Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ycmQ1eOqVyEt10H37iRnbxeCPLjl3GNEhKyir14l.png

Last year on Football Manager, I attempted to become the best manager in Europe as I attempted to win every domestic title on every playable European nation but alas I unfortunately failed in what seems to be an impossible task - will I do it again this year? Nah, I've decided to stick with managing just the one club and they'll be my local club Bangor.

I'd love for this to be a long stint as I attempt to make the Seasiders the best club in local football, while trying to win a few European matches on the way as well as that'll sure help the clubs finances. I'm under no illusions, I know European success is going to be near on impossible so I won't even be targeting that on this career even though it would be nice but the plan is to become the number one club in Northern Ireland and I can guarantee that won't be easy.

Warrenpoint Town stopped us last season gaining promotion, I hope no one stops us this season.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/fPWz9I3mqfPoZ9EeqGMs7PtliwJ2aU9Ia99XC3wf.jpg

And this is the information page and it's not really much to look at thus far. We are a semi-professional club who play their home games at Bangor Fuels Arena (formerly known as Clandeboye Park) and it's a synthetic surface, the club have basic youth facilities and adequate training facilities and that's something I'd like to change in the future but it'll be very difficult.

You can also see the clubs reputation is regional and I'm going to struggle to see that rise any further but I'll sure give it my best shot while the club have NEVER won a single league title in their 97-odd year history and that's something I'd love to change and won't stop until I'm successful - unless I'm sacked, then I will need to stop.

So, it's time to get this career started!!

Just like the latter part of my career on last years Football Manager game, due to time constraints I'm only going to be doing mid-season and end of season updates.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Good luck mate, a slightly different challenge than last years! Definitely looking to see how this goes!
Ipswich Knights
9 years ago
4 years ago
1,400
Jamie3
11 years ago
1 day ago
1,640
Premium
Good Luck Shedender be good see how this one goes.
Rick87
14 years ago
5 days ago
3,084
Good luck matey.
lazry
12 years ago
1 day ago
71
Premium
Will be following this one, good luck!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
Cheers Dan, yeah I decided that trying to conquer Europe/World is almost impossible so I decided to scrap it this year and concentrate on managing the one team - unless I get the chop, then the career is over.

Cheers Ipswich Knights.

Cheers Jamie3, I'm expecting to be a tough but exciting challenge - something I'm relishing.

Cheers Rick.

I appreciate the follow barbour_ssl, hopefully this career doesn't let you down.

________________________________________________________

Bangor - Pre season round-up 2015/16

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ro0PlN0uoWa4bVrkfKty8XkDx5s13zICmL5q6NUF.png

I didn't much of an introduction here at Bangor Fuels Arena as I support the club throughout the good times and the bad times and now I'm the man to try and make Bangor Football Club a dominate force in local football.

I've not signed any players this transfer window as I want to see how good or bad the current crop of players are on Football Manager 2016 even though they're more than likely arguably better in real life - if need be, I can easily loan players in if I suffer any long term injuries to the current squad and I'm determined to play my 'traditional' 4231 formation.

As per normal, my assistant manager will take charge of the friendlies.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Yz35ijd4hQJx9r1rYNiYtRZvuukCfs8VIAgX7cIT.jpg

I can't complain with how my first pre season has went at the football club as I only lost one game out of the six that were arranged - losing at home to Scottish side Stenhousemuir while we drew against Cowdenbeath in Andy Morrow's Testimonial game. Our other fixtures saw us beat Newtownbreda 2-1 at home while we picked up two one victories at both Drumaness Mills and Holywood while our preparations ended with a two all draw away to Nortel.

I'm a little disappointed that we failed to keep a single clean sheet but I'd be more concerned if we didn't score goals.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
________________________________________________________

Bangor - Mid season round-up 2015/16

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ro0PlN0uoWa4bVrkfKty8XkDx5s13zICmL5q6NUF.png

We have reached the end of the calendar year and it hasn't been a bad season to date as we hope to gain promotion to the top flight of local football but it's still going to be tough as you'll soon find out, Loughgall haven't lost a single league game thus far and with a small squad and with the club participating in twenty-odd cup competitions (okay, slight exaggeration), it's sure going to take it's toll.

Steel & Sons Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/3ebT927MQ4UqNbE0jh0dxEiz1s5qpTnjpeQnciVk.jpg

Our run in this seasons Steel & Sons Cup has unfortunately ended at the second hurdle after a three goals to two defeat at fellow Championship One club Donegal Celtic who beat us at Donegal Celtic Park much to my annoyance as I thought we could've won this competition - we beat Kilmore Rec five one in the previous round before losing to DC.

Co. Antrim Shield:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/jAViUZhPefnoIYSDmt30FqhgMkWd7QEgbnDPlvsl.jpg

I'm pleased with how we performed in the County Antrim Shield this season even though we lost in the semi final to Premier Division side Crusaders who trounced us 5-1 at a neutral venue - we beat fellow Championship One side Knockbreda three one away from home in the first round and Championship Two side P.S.N.I 6-2 in the quarters at home.

League Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/T0RpNkJDTA2OCk2hYHcgsMPOYLaM0Lj75UnlapGk.jpg

We came within ten (or so) minutes of shocking Premier Division side Glenavon in the second round of the League Cup but our League Cup campaign ended at our first hurdle, losing three one after extra time at Mourneview Park despite us taking a very early lead in Lurgan.

Intermediate Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/RRldiCKelJpYgCqgyZUk1KQ4Xjb9JLnA2UOpQSm9.jpg

We however still remain in the Intermediate Cup and will face either Donegal Celtic or Distillery in the fourth round I believe at home after we seen off Championship Two side Banbridge Town in the third round at Bangor Fuels Arena. We had beaten two non-league sides in Wellington Rec and Oxford United Stars in the first two rounds, also at home.

Irish Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/dz6XmjdfdHWV8BAg1iS2W1eukj37tI9uvsgpq5S1.jpg

I'm really frustrated with our performance in this seasons Irish Cup as we crashed to a three nil defeat away to Annagh United.

League - Championship One:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/CDgb6Cr6Vmc8gEUvZIHrAZ6zdQp0idk9RwHjVU7E.jpg

It's been quite an enjoyable first part of the season as we've only suffered four league defeats (away vs. Loughgall, away vs. Donegal Celtic, home vs. Armagh and away vs. Knockbreda) while we've dropped points in three other games (home vs. Harland & Wolff Welders, away vs. Annagh and home vs. Loughgall) but we have kept six clean sheets thus far and also beat fierce rivals Ards 3-1 at home so it's all good and I'd love to do the double over that lot.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ixcVV3sa98AwkIjqAPJOQuSGved1hHx5wM7kHoWd.jpg

Got to admit, it's always nice to see your rivals bottom of the table and in a relegation dogfight.

But onto ourselves and we are currently sitting in third place at the end of the calendar year much to my delight as we're predicted to finish the season in fourth place but you can also see it's quite tight as only nine points separate sixth placed Knockbreda with the unbeaten league leaders Loughgall and I'm glad they've drew seven of their seventeen games or they'd be well clear at the top from us instead of just the four points.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Great start mate! Good to see not all the careers are as scripted as some on here

Will be a tough battle to get to the top of the pile and earn promotion!
George14brfc
12 years ago
3 years ago
3,912
Good luck with this! Good start to the league season! There are alot of cup competitions!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
Ha, cheers Dan. Always knew this was going to be a tough season and it's proving to be just that at present, I'd love to secure at least a play-off spot, just like we did last season in real life.

Tell me about it George, the amount of cups for a second tier that's also semi-professional (like the top flight as well but they've less cups) is insane but Championship One is going 'senior' next season and if that's reflected on FM then we won't be in the Steel & Sons and Intermediate Cup.

________________________________________________________

Bangor - End of season round-up 2015/16

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ro0PlN0uoWa4bVrkfKty8XkDx5s13zICmL5q6NUF.png

Season #1 has been signed, sealed and delivered but could be gain the minimum of a play-off spot despite us being predicted to finish the campaign down in fourth while we also targeted Intermediate Cup success as well this season as that was the one and only cup the side remained in - or, would it turn out to be a disappointing season all round? Time will tell I suppose.

Intermediate Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/hKIFPqVwnXFxV75GWvToMpqCHqzoqsagaxfacqGr.jpg

Gutted. That's all I can really say as we failed in the final of the Intermediate Cup, losing to fellow Championship One side and promotion rivals Lurgan Celtic who beat us by four goals to three at a neutural venue - we had seen off the challenges of Wellington Rec, Oxford United Stars, Banbridge Town, Lisburn Distillery, Portadown Reserves and Queens Universty Belfast in the previous six rounds before losing the "show-piece" final.

League - Championship One:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/dL1tmJFEE5cdTgpa0Qjwhn2wOrkdh2B5jlUPjN0C.jpg

It wasn't a terrible second part of the league campaign as we only had nine league games remaining but it turned out to be a shocking last three games of the season as not just did we play poorly in those games but we also lost those three games against Knockbreda, Lurgan Celtic and Institute. We started the New Year well as well with back-to-back clean sheets of east Antrim duo Larne and Ballyclare but no doubt the poor end to the league proceedings cost us.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/jFbm0sdttGOvSpChCTEqqyzLaSND37vCcFXkeppt.jpg

And it ended up being a fifth place finish this season which I'm a little bit annoyed about as I expected much, much more from the lads and their is no doubt I need to try and purchase some "younger" legs this summer if we're going to try and launch a second promotion bid but not bottle it at the end like this season. Annagh United, Lisburn Distillery and Ballyclare Comrades all got relegated while Harland & Wolff Welders are in a relegation/promotion play-off with Limavady United.

Other News:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/DZpAcyZuCaBj23DdUoS4oRdAHRe3IrVQYW7iiKUg.jpg

The last piece of news in this update and I'm pleased to announce that I've agreed to sign a new one year deal at Bangor Fuels Arena which'll take me until the end of next season before (hopefully) agreeing a longer deal but it'll probably be another year. I had just three months remaining on my current deal and want to be here for a long, long time.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Shame to get so close to the first piece of silverware and then lose in the final! But you'll bounce back next year! Unlucky in the league to but as you said, it was about where you expected to be this year! unfortunately we can't all win leagues first season and every season
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
I really thought we could've secured a runners-up spot and a play-off with the team that finished second bottom in the Premier Division (turned out to be Carrick Rangers) but it just wasn't to be and that's grand as we'll regroup and try and battle next season Dan and maybe the team won't throw it away.
________________________________________________________

Bangor - Pre season round-up 2016/17

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ro0PlN0uoWa4bVrkfKty8XkDx5s13zICmL5q6NUF.png

My second season at Bangor Football Club is about to begin and I really don't know what to expect from the boys, we are predicted to finish the season in sixth place and that's two positions lower than last season predicted finish, which was fourth but I'm not sure we'll 'overachieve' this season without a clinical striker, something (at times) I lacked last season.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/c1PWilkMDCJw4klbLDAbvdY5iZFU8QWaKnFt5y56.jpg

Just two players ended up joining this summer as I really struggled to find 'talent' to strengthen the squad and that was needed. Ben Roy has joined after being released by Premier Division side Carrick Rangers while Chris Middleton has returned to the club from Harland & Wolff Welders. Chris Johns has been released after refusing to sign a new deal and he ended up signing for Glentoran.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/AlTJSO3afDfTEGsa6sUq0jw2MhZZwGNWQX4fsgaC.jpg

We have had a busy but promising pre season as we've only lost the one game out of the eight, losing four three away to Championship Two club Distillery, we drew at home to Scots Stenhousemuir while we (as expected) beat Kilroot, Bangor Y.M., Bryansburn, Orangefield, Holywood and Drumaness. Despite the 'poor' opposition, four clean sheets is always pleasing.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Screenshot of the signings would be useful

Good pre season' take that form into the league now!
Andrea S.S. LAZIO
10 years ago
4 years ago
1,128
You must be promoted this season.....C'MON
Johno
17 years ago
1 week ago
2,643
Premium
Hope you can nick the promotion spot
George14brfc
12 years ago
3 years ago
3,912
Gutted about the loss in the cup final hopefully you can go up this year! Great to see you got offered a new deal.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
I've decided to add them in Dan as I wanted to rush that last update out, hope it makes it more 'useful'. It's going to be another tough league campaign but we really need promotion if I'm to progress in this career.

We'll see what happens Andrea S.S. LAZIO, as I've said before, it won't be easy.

Me too Johno, me too.

It was dreadful losing the Intermediate Cup final George but it's football and that happens and I've needed to take 'it on the chin' and move on.

________________________________________________________

Bangor - Mid season round-up 2016/17

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ro0PlN0uoWa4bVrkfKty8XkDx5s13zICmL5q6NUF.png

With another pre season done and dusted, I've approached the midway point in my second season and with a disappointing fifth place finish and an Intermediate Cup final defeat behind us it was time to move on and prepare for this season but with the majority of the squad from last season still intact, I don't know what to expect from the boys.

Steel & Sons Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Ul4TCtPh4xPiFLKILPV2JLuxV4jvFJ2PiQvOuuOM.jpg

To say I'm annoyed with our exit in this seasons Steel & Sons Cup is an understatement as amateur side Coagh United (relegated at the end of last season) beat us at Bangor Fuels Arena by a single goal to nil and we played poorly. We had beaten Newtowne, Ards Rangers and Newington in the previous rounds before our 'unexpected' exit.

County Antrim Shield:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/N40hvqHIvEC6j9ip4Qgi33ncpv7jOo6SZVGtr6qy.jpg

Unfortunately we had a short run in this seasons Co. Antrim Shield as we suffered a three two defeat away to Premiership side Cliftonville despite shockingly going into a two goal lead in North Belfast. Semi-Finalists last season, first round exit this season and both to sides from North Belfast.

League Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/n52f101uqHiknlsXP6fwzjhedqAhNQqG9LDCy4bx.jpg

For the second season running we've crashed out of the League Cup at Mourneview Park as Glenavon beat us once again but at least we made it to the third round this season as we beat Championship Two side Distillery three nil iin the second round. I'd love to avoid the Lurgan Blues next season in this competition.

Intermediate Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/GF9IMH0lSYGN1giw7F94mATaRQG4MoIWVo5Anpng.jpg

We remain in the Intermediate Cup, which will resume in the New Year and fellow Championship One side Knockbreda will be our opposition - in the previous three rounds we beat Bloomfield away from home while Tobermore and Ballymoney were defeated at home and I'd love us to try and make the final again.

Irish Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/O9aYJ9Wh70CXk3cGOpHtL7aUA0ushsRjMnhLnW6m.jpg

Unlike last season I've managed to guide the side to the next stage of the Irish Cup after beating non-league side Rosario by four goals to nil away from home and our reward is a home tie against high flying Premiership side Coleraine at home.

League - Championship One:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/q3mNDSiNp2WNqBgoLnOe6cn85T2neuFHoBd6gjGb.jpg

It's been a promising start to the league campaign despite losing six games (including a 7-3 defeat away to Larne) but we've managed to win every other game and drew none thus far, just the four clean sheets in the league so far. I have also guided the side to two victories over fierce rivals Ards which is always a bonus - winning 1-0 away and 2-1 at home.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/KCtmAOxGCVNFPDewu8SX8S6PdTuGXt8NKeo2Qa80.jpg

Sixteen games have been played and we are currently lying in third place and that means we're exceeding expectations currently so I can't complain...thus far. You can also see we've not drew a single game so far this season which I'm surprised with.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
________________________________________________________

Bangor - End of season round-up 2016/17

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ro0PlN0uoWa4bVrkfKty8XkDx5s13zICmL5q6NUF.png

And now my second season at Bangor Football Club has been completed and at one point I was close to getting the chop due to 'confidence issues' or some crap like that but I've managed to survive...for now. Could we at least secure a play-off spot, win some silverware or would it be another disappointing season at Bangor Fuels Arena?

Intermediate Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wKhcjctnzFkZdx4pBGyNYRdnxhHc8I7jsBmPPMg5.jpg

The run in the Intermediate Cup this season ended at the semi final stage as we lost to Championship One 'rivals' Armagh City who beat us four goals to two at a netural venue much to my disappointment as I felt we deserved so much more - we had beaten Bloomfield, Tobermore, Ballymoney, Knockbreda and P.S.N.I before the semi final exit.

Irish Cup:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/GCBJnnP2ueQkFQ5YAtymaGqAT5KcmaF4B3VNRwDm.jpg

Just one more round was played in the Irish Cup as we scuppered to a single goal defeat on the artificial surface to Premiership side Coleraine.

League - Championship One:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wzqGICwRMF1C8W1RzInXV6uODohAVWpYq1gIXgXK.jpg

Our remarkable campaign continued in the second part of the campaign as we lost just another four games, most disappointedly we lost to Harland & Wolff Welders twice at Tillysburn Park while we drew just one game this season, a scoreless draw at Ballinamallard in a game we were huge outsiders in. Once again we beat Ards as our great form against that lot continues but can't see it lasting forever.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/46LTtc0iSyzN242hHdbSDhhaLjWXbqjFB3hvuOpH.jpg

We didn't win the league but with a runners-up spot secured I'm absolutely delighted with that as we were predicted to finish the season down in sixth place and a second place finish means we'll face Ballinamallard in the Championship One play-off over two legs and the winner of that game will face whoever finishes second bottom in the Premiership over two legs with promotion/relegation on the line.

There could be a maximum of four more games this season.

Other News:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/pUya9Ui5VPPSQdhlHLmEuAGphLf4nL0l7LaVhDuP.jpg

Despite being under-pressure at one stage during the season, I am delighted to have penned a new one year contract extension at the club as I still love managing the club despite being inconsistent and whatever happens in the play-off game(s), I will still be in charge next season and it may be time to 'change' the squad up quite a bit all being well.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
________________________________________________________

Bangor - Championship One play-off

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ro0PlN0uoWa4bVrkfKty8XkDx5s13zICmL5q6NUF.png

A second place finish in Championship One meant we secured a play-off spot and a chance to play in next seasons Premiership - before we even have a chance to face the team that finished second bottom of the Premiership (turned out to be Loughgall), we have to face the team that finished the Championship One season in third place and that turned out to be Ballinamallard United who had been expecting an immediate return to the top flight - can we stop them and move one step closer?

Championship One play-off, first leg:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/5VRmDsRv4ao59HMy9TJC5fLySIZrUHIbvfsW6Mko.jpg

The first leg, played at the Bangor Fuels Arena ended in a 1-1 draw in front of a bumper crowd as six hundred and thirteen fired in to a wet night at the beginning of May - winger Jack Upritchard had given us a seventh minute lead against the Mallards but Carl McComb struck in the second half to level the scores.

Championship One play-off, second leg:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/kZDLHt6Qs9pzLrkJumE9928eVWyExCKeicdS2ZRn.jpg

Four days later and we made to the trip to Ferney Park in Fermanagh for the second leg as we recorded an excellent 4-1 result to seal our place in the relegation/promotion play-off against Loughgall although the red card did help matters. Goals from Emmet Friars (own goal), Ben Roy, Aaron Sills and Gerard McMullan secured after Michael Newberry was shown a straight red card after just five minutes and Colm McLaughlin scored their consolation goal.

Just two more games are standing in the way of a potential and unlikely promotion to the Premiership.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
A great season mate, definitely pushed on more than you did last season! Now all you need is to get through these next two games!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
It was a pleasing season Dan but it'll be even better if we can gain promotion to the Premiership, but it'll be tough for sure.
________________________________________________________

Bangor - Relegation/Promotion play-off

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ro0PlN0uoWa4bVrkfKty8XkDx5s13zICmL5q6NUF.png

After seeing off Ballinamallard United in the Championship One play-off, we'll face Loughgall in the relegation/promotion play-off after The Villagers finished second bottom in the top flight - this is going to be very tough indeed but we're just potentially two wins away from playing in next seasons Premiership for the first time in 2008.

Relegation/Promotion play-off, first leg:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/NCSB6XzNVrvpUX2txzr9LHBdqqPyTqpLEEqolQcf.jpg

Our first leg against Loughgall was played at Bangor Fuels Arena and despite surrendering a two goal lead, we still head into the second leg at Lakeview Park with a slight advantage thanks to Ben Roy's strike in stoppage time - Jack Upritchard and Aaron Sillis struck to give us a two goal lead originally before the Premiership side levelled with two goals in six minutes late on but Roy struck on ninety two minutes.

Relegation/Promotion play-off, second leg:

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/zBYHab1Vqzd3K8i67IrJsgtK7FCRiSTgaSy5DD4V.jpg

The second leg at Lakeview was forgettable though as Loughgall eased to a four nil victory as they maintained their place in the top flight much to my disappointment as I really thought we could've secured promotion. Conor Glenholmes, formerly of Bangor, bagged a hat trick while Nathan Jones was also on target.

So another season in Championship One awaits and I really don't think we'll ever get out of this league.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Dam that's unfortunate! But remember. A good story involves heart break as well as success and this has it!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
One hundred percent agree with that Dan but I'm still gutted nonetheless but it could be a lot worse, I could have ended up getting the chop but thankfully I haven't.....yet.
________________________________________________________

Bangor - Pre season round-up 2017/18

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ro0PlN0uoWa4bVrkfKty8XkDx5s13zICmL5q6NUF.png

Failure in the relegation/promotion play-off at the end of the season was heartbreaking but it's time to move on from that and get ready for what'll be my third season at the helm at this great football club. Despite finishing last season in second place, we are predicted to finish this season down in ELEVENTH which I find really strange but that's fine, no pressure.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/rHJTQ4tJQQs2iP5ACLqHissGE2q98eVxg177RefU.jpg

It's been a busy pre season for the first time since I arrived at the club as nine players arrived at the club in an attempt to have another good season but once again it's guaranteed to be another tough one but I'd just love us to win some silverware, something I've come close too but ultimately failed at. I'm pleased with the signings I've made and I'm just going to list them below:

Nathan McConnell - left back from Donegal Celtic (free)
Ryan McBride - goalkeeper from Lisburn Distillery (free)
Marcio Soares - attacking midfielder/striker from Larne (free)
Paddy Roddy - central defender from Ballymena United (loan)
James McCabe - right winger/striker from Larne (free)
Stuart McCullough - central defender from 'unattached' (free)
Michael Hynes - right back/defensive midfielder/central midfielder from Sport & Leisure Swifts (free)
Jack Gault - goalkeeper from Coleraine (free)
Chris Trussell - striker from Ballyclare Comrades (free)

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/OT0lQ2lw5ySC8i3HMtnYjwEZhYjAUNIVcFjcQwm9.jpg

And I've no complaints with how the pre season preparations went even if we did suffer some injuries as we didn't really play any 'bigger/slighty bigger' sides except for Scottish duo Albion Rovers and Airdrie - we beat 'non-league' sides Bangor Y.M., Groomsport, Kircubbin, Holywood, Shorts and Grove United while we drew at Saintfield.

With the competitive season ready to begin, I really don't know what to expect but it's time for it to start.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Good pre season that mate! Lets hope you press on from here!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
Cheers Dan but just remember, we didn't play any 'major' local sides so I've no idea what to expect but I do expect confidence to be high.
________________________________________________________

Bangor - Mid season round-up 2017/18

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I'm in my third full season here at Bangor Fuels Arena and it's been an enjoyable ride to date, even if I've won zero silverware at present but I expect that to eventually change as I can't go through an entire career without winning something, right? - in the summer I made nine signings and had a promising pre season, I just hope the players have gelled quickly and we can have a good campaign, we're predicted to finish eleventh out of twelve which is VERY strange.

Steel & Sons Cup:

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Woohoo, I've won my first piece of silverware since becoming Bangor manager as we lifted the Steel & Sons Cup, beating Championship Two side Ballyclare Comrades 5-1 in the final on Christmas Day at Seaview. We had beaten non-league sides Dromara, Ardglass, Crumlin United, last seasons winners Wakehurst and Glebe before lifting the trophy at a packed Seaview in North Belfast.

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County Antrim Shield:

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Our run in the Co. Antrim Shield ended in the quarter final stage after a three goals to nil defeat away to Ballymena United, we didn't play terribly but the Premiership side took their chances and it was a little disappointing as we beat another Premiership side, Glentoran at The Oval in the first round.

League Cup:

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Once again Glenavon were our downfall in the League Cup for the third consecutive season but I can't be too disheartened as we reached the semi finals of the competition for the first time since the 2014/15 season and we had also beaten another Premiership side as Portadown were sent packing while Sport & Leisure and Tobermore United were also both eliminated but made hard work of both.

Intermediate Cup:

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Disappointing! Linfield Swifts (reserve team of Linfield) beat us in the third round of the Intermediate Cup at home in what was a poor game to say the least, after doing quite well in the last two seasons in this competition it's really frustrating to crash out before Christmas.

Irish Cup:

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We had to come from three goals to one down to remain in this seasons Irish Cup as non-league Newington gave us a fright and we'll be at home to Ballyclare in the fifth round, Jack Upritchard (I think) struck the winner in the last few minutes.

League - Championship One:

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It's been a mixed first part of the campaign this time around but we're currently 'overachieving' as we have played fifteen league games and for the first time since being appointed manager, I've lost to our fierce rivals Ards as they beat us 6-3 away from home but yet we beat league leaders Lurgan Celtic 4-1 on our travels. Just two clean sheets have kept so far this season and that's very disappointing.

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And we will be heading into the New Year lying in sixth place which I suppose I should be happy with as we are predicted to finish second bottom, which I still find strange as we did finish in second place last season. Bangor have won six, drew four and lost five of the fifteen games we've played so far and I expect more consistency in the second part of the campaign.
DNZY
15 years ago
3 weeks ago
1,882
Premium
If you run into Killyleagh YC and beat them, I will get the RA after you.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Wow tough first half of the season, seems that might be a bug with the media predictions! Hopefully you'll challenge more in the second half of the season! Well done on the first trophy though mate!
George14brfc
12 years ago
3 years ago
3,912
Very strange media prediction! Great to see you get your first cup win Not the bets start to the league season but it seems very difficult to get promotion out of this league. Nice to see some highlights too!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
No problem DNZY, I hope we beat Killyleagh now (if we ever play them) just to irratate you!

Just remember though Dan, we were predicted to finish the campaign down in eleventh place so the fact we're higher than that, well I should be pleased. Thanks, it was nice to get that first trophy out of the way and I hope more will follow suit.

Eh, the league is always a tough one to call George, even in real life so maybe it's not that unrealistic but I just didn't expect the prediction of eleventh. Ha yeah, I feel we'll never get promotion.

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Bangor - End of season round-up 2017/18

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A third season has been done and dusted and it's been another tough campaign at Bangor Fuels Arena but something I've learnt to accept. On Christmas Day 2017, we won our first trophy under my stewardship as we beat Ballyclare Comrades of Championship Two in the Steel & Sons Cup final - we're only in one more cup competition, can we add the Irish Cup to the trophy cabinet this season, or the league?

Irish Cup:

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The sixth round is when our Irish Cup hopes came to an end this season as Premiership side Coleraine beat us in this competition for the second season running as they won a sixth round replay two goals to one at Coleraine Showgrounds. We had beaten Ballyclare in the previous round.

League - Championship One:

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Wow, to say the second part of the league campaign was a mixed one is a complete understatement as we could only win half of our remaining twelve games and only kept one clean sheet in the process. The 1-0 home win over Ards, thanks to an Aaron Sillis goal, was enough to secure a top six finish this season as we overachieved but I believe the board were only 'satisfied', pricks.

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I suppose I can't be too annoyed with the fifth place finish this season as in pre season we were predicted to finish second bottom in pre season. Got to admit, the most frustrating part was despite having a good attack the side also had a woeful defence and that'll need to be addressed...or I stop playing so attacking. Dungannon won the league on the final day after victory at runners-up Lurgan Celtic.

Other News:

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Once again I'm pleased to have signed a new one year contract extension but the club chairman, Trevor Best gave me a 'fright' as I only had seven weeks remaining on my current deal. Once again next season I will be targeting the minimum of a top half finish as I feel we're someway off launching a promotion bid...unless we can find some consistency and stop shipping goals left right and centre.

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