Rick87
14 years ago
6 days ago
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Good luck mate, Colin McMenaman has been a thorn in my side several times in my game so he certainly still has it.
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Pre Season 12-13

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/YQ1kno2Qx5zUW3zEVV5iq1PbX3W2vvFcB8SmyH6f.png

Pre season went pretty well to be honest. I usually just use it for fitness and testing tactics and really i have achieved my goals with this.

Transfers

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/aSDgPbofXRJqEIhrZkJZ7EUakcNa9zsyhJACuT8l.png

Letheren was my first signing and at this level, with no fee or wages being paid, he is an absolute steal. Hoping he can keep my defense in order.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/y7Tut3J56eeVOTTVkWjXFPKtM9H8ApDVVmwT9tN5.png

Irvine is another loanee hoping to make a big impression. Good stats for a young lad and again hes not costing me much!

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/RxhOYfJXrv3QvSMSWoQDjzmdqTtF4kQN2L16qdqt.png

White is another loanee coming in to fill out my squad and certainly has the quality to make an impact when he plays.

Its Fergie Time already?...


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/cirGEkMsShj3e5HviJBkMKRDUu8WOqkiRuQRHs1G.png

Tidser already wants to move to a bigger club and sticking with the rules ive told him he can leave. Hes left for league 1 side Scunthorpe for 90k over 12 months so overall its not a massive blow. Irvine will be getting a chance in his place!

So thats pre season. All following posts will be monthly (Unless something HUGE happens) and ill try n update whenever i can!!
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By Rick87 | Permalink | On 19 May 2013 - 20:17 PM
Good luck mate, Colin McMenaman has been a thorn in my side several times in my game so he certainly still has it.

Cheers dude. Thats great to hear because im really hanging my hopes on him haha!
SR67
12 years ago
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Good luck with this!
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To Become A Knight...

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/8WqpmrfHZB8kohCaaGYkDINhbWGa6NfMbah1jNJy.png


Im a long time user of this fantastic forum but over the years i have only done one forum career (A trip to Tahiti if anyone remembers!) but after the frankly amazing reaction to Rick's (I Think...) SAF challenge ive decided to return to FM in an attempt to compete!

Im planning to do monthly updates and adhere to the following SAF rules:
  • Start in the Scottish First Division with Professional footballer rep
  • No single player is bigger than the club. If a player wants to go, he can.
  • Will not take jobs at Celtic, Rangers, Man utd, Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool Or Chelsea (Just to make my descent into England abit more Interesting)
Im not a great writer so any constructive criticism is welcome! Now on with the challenge....

Greenock Morton

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QgdzvQIwVfTwyo0iYklhCnLD7fqyEw2w24TJ11Pz.jpg

I've decided to start my career at the lowly Greenock Morton. At this level they are a decent size but by no means world beaters.

My aims for my spell in Morton are as follows:
  • Meet chairman targets during my first season at the club
  • Develop a consistent Tactical approach
  • Make the club financially stable
The board are asking me for a mid table finish and have given me the following finance:
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/4FmgcBcgOvE4r0zMdKJ0nQP5w77zvgAh1epBz207.png


My "Star" Players are....

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/enz2u7lJWe7EoycAFtQZ8PgeSPicPejv1NhiJwcd.png

Tidser is really my main hope here at Morton. This ability in the middle of the park will be crucial to my tactics this season. Easily good enough for the SPL too!

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/60KFh0uOBTtVzwarkQWACHhKmZHPdHtFmRVa3QXB.png

Bachirou is another key player in my season. Im planning to have him in the DM role this year and i really think hes one of the best DM's in the league!

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/eyiyfAG5Sg8BEbePxaPenWfI5qijNjbxUWM0URST.png


Mcmenimin is easily my biggest goal threat. Actually signed him for my Scarborough team back in the day on CM 01/02. Hoping hes half the player he was on that game!

and finally my tactic is of course....
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/AIK4XGzPg7gEANv6HlwEMrmf5Mu3zmeZgvPJ1TkJ.png


My 4-5-1 should be the flexible formation that i need to survive at this level. Hoping to exploit my strong midfield and serve up some chances for my Main striker!

Thats it for post one, hope you will enjoy my journey!!
Charlie M
17 years ago
1 year ago
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Good luck with this one mate.
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By Sean1967 | Permalink | On 19 May 2013 - 20:35 PM
Good luck with this!

Thanks dude!
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By Charlie M | Permalink | On 19 May 2013 - 21:29 PM
Good luck with this one mate.

Thanks man!
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August 2012

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/cjKidQx7VbBcULN5KTzuLX8Aq7rCruQAdzf9GnV8.png

A solid first month at Morton. Doing well in the Challenge cup so far but gutted to drop out of the League Cup in the first round. A month in and ive already failed in my task of meeting the boards wishes!

A further worry for me is that the due to my financial prudence the club is now in profit and thus has a year to pay back its £1.5M bank loan (That works out at a crippling £125K a month!) im praying this wont cause me to drop into administration and this will almost certainly ensure that i will not be staying at Greenock Morton in the long term!!

Thanks to all the readers so far, your careers are the reason im doing this in the first place!!
Charlie M
17 years ago
1 year ago
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Good start in the league matey. Where has that left you in the league?
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By Charlie M | Permalink | On 20 May 2013 - 09:53 AM
Good start in the league matey. Where has that left you in the league?

I was 3rd after that mate. I will be adding a league table and a few other things into my updates from October onwards!

September - 2012

Fixtures

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/P1ABysHfz1cDNURHEXwdXTzdBcAsxhDJiimxwLFm.png


What a shocking start to the month! The first 3 games were all disasters for different reasons. The first game against Raith actually started well, with my team taking the lead but a mad 20 minutes saw me concede 4 and i never really recovered. I then crashed out of the cup to Division 2 side Forfar after going down to 9 men and losing out on pens!

The month has not been helped by crucial injuries to Letheren, Irvine and right back Reid. I did however bring the following lad on loan for nothing!

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/3LfUKMYHjgYtxOQuRp1iiloZ4JA7E91ZH12D9vt9.png


Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/9ssZIkUuVgXLGaeQIWHZ1DWgDtrrFYRTfQTmdND0.png


I am somehow still 3rd and on track for the top half finish that i require! Still yet to win any monthly awards (and points towards my SAF challenge!) but on this showing it may be a while!!
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October - 2012

Fixtures

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/sbC6MPB1fohK2FUaGraUJC9Z43wWo1aHY1XLuYqU.png


Another really inconsistent month but i have some ready made excuses....
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ayOrfbHgyyJZ4EcxaFySuN7Gx53AjarCi485WBsr.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/3mB0oSABXxEAP1VWPM70GFSpYNEfRoA2tQ5kdYty.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/2VSe40bgWDDV9sN8KduI0YS3Z5pU1JPjnlZKmmyp.png


I wont lie, the last injury there to McMenamin is a massive blow. Its going to be a long few months before i can recruit a replacement in the transfer window!

Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/j5eyZ1bRU4HWw1WZhsS1pqfCdjxQDSnNN78rzHgg.png


I am again ending the month in 3rd place due to my fantastic goal difference. I am predicting a bit of a struggle till January due to injuries but lets hope that i am wrong!
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
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Unlucky with the injuries mate!
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November - 2012

Fixtures

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/8kgvRrciNIPYTOjsm8UMdbwevKrxNBWeu2thbSmg.png


Wow, where has this come from? A really solid month leaves me 6 games unbeaten despite having 4 first teamers out injured!Overall though its been a hard month, mostly off the field. Ive now dropped to 400k in the red due to my loan repayments and with a good 6 months of season left i really am fearing the worst.

The Kilmarnock job has just become available too. Ive been linked to it but im not sure if i want to make the jump to SPL so early on, Kilmarnock are hardly financially stable themselves!

Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/VyzxQZigozzwtj9nzr267c95M01AYLTIejdsKzRO.png


Despite my strong month Hamilton have pulled ahead of me due to a perfect month at there end. I actually was runner up to there boss for manager of the month so my search for my first SAF challenge points goes on!

With all the injuries ive had young Kyle White has done exetremly well upfront and is really carrying me forward. Was a good month for my young players with centre half Naismith winning the young player of the month award aswell!

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Ua1y7tOBiD3he9mMw5Es8pbQb7kvU4SHYPIkJkDh.png


So a tough month off the field has left me wondering... do i stay or do i go at the end of the season??
Charlie M
17 years ago
1 year ago
849
4th and only 4 points off top is a great almost first half of the season, dude. November's form for your team was superb also! Looks like you haven't had a problem getting your guys scoring goals lol.

Hopefully you keep up the good form and push for top spot come the turn of the year!
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By Charlie M | Permalink | On 22 May 2013 - 09:30 AM
4th and only 4 points off top is a great almost first half of the season, dude. November's form for your team was superb also! Looks like you haven't had a problem getting your guys scoring goals lol.

Hopefully you keep up the good form and push for top spot come the turn of the year!


Thanks man, im hoping so too, just need more luck with Injuries than im having and a few wins at the top 2 and ive got an outside chance! Thanks for reading

December - 2012

Fixtures

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Zaw0AI9XS7xGIIvF91qM6qnNkuwnz3k6p3jzKJny.png


A pretty solid, if slightly frustrating, month for my morton team. Destroying Stirling has given me a nice fifth round match at home to Cowdenbeath which will hopefully aid me in my quest for some finance!

As i said above im starting to play really well but injuries and poor results at crucial times are costing me a real title shot. As proven by this following news nugget...

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/t104lI5ZxJOFgF45wmh2DVAuqUzUt0lIxqq8nyyo.png


No luck. Seriously was near speechless when i got this through. So the kids been sent back and im going to have to rush Mcmenamin back following his 3 month lay off.

Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/nUgnbQYh9dMbkcbOJycA5EjHFSrs0wcPXlYK6xAg.png


Despite my striker injuries i am still scoring lots of goal and tbh i think that is my main hope for top spot. If i can beat Dunfermline home and away ill be right there with them and yes, they are my Final league game of the season...

Anyway, thanks to all those that are reading, ill be back with my January update as soon as i can!
Charlie M
17 years ago
1 year ago
849
Another solid month mate. You have done a good job to make your team unbeatable. Well done.
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By Charlie M | Permalink | On 22 May 2013 - 11:03 AM
Another solid month mate. You have done a good job to make your team unbeatable. Well done.

Cheers mate, i cant believe how solid my teams got. Congio has made the difference tbh!

January - 2013

Fixtures

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/bQtZzK9gkQadHYoI7SmsACKf0mZbfEHJRyPPmcDz.png


A perfect month! i cant really say much more than that, we have been immense. Mcmenamin is making up for lost time and smashing them in, overall im playing well and cant ask for anything more.

This month has also given me my first set of points in the SAF challenge! (5 points for a manager of the month award)
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/uijLtI2AyqsTBvlg5HTUEilXIW1wr2vgbcFaaK3J.png


Transfer Window

Overall its been quite quiet. I sold Mclaughlin and Halsman to free up some wages. Naismiths loan has ended so ive brought in Dundee Utd youth player Smith for cover. Also brought in frenchman Sadio for AML cover till the end of the year but neither will play unless of injuries so its really not even worth a screenshot! Have however signed loanees Letheren and White on bosmans for next year which is amazing tbh.

Finances have been hugely improved due to the board pumping around 300k to cover debts, leaving me with just 300k in the red, which is easily managed! Due to this ive just signed a new deal at the club which keeps me in charge until 2015 which is really when i want to be starting the SPL winning era of my Career!

Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Si1lEGSIInL0jdE63MYclwR0C11qM6I1SMBHWMOD.png


Wins against Falkirk and Hamilton have me starting to pull away into 2nd place. If i can keep this run going and make sure i beat Dunfermline i may have a shout for the title in my first season at the club!
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
The gap is closing, keep it up!
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February - 2013

Fixtures

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/oC32VVVtgxWFKmrqVOR3bF7WQcuQZIUCZzwsTKMG.png


Only a short month so wont be a huge update! A pretty solid start to the month gave me hope of overhauling Dunfermline but all that progress was halted at the seemingly unbeatable Livingston...

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/yKnyqMMaeFaxumZVALL5mTATaIwQhKHbT3q2JXDG.png


i was wrong! The firs somehow lost at home to struggling Cowdenbeath giving me a real chance of catching them!

I mean it, its gonna be a final day showdown!!
Charlie M
17 years ago
1 year ago
849
Bloody close there mate! If your guys can keep it up then you might just be in with a shot at promotion! That would be awesome.
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By Charlie M | Permalink | On 23 May 2013 - 00:02 AM
Bloody close there mate! If your guys can keep it up then you might just be in with a shot at promotion! That would be awesome.

Cheers man, i hope so!!

March - 2013

Fixtures

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/lIxrmv5kSLxSVio8hrOjynaqOstfCgUN6JcETNbh.png


A frustrating start to the month. I was so unlucky against Hearts with one of the worst goal keeping performances i have ever seen on FM from the usually reliable Letheren. (Was at fault for all 3 goals and put in a woeful 3.2 rated performance!!)

This was followed by a equally frustrating draw away to Partick Thistle but two victories at the end of the month leave me still just a point behind the firs. Im already excited for this final day showdown!
Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Q9fAqBiOo1HyceHGmDa0hKPcgq9pEFKoIDIFVhaw.png


In other news Charlie's beloved Airdrie have been truly awful this season. If i beat them in the next game they could well be relegated already! oh and Celtic have already wrapped up the SPL ... no one said this challenge would get any easier....
Charlie M
17 years ago
1 year ago
849
OI! You relegating my team!? Haha. I actually have developed a soft spot for them, I'm a sucker for an underdog story!

Reading your story makes me feel like I'm doing a better job with them than I actually am! Ha.

Still tight I see, only a point in it with 7 games left. Possibility of it going down to the wire! Good luck.
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By Charlie M | Permalink | On 23 May 2013 - 11:23 AM
OI! You relegating my team!? Haha. I actually have developed a soft spot for them, I'm a sucker for an underdog story!

Reading your story makes me feel like I'm doing a better job with them than I actually am! Ha.

Still tight I see, only a point in it with 7 games left. Possibility of it going down to the wire! Good luck.

haha sorry man! yeah im feeling the same about Morton. Going to be heartbreaking when i leave!!

April - 2013

Fixtures

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/1pUNMICWgFwbo4Bo59ZengbEKWoVcAi3YGsumfwq.png


After relegating Airdrie and holding back a late promotion push from Falkirk i could of almost secured promotion at Hamilton but one of my bogey teams struck again to leave me sweating.
Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/qB8FyqA53tsDrFhmhPbvoGXBzvAz7utL1uPWaTXV.png


No need though, Dunfermline's shock defeat at home to the mighty Airdrie has left me needing 4 points in my last two games to secure a first division title!

I also somehow got manager of the month again. Notching me up to 10 points in the SAF challenge!

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/mnSHeOlk1sE0L01Re5vx5NO0y6WpLxGeL7Gjfwph.png
Rick87
14 years ago
6 days ago
3,084
Defiantly squeeky bum time at the top of the table!
Good luck dude
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By Rick87 | Permalink | On 23 May 2013 - 12:50 PM
Defiantly squeeky bum time at the top of the table!
Good luck dude

Thanks man, i wont lie fingers nails were bitten in this last month!

May - 2013


So i need 4 points from 2 games.... how did i do?

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Uz5iBC9qeuqHFU5wp6V24byuVbRjA1BK3KB2cKUI.png


CHAMPIONS!
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/BKMPiEIn0Y06USikfFsbSIPZZMb5wg8JvumszAHC.png


After a long hard season ive done it. Greenock Morton will be plying there trade in the SPL next season!



My end of season post will be up soon
Rick87
14 years ago
6 days ago
3,084
Congratulations mate, well earned promotion, are you sticking with Morton in the SPL or looking to jump ship to a richer club?
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End of season review - 2012/2013


Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/BKMPiEIn0Y06USikfFsbSIPZZMb5wg8JvumszAHC.png


A truly unbelievable season. To have achieved a promotion on the budget and injury issues that ive had is a big big achievement and i am genuinely proud to have done it! Of course its my players that got us promoted and here is my end of year squad.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Zf4F0DAUgkibwxC6oxcft2e1aqh04LT2GFlh3LEK.png


End of year Awards


I won the First division Manager Of the Year Award to add a massive 75 points to my SAF challenge.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/0EoG4wDmViFuufvOqmstEJt3alvM9qnlkWBDk4O9.png


David O'Brien won player of the year to add another 25 points.
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/6587Z05jx1ii47vayeoQCKL7IOZn0aGmAwLdkNwI.png


SO overall it was good season.

BUT

ive already had a hammer blow to my first season in the SPL...
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/KIHzE1rr6x23ke62zZQyBIZfA6aJRQJ4NHU6EmJv.png


Thats a lot of money for a team like mine. *sigh* i better get used to this i guess!

Ill be doing a pre season report too but during the summer i have the following things to think about:
  • New job - i wont lie the under soil heating is the last straw, if a decent SPL job comes up, ill probably take it.
  • Buy Buy Buy! - i need to somehow find the funds for 2x CB, RB, DM, CM, AMR and a ST. Not to mention a sub GK.
  • Long Term Staff - i want to start thinking about staff that i want to take throughout my career to add to the character of it. At the moment i have Winston Bogarde on my team and id like to take him wherever i go. Mainly due to his knowledge of world football really helping me in the transfer market.
So thats season one completed, thank you to everyone who has been reading and commenting, i really appreciate it!

See you in the SPL
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By Rick87 | Permalink | On 23 May 2013 - 13:01 PM
Congratulations mate, well earned promotion, are you sticking with Morton in the SPL or looking to jump ship to a richer club?

Ta man, given the choice ill jump ship due to the finances here but we shall see what comes up. Really dont fancy that many teams tbh. i have my eye on Dundee tbh but i guess there not a huge step up haha
Rick87
14 years ago
6 days ago
3,084
By Random Jukebox | Permalink | On 23 May 2013 - 13:10 PM
Ta man, given the choice ill jump ship due to the finances here but we shall see what comes up. Really dont fancy that many teams tbh. i have my eye on Dundee tbh but i guess there not a huge step up haha

Na, if Dundee's your only option I'd stay put for now, else your just swapping one relegation candidate for another, hold on and wait for Aberdeen or one of the Edinburgh sides to open up.

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