On a quest to be the best. [FM15]

Absolutely absurd amount of points that you are running away with in the league. As a Celtic man, it hurts to see them in 7th, but you've put together a strong squad at Rangers to reach this level of dominance.

It's an obscene lead at the top but that's due to not only ourselves being consistent so far but also due to other teams, especially Celtic being inconsistent this season and that's a welcome change. The good thing is, I didn't need to overly strengthen the squad, they just needed a 'good' manager to manage the team.


Being so far ahead in the league, surely it's only a matter of time before the league title is secured? February had six games, four in the league and a League Cup semi final against Hibernian and a Scottish Cup round five trip to Alloa Athletic.


It was the League Cup semi final against Hibernian that began the month as we advanced to the final following a 5-3 win. Bela Meszaros scored twice, Andrew Ball, Callum Jeffrey and Andreas Adamou alll scored in the final and we'll play Partick in the final after they 'shocked' Celtic iirc.

Just three days later the side returned to league action and beat Hamilton three one at Ibrox thanks to goals from Bela Meszaros, Andrew Ball and Karl Harrison.

Goals from Callum Jeffrey, Karl Harrison and a penalty from Bela Meszaros saw us ease through in the Scottish Cup vs. Alloa, winning three nil.

Karl Harrison's hat trick helped us to an easy 5-2 win over struggling Motherwell at Fir Park as the wingers goals came after nine, thirty five and fifty eight minutes while the other two goals came both from Andreas Adamou.

We then 'stole' a single goal win over Inverness, Andrew Ball scoring in second half stoppage time.

The month was then concluded as the points were shared in the Old Firm Derby against Celtic at Celtic Park, our goals came from Andreas Adamou after twenty minutes and Karl Harrison on sixty eight as the points were shared but the draw didn't do 'damage' to our title hopes.


With just ten league games remaining it's sure our league to mess up as we lead second placed Partick Thistle by an 'obscene' twenty three points and we are also looking good to bagging over a century of league goals this season. As you can see, my former employers Inverness have been struggling this season, currently in ninth and only ten points above the relegation zone.

Decent month Surprised to see how well Patrick Thistle are doing

You aren't the only one Johno, they've def. been the surprise package this season (apart from ourselves of course) while Celtic have sure underachieved.


We have now reached the business end of the campaign and things are looking good for at least a domestic treble this season as we're closing in on the league title, in the final of the League Cup against Partick Thistle and face Hibernian in the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup. Could a treble happen in my first season at Ibrox?


March began with Hibernian making the trip to Glasgow as we secured a 3-1 victory as back-up striker Cameron Paterson scored in either half while midfielder Andreas Adamou netted in between the Paterson double.

A trip to Easter Road was up next in the Scottish Cup quarter finals as we yet again played Hibernian and our chances of a domestic treble ended as we lost two one in the Scottish capital and that was despite winger Callum Jeffrey getting us off to a dream start on three minutes.

We would then suffer a set back in the league as Aberdeen won three two, our goals came from Andrew Bell and Callum Jeffrey.

Partick Thistle were our next opponents as we faced them in the League Cup final and won the trophy following a 3-1 victory as our goal scorers at Hampden Park were striker Bela Meszaros, midfielder Reuben Godwin and attacking midfielder Andrew Ball.


The month then came to end with a 'five star' performance as the side beat Dundee United 5-0 in a game that saw us secure the league title and a double this season. Issac Friday broke the deadlock on fifteen minutes but we needed to wait until the sixty eighth minute for the other goals to start going in as Bela Meszaros and Andrew Ball both hit doubles on a day we celebrated again.


Conformation that we are indeed Scottish Premiership champions and it's been all too easy, we were predicted to finish seventh but yet the squad I took over (and added a few players) deserved to finish higher but I never thought we'd win the league but glad I did, mostly thanks to Bela Meszaros though who has been outstanding.

Still got two months to play before I 'officially' tender my resignation.

I knew if you lost either of the cups it would be the one you already one! well done on another title and trophy

Cheers Dan, the double means I only have one more trophy to secure here in Scotland but I don't know yet whether I should remain to try and secure it or return at a later date......decisions, decisions.


Following our league and cup double at the end of the last month, we enter the penultimate month of the season with absolutely no pressure on us and that's a great change as their is three games, all in the league, to be played this month with two of them being at home. We'll 'receive' the league title in the home game vs. Partick.


It was a short month as just the three games were played and the first of three was our only away game in April as the recorded a 3-0 win away to St. Johnstone as Andreas Adamou's first half double set us on our way, Andrew Ball added a third six minutes into the second half.

On a day we 'lifted' the Scottish Premiership crown the side recorded a three two victory over Partick Thistle but it could, and should have been more convincing as a hat trick from Bela Meszaros saw us three goals up but they conceded two late goals but thankfully held on for more maximum points.

The final game of the month saw 'goals galore' as eleven were shared between ourselves and Aberdeen as we won 7-4 in a game that saw our star Hungerian striker Bela Meszaros bag four goals - Andreas Adamou, Issac Friday and Andrew Ball also scored.


It seems pointless posting the league title now, doesn't it? We're champions and nothing will change that.

Easiest season ever!

What's next for you?

Indeed it was Dan.

Er, I've honestly no idea what's next Johno.


It's now the final month of the season, just four league games were remaining and their was no pressure on us as the league had been secured at the end of March while the League Cup was also secured so more than likely I'll end my stint at Ibrox come the end of the season.


A trip to Hamilton kick started the final month of the season and despite scoring twice, we had to settle for a two all draw at Hamilton Stadium. Callum Jeffrey and a spot kick from Bela Meszaros bagged our goals but we conceded late on.

We then managed to beat fierce rivals Celtic 3-1 at Ibrox as our goals came from a Marcos own goal, Bela Meszaros and Andrew Ball as we secured 'bragging rights' with this win.

Despite being down to ten men for quite a while, the side managed to secure a four all draw away to Partick Thistle. Callum Jeffrey and Bela Meszaros scored our goals in the first half while our second half goals came from Meszaros' second of the game and Jordan Ballantyne.

The season then concluded with a disappointing two goals to one defeat at home to Hearts, Jim Ross netting our goal in first half stoppage time.


This is how the league has ended up, we won the league and despite being inconsistent, Celtic finished runners-up.


I've also decided to end my stint at Rangers after only one season at the Glasgow club. During my stint at Ibrox I managed to secure the league title despite being predicted to finish seventh in pre season while I also managed to win the League Cup too. The side only made it to the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup and I sure think the lack of European football helped my success this season.

Thank god that's over!

You don't mean that Dan, you were secretly pleased I succeeded. Anyway, onto my next managerial appointment.


Following my resignation from Rangers I ended up being unemployed but that's fine, I didn't need to sign on the 'dole' as I had made enough money to keep me going until I found a new job as I was confident I'd find one quickly and I decided this one needed to be a 'challenge' as I look to chalk off another country but it won't be easy.


When I saw the job available, I decided to apply and subsequently receive an interview with Championship Two club Lisburn Distillery and they're predicted to come twelfth out of twelve teams so this will be a challenge. I was offered the job and jumped at the chance to return home to manage in Northern Ireland.

They have spent the last few seasons competing in the Amateur Leagues but now that they're back, I'm the man to succeed at this club and try and help them avoid the drop. Can I do that? Maybe but it's going to be oh so tough.

Will be a tough challenge with Lisburn Distillery

After being successful at several different clubs over the years Johno, I'm ready for a challenge.


I have arrived at Distillery and I've no doubt I am in for a tough challenge as they're predicted to finish bottom of Championship 2 and expected to make an immediate return to the Amateur Leagues, that along with the fact I can only offer players 'non-contract' terms means it's going to be incredibly tough but I am still excited.


I've had a busy month in the transfer market as I've brought in ten new faces, all on non-contract terms and I'm hoping they're going to enough to ensure we avoid relegation and me the chop. Neil Faulkner, Kieran Coleman, Niall Cullen, Henry Utaka and Scott O'Hara all joined from PSNI, Armagh, Wellington, Newington and Moyola while Damien Gibson, Peter Ryan, Phillip Hammond, Eoin Kane and Chris McCartan also joined.

Just two players left the club in the summer - Nathan Bell headed to Tandragee while Gary Adams, who was supposed to be our first choice 'keeper this season, departed and joined fellow Championship 2 side and former employers Sport & Leisure Swifts.


I couldn't really fault with how pre season managed to go even though we only managed to win two of our six friendly games but we managed to draw with Glentoran and were outplayed by another Premiership side in Portadown. We beat Ballynahinch and Holywood while also drew away to Iveagh and lost away to Ards.

Not a bad pre season, hopefully you can start off well in the league.

I'm hoping I can Johno but I've prepared myself for a hard season ahead at Distillery.


And here we go! August would be the month that would see me begin my competitive managerial debut in Ballyskeagh and I have prepared myself for a hard season at Distillery as the side, as previously stated I'm sure, are predicted to finish bottom of Championship 2 and make an immediate return to the Amateur Leagues but I've to be confident about survival.


I couldn't have asked for a better start to the league season as we defeated one of the league favourites Larne 3-2 at Inver Park as summer signing Henry Utaka, an own goal from Dale Carson and a seventieth minute Stuart McCarthy goal helped us to maximum points.

Just a shame it all went downhill then, Loughgall beat us three one in the first round of the League Cup, our goal coming on fifty eight minutes from Jim Wilson.

Our first home game of the league season ended in defeat as east Belfast side Harland & Wolff Welders won four two in Ballyskeagh as Nigerian winger Henry Utaka netted after sixty nine and ninety minutes for our 'consolation' goals at New Grosvenor.

We then crashed out of the Co. Antrim Shield, losing in the first round away to Ards four two - Niall Cullen and Henry Utaka bagged our goals.

Another cup game was played this month and it was another cup that saw us crash at the first 'hurdle' as Ballymena provional league side Newtowne beat us two one in the Steel & Sons Cup second round in an embarrassing defeat for the club as Chris Murray netted our goal seven minutes into the second half but we couldn't even force extra time.

The horrible opening month ended with a shocking seven two defeat away to Donegal Celtic in a game that saw the west Belfast side take their chances at Donegal Celtic Park/Suffolk Road. Chris Murray scored on seventeen minutes while striker Niall Cullen got our second consolation goal with fourteen minutes remaining.


Our opening day victory away to Larne saw us as the early season 'pacesetters' but then it's been a rapid decline in the league but I suppose that was to be expected as we find ourselves eleventh come the end of August but only three league games have been played. Goal scoring is a problem as we have scored seven times in three games but we've shipped thirteen.

If I'm honest, for the sake of this challenge I don't get the move to this side? Probably would of been better to hold off for a bigger job!!

I needed to return to Northern Ireland to chalk off two trophies - Steel & Sons Cup and Championship 2 so in pre season it made sense but it's backfired badly, last season Wellington Rec won the C2 title 'against the odds' and I was hoping to repeat them but it hasn't went to plan unfortunately but I won't resign early on, I've never done that.


It's been a horrible, but maybe expected start to the season as we are lying down in eleventh place after our opening three league fixtures, the second month of the campaign saw us play three league games as we hope to get our league season back on track after back-to-back Championship 2 defeats.


Our poor form continued with a four goals to three home defeat at the hands of Queen's University at our Ballyskeagh ground - Chris McClelland, Eoin Kane penalty and Niall Cullen were our goal scorers but it's now three league games without a win.

It seems the losing streak won't stop as we lost three two against Glebe in back-to-back home games as our goals came from Jim Watson and Chris McClelland.

The month concluded with a single goal defeat away to Rathcoole as we failed to net for the first time this season iirc, it was arguably our worst performance of the season to date, which is strange considering all those defeats but at least we've played well in those game but had no luck.


Those three league defeat and five in a row means disaster as we have dropped to the foot of the Championship 2 table and are three points adrift of Ards Rangers but I don't need to feel 'alarmed' just yet as their is still sixteen league games remaining and we're not far adrift.

This has so far been a tough season but one I expected but not this tough as we are sitting at the foot of the Championship 2 table and three points adrift but thankfully only six league games have been played so far, three league games awaited us in October as I looked to kick start the season.


I'm delighted that the losing streak has come to an end as the side drew three all away to Armagh but I'm a little disappointed because the side had surrendered a three one lead at Holm Park. Jim Watson, Niall Cullen and Chris Murray scored our goals but we couldn't get maximum points.

For the first time since the opening day of the season Distillery have won a league game and our first at home as Tobermore were beaten 2-0 as both goals arrived in the space of five first half minutes. Niall Bradley broke the deadlock on twenty five minutes and the lead was doubled when Thomas King put through his own net.

The short month came to an end with a two two draw away to Loughgall as the side completed an unbeaten month and that's nice to see. Chris Murray scored our first on thirty four minutes, Henry Utaka also scored on seventy two minutes.


Unfortunately despite an unbeaten short month the side still remain bottom of Championship 2 but only because of goal difference so their is still no need to be alarmed, it's tight at the foot of the table as only four points separate ourselves (bottom) and Glebe (fifth), anything can happen.

It wil be tough season for Distillery. Could you post tactic you are using?

Too far ahead for anyone to realistically catch you.Surely your title now mate.

Sorry Miimaa but I don't have the game loaded at this moment in time, but I use a 4231 formation that has been used throughout this career and will never be ditched because it works [see trophy cabinet on the OP] and we've just been unlucky this season.

SBR, we're bottom of the table. Don't think we'll be winning anything never mind the title.


Last month was no doubt our best month of the current season as we managed to go unbeaten and only goal difference is now keeping up at the foot of the Championship 2 table.


The penultimate month of twenty twenty one began with Intermediate Cup action as we welcomed Comber Rec to our Ballyskeagh home for a first round tie as we won 4-1 to advance as Daryl Magee, Niall Cullen 2 and Kieran Coleman all struck.

Our short unbeaten run in Championship 2 came to an end as Sport & Leisure beat us five four in an epic league game at home even though Chris McClelland had got us off to a dream start on two minutes, Ciaran Doherty and a Niall Cullen double also scored but it would be defeat against the leaders.

We then made the trip to Ards Rangers and a late goal rescued a four four draw in Newtownards as both Chris Murray and Niall Cullen hit doubles.

A shoot-out victory away to Rathcoole ensured the advanced to the third round of the Intermediate Cup following a three all draw. Two goals in as many second half minutes from Chris Murray and Niall Cullen ensured extra time, Jim Watson struck on one hundred and three minutes but we still needed the shoot-out, which we won.

The month then ended with a fantastic and much needed 3-2 win at Tillysburn Park against Harland & Wolff Welders thanks to a Chris McClelland goal as the game was entering second half stoppage time. Niall Cullen and a penalty from Eoin Kane were Distillery's other scorers.


The side remain bottom and on goal difference but the league still remains really tight as five points split ourselves and fourth placed Harland & Wolff and we're eight points behind second placed Queens University so if we can hit a good run of form, and results go our way, we should climb the league no bother.

Hopefully you're gonna do better in the next months and leave the bottom of the table.I wish you luck!

Looks like its improved lately mate

I'm hoping we can Angelo Ionescu, and I'm confident we can avoid the drop.

Cheers Dan.


We have approached the final month of the calendar year as it's a short month that will see us play two league games and two cup games over two competitions - can we end twenty thirty one off the bottom of the Championship 2 table?


We hosted Abbey Villa in the fourth round of the Irish Cup as December kicked off with a 3-0 win as we progressed thanks to goals from Chris McClelland, Corey Black and Niall Cullen.

The side then welcomed Larne to Ballyskeagh for the first league game of the December and the game ended in a four four draw. Chris Murray and Chris McClelland scored two goals in the first half while Eoin Kane added a second half double.

Our final league game of the calendar year was back-to-back home games and it was a two one defeat against Donegal Celtic, Chris McClelland scoring on thirteen minutes.

The final competitive game of 2031 was the third round Intermediate Cup tie away to Rathfriland who shocked us six goals to two as they took their chances and we didn't...simples. Niall Cullen scored twice for us after thirty nine and fifty one minutes.


Boom! We will be heading into twenty thirty two not bottom of the table for the first time since the end of August and I'm delighted and hoping we can now build on and climb the table as it still remains tight, just eight league games are remaining this season.

Good to see your off the bottom

Just like Dan,happy to see you not bottom of the table!

I'm also releived we're not bottom Dan and Angelo Ionescu but it's now important that we remain off the foot of the table, especially considering their is only eight league games remaining this season.


Happy New Year readers and welcome to the year twenty twenty two and it's been quite a horrid first part of the season at Distillery as we've been struggling in the league and we have been knocked out of the majority of cups, just the Irish Cup is left but with a home game vs. Glenavon looming, I can't see us remaining much longer. Four games were played in January and I decided to add February to this update as just the one game was played that month as well.


We travelled to Queens University to begin the New Year and suffered a five four defeat but we were four goals down iirc but goals from Jim Watson, Chris Murray with two and Henry Utaka had somehow sensationally levelled the contest before the students won it late on.

Glenavon then beat us four two as expected at Ballyskeagh, Chris Murray bagging a double.

Our next league game was against Rathcoole and despite goals from Henry Utaka and Damien Gibson putting us two goals up, we failed to win as shipping goals once again cost us maximum points.

We then suffered a humiliating five goals to nil defeat at the Riada Stadium in Ballymoney against Glebe as January concluded, we were woeful.

Our one and only game in February was at home to Armagh City on Valentine's Day and we recorded a much needed three two victory as Phillip Hammond bagged two goals while Niall Cullen ended up scoring what turned out to be the winner with thirteen minutes remaining at Ballyskeagh.


Please don't get all excited but we're back at the bottom of the Championship 2 table despite that much needed home win against Armagh City, but I'm just relieved we're only a point adrift and not more after such a horrible January. As you can all see, goal scoring hasn't been a problem as forty four goals have been scored in just eighteen league games but we've conceded an awful fifty seven and that's why we're bottom.

Bad luck.Sad to see you bottom again.

Cheers, I'm not surprised we've fallen to the foot of the table Angelo Ionescu because this season has just been so inconsistent but that was to be expected I suppose, they are predicted to finish bottom remember and now I'm not confident we can survive this season.


We have now reached the business end of the campaign and survival needs to happen this season or else I'll get the chop. Only four league games are remaining over the course of three months so I've decided to compress them into the one update - could we do enough to survive or will I end up seeing the club relegated and subsequently be moving my job?


Our first of two games in March saw us travel to relegation 'rivals' Tobermore United to play out a two two draw as our goals at Fortwilliam Park came from Chris McClelland and Chris Murray but we failed to get maximum points.

We then had to wait three weeks until our next game and that was at home to Loughgall as we beat them 3-1 in a win that saw the side climb up to tenth as Stuart McCarthy, Kieran Coleman and Damien Gibson all netted, could that win be crucial?

The one and only league game in the penultimate month of the season saw us suffer a disappointing four two defeat against Ards Rangers at Ballyskeagh - Stuart McCarthy and Chris Murray netting.

A trip to champions Sport and Leisure Swifts ended the campaign at the beginning of May and if we could better Glebe and Tobermore's result then we'd be safe but the side suffered a three two defeat at Glen Road and despite Eoin Kane and Stuart McCarthy scoring in the second half, we couldn't come from three goals down.


Conformation that we have been relegated back to the Amateur Leagues and if I'm honest I'm bitterly disappointed because I didn't think we played that over the course of the campaign, it just our inability to keep clean sheets and that's ultimately cost me. We finished bottom on goal difference as Glebe picked up a final day point to survive while Tobermore beat H&W Welders two one.


This is the least surprising news, I have been sacked as manager of Lisburn Distillery Football Club following the sides relegation from Championship 2 and now I'm unemployed and because their is no 'interesting' jobs out there, I could be unemployed for a few months minimum.

Good luck finding a nw job.Distillery wasn't just fit for you i suppose.