Travelling across Europe - proving I'm better than Dan!

With the final month of twenty twenty-five upon us, we had just the two Bulgarian Cup third round games against "A" Group team Cherno more and we have already suffered one major set back with this cup tie - we will be without our first choice goalkeeper due to him being ineligible, he's on-loan from the top flight club.


The third round first leg Bulgarian Cup tie against Cherno more saw us pick up a remarkable victory as we defeated them three two at home as Milanovic put us into the lead inside the opening minute but Kisel equalised for the top flight club on nineteen minutes before we regained the lead a minute later through Stoychev. "A" Group Cherno more equalised for the second time with five minutes left but we pinched the edge going into the second leg with Kolev scoring with the game entering stoppage time.

We headed into the second leg looking to defend our three two lead and hoping to advance to the fourth round but despite a brilliant defensive display it wasn't to be as Cherno more won the game through Kisel who struck in the ninetieth minute to ensure that the "A" Group side advanced on away goals much to our heartbreak - I'm absolutely gutted that we're knocked out but at least the cup isn't a priority anymore but still tragic to crash out in the ninetieth minute.

Good run in the league. Pity of the cup loss. Good luck after the break

Still easily in control in the league, looks like your moving on!

You are in control, don't throw it away.

brilliant start to the season pal

It's been a good run but it's important that we don't slip up. The last couple of league games we've not been at our best and have been scraping through. Thankfully the cup wasn't needed due to winning it last season but I was still gutted to lose to an "A" Group side on away goals, especially when they struck on 90 minutes.


I can't afford to get carried away as their still a load of football that needs to be played in the second part of the season. Promotion is looking good but we need to keep the wins coming.


...and now watch me throw it away.


It's been a great first half to the season, top of the table and six points clear. Will it last? I suppose only time will tell.

With our league being in a winter break and us having no competitive game until the end of February I found it important to arrange some mid-season friendly games (even if no one else did find it important) and I arranged seven games as we faced four "A" Group teams at home as Levski, Litex, Pirin (Gotse Delchev) and Beroe visited while I also arranged trips to Elegant, Goloya (Lozarevo) and Urvich - I also brought in six new players as I a) looked for better quality to ensure the club got promoted and b) get a bit better squad depth in case of injuries/suspensions.


I captured Pavlov a few months ago as he agreed to join the club after the summer transfer window slammed shut, the seventeen-year-old right back has arrived and he's expected to be back-up this season.

Our second winter signing was Minaev who has arrived on a free transfer. Twenty-year-old Minaev who is Russian arrived at the club following his release from Dinamo Moscow. He's arrived at the club due to me releasing Garrincha. The twenty-one-year-old Brazilian was out of contract in the summer and I wasn't able to offer him a new deal for some reason and he was also on staggering wages of near a grand - perfect time to release him.

I've brought in a new midfielder this window as Ataliba has jet in from Lokomotiv (Plovdiv) and has cost me one hundred and ten thousand pounds, at the age of twenty-one the midfielder could have a big future at either this club or football in general should be develop well.

One more central midfielder has arrived, due to the lack of them currently at the club I found this important. Twenty-year-old Serb Salipurovic has arrived from Vojvodina and has cost sixty thousand pound. One more striker has also joined the club, Bosnian Andjelkovic has cost only five thousand from Boras (BL) and will only be back-up this season and our final signing has seen Micic come from Smederevo for one hundred and thirty thousand, he's another right back who should replace our ageing one.

Three players were released from the club in the summer. Garrincha, as you know along wiith Kazakov and Ilchev.


I arranged seven friendly games throughout the winter break.

We started against my former club Levski who last time I checked has been struggling in the "A" Group this season and I defeated them two one, they took the lead but goals from Danchev and Tintor in the final minutes sealed the win before Litex defeated us in my second game one nil and then Pirin drew two all with our seconds with us scoring in the second half through Ganev pen and Danchev and then our final game against "A" Group teams was against Beroe and we beat them two nil with Stoychev and Tintor scoring.

And the friendlies ended with three away games against lesser teams to try and gain confident. Elegant were beat three one with Dimov, Stoychev and Minaev scoring before we hammered Goloya (Lozarevo) four nil as Stoychev, Kulikov, Ganev and Charles scored for us and the friendly games finished with a four two away success against Urvich - Dimov, Ganev, Husic and Stoychev scored.

Competitive football resumed with just the one league match in February as we hosted Lyubimets (Lyubimets) in our only fixture as the second half of the season started with us looking to seal promotion to the Bulgarian "A" Group as soon as possible and it looked good before the winter break.


So we just had the one league game to deal with in February as we returned from the winter break. We hosted Lyubimets (Lyubimets) and they shocked us and our support with a three one win at our home venue. A misjudge from on-loan Popov saw the away side take the lead but when Stoychev equalised on sixty six minutes it seemed normal service resumed, but it wasn't as Monolov put the away side back in front before Haralaov sealed the shock win with nine minutes left.


That slip us hasn't hurt us too much as we're still four points clear at the summit of the Bulgarian "B" Group table and ahead of Vidima-Rakovski.

Proving to be too easy for you, not that I expected you would spend another season here anyway

Shame we started the second part of the season with a disappointing home reversal, we need to bounce back and quickly.

We started the second half of the season with a disappointing home defeat at the hands of Lyubimets (Lyubimets) and it's important we get our league season back on track as March see's us face seven games that will be in the league as we look to gain promotion and me to wrap up Bulgaria.


The month started with an away game against Dobrudzha 1919 and we could only pick up a point as we squandered the lead that was given to us my striker Stoychev on nine minutes but the home side equalised on nineteen minutes through Yulianov before Tsanovski gave Dobrudzha the lead on fifty six minutes but Minaev's first goal for the club rescued a point on seventy seven minutes.

We then played Neftohimik 1962 at home and edged a five goal thriller against the mid-table side as Stoychev broke the deadlock for us for the second game running on six minutes but for the second game running we lost the lead as goals in either half from Simeonov and Chilingirov turned the game around before Minaev scored on sixty eight minutes to draw the scores level before Ganev won us the game on ninety minutes.

Our next game was away to Spartak (Pleven) and we picked up a three one win with Estonian midfielder Kulikov opening the scoring on five minutes but the normal resumed as yet again we lost the lead as Rudashki levelled but second half goals from Stoychev saw us pick up much needed back to back wins.

We hosted strugglers Akademik (Svishtov) and defeated them three nil with Kovachev broke the deadlock on ten minutes before Ataliba doubled the lead on twenty six minutes before his double, in second half stoppage time sealed an impressive three goal win.

A trip to Svetkavitsa was next and we picked up another three points with Ataliba and Ganev striking in either half.

Our penultimate game of the month was a home clash with Vidima-Rakovski in a game that saw us "booed off" and rightly so as we suffered a humiliating five nil defeat with all the goals arriving in the first half. Kepov, Baldzhiyski hat trick and Jankovic ensured they humiliated us on our own turf - I was furious after the game and rightly so, couldn't believe what I was witnessing in that first half.

And the month ended with another humiliating defeat away to Minyor (Pernik) as they defeated us five on with all the goals coming in the second half as Babic broke the deadlock on forty nine minutes and then Voynov doubled the lead but Stoychev's goal turned out just to be a consolation as goals on seventy nine and eighty minutes from Voynov that completed his hat trick and Palanski on eighty one ensured back to back disastrous defeats - second game in succession that had be furious, horrible last two games in the month.


How the frig are we still top of the table? Despite those two humiliating defeats that saw us concede ten times and scoring just the once we are still a point clear at the top of the table and it's important that the form turns around and quickly or this campaign could turn into one to forget despite being top for so long.

That month started so well but filtered out so badly at the end, sure you will return to winning ways instantly! I could bet my house on it!

Couldn't believe those last two results, the team have forgot how to score and defend. It was so embarrassing, it was like watching an old Dan team.

It's definitely important that we bounce back and the team actually remember how to score goals. I've actually had to have an assertive team meeting to let the players know not to f**k up what could turn out to be a quality season, thankfully no players reacted badly and every player reacted well so I hope for a better April and I think that's a long month, and so is May.

Good luck the last two months. You need it after the last two matches.

Thanks pal, those two shocking defeats have knocked the confidence back but I definitely hope it's not permanent and we can return to winning ways as soon as possible.

The penultimate month of the twenty twenty-five/twenty twenty-six campaign saw us face seven games all in the league as I hoped to remain in the title picture because I would love to wrap up Bulgaria this season. It was a successful month that saw us remain ahead in the race going into the final month.


We started with a home game versus Benkovski (Byala) and we defeated them three nil as winger Milanovic broke the deadlock after ten minutes and then Dimov scored a second goal four minutes later and then the points were secured when Milanovic scored his second and our third on thirty one minutes.

We then made the trip to fellow league challengers Kaliakra and could only to manage a draw as Stoychev cancelled out their opener that was scored by Bakalski on forty eight minutes.

Our third game of the month saw us play Nesebar at home and they were defeated three one despite the away side taking the lead on twenty eight minutes through Alexsandrov but we equalised within sixty seconds courtesy of Estonian central midfielder Kulikov and then Stoychev put us into the third on sixty two minutes and the points were secured as Zakov headed home goal three with twelve minutes left.

Etar 1924 came to our home ground for our second home game in succession and we also picked up our second straight three one win as goals from Milanovic and Ataliba had us two goals up at half time before striker Stoychev made it three nil on the hour but they scored a consolation goal two minutes later through Dunga.

Bottom of the table Strumska slava was up next and we put another nail into the relegation coffin thanks to a four one win on the road as Stoychev scored on nineteen and twenty five minutes to have us two goals up before Zakov added a third late in the first half and then Ganev made it four on sixty four - the bottom side scored a consolation goal with two minutes left.

A home game against Chavdar (Etropole) saw us play our penultimate game of the month and the points were shared in a one all draw. Estonian midfielder Kulikov opened the scoring for ourselves on twenty minutes but were pegged back in the seventy second minute as Rangelov equalised and it could have been a lot worse as they missed a spot kick.

The month came to an end with a trip to Botev (Galabovo) and we defeated them four one with Stoychev opening the scoring on nine minutes and then an own goal through Mitkov doubled the lead and that's how it remained until the seventy second minute because the home half halved the deficit but goals from Minaev and Milanovic sealed the points.


We're holding onto top spot.

Come the end of April and we're still top of the table but now we're only a point clear of Kaliakra who are in second place but we have a game in hand against Sliven 2000 but it's away from home and it'll be tough. We have six games and those six games will determine whether we remain in Bulgaria for another season or head to Croatia.

Our final month of the season was upon us and it was a month that would determine my future - if we wrapped up the "B" Group then I would be Croatia bound but if we mess up the league then I'd be stuck in Bulgarian football for another full season. We had six games to finish the campaign.


The final month of the season started with a home game against Botev (Vratsa) and we picked up a crucial two one victory as Stoychev broke the deadlock on thirteen minutes but a lapse in concentration let the visiting side equalise on thirty four minutes but we won the game on seventy seven minutes thanks to Russian winger Minaev.

We made the trip to Lyubimets (Lyubimets) looking for revenge following their league victory over us on our own turf and we did get revenge as we had to come from behind to win four one with all our goals arriving in the final twenty minutes. The home side had a half time lead with Manolov scoring but what happened in the final twenty minutes was remarkable - we equalised through Kulikov after he nipped in and then Minaev scored twice inside the final ten minutes (eighty and eighty six) before Blagojevic added a fourth in stoppage time.

We headed home to face Dobrudzha and only managed to beat them one nil with Husic guiding the ball home after sixty eight minutes.

A trip to Neftohimik was next and could only manage to pick up a disappointing draw with Minaev levelling the scores on thirty nine minutes, cancelling out their opening goal that was scored by Joksic. It was a very disappointing result at a time were we can't afford slip ups. It didn't make a difference though. Promotion was sealed and I would be heading to Bulgaria but I wanted the league title.

Our game in hand was up next as we made the trip to Sliven 2000 and slipped to an unacceptable two nil defeat as the players have decided to be spineless at the wrong time of the season. Chochev and Petrov scored for the home side in either half.

But our final game of the season was one to celebrate. We faced Spartak (Pleven) at home knowing that at least a point would secure the league title and it didn't matter what happened elsewhere but we wrapped up the "B" Group title in style following a three one win as Husic, Stoychev and Milanovic scored in the first half - Spartak pulled a goal back late on but it wasn't going to spoil our celebrations.


Proof that following the three one win over Spartak (Pleven) we've won the league in front of a crowd just shy of three and a half thousand fans.


Done and dusted!

Champions. Who would have thought it was possible when we kept slipping up and suffering disappointing setbacks? I certainly thought we were going to mess it up after we slipped up against Neftohimik and Sliven 2000 but I'm just absolutely delighted to have got over the finishing line. Kaliakra had to settle for a play-off spot. I can now look forward to the future and that will be in Croatia.


...and I've resigned. Their wasn't any point me staying on following the "B" Group success but the only thing I'm a little disappointed with was that it was taken down to the final day and I hadn't the league signed, sealed and delivered - but I suppose that adds to the excitement, doesn't it?

Knew you'd win the title! Still only one year behind me I believe!

Good job winning the title. Another country done.

I'm a few years behind you now mate. You're in 2030 or something iirc and I'm only in 2026. You knew I'd win the title? I guess you also knew that I would have tried my best to f**k it up? Glad we got over that finishing line. Croatia awaits.


And yet, I so nearly made a balls near the end.

When I arrived in Croatia I set my sights on getting back into management as soon as possible and when I landed their was two vacancies available - they were Crikvenica and Slavija Pleternica who are both semi-professional clubs looking to avoid the dreaded drop.



Slavija Pleternica, who are predicted to come rock bottom of the Second League have stated to the press that they're flattered by my interest and rightly so as I've had a successful career to date with spells at Altach, Zhlobin, Torpedo, Namur, Anderlecht, Levski and most recently Montana. Who wouldn't want to employ me?


The semi-professional side who are expected to struggle this season have offered me the opportunity to take the reigns and have backed me with a four year deal that will see me earn seven hundred and twenty five pound per week throughout my duration at the club. The club only have one expectation this season and that's to stay clear of relegation - can it happen? It's going to be difficult but I vow not to quit on this job.


I've agreed to take over the club and now I'm no longer unemployed. I was announced to the public at a morning press conference and I'm "itching at the bit" to get started. It's a four year deal but at the moment I'm not sure I will see out my entire contract at the club but time will tell. I've been successful at any club I've been too bar one and I don't know how I'll do at the this club.

The first thing I had to go was employ some staff - I didn't even have any backroom staff.


And this is the major reason why I want to be a success this season.

It's their one hundredth birthday this year, founded in nineteen twenty-six. The chairman has urged me to do EVERYTHING possible to ensure that the club move gracefully into their second century of football but I've already stated that's going to be a challenge.

One problem I've noticed is that I'm going to have to sign an absolute ton of players because quite frankly this squad is absolute rubbish bar one or two players so I'm going to have to sign better players for the positions and then I'll have to be patient and hope they gel quickly.

With them expected to fight against relegation I highly doubt you will be to much of a success in your first season, despite you wanting to because of their century year but surviving the division is surely the step forward?

Could I see the past winners of the top tier in CROATIA too please?

their logo looks class

Well if I manage to guide the club to an eighth place finish then I'd be delighted.

Of course you can mate...



Dinamo are STILL dominating the top flight and I guarantee they'll win the league until I stop them.

As I arrived at the club the major thing I noticed was that the current team was absolutely poor so I had to head straight into the transfer market as I signed an absolute ton of players, ones who are/could be better than the current ones while four departed. I also didn't have a single staff member so I needed to bring them in.


I'm pleased to announce that thirteen new faces have arrived at the club.

Four players joined from amateur side OSK and they were central midfielders Ivankovic and Deur while left winger Siklic and defender Kontesic have also joined from OSK. Striking duo Gulic and Mrsic have joined from another amateur side in Adriatic and then Vodice trio Rukavina, Rogic and Rekic joined during pre season.

I've brought in a new shot stopper for the new season as Buric has joined from Gorcia after they accepted my zero offer and then a trio have arrived at the club on free transfers - Svetopetric, Tezak and Bosnjak and I'm sure they'll play a major part this season as I look for survival.

Four players have headed out the door and into unemployment. Sesar was the first to exit before Bubalo and Valentic departed on the same day and then Vuica was the last player to leave the club this summer and I've no doubt more could follow.


Seven games were particapated in this pre season and things didn't get off to a great start as we were trounced seven one in our first game against top flight side Osijek. Gulic scoring our only goal on forty nine minutes. It was an atrocious result but I blame the fact that the keeper I had to play was dung.

We then remained unbeaten throughout the remainder of the pre season programme as we beat Novalja two one, drew one all with Marsonia, hosted Bijelo Brdo and beat them three one before playing our last three games on the road.

The club travelled to Moslavina and defeated them two nil as Rukavina and Gulic scored before hammering Rastane four nil as Gulic fired a hat trick and Mrsic made it four and then pre season ended with a disappointing nil all draw away to Rudar.

Good preseason and the signings are scoring . Dinamo.... indeed you have to stop them or join them.

Good luck in Croatia, respec for the challenge you have taken on. Wonder if you can beat Dan.

That 1-7 in first match must have gotten you worried. But other friendlies look good. But is it enough to beat, or even challenge Dinamo.

No...No he can't so you should just stop following his thread

I'm not expecting me to do much this season, if anything. It's all about finishing eighth so we can survive. Can it happen? Who knows.


Cheers, it's a fun challenge that is keeping myself and I'm sure Dan busy and it also seems we shouldn't get bored of the game come the summer as we'd still be trying to complete the challenge. Correct, that first pre season game had me worried but I'm glad we've recovered and now it's all about how we do in the league.


Bitch!