Getting Around Europe Quicker Than Shedender

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So we went back to competitive action in February however only sported one game and this was our league game in hand. So with the game against Cherno More the only one this month the players were really fired up for it and I expected all three points.


Our only game of February saw us play our game in hand welcoming Cherno more and we picked up a very well earned three one victory. Gadzhalov gave us the lead after twenty three minutes through a solid low strike. Nine minutes before the break we were two up as Petrovic doubled our lead. We were three up with half an hour to play when Stankov struck home a fine free kick before conceding six minutes later. However we were home and dry.


With our game in hand played we can now look at how the table really looks. Having picked up those three points we now sit eighth in the table on seventeen points which is the same as seventh place side Lokomotive (Plovid) so we are still on contention to rise up the table a little. We also moved eight points clear of the relegation zone now as we begin to think it won't happen this year!

Still doing decently for the size of the club! For sure a decent place and a win next time around!

Last year in the same challenge you just hopped off to another club to win the league easily! Might want to see a small team win it this time!

Thanks BOWC! We are doing well for our clubs size and structure but there is still a little way to go yet this season and are not clear of the relegation threat just yet! I did see that I swapped teams last year and if I get the chance again, I probably will make the hop!

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Despite only playing one in February, March proved to be a little bit busier and a fixture list schedule problem certainly seemed to be a big problem as we faced no less than eight games forcing us to play every four days! Six league games along with a two legged quarter final tie in the Kupa Bulgaria it was going to be a very tough month for us on the pitch in a time we needed some points.


The big month began with us traveling to high flying Litex where we grabbed a fortunate win. An own goal from Renatinho after just twelve minutes saw us pick up a very surprising an fortunate one nil win.

We then welcomed Slavia in the Kupa Bulgaria quarter final and fell to a harsh three one defeat. We conceded early on before finding ourselves two down at the break. We pulled one back through Stankev to make it two one however a third goal for the host saw them grab a three one win.

That went on to affect our league form as we traveled to relegation threatend Botev and lost one nil! A huge defeat in terms of the league where we couldn/t compete and lost through a second half goal.

The second leg of the Kupa Bulgaria quarter final tie against Slavia saw us turn them over and grab a spot in the semi final. Pivaty gave us the lead after twelve minutes making it three two on aggregate at half time. Petrovic brought us level on aggregate made and put us back in it before we added two more to claim our spot in the semi finals. Iviev netted for us before Stankev secured the win.

As we welcomed Chernomorets we picked up a very big point. They high flying side were so much better than us but we still managed to grab a point. We were behind in the first half at the break and went on to score in the second half. Stankev was the man to find the net for us.

We traveled to Ludogorets and we failed to win again. Our form was turning awful as we were one down so early on. Second half we leveled through Makendzhiev who came on from the bench but Ludogorets went on to win it as they once again netted a late goal.

Welcoming relegation threatened Beroe we proved how bad our form and morale was as we slipped to another two nil defeat. No competition, No good performance!

And it was three defeats on the bounce, five league games without a win as we traveled to CSKA (Sofia). We put in a relatively good performance against the league leaders however couldn't course an upset as we slipped to a narrow one nil defeat.


A busy month for us saw us really struggle and this took a massive hit on our league table position. Despite going into the month in sixth we are now down in tenth and only just hovering above the relegation zone. Sitting five points ahead of Botev could surely see us fall into the relegation zone at any time. We have two league games left before the table splits in half and we faced the other five teams in that half twice.

Hold on to that five point gap!!

Such a promising start has turned into a disaster and now you're facing the threat of relegation. I'm still confident you can survive mate.

hold onto that gap mate ..

just read through this ... simply amazing.

I am nearly sure that you are gonna breeze past this challenge, considering the rate at which you're going. KIU

Sayeth we definitely do need to hold onto those five points we have!

It sure was Shedender but I was certain we would be around this area come the end of the season!

Thanks loscules! Thank you for reading through mate and catching up! May not complete the whole thing but its going to be fun trying!

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April was going to be another huge month for us as we slide towards the relegation zone but we also had one eye on the Kupa Bulgaria final. However we still had a two legged semi final against Levski before we could eye the final as well as five league games this month to compete with.


We began the month with our first of three clashes against Levski. The league encounter saw us welcome them and slip to a two on victory. We took the lead after just eight minutes as Kamburov converting from the spot however we were back level before the break. And we went on to concede a second in the second half and slip to defeat.

A repetitive clash came as for the second time running we welcome Levski, this time in the Kupa Bulgaria. A poor showing from us saw us fall to a three nil defeat and fail to compete. Two goals before the break and one coming in the second half was enough to sink us.

Traveling to Lokomotive (Plovdiv) we fell to another defeat and things were getting really bad. A two nil defeat and very little to report.

We then had our third defeat against Levski in the matter of eleven days. Pivaty may have given us the lead just before the break to give us a little bit of hope but we still required another two. However two goals did come, they both went Levski's way as we fell to a poor defeat and crashed out the cup.

With the table now split into two halves we begin the final ten games by welcoming Beroe. Sure a tough game but with them in the relegation zone we needed to win. And we finally returned to winning ways as we claimed a two one win. Gladzhalov gave us the lead moments before the break before we went two up through Petrovic seven minutes to go. We may of conceded late on but finally had three points.

We then traveled to another side in the relegation zone, Botev where we picked up back to back wins. Pivaty gave us the lead nine minutes before the break to give us hope. Second half we doubled our lead with half an hour to go when Petrovic found the net.

We ended the month at home with a defeat. A two nil defeat was dealt to us by Lokomotive (Plovdiv) where we were just awful. Our season is proving to be a very tough one now!


The table has now split and with us bottom lot playing each other this is the main area we will focus on. With no position higher than seventh available we now just aim to survive against relegation. We are only six points off being able to finish second whilst we move now eight points clear of the relegation zone and the fear of going down lightens a little. Still seven games to go though!

Rough & tough games and upcoming months for Etar. But I am sure you finish of the relegation zone.

Thanks Miimaa luckily we are now in the final month of the season however we arent over the line yet! Its sure to be a tough and close run in for us right till the end.

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The final month of the season was finally upon us and here in May we had a busy ending to the season and our only focus now was staying up and staying clear of the relegation zone. We had seven big games left this season but knew nothing was easy and nothing was certain. With clashes still to be played against the two sides currently in the relegation zone we knew we still had the chance of staying up.


The final month began so promising as we smashed Lokomotive (Sofia) six goals to nil proving to be an all time record high win for the club. We were off the mark after eight minutes through Lyubenov before Zhehirov doubled our lead from the spot. Before the break Lyubenov had his second and our third. The second half was all about one man, Kamburov. His sensational second half showing saw him smash home a hatrick and seal the points and the club record.

But from then on we hit the sour form beginning with welcoming Slavia where we fell to a two nil defeat. Both their goals came in the second half as we came unstuck, twice conceding from a swift counter attacking move where we failed to take our chance at the other end.

And as we traveled to relegation threatened side Beroe it got worst as even they picked up all three points against us. A no show from us really cost us this game as Beroe made up some space on us. Two first half goals followed by one from the spot in the second half was enough.

We finally grabbed a point again when we welcomed Botev, the other side on the verge of relegation. Luckily we performed 'okay as we stole a point. We were behind early in the first half and it remained that way for the majority of the game. We equalised twenty minutes from time as Kamburov smashed home a fierce shot.

Traveling to Lokomotive (Plovdiv) we returned to losing ways in another lakluster performance! Two first half goals killed us off immediately as once again we left without a point.

And despite smashing six past Lokomotive (Sofia) away from home just a few days ago, as we welcomed them they beat us this time convincingly. Another shocking performance from us saw us near the relegation zone as we lost three one. Our goal came from Lyunbenov.

And an awful season and awful final month came to an end as we traveled to Slavia and fell to yet another defeat. No win in six as we were dealt a final blow with a two nil defeat. This wasnt form of relegation survivors and we would of needed a big slip up from others if we were to survive...


The season has finished and at last it has! Its been a real tough season for the club and myself to try and battle through but eventually we got there. We survived too which was fantastic! Finishing tenth just six points clear of the relegation zone was very nervy but we did what we set out to achieve. CSKA were champions whilst Levski grabbed second. Early season favorites Litex finished down in sixth and their manager is now under pressure. So I could be searching for a way out shortly.

Well done on surviving mate. Great achievement.

I personally think you should remain at the club for at least one more season as I'm sure you will see a drastic improvement from the side with the correct signings.

I had a great save at Litex, if the job comes up go for it!

Thanks Shedender! Certainly not my finest season but we survived and that was the main duty! I will see what happens! It could take years to turn Etar into a top team!

Justicar I am tempted, however nothing is certain yet!

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We had a very good first season in the top flight with Etar staying in the division however I knew things were about to get tougher. And with the Litex manager under pressure I watched on carefully over the summer months to see if I could have a better chance of hitting a top spot.


Finally Litex had enough of their manager and with them coming close to the title in recent years, except this season they knew it was time and this was good news for me. This gave me a route into a bigger job and it was one I took seriously and declared interest and applied for the vacancy.


The Etar board were not best pleased with this! Despite them marking their 100th year anniversary I still didn't see them getting anywhere this was the only reason I applied for the vacancy. I was told by the board I had to either apologise to themselves, the fans and players or I had to hand in my resignation immediately and have done with the job, not knowing whats going on at Litex.


I was not going to embarrass myself my standing up and apologiesing for my actions. Everything happens for a reason and my reason lies in the hopes I get the Litex job. Despite no word from Litex yet I was now without a job and had to look elsewhere if no contact from Litex is made.


Luckily Litex did finally approach me and it was only nine days after resigning from Etar and it looked like I could be back among the action soon. The original offer was three thousand four hundred pounds a week on a four year deal. I made it three thousand five hundred and took the four year deal and I was happy. A transfer budget of just under five million along with a comfortable wage budget spare is very comfortable at the club.


And my 'glistening' non playing history will continue as we take charge of Litex and will look to almost immediately compete for the top spot. A side of their quality clearly should be competing at a higher level and now I hope I can be a success here unlike my second season with Etar!

Good luck with Litex, Should be pretty easy to chalk off Bulgaria with them.

You're so loyal... not!

Good luck with Litex, Bulgaria will soon be chalked off and I'd be surprised if it wasn't. You have been given a lovely transfer budget too.

Done the dirty by declaring interest in another job!! Tut Tut

You've been given a very nice transfer budget, good luck with Litex.

Thanks Rick! We should do well here!

Hahaa I needed to leave and get out of there and Litex was a very good option! Im hoping a couple seasons at Litex could see Bulgaria ticked off!

Sayeth it was a move we couldn't turn down! The money at the club is very nice compared to what I've had over the last few seasons!

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So here I was, now at the dizzy heights of Litex and with a much better financial backing from the board and bunch of players it certainly was looking good going into pre season. I had the whole of the pre season to take charge and make my mark on it to. With a very busy transfer window to go with a very busy friendly schedule as well as a quick review of the finances and squad for the 2024/2025 season.


Ignore the first two signings, I didnt make these and to go with that, Makendzhiev, who joined from Etar was released immediately as I knew he wasn't good enough. I made four signings however which included another two Brazilian goalkeepers to try and strengthen up the back. As well as adding some strength we did spend one point four million whilst seeing a lot of players leave for permanent deals as well as loan deals as we make a two hundred thousand pound profit as our out goings made one point six million.


We have two decent keepers now, both Brazilians and despite their ratings not looking good, they will be solid keepers. Our defence is very good and looks promising as do our midfield, obviously we have one or two areas where we really could improve like on the wings but its looking better than the Etar side! Upfront we only have Brazilian Jorge to rely on so will be looking for backup.


We have a fantastic seven and a quarter million pounds in the balance whilst we've apparently made nearly one million pound loss already this season but thats a minor detail as we sit easily in the black. Still have three and a half million pounds to spend should I need it whilst a spare ten thousand pounds in the wages just to try and secure some more players it is there.


A large pre season definitely saw us amongst plenty of games whilst we played very well. Eight friendlies we competed with and we only lost one which was against the power of German opposition Stuttgart. Apart from that we picked up three wins and too many draws as we drew four! However a good pre season to battle on with and hopefully form is very good to go into the season with.

Good luck with LItex! Promising squad by the way.

Thanks Miimaa! There are a couple areas I feel we arent so strong but we can make changes through the season and it should be a good one at that!

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Following the pre season switch from Etar to Litex and the busy pre season we were finally getting ready and geared up for our opening month on the pitch. We had a fairly easy month to open which would also include going back to our previous home at Etar. However we would show no mercy and the opening four league games went very well for us leaving us in a good spot from the start.


we began the new season with a home tie and my first game in charge would see us welcome Ludogorets. A one goal game saw us claim the win when summer signing and Brazilian young Jorge was the man to find the back of the net. His goal after twelve minutes led us to an opening day win.

Our first away game of the season saw us travel to newly promoted side Minyor where we claimed a late point however going into the game should of had all three. Maybe a shot of overconfidence we were behind early on as we fell behind. However two down by the break we seemed in a lot of trouble. Second half we sorted our game out but going into the last ten minutes we sorted it out. Iliev brought us back in contention nine minutes from time before we grabbed a point when Danchev netted from close range.

Back at home we made it two in a row at home as we welcomed Pirin where an inspirational performance from debutant Lazarevski saw us claim a good win. His goal after sixteen minutes saw us go ahead before he doubled his and our tally moments before the break. Second half Pirin came out a little and bagged one however we stayed on to the game and claimed the points.

The last game of the opening month saw us travel back to Etar, We triumphed four goals to nil with a very confident showing. Iliev pushed us one up with the only goal before the break. Second half we doubled our lead within four minutes when Mishev netted confidently from the spot. Five minutes later we were three up as Pavlovski found the back of the net. We rounded up the win with a fourth goal as Nikolov netted with just under half an hour on the clock.


After an unbeaten start we sit third in the table with a very respectable unbeaten start, three wins and one draw sees us looking good from the start. Chernomorets sit top of the table having won all four of their opening games whilst CSKA sit second with ten points whilst we also have ten points in third place whilst Levski sit a single point behind having picked up a defeat. Etar sit down in seventh place after a reasonable start.

Bar that one slip up it's been a great start to the league season mate and long may it continue..

Certainly was nearly the ideal start Shedender! It was great to win so convincingly at my old home ground Etar too!

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A very big month in the league September proved to be as we faced three of the the biggest teams in the league. With two home clashes and one away we knew wed have to make the most of our appearances at home. We faced Chernomorets, CSKA and Levski all in the same month and if that wasnt tough then I dont know what is. A good month here could really set us on our way.


We began September at home welcoming league leaders Chernomorets and remained unbeaten as we claimed all the points in a five goal thriller. Slavov gave Chernomorets the lead in ten minutes before he scored an own goal at the other end to level things. We found ourselves two one down and struggling at the break. Second half we were level within eight minutes as Jorge netted. We claimed all the points as Iliev netted with twenty eight minutes to go to send us to the top of the tree.

Our second game of the month was the only one away and this saw us travel to back to back league title winners CSKA. A close game saw neither side give away silly chances and neither side take the chances they did make as the game was saw out at nil nil.

The final game of the month saw us return home again whilst we claimed a two nil victory. Despite a slow start to the game we finally found ourselves ahead moments before the break when Pavlovski netted in injury time. Second half we once again left it late to wrap up the win, Nikolov grabbing our second three minutes from time.


We've jumped up to second in the league table whilst remaining the only side in the league to be unbeaten after seven games. However Chernomorets continue to sit top despite us beating them they haven't slipped up other than that and stay one point clear. We sit two points clear of Ludogorets and already five points clear of back to back league winners CSKA. Etar drop into the relegation zone as they begin to struggle!

Jealous! Can't wait to get out of Wales and get a decent budget. Hoping the TNS job comes up in a similar Litex situation.

Good luck.

I can't wait till your out of Wales Justicar, nor can I wait till I hit Wales! Sure TNS wont keep their manager forever!

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October saw us return to a quiet month and as we went into the month in second and unbeaten we hoped we could keep the form going and hopefully soon hit the top spot. We faced both Lokomotiv sides this month where we would look to do the double over them with one at home and one away we knew what was required.


We began the month away to Lokomotiv (Plovdiv) and only grabbed a point despite going up early! Within forty two seconds we were ahead with Nikolov finding the back of the net in a swift counter attacking move from kick off. Six minutes later it looked a breeze as we were two up through Lazarevski. However things turned on their head and before the break Lokomotiv were back in contention with a goal. And second half we threw away the lead we had within seven minutes as Lokomotiv leveled and snatched a point.

We then welcomed Lokomotiv (Sofia) and kept our one hundred percent winning ways at home as we recorded a three one win. We were behind after twenty two minutes as it looked like we could slip up. However a strong second half prevented that. Stanchev restored our hope as he netted eight minutes after the restart before we went ahead with twenty five minutes to go as he netted our second! We sealed the win by adding our third late on when Raynov converted six minutes from time.


We remain unbeaten from the two games this month and with that we are finally top. Its taken nine games but hopefully we can keep this here now. We only have a point over second place Chernomorets who will definitely keep the pressure up on us whilst Ludogorets keep up their pressure two points behind in third. CSKA still five points behind us as we look to open a gap now.

Looking good, Litex are a fab team.

I considered applying for Llanelli when that job came up, they are in 11th, whereas I'm in 3rd at the time of writing (update to come tomorrow). Currently working on an essay.

We are doing very well to remain unbeaten so far Justicar but it sure is likely to get busy and tough for us now! Sounds like your doing very well, cant wait to see your game update tomorrow!

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Finally going into the month top of the table and with October only being two games November we went on to another busy month. Six games were scheduled for November including two games in the Kupa Bulgaria second round. Which we would look to progress in. We were sure to play our best football we could and hope we could try and settle for the top spot for the rest of the season.


We began November on a sour note as we finally slipped to our first league defeat of the season. We fell behind in the first half and before the break we were two behind. Unfortunately there was no comeback for us in the second half and finally ended the game with a defeat.

Back at home we kept our one hundred percent record there as we welcomed Cherno more and grabbed a win. Dudu was the man on form as he put us infront after twenty three minutes. Second half we went on to win the game as eighteen minutes from time he grabbed his and our second.

We then began our hunt for the Kupa Bulgaria and traveled to recently relegated Beroe. We took a strong lead through Baytchev as we fielded a weak side. We were back level at the thirtieth minute but moments before the break Iliev netted to put us infront. Second half we chucked away the lead for the second time as Beroe snatched a draw at their home.

Welcoming them for the second leg we were much better and forced our spot in the third round. A stronger showing was due and it came as Jorge put us infront early on. Once again Beroe didnt give up and they were level come the break but we had a strong second half in store. Lazarevski gave us the lead again with twenty minutes to go before Nikolov netted two minutes later to seal our spot in the next round.

Our away form was proving to be a weak point as once again we failed to win on the road. We traveled to Ludogorets who are outsiders for the title and they snatched a draw. Iliev netted to put us infront after twenty three minutes before the home side leveled in the second half.

We ended the month with a trip to Minyor , the newly promoted side were proving to be relegation threatened but we still had to be good. Young nineteen year old Brazilian striker Jorge was proving to be a handful in a great second half performance. His stats are forever improving and he netted a fantastic brace in the second half to secure the win.


Over half the way through the main part of the season now we stay top of the table and only by one points. With three more wins at home in the league we keep our one hundred percent record there. We also drew a couple whilst also losing our first game of the season as we lost to Slavia (Sofia). We still only sit one point clear as CSKA catch right up whilst Levski sit three points behind in third and Chernomorets sit down in fourth with a poor month. Etar are down in eleventh still and are sitting on just eight points.

Great start to the campaign Dan, keep up the good work

Unlucky about losing your first game in charge, but sure, you can't win them all. KIU though.

Solid first half of the season. Title is yours this year

Bulgaria doesn't give you much of challenge, it seems. Well done!

Thanks Sayeth!

It was annoying losing Shedender, but as you said we couldn't win them all, well I probably could but then you would definitely give up and leave, so I try and act mediocrly!

Thanks Benniewijs! I hope so, however there are still three trophies we are hunting for!

Itchycoo, if I had stayed at Etar Bulgaria would really be challenging me, I got a lucky break!

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December, the final month of another calender year and before we could look forward to the parties and christmas dinners over the next few weeks we had an important few games to see out first. We saw a two legged tie with plenty of goals against Lokomotiv as well as just the one league game this month.


The penultimate month of the calender year saw us begin action at home welcoming Lokomotiv (Sofia) in the Kupa Bulgaria third round which chucked up a six goal thriller. We were poor and started slowly which saw us behind early on before Nikolov leveled for us. We were back behind moments before the break after conceding a silly penalty which was converted. After the break impressive striker Jorge brought us back level before for a third time Lokomotiv led. We grabbed a draw however as Jorge netted his second and equalised late on.

Our only league game of December saw us travel to the leagues basement side Pirin and despite me and the media expecting a walk over it proved not to be as we settled for a one nil win. The only goal of the game came from Jorge after just five minutes.

We ended the short month with the second leg of the Kupa Bulgaria and secured our place in the next round as we put on a more dominant display as we traveled to Lokomotiv (Sofia). That man put us ahead once again, Jorge after sixteen minutes opened the scoring before Lazarevski doubled our tally and gave us a five three aggregate lead come the break. Lokomtoiv struck one back after the restart however Stanchev put the game beyond doubt with a goal late into stoppage time.


Fourteen games down and we continue our hunt for the title as we not only remain top of the table but begin to widen the gap over the chasing pack. With a win against Pirin we now open a four point gap of second and third place sides CSKA and Chernomorets and hopefully we can keep that gap. We are also into the quarter finals of the Kupa Bulgaria following an easy tie.

Once again we now head into a two to three months winter break where I can get some friendlies sorted and maybe find a few stronger players to strengthen our title bid.

just read the first couple of pages, planning on getting through the rest of it later on. awesome job so far!