[FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)

@r96Skinner - Thanks man, appreciate it!

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Saporetti taking the player of the season by a country mile, rightly so, he had a terrific season. De Luigi's free kick against Libertas proved to be the goal of the season, also scooped the young player of the season award. Oddly enough, none of our signings proved good enough to be the best new signing.



Reiterating Saporetti's performance during this season, 19 goals, 6 man of the match awards and an average rating of 7.29. The lad is a legend. De Luigi is someone also I keep close to my heart, a wizard on that right wing with 12 assists. The Succ managed to pass the ball the most accurate with a brilliant 87%, but also received our only red card this season.



And there you have it. My time in San Marino is done, sadly not taking any domestic cups but back to back league titles are good enough.



Where shall I go next? Rot away again in Andorra? Take a rocky turn in Gibraltar? Freeze my ass off in the Faroe Islands? Or take on Kosovo who can't gain European football?

NEXT UPDATE: ??? (Next Destination)

Any of the middle three would be fun, Gibraltar would get my pick.

So here we are again, back in the limelight of unemployment, circling adverts in the local papers, researching clubs on Wikipedia and preparing to take a Rosetta Stone language course if needs be.



Or will there be? Potential move to Gibraltar on the cards. Europa Point might be an odd choice, but I do relish a challenge just as I did with Ordino. Perhaps this is my next position?







Yes, you were definitely correct. Touching down at the tipping point between Europe and Africa as Gibraltar is my next destination. The club - Europa Point.

Very recent club too, founded roughly between 2013 and 2014 so not even five years old in real life.



Europa Point refers to the area at the very end point of the Gibraltarian Peninsula where the tall Europa Point lighthouse sits upon the edge, guiding ships, boats and ferries along the Mediterranean that may travel to and from Morocco and Spain.



As with each of the nineteen recognised Gibraltarian league teams, Europa Point play at the Victoria Stadium, with a capacity holding just under 2,500 fans.



Not much in terms of honours, only securing the second division title back in 2015/16, though they did win back to back second division cups in 2015 and 2016 also.

May prove to be a tough test, but I'm willing to give it a shot.

SQUAD



Bit of a sparse squad, lacking in significant positions including defensive midfielders. Should have enough strikers to work with since I only use the one, have good quality wingers too as long as they don't fall to injuries. Centre backs may be a little bit lacking too, but however that's why there's a transfer window coming up.

EXPECTATIONS



Only two competitions to worry about, the Premier Division and the Gibtelecom Rock Cup. Perhaps setting the bar a little bit higher than originally asked but I may surprise people. Quite a meager transfer/wage budget but the club does lack financial security, only 50k in the black.

@r96Skinner - You got your wish!

NEXT UPDATE: Preseason 2022/23

Ha, nice! I guess I'll see in your next update, but I assume Lincoln Red Imps are still the dominant team?

@r96Skinner - Pretty much, won every league campaign so far in this save.

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TRANSFERS IN




Due to the lack of scouting staff, we didn't exactly go all out with mass changes but did bring in two to the Europa Point camp...though it's really nothing exciting.



Cantizano - D(L)/WB(L)/M(L)/ Assistant Manager - free transfer from St. Joseph's (GIB)

So this is rather unconventional but I've managed to lock down a new player and also an assistant manager rolled into one. Can't say he'll play many games with poor strength but decent tackling may be good if Khali is ruled out. His assistant manager stats aren't too bad, 10 man management, 7 JCA and 6 JPA.



Yeray - DM/D(C)/M(C) free transfer from Manchester 62

For the lack of a better defensive midfielder, Yeray comes into the team from Manchester 62 as there were pretty much a closed market for a player in this position. That said, he looks like he will do a decent job. Good physicals (for this standard), bit lacking on the mental front and tackling can be improved. He was pretty much the best option we could get sadly!

Oh, what's that? You noticed he's injured?



Just my luck. Out for the next number of weeks and will miss numerous league matches. Top buy, Dave. Top buy.

FRIENDLIES



Encouraging pre-season I feel, only one defeat. Not many goals, but as long as we can defend we'll get by.

LEAGUE ODDS



According to BetFair, we're 17-2 to win the league and look to lie just below the midway point of the table. Lincoln Red Imps shocker are favourites but only at evens. At least they have faith that I'll keep them up.

NEXT UPDATE: September 2022

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



My managerial debut at Europa Point starts off with a win against newly promoted Olympique. An outrageous 30 yard free kick from Dellipiani gave us the lead, I should also clarify he has a free kick attribute of 1. Didn't take long for us to be pegged back, poorly defended corner allowed Alex Gonzalez time to pick his spot an square the game. Our dominance paid off in the second half, Styche playing in Camacho to coolly finish at the keeper's near post to start life positively in Gibraltar.



Gibraltar United proved to be a sterner test of character, 53 seconds in and they were already 1-0 ahead. Should have been two just moments later, we were all of the shop. Dellipiani is a centre back, yet is clinical when coming to set pieces, waltzing into the box, getting on the end of a corner and finishing low from a very tight angle in first half injury time. Suddenly, the game became a lot more open with both sides threatening the opposing goalkeepers. It took a rocket to win the game, Camacho tried his luck from the edge of the area and popped a corker into the top right corner to overturn the deficit.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Two games, two wins, six points. Very promising start to the season.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Level at the top with the Red Imps, who are toying with teams as per usual. We face them later next month and it'll truly be an acid test of our abilities.

NEXT UPDATE: October 2022

Good news! Yeray is back from injury and can play in our next game without any complications.



Lol nope. Same injury, same length on the sidelines, same old bullshit. It didn't say he was injury prone in his scout report! May need to sack them.

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Very painful watching, neither side was worthy of winning following a severe lack of quality. Probably the best chance fell to Reece Styche who was pretty much one on one but unconvincingly hit it straight at Makan Keita in the Man 62 goal. A watch worthy of skipping over on Match of the Day.



Look, I've no complaints about this result. Lincoln Red Imps were just far too good for us with the combination of Liam Walker and George Cabrera, bullying our defence throughout the entire game. Not much more we could do as the game was over by half time. Onto the next one.




At least records are already being broken.



Ending the month on a high, taking down ten men St Joseph's by a single goal. Fortunately, it was made easier for us when they went down to ten men and the goal came from a penalty converted by Reece Styche. Three valuable points gifted to us.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Regardless of that eyesore against Lincoln, solid month with two clean sheets and four points added to the bank. Little bit worrying that we only scored once and it was a penalty.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Despite our negative goal difference, we remain in second ahead of Gibraltar United and St. Joseph's. Already a gap emerging at the top.

NEXT UPDATE: November 2022

You are going to have a tough challenge trying to knock over Lincoln Red Imps from the top. That comparison between Lincoln and Auckland City in my save is comparable.

@Matthew C - Yeah looks that way, however if I can accumulate enough money and boost reputation then anything is possible I suppose!

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GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION





Another scrappy win in a game we failed to control. That said, Mon Calpes have failed to score this season and it was very apparent why, ridiculous long ball and pot shot nonsense. Kaydreon Drimmie on the scoresheet for the first time in eleven hours to throw that monkey off his back.



Feared another injury was incoming before our next match against Lynx, Camacho was the last person I wanted to lie on a hospital bed. Bitter blow.



No surprise we had no proper attacking movement with Camacho out, poor game once again. Defence did their job but the lack of goalscoring opportunities is a little apprehensive in the long run. A point is still a point.



Up against another one of the heavyweights of the division, despite Europa's woeful start to the season lying second from bottom pregame. Thought we did enough to keep them out, constantly knocking on the door the entire game but for a defensive error as Dellipiani stupidly tried to overlap with Khali on the left, misplacing his pass and then totally out of position for Renan who had the freedom of Victoria Stadium to power it home comfortably. Almost smashed and grabbed an equaliser, however Saavedra Amador's header from a whipped free kick beat the advancing keeper but not the post, inches away.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



As you can see, proper rich goalscoring form...at least our defence seem sturdy enough. The epitome of an average month.

LEAGUE TABLE:



St Joseph's have nicked second place from us, no thanks to our poor GD. Six points adrift of Lincoln and now only four ahead of a potential chasing pack of four or five teams. Need an improvement next month.

NEXT UPDATE: December 2022

Good luck in Gibraltar @DNZY although it'll be tough overthrowing Lincoln

@Dan - Cheers, I'll probably treat this as a stepping stone job because I highly doubt we'll overthrow Lincoln within 2/3 seasons.

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GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Struggling heavily to find goals in this team, even against newly promoted Magpies. In fact, the visitors had the best opportunity to win the game but for one of the most bizarre penalty saves I've seen on FM.



Either way it saved our asses.





WHAT IS THAT?! Never have I seen the AI produce an intentional strikerless formation but it worked much to our advantage. Olympique's 'park the bus' antics failed to pay off, only five minutes it took for us to finally score from Aidan Lynch. Kaydreon Drimmie cheekily lobbed the stranded keeper to add a second before the half hour. Bizarrely, the Olympique keeper Robert Rae suffered a broken finger mid-game, and they still kept him on?! Bad idea with the day they were having, two quickfire goals in the second half from Luca and Gomez-Mannion destroyed any hope of them coming back. Even though they pulled one back, it was unlikely they were going to build on it. Much needed win to keep the pressure on the top positions.



Bit of a kick in the teeth, this one. Granted the game lacked quality for the first eighty four minutes, suddenly a penalty goes our way. Left back Khali did the honours to give us what we thought would be the winner, however you must always see the game out which we failed to do. Conceding a corner before the board went up for additional minutes and Brad Power doing what his surname suggested to power in a header for the leveler.



Khali's efforts this month awarded with the Player of the Month award for December.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Solid month, five points from three isn't overly bad but perhaps we could have done with a second win in those three. Winter break for three weeks now.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Heading into 2023 in third spot, Lincoln understandably running away so far but St Joseph's keep things interesting in second.

NEXT UPDATE: January 2023

TRANSFERS



Two more acquisitions make their way to the Europa Point ranks, two potential game changers.



Adrian Golpe - ST(C) - free transfer from Mon Calpe

Neither of our strikers are cutting it right now, so I turned my attention to Adrian Golpe. Looks like a top poacher with some important stats being the finishing and composure in the green, good dribbler and off the ball is impressive too so a man who could definitely change our fortunes up front.



Gavin Harris - M(R) - on loan from Lincoln (GIB) [end of season]

Camacho's backup as he remains out with injury. Pacy right winger, though not as far advanced as I hoped he'd be so may need a change in system. A team player with good work rate, encouraging physicals and training with the best side in Gibraltar. May inject more into our midfield tempo.

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



2023 greeted us with a powerful uppercut from Manchester 62 and Ivan Perez. Man 62 are still unbeaten I should clarify and responded to our opening goal from Adam Luca in style. Ivan Perez was a nuisance, escaping our defensive efforts to overturn the deficit before the half time whistle. Second half wasn't much better, their dominance was distorted and kept us in our own half for the majority. Mendoza bagged the third before Perez rounded off his hat-trick to pile more misery on our boys.



Not happy at all, this was one for the taking and completely made a pig's arse of it. Neither side looked like breaking the deadlock in a hugely disappointing game, shooting from 30-40 yards out and barely testing the goalkeepers.



With Camacho returning fit, Borrell filled his spot. Leaves us with only one capable centre back in the ranks.



Now this was a result I could get behind and probably should have taken advantage of with Lincoln's dismissal in the second half. Poor first half with neither side hitting the target, but at least our defence were doing their job. Second half, more the same but Lincoln seemed to get their mojo back, Martinez broke free but scuffed his shot straight at Viñales. The crucial focal point of the game was the red card for Jack Sergeant and gave us ambition to take the game to them. Golpe on his debut came the closest, aiming for the top corner but met by the hands of Juan David Velosa. Credible draw, better from us.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



The elephant in the room is definitely noticeable, we just don't score many do we? Bit of shooting practice required.

LEAGUE TABLE



Too many draws are harming our challenge in the league, now fading to a six point gap behind St Joseph's in second and keeping a watchful eye over our shoulder now too.

NEXT UPDATE: February 2023

Gavin Harris signed up? Shame you couldn't tempt Santiago Muñez to join as well.

@r96Skinner - Haha, great Goal! reference there.

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GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Harsh defeat from our point of view, very tight contest in which we were just squeezed out of a result. Changed our system from a 4-1-2-2-1 to 4-4-1-1 and immediately saw improvements. First half largely dominated by us, forcing their keeper into three stops including an incredible point blank save in the first 15 minutes of the game. Unfortunately, our good work counted for nothing in the first 45 and were brought straight back to Earth 57 seconds after the restart with a goal created by a counter attack, failing to close down the advancing striker and failing to tightly mark Bruninho in the box as the ball was squared. Yeray thought he'd have leveled it up but strayed offside and the goal was ruled out. Our high press failed to find us a goal and Joseph's were vicious on the counter, hoofing the ball from their own box to find Moto who cut to the left, invited himself into the box and blasted home past an out of position Viñales who should've dealt with it better. Our attacking efforts didn't go empty handed, Kaydreon Drimmie finally grabbing us a legitimate goal but Frank Warwick in the Joseph's goal was just too damn good to be beaten again. Frantic game but on the wrong end of the result.



Need to beat this slump before it completely wrecks our promising campaign.



Our performance against Lynx was the polar opposite of how we fared against St. Joseph's; sloppy, overrun, outplayed and yet somehow took away a point from the game. Lynx could've had three in the first half if it weren't for Viñales' cat like reflexes. Aleksa Aleksic prodded home the opener from a square ball for a really soft goal to concede. A bit of an improvement in the second half, Drimmie scored back to back goals for the first time, finding minimal space at the edge of the area but his low drive had enough curl to deceive the keeper for it to trickle in. Smash and grab point to sum it up, we were pretty muck.



I'm seething, not at the performance but at the officials who missed a blatant appeal for a penalty which could've won us the game. Getting caught on the counter is becoming a worrying theme for us as Europa deservedly went in front, playing a direct ball to Renan who pulled three defenders out of position and unselfishly squared it to the free Jason Coombes for an easy tap in. Somehow, we dug in to find a fortuitous goal seconds into the second half, though a bit of 'pinball penalty area' antics laid the ball on a plate for Saavedra Amador, taking a deft deflection on the way to bring the game level. Now, for the incident:



I saw this incident in 2D so you know how blatant this decision should have been. No attempt at winning the ball, stonewall penalty waved away. We'll take a point but this could've given us a lifeline to end this rotten streak of winless games.



Finally! It may have been a scrappy game but a win is a win. Another painful game to watch but at least the winning goal was quality, first time effort following a low cross by Golpe and rammed it in with aplomb. We looked in control of the game, but Golpe had to be stretchered off to leave us with ten men for the last ten minutes of the game. In that time, Magpies had a glorious shot at an equaliser from five yards out but for a stunning save from Viñales to preserve the lead. Much needed win.

GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP

SECOND ROUND





Safely into the quarter finals, dominating proceedings against a timid Hound Dogs side. Always in the driving seat with Golpe finally scoring and doubled his quantity just for safety. Amazingly, those are his first goals in 26 games, equivalent to 39 hours. A FULL DAY AND FIFTEEN HOURS WITHOUT SCORING! My word, needed that out of his system.



Gibraltar United in the quarters, may have to resort to emphasizing the domestic cups if the league is going belly up.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Bumper month with five games, gradually getting better as the month went on. Change of formation seems to be getting us more goals but still quite few per game.

LEAGUE TABLE:



League has taken a bit of a backward turn, losing costly points where Lynx and Man 62 made up for them. At least there is an eight point gap to 6th but we're faltering fast and need to improve.

NEXT UPDATE: March 2023

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Took Olympique to the sword and completely slayed them in an obscenely one way affair. Straight off the bat, Gonzalez got into the wrong place at the wrong time to put through his own net just two minutes in. Controlled the gameflow and waited in the long grass to pounce again on the hour via a penalty from Halim Khali, before Adam Luca put the game beyond doubt just two minutes after. Scott Mitchell took the liberty of recording our 20th shot of the match and proved to be clinical, trying his luck and succeeded with help from the post. Just what the doctor ordered.



Though some people just aren't satisfied, all eyes on me on whether I'm the right man to take the club forward. Can you not read the scoreline up above?



This was the second of two games in a matter of days against Gibraltar United shortly after the Rock Cup game (DISCLAIMER) Just one of those games where no matter how hard we tried, absolutely nothing went our way. Evan Green and Alain Pons on the scoresheet for the visitors, the latter coming from a clumsy penalty conceded by Sokol. Puts our top three/four ambitions in a bit of jeopardy.





WHAT A HIT SON! Adrian Golpe provided the perfect tonic for Europa Point's league form against an intrepid Man 62 side. Looked bright in the first half, passing the ball around nicely but finding no end product. In contrast, Man 62 started turning the screw and Ivan Perez unraveled our defence but Viñales brilliantly saving the one on one. Golpe came on in the 62nd minute and made the impact I hoped he would but to unleash a thunderbastard like that was more than I bargained for. Gargantuan win for our lads.



But of course Golpe came on for another reason, Saavedra Amador becomes the latest casualty.

GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP

QUARTER FINAL



As outlined in that spoiler from earlier, Gibraltar United burst out of the block very early on in this game and by & large deserved this more than we did. Backs firmly against the wall throughout the first half, Viñales the much busier keeper. Podesta broke our resistance, finding space in the box and calmly finished neatly into the top corner. Drimmie came closest for us in the second half, swiveled with the ball while his back was at goal but could only hit it straight at their keeper. Bereft of further ideas, our cup run ends in glaring failure.



We had a pretty luckless youth intake except for one lad, Josep Garcia. Looks to be quite a promising youngster, solid physicals, questionable technicals and patchy mental attributes. Could be one to shoehorn into the first team if significant development surfaces.



Golpe deservedly awarded goal of the month this month too.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



The back to back defeats to Gibraltar United hurt us a bit but otherwise two wins this month in the league, including that important six pointer against Manchester 62. Nice to see five different goalscorers.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Still all to play for with six games to go, though top two looks strictly off limits. Now level on points with Man 62, two clear of Lynx.

NEXT UPDATE: April 2023

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Lincoln proving once again why they're the best team in Gibraltar, but we gave it a good go. The Imps were not holding back, starting with an attacking 3-4-3 which if it weren't for Viñales between the sticks, we'd have been dead and buried by half time. Their high tempo tiki taka passing sliced us open so many occasions and Jean-Carlos Garcia thumped one into the back of the net for them to lead at the interval. Second half we improved and stunned Lincoln with a top strike by Scott Mitchell to tie the game. Back came Lincoln with their ruthless attack but Viñales stood firm to deny them. However, despite my praises he was definitely at fault for the next two goals, Nacho Martínez hit two similar looking low shots from distance towards Viñales' near post which somehow crept in. Adam Luca had a glorious opportunity pushed away by Velosa but are left empty handed to our disappointment.



I'm getting sick and tired of long term injuries, Dellipiani is a huge loss.



Getting closer to filling the stadium.



As if things couldn't get any worse, what a horror show display against Mons Calpe. The home side were all over us in the first half, our defensive efforts were comical in which we could have shipped four or five in that half alone. James Adams clear as day in the box picked out by Placid to stroll into the lead. Afterwards, nothing we threw at them had any effect. Thomas Evans doubled their tally shortly into the second half and were home and hosed. Golpe missed a sitter to reduce the arrears when a direct pass looped over the defender's head and put him through, could only fire it straight into the goalkeeper's chest. Miserable viewing.



Another six pointer, this time at Lynx. Neither side threatened, Lynx looked comfortable going forward whereas we were happy to defend. Only one clear cut opportunity arose and it came for us, Roxan Equebat was in the right place at the right time following a sliding tackle that fed the ball into his path in the area but failed to hit the target from eight yards out. Story of our season so far, we may even be as low as sixth come the conclusion of April.



Viñales has been an integral part of our season, twelve clean sheets in twenty four is mightily impressive.



Just what the doctor ordered! Quality over quantity in a well executed performance. Took us only four minutes to go in front, Golpe bursting through the defence and calmly slotted the ball past Warwick at his near post. Bodies were well and truly on the line as they threw themselves in front of St. Joseph's shots to prevent an equaliser. Golpe looked fired up and had two chances turned away by Warwick to deny a second or maybe third. Mitchell rattled the bar with his dangerous long range efforts shortly into the second half to keep the game at only one. Desperation began to seep into Joseph's game, rushing their efforts from unrealistic areas. Golpe then became meat in a sandwich as two players took him down in the area for a penalty in the last ten, he took the honours himself and made no mistake. Big three points.



The defeat for St. Joseph's also paved way for Lincoln (GIB) to clinch the title. They must be kicking themselves.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Our form is so inconsistent, can't seem to get a proper run going. Thankfully the Joseph's win was a big mood raiser with two games to go.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Two games to go, third place is still up for grabs if Lynx can slip up at some stage. That said, sixth place is also a possibility if everything goes wrong. Europa and Magpies close out our season, both looking to fight for survival.

NEXT UPDATE: May 2023

Definitely been a mixed first season in Gibraltar thats for sure

@Dan - Most certainly have.

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GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Europa seemed to have the relegation jitters on their mind, weren't as prolific this time around. Cantizano produced the only goal of the game straight from a free kick, deflecting off the post and then the keeper before crossing the line and into the net. So nearly was it 2-0 just six minutes in from a similar free kick from the same distance but the crossbar came to the rescue. Europa were absent for most of the game and never really looked like scoring. Second half boiled down to nothing but a lucky escape again for the visitors as Reece Styche headed onto the crossbar past the advancing keeper. Three points in pursuit for third place.



*walks out of the room*



No Golpe, no problem...well it was almost a problem. A lucky escape for us as Magpies had something to play for in trying to stay up and fought bravely, on the front foot for most of the game. It mattered not, for against the run of play Roxan Equebat pulled a 25 yard screamer out from the top drawer to lead. Although we lead, Magpies weren't backing out and continued to press..only for us to double the lead from a long ball by Jamie Borrell met by Reece Styche, who luckily evaded a bungled challenge from their defender and rounded the keeper. It seemed to have taken the wind out of the Magpies' sail, leaving us to comfortably see the game out without further complications. A fine way to end the season.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Great that we found some proper form...at the end of the season! Three wins in a row and four clean sheets. Three unlikely scorers during the month of May.

FINAL LEAGUE TABLE:



Lynx choked against Magpies while we beat Europa, paving way for third place. Top stuff from the boys. Am mightily pissed off though that despite finishing third, no extra Europa League spots are allocated to teams in Gibraltar.



But to compensate, a delicious bounty to improve the finances.

NEXT UPDATE: Postseason 2022/23

Much better end to the season, @DNZY. Shame about no Europa League, did St. Joseph's get UEL for finishing second (like they would do in real life, according to Wikipedia)?

St. Joseph's got EL due to Lincoln winning the Rock Cup. Not sure whether the places can change from time to time in Gibraltar.

Ah. I see! Hopefully you can qualify for it next season.

@r96Skinner - I hope so too, would help boost our financial state too along with the existing prize money.

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Was very hard to pick my own personal player of the season, though the fans were swayed by Scott Mitchell's performances, slightly bewildering as I felt there were a lot more worthy candidates (e.g. Viñales - would have got my pick) but that's a matter of opinion. Dellipiani and Luca just behind. Golpe scooped the goal of the season with his wonderful long range effort versus Man 62 and was also voted signing of the season, which I wholeheartedly agree on. Lincoln loanee Gavin Harris took young player of the season, perhaps due to the experience of our current squad but he produced some decent performances nonetheless.



Not a very convincing top goal record, Golpe with only five goals. Then again, maybe I'm wrong about Mitchell and take him for granted; joint most assists, best pass completion, best average rating and joint most man of the matches. An important piece to the puzzle. Zero red cards this season too.



No joy in the manager of the month accolades, this was the closest I came.



Was surprised to see Cantizano doing so well, filled in for Khali for the remaining two fixtures and surprisingly played a blinder, just second best in player of the month to Lincoln's Olivero.

NEXT UPDATE: Preseason 2023/24

TRANSFERS

OUT



Big clear out of the squad we had from the previous season, too many aging players who weren't going to bring anything new to the team and too much dead wood who were never going to break into the first team. Cantizano switched his focus to be assistant manager to myself as he called it quits on his playing career. Equebat, Gordon, Lynch and Muñoz were notable exits but freed up some wage allowance. Others weren't ever going to make it so I did the kind deed and cut them off.

IN



A busier transfer window than last season, six new recruits including one loanee from Lincoln Red Imps. Had my eye on a few of them and excited to bring them in.



Gavin Jenkins - D(R) - free transfer from Europa FC

Speedy right back where we need to increase quality defensively. Great leadership, teamwork and work rate make him a strong willed individual who may kick our line into check. Can push to the left too if necessary.



Tony Almada - ST(C) - free transfer from Europa FC

Second recruit from Europa, a young Argentine striker who could potentially set the league alight. Fills in for the injured Golpe who'll have to wait until October for his return. Good finishing may get us more goals this season, where his other poacher attributes aren't bad either. Technique is also an area he works well with.



Frank Warwick - GK - free transfer from St. Joseph's (GIB)

The number two to Viñales this coming season, impressed me when playing for Joseph's last campaign and may be reliable to back us up if danger strikes. Great height is favourable.



Mark Salt - M(C) - free transfer from Lynx

Definitely excited about this lad, bit more well rounded for a prospect midfielder. Can lose concentration easily, but a consistent performer who I've kept tabs on from the previous season. Should break into the team without a hitch.



José Yared Naranjo - D(C)/DM - free transfer from Lynx

Another one from Lynx, more experience in the defensive core and may also come in handy as a defensive midfielder. Capable of doing the basic defensive duties though a tiny bit sluggish. Potential rock of the back four.



Jared Lee - M(C) - season long loan from Lincoln (GIB)

Similar style player to Mark Salt, can call upon him for injuries, suspensions or just to change the game as a sub. Not paying any wages for him, so probably won't make him a starter unless he shines.

SEASON EXPECTATIONS



More or less identical expectations to last season, good to see that they're not expecting too much from me this forthcoming year.



Ladbrokes don't see us as much of a threat either, foreseeing us languishing among the mid-table faithful.

FRIENDLIES



Mark Salt already showing promise, scoring twice in the friendlies. Mediocre ending to them though with two defeats.

NEXT UPDATE: September 2023

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Well..our season hopes may just have been dashed before we even started out of first gear. The pink haired menace, Nacho Martinez tormented us in the final twenty minutes where we looked to have done enough to hold them out for one, how wrong we were. Far too much quality while we suffer with our tail between our legs.




Good day for the fans to pay and watch their team humiliated.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Only one game this month, though probably the worst start to a new season. Let's hope it doesn't traumatize the squad.

LEAGUE TABLE:



Rock bottom after our first game, thankfully there's 26 to go.

NEXT UPDATE: October 2023

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION





Bounced back from the trouncing, but left it very late to overthrow newly promoted Leo FC. Two of our new signings putting themselves on the scoresheet, firstly Tony Almada nodded us in front before a transfer target of ours Cameron Bacon on loan from Europa FC was gifted an equaliser following a howler from Frank Warwick, spilling a crossed ball into the path of Bacon who bundled it in. We were more likely to grab the next goal and duly delivered, Mark Salt on his debut snatched it at the death from a counter attack, finding space and picked out from the low cross from Drimmie and walloped home. First points on the board.





A milestone match overshadowed with a humbled display against Mons Calpe. Opening goal had a hint of good fortune, whatever way the free kick struck the wall, it ricocheted it's way to Cumbo who aimed for the top left corner away from the stranded Viñales. Couldn't conjure up a response following that, the visitors providing most of the attacking movement. Our fate was sealed in the final ten minutes, Lee Ramagge snuck away from his marker to power a header from a corner into Viñales who could only push it into the net. Back to square one.



Lord knows how we won this game and keeping a clean sheet in the process, Man 62 were wasteful in front of goal. Gomez-Mannion latched onto a Scott Mitchell cross to take an early lead and from there after we had to fend for our lives. Naranjo gave them the chance to equalise from the spot moments before half time due to a shove but Viñales stood firm to save and hold the ball from Mendoza's tame penalty. Saavedra Amador nearly sucker punched them for a second, but only for their keeper to palm it onto the post. Back came the home side, missing a sitter from Leon Clinton which should've leveled the game. The defense were vigorous, malleable and ensured us three points.



Drimmie an unfortunate casualty, though nothing too serious.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Coming more out of the blocks after four games, two wins this month from three important for kickstarting our season into action.

LEAGUE TABLE



Not too much of a leap though early days, however our goal difference is a major cause for concern despite winning two.

NEXT UPDATE: November 2023

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Two smash and grabs in a row, this one a little bit more dramatic. Gibraltar United well and truly bottled the game, missing several chances to poke their noses in front, none moreso than Evan Green who rounded Viñales (who himself saved us from four or five clear cut opportunities) but only for the block of the season from Jamie Borrell on the line to magnificently keep the game at nil nil. Then came the kicker, took Borrell off for Dellipiani to freshen the legs at the back, we win a free kick swung in from the right byline, keeper Youseff Sabbari comes to collect the ball but only catches the air as Dellipiani gets there first to belt a header into the untenanted net. How much longer can we ride on this luck?



Denied a third consecutive win by rich boy new boys, Gibraltar Phoenix. The first half belonged to us and should have hit the front, firstly Adam Luca hit a long range effort but for the gloves of Ryan Morrison it stayed out, secondly Mark Salt hit a similar shot from the same distance but this one denied by the post. Second half fizzled out to nothing, Gibraltar Phoenix for the amount of shots registered only hit the target twice and were routine saves for Viñales to make. A point a piece.



Lynx are a side we've a poor record against and that didn't change. Their set pieces were dangerous, getting a few free headers on target and free kicks making it through the wall but for our keeper to stop it dead in their tracks. Ian Westlake tested the fingertips of Viñales from twenty yards, being their best chance of the game. However, Tony Almada broke free in an 89th minute counter, worked himself into the box and forced a terrific stop from Dean Coleing to so nearly snatch another unlikely win. Alas, two scoreless draws in a row.





Bad news for loanee Jared Lee, had to send him back to Lincoln following a lengthy injury and had no intention spending money on a specialist when he's not our player.

RESULTS OVERVIEW:



Unbeaten now in four games, all of which keeping clean sheets in. Lack of goals is still a cause for concern.

LEAGUE TABLE:



The goal difference just isn't helping us, it may be a contrast between finishing 2nd or finishing 5th come the end of the season. Lincoln Red Imps storming ahead.

NEXT UPDATE: December 2023

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Not happy, this game was ours for the taking against an underachieving Europa side. We missed a sitter in the only real first half opportunity as Adam Luca snatched the ball from a dillydallying Jaime at the back, presenting a one on one but couldn't put it either side of Albano in the Europa net. Second half burst more into life, straight from the off Shane Dellipiani hit the crossbar from a resulting corner after Golpe had a shot saved by Albano originally. Carelessness caused us to go behind, Renan burst into the box and closed down well by Dellipiani to get to the end line yet somehow still managed to pull it back for Mitogo to give Europa the lead against the run of play. We huffed and puffed after that, where Mark Salt hit the post it just seemed like it wasn't to be our day. However, we deservedly equalised late on from a beautifully weighted ball from Scott Mitchell found Adam Luca who looked dangerous all game and from a tight angle tucked it in to make it 1-1. I'm glass half empty about it.



Lincoln returned hoping to do a similar job they did to us on the opening day. Ayden Viñales knew he'd be in for a busy day, saving from Tony Ilderton and pushing one onto the crossbar all within the first six minutes. First half died down a bit but for almost gifting the first goal, Jenkins' sloppy header found the feet of Yome who from point blank range forced a wonderful save onto the post and then scrambling the loose ball off the line. We were lucky to go in scoreless at the break. Lincoln started running out of steam quickly, leaving Viñales to make fairly routine saves and suddenly we came out of our shell a little bit more. Mark Salt is good from long range and provided our best opportunity but knocked it straight at Velosa. Into the last five minutes we scuppered our best chance to claim a shock victory, whipped free kick in by Campos Garcia was met by the head of Naranjo but went inches over the bar. Four draws in a row and six matches unbeaten. Perhaps finding our mojo again.



Gomez-Mannion has been solid on the left for us, but now out for a couple of weeks.



As if we were going to keep our run going away to St. Joseph's (GIB), we were steamrolled here. Ruthless attacking force in a 4-3-3 formation, they should have went in front but for yet another stalwart display from Viñales saving a header from 3 yards out by Juan José Garcia. Shortly after, Joseph's did take the lead, direct ball somehow caused both our centre backs to push to midfield leaving a gaping hole for Tim Harrison to waltz in a coolly finish. Almost an action replay set Harrison through again just before half time but Viñales was equal to it to spare our blushes. Second half was more the same, and Garcia redeemed his miss in the first half to slot in a header from a poorly marked corner to double their advantage. Our first real threat resulted in a goal from Saavedra Amador but moved too soon and was caught offside. Jose Luis Romero missed two more golden opportunities for Joseph's and left the game at 2-0. Very feeble performance.





At least we ended 2023 on a high, defeating bottom of the league Leo FC with a late strike. Boring first hour of the game but a flurry of goals turned it into a game. Kaydreon Drimmie ended his goal drought to poke us in front after lovely passing play outside their area. Didn't hold onto the lead for long as Cameron Bacon gave us another grilling to equalise. Adrian Golpe is a funny character, he can never put away one on one's as he missed a clear cut chance five minutes before the winner, but linked up with Drimmie who fed the ball to him in the box and a first time effort dispatched it without a bother. Unconvincing three points but I'll take it.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Not the greatest month, but we've only lost 1 of our last 8 games. We never do high scoring matches either.

LEAGUE TABLE



Still firmly mid-table, looking harder for us to build on last season's position. Need to push in 2024.

NEXT UPDATE: January 2024

TRANSFERS



Only one signing during the January transfer window, more of an emergency signing.



Stefan Oliva - D(L) - free transfer from Mons Calpe

Virtually impossible to land a good left back without opting to sign a new deal with their current club. The best we could do was Stefan Oliva, who stands in for a suspended Halim Khali. Marking and tackling are the only good things about his game, the rest of his attributes are quite mediocre.



Huge loss for us, Viñales sidelined for 5-6 weeks. Funny coincidence a week prior to this, third choice keeper Liberto Soriano complained to me about breaking into the first team. He may get his wish after all, or did he plan this?

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Gibraltar United are a strong side since their new manager, Christian Olivares came in. Soriano played between the pillars for the first time this season and made a superb impact. Incredible double save from Evan Green then Lee Stone within the first five minutes gave me great appetite of what he's capable of. Evan Green had another go which Soriano tipped passed the post in an otherwise dull first half. It didn't really improve despite United's dominance, Green had another effort hit straight at Soriano. Wasn't much more afterwards apart from our best effort in the closing five minutes, Scott Mitchell found himself in the box and composed himself to pull the trigger but only for the fingertips of Youseff Sabbari. Clean sheet for Soriano and a point for us.



Our best form seems to come away from home, Kaydreon Drimmie firing us to victory away to struggling Mons Calpe. We actually looked comfortable in this game, though the quality severely lacked. Naranjo came close to doubling from a corner, header clipped the crossbar before Drimmie could've grabbed a brace but also struck the bar. First win of the new year.

GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP

SECOND ROUND DRAW



Away to second division outfit Cannons in the second round. Can we go further than the quarter finals this time around?

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Four points from six this month, good start to the new year. Soriano keeping two clean sheets too.

LEAGUE TABLE



Sadly, we made no ground from the previous month and remain in 5th but at least we're getting closer. No catching the Imps it seems at the top, however Europa are having an incredibly worrying season at the foot of the table.

NEXT UPDATE: February 2024

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Outmuscled by Manchester 62, in a game that didn't really shine as a whole. Too much emphasis on taking down Ivan Perez perhaps our downfall, certainly leading to the first goal, four men around Perez yet managed to string a pass out to the right byline and from there a low pass to Clinton set him up to help us fall behind. Soriano pulled off some good stops to keep the scoreline down and perhaps we could've equalised before the break but Drimmie knocked wide from 18 yards. Second half was uneventful apart from us falling 2-0 behind - Ivan Perez (who else?) unmarked at the back stick to convert a cross from the left. Another bad day at the office.



And it went from bad to worse, a sucker punch at the death condemned us to back to back defeats in the league for the first time this season. The first goal was absolutely comical, a 50 yard pass put through to Michael Warnock who beats the offside trap with no defender within a 10 mile radius of him and having all the time in the world to slot past the helpless Soriano. Warnock should have made it two, unmarked again and was picked out with a low pass into the box but Soriano used his body to block a clear cut opportunity. Second half we looked a lot better, Salt could've equalised but his outstretched leg lost some of the power behind his shot and went straight to the keeper. However, Golpe hit a wonderful equaliser, arrowing a left footed shot into the adjacent top corner. Late on, we almost won it however Kaydreon Drimmie's clear header failed to hit the target. Thought we did enough, but Valerino broke through our porous defence and breaking our hearts.



We bounced back magnificently away to Europa where it could've been a cricket score for us. Countless chances blown and Drimmie probably could've had two hat-tricks if he were more clinical. But Kaydreon did his job and bagged us two goals in a truly one sided game. Europa have fallen to pieces.



Lynx may feel that they've been mugged off here, after the high against Europa we were sent right back down to Earth. Outclassed in every way and right back Charlie Mitchell headered in from a corner to put them one nil ahead. From a corner Saavedra Amador passed to Adrian Golpe and his shot took an outrageous deflection off Palmer and diverted into the back of the net. Nearly won the game too, Saavedra Amador's long range effort was tipped over. Lucky, lucky point.

GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP

SECOND ROUND



Professional job with not such professional match stats, but the scoreline is all that mattered as we swept aside Cannons to advance to the quarter finals. Mark Salt proving what a solid signing he's been grabbing both of our goals. Ayden Viñales returned from injury but not given much of an easy rest, Cannons brought the best out of him to eventually get him a 7.7 rating. Naranjo's red card made life a little bit tricky but we hang on.



Of course, a repeat of last year's quarter final where we lost. Will history repeat itself?

NEXT UPDATE: March 2024

GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION



Another gawky performance against St Joseph's. Largely put pressure on in the first twenty minutes, Golpe missed yet another one on one and could only aim for the keeper to keep it out. The combination of a Harrison free-kick met by a towering header by Juan José Garcia haunted us again and put them ahead with their first major effort. Thereafter, we lost our heads - Harrison delivered two more free kicks, both of which hit the crossbar and we were lucky to survive at 1-0 at half time. Didn't take long for them to penetrate us again following the interval, Harrison once again too hot to handle to break free and score a second. No joke, without Viñales it could have been 6 or 7, Joseph's destroyed us. Camacho provided a consolation goal, but failed to hit the target afterwards. Poor display.



Lubed up and ready for Lincoln to gape, however we fought our own corner. We asked early questions, Camacho having a crack but forced a save from Velosa. Normal service resumed for Lincoln, Nacho Martinez striking the bar, Dean Torilla's effort acrobatically saved and Jamie Barton's powerdriver clawed off the line in time by Viñales too. Couldn't prevent the inevitable though, just 61 seconds it took in the second half before Martinez's strike too much for Viñales to only push it into the roof of the net. Sadly, that was the only talking point in a disappointingly scarce second period. Quick and painless at least.



The rut continues, a godawful display of football. Neither side hit the target, but Scott Mitchell squandered a big chance after their keeper foolishly punched the ball straight to him but skyed it when there was an empty net presented to him. Bah.



At last something to cheer about, even if it were against the side lying bottom of the league. Had to do it the hard way, an unstoppable hit from McCoy put the home side ahead. It provoked a positive response, swiftly back on level terms with a cheeky backheel from Golpe and Mark Salt on hand to deftly (and I mean deftly) brush it home at a snail's pace. Remainder of the game was left wide open for a winner, neither side seemed to threaten. Cameron Bacon was largely quiet in the game but almost popped up with a winner, his close range effort failed to even hit the target as it shaved past the post. It presented us the opportunity to win the game, Nicholson-Neal shoving Dellipiani in the box resulting in a penalty. Halim Khali completed the deed and held on for three valuable points.

GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP

QUARTER FINAL



History repeated itself, but what a game to accompany it. Proper dogged affair but Gibraltar United were much too strong for us to withstand. Not even alert in the first 33 seconds, fell behind through Brad Power who seized the rebound from Mark Wilkinson's initial effort kept out. It didn't stop us from equalising, Jenkins' cross met by the boot of Kaydreon Drimmie to even the game. Gibraltar United kept coming forward, Lee Stone agonizingly denied by the post at the start of the second half. A classic counter attack completed the comeback, worked from the back Drimmie found space and set up Golpe to put us in front for the first time. We all knew it wasn't going to last - and it didn't - dispossessed in the middle and a quick breakaway set up Lee Stone to redeem his earlier effort. Shortly, the visitors retook the lead, Lee Stone again the perpetrator. United recorded 15 shots on target and 11 clear cut chances, no question that they wanted it more. Another cup misery.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



The Ides of March did not look too kindly upon our performances, struggling immensely and recording only one win in the five. At least it breaks a run of five without a win.

LEAGUE TABLE



Slumped all the way down to 7th, at least we shouldn't sink any lower. Need something special from our last six games to make the top half and perhaps solidify my job acumen.

NEXT UPDATE: April 2024