[FM17] Journeyman's Journey I

Painful, Painful, Painful:
Thank you for choosing to read my last career update with Indonesian Super League side Persib, this one includes all trials and tribulations between September 2019 and October 2019. As you can tell from the update's title, it hasn't exactly been good.

We begin with an extraordinary Indonesian Cup third round second leg tie, as we met tier two club Madiun Putra and held a 3–0 lead. The second leg incredibly ended 5–6 in our favour, it was quite something and quite embarrassing in truth; it was also a sign of things to come unfortunately. Even more shocking than the scoreline was that Zulham Zamrun miraculously scored a hat-trick, the only real bright moment (other than the win, obviously) was that youngster Uston Iswahyudi managed to get another goal. We returned to league action next and beat PSMS 2–4 thanks to four first half goals. So, just the ten goals scored in two matches.

That's, pretty much, as good as it got to be honest. September continued with a match against Persiram, one we lost at home by one goal to nil. Next saw us go to Sriwijaya and lose further as goals from Sutanto Tan, Bayu Pradana and Novan Setya sent us to defeat; despite a Yusuf Harjanto double. We managed to seek some respite as we won two of our next three games, not bad but sadly the two wins were in the cup against second division opponents. They came against Persip and we progressed 7–3 on aggregate. A league encounter with Persik fell in between the cup ties and we lost, again.

Then came what I can only describe as a diabolical defeat to leaders Bhayangkara as we were obliterated 6–1 (six! one!). Admittedly, four of their goals came in the final twelve minutes as we went all out attack but the score remains, it was an utter shambles on our part. We deserved to get destroyed, just like in the reverse fixture; which, in all honesty, should've ended like this one too. Pure embarrassment for the club's supporters. iirc we were second before the game and only about five points off of Bhayangkara, this result killed us. I must say, despite all of what I just said which is true, Bhayangkara are a fantastic team, the way they attack is frightening.

It didn't get easier next as then came a meeting with third place Bali United and no prizes for guessing what happened, we were convincingly beaten 1–2. We actually went four unbeaten in our following four fixtures, but two were in the Indonesian Cup. We ended a run of five straight league losses as we picked up a fortunate point at home to Perseru, we somehow went two goals ahead in that one but our luck ran out later in the match as Perseru fought back to 2–2. In the next Super League game, a week later, we again drew 2–2 vs. Persela, and although it was different opposition the performance was near identical. This time we managed get back level from 0–1 to 1–1 and 1–2 to 2–2 but that was only due to two own-goals. Once more, we were dreadful. As for the table, we are currently fourth and are eight points off of the leaders.

Thankfully, we found solace in the Indonesian Cup; despite playing our "weaker" line-up throughout. After wins versus Persiwa, Persijap, Mediun Putra and Persip (who all play in the second tier, the Indonesian Premier Division) we found ourselves in the quarter-finals to face Medan Jaya (lower league side, not even in the second tier) for a spot in the semi-finals. Despite atrocious league form, I stuck to my guns and fielded a "weaker" line-up and they repaid my faith as they won 3–1 in the first leg and 2–3 in the second leg. That means we are into the SFs, we will face Mitra Kukar; a side who knocked us out at Round 4 last season. With the league pretty much gone, I will most likely concentrate on the Indonesian Cup now.

Results:


League Overview:


*That* Defeat to Bhayangkara:


As you'd expect, the squad performances have been awful but can be seen below as always, likewise the current tactic. Despite our Super League form, the board are still happy with me which is a relief. Media pressure is building, though.

Squad Statistics:


Tactics:


Board Confidence:


That's all for now. Thanks for following along for this update, the next one will be at the end of the season.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 2 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.

Little To Play For:
Update 15 of my Journeyman's Journey save, currently with Persib (IDN). In this one, we complete the 2019 season with, pretty much, only the Indonesian Cup at stake. Let's see how we got on between November 2019 and January 2020.

On 2 November, we faced Persipura. The champions of the last three seasons have, like us, been struggling this season and looked very unlikely to win a fourth consecutive title. They did however take away the three points from our meeting as they won by a single goal. Our next league fixture, vs. Persepam iirc, was postponed due to international call-ups, this actually helped our Indonesian Cup quest as it allowed us extra time to prepare for the semi-final first leg. We took advantage of the extra rest by playing one friendly, a friendly we won 1–5 against Pesik.

Then came the first leg of the cup semi-final, versus Mitra Kukar. We disappointingly drew leg one 1–1, a fair result for both but certainly not the result we needed ahead of leg two in a week's time. The Persepam match was then played days later, we drew with the eventually relegated side 2–2. Days after that saw us play the second leg of our Indonesian Cup fixture with Mitra Kukar, we drew again but, despite a pretty good performance, we were eliminated on away-goals. Kick in the teeth, we should've advanced. So, the cup is out of contention and the league wasn't looking pretty either as we sat twelve points off the top with only a few more points than that to play for. The season was all but over.

We still had six Super League fixtures to fulfil, plus a third place play-off in the cup against runaway league toppers Bhayangkara. We would go onto lose just one of our final seven matches of the campaign. It began with a scintillating victory over Persegres Gresik United, we were absolutely outstanding as we won 4–1; should've won by more really. We followed that up with a 1–1 tie versus Cilegon United, Atep scored a penalty; as he would in two of our next four games. After those two league matches came the Indonesian Cup play-off and we managed to finish third as we beat the inform league side 1–2 after extra time, a good thing but the main plus was young debutant, just promoted from the U21s due to injuries to In Joon-Yeon and Shôsuke Ishida, Rahman Sasongko grabbing a nicely taken goal. Always nice to see youth players take their chance.

Our fourth to last met was with Barito Putera, a side who sat sixth as we sat fifth. It was a thrilling encounter, but one we lost after being defeated 3–4; despite leading 3–1 at one stage. That last fixture showed what this season was all about. A season that held promise but has ended rather flat. Very disappointing. We went through back-to-back 1–1 draws next versus Pusamania Borneo and Mitra Kukar respectively. The final match of the season and the first of 2020 was against Semen Padang, we won 1–0 which subsequently relegated our opponents. That last match was pointless for us though, I used it as a chance to give youth a further chance as I fielded six players under the age of 20; just one (Idris Mulyana) could be considered proper first-team. It was one of the youngsters who won us the encounter, Salim Burhanuddin did just that by scoring a sensational long-range strike.

With the season done and dusted, we ended up finishing sixth in the Super League, ten points off of impressive champions Bhayangkara. A tough season to take, we certainly didn't meet expectations. We must go again in 2020! As usual, the squad statistics and latest tactic can be seen below.

Results:


League Overview:


Squad Statistics:


End Tactic:


Yeah, the tactics were a mess this season. Nothing seemed to stick for a sustainable amount of time. After a shocker of a season, the board are actually OK with me (see below) although my contract (see below) does end in June 2020. I'm hopeful it'll get extended, I feel I can achieve things with this club but it's gonna take time. Speaking of the future, we have already signed someone for next season (see below). Lastly, the end of season awards can also be seen below.

Board:


Contract:


New Signing:


End of Season Awards:


Yes, the new signing is one we've poached off of the surprise champions, Bhayangkara. He goes by the name of Sukron Makmun. He is Indonesian and has just come of a 29 goals in 39 appearances for our domestic rivals, he isn't on the young side but we need new blood upfront and I feel he can do a job in the short-term while our youngsters grow. As for awards, no idea how Zulham Zamrun got voted second as POTY, he has been truly dire. Ichsan Kurniawan (voted best signing and YPOTY, thankfully) has been very good and should've been top three for POTY.

Thanks for reading this latest post, I'll be back after two months of league action; hopefully I'll still be Persib manager by then!

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 2 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.

New Season:
Hello! This is the latest update for my Journeyman save. The goal is longevity really, I don't aim to win anything by any time as I just take it season-by-season and see what I can achieve. I'm currently managing Persib in Indonesia following a successful one-and-a-half years in Singapore with Albirex Niigata (S). Its got tougher with Persib, we're just about to head into season three with the Indonesian side.

Its been a while since my last update, 2 December to be exact. I took a (unplanned) festive period break from Football Manager 2017; reasoning being I lost a little love for FM and got busy over the Xmas period. Got the bug back now to continue this career. I hope you'll follow along. Happy New Year, by the way!

So, as is always the case, we began the year with pre-season friendlies. We played a load of lower-league sides and we won seven of the eight, scoring buckets of goals. The one loss came away to Persikabo. A decent pre-season, in which we made a number of signings which can be seen further down this post.

So, our 2020 Super League campaign got off to a winning start as we beat Persiwa 1–0, arguably our standout player last season Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan got the game's only goal. We subsequently went two games without victory as we drew twice in a row, firstly a 2–2 vs. Pro Duta and secondly a 1–1 with my bogey side Mitra Kukar. May's final league fixture came against Persegres Gresik United and we won 1–0 thanks to new signing's Sukron Makmun's second goal for Persib. We rounded off the month with a thrilling friendly win against PSB Bogor.

We played four matches in June, it began with a convincing performance from Persipura to condemn us to defeat, 1–3. Three points came our way in the next game though as we beat Barito Putera 2–0 at home, Makmun getting a goal as well as Manahati Lestusen. We finished June winless, Sriwijaya beat us on 20 June 2–1; the only bright note was that one of my substitutes got a goal (Juansyah), always nice when that happens. It also happened in the next game, versus Madura United, as Salim Burhanuddin won us a point.

Results:


League Overview:


Squad Statistics:


Transfers:


Future Signing:


We signed four players in the off-season. Sukron Makmun (6.25k), I mentioned him in my last update. A. Rahman Lestaluhu (75k), a defender, came in as did two goalkeepers. Thomas Rian Hermawan (7k) as back-up, and Izwan Mahbud (80k) as number one. Splashed the cash after a disappointing 2019 season. So far, Makmun had scored a few while Mahbud and Lestaluhu have done decent; Hermawan has played just once, likely play in the Indonesian Cup soon. Right midfielder Stevanus Bungaran is set to join us in August 2020.

Some pieces of news. Indonesia apparently now has two spots for continental competition, I assume it comes into play in 2021 as the league rules screen still says just first gets continental. Indonesian Cup winners get a continental place, but that's been the case for a few seasons before this news item. So, I assume from next season top two get continental football. Also, I signed a new one-year contract with Persib, lasting until June 2021.

Indonesia Continental Spots:


New Contract:


That'll do it for this update. The next one will come at the start of September 2020.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 2 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.

2020 Continues:
After an OK start to the 2020 campaign, we head into the midway point hoping to stake a claim for a successful season. This update will show all from 1 July to 31 August.

We start with the Indonesian Cup getting underway, we were drawn with second tier side Persijap. We won the first leg 3–1 at home and, despite losing the second leg 3–2 in my 100th game as Persib boss, we advanced to the second round. In between those cup ties, we met Persik in the league and came away with a terrific 1–4 victory with Patrick, playing in an severely unnatural shadow striker role and flourishing (for a few games at least), and Sukron Makmun grabbing a brace each. A 1–4 friendly win over PSKS followed before a thumping 5–0 home win over Celebest in the league, we were superb in this one with off-season signing Makmun continuing in his rich goalscoring form.

We won our next three fixtures, two in the league and one in the cup. Cilegon United and Bhayangkara, last season's champions, were put aside with 1–2 and 2–0 wins respectively. The cup win came against PSDS, we battered them 4–0 to, seemingly, kill the tie. Proud to see young striker Asep Syamsudin bagging two goals, both of which were absolutely sensational edge-of-the-box finishes. After the Bhayangkara win, we played the second leg of that PSDS cup encounter and all I can say is wow. We almost got humiliation elimination as the team threw away a FOUR-GOAL lead from leg one to be drawing 4–4 on aggregate after just TWENTY-EIGHT minutes in this leg two. We did field an incredibly rotated side filled with numerous youngsters (just like in the previous cup ties this season), iirc nine of the starting eleven in the second leg vs. PSDS were aged 20 or under. Still though, not good enough. Thankfully, despite it going to extra time, mid-season signing Stevanus Bungaran got a late goal to send us through - just!

The rest of August was, in truth, terrible. We played three Super League matches and failed to come away with 3pts in any of them. We disappointingly drew 2–2 with lower table team Pusamania Borneo before tying 1–1 with title rivals Bali United. We ended August's league action with a very poor performance as we lost 1–0 away to Persela. A first leg cup draw in Round 3 of the Indonesian Cup with Mitra Kukar finished the month's competitive action. We encountered Jakarta Timur in a friendly on 30 August and won 0–2.

So, as of 31 August 2020, we sit in fifth place but are only one point off of second place and only four points off first place, and we have games in hand on those above us. Still early days in a, as always, tight Indonesian Super League.

Results:


League Overview:


100 Games with Persib:


Squad statistics can be seen below, as you can see Makmun has suitably replaced Zulham Zamrun (now playing for current leaders Sriwijaya, scored just once though) as our main goalscorer with 12 goals in 15 appearances in league and cup; let's just hope Makmun doesn't lose his goalscoring ability overnight like Zamrun did! Ichsan Kurniawan, one of my signings a season or two ago, has been very good, as have Patrick and Idris Mulyana; the latter a very promising 18 year old LB who I've put my trust in this season and started every game when possible, he had one or two iffy games as you'd expect but overall he's been excellent.

Squad Statistics:


Talking of the squad, some more transfer business took place. We officially signed RM Bungaran (who has scored already for us) and we also signed midfielder Hendro Siswanto on a free, just for some squad depth as current back-up CMs M. Taufiq and Atep are quite injury prone. As for outs. Muhammad Riyadi left to join second tier Persigubin, he scored for us in the cup last season but wasn't that good. Three players joined second tier Perseru on loan as part of a affiliate deal we completed (see below), three promising players who will hopefully play games. Also seen below is the rest of our outgoings from the start of the season, which I forgot to include in my previous updates.

Two In:


Transfer Overview:


Affiliate Club:


July was a good month for the squad, as we took a clean sweep of the awards. Patrick won Player of the Month, just ahead of teammate Makmun. Patrick also won Goal of the Month for a strike vs. Cilegon United. Lastly, I won my third Manager of the Month award with Persib.

Player of the Month:


Goal of the Month:


Manager of the Month:


Bit of a big update this time around, it was an interesting two months. Thanks for reading! I'll be back in another two months for my next update. Have a nice day!

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 3 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.

Looking Good:
This is the latest update of my Journeyman's Journey save, currently with Persib. With roughly four months left of the 2020 season, we fight on to try and achieve domestic Indonesian glory for the first time.

We started on a downer as we exited the Indonesian Cup after a second leg home loss to that team Mitra Kukar, who I hate playing against; always a tough opponent. We lost 0–1 so depart from the competition 1–2 on aggregate. Disappointing. After a friendly defeat to Persibangga, we went on a seven match unbeaten streak in the Super League. The run began with nil-two away win at Persiram, a side who were near the top at the time of this fixture. Prolific striking duo Sukron Makmun and Patrick getting a goal each. Another away fixture followed and another three points were gained as we beat Persiwa 1–2, Makmun on the scoresheet once more. We ended September with an annoying goalless stalemate with Arema.

Four league wins in a row were to come in October 2020. Pro Duta, strugglers, were beaten 3–2 at Si Jalak Harupat thanks to a stirring comeback from the lads. We found ourselves two goals down until the 69th-minute when Makmun got one back prior to Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan scoring a late double to save us from the jaws of defeat. Terrific stuff, it put us in a good place ahead of a huge encounter with leaders Sriwijaya with us being only two points behind the South Sumatra-based club. That showdown with the first place side took place on 10 October and we came away with a crucial one-goal victory thanks to K. Kurniawan's winner. That could be huge! Persik were our next opponents and it was imperative for us to follow up the Sriwijaya game with a strong performance and we did just that and ran out 3–1 winners thanks to a stunning hat-trick from that man Makmun. He has been a superb signing.

Mixed emotions in our last two matches of the month. Our penultimate game was against the aforementioned tricky Mitra Kukar and, to my surprise, we came away with the win but it took another almighty fightback. We were shocking in this fixture and after an early M. Alwi Slamat goal for Mitra, we didn't look likely to turn it around. However, goals on minute 89 and minute 90 from A. Rahman Lestaluhu and hot prospect Asep Syamsudin dramatically got us the points. Unbelievable turnaround, but one we were fortunate to win in truth. We rounded off this two-month spell with a loss to usual champions, but this season mid-table, Persipura. You could say we had a taste of our own medicine as Persipura won it in the 94th-minute after a beautiful free-kick from Kevin Abidin. Gutting.

Results:


League Overview:


Squad statistics look like this. Makmun is the hero right now!

Squad Statistics:


This strong run of form has won me my fourth Manager of the Month award with Persib. Lovely! Although, I'd love to start winning some team accolades rather than individual ones soon.

Manager of the Month:


Thanks for reading! The next update will come at the end of the season, can we claim our first Super League title with Persib. We'll see, it's gonna be tense that is for sure.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 4 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.

Business End:
Thanks for viewing my latest update for my Journeyman's Journey career post. In this one, we play the final two months of league action as we try to win our first trophy in Indonesia. Could we do it? Let's see.

1 November 2020 saw us play top-of-the-table rivals Barito Putera, in a galvanizing match-up it was us, Persib, who came away with the points as we won 3–5 with four of our goals coming in a nineteen minute spell. An important victory. Persegres Gresik United played us next and we won again thanks to goals from Sukron Makmun and Patrick. Then we met Madura United in the Bandung derby and were held 2–2 by our rivals, Makmun and Patrick again scoring.

A match with 2019 champions Bhayangkara followed the derby and we missed out on the three points for the second match running, we were far second-best as the hosts won 3–1. Cilegon United frustrated us further on Matchday 28 as they kept us to a 0–0. We visited bottom of the table Celebest in our following fixture and ran out comfortable 1–4 winners, Makmun and Patrick of course on the scoresheet as was right-back Arthur Bonai.

Well into December at this point, just five matches to play. Iirc we were six points clear of second place Sriwijaya but they had numerous games in hand, as they would right to the death. Bali United were our next opponents and we lost 2–3, marginal defeat to the side in-and-around the top four. In the first of three straight home games, Pusamania Borneo held us to a one-one tie. Next came the most irritating match of the season vs. Persiram.

We lost a nine-goal thriller 3–6 on our own patch, we were never in this one though as whenever we got close to Persiram they scored again; we ended up conceding six. We backed that up with another loss, this time to Persela. At this point, we had one game to play whereas leaders Sriwijaya had two to play. Odd scheduling this season. We were two points off the top as we took a trip from West Java to East Java to face Arema.

We finished the season against Arema and done our job by easing past them by three goals with main man Makmun scoring a hat-trick. We were given hope as Sriwijaya miraculously drew on the same day to bottom of the league Celebest at home. This meant we were a point clear with Sriwijaya having one more match. Sadly, they won that match 1–2 on the last day at Cilegon United and subsequently won the 2020 Indonesian Super League. Real disappointment, but what do you expect when you only win two of your last nine games. Our own fault.

We finish the season in second place, an improvement on 2019 but the same as 2018. We just can't get that title, despite there being now three different winners in the last three campaigns. Even with the goalscoring exploits of Makmun we couldn't do it.

Results:


League Overview:


Despite the dismay, it has been a good, even if frustrating, season. The form of some of our players, likes of Makmun, Patrick, In-Joon Yeon, has been exceptional, shown that we have broken a few records this campaign. Makmun broke the goalscoring record in the league with 26 goals, whilst also breaking the club's record of 23 goals set by Zulham Zamrun in 2017. One not to be proud of was the discipline record we broke with 57 yellow cards and 2 red cards.

Squad Statistics:


Makmun's Scoring Records:



Discipline Record:


As for awards, Makmun won the league's top goalscorer award, five goals ahead of second. Patrick somehow won Fans' Player of the Season ahead of Makmun, Thomas Rian Hermawan (like, seriously, the back-up 'keeper?) somehow won Signing of the Season ahead of Makmun. Zulkifli Sulaiman in Team of the Season despite starting a grand total of two matches. Gotta love Football Manager sometimes... At least they gave Idris Mulyana Youth Player of the Season, he was excellent.

Makmun, Top Scorer:


End of Season Awards:


To confirm what I said last post, Indonesia will now get three spots for continental competition. As of 2021, the top three in the league (depending on the Indonesian Cup winner) will get a AFC Champions League place. Good news! Let's hope we can take advantage of it and get into Asia's elite next season.

Continental Competition Changes:


Thanks for reading the latest instalment of my career. The next update will come around two months into the new league campaign. As usual, my contract expires at around that time so who knows what could be on the horizon.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 4 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.

Promising Beginnings:
This is the latest update of my career. We commence the 2021 season.

We had eleven friendlies to kickstart the year and we won them all. The weekend matches were for my first-teamers to understand new tactics, while the midweek games were for the squad players to get fitness. A very productive two months. Some big wins, some terrific goals. We were looking good ahead of the new season.

The aforementioned league season got underway on 1 May 2021 as we faced newly-promoted PSM Makassar and won 2–3 thanks to a late, late own-goal from Mamadou Sy. Persikabo, another promoted team, paid us a visit next time out and went home with a credible point after a scoreless draw; we weren't at our best but our guests played well, to be fair. We visited Bali United on Matchday 3 and gained three points, Sukron Makmun got off the mark in 2021 with a deflected effort. They all count! Next came a scintillating display against Cilegon United as we ran out four-goal winners. Midfielder Manahati Lestusen was sensational, at the heart of everything and managed a brace. We disappointingly followed that up with another 0–0 tie, this time away to Persik.

Pusamania Borneo were our next opponents at home, they were the league leaders at the time and had started the campaign strongly. However, it was us, Persib, who won the three points after smashing aside the table toppers 3–0. A Makmun hat-trick topped off a stunning display from the boys. Makmun keeps scoring, continuing where he left off after his 28 goals (all comps.) last season - has 6 in 8 so far. This victory moved us to first place. A friendly with Gajah Tunggal was played next, due to our match with Persipura being postponed and rescheduled due to international call-ups. We won the exhibition match 0–4. The scoreline repeated itself in our following Super League match as we played magnificently to win 0–4 away to Mitra Kukar, who we usually struggle against. Another quite brilliant performance, its been a superb start to 2021.

Persib vs. Persipura was played on 23 June, we drew 2–2. In an expected hard fought encounter, it took an 89th-minute Patrick goal to save us a point. I'll take it certainly, good resilience from the team. We travelled to Barito Putera after Persipura, Barito sat third as we sat first and it was us who took the points after a two-goal away win; two youngsters on the scoresheet in Salim Burhanuddin (19) and Asep Syamsudin (21). Both promising, especially Burhanuddin. His report is awful but he performs for me, a real favourite of mine.

The Indonesian Cup got going on 30 June 2021, we faced recently relegated Celebest in the first leg and lost our first match of the year. One I expected as we fielded an extremely weakened team, seven players from the U21s started the contest with the bench filled with seven U21 players. I rarely take this cup seriously, but even more so this campaign. The young lads will get their opportunities in the Indonesian Cup, depending how long it lasts. Not too bothered, the league is the priority!

Results:


League Overview:


Squad Statistics:


As for the transfer window, in terms of incomings we signed just two players; both as back-up. Fernando Gomes (RW/RM) was signed from Borneo for 65k. I like the look of him, could end up being an important player but for now, back-up. Robin Febrian was our second and final signing, a LW/LM from third tier team Persikasi for 2k. Cheap option for back-up LW/LM, already scored in the Indonesian Cup. In Joon-Yeon and Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan are easily our first choice wingers, but I felt last season we were very short in that area so needed cover. Happy with them. As for outgoings, back-up LB M. Fadil Sausu retired while eight youngsters went out on loan, most notably Erwin Kurnia and Uston Iswahyudi.

Transfers:


Other bits of business, I have signed another one-year extension with Persib. I had to hound them for it, they didn't want to give me a contract at first but I tempted them around. I'm now set to stay until June 2022. My plan: If I achieve my minimal goal of getting an AFC Champions League spot (first, second or third, depending on cup winner), I'd like to stay for another season to play in it. If I fail to get continental football, I will be leaving Persib at the end of this season. We will see!

New Contact:



Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my update. I appreciate it! Have a nice day!

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 4 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.

Passing the Halfway Mark:
Latest update for my career, coming into it we sit top of the table with four points separating us, Persib, from second; just nine games played, though. Let's get right into it!

July started with a hosting of 2019 league winners Bhayangkara and we, quite frankly, destroyed them as we won by five goals to one. Ichsan Kurniawan and Sukron Makmun got two goals apiece while Patrick got a goal too. The second leg of the Indonesian Cup came next, we lost 1–3 at home to exit 3–7 on aggregate to second tier Celebest. That sounds bad, but as I said in my previous update, we're basically threw this competition by fielding numerous U21 players. My focus is on the league!

Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan scored in the 18th-minute to win us our next match, versus Persela, to give us our third straight league win and kept us undefeated in the Super League. Back-to-back one-one draws followed versus Sriwijaya and Persepam. Reigning Indonesian Super League winners Sriwijaya have been awful this season, they were in the relegation zone at this moment and haven't improved much since. Despite that, still a difficult opponent but should've won it; we definitely should've beat Persepam.

We ended the month with our first league defeat due to a home loss to Persiram, ultra disappointment. Thankfully, we ended our three match winless streak to dominate second-bottom Persiraja and win 3–0, Makmun and K. Kurniawan scoring yet again; captain Atep got a goal too. We returned to drawing ways as we tied with Arema 1–1 next time out, Patrick grabbing our only goal. We ended August 2021 with two very convincing performances. PSM Makassar were put aside by four clear goals and four different scorers, while Pro Duta were dispatched 2–0 via goals from Makmun and young gun Asep Syamsudin.

Where does this leave us? Well, we remain in first place and are four points clear of our nearest challengers, Pusamania Borneo. Our goal difference is quite sensational at +28, Persipura (4th) come closest with +13. Impressive from the team. We have played 18 fixtures, 16 still to play. We are looking good, despite a mini rough spell in the middle of these two months. Still a lot of football to be played, of course.

Results:


League Overview:


Player performances have been stunning. Full squad statistics can, as usual, be seen below but I'd like to pick out two players: Makmun and Idris Mulyana. Note: It has been a wonderful team effort so far, with many more standout players (as seen below) but these two have been outstanding. Makmun keeps scoring, last season he bagged a great amount of goals (28, all comps.) and now he has 12 goals in 15 matches. Incredible signing! Mulyana is a left-back, only 19 years old but has been amazing. 7.42 average rating, got two assists and has been crucial for us; shame "pre-assists" don't count.

Squad Statistics:


Sukron Makmun:


Idris Mulyana:


One last piece of news. The summer transfer window has seen two transactions. One incoming, Eky Taufik Febriyanto was signed on a free for general back-up at centre-back. One outgoing, ageing club icon M. Taufiq chose to leave for a new challenge, I let him as he was fourth choice CM behind Manahati Lestusen, I. Kurniawan and Salim Burhanuddin. We wish him well.

Transfers:


Thanks so much for reading! My next update will be on 1 November 2021, after two more months of league action. That will be the penultimate update of the season. Hopefully we can keep this run going.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 4 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.

The Penultimate Update of 2021:
Thanks for viewing this update, it's for my Journeyman's Journey save. In case you're a new reader, I am currently with Persib in the Indonesian Super League; that's after a spell with Albirex Niigata (S) in Singapore between 2016 and 2017. I am in no way a great player of the game, I just enjoy seeing what I can do with teams. I left the last update with us top of the league by four points. How much has changed? Continue reading to find out!

We begin with a league fixture with the season's surprise package Persikabo, a side who were promoted last season and incredibly sat second at the time of this match. You can see they're a pretty good team and held us to a goalless draw, just like they did in the previous meeting earlier in the campaign. We visited Cilegon United next and won handsomely by four goals to one, Patrick scoring a wonderful hat-trick. Bali United, who usually sit in-and-around the top six, played us next as they sat in the bottom six, very poor campaign from them and we put more misery on them by beating them 2–0 with Makmun and outstanding youngster (left-back!) Idris Mulyana scoring. Pusamania Borneo, a team who sat second this time around after displacing the aforementioned Persikabo, were our following opponents and we made it three successive victories after a first half goal via In Joon-Yeon.

Three successive wins were followed with three successive draws, with the first two of those three being nil-nil. Firstly, Persik frustrated us on our own patch prior to Mitra Kukar doing the same two weeks later. Why two weeks later? Well, just like earlier in the season our match with Persipura was moved due to international call-ups. A friendly with our Under-21s filled the gap but we lost that by one goal. The third draw in a row was to Bhayangkara, Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan scored early but a late free-kick earned the hosts a point. We ended October with only our second defeat of the league campaign. The less said about this one the better, I like to call these type of losses a Football Manager loss™. Nothing I could do about it. Hey-ho, I'm sure I've benefited from them before.

So after September and October's fixtures, we drop a place to second and sit three points off of new leaders Persipura, who we have a titanic encounter with next time out. It gets said a lot nowadays but this one is truly a must-win! We would return top with victory, but a loss would probably kill us with only seven games to go after it.

Results:


League Overview:


Squad statistics can be seen below. A positive from the two months was Izwan Mahbud broke two clean sheet records, proud to see. I also reached 200 games in management, nice milestone; hopefully many more to come.

Squad Statistics:


Izwan Mahbud Records:



200 Games in Management:


I appreciate your continued/new reading of my career updates. The final update of 2021 will come once I have played the remaining fixtures of the Indonesian Super League campaign. I hope, hope, hope we can end the season as champions but only time will tell.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 4 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.

A Truly Ridiculous Title Race:
Hello, I'm back again for the latest chapter of my Journeyman's Journey career. We enter the final two months of the season, searching for the so far illusive first title with Persib in Indonesia.

The run-in all started with that enormous match-up that I mentioned in my last update against Persipura. They sat first, we sat second with three points separating us and them and with just seven matches left after this, it was a must-win against our title rivals. It turned out to be one of the most excruciatingly batshit crazy matches I have ever witnessed on Football Manager. It remained zero-zero until the 74th-minute when Persipura's Kevin Abidin gave his side the lead, four minutes later we had defender Syaiful Hendrawan sent off before we equalised against the odds two minutes later. However, seconds later Persipura retook the lead. I was peeved to the max however more drama was yet to come.

Remarkably, Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan got us a second equaliser in the 90th-minute to surely earn us a point. However, the thrilling finale wasn't finished there as in the third minute of added time that man Sukron Makmun raced behind Persipura's defence to go one-on-one with 'keeper Kurnia Meiga and slot past him to snatch us the three points right at the very death! I could not believe it, I was truly, truly stunned. What. A. Comeback! It put us level on points with Persipura and top on goal difference. Incredible!

Also, that match we were without goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud and centre-backs A. Rahman Lestaluhu and Rudolf Basna. That made the win even more amazing, without key men, against the score and a man down yet we somehow, somehow got the victory. Despite all of this, I remained coy as there was still seven huge matches to play. Before then though, we played a friendly with Persires and won by two goals to nil.

Persela were our next opponents, we won 1–3 despite a very close game; Patrick (x2) and Manahati Lestusen got us the points. Then came a meet with Persiram, we unfortunately lost that 2–1 in Sleman. Sriwijaya gave us a visit on Gameday 30 but were put aside 3–1 thanks to a mad three penalty hat-trick from Makmun, two of the three spot-kicks were given away within minutes by the same opposing player. Huge luck, in truth.

Four matches to go! We faced bottom of the table Persepam and ridiculously dropped points to draw nil-nil, a terrible result which opened the door for rivals Persipura. Arema were our third-from-last fixture and we beat them 2–0 via a Makmun brace. More terrific news was to follow as Persipura were held to a tie by bottom of the league Persepam. This meant, going into the penultimate day we could secure the title if we won and Persipura failed to win vs. Persiram. We done our job by beating Persiraja by two clear goals away while Persipura...



^^Click "Show Spoiler" before scrolling down. ^^

Results:


League Overview:


CHAMPIONS!


THAT Match versus Persipura:


As soon as we won the title, the board offered me a new contract to which I duly signed, I'm now contracted until June 2023. So that's all for this league season. Wow. What a season. No Manager of the Month award this season, despite it being my best season at the club. Interesting. Hopefully I can win Manager of the Year. I'll tell you the answer to that in my next update, which will be after two months of competitive action; should be sooner than usual this time due to AFC Champions League starting around February time.

Thanks for reading!

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 4 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.

Off-Season Special:
Hi. This is a little bonus update for my Journeyman's Journey career, no games have been played but a lot of things have occurred so I thought I'd put all of the following stuff in a different post. Make sure to read my previous updates to this, a whole host of stuff has preceded this one.

Firstly, I'll focus on some things from the end of last season. The awards were released. We clean swept the league's Player of the Year award with Sukron Makmun, Manahati Lestusen and Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan making up the top three. I won the Manager of the Year award, while Idris Mulyana was robbed of the Young Player of the Year; somehow finished third, former Persib man Yusuf Harjanto won it. Four of our players made the Team of the Year: Mulyana, Arthur Bonai, Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan and Makmun. Makmun also won Top Goalscorer.

Our club awards were also revealed and for once, it was spot on. Makmun won Fans' Player of the Year ahead of Mulyana and Ichsan Kurniawan, Makmun also won Goal of the Season while Mulyana won Young Player of the Year. Fernando Gomes won Signing of the Season, hardly deserved but won by default really as we made just three signings; all of which were back-ups. Talking of Gomes, he somehow got inducted in the club's Best XI...ever. After 18 apps, 1 goal and average rating of a mighty 6.83. Odd.

League Awards:






Club Awards:


Fernando Gomes Surprise:


Three pieces of news. 1) We broke our average attendance last season with a new record of 12,700. 2) Continental qualification spots go back to the normal amount of two clubs. 3) The club rejected my ask to go on a new coaching course for my Continental B Licence (iirc) during the off-season with the players on holiday, they said no - why? wait for it, because I was needed on the training pitch... during the off-season. Okie dokie.

Average Attendance Record:


Continental Competition Spots Regress:


Strange Coaching Course Rejection:


Finally, the big news. The AFC Champions League group stage draw was made! We have been drawn with Guangzhou Evergrande (China), Tokyo (Japan) and Jeonnam Dragons (South Korea). An expected tough group, but bring it on! Task not helped by the games falling during our pre-season, so won't be fully up to speed for the first few games. Shame but that's how it works.

AFC Champions League Draw:


Fixture List:


Thank you for reading this end of season special update. Next update? 1 April 2022 after three AFC Champions League games and five friendlies. Have a nice day!

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 4 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

First Foray Into Continental Football:
Hello! Another update from my current Football Manager 2017 save. Only a short update this time around to start 2022, only three competitive matches but they were big ones as the AFC Champions League began to signal our first foray into continental competition in the career.

The players returned around a week, yes a week, before our AFC Champions League campaign started, meaning we had a very short time to get the players up and going. We hastily scheduled two friendlies, versus Selangor MPSJ and Dynamo Kupang respectively, three days apart in the hope of improving fitness. We were also testing out a very defensive five-at-the-back tactic so performances weren't that great, mainly due to the tactic primarily being designed for the level of club we will be facing in the AFC Champions League but our friendly opponents were on the opposite end of the quality scale. We won the friendly against Selangor but drew with Dynamo.

With the big kick-off against Jeonnam Dragons days away, the players' fitness was atrocious. Preperation for this was rather poor. Anyway, we hosted Jeonnam of South Korea on Matchday 1 and were easily dispatched 0–3; aforementioned tactic immediately out the window and replaced with slightly modified but still familiar 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 tactics. A week later fitness was better as we faced Tokyo of Japan in game two, we lost by two goals to nil at Tokyo Stadium. Slightly better performance but still not up to our opponent's level.

Then came the daunting trip to Guangzhou to face China's top team Guangzhou Evergrande. However, despite again losing 2–0 we actually played fairly well, with our hosts only going a goal up midway through the second half due to a penalty. Proud of the performance, in truth. So, after our opening three matches we have lost them all and expectedly sit bottom of the group. It was always going to be tough, but it's a good experience nonetheless. We rounded off March with friendly wins over PPSM and Persika.

Results:


AFC Champions League Overview:


Early squad statistics can be seen below. As can transfers. We have made one signing so far, Pandi Lestaluhu joins from Persiram for a fee of 95k; potentially rising to 160k. Pricey capture but a player who I have admired for a few seasons now and has scored 10+ goals in every season on the game so far; only 24. Sadly, he cannot feature for us in ACL as the window opened and he joined after the squad registration took place. Three departures, one of the club's great players, Atep, retired. Asked him to stay for one more season, as he was playing well in 2021, but he declined. Stevanus Bungaran was released and he subsequently retired too. Adam Putra Firmansyah joined Mitra Kukar on loan.

Squad Statistics:


Transfers:


Final two parts. Our ACL opener versus Jeonnam broke the club's record attendance with 34,549 attending, smashes the previous high of 24,991 from 2017. The game also set a new gate receipts record of 250k.

ACL Opener Records:



That's that for this update. I'll return with another one at the start of June 2022, our AFC Champions League run will extremely likely be over by then but our Indonesian Super League campaign will be five games underway. Thanks for reading!

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 5 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

AFC Champions League ends, Indonesian Super League starts:
Hello. Update 26 of my Journeyman's Journey career. In this one we get the 2022 Indonesian Super League started but also, unless we bring a quite spectacular turnaround, say goodbye to the AFC Champions League.

We began April 2022 with our final three AFC Champions League encounters, Tokyo were first up and we got a creditable 1–1 draw with the Japanese club. Next we played Jeonnam Dragons and, just like on Matchday 1, they easily beat us, this time 4–0. Our campaign ended with a hosting of Guangzhou Evergrande and despite fielding a very weakened eleven, you'll see why in a moment, it didn't change much as we gave a good account of ourselves but lost 0–3. AFC Champions League, good to be in it but also good for it to be over. Between the Tokyo and Jeonnam games, we won a friendly versus Sparta Kefamenamu of Timor-Leste.

The reason we rested our entire line-up for the Guangzhou fixture was because it very close to matches one and two in the league, and with us eliminated after the Tokyo draw (which, fyi, set a new attendance record of 34,789) I thought it would be best to focus on our domestic fixtures. Speaking of which, we kicked off our Super League title defence with a superb performance as we beat PSM Makassar, the team we played and beat first last season (good omen?), 0–4. Persija were our second opponents of the campaign and we again played stunning to beat them 4–2 at home.

An already huge encounter with Persipura arrived on Matchday 3, a side who finished as runners-up in 2021. We won it by a single goal from promising youngster, and new vice-captain, Idris Mulyana. Big win, even this early. We followed it up with another win to make it four from four after beating Persiwa 6–2, scintillating stuff from us with new signing Pandi Lestaluhu (more on him soon) getting two, Sukron Makmun scoring a hat-trick to go with a goal from In Joon-Yeon. Sadly, our winning start was ended next time out as we were walloped 2–0 by Persikabo. They were truly fantastic, played us off the park.

In all, a perfect start to the league season. We lead the way early on with four wins in five, two points clear of Persik. Happy with how we look, hopefully it continues.

Results:


League Overview:


AFC Champions League Overview:


New Attendance Record:


Squad statistics can be seen below. Izwan Mahbud, our goalkeeper, has been terrific despite our dominant start. Makmun keeps scoring, after scoring 56 goals (50 in league) in his first two seasons with us he has began this season with 7 in 10. He is sensational. His new strike partner P. Lestaluhu has also performed well, 3 goals and 4 assists in five games. Decent. In Joon-Yeon, as always, has been super with 3 goals and 4 assists also.

Transfers can be seen below. Since my last update, we signed one player. 28 year old right-back Choirul Hidayat joins on loan from Bali United, he comes as a injury replacement for (six month) injured first-choice RB Arthur Bonai. We have youngster Adixi Suparman (real name, honestly!) as new first-choice but I wanted an experienced head just in case.

One big departure with Fernando Gomes, while nine young players have gone out on loan. Gomes has joined Arema for a fee of 135k. I couldn't say no to that, despite me actually wanting to keep him. He's only 24 years old but that offer was too good and he didn't impress me one bit since we signed him last season. Signed for 65k, sold for 135k less than a year later.

One last thing. I won the Manager of the Month award for May 2022. Nice, my fifth MOTM award with the club.

Squad Statistics:


Transfers:


Manager of the Month for May:


Thanks for reading this latest update! I'll be back in another two months of league action.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 6 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.

A Mixed Bag:
Welcome back to my most recent update for my Journeyman's Journey career, currently in Indonesia with Persib.

We resume with a convincing display at home to recently promoted Persigo, off-season purchase Pandi Lestaluhu scored as did Sukron Makmun and Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan. Then came an important clash with second place Persik, they shocked us by winning 1–0 to overtake us and move into first place. Bhayangkara came to our place after that defeat to Persik and made us work for a 2–1 victory, it took a goal from In Joon-Yeon to win us the points. The month's league action ended with a narrow defeat to Sriwijaya.

The Indonesian Cup got going on 29 June 2022 and we were drawn to face second tier Persema, we comfortably won leg one by four clear goals despite, as usual, playing a severely weakened line-up. Patrick was one senior player involved after a real lack of game time in recent weeks, he showed his class by scoring twice while youngsters Salim Burhanuddin and Asep Syamsudin also got goals. Before the second leg, we faced mid-table Persela at home and won by two goals to one, Makmun and Patrick on the scoresheet.

We won the Indonesian Cup second leg versus Persema 1–2, young debutant Gian Dulia scoring the pick of the goals. Persiram were up next, they ran us all to the way to draw one-one; P. Lestaluhu scored a beauty on his return to his former club. He scored again in three of our next four fixtures. The first of those was an 89th-minute goal against Bali United to seal us the win, before again scoring the second goal of the game in a derby win over Madura United. He didn't feature in the Indonesian Cup round two first leg versus Super League side Persija, which we lost, but he did score our opener in an away victory to Pro Duta.

These results leave us in second place, one point off of leaders Persik; who were 6-8 points clear of us at one point. We are six points clear of third. So, despite a slow start to these two months we sit in a pretty good position in our title defence. Three matches off the midway point in the campaign.

Results:


League Overview:


Squad statistics are below. Performances have been a little iffy. P. Lestaluhu has been a good signing with nine goals and four assists, Makmun hasn't been as good but still has nine goals. In Joon-Yeon has been his usual super self. Two transfers have happened also, we signed thirty year old right winger Bayu Gatra on a free transfer, just a bit of squad depth. Moany youngster Arif Suputro was released. On a similar note, we had a bit of a staff reshuffle (see below).

Squad Statistics:


New Signing:


Staff Changes:


You may notice in the squad statistics screenshot above that Izwan Mahbud is on extended leave, that's due to him being homesick. Very bad news, he is our first-choice goalkeeper and had been performing well. Let's hope he returns from his extended leave to Singapore fresh and ready to stay, if not I have some replacements in mind. Ketut Rivaldi, third-choice youngster, is filling well so far. Thomas Rian Hermawan is/was second choice, but at the time of Mahbud's leave he was injured so Rivaldi got the nod and has done well. Lastly, I have won the Manager of the Month award for a sixth time.

Izwan Mahbud Homesick:



Manager of the Month:


As normal, thank you for reading my post! Two months time will see my next update.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 7 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.

The Season Continues:
New update! We head into August and September 2022 looking to continue our title charge and also aim to win our second trophy with the club as we take on Persipura in the Super Cup.

Before I get into all that, some fairly important news to share. As I was typing up my previous update, my computer froze on me meaning I had to restart it and therefore closing my windows. Luckily I "save" what I type here every few minutes just in case anything happens and I fortunately saved my FM save after my last match vs. Persikabo. So, the computer restart thankfully didn't affect anything major except for a few mid-table teams (7th to 10th) but teams near me didn't gain/lose anything nor did I gain/lose anything. Just thought I'd clear that up as the mid-table of the league is slightly, very slightly different. Still annoying, though.

Current Table Before This Update:


This update all begins on a mild downer, we were knocked out of the Indonesian Cup by Persija. Persija, despite being promoted not long ago, are having a good season and deserved to win; got past us 3–0 on aggregate, weakened team but thought we'd go through at least one more round. Not a huge deal, the league is the priority as always. Pusamania Borneo were our first league opponents of August and we drew annoyingly 2–2, a surprise double from defender Rudolf Basna wasn't enough despite leading twice. A trip to Barito Putera was on the agenda next time out and we went home with the points, In Joon-Yeon scoring.

PSM Makassar came to the Si Jalak Harupat after that but didn't cause us many problems as we won by two goals, Pandi Lestaluhu and In Joon-Yeon scored. The 2022 Indonesian Super Cup arrived on the 27 August and we won our second trophy with Persib as we dispatched cup champions Persipura by a single P. Lestaluhu strike. Really happy to win that. We followed that up with revenge against Persija in the league as we beat them nil-one, that guy P. Lestaluhu with the all important goal; scoring for the third time in as many matches.

Two weeks after winning the Super Cup versus Persipura, we faced the league strugglers in the league and they held us to a score draw. Super sub Patrick looked to have won us the game on 85 minutes but Aldi Al Achya painfully equalised for the visitors four minutes later. Third place Arema were next and we lost our first Super League match since June as they deservedly won 0–1. Sukron Makmun returned to form on 18 September as he scored twice to earn us victory at second bottom Persiwa. The month finished with a tricky hosting of Persikabo but, thankfully, we ran out marginal winners thanks to P. Lestaluhu.

After 22 fixtures, we sit in first place and two points ahead of Persik, who've we managed to overtake from my last update but the season's surprise package is still up there and well in with a chance for the title. Arema are not too far behind, however I wouldn't expect anyone else to gatecrash a race between us and Persik and perhaps Arema. It has pretty much been just us and Persik all season so far. Twelve matches to play.

Results:


League Overview:


Super Cup Winners:


Squad statistics are below. P. Lestaluhu has been excellent, bailed us out in quite a few games this season. Makmun hasn't been as prolific (still got 11 goals though!) so lucky I signed P. Lestaluhu. Some fantastic news to bring is that Izwan Mahbud, our goalkeeper, returned from his leave due to homesickness a happy man, he is now content and happy in Indonesia. Lastly, I won another Manager of the Month award, this time for August 2022.

Squad Statistics:


Izwan Mahbud Returns:


Manager of the Month:


Thank you for reading! A new update will come in two months time, which will be when just four matches are left to play.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 2 / Awards: 8 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.

Coming Up to Crunch Time:
With twelve fixtures left to play, we come into this forthcoming spell in first place with Persib but just two points ahead of second place surprise package Persik, with third place Arema not entirely out of it yet either. Nine matches in this update, eight in the Super League and one friendly.

Persigo hosted us on the first day of October, we got past them and won 1–3 via a goal from Sukron Makmun and two from Pandi Lestaluhu. A big match with Persik arrived next but it ended quicker than it came as we both cancelled each other out to draw goalless, we remained two points clear at this point. Tricky fixtures were to come against two recent champions in Bhayangkara and Sriwijaya. We lost the Bhayangkara clash by one goal, we wasn't at the races in that one. Likewise in the encounter with Sriwijaya, as we lost 2–3 at home. Usually understandable results, but they've both struggled this campaign so disappointing in that regard.

We aimed to dispose of a three-match winless streak on 29 October versus Persela but instead we added to the streak by losing 0–1, just like in the past three matches we just didn't turn up; it was like someone switched a switch. We regained some confidence with a thumping friendly victory over third tier Pesik. Persiram were up next, we didn't lose for the fourth time running but still dropped points as we were held to a 0–0. Persik had been inconsistent recently too so thankfully we were only (iirc) three points off of them after the tie with Persiram.

Our final two games of November 2022 were versus mid-table Bali United and struggling rivals Madura United. We beat Bali United 2–0, Patrick and Salim Burhanuddin helping us to the three points. Prior to a severely frustrating match-up with Madura United as we remarkably drew 4–4, despite leading 0–1, 1–3 and 2–4. The result itself is somewhat understood when you see Madura United have had high-scoring draws before, including a 3–3 and 5–5 this season but the way they stole a point here was infuriating; four highlights - four goals.

More frustrating, for the last few games and the next few games we've been without numerous key players due to injury/suspension or AFF Suzuki Cup international duty; at one point we had seven key men missing at once. Ridiculous but that's how some leagues work around the world. Keeps it interesting, I guess.

This all means we are positioned in second place going into the final four fixtures, we now have the two point deficit to first that Persik had two months ago. Arema have really hit form and despite being four points off top spot, they do have a game in hand so I wouldn't count them out; we face them in our penultimate fixture.

Results:


League Overview:


Seven Players Missing:


Statistics for the squad can be looked at below, quite inconsistent as you can tell but Patrick did win Player of the Month for November. Final piece of news, I reached 200 matches with Persib in the game against Persik. We likely wont have many more with Persib as I plan to leave the club at the end of the current season, no matter what happens in the last four games. Fancy a new challenge.

Squad Statistics:


Patrick - Player of the Month:


200 Games with Persib:


Thanks for reading, all! The next, and likely final with Persib, update will be at the conclusion of the Indonesian Super League campaign in a month's time, where, hopefully, we will be champions for the second year running. A nervy final month is in store, no doubt.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018– | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 2 / Awards: 8 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.