Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
Building a Nation: Northern Ireland

http://cdn-02.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/article29803597.ece/cd2ad/AUTOCROP/w620/NWS_20131203_NEW_008_29839013_I4.JPG

Unfortunately because I had the same issues at @Dan and @tongey my attempt to not only conquer Europe but the entire World has had to end and that's a damn shame as I was thoroughly enjoying it and had just completed an excellent season at Dundalk before the problem occurred.

So like Dan himself, I'm attempting to build up an entire nation but it won't be Gibraltar as that'll be boring but instead I've decided to choose my 'homeland', yes I'll be managing in Northern Ireland in an attempt to not just build the nation up but 'changing' the entire Premiership without using the editor.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/xSPLRGqIeZ5cxomV21idnZTy6q5RIr7G3I8BH4DW.jpg

Eleven leagues have been loaded but only all playable divisions in Northern Ireland will be playable as I've no interest in jumping to another country throughout this career but I will be jumping around clubs in Northern Ireland but it won't be every single season, unless I get sacked.

The plan is to start in the bottom tier (Premier Intermediate League) and try and build the club up until they reach the top flight and establish themselves there as well, once I feel they're established then I'll step down and take charge of another club in the bottom tier whenever one becomes available and then rinse and repeat until the majority/all Premiership clubs have changed although seems impossible but it'll be fun I'm sure.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/zeFzLJYQIeXkUDq9rJvQkc6AeBMFHtOFE5cmqqL7.jpg

There's three playable divisions in Northern Ireland just like always - the Premier Intermediate League is ranked three hundred and fifty seventh in the rankings, Championship is ranked two hundred and eighty second (three worse than the sixth tier in Austrian football) while the Danske Bank Premiership is currently ranked in one hundred and second position - these will be checked at the end of every season but I don't expect an immediate change.

But while there's three playable league, we still have cup competitions that could potentially be won.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/n4Om9WRDnDYVLRHTTkzD4VYk1uLRgFKLEiHtmPJT.jpg
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/U8hGViLUbjCfdSaKy7vdyHfw4FiqkDOmN6t5X2dA.jpg

And there's six overall that could potentially be won throughout our attempt at building up this nation. The major competition, Irish Cup is currently ranked at a "lofty" ninety sixth while the League Cup is four positions lower in one hundredth. Down in one hundred and eighteenth is the Co. Antrim Shield.

The Steel & Sons Cup, a competition for only Intermediate and some top flight reserve teams is ranked at one hundred and ninety second, the Intermediate Cup is one hundred and ninety third and the Mid Ulster Cup, a cup just for clubs from, well, the Mid Ulster area is ranked in one hundred and nineteenth.

Building a Nation: Ten Years On (2026)


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/dHw6pHtzKiPVB21Ac29EkBXrgy5Pr94NV1Y4GJ8U.jpg

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/tyoPXOnv6LLYcsLfDdvNh5ZIEvZOqMGlNS6EBaZU.jpg
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/TlbjoQ88h84kMXABDjm412RQOX6ZSiwkCIAAIddS.jpg


Building a Nation: Twenty Years On! (2036)

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/TuAwxBjibD73Fpcn27LNQyP6WK9MSsqolVnbcOxs.jpg

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/FlAUIX7PbXYMyUHOzSLnJHnqiFXhh5Y08TzrPjac.jpg
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/41Pisk4pjmebtSOsboTU3CiHYW1nqeo0osUk6eSW.jpg



Managerial History/Trophy Cabinet:
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/2dcZ00RSpLKEhoxZC8X5Et74DfGIgWSiQdtJyN5B.png Sport & Leisure Swifts: 1 July 2016 - 7 May 2018 (1 year, 310 days) moved clubs

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/cHNheQ3bwAu2UYOZiCYhDXVYAWVd8BrU1WvrpGWO.png Bangor: 7 May 2018 - 19 June 2027 (9 years, 43 days) moved clubs
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ZQb8nfQTIYS2kLsg6L7MSqIsAxM9F2R0quPMNN1q.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/a5CHqPnhSW4pp2O86nGL6LWOoAxNfIga4D1bC5C0.png Premier Intermediate League 2019
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Od8LW4jJDIAfnFMozLXIQqTLwxMYHVmljxVA3nye.png Championship (play-off) 2020
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/1Q5O8mdCq7GbJvEgNMEh85TrDad68CQVe6MEWRHN.png Championship 2023, 2025
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ZQb8nfQTIYS2kLsg6L7MSqIsAxM9F2R0quPMNN1q.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Dfpp0XZrLJoE1FdRKgJcfaiyEwot4Q3fK7MjVE6w.png Intermediate Cup 2019
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/w9Fh9jj2HKEHYV1FYHQOjeB3b7R0T6dcw8sHMxTA.png Irish Cup 2024
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/v0TUQev9WUrapKfGMF11ptRvwzGYXgZXueBRZZCi.png Steel & Sons Cup 2025
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/z9wsp9EfGFNq46PWSCzBkGaa0NZJsJvx3lFfp7cV.png League Cup 2026
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/DvXfAalfh56XJEPytuYfrB2K3bBUh98TyJVkVJBh.png Co. Antrim Shield 2026

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/vuLECiDgltMUs8ppMpJ64OvQg9JbqGBDfGSlhiV7.png Glenavon: 19 June 2027 - 25 June 2031 (4 years, 6 days) resigned
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/NFTvyUwgKuoB8YkGU87lxt6I9x0Ak77UbVPBUPlr.png Premiership 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/w9Fh9jj2HKEHYV1FYHQOjeB3b7R0T6dcw8sHMxTA.png Irish Cup 2029, 2031
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/z9wsp9EfGFNq46PWSCzBkGaa0NZJsJvx3lFfp7cV.png League Cup 2029, 2031
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/9YcT9VL4B5Ugbv9HoUrYR9Z9wQ7bMarbuFgcQteF.png Mid-Ulster Cup 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wJMx8kLrGKKoMqUtyaLHug1AuPGARfHmtjIRWHF5.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/TIcgh4aakGncqsn8uLl6BBxV3hLtkZTp3qWwF32k.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/uyiFVDjPjkF4AwX5NiEAradH52t1hvDQCKklFfXC.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Oy76py8DXoZYeuPHSWmcg2g69yzqblb4px0VyGL6.png Scottish Challenge Cup 2028

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/xiRhc2hlMkA2zpjimXwHOkxWM7fgbwzyNBIP1T32.png Dollingstown: 10 July 2031 - 28 May 2035 (3 years, 322 days) moved clubs
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ZQb8nfQTIYS2kLsg6L7MSqIsAxM9F2R0quPMNN1q.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/a5CHqPnhSW4pp2O86nGL6LWOoAxNfIga4D1bC5C0.png Premier Intermediate League 2032
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/1Q5O8mdCq7GbJvEgNMEh85TrDad68CQVe6MEWRHN.png Championship 2033

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/cHNheQ3bwAu2UYOZiCYhDXVYAWVd8BrU1WvrpGWO.png Bangor: 28 May 2035 -
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/DvXfAalfh56XJEPytuYfrB2K3bBUh98TyJVkVJBh.png Co. Antrim Shield 2036
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/v0TUQev9WUrapKfGMF11ptRvwzGYXgZXueBRZZCi.png Steel & Sons Cup 2036
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ZQb8nfQTIYS2kLsg6L7MSqIsAxM9F2R0quPMNN1q.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Dfpp0XZrLJoE1FdRKgJcfaiyEwot4Q3fK7MjVE6w.png Intermediate Cup 2037
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QSaBF7HDQR6uan94LetNlH2Fbx5ErAn4j1KgKrHY.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/1Q5O8mdCq7GbJvEgNMEh85TrDad68CQVe6MEWRHN.png Championship 2037
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Cor dyou wanna copy my ideas and template layouts anymore @Shedender
TinakoFM
10 years ago
2 days ago
1,522
Best of luck with this, it's an interesting challenge. I've always liked managing in Northern Ireland on Football Manager.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
Oi @Dan, we kinda agreed over Private Message that it would be a good idea but only if we did different countries.

I'm all about doing challenges now and again @r96Skinner and this'll be no different, even if it's going to be done within the combines of one country. Due to supporting my local club (who happen to play in Northern Ireland), I won't be beginning with them.
________________________________________________________

It's time to meet the manager

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/h5ppTsQ60SRAwGkEzP5E611FgHqF10PmVffhz1ti.jpg
Please note, this is not me.
For me, this post is always the important(ish) one and it's time to meet the new manager in this career, a young manager who just wants to get his break in football management in his home country and I'm sure that's possible but whether I decide to begin unemployed or not remains to be seen, I had also considered beginning with the WORST predicted club in the bottom tier and trying to build them up as well.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/dxAozs8jsCN0aWTTfUguAqgSjiGtWCUSpQJBX33Q.jpg

So not only am I a twenty nine year old manager attempting to make a break in football management in my homeland, the problem is I've no coaching qualifications (for now at least) and a past playing reputation of a Sunday League Footballer but that's only because a Boys Brigade (the last time I played a game competitively) wasn't available. I was born in Dundonald which is located in east Belfast while I'm a fan of my local football club Bangor.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/jmwyxbktGtSi2CzZJrdFWOrc2yW6ytu8sJhOChRL.jpg

And if I'm to start unemployed then I've got my choice of three clubs - Dundela from the Premier Intermediate League but @Dan has already managed them so that'll be out but are favourites for the league, Newry City who also play in the Premier Intermediate League and predicted to finish fourth and the third club are Championship side Loughgall.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
________________________________________________________

"Welcome to Glen Road Heights, the home of Sport & Leisure Swifts FC"

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YwEKeGjqHyHmLauQU5SRhGqKqaz5q7IiKBhcySFK.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/jdfjMiyPR5URcGU9MDSpZPF0bpSNbUcobfQlwLS6.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/bLefpkOPi2y1fnqiyRGknRftGhVOVIOm15PP7B2D.png
These kits are custom made.

As you can see, I've made my decision on where I'm going to begin this career and an attempt to rise the football in Northern Ireland and I've decided to begin with the worst club in the bottom tier (going by media predictions) so I've chosen to take the reins at Sport & Leisure Swifts, a club from west Belfast who overachieved last season in real life, finishing the Premier Intermediate Cup (then Championship 2) in third position but despite that, they're predicted to finish this campaign rock bottom.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/VuZvqGaMD3JHiA0Coc5N7lAVSDP7zEActcbgPdq5.jpg

Here's a little information on the football for those who don't know them (which will be everyone I'm sure) but just like all the clubs in the Premiership, Championship and Premier Intermediate League's they're semi-professional and have a local reputation. Sport & Leisure play their home games at Glen Road (Heights) in west Belfast. The football club was founded in 1978 and played in the County Down Premier League and the Dunmurry League, before joining the Northern Amateur League in 1990 and had used Larne's Inver Park in 2009 while their Glen Road home was being improved to Championship standard.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wudhBVFBuFkvuGuOAZRJRy8qRWoxOkzuRiXGmM0Q.jpg

And this is conformation that I've been appointed the first team manager of Sport & Leisure Football Club for the 2016/17 campaign and I cannot wait to get started as it's going to be a challenge not finishing bottom and getting the sack in my first season in management. Unless I'm mistaken, I've agreed a one year deal at the football club with zero philosophies so I won't feel the pressure on that bit.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/kO3JdMtk8K1iOPOfb0qh788w66zgpesMVAEPkSfd.jpg

Wow, the pressure is on because this is my ENTIRE first team squad, a whole fourteen players so I'll need to head straight into the transfer market and start looking for potential signings, especially centre backs and central midfielders as those are seriously lacking at the moment. I'd like to try and "edge out" the 30+ of age players which would be Darren Munster, Neil Corr, Kevin Duff, Ciaran Gargan and Tony McQuade but then again, they may end up being kept for not only experience but also if I fail to bring better players in to replace them.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/xe5pGYIjCm8ONg3llgCGOZ6DO5GwQ8ZcbHHjGlSq.jpg

This is the final piece of news, I asked the board for a 'laugh' if I could go on a coaching course expecting them to say "no, we don't have the money" but instead, they accepted and the first day on the job and I'm already heading to get my National C Licence and that will take approx. four months to study and S&L will be covering the six hundred pounds.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
________________________________________________________

Sport & Leisure Swifts: Pre season round-up 2016/17

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YwEKeGjqHyHmLauQU5SRhGqKqaz5q7IiKBhcySFK.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/jdfjMiyPR5URcGU9MDSpZPF0bpSNbUcobfQlwLS6.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/bLefpkOPi2y1fnqiyRGknRftGhVOVIOm15PP7B2D.png

With my first preseason done and dusted and signings needed to be made, I had been expecting an almost new starting eleven before the campaign had begun and I didn't disappoint myself as I was "forced" to make over a dozen signings ahead of the new campaign in which we're predicted to finish rock bottom of the Premier Intermediate League but I'm confident we can avoid that.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/rzGhY9siXOujjwcw7JrODlxhcNgnrEn8iGMqhFTP.jpg

We have made thirteen signings ahead of the new campaign with maybe a few more still to come throughout the month of August and bar Nicky Clarke (on loan from Premiership side Coleraine) all players are on non-contracts so can leave at any time. Gareth Agnew, Sam Knox, Luke McDowell and Danny Magill all signed from "unattached" hile Chris McElroy (Annagh United), Joseph McClenaghan (Brantwood), Stuart Millar (Portstewart), Matthew Clarke (Lurgan Celtic), William Kempton (Ballinamallard United), Glen Clarke (Coagh United), Ross Wilson (Annagh United) and Scott McMillan (Harland & Wolff Welders) all signed.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/NhNTWwc3n4bE61eYfIRZPScDLTfh7cvgI2lRMarT.jpg
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/FjJ7UmO1wmrOg6lUfNZc8RsDcSDCyNOPJoKg53og.jpg

And this is how the squad looks going into the opening day of the Premier Intermediate League season and it looks a lot better than it did whenever I originally took the reins at Glen Road Heights, we now have depth although I'm still looking for at least one more central midfielder, attacking midfielder and striker but if I'm unable to find then whatever, I'm happy enough with the squad currently.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/cGrHEtFbyhGjL5kmPoYUveK1vwWhgSS4CBC3MRme.jpg

Bar the defeat at home to Glebe Rangers, pre-season went down a treat as we won our other four games and scored goals as well, only thing I'm a tad disappointed in was no clean sheets but c'est le view as it was pretty much a new back four + goalkeeper iirc. Following the home loss to Glebe we travelled to Ardoyne (won 3-1), Nortel (won 4-1), Bryansburn Rangers (won 6-3) and Newtowne (won 2-1). I feel we're ready.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Superb transfer window, think you'll be up there come the end of the season dude
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
And no one has left the club yet so all in all, I'm pleased with the business I've done @Dan.
________________________________________________________

Sport & Leisure Swifts: Mid season round-up 2016/17

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YwEKeGjqHyHmLauQU5SRhGqKqaz5q7IiKBhcySFK.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/jdfjMiyPR5URcGU9MDSpZPF0bpSNbUcobfQlwLS6.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/bLefpkOPi2y1fnqiyRGknRftGhVOVIOm15PP7B2D.png

With a good preseason on and off the field concluded it's now time to begin with the competitive season which begins with a trip to potential struggler's Lisburn Distillery. As you can see on the previous update, THIRTEEN signings were made but I'm confident they can quickly gel together and we can have an excellent campaign. Right now, I would take a Steel & Sons or Intermediate Cup run along with at least a mid-table finish.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/UEGC6Q9lcQRTnRUn7yh5Mesdolg2XG6kyV70bjbl.jpg

But before I get on with the results throughout the first part of the season I made four more signings - Luke Murtagh and Rhys Grainger both signed from fellow Premier Intermediate League side Lisburn Distillery, Matt Lowe is a central midfielder who joined from Silverwood and Lithuanian winger Emilijus Grabys came in from 'unattached'.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/XopCLOCEK3bwxmigCITZ1qyDu6FbnoBdltstMRpM.jpg

The club still remain in the Irish Cup with the visit or Crusaders coming up, well, I expect us to be dumped out. I'm a little disappointed we couldn't have success in the Steel & Sons Cup, losing in the semi final stage to 'non league' side Coagh United as we had beaten Crumlin United, Glebe Rangers, Glentoran Seconds and Ballymoney United (all at home) before our exit. Loughgall dumped us out of the League Cup in the first round while Championship side Dergview beat us in the third round of the Intermediate Cup - we beat Rathfern and Dollingstown in the previous two rounds.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/qDpgzrueCPNgxw3tfjQNNWtybfEZpaTzDvzO4Lmg.jpg

As expected it's been a tough league season at Glen Road Heights as we've won four games out of the thirteen that's been played as we've secured just the one away win thus far, on the opening day against Distillery while our other three wins against Queens, Donegal Celtic and Distillery have all come at home. We've had six draws thus far and if we had managed to turn a few of them into wins then we could've been a few positions higher but c'est le vie. The side have lost only three times thus far.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/p4Cumv7Ot8coerKflUdzTwWsXJz8jshJDEdG4Jwz.jpg

Just nine league games are remaining but surely it would take a disastrous run of form for us to be relegated, right? Sport & Leisure are currently in eighth place which I'm pleased enough win - four wins, six draws and three defeats from our thirteen PIL games - Dundela, as expected, are top while Distillery are bottom and win-less at present.
TinakoFM
10 years ago
2 days ago
1,522
Tough season so far indeed. Hopefully you can get a mid-table finish.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
It was always going to be a tough season @r96Skinner as they're probably the smallest club in the division so I'm satisfied with how things are going, at present.
________________________________________________________

Sport & Leisure Swifts: End of season round-up 2016/17

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YwEKeGjqHyHmLauQU5SRhGqKqaz5q7IiKBhcySFK.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/jdfjMiyPR5URcGU9MDSpZPF0bpSNbUcobfQlwLS6.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/bLefpkOPi2y1fnqiyRGknRftGhVOVIOm15PP7B2D.png

It's been an enjoyable first campaign for me thus far at Sport & Leisure Swifts even though we've only tasted victory in three of our first sixteen league games, I'm delighted we aren't stranded at the bottom. Just nine league games are remaining this season, regardless of what happens this has been a season to remember at times for the S&L support and it would take a disaster for us to finish bottom.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/9PKF4hvKsFojmgwRJoIENJprfyzrwYxaXfGTAtw1.jpg

Even though we had the 'audacity' to take the lead at home to our illustrious opponents our run in the Irish Cup ended as expected at Crusaders progressed with a 4-1 victory at Glen Road Heights, I was surprised at how well we played against a much bigger club and was a little disappointed we could only score the once but I wasn't expecting a win against the Crues and would've been foolish to think otherwise.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/IYZ9nd1edmkjHa3xpeJjQ6n5SJBdlmWrojZDEsSL.jpg

Er, enough said about our final nine league games the better as I've no idea what happened. We just couldn't buy a win nor a clean sheet for that matter as only one was kept and that came in an undeserved 0-0 draw away to Donegal Celtic. When the side took the lead, we couldn't hold on for the win. Our final nine games brought four defeats and five draws and I'm glad this season is done.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/mZ4EST79vjNF2hc1tel0jBm2dKvWOKRaw5lT4Z8W.jpg

So because of that poor run of form it ended up being a tenth place finish for Sport & Leisure in my first season in charge and I can't pretend to be a little disappointed because I am but I was offered, and signed a new one year deal. The major problem I had was a goal scoring striker as my first choice bagged only five goals in the league and that's simply not good enough and will hopefully be addressed in the summer. Lisburn Distillery somehow survived relegation by finishing bottom.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
________________________________________________________

Sport & Leisure Swifts: Pre season round-up 2017/18

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YwEKeGjqHyHmLauQU5SRhGqKqaz5q7IiKBhcySFK.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/FQ76Ce1mgdrgy1LoFmfkYC72zYM6HWij69tYvJXq.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/KdbmOOdv1SNQA9V1VPVigt2lNQ76GPfQjpXKzLCK.png

Season two is about to begin for me in west Belfast and improvements are needed after how last season in ended with a nine match win-less run in the Premier Intermediate League but although I was glad we were pretty much safe from relegation, it was embarrassing and the worst run I've had in my 'short' managerial run thus far. The pressure is on now because of the signings I've made, Sport & Leisure are predicted to finish in SIXTH place.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/CsshvPKqbIXWcc6pUw1MraaYYRWx874O1mZVPuyM.jpg

It ended up being a case of three in and three out this summer for Sport & Leisure as I struggled to add to the squad before the end of pre season although I'd suspect more signings and possible departures to happen throughout the season. We will start with the ins and I'm pleased to have brought in left winger Jordan Lucas from "unattached", centre back Kevin McLaughlin from Crumlin Star and goalkeeper Jack McCrea from Coagh United - leaving the club was Lithuanian left winger Emiljus Grabys after no goals in thirteen appearances, striker Neil Corr retired and is now a scout at the club and shot stopper Damian Nugent was released after becoming unhappy at the club.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/1vvzsLJ3eposbX5g7vYjnDKW7XdOesTLXe1jW8Iu.jpg

Our pre season program turned out to be a mixed bag and rightly so considering I arranged three 'big' friendlies at our Glen Road Heights home and it was those games we ended up losing as both Premiership side Crusaders and English Football League side Carlisle United both won one nil while Cliftonville went one better and won two nil but we did beat the teams we should've beat as Dollingstown, Holywood, 1st Bangor and Groomsport were all defeated.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/SuvfOuCEC6PU1qll125lkISwQj4FzS1jg2ciKf3Y.jpg

But I was hoping I wouldn't have been at S&L this season whenever another certain Premier Intermediate League job became available and it was one I would've loved and still do. Garth Scates decided to resign at the end of June (along with the rest of the coaching staff) which meant the Bangor job was available for the first time in this career (although I've only played a season) but sadly after attending an interview they told me I was unsuccessful and gave the job to the former Dundela manager who stepped down following their PIL win.

If only I had more coaching badges, I could've been success. If only.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
________________________________________________________

Sport & Leisure Swifts: Mid season round-up 2017/18

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YwEKeGjqHyHmLauQU5SRhGqKqaz5q7IiKBhcySFK.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/FQ76Ce1mgdrgy1LoFmfkYC72zYM6HWij69tYvJXq.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/KdbmOOdv1SNQA9V1VPVigt2lNQ76GPfQjpXKzLCK.png

With a mixed but otherwise decent preseason behind us it was now time to concentrate on my second competitive season in charge of Sport & Leisure Swifts and the pressure is on as last season the club was predicted to finish in eleventh place but this season the football club were expected by the media to finish as high as sixth, no pressure (sarcasm!) is on us then.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QDdUyNICeyGNImkq9YKpt8xMjp4G7KCSBg7tUscU.jpg

First things first though, I was able to add two players to our first team squad as both striker Ross Craig joined from Bangor and Nicky Kerr arrived from "unattached" following his release from Premiership side Coleraine in the summer, the central midfielder was on-loan with us last season. The biggest blow in the outs was striker Rhys Grainger who joined Carrick Rangers which disappointed me a little as he had started the campaign in blistering form - Philip Morgan and Tony McQuade also departed and truth be told won't be overly missed.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/IIxPta7GFrP6GiIXSarXppdlbKJOYy3yBaRlUSPn.jpg

We reached our first cup final since I arrived at the club but unfortunately it turned out to be a heartbreaking Christmas Day as Cliftonville Olympic (Cliftonville's reserve team) beat us 2-0 in the final and it's a little "ironic" as their first team dumped us out of the League Cup at our first hurdle, Limavady threw us out of the Intermediate Cup in the second round while I'll expect progress in the Irish Cup as we welcome Wakehurst to Glen Road Heights in the fifth round.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/kwxWIlgkmBvHxpeum3cCfL0Q9CmfRlTdr8JYCQ2Y.jpg

Oh my, I'm shocked because we've had an excellent first period of the campaign as the team have only tasted defeat twice in thirteen games (4-1 at home to Annagh, 2-0 away to Limavady). I couldn't have asked for a much better start to the league season after how we ended last campaign as not only did we win our opening three games but the side only scored sixteen goals and conceded the four. Our final two league games of the year ended with back-to-back wins and back-to-back clean sheets against Donegal Celtic and basement club Immaculata.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/SYPOKvHawkqviQ0grJ1XDBMJa7ZQSINQACkZQG4v.jpg

And although I'd be quite surprised if we could maintain this form, I'm chuffed to see we are sitting top of the Premier Intermediate League and also five points clear of second placed Limavady United and the most shocking thing, take a look at our goal difference, +22. Bangor, whose chairman turned me down in the summer are down in fifth place while newly promoted Immaculata are bottom.
TinakoFM
10 years ago
2 days ago
1,522
Excellent start to the season, @Shedender! Just a shame about the Steel & Sons Cup final though. Hope you can keep the current form going.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
I was generally heartbroken @r96Skinner because I thought we had a superb opportunity to get my first trophy at Sport & Leisure but alas it wasn't to be, oh well, onwards and upwards, we need to concentrate on trying to get promotion to the Championship although it won't be easy.
________________________________________________________

BREAKING NEWS

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/qfwHOGwwSstqrPvTIHYR5feQLrotCOiHBZr4nyEM.png

It's coming to an end and that's my time at Premier Intermediate League side Sport & Leisure Swifts regardless of whether we end up getting promoted to the Championship or not and that's because a job I've been chasing previously once again came up and once again I applied for it but they allowed me to delay it until the end of the current campaign which helps me a lot.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/xpgmf9gahN1ujbt8tDPKcedaCucKs7WxRjig0Qwb.jpg

Struggling down in ninth position in the Premier Intermediate League, the Bangor chairman decided to pull the trigger and sack former Dundela manager Steven Hyndes after only one hundred and ninety one days at Bangor Fuels Arena and it's def. a job I've made no secret about wanting since I began my managerial career. Bangor were preseason favourites to win the PIL this season but have massively underachieved.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/NGYbBQLpJLLibBc8HYSyPpvgnBLBdvrc1Sm2CoIx.jpg

And it's going to be up to me to try and bring the football club back to the Premier League for the first time in 2008 as I've agreed to take the reins at Bangor Fuels Arena effect from the end of this current season, I'll be getting eighty pounds less than I'm currently on but I don't care about the cash when you get to manage your beloved Seasiders. Sport & Leisure will receive one thousand one hundred pounds in compensation and I've agreed a one year deal.

I did ideally want to remain at Sport & Leisure until I attempted to get them promoted to the Premier League but I couldn't turn down the opportunity of managing my home town club.
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
You were doing well with L&S interest in to see if you can overtake them.
Grimnir
16 years ago
2 months ago
2,727
I think the real progress will be made now you've got your dream job. Best of luck there!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
I'm confident we can overtake S&L @Sean_ as they're potentially a bigger club but it sure won't be easy.

That's what I'm hoping will happen @Suffolk Seasider but promotion needs to happen as I don't think I could handle a third consecutive season in the bottom tier.
________________________________________________________

Sport & Leisure Swifts: End of season round-up 2017/18

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YwEKeGjqHyHmLauQU5SRhGqKqaz5q7IiKBhcySFK.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/FQ76Ce1mgdrgy1LoFmfkYC72zYM6HWij69tYvJXq.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/KdbmOOdv1SNQA9V1VPVigt2lNQ76GPfQjpXKzLCK.png

We have had a superb first part of the season and everything was going swimmingly well although I'm still a little 'devastated' we failed to win the Steel & Sons Cup, you shouldn't ever be losing to a reserve team but then in around March/April time the news broke that I'd be leaving the club in the summer to join not only my beloved football club but my home town club as well - but I insisted I was still going to give 100% at Glen Road Heights until my departure.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/D0auxKnsGTSWiR5SDUrdS60lEr3IZUbj6y6CiWQy.jpg

Just one more cup competition remained in the New Year and that was the Irish Cup, that run would come to an end in the sixth round, losing 2-0 to Dundela at Wilgar Park in a close game - Wakehurst were beaten three goals to one in the previous round at Glen Road Heights.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/uiEQWNx1qqqIqJJMHhVf3zIRCSIXojkgH6H3oDON.jpg

The final nine league games turned out to be a mixed bag although it was much better than how we ended last season - we lost three games all one nil against Queens University Belfast, Tobermore United and Newry City with the latter proving to be a critical loss but it's one we deserved as I feel with the pressure on us, we failed to show up at the Newry Showgrounds, we did beat the league leaders Limavady United three one in our penultimate league game.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Oy3SuLNHyFSMAuKcdbWFKC62STbKbszOBQHePJW2.jpg

And because of that defeat away to Newry the club had to settle for a runners-up spot but it' was still a season to remember as S&L clearly overachieved in the Premier Intermediate League and will play a two legged relegation/promotion play-off against Championship side Dergview. The club I'm joining, Bangor, have underachieved and finished the season in seventh.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/vwL2FRJUynCqdPmsXD5YnOFVVx61cXPwajKHahMG.jpg

It was a first leg to remember at Glen Road Heights as an excellent 2-0 win was secured and set us up perfectly for the return leg at Darragh Park four days later. Kevin Lynch broke the deadlock on twenty seven minutes and I thought it was going to finish one nil but attacking midfielder Ciaran Doherty doubled the lead with a minute to go to set up the second leg lovely.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Wu27s7GWIVXbtoE3qvtbopj0IKy4oFIEDSMz5fS0.jpg

Whenever your aggregate lead is snuffed out after only three minutes in the second leg then you know it's not going to be your night. I'm devastated, I truly am as it was a nightmare end to an excellent season as Dergivew won the game 4-2 on the night and then five four on penalties. Former Bangor duo Jordan Lucas and Ross Craig scored our goals. We found ourselves 3-0 down inside the opening twenty five minutes. Heartbreak.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/dG9uWl2J5orxkzWrZ7Tuf5s9qFMFR8mwDUuhPZ97.jpg

And conformation that I've officially signed my contract with Bangor and now I say goodbye to Sport & Leisure Swifts.
TinakoFM
10 years ago
2 days ago
1,522
Wow, so unlucky in the play-off vs. Dergview, crazy second leg! Good luck with Bangor!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
I was disappointed I couldn't guide Sport & Leisure to promotion after such an excellent season @r96Skinner but they still overachieved regardless. Cheers, it's nice to actually get a chance to manage my home town club.
________________________________________________________

Who are Bangor Football Club?

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YBlY28lvHWhOr1pAFa7Gt0SNjf2wWKBKRm84li1v.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/UwKM6f3RtqIJ4aXzBrkUsvkdHO4zjdmKFc2OdLSN.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/A1d5t3PZDSva2Aj25XPa88JtBLQGL8gpbH3wFoCT.png

"No, they aren't f**king Welsh" is perhaps the most response I have for people, they're from Northern Ireland and my local club. But I digress, this is just going to be a simple update which will have the squad information page and the current underachieving first team squad which I'll be looking to turn their fortunes around and I can guarantee the pressure will be on me from the get go.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Zm0x7sRrZx04OX8MK7D5Is33fnAEcQhPMWDW1Wnd.jpg

And the pressure is indeed on me from the beginning because for the second campaign running (and my first at the club) they are favourites to win the Premier Intermediate League and I need to ensure promotion to the Championship happens or I'll find myself in the unemployment line. They play their home matches at Bangor Fuels Arena and have a capacity of two thousand seven hundred and fifty but only five hundred seats. They've rubbish training and youth facilities, something I'd love to change during my time here.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/UL03zSqgZhNwO4UMMoW6H2JHp3t4SfCq0TBNO2BS.jpg
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/GsM1tVRlLwoeHJPf1jrwbJPDR1y8K8VCKep1rZd7.jpg

This is the first team squad which I'll be taking charge off and although it's decent enough, changes need to made and depth needs to be added. Young centre midfielder John Bingham will def. leave the club as he's only on loan from Ballymena United but I'd like to try and keep the remainder of the squad together while trying to add quality to it, it'll be tough, but doable. Three players are currently out injured but will be back when the season begins.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Been away from the site but making this into a good story so far @Shedender nice to see you back among the kit editing as well
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
Cheers @Dan, hopefully you'll be back and updating your career in due course.
________________________________________________________

Bangor: Preseason round-up 2018/19

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YBlY28lvHWhOr1pAFa7Gt0SNjf2wWKBKRm84li1v.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/UwKM6f3RtqIJ4aXzBrkUsvkdHO4zjdmKFc2OdLSN.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/A1d5t3PZDSva2Aj25XPa88JtBLQGL8gpbH3wFoCT.png

So my first preseason at Bangor Fuels Arena has been and went and now it's time for the competitive action to begin. I would be lying if I said I wasn't 'nervous' as this'll be the first time managing my home town club in Football Manager 2017 but at the same time I'm also excited to see what happens this season and whether I can guide the club to a promotion that was supposed to happen last season.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ZimIIzyoibTzZ3cw1CcEMgz5MKpVKN6tSocl3vnE.jpg

I returned to Sport & Leisure this summer to 'raid' them and bring three players from Glen Road Heights, three players who I had brought in the previous summer and one of them was the former Bangor winger Jordan Lucas while attacking midfielder Luke Murtagh and centre midfielder Matt Lowe also sign from S&L. Centre back Kevin McLaughlin (yes, formerly of Sport & Leisure) joins from Larne while left back Nathan McConnell arrives from Banbridge. No one has left the club, yet.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/RMI0cY41y5tvj95Y4IIW8uomgObhXzbsvcXn1TKW.jpg
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/2WrfDw9X1GLl4ArqTvoBh6wODS9g4hXNUwx7kG68.jpg

And the squad is beginning to take shape following the five arrivals as we've got good strength in certain positions, especially down the right hand side with Gary Phair and Andy Long. I've got big hopes for left winger Gerard McMullan as he's a cracking player in real life, didn't score for the club last season on the game so that's something I'll need to change. Andy Long will remain captain, a decision I had made before even joining the club, would've been a little awkward if he'd left.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/n5Wst4jAes1UfCZztafe5UhaSVpv9jlj4NESaQnl.jpg

Preseason went decently well if we ignore that shocking one goal to nil defeat away at Bangor Young Men - we won three of our other four preseason friendlies as Ardglass, Dollingstown and Rathcoole were beaten while the club picked up a credible draw at home to Premiership side Glenavon.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
________________________________________________________

Bangor: Mid season round-up 2018/19

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YBlY28lvHWhOr1pAFa7Gt0SNjf2wWKBKRm84li1v.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/UwKM6f3RtqIJ4aXzBrkUsvkdHO4zjdmKFc2OdLSN.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/A1d5t3PZDSva2Aj25XPa88JtBLQGL8gpbH3wFoCT.png

With quite a successful preseason behind us (minus the shock defeat to Bangor Young Men) it's time for the competitive season to begin and since I only 'know' the one 'style', I'm going to use the same formation I used with Sport & Leisure Swifts for the past two season and since (no disrespect to my former employers) I'm at a bigger club well I expecting it to be a success - which means, watch it crash and burn and I'll be sacked.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/TgqKRqv4aoMCOgyjJ31tIL0HHebN6SMl8x38xCEQ.jpg

Once again I've came up short in the Steel & Sons Cup as a manager, losing in the semi final stage to amateur league side Nortel who went on to lift the trophy, beating another amateur side Malachians in the final. My first run in the Co. Antrim Shield ended at the first hurdle as Premiership side Crusaders dumped us out four one while Championship side PSNI ended our League Cup run in the third round no thanks to a one hundred and twentieth minute winner while we still remain in both the Irish Cup and Intermediate Cup.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/OxMa3IUB1h5hJCE9eUH0Rt9N438i9e3QtU7N9P4J.jpg

Don't think anyone or even myself seen this coming but we've had an excellent first part of the twenty eighteen/nineteen season, losing just the one game and deservedly so three nil at home to a Larne side who were simply better than us on the night. In the first meeting since my departure, a late goal Sport & Leisure goal denied me maximum points at Glen Road Heights, unless I'm mistaken, Dale Patton scored late on for the hosts levelled in stoppage time. Bangor ended the calendar year in the league with four consecutive wins.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wh5GF3azL8kTFspSMBQPjBCHmM69LnJVelsmqgyb.jpg

And we are top but despite our excellent form, Newry have been just as excellent as ourselves and are only a point behind in second place while my former side Sport & Leisure have continued on from I left off and are up in third despite letting a lot of players leave in the summer. Newbuildings, newly promoted this season are bottom and look likely to go the same way as last seasons promoted side Immaculata and that's straight back down - I would love for them to survive though, just for a change.
DNZY
15 years ago
3 weeks ago
1,882
Premium
Looking good lad, just need Killyleagh to rise high enough to challenge you.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
Ha @DNZY I'm not afraid of Killyleagh, no one is.
________________________________________________________

Bangor: End of season round-up 2018/19

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YBlY28lvHWhOr1pAFa7Gt0SNjf2wWKBKRm84li1v.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/UwKM6f3RtqIJ4aXzBrkUsvkdHO4zjdmKFc2OdLSN.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/A1d5t3PZDSva2Aj25XPa88JtBLQGL8gpbH3wFoCT.png

It's been an enjoyable stint at Bangor Fuels Arena since my arrival as I've only suffered one defeat in the Premier Intermediate League thus far as the football club sit proudly at the top of the table and remain in not only the Intermediate Cup but the Irish Cup as well and will this be the season in which I finally pick up my first piece of silverware as a football manager or will the trophy cabinet remain empty?

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Zyd9ov3BBqF7rmjTSfSjaaguVCccxqQCE7oJoQuM.jpg
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/PtTAY5PO7uuy05UKXJ43UdIHIeOhAN4oVMGcrhl2.jpg

I'm delighted to announce that for the first time in football management I won my first piece of silverware as the side beat Lisburn Distillery two one to lift in the Intermediate Cup but it was heartbreak in the Irish Cup as Linfield deservedly beat us in the final but we overachieved in the latter competition so I've no real complaints but we had defeated three other Premier Division clubs in the previous rounds as Ballymena United, Ballinamallard United and Glenavon were defeated but we couldn't do the impossible but I've no complaints.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/nJdTo6sebO8mjWnCrwzgI63i1mbZJ42CebRfbShi.jpg

Our league form continued from the first part of the season as the side lost just one more game (a final day defeat at home to Annagh) but the campaign did end with three games without a win but I can't complain at how well this season has went - our best result was a thumping four goals to nil win against second placed Newry City at home, the visitors missed a spot kick at 0-0 and then we ran riot in the second period.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/GHbEq51MDByWK92ji45ZSixSzZxHjTeRZaCbQMhW.jpg

So it's turned out to be a double this season and I'm over the moon even though the club was predicted to win the league this season but because they underachieved last season, well, the pressure was on me to be a success and I feel I succeeded. Newbuildings sadly ended up being relegated after just one season in the PIL which is a shame while S&L finished in fifth position in their first season without me at the helm.
DNZY
15 years ago
3 weeks ago
1,882
Premium
Ha @DNZY I'm not afraid of Killyleagh, no one is.


Linfield probably are after I defeated them 6-1 at Windsor Park in FM14.
TinakoFM
10 years ago
2 days ago
1,522
Well done, @Shedender. A double! Keep it up next season.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
Quite jealous, don't think I've beaten Linfield by that scoreline @DNZY or any 'top club' by that scoreline.

Cheers @r96Skinner it's nice that I was finally able to get my first trophies and hopefully more will follow.
________________________________________________________

Bangor: Preseason round-up 2019/20

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YBlY28lvHWhOr1pAFa7Gt0SNjf2wWKBKRm84li1v.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/UwKM6f3RtqIJ4aXzBrkUsvkdHO4zjdmKFc2OdLSN.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/3y8vPMehtIy7JFP98aTW1KogJWNWQsuvW52fplM9.png

Last season was a memorable season at Bangor as not only did I guide the club to the Premier Intermediate League but I also guided them to the Intermediate Cup after victory over fellow PIL side Lisburn Distillery but make no mistake, this upcoming season in the Championship is going to be a tough one and the pressure's on as I'm predicted to guide the side to a fifth place finish.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/FPYKRI4I93iqsILYF55y9nzuFCPdVrVZBf9N7QYL.jpg

It turned out to be a busy summer at the North Down club as five players arrived and three players departed but their was two departures that "cheesed" me off and that was Conal Crawford went to Warrenpoint Town and Dale Patton headed to Ballinamallard United while young striker Lee Sinclair was Dungannon bound. As for the arrivals, I went to my former club Sport & Leisure once again to capture attacking midfielder Ciaran Doherty who didn't want to join us last season so I'm delighted to have got him, Ross Craig has re-joined the club from Dollingstown, Nicky Black has arrived from Queens while Armagh duo Matthew Dempster and Kyle Crawford joined.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/zoOtAcIenJr5ubAIsEhDOwoDa5gPsESlcblT8GRr.jpg
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/KLKPr4vCXFacV6ecvvOTG4z78T5nuTYkik21Da9U.jpg

The squad is beginning to take shape but some players (who are rated 2* or less) will end up leaving the club but only if I'm able to get suitable replacements in as I eventually want to make the squad 'mine'. I'm going to face a struggle to keep young goalkeeper John Kelly as despite only being eighteen, he's already rated at four and a half stars and speaking of youngsters, I've got big things expected of young striker Sean Curran, young centre back Neil Marshall and new centre midfielder Matthew Dempster - which means all three will leave for the Premiership side in due course as they're all on non-contracts, the curse of this level.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/PxMjkdmyAJg2kGHsigWC60joPIlq26RL1Cn4SRAE.jpg

Don't have many complaints at how our preseason went as we won three games and lost two from the five that were arranged. The side began with three straight wins on the road against Dunmurry, Bangor Young Men (the team that beat me last preseason) and Grove United while our two home friendlies ended in defeat at the hands of Manchester City Under 23's and Premiership side Dungannon Swifts.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
________________________________________________________

Bangor: Mid season round-up 2019/20

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YBlY28lvHWhOr1pAFa7Gt0SNjf2wWKBKRm84li1v.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/UwKM6f3RtqIJ4aXzBrkUsvkdHO4zjdmKFc2OdLSN.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/3y8vPMehtIy7JFP98aTW1KogJWNWQsuvW52fplM9.png

After four seasons in the bottom playable tier in the Irish League, Bangor Football Club returned to the Championship much to the players, boards and fans' delight but it's up to me to ensure the club remain in this division and continue to progress and I'm confident that's doable but only if we're able to keep our talented players intact and add better quality to the ones that'll leave in the future.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ffJB4nkcKpgU008HjQFL5TZOkCuY3icPL3zQOhJ0.jpg

It seems the Steel & Sons Cup will be that one trophy that I'll annoyingly not win after bitter rivals Ards defeated us in the quarter finals this season 2-0. Our run in this seasons Co. Antrim Shield saw us reach the quarter finals before losing three nil to Crusaders at Bangor Fuels Arena while we remain in the Irish Cup, Intermediate Cup and will play Linfield in the final of the League Cup although I can't see us winning that one but then again, stranger things have happened in football.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/u9p6M39WaQAJ6poiBzzT7orV3RvMZTjoItV0wQb4.jpg

To say our league form has been a little inconsistent is an understatement with our worst result being a four one loss away to Loughgall (which was Loughgall's first win of the league campaign) while our best result to date, avoiding the single goal win over Ards, would've been the six one demolition of Lurgan Celtic as we had fallen behind in that game. The final game of twenty nineteen saw us lose three two "away" to our fierce rivals.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/niqu1HyAWFOCXL9XVIOaKRvcoOIGvNnwZlEEprD0.jpg

And despite our inconsistent form in the first part of the season we still find ourselves up in second place which I'm pleased with but it's tight as ourselves and two other clubs (Harland & Wolff Welders & PSNI) are on twenty six points. We have a positive goal difference which is always nice to see and I'm happy enough with the clubs progress thus far.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
________________________________________________________

Bangor: End of season round-up 2019/20

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YBlY28lvHWhOr1pAFa7Gt0SNjf2wWKBKRm84li1v.pnghttps://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/UwKM6f3RtqIJ4aXzBrkUsvkdHO4zjdmKFc2OdLSN.png https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/3y8vPMehtIy7JFP98aTW1KogJWNWQsuvW52fplM9.png

It's been an enjoyable campaign back in the Championship for Bangor as things are looking good for a successful enough campaign for last seasons PIL champions. I would've loved to have added the Steel & Sons Cup to my small trophy cabinet but once again that's trophy still alludes me. I'd love to win a piece of silverware this season but it won't be the end of the world.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/eY2UWV5sUXUQh75OQDJZxuEJ52vkdj5YzbOEdn81.jpg
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/1gY6MMW63QqHIkEXKuXSZLPhUdnGEYg5WJ8LW5df.jpg

Yet again we've done reasonably well in the cup competitions even if we came up short in the League Cup as Linfield ended up beating us one nil. As I said in the previous thread our Co. Antrim Shield and Steel & Sons Cup runs both ended at the quarter final stage following home defeats against Crusaders and Ards respectively while our fierce rivals Ards once again beat us in another cup competition, this time the Intermediate Cup and Coleraine dumped us out of the Irish Cup.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ZbQO0HTQMdFFSRBRzh11K9UubW7MDQx1FWS9PNec.jpg

We had quite a successful second part of the season even if the team did end up losing three more times in the Championship to Dundela, Carrick Rangers and Dergview while for the second time this season we recorded a massive 6-1 scoreline as Newry City were destroyed at Newry Showgrounds. The league campaign ended with a hard fought since goal victory away to Dundela in a game that also seen us miss a spot kick.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/1l6BX82HHvA7ZMzjUBoK0f9CeXZ834tfg06V72rV.jpg

And I suppose it's got to be a massive congratulations to Dergview who ended up winning the Championship title despite being predicted by the media back in preseason to finish down in eleventh place while Dundela, who had been predicted to finish eighth ended up third. I'm pleased with our runners-up finish and the club will face Dundela in a two legged playoff with the winner going on to face Ballinamallard United who finished eleventh place in the Premiership.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/sDlqp4rlcWW0acYdL9JbApGKHIYGFvuzJOEPki4o.jpg

The first leg against Dundela went to plan as we recorded an, in my opinion, deserved two goals to nil victory at Bangor Fuels Arena as centre midfielder Matt Lowe had broken the deadlock after twenty eight minutes before left winger Jordan Lucas' first goal of the season made it two goals to nil on sixty one minutes and we kept a clean sheet to give us hope heading into the second leg.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/40oRuJxxmilW0hf7XkFAdDZeCCWqrZZ4niipMaMf.jpg

And the return leg at Wilgar Park in Belfast proved to be a lot more difficult then I had anticipated as we were outplayed in large parts of the contest but drew three apiece to book a two legged date against Ballinamallard. Centre back Brett Widdowson had give us the lead on twenty one minutes but goals from Anto Burns (33) and Mark Miskimmin (61) turned the game around, Gerard McMullan levelled on the night after seventy three minutes but Mark Clarke put Dundela back in front on the night ten minutes later, McMullan's dramatic equaliser with a minute remaining secured our date against the Mallards.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/lkZsszzxDzed3LOSboLrei2bE7ZiH1bYbikMyGr0.jpg

So we welcomed Ballinamallard to Bangor Fuels Arena just three days after the three all draw away to Dundela and we secured a massive advantage on our quest for an unlikely promotion, winning 3-1 thanks to a late brace from Jordan Lucas who has found the perfect time to actually score this season. Young striker Sean Curran had put us in the lead on the night after forty eight minutes but Nathan Jones' goal with twelve minutes remaining looked like it had earned Ballinamallard a draw for Lucas' late double and with a week to go until the second leg - could we secure an unlikely promotion?

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/qJIrBPrSq5EoqI7uotgUDIDhfg8SEd5rMSOboBwt.jpg

PREMIERSHIP BABY!! I don't believe what's just happened but Bangor Football Club are heading back amongst the elite of Irish League football for the first time since 2008 after winning the second leg against B'mallard three one (six two on aggregate) thanks to a hat trick from Sean Curran as he had struck after sixty four, eighty and eighty seven minutes and that was after conceding inside the opening two minutes at Ferney Park. I'm stunned.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wObBsPwlG0lN0ODYMSSwETQ4FKb7cP0g1W4nhamS.jpg

But then this happened and now I'm a little conflicted on what I actually want to do. Part of me would love to remain at Bangor and snub Linfield (even though I applied and I'd more than likely be able to add to my coaching badges) because they've got a small squad but I could easily add to it due to being given a good transfer budget for this league but then I lost John Kelly, my first choice and best shot stopper to Dungannon on a free because he wouldn't talk about a new deal. So conflicted. I think I know what to do but whether it's the right decision remains to be seen.

Linfield's predicted to finish the season as champions, Bangor's predicted to finish eleventh.
TinakoFM
10 years ago
2 days ago
1,522
Wow. Congrats! Great achievement. If it were me, I'd take the Linfield job, but it's up to you.

You'll need to Login to comment