Shedender's "Journeyman" Career

Looking good, and i think the crowd enjoys you as manager, lots of goals in your games.

We’re actually seven points clear George, not four but we are indeed doing well at the moment and I just hope it can continue to a while yet.

Still can’t get carried away Dan as we’re not favourites to win the league although I don’t even know who is if I’m honest. We’re currently top indeed but I have four tough and gruelling months remaining – twists and turns is sure to happen.

Lots of goals means at least the matches are entertaining for both sets of supporters Dyrim although sometimes I’d rather “play ugly” and keep a few clean sheets.


Just the one game was played in the previous month as we resumed from the winter break that lasted just over a month, February saw us entertain four teams as we looked to move further ahead at the top of the table but it wasn’t going to be easy as we hosted Korfez and Eyupspor while facing trips to Inegolspor and Denizli Bld.


Our first game in February saw us face Korfez FK in front of our own spectators as we came out on top in a nine goal thriller despite just the one goal being scored in the first half as Demirer struck on twenty minutes. Just the eight goals were scored in the second half as the visitors equalised in the forty sixth minute before a Guler double and Kaymakci put us four one up but Pehlivan and Soylemez struck for the away side but Kaymakci’s second made it 5-3 but Soylemez’ second in stoppage time made it a nervous last few minutes.

We then made the trip to Inegolspor and suffered a four three defeat as the home side had a three one half time lead as Demir struck a hat trick in between Kaymakci pulling a goal back on thirty five minutes – Demir’s treble was struck in the twenty second, thirty seventh and in the first minute of first half stoppage time. Second half strikes from Araz and Guler make it three all but Depe’s seventy-fourth minute goal ensured three points for the hosts.

The side returned to winning ways as we faced Eyupspor in our second home clash of the month and we picked up a three one win as central defender Araz headed us into the lead after twenty minutes for the only first half goal, striker Guler doubled the scores on fifty six minutes but Eyupspor pulled a goal back a minute later. We secured the points with a third goal on seventy-one minutes as Guler struck his second.

And the month concluded with a trip to Denizli Bld. and we had to come from behind to pick up the points because Demir opened the scoring for the hosts after only two minutes but we managed to turn the game around within six minute period in the first half as Kaya equalised on twenty seven minutes before Kaymakci struck the winner on thirty three.


The gap has gotten slightly bigger as we’re now eight points clear at the top of the table and it could have been better if we hadn’t slipped up at Inegolspor but c'est la vie. Things are looking good but there is still ten league games to be played and you can expect twists and turns.

Not many clean sheet that month 23 goals in four games. Your looking great, think the title can't slip away normaly!

Zero clean sheets in February Dyrim but at least we’re still entertaining. The title can still slip away as we’re unable to defend at the moment but still luckily picking up victories when need be. We have a tough March month coming up.


With an eight point gap opened up on the chasing pack, March proved to be a tough match as we looked to continue our title charge as we were challenged with five games with three being at home and two away from our venue. It turned out to not be the greatest month that I’ve had in charge.


We started this month with a home affair against Alanyaspor and slipped to a disappointing two-goal defeat in front of our own supporters as we were rightly booed off. First half goals from Ozgur and Kayaalp sealed the set back.

Our second game of the month was again in front of our own supporters as we suffered back to back defeats, going down three two as we were booed off for the second game in succession as our title hopes were about to be in danger unless we started getting back to winning ways and fast. Y. Malatyaspor opened the scoring but was pegged back four minutes later through Akyildiz but Izcican’s second on twenty nine minutes regained the visitors lead but we equalised for the second time through Kaymakic before Y. Malatyaspor took the lead for the third time as Karabulut converted a penalty in first half stoppage time.

The first away game of the month was another tricky affair as we made the trip to Kizilcahmamspor looking to bounce back following back to back defeats and we did, picking up a 3-1 win on our travels despite falling behind on twenty-six minutes when Yilmaz scored but Ergene equalised for us on thirty-nine before Kaya turned the game around early in the second and then Ergene’s second of the game sealed an important three points.

Our penultimate game of the month saw us travel to C. Sekerspor for our second away game in succession and we could only draw as Uyar opened the scoring for the hosts inside the opening one hundred and twenty seconds, Demirer equalised on thirty-four minutes. We fell behind with seven minutes remaining courtesy of Cakmak only for Akyildiz to make it two all a minute later – the drama didn’t end their as Araz was sent off on eighty-seven minutes after receiving two yellow cards.

Iskenderun DC arrived at our Kirklarelispor home to finish March as we finished with a much needed maximum points as Kaya scored what turned out to be the winning goal after fifty minutes in a game that was definitely one to forget for both sets of players, officials and fans.


March turned out to be a poor month as the gap at the top was cut to just four points and following the three games we failed to win this month as our title hopes will come down to the final five games of the games – three in April and two in May to determine who will win the league. A play-off spot is looking likely but I want the league title in my first season in management.

League titles almost wrapped up but I think we all knew you were set for it after your unbeaten month back in the first couple of months!

Brilliant form, look set to secure it!

You say you all knew that I was going to win the league after that unbeaten month earlier in the season? Funny, I didn’t think we’d win the league then and I still don’t.

We have five games left to determine whether we’ll win the league or not Zan. It’s going to be a tough run in and one I wish we didn’t have.


We reached the penultimate month of the season with just one goal in mind and that was to wrap up the league title within the final five leagues of the 2012/2013 league campaign as it’s draws to a close. Can it happen? It’s going to be tough.


The penultimate month started with the side on the road as we travelled to Ofspor and crashed to a disastrous 4-1 defeat with the hosts breaking the deadlock after only three minutes through Demir after three minutes before Cakiroglu doubled the lead just before half time and then the same man got his second and Ofspor’s third after fifty eight minutes. A Sahin own goal on the hour saw us bag a consolation goal but Kirmaci added a fourth with six minutes left.

We hosted Bayrampasa in what was billed a “must win game” following defeat in our previous game and we dually delivered, winning two one. We took the lead after thirty-eight minutes as Guler smashed the ball home but we were pegged back after fifty-one minutes as Tez scored but we won the game on fifty-nine minutes through Derici.

Our final game of the month saw us make the trip to Tokatspor as we slipped to our second defeat in three games this month as we crashed to a three two defeat. The home side took the lead on thirty-two minutes but we equalised on thirty five courtesy of Guler and it was one all at the interval. Five minutes into the second and Askan’s second of the game saw the home side take the lead for the second but for the second time, three minutes later, we equalised through Sariuska but the home side won the game as Guneri scored on 61 minutes.


Yes we have secured a play-off spot following a tremendous season but with two games remaining the league title is in doubt following Y. Malatyaspor winning their game in hand and they’ve moved two points clear with just two games remaining and it’s going to be tough for us to win the league now but we’ll continue to try and hope Malatyaspor slip up.

Kirklarelispor’s final two games:

Gaziosmanpasa (H)
Altay (H)

So with two home games to wrap up the season I should be targeting six points but they’re both tough fixtures and I don’t know what these final two games will go. We could draw one and lose one, win one and lose one, win one and draw one, win them both or lose them both – seriously, could go either way.

Guarantee you win the last two games and win the league

We’ll see Dan. They’re tough games so I wouldn’t be surprised if we choked and had to attempt the play-offs.


The time was upon us. We entered the final month of the season not top of the table for the first time in months but still deep in the title picture and with two games remaining we need the leaders to slip up at least once to at least attempt to secure the title. Our season concludes with two home games vs. Gaziosmanpasa and Altay.


Our penultimate league fixture of the 2012/2013 league campaign saw us host Gaziosmanpaza as we could only play out a scoreless draw. Despite trying to break the deadlock we were unable too and the league title decider would go down to the final day.

The final fixture of a pulsating season was played in front of our supporters as we hosted Altay and the supporters, along with myself weren’t confident in wrapping up the title but we did celebrate picking up three points as on-loan Derici struck in first half stoppage in what could be his final appearance for the club.

After the game it was announced that it was time to celebrate as I managed to guide the side to the Second Division Group A title in my first season despite being predicted to come seventh. My sides single goal victory, coupled with Y. Malatyaspor’s three all draw saw us win the league. Celebration time.


Just call us CHAMPIONS!

An unbelievable season has ended with us Champions much I’m sure to Dan’s displeasure (ha!) but that single goal victory and Malatyaspor’s draw with Alanyaspor was enough to seal the title and mark wide celebrations in the stadium. Y. Malatyaspor, Inegolspor, Balikesirspor and Altay had to settle for play-offs while Denizli Bld. and Iskenderun DC had to go through the heartache of relegation.

Well done mate!

What a finish and I can't wait what will brings you the next season.

amazing title win mate !

Thanks Dan fella but I'm sure you typed "well done mate!" begrudgingly, didn't you?

I seriously thought I was going to balls up the title Miimaa as we dropped to second place in the league with just two games remaining but I'm delighted we got over the "finishing line" and you shouldn't be expecting much next season.

Cheers George. First time I think I've won a title before Dan has but lets not get carried away.


So with my first season in football management completed, the 2012/2013 campaign was a season to remember for the players, officials and supporters of Kirklarelispor as the team secured promotion to the Turkish First Division against all the odds following our Second Division Group A success.


We had a review come the end of the season from the board who were pleased with my performance as manager and they were also pleased with how we managed to do in both competitions. Despite being predicted to come seventh in pre season we managed to win the Second Division Group A and that was a particular highlight while we went to the third qualifying round of the Turkish Cup, also equalling with the board had expected.

They were pleased with the signings I had made, especially Derici who I am definitely going to attempt to bring back next season if that's possible.


Winning the league has seen the club receive eighty five thousand pounds for our final position in the Turkish Second Division.


Are you surprised? I have won the Turkish Second Division Manager of the Year award following my Group A success as it had been a good season for us. Nazilli Bld.'s Ceviz came runner-up while K. Marasspor's Cokkeser finished third. The award could have went either way so I'm chuffed to have received it.


And finally we have had two players named in our leagues Team of the Year and both players played a massive part in my success. Winger Buyuk had scored twelve goals in something like thirty appearances before he suffered injury and we struggled once he did while attacking midfielder Kaymakci chipped in with some important goals throughout the campaign. Both players deserve their place in the team.

Looks like a good review, well done on manager of the year too

Wow that was a tight finish there, you mist have been sweating all over. Grats on winning the title and MotY award. Next season will be hard with the numbers of goals your team allows.

Cheers Dan. The award could have easily gone to the manager of the Group B winners and I’m surprised it didn’t after they won the league iirc despite being predicted to finish seventeenth. I’m happy with the award though, first of many I hope.

Whenever you’re second with only two games remaining and not playing overly well then it’s only natural to sweat isn’t it Dyrim? Just pleased I managed to wrap up the title, as I wasn’t going to be confident heading into the play offs.


With my second season at Kirklarelispor on the horizon this update will take a look at who the clubs spokesperson chose as the fans’ player of the year, season expectations as well as looking at how the squad looks and a little bit of news concerning my future at the club.


Our supporter spokesperson has named right-winger Buyuk as the fans’ Player of the Year and it’s hard to argue with that as he netted twelve goals for us last season as the club won the league. Buyuk was missed when he suffered an injury that ruled him out for three months.


The minimum expectation from the board for this forthcoming season is that we stay clear of the First Division relegation spots and I’m sure but only if I’m able to strengthen the squad. I’ve been given three options to choose – Avoid relegation, Mid-table finish or Top-half finish but I will only receive a £15 transfer budget for either option.

I’ve decided to play it safe and say that I believe I can ensure the club will avoid the drop this season, the option I have chosen will ensure that I’m a couple of thousand under the wage budget as I look to add additions to my squad and quickly.


A few players who I have had on loan have headed back to their parent clubs bar goalkeeper Harun and left back Cermal who barely played last season but they’re only still at the club because their parent club agreed that I could take them on-loan until the end of next season.

With just the two star defenders on the books in Taner and Can work needs done in the central defence while both sets of full backs are talented and should be fine come the start of the campaign. I’ve been left with just the one central midfielder so that must be a priority while I’d love to replace at least one attacking midfielder, as they’re both pretty poor.

Signing a new striker or two this summer has to also be top of the agenda as the club only have three on the books and they’re not that good. Kaya looks talented but he didn’t exactly show that last season on a regular basis in the Second Division Group A.


And the final piece of news that I can announce is that I’ve signed a new one-year deal with Kirklarelispor and I had no hesitation but to accept as I’m confident (slightly) that this club could be playing amongst Turkey’s elite clubs in around five seasons, if we avoid the drop this summer.

I had twelve months left on my exciting deal but they obviously want me to stay.

Well done with the year extension! Now just need to build a strong midfield by the looks of things and steer clear of relegation, or go on to win the league knowing you!

Good first season Good luck the second season!

The extension now means I have two years to try and build a side capable of promotion Dan so we can participate amongst Turkey's elite clubs. We're predicted to finish fifteenth but I think we could finish just above it if we're lucky. The league won't be won this season silly, you're "stupid" for thinking that.

Cheers Benniewijs. Good to see you're following.


Looking at the squad I realised work needed to be done to the squad if we were to avoid the heartbreak of relegation back to the bottom playable tier in Turkish football so I've had a busy pre season as I've (or so I think) strengthened the squad while we had a solid enough pre season programme behind us.


So eleven new players have arrived at the club, all on free transfers bar Mertcan who has joined on-loan for the second consecutive season from Premier Division side Besiktas. The standout signing is Okan, I had him on loan last season from Galatasaray and he was outstanding - pleased to have got him on a free. We've also brought in Polish central defender Koj and Venezuealian right winger Sampedro.

Omer, Erdal, Berkay, Bruno Bati, Vukajlovic, Ben Aoun and Burak have also joined the club. Vukajlovic and Burak who is a left winger and right back respectively are expected to be first choices for this season while the others mention will be squad players who should see plenty of game time.

In an attempt to free up wages for the players arriving at the club ten players were released from the club. Hakan and Seydihan left when their contracts had expired while Alisan, Selim, Engin, Sercan, Ergun Kaymakci, Icuz and Celiksu have all been released after I managed to sign players to play in their position and were clearly better than them.


Struggled to sign any defenders this summer with only Koj being the only centre back arriving this summer and he's filled one of the foreign spots. Following the signing of Omer we now have two top shot stoppers and I'm delighted with that. Wingers are good, strikers are OK but I'm still on the hunt for at least one more and I could do with another central midfielder but time isn't on my side with the transfer window closing so I may need to stick with what we've got currently.


Seven friendly games were arranged and it was a mixed bag of results as we won four of the games, drew once and lost twice. We slipped up against Gaziosmanpasa, Gungorenspor and Dardanelspor while we defeated Istanbulspor, Luleburgazspor, Babaeskispor and Dikilitas. I'm pleased enough with how we have done but as usual the competitive stuff will be trickier.

Can we have a successful enough season or will I suffer the heartbreak of relegation?

I feel a save spot just underneath halve table will be your spot! A good season start can kick start the campaign so you a bit dependend on your early fixtures.

good luck this season mate !

Will be touch this season but with some good runs this season I think you will avoid relegation. With a bit of luck midtable is possible. Good luck with it.

The club are predicted to finish fifteenth in the table Dyrim and I’d be pleased enough to finish there. This season is all about survival and nothing else. Every fixture is going to be a tough ‘un.

Thanks George, I will definitely need all the luck I can get this season. Let the relegation battle commence.

I’m confident we can avoid the drop Benniewijs but only if the side avoids going on a long losing streak. Cheers, as I said to George, I need all the luck I can get because this will be a long and tough season.


On the back of a pre season programme the 2013/2014 kicked off in August with my Kirklarelispor side facing two tough games to start what’s expected to a tough season in the Turkish First Division. It’s been a great start though as my side has started with two wins.


Our Turkish First Division campaign kicked off with a visit to Konyaspor and I couldn’t have asked for a better side as we travelled home with a two one success as Ozkan got the side off to a dream start after only four minutes as he headed home but the hosts levelled on seventeen minutes before experienced winger Buyuk struck what turned out to be the winner after fifty four minutes.

The second and final game of the opening month saw our first home game of the season as we hosted 1461 Trabzon and my side produced a stunning four two win in front of our supporters with two summer signings getting on the score sheet. Serbian left winger Vukajlovic broke the deadlock on seven minutes but Trabzon equalised after fifteen, goals early in the second half from Vukajlovic for his second and striker Ben Aoun had us three one up but the away side pulled another back before Ben Aoun’s second of the game and our fourth sealed an impressive three points.


We are top of the table after the opening two games with a one hundred percent record and currently two points clear of second place Adanaspor so I’m pleased with the start we’ve made but I can’t get carried away as I believe there is still another thirty two league games to be played.

This season won’t be “enjoyed” until we’re mathematically safe. The sooner the better.


The final piece of news in August was that I made one more acquisition to the ranks and that was completing the signing of Galatasaray striker Unsal who has arrived at the club on loan until the end of next season and I’m sure the nineteen-year-old will see game time. We needed another striker as I released Turhan from his contract – the thirty-five-year-old was on staggering wages and wasn’t playing so I got rid of him.

No shock in your start there, great regen signing too!

Couldn't wish for a better start. Already 5 points clear of the relegation zone.

It’s been a promising start to the season Dan and I’m shocked by the start we’ve made but it obviously won’t last – we’re not predicted to finish fifteenth because we’re a great side, are we? I’m just hoping he’ll get some game time before he starts moaning about terminating his loan.

Just hope the early good form continues Dyrim.


On the back of an excellent start to life in the Turkish First Division we entered September looking to continue our promising start to the campaign as we embarked on four tough matches – two at home and two away.


We started the second month of the season with an away trip to Balikesirspor as the side made it three wins out of as many games following a two one away success. Moroccan striker Ben Aoun continued were he’d left off on his debut as he scored in either half to give us a two goal lead but we were unable to keep our first clean sheet of the season as Arslan pulled one back.

Our second game saw my Kirklarelispor side host Goztepe and we dropped points for the first time this season, drawing one all in which central defender Araz had given us the lead on twenty two minutes but the lead lasted thirteen minutes as Genisyurek equalised.

We then travelled to Nazilli Bld. a side who I think went up from the Second Division B Group and they inflicted our first defeat of the current campaign as we slipped to a disappointing and unforgivable two one defeat with all the goals arriving in a twenty one minute second half period. Sulemana opened the scoring but Ben Aoun equalised on sixty-seven minutes but the home side picked up their first win of the campaign when Kaya scored the winner ten minutes later.

And our final game of the month had us hosting Kayserispor and we bounced back from the disappointing Nazilli Bld. defeat as we won 3-1 with Killcaslan opening the scoring after only three minutes but Ozgen equalised for the visitors on thirty-two. Two penalties in the final twenty minutes from Vukajlovic on seventy and eighty-one minutes ensured we returned to winning ways.


Our remarkable start to the season continued bar that disappointing set back to Nazilli Bld. but we're still top of the table on, what I think would be goals scored but I can't see (nor do I expect) top spot to remains ours for much longer. The bubble has to burst, sadly.

Continue to fly, back to back promotions must begin to be considered!

It’s still too early to be talking about alleged back to back promotions The club are only twelve points above the relegation zone. I’m sure we could survive but the league definitely won’t be won and if it is then I will probably resign due to “unrealisticness.”


Just the four league games were played in September as the side suffered their first defeat of the campaign, crashing to a two one away defeat against Nazilli Bld. October brought four more league games and our first Turkish Cup clash of the season as we hosted Fethiyespor.


We travelled to Adana D.S to start the month and we picked up a two one victory as we had to come from behind for the maximum points as Evirgen opened the scoring after thirty-six minutes but second half goals from Anderson who inadvertently put the ball into his own net and winger Vukajlovic sealed the points.

Next up was our first home game of October as we hosted Akhisor Bld. and we picked up a single goal victory as a twenty-fourth minute goal from Ozkan was enough to separate the sides much to the delight of our support.

A trip to Gaziantep Bld. was next and the points were shared following a one all draw as striker Guler salvaged us a point with an eighty-third minute goal as he cancelled out Devret’s fifty-fourth minute opener.

Our second game in front of our own supporters had us host Boluspor and we could pick up our second straight one one draw as Vukajlovic opened the scoring for us from the penalty spot on thirty-eight minutes but we couldn’t hold on as Cetinkaya equalised with three minutes left.

Kirklarelispor’s final game of the month was the Turkish Cup second qualifying round against Second Division side Fethiyespor and we needed penalties to progress following the sides third consecutive 1-1 draw. We took the lead with five minutes left through Oztuvan but we couldn’t hold on as they equalised three minutes later. The side kept their nerve in the penalty shootout, progressing four two to progress to the third qualifying round.


With October done and dusted we’re still top of the table but only goal difference is separating ourselves and Gaziantepspor but it’s been a tremendous start to the season and as I’ve stated in a previous update, the bubble has to burst shortly – I don’t want it too but unfortunately I’m sure it will. The side haven’t been playing well lately so sadly I can see defeats coming, again I hope I’m incorrect.

Well you look good on top after 10 games, atleast you much be sure not to drop into relegation troubles anymore.

looks like my pre season prediction of winning the league will be correct