[FM20] When the 'Well runs over...

[metallimuse]

March 2020/21

A 100% month!

Celtic dropped points!

We could do this!

5 games left and if we were to win them all then we could be crowned champions. It's a tall order though.

The month also contained our first victory over Rangers as a Chris Long 93rd minute goal sealed that historic moment for us to absolute scenes inside Fir Park.

We've confirmed European football for next season now and with 5 games left have already surpassed our biggest ever points haul.

[metallimuse]

From a personal perspective it's nice to get the nod.

"I'd like to thank the players, the chairman, God and let's really push on and make the world a better place."

[metallimuse]

The Split 2020/21

Well we didn't manage it.

We went through to Edinburgh and were 3 nil up by the 50th minute and on easy street before two goals from Hibs made it squeaky bum time but we saw it through.

At this point we were still 2 points behind Celtic and right up for the fight and as they came to town and LITERALLY the day of the game our 1st choice keeper Mark Gillespie went down injured and we had to play our academy graduate back up.

Even then we were still daring to believe until a 93rd minute winner for them by Rafinha broke Lanarkshire hearts.

With Gillespie still injured we went to Aberdeen and could only muster a draw which meant Celtic had won the title.

Heartbroken .

It meant we were assured of finishing second though so the last two games we again played the kids and squad players, effectively going on our hols early.

[metallimuse]

Season 2020/21 Review

I was able to satisfy the board with my performance this season despite crashing out of the Scottish Cup early.

Player performance I have been happy with on the whole. No one has let me down and it was pretty solid throughout the season if maybe not anyone really standing out. Which I suppose if you're trying to win something isn't really good enough.

As you can see from the last post, our finances have really been boosted by European competition and we are way under our wage budget which is good.

Fan attendance is also increasing but we are far from selling out sadly, probably around 4 thousand short on average.

 

Looking ahead I won't be renewing Fletcher or Adam's contracts and will instead promote a few boys from the reserves/under 18's.

I'm not planning to enter the transfer market for any marque players but Newcastle are sniffing around Adam Garner so if he goes that may force my hand as I have no one at the club who can step up.

[metallimuse]

Speaking about promoting from the academy the board have agreed to improve our junior coaching and youth facilities so hopefully we start to produce a few more lads who can truly challenge.

And also to help them get there they have agreed to increase our back room staff so we can spread the workload more evenly.

[metallimuse]

Staff updates (First Team)

Some additions to the club over the summer months.

 

As much as it pained me to let go of club legend Stevie Hammell, Richard's stats are just far superior so the head ruled the heart and I did what had to be done.

 

Becky was brought in as my previous fitness coach also doubled as my head of sports science and he needed to go.

 

And Liam is who we brought in to head up sports science.

 

[metallimuse]

Staff Updates (Reserves)

A goalkeeping coach was required for the reserves so this is who we went for...

 

 

 

[metallimuse]

Staff Update (under 18's)

Quite a large overhaul has occurred within the under 18's as a new manager was sought out and hired...

A long with a new goalkeeping coach...

 

[metallimuse]

Staff Update (Recruitment Team)

A new chief scout was appointed...

...along with an additional scout...

...and a new chief data analyst.

Edited March 1, 2020 by metallimuse

[metallimuse]

Preseason and Transfer Updates

 

A little bit of transfer activity to report...

...and my fears were borne out as although it's not showing above Adam Garner is leaving to join Chelsea for £3m.

Anthony MacDonald was brought it at less than a 20th of the cost at £100k so we've worked the market brilliantly there.

Max Currie, former academy graduate was brought back to the club for pittance as a little bit of extra cover in goals as Gillespie does have a few teams interested.

 

So after all that activity, mainly with the staff recruitment, our preseason started and we had a torrid time of it.

Dreadful, dreadful, dreadful!

Let's hope we find some form as we go into European qualification or we could find ourselves with a massive rod against our back.

[metallimuse]

Season Expectations

The bored aren't really expecting a lot so at least I'm confident of keeping my job.

For me personally, I'm aiming for a top three finish at worst as that will secure me Europa League football at least which is far more lucrative then the Euro Cup II which I'm in this year.

My squad is still a very young one and probably not as strong as it should be. I think it might be a tough season but we are gunna do our best to achieve silverware and make bank, I want to really set myself for next season as I think that will be our year.

[Gross_Ballon]

weird to see Woodgate who is gaffer for Borough and then your u-18 ass man. 

[metallimuse]

48 minutes ago, Gross_Ballon said:

weird to see Woodgate who is gaffer for Borough and then your u-18 ass man. 

I'm not quite sure how he was available as in his bio it lists him as being Middlesbrough manager but only for a day? Strange. 

[metallimuse]

August 2021/22

After a dismal preseason we've started the domestic campaign on fire

Another win against the Gers at home opening day was followed up by an away win at Tynecastle and two home wins after.

We also hosted League 1 team Clyde who are currently managed by the Irn Bru loving Owen Coyle and managed to get a good result while playing the kids and squad players.

 

Our European adventure this year however is already over...

Trips to Kazakhstan and Slovakia saw us then get drawn with one of Europe's big boys in Lazio and that was all she wrote.

To be brutally honest, I wasn't too upset.

It would have been nice to have more of a run and see what we could do but the prize money in Euro Cup II is pitiful and I think the run only netted us less than £400k so I'd rather not have the distraction and maybe try and play a stronger team in the Betfred Cup and keep players fresher for the league.

In saying that we've already drawn Celtic already in only the Quarter Final of the Betfred Cup so that might end soon as well.

 

[metallimuse]

September 2021/22

Another good month saw a win in the Lanarkshire derby before we got dominated away at Parkhead in the league and lost to Celtic, our first loss domestically.

We managed to get our revenge very quickly though only a few days later in the Betfred Cup Quarter Final in a game which saw Celtic go down to 10 men after 20 minutes and David Turnbull bagged an 89th minute winner to send us through.

A stormy 3-0 win at home to Hibs kept us top of the league by a point from Celtic but it came at a cost as we lost both of our right backs to 5 week injuries which is a worry as our reserves/under 18's don't have any decent prospects for us to slot in in the meantime but we will have to try and carry one of them through.

 

All in all, prepared to accept our loss in the league to the Hoops seeing as we are still top and dumped them out of the cup, hopefully this means we can reach a final.

Edited March 2, 2020 by metallimuse

[metallimuse]

October 2021/22

And the good times keep on rolling!

We are firing on all cylinders this month and banging out win after win including booking our first cup final after a 1 nil win against Aberdeen where, despite not dominating possession, we limited them to only 4 shots on goal all game.

 

Our league form has been solid and despite my reservations in my last update about our right back injury woes young Ryan Leyden came in and bossed it picking up an average rating of 7.05 over 4 games.

Further injuries have occurred with Turnbull out for 2 weeks over the month and new signing MacDonald as well but despite that, as you can see, we stormed it this month.

I'm really pleased with how the young guns are going and I'm at a point now were I'm rotating the squad around depending on fitness with no fear of throwing one or two of these boys in a head of my previous core group. Out of a 23 man pool 13 of the first team are academy graduates which is very pleasing.

 

[Gross_Ballon]

I'm a Rangers man my self if you couldn't tell by my picture ! I find it so hard to play with us tho!. I always have to edit players like Nathan Paterson and make them at least better then the game. 

I try to do other clubs in Scotland. 

I like the idea of Motherwell but 5k to start with is just awful 

[metallimuse]

2 hours ago, Gross_Ballon said:

I'm a Rangers man my self if you couldn't tell by my picture ! I find it so hard to play with us tho!. I always have to edit players like Nathan Paterson and make them at least better then the game. 

I try to do other clubs in Scotland. 

I like the idea of Motherwell but 5k to start with is just awful 

Aye I’m a Bluenose also but haven’t had a serious game with us for years on FM, far too much transfer activity in real life for me to want to begin a save with us as I’d sell half/three quarters of the squad and they’ve only just come in.

Past few years I’ve mainly done Aberdeen or Hearts saves but this year I wanted to have a stab with, well Killie actually but then they sold Taylor and I went with Motherwell instead as for my money they have a strong core group for the game.

Don't get me wrong, finances are restrictive as I’d love to be able to nab the likes of Hickey, Cochrane, Brophy, Magennis, Jason Kerr and Ross Doohan but...at least it’s a challenge lol.

[metallimuse]

November 2021/22

November was a sparse month due to international football but it kicked off with a loss away to Rangers in a really open and even game. 10 crazy minutes from the 50th to the 60th saw us 4-1 down and we did well to pull it back but couldn't quite manage to salvage a draw.

In contrast, a narrow 1-0 victory away at Killie followed after the break and then a 2-0 win at home to Hearts saw us keep pace with Celtic.

 

A great addition to our reserves was procured during the month as well...

[metallimuse]

Betfred Cup

I've guided us to our first piece of silverware under my stewardship!

After our open game last time in which we lost and I played with a cautious attitude I decided to go all out attack for this one and hope that we had more about us than they did and luckily it paid off.

Edited March 4, 2020 by metallimuse

[metallimuse]

A lot of promise with our youth intake this year.

Wingers and full backs are what's required and what looks to be coming through.

Currently the only recognised winger we have is the newly signed Anthony McDonald with James Scott and Sandy Irvine playing there but they are both primarily strikers.

My plan is to probably cash in on Chris Long up top this summer and move probably Scott into his natural position.

Likewise, Liam Grimshaw at right back will likely be sold to cash in and possibly Polworth as well.

[metallimuse]

December 2021/22

A month unbeaten but points were dropped. 

We had wins over Hamilton and Dundee before three draws on the bounce really brought my moral down.

We dominated Hibs with regards to shots created while trailing slightly with regards to possession.

At home to Celtic we were actually 2-0 up but they came back and equalised in the 82nd minute to prevent us pulling level on points.

Against the Buddies it was the same script, 2-0 up and conceded 2 late goals to effectively gift them a point.

We then got back on track with wins over Aberdeen and then away to high flying Livi who at the time were 4th. Our defence was the star of the show despite the goals scored as all my defence scored higher then a 7.2 rating for the game.

Something to note over the month was that Chris Long was on fire bagging himself 5 goals in 6 games.

At the turn of the year we are 3 points behind Celtic and 3 points ahead of Rangers, although they do have a game in hand.

As you can see by the table and the points, I think it's clear that I have raised Motherwell up to the level of the Old Firm with regards to our domestic form. Out of 21 games we have won 16 and we are 20 points ahead of 4th already.

The issue I'm now starting to ponder is how to approach the end of this season.

I'm in a title fight and if I was to maybe spend a bit of money and keep my squad I think I could achieve a league win...

...buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut...

...a few of my better players are coming to an age were I would want to cash in on them or start playing less to blood in the next generation.

So I'm not sure to put my eggs in one basket or to play the long game with no guarantee that the chips will fall favourably?

 

In other news we have added a new scout...

 

...and the board have agreed to the following improvements

[metallimuse]

January 2021/22

A brilliant January has seen us go top of the league by two points but before you all get too excited, Celtic do have a game in hand.

 

We started the month with a win at home to Championship team Falkirk. We played the kids and squad players in this game so it was nice to see us make comfortable work of the game.

We then hosted Rangers in a real back and forth game. 1-0, 1-1, 1-2, 2-2, 2-3, 3-3, 4-3 with our last two goals coming in the last 10 minutes. Games against Rangers are fast turning into enthralling affairs.

We then rode out the month with dominating displays seemingly buoyed by the Rangers game.

 

Something I was very pleased with over the month was out of 15 goals scored 12 were by academy graduates.

 

It was January so I decided to have a look into the transfer market and picked up the following two players on Bosmans who will join in the summer...

In my opening post of this thread I discussed how I normally tend to sign players specific to the nation I'm working in and look to my academy for players. I will always continue to look to my academy but having read @_Ben_ career thread I have decided to now look towards the British Isles for bargains who can do a job for me and then sell on for profit.

I think this is more of a realistic approach rather than limiting myself and also Scotland is very much a stepping stone for a lot of players so I am going to buy into that and play the same way.

This will also have a huge benefit for my finances which will allow me to improve my facilities quicker (further allowing me to harness my youth) and also possibly splash the cash on any worldie Scottish players as well in the future as I hopefully improve our reputation.

 

[metallimuse]

February 2021/22

Another fantastic, dominant month for the Steelmen as we march on. 10 games left and we are still very much in contention for the league. I mean, technically, we are still on for a treble but lets not get too carried away .

We battered Kilmarnock at home in the league before the first of two Scottish Cup games in the month, both to lower league teams.

For these games I debuted a new tactic that I've been wanting to try with the idea that next year in Europe we probably shouldn't play as open as we currently do domestically.

With my scouting and transfer policy I am looking to sign more players with high work rates and great passing so I think something like this should work really well moving forward.

We managed to beat Dundee in the league before going to Parkhead and using our new tactic and came away with a draw, even though we were again DOMINATED with our goal being peppered with shots the majority of the game.

This strong showing in the league has meant that in February we have already guaranteed European football next year and also the board have extended my contract until 2025.

 

As you can see in the league table below, we are streets ahead of the rest of the Premiership and mixing it comfortably with the Old Firm.

[metallimuse]

Youth Intake 2022

Who hired the HOYD? I don't see a golden generation sadly.

5 of the lads have been offered contracts and we'll see what we can do with them in the summer when we evaluate.

Plans for next season really will depend on quite a few factors still to play out.

[metallimuse]

Before the Split

After 19 matches unbeaten our run came to an end at the end of March away to Aberdeen and we relinquished place at the top of the league that we had claimed as Celtic slipped up and wobbled with a few draws.

We had started the month well with a home win against the Hibees before grinding out a 1-0 win against the high flying Buddies before smashing Livi 4-1 away, all scorers were academy graduates which was so pleasing to watch.

We're still in with a chance of winning the league here...

 

...or possibly a Cup double?

[metallimuse]

Staff Updates

James Beattie has left our reserve coaching team and become manager at Elgin City in League 2, he's still looking for his first win as I write.

We've managed to attract Tom Culshaw back north of the border as he's been out of work since Stevie G got the chop at Spurs...

 

We also hired this fella who normally likes to work as an ass man but money talks and he agreed to join as a coach...

 

We managed to attract this guy to the club for our under 18s...

...he's strong technical coach with good motivation and a preference for vertical tiki taka which I think will work well for what I'm trying to achieve moving forward.

[metallimuse]

A personal nod again for the season we've had. Interestingly neither Old Firm manager in the top three.

[metallimuse]

Top 6 Split

We just couldn't keep the good times rolling.

Dropped points at home to Aberdeen but so did Celtic on the same day, we still believed.

Then we went to Parkhead for the biggest game of our season, probably the biggest game of my career to date...and got pumped. Utterly pumped. We managed three shots all game only one of which was on target. The league was effectively over.

We went to St Mirren with the league still mathematically possible and did what we had to with Chris Long bagging a goal to give us a victory and keep the slim hope alive.

We marched on and faced Killie and again Chris Long put the ball in the net to give us a victory and Celtic DROPPED points but still managed to at least take 1 point from a game with Aberdeen which made them champions in all but name as they were 3 points ahead but with a goal difference of over 20.

It was done.

Last league game was at home to Rangers in a dead rubber so I played the kids and we lost.

 

 

We then had the small matter of our second cup final of the season with a game against Rangers at Hampden for the oldest trophy in world football, the Scottish Cup.

We sadly got dominated again. They had more shots on target than we had in total and that was all she wrote for the season.

[metallimuse]

Season Review/Round Up

Accomplished the boards goals again this year and I should be really happy with what I've accomplished and the season we had but considering we were playing for a treble up until the last few weeks of the season it's been a sad end to the year.

We won our first piece of silverware in the Betfred Cup though so we have a taste for it.

We have become a strong team within the league and have easily pulled away from the rest of the league this year so hopefully I can continue this going forward.

 

My thoughts are this summer could be a big one. I think one or two faces may go, hopefully for good money, to shake things up and keep things fresh.

Gillespie will be sold as we have a new keeper already in coming. 

Long will attempt to be sold as he has a high value.

A few others of lesser value may go also.

Edited March 5, 2020 by metallimuse

[metallimuse]

And that's how good this Celtic team has been this season, 10 of their players make up the SPFL team of the year 

[Carambau]

Damn! Celtic are so unfairly good in FM ... but time is on your side, Celtic cant stop the progress you are making with Motherwell

good luck for next season !

[metallimuse]

22 minutes ago, Carambau said:

Damn! Celtic are so unfairly good in FM ... but time is on your side, Celtic cant stop the progress you are making with Motherwell

good luck for next season !

They've been relentless.

I dropped points in one more game than them that's it but they only had the one loss which is remarkable you may say but...that's how Celtic are IRL past few years so can't really complain.

There's been a shake up over the summer with personnel, more on that to follow, so hopefully the new younger blood can hit the ground running and keep pace with this experienced Celtic side.

[metallimuse]

League Preview

 

I just thought this was worth putting out there.

As we enter our fourth season the betting odds have us finishing 4th despite two previous second place finishes.

No player outside the Old Firm is in the media's dream team.

 

A fire has been lit....

[metallimuse]

Season Expectations 2022/23

First up, here's what the board expect...

I'm confident of securing what the board want again.

 

On a personal level, my seasons expectation is to win a trophy, finish a minimum of second and have a decent Europa League run and try to still be in after Christmas.

[metallimuse]

Transfers Summer 2022

We brought in 5 players over the summer, you've already seen Bass and Senior earlier in the thread so here's a closer look at the others...

Ross is a player who I've picked up in the past two editions of FM, a player who I trust and a step up in class for an understudy and someone who if I have an injury to Bass I will have no fear playing. He will play in all domestic cup games and possibly some Europa League games also.

Jack has come in on a free like Ross above after both being released by Celtic.

Jack hasn't quite hit the heights expected of him when he signed for Celtic and is a little injury prone but he's been brought in as a solid squad and someone like Ross above who I won't have any fear of using if he is needed due to injury to one of our number one centre backs.

And finally...

Cameron was picked up after deciding that Ross Millen just simply wasn't good enough anymore as back up when I have dreams of winning a title.

He has a solid base for me to work with and still potential to realise and despite being understudy to Grimshaw for the big games I plan on giving him lots of game time to harness that potential.

 

Gallagher and Gillespie left due to their advancing years and a need to sell at maximum price while I could and had the option to bring in replacements I was comfortable with while on the cheap.

The others that left just didn't fit into my plans.

[metallimuse]

July 2022/23

Preseason went well up until Sampdoria but to be fair I played my squad players in that game to keep my stars fit for the start of our Champions League Qualifying campaign.

 

Which on reflection...

But in all seriousness, Shakhtar are no minnows. We got dominated in the first game and performed admirably in the second but sadly our Champions League run is over already.

And so to the beginning of our domestic campaign and better performances and news.

Two wins from two including an opening day Lanarkshire derby win to really put a smile on the fans faces before we went to St Mirren and had to rely on a penalty to get the three points despite being utterly dominant ourselves.

 

[metallimuse]

August 2022/23

A near perfect month saw us advance to the group stage of the Europa League after a scare in the first qualifier at home to Danish side AGF who were 2 nil up inside the first twenty minutes. We then went on to thump them 5-1 in the return leg to cement our place in the next round.

The final hurdle to overcome was Linzer Athletik from Austria and we made short work of them in the first leg so played the squad players and even an under 18 player in midfield we were that confident of seeing it through which we did.

This set up a very tough group for us going forward with AC Milan, PSV and Stromsgodset. It will be a tough task navigating through this to make my expectation of European football after Christmas.

 

Our league form was fantastic and a special shout out must go to 19 year old Greg Noble who bagged a hat trick on his debut up top for us in the game against St Johnstone.

New boy Adam Senior, our centre back, also bagged himself a hat trick in the game away to Aberdeen right at the end of the month in the only game domestically we dropped points in.

 

The transfer market closed without any other activity from us.

[metallimuse]

A couple of new additions to our backroom team...

I'm really happy with the team I'm surrounding myself with already. Once I manage to get a league title under my belt the calibre will only get better still.

[metallimuse]

September 2022/23

Another good month for us particularly our European performances.

We started out with a draw at home to Celtic which I was actually quite happy with considering, again, we were on the back foot most of the game.

We went away to Milan and lost. I mean, no surprise there. I was happy to keep it respectable in all honesty as it was a tough watch.

Next up was a home game to bottom club Kilmarnock and a chance to get back to winning ways which we duly did. Goals from Maguire and Irvine, both academy graduates may I add, sent us on our way.

Our next European adventure was to host what transpired to be the Europa Leagues meanest defence, which I was informed of in my press conference. We showed no fear and took it to them and went in at half time 3 up! Scenes! We conceded a goal in the second half but rode out the game quite comfortably.

After the European heroics we went to Dundee and I had to reign the lads in from going to Fat Sam's and having a dram and instead concentrate on the game in hand. I should have had no fear though as we picked up 3 points to go joint top of the league as Celtic dropped points to Rangers.

A home game against what on paper is the weakest team in our European group finished the month and we again picked up the three points which has left us second in the group, 3 points behind AC and 3 points ahead of PSV. I might make European football after Christmas after all!

It's still early doors with the league campaign but at this point no one has staked a strong claim for the title. Aberdeen are keeping up along with us and the Old Firm, maybe the papers had a point that they would do better this year? They won't be finishing ahead of us though that's for sure  

[Carambau]

Great run, especially in europe  Good idea not to distract the team with too many transfers, that helps a lot as we see here.

How´s St.Mirren doing in europe?

Edited March 7, 2020 by Carambau

[metallimuse]

October/November 2022/23

ANOTHER incredible month for the club has seen us hit the heady heights of over coming Celtic in the quarter finals of the Betfred Cup and also successfully secure European football after Christmas!

We started out with a league win over the Jambos in a game I thought we were going to lose. 2-1 down until the last 10 minutes when goals from Maguire and a 92nd minute winner by Turnbull gave us a huge confidence boost going into the cup game with Celtic.

As you can see above, we needed extra time against the Hoops but we came through it. What was even more pleasing was that for the first time in a long time it was actually a very even contest and we held our own. It was a game in which I went all out attack and threw caution to the wind hoping to match them toe to toe and it paid of for me.

I went all out against Stromsgodset as well and came through that with the thought that I would probably lose the game against AC so it was important to get the three points here.

We then travelled to Ibrox to take on Rangers where I reverted to a cautious approach and again we held our own in a very even contest and got the win, the scoreline flatters us a bit but we deserved it after some tough games against the Old Firm last few times.

Hosted AC in a game I thought we'd lose, which we did, but we could of snuck a draw in a very one sided game until they popped up with a 78th minute winner.

It all came down to the last game of the group, winner takes all, against PSV away in Holland. Do I go cautious as we're away or do I go for it? In the end I sat on the fence and went for a positive approach and the lads went out and did what had to be done. Goals from academy graduates Irvine (2) and Campbell rewrote the clubs history books in what was a victory the club will remember, I hope, as a turning point in our DNA as we march on. Hopefully there will be many more nights like this over the years.

 

As we head into the Qatar World Cup break the club is in a very healthy position.

 

[metallimuse]

3 hours ago, Carambau said:

Great run, especially in europe  Good idea not to distract the team with too many transfers, that helps a lot as we see here.

How´s St.Mirren doing in europe?

I'm afraid the Buddies went out at the first time of asking against Malmo so no shame in that.

Sadly they are currently sat in 10th place in the league my man 

[metallimuse]

Intake Preview

I really don't need strikers so that's a shame.

Hopefully the full backs are righties as that's what I need, really want to be in a position to sell Grimshaw for a boost to the coffers.

[metallimuse]

December 2022/23

Only a short month with regards to competitive games.

Two away games and we managed to come through both, as we should considering the opposition.

Another victory in the Lanarkshire derby and I can't remember the last time they managed to get one over on us. The fans are loving it and have all the bragging rights

We made easy work of the saints as the were brushed aside and as we go into the new year we are top of the league, still in Europe and in the semi finals of the Betfred Cup. Again, there's a lot to be confident about.

 

[metallimuse]

January 2022/23

A hectic January saw us go off the boil slightly.

A win at home to Hibs was followed up by dropping points when the Dons came to town.

We went to Hampden to face off with Aberdeen again for the second time in 5 days and we got our revenge to go through to our third cup final in 12 months.

After that we went to Parkhead for a thrilling 3-3 draw which "I'm sure the neutrals will enjoy."

Next up, in the first game of the Scottish Cup, we faced SPFL team St Mirren. We needed extra time to see them off which means we get fellow SPFL competitors Dundee United in the next round.

A narrow 1 nil victory over Killie preceded another trip to Hampden for the Betfred Cup where we faced off against Rangers.

Our run in the Betfred Cup has been tough this year going through a murderers row of Celtic, Aberdeen and finally Rangers where we came undone. We pushed it all the way to penalties where Allan Campbell suffered the heartbreak of missing the decisive spot kick.

We picked ourselves up and dusted ourselves off and welcomed Livi to town who we took our frustration out on and pumped them 4-1. We were 2 up within 5 minutes and really had the bit between our teeth.

Another game against Rangers followed and honours were even in a game which to be honest, they dominated again.

 

We currently trail Celtic by 7 points but have two games in hand so we are still very much in the title picture ahead of a jam packed February where games come thick and fast again.

We also have a familiar foe to face again in Europe, if you didn't notice already then have a look in the picture above.

[metallimuse]

February 2022/23

A near immaculate month was ruined by that mob in the East of Glasgow right at the end.

The month kicked off with a very even game away in Edinburgh where we took on Hearts, Greg Noble putting the ball in the back of the net on the stroke of half time.

ANOTHER Premiership face to face in the cup this time with the Arabs but we made easy work of it running away with a comfortable 4 nil win which was followed up with a 4-2 victory away to Hamilton are currently bottom of the table. It will be a shame if our Lanarkshire rivals go down.

We came from behind to beat St Mirren before again taking on the Arabs and again making short work of them.

We then faced off against our familiar rivals Shakhtar in the Europa League knockouts in a one off game rather than over two legs and, despite conceding a lot of possession, Chris Long bagged a 93rd minute winner to send us through!

Killie and Hibs were brushed aside in the league before, AGAIN, another Premiership foe in the cup.

We went to 'Paradise' and it didn't work out for us. Again Celtic played us off the park and tensions flared in a stormy game which had plenty of bookings.

 

The board have again agreed to invest in our youth and training facilities as they are keen to see kids come through to challenge for places which is fantastic.

 

The club is in a healthy state still.

As we head into March we are out of the Scottish Cup and 2 points behind Celtic with a game in hand. We also are still in Europe and go to France to take on Lille in our next game. Regardless of the result we have done ourselves proud with our performances in that tournament this year.

[metallimuse]

Youth Intake 2023

Here's what the HOYD says...

...and here's what that looks like...

...more strikers which we don't need.

On the whole though it's quite a good crop.

Edited March 10, 2020 by metallimuse

[Carambau]

Very good youth intake! I wish I had a decent one with St.Mirren once in a while... 

Great run in the league, everything is possible  

 

[metallimuse]

March 2022/23

Another really great month for the Steelmen.

It started with a narrow defeat away to Lille to end our European run which I was half expecting really. As I said before, we can be proud of our run and we picked up some great results along the way and I'm hopeful of a stronger showing next year in the Champions League after our results here.

We were once again dominant in the league this month when games came thick and fast. Just look at the dates of the fixtures above. I was playing games Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday for weeks on end to make up for the disruption to the season because of the Qatar World Cup.

The results weren't the only thing that were dominant as our play this month really just blew away teams were normally we give up possession in order to attack openly and quickly. We were battering teams and in a few of these games the opposition were limited to only a handful of shots all game.

We won our game in hand and took top spot in the league during the month and as the month came to a close we hosted Celtic. Our preparation was hampered by the fact that 4 of our players were called up for international duty. 

No place for excuses though and we welcomed them to Fir Park in what was a very close game, of sorts. Admittedly we were 2 down within 5 minutes but after that, very even 

We then went to Glasgow to take on the other half of the Old Firm and again were on the wrong end of a 2 nil game. Another very close game but we just couldn't pick apart the defence and find a way through.

It's worth noting that these are the first league games I've lost all year! A hell of a run for us but again it looks like as we come into the split we are about to come up just short.