Prologue

Welcome to a new story which I will be updating alongside my FM24 story.

The biggest challenge for me in this new save is that I am playing it on the Xbox Series X console version of FM26, which is something that I have never done beforehand. So we're definitely breaking new ground here.

With the story being played on the console which is attached to a 4K UHD television, game screenshots could be at a premium. There will be some graphic content but it'll be mainly written text for the majority of the story.

Divisions loaded at the start of game: England (down to NLN/NLS), Scotland (to League Two), Northern Ireland (to Championship), Wales (to Cymru North and South), Germany (to 2.Liga), Republic of Ireland (to First Division), France (to Le Championnat), Spain (to Segunda Division) and Italy (to Serie B). Nations and Leagues will change as the career hopefully progresses.

Let's get the show on the road and see where it takes us.

Yours,

Mark

Episode 1: Meeting Ted

“What about ye?” says the young man standing in front of the camera lens.

(What about ye is a common greeting in Northern Ireland, similar to saying: “How are you?”)

The youngster must be only about eight years old, but he seems a bit of a likeable sort. One of those confident kids who believe in themselves, and we're here to interview him. He has been described as a bit of a footballing prodigy we hear, the best thing to come out of Northern Ireland in this sport since George Best some have claimed. But that's about all we know, time to turn the camera onto this cheeky chap and let him tell us all.

“Is the camera on?” 

We nod in the affirmative and the spotlight is on…

“OK, hi everyone. My name's Edward “Ted” Dog and this is Holywood." He points at a sign. "Not Hollywood but Holywood, here in County Down which is in beautiful Northern Ireland.” He beams with pride as if to say he's proud of his nation, and takes a deep breath.

"So why are you here? Yeah, it's all about me. I'm eight years old and play in midfield for my school: St Patrick's Primary where I also am captain of the same team. I am the second youngest son of Toby and Poppy Dog, and have three sisters as well as my older brother. This place is really famous too, as there's a golfing prodigy called Rory McIlroy who lives up the road from us, and he goes to school with our Benji (Benjamin) but he doesn't seem too keen to let me play with his clubs.

I'm a huge fan of Manchester United, but then again so are most people from Northern Ireland. My Dad says a bloke called George Best might be to blame for that as he was a bit good. I want to be as good as him.

I've got a big Cup Final tomorrow and Dad says there will be some big clubs watching me. I hope I can impress them. Wish me luck!"

And with that he runs off, doing keepy ups and tricks in the road. He has the confidence in time to succeed, but will he make the grade?

Next Episode: Living The Dream

Episode 2: Living The Dream

Fast forward 15 years….

Well Ted Dog was as good as his word from when we met him as a eight year old footballing prodigy. He delivered a Man of the Match performance in the Cup Final, helping St Patrick's Primary to a resounding win.  That led to offers coming for him, and Ted takes up the story.

"The Cup Final was a defining moment for me, and within days football scouts were queuing up outside our front door. Dad said he hadn't seen anything like it, I was like hot property.

Five clubs wanted me to sign schoolboy forms. I could stay here but the summer holidays would be spent at the team I would sign. Surprisingly Manchester United, my team, weren't one of the five. They told Dad that I was bit too lightweight to become a footballer, and needed to grow out a bit to make it. Dad took it badly, he really thought United would want me and hit the bottle. It really affected me.

Arsenal, Leeds United, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa offered me terms, and after much deliberation I signed for Villa. I couldn't sign for Rangers, remember the fall out when they signed Maurice Johnston? Arsenal felt a bit too big for me, whilst Leeds and Middlesbrough just felt too small for my dreams. Villa just ticked every box."

"It was the summer of 2018 when I moved to Birmingham, and it felt like home. Steve Bruce, who I had watched play and captain United on Dad's old VHS tapes, was the manager at the time and he made me so welcome. However, it was Dean Smith who gave me my first team debut in 2021 in a League Cup game where Dad, now recovered from his alcoholism, was in attendance. Dean was also in charge and spotted my coaching potential early doors which I utilised by running some football schools in Belfast in the summer.

I made my international debut aged 20 for Northern Ireland, the first of 18 caps, and scored my first and only international goal in Luxembourg. Whilst Steven Gerrard didn't play me as much as Dean, it was still a honour every time I pulled on the claret and blue of the Villa. Unai Emery played me alongside John McGinn and I was going places.

Nothing was going to get in my way…"

Next Episode: The day it all changed…

Episode 3: The day it all changed

The smile on his face has now changed to a more sombre look. He wipes a tear away from his left eye with a tissue, it's clear that the story is going to change. 

“I remember it all as if it was yesterday…” he declares.

Another tear is wiped away, followed by an large exhale of air. He lifts his head up, shrugs his shoulders and composes himself once more. Another nod to the camera, and we are rolling again.

"It was just a normal day at training really..

We were preparing for a Saturday kick-off at the Emirates, where we had a huge game against Arsenal in the lunchtime game. We were twenty minutes, maybe half an hour, in that session and Unai (Emery)  had us doing a pass and move drill to get our bodies moving ahead of going onto some match specific training which he had planned to expose Arsenal's weaknesses.

I was part of a circle of eight players with two others in the middle, chasing and harrying as we knocked the ball around the circle. Ollie (Watkins) had just passed me the ball, and Johnny (John McGinn) came steaming in to dispossess me. Johnny won the ball fair and square but his momentum saw him have a direct collision with my kicking leg, there was no malice at all. I mean Johnny was my best mate at Villa, we socialised together off the pitch so it would be foolish to say that he meant it.

Everything just stopped after that as I screamed in agony on the pitch. Team-mates were looking at each other in sheer disbelief, and Unai was running around like a crazy Spanish waiter screaming “No, no, noooooo!” Training was halted whilst an ambulance was called but not just a normal WMAS ambulance - a Midlands Air Ambulance was going to whisk me and my injured body at the main hospital in Birmingham. I pulled down the mask which was delivering pain relief, and looked at a tearful Johnny who was clearly feeling bad about it all. “I'm gonna be alright mate, I might miss Saturday but we'll be controlling that midfield next weekend. Make sure Sinead is OK.” Sinead was my childhood sweetheart, and had told me that I was going to be a Dad for the first time a few days ago. Now it felt like my world was about to crash and crumble around me."

Within fifteen minutes I was at the major trauma unit and being whisked away for a scan. I was in there for what seemed like an eternity as they checked this and that. Sinead and Johnny were at my bed side when I emerged, and then the consultant walked in. He explained that I had shattered my fibula in six places and also sustained anterior cruciate damage to my knee, and it needed immediate surgery.

My first question was: “How long am I going to be out for? A few months?" It was then when he shook his head, clearly it was more long term.  I glanced at Johnny and Sinead, resigning myself to what was going to be some bad news. “Ted, we can rebuild you but…your career is as good as over. I'm so sorry.” I cried that night so much, my footballing dream over at 22. What was I going to do with myself, how was I going to support my yet-to-be born child?

It felt like the worst kicking in life. My world had changed."

Next Episode: Playing a different game

Episode 4: Playing a different game

After receiving that shattering news, Ted made it his mission to come back stronger. Granted his playing days had ended before he wasn't even 25 years of age, he was determined to stay in the beautiful game in some kind of capacity.

He had his coaching badges, and that was a huge bonus. With his older brother Benji, the two had started their own soccer school in East Belfast where the brothers might just unearth the next great Northern Irish footballing talent, and there would be always one out there that shone brighter than others. Whilst he couldn't mix it with the elite anymore, Ted was in his element. He had also become a father as Sinead had given birth to their first child: a son called Rocky (Rocco) which Ted maintained was the high point of his young life.

Despite the soccer school's huge success, Ted yearned for something else to stimulate his interest. All it took was a sentence from Benji to make it happen on Ted's 23rd birthday…

“Bro, you have what it takes to become a great football manager.”

That was it, just twelve words. Ted raised an eyebrow in his brother's direction who nodded back as if to say “Do it!” and that was all the motivation Ted needed to take the latest step but would any club be willing to take on a rookie manager, whose age would probably be younger than some of the players that they had and had no managerial experience whatsoever. Spurred on by that comment, and with Sinead's blessing, Ted reached for his mobile. He was still a client of Emily Timoney, who had been his agent when he was at Villa.

“Emily, it's Ted. You're still my agent right?”

“Yes, and what can I do for you?"

“Put my name out there please.”

“But you can't play anymore, you know that.”

“I do, but I want to become a football manager somewhere. Anywhere.”

“Don't you realise, you lack the ”E" word Ted. Experience."

“So what, I believe in myself. Didn't stop Sir Alex did it?”

“Guess not, I love how your enthusiasm hasn't waned. I'm on it. Stay by your phone, I'll be touch with possible destinations who might be worth a punt.”

“Thanks Emily.”

“No worries Ted. Bye for now.”

“Bye."

Where his life would take him next, nobody knew. Not even, Emily.

Next Episode: Offers come in…

Episode 5: Offers come in…

So Ted had made a huge decision, he wanted to be a football manager now his playing days were over. The soccer school would still continue but Benji would assume more control of that as and when Ted got his first managerial gig. Toby, Ted's Dad, wasn't so sure that his youngest son had made the right decision though especially at such a young age.

“Ted, I've seen in the Bel Tel (Belfast Telegraph) that you want to become a football manager. Please tell your dear old Dad that this is nothing more journalistic claptrap,” Toby enquired.

“No Dad, it's 100 per cent true. I've got my football agent putting feelers as we speak.” Ted replied.

“But why? You've got a successful soccer school business with Benji, it's a real cut throat business being a manager son. You've got to constantly deliver results or otherwise you'll be out on your proverbial ear.”

Ted sighed, looked Toby in the eye, and explained: “Yeah Dad I get where you are coming from. But this is a dream, I would have probably tried to do it later in life but when my playing career ended when it did: well it's just kinda accelerated that dream to happen.”

“You're only 23 son.” Toby said. “If you get somewhere, and naturally as your old man I hope you do, you're possibly going to be younger than some of the players you're managing. Sure that doesn't bother you?”

“No, not at all Dad.” Ted responded affirmatively. “I'm strong enough mentally to deal with anyone. It's what you taught me.”

“So it is, but please remember that you don't ever forget where you come from. Your stock, your surroundings, your life here.”

“Never Dad, I'll always rely on you and Ma (Poppy) to get through the dark days. I'm determined to succeed.”

“That's my boy.”

Hours later, Emily had called Ted and given him a few possible choices where vacancies had arisen. These ranged from Armagh City in his native Northern Ireland to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. There were also openings in various locations in the English league structure to one in the French second tier at Valenciennes; Emily was tasked to send Ted's CV to them all and Ted would then wait by his phone to see if anything would come from them, Whilst he waited for replies to those applications, Ted undertook a whistle stop tour of sorts visiting each of them under the guise of an older brother looking for an opening for his sibling on youth terms. The reality was that he was actually checking each club to see if they met his hidden criteria should they come back with a managerial proposal.

Eventually, the fourth estate got wind of what Ted was doing and one of those pesky reporters came up to him in Belfast International Airport. 

“Ted, it's the Belfast Telegraph here. Are you looking to manage abroad?” was the pertinent question.

“No comment. None of your bloody business.”  Ted tersely snapped back in reply, and stormed off into the private departure lounge with a face like hell had just frozen over.

Who, if anyone, would come back to Ted with an offer that he couldn't turn down. He just sat there, AirPods in ears, waiting for the phone to ring. Surely someone would want to give him that first managerial opening? Question was, who would that be? 

Next Episode: A man in demand

Episode 6: A man in demand

The days passed like a toothache, long and painfully slow, as Ted awaited a reply from those clubs that Emily had contacted on his behalf. Still, it gave him time to keep the soccer school running smoothly as well as plenty of quality time with Sinead and wee Rocky. As he sat on his phone ringing, Ted started to think that maybe Emily had been right all along: he lacked that “E” word.

Experience.

He was just shy of his 23rd birthday, all his life mapped out in front of him. This could be a very long waiting game, then suddenly the strains of the Star Wars Imperial Death March sounded. Incoming call…

“Ted, it's Neil Warnock here at Torquay United. Wondered if you were able to come and see us on Wednesday morning at 10:00am here at Plainmoor.”

“Er, of course Neil. I'll get a flight booked.”

“No need, we'll sort that. You'll get something in the hour. See you Wednesday morning.”

That might be the break Ted thought, but as soon as Neil Warnock had ended his call then another one came through. Hotline, Ted chuckled to himself. 

“Hello?”

“Hi Ted, Stewart Donald here, I'm the chairman and owner of Eastleigh FC. Was just calling to see if you were still available?”

“Er yes, I am.”

“Could you come down to the Silverlake Stadium on Wednesday. Say around 3:00pm?”

“Sure, I'm on holiday in Torquay but I could come over. Don't know where Eastleigh is though.”

“Not to worry, I'll get someone to pick you at Torquay railway station at 11:30am and they'll bring you here. See you then.”

“Yeah OK, thank you. Looking forward to meeting you.”

Just like buses, Ted was now preparing himself for a couple of conversations that he hoped one would be fruitful. He explained to Sinead the current state of play and that he would be away from home for a day or two. Sinead looked at Ted, gave him a hug and whispered in his ear: “You got this babe." It was sweet verbal music to Ted, and he was about to call Emily when yet another call came through: a third in the space of ten manic minutes.

“Ted, Benjamin (Ben) Boycott here at Walsall. I'm sitting here with your resumé in hand. Just wondered what you're doing on Thursday at 11:00am?”

“Umm, nothing Benjamin.” Ted stuttered in reply.

“Good, if you can get to Birmingham New Street for that time. I'll meet you there and we can have a chat in the nearby Premier Inn. I've got one of their conference rooms booked so it'll be superb if you can attend.”

“Sure. I'll see you then.”

“Bye.”

After thinking the worst, things were definitely on the rise. Ted was about to start some research when the mobile went off again, a fourth inbound call. Who was this time?

“Hello, is that Ted Dog?”

“It is, and can I please ask who is calling?”

“Ted, oh I'm so pleased to get in touch. My name is Tommy Gibson and I'm the Director of Football at St Mirren.”

“Pleased to hear from you, Tommy. How can I help?”

“Just wondered if you were able to travel up to Paisley on Saturday. We have a Premier Sports Cup game at home to Queens Park at the SMISA and it would give us enormous benefit to have a chat with you and you can also watch the team in action as well. We're genuinely interested.”

“Absolutely, that would be good Tommy. I'll get to the SMISA for say, 12:30pm and ask for you?”

“That'll be just great. Hopefully you will like what we are going to put forward and we will like you in return.”

“Sounds good.”

Four phone calls in, and four potential offers coming through. Time to do some research.. As Ted trawled the internet, Emily called.

“Ted, Emily here. Just letting you know I'm still trying to get something for you.”

“Emily, actually you're a wee bit late to the party.” Ted laughed heartly. “I've had four approaches this fine day."

“Really? Go on.”

“I'm meeting Torquay United and Eastleigh on Wednesday, not at the same time obviously. Walsall on the Thursday and St Mirren on the Saturday."

“Wow, that's brilliant Ted. Just do your background checks on all, shows you're keen. And good luck.”

“Thanks.”

So with that in mind, Ted started his prep. It was certainly going to be a hectic few days, but ideally a productive one in the final analysis.

Next Episode: A wild Wednesday

Episode 7: A wild Wednesday

So things had started to look up for Ted, four “interviews” for a potential rookie managerial post. Each of the four were in different positions and possibly with different demands to be met. Of the four, the one at St Mirren sounded an exciting proposition but surely they would be wanting someone with some serious managerial experience and not an unproven 23 year old lad from Northern Ireland.

Therefore it came to be on Tuesday teatime when Ted bade farewell for a few days to Sinead and Rocco, bound for a flight to Bristol from City Airport. He would stay overnight in the Avon city and then catch a train the following morning to Torquay where Neil Warnock would meet him and whisk him away to Plainmoor for a discussion over the position which had become vacant. Warnock had been looking after footballing operations for the Gulls in the interim as he had a farmhouse in the area, but didn't want to take it on permanently. With joint chairmen Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh both out of the country, it was down to Warnock to find a permanent successor for the Devon-based National League South side.

As the Virgin Cross-Country train pulled into Platform 1 of Torquay railway station, Ted felt butterflies rise up in his stomach as the nerves started to kick in. He peered out of the window, and saw the unmistakable appearance of Warnock, hands in pockets, standing on the platform. The train drew to a halt, brakes screeching in the mild Torquayian air, and Ted pressed the button to open the carriage doors to alight with his case in his left hand. He stepped down on the platform, Warnock walked down to welcome him.

“Ted?” Warnock queried.

“Mr Warnock, yes that's me.” Ted responded, a tinge of nervousness in his tone.

“Stop being so bloody formal Ted, it's Neil.” 

“Sorry Neil, I was just trying to create a good starting impression.”

“It's okay son, I would have done the same. Anyway let's get to Plainmoor and talk shop. And no, Helen Chamberlain isn't in town…”

Ted laughed, Warnock laughed. So despite being the ogre type character that football portrayed him to be, Neil Warnock appeared to be a genuinely nice guy at all. They drove to Plainmoor and talked for a good hour. The outcome appeared to be positive, both parties smiled but Ted explained he couldn't make an immediate decision which Warnock understood.

Ground: Plainmoor (Capacity 6200)

Division: National League South

Expectation: Reach play-offs

Offer: £675 per week on a 2 year contract

Transfer Budget: £0

Previous incumbent: Paul Wotton

Warnock drove Ted back to the station, wished him the best and the two parted on good terms. “He's not a bad egg that Colin bloke.” Ted mumbled to himself as the former Sheffield United manager drove away but it was out of one car and into another as the driver sent by Stewart Donald to take him to Eastleigh turned up a few minutes. Ted got inside the black BMW and within minutes was swapping the seaside resort of Torquay and one potential offer for the Hampshire town of Eastleigh on the South Coast. At approximately 3:15pm, the car pulled into the main car park at the Silverlake Stadium where Stewart Donald was standing there waiting. Ted alighted the car, took his overnight case from the BMW's boot and walked towards Donald. 

“Afternoon Ted, I'm Stewart Donald. Sorry I have broken your holiday up a bit but this was really the only time I could fit it in. Welcome to Eastleigh.” Donald stated, as the two exchanged a warm handshake.

“It's fine Stewart, I suppose we all have to make sacrifices here and there." Ted responded, kindly.

“Absolutely Ted, you're so right. In this industry, it's never more truer words than that. Let's go into the boardroom and talk things over.”

“Sure.”

The two headed into the annals of the Silverlake Stadium where Donald had laid on tea and cakes in the boardroom to make it feel less than formal and ease Ted's anxiety. Like the Warnock discussion earlier that day, the two talked for a good hour where the former Sunderland AFC owner presented Ted with his offer, and it was considerably better than Warnock's which was understandable considering the step up in level. Donald presented the following:

Ground: Silverlake Stadium (Capacity 5000)

Division: National League

Expectation: Avoid the drop

Offer; £1.4K a week on a 2 year contract

Transfer Budget: £40K

Previous Incumbent: Scott Bartlett

The offer was more appealing than Warnock's for sure. Better wages, and with a bit of transfer funds chucked in for good measure. Eastleigh weren't one of the bigger names in the fifth tier, hence that's why Donald was wanting his potential new manager to keep the side in the division. As nice as Warnock had been, Torquay had to be out of the running. Could either Walsall or even St Mirren top Donald's offer? Guaranteed they might have better resources but would they want to take on a relatively newcomer to the managerial world? Ted thanked Stewart Donald for his time, and was driven back to the local railway station where he would catch a service to London Paddington. From there he would circumvent the Underground to London Waterloo and catch one more train; this time bound for Bristol Temple Meads and his hotel nearby. 

A good night's sleep was in order, tomorrow he would be bound for the Black Country and the third of four managerial consultations. A quick FaceTime call to Sinead and Rocco to check on their own wellbeing cleared his head, football was indeed not a calling for the faint hearted for sure. In fact, Ted was sure it wasn't this bad in his playing career at the Villa.

Next Episode: Saddling up?

Well consider me hooked man!!

Episode 8: Saddling Up?

After demolishing an all you can eat breakfast in his hotel, Ted checked out of the Premier Inn and made his way back to Bristol Temple Meads for a journey to the Second City where he would meet up with Walsall co-chairman Benjamin Boycott over the vacant position there. Regardless, he would also be calling Neil Warnock to advise that he would be declining the offer from the Gulls as good as Warnock had sold him it.

The train pulled into New street station with that fine rain coming down, that kind of rain that isn't a downpour but is incessant enough to probably give you an absolute soaking. Ted disembarked the carriage, and slowly made his way onto the upper level behind lots of frustrated commuters frustratingly chuntering away on their mobiles about delays here and there. He passed through the ticket checking barrier and stood there in the concourse, looking around like a bewildered tourist. There was no sign of Benjamin Boycott anywhere. Ted looked his smart watch, he was on time but the Saddlers co-chairman was being a bit tardy. Five minutes later, Ted felt a tap on his left shoulder and looked at the face of a clearly out of breath gentleman standing five metres in front of him. 

“Ted, I'm so sorry for my lateness.” said the voice in a distinct Canadian drawl. “It's not me, I'm usually early.”

“It's OK. You're Mr Benjamin Boycott I assume?” Ted responded in kind.

“Yes that's me, I am he. Call me Ben, please. Only my mother calls me Benjamin, it's way too formal for my liking.”

“Yeah sure Ben, I know that feeling: my mother calls me Theodore but I've usually done something wrong when she says it like that.”

The two gentlemen laughed in unison, and walked off in the direction of the close proximity of the Premier Inn where they would sit and talk for an hour and the Saddlers co-chairman made his pitch to the young Northern Irishman. In that conversation, Ted admitted to Boycott that he had met with Torquay and Eastleigh 24 hours previously but hadn't made his mind up and the upcoming trip to Paisley. The Canadian liked Ted's honesty in this admission, definitely a score of brownie points. Boycott's pitch was as follows:

Stadium: Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium (Capacity 11300)

Division: EFL League Two

Expectation: Respectable top half finish

Offer; £2.5K a week on a 2 year contract

Transfer Budget: £100K

Previous Incumbent: Mat Sadler

With that offer now on the table, the Black Country outfit had moved into pole position. Ted respectfully called Neil Warnock and politely declined the Yorkshireman's offer for the Gulls position. The wizened veteran didn't shout and bawl, which Ted thought he would, as he said he would do the same in Ted's position. The meeting with Walsall had been productive, and Ted made his towards the Leonardo Hotel which would be his base for the next two nights before the short flight from Birmingham to Glasgow on Saturday morning.

Like he had done before, Ted did his research. St Mirren had a tremendous 2024-25 season where they broke into the top six ahead of the more established Heart of Midlothian and famously had wins over Rangers home and away. They had started the new season well too with a win in their opening Premier Sports Cup group stage fixture. The squad looked decent as well.

But would they be a good fit for Ted? That was the question Ted needed answering his in his head.

Next Episode: Best Buddies

Episode 9: Best Buddies

Having turned down Neil Warnock and Torquay United, Ted was closing in a new chapter in his footballing life. After the career ending injury, many would just given up on everything but not the boy from Holywood. He was determined to prove to every man, woman and their proverbial dog that there was more to Holywood than Rory McIlroy who was showing what he was capable of in the world of golf after completing the golf career Grand Slam earlier in 2025 with his win in the US Masters tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

Ted was his own man, and he wanted the world to know it.

After a couple of days in Birmingham, Ted arrived at Birmingham International Airport for a short flight to Glasgow International. It was only an hour, so it felt like you were up one minute and down in the blink of an eye. No time for an in-flight meal, just a power nap to focus oneself ahead of meeting up with Tommy Gibson. Knowing that Ted knew very little about Glasgow, Gibson had arranged for the young Northern Irishman to be collected from the airport and brought to the SMISA Stadium in Paisley where they would watch the Premier Sports game against Queens Park together before sitting down to discuss the managerial vacancy there. 

Ted familiarised himself again with “The Buddies” results so far in their pre-season, each one of them said the same thing…WIN! Three away matches against Loughgall, Cove Rangers and Buckie Thistle with eight goals scored and just two conceded. Former Sunderland man Mikaёl Mandron had been the danger man with six of those said eight. That set them up for their first Premier Sports Cup Group game in Dumfries, live on the sponsors TV channel of the same name. They won that one too, 3-1, thanks to a brace from Jonah Ayunga and the other from Northern Ireland internationalist Conor McMenamin. Now Ted was going to see them live in the flesh against a Queens Park side that were no strangers to causing surprise results, they had won 1-0 at Ibrox last season in the Scottish Cup, a result that caused the Gers to dispense with the services of Philippe Clement not long afterwards.

With Ted watching in the directors box, sat alongside Gibson, Saints made it five from five with a 2-0 win. Both the goals came in the second half, Jahmalo Calvin and that man Mandron again on target against a Spiders side that had Michael Collie dismissed just before the hour. Ted was impressed, the team seemed to have a great team work ethic which resonated with how Ted felt how the beautiful game should be played. They looked the perfect fit to be honest, but would Gibson's pitch match it? The Buddies director outlined this:

Stadium: SMISA Stadium (Capacity 8000)

Division: Scottish Premiership

Expectation: Top half finish

Offer: £2.2K a week on a 2 year contract

Transfer Budget: £100K

Previous Incumbent: Stephen Robinson

Whilst the wage was slightly less than what Walsall were offering, Ted felt attracted to The Buddies. Paisley was closer to Northern Ireland and the family, and there was the incentive of pitting one's wits against the Glasgow “Big Two” (Celtic and Rangers). With a bit of luck the squad could challenge for European qualification which also would not be achievable with Walsall in their current situation and not for a number of seasons at least. St Mirren wanted Ted, and didn't care for his age and lack of managerial experience. They saw potential in him, someone who they saw as a project and could grow with. 

“So you have heard what we can offer and want Ted, what do you think?”

“I like it. Like it a lot.” Ted replied with an air of confidence.

“Well the job's yours if you want to take it. Your call.”

“I accept. You have a deal Tommy.”

And the two men shook hands, Ted Dog was to become St Mirren's new manager. He would meet the players on the Monday following a short trip back across the water to see everyone. Ted called Benjamin Boycott and Stewart Donald whilst sitting in the airport lounge, informing each of what he had decided to do. Both men wished him the best, no bad feelings. 

Now the realisation was about to hit home. Ted Dog, football manager - it had a nice feel to it. Time to show the footballing world this was one former footballer not destined to be a managerial flop. St Mirren had a manager that had ambitions of being a success, would everyone buy in though?

Next Episode: The hard work begins now..

Episode 10: The hard work begins now..

Saturday 19 July 2025 marked a momentous day in Ted Dog's football lifestyle. It was the day, he became a football manager for the first time, the start of a new career. Ted knew he had to deliver results, consistently to prove to people like Tommy Gibson that their belief in hom was wholly justified.

The fact he was in a division that was the elite in that country, made it even more difficult. Fail to meet Gibson's demands in this initial two-year contract, could result in a return back to Holywood and prove oneselves all over again. Do well, and one's stock would rise. The division contained the big two from Glasgow, Celtic and Rangers, as well as the Edinburgh duo of Hearts and Hibs as well as the unpredictable ones of Motherwell and Aberdeen. So finishing in the top six would be a tough ask by anyone's chalk. But Ted had a steely determination, hardened from the tough streets of Belfast where nothing was given and had to be earned.  His first two games would be the remaining Group G games in the Premier Sports Cup. Saints had got one foot in the Second Round thanks to wins against Queen of the South and Queens Park, they just had to finish the job.

The first of those games would come just a few days after accepting the role, so much for easing yourself in. It would be a trip to Cumbernauld to take on Hamilton Academical, a team that used to get unexpected publicity from the late Jimmy Greaves back in the day when the former Tottenham Hotspur and England striker was “On the Ball” with his sidekick Ian St John. Saturday would be Ted's first home game where Clyde would be the visitors.

After a short hop back to NI, Ted took his first ever training session on Monday. It was time to put into practice what Ted had learned at those coaching academies and what he had seen first hand from Unai Emery at Bodymoor Heath.

Next Episode: Goals, goals and yet more goals

Episode 11: Goals, goals and yet more goals

Ted clambered out of a Black BMW on a sunny Monday morning to meet his backroom and the players for the first time ever as the new manager of St Mirren Football Club. At 23, he was younger than his Club Captain Mark O'Hara which concerned Ted in his own mind, but O'Hara assured him it made no different whatsoever.

Assistant Manager Jock Jackson was the first person to actually make the acquaintance of  Ted, introducing him to the rest of the back room as well as O'Hara and vice captain Marcus Fraser. Ted didn't want to make any wholesale changes immediately, he wanted to give everyone a fair crack of the proverbial whip and that included the back room staff in the same equation. That first session gave Ted a good idea of what he had to deal with, however his first team choice would be purely based on what he had seen on the training pitch. The tactic would be a bog standard 4-4-2 for this and Saturday's match against Clyde but Ted was thinking that either 4-2-3-1 or a 4-1-3-1-1 might be his preferred formation going forwards. It would basically be a case of finding the right pegs to fit the right roles to be fair to Ted.

So Tuesday evening came around quickly, and The Buddies made the 26 mile journey north west to Cumbernauld to take on the Accies. Could they start the new regime with a win; which would literally secure them a place in the Second Round stage of the Premier Sports Cup? Ted was to find out….

Hamilton Academical 0 - 6  St Mirren

Tuesday 22 July 2026

Attendance: 1239

Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld

Ted went with the following line-up his first game as a football manager: George - Richardson, Fraser, Gogić, John - Dijksteel, O'Hara ©, Baccus, Idowu - McMenamin, Ayunga. The substitutes were: King, Mullen (GK), Phillips, Etete, Donnelly, Tanser, Mandron, Devaney, Campbell.

Hamilton kicked off on a pleasant evening, and much to Ted's surprise: the score was goalless at the half time whistle despite the Buddies having clear control over their hosts. Ted made a switch at the break, taking off Dutch winger Malik Dijksteel and bringing on Mikaёl Mandron with Conor McMenamin moving wide as the former Sunderland replacement partnered Jonah Ayunga up front. Just before the hour, Ted made two more changes, one of which was Kian Etete on his Buddies debut. Would the newcomer have an impact if introduced from the bench?

After 58 minutes with the scoreline still showing 0-0, Ted made a double change to try and break down the stubborn Accies. Off went Roland Idowu and Ayunga, on came Scott Tanser and for his debut: Etete. Within three minutes we had a goal, and Ted was running down the line in visions of José Mourinho as Mandron set up Etete to score a debut goal. Two more changes: in the 67th minute Liam Donnelly replaced Keanu Baccus and Jamaican centre half Richard King came on for Jayden Richardson in the 74th but Accies were still in this despite having their goal pummelled like a firing squad. King had only been on the pitch a matter of seconds when McMenamin forced home teenage centre back Lennon Lyons to divert a cross into his own net on the youngster's own debut. and 1-0 now became 2-0 to the Buddies.

That was the scene for the deluge that followed as the floodgates really opened for Ted and his team. Three minutes as a substitute and King thumped in a header past Josh Lane after a wicked delivery from skipper O'Hara. Mandron then scored in the 83rd and 84th minute to make it 5-0 before setting up Etete for his second of the evening three minutes from the end and complete the rout. The former Sunderland man had certainly made a mark in just 45 minutes, two goals and two assists so much he was deservedly named the Premier Sports Man of the Match. Ted walked down the tunnel, smiling away, it's easy this managerial lark eh; he chuckled to himself. 

Next Episode: Ex-England international arrives in Paisley

Love it mate. Keep it up.

Episode 12: Ex-England International arrives in Paisley

Ted was a very happy man indeed, as his first ever competitive match as a football manager had ended in a win: a resounding one in the end. Granted it took the Buddies 61 minutes to open the scoring, but once the floodgates did open - they opened with absolute freedom. Six nice goals scored and it could have been much more convincing if they had converted more of the 32 shots they had on the Accies goal. It could have been double figures easily Ted told the players in that away team dressing room post-game, although it would have been something else to top the 15-0 club record victory against Glasgow University in January 1960.

Job done though. Back on the training ground in the morning.

So that following morning saw the bright sunshine beam over the Ralston Training Complex where the team would prepare for Saturday's match at home to Clyde. Before the players arrived, Ted sat down with his number two, Jock Jackson and together they looked at August's fixture list. It read as follows:

Sunday 3 August 2025 - Celtic (Away)

Saturday 8 August 2025 - Motherwell (Home)

Saturday 23 August 2025 - Rangers (Home)

Saturday 30 August 2025 - Hibernian (Away)

Not the easiest start to life in the league for Ted, an away trip to the current Champions of Scotland: Celtic. The Bhoys were looking for their fifth Premier Division crown in a row, but the Buddies have had a few decent results in recent times against them so who knows? The middle Saturday of the month had been scheduled for the Second Round of the Premier Sports Cup of which the draw would be made after the final stages of the grouping, but following that was another huge match as the other half the “Glasgow Big Two” arrive at the SMISA and live on Sky Sports as well. Ted looked it and gulped:

“That's not easy Jock. How many points you think we will get from those four eh?” Ted enquired.

“Absolutely bang on with that assessment Ted, no easy.  I think we can get something against the ‘Well and mebbes sneak a point in Leith. But to have both Celtic and Rangers in the first three matches, that’s tough. Real tough.” Jock responded, a sigh in his tone.

“Hopefully the lads won't need motivation for those games.”

“nope, wouldn't need it maself Ted. Would love to feature in one of those games.”

“Aye me too Jock, me too. Anyway let's get set 'em up for training. The Lads will be due in half an hour or so.”

Ted and Jock had just briefly exited the manager's office at Ralston, when Tommy Gibson halted their progress. There was a familiar face at his side, a face that Ted was trying to picture:

“Guys, this is Nicky. He's our new Head of Youth Development.” Tommy stated.

“Nice to meet you.” Ted and Jock responded in unison.

Then the name appeared in Ted's head. the new Head of Youth Development was one of the “Class of '92”:. Nicky, as in Nicky Butt! The ginger hair faded but it was Nicky Butt alright, a player almost 400 games in the red of Manchester United and 39 times capped by the Three Lions. A player of pedigree.

“We felt you kind of needed some international experience in the background Ted, so Nicky was the perfect candidate.” Tommy announced to the pair.

“Er, yeah.” Ted replied, nervously.

“Anyway you can get out on the training pitch Ted with Jock. Was just hoping we'd catch you first. I'll continue showing Nicky around.”

“See you around.” Nicky smiled, and waved at Ted and Jock as they walked through a set of double doors to the 4G training pitch.

Nicky Butt, just wow! Ted just felt star struck, well it's not every day you meet a six-time Premier League and UEFA Champions League winner is it? What is gonna happen next? Life is full of surprises for sure.

Next Episode: Clean sheet number two and more

Episode 13: Clean sheet number two and more

Ted hadn't seen the arrival of Nicky Butt on the scene coming, it really surprise him as much it did everybody else in Paisley. Well, everyone but Tommy Gibson who had orchestrated it behind the scenes. When Ted informed the players at training, it seemed to give everyone on that training an extra spring in their proverbial step. Butt watched from a distance, it was his remit to find and develop St Mirren's own version of the “Class of 92” not to interfere with the first team: that was Ted's role. However it was an intriguing decision all the same.

Ted felt the Club needed a bit more depth, up front and in central defence but it was the age old problem of trying to find players to take that step in their careers and play in the SPL. St Mirren, despite last season's  sixth placed finish didn't have the “pull” that Celtic and Rangers  had and certainly not the finances of those two either. In fact, the Club's record transfer fee paid out was a mere £400K for Thomas Stickroth, and that was 36 years ago. Ted would have to find bargain basement signings, freebies and make use of the loan system if he was to achieve and maybe exceed Tommy Gibson's expectations. The striking options were definitely a priority as only one player last season managed double figures in terms of goals and that player had departed for pastures anew before Ted's arrival. 

Even in his short tenure, Ted had identified a couple of players that might help. Both were free agents and their wage demands weren't too excessive either which made it financially viable for the Club but since Brexit then even EU players had to gain work permits to ply their trade. Whether either signed would be down to the Department of Employment and their criteria.

As the players left training, Ted beckoned Jock over who was picking up the cones.

“Jock, I'm gonna make changes for Saturday's match mate.”

“Really, after a 6-0 win?” Jock replied, with a hint of surprise in his tone.

“Yeah, I want to see some of the others in action. See if any cause me a reason to pick them over whose I think are shoe-ins.”

“Like your thinking Ted.  How many changes you thinking of?”

“Dunno. Maybe three or four. Could be wholesale. Whoever I pick, I'm sure they'll be keen to impress.”

“Absolutely.”

Saturday came, and it was game day.

St Mirren 2 - 0 Clyde

Saturday 26 July 2025

Attendance: 4717

SMISA Stadium, Paisley

When Ted said he was planning changes for the Premier Sports Cup game against Clyde, he meant changes. In fact, he made a total of seven changes from the side that scored six second half goals at Broadwood on Tuesday. Only Jayden Richardson, Keanu Baccus, Conor McMenamin and Roland Idowu retained their spots with club captain Mark O'Hara and his deputy Marcus Fraser rested, experienced left-back Scott Tanser took the captain's armband. The starting line up to face the Bully Wee was as follows: Mullen - Richardson, King, Freckleton, Tanser © - McMenamin, Phillips, Baccus, Idowu - . Substitutes named were: Donnelly, Urminsky (GK), Dijksteel, Mandron, Devaney, Young, Nlundulu, Fraser, Campbell.

Predictably, the Buddies were in the ascendancy from the first whistle to last with Clyde thankful to goalkeeper Brian Kinnear for making a series of saves to prevent the home side running up yet another hatful of goals. The opener came after minutes when an attacking run from Richardson saw him pick out Idowu who drove a low effort across Kinnear and into the far corner. The win was secured nine minutes from time when some tricky wing play from substitute Dan Nlunduly place a cross onto the head of fellow substitute Mandron who headed in his fourth of the season past the exposed Kinnear.

As Ted and his players celebrated the win in the players lounge, the draw was being made live on the tournament sponsor's TV channel following the conclusion of the game Inverness Caley Thistle's match with Livingston which they had been screening. The draw pitted St Mirren against a fellow Premiership side in Dundee which wasn't what Ted or the home side wanted, as they were harbouring ambitions of a minimum quarter-final spot. That same draw saw holders Celtic given at home to Ayr United whilst there were three more all-Premiership ties as Hearts host near neighbours Livingston, Rangers face a difficult prospect at Fir Park; Motherwell; and Premiership newcomers Falkirk host Aberdeen. 

There was a bit more disappointment for Ted on the transfer front too. Work permits had been turned down for both the Spanish and German strikers he had hoped to sign either of, whilst English League One side Huddersfield Town had declined a season-long loan offer from the Buddies for their Serbian striker Bojan Radulovic. To compound matters, skipper O'Hara said he was going to consider his options at the end of the season when his contract expires leaving Ted feeling a bit deflated but this is the world of professional sports and football management in general. He knew now what he had gotten himself into it, it would be a ride with plenty of bumps for sure.

Next Episode: The season starts

Episode 14: The season starts

After the proverbial dust had settled on the 2-0 Premier Sports Cup match against Clyde, Ted started to formulate a plan for the opening game of the season which was eight days away. The Buddies had been given probably the toughest assignment possible, an away trip to Champions Celtic. The league flag would be hoisted and a virtual full house would be in attendance. The whole stadium would be in a celebratory mood, and naturally they would be expecting a home win to go along with it to crown the day. Ted had liked what he had seen with the 4-4-2 formation in the Hamilton and Clyde but was deliberating a tweak for the Celtic game. Do I flood the midfield and try to snaffle Celtic or do we match them a 4-2-3-1? Decisions, decisions for sure.

Another decision he had to make was about the club captaincy for the season ahead. This was a no brainer though, an easy decision to make. Ted thought the sensible choice was to keep Mark O'Hara and Marcus Fraser in their roles as captain and vice=captain respectively. It would keep the harmony. O'Hara was also though, one of those players who was out of contract at the end of the season and had apparently not decided whether or not to agree a new deal. Ted thought it this way, maybe if we are in a good place in December then we might be able to talk him into extending his stay in Paisley. The same would apply to others, it would be foolish to discuss now so early into Ted's tenure.

As for new faces, Ted was still a downbeat that the work permits for the Spanish and German strikers had been rebuffed as had the loan move for Bojan Radulovic of Huddersfield Town. Surely the SPL was a better standard than League One? Well, Ted thought so. Anyway undeterred, Ted decided to make another enquiry and an audacious one at that. bringing in Jayden Danns from Liverpool on a season long loan? He spoke with the player on the Sunday, and much to Ted's delight - Danns gave Ted the green light. He would be really open to the move. Could Ted pull it off though?

Danns travelled up to Paisley on Wednesday morning, a good sign? Whilst the team were training, Gerry Docherty was completing a medical with him. Ted awaited the result, and like any decent manager: was pacing up and down as if he was determined.  As the squad finished training, and headed into the warm climes of the training ground's canteen for some lunch, Ted was called into Gerry's room with no sign of Danns.

“Gerry, where is he?” Ted enquired.

“Ah, he's away back down Merseyside Ted.” Gerry replied, with a sigh.

“What? We not good enough for him or something?”

“No, it's not that Ted. He was excited to come here, but he's failed his medical so it makes sense to call the deal off.”

“Baws, but fair. I'm going to keep a close eye on him though, he's a star in the making if he can get over these medical problems.”

“Agreed, he would have lit up the SPL I'm sure.”

Another blank in the transfer market, but Jock had hinted we might also need an extra body or two in defence. He had a player in mind, and one that had played in the SPL before which piqued Ted's interest further. Useful. Player was also without a club. Ticks another box." So Ted picked up the phone and got in touch with his prospective first signing. They talked for ten minutes, and Ted came off it smiling. Personal terms agreed. Medical booked for Sunday lunchtime before the team set off for Parkhead. Hopefully this time, Ted said to himself with his eyes skyward. 

The season started on the Saturday, and Ted decided to spend it watching Soccer Saturday instead of actually to going one of the two games that were being played. Kilmarnock were entertaining Livingston, whilst Motherwell hosted Rangers at Fir Park. At Rugby Park, the home side were 2-0 down in the first six minutes but would come off with a point thanks to a couple of very, very late goals from Marley Watkins two minutes from time and then scoring a penalty in the third minute of additional time through Aaron Tshibola. Rangers had no problens though in their supposed difficult opener against the ‘Well, scoring four times in the first 34 minutes! James Tavernier started the scoring with a 12th minute spot kick which brought a rueful smile from Ted before a Nedim Bajrami with two and Youssef Chermiti scored in a five minute spell that ended the contest as a match. Bajrami completed a hat-trick in the 63rd minute before Tavernier scored their sixth two minutes from the end. Luca Ross scored the only goal for the 'Well.

Standards already set. Ted though was still mulling over that formation decision. What would be best? Last thing Ted wanted was an opening match humilation, in fact a draw would be just as good as an away win, he thought. But it wouldn't be easy, especially at the home of the current title holders.

Next Episode: Squad Numbers

Episode 15: Squad Numbers

As Ted relaxed in the hotel, he suddenly got a call from Jock. Surely not a last minute injury or two which would cause a rethink of plans?

“Ted, forgot to mention. We need to fax over our squad number list to the SPL. Meant to do it Friday lunchtime and now they're badgering me for it.” Jock stated.

“You know who wears what Jock, go with that.” Ted replied.

“OK, what about the prospective new lad though?”

“We'll assign him his if he signs, don't worry about that.”

“Right oh, am on it. See you tomorrow.”

“No problem.”

One less task to do, but it would be a task Ted would have to do himself some time anyway. Jock sent the list, and forwarded Ted the list for reference as he would need it for when it came to filling in tomorrow's team sheet. It read as follows:

St Mirren Squad Numbers for Season 2025-26

GOALKEEPERS

1 - Shamal GEORGE (on loan from Wycombe Wanderers)

27 - Peter URMINSKY

31 - Ryan MULLEN

DEFENDERS

2 - Jayden RICHARDSON

3 - Scott TANSER

5 - Richard KING

13 - Alex GOGIĆ

21 - Miguel FRECKELTON

22 - Marcus FRASER

24 - Declan JOHN

MIDFIELDERS

4 - Liam DONNELLY

6 - Mark O'HARA

8 - Jacob DEVANEY (on loan from Manchester United)

16 - Allan CAMPBELL

20 - Jake YOUNG

25 - Keanu BACCUS

88 - Killian PHILLIPS

STRIKERS (INCLUDING WINGERS)

7 - Roland IDOWU

9 - Mikaёl MANDRON

10 - Conor McMENAMIN

11 - Jonah AYUNGA

14 - Dan NLUNDULU

17 - Jaimaro CALVIN

18 - Malik DIJKSTEEL

29 - Kion ETETE (on loan from Cardiff City)

Next Episode: First Signing

Episode 16: First Signing

Buddies complete Efete signing

Saints News / 3 August 2025

St Mirren have this afternoon completed the free transfer signing of defender Michee Efete.

The 28 year old defender, who can play either as a right back or right wing-back becomes the first signing for the Buddies since Ted Dog was appointed manager on 21 July, and has penned a two year deal with the Club.

Buddies manager Ted Dog had this to say about his acquisition:

"I am very pleased to welcome Michee to St Mirren, and as my first signing. Michee is a versatile right sided defender who will provide us with some excellent cover for Jayden (Richardson) which I felt we lacked.

He has experience in playing in the Scottish Premier League which is also a bonus.

He wants to be here and that's always a massive plus when you sign a player. Whilst his signing has come through too late to feature today against Celtic, he will train with us on Tuesday, and I expect him to fit in with our plan."

The new signing echoed his new manager's sentiments:

"I am very pleased to sign today for St Mirren. As soon as the gaffer spoke to me, I knew straight away that I had to sign. He (Ted) is a manager with great potential and can only take this club to new heights.

I just cannot wait to get started."

The former Grimsby Town and Ross County has been handed the number 23 jersey for the season ahead..

Next Episode: Reality Check

Episode 17: Reality Check

Sunday morning came and for Ted, it was business as usual to start with. Wake up, shower and a spot of breakfast before going to Mass in the morning. It was a routine that Ted had, and had since his days back in Holywood. It would then be a case of meeting back up with everyone, backroom staff and players alike, to watch the Falkirk - Dundee United match before hopping on the coach and arrive at Celtic Park for a 4:30pm kick off.

The side had been picked in Ted's mind, he would announce the line up in the away dressing room so nobody knew who would be playing. Well, club captain Mark O'Hara was always going to be the first name on the team sheet unless he was injured or suspended. The formation also needed to be looked at, one that Ted hoped would subdue Celtic and give the Buddies the best chance of springing a shock result.

The lunchtime kick off from the Falkirk Stadium saw a turn up for the books as the Bairns marked their return to the top flight since 2010 with a win over the Terrors. And what a win it was as the Bairns thumped them 6-0 with Ben Broggio, on loan from Aston Villa, scoring twiice. It was a result that sent the Bairns to the top of the league standings unless other results would usurp them. As the St Mirren team bus turned off London Road and left into Kerrydale Street, Ted saw the throngs of Celtic supporters in party mood on Flag Day: a sight he had been part of numerous times growing up. There was simply thousands, all bedecked in green and white with green flares adding to the carnival atmosphere in Glasgow's East End.

Could Ted engineer something quite remarkable in his first ever League match??

Celtic 3 - 1 St Mirren

Sunday 3 August 2025

Attendance: 60363

Celtic Park, Glasgow

Ted decided to change from his successful attacking 4-4-2 formation which had produced eight goals and none conceded in the Premier Sports Cup, as he was looking to nullify the Champions on their big day. The Buddies would line up with a 4-4-1-1 formation when going forwards but that would revert to a 4-5-1 when in defensive mode. Ted was determined it was the only way he felt would contain the bigger sides but wasn't ultra defensive in parking the proverbial bus like some would do. His first line up was follows:

1 - George

       2 - Richardson           13 - Gogić               22 - Fraser              24 - John

10 -McMenamin           6 - O'Hara  ©               25 - Baccus               7 - Idowu

88 - Philips

9 - Mandron

Substitutes: 4 - Donnelly, 31 - Mullen (GK), 17 - Calvin, 11 - Ayunga, 3 - Tanser

8 - Devaney, 14 - Nlundulu, 5 - King, 29 - Etete

Any hope that Ted had of keeping the Champions quiet for the first 15 or 20 minutes was extinguished after 10 minutes when Celtic opened the scoring. It came just a couple of minutes after Jayden Richardson had headed an Auston Trusty effort off the line with Shamal George motionless.. Tenacious and experienced winger James Forrest created it when he had Declan John on proverbial toast and crossed for Benjamin Nygren to rise the highest and head into the top corner. Yet Ted felt heartened by the fact his side weren't overawed and were forcing numerous corners out of Celtic. One of those produced the equaliser in the second minute of first half added-on time which delighted Ted no end. Skipper Mark O'Hara whipped it in and although Kasper Schmeichel parried Mikaёl Mandron's header. Cameron Carter-Vickers' clearance went straight to Alex Gogić who poked home unmarked.

1-1 at the break, and maybe just maybe, Ted believed a surprise result was in the offing. Celtic brought on Kelechi Iheanacho for Sebastian Tounekti to give them more firepower, and push Daizen Maeda out wide left to test Richardson. It was a sign that Martin O'Neill was far from happy with his side's performance. However, the mercurial Northern Irishman was smiling again as the Bhoys scored twice in six minutes to complete a hard fought 3-1 win. With 20 minutes to go, Maeda played a one-two with Nygren before cutting inside Richardson and driving a low effort past George. 14 minutes remained when goal number three arrived for the Champions, Forrest with another accurate cross and Iheanacho spun Marcus Fraser before firing home an unstoppable effort from around the penalty spot. Game over..

Ted sympathised with the players post-game, they had done bloody well and had Celtic worried right up to those final 20 minutes. Positives drawn for sure. 

Elsewhere, Hibernian recorded a 1-0 win at Dens Park to see off Dundee in the Sunday 3:00pm kick off whilst their Edinburgh neighbours weren't in such a good mood in a Monday night game at Tynecastle. Visitors Aberdeen rode into town and left the capital city with three points as goals from Graeme Shinnie and former St Mirren striker Toyosi Olusanya secured the win. It was a result that had the home fanbase in anger but those Dons didn't care. With that, the league standings had the Buddies in ninth place after the opening game. Ted and St Mirren's next game was a home opener against Motherwell, and the rookie manager was hoping that the Steelmen would be equally as generous in conceding goals as they had been on Saturday against Rangers.

Well, one could hope and dream.

Next Episode: Preparation is vital

Note: Once the first month's fixtures are out of the way then I'm going to review the games monthly with some news “episodes” happening as they crop up in the gameplay.

Hope you're all enjoying this new look save, as much as I am enjoying putting it together.

Regards, 

Mark

Episode 18: Preparation Is Vital

After the opening day game at Parkhead had finished, Ted sat on his own in the corner of the away team dressing room. The players had left for the team coach, but Ted just wanted a few moments of self-contemplation before joining. He had now seen what the SPL was going to be like first hand, a tough assignment and if he was to achieve the club's ambition then he would have to take the rough with the smooth. He hauled himself up, started to walk towards the door but his path was being blocked by a man wearing a black Celtic tracksuit.

The figure in front of him was Celtic's Head Coach Martin O'Neill.

“Sit down Ted, can I have a few words with you before you leave tonight?” O'Neill asked.

“Er, of course Mr O'Neill.” Ted responded, with a tinge of surprise in his tone.

“Ted, call me Martin please. I just want you to know that I've been there as an unproven manager.”

Ted smiled back, and the two Northern Irishmen spent a good thirty minutes talking shop. Martin O'Neill knew what Ted was going through, the internal torture of a new and fresh manager making his way in the game after injury had curtailed his playing days. He had worked under Brian Clough, arguably the best ever English-born manager never to manage the national side, and Clough played the beautiful game as it should. That chat made Ted feel better, as a person and as a manager. Martin made some good points which Ted mentally noted, and it was good to hear from such a respected figure.

The next game was six days away, a first ever home league match. Motherwell were the opponents in waiting and they would be smarting after being hammered 6-1 on home turf by Rangers. They would want to put that behind them, and upset Ted's home league bow. It was up to Ted now to galvanise his squad and work out a plan that would give the Buddies the best home start possible. This was where good managers become great managers, and great managers become successful managers in terms of trophies won. If Martin O'Neill with his Cloughesque principles could be a success in football management circles despite having limited experience then Ted could do it too.

No pressure then.

Motherwell would need to be good to deny Ted that first league win, Ted was determined to start the home campaign with three points. But would he (Ted) achieve his objective? He would quickly find out…

Next Episode: Home Comforts

Episode 19: Home Comforts

It had been a fortnight since Ted had taken the St Mirren managerial vacancy, and left Northern Ireland for Paisley, Renfrewshire. He had been living out of a suitcase in a hotel, bills covered by the Club, whilst he (Ted) searched for a property that he could call home as home. That changed on the Monday as he received a call from a local-ish estate agent advising that a property had become available, and would Ted be interested in a viewing. Since the team weren't training as they had played just 24 hours previously at Parkhead, Ted gleefully said yes.

The property was on Kenley Road in Renfrew, a short drive away from Paisley. It was also just off King's Inch Road and the nearby Braehead Shopping Centre which was handy as there was a large Sainsbury's supermarket in close proximity. Ted didn't need the full hour to decide if he wanted to take the property, his mind was made up in just ten minutes. “When can I move in?” he asked the estate agent, who obviously thought the St Mirren chief was joking. This was far from a joke, Ted had found his ideal property, and he couldn't wait to get out of the Premier Inn and get the keys. 

The formalities were completed in double quick time, and by Thursday Sinead and baby Rocco had joined Ted in their new family home. It felt like a massive weight had been taken off Ted's shoulders with his little family next to him, and not having to make daily FaceTime calls to check all was good back home. He could now relax off the pitch. All this happened whilst preparing for a home league opener on the Saturday with Motherwell making the short journey to Paisley, a distance of 22 miles and one that took less than an hour to complete. As Ted arrived at the SMISA on matchday, he was greeted by Tommy Gibson whose face pictured sheer delight.

“Ted, just to let you know we've got a full house in the building this afternoon.” Gibson announced.

“Right.” Ted responded. “And?”

“As it's your first league match at home, they're ultra keen to see a winning start.”

“OK. No pressure on me and the Lads then?”

“Not really. Hope they've been training well.” Gibson chortled. 

“Dead on Tommy, I'll see you after the game.”

Talk about ramping up expectations. “I best get three points.” Ted said to himself as he made his way to the home dressing room where kit man Joe Hayes would be setting out the players equipment and Jock Jackson would be getting the magnetic tactics board ready. The players would be arriving in the next 15 minutes, Motherwell themselves shortly afterwards, Ted knew the importance of preparation, it was a key component to succeed as Unai Emery, especially, had drummed into everyone's heads. Emery was a serial winner, specifically in Europe, Ted would love to be successful as that.

St Mirren 2 - 1 Motherwell

Saturday 9 August 2025

Attendance: 8002

SMISA Stadium, Paisley

Following that opening day defeat at Celtic, Ted made just the single change to his starting line up. Killian Phillips was replaced by Dan Nlundulu and that also meant a tweak in formation too to accommodate the French-born former England Youth internationalist. The side had played 4-4-1-1 against the Champions and did all right but Ted felt that a standard 4-4-2 with wingers would be suitable for the Steelmen's visit; a philosophy that he thought might get a result against one of the sides who had equally mirrored visions of a top six finish.

1 - George

       2 - Richardson           13 - Gogić               22 - Fraser              24 - John

10 -McMenamin           6 - O'Hara  ©               25 - Baccus               7 - Idowu

14 - Nlundulu             9 - Mandron

Substitutes: 4 - Donnelly, 31 - Mullen (GK), 17 - Calvin, 11 - Ayunga, 3 - Tanser

8 - Devaney, 88- Phillips, 5 - King, 29 - Etete

If Ted hadn't realised that football was a game of fine margins, he knew it was after 15 minutes when the home side missed an absolute golden chance to take the lead. Nlundulu played a sweetly weighted pass that opened up the ‘Well defence and had Mikaёl Mandron one on one with Calum Ward, however somehow the Frenchman steered his shot wide of goal when it seemed odds-on to score. The Buddies were on top and had another good chance in the 41st minute when Jayden Richardson’s right wing cross was met by Mandron but this time, the effort sailed over the crossbar.

It was they say, Sod's Law, that Motherwell would take an unexpected lead and that they did a minute from half time. Former Ross County forward Regan Charles-Cook cut inside Richardson and slotted his effort home at Shamal George's near post. It was a goal reminiscent of what Daizen Maeda had scored just six days beforehand. Could the team pick themselves up and bounce back? Ted's half time talk was simple: keep doing the right things and good things will happen to you. Two minutes after half time, the reward came. A Colin McMenamin corner was flicked goalbound by Mandron and it was the skipper Mark O'Hara, leading by example, to arrive unmarked at the far post and head in the equaliser. All that set piece work in the week leading up to the game, it had worked a treat.

St Mirren continued to dominate, limiting Jens-Berthel Askou's Motherwell to absolute scraps. Ted keep encouraging his side that good things would still happen to them, and everyone was seemingly buying in. That included the substitutes Ted introduced from the bench. With three minutes left, Ted thought the team had gone ahead when another quality delivery from Richardson found substitute Phillips around the penalty spot and the Republic of Ireland internationalist sent a header arrowing towards the bottom corner until Ward somehow got to it and pushed it around the post. 

Six minutes of added-on time were displayed, who could find a last gasp winner? Well, in the fifth of those six, Ted and St Mirren were jumping with delightful glee as they scored the goal to give them a winning start of home. A fluid counter from inside their own half saw Mandron weight a pass into substitute Jonah Ayunga who diverted the ball first time into the on-rushing O'Hara, breaking from midfield, and sliding it past by the advancing Ward. The final whistle shrilled a short while later, and the SMISA celebrated jubilantly. First league win accomplished, time to try and build some momentum right?