it in here.

Backroom Team

I stated at the start that Holoubek had wiped out his backroom team he has now completed his transformation. The club now rivals the best teams in the league in terms of coaching ability. Leading the way in six category's. Holoubek's desire to have every coach good at working with youngsters is evident in his staff recruitment policy.  The under 19's now have the best coaches available to them as well after a massive turnaround in staff. The recruitment team needs more work. Holoubek had to settled for a few people he wasn't keen on. lets meet some of the key staff.

Petr Cuhel

Now holoubek's number two. He has been around the Czech game for some time having spells as manager of Pribram and Brno as well as being assistant at Slavia once and Mlada Boleslav on three Separate occasions. Holoubek is hands on with his training but he trust Cuhel so will use him wisely maybe just tweaking his ideas.

 

Marian Hybela

The new head of youth development not the best in the world. But he was the best Holoubek could attract to the club. Maybe other candidates didn't like the idea of Holoubek being so hands on with youth players after all he was a successful youth coach previously.

Stanislav Griga

Former Slovakia manager is the key attacking coach. An exceptional coach at this level Holoubek has left his attacking players in good hands between Griga and Cuhel.

Jan Suchoparek

if Cuhel and Griga are Holoubek's attacking guru's this former Czech international defender is his defensive artist. Suchoparek had a stellar playing career. Captain of Slavia for years and playing for Strasbourg in France. Another man with good experience of manging  youth teams having been involved with the Czech under 21's and 19's.

Marek Jankulovski

Club hero Jankulovski returned when the club was bought over and he was placed in the director of football role. The Czech international is a great ambassador for the club and he has the same vision as holoubek the pair have already proven to be a excellent team thus far with some of the transfers in the summer.   

Edited December 2, 2019 by SixPointer

[SixPointer]

Early Season Update

The first five games of the season looked promising on paper for David holoubek's first venture into competitive games with Banik Ostrava. Two expected relegation battlers up first in the form of a visit from 1.Fk Pribram and trip to newly promoted Dynamo Ceske Budejovice. A home game against expected mid table Fastav Zlin rounds up easy month to start with. But yes this is football and anything can happen? Holoubek himself knows this only to well.

"In terms of our first game of the season am happy. We created a lot of chances dominated the ball and gave Pribram very little in return. One counter attack from our set play has cost us 3 points today. But as for performance its a promising start"

Holoubek's side picked up there first 3 points on the road. In a game were again they again battered there opponents. After taking a early lead and dominating there opponents they let slip there lead falling asleep at a corner. But Roman Kvet stepped up to smash in a debut goal and seal a much deserved 3 points.

"A home performance and result our fans can be proud of. We were unstoppable at times today and Robert Hruby showed for us today how special a player he can really be"

2 wins and a draw rounded up the first month in the league. The board seem happy enough with David's start but are still unsure of a few things.

A real hard fought victory at unbeaten FK Teplice who won on the opening day at Viktoria Plzen. Hruby again showed his class above the rest. He really makes things tick for Banik Ostrava.

Game of The Update

The Big Return

It was a glorious return to Liberic for David Holoubek and his summer signing Ondrej Karafiat as they ran out 3-1 winners. A massive win against a best of the rest rival. Liberic probably have the best centre back in the league in Chalus who Chelsea are linked with but the attacking flow of holoubek's men made him look out of sorts at this level never mind Chelsea.   

"Another complete performance! The boys are passing the ball lovely taking from what we are working on in training into the games really well. I really thought Robert was outstanding again for us today. Ondrej probably had his best game for us since singing from Slovan Liberic. He got a hard time from the home fans but its seemed to drive him on. it was nice to see Fillo grab a couple of goals as well he has been knocking on the door recently"

The second goal sees Fillo latching onto a defence splitting passes from ball playing defender Karafiat who excelled on the ball all day against his former club.

5 unbeaten sees Holoubek's boys sitting in second 2 points of the perfect Slavia Prague who have started phenomenally. Best of the rest rivals Jablonec and FK Teplice have got off to good starts. Albeit we beat Teplice. Propping up the championship group places are Plzen and Sparta who you would expect to find there feet soon enough and mount a challenge. Mlada Boleslav are the shock so far really struggling after 5 games. Local rivals Opava have started horrifically which is always pleasing.

Early Tactical Analysis

The tactic hasn't changed at all as it has worked well. It may need future tweaking and holoubek's has more ideas he wants to implement but so far this has worked well and we see a lot of what he wanted on the park. 

High Pressing against Liberic seen us gain possession 52 times and win 5 tackles all in the opponents half. Though its not exactly Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool its a good start. Considering the pressing forward role hasn't been introduced yet and Baros has little work rate and has started every game this isn't a bad start.

We have the highest average possession the most completed passes with the highest pass completion ratio in the league. We certainly are passing the ball around well but again Holoubek's vison isn't possession for the sake of it or passing it around for no reason he likes a tempo and a purpose to it.

We rank 3rd in goals but we also rank top in chances created and dribbling. So we aren't wasting our time on the ball we are creating and we are taking our men on as well there is a purpose and a tempo to it this is more the overall vison of Holoubek.

Fillo is the clubs top scorer and Petkovic is the top assist along with Hruby. The idea to have the overloaded attacking right side is paying dividends at the moment. Right inside forward getting the goals right wing back crossing for goals and the Advanced playmaker on the right side of the midfield 3 pulling the strings.

 

Hruby is proving to be the magician Holoubek thought he would be. Highest Key passes in the league with a 92% completion rating and the highest average rating as well. But it wouldn't be possible without Janos recycling the ball in front of the back 4 another shrewd tactical and selection move from holoubek thus far.

The next 5 league games will be very interesting. Its 1st vs 2nd as we welcome the perfect Slavia to Ostrava a massive game one that could set the tone for holoubek's men for the rest of the season. A trip to Boleslav who are underachieving but will be looking to turn things. Then back to back Local derbies as Opava are in town before we travel to Olomouc before rounding things up with Viktoria Plzen at home who will be looking to get there title challenge on the way. 

[SRL88]

Nice start to the season

[SixPointer]

7 hours ago, SRL88 said:

Nice start to the season

Thanks! Seem to be playing well so far so good. Big game up next will really test us 

[SixPointer]

 

Dam you accidental collision!!! 

Massive blow dealt!! He has been brilliant in his five games since arriving. especially with Slavia in a couple of days.

[SixPointer]

Another hernia in a matter of days!!! 

[SixPointer]

Club News

Five players all handed new deals after impressing holoubek with there early season form

 

[SixPointer]

 

Banik Ostrava V Slavia Prague

Up next in the league is a visit from reigning champions Slavia who have won all 5 games and only conceded one goal and scoring 15. Definitely the biggest test for Holoubek's side to date. 

A tactical masterclass from David Holoubek seals a gigantic victory. Sitting deep and frustrating Slavia and forcing long range efforts worked wonders but the real tactical move was going super defensive of the left to shut down Slavia's favourite right flank which led to the second goal on the counter attack.

Great all round performance bar Kvet and Granecny probably because they were asked to be a lot more defensive on that left side.

"Can we carry the run on? We have to keep our feet on the ground but its my responsibility to keep the players focused on the job. One game at a time"

Two more wins against Mlada Boleslav and Opava at a sold out Mestsky Stadion. A perfect month for Banik Ostrava which sees Holoubek's men break records. 12 scored and 2 conceded is phenomenal especially when you look at the teams. Except for rivals Opava everyone is expected to be in the championship group battle.

Your first manager of the month how does it feel David?

"Its not all down to me I have a fantastic back room team who help implement our philosophy and the players have bought into our ideas and have excelled in there performances. Although I may be collecting the award today its very much a team effort here at Banik"

Holoubek and Fillo are recognised for there part in the fantastic month from the Czech league. Fillo is thriving in his new attacking inside forward role.

The board like the fans are starting to warm to David Holoubek. Cant believe they still have the hump about a 1-1 opening day result. Tough crowd!

Banik Vs Sigma local derby

Fillo's on fire your defence is terrified!!

Another big three scalp is claimed and in fantastic style. A Martin Fillo Hatrick brushes Plzen aside. Second goal sees him skipping past players in the right channel before firing home he is taking it to another level its a pity he is 33.

Formidable form wouldn't it be something to do ten in a row!!!

It wasn't to be and to be honest it wasn't deserved we lacked any real penetration with the only real chance coming from a set play. Still a very good month, a derby win a big scalp and a reasonable draw that will ground us.

Fillo Scoops another player of the month my big worry is if we loose him to injury we don't have anyone close to as good as him to fill in.

League Table

 

Still unbeaten but Slavia and Sparta are hot on our tales. There is no time for self praise with these two fire breathing dragons at our backs.

Edited December 7, 2019 by SixPointer

[Hootieleece]

Your doing a GREAT job.

Can't believe your board is criticizing you for the deals for your players. I guess they expect players to work for free! Because Banik Ostrava is a "family" LOL.

[SixPointer]

28 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Your doing a GREAT job.

Can't believe your board is criticizing you for the deals for your players. I guess they expect players to work for free! Because Banik Ostrava is a "family" LOL.

Thanks mate. Need to get back to winning ways right away though.

It could well be because I was to work within a budget and the fact the had financial trouble ten years ago. But come on I have over 10,000 in wage budget what more do they want 

[wynter]

Absolute ripper of a start man, Fillo looks an absolute gem to, always amazing yet sad when older guys hit form because you can't build around it. 

[deltablue]

Good luck staying ahead of the Praha giants. 

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, wynter said:

Absolute ripper of a start man, Fillo looks an absolute gem to, always amazing yet sad when older guys hit form because you can't build around it. 

Thanks bud! Yeah its a shame. Although he still has his reasonable physicals I need to already be looking at a long term solution especially with this tactic just now he is the main man for goals. 

[SixPointer]

35 minutes ago, deltablue said:

Good luck staying ahead of the Praha giants. 

Thanks. It’s only due to our immense start we are ahead. Not because they are poor. A few injuries to key players could see us run into problems 

[SixPointer]

Pohar Ceske Posty

"The club finished runners up last season in the cup. So I know the pressure is on me and the boys to put together a nice cup run"

First up we have amateur side Velke Mezirici. This will only be the second time the minnows have played a top flight team in the cup. The first time was against Dynamo Ceske Budejovice and they were beat 4-0. A bumper crowd will financially help them massively as they visit the team top of the pile.

 

After a world class goalkeeping performance first half we finally broke down the door second half. 

"Some squad rotation was necessary. We play high tempo football so its nice to rest a few boys. But we also didn't look sharp our last game so boys have been given a chance to stake a claim"

Tougher opposition ahead in the fourth round. Mlada are having a poor league season so far. They may look at the cup as there best avenue for success will be expecting a tough game.

12 Unbeaten rolls in after a 2-1 win against local rivals MFK Karvina in front of a packed Mestsky Stadion.

12 unbeaten came at a price. The fantastic Fillo is out for 4 weeks a big worry that Holoubek had was losing the goal sensation.

13 unbeaten came in a huge victory over championship group rivals Jablonec. Considering we haven't looked at our very best the last couple of games we went there and dominated them on there own patch.

 

Roman Kvet scored a wonder goal some claim it was a cross?

Well he is telling me he went for it. We all know Roman is capable of hitting the ball well. So I believe him!

Sparta Are In Town

 Sell out expected! You wouldn't expect anything less for the most successful Czech football club visiting town.

David how do you feel about coming up against former club Sparta?

"Prague is a massive part of my life I moved there to study and eventually worked my way into Sparta's academy as a coach before a brief spell as first team manager so of course I have so much respect for the club but am here now at Banik Ostrava and I mean business so I must put that all to the side"

Slip is a bit of a strange headline more like hang on to there unbeaten run!

"We got off to a flyer with Daniel firing home early on. I signed Daniel when I was manager of Prague from Banik as a youth player. he has came back after not making it there after one season. so am sure he will have enjoyed that one"

"I'm gutted to loose the 3 points late on especially from a set play. But considering we played with ten for the last twenty minutes due to me playing my cards to early. A point isnt to bad but me personally I'm taking the blame for losing the other two points. Had Lukas not needed to come off with his injury and we keep 11 on the park we defend the freekick and I think we hold on"

1-0 win in the capital and it was a penalty gets us back to winning ways and maintains this incredibly unbeaten run from the start of the season. But I'm now starting to see a lot of our play get bogged down. I think I need to add another tactical option. Up until now I have just been tweaking game to game but we may need a whole other plan for the parked buses that are appearing. 

Slavia and Sparta both lost in October and Slavia lost again the first game in November so there is a slight gap. Plzen have hit a real purple patch and fling themselves right into the title race as things get tasty!

We have five fixtures before the winter break. A massive cup tie before a trip to the leagues surprise package 1.FK Pribram who are unbeaten in 11 after that we entertain Dynamo Ceske Budejovice. Who are currently 6 unbeaten then we are on the next road to Zlin. Fastav Zlin are going steady but they leak goals hopefully we can take advantage of that. FK Teplice at the Mestsky Stadion will take us up to the winter break they will be looking for revenge after we took there unbeaten start away from them.

Club News

September and October are good months for David Holoubek with some good progression between the two. We now see serious progress towards the clubs vison. Holoubek will also be happy that the board has taken notice of his pressing style of football. But are the board happy at the club?

Are the Rumours true?

"Read into as much as yous like as far as am aware the chairman is delighted with the progress the club has made since he bought it and is enjoying this season and our work together"

Edited December 12, 2019 by SixPointer

[Hootieleece]

Unbelievable Job! Long may it continue.

[SixPointer]

2 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Unbelievable Job! Long may it continue.

Thanks man. We’ve rode our luck recently but won some vital points I suppose you need to do that to become champions 

[SixPointer]

Pohar Ceske Posty

Mlada Boleslav gave us a game In the 4th round just like I expected. Two goals in ten minutes gave us control in the tie and in the end it was enough to get us into the quarters. Lots of attacking from both teams but both lacked composure especially in the first half.

The quarter final gives us a testing home tie against one of David Holoubek's former clubs. Slovan Liberic have found some decent form of late and dispatched Slavia Prague in the forth round. So will now see winning the cup a realistic possibility.

The trip to Pribram went well. a more well rounded performance than what we had delivered in the cup game.

I shift in tactics second half seen Fillo get back in with a goal. I noticed in previous games that teams were catching on to the plan. So made another similar tactic but one designed to unlock the left flank.

I could easily flipped the other tactic to become just a opposite but I wanted to experiment a little especially with Hruby in the Enganche role. The pressing forward comes into play as well but with all the high pressing in the tactic it may be overkill its still experimenting. Eventually I want three balanced tactics with the same core values but offer us slight differences to unlock teams.

Vintage I wouldn't say so. We took and early lead from a lovely move down the right. Then we battered them but couldn't find more goals. Another 3 points in the bag but we need to start taking our chances or were going to be punished.

"I'm delighted to extended my deal here. The club is on the up we are playing good football. I haven't had many long tenures in my brief manager career but I would be more than happy to sign a ten year contract here at Banik"

The day after the new deal and the chairman is staying on as well! We are not for sale he must want to work with Holoubek.

The monthly performance summary confirms the board are over the moon with David Holoubek. Slightly worrying they are concerned about a 1-1 draw with Sparta Prague.

The perfect month rounded off. To be fair to Petr Rada and Pavel Vrba they had perfect months as well. Even more praise from the chairman as well he is loving it right now.

"To be honest I thought Fastav had done enough today to take the three points. The stats don't tell the story. We were poor probably the worst we have played all season in the league. If it hadn't been for Jan's exquisite saves it would have been a different story" 

Not like Hruby to have a stinker . Also Baros has really started to decline he missed a few good chances. The striker role is becoming a worry. Klobasa and Zelenik cant get going. Mostly picking up knocks all the time.

David Holoubek and the record breakers!!

His pressing style is paying dividends defensively. Stronati and Karafiat in front of Jan has struck up a wonderful core in defence as well.  

[SixPointer]

We had one game yes one game before the winter break!

And just like that our unbeaten record is gone. I never expected us to get through a full season. Hell I never thought we would get this far. but it was the manner in which we lost it that hurt.

"We ran Teplice ragged today and they counter attack us once and they score. That's football but we must pick ourselves up dust ourselves off and go for it again after the winter"

I did state in the last update that us not taking our chances was going to be our undoing. As you can see all of our shots bar one are inside the area so its not a case of we are rushing play or hitting long shots just simply not taking our chances. Teplice goalie did have a blinder and we did hit the wood work twice.

We do still rank among the best in league in terms of our shots on target and conversion rates maybe goalkeepers like playing against us more.

The league table still makes lovely reading as we head into the winter break. I expected us to chase the big three all season not set the pace. Viktoria Plzen have been unstoppable of late and have closed right in on us. As they have propelled themselves both Prague giants have faltered leaving some breathing space. 

[Sheriff7]

Always good having so many contenders for league title.

[SixPointer]

6 hours ago, Sheriff7 said:

Always good having so many contenders for league title.

It always makes it more interesting. I just hope we can bounce back and keep a head of the chasing pack 

[SixPointer]

Winter Break

Good solid return to matches after the winter break. Beating Rapid Wien 2-0 on the road was a nice result. The boys are raring to get back into league action.

We trialled a new tactic as well. Looking to overload the centre of the pitch before exploiting both flanks. Early signs are good but competitive football is a lot different. 

Winter Transfer Window

Ten Players are moved on bringing in 900k. Most players were back up players or youth players that simply wont make the grade at the club.

Jiri Fleisman was the only first teamer to leave. Originally interest was from china. Holoubek deemed it time to cash in 35 years old and with another left back due to arrive in the summer it made sense. Zlatan Sehovic is due to arrive in the summer and will be ready for first team.

Bubacarr kebbeh arrives on a free transfer. The Gambian gives us another creative option. He could develop into a superb midfielder. He needs work on stamina. But he is full of pace, determination, passing and can strike a ball. If we can work on certain points of his game he could be come a fantastic all rounder.

Tomislav Papazov comes into the fold. He will now be cover for Karafiat. He has some real potential the 18 Year old Bulgarian. Once his strength catches up with his other stats he could well go onto to be one of the finest centre backs in the country. Not great on the ball he is more of traditional centre back.

YASSSS Football Has Finally Returned Get That Garbage Of My TV 

Jan the man is going to miss the first month back. A massive loss especially with Slavia up first.

 

 A hammer blow is dealt

Yet again we fail to take our chances costing us at least a point. Klobasa missed two absolute sitters. Striker is a priority in the summer. Other than that we gave the reigning champions a game there was still positives to take from the performance.

A point against Slovan Liberec. Who have be going good of late gives us a decent point. We got back to winning ways against Mlada Boleslav who are having a terrible season. Another 3 points was bagged against local rivals SFC Opava. We have a couple goal of the month contenders form each win this month.

First up Robert Hruby doing Robert Hruby things curling one in from distance with his weaker foot!

His apprentice Ondrej Kocourek with a lovely Paul Scholes like volley from the edge of the box!

Break A Leg I Said Not A Foot

Holzer injured again. Has no luck this guy cant get a decent run in the side. Potentially could be the best player at the club if he could get into his stride.

New Kid On The Block

However as we lost Holzer a young winger broke the record in the league on his debut. He should be nowhere near the first team but he has popped up with a goal. If your good enough your old enough right?

We hold onto top spot. Plzen's loss against Sparta keeps us there. The top five has really broken away now. Jablonec are the form team they could well make a late surge and really join in with us and the big three. Seven games before the spilt then things will get really tasty.

March brings a local derby against Sigma. Then dare I say it a table topping SIX POINTER against Plzen followed up by hosting the Millennium club Slovacko. 

Edited December 18, 2019 by SixPointer

[SixPointer]

Youth Intake

Not a dreadful first intake at the club. Two potential stars in key positions as well. couple of could make its as well. 

Holoubek casts his eye to the future and with a sly wink to Marian Hybela at half time it would seem he is happy with his work. Some of the players have only just spotted Holoubek and panic have they done enough? the first five minutes of the second half is pandemonium.

Nezmar I wonder if he has any Brazilian blood?

Looks a handy enough striker at 15. he has a lot of the basics attributes already. It will just be down to holoubek and his team to shape him into a worker.

Zelenka looks like he could become a good sweeper keeper. like Nezmar he already has a few key attributes. Jan the man will be taking this guy under his wing.

Good news after the intake the board agreed to further expand the clubs excellent youth setup. By investing in better coaching for the kids and also turning up the recruitment a notch. 

Edited December 20, 2019 by SixPointer

[SixPointer]

A 1-0 victory against local rivals Sigma Olomouc. Followed up by this last ditch draw against fellow title challengers Plzen . In truth both teams huffed and puffed and a draw was probably a fare result. Fantastic ball from Hruby into that channel of uncertainty between goalkeeper and defensive line.

Goals are like buses you cant get one for ages then two come at once.

A nice 3-0 win at the Mestsky Stadion rounded off the month. Nice to finally get some goals from all our creative work. Klobasa finally broke his duck and got a double.

Pohar Ceske Posty

Denis to the double

We are into the semi finals thanks to a wonderful display from Denis Granecny. The young man has excelled in his role as the inside forward on left. He has become the Fillo of the left if you may. He did however get out done for the goal of the game.

A home tie! couldn't ask for much more than that. Holoubek's men could meet Jablonec or Sparta in the final. If they can see off Viktoria Plzen at home.

Strange that the board thinks a Semi final in the cup is classed as a challenge for silverware I would have expected the final to be counted as a challenge in the cup. Anyway a year ahead of scheduled is a nice bonus.

Superb win and the goals keep flowing. Both wingers finding the net. I am getting some real joy with wingers playing as inside forwards on there natural side. Possibly because the overloads are working well leaving them 1v1 on there strong foot.

Goals Galore

We threw away a one goal lead at the letna. A fantastic goal at that the sheer pace from Denis. Tetteh was just unreal second half ripped our centre backs apart. Suppose that's why he is top goalscorer in the league at the moment. Holoubek and his boys are finally knocked off there perch.

We had drawn 0-0 at home to ten men Jablonec. Again we just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net that was a very costly two points. Also a 1-1 draw with Bohemians seen us finish on a low this month after it started so well. Milan Baros did get his 50th League goal a club record.

The final league table before the split. If you offered me to be in this position start of the season would have bit your hand off. Pribram and Dynamo are the two over performers thus far. Both favourites for a relegation scrap. Mlada Boleslav and Sigma Olomouc have had poor seasons so far.

The league Split

Buckle in things are going to get interesting

Championship Group

A Four Horse Race Is Always Exciting

Each team plays each other once. 1st place takes the league and the 3rd round qualifier for Champions League. 2nd takes champions league best second placed qualifier. 3rd takes Europa League 3rd qualifying round depending on cup winner. 4th Plays the winner of Euro places playoff for the last slot and second qualifying round.

European Places Playoff

The Underdogs Can Bark

Simple knock out two rounds to get to euro playoff final.

Relegation Group

Two Down One To Go?

6th place goes straight down. 4th and 5th enter a playoff with 2nd and 3rd teams in the league below. Potentially three teams could go down.

Pohar Ceske Posty

Banik Ostrava are on there way to the final. I great performance and result. Keeping a clean sheet against the free scoring Plzen is a feat in itself. Dirty Den got his 8th goal in his last 8 matches to send us on our way. But sadly we lost him to Injury.

The Stage Is Set

Jablonec seen off Sparta. Which now leaves the last two runners up to battle it out for the cup. Last years runners up Banik will be favourites. Where as the year before runners up Jablonec will be looking to upset the apple cart. Both clubs lost out to Slavia and both will want this desperately.

 

Edited December 20, 2019 by SixPointer

[SixPointer]

Happy new year everyone. Now the beer 🍺 session has finished I’ll be back with a update shortly!!! The end of the season to still play. 

[SixPointer]

Championship Group

David Holoubek's men went into the championship group in bad form. But with avoiding any of the big three in the first two fixtures he would have hoped to got off to a flyer.

Sadly it wasn't to be. Banik drew both home games. Holoubek knew those games were must win if there was a chance of the title. The Sparta result more or less confirmed the league was over for Banik.

With the cup final up next and the league basically over. The side was rotated. They managed an impressive 0-0 draw at the Eden but in turn sealed the fate mathematically. Some people have criticised Holoubek in the paper saying he shouldn't have rested players but with a cup final in 3 days it may be a masterstroke.

Pohar Ceske Posty Cup Final

Billed as the last runner up final, Banik lost out to Slavia last year, Jablonec lost out to them the year before that! Someone is going to be runner up again.

David holoubek is aware of how much he needs this. He has given the league title a good go, in terms of first season the fans are pleased, But with a cup win in his first season he would be endeared to them for years to come. He wants it he wants it so bad.

Both teams are full strength. Holoubek will be wary of the pace Jablonec have in attack. Rada will know in order to stop Banik he must prevent Robert Hruby from dictating the game. The game ebbed and flowed. Both sides had chances but it was 0-0 at the end of the 90. Banik sat deeper to leave no spaced behind but it blunted there attack. Extra time was much the same with the game heading to penalties.

Hruby delivers with two minutes left. Its cleared but only as far as Fillo. Fiiiiillllllooooooo! smashes one In on the half volley with his weaker foot. He is a god. Holoubek takes off down the touchline lost in the moment! before Petr Cuhel the assistant screams at him there is four to go. He needs to organise, He needs to defend.

They done it the Pohar Ceske Posty is heading to Ostrava, Holoubek has a Maurizio Sarri moment as he is seen cherishing his medal, stroking it in disbelief. The renowned youth coach that has so far failed as a first team manager has his first taste of silverware.

A very even game. In the end it turned into a bit of a battle and it took a special strike to win it.

The board are happy but are already looking to focus and press on with other challenges.

The feeling when that goal went in will stay with me forever, to share that euphoric moment with the fans to hear them sing our names is something me and my players are unbelievably lucky to have experienced. Lifting that cup and looking at my medal is on a par with my children being born don't tell my wife that! Most of all though the fans deserve this. They were there when the club lost the stadium, when the club was relegated, when the club was nearly extinct.

Club Legend and Cup Hero decide after the cup win that times up. They will finish up after the last league game. At the Mestsky Stadion am sure they will get quite the reception.

The Last Game Of The Season

A nice 2-0 victory against Plzen confirms we spilt the big three up. We could have split the Prague giants had it not been for a 90+5 minute equaliser. Champions league football had just evaded us. Baros got his big send off.

Sparta win there first tittle since 2013/2014.

Liberec sealed the last Europa spot beating Dynamo. Teplice and MFK Karvina had playoffs to stay up. Local rivals Opava were straight down. Teplice survived just against Brno. Karvina are down after a miraculous second leg performance from Dukla. Prostejov won the league and go straight up.

Award Night

Cant argue with much of this at all.

The young left winner come into his own as the season went on well deserved. Some of his dribbling resembles a young Ryan giggs.

Hruby has been frightening. Most key passes, Most chances created and most man of the matches in he league. He earned this one and no wonder AC Milan are interested.

Don't understand how he is on the bench? he won the player of the division.

Records Are Set To Be Broken

Record points and wins in the first season is excellent. Top goalscorer, assists and most MOTM although am not sure how accurate they are in game.

Summary

On the whole a very good first season for me at the club. Sad that we dropped off at the end in the league after setting the pace for so long. The cup win softens the blow and if I was offered third and a the cup at the start I would have been happy. Qualifying for the Europa League one year ahead of schedule is nice. A big summer needed to challenge for the title and try make the group stages.

Other News

Hruby and Stronati made the Euros squad pleasing stuff. Hopefully both get a chance in the tournament.

I leave you with some fantastic news. Hruby finally signs a new deal. Milan were hovering he wanted nearly ten grand. I had to interact with the board they agreed and paid him it. He is now 8 grand better of than the next highest paid but he is totally worth it.

https://groundhoppers.blog/2016/07/07/the-decline-of-banik-ostrava/

 

I hope you have enjoyed the first season as much as I have its been slow I know. next year posts will be slightly more streamlined but hopefully with still enough detail and narrative to keep people interested any tips or suggestions on how to improve are more than welcome. I've also added a link above it was one of the articles a read that inspired the save along with a visit to the Czech republic which got me looking there.

Edited January 5, 2020 by SixPointer

[Hootieleece]

Good First Season. Building a solid foundation.

Is Baros gonna join your Backroom Staff?

 

[SixPointer]

5 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Good First Season. Building a solid foundation.

Is Baros gonna join your Backroom Staff?

 

Thanks mate! Yeah more than likely as youth coach to begin with.  

[SixPointer]

On 05/01/2020 at 04:43, Hootieleece said:

Good First Season. Building a solid foundation.

Is Baros gonna join your Backroom Staff?

 

Milan has called it a day but comes on to the books as a coach. Fantastic career he had. If he can teach some of the young forwards his ways that would be nice.

 

[Piksi#10]

Fantastic first season and I like the detailed posts and especially the quotes! 

Your league run reminds me of my second full season in Minsk when we held onto first for most of the season, but ultimately collapsed. I think my mistake was that I didn't do enough to take away the pressure from the team. 

But I look forward to your European run and congrats on winning the cup! 

 

 

[SixPointer]

3 hours ago, Piksi#10 said:

Fantastic first season and I like the detailed posts and especially the quotes! 

Your league run reminds me of my second full season in Minsk when we held onto first for most of the season, but ultimately collapsed. I think my mistake was that I didn't do enough to take away the pressure from the team. 

But I look forward to your European run and congrats on winning the cup! 

 

 

Thanks mate.
 

i enjoy the quotes as well i like to give the character apart. However i do feel I need to streamline in areas as it’s slowing me down to much. I feel like I’ll not go as much depth each game. Maybe go for 3 month updates on results as well  and pick one game to go to depth with. I liked that in your style  

Was a shame we couldn’t hold on for the league. I’ve had a busy summer window Strengthened will. Feel like I’ve got a all round striker that can play all 3 roles a need. Hopefully he can get more goals than Baros did. 
 

be an update later this evening 

[SixPointer]

Summer Business

 We brought in 3.7 million in player sales to aid the squad building. 1.7 of that was dead wood. Holzer, Zeleznik, Jirasek and Pazdera were all squad players but didn't cut it. The rest were B team players that were out on loan. 2 million of the money was raised from selling Kebbeh who only arrived in January. In his 12 games he started to catch the eye. With funds tight when Juve and Porto offered 2 million we had to cash in on the profit. Unfortunately they wouldn't allow us to install a sell on clause in the deal no matter how many times I tried. 

Six first team players arrive there is some youth buys but I wont get into that now as they were all cheap punts.

Alexandru Baluta cost a fair bit all built up over a time to allow our budget to go further. But with Fillo retiring we needed someone in and someone who can get goals like his from wide. This man tops it. He has everything required to be a class inside forward at this level. I've had a lot of success using inside forwards with the stronger foot going to the outside I look forward to seeing what this guy can do.

Last season we struggled for goals in the striker position. Baros got 7 albeit we used him to draw defenders away to get the wide players in. Stanislav Tecl has be brought in to play all 3 roles used. Pressing forward, Poacher and Deep Lying forward. His attribute spread allows him to play all roles. Quick, Hardworking, Can finish, Good Movement and has decent passing hopefully now we have a well rounded striker to cover any opposition or in game situation.

Zlatan Sehovic is going to be a superstar its as simple as that. Fleisman moved on for some money in the winter and I instantly snapped the young Serb up. 19 year old and has the full package. Would be nice to see him at the club for the next five years but I reckon his ten million release clause will be met with in the next two seasons.

Another Partizan kid from there conveyor belt. Lazar Pavlovic was in the door before the kebbeh bid and it just made that deal make even more sence. He is going to be trained into the mezzala role he already possesses a lot of the key attributes for the role and at 18 he is only going to get stronger and better. Arguably better suited to kebbeh for the role as well, kebbeh was more of a deep lying player.

Nino Zugelj a kid with a lot of potential. Can you see a trend occurring? I can. He will be our left/either footed player from the right giving us more balance and more options. Still has work to do but if he can take his chance he may well develop into a star at this level. 

The utility kid! Capable of being the playmaker, or the runner (mezzala) a real hidden gem this kid has some fantastic attributes and with Hruby mentoring am sure he will soon learn how to make use of his excellent passing attributes. This guy knocks Kocourek and Kvet into true back up options now which shows how strong we now are in the middle of the park.

We raided Partizan you say? It pays off to have a Serbian chief scout sometimes 

Last January at the same time as the Sehovic deal was done so was this one 300k a real bargain. Only negative was we knew we had to wait a year for him to arrive. Now with Granecny, Baluta, Zugelj and Stevanovic (when he arrives) we will have fantastic balance and different options allowing us to overload whatever side we wish at any time in the wide areas. Granecny left footed Baluta right footed Zugelj and Stevanovic both either footed and all have varied skillsets.

Transfer Window Summary

Am very happy with the arrivals to the club. I have to praise the board and the scouting team for bringing the players to my attention and then bringing them to the club. The players you can see match our philosophy here at the club most are young hungry players and one or two players who have been there and done It but suit our style of play. I feel like the squad is stronger not only in quality but in depth and a variety of options. I think there is a few guys in there that our loyal following will be eager to see in the famous white.

Edited January 9, 2020 by SixPointer

[SixPointer]

The Miners Welfare Cup

The much coveted pre season cup is back again. The miners welfare held in Ostrava sees four Eastern European teams battle it out for the friendly trophy. This year FC Krasnodar drew the hosts while Lechia Gdansk drew Austrian power house Red Bull Salzburg.

The hosts couldn't retain there crown. Krasnodar proved to be to strong until they met Salzburg in the final. The Austrians take home the trophy for a season.

 

On the whole pre season went marvellous for David Holoubek and his team. Big wins against Strum Graz and Hajduk Split being a particular highlight.

Czech-Slovakian Super Cup Final

The Czechoslovak Super Cup is an annual football match between the winners of the Czech Cup and Slovak Cup. It began in 2017 replacing the old Czech Super Cup and Slovak Super Cup.  Spartak Trnava were runners up last year to Slavia. But after securing another Slovak Cup find themselves up against first timers Banik Ostrava.

Holoubek's men steam rolled there Slovakian counterparts to bring home there first Super Cup. Goals from all of our front three is pleasing, especially two headers from our left winger Granecny.

Outclassed them all over the park. Some nice debuts as well. Sehovic and Zugelj were superb. Pavlovic had a good game it will take him time to master his new role in the middle of the park.

Other News

The fixtures are out the first three games we are expected to win before things start to toughen up. Holoubek will be targeting five wins as he hopes to make another flying start to the league campaign.

The board have set the expectations. Reaching the group stages sounds easier than it will be. We still have two rounds to go before we get there.

On that note all our teams in Europe need to perform better this year as we have slipped down the rankings and lost a slot.

The finances look a lot more healthier this year as we come to the start of the season. Aided by our new sponsorship deal and the sale of kebbeh. We now head into the season with a positive balance compared to last season when we were in the red.  

Edited January 9, 2020 by SixPointer

[SixPointer]

Very tough draw. We must win the first leg at home to have any chance of progressing passed the Dutch giants.

Devastating blow to the young Serb. He had hit the ground running in his first 4 games.

Hangya as well now. Leaving us no fit senior left back. Gives a kid a chance to step up but not ideal with Feyenoord coming up.

 

[SixPointer]

3rd Qualifying Round

The Dutch Are In The Club

David Holoubek will be a bag of mixed emotions. No one would have expected a easy ride against Feyenoord. No one would have truly expected a win. But to have been 3-0 up at half time people would have called you crazy.

Unfortunately despite the sheer Domination two slack goals have cost us majorly. The away goals are crucial and the second one so late on is a killer blow going into the second leg.

"I am disappointed in a way. But not at my players, We have given everything over two legs and we probably deserved more. twice we took the game to Feyenoord and unfortunately in the end we have just came up short"

Sickening to go out on the away goal. After going toe to toe with the Dutch giants. The European dream is over before it began.

Edited January 16, 2020 by SixPointer

[Kingofcm03]

1 hour ago, SixPointer said:

oof...tough loss but Feyenoord is well above your level at the moment so it would have been a huge upset. That 89th away goal they scored.....absolute killer.