On a quest to be the best. [FM15]

We have reached the penultimate month of the current campaign and I'm hoping my time at Manchester City is coming to an end and we've already won two domestic trophy and four overall to date and we're still going strong in the three other competitions - Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. April is a busy month as we've eight games to be played over three competitions.


It was a horrible start to the month as we suffered a three one defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur - our goal coming from right winger Pedro Rubio after five minutes.

The side bounced back with a well deserved 1-0 win over Everton at home but it should have been so much more, we battled away but needed to wait until the seventy second minute to break through when Richard Wansi scored.

Wow, in our next game we destroyed Spanish side Valencia seven goals to two in the Champions League quarter final first leg as both strikers Chris Lyne and Raffaele Ciriaco both hit doubles while Cristiano Castellani, Ronald Kuhne and Ray Hussey also scored against the Spaniards.

We eased into the final of the FA Cup after a 3-0 success over Norwich City as centre back Spencer Kelly broke the deadlock on twenty nine minutes, Chris Lyne doubled the advantage ten minutes later and then Lyne's second of the game and our third late in the afternoon sealed our place in the final.

The return leg in Valencia saw us lose one nil but our massive home success pretty much sealed our place in the semi final.

Four days later we welcomed my former employers Newcastle United to the Etihad Stadium and it was a seven goal thriller as we won 4-3 but it was frustrating because we had a four one lead. Chris Lyne scored twice while Phil Loftus bagged another goal in between Lyne's double, Raffaele Ciriaco added another goal four minutes into the second half.

A trip to Southampton was next just four days after the Newcastle game and once again we won four three as our four goals arrived in the second period on the south coast. Raffaele Ciriaco struck on forty eight minutes, Pedro Rubio scored twice and then Phil Loftus' goal on eighty six minutes turned out to be the winner.

The month concluded with an unaccepted five four defeat away to Middlesbrough as collapsed in the last ten minutes to lose the game. Goals from Cristiano Castellani and a hat trick from Chris Lyne had us in cruise control but Middlesbrough fought back and scored four goals iirc without reply to win the game.


Those two league defeats has seen the gap get cut down to seven points but we still have a game in hand and I'm still confident we can wrap up the league title as it's surely only a matter of time before it's signed, sealed and delivered. We have scored eighty five goals in our thirty four games and conceded forty three times.

And here we go! It is the final month of the league season and will this be my final month at Manchester City Football Club? Only time will tell I suppose as we approach May with seven games - four in the Premier League, two in the Champions League and a FA Cup final against fellow Premier League side Watford.


Our Champions League semi final first leg trip to Arsenal began the month and the pressure is now on us to advance after a well deserved three goals to nil defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

Three days later and the side welcomed Nottingham Forest and we sealed a 1-0 win in a game that saw us seal the league title but we had to leave it late as centre back Ray Hussey scored the only goal of the game in the final minute of normal time.


We then produced a dramatic comeback against Arsenal but unfortunately it wasn't enough as Arsenal advanced on away goals even though we won the second leg five two. Striking duo Raffaele Ciriaco and Chris Lyne both scored twice while left winger Cristiano Castellani added the fifth goal in stoppage time but it wasn't enough.

We returned to league action and secured a 2-0 win away to Queens Park Rangers thanks to two first half goals in the space of nine minutes. Raffaele Ciriaco broke the deadlock after twenty six minutes before Dragisa Kalcic added the second goal ten minutes before half time.

Unfortunately the side surrendered a three one lead away to Chelsea, losing four three. Goals from Chris Lyne, Lee Harris and Cristiano Castellani seemingly had us in control but then we had a man sent off and Chelsea scored three goals without reply at Lampard Park to win the game.

The league season concluded with a thumping 8-2 success over Sheffield United as we had scored FOUR goals without reply inside the opening ten minutes. Raffaele Ciriaco scored twice, Cristiano Castellani bagged four times including a first half hat trick, Dragisa Kalcic and Chris Lyne also scored in the thumping win.

Our final game of the competitive season was the FA Cup final against Watford who we beat four one to end my stint at the Etihad Stadium - Chris Lyne scored twice, Cristiano Castellani and Dragisa Kalcic also scored as we dominated the show piece.




This is how the season has finished and what a season it has been as we won every domestic trophy available although we did have 'easy' teams in the finals, Southampton (League Cup) and Watford (FA Cup), the only trophy we failed to retain or win was the Champions League but we sure gave Arsenal a scare in the second period.


And thus my spell at Manchester City has come to an end after just one season in Manchester but we dominated the season even though I almost got the chop at the end of January due to "broken promises" but I avoided the sack, fought on and managed to campaign and now I no longer need to return to England.

Hahaha surprised you didn't win the cl as well, must of forgot to save job before the Semi final second leg

Don't be bitter Dan just because I had a successful season at Manchester City but I'm glad the reign at the Etihad is over and now I can move onto what I hope will be a challenge.


Following a season to remember at Manchester City Football Club, it was time to move onto pastures new after turning down to manage French National side Amiens due to them being predicted to win the National title, the squad was pretty poor bar a few players players so I've decided to return home for what I hope is a challenge and a chance to chalk off Northern Ireland - two trophies only remain (would have been three but the Mid Ulster Cup is no longer playable for some reason) - Championship 2 and the Steel & Sons Cup.


When I was taking a look in the Job Centre for a new managerial vacancy not many took my fancy but I wanted a challenge and an immediate return to football management as soon as possible, I saw a vacancy at newly promoted Championship 2 side Albert Foundry but the pressure is on me from the get go.

The club need some quality added to the ranks and that shouldn't be a problem, or so I hope but the board are expecting a mid-table finish (eighth place finish) and I don't know whether that's achievable or not but it all depends on how we end up starting the league campaign, which starts with a trip to the "Floodgates" against Ards.

I have arrived in the lovely and great city of Belfast and taken over the reins at Albert Foundry who are competing in Championship Two for the first time in their history if I remember correctly, I'm hoping to be at Paisley Park for at least a few seasons as I'd love to 'conquer' Northern Ireland with them, well, with Bangor but it seems they'll never make a return. They are predicted to finish eighth so I don't have much pressure.


It has been a busy summer at Paisley Park as twelve players have arrived through the door (more than likely) shutter while ten players have departed the club and that's the 'curse' about non-contracted players.

Steven Herron and Stephen Carr have both joined the club from Sirocco Works while Andrew McCabe, who will be first choice striker, arrived from Kilmore Rec. Chris Murray (from Rathcoole), Aaron Bailie (Institute), John Bell (Armagh), Chris Kane (Distillery), Nathan Lafferty (Dollingstown), David Smyth (P.S.N.I), Gavin Lyons (Annagh), Keith Crawford (Killyleagh) and Alan McCullough (Moyola) have also joined the club.

Ten departed and I don't think they'll be that missed, the majority left before I arrived.


Only four pre season friendly fixtures were arranged before my arrival at Foundry and truth be told, I couldn't be bothered to organise anymore as I needed to put a staff team together and truth be told, that was actually pretty easy. We had a fifty percent winning record from the games as we beat Lurgan Town seven nil and Larne three two while we lost away to Rosario and no surprise away to Linfield.

Nicely wrapped up!

Cheers KEZ man, I'm pleased that I've been able to chalk England off and now I'm hoping I can have a few seasons at Foundry in which I hope to chalk Northern Ireland off.


It was time for the competitive season to begin following a mixed pre season campaign and my first ever competitive game in charge of Albert Foundry will be a tough trip to "The Floodgates" in which we'll face Ards before our first home fixture of the Championship Two campaign will be at home to Carrick Rangers.


Our league campaign did indeed kick off with the trip to Ards as we began with maximum points after a second half hat trick from striker Andrew McCabe helped us to a 4-2, winger Jamie McClelland scored the other goal of the game ten minutes before half time.

We then welcomed Carrick Rangers to Paisley Park and unfortunately we couldn't make it two wins from two league games as Rangers won three one as David Smyth scored our goal on the stroke of half time, sadly it was only a consolation goal.

It was then time for some Friday night cup action as we hosted Dromara in the second round of the Steel & Sons Cup and two first half goals ensured we eased to a two goals to nil victory courtesy of goals from Craig Moffett and Jamie McClelland.

Just three days later the side travelled to Championship One side Warrenpoint Town in the League Cup second round and despite playing reasonably well it was four first half goals from 'point that ended up costing us.

The opening month of the season ended with a 3-2 victory away to Ballyclare Comrades a late Aaron Bailie penalty ensured the win at Dixon Park - Craig Moffett and Andrew McCabe bagged the other goals in the second period.


It has been a mixed start to the league season but I'm pleased with how the campaign has started after the opening three games as we are lying in fourth place with two wins from our opening three games, if the season finished now then I'd be absolutely delighted but we've got to battle on and hopefully beat our media expectations of an eight place finish.

There isn't much to say yet as we've only played one month of competitive action but it's been a decent start to the campaign as we have picked up two wins from our opening three games, losing just the once and that was the home game vs. Carrick. We've three league games to play and a potentially two Steel and Sons cup ties.


I couldn't have asked for a more perfect start to the month as we trounced Malachians 4-0 at Paisley Park thanks to four different goalscorers. Jamie McClellland broke the deadlock after only three minutes, Aaron Bailie doubled the lead from the spot on twenty six minutes, Craig Moffett made it three seven minutes before half time and then Andrew McCabe completed the scoring on fifty three minutes.

We then edged a seven goal thriller against Moyola Park in the Steel & Sons Cup third round, winning four three as former P.S.N.I winger David Smyth scored twice, other goals from Jamie McClelland and Gary Watson set up a fourth round trip to Ardglass and that'll be a tough game, they dumped out Ards.

The side returned to league action and maintained our strong start to the league campaign, recording a three one win. Former Kilmore Rec striker Andrew McCabe scored twice after six and sixty nine minutes, Craig Moffett sealed the points with a third goal on seventy three minutes.

Just three days later the club came from behind to seal a 4-1 win over Harland & Wolff Welders at Tillysburn Park. Seamus Dickson got us level on thirty seven minutes before a second half hat trick from central midfielder Andrew Bailie, including two penalty kicks, sealed the massive away victory in east Belfast.

Unfortunately the month ended with a Steel and Sons Cup exit as Ardglass won three two - defenders Keith Hughes and Gary Watson scored our goals but we just couldn't do enough to force extra time and I'll need to try and win the trophy next season, if I'm still at the club.


Our fantastic start to the league season has continued as we have went through September unbeaten in the league and that has seen us climb to the summit, albeit on goal difference but I really can't complain. We, along with Ards, are on fifteen points after the opening six games while Annagh United are third and three points behind. Carrick are fourth, five points behind so it's tight, as expected, early on.

Wow, it has been an excellent start to life at Albert Foundry, even if we did crash out of the Steel and Sons Cup following a defeat to non-leaguers Ardglass, frustrating but I'll get over it. Only three league games were played this month while we began our Intermediate Cup campaign with a home fixture against Tandragee.


The third month of the current campaign began with a trip to basement side Drumaness Mills who we managed to beat 3-1 thanks to three second half goals from striker Andrew McCabe, midfielder Aaron Bailie and winger Steven Herron.

Our first of three home games this month began with a two one defeat at the hands of Armagh City - Gary Watson netting our goal on twenty five minutes.

However Foundry bounced back in their next league game, trouncing Kilmore Rec 4-0 as former Kilmore striker Andrew McCabe opened the scoring after only five minutes before further goals from Steven Herron, Gary Watson and Nathan Lafferty sealed maximum points.

We ended the month with a five goals to one win over Tandragee although we needed extra time to beat the non-league side, Steven McClean's goal, six minutes from time forced extra time. Right winger Jamie McClelland bagged a hat trick in extra time while the fifth goal was a Scott Wells own goal.


Despite suffering our second league defeat of the season (vs. Armagh and both defeats at home) we remain in top spot and two points clear of second placed Annagh United after nine games. It's been a tremendous start to the campaign, better than what I expected.

After the opening nine league games, I didn't imagine for one minute that we'd be sitting top of the table and two points clear especially considering that we were predicted to finish eighth in the pre season media expectations so I'm chuffed to say the least. The penultimate month of the calendar year turned out to be another short month as three league games would be played while we'd play a second round Intermediate Cup tie away to non-league, Ballymoney based side Glebe Rangers.


We began the month with a trip to Newtownards to entertain Ards Rangers and we eased to a 5-0 in a game that saw Aaron Bailie score two penalties in the space of eleven second half minutes - Craig Moffett, Steven Herron and Stephen Carr bagged the other goals.

Ten days later we welcomed Killyleagh to Paisley Park and edged the game two one as a third Aaron Bailie spot kick in two games sealed the points, Steven Herron scored our first goal of the game in first half stoppage time.

Our Intermediate Cup hopes crashed with a disappointing four two defeat away to Glebe Rangers at Riada Stadium - Jamie McClelland and Andrew McCabe scored our two goals in the first half but it didn't stop us being knocked out but it didn't overly bother me as I've already won the trophy when at Institute.

November then concluded with our third league defeat of the season and our third at home as Harland & Wolff Welders eased to a three one success, 'star' striker Andrew McCabe netted our goal after only ten minutes but we couldn't make it three wins from as many games as the Welders bagged three.


We have opened up a four point gap at the top of the Championship Two table as our remarkable season continues and we are also scoring goals for fun early doors as thirty five have been bagged in twelve games while we've conceded sixteen and we continue to defy our media expectations this season early on.

It's now the final month of twenty thirty nine and what a season it has been for Foundry as we find ourselves sitting proudly in top spot of the Championship Two table and four points clear of second placed Carrick Rangers as things are looking good, it would have been slightly better if we were in the Steel & Sons Cup final this month but c'est le vie. Just two league games were played and an Irish Cup fourth round tie.


And it was the Irish Cup fourth round fixture that began the month as we welcomed Championship One side Knockbreda to Paisley Park and shocked them after extra time, recording a 2-1 victory as Aaron Bailie scored from the spot on the hour mark, Andrew McCabe's goal in added time at the end of the first period of extra time proved to be the winner.

We resumed our league program with a home clash with Ballyclare Comrades who beat us two nil.

The short month was then completed with a nine goal thriller against second place Carrick Rangers, winning 6-3. Andrew McCabe was the hero as he bagged a hat trick, Stephen Carr scored twice while winger Steven Herron scored the other goal in east Antrim.


It also seems redundant to post the league table as only two games were played in the league this month, but yeah, we remain top of the table and now only three points ahead of Ards who now occupy the second place and the promotion/relegation play-off spot but that's changed so many times, I'm delighted we'll be heading into twenty forty top of the pile, now lets seal promotion.

Yes, it's that time of year again to wish all my readers (ha!) a Happy New Year as we've reached the year twenty forty and it has been a league campaign to remember for the officials, players and supporters of Albert Foundry Football Club as we are lying in top spot in the league, three points clear and we've three league games in January while we've also got an Irish Cup tie against Premiership struggler's Newington.


We kicked off the New Year with a trip to Malachians and the side managed to edge a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Andrew McCabe who struck four minutes from half time and full back Michael Stewart whose goal on seventy eight minutes won us the points.

It was then time for the fifth round of the Irish Cup as we travelled to the Premiership struggler's Newington and drew two apiece at Seaview to force a Paisley Park replay in just four days time - Steven Herron and a penalty from Aaron Bailie were our goalscorers.

However the replay was a night to remember at Paisley as we shocked the top flight side 3-1 as Craig Moffett's goal on three minutes got us off to a dream start before second half goals from Steven Herron and a last minute Stephen Carr penalty saw us progress to the next round against the odds.

The side then resumed their league program with a trip to Annagh and won three nil, Andrew McCabe bagging a treble.

The month then concluded with a disappointing home defeat against Harland & Wolff Welders, we dominated the game for large parts of the afternoon and found ourselves two goals to nil down before Andrew McCabe halved the deficit in the final minute.


We will be heading into the 'business end' of the campaign five points clear of second placed Ards and with only five league games remaining then it's our league title to mess up but if that happened then I wouldn't be too upset because it's been a season to remember for Foundry as we're exceeding our expectations.

We have reached the 'business end' of the season and promotion to Championship One (against the odds) is looking good, much to my delight and because we don't have that many games remaining this month, I have decided to throw the February, March and April's update as one. Only five league games were remaining as we hoped to secure promotion.


Our first game of February saw us play host to Premiership side Glentoran and despite being battered for periods we managed to force a replay at The Oval following a one all draw, Andrew McCabe bagged our equalising goal on sixty eight minutes.

The first league game of the month saw us welcome bottom side Drumaness Mills as we picked up a hard fought 2-1 against the basement boys. An own goal from Stephen Burke got us off to a flyer before Steven McClean's goal on sixty seven minutes proved to be the winner.

We then travelled to Glentoran for the Irish Cup sixth round replay and lost three nil.

We began the month of March with a trip to Holm Park to face Armagh and suffered back-to-back three nil defeats in all competitions, it was a dismal performance and we deservedly got beat.

It was then a three week break until our next game as we welcomed Ards Rangers to Paisley Park and eased to a 3-0 victory thanks to a treble from former Kilmore Rec striker Andrew McCabe who scored after four, fifty nine and seventy six minutes.


Our penultimate game of the league season saw us travel to Kilmore Rec and played out an eight goal thriller, winning 5-3. Robbie Hanna scored his first goals for the club while Paul Murphy, Jamie McClelland and an own goal from Ryan Logan were on the score sheet.

The season then concluded with a three one defeat away to Killyleagh, we found ourselves three goals down much to my displeasure but Andrew McCabe scored a consolation goal for my Foundry side in the first minute of second half stoppage time.


So yeah, we ended up winning the league much to my delight as we exceeded our expectations to secure the Championship Two title (leaves just the Steel & Sons Cup to win now), Carrick secured second season and eventually won promotion to Championship One with us while Drumaness Mills ended up deservedly being relegated.

Following our shock Championship Two title win last season against the odds (predicted to finish eighth) it was time to play in Championship One for potentially the first time in the clubs history but I'm hoping I'll be only here for another six or so months as I just need to seal the Steel & Sons Cup. It's going to be my second full season at Foundry.


I'm not one hundred percent sure if the pressure is on us to have a solid season or not because the board expect us to secure the minimum of a mid-table finish - I was expecting "avoid relegation" at least, which I would have accepted no problem. I don't want to be too busy in the transfer market as I'd love to give the majority of last seasons title winning squad a chance so the wage budget, for Championship One standards isn't that bad.

After scoring a shed load of goals last season in C2, I hope Andrew McCabe can make the step up.


It's quite a busy pre season program that myself and the assistant manager have agreed upon as eight games will be played with just one of those being at our Paisley Park home and that'll be vs. Linfield on August fourth. Our seven away games will take us to Championship Two side Kilmore Rec and non-league sides Groomsport, Tandragee, Grove United, Carryduff, Nortel and Comber Rec.

Our league campaign begins with an away trip to Newry City AFC.

Congratulations on the title! Those expectations are insane... Hopefully you can live up to them.

Well done on another straight forward title

I'm hoping I can itchycoo, the good thing is though their isn't much difference between C2 and C1 football so I hope we can have a successful campaign and maybe finally secure the Steel and Sons Cup.

Cheers Dan, wasn't straight forward though...just a shame you decided to finish your career.


Yes, it's that time of year again. It's time for another pre season round-up as I am heading into my second season at Albert Foundry and their first in Championship One but I'd love to finish my reign at Paisley Park on Christmas Day but it isn't going to be easy, fact. This update will see the players brought into the club and how the pre season program went.


I ended up bringing in eight players in a busy enough pre season but not everyone is going to be in the first team so the team won't be disrupted too much. Eamonn Brown will be our new first choice goalkeeper following his arrival from Larne while Kieran Anderson, Jimmy Tosh (released by Newcastle in the summer) and Kyle Lennon will be first choice as well. Craig Doran, Matty Matchett, Marc O'Hara and Seamus McCartan will hopefully see first team football this campaign.

Just the four departed the club - Niall Curran, Johnny Duke and Gary Watson were all released while Steven Herron left to join Coagh.


A busy pre season friendly schedule was announced as eight games were played and it proved to be a mixed bunch of results as the side won just half of the games and the four wins came against Kilmore, Groomsport, Grove and Comber while the side drew one apiece at Tandragee and Carryduff, we then lost against Nortel and as expected, Linfield.

With a mixed pre season program behind us, it was time for the competitive action as the media and board predicted us for a ninth place finish, which is definitely achievable, as per the norm, the opening month of the campaign will see us play two league games and three cup games - Co. Antrim Shield, Steel & Sons Cup and League Cup.


Life in Championship One couldn't have gotten off to a better start as we recorded a 3-1 win away to Newry City AFC as our three goals arrived in the second half at the Newry Showgrounds. Andrew McCabe struck two minutes after the restart before two goals in the final seven minutes from David Smyth and Aaron Bailie sealed the points.

Our second league fixture, also on the road, took us to Inver Park to entertain Larne as we suffered a three one reversal despite Andrew McCabe scoring our goal after five minutes but then it all collapsed.

We then played our first ever game (or so I believe) in the Co. Antrim Shield as the side travelled to Premiership side Ballymena United in what was expected to be a daunting trip, it didn't prove to be daunting as three goals in the opening thirty two minutes saw us win 3-0. In-form striker Andrew McCabe scored twice inside the opening twelve minutes before Chris Kane added the third on thirty two minutes.

We needed extra time to defeat Championship Two side Ards Rangers in the second round of the Steel & Sons Cup as Chris Kane's one hundred and twelfth minute strike proved to be the winner - Robbie Hanna and Kieran Anderson bagged our other two goals in the second period of normal time.

The opening month of the campaign then concluded with a single goal defeat at Championship Two side Ards.


Seems pointless posting the league table as just two league games have been played, but yeah, it's been a promising start to the campaign but obviously their is still a long way to go this campaign, we're seventh after winning our opening game three one before losing our second game three one. Our first game next month will be against Warrenpoint, our first league game at home this season.

Good work on getting that promotion

Cheers Cymro.


We have entered the second month of the campaign and we've had a promising start to the league campaign, winning one and losing one from our opening two games and now we have four league games in September along with a Co. Antrim Shield quarter final and potentially two Steel & Sons Cup ties.


The month began with our first home league game of the campaign as we beat Warrenpoint Town 2-0 at Paisley Park as centre back Keith Crawford broke the deadlock on forty minutes before the points were sealed in the final minute courtesy of an Andrew McCabe goal.

We then had to come from a goal down to record back-to-back victories, beating Knockbreda three one as three second half goals from Andrew McCabe, Jamie McClelland and David Dunlop were enough for maximum points at Breda Park.

A trip to Premiership side Cliftonville saw the top flight side heavy favourites and ourselves 50/1 to cause a massive upset, we lost the game four goals to two but I can't be disappointed because the players fought - Andrew McCabe and Jamie McClelland gave the scoreline some respectability.

We played our third game in all competitions on the road as we travelled to Dunloy in the third round of the Steel & Sons Cup and eased to a three nil victory but we had to wait until the hour mark for the deadlock to be broken when Keith O'Donnell put through his own net, Andrew Bailie doubled the lead four minutes later before he hit his second goal, from the penalty spot, with ten minutes remaining.

Only our second home game this month and again in the league saw us welcome Newington as we eased to our best result, and performance of the campaign, winning 5-0 as both wingers Robbie Hanna and Jimmy Tosh hit doubles while the other goal was an own goal from Jonathan Scott.

Just three days later the side then made the trip to fellow newly promoted side Carrick and both played out a two all draw. Andrew McCabe and Jimmy Tosh scored our goals in either half.

We then needed penalties to progress to the next round of the Steel & Sons Cup against Cliftonville Olympic as the game finished one apiece after extra time as John Bell scored his first EVER Foundry goal with seven minutes remaining, neither side could find a winner in extra time and we won it on penalties.


A great start to the season continues for the club as we find ourselves lying in third place after six games and we've been scoring goals freely aswell - sixteen have been scored in our six games while only seven have so far been conceded so I can't complain at all, unlike fellow promoted side Carrick who haven't tasted a win yet.

Strong start as expected matey

Cheers Dan, there isn't much difference between C2 and C1 football to be fair.


The third month of the current campaign turned out to be a short month as only four games ended up being played - three in the league while we also welcomed fellow Championship One side Knockbreda to Paisley Park for a Steel & Sons Cup quarter final tie. Could our fantastic start to the season continue or would a blip be cometh?


The month began with a home fixture against struggler's Coleraine as we eased to a 3-0 victory at Paisley Park as Kieran Anderson broke the deadlock after only twelve minutes before a second half double from star winger Jimmy Tosh ended up sealing the points.

We then had to come from two goals down iirc to seal a two all draw on the road against Distillery - Andrew McCabe scoring twice.

An Andrew McCabe strike on fifty nine minutes was enough for us to seal a 1-0 win at home to Knockbeda in the quarter final of the Steel & Sons Cup.

We ended the short month with a seven goal thriller at home to Lurgan Celtic, winning four goals to three as early goals from Andrew McCabe and Robbie Hanna seemingly had us in control but Lurgan Celtic fought back to level the scores but McCabe's second of the goal on the stroke of half time had us back in front, they levelled again but Paul Murphy's spot kick with twenty minutes left won us the game.


I'm proud to announce that we are currently sitting top of the table and a point clear of Lurgan Celtic who we had beaten in our last game. In our opening nine games, we have scored twenty five times and conceded just the twelve. It's been a good start to the campaign and long may that continue.

The penultimate month of the calendar year is upon us and it has been a season to remember for everyone associated with Albert Foundry Football Club...so far at least. Just two league games are scheduled in the month while we've also got at least one Intermediate Cup tie and the semi final of the Steel & Sons Cup as every game this month, bar the semi final, is at home.


Our first of four home games in all competitions began with an Intermediate Cup first round tie against Crumlin United as we eased to a two nil victory as two goals in the space of a minute in the first period from Andrew McCabe and Jimmy Tosh sealed our passage.

We then welcomed my former employers Institute as the Drumahoe side won two nil. Enough said.

It was then time for the semi final of the Steel & Sons Cup against Larne as we needed a penalty shoot-out to book our place in the Christmas Day showdown following a 3-3 draw after extra time. We found ourselves two down but goals from Andrew McCabe and Nathan Lafferty forced extra time and then four minutes in, Robbie Hanna's strike won us the contest.

Four days later we entertained Glebe Rangers in the Intermediate Cup second round and two goals in the space of four second half minutes sealed our place in round three as Jimmy Tosh and Andrew McCabe were on target at Paisley Park.

November would come to an end with a 2-0 success against Newry City AFC in a game that saw Jimmy Tosh open the scoring in first half stoppage time, central defender Keith Crawford doubled the lead on sixty five minutes.


Despite losing only our second league game of the campaign (and in eleven games) we still remain on top but only because of our superior goal difference as we've a +10 goal difference on second placed Lurgan Celtic but it's tight at the top as only eight points separate ourselves in top and Institute down in seventh.

The final month of the calendar year is upon us and what a first half of the campaign it has been....so far and I'm hoping it'll continue as I'd love to see the club seal promotion to the Premiership against all the odds - but, if we manage to beat Linfield Swifts in the Steel & Sons Cup final then I won't be here to try and guide the club up.


Wow, what a terrible run in the league as we failed to win a single game. The month began with us surrendering a two goal lead to lose three two away to Coagh United. Two goals in the opening twenty six minutes from Robbie Hanna and Jimmy Tosh looked to have us in control but Coagh came back and won the game to leave me frustrated.

The side then crashed out of the Irish Cup as our first hurdle, going down three goals to one away to Carrick as John Bell bagged our consolation goal on sixty three minutes.

Our return to Championship One action didn't have any 'cheer' as Larne won one nil at Paisley Park.

A trip to Warrenpoint Town turned out to be our final league game of twenty forty but the lack of 'cheer' stayed away as we could only manage a scoreless draw at Milltown but we didn't even deserve a point as we were second best for large parts of the contest.

It was then time for the Steel & Sons Cup final against Linfield Swifts in a game that saw us enter as huge underdogs and judging by our recent form in the league, I'm not surprised but it didn't phase us two much as an even Christmas Day final was settled by a Jimmy Tosh goal on sixty seven minutes to win us the trophy.



This is how the league has ended as we head into twenty forty one. The bad run of form has seen us fall down to third place but there's no point in being alarmed because they're still beating their pre season expectations of a ninth place finish and you've to be happy with that. Fourteen games have been played and in those games, I have only conceded eighteen and scored twenty nine. Not bad.


Following our Steel & Sons Cup success over Linfield Swifts, I have announced my resignation on Christmas Day and just a few hours after winning the competition in which we over-achieved in apparently. After the single goal victory over the Linfield reserve team, I put out a 'heartfelt speech' to the players in which I was telling them that I was stepping down from the post to take a break.

I have been out of football management for around eight/nine months following my resignation from Albert Foundry, turning down managerial offers from Dijon in France and Tom in Russia but that's fine because I felt that I needed the long(ish) break from management but now I'm ready for a return to the game and I hope this'll be a long-term career.


When I took a look in the Job Centre, I noticed a vacancy at Hungarian second tier club Vasas and I thought they were struggling in the league but they aren't, they were fourth or something in the table but they sacked their manager which I thought was strange but c'est le vie.

The pressure is on though because the board expect us to challenge for the league and have given me a little transfer budget of eleven thousand pound but the club did spend a bit of money in the summer so I'm hoping no work needs done until at least the end of the current campaign. If we fail in our promotion bid, I hope I don't get chopped.

'mon. I hope to spend a few seasons here all being well.

Good luck in Hungary, mate!

Ah Vasas, a side I managed for a year and a half back in 2016/2017!

Cheers Gendo. I've only previously managed in Hungary once before (part of the Susie challenge), I ended up being sacked so I'm hoping to have a more successful stint here.

That's correct Dan, you did manage them and were quite successful iirc, hope I'm the same.


After nine months out of football management, I felt the need to make a return to try and compete for trophies once again - I would have returned sooner but no jobs were shouting out to take me - I waited patiently and when I saw a vacancy at Vasas, well, I decided to apply as the last time I managed in this country I got sacked due to struggling to win games. Seven games ended up being played, the final game of September and then six games in October.


My reign at Vasas couldn't have gotten off to a better start as we easily beat ten-man Baja 3-0 at home. Zsolt Toth opened the scoring on twenty minutes before substitute Laszlo Kovacs doubled proceedings seven minutes later and then Toth's second of the game late on sealed the deserved points.

It was then two wins from two games following an undeserved four two win away Papa - Ionel Elisei scored twice inside the opening eighteen minutes before further goals from Zsolt Toth and Laszlo Kovacs saw us go four goals up by the fifty fifth minute but we unfortunately conceded twice but it's six points from my first two games.

We then beat fellow league team Soproni in the League Cup Group B as we bagged three goals inside the opening fourteen minutes thanks to goals from Zsolt Toth, Francisco and Ionel Elisei - Elisei then scored two other goals in the second period to complete his hat trick.

The side then maintained our unbeaten league start under me following a 3-1 win over Paks at home courtesy of goals from Ionel Elisei, Adam Balajcza and Francisco.

Despite Ionel Elisei bagging a hat trick, we still ended up getting beat eight three at the hands of Videoton in the LC.

Then I suffered my first league defeat since arriving as we went down two one away to Bekescasba despite playing well, the in-form Ionel Elisei bagging our goal ten minutes from half time but despite pressure, we just couldn't get an equaliser.

Our final game of October saw Vasas bounce back and beat Csepel 3-1 as Francisco, who could easily be the best free signing I've made in quite a few years, maybe this career, scored twice while Laszlo Kovacs netted a goal in between the Brazilian's double.


I can't fault the 'pressure' I've had on the players as an excellent start under my reign, bar that one defeat, as we find ourselves in second place and only a single point behind the leaders Varda but I'm sure I can overtake them if our good form can continue. It's been a good mixture so far of scoring goals and not conceding that much.


Can't see us qualifying from this group unfortunately as the two top flight sides - Videoton and Puskas are looking good to qualify so the only thing I can try and avoid is the "wooden spoon" and finishing bottom. Our final two group games will see travel to Soproni and then host Puskas.

I've had a promising start to life in Hungary and at Vasas and long may that continue as I've only suffered one league defeat from my opening five league games and I'm hoping that'll continue. We have another five league games this month before the winter break while our League Cup group concludes with two games and qualification looks unlikely.


The month began with a "five star performance" at home to Putnok as we eased to a 5-0 victory as we had a four goals to nil lead at the interval. Ionel Elisei broke the deadlock on seven minutes, Francisco doubled the lead, Jorge Andrade added a third from the spot and then left back Holger Dombrowe added the fourth on thirty nine minutes. Just one goal followed in the second period and that was through Adam Balajcza four minutes after the restart.

One week later the side travelled to ZTE and secured back-to-back clean sheets following a four nil success as Ionel Elisei made it one nil on fourteen minutes before second half goals from Daniel Halasz, Francisco and Zsolt Toth completed the rout.

A third clean sheet in succession came as Soproni VSE were beaten 6-0 in the League Cup Group B thanks to goals from Jorge Andrade who opened the scoring on the half hour - Pingo, Francisco, Daniel Halasz who scored twice, one from the spot and Nandor Toth also scored in the hammering.

The side then kept their fourth clean sheet in a row as Francisco scored the only goal on fifteen minutes against Soroksar.

Unfortunately our elimination from the League Cup was confirmed as top flight side Puskas won three two at our venue - second half goals from Ionel Elisei and Zsolt Toth wasn't enough.

Our 'enjoyment' of keeping clean sheets this month continued as we easily won 5-0 against Soproni as Francisco scored twice in between further goals from Aleksandar Bajic, Ionel Elisei and a penalty from Jorge Andrade.

The final game before the winter break was at home to Kozarmisleny who we beat four goals to two as our four goals arrived in the second period - Jorge Andrade scored twice from the penalty spot after Francisco and Ionel Elisei scored early in the second period.


The excellent start under my reign has seen Vasas climb to the top of the table and six points clear of second placed Varda who currently occupy the play-off spot but it's still tight as only ten points separate us and the fourth placed side.


We could only finish in third place in our League Cup group but that's fine because I didn't expect success in that cup, not this early. Perhaps when we enter the competition next season then we'll be handed a slightly easier group and a good chance to progress to the knockout stages.

Just like when I was in Austria, I won't be posting the mid-season friendly results as they're a waste 'o time. The next update will be when the league resumes at the beginning of March.

Superb so far mate, keep it going