The Rodgers Revolution

WELCOME BRENDAN RODGERS.

I set up his profile as close as I could to his real profile within the game. So the plan is to play the game as closely as I can as to how (I imagine) Rodgers will manage the club in terms of playing style and transfers.

My first task is to have a clear out and get a close-knit squad.

First thing I done was look at my staff. I was torn between Steve Clarke and Paul Clement for the role that John Collins previously occupied. In the end Clarke joined Watford and in came Clement. A good choice in my opinion, quite similar to Brendan as he is well travelled, worked in the Chelsea youth system and worked under José Mourinho.



More staff changes followed suit. Chris Davies and Glen Driscoll (both joined in real life) signed up and Mourinho's old GK coach completed my set up for the season. Internally there was a reshuffle as Davis Moss was offered a coaching role as opposed to his scouting duties.



Then I looked at reducing the first team squad. At first glance I had 32 players. Tyler Blackett was first to go as I terminated his loan. Carlton Cole, Colin Kazim-Richards and Derk Boerrigter left on loan, and Bursaspor took Efe Ambrose off my hand for £500k. This freed up about £45k p/w in wages.

The tactical side of things I've had to think outside the box - due to the sheer amount of fixtures we have during the qualifiers. I've used 4-1-2-3, 4-3-3, 4-4-2 and 3-3-3-1, all with the same attaching, high pressing philosophy. I'm looking to build the squad towards a 4-1-2-3 when I get the right players in.

Here are the results so far. League results aren't up to scratch, ICT game we were down to 9 men in the first half - all downhill from there. We sit 4th in the league, expecting better once fixture list is less congested. Champions League been OK so far but tough tie against Dinamo Zagreb next. I’m scouting a few of their players so it'll be interesting to see how the fair.



I’m currently in talks with a young striker from Real Madrid; in an effort to take some of the reliance off Leigh Griffiths. I missed out on Jonathan Soriano who decided to sign for Leicester instead.

We did well against a good side to reach the group stages of the Champions League with Bayern, Sevilla and Shakhtar. Incredibly St. Johnstone also managed to reach the Europa League groups. We drifted 5 points behind the leaders Dundee but I reckon in a few weeks we should be top.





Quite a good signing I reckon. He cost us just £80k. He has the key stats I was looking for, decent passing, dribbling and acceleration. If I can improve his finishing he has the making of a good player. He isn't quite the proven goal scorer I was looking for but I have faith. The board was good enough to increase my transfer budget from £2m to £20m. That should come in handy improving the squad in January.

We had some perfect league form winning all three. We progressed in the League Cup too. Europe is concerning however this year just reaching the Group Stage was an achievement. Next year we can build on it and put in a decent fight in the groups. I've been spending a lot of time trying to identify players to improve the squad. I'll be working on a one in on out basis I think.

October was a tough month for Brother Brendan. We kept up the abysmal CL group stage record. Albeit, to a Bayern side who could go on and win it. Domestic form was a bit hit-and-miss. However I see some positives.

Viva La Rodgers.

I just switched this on after a few days. Turns out I didn't save it and it crashed when I opened my laptop

Just lost 2-0 to Bayern.

Things could have went better (and did first time round). We should be on our way into the Europa League and top of the table. I've no doubts about winning the league. We will run away with it in January. I'm focusing on one or two signings for January.

A poor run of form in December has shown I need to massively improve the squad in January. Despite the poor start to the CL group we managed to nick a Europa League spot with an away win in Seville. Fitting.





In the last couple days of December I arranged for Gary Hooper to sign. We were severely lacking goals and for less than £3m he should be a bargain and is proven at this level. There is still a good pot there to strengthen the defence.

Much better form through December, if we can win the game in had we FINALLY go back top.





My 2nd signing was to steady the ship at the back. He looks like the perfect partner for Sviatchenko. At £5m he was my most expensive signing, for this I expect him to boss the SPL and put a good shift in European matches.



When I seen Michu available for less than £1m I couldn't not sign him. Although Rodgers didn't manage him, he had the best season of his career at Swansea. He should do a job.



My final signing was Adam Rooney, he netted 11 in 22 for Aberdeen so if he keeps that up he'll be more than justified. I now have 3 very good strikers, all quite different.

Another implosion meant we could not stretch our lead at the top of the table. At least me are now top!

Our domestic form has picked up again. Despite only playing two games we picked up maximum points, with clean sheets and 6 goals. Disappointed to go out the Scottish Cup but we wrapped up the League Cup with a big win over ICT.

Gutted to go out of the Europa League as I felt we could win it. We threw away a 1-0 lead in Russia and a late goal at home to knock us out. Only league games left, hopefully we can win the last 8.

Not the end of season I hoped for but we limped over the line with a domestic double and reached the last 16 of the Europa League. Big changes over the summer to get us into shape. Got a few decent singings lined up already. Stay tuned.