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

Glad you're on board itchy as the more, the better.

A tricky start to the league season embarked the month of July but not until after an Austrian FA Cup first round game away from home. An unbeaten month saw us pick up four points from a possible six in the league, which I'm pleased about along with progression in the cup.


It was the Austrian FA Cup game away to Grieskirchen and we secured a straight forward five goal victory and we took the lead on eight minutes thanks to striker Prskalo who then struck again on twenty three minutes before Kirchmann added a third. Prskalo completed his hat trick on fifty six minutes before Ngwat-Mahop, who returned after wanting to talk to me again, added a fifth with eleven minutes left.

And the league season also started on the road to BW Linz as we secured an undeserved point to start the league season. We had fallen a goal behind for Prskalo continued his scoring form by making it 1-1 early in the second period.

The month came to an end with our first victory of the league season against Austria Lustenau as we secured a 2-1 success, after a scoreless first forty five minutes Prskalo slotted the ball home for his fifth goal in three games in all competitions and then Scherrer added a second five minutes later - the away side did get one back but it was just a consolation.


A promising start to the league season has us sitting in fourth place after the first two rounds of matches, tied with St. Polten and FC Lustenau 1907 on four points but two behind Horn who are the surprise early leaders. Grodig are currently bottom but I don't expect them to remain there.

Decent start buddy, however I do expect that from you this season

And you should expect that. The only downside is that I haven't been able to replace all the players that have left, which is disappointing but I will post transfers in/out after the next update that is due out shortly.

As we looked to build on the promising start to the season, August saw us play six First Division games and we stayed unbeaten some how with four wins and two draws. The best result of the month must be the St. Polten one as we had to fight back.


Grodig at home started August as we secured a two goal victory as Schopf opened the scoring on nine minutes to get us of to a dream start and then it stayed that way until the final eleven minutes when Cuntz doubled our lead.

Next up was a trip to recently relegated Admira Wacker who started the season quite poorly but we managed a score draw despite being second best. Our goals came from Prskalo on twenty eight minutes and then we managed to pinch a point with two minutes remaining whenever Ngwat-Mahop beat the Wacker keeper.

We then edged a five goal thriller against Kapfenberger at the Cashpoint Arena despite being in control - Schopf opened tThe scoring on thirty three minutes before Prskalo made it 2-0 just before half time and then Ngwat-Mahop added a third early in the second half, in control? No. Kapfenberger added two to make it a nervy ending.

Then came a trip to Lustenau and we extended our unbeaten start thanks to a 3-1 victory that saw us open the scoring in the first minute when Ngwat-Mahop continued his scoring form with his third in as many games before two goals within a eight minute period from Schopf completed the scoring.

A top of the table clash against St. Polten was our penultimate game of the month and we had to come from two behind to earn a share of the spoils as Prskalo netted just before half time and then Jager headed hom to make it 2-2 early in the second half. We played very well and arguably deserved to win the game.

And August came to a conclusion with a trip to Wattens and we played rubbish but still secured victory as left back Celik smashed us into the lead on thirteen minutes with an unstoppable effort before Mpassy-Nzoumba scored an unfortunate own goal to double our lead.


August has seen us finish the month at the top of the table but it's still very tight as we only have a one point lead ahead of Horn who are in second and a two point lead from St. Polten who are third.

While at the bottom SV Grodig have suffered an awful start to the season as they're bottom after the opening eight games with Wattens ahead of them only on goal difference. Kapfenberger, who were top of the table when I first took over before drifiting away are third bottom on six points with Linz a point ahead of them while Lustenau in sixth, Admira Wacker in fifth and Austria Lustenau in fourth make up the league table.

After failing to get promoted last season I decided to have a clear out as I didn't renew the contracts of fifteen players from all over the squad(s). One first team player, who I didn't want to lose, left because I received big money for him and a striker departed because he didn't deserve the wages he was on, in my opinion. I only managed to bring in four players as the transfer window slammed shut - I hope it isn't a problem.


The first signing of the summer was Blatnik who arrived at the club on a free transfer following his release, the twenty-one-year-old shot stopper, who is expected to be back-up to begin with has signed a deal until 2016. I believe Blatnik was released by Premier side Grazer.

Our second signing was right back Kotynski who probably isn't the best but I needed a second right back as I only had one last season who was registered to the first team. This chap, who is 23 has signed a two-year deal at the Cashpoint and will only be back-up as I don't think he's good enough for first choice.

And the third signing was an excellent looking centre back called Welnicki and he will definitely be my first choice central defender alongside Jager. Welnicki has signed an original two-year deal at the club but Id love to get him signed up for longer in the not so distant future.

And the last signing was a twenty-five-year-old striker, Sand, although his stats don't look great he could still do a decent job for us and with me shipping out a striker due to excessive wages, I needed a replacement who wasn't going to cost that much. Sand will be at the club until 2015. Whether he plays much remains to be seen as I only use one striker.

I was looking at more players but unfortunately no one else was available at the moment.


The biggest departure of the season was Erhart as the chap joined Premier Division side Mattersburg for £170k, although I didn't want him to depart I thought the cash, at our level, was too good to turn down and off he went and indeed I do wish him the best of luck.

Correa joined SC/ESV Parndorf on a free transfer. His wages were quite excessive for my liking and I felt he didn't deserve them so out he went. Fifteen other players were released when I decided not to renew their contracts.

Storming start! Unbeaten after eight games if fantastic and straight to the top spot you go! Really looking good for promotion. some good money made in transfers, whats your financial situation like?

I’m not sure what the financial situation is like, as I don’t have the game loaded currently.

It’s been a promising start but it’s also important that I build on that. Remember, it’s only eight games so that means there is about 28 games remaining but it’s so far, so good.

Since I signed Sand, I ask, how did he do for you? He’s here as back-up only.

September was a poor month as we lost back to back league games for the first time this season, losing our top spot in the process. We did advance in the Austrian FA Cup after a second round win on the road and won one league game out of three.


Our first game of the month was at home to BW Linz as we ran out deserved 3-1 winners, Schopf fired us into an early lead as he struck a third minute strike past the away keeper before left winger Zachhuber doubled the lead on twenty three minutes. The points were sealed with twelve minutes left when Prskalo scored again.

Next up was a second straight home game with Horn and I'm not sure how we managed to lose this game as we dominated throughout. Seven chances on target but we suffered an injustice as Horn won 2-0 at the Cashpoint Arena.

An Austrian FA Cup second round tie away to Grazer AK were next and we won 2-0 against the non-league side as Zachhuber on eight minutes and Prskalo tenth of the season on forty three sealed the passage. SV Reid await in the next round.

And the month concluded with a second straight league defeat against Austria Lustenau and despite taking the lead in the seventeenth minute thanks to a Kirchmann header, we still conceded three goals without reply and lost.


We have ended the month in second place, three points behind league leaders Horn after we lost the top of the table clash against the "Horny" side. We're just a point ahead of Austria Lustenau after they beat us 3-1. Wattens are bottom of the table, two points adrift of Grodig who are second bottom and level on points with Linz.

Not the best month there buddy, leas the cup run is still going on and your not far off the pace at the top spot

I'm seriously hoping those two defeats don't turn into ten on the spin and balls up my promotion hopes. It's important I get back to winning ways as soon as possible. Reid are currently struggling in the Premier Division so I don't see why I don't have a chance against them, will be hard no doubt.

Our abysmal league form continued as we saw our winless run stretch to five games following three draws on the spin. The games against Grodig and Kapfenberger saw us squander the lead. We did return to winning ways with an absolute cup classic against Reid, despite messing up the lead in that game.


And our first game in the abysmal October month was against Admira Wacker as we played out a dismal 0-0 draw. Both clubs didn't deserve to be victorious so a draw was fair.

Next we travelled to league strugglers Grodig and played out a 2-2 draw. Two goals in four first half minutes from Prskalo and Cuntz had us in control, or so we though as they pulled a goal back and a late own goal cost us maximum points.

It was the same story away to Kapfenberger as another 2-2 score line was played out, despite Ngwat-Mahop giving us the lead we were pegged back before Prskalo had given us the lead for the second time but yet again we were unable to hold on for three much needed points.

The final game of the month was in the Austrian FA Cup as we faced Premier Division side SV Ried in the third round tie and it was a classic, central defender Jager had headed us into a dream start before Zachhuber doubled the lead but Ried pulled a goal back before Zachhuber's second of the game gave us a 3-1 lead, we were vulnerable again as Ried scored twice to make it three all and that was the full time score.

The Premier Division side took a four goals to three lead in extra time before goals from Zachhuber that completed his hat trick, Prskalo and then an own goal from Schicker sealed the passage.


The disastrous five games without a win has seen us slip to third and we are now seven points behind league leaders Horn who also have a six point lead ahead of Austria Lustenau.

Wattens remain bottom and are now seven points from escaping the bottom two, they're six points behind BW Linz. Admira Wacker, who are the league favourites are fifth but only twelve points from top spot and still have a realistic chance.

The cup run continues! need to turn those draws into wins though buddy slipping behind SV Horn so need to find the win somewhere!

Was a straight out dreadful month, especially as our winless run has continued, the sooner it ends the better, in fact it should’ve ended as we ballsed up the lead in the last two league games.

The cup game was just like the league form. Have a commending lead, mess it up – at least we came back to win it although it took extra time when it perhaps shouldn’t have.

Not too far from the top buddy, keep trying to find those wins

A win or two to boost the morale in the sqaud, and you will be a serious challenger for the title.

Once we learn how to defend a lead I'm sure we'll return to winning ways eventually, if we continue to defend like a pub team, we will fail miserably.


Certainly hope so. We are expected to put up a title fight so I'm pleased I'm at least accomplishing that...so far.

November saw us play four matches (two at home and two away) as we reached the final month before the winter break and we'll end the first half of the season joined top of the Austrian First Division following our victory away to league leaders Horn.


The month started with a home encounter against Lustenau 1907 and we secured a 3-1 victory at the Cashpoint Arena - goals from Netzer, Zachhuber and Ngwat-Mahop sealed the points.

Next game was away to St. Polten and a sixty ninth minute goal from attacking midfielder Schopf sealed the three points.

We then hosted bottom of the table Wattens and secured a three goal success with all the goals coming in the second half. Right winger Ngwat-Mahop opened the scoring on forty seven minutes before late goals from Zachhuber and Netzer sealed the win.

And the first half of the season concluded with a top of the table clash against Horn and we took a half time lead whenever Prskalo opened the scoring on the stroke of half time but the hosts and league leaders equalised before Jager headed home what turned out to be the winning goal on seventy four minutes.


With the first half of the season finally gone we are in second place but level on points with Horn who have a goal difference of +1 compared to us. Austria Lustenau are four points behind the top four with league favourites Admira Wacker a few points behind.

At the bottom, Wattens are being cut adrift as they're eight points behind Grodig who are second bottom and level on points with Linz while Lustenau 1907 are three points ahead of the eighth and ninth place team. It's a tight league with teams down as far as St. Polten still capable of winning the league.

A fantastic final competitive month there buddy! Really well done on catching up with the leaders and now hopefully you can press on in the second half of the season! Looks like your slowly catching me up! Remembering your still in the cup there is an outside chance of knocking two trophies off this season!

I’m actually surprised we’ve ended the year level on points with the leaders, especially during that blip of five games without a win and I will be annoyed if that form costs me promotion come the end of the season.

Don’t think I will win the cup mate, still too many good teams in it.

Oh, catching you up? By the time I complete this season you’ll be completing Belgium.

With the January transfer window now officially slammed shut, I am pleased to announce that I've purchased three new players ahead of my push for promotion. Two are central defenders and one is a young French striker, the trio may not see much game time in the second part of the season, but they're good to have on board.


Two of the three signings arrived as soon as the window was opened to let some air in as Holzl and Barriere had previously signed pre-contracts with SCR Altach a few months previous. While the final signing was Gsellmann.

Holzl, who is an eighteen-year-old central defender arrived on a free transfer after his contract with semi-professional non league side Liefering had come to an end. He's previously been on the books of Salzburg at youth and junior level. Holzl made thirty three appearances last season, failing to score.

And the second player to join on the same day the transfer window opened was twenty-year-old Barriere who has penned a one-year deal at the Cashpoint Arena. Has yet to score, or make a single league appearances in his professional career. The French man was on the books of Ligue 1 side Toulouse last season, not making the cut.

Last signing is an experienced twenty-eight-year-old central defender in Gsellmann, although he doesn't look super, he's a decent replacement. Played in the Premier Division last season for Wolfsberger AC so has top flight experience.

While three players arrived at the Cashpoint Arena, the same amount of players departed as two left on initial loan deals. Bachstien joined Wattens on loan while the same club also signed central defender Schobwendter after I made him available for transfer. Erbek has also departed the club on a loan deal, joining non-league Linz.

Some good signings there buddy Now get the winter friendlies played and updated

I am definitely not sure how much game time the trio will get this season. I was also looking for a new AMR (even on-loan until the end of the current season) so I could have sold Ngwat-Mahop and free up a non-EU space but alas it wasn't to be and I will try in the summer, should I remain at the club.

I did see an AMR I wanted on-loan but he wasn't the least but interested.

We arranged six friendlies throughout the winter break as I looked to keep the squads morale high ahead of the second part of the season as we looked to get promotion to the Premier Division.


Three wins and three defeats came in the winter friendly matches.

And it begun against Swiss side St. Gallen as we deservedly suffered a 3-1 defeat with our consolation goal, coming from Sereinig just before half time before suffering another 3-1 defeat in our second game against Balzers, Aigner firing another consolation goal for us.

Our first win came against Old Boys, a 5-2 away success saw Scherrer and Aigner both net twice in the first half before Domig finished the scoring and then we went down 3-1 for the third mid season friendly out of four, this time against Lugano with winter signing Gsellmann bagging our goal on seventy three minutes.

The final two games saw us net five times without reply and that started against BW Feldkirch as Hormann, Barriere and an own goal from Zwierschitz scored. Prskalo and Holzl both found the net in the final winter friendly game against Andelsbuch.

Ending with two wins to go back to competitve football on a high I'm sure!

Certainly hope so mate.

Not looking too bad mate. certainly could take that top spot!

For some reason I will be surprised if we manage to get promoted this season. We're lacking on the scoring front despite our talent. It's quite annoying.

We returned from the winter break with two league matches as we played our first game since the break on the road to Linz while that was followed with a home tie against Austria Lustenau, four points from those two games is a pleasing return and not to be sniffed at.


And our first game back from the longer winter break was away to BW Linz and we secured a 2-0 away success thanks to goals in either half. We took a thirty ninth minute lead through Prskalo and that was doubled on seventy one minutes through left winger Zachhuber.

Our second and final game of the February month was against Austria Lustenau and a poor encounter saw a drab 0-0 draw.


We have moved four points clear of Horn following the two games, the second place team have been pegged back and are now only ahead of Austria Lustenau on goal difference while pre-season favourites FC Admira Wacker Modling are in fourth place and only eight points off the pace.

Relegation looks certain for Wattens as they're ten points adrift of Grodig at the bottom, while the second bottom side are level with the third bottom side Linz.

Brilliant to return to competitive action nd open up a four point gap! However knowing you could be sitting six points clear must hurt a little following that draw?