[FM17] Journeyman's Journey I

Crunch Time:
Four fixtures left to play, find out what happened as us, Persib, faced off against Persik and Arema for the Indonesian Super League title crown. Could we win our second consecutive title with Persib and the club's third, will Persik claim their maiden triumph or will Arema win just their second top-flight title. Let's find out!

We start on a quiet note as we eased past Persika to win a friendly 5–0. Business began with a match with Pro Duta, we ran out 0–2 winners thanks to goals from Sukron Makmun and Patrick. That put us to the top of the table, one point clear of Arema and Persik with three to play. We followed that up with defeat as we were beaten by one goal to two by Pusamania Borneo, but would the other two challengers make us pay? The answer was shockingly no, as both Arema and Persik drew their matches! That meant we were amazingly, for the neutrals anyway, all level on 60pts apiece with two games left. Who would we face next? Arema away, of course.

We met Arema for that huge match on 21 December and, boy, was it a classic. It was a quite remarkable encounter. Arema flew out of the tunnel and went three goals ahead by the 20th minute and it remained that way until the final thirty minutes. With all seemingly over and Arema looking to go three points clear in first, we majestically found a way back to win the game 3–4!! Unbelievable! As you could imagine, I was sheer stunned. What did we just do? Goals from Syamsir Alam, Choi Ho-Joo and Iman Budi Hernandi put Arema "out of sight" yet somehow the lads managed to pull it back in the final part with strikes from Makmun, Kim Jeffrey Kurniawan and a brace from Patrick! Stupendous! More good news shortly followed as Persik lost to fourth place Bhayangkara! What next? (click show spoiler)



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



We won the Manager of the Year award for the second year in a row, we also got added to the Persib "favoured personnel" screen which is nice. The end of the season squad statistics are below, also. As are the end of season awards.

Manager of the Year:


Favoured Personnel:


Squad Statistics:


End of Season Awards:


It wasn't vintage but we did it and that's all that matters. So, after five years in Indonesia with Persib and after winning back-to-back Super League titles and one Super Cup, I have decided to resign as manager of Persib. It's been a fantastic tenure, one I have enjoyed but I want a new challenge. Bring it on!

Goodbye, Persib!


As usual, I thank you all for viewing and reading my latest career update post. The next one will be a search for a new job update, very interested to see where I end up next. Not looked out/applied etc. for a job yet, will commence the search soon. Hope you all have a great 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
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned

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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.
2022 | 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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

Job Search:
After leaving Indonesian side Persib after five years and two consecutive Super League titles, I've decide to depart and move on in my footballing managerial journey. In this update, the job search gets underway as we look for a new job as soon as possible.

We left Persib on 2 January 2023 and pretty much instantly applied for the vacant Dalian Yifang (Chinese Super League) position, we went for an interview but was subsequently overlooked; despite being the bookies favourite. Qingdao Jonoon (China League One) were our next interview but we were again overlooked. Gwangju (K League Challenge) had the same outcome, prior to putting a hopeful application in for K League Classic giants Seoul; they gave me an interview but expectedly decided against hiring me. We applied for two more jobs, with one of them turning out to be my next destination. Those two applications were with: Eastern (Premier League, Hong Kong) and Salgaocar (I-League, India). The former interested me most.

Interviews/Rejections:








Eastern and Salgaocar Interviews:



...and it was the former, Eastern, that got back to me first. The interview went well and Eastern were then the first side to offer me a contract. I signed on the dotted line on 26 March 2023 to become the new manager of Eastern in the Hong Kong Premier League!

Eastern Approach:


New Manager of Eastern!


I wanted a job in one of Asia's elite leagues (Chinese Super League/K League Classic) but it seems I am not quite big enough for those leagues yet, so will continue to ply my trade in some of the more obscure Asian leagues which is cool. The Eastern job interested me a lot. Most sides have four games left of the season, however we have eight league matches to play due to previous cup commitments. Eastern are struggling down in 8th, three places and three points clear of the drop zone.

Eastern should not be this low down, they are the reigning champions and have won the title in three of the last eight seasons. A rebuilding job is needed, which is why it's an interesting new job. As for this season apart from the Premier League, the club is still in the FA Cup with a semi-final with league leaders South China coming up in my first match in charge! They are also in Asia's Europa League, the AFC Cup, and are doing well as they sit top of the group with three to play. As for the future, there are incredibly five cups to play for in Hong Kong!

Fixtures:


Competitions Overview:


Eastern: Current and Past League:


Squad:


I am very much looking forward to cracking on with my new team. Busy fixture list ahead as we play nine matches in my first month! The next update will be in two month's time, which will be at the end of my first (half a) season with the club.

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
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023– | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / 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.
2022 | 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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

Beginnings in Hong Kong:
Welcome back to Journeyman's Journey! In this update I begin my tenure as boss of Hong Kong Premier League side Eastern, a side who were reigning champions from the previous season but sit fourth bottom and struggling as of my appointment. Fixtures came thick and fast with a match roughly every three days, bar one week (which despite added rest, we played twice in three days!), from start to end. How did I fare?

Our career with Eastern began in terrific fashion as we beat runaway league leaders South China in the FA Cup semi-finals, we were behind due to a Lok Wing Chung own-goal until the 70th-minute as we won a penalty which Chinese striker Chen Qí duly converted. It remained at one-one until the first minute of stoppage time when Chan Ho Yin stepped up from the midfield area to unleash an incredible long range strike which flew into the net. An unbelievable strike, one of the best I have seen on Football Manager. (see it below)

We followed that up with a win against fellow strugglers Hong Kong Rangers, Chen scoring again along with midfielder Chan Chun Lok. Next came a seven-goal thriller with Pegasus, but one we were on the wrong end of as we lost 3–4; shocker of a performance (bar Chan Ho Yin who got a hat-trick), Pegasus weren't much better but took home the points. Then we played our first, but Eastern's fourth, AFC Cup encounter in Group H against Global of the Philippines. We lost 2–1, despite Chen giving us a lead. The club returned to winning ways with a convincing display versus BC Glory Sky (0–3).

Another surprise struggling side was Kitchee, a team we played next and were inflicted a defeat the same size of that we gave BC Glory Sky, 0–3. Citizen were our hosts on 22 April 2023 and we were again involved in an entertaining fixture, with this one ended tied at three apiece. Disappointing result but in fairness to the players, they showed great spirit to come from three goals down to draw. Impressive, but played horribly beforehand. Yadanarbon of Myanmar were our following continental opponents and they beat us by two goals on our patch.

Due to all the cup competitions in Hong Kong (five in all), we had numerous games in hand hence the ridiculous scheduling of fixtures and the fact we meet Kitchee once again. We again lost to them but it was a more closer encounter this time around, but a 90th-minute Chung Ka Lok goal condemned us to a loss. Painful. That wouldn't be the last match-up with Kitchee though, as we would face them a couple of weeks later in the FA Cup final. Some excitement to end this rather dower season for Eastern supporters.

We kicked off cup final month with a match with second place Metro Gallery and narrowly lost out by a single goal, Abdullah Al-Ruwdan scoring fairly late on. As of the final day of the league campaign, we remained where we started with the club, in 8th. Safe from relegation but not moving up. However, thankfully after a win over BC Glory Sky on Matchday 20 we leapfrogged two clubs to move to 6th which I will take after some awful form. Next came elimination from the AFC Cup following a goalless draw with Thailand club Muangthong United.

One match to go. The FA Cup final! Could we end the season on a real high?

First, that goal from Chan Ho Yin:




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



A tough beginning to life at Eastern in Hong Kong. Going by their form before I took over, not much changed so we didn't really make them worse but nor did we improve them which is frustrating. We showed potential with that great win over league champions South China, but the rest of the season summed it all up. It's clear to see this squad needs a lot of turning around, hopefully a busy transfer window is in store. Talking of which, I have already signed three players which you can see below. Competitions overview and squad statistics are also below.

Results:


Competitions Overview*:

* = I was only in charge of three of them: Premier League, AFC Cup and FA Cup.

Squad Statistics:


So, the three signings. First snapped up was Thai international right-back Sarot Pakbud, he has already featured for us. He was a free agent, we signed him on trial as trialists can play in the Premier League and he impressed so he signed permanently. Next was Yeung Chun Hung on a free from league champions South China. One of the players of the season in the league, got the most assists. Joins in the summer. A real coup.

Lastly, for now I hope, signed was goalkeeper Wempy Obure. Eastern's current 'keepers are pretty woeful imo, so decided to take somewhat of a punt on Indonesian Obure from Persik. I know him, he played a lot against me when I was with Persib and he always played well; 6k fee. Hopefully that's just the beginning of my incomings. I need to twiddle around with the foreigners, at the moment we will have too many to play next season so will be looking to move some on. A lot of change is needed, but a few players already in the squad have impressed and will play better in a better team, I reckon.

Signing #1 - Sarot Pakbud:


Signing #2 - Yeung Chun Hung:


Signing #3 - Wempy Obure:


That's all! Thank you for reading, I'll return with Update #2 with Eastern after the first two months of fixtures in 2023/24.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023– | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / 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.
2022 | 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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

First Pre-Season with Eastern:
Hello! In this post, I begin my first full (hopefully) season in Hong Kong with Eastern. We came in with two months left last season and were unable to revive the then-reigning champions from their season slump. Fifteen matches have been played, seven of which have been competitive fixtures.

First off though, two pre-pre-season news bits. The awards from last season were revealed and our expectations were set for the forthcoming season, those items can be seen below.

Last Season's Awards:


This Season's Expectations:


So, into the 2023-24 season. It began with a solid enough pre-season, with us facing six opponents and coming away with six victories; some interesting team names about, including Azzurri (4–1), Swiss XI (4–0) and Outdoor (5–0). As for transfer activity, I mentioned in my previous post that a squad rebuild was necessary and new signings were needed, I managed to do just that and we completed eight new signings; all bar one arrived for the start of pre-season.

First through the door was Gambian international Mohamadou Sumareh, a versatile midfielder who I've had an eye on since my days in Indonesia with Persib and now I've finally signed him; he will be squad depth though, won't feature much due to the foreigner limit, which, by the way, is so very annoying. Talking of the squad limit (five in squad, four starting), we have ten foreign players but only six are in my first-team plans with the other four in as squad players. Next in was Yeung Chun Hung I ("I" as we have another Yeung Chun Hung ("II" - cb) whom we've promoted from the youth), a left-winger from South China who had a great season for the new champions.

Namibia international Clinton Britz was signed on 1 July 2023, an exciting midfielder who has performed very well so far. Left-back Li Ngai Hoi and Indonesian goalkeeper Wempy Obure arrived soon after, Obure was going to my number one as I said in my past post but a future signing made that a no-go. Left-sided winger Tam Ho Ming came next on a free, back-up. Young striker Leung Nok Hang arrived on loan from Singaporean side Balestier Khalsa as depth, but he is from Hong Kong which is handy. Our last incoming was a familiar face.

Goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud came in on a free transfer. You may recognize him as he was my main goalkeeper at my last club, Persib. The Singaporean was a key player for me at Persib, thankfully (for me) his contract expired after I left Indonesia and he was unattached all this time. So, despite signing Obure I just couldn't say no to Mahbud who is, probably, too good for this league but he likes me in his favoured personnel so I guess that helped. One worry is that he got homesick on two occasions in Indonesia, hopefully that doesn't happen again in Hong Kong.

Ten outgoings, only one of note was Kwan Kwok Keung who I didn't want to lose but he refused to sign a new contract. His loss, we've found his replacements with ease while he remains without a club.

Transfers:


The competitive season started in September 2023. We kicked off the league campaign in blistering style as we obliterated Tai Po by six goals to zero on their own patch, a quite magnificent opener. Young centre-back, just promoted from the youth ranks, Yeung Chun Hung II shockingly bagged a brace while fellow CB Leonardo Muñoz also scored. Cameroon youth international François Nguidjol and Chan Ho Yin also got in on the act. We followed that up with another fantastic display, this time beating promoted Hong Kong 4–0. Leung Chun Hung I, Clinton Britz and two penalties from Chan Ho Yin made the difference.

A Senior Challenge Shield defeat was sandwiched in-between two friendly wins (vs. Kowloon City and R&F), we exited the competition at the first hurdle after a frustrating performance against Hong Kong Rangers. We returned to league action with a narrow home victory over Pegasus, Tam Ho Ming grabbing the all important goal. At this point we sat in second place, won three from three but three points off leaders Southern District who had played a game more and had won four out of four. They were our next opponents.

In an already huge fixture, we visited the leaders and came away with the points thanks to a dramatic late winner from substitute loanee Leung Nok Hang. Top of the table. A double header versus Sun Hei came next, the first kick-starting our League Cup season. We won 2–1 in the cup, despite resting our entire team due to the upcoming league meet days later. Leung Nok Hang and Leung Ming Kit got on the scoresheet. A crucial win as you only play two matches in the group stage (group of three; top team goes through to semis, bottom two go into second stage with chance of still reaching semi-finals).

The league meeting with Sun Hei arrived next to end the month. We sadly lost this one 3–2, despite leading 0–2 after sixteen minutes through Leung Nok Hang (three in three) and Britz. Our first loss and first goals conceded in the league. Disappointing. So, after five league games played, we sit top of the table on goal difference ahead of Southern District. Despite the season lasting from September to May, there is only twenty matches played; only fifteen to go!

Results:


League Overview:


Squad Statistics:


Lastly, a few awards/records have happened throughout these two months. Those can be seen below.

Record Win:


Yeung Chun Hung II - Youngest Scorer:


Yeung Chun Hung I - Goal of the Month (September):


Chan Ho Yin - Player of the Month (September):


Team of the Month 1 (September):


Team of the Month 2 (October):


Thank you for reading my career post! The next will be in two more months of competitive action.

P.S. Sorry for the slow updates recently, I've been busy with other things but should be back on track now.
P.P.S. I have activated the Australian A-League in the save and, thankfully, I (seemingly) haven't got the 'all jobs become available' bug that sadly others like @Shedender and @Dan got. An A-League job is now a future possibility.

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
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023– | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / 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.
2022 | 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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

Quick Two Months:
Welcome! In this update, we look at all the goings on with Eastern in Hong Kong during the final two months of 2023. Just six competitive fixtures to show.

After defeat last time out against Sun Hei, we aimed to get back to winning ways as we hosted Metro Gallery on Matchday 6. Unfortunately we fell to a second straight defeat as the Sham Shui Po Sports Ground outfit beat us by two clear goals, a non-performance from both sides but they took their chances and we didn't. Hong Kong Rangers played hosts next and we could only manage a two-two draw, Clinton Britz got the equaliser for us. A simple friendly win over Guangdong Youth followed.

Pegasus were our following opponents to end our group stage fixtures in the League Cup, we drew 0–0 which kept us top after our opening day win over Sun Hei; Sun Hei beat Pegasus in the group's final encounter meaning we advanced top of Group B. Monte Carlo of Macau gave us a friendly to begin December and we turned them over by winning 2–0. Next came two tough fixtures against two of the league's bigger clubs in Kitchee and South China, well on paper at least as they've both struggled; especially current champions South China who are bottom.

Chan Ho Yin scored a penalty but we could only draw with Kitchee, a competitive match-up which ended fairly drawn to be fair. South China arrived on 15 December and we beat them very late on thanks to the flukiest of own-goals by Leung Nok Hang (namesake of our striker). An important win but one we undone by losing our next match against Tai Po at home, a side we smashed 0–6 at their place on the opening day of the season. Another pretty mundane performance by us, we need to turn it up. Another easy friendly win rounded off the year, Kwai Tsing offered no challenge as we won 1–4.

Dodgy form, it pushes us from first (albeit on goal difference) in the previous post to third now. Southern District look good and lead the way with a game in hand, four points clear of us as we sit a point off of Metro Gallery. Ten league matches still to play, so time to turn it around. The board expectation is a top half finish, but honestly this club should be aiming for titles. An improvement will hopefully come. As always, squad statistics can be seen below.

One final piece of news, young Spanish defender Jesús Enrique Soria has left the club. A talented player on paper but one who has suffered with big injuries, hasn't featured much, if at all, for me due to injuries and the fact he has been moaning all season long as he wants a move to a bigger club. No-one wanted/wants him but he kept going on and on so I offered him mutual termination for a small fee and he accepted. Good riddance.

Results:


League Overview:


Squad Statistics:


Jesús Enrique Soria exit:


I appreciate you for reading my posts. 1 March 2024 will see the 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
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023– | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / 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.
2022 | 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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

Chasing Top Spot:
In this update, we take on all that January and February 2024 has to offer us with Hong Kong Premier League club Eastern. We currently sit in third place with ten games to play, Southern District lead the way at the top by four points from us with second place Metro Gallery a point clear of us. We are chasing top spot!

We began the new year with two friendly matches and secured two morale-boosting wins, firstly against German All-Stars (who aren't German) and Alfândega from Macau; 0–1 and 0–6 victories. Hong Kong gave us our first competitive test of 2024 and ran us all the way, but eventually we found the way through to score twice in five minutes to get the points. Citizen were our following opponents and they were easily beaten 3–0, Chan Ho Yin, Mohamadou Sumareh (more on him soon) and Clinton Britz getting goals.

Sun Hei done the same as Citizen and conceded three goals in a visit to the Mong Kok Stadium on 27 January, they did however get a consolation; Sumareh got on the scoresheet for us to score three goals in as many matches. Impressive from the man who had rarely featured this campaign, he has now earned himself a consistent starting place - credit to him, didn't even moan once about lack of game time which is unusual. Our three-match winning streak ended next time out as we were held by Pegasus, they earned that point and perhaps should've won but thankfully naturalised Hong Kong youth international Darren Whitehead equalised.

We faced former top-flight club BC Glory Sky in a friendly on 10 February and won 2–0. The FA Cup returned to our schedule a week later and we were drawn to face Citizen at home in the quarter-finals. An own-goal from Wong Oi Hin bailed us out and sent us through to the semi-finals, a rather woeful display despite a full strength line-up. Delighted to advance, however. We end this update with a huge encounter with top of the table Southern District. We were second coming into this one. By the end of it, we were top after a superb performance as we played Southern District off the park to record a 3–0 victory.

Heading into the final three months off the season, I and Eastern sit top of the Hong Kong Premier League table! We and third place Metro Gallery have five matches to play, while Southern District have four. Who knows, Pegasus, Tai Po and/or Kitchee could be outsiders. It is sure to be a very nervy last few months, our very next fixture is against third place Metro Gallery. We also have attention to two other competitions, we are in the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup. Our opponents? Kitchee x2! A double cup showdown awaits as well as a league meet between the two on 28 April. We face Kitchee on the penultimate day, with champions (albeit strugglers) South China on the last day. Tricky!

Squad statistics are below.

Results:


Competitions Overview:


Squad Statistics:


A bit of transfer news to share, goalkeeper Wempy Obure is leaving at the end of the season to join current basement side Hong Kong Rangers. Regrettable to see Obure leave, a good 'keeper who would've been my number one if not for the arrival of Izwan Mahbud. He'll go down as a flop considering he only signed in the off-season for £6k and hasn't yet made a league appearance, with just one cup app. to his name. A shame.

Lastly, we've had players featured in the two Team of the Month awards while the out-of-nowhere inform Gambian man Sumareh won the league's Player of the Month award for January; a sign of his rise to the first eleven.

Obure on his way:


Team of the Month - January:


Team of the Month - February:


Sumareh - Player of the Month - January:


As always, thanks for reading my career post! I'll return at the end of the season in May 2024. A potential domestic treble is on the cards, a lot of tough fixtures to come though.

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
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023– | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / 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.
2022 | 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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

Chasing The Title:
Another update from my Journeyman's Journey career with Eastern in Hong Kong. In this one, we approach March, April and May 2024 as we aim to win the Premier League and potentially the FA and League Cups. We are currently first in the league, but it's very tight with Southern District and Metro Gallery close behind. We also face Kitchee in the semi-finals of both cup competitions.

Let's get right into it. We begin with a rather huge encounter with third place Metro Gallery. Sadly an early second half goal from Kwok Chi Kin led Metro Gallery to victory, moving them to within one point of us. Chan Ho Yin scored a hat-trick to win us a friendly over Chinese team Guangzhou Guowang on 10 March. Bottom of the table Hong Kong Rangers came to the Mong Kok Stadium next time out and frustratingly held us to a score draw, Chan Ho Yin's opener not enough. Defeat to a rival, draw to the worst team in the league. Not a good way to start March 2024, at all.

Next came the League Cup semi-final against Kitchee, the first of three meets in this update with them. In the first one, it ended in a five goal thriller but one we came out on top as goals from Darren Whitehead (x2) and Mak Ka Wai sent us to the 2024 League Cup final. Gruelling semi-final, Kitchee equalised twice but gratefully Mak Ka Wai's goal was the clincher. Macanese side Obra Social de PSP took us on in a friendly to end March, we won that 1–3. April's first fixture saw the second meet with Kitchee, this time in the FA Cup semi-finals. Unfortunately, it was Kitchee celebrating this time around as they won 2–4 to go through to the FA Cup final to meet Hong Kong; who they subsequently beat to win the tournament. We had more of the ball and more shots, but didn't make it count. Congratulations to Kitchee.

Attention turned to the League Cup final, which followed a week later. We ended up facing Citizen in the showpiece match after they knocked out Metro Gallery in the semi-finals. The final went the distance as, after 120 minutes, we couldn't be separated so it went to a penalty shoot-out. Could we hold our nerve?



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


After the high of winning the League Cup, we returned to league action with three games to play three days later and we faced the very same opponent, Citizen. However, it was a very different outcome. They destroyed us by four goals to nil (4–0!). I have no idea what happened, they properly played us off the park. Reminiscent of the battering (6–1) I suffered versus Bhayangkara back in 2019 with Persib. Lost for words. What a performance and response to losing the League Cup final by Citizen, but deary me; a shocker from us.

With only two matches left to play, we sat five points off leaders Metro Gallery. They had just one fixture left to play, which fell in the schedule before our match against Kitchee. It was against Southern District and, sadly, they won it 0–1 to win their first-ever Premier League title. We needed them to lose as a draw wouldn't have been good enough due to the tiebreaker being head-to-head rather than goal difference. Ultra disappointing not to win the league, we should've despite a top half expectation from the board.

We still had two fixtures to fulfil and they were important as we aimed to finish inside the top five to qualify for the end of season play-offs for a potential place in the AFC Cup. Kitchee (H) and South China (A) were our last two encounters, and we came away with four points following a 2–1 win over Kitchee and a thrilling 3–3 tie with South China; we were 3–1 down in that match with South China on 80 minutes but rescued a point after two goals in two minutes, and two stunners too, from Yeung Chun Hung I and François Nguidjol. Lastly, throughout the final few weeks, we played two friendlies and won them both versus Hip Chon de Coloane and Sparta Rotterdam Mutual (satellite club of Dutch team Sparta Rotterdam) respectively.

After all of that. We ended the regular season in second place, four points off of the winners. We have qualified for the end of season play-offs though, meaning we could gain AFC Cup football next season which would be nice. We play Tai Po in a semi-final not long from now, with Kitchee or Citizen awaiting the winner. Some life in this season, yet! An AFC Cup place would turn this OK season into a good season, would go nicely with the League Cup win.

Results:


League Overview:


Play-offs Confirmed:


Squad Statistics:


A couple of awards/records have occurred. Five of our players made it into the league's Best XI, with two on the bench. Chan Ho Yin won the league's Fans' Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year, while also claiming the league's Young Player of the Year award; Darren Whitehead came second in that. Lam Wai Lok won the League Cup and FA Cup's Best Defensive Player awards.

An excellent season so far for seventeen (!) year old Chan Ho Yin, he broke the club's top goalscoring record with twelve goals in twenty games; just missed the league's Top Goalscorer award by two.

Premier League - Best XI:


Premier League - Fans'/Players' Player of the Year:


Premier League - Young Player of the Year:


League Cup/FA Cup - Best Defensive Player:



Chan Ho Yin Scoring Record:


One final piece of news, an important piece. I have signed a new one-year contract with Eastern. The current deal was set to end at the end of June, I had flirted with the idea of leaving, even applied for some jobs, but I had a change of heart and accepted a contract offer from the board. I managed to get the compensation required for a club to poach me down to 20% from 50%, could come in handy you never know.

New Contract:


I'll return with another update whenever the play-offs conclude. 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
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023– | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / 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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) 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.
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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

Play-offs:
After sadly losing the league title race and finishing second in the last update, we head into the continental play-offs with third, fourth and fifth to battle it out for an AFC Cup place for next season. Let's see how we, Eastern in Hong Kong, got on.

Tai Po were our semi-final opponents and we met on 25 May 2024. In short, it was an unbelievable match. It was goalless at the break, before we took a fairly quick two-goal lead in half two on 66 mins thanks to Chan Chun Lok and Chan Ho Yin. However, no quicker were we two ahead that Tai Po clawed it back to 2–2 by 74 mins. Normal time ended just like that, so it went into extra time which started disastrously for us as Lai Wai Chung saw straight red to be sent off four minutes into the added minutes. Eight minutes later, Lee Yiu Wai gave Tai Po the lead with a free-kick. Against all the odds, as the tie looked over, we were awarded a 120 minute + penalty with a chance to take it to penalties, Chan Ho Yin stepped up to equalise. Off to a penalty shoot-out!



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


Thanks for reading this unfortunately short update. I'll return after two months of competitive action in the 2024–25 season.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023– | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / 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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) 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.
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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2024–25 Begins:
Welcome to my latest update for my Football Manager 2017 save. In this one, we kickstart the new Hong Kong Premier League season with Eastern. We come off a disappointing first full season with Eastern in which we missed the league title by four points and failed to gain AFC Cup football via the play-offs, one plus was that we won the League Cup, though. Talking of last season, the awards from 2023–24 can be seen below, as can the season expectations for this season; the board now want AFC Cup qualification instead of just a top half finish.

Last Season Awards:


This Season Expectations:


We had a busy transfer period, six players were signed while fourteen players left. Nigerian striker Emeka Jimoh joined first, on a free from Citizen. Following him was Chan Siu Kwan, a back-up central midfield option; £1k initial fee. Lee Kai Chi joined on the same day, our new first-choice central defender, hefty price of £20k but I really wanted a better centre-back to partner Leonardo Muñoz; he is versatile too. Happy with him. Lo Tsz Kin (CM) and Lau Chi Hung (GK) later joined on free transfers. Former is another midfield option, latter is my new back-up goalkeeper as we've let two GKs leave the club. Finally, Leung Nok Hang's loan from Balestier Khalsa has been extended by another year.

In regards to the outs, I'd say only six are notable. Young Spanish striker Marco Calavia joined Southern District at the end of his contract, decent-looking attacker but one who didn't fit my team plus the foreigner limit affected his chances massively. Wempy Obure, as mentioned before, has officially joined Hong Kong Rangers. Other 'keeper Xing Yu left us to join promoted Yau Tsim Mong on loan, Thai international Sarot Pakbud and defender Wong Wing Sum joined Sun Hei on loan while Leung Ming Kit went to new affiliate club Sparta Rotterdam Mutual on a temporary basis. On Pakbud: I would've played him, but that foreigner limit meant he had no place in my line-up.

Transfers:


New Affiliate Club:


Pre-season, as always, got the season going as we faced seven different opponents. A trip to mainland China was on the agenda first, with a trio of wins over Guangzhou Jiujia, Guangzhou Renbao and Zhongshan Fengyun. We returned home to host the inaugural friendly Mong Kong Stadium Cup, in which we ended up placing third after defeat in the semi-finals with a very rotated side due to the secondary match coming just one day later. Benfica, of Macau, and Bógang, of China, wrapped up our pre-season preparations.

The important stuff got underway on 15 September as we played our opening Premier League encounter. We faced newly promoted Yau Tsim Mong and they got off to a good start in the top-flight as they held us to a 2–2 tie, new signing Emeka Jimoh grabbing us a point on his debut. Hong Kong Rangers, a side that just escaped relegation last season, visited us on Matchday 2 and were easily beaten by three clear goals after Darren Whitehead, new signing Lo Tsz Kin and left-back Li Ngai Hoi scored.

Our Senior Challenge Shield campaign got going on 25 September, a competition I want to do well in especially after we exited at the first hurdle last season. Reigning league champions Metro Gallery were our opponents and we absolutely battered them to win 5–1, we were 5–0 ahead after just twenty-four minutes! Chan Ho Yin scored four times! It was a extremely odd start, all five goals came from five shots. One of those games, I'll certainly take it! We continued that sensational form into the next match versus South China as we won 0–4, Whitehead getting two in what was my 300th game in management.

We scored four goals again next time out in a quarter-final tie in the Senior Challenge Shield versus Citizen, Tam Ho Ming rounding that victory off with his second goal in two matches. Back-to-back exhibition games happened on 13 and 20 October, both ended five goals to one. The first, we lost to top Chinese Super League club Guangzhou R&F but won the second against the aforementioned Sparta Rotterdam Mutual. We got whipped by R&F, but it was good to come up against a strong side in a friendly for once.

October 2024's penultimate fixture was the first League Cup match of the season and our first meet with Kitchee of 2024–25. It ended in defeat as Kitchee edged a seven-goal thriller, not an ideal result but we did field a very weakened line-up due to a more important Premier League fixture coming three days later. Decent display from the back-ups in truth, tricky match-up. Lastly, Citizen gave us our last test of October but in truth, it wasn't much of a test as we stormed past them to win 1–6, Chan Ho Yin scored his second hat-trick of the campaign. They are the bottom side in the league, but it was nice to get redemption against the side who ended our title hopes in 2023–24 after beating us 4–0.

Just four league games played, but it's been a busy two months. South China lead the way in the Premier League, two points clear of us but we have a game in hand. We are into the semi-finals of the Senior Challenge Shield, face that team Kitchee once again. We have work to do in the League Cup, but even if we don't finish top of the group we still get a chance as we'd enter the Second Stage which can still lead to a semi-final berth.

Results:


League Overview:


300 Games!


Squad statistics are below. Darren Whitehead won the league's Player of the Month award for September, we got five players in that month's Team of the Month. Also in September, Chan Ho Yin broke two goalscoring records after those four goals in the Senior Challenge Shield versus Metro Gallery.

Squad Statistics:


Premier League - September Player of the Month:


Premier League - September Team of the Month:


Chan Ho Yin Breaks Records:



Thank you for reading! A busy but fun two months, I'll return on New Year's Day 2025 with the next update.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023– | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / 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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) 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.
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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

Update 39:
Update 39 of my Journeyman's Journey save on Football Manager 2017. In this one, we end the year that was 2024 in Hong Kong with Eastern.

Metro Gallery gave us our first match of November 2024 in the league, we sneaked past them to record three points thanks to an own-goal nine minutes from time from Chan Tsz Leung. After beating Metro Gallery at home, we were again on our own turf as we faced Kitchee but this time we were held as we drew with two goals apiece; Clinton Britz and Cheng Ming Fung (first career league goal for Eastern) scored. A friendly with Shenzhen Nanshan took place on 16 November and we won 0–4.

Our first competitive away game of the month came a week later as we visited Southern District, we came away disappointed as we tied 1–1. Another friendly came (0–2 win vs. Fan Weng Wui) before we took on Pegasus in a dead rubber League Cup group stage contest, both of us were out but still with a chance of the semi-finals via the Second Stage; groups contain three teams, play two games each, top team goes to semi-finals, rest go through a different stage with overall winner getting a semi-final spot. So, it didn't mean much but it was still annoying to see us lose 0–1.

That was the first of three meets with Pegasus this month, as we were drawn with them in the aforementioned Second Stage. We returned to league action on 13 December to meet Sun Hei, we exited the match with all the points as we dismantled the then third place side 0–5. Chan Ho Yin and Yeung Chun Hung I grabbed a brace each in what was a fantastic display. Next came Pegasus in the league and, just like the League Cup encounter, we lost by a single goal at home. Frustrating!

Three days later saw the League Cup next stage match-up with Pegasus, this time we easily beat them 0–2 to go through to the next round of the Second Stage; where we will face current league leaders South China. 2024 ended with our biggest match of the two months as we played Kitchee to battle for a spot in the Senior Challenge Shield final. We, surprisingly, made light work of Kitchee and eased through to the final after wining 3–0, Darren Whitehead, Leonardo Muñoz and Chan Ho Yin getting the goals. The final will take place on 26 January 2025 against Hong Kong Rangers.

So, that's that. After nine Premier League fixtures down, we are second in the table and three points off South China. Work to do! We do face South China at the beginning of February, so win that and it could be vital as the first tiebreaker in the league is head-to-head; we beat them 0–4 earlier in the season so it could turn out important. We are still in all the cup competitions, final of the Senior Challenge Shield while still in contention for the League Cup; FA Cup yet to start.

Results:


League Overview:


Squad Statistics:


Talking of the Senior Challenge Shield, off-season signing Lo Tsz Kin broke the record of most assists (four) in the competition while, us as a club, set a record for most goals scored in the very same tournament; twelve goals for us beats Hong Kong's record of nine. Back in the league, we have had players in both months' Team of the Month awards.

Some Izwan Mahbud (Singaporean no. 1 goalkeeper) news to share. I mentioned when I managed him at Persib, my past club, he moaned about homesickness twice and I was worried he'd do it again. Well, he kinda has. Singaporean team Tampines Rovers are interested in him, that triggered him to ask about joining them to return home to his family. I said he could if they offered the right fee, thankfully no offer has come in as of right now.

Senior Challenge Shield Records:



Premier League Team of the Months



Izwan Mahbud Moans (Part 3):


Thanks for reading! Update 40 will come on 11 March 2025.

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023– | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / 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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) 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.
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.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.