On a quest to be the best. [FM15]

Cheers SBR, I'm satisfied with the opening month but I'm under no illusions that this could still be a top campaign, long way to go.

Cheers Dan.


It was an excellent opening month for me at Austria Lustenau and I hoped for the same as we entered my second month in charge of the club as we had to navigate our way through five tough games, including one away to league favourites Mattersburg that will be 'televised' on some Austrian sports channel.


It was the game away to Mattersburg that began the month as we slipped to a four nil defeat, not much else to say really, they're the league favourites for a reason so it was never going to be easy.

We did return to winning ways immediately just four days later as St. Polten were beat three two - Reiner Scheider, Michael Augustin and Nikola Kasapovic the scorers.

The side then travelled to Kapfenberger and secured back-to-back three two wins as central midfielder Stefan Nutz netted twice, including one spot kick while Reiner Schneider was also on target.

Our second straight away game saw us travel to Grodig and secure a 2-0 win as both the goals arrived inside two second minutes minutes as Kimmo Hovi broke the deadlock on sixty five minutes, Dusan Simic doubled the lead a couple of minutes later.

The month was completed with a 5-2 victory over win-less Austria Salzburg thanks to five different goal scorers - Kimmo Hovi, Lukas Jager, Dusan Simic, Stefan Nutz and Drissa Diakite were all on target but I was slightly annoyed we couldn't keep a clean sheet against them.


And we are still top of the table despite that hiding away to Mattersburg as we have a three point lead at the summit and have so far scored twenty seven goals in the opening nine games (averaging three goals a game) while we've shipped fourteen goals. I still believe we won't get promoted as Mattersburg are just too strong, I still want a fourth place minimum.

Off to good start

Going very well mate

Cheers Johno, need to continue the good start as well.

It is indeed Dan and long may it continue but still don't think we'll get promoted.


It has been a solid opening couple of months to the league season as my Austria Lustenau side are currently sitting in first place and three points clear of league favourites Mattersburg despite that defeat to them. September sees us play five games, four in the league and one in the Austrian Cup.


A home game against strugglers BW Linz began the month as we won 5-3 as both winger Dusan Simic and striker Benjamin Rapp both hit doubles while the other goal came from Finn Kimmo Hovi.

The side then travelled to Wels and secured a two one win as Johan Hurtado broke the deadlock after only three minutes, Jurgen Bahn scored what turned out to be the winning goal on sixty two minutes as we maintained top spot in the league.

We then had to come from two nil down to beat non league side Swarovski Wattens as they scored twice inside the opening three minutes but Benjamin Rapp scored twice to equalise and then Adnan Ramakic turned the game around before half time. Central defender Michael Augustin added a fourth goal in second half stoppage time.

We returned to league action and suffered a 3-2 defeat at home to Wolfsberger - Kimmo Hovi and Stefan Nutz scored.

September came to end with back-to-back home games and back-to-back defeats as Mattersburg won three one as Stefan Nutz scored our only goal on thirty five minutes.


Those back-to-back defeats has now seen us lose top spot in the league as we're now a point behind leaders Mattersburg as we continue to not only score goals (thirty seven goals in thirteen games) but still continue to concede them as well.

"Still don't think we'll be promoted" oh please

Still only a point behind them

Still a long way to go Dan, we could easily hit bad form.

We are Johno, I'd love to overtake them before the winter break though but it's going to be difficult, they seem unbeatable.


The penultimate month before the long and 'gruelling' winter break was upon us as just three league games were played while we also welcomed fellow first division club Horn to our home in the Austrian Cup, all three of our league games saw us on our travels.


The first of three consecutive league games took us to Horn who we managed to defeat three goals to two as Benjamin Rapp, Kimmo Hovi and Michael Augustin were all on target.

We then headed to St. Polten and two goals from Adnan Ramakic saw us secure a 2-1 victory.

Four days later we welcomed Horn in the Austrian Cup third round in our one and only home game in October, we progressed to the next round thanks to a 3-1 victory - Lorenzo Pupita scored twice on his debut iirc while Drissa Diakite also scored.

And the short month concluded with a three one win over win-less Austria Salzburg as goals from Lorenzo Pupita and Benjamin Rapp had us in control but we needed a goal from Stefan Nutz, with seven minutes remaining to seal the points.


We still remain a single point behind Mattersburg as it's been a fantastic opening sixteen games of the season despite those three defeats (two of them vs. Mattersburg), I'm just pleased they've drew four games or the gap would have been bigger. Austria Salzburg are still looking for their first league win.


And the final piece of news is some great news as I have conquered the coaching badges after securing my Continental Pro Licence and I'm delighted because now my qualifications can't stop me managing the absolute best teams across not only Europe but the entire World all being well.

Just three league games were remaining before the long winter break as we looked to climb above Mattersburg and into top spot but it's going to be tough as they don't seem to want to lose any games this season to date, twelve wins and four draws from their opening sixteen games. Pleased we have back-to-back games at home.


I couldn't have asked for the most horrible result to start the month as the side crashed to a five one defeat at home to Kapfenberger in a game that we played well in but the visitors took their chances. Kimmo Hovi scored our goal after twenty three minutes.

The side did bounce back and beat Grodig 3-2 thanks to goals from Dusan Simic, Adnan Ramakic and Drissa Diakite but we failed to keep a clean sheet.

And our final game before the winter break was away to strugglers BW Linz and we defeated them 3-1 as Benjamin Rapp, Adnan Ramakic and Dusan Simic all found the back of the net in Linz as the hosts continue to struggle this season.


Despite Mattersburg actually losing a league game this season, we still find ourselves lying in second place and still a point behind the leaders.

But despite playing well in most games this season and being second in the table, I still made a big decision:


So despite only being in the helm for around five months, I have decided to step down as manager of Austria Lustenau. The reasoning behind it is because a certain job in a certain country has become available for the first time in this career and I've felt the need to 'jump' and apply for it. The club are sitting top of the table and still in the other two cup competitions so I could easily have the country wrapped up within the next six months all being well.

Looking forward who this 'club' you have applied for

Good luck in Ireland/Northern Ireland!

Cheers Johno, dunno why you wrote club in inverted comma's though, ha.

You'll be very disappointed when you realise it's not where you think it is Dan, it's a club who sacked you.


There was a reason why I stepped down as manager of Austria Lustenau after only one hundred and seventy days in the post, the reason being was that Craig Harrison left the Park Hall club to take the reigns at Bradford City when the job at Valley Parade became available and I couldn't resist the urge and at least try.


After applying for the vacancy at Park Hall, The New Saints or TNS as they're more commonly known as, offered me an interview and a chance to once again 'wow' myself although I do feel slightly bad for leaving Austria Lustenau not even six months after becoming their manager but if I'm successful here then I'll quickly get over it as I could have Wales conquered within six months all being well.


YES! I have been approached to become the next TNS manager and I'm 'over the moon' because I thought this job would never become available as Craig Harrison, the previous manager, was doing such a wonderful job dominating Wales but as he moved onto Bradford, I moved onto TNS and the managerial merry-go-round will continue for me.

Unlucky with being hired at TNS mate

Good luck with TNS

Ha, it won't be that bad Dan because unlike your stint at the club, there is no bad squad harmony...at the moment.

Cheers Jamie, I'm hoping it's a nice short stint in Wales.


Following my appoint at The New Saints on New Year's Day, I had six days to prepare myself for my first game in charge and that'll be at home to Barry Town United and I'm pleased I'll be able to take a few 'training sessions' before my first game in charge. Six games will be played throughout January including a cup final.


I couldn't have asked for a better first game in charge of TNS as Barry were destroyed 7-0 at Park Hall as star striker Ashleigh Harris scored a remarkable four games while Jake Charles netted a hat trick as ALL the goals arrived in the opening thirty nine minutes in a remarkable afternoon.

Seven days later and we then hosted Cefn Druids and defeated them four two as Faroese winger Adrian Cieslewicz scored a second half double while Jake Charles and Thomas Read were also on target.

We'd then make the trip to Bangor City as we hammered them 6-1 despite only scoring the one goal in the opening forty five minutes through Adrian Cieslewicz's forty first minute strike - Thomas Read scored three minutes into the second half while both Neal Eardley and Ashleigh Harris both hit doubles.

It was then time for my first cup final and my first trophy in Wales after only four games as Aberystwyth were beaten 5-3 in the Premier League Cup final as Andrew Hughes, Lloyd James and Ashleigh Harris with two all scored inside the opening twenty minutes, Neal Eardley added TNS' fifth goal with twenty two minutes remaining.


The fantastic opening month continued for us as Carmarthen were beaten five two on the road as goals from Adrian Ciesiewicz, Andrew Hughes and Ashleigh Harris had us three goals up at the break iirc, Ciesiewicz added his second of the game and Jake Charles was also on target.

January would then be completed with a straight forward Welsh Cup fourth round 4-0 victory over fellow top flight side Llangefni in a game that saw experienced full back Neal Eardley score two penalties while Jake Charles and Lloyd James also found the net.


So after all the work that had been done by the previous manager, I have continued the clubs fantastic season(s) by securing an unbeaten league month while I also secured my first trophy of three in Wales. The club are currently nine points clear at the top of the table so it's already our league to lose, as it has been previous seasons under the previous boss.

Good start with TNS Hope you fare better than Dan did

Wow only 689 people turned up for the final ?

I'm definitely expecting to do better than him Johno and it shouldn't be that hard as I'm hoping I'm only in Wales until the end of the current season. As for the final yeah it was a poor enough attendance but then you need to remember that Wales is a small country, ha.


It has been a remarkable start to my (hopefully short) reign at The New Saints as I managed to guide the side unbeaten through the month of January as we also picked up some big victories last month, four league games were played this month along with a Welsh Cup game.


We started the second month of twenty twenty three on the road as we travelled to Rhyl and defeated them 5-1 as Ashleigh Harris scored a hat trick while Nael Eardley and Adrian Cieslewicz also scored.

The side then hosted Bangor City as the side dropped their first points under my reign as we had fallen behind before half time and then missed a spot kick before Ashleigh Harris levelled the game with nineteen minutes remaining but it was a disappointing result for the reigning champions.

Goals from Jake Charles, Adrian Cieslewicz and Thomas Read saw us bounce back with an easy enough 3-0 win at Aberystwyth.

Just three days later we welcomed Carmarthen and beat them three one as Adrian Cieslewicz broke the deadlock on thirty five minutes, Ashleigh Harris and Alex Jones added further goals in the second half.

For the second game running we faced Carmarthen, this time in the quarter final of the Welsh Cup as we demolished them 5-1 as Adrian Cieslewicz got us off to a dream start on five minutes before Jake Charles, Alex Jones, Andrew Hughes and Ashleigh Harris added four more goals in the second period.


TNS' remarkable season continues as they're now closing in on yet another league title and I'm closing in on my second trophy already in Wales as I really could have the country chalked off come the end of the campaign and that would be nice as I wouldn't need to return.

I couldn't have asked for a better start to life at Welsh side TNS as I'm yet to taste defeat in what I hope will be a short stint at Park Hall. And speaking of short things, March turned out to be a short month as only three games were played and they were all in the Premier League.


The month couldn't have started any better as we hammered Rhyl 4-0 at home as Neal Eardley broke the deadlock after only two minutes from the spot and that was the only goal in the opening forty five minutes. Lloyd James doubled the lead two minutes into the restart before Ashleigh Harris and Adrian Cieslewicz also scored.


Just under twenty four hours later, it was time to celebrate because following our four nil home win over Rhyl and Aberystwyth's one all draw at Carmarthen it meant that The New Saints were crowned CHAMPIONS of the Welsh Premier League and trophy number two was signed, sealed and delivered in the country already with one more still a real possibility.

We then made the journey to Barry Town United and stuttered to a one all draw as Adrian Cieslewicz scored our only goal after twenty four minutes.

It was then back-to-back draws as we drew 2-2 at Bangor City despite dominating the entire game. Rhoys Wiggins put us into the lead after twenty four minutes but then the hosts managed to turn the game around despite us being in complete control, Adrian Cieslewicz had to score eleven minutes from time to rescue a point.


So with the league wrapped up with three league games remaining (four for Aberystwyth, Barry, Prestatyn and Bala but that won't make a difference for us), it meant all I needed to do now was concentrate on securing the Welsh Cup and that's possible as we've an 'easy' semi final tie against a non league side. I can guarantee I won't be naming 'weakened' sides in the league even though the league is secured.

Have to laugh at this Shedender almost a sly dig at someone Great run in with TNS so far and hopefully you'll secure the cup and finish Wales off in quick fashion.

Great to see you about to tick off Wales so easily!

Oh that sarcasm

Oh it wasn't a big at anyone DP91 but the squad I have inherited is a good one so it shouldn't be surprising how we'll they played.

Cheers Dan, we've been outstanding since I took the reigns.


Since arriving at The New Saints we have been nothing short of outstanding and long may that continue in the final two months of the season as we look to secure the Welsh Cup, three games were played in April and potentially two games in the month of May and one of them could be a Welsh Cup final.


Our win-less run stretched to three games as we were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Aberystwyth despite dominating.

The New Saints side then eased into the Welsh Cup final after beating non league side Garden Village 6-0 as Ashleigh Harris scored four times while Jake Charles hit a double.

We then welcomed Barry to Park Hall as April concluded and we returned to winning ways, beating them two nil. Attacking midfielder Jake Charles broke the deadlock on thirty one minutes before Ashleigh Harris doubled the lead just before the hour mark.

Our final league game of the season saw us travel to Carmarthen and secure a 3-1 victory in a game that saw Ashleigh Harris score twice, Adrian Cieslewicz score our opening goal of the game a minute before half time.

The final competitive game of the season as the Welsh Cup final against Bala and we defeated them 4-2 as Wales was chalked off in just four months. Ashleigh Harris (2), Lloyd James and Marc Williams were all on target as Williams scored his last ever goal in a cameo appearance, he's due to retire in the summer.



With the season now concluded I'm absolutely delighted that I've managed to win everything possible within the space of around four months but that's not surprising because TNS had the strongest squad in the league. I managed to go through my entire stint without losing a game but we were lucky in some games to be honest.

And that only leaves one thing to do:


I have stepped down as manager of The New Saints as Wales has been chalked off this career and now I never shall return, much to my delight as the treble was secured this season and now I'm already looking to my next challenge in management wherever that may be as I have decided yet, would love to return to England.

That must be up there with the easiest a nation has ever been clocked in the is challenge? What was your total time in charge?

One division, three cups and managing the biggest team in the league? Yep, it was pretty easy KEZ. The total time in charge of TNS was 126 days.


Almost a 'decade' ago I headed on a managerial journey in an attempt to get experience and all my coaching badges, nine years later I can proudly say I've done that and now I have decided to go 'home' as I'm heading to the greatest league in the world, the Irish League to resume my managerial career after a successful short spell at TNS.


Come the end of last season, the previous manager decided to leave Championship 1 club Institute and I wasted no time in declaring my interest in an attempt to get an interview after being 'laughed off' at Salzburg, CSKA Moscow and even Derby County and they offered me the chance to speak to them and that pleased me.


It's all set then, my next managerial appointment will see me head to Drumahoe to manage Institute and I'm pleased with the opportunity although I would have preferred the Bangor job but c'est le vie, they have offered me just a one year contract but I'm hoping to be here for a few years as I look to chalk off Northern Ireland.


And this is why the previous manager resigned at the end of last season, because of the fifth place finish as Armagh won the league. Institute last season were predicted to win the league and this season is no different so now the pressure is on me but I relish it.

Good luck in N.I matey

EDIT: Just had a look, by the end of 2023 you've won 12 trophies, on mine by the end of 2023 I had won 11 trophies! man its tight!

Congratulations in wales mate and good luck in northern Ireland.

Cheers for the comment Dan. Really? Can't believe how tight the trophy count has been in the opening nine years in management and I'm hoping I can chalk off at least another trophy or two this season at Institute.

Cheers SBR.


Following my appointment at Championship 1 club Institute I had time to take a look at the squad and realised that the squad needed to be strengthened, particularly in the midfield 'department' and I feel I've done just that as the media expect us to win the league but it sure won't be easy.


I have been able to bring in eight players over the space of a week as I now feel the squad is 'complete' and ready to compete over four competitions this season.

Five of the players joined the club on the opening day of the transfer window after agreeing pre-contracts at the Riverside Stadium as Conor Lavery and William Smyth both signed and they're central midfielders. Daniel Taylor (AMC), Stephen Boyd (LB), Shea Conaty (AMR), Ian Steele (AML), Adam Matier (ST) and Kris Bickerstaff (CM) also signed this season.

Experienced winger Ciaran Caldwell left when I refused to offer him a new deal as he was on over £200 p/w and that's too much for a Championship 1 club to pay while Michael Tolan had his contract terminated.


Only one defeat came in our eight pre season friendly games as it was quite a success but our one defeat came against non league Glebe Rangers but apart from that I'm happy enough with our we performed on the field and now I hope we're ready for the league season.

With a successful enough pre season program behind us, it was time for the competitive football to begin in the month of August as we only had two games in the opening month with both being in Championship One.


The Championship One season begun with a trip to Wilgar Park as we faced Dundela and beat them 6-2 despite not being overly impressive as Liam Parkhouse scored a hat trick while Ian Steele, Ross McGarvey and Stuart McVicker also found the net in East Belfast.

We then welcomed Loughgall to the Riverside for my first home competitive home game in charge as we eased to a three nil victory. Stuart McVicker broke the deadlock on nineteen minutes before second half goals from Conor Lavery and a second of the game from McVicker sealed the points.


After the opening two games we are sitting top of the table but only on goal difference as Newry City also have a one hundred percent record and Knockbreda are two points behind in third place and also unbeaten after two games. We have scored nine goals in our first two games, long may that continue this season.

Well that was the start we thought you'd get to, now to keep it up

No pressure then Dan? We'll try and keep the form up just to please you mate.


Just two league games were played as the season kicked off last month but it was a promising start and long may it continue, September saw us play five games with four of them being in the league while the other one was a League Cup second round tie against Premiership side Ballinamallard United.


A trip to Lurgan Celtic would begin the month of September as we recorded a second consecutive 6-2 win on the road as Liam Parkhouse hit a second consecutive treble on the road while Ian Steele, Ross McGarvey and Conor McCulloch also found the net at Knockramer Park.

We would then suffer our first defeat of the season as Knockbreda deservedly won three one at the Riverside, we were absolutely poor and our only goal of the game was a thirteenth minute own goal from Rhys Marshall.

The side then did bounce back, beating Premiership side Ballinamallard 2-1 in the second round of the League cup and despite falling behind iirc, two goals from left winger Ian Steele ensured our passage to round three in which we'll face another Premiership team at home, this time Glentoran.

It ended up being back-to-back league defeats for 'stute as Newry won one nil at the Riverside Stadium.

But the month would end with the side back to winning ways in Championship One after beating Limavady United 4-2 at the Limavady Showgrounds - Ross McGarvey, Stuart McVicker, Stephen Boyd and Shea Conaty the goalscorers as we returned to winning ways.


Those back-to-back defeats have seen us slip down to third place but it could have been much worse, especially if we had lost at Limavady but alas we are still only three points behind the leaders Newry with still loads of football to be played. Knockbreda are the only C1 side who are currently unbeaten in the league.

September turned out to be a mixed month for us as we suffered back-to-back defeats at the Riverside against Knockbreda and Newry City and now we entered the third month of the twenty twenty two/twenty twenty three campaign looking to bounce back as we had three league games and a League cup third round tie at home to Glentoran.


It was the League Cup third round home tie against Glentoran that began the month and we shocked the Premiership side by winning 4-3 at the Riverside Stadium after extra time. Stuart McVicker, Ross McGarvey and Ian Steele scored in the first half before Steele's second of the game sealed the surprise win.

Ten days later and we returned to Championship One action and beat Newington five three at home as goals from Shea Conaty and two from Liam Parkhouse seemingly had us in control, goals from Stephen Boyd and Conor Lavery scored in the second half to seal the points.

We then travelled to 'The Floodgates' to face Ards and beat them 2-0, Conor Lavery broke the deadlock on twenty seven minutes before substitute Adam Matier doubled the lead ten minutes into the second half.

The month concluded on Halloween night as we faced Larne and beat them 5-1 at home - Shea Conaty and Liam Parkhouse both hit doubles inside the opening twenty minutes, left winger Ian Steele added our fifth of the evening on fifty five minutes.


An excellent month for the club has seen us climb a place and into second place, two points behind leaders Knockbreda as we managed to win all of our three league games this month and I hope the form continues over the course of the next few months.