Back to the Journey man. A Lisbon lion's tale.

That’s unlucky with the Boavista interview, but what will be will be I suppose! Fantastic few seasons in the books already, definitely have something to build from going forward! I’ll be following this!

Yeah it is what it is but I've done alright so far with Oleiros and I'm happy enough to stay for the time being. Would love to be able to get them into the top league but it was a struggle signing who we did, so if I stay for the foreseeable you never know what could happen



Thanks man glad you're on board. Definitely over achieved so far but I genuinely thought i was going to get the Boavista job but happy for now. We'll see what happens.

Our reward for beating Covilha in the Allianz cup is a home tie with our affiliate club Academica. Looking forward to testing ourselves against a top division team.



Confirmation of the season preview and we're still expected to finish bottom. I am quietly confident, based purely on last seasons performances that we can stay in this division.





The cup game brought not only a good performance but a victory on penalties, in which we socred all 5 of ours and new singing goalkeeper Kadu saving the decisive penalty. I am absolutley over the moon at this result and it only furthers my beleif that we have enough about us to stay in the league this year, if not push at the top end.





Before the season gets started the draw for the group stages of the Allianz cup is made and we're handed a tough one with Benfica,Estoril & Guimares. Not going to lie we'll do well not to finish bottom of this group.





So this is it, the start of the season proper, an away tie against Famalicao. First thing's first I hadn't noticed this guy in the most recent youth intake but he's pretty solid and will only get better, I felt I had to give him his first professional start which coincidentally makes him the youngest player ever to appear at this level.





The game itself was a masterclass as we went 3-0 early on and never looked back. Not only that but Boavista lost their first game at this level away to Cova da Piedade.





Our first home game of the new season and it was another where we went in the half at 3-0 with Duspara scored an absolutely worldie of a free kick. This is another game where we never looked like losing and once again another sign we are going to do well this season.



https://youtu.be/wkOxeDlT_qc

The Charles leaving us story came up again however the next day he get injured so he won't be leaving. I'm happy as he's a solid player and I want him to stay.





Our first loss of the season was away to Oliveirense 3-1. Not much to say other than we weren't good enough and for me if we get our bad performances out of the way early then hopefully we can keep up with the other teams at the top. Not only that but main man Vilmar got injured in this game however we've got cover so hopefully we won't struggle too much.





Last game of this update sees us draw 1 all at home to relegated Gil Vicente. A good draw all things considered and we got a deserved equaliser in injury time.



Jorge Jesus was confirmed as the Schalke manager. His career (in game) hasn't been all that good as he didn't do anything in Saudi Arabia so hopefully he can get some success in Germany. I'll be keeping an eye on his progress.





Next update I'll try and get a bigger update up, will see how Boavista have been getting on since relegation and rejecting me as well as our performances.

Thanks for reading!

We start off with the last game in August away to Mafra which we didn't even turn up to and lost 2-0. The scoreline could've be worse and the worst thing is our left back Sergio Akieme picked up an injury so all in all a bad day at the office all around.





I've been keeping an eye on Boavista as I'm still disappointed at not getting that job but my oh my they've not adjusted well to this division at all, playing 5 and losing all 5.



Portugal cup draw sees us drawn away to lower league side GRAP. A game I'm confident we can win.



Before the Allianz cup game agasint Benfica we laboured to a 0-0 draw at home Cova da Piedade. A pretty even game all around so a draw isn't that bad a result really.



Not sure where the media are getting their info from, Charles only moaned about not getting much game time, plus he's just got back from injury. But we've got cover at left back and I've already accepted that he's probably off before long anyway.





So the first game of our Allianz cup group stage saw us take on Benfica, and get battered from pillar to post. Whilst we were 2 down after 25 minutes the red card didn't really help and it was uphill from there. Also we were never going to get anything from this game in any case.



The Portugal cup game with Grap saw a better result a we edged them 2-1 to advance to the next round where we'll play Liga NOS side Feirense.





Boavista watch time now and September saw them pick up 1 win out of 4, losing the other 3.



Our own next 2 fixtures saw 2 draws with Porto's B team and Penafiel which means we've now gone 6 league games without a win and the media have picked up on that fact.









The cup game came and brought with it another poor performance and a 3-0 loss to Feirense so we're out of that cup now.



We do pick up a vital win away to bottom of the league Santa Clara (more on them later) but the result could've been different as Hugo Obama saw a straight red card for a terrible tackle early in the second half, still a win is a win.





Our next league game saw us draw with Benfica B then a loss in the Allianz cup to Estoril means we are knocked out of that cup too.









Next up are Boavista, and a la Kevin Keegan I would love it, LOVE it if we beat them.



And beat them we did! Happy that I was able to show them just why not going with me was a mistake!



Our first 2 games of November saw us lose away to Leiria and then beat Fafe 3-1 at home before a double sacking took place







First the Santa Clara manager got the boot as they are bottom of the league, and then would you believe Boavista finally had enough and sacked the guy they picked over me, Petit with both interested in me.







I'm asked about the Santa Clara link to which i say it's nice to be recognised however I won't be actively seeking an interview





Our next game is against Leixoes and it's a milestone for me as I reach 100 games in this career.



The team made sure I'd remember my 100th game as we produced an epic performance to win 4-0



Boavista got their second win of the season after sacking their manager, quite ironic really.



We ended up losing 3-1 at home to Chaves before I was invited to not 1 but 2 interviews









Part of me didn't want to go to the Boavista interview but I thought why not and Santa Clara is another tough choice as they are rock bottom of the league. If I got either of these jobs staying up will definitely be an achievement.

Back to league action and we went down 1-0 away to Covilha before grabbing a hard earned 1-0 home win over Moreirenese.





Confirmation that I was unsuccessful in the Santa Clara interview. Not too disheartened as they are on a hiding and looking like going down.



Once again me to Boavista just isn't meant to be right now as they choose Jorge Costa over me so I thought to hell with it I'll declare my interest in the team he just left (and we just beat) Leixoes.







Our final game in the Allianz cup saw us draw with Guimaraes. A decent result considering we're out of the cup already.



Another interview comes and it's with Leixoes. I attend and await the outcome.





During all of this Jorge Jesus was sacked as manager of Schalke after a poor run of form



At the same time Sporting Lisbon sacked their manager Jose Peseiro (you know where this is going!) after a poor league season so far







Welcome home boss, welcome home!









Last part of this update and it's not a deal I wanted to do but Vilmar has agreed a deal to go back to Brazil. He hadn't played recently and when he had didn't really do much but he was my main man for the last 2 seasons. In a private chat he kind of demanded to go so my hands were tied. All the best big man, silver lining is that the deal doesn't go through until our season is over.



So after the first half of the season we're sitting 8th in the league.



I've been interviewed and rejected by teams currently lower than us in the league although I'm happy with how things have gone. Part of me is saying I am going to leave at the end of this season and ideally experience another country, but the other part of me wants to try and take this team further.

Manuel is also absolutely thrilled with the news that his idol Jorge Jesus has gone back to his favourite club Sporting Lisbon. Hopefully this is the spark they need to topple Benfica. We'll see what the future holds.

Thanks for reading!

So that’s now Boavista twice, Santa Clara and Leixoes who have said no to Manuel taking over. He wonders what it is going to take for someone to take a chance on him. That being said it’s not going to distract him from what’s important right now, and that is continuing on as ARC Oleiros manager and trying to get some form of consistency going.

First game up after the news of yet another rejection we were at home to Famalicoa who gave us a pretty even game all things considered. We made the break through when Duspara hit a well struck shot late in the game and we held on for the win.



However that good result didn’t carry over to our next game away to AC Viseu who ran out 2-0 winners. Both goals coming right on half time and we never recovered.



Back at home and we were looking like going down 2-1 until deep into injury time Pinto buried a chance and it was no more than we deserved as we just about edged this game, or so from my point of view we did



Here we go again then, another interview request this time at Penafiel who are a couple of points above the relegation zone. I didn’t even realise they had sacked their manager but I attend the interview and wait and see what the outcome is.





Our away game with Gil Vicente didn’t bring any surprises really and we went down 1-0 in a drab game. Hardly any decent chances from either side however they took their chance to kill the game



Our next set of game saw us get our own 1-0 victory at home over Mafra and a routine 2-0 away loss to Cova da Piedade before Natan Costa was piping up in the press regarding our form. This had me scratching my head like who even is this guy?!? Turns out he is who I replaced when I took over ARC Oleiros, oh well screams sour grapes to me!









My hero Jorge Jesus has managed to turn Sporting’s fortunes around as he records 8 wins, a draw and a loss in his first 10 games back in charge. Keep up the good work boss!



So another rejection this time in favour of Jaap Stam. Oh well I move on.



A poor loss Porto’s B team 3-1. Not only that but thank God I didn’t get the Boavista job, they went down 6-0 to fellow relegation candidates Santa Clara. Could this be back to back relegations for them?





We managed a 0-0 away to Penafiel, I won’t lie I was hoping we were going to stuff this team but it wasn’t meant to be and a draw is a fair result really considering we’ve just come off 2 defeats.



Time to face Santa Clara now, a team that rejected me after interviewing me and who just thumped Boavista for 6. Oh well those 6 goals might have helped their goal difference last week however this week they shipped 4 to us! Awesome result and just goes to show maybe me not going there is a blessing in disguise.



Our goal difference was helped with that 4-0 win over Santa Clara however we also leaked 4 goals this time to Benfica B. Not good, not good at all.



Youth intake time and wow, just wow. Look at this guy. Contract offered straight away, moved to the first team and put in a mentoring group with our other goalies.





Last 2 games of this update sees us get 1 over Boavista, winning 1-0 just as we did the last time we played them. This would usually be seen as a good result but it seems everyone is beating them this season but it also confirmed we’re staying in this league next year, which really isn’t in doubt as Boavista and Santa Clara are seemingly doing everything they can to go down.





A 2-0 home loss to Leiria followed, maybe the team took for granted the fact we’ve survived and didn’t turn up to this one.



Closing out this update is confirmation my hero Jorge Jesus has really turned Sporting around. Good work boss, the future is bright!



Finally I’m once again invited to another job interviews this time at Liga NOS side Nacional de Madeira. This would be a good move as they’re in the top division and whilst they do have 1 eye on relegation they should survive as all the teams they have to play are currently below them in the league. I give it my all in the interview and hopefully Madeira see something in me that other teams don’t.





As Manuel waits the outcome of what seems like the 50th interview he thinks to himself, maybe I’m just not good enough and Olieros is the level I’m destined to be at. Why not stay and build a dynasty? Why not get this team promoted however long it takes? These are the questions that keep running though his mind, but not so deep down he knows Oleiros aren’t in a position to challenge for promotion any time soon, and it will take a lot to get them there. Maybe if the Madeira interview doesn’t come off, at the end of this season is when he leaves, not just Oleiros but Portugal altogether……

Hopefully Nacional will take a chance on you, surely someone will eventually!

Haha yes hopefully, however I'm not getting my hopes up, I just think as much as I like Oleiros, I can't see them being in a position for me to challengeing for trophies any time soon. Who knows what will happen though.

We start off with an all too familiar result. Nacional de Madeira add to the list of other clubs to turn Manuel Vargas down. I’m not too disheartened really, firstly they’re a top division team that just avoided relegation, also I wasn’t their first choice so I guess I was interviewed just to make up the numbers.



With that said I decide that this will indeed be my last season here in Oleiros. I’ve enjoyed my time here however as I have turned this club around and they are in such a better position now than they were when I took over, I can leave on a positive and with my head held high.







So the first of my final 5 games here in Oleiros ended with a disappointing defeat to Fafe before putting 5 past Leixoes who turned me down recently. Wonder how they will fare at the end of the season.





Our away game at Chaves ends in another defeat however our final home game of the season sees us take on Covilha and I am hoping for a good send off as this is the last time I lead the team out at Estadio Municipal de Olerios





We certainly did go out with a bang. Very bittersweet for me as this was a great result and we absolutely dominated this game, 2-0 flattered Covilha but this is the last time I will manage this team at home.



Last game of the season saw us go down 3-1 away to Moreirense which in turn helped them lift the league title. Also confirmed was the relegation of Boavista, and I'm surprised it went right down to the last game of the season, as well as Penafiel who chose Jaap Stam over me they are also playing football at a lower level next season.







Right before my final days at Oleiros the player awards were made and Bruno Carvalho won player of the year award, not sure I agree as he was a rotation player at best.








With that done my time here in Oleiros has finished. I took over the team in the third division with aspirations just to stay in that league, and took them further then they could’ve dreamed off in 3 short years. My decision to leave is beaed on 2 things, firstly the interest in me whether serious or not I have had no less than 8 job interviews with teams in Portugal, all of which are a higher rep than Oleiros. Second is that old saying in football, I’ve taken them as far as I can. I think that is true as I can’t see us getting players in that can take this team to the next level, or even top 6 in the league never mind promotion. Already first team players have rejected contract offers so my back is against the wall before next season even started. I leave on a high and with my reputation increased slightly, who knows where I’ll end up next however I am keeping an open mind. We’ll see what happens.

Look forward to the next step of the journey mate, its all about leaving clubs at the right time on these sort of saves.

Cheers man, you're definitely right about leaving at the right time. 1 wrong move can destroy your rep on journeyman saves.

The phone rings. An unfamiliar voice on the other end speaks.

‘Manuel, I’m sorry, I just don’t think you’re ready for the challenge of taking over at a top level team. Maybe go and gain experience of another country, another league where the expectations aren’t so high, you overachieved at Oleiros but coming to Guimaraes right now is not the right move, we want to challenge for the Europa league places and I just don’t think you can help us achieve that right now’.



‘Thanks for the feedback, I guess’ I hang up the phone. So I overachieved at Olerios but I’m not the right man for a team looking to overachieve?!? I’ll show them, I’ll show Santa Clara, Penafiel and bloody Boavista! I’ll show them all.

Sometimes you have to go down to go up. Sometimes you have to take 2 steps back to be in a position to take 4 steps forward. It’s always been an ambition to manage in other countries, and there just so happens to be an opportunity I can’t not explore.



The phone rings 2 days later. This time I recognise the voice and the strong Polish accent, it’s Jacek Kruszewski on the other end, and he says 3 words, 3 words in broken Portuguese that are like music to my ears....

‘Manuel, save us’



Going down to go up. This is a club that has just been relegated to the first division, and favourites to go straight back up. The challenge here lies in keeping expectations to an acceptable level. I’ve gone 1,962 miles away from Oleiros to Plock in Poland. This is a fantastic opportunity for me to prove all those teams that rejected me wrong, and prove that I am a good manager.







First and foremost promotion is the aim, whether that is as champions or not, promotion is mission objective number 1.





As I step into the training room I’m greeted by 6 first team players demanding to leave. Okay not to worry, you got the club into this mess but aren’t willing to help rectify your wrongs, that’s fine you can all leave, well apart from 1 player I encourage to stay, full back and influential player Stefan Vico.





So here I am, in Poland, at a relegated club looking to bounce back. I'll give absolutely everything I have to get this club back in to the top division, and after that, who knows. All I know is that all those doubters at Boavista, Santa Clara and the other teams that approached me, got my hopes up just to reject me, they'll see just how adaptable I am and how Oleiros wasn't a fluke and that I can change any teams fortunes.

Onwards and upwards. We're favourites this season for a reason, and it's up to me to make sure we live up that tag.

Pójdziemy do Wisły Płock

Wisla sure do have history! It seems like almost the dream job with them just being relegated and favorites to go back up.

How hard can it be....

I'd go with that, a mid size club I'd say, hopefully this next season I can impress here and who knows what may happen. Promotion is the aim in the short term.

Intriguing next job! As mentioned, will be interesting to see the change of expectation. As for Penafiel and Boavista, just deserts for overlooking you!

It’s a shame that your stint in Portugal didn’t bring with it opportunities to progress up the leagues, but it’ll be very interesting to see how you fare in Poland!

That's a kind of downer on my time in Portugal, I genuinely thought after every interview that I'd get the job but it just wasn't meant to be. Maybe in the future I go back but we'll see.



Yeah it's very interesting mate, am looking forward to it, not expecting it to be a walk over in the league however, and there's going to be players leaving so kind of a semi rebuild job on my hands

Wisla Plock 2021 - 2022 season

Do you think we can do it Manuel?’ asked my assistant David Facucho
‘What, win the league?’
‘Yeah. You think we can?’
‘Maybe. These opening few games will let us know exactly what we’ve let ourselves in for, I wouldn’t have come here, or brought you with me if I didn’t think we’d at the very least get promoted’

‘A lot of influential players have forced moves away though boss. Hopefully the guys we’ve brought in can replace them’

‘Look, those guys that moaned and demanded moves away obviously can’t cut it, they stuffed it last year and took this team down and it’s up to us to rebuild it. It might not be easy but we’ll give it the best shot we’ve got. Plus we’ve brought in a couple of guys that know our methods and did well for us as Oleiros, that’s bound to help’

So here we are, in sunny Poland. It’s not as hot as Oleiros, actually it’s not as sunny either but here we are, with a rebuilding job on our hands. 6 players who were considered first team players have demanded moves away, and I have granted them. It’s given us a bit of money to play with and we’ve signed 9 players who I feel will complement each other and give me, and this club the best chance of getting back to the Ekstraklasa. I’ve brought in 3 familiar faces in Chico Chen, Andrej Causic and Ivan Fidalgo who I know can perform.



My starting 11 this year, and I have every faith in this team to perform well enough and gain promotion at the very least.

Goalkeeper and captain Thomas Dahne. Last seasons first choice and first choice this season.



Full back and vice captain Stefan Vico. The 1 player considered influential I managed to convince to stay. He’ll play right back but may fill in on the left at times too

Center halves Diogo David and Alan Uryga. Both new signings and I think they will form a good partnership at this level.



Left sided player Chico Chen, a player I have signed for the second time. He’ll be my first choice left back but may play on the left wing.


Right midfielder Robert Muric, another new signing and first choice on the right



Central midfielders Mateusz Machaj & Mateusz Gamrot who I am hoping can control the game from the center of the field


Left winger Calo who was out on loan last season but comes back and will start for me.



Strikers Sandi Arcon and Ivan Fidalgo. I’m hoping this combination work well together and get the goals we’re going to need to dominate this league.



Bench players are goalkeeper Marcel Zapytowski, full back Diego Ferraresso, center half and Andrej Causic, midfielder Adam Radwanksi, winger Daniel Smuga and forwards Karol Angielsk and Olaf Kobacki (who’s loan we extended from last season, that’s why he’s not on the transfer in page)









There’s also 3 players that will rotate with the bench that are mister versatile Chidiebere Nwakali, center half Toni Tipuric and hot prospect Igor Ryczowski.





Before we get started in our first game there is a rule in this league that there must be at least 1 under 21 player in the first 11. Unfortunately for Mateusz Gamrot that means he drops to the bench and Igor Ryczowski goes into the starting 11.

As for the game itself, we approach it full of confidence and I firmly believe we have a team that can go on to gain promotion this year. That is the aim and that is mission objective number one. After that who knows, we may be able to do something here and win things but that’s for the future, the here and now is getting this great club out of the mess it is in and back in the big time.



Zawsze wierz. Bez strachu. Pójdziemy do Wisły.

Here we go. A new country, a new division, a new team, new hopes, new expectations but same old desire to win. Before the game with Odra Opole we are confirmed as second favourites to go up this year and being made second favourites is something I can live with.





We start off well, we put them on the back burner from the off and the first real chance comes to Fidalgo in the 11th minute. He’s through 1 on 1 with the keeper he’s got to bury this….





He’s bottled it. He’s absolutely skied it. This is football Ivan not rugby!



A massive early chance, hopefully this doesn’t damage our confidence.

It didn’t as Fidalgo this time found himself on the left cutting in





He’s hit it….



Get in! Absolute scenes!!





We’re all over them now and a cross from the left comes in that Arcon heads towards goal which their keeper fumbles…



Straight into the path of new boy Muric who buries it 2-0





Early in the second half we’re given a penalty for a push at a corner, up steps Machaj..



He sends the keeper the wrong way 3-0 and that is surely game over





Into added time and a long hopeful ball from the right wing from Muric goes into the box





Finds substitute Kobacki to make it 4. Game, set and match.







The perfect start for us and something we must build on. We’re not going to take this for granted I can assure you. Next up is our first home game of the new season and it’s against Pogon Siedle. Another good performance here would be very much appreciated



It’s a boring game for both teams until the 58th minute when a long hopeful ball from Nwakli finds Fidalgo breaking the offside trap…





Fidalgo’s through on goal, but is closed down by 2 defenders



He gets brought down and there is no clearer penalty in the world. Up steps last week’s penalty scorer Machaj…





He gets brought down and there is no clearer penalty in the world. Up steps last week’s penalty scorer Machaj…



Second week in a row he sends the keeper the wrong way, 1-0!







Into injury time for the second game in a row and young hot prospect Ryczkowski plays a delightful ball forward





Gamrot takes a touch before unleashing a shot at goal to make it 2-0 and another good performance and result.







After the opening 2 wins we grab another deserved 2-0 win at home to Ruch Chorzow to make it 3 from 3 and take us top of the league.



The next game was almost, almost a disaster. 2 down after 15 minutes however we pulled 1 back straight from the kick off although gave away a penalty right before half time. Thankfully it hit the post and had me thinking we’ll go into half time trailing by 1, however full back Diego Ferraresso had other ideas and got sent off before the half time whistle. Somehow we managed to grab an equaliser near the end of the game with a well worked free kick that was buried home by center had Diogo David. We managed to hold on for a draw, which was a good result all things considered.



Our first loss of the season followed with a 2-0 away loss to Garbarnia. Nothing else to say apart from we didn’t deserve anything from this and that’s what we got.



Final game of this update and final game in August saw us struggle to overcome Stal Mielec and draw the game 0-0.





So 6 games in and we’re second. Got to be happy with that I think and we can definitely push on from here.



Thanks for reading!

Good start, even if the month ended a little disappointingly. Nice way of showing the first two matches btw, works if you have any notable matches.

Cheers mate, the 2-2 draw I actually think we got lucky but the loss was disappointing. I'll probs get some sort of screens from the 'important' games up with future updates.

Very strong start to the month, shame the end wasn't quite as planned but can't complain sitting second early days!

Yep agreed mate can't complain, ideally get the bad performances out the way early and crack on for the long haul of the season ahead.

A good start but the end of the month was not like that, what a pity. That in the next month you get back the victories.

A good start to the season but could of been oh so much better.

Right up there early days, fingers crossed you’ll be there come the end of the season!

Cheers mate, the last couple of games kinda filtered out but we'll do better



Kind of like so close yet so far. NO need to panic just yet



Cheers man, we've got the team to challenge and I;m expecting nothing less.

We start off with the squad moaning because Danuiel Smuga wants to leave, another player that helped get this club relegated but isn’t willing to help get them promoted. Oh well he want’s to leave I won’t stop him







As it’s transfer deadline day and Smuga is leaving, I bid for 2 wide players, Sebastian Kowalcyzx and Tiago Dias. Both are loan bids and both are accepted.





Smuga confirmed as leaving, good riddance! After thinking about it I go for Tiago Dias on loan from AC Milan, and I think this is the kind of player that is really going to help us out of this division.







We also sign striker Jeremy Guillemenot on loan from Rapid Vienna to provide depth to the squad





The first game after deadline day saw us win 2-0 away at Sandecja. A complete performance and we never looked like losing.



Back at home and we were held 1 all with Podbeskidzie. Tiago grabbing his first for us in an otherwise disappointing result.



The rest of September saw us maintain a winning run with victories over Radomiak, Olimpia Grudziadz, Wigry in the Poland cup first round and Wigry again in the league, which also won me the manager of the month award.















Just a quick check on ARC Oleiros since me leaving and they’ve been on a pretty bad run, with no wins, 3 draws and 5 losses in the league. It disappoints me as it maybe looks like I overachieved there or it was fluke that we got some good results, however that is in the past and I;m totally focused on Wisla ow.



Next up will be how we got on in October. Thanks for reading.

Solid month, good to see you go top of the pile now its about keeping yourself there! Shame arcs form has decapitated completely

Yeah it was a good month for us, not so much my former team. Hopefully they can pick it up.

Next update in October starts off with a win over Olimpia Elblag before a tough 1 all draw with fellow relegated club Miedz.





Our next home game was against current league leaders Widzew Lodz, who have been on a good run as well. This is by far the biggest game of the season so far.





I’m confident of a result here despite the media saying this has a draw written all over it. I tell the boys to go out and give the fans their moneys worth.





The game itself is pretty quiet until the 15th minute when we get a free kick in a dangerous position. Machaj is standing over it



He hits it and it beats the wall



But goes just over the bar. Hopefully we keep the pressure on



Around the half hour mark we do get another free kick in another good position, which again Machaj steps over



Again it beats the wall



Except this time it stays under the bar and beats the keeper, 1 nil!



We go in at the half 1 up, the team are all confident and go out in the second half with me expecting more goals. We do get another free kick on the edge of the box in the 65th minute. Machaj is over this again



Again it beats the wall…



Again it beats the keeper, 2 nil! Absolute scenes!





Can you believe that we get yet another free kick on the edge of the box, however this time it’s in a crossing position. Machaj obviously steps up and whips in a short cross



Which gets cleared.



But falls right back at the feet of Machaj, who hits a good looking shot



But goes just over the bar. Could that be his only chance at a hat trick?





Straight from the goal kick from that missed effort the ball ends up at the feet of Tipuric





Who is clearly fouled! But the ref waves play on





Their striker is through on goal



2-1. Going into the last 5 minutes. Absolutely shocking from the ref there, that was as clear a foul I have ever seen! Nervy finish coming up here



Straight from the kick off we push forward and Ryczkowski plays Chen in on the right hand side





Who cuts in on his left



Who get brought down, penalty!





Up steps Machaj. Can he get a hat trick of set pieces?





Who goes right down the middle, the keeper does get a hand on it but it doesn’t matter, 3 nil! Game over!







This is the kind of game that can really push you on over the course of a season. We definitely deserved this!

After that epic result we managed wins over Chrobry, Pogon and Tychy to keep up a perfect month and another manager of the month award for me









At the end of this month the Miedz manager was sacked. As mentioned this is the team that are favourites for winning the league and have lost the last 3 in a row.







Only 2 league games in November now as we record another 2 victories, first over Odra Opole and Pogon Siedice to keep us top of the league going into the winter break





Closing out this update is the Real Sociedad manager has been sacked and my main man Jorge Jesus has been linked to the job. I’ll have to keep and eye on this and see what happens.



Next update will begin in March 2022 as there is a 3 month winter break now. Thanks for reading.