Parker26
9 years ago
10 hours ago
9,107
Premium
The Globetrotter

http://proprofs-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/images/games/user_images/misc/1768776549.png


For my first save and hopefully one of my only ones, I will be doing the same challenge as @Dan, @Shedender and @tongey are doing, where the only aim is to win every trophy on the game, however since I started playing football manager in 2014, I have never got past 10 seasons, and on this website, only 4 seasons, so as if the challenge of winning every trophy possible, I also have the challenge of not getting distracted by other potential saves or challenges which has been the case in almost all of my saves.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/TfBOiFpB661gmYQpzK2FB88pJ0kQDBLwRPhEbrd7.png


I'm going to try and keep this part short as the other three have already outlined the concepts of the save, and the manager stats and things, but just for 'evidence', here are my manager stats.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wrTcaJaltzN8cqk5xQT6Qcz0GwJdZk6tI1XfPQwc.png


And also to avoid having to either copy @Dan or @Shedender's career paths or putting myself at a disadvantage by going to a weaker side, I have decided to start in South America, with England loaded too, just in case it doesn't work out.

The next update will be the job offers or openings in South America!
Grimnir
16 years ago
2 months ago
2,727
Another challenger approaches! Best of luck with this

Just don''t take the AFC Fylde job!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
When are you going to join us @Suffolk Seasider?

It's actually nice to see more people are copying myself, @Dan and @tongey is trying to attempt this impossible challenge and that's what it is. Good to see you've chosen different leagues as well @Parker26 as that means you won't be able to start the save with either Dundela or Stirling Albion, ha. Good luck pal, will be following.
Parker26
9 years ago
10 hours ago
9,107
Premium
Thanks @Suffolk Seasider, hope you enjoy
Yeah, @Shedender, initially I started with England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales,but the only clubs worth managing had already been done by either yourself or Dan, and South America is not somewhere I want to spend long and struggle with late on, as I am unfamiliar with the league setups and things.

The First Club


http://futhead.cursecdn.com/static/img/16/clubs_large/361.png


Exactly as I'd set out to do, I took a job with South American giants... Stevenage. England isn't where I wanted to start ideally, but after almost 5 months of trying to get any South American job that came up, I gave up and chose Stevenage. Honestly, I dont expect to be here long as they are a mid table side at best, and are currently struggling and are in 20th place at the moment. If I'd waited, I could have potentially got a better offer, but I will use Stevenage as a stepping stone to the next club and hopefully they'll be closer to the top of the league, and preferably, South American.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/xhSWSIiY90Bb8hXuXiliMGA1afWSb7GPfZvmFVcm.png


The next update will be a look at the club and where they're at, at the moment!
Parker26
9 years ago
10 hours ago
9,107
Premium
The Club

http://futhead.cursecdn.com/static/img/16/clubs_large/361.png


As this job has come somewhat out of the blue, I don't really know what to expect; I know Stevenage will, realistically, not be good enough to win a trophy with, but I know I'll have to achieve the objective that I said I'd meet during the interview, however, admittedly, I did big myself up to the chairman...


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/pshD4MXQ0JKpr7whdj24lBrqN2AA1KCtm6QIIXay.png


This is how the league is looking before my first game in charge against 6th placed Barnet. We sit in 20th, and I, as I mentioned, have set the target of reaching mid table. We have only managed to win 4 times in 20, but we have 8 draws, which is positive at this point; at least we haven't been consistently losing. It is also worth mentioning that I had interviews with both Yeovil and Grimsby and neither wanted me, so it'd be a good opportunity to show them what they could have had...


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/7LLo81Aqp3GauJJ9d6xY7hBzBxWDrK2KS0wq5vw4.jpg


This is the squad. I am happy with the way the squad is looking and the depth in most positions is at least manageable, however the one area of note is Jobi McAnuff's contract. He may have been playing in the Premier League not too long ago with Reading, but he is 35 and is on £3,000 a week, which is around £1,000 more than the second highest earner. He will have this season to prove himself, otherwise he'll be gone, providing I stay that long! Also, Chris Day, the backup goalkeeper. He may have been at Stevenage for a while now, but he is 41 and is on £1,000 a week, which is not what I need at this stage. Finally, the stand out player this season so far has been Kevin Osei, going by his stats. He has played 23 games, scoring 9 and assisting 4. For a team in 20th, that is a pretty good record. He has had a strange career, starting at Marseille, but was released and went to Belgium for a year, and then from Belgium he decided England was where his heart was, and he went to Carlisle and then Stevenage. Hopefully he can be the difference maker playing up front.


The next update will be after my first transfer window in charge!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
A little surprised you managed to get the Stevenage job. Good luck nonetheless.
Jamie3
11 years ago
1 day ago
1,640
Premium
Good Luck at Stevenage Parker
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
As Shedender said, surprised to see you got that job, good luck @Parker26 im following
Parker26
9 years ago
10 hours ago
9,107
Premium
I was too @Shedender and @Dan, even more so as Grimsby rejected me, but it got to the stage where I just applied for every job that became available to me
Thanks @Jamie3, hopefully I can get a better job after this

The First Transfer Window


http://futhead.cursecdn.com/static/img/16/clubs_large/361.png


I took over in the middle of November and have just finished January, so as I've said, I have completed my first transfer window of my career, but it wasn't too busy..


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/EwD4AtROCQNtQ5jbVEYnLg6aMRpcHFVeVsE5VpMt.png


I only made two signings in Calvin Zola and David Ferguson. Calvin Ferguson was released by Stevenage last year in real life and has been a free agent since, but the tactic that I am using needs a target man, and the one I was using before was not scoring enough. David Ferguson came in from semi-pro side Shildon. Not sure why he was playing that low down, but according to my assistant manager, he is good enough to play in league 2 and will be a back up left back as that was the only position lacking depth. Nobody left the club other than 3 or 4 loanees, only one was in the first team, which was Jack King, but he wasn't a stand out player anyway. I did try to sell Jobi McAnuff as he doesn't fit the tactics, and his wages are too high for the financial situation the club is in.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/FwFc8anD3SyjfHfxeei5PitPvDZ5jjPou1tQLlu7.png


This is the tactic and team I will be using using too. Osei has been moved back to attacking midfield and I hope he'll work there.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Y8RzLEgj5Oq95g3w5UatQt6vnOoq5FmgvOxX2zCY.png


Well... This isn't how I expected it to go in the first month and a half! The first two games obviously didn't go to plan, losing both, but there were good signs there. Then from out of no where, we beat promotion contenders, Colchester, 4-1. They did have two sendings off, but Tyler Walker scored a hat trick. From there we kicked on and won four on the bounce, with the 1-0 win over Doncaster being a particular high point. The first game we didn't manage to win was a 0-0 draw with Hartlepool, which if we had won, we could have leap frogged them, but it wasn't too concerning based on the previous results. But we were back to winning ways with a 5-1 demolition of what could have been my first employers, Grimsby, with Tyler Walker scoring his second hat trick of the campaign, and also a 2-1 win over Crawley, which we definitely did not deserve to win. Also, we were knocked out of the Paint Trophy, EFL and FA cup before I arrived, so I couldn't do anything about it.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/hbX12JG2aN1zFIDu4Bq7DqjEcIEbAVMRaaDJ0lXM.png


Finally, heres how the league is looking after 29 games. We sit in 11th, with a slight chance of sneaking into the play off places. It is also pretty impressive as we were in 20th when I took over and we even fell to 22nd after my first two games. However I am still unsure on how long I will be staying here, so it may be irrelevant anyways.


The next update will be an end of season round up (probably)
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
1 day ago
1,598
Will be following and eventually attempting this challenge myself. KUTGW
tongey
14 years ago
1 month ago
1,101
Stevenage aren't a bad side, hope you can get off to a great start in your hunt for trophies! Good luck dude!
Parker26
9 years ago
10 hours ago
9,107
Premium
End of Season Round-up


http://futhead.cursecdn.com/static/img/16/clubs_large/361.png


After such a good run in my first month and a half at Stevenage, I was interested to see how I would do in the last part of the season. I was quietly optimistic about our chances of maybe sneaking into the top 6, but we were highly unlikely to get anywhere near there.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/PYbwPqBhxiYp3FmOftJhAbc0oOIeHdnWIMbPhBfk.png


The following seven games all went to plan, however one thing I did notice whilst playing those games is that the goals are drying up, but then again, we were playing the best sides in the league. Crewe, Notts County, Leyton Orient and Luton were all in the top 6 at the time of playing them and we came away from them with 10 of a possible 12 points which was very pleasing. However it all came crashing down when we were on the end of a demolition job at the hands of struggling Blackpool. Coming into it, I knew it was going to be a tough game, but they were lower mid table at the time, so to get beaten 4-0 by them really damaged the teams morale, which showed in the next five games, we failed to win, but again, they were the better sides in the league. Portsmouth were top of the league at the time of playing them and Colchester had just sneaked in, following our four victories against the teams in the top 6 previously. The poor run ended with a 3-0 victory over Morecambe, followed by a 1-0 win over Carlisle, who, coincidentally, believe it or not, were also top at the time of us playing them. The last three games were against teams 20th or lower, but we did lose to Mansfield, who stayed up on the final day with a 6-2 victory over Carlisle!


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/SiZodQNPQHvLCwl49uCOSx7nDIE4TDkRZIvOE7Nn.png


However that does round off the season, and we didn't do enough to reach the play-offs in the end, with the five game winless run really costing us. However, considering we were 22nd at one point, I think that 10th is a respectable position. Ideally I don't want to stay here next year, but it isn't an issue if I have to although I do want to manage a team in South America, but all of their teams, even those in the second and third divisions are either not worth going to or don't want me due to a mix of their reputation being too high and me being foreign anyway.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/1OgNXpk3jkXT90SL5vNQ9BoBeVjFlnhbJU8BommM.png


Here are the end of season awards. Ronnie Henry won fans player of the year, despite not being a consistent first team player. He was also due to be released, but he took a £1k paycut in order to stay. David Ferguson won signing of the season, but I would have given it to David Osei, as Ferguson started less than ten games. Finally, Kgosi Ntlhe won young player of the season, which is deserved, as he was one of the standout players this season.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/FwhaLpwvtpgNATlep2eFBYUJufwxia4NqfvCV20r.jpg


The main reason for our relative success this year was our defence. All four of them had over 7 average ratings, which is really pleasing. Steven Schumacher was another standout performer, especially as when I arrived he had only played four games and was transfer listed. But he fit the role I wanted him to play perfectly, and he did a job for the team. Finally Tyler Walker, who scored 21 goals this season, and was third top goalscorer in the league, which is really good for a team finishing 10th. He is only on loan, but I managed to get him back for this season from Nottingham Forest.


*I have loaded the Scottish leagues and the South African league as I can't get a job in South America yet*


The Next Update will be the Season Preview
Parker26
9 years ago
10 hours ago
9,107
Premium
Mid-Season Round-up


http://futhead.cursecdn.com/static/img/16/clubs_large/361.png


The start of my first full season, and the question was still lingering whether it was beneficial for me to stay at Stevenage or not, and the first part of the season was crucial to my decision...


The League

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/9XEgWFWuNMWMs3InVcHdYP6tRYlUqdSzdOQqOOwY.png


The start of the season began the way as the end of last season; we won 3 in a row, Kevin Osei and Tyler Walker the standouts in those games. But we were then beaten 5-3 by Cambridge, in a game we fully deserved to win, but a red card to our centre back, Luke Wilkinson, cost us, as they scored three after that. But we were back to winning ways, with another two wins, although, neither were convincing. And our incapability to seize on our possession was exploited when Newport beat us, and other than another less than convincing 1-0 win over Morcambe, we were winless in 5.


The EFL Cup

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/WtKl5yfDQsCTNDmZImOUylCF7jEQBjeUHL0KMgtW.png


We went on a nice cup run, considering the opposition we came up against. We were drawn against Championship side Reading, first round, and I wasn't expecting much as a result, but the team stepped up with Fraser Franks scoring, as well as Rowan Liburd, who scored against his boyhood club. We then were drawn against Leeds, which is another tough draw, but we dismantled them, with a 6-2 victory, and it was one of the better games I have played in FM, as it was constant highlights, goals and drama. However our final round we got drawn against Premier League side Stoke, who squashed us 5-1/


The Checkatrade Paint Trophy

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ccl4CZJPJdPcLh6mmhEo4Bo988GxhkJf5h5xclxC.png


We've won both of our games via a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/SFmnqNynQPvHATcq3FfbyNhbqyz6eAvCKm3vqr0m.png


Finally, this is how the league table is looking. We currently sit in eighth, but I really don't see a future here, despite our reasonable form. I don't think it is possible for us to get into the play off places, as I can't add anyone to the club due to the poor financial situation, and even if we did get in, we aren't good enough to win. So it is because of this that I...


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/SwsHzxyuco6GJtO8lxPYuPGgU5pYGowh4gweSgjh.png


...I decided to resign. I just don't feel that Stevenage is the place I need to be if I want to get ANY trophies in this career. Also, from a selfish perspective, they can't afford to pay for coaching courses, so even if it means dropping down a level, I need to move on if I am to progress.


The Next Update Will be the New Club
Parker26
9 years ago
10 hours ago
9,107
Premium
The New Club


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/63/Suttonunited.png


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/fxJAeKi6wRESxJUkabVTPjhX1x5am4sOGL4ah8wU.png


As you might be able to guess, I have taken the Sutton United job. It is hopefully going to get me my first trophy of my career, as we're predicted to finish 2nd, but I want to, obviously, win it. As I said in the last part, my resignation may mean I have to drop down a level, and I was right. I was also waiting on a response from Exeter, who were towards the top of League 2, and also a team from the second division in Colombia, but neither got back to me as fast as Sutton United did.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/GpK4Q9QggU3Qc4VtwYB28OlEXrBWTiYwBtsctg96.png


We currently sit in 10th, and I want to make an immediate impact, so I can get the league title at the first time of asking, so I can finally get myself on the board.


The Next Update will be the End of Season Round-up


Grimnir
16 years ago
2 months ago
2,727
Shame it didn't work out at Stevenage, probably the right decision to move on!

Here's hoping for a trophy with Sutton!
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
Let's see if you have the same success at Sutton as I did @Parker26.
Parker26
9 years ago
10 hours ago
9,107
Premium
@Suffolk Seasider I just felt I wasn't getting anywhere and the lack of money meant I couldn't do anything about it. I basically jumped off a sinking ship as they finished 16th at the end of the season with Alan Smith in charge! Thanks for the support
@Shedender I hope so too, as I am being left behind in all aspects of this save!

End of Season Round-up


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/63/Suttonunited.png


With the rest of the leaderboards storming away in terms of seasons and silverware, I need to win something, somewhere so I can at least get myself on the board. Sutton United are probably the best chance I have at achieving that at this stage, so hopefully I can do it


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/O45DaJ6JTcSo3MNVdNDMWtdyMwQXADSI4eFWWb6k.png


My first game in charge were against 1st placed, Ebbsfleet, which we somehow managed to win 1-0, but we were then beaten, comprehensively, by St Albans, 3-0. We then went on a little run, were we only lost one in nine, and that loss was to Hemel Hempstead Town, were we just didn't turn up, and we had a makeshift defence, with one of them returning to their loan club, and the other two were injured, so it was up to two 19 year olds who are barely good enough to be amateurs, to fill in. We also beat Dulwich Hamlet, who are another team in search of a promotion, 2-1. In the most disappointing moment of my reign in charge, we drew 4-4 to Margate, who not only were tipped for relegation, but we also lead the game 4-1, which really made me consider whether Sutton United are even any good. But our season was reignited with four straight wins, the most notable coming against 8th placed Whitehawk.

This good form, and also the fact that the other two promotion chasing teams, Dulwich Hamlet and Bishop Stortford both slipped up on the final day, meant that we had qualified for the play-offs.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/sSHwmUHKkoK0wO7feJlq0ovIiTCY1JTKzI4kSK5G.png


We were drawn against 2nd placed Maidenhead, managed by Michael Chopra, and I wasn't hopeful of any success in this game, given the fact that they got ten more points then us in the end. And the game went exactly as I'd anticipated. It was close to begin with, but they opened the deadline with a freekick, and the player who scored it, had never scored before for Maidenhead. They then doubled their lead from a driven cross to the backpost. At this point, I really didn't fancy our chances.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/h9x1D8gVfouLksusL2FbfnU9tP2cxOi8ASx886t6.png


But somehow, we rallied, and pulled it out the bag in the second leg. Roarie Deacon and Chris Dickson, both scored, and put us through to the finals, against St Albans, the team who thrashed us 3-0 last time we played them.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/v3aCsPlnbgDdHs2yQZ13XAZw3hTTYccag3MWbiGs.png


Heartbreak. A game we didn't deserve to lose, they snatched the game with a goal in the first 30 seconds. A really disappointing end to what had been a pretty impressive start to my reign at Sutton United.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/HqcVfvU0UjNPmLthHWBC5WjWqsYc9H4dh0CfbhHz.png


This is how the final league standings looked. The only thing I am not happy with is the goal difference. We can't score, and whenever we do, it is usually followed by an equalizer. Next year, I want to win the league.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/9GOpwi3G8uwYstVaD8TuvuGflgi5GVgbulAwImnr.png


The fans player of the year was Craig Eastmond (who played four times for Arsenal!), which I'd agree with. Ed Francis, on loan from Man City, and Nicky Baily, formerly of Milwall, were second and third respectively. Chris Dickson won goal of the season, but he is getting released at the end of the year, as he just doesn't get involved as much as I need him to. Finally, Ed Francis won young player of the season, which is fair, as there aren't many other young players in our starting eleven.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/0effAhWSZRccIiNISRrBHUfkKX1hsv0MBoStGDhs.png


Finally, this is how the squad is looking. As you can probably notice, goals is our major issue. Maxime Biamou scored 21, which is incredible, but other than that, it isn't good enough. Chris Dickson, scored like once every five games, which is not good enough for the striker who is meant to score the majority of the goals. Also our defence is a big issue. We had a player called Wealth Da Silva, on loan from Bury, but at the end of January his loan was ending, and we couldn't resign him, as there is a maximum of 4 short term loans in this division. Dean Beckwith is old now and very slow, but when I arrived he was injured, and had been for 8 weeks, Louis John was out for 6 months, and isn't good enough anyway, so that left Jamie Blanco and Tom Mallett. You just have to look at their star ratings to know that they aren't good enough. Travis Johnson was also out when I arrived so Daniel Spence had to play, and he also is not good enough. The midfield is very strong though, with Craig Eastmond and Nicky Bailey anchoring it, and Ryan Burge, who is very experienced at this level, in the centre of the three, however other than that, we are bare. The club is also in financial difficulty, so a lot of the deadwood is leaving at the end of the year, to hopefully make room for a lot of changes.


The Next Update will be the Season Preview!
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
Gutted with a playoff final defeat man, I've had a few of those! Head up and go again!
tongey
14 years ago
1 month ago
1,101
Keep that head up and build for next season! It's yours for the taking!
TinakoFM
10 years ago
1 day ago
1,522
Unlucky in the play-offs! Shame about Stevenage, but Sutton Utd is an interesting next job; a club that actually is very close to where I live but I've never managed them on FM before. Good luck for the new season!
Parker26
9 years ago
10 hours ago
9,107
Premium
@Dan It was very frustrating considering we dominated the game, but we came a long way since I took over so it's not awful
@tongey Thanks, I hope so, our team definitely is strong enough to get promoted
@r96Skinner I think Stevenage needed too much time to rebuild, which I don't have! I also live very near there too and I've never managed them either, so it is good to do it finally

Season Preview


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/63/Suttonunited.png


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Bpe2ZKCFMfOWwEuE4E9a2r77QFIvFpgYw9WomkFM.png


So, the rebuild begins! I knew I needed to ship out a lot of the deadwood but I underestimated how many would leave, hence the bloated list of incoming transfers, especially for a team in debt! Anyway, the first player to come in is a second choice centre midfielder, David Ijaha. I was very pleased with this especially on a free, after being released by Plymouth, and that 19 strength should come in handy at some point. The second player is Michael Potts, who will be a backup. Can play attacking midfield and centre back if needed too. Next is a name some people may have heard of; Karleigh Osbourne. He, also, was released by Plymouth, but he hasn't played a competitive game in almost a year, so hopefully that won't be a problem. Chris Rowney and Terry Galbraith are just backup up fullbacks. Tika Musonda, the brother of Charly Musonda, came in on a free to be a backup centre/right back. Next is Sean Williams, who will provide cover in the attacking midfield spot. The next one is the one I am most pleased with. Denzeil Boadu was released by the Man City academy, and is now one of our better players. He'll play at striker alongside Biamou. Tony Royle and Joe Townsend come in on loan from our affiliate club Preston, to provide cover in the goalkeeper and centre midfield spot, and finally Ned Dry will be a backup striker.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ja8AhWVDMJzl09NhqbJGep20M17wI9hGz20hlCYi.png


As I said, lots of players left the club, the majority of which don't have any relevance. However the noteworthy departures were Dean Beckwith, who was our starting centre back but he was very poor, Bedsente Gomis, who was a backup striker, but again, wasn't good enough, Louis John, who was a backup centre back, who wasn't good enough anyway, but he struggled with injuries and wanted a £500 pay rise and possible Dan Spence, who I'm constantly informed that the fans particularly agree with his departure, which is good, I guess?


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/L56hEMMvP4uJJ1OV66nKY8EfxE4JMaJ7p5wJiruV.png


This is the team that will play most of the games this year. The midfield remains the same, Boadu slots in alongside Biamou, in defence, Osbourne will start next to Francis, who I forgot to mention that we extended his loan. At right back, It is between Musonda and Travis Johnson, but Johnson is on loan, so I may favour Musonda for that reason. The only positions I am still not happy with are goalkeeper and the attacking midfielder. I found a guy called Agard, who would have played at attacking midfield, but he was from Guyana and he couldn't get a work permit, and Ross Worner looked shaky last year, but replacing him wasn't a priority, and we didn't have the money to get in a better player anyway.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/q7sypRTbFTUMu5AavwjmP8Dni1Axz0tHUfIS7nMs.png


Finally, a look at the squad. I did accidentally cut off the star ratings, but I'd played a little way into the season when I did this screenshot, so I didn't want to show their stats. Also, the signing of Ned Dry was a strange one. I had been searching for a striker since the end of last season to fit the poacher role, and everyone I found either wanted too much money, or was not good enough. And then out of the blue I get an e-mail with a scout report on this 19 year old, who has good potential, and fits the poacher role perfectly, but he'd never shown up in any of my searches..


The Next Update will be the Mid-Season Round-up
TinakoFM
10 years ago
1 day ago
1,522
Big business done, hopefully you can get the team firing.

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