The only way is up .... baby?

GarviLoken

13 years ago

3 years ago

76

14 Nov 2012 01:11:09

From the Regionals to the Premiership

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/StalybridgeCeltic.png

First things first, the team needed a slight spring clean. Nothing too drastic as the squad is a rather young one, with bags of potential (or so the assistant manager thinks...). Efforts were made to bag a young Canadian goalkeeper. At 21 with some impressive stats and a free transfer, he was to be my key signing pre-season. Alas, the powers that be at United Kingdom Border Authority must have been Worcester City fans as his visa fell through, and with it the transfer.

Brushing myself down, I snared an eleventh hour transfer of Reece Ottley, a promising British goalie to go alongside the experienced Pericard whose wisdom and skill should rub off on his younger cohorts. At 19, the man between the sticks has plenty of time to mature, and with the exception of one or two stats, he looks to be a better keeper than his predecessor and as such will get his first run out in the first game of the season.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/2IjSNvAJ3MgMsZC1b3f9qDl8p4yRHCeeDIce1xhg.jpg

Pre-seaon was a mixed bag for the Chairboys with a cluster of solid wins and a brutal 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Charlton Athletic thrown in like a cat amongst pidgeons. Defense is clearly an issue for Celtic with goals being conceeded in almost every match. Some last minute additions of a centre and left back to sure up this position should leave the situation slightly less precarious but only time will tell.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/UfMtlZFl5ob9OXi8tgi2xAxXtdARxiGQLspR0wW1.jpg

The players are getting used to playing in the new close-diamond formation, with the full backs providing some wing play. Hoping to see a gradual phasing out of player/assistant manager Tim Ryan by easing in and blooding the youngsters, allowing Ryan to apply himself more fully as his role as my number two.

GarviLoken

13 years ago

3 years ago

76

18 Nov 2012 00:21:04

Mid Season

Strong showing in the cups till a 6-2 hammering by Cardiff. Strong at start of the season, tapering off as tiredness from a league and two cups kicked in. Hoping to a return to fortunes with the 3rd round FA Cup exit

http://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/images/b40e46915f062dd5fcecfc61be6364b0.png

Dan

15 years ago

6 months ago

16,986

19 Nov 2012 05:31:09

Looking great so far buddy!

GarviLoken

13 years ago

3 years ago

76

26 Nov 2012 14:30:23

Well after a long fought campaign Stalybridge pulled off the impossible of a double. The FA trophy and league champions. As a personal glory, I was named Manager of the Year!

Pericard and Laird have been imperious for me, Gregory and the midfield likewise although the number of goals I have conceeded is a cause for concern. My defense need's a bit of tightening up, particularly on the wings where we appear to be getting skinned every match.

The successful season and the revenue from promotion has opened up my staff budget so I'll be clearing out the chaff and getting some solid coaches in to help develope the youngsters.

Looking to hold onto the real success stories and letting the players that have fallen by the wayside go on free's. Im not at conference level and until then I can't see anyone actually paying to nab these chaps. In any case all the contracts are running out so Ill just renew the ones I want to keep on. Looking at adding some flair on the wings, preferablly with experience behind them to help guide my young team.

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