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bigmattb28
Claus Clausen1
And nice European run
DNZY
@b0nb0n - European journey was fun, but there was no way we were getting past Lazio.
___________________________________________
YOUTH INTAKE
I weep for the future of Skonto if this is the best we can recruit...however there is one stand out of the hoi polloi whom may develop a future at the club.
Vitalijs Kolinko - D(C) - youth intake
Stats aren't too handsome on the eye at the moment, the HMT stats needing a good bit of shaping. A plus side, his mental stats are fairly passable already; courageous, sharp decision maker, picks his position well. Needs a lot more development to become a first team candidate but immediate tutoring will get him on the right track.
VIRSLIGA
MATCHDAY 24
I'd like to think I've put the foundations in place for Gulbene being a properly challenging team to beat as of late. Ruslans Gutkovskis caught us with our pants down yet again in what was a dire half of football to go in at halftime trailing. Bit of hairdryer treatment transformed us into a new side after the restart and overwhelmed Gulbene into submission. Frimpong & Savinovs tucked home easy finishes before Guntars Rimkus gatecrashed with what seemed like a late equaliser. Mensah and Straume had other ideas from off the bench. Can almost taste the copper coated Virsliga trophy.
MATCHDAY 25
Job done. Mind you, Liepaja were the first side to dominate us in ages. Could only muster four shots on goal, but at least made one count as Savinovs found a pocket of space at the back stick to tap in from Zigajevs' cross. Champagne poised to be left on ice when a late penalty for Liepaja almost scuppered our moment, but Halvitovs guessed correctly to save Ikaunieks' penalty. Champions of Latvia once again!
MATCHDAY 26
With the pressure lifted, we enjoyed an open, free flowing game of football with RTU. To their credit RTU took a surprise lead when we let our guard down, however Frimpong chalked it off immediately with a penalty and instantly followed up with a second. Kwaku Boakye made a welcome return to the scoresheet also with a sumptuous free kick delivery to kill them off. RTU made a daring fight of it in the last five to squeeze it back to 3-2, but our defence tightened up to prevent further breaches.
Two more games to reach thirty, the lad has been a machine.
MATCHDAY 27
Yeah, yeah, whatever mate. Jammy winner in injury time and celebrating like they've won the league? Sad state of affairs for this underperforming Spartaks team. The long pitch at Slokas Stadium always makes it difficult to play our normal intricate style, resorting us to play everything direct. Alvars Rozkovs drilled a low beauty that perhaps could have been prevented by the outstretched Halvitovs to send us in behind at the break. Frimpong clocked his thirtieth in some style to restore parity. Draw would have been fair, but Daniils Purins did us so dirty with a 94th minute winner on a counter attack.
God damn, there goes man's career. Shocking injury which he'll struggle massively to recover from. Thoughts and prayers in the comments guys x
MATCHDAY 28
Season concluded with a late goalfest against a timid Jelgava side who settled for the relegation playoff spot. Frimpong knocked in goal number 31, Straume the unsung hero took his tally into double figures and Otankis sealed a fourth for good measure. We bid an emotional farewell to our number 8 and boyhood Skonto fan Pavels Nosiks, subbing him off in the 88th minute to a crescendo of applause. Lifted the trophy at the end of the game to complete a wonderful season at this club.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Frimpong tore things up towards the end with five in five for the Ghanaian striker. Only one defeat in our final twelve games, and could have finished with eight straight wins if it weren't for the clumsy Spartaks defeat. Nevertheless, everything fell into place like an early Christmas gift.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
All three Baltic relics captured, this may be on par with the emphatic Infonet season of 2048. 65 goals, 18 conceded, +47 GD and a twelve point gap between us and a Ventspils side who never in truth caused us any problems other than that one defeat. I'm more satisfied at the 18 point real estate ahead of those loathed Spartaks, they had a stinker and only just pipped Gulbene to a Europa League spot. Babite went down on the final day, not that surprising in honesty but held things together to the final day.
Does this count as a treble? The Skonto U19s were also successful in earning the Under 19s league accolade.
Dan
bigmattb28
DNZY
___________________________________________
Comes without surprise that James Frimpong dominated the Skonto awards and taking a fat slab of the percentage, two thirds of it to be precise to win fans’ player of the season. Otankis surprised me by finishing second and doing a bit of a disservice to Pavels Nosiks who finished third, a little harsh considering how much creative influence he had on the field. Frimpong also picked up goal of the season for his wonderful solo strike in the 4-0 mincing of Gulbene. McParland 2.0, I mean Kharaishvili was an inspired buy, flawless in the air (like McParland), impassable at times (like McParland). Lad has a very bright future ahead. I’ve probably ranted about this before, but how can a 24 year old be considered ‘young player’ of the season? Nosiks or Kharaishvili would have definitely been in the running otherwise. Take nothing away from Frimpong though, he had an amazing season.
https://streamable.com/b8408
…and here’s why Frimpong's season was incredible. 31 goals, 7.53 average rating, 13 assists. Absolute beast. Kwaku Boakye had some strops and dips in form at times, but no denying he knew how to cross and square a ball as he helped himself to 13 assists too. Vladimirs Straume deserves a worthy mention, the ace up the sleeve in a time of need. Shame he didn’t start more but his versatility was necessary off the bench. Solid passer too with almost a 90% pass completion. Pavels Nosiks was a breath of fresh air in the camp, always took gambles, strung passes through the eye of a needle and looked dangerous every time he got on the ball. 10 deserved man of the match awards. Holding midfielder Milasevics didn’t exactly stand out for better or worse, he kept things in check between defence and midfield and only accumulated 6 yellows and 1 red.
Jeez, Frimpong’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed that’s for sure as he came third in the CAF African Striker of the Year award. Putting things in perspective, the winner is a Nigerian Barcelona maestro and quite possibly the greatest African footballer since Didier Drogba and the other was a Zamalek icon who owned the Egyptian league. Amazing how Frimpong is among this list.
Alas, my time is done in Latvia. The three Baltic nations conquered and arguably my most enjoyable experiences in this FM journey.
Twitter blew up...sort of. Interesting comments.
@bigmattb28 Spoilers.
DNZY
Nation: North Macedonia
Media Prediction (Odds): 3rd/10 (9-4)
Expectations: N/A
Pros: Most recent champions of the Macedonian league. Champions League football to look forward to. Abundance of depth in squad.
Cons: At the risk of sounding xenophobic, far too many foreigners especially in a league that restricts the number of foreign players. Not exactly swimming in money right now.
RESULT
Didn't even make the shortlist. DIDN'T EVEN MAKE THE GOD DAMN SHORTLIST. Are they unaware of my recent success in Latvia? Absolutely disgusted.
Nation: Latvia
World Ranking: 149th
Expectations: "Don't get outclassed in Nations League"
Pros: Strong knowledge of the domestic league and key performers. In lowest division in Nations League, fairly winnable group apart from Slovakia. Keep managerial abilities fresh before stepping into new job.
Cons: Very poor in world rankings. No assistant manager in place. All domestic squad, bar one or two playing in more competitive leagues.
RESULT
Offer on the table. Can't hurt to go back into international management, right?
bcsaulJ
What will you do now? Will you accept the job for the national team? It looks interesting
Dan
Shedender
bigmattb28
For me I'd take the Latvia job. Then see whats about domestically in a year or so's time.
DNZY
@Dan - Truly honoured to be promoted to the hall of fame, I've enjoyed this save to death and it gives me a warm feeling to know a lot of people have enjoyed this from start to finish. Thanks for the support!
@Shedender - Three years, damn. Seems like only yesterday when I began this. I've absolutely no intention to stop this at the moment, just personal life getting in the way of putting out updates more frequently. Thanks for all the support!
@bigmattb28 - Thank you mate! There's sweet FA in the job market right now. International management is certainly a good distraction.
___________________________________________
Independent since 1918 and breaking free of Soviet and Nazi occupation in 1991, Latvia lays betwixt their Baltic neighbours Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south, while also bordering Belarus and Russia in the process. The flag features a standard fess of white between a dark red (or Japanese carmine) which symbolises bloodshed, similar to that of the Austrian flag. The nation accommodates slightly below 2 million, with the capital city of Riga taking just under a third of this total. Other populous cities include Jurmala, Daugavpils and Liepaja.
Latvia in game play their internationals at Skonto Stadium, which was the case in real life up until 2018 where they are now migrated to Daugavas stadions. Recently upgraded to a UEFA Cat 4 rated, 10,600 capacity stadium, it began with a winning start as Latvia defeated Estonia 1-0 in the 2018 Baltic Cup. The stadium is also used domestically by Virslīga side FK Metta/LU. Did you know it also holds a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records? To celebrate Latvia’s 90th year of independence back in 2008, it produced the most people running 100 metres in a 24 hour relay at 3,807.
Many folk tend to forget that Latvia actually qualified for a major tournament, having stunned Turkey in the playoffs on aggregate to reach Euro 2004 in Portugal – even going as far as earning a credible 0-0 draw with Rudi Voller’s disappointing Germany side, preventing them from progressing in their group behind Czech Republic and Holland. The Baltic Cup has also been a cornerstone of success for the Latvians, hosted every two years between themselves, Lithuania and Estonia. Latvia have the most Baltic cup successes (IRL) with 13 to their name and a further 7 in the FM-era.
WORLD RANKINGS
Latvia sunk to as low as 189th by the end of 2052, but have slowly picked up some steam to rise back into the 120-130 territory six years later. Unfortunately it could solidify and have fallen to below 150th in recent months, only marginally squeezing into 149th which is where they stand presently. Not the prettiest graph trend in the world.
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES
SLOVENIA (H) - 96th
Without warning I went straight into our first friendly with a pre-picked experimental selection, and surprisingly worked. Mostly had to thank a crunching two footer by Slovenia's Babic that killed any sort of tempo to their game. Spartaks forward Ricards Stolcers delivered the only goal with help of a fortunate deflection from a Slovenian defender. Impressive victory to say the least.
ALBANIA (H) - 37th
Roles reversed against the Albanians who were flying in the rankings to begin with. Never grabbed a foothold, defended rather desperately while the visitors kept probing. Our domestic-centric side failed to clear a corner properly and left Osmani exposed who buried it. No shame in defeat here.
A boost to the ranking, but come on...six places? Really? We stunned Slovenia for Christ's sake.
Claus Clausen1
DNZY
___________________________________________
Nation: Georgia
Media Prediction (Odds): 7th/10 (55-1)
Current Position 8th
Expectations: Top half finish
Pros: Current league champions. Still alive in the Georgian cup. Eight points off European places. Good quality of depth in squad.
Cons: Heavily struggling in the league with a bad run of form. Finances in the red. Only two points off drop. Could easily be a poisoned chalice like the Batumi job.
RESULT
Slightly disappointed not to get it, however it carried the same red flags like the Batumi position a few seasons back. Still club hunting
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE
SQUAD SELECTION
Not exactly beaming with exports outside of Latvia, but welcome returns for Recickis in goals, ex-Skonto hero Pavels Nosiks to add the creative flair to the midfield and Tarasovs who plays in Estonia with Tammeka Tartu. Sizable bias to Spartaks' attacking options because Stolcers is a goal machine and will no doubt link up with Purins quite well. Brils, Otankis, Vlad & Roman Tukris are the call ups from Skonto.
Would have had an extra DM if not for an injury to Rozkovs, bringing in a two star Liholetovs from RFS as a utility attacking mid. Talent is scarce in this nation.
MATCHDAY 1 (vs. ANDORRA (A))
Definitely a work in progress. Andorra had two good moments that could've embarrassed us, otherwise we managed a firm grip on the game. Stolcers rifled in the only goal at the break and eventually KO'd our weary opponents in the final quarter. Nosiks was sublime; assisted the second for Tarasovs, firing in a beautiful third and catalysing the fourth in injury time which Stolcers hit again with power. Rock solid start.
Maiden international goal for Nosiks, undoubtedly will become a national treasure.
MATCHDAY 2 (vs. LITHUANIA (H))
Yikes, our noisy neighbours from the south silenced in the battle of the Baltic sea. Three up in 13 minutes, Stolcers with a deflected effort and two wonderful finishes by Skonto's own Roman Tukris had everything wrapped up nicely. Lithuania pressed us hard for an unlikely comeback, Recickis in goal was equal to everything they threw at him. By then, it was too late; a poor goalkeeping clearance to Cekulajevs...well, this clip can explain the rest.
https://streamable.com/4dmob
Don't think he'll score a better one in his entire career.
GROUP TABLE
Best possible start! Hard to believe Slovakia lost to the Lithuanians, leaving the table well in our favour. Next two games are crucial, welcoming the Slovaks to Riga and then travelling across the border to Vilnius in what will be a crunch game with Lithuania.
Another jump in the rankings to 139th. Perhaps international management is my calling?
bcsaulJ
bigmattb28
DNZY
@bigmattb28 - They had a bad day but put up a little bit of fight...after the third goal. The goal was a beaut, I agree.
___________________________________________
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE
SQUAD SELECTION
Pohang winger Maris Eltermanis missed out through injury last time, moving straight back into the first team as our only 5* player in this disappointing deck of cards. Young 18 year old Vitalijs Grigorovs is the only natural centre back and could be in line for a first cap. Aivars Rozkovs also in after injury denied the last international session.
But of course SI never make things straightforward, meaning 17 year old centre back Jurijs Goba from Jelgava makes up the numbers.
MATCHDAY 3 (vs. SLOVAKIA (H))
Slovakia's 4-3-3 formation was a nightmare to tame in a flat performance. Left back Ikaunieks failed to trace the run of Mikel Mikulanin who sourced the cross to the goalscorer Matus Duris who tapped home with ease. Couple of half chances here and there, Eltermanis coming closest, denied by the fingertips of Hyza onto the post in the Slovakian goal. Head to head record now favours Slovakia, leaving us with a big task to reverse the damage in Trnava
MATCHDAY 4 (vs. LITHUANIA (A))
Got out of jail against our reformed neighbours. Lithuania overwhelmed us in the first half, cracking the woodwork twice, forcing key saves from Recickis and deservedly hitting the front via Vituknyas. Me being the tactical galaxy brain, a double sub made the difference with twenty minutes left; Eltermanis on - goal and assist for Stolcers' equaliser, Indrans on - delivers a stunning free kick from the arc of the D. Crucial win to keep us in contention.
GROUP TABLE
The ridiculous head to head rule means it's do or die when we face Slovakia away, even with our far superior goal difference. Taking absolutely no chances against Andorra either to completely rule out a highly unlikely Lithuanian fight back.
Come on, seriously? Argentina number 1?
bigmattb28
DNZY
____________________________________________
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE
SQUAD SELECTION
Rallied an unbiased approach to picking the squad based on form over merit, four changes in all. Former Gulbene midfielder and good friend Pavels Nalivaiko (now at RTU) has been unreal domestically with 16 assists and amazingly is uncapped at international level, replacing Liholetovs. Spartaks centre back Putnins returns from injury to edge out Sitenkovs, Riga FC's Siromolotovs and Skonto super-sub Vladimirs Straume also make the cut.
MATCHDAY 5 (vs. ANDORRA (H))
Ricards Stolcers is a goal magnet at present. With all due respect, there weren't concerns even with Andorra's shock opener from a sweetly struck free kick. All three goals followed the same blueprint - exploiting their right byline. So much real estate for Tarasovs to roam and twice crossed to an unmarked Stolcers to head home, while Purins went with a low cross but met with the same result. Ideal prep for the trip to Slovakia..
Hold the phones, we have an interesting twist on our hands!
It now leaves us top, requiring all but a solitary draw in Trnava to gain promotion to Division C. A nation holds it's breath.
MATCHDAY 6 - (vs. SLOVAKIA (A))
FINAL GROUP TABLE
By virtue of H2H, Slovakia are promoted despite equal points and a superior GD. Lithuania played their role perfectly, defeating Slovakia home and away but failed to hold our end of the bargain.
A slight rise up the ranks based on results, still expected more.
bigmattb28
What's next now then, a return to club management?
bcsaulJ
now it's time to return to the field, a club is waiting for you
TinakoFM
DNZY
bcsaulJ
DNZY
Nation: Bosnia
Media Prediction (Odds): 6th/12 (25-1) (third tier)
Expectations: Mid table
Pros: Good funds for a team in this division.
Cons: Very long term project. No squad member of value. Major downgrade thus could affect managerial reputation.
RESULT
Nation: Bosnia
Media Prediction (Odds): 4th/12 (9-2) (third tier)
Expectations: Challenge for promotion
Pros: Stronger squad (not by much) than Leotar and better odds of promotion.
Cons: Exactly the same attributes as the Leotar job, but on a shoestring budget.
RESULT
Appreciate the consideration lads, but I'm not going to be chips for poor. I've high standards.
Nation: Bosnia
Media Prediction (Odds): 6th/12 (33-1)
Expectations: European football
Pros: Successful club with ten league titles. Decent transfer/wage budgets. Perfect gateway into Bosnian league.
Cons: No trophy in five years. Many players left due to contract expiry. Competitive division with at least five other title challengers.
RESULT
Immensely disappointed, would have been the ideal job to finally move up tiers in this challenge. Reflecting on it, perhaps they were looking for someone who has experienced Bosnian football before but still gutted.
Nation: Georgia
Media Prediction (Odds): 9th/10 (400-1) (second tier)
Current Position: 10th
Expectations: Avoid relegation
Pros: Not far off safety. Expectations are at bare minimum so less pressure.
Cons: One win in ten games. Massive rebuilding job on a dirt poor budget. One of the favourites for relegation. Second tier of Georgia.
RESULT
I mean...it's something tangible. Definitely a last resort type of position.
Nation: Gibraltar
Media Prediction (Odds): 1st/10 (9-4F)
Expectations: Title winners
Pros: Turned into a very successful club with 15 league titles in last two decades. Current domestic cup holders. Championship quality players at my disposal. Can attract very good players. Participating in Europa League.
Cons: Dominance slipping to Lynx and no league success in four seasons. Barely 11 first team players to choose from. Key players left in summer. Experienced rotten luck in Gibraltar as a manager.
RESULT
Finally tabled an offer worth considering. Flopped twice in Gibraltar, perhaps third time is the charm?
Nation: Gibraltar
Media Prediction (Odds): 3rd/10 (4-1)
Expectations: Challenge for league/European football
Pros: Secured first league title three seasons ago. Absolutely minted. Good depth in squad.
Cons: Scraped relegation last season. League form taken downward turn since becoming champions.
RESULT
Failed to make the shortlist...are you f#cking kidding me?
Nation: North Macedonia
Media Prediction (Odds): 2nd/10 (3-1)
Expectations: Title winners
Pros: One of the stronger teams in the division. Five titles in last decade. Strong standard of players.
Cons: Not in Europe this season. No trophy in last three years. Too many foreigners which heavily affects foreign players restrictions.
RESULT
Not considered for shortlist again. At the risk of being arrogant, do they know what they're missing out on? Outrageous.
DNZY
Since the beginning of this challenge, Gibraltar has been a raw deal for me after two failed attempts, will it be third time lucky with the curiously named FC Boca Juniors (Gibraltar)? Aside from the obvious rip-off of the world famous Argentine outfit, sharing the name and inversing their blue-yellow combination, information is scarce to their official backstory and what attracted them to the idea of using them as a baseline for their formation in 2012. Despite replicating a world class club by name, they did not replicate their world class football; only scraping into the top division in 2018 by a single point. Future developments are on the horizon for the club after new ownership was announced in early 2019 - one of whom is Allen Bula Jr, son of the former Gibraltar national team manager.
Same spiel as before..
Ignoring this sloppy graphical nightmare, Boca Juniors (GIB) have moved out of Victoria’s basement and into a brand spanking new stadium which bears the name of a legendary club figure. Robert Gomez devoted 27 years as Boca’s manager between 2034 and his eventual retirement in 2061, garnering 16 league titles and 32 cups during that time, rightfully earning his own stadium. Finalised in 2056, the ground was christened in a baptism of fire – inviting heavyweights like Galatasaray, Manchester City and PSG for a set of friendlies that fleeted crowds of over 8,300. All paled in comparison to the league record 8,545 attendance for a clash with arch rivals Lynx, unfortunately edged out 2-1. Top quality facilities, pristine surface grass atop under-soil heating, VIP boxes, champagne rooms, Boca putting everyone else to shame.
In reality, Boca have failed to live up to the success of the Argentine champions they bootlegged, slumming below mid-table every season in the Gibraltarian second tier – perhaps why they rebranded themselves to FC Boca Gibraltar in 2017. The name change may have been a blessing in disguise with their league form vastly improving; finishing third and became champions the following season after a tense race with Bruno’s Magpies and Olympique 13, pipping them by a single point. Unfortunately it was like a lamb brought to slaughtering in their top flight season…finishing hopelessly bottom with 2 wins from 27, 7 points, conceding 129 goals in the process and inflicted with heavy defeats including losing 11-0 to eventual champions Lincoln Red Imps and a 13-1 roasting by Europa. Thankfully due to the league restructure for 19/20, they avoided relegation.
FM ERA
Quite clear that Robert Gomez revolutionised Boca into something of a powerhouse during his nearly three decade reign, stunning everyone to lift their first ever Gibraltarian Premier Division trophy in 2038...but this was only the beginning. Tussling with Lynx for years, there was only room for one yellow outfit in the land and Boca usurped Lynx as king between 2045 and 2055 with eleven domestic titles on the trot. However, the tailless felines fought back to break the streak and managed only one further victory afterwards. Sweet sixteen is a magic number for Boca, it's also the same amount of Rock Cups they've won with their latest picked up last June. Perhaps they are finally living up to the Argentinians they counterfeited.
SQUAD
Nope, I haven't cropped this too thin...this is literally our squad - two of whom injured for months, two other key operators jumped ship to bigger ponds and making matters worse our star man Ryan Webb has expressed his desires to join a bigger club. Brushing all the negativity under the carpet, this is a really, really good squad. Quite a number would easily fit into a top division or at least a Championship level club. Highly ambitious, determined group and oozing with potential that may spawn big money moves down the line. Shame the academy isn't in the same glow, meaning we'll have to rely on the market to rebuild a depleted team.
KEY PLAYER: Ryan Webb - GK
Best keeper in the league for certain. An aerial commander, confident shot stopper and has conceded fewer goal than appearances made. Utterly remarkable. Natural talent leads to getting too big for your britches, Ryan already has handed in a transfer request with Lynx silently monitoring. It'll be a real tug of war to hold onto him.
bigmattb28
DNZY
____________________________________________
TRANSFERS
OUT
Losing Rojas, Oliveira and Fernández were bad enough, our defensive rock Mark Ross has added himself onto that list. Wonder what rocket scientist negotiated a contract with a minimum release clause of only £140k. Championship Sheffield United didn’t hesitate to match the valuation and off he went. Thankfully staved off several offers from Lynx to keep Ryan Webb for another window. Silver linings and all that.
IN
Easily my busiest transfer window in years, with twelve newcomers unveiled at Gomez Stadium. Also invested in a director of football to lay counters on other exciting, high profile players and loaning in youngsters yearning for first team football away from Championship clubs. A lot to get up to speed with.
Ramuel Forte – ST(C) – unattached free agent
Offloaded by Oxford, this Barbados striker has an impressive goal return ratio, not to mention 10 in 10 internationally too. Just breached into his thirties now, perhaps not a main starter but an influential super sub to tear up scripts. In hindsight I definitely overspent on the wages, almost £3k to warm the bench.
Liam Fitzgerald – ST(C) – unattached free agent
Fuelling the frontline, Fitzgerald comes into what will be a front three. Banged in a few at his previous employers Shamrock Rovers and can no doubt get into the key areas either to be selfish or pick out a cunning pass. Concerned that he looks to be peaking at such a young age, perhaps will only be a temporary fit depending how influential he can be on the field. Strong off the ball antics.
Edílio Tremouroux – M(C) – unattached free agent
Sometimes filtering through agent offers can pop up with some pearls like this chap. A creative Brazilian midfield maestro on paper not only with the feet but his brain too with his mentals looking solid. Not the quickest and could get overrun but if he picks out a quality pass, this deal might turn out beautifully.
Darren Westwood – M(C) – season long loan from Birmingham City
First of five loan signings, Darren slots in as the midfield buffer to distribute passes and fill open space. Perhaps asking a bit much of the 19 year old who’s played only a handful of times for his parent club, however I believe he’ll rise to the occasion.
Sam McCulloch – D(C) – season long loan from Hull City
Okay, okay let’s ignore his massively disappointing recent form, this guy could be perfect for this standard of football. Physically imposing despite being under six foot, heading may not be his forte but tackling and chasing back as the second line of defence he’ll be ideal. Determination and teamwork alone sold me.
Adam Gough - ST(C) – unattached free agent
Options galore for strikers, Adam Gough earmarked for the future. I’ll admit he doesn’t look more than a routine target man but just like Ramuel Forte can offer support aerially off the bench chasing a game. Seeing zero goals scored at three different clubs is a tad worrying but plenty of time to develop confidence.
Jude Johnston – D(C) – season long loan from Ipswich
A timely arrival with Mark Ross out the door just days before. His HMTs at legal drinking age are already above the league standard and with his determination the same as his age, this d(j)ude has potential to sparkle. Slightly lacks that extra concentration but will no doubt fit into a solid centre back partnership.
Dick Bull – D(R) – season long loan from Hull City
If you wanted to strike the fear of God into wingers with a name like Dick Bull at right back, mission accomplished. Sturdy, tireless, a work-h..bull I guess you could call him? A bare necessity defender really to add some depth.
Silvio Shehi – M(C) – unattached free agent
Young budding German teen who already looks positively ready for the first team. In two minds about loaning him out with the options we have already, be such a waste to leave him stranded on the bench. I almost want to wrap him up in cotton wool, I’m that excited how he could turn out.
Federico Vitali – ST(C) – unattached free agent
Oh yes, oh yes! The Italian stallion returns to the story! A minor legend with my Budućnost squad, Federico just exudes goals. Moved on to Volgar in Russia before being tossed by Como, Boca welcome him in with open arms. Natural finisher based on experience, even at 33 he’ll be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Alex Gamble – D(L) - £64k from Crystal Palace
The left back market is always a tricky one, but felt we did shrewd business to land this Crystal Palace reject. Slightly bummed he’s not adapted to getting forward on the overlap however there’s ample time to progress. If he can defend, I’ll be happy. Slotted in a buy back price and minimum release clause of £1m if all else fails.
Tomeu Alonso – M(C) – season long loan from Mallorca
Close to the vicinity is one final creative midfielder nabbed on loan to complete a well-stocked window. First touch, passing, technique and vision all superb. Exactly like the forwards, plenty of choice cuts in the midfield too.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND
Maribor must want to stick their heads in a furnace right now. Our makeshift academy side won the first leg with our only shot on target, 17 year old Joshua Rose took the Slovenians by surprise before the break. The return leg was pure luck; caught Maribor on the break with a goalkeeping howler allowing another youth product, 18 year old Gary Bogard to tap into an empty net. The violets took initiative in the second half, bombarding us yet not overly threatening goal...aside from a deflected free kick and a similar howler from Ryan Webb to level the tie on aggregate. Despite the collapse, we shut up shop to squeeze through on away goals.
As if our squad wasn't depleted enough.
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
Packing our bags to face Austrian side Sturm Graz next.
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND
Better side won, emphatically. Liam Fitzgerald announced himself pretty well with a lovely strike to nudge us ahead..but that was as good as it got. We were still in the tie even when Graz took a 2-1 advantage, that was until conceding two sloppy penalties towards to end to chase four away goals in Austria. Obviously there was no snowballs chance in hell that would materialise, Graz were comfortable holding on. Tim Brune's double killed the game with Oberauer mugging us off by the end. Commend our brave fight in the second leg, especially with new signings being bled in in tough affairs.
Dan
KEZ_7