The Journey of Dan Ong, The Singaporean Manager

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It was the 3rd of July, 2016, and the Ladbrokes Premiership kicked off.

I watched Rangers, Celtic's rival, beat Dundee 2-1 and was impressed by their game as they dominated the game with 28 shots while Dundee had 8,

I was a bit nervous, thinking how Celtics fans have the most passionate fans out there, and thinking how it would turn the opposite way if I lost to Rangers or I put them in a bad run. Getting goosebumps thinking about it and for the wrong reasons.

Anyway, I told to myself: "Tomorrow begins my first game as Manager in the league. It's been a great recent run of friendlies and Champions Cup qualifier. I wonder it'll be different in the next few games as the teams in my league are probably more accurately skilled compared to the friendly games as most teams don't play their best teams and the teams I faced so far in the Champions Cup qualifiers aren't perceived to be that great. I guess we'll find out soon."

Celtics pre-season


*The next morning*

Woke up at 8 AM and got myself a good full breakfast, the usual bacon, eggs, sausage, beans and toast with a side of coffee as my drink.

I look at the newspaper, the sports section says "Dan Ong, The prodigal manager or The wasteful manager."

Well, there goes the goosebumps again. Up til this day, I still feel like this is all a dream that I have yet to woken up from; as if I'm in some kind of coma.

*Fast forward to around 12 PM*

As I finished my breakfast and the morning papers, I drove to the stadium. As I entered, I greeted the staff who were present on that day and was excited to start the season. Hearts having some notable defenders like Callum Peterson and John Souttar made me feel like this might cause some troubles in terms of creating opportunities on their end, but I wasn't worried as Dembele really showed some great performances during the pre-season.

*Fast forward to 1:50 PM*

The locker room was filled with guys either excited or nervous for the first game of the season. I myself, was nervous as usual. Still stuck in the thoughts that this might be all a dream, if not, I'm actually an inexperienced manager supposed to lead this great team with lads probably older than me to glory.

Start of Locker Room log

Dan Ong: Hey guys, welcome to the first game of the season. I know we've been in great form during the pre-season, but now is the real deal. We need to start off the season strong and remain that way so as to solidify our position as the best team in Scotland. This will serve as preparation for our matches against the big fishes in the Champions Cup so give it your best and do what you've been doing during the pre-season.

Scott Brown: Let's go and give them a good kick in the ass!

*The whole squad cheers as they exit and prepare to walk out of the tunnel*

End of Locker Room log

First game of the league



Match highlight log

13' After Hearts keeper deflected the ball way, Lustig recovers it and passes to Bitton who then does a one touch football to Brown who in the end, slots it in at the bottom left corner. Celtic up 1-0

20' Walker steps up to the free kick near the halfway line and lobs in a good cross which in turn Rherras was able to reach and put past _. Celtic and Hearts draw 1-1.

56' Roberts takes the free kick around 24 years away from the goal. He takes two steps back, takes a run, and slots the ball in at the top right corner. Celtics up 2-1.

Scott Brown got yet again got a red card again after 2 yellows. I've decided that if ever Scott Brown receives a yellow, I should consider subbing him out.

Celtics vs Livingston, Betfred Cup 2nd Round

I was optimistic going into this game as they're a league lower than us, I decided to continue the momentum of our winning ways by still playing our strongest squad.



Match highlight log

50' Gamboa on the right wing passes it to Rogic who in turns passes it to Sinclair. Sinclair chests it down with good control, and strikes it in the right corner of the net from outside the box. Celtic up 1-0

54' Roberts takes a short from outside the box but was deflected by a defender, Rogic recovers the deflected ball that landed inside the penalty box and beat the keeper near the post. Celtic up 2-0

It was a good and bad win. Good because we are through to the next round of the Betfred cup however bad as both Scott Brown and Moussa Dembele are out for 3 months and 2 - 3 weeks. I was fuming. I felt as if Livingston were purposely playing rough against us but I kept my calm in front of the press when asked about the game. I just hope this won't affect us greatly until they return.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP DRAW

Ever since my last update, we went up against Dinamo Tbilisi and Saint Johnstone without Scott Brown and Dembele.



To my surprise, we were still able to get comfortable wins against both teams although I would be lying if I said I was worried when we drew against Dinamo as a sign that we might not do well without Dembele and Brown.

But with the victory of 4-2 on aggregate against Dinamo Tbilisi, we are through to the Champions League group stage.

God help me that I end up in an easy stage.

The teams I'd like to avoid are the like genuine top teams like Barcelona, Madrid and Bayern.

At the stage where Celtic was gonna be drawn, this is what the groups looked like:


I was watching the draw from home as I couldn't take the nervousness of being around the greatest personalities in the footballing world, and I was just telling myself.

"Shit, there are definitely groups that I'd evade. Group A, B, E and H. Those groups seems like the teams that are going through are more or less obvious. While the rest, I'd have a fighting chance. Me ending up in Group F would be a dream come true."

Slowly, the last teams in each group was announced.

Group A - Roma

Group B - Legia

Group C - BMG

Group D - Celtic

Group E - Besiktas

Group F - Red Star

Group G - Leicester

Group H - Ludogorets



So, Group D. Usually known as the Group of Death, I guess it isn't that bad..?

Barcelona are definitely going through, Basel isn't any pushover, neither is Dynamo Kyiv. However, I do feel like I have a fighting chance against both of them to end up 2nd place in the group.

REALITY KICKING IN

It's the 29th of September and things are starting to look gloomier compared to the last few months.

Matches are tougher to win now and we are currently 7th on the table.

The fans are growing weary of the situation as we should be high flying on the league right now but under my watch, we're sitting with 8 points after 6 games.

Not gonna lie, the pressure is really kicking in. Am I not choosing the right tactics? Am I not training the players right? Did I not buy the right players?

Man, this managerial job is tougher than I thought, and I don't know what the boards are thinking right now of the club's situation. Are they considering to fire me?

All these questions, I just hope that this will be the turning point to a better form in the next few games.

FRUSTRATION CONTINUES

Our first match of the October sees us facing Dundee, who's at the bottom of the table with only one win.

If there's any time to start a turning point to our fortunes, it would be this time.



Match highlight

16' Hateley dishes out a pass to Ejaria who passes a through ball to O'hara who makes a run inside the box. Slots the ball behind the keeper. Dundee 1-0.

67' Ruben passes a ball to Dembele who passes it to Sinclair who is open to his left. Sinclair smashes the ball to the top left corner. Celtic 1 - 1.

End of match highlight

My job might really be in scrutiny after this. I can't seem to catch a break to get a win recently and it's just a challenge. Not to mention we've been conceding more and more.

Pressure is higher than ever.

Well wasn't expecting to see you struggling, hopefully it'll all come together very quickly!

RESURGENCE OF CELTIC DOMINANCE

After my frustration of my performances, the board has realized that I'm under immense stress and pressure and calls me in for a talk.

Peter Lawwell (Managing Director): Hey there Dan, how are you feeling?

*Shit, are they letting me off?*

Dan Ong: Erm... Well I'm kind of under a bit of a tight spot here because I'm barely winning games and I'm in a bad form to the point that Celtics aren't even in the top 4. It's kind of a worrisome spot for me as I know Celtics have been dominating the past years and I haven't met that expectation.

Peter Lawwell: We do notice that, but we also notice you being under immense stress and pressure. Our club's stature is important, but our staffs well-being is important too. We called you in so that we are able to assist in helping you learn more about the job and doing better so as to benefit us and benefit yourself.

Peter Lawwell: We have invited Martin O'Neill, one of the club's successful managers when he was reigning as Celtics Manager.

*And there he was, Martin O'Neill. Currently the manager of the Republic of Ireland national team.*

Martin O'Neill: Hey there Dan, I've heard about you and how you came about. I must say I was dumbfounded and thought this might be some sort of joke but it isn't. As crazy as it is, it hasn't been the worst case so far, and I'd like to help out because I'm excited to see a young inexperienced manager like you able to take on pressure and lead the club to glory, and also because I'm passionate about this club.

We talked for hours, which turned into days, into a week.

We would meet everyday for long hours, listening to him talk about his experience and the way he does things.

I feel more assured someone actually kind of believed in me because he took the time to teach me and advise me. That game against Dundee really took the toll on me.

Slowly and surely, things looked better.

My first game after having talks with O'neill was against Motherwell, who's doing well in the league. I won, comfortable 4-0 win.

Barcelona was next, I didn't have much hopes because they've been slotting 4-5 goals past Basel and Dynamo and my objective was to either win or contain them. They won 3-0.

Aberdeen who beat us 3-1 earlier in the season, we won them 2 -1 in extra time for the Semi Final of the Betford cup.

Ross County, currently in relegation threat, we won 3-1.

Aberdeen again, for the 3rd time of the season, we won 2-1.

Barcelona, earlier beat us 3-0, they beat us 1-0.

Inverness CT, a mid table team, beaten 2-0.

Kilmarnock, another mid table team, beaten 2-0.

Basel, one of the dominant teams in the Swiss league, beaten 3-0.

Things were really looking brighter. Ever since that talk with Martin O'Neill, I decided to make some tactical decisions to have 1 central midfield and 1 defensive midfield rather than both central midfield and it added some stability in the team. As of now we're in a 7 win out of 9 games. I felt more confident


The next game was Rangers for the Betfred Cup Final.

Although the Board doesn't really give a shit about the Betfred Cup, I'm a 100% sure they would care about winning the Finals against Rangers, and that's what happening.

- Press conference log -

Alex McCord from the Scotsman: Hello Dan, I just wanted to congratulate you on your win against Basel and your recent form. I would like to ask, how did you turn it around?

Dan Ong: I would like to thank both the board and Martin O'Neill for that. The board really has the staff's best interest at heart and they're really passionate for the club. Martin O'Neill is also very much passionate about the club and I am thankful for the week we have spent and him just taking me under his wing. He is a man of great kindness and really gave me the boost of confidence as I felt like he believed in me to even invest time to teach me.

*The crowd makes a ruckus as they whisper as they're probably surprised that I was mentored by Martin O'Neill*

Alex McCord: That's a surprise to hear, that you were mentored by another manager.

Dan Ong: Yeah I've never heard of it before too.

Alex McCord: Well whatever gets you the results I guess. Another question, how do you feel about the derby tomorrow?

Dan Ong: Well, there's a lot of pressure because firstly it is my first cup final and second, it's against one of our fiercest rival, Rangers. A loss to them will really cause a huge upset in the stands and the fan's happiness is my responsibility. So yes, I will be putting my heart and soul into it to assure that we will win the cup and that the fans will rejoice to the point that they'd want to rush onto the field although I hope they don't.

Alex McCord: That's great to hear, and about your Champions League campaign, you're one win or draw away for qualifying for the first leg, are you confident to get that result against Dynamo Kyiv?

Dan Ong: All the teams that qualified for the Champions League has met a certain quality of strength in their team to have qualified for it. I'm not confident to say that we will win the game or even draw, but I am confident that my team will be motivated and fired up to do so to finish top 2 in the group.

Alex McCord: Thanks for your time Dan.

Dan Ong: Thanks for your time everyone, see you all soon.

Well I was expecting to struggle being a fresh face but I managed to turn it around

I guess my motivation was to not get beaten up when I entered a pub

MY FIRST CUP WIN

The day came, 27th November 2016.

The day I'd go for my first cup final not as a fan, but as a manager.



Here I am at Hampden Park, I see all the Celtics and Rangers fans having a banter outside.

YouTubers going to people and asking them questions about the rivalry and the history and everything for their video segments.

As the team and I get off the bus, goosebumps suddenly hit me.

I was nervous again. I told myself "damn, the last time this happened was when I got appointed as manager for Celtics".

It was like that day, when I didn't expect to be a manager, let alone for Celtics. Now I'm at a finals of a cup, and I didn't expect it again.

- Pep Talk log -

Dan Ong: Hey guys, I know we've had our ups and downs and I wanted to say thanks for just giving your heart out every single time you're out there. The reason why we're in such good form is because you guys get the job done week in and week out. Give yourselves a round of applause

*The players cheer and clap*

Dan Ong: Today is a big day. Not only is it a cup final, but it's a rivalry game at the same time. Out there later on, it'll be a war, a bloodbath. Prepare yourself and let's give them a boot up their asses.

*The players cheer and runs out of the locker room to prepare to get out of the tunnel*

- End of Pep Talk -



The stadium was buzzing.

You can just hear the 2 different fans singing their club songs and just bantering at each other. It was a war out here.

Never have I seen so much passion so up close before. I was nervous. If we lose, my head might be hunted for.

Before I could even keep my nerves down, the game started.

- Match Highlight log -

72' Sinclair puts the ball at the spot and prepares for a penalty kick. He runs up. Kicks. SAVED BY WES FODERINGHAM. WAIT. SINCLAIR IS ON THE RUN FOR THE LOOSE BALL, HE SHOOTS FROM THAT ANGLE AND SLOTS THE BALL IN TO THE TOP RIGHT. CELTIC IS UP 1-0.





90' CELTIC WINS THE BETFRED CUP AGAINST THEIR FIERCE RIVAL RANGERS. BOTH TEAM PLAYERS ARE CRYING BUT THE DIFFERENCE IS IT'S EITHER JOY OR SADNESS. DAN ONG IS SEEN CELEBRATING WITH THE FANS AS THE CELTIC SQUAD RUNS TOWARDS HIM TO LIFT HIM UP FOR THE CUP WIN.

- End of Match Highlight -

On that night, I was known as the youngest manager to have won the Betfred cup and probably any cups around the world in terms of professional teams.

I was just shaking in joy. I won. I won. I won. I won. I WON A CUP.

OH MY GOODNESS I JUST WON A CUP AGAINST RANGERS.

THAT'S LIKE AN ICE CREAM WITH WHIP CREAM AND A CHERRY ON TOP.

I WON A CUP AGAINST THE RANGERS. I WON.

WE WON IT XAVI ALONSO STYLE WHEN HE PUT LIVERPOOL BACK IN THE GAME WITH A PENALTY WHICH WAS SAVED AND HE RAN FOR IT AND SMASHED IN IT.

What. A. Day.

We are now reaching almost halfway through the season.

Our form has picked up speed ever that slump around the September to October month when we were sitting around the 8th place

After drawing with Dynamo Kyiv, we have secured a place in the First Knockout Round of the Champions League.



With the draw, we ended up with Athletico Madrid who we will most likely lose to but we obviously won't just give up that easily. Although, I did already meet our expectation of reaching the First Knockout Stage.



And in the Ladsbroke Premiership we are in 2nd place with a game in hand


Things are definitely turning for the better.

TRANSFER WINDOW OPENS AGAIN

Transfers made:

10/1/2017



Kouassi Eboue is an 19 year old Ivorian midfielder who made 8 appearance for us this season.

He made appearances towards the start of the transfer window and put up good performance averaging 7.03 rating, 1.26 tackle per game and 88% pass completion.

A loss for the future but we did earn profit based on his price tag when he was still in the club which was below £1,000,000.

He was sold for an initial fee of £3,700,000 that will increase to £6,250,000.



Ihsan Sacko is a 19 year old French winger.

Used to play for RC Strasbourg Alsace in France making 24 appearances and 3 goals.

Bought him for £725,000 and £4.2k p/w

18/1/2017



Kieran Tierney is a 19 year old Scottish left-back regarded as one of Celtic's brightest prospect. He insisted on living for Liverpool and wouldn't step down for anything else, hence I let him go as I didn't want to keep unhappy players.

Made 38 appearances for The Bhoys and in his final season, he averaged a rating of 7.33 and making 3.32 passes per game, 4.35 dribbles per game, and 76% passing accuracy

He was valued at around £2,000,000 when he was still with us, and he was sold for £5,500,000 which will increase to £8,000,000.

Another loss for the future

25/1/2017



Tony Gallacher is a 17 year old Scottish left back (sounds familiar eh) who used to play for Falkirk.

Making 12 appearances for Falkirk and averaging 6.58 match rating.

Hoping that he could turn out to be a decent player.

Bought him for £425,000 and £1,300 pk/w

Transfer deadline:

31/1/2017



Denys Bain is a versatile player who can play Center back, Defensive midfielder, and Central midfielder.

A 23 year old french guy who used to play for Havre Atheltic Club in France making 46 appearances and 1 goal.

In his final season with them, he averaged an 6.67 match rating over 18 games.

Bought him for £3,100,000 and £6,750 p/w



China (Who the heck in the right mind who's from Portugal named their son China?) is a 24 year old Portuguese left back.

China used to play for Maritimo B making 9 appearances and 7.59 match rating this season.

Made one appearance for Maritimo and grabbed a 7.10 match rating.

Bought him for £125,000 and £2,400 p/w



Dennis Aogo is a 30 year old German left back.

Dennis used to play for Schalke 04 who made 58 appearances for them.

Also having a stint in the Germany National team making 12 appearances

Paid £135,000 and £18,000 p/w for him



Ricardo Ferreira is a 24 year old Portuguese center back.

Used to play for Braga and made 25 appearances for them and scoring one goal.

Paid £1,000,000 and £9,500 p/w for him

CELTICS CONTINUANCE OF DOMINANCE

Despite losing some of our bright prospects during the transfer window, the squad was still upbeat about our chances of winning the league, winning the Scottish cup and even possibly beating Athletico Madrid.

We've continued our winning ways only losing once, and getting 2 draws ever since our lost to Barcelona.

Although, what bothers me is that no contract has been offered yet. Celtics are currently in first place 8 points ahead of Hearts who are in the second place in the League.

I've won the Betford cup and I've finished 2nd in the Champions League group.

I've been on a great form of run. But I have yet to be offered a contract yet.

I start to doubt about my future, if I'm gonna be a manager by the start of next season or will it be the end of my dream run.

Having a really good season! Hope it continues! Really good work getting out of the Champions League Group Stage!

Question of the series

Just a question to my readers, do you guys think I should stick with Celtics for another season or two or should I move on and see my opportunity?

I'm open to suggestions

When I finish all my games, I'll be discontinuing the series until I get some responses on how to continue it to see what would be more fun to see.

Also, give me suggestions on what my season goals should be.

I guess it depends what jobs become available? It's your enjoyment first too, at the end of the day.

It is the 22nd of May 2017, and we have finished the season.

For our Champions League campaign, we achieved our ambitions of reaching the First Knockout Round

For our Ladbrokes Premiership campaign, in no surprise, we achieved the goal of winning the league

For our Scottish Cup, we fell short losing 0-1 to Aberdeen in the Fifth Round

And lastly, for our Betfred Cup campaign, we won the cup



Scott Sinclair has been voted as the Player of the Season by the Fans while Ruben Amorim who only costed us £388,000 has been voted as the signing of the season.



And I fell short to being the Manager of the Year but all is swell, I believe the fact that I'm even considered one of the Manager of the Year is a privilege

The board has called me in for a meeting

Ian Bankier, the Chairman of Celtic FC: Hello Dan, It's been a while since our last meeting. I would like to first congratulate you on being the youngest manager to have won a double in their first ever season and would like to commend your achievement that even with a strong squad, it would have been impossible to lead them to glory without some leadership and good tactical approaches that utilizes their skill set

Dan Ong : Thanks boss, I also just wanted to thank your faith for putting me in this position to even lead such a prestigious club and to even allow me to lead them to glory. I would have never dream of this moment. It was a long and hectic season but it was worth it as the lads were really passionate about winning and with the board's support, it allowed me to feel more confident about what I'm doing for this club.

Ian Bankier: That's great to hear. You've really done a good job, not to mention even getting out of the group stage of the Champions League. With your qualifications, no offense, but everyone in the world was against you succeeding but you manage to prove everyone wrong. You turned your doubters into believers.

Dan Ong: I would like to thank you guys for that once again, giving me the opportunity to do so.

Ian Bankier: Well, I guess you would have some idea to why we have called you in today. It's the end of the season and your contract is ending. We have decided to give you a contract extension if you choose to agree to it.

Man, a contract extension that will ensure some cups under my belt. The fans love me, the board supports me, the players are great people, but do I really feel like I'm having some sense of achievement for myself? Can I take the pressure of ensuring we MUST win the league again every single year and even maybe going further in the Champions League. Gosh, this is just too much to handle at times. Maybe I should just decline it and find a club that might have lesser pressure? Hmm..

Dan Ong: I'm sorry, I really love the club, I love the support I've received and I've loved the fans, but as a manager with not much experience, I'm very worried that I might not be able to offer the assurance that I will win the consecutive seasons and that would be seen as a failure by you guys and the fans and I wouldn't want to see that happen. I'd want to leave in a sight as a success rather than a person who failed later on.

Ian Bankier: That is very unfortunate to hear. We really enjoyed your managerial reign even though it's just a season, to see such a young guy face the world, but it is very understandable. We are very fortunate to see your start of your career here at Celtics defying all odds and we wish you luck in your future.

Dan Ong: I have nothing but love for this club and you guys. Thank you again for this opportunity and even giving so much faith in me to even give me a contract extension. This has been a fairy tale story for myself and I will forever treasure this moment.

Yes, I have decided to reject the contract offer from Celtic FC and will be looking for new pastures.

Sorry for the hiatus I took from posting. I lost the motivation to post and continue the story but I currently have some in the fuel and will be looking to be consistent again in delivering stories

Where next? Good luck on your journey!

During the break, I was enjoying myself at Ireland.

Visiting the tourists attraction like the Great Glen, Edinburgh Castle, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Isle of Skye and many more.

At the same time, I was checking out some job availability out there.



Athletic Bilbao is obviously an eye catching one, one of the prestigious clubs in the list that is in the top league and aims to get better against the big teams like Madrid, Barcelona and Athletic Madrid. However, I highly doubt I'll get in there considering I'm still a new and fresh manager with no experience.

Some other teams that I'm considering are Kaiserslautern is one of the teams I'm considering too due to the fact that they used to compete for the Bundelisga but have now fallen off and are looking to fight back to glory. Darmstadt is another club with not much eye-catching history and is currently in the Bundelisga, looking to escape relegation and get better.

I applied for both German teams, and had my eyes on FC Lorient too but wasn't too keen on it.

6 days later

I woke up at the usual 8 AM timing to grab some breakfast and read the papers. Went to the gym to do some workout to keep my fitness together. Got back home and watched some television and I got a call.



It was again, like my first job offer from Celtic, an unfamiliar code country number. I was sure that Germany had a code number of +49 when it's an overseas call and France has a +33, instead I had a +34 in the front.

Confused, I picked up my phone.

Jose Urrutia: Hello, is this Dan Ong?

Dan Ong: Hello, yes this is Dan Ong. To whom do I owe this pleasure?

Jose Urrutia: Hello Dan, my name is Jose Urrutia. I am the President of Athletico Bilbao. I am calling to you let you know that we are interested in you to take over as our manager as our previous manager Ernesto Valverde has parted way with us.

* I sat shocked and baffled. Did he just say Athletico Bilbao? The club that I said I would have no chance of taking over of? *

Dan Ong: E-E-Err wow. I'm surprised. I didn't expect to receive a call from you guys.

Jose Urrutia: We have seen your works with Celtic. I know that you have faced a lot of pressure from the media and the fans based on your experience but you have manage to bring them the glory they've been receiving the past few years and I believe that you'll be able to do the same or even better job at Atheltico Bilbao.

Dan Ong: I'm flattered by your offer, but are you not offering Roberto Mancini the job?

Jose Urrutia: That kind of information shall be kept confidential, however, I'm calling to say that we would like to fly you over for a day to go through some discussion regarding your fit with our vision and see if you could convince the rest of the board that you are a best fit for the job with the managers available right now

Dan Ong: Understood. I will see you soon then Mr. Urrutia.

Jose Urrutia: You'll receive further information from my Secretary regarding your flight and your travel to our office.




4 days later

A familiar country code rings on my phone

Sebastian Breuer: Hello, this is Sebastian Breuer, the president of Darmstadt. Is this Dan Ong I'm speaking to?

Dan Ong: Hello Mr. Breuer, it's a pleasure to hear from you. To what may I owe this pleasure?

Sebastian Breuer: Well, we have received your application and with further consideration, we have shortlisted you as one of our candidates as manager. Are you free to fly by maybe in the next two days?

Dan Ong: Yes, I will be.

Sebastian Breuer: That is great to hear. You will be hearing from my assistant soon enough regarding your travel details

Dan Ong: Thanks! Will be looking forward to it

DAN ONG LANDS A JOB

As of 15th June 2017, Athletico Bilbao has decided to reject my application in favor of Aitor Karanka who used to manage Middlesbrough.

As of 18th June 2017, Darmstadt has offered me a contract.

A £11,250 p/w for 2 years, with a bonus of £66,000 if I win the German Cup, a 15% wage rise if promoted to the top division, and a 35% relegation wage drop.

I have decided to accepted the deal.

Germany and Oktoberfest, here we go.

Well, here's a hint if you haven't read my new post. Beer is very popular here.

WHO IS DARMSTADT?

Darmstadt is a German club that was founded in the year 1898 who is currently playing at the German First Division, or better known as Bundesliga

The stadium they play in is named Jonathan-Heimes-Stadion am Böllenfalltor and has an average training facility and adequate youth facility

The club has an average junior coaching and fairly basic youth recruitment network

The club's nickname is Die Lilien and have a rivalry against the club Kickers Offenbach who are two leagues below us

Their trophy cabinet has 9 trophies:

German Second Division - 1978 and 1981

German Regional Division Southwest - 1973 and 2011

German Division Hessia - 1964, 1971, 1999, 2004 and 2008

Where are they now and what are my objectives?

Die Lilien have been relegated to the German Second Division after their 2016/2017 season.

My personal objectives and the board's objectives for this season matched, which is fighting for promotion and reaching the 2nd round of the German Cup.

I have been given the freedom of no expectation to play a certain way or to bring in certain type of players.

I've been given £3,610,000 and £289,000 p/w to work with this transfer window



Our best player is Jerome Gondorf who plays in the central midfield, defensive midfielder and attacking central midfielder.

I'll be looking to utilize him as our Ball Winning Midfielder and be the heartbeat of the midfield.


Another player that catches my eye is Aytac Sulu, a Turksih defender who plays as a center-back.

I hope to utilize him as a commanding center back who will be in control of everyone in the defense and make sure everything is intact.



The rest of my team, in my opinion and no offense if I offended any players that might be seen as a club hero by the fans who support the club in real life, are very very average or below average and there aren't any young hot prospect that we can nurture to lead the team in the future.


For this transfer window, I plan on bringing in bargain players who can contribute right away and make an impact. The midfield is especially underwhelming in depth.

Judging by the strikers that they have, long balls or crossing into the box is their style of play as both Dominik Stroh-Engel (above stat) and Terrence Boyd (below stat) have high headings stats while their speed is pretty average.

DARMSTADT IN TROUBLE?

It's July 12 2017. Transfers has been confirmed in and out of Darmstadt.

In my last discussion, I was talking praises about having Jerome Gondorf and how I plan on utilizing him as the heartbeat of the midfield. By the tone of how I'm saying this, you guys would have probably guessed that he has parted ways with us due to his ambitions to stay in the top flight which we could not offer or even the assurance that we will be in the top flight next season.

He is now part of Hoffenheim who joined them for a initial fee of £2,800,000 which will increase to £4,400,000



Marcel Heller has also announced his desire to move away after Darmstadt has been relegated to the lower league. He was a valuable asset to the team with his experience. He parted ways to Hamburg for the cost of £1,300,000.



Immanuel Hohn has also parted ways with us for the cost of £375,000 which will increase to £475,000



However, our transfer window wasn't just outs all the time. For our part, we did bring in some decent players in return to buff up our squad after our losses and to increase depth in our squad. I'm still planning to bring in more players but it's a trouble due to the position we're in and the budget we're given.

Martin Rasner - £750,000 and £7,250 p/w

Lewis Vaughan - £825,000 and £2,500 p/w

Abdoul Kabore - £975,000 and £8,750 p/w

TRANSFER IN (£10,500,000):

Stuart Bannigan £500,000 and £6,250 p/w



Greg O'Neil £125,000 and £575 p/w



Igor £1,800,000 and £3,600 p/w



Ebenezer Assifuah £2,100,000 and £14,500 p/w



Vincent Muratori £725,000 and £18,500 p/w



Marcus Fraser £550,000 and £2,200 p/w



Anderson £700,000 and £12,000 p/w



Mats Kohlert (on-loan)



Veysel San £78,000 and £9,000 p/w



David Grozinger £110,000 (£245,000) and £1,000 p/w



Andreas Luthe £150,000 and £8,250 p/w



Lawrence Shankland £400,000 and £2,600 p/w



Clemens Schoppenhauer £675,000 and £9,7500 p/w



TRANSFER OUT (£9,500,000):

Yannick Stark to Heidenheim for £275,000 (£350,000)

Aytac Sulu to Crystal Palace for £1,400,000 (£1,900,000)

Sandro Sirigu to Frankfurt for £725,000

Markus Steinhofer to Braunschweig on loan

Armin Itter to Greuther Furth for £150,000

Dominik Stroh-Engel to Bremen for £205,000

Michael Esser to Bremen for £2,000,000

Marcus Fraser to Patrick Thistle on loan

FRIENDLY, JULY AND AUGUST SUMMARY

My first few games in charge went great.

Playing a new system of having a Target Man striker was new to me, but I decided to utilize what was in my disposal.

Terrence Boyd was an eye catching player during the whole friendly games as he had 2 hat tricks (against FC Nantes and against Bellinzona)

Denys Oliynyk also scored 3 goals during the friendly games.



We've been on a.. decent run so far I guess? I wouldn't say I'm disappointed because I'm not sure how good the team is in real life but in my opinion starting of with 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss isn't that bad.

Considering the fact that we lost a lot of our key players due to their ambitions to play in the top leagues, they basically abandoned ship when the team relegated

I'm hoping for a turn of event soon enough with all the new players that we brought in, hoping that they can contribute loads to our fight for promotion

The team that we have formed after our transfers looks like this:



I was honestly worried about our squad was lacking in depth and that our key players slowly left one by one, but in the end, it turned out okay in a sense that in my opinion, we brought back in some decent players and increased the depth in our squad.

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER SUMMARY

Things aren't looking so great. In 3 months I've only been able to achieve 1 win. The board is definitely not happy. I feel the pressure now. The pressure that I am 100% definitely underachieving and disappointing everyone. The crowds are chanting my name to be out while I see the players are definitely discouraged with the run we're in.

Inevitably, the board has called me to a meeting.



Sebastian Breuer: Hello Dan, It's been a while since our last meeting

Dan Ong: Good day to you Mr. Breuer

Sebastian Breuer: I will just cut straight to the chase, we are unhappy. The fans are unhappy. The players are unhappy. We are underachieving by a lot, we were expected to fight for promotion and now we're in the relegation. Your ass is on fire right now Mr. Ong

*My heart races and I start to sweat*

Dan Ong: I know that things aren't doing so well now but you guys have to give me a bit more time to figure out things

Sebastian Breuer: Mr. Ong, we had a lot of belief that you were the right man for the job. During your pre-season you did so well, but during the season itself, you're doing so horrible. You've only won 3 games and we're currently trying to get out of relegation. Explain to us why we should give you more time when we've given you 5 months to figure out stuff.

Dan Ong: Give me a bit more time please.

Sebastian Breuer: Well Mr. Ong, we'll give you time. In the next 5 games, we require 10 points from you. If you do not get 10 points in the next 5 games, you will be terminated and will start finding a new job. You may now see yourself out.

I left the room. Discouraged. Distraught. Disbelief.

A few months ago I was dubbed one of the up and coming managers and now I'm down to the worst again. That I was a fluke. Maybe this is really me. Maybe I'm really not qualified for a managerial job. Maybe I should just quit?

Well, we are starting off in a bad foot with a 1-1 draw against Braunschweig but I guess it isn't that bad considering they're on the top of the league.

Bit of trouble with Darmstadt, hopefully you can get them out of this rut.

Liking the story style though, very nice touch on the conversations.

KUTGW

Oh yeah, it's a real pain. This is my first FM so I'm not too good at it yet.

Hopefully I can get out of it too myself.

I appreciate the compliment though, I hope you enjoy it as time passes by! I'm juggling around to make it look nicer and all so any feedback is appreciated!