SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
The Last Hurrah...

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/9rkHmBkTaW6NeFQpmlR3kMN5XQJnqepU34SExlyd.png

One last push at a long term save on FM now that I have some free time on my hands. Usual set up as Celtic, only my 2nd this year I believe so a new record for lease Celtic saves in a year.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/3j7uvdbPlP9FpPCBknpQeDgxrkCodtrRWA0hoktV.png

First things first is to sort out the background staff.
  • Missing a Chief Scout and any data analysts. We will need to add to the team here.
  • Hire an extra fitness coach and some more physios as it will be a long season.
  • Add to the scouting team once Chief Scout has been hired.
http://i.imgur.com/a89fw5S.png

A quick scan of the squad leaves me with the following impression.
  • Very strong starting XI and bench.
  • Squad of 26 first team players too large, will look to loan some out.
  • Understudies for players over 30 will have to be sought out, either from the U20 or the scouting network.
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/359X0a8V9bMZktasj3fOjnafLaAIcDvaOUMCznDb.png

Injury problems at centre back for the first few months.
  • Kolo Toure will be the main CB for the start of the season and Mikel Lustig will move into centre next to him.
  • Tony Ralston promoted from the U20 to cover RB with Cristian Gamboa.
  • Will look to bring in extra CB on a free/short term loan. Efe Ambrose will cover for time being.
Grimnir
16 years ago
2 months ago
2,727
Always tempted to start a Celtic save.

Best of luck with this one!
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
Thanks @Suffolk Seasider hopefully it turns out well!

_________________

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/f2cwRc6JlqzUEYmzRLCfQAaXqoBBgfhYZaa0nWFd.png

To kick things of I arranged a tour of Ireland to get the lads fitness up to scratch and then off on a trip around Easter Europe to get some practice for the Champions League Qualifiers.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ijHYTcJbSmjbcBLiZQjwUCqhFNGcVEOUNzd60un7.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/0aK7MlpQZZj9ACB0fpJH1x3vdnzBz0NcXVDk9elD.png

As I mentioned before we were missing a Chief Scout and Chief Data Analysis. As time goes on I will look to expand their teams - but this will do for now and I do have 3 or 4 other scouts.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/rHeaTMo6SLNXbx9Oy6b16Zq1tqRERLGHhUank110.png

As I said I would need to bring in a centre back so I brought these two in on trail. As thing stands I will look to sign Boldenkov as he look like one for the future and could make an impact immediately. If any work permit issues come up I will offer Koch a deal. Ideally I would have promoted a player from the U20. The only two near first team ready are Jamie McCart and Eoghan O'Connell are both out on loan already

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ufvHgqhi9RQETWMSXNLSOROStnLjAdsujCQSJWSG.png
tongey
14 years ago
1 month ago
1,101
Love a Celtic save. Always interesting to see how you take on Europe! Good luck fella!
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
Cheers @tongey!

_________________

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/rwmpV7pooEBtrcOy1zEqAEs0ExO5TnQpQeWpJFdi.png

We picked up 4 wins in 4 over in Ireland - a great start to the pre-season. Hopefully the form can carry over to the fixtures in Eastern Europe and have the squad on a high heading into the Champions League Qualifiers.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/5K2kU8o7XfAOO3DyKHSfpOnQkslXrW6idn6oBSdc.png

The transfer of Valeriy Boldenkov went through without any hiccups. He got his work permit and singed a very reasonable 2 year contract and just £1k p/w. I have all faith that he will go on to be a very good player at just 21. I will be linking him up with Kolo Toure to hopefully improve his game.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/FdOomFxX8vXeyHE613PPIwTWbo8L0nsEJFzumNAT.png

I managed to cut the squad by two players. We have adequate cover with the new singing at CB I let Ambrose go for 6 month to hopefully find him a permanent move. Bailly left as we have Dorus de Vries as back up and young Ross Doohan in the U20s.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/xbomFQh6efvr8bDLaC2Fwe6hZLm7G5U8QECkjNNg.png

With more injuries cropping up my next plan is to look at adding to the medical team and I might have to bring in another winger as cover as well as promote young Jack Aitchison from the U20 side.
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ivLGDCA9NhDpQnC7u8pccq7QHoIXRMmIOLHtc7mq.png

So looking at the squad we have 6 players that will have to be replaced in the next few seasons. Some of them will come from within the squad and some will have to be brought in over the years. Goalkeeper is a position that will definitely have to be brought in as we are short on quality here other than Craig Gordon.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/MDp7XWPbGluzxQoZFnctddiGdAxzwOp4q2zLdqpz.png

Vaclav Cerny was brought in on loan from Ajax to add some much needed depth on the wings. We have both Gary Mackay-Steven and James Forrest out for the next couple of months. So along with Jack Aitchison he will offer cover for Scott Sinclair and Paddy Roberts.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/dQV4zEdqcaaLyiVWjeKzxfw6vtrOA8WtEu08jSXo.png

We picked up another three wins on the road to set us up for our Champions League 2nd Round Qualifier with Olimpija Lublana - who I would perceive to be around the same level as Astra.
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/cEIZXJ2mDxmzSEyMICRVXGxcoBfWoFI0JMVuYMOW.png

Not the prettiest progress to the Champions League Play Off - we will need to make massive improvements to reach the group stages. We had a very nervy end to the Rosenborg game with a header from Kolo Toure being chopped off. We are currently looking to bring in a 3rd back-up forward.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/8J4kAeNPfNHNoporBWzdnm6VfY1CDc28NUTMAlx1.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/XqFeKA0gQtZu1BQzieeEAzhL1WKv8XccFqnQDM5O.png
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/puHwSJoC4k8TROTIUVD0fN0BN6g9NT7tDPhpnYg3.png

We finally seemed to have found some form. Champions League Qualification was a success and we are 3 for 3 domestically. I must say though I am looking forward to brown returning from injury next month as we are missing him in midfield. My defence injury crisis is slowly easing as Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko are nearing full fitness.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/mWMxjWftJsKdhbr7yBhxwvMNL0G8vsNjyAudf45E.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/bIpAOkalhbdWcsv9isRplKCOQgYAR9969uBm0JSL.png

We had the choice of two English club and FC Nordsjælland of Denmark for a feeder club. The obvious choice would have been to go for Notts Forrest however upon promotion to the Premier League they would have likely terminated the contract. FC Nordsjælland gives me a long term plan and a foothold in Scandinavia.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/VwRerYeIolW4kEaJUvY9aBCxwfj7uZEA2KSjsBXX.png

This is a group I am very happy with. I see 3rd place and a spot in the Europa League last 32 as a real possibility. If Real Madrid manage to win all their games agains Leverkusen and Sporting we should have a chance. Reaching the group stage has also gave us a fair financial boost, hopefully we will get a good kitty to strengthen in the January window and next season.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/unt28KQlQjHwPnv0OojgzgbWrh3rUqFWGyl5CS5E.png
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/9YFzy06pnCzX5xp44g2hpENPNk89VWFEdshGIkKr.png

Our league form has been near perfect - only losing a 2 goal lead over Aberdeen tarnishing the record. Not been great in the UCL so far with a howler in Germany and conceding a 91st minute goal agains Real Madrid to finish the night on zero pints.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/QGflbOzw31Ed16YQjv5P5JiWxD2yLfOIUmVc3yue.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/XY23JkWa5W7TBltNvcmpbg3iUnRXXCVAgexmzTeS.png

I didn't plan on brining in another CM but Ryan Gauld was available and he is a player I would like to sign permanently at some point so hopefully he has a good season and I can look into it.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/rCDjxLne42JGqTujNDRt4pGcWLVgfVbi8UosryjL.png

Now were talking.
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
Of the 6 players mentioned above that will need replaced in the coming years I have found long term replacements for 3 of them. Valeriy Boldenkov will be a long term replacement for Kolo Toure and is being tutored by him. I have promoted Tony Ralston from the U20 squad to bleed him in as the future right back, the plan is 5-10 games this season and 10-20 next season. I also agreed a deal for young keeper Miguel Silva from Portuguese side Vitora.
So a quick summary:
GKx2 - one down one to go
RB - done
CB - done
LB
CM
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/7P842rinyWGaYq89wM1Adi6jmgnZhWhQBueGJp0F.png
DEMMMMBELEEEE!

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/qXxFBV81AQeyN9XkrSwQFLiLWubyuGPdhLg6hjlU.png

Hadn't really had the chance to play much recently so just a quick update of the last month. We done pretty good at home if you consider I rested a few of the starting XI for the Motherwell game. It almost payed off as we went 2-0 up against Sporting only to throw it away. However we did beat Rangers at Hamden to reach the League Cup Final.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/agWzaVzHBvUkNx6DgB2qiFlsSt4FgWYJIwcN5IX6.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/OioHCo0p6PJIorgupUumZNJ0rtVZykH3MCSTeyGC.png

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https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/zdZqXkOe8uMiSs7pA4pHKqAFfQ9GPLCXbRfkiPW1.png
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
Made two singings so far but been busy trying to ship players out and trim the squad. Kundai Benyu signed in real life and looks like he cold turn into a decent player, certainly worth a punt. Miguel Silva is the long term goalkeeping target we have been looking for. I was quick to snap up Olivier Ntcham from Man City on a pre-contract as scouts were quoting upwards of £12m for the playmaker.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/AMTGzgdSoOjhBuoeijXSkrXG4B58Kru7xP6U7BTw.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/MOQFkjYb8WvNfns83u9FadcWUIVKum8ByiSxTQdc.png

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SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/x89pRyPuMOzgPbRpXRkqKPy930lCHr5w0MnfeH45.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/tIAPDZICrBqcWieFnYvMpJoVj73b5xwcRDDB69wd.png

After Nir Biton leaves and Eboue Kouassi goes on loan Stuart Armstrong decides to do his knee ligaments. For that reason I brought in long standing target John McGinn form Hibs. He has had a great season so far with Hibs, they're cruising in the Championship and I loaned Neil Lennon Kris Commons so I don't feel that bad.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/eM7cRq3GGzE1RceTOiTn9Lcax0VYRVpuCwggVDMn.png

AMBITION

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/JrXsoMEdj83YRH1EEPCS6AJhfX6eBM4NZI1yJxhM.png

P.S. VERY BIG SIGNING IMMINENT
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/oHsouHzAWayFWP7JHKueH0PWAcwwJ3VXXubCn2P4.png

So it turns out the signing of Kasper Dolberg could have been a huge mistake. He's now playing for the reserves in hope that he can get a bit of form back and at least score for the first team by the end of the season. There will have to be some cost cutting this summer.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/nYQ2q1IllT3eE3BFEcvvJBqbIEZyU3xavCsSzhJc.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/9AFdwbbiJbH2GacidrfzSdlr9eRv8otiIGrjxkXs.png
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
What a season it was for Moussa Dembele...

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SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
Early departures saving around £55k p/w in wages.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/xFBsNZAe8hvPoYGQeMM48Zy26j4nSMi2UfaagPbC.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wtIPwnb572DFt6ohTzh6AOMHSFbVzHzSQIG49gO0.png
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
I have quite ambitious plans for next season. Two or three more first team players will leave reducing the wage budget considerably. There will be a few make or brake loan deals for players not quite on the edge of the first team.

This season will focus mainly on promoting players from the under 20 side. As opposed to bringing in first team players. Tony Ralston and Calvin Miller will both be in the first team squad this season and one possible two centre backs.
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491
SR67
12 years ago
2 months ago
1,491

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