Going On An Adventure - Corrupted Save File

March 2027 Update

Fan Day and Results

Match Results

7 Mar: (H) Uniao Lamas (3rd/1st). Pre-match odds: Alp: 54%; Draw: 25%; UL: 21%. Att: 615 (49 away). (1-1 draw in away leg, 8 Nov) D: 2-2
In the 18th minute, Melhor brought it to the touchline on the right side, passed it to Gomes who slammed it into the net. Sadly, in the 39th minute, they crossed to the right side and with a  header beat Morais, leveled it up. There was a rebound from a keeper’s punch to clear a corner shot, Mozino, 30 yards out, fired a missile into the bottom right corner in the 50th minute to take the lead. 87th minute, another cross and header to level it up.

14 Mar: (A) Martagua (8th/1st). Pre-match odds: Alp: 48%; Draw: 26%; Mart: 26%. Att: 218 (27 away). (won 2-1 home leg, 29 Nov). W:0-3
We started the scoring in the 13th minute when Melhor threw in to Mozino who passed it back to Melhor who then crossed it to the far post, where it was headed in by Pauleta. In the 58th minute, Pualeta tried again and fired from the left side, the keeper cleared it out, but Gomes was in the right place at the right time and headed it in. In the 73rd, Mozino fired another rebound into the net from 35 yards out for our 3rd of the match.

21 Mar: (H) Florgrade (12th/1st). Pre-match odds: Alp: 60%; Draw: 24%; Flo: 16%. Att: 727 (11 away). (0- win in away leg, 6 Dec). W: 2-0
Finally a goal. In the 58th minute, Mozino fired a rocket from the top of the box as we had a free kick from the persistent fouling. In the 59th, Melhor brought it down the left, crossed it in to Gomes who headed it in and I finally started to feel comfortable. But 22 shots, 12 on target, 11 corners and only 2 goals. Totally unacceptable. Melhor and Gomes selected for the  Championship TOW
 

League Table

Team Performance

Attacking Team

Manager Performance

Financial News

ST Pedro Pauleta: Awarded $260 for 15 league goals.

Thoughts and Other Considerations

Fan Day was a great success, would be wonderful if we get could that kind of attendance every week. We have seen an increase in attendance over the season though, so that is great, just want to see it continue.

We didint loose this month, but we have not been playing as good as we should. Our Finishing has taken a huge drop-off. I cant figure out what has caused this to tank. But I hope it gets figured out before we get into the Promotion Playoffs.

It looks like we have won the group. Only 2 regular season matches left and we are 7 points ahead so the math appears to show we have done it. But then it isnt over yet, we still have to win those playoffs. 

I have been looking for the replacement to Meireles, no luck so far. It stinks that I dont have any transfer budget, it would be nice to be able to buy some of the players on the teams that are getting relegated from the 3rd Division. But I dont know how many will be available on a free.

Thanks for reading along, been a great season so far. I am glad that it seems to have continued…

On we go, seeing where this adventure takes us!

Youth Intake

Thoughts

Another good intake for us. I have been really lucky to have 2 deep youth intakes. Now to hold on to all of them so they can develop!

April 2025 Update

Match Updates

4 Apr: (A) Marialvas (6th/1st). Pre-match odds: Alp: 51%; Draw: 26%; Mar: 23%. Att: 269 (20 away). (3- 1 win in home leg, 22 Nov) W:1-3
In the 10th minute, their keeper cleared a corner to Pauleta who brought it down to the touchline on the right side then passed the ball out to Mozino and he caught it on the bounce and hit it into the back of the net. The 25th minute saw another goal as Fonseca brought it all of the way down on the left side, and fired it past the flat-footed keeper. Our final goal came in the 62nd minute when Wendell picked up a loose ball at the top of the box and left-footed it into the back of the net. We got sloppy in the 89th minute and let them draw one back.

18 Apr: (H) Ovarense (2nd/1st). Pre-match odds: Alp: 46%; Draw: 26%; Ova: 29%. Att: 627 (24 away). (2-0 loss in away match, 20 Dec). W: 2-0
FB Ferreira was injured the day before the match, and got a bruised ankle. I decided to have them give him an injection so he was available in the match. He is going to be out 3-4 days after the match, but will be available for the following match. 
Their Head Coach thinks we have been underestimated and are not that good. I guess we will see?
We started off the scoring in the 7th minute, Melhor sent the ball in from the left corner, Gomes headed it into the crossbar and Meireles headed the loose ball into the net as the keeper was laying on the ground from his fall when he attempted to clear Gomes’s header. We added our second of the match in the 39th minute, as there was a harsh tackle on Gomes in the box, Melhor beat the keeper who went the right way, the kick was just too powerful. It was nice to get a win over the only team to beat us.

End of Group Stage League Table

Goal Record

Group A Final Top of Table

Group Draw

Promotion Group Match Results

25 Apr: (A) Ovarense. Pre-match odds: Alp: 32%; Draw: 27%; Ova: 41%. Att: 418 (38 away).
Not picked to win against a team we beat last week? Odd! 
They scored in the 38th minute as they finally cracked us and scored. We are doing nothing in this match. Finally, in the 56th minute, Pauleta got a pass from Fonseca and was able to beat the keeper to level it up. Melhor took a free kick from the left flat and Burtuchi headed it into the net in the 90th minute! We had the lead, the question was if we could keep it. In the 91st minute, they had a free kick from the same spot as us, even brought up their keeper, but it sailed wide of the net.
Hugo Meireles, Vinicius Bertuchi, Simao Melhor and Pedro Pauleta are selected in the Championship TOW.

Promotion Group Table

Team Performance

Manager Performance

Contracts and Other Financial News

 Club President Jorge Ferreira will retire on 7 June 2027 which I assume will require another election, hopefully we get someone who wants to invest in the club.

Thoughts and Considerations

First off, it was awesome to beat Ovarense, not once, but twice. I thought it was really odd that after we had beaten them in the last game of the season, they were picked to beat us the next week. But we took care of business and that is what matters the most. 

I have tweaked the tactic some over the last couple of matches, making the passing shorter and having us be a little more patient when we are on the ball. I think it is giving us more possession and allowing us to control the matches a little better. I hope that continues.

I know it may be a little early to discuss this, but here are some rules for the Promotion Stage:

1. We play the teams twice (home and away) so I will have 5 more matches in May to finish of this stage.
2. The top 2 teams in each of the Promotion Groups (A & B) are promoted to the 3rd Division.
3. The 2 teams that finish top of the Promotion Groups will play a Championship Match, I assume this will be the 1st weekend in June.

I know there is still another 5 matches to go, but I figured it might help to understand what comes next. 

I have to make some decisions about the squad for next season. I am planning on asking if I can hire a coach if we do get promoted. I dont think it will hurt to have another set of eyes on things. I would also like to hire a scout, but I wont get too greedy.

As far as the roster, the big piece that I havent resigned yet is Morias, my GK. He is good, done a great job for us this season, I just want to compare him to some other 3rd Division keepers, if we go up that is. I am holding off on making him an offer. I want to see if I get any more wage money to make sure I stay under the cap.

Five more matches this season….maybe six. It has been a hell of a run so far, I cant wait to see where we go.

Thanks for reading along, been interesting for sure.

May 2027 Update

Match Results

9 May: (H) VTSC B. Pre-match odds: Alp:43 %; Draw: 26%; VTSC: 31%. Att: 615 (29 away). W: 2-0
In the 24th minute, sheer magic, Bertuchi lobed it forward, Gomes tapped it to Pauleta who set up Fonseca and he slammed it into the bottom right corner of the net past the keeper. 29th minute and Merieles brought it down the right side, short pass to Gomes who lobbed it to Pauleta, slammed it into the net from 2 yards out past the out-stretched arms of the keeper. GK Morais, FB Melhor, W Mozino, MC Gomes, ST Pauleta all named to the Championship TOW.

16 May: (A) Leca. Pre-match odds: Alp: 38%; Draw: 27%; Leca: 35%. Att: 708 (35 away). W: 0-2
6th, Bertuchi intercepted a pass from the keeper, headed it to Wendell, passed it to Gomes who set up Mozino who fired a missile into the net from 30 yards out, beautiful setup play! 17th minute, Mozino played a give-and-go with Gomes to set up Mozino who fired from the top of the box past the keeper for our 2nd. 65th minute, they had a goal disallowed for tripping a player. FB Melhor and MC Gomes named to Championship TOW.

23 May: (H) Ovarense. Pre-match odds: Alp: 45%; Draw: 26%; Ova: 29%. Att: 623(30 away). W:2-0
In the 34th minute, Zizurte lobbed it over the center backs and Pauleta headed it over the keeper for our 1st goal. Then in the 44th minute, Gomes took it down to the baseline, passed back to Mozino who beat the keeper for our 2nd. Solid match, pleased with the results.

30 May: (A) VTSC B. Pre-match odds: Alp: 38%; Draw: 27%; VTSC: 35%. Att: 485 (34 away). W: 0-1
In the 21st minute we sent in a cross from the left side of the box by Fonseca to Pauleta, he headed it to Mozino who tapped it over to Gomes, then fired it into the bottom right corner of the goal. Zuzarte, Bertuchi and Gomes selected for Championship TOW.
 

Promotion Group Table

Borges Injury

Manchester City Wins the UEFA Champions League

Team Performance

Team and Player Accolades

Contracts and Other Financial News

FB Simao Melhor: Signed a new contract, $34K per year until June 2029
FB Sylvester Costa: Got an automatic 1-year extension….and promptly fractures his back…lower back stress fracture, out 2-3 months, at a minimum.  He will be going out on loan. 
MC Durante Goncalves: Signed a new contract, $4.25 per year until June 2028
 

Thoughts and Other Considerations

I cant really complain, things are going well, the team is playing well and the board and the supporters are happy. 

We have a chance to win the Championship Cup, so that would be the icing on the cake for this season.

Here we go, one match to go this season!

Championship Cup Final

We faced off against Louletano, the winner of the Group A Playoff Group, in a neutral site. The match actually had us pegged to loose (Alp: 34%; Draw: 37%; Lou: 39%) was one of the toughest matches we had played all season. There were 1269 people there, 594 away fans made the trip, who watched the battle. It was one of the matches that either team could win, or lose. Wendell was forced off in the 26th minute with a tight calf. So with him and Borges out, the midfield looked completely different. The Asst and I had numerous disagreements on who we should start and what the mentality should be. This time, I wondered if he was right. But I went with my gut and sent Frietas in to try to help us win the match. Then in the 33rd minute I thought Pauleta had scored a great goal, but it was flagged off by the linesman and then it was confirmed by VAR. It was the first time I was in a match that used VAR. The match went back and forth, until finally in the 54th minute Pauleta headed a Mozino pass past the keeper into the back of the net. Once again, VAR was called in, this time to confirm that no one had strayed offsides and the goal stood.

We won the cup, 1-0. Awesome result!

Images from Cup Ceremony

Promotion - 3rd Division Here We Come!

More Coaches

Increased Budget

Thoughts and Considerations

The board has also decided that the team is going to turn professional. I wish I had more Scouting budget, I mean, having $135K transfer budget is find and dandy, but what am I going to spend it on? 

I know there are going to be some changes in the squad, just not sure about them yet. Morais has earned a new contract, and he has played very well, but how will that translate to the 3rd Division? I need to take a hard look at that so I am sure we have the best keeper we can get. I would also like to bring in another Central Defender that is an upgrade, just dont know if I can find one or not.

Time to start digging!

I am also tempted to ask for a better contract, just not sure how the board will take it. I just think it is crazy that I will now be managing a professional side on $4.2K a year salary.  I guess the worst they can say is no. Maybe wait until we are actually professional? 

Yea, that is one to think about for sure.

Anyway, thanks for reading along. We have had a hell of a run in the Championship, I dont honestly see that run continuing in the 3rd Division, but hopefully we do well enough for me to keep my job!

And the adventure continues!

End of The Year Awards and Recognition

Team Stats

Team Shutouts 

Assists Record

Player of the Match Awards

Scoring Record

Manager Performance

Head Coach of the Year

Tax Bill!

Thoughts and Considerations

We had a really good season, record setting in fact. But the challenge will be to keep it up. I hated we got hit with that tax bill, I still am not sure how we made enough to be taxed! But I guess I didnt watch that closely enough. I will need to keep an eye on that for sure. 

I am really pleased with how the season ended and cant wait to start the new one!

Thanks for reading along and following my adventure!

Pre-Season Report

More Coaches

Merchandising 

Television Funds

3rd Division Scoring Leader Odds

Promotion Odds

Roster Moves

PLAYERS IN

ST Gustavo Lobo: 23 yr old, on a free from Leixoes, good backup for Pauleta, $27K until June 2028
FB/WB Tomas Marques: 22 yr old on a free from BRG. He can play right or left FB/WB and while he isnt as good as Meireles, he isnt far off and he has room to develop. His $16.75 a year contract until 2029 will allow him to do so here
DM/MC Dani Carvalho: 23 yr old on a free from VTSC B . He can play both midfield positions and has room to get better. His $19.75K per year deal until 2029 will provide good depth for the team.
FB/WB Nuno Correia: 21 yr old on a free from BRG. I was looking at depth and development with this signing. I wanted to lock him in for longer, but a 1-year deal on $13.75K is team friendly.
Two players purchased from Brasiliense (BRA) that will improve the team (I hope)
W Julio Vitor: 26 yr old who can play either left or right winger was purchased for $13.5K. I wanted to try to improve the attack and even though Fonseca played well, I am just not sure about him doing it at a higher level.
DC Octavio: 25 yrs old, an upgrade for the central defenders and a steal for only $4.1K. Fontes and Zuzirta are not bad, but I felt that to have a solid pair in the middle of the back line was essential. So I am pleased to get him on the squad.
GK Joao Bravim: 29 yr old from Brazil. He went crazy with his contract demands, but with Merias out for at leas the start of the season, I knew I couldnt rely on my backup. I am going to have an issue because he demanded to be a Star player and Morias is an Important one. Life is going to get interesting…
FB/WB David Monteiro: 23 yr old from Brazil. I bought him for $20K from Leiria in the Premier League. He is an upgrade over Marques, which after watching the first 2 friendlies, is a definite need. His $47K per year until 2029 is higher than I wanted to pay, but I think he is going to be worth it in the end…at least I hope so.

PLAYERS OUT
DM/MC Vander: let go on a free to Cava de Piedarde. It was time to renew his contract and his salary demands were nuts, so that was an easy decision
FB Hugo Meireles:  He signed during the season and went to Real. I wanted to keep him, but he wanted to go to a more prestigious team….that is still in the Championship. Oh well, his choice.
MC Durante Goncalves: On loan to Unao Lamas
ST Rodrigo Moreira: 20 yrs old, just wasnt developing as I wanted and his ceiling started to drop, so when I got an offer from Espinho for $13.5K, it was easy to let him go.
DC Alexandre Marques: $19.5K to Oliveira do Hospital. I actually didnt want to sell him but once the offer came in he was adamant that he be allowed to leave, so he is gone.
 

Match Results

13 Jul (H): Salgueiros, W:4-2. Att: 720 (20 away)
I played the 1st team for 60 minutes. Mozino scored from the right side in the 21st minute, but the rest of the time was what I had seen as a trend at the end of last season, shots but no quality finishing. I was trying out a new FB to replace Melhor, Bright Godwin, he made a good impression by bringing the ball down to the edge of the box and firing a strike that beat the keeper right before I made the change. Fonseca added a 3rd in the 73rd minute and FB Nelson Souza got into the action by scoring in the 85th from a free kick. However, I sent in the backup keeper with 15 minutes left in the match and he gave up 2 goals, 81st and 91st minutes. I will need to bring in someone new, he just isnt good enough.

18 Jul (H): Fafe, D: 3-3. Att: 743 (49 away) 

Our finishing was atrocious. Our shots (19/9) and shots on target (10/5) when compared to theirs with the fact we both scored 3 goals. That HAS to get better! Ironically 2 of the goals were from the players who I put in after the 60th minute. I dont know if they had replaced their starters as well, so I dont know how impressive that was. At least they are in the 3rd Division, so it matches our competition level.

20 Jul (H): Casa Pia, W: 3-0    Att: 716  (29 away). Much much better, especially since it was a club from the Premier League. Pauleta beat their central defenders twice on the counter while trialist Bruniho scored from the spot in the 2nd half after a harsh tackle just inside the box. They had 2 goals disallowed for being offsides, one of them I felt he was, but the other, to be honest, I thought he was on-side. But it is a friendly, so no biggie. But a nice team effort on this one.

31 Jul (A): Juventude Evora, W: 3-4  Att: 282  (19 away). Mozino put on a scoring clinic as he scored 2 from the run of play in the first 10 minutes and added his 3rd from the spot in the 12th. We let them back in the match with bad coverage of their wingers. We almost gave it away in the last 30 minutes, but after letting a winger grab a brace and the other one snag one of his own, well, it will be something I will need to keep an eye on. 

Team Injuries

GK Ricardo Morais: Sports Hernia on 10 Jul, out for 8-10 weeks. After how I saw how badly my backup keeper was, I signed Bravim. 
FB Tomas Marques: Groin strain on 23 Jul and will be out for 2-3 weeks.

Competition Rules

First Stage runs from 8 Aug 2027 to 23 Jan 2028
20 teams, 2 Divisions - Alpendorada is in the North Division
Top 4 teams move to the Championship Group
Positions 5-10 move to the Relegation Stage

2027 - 28 Roster

Goalkeepers

Ricardo Morias: 26 yrs old. His status as an important player seemed a forgone conclusion. He was making great progress and had just signed a new contract through 2029…and then he got injured. There was no one available to bring in on a short-term loan. So it looks like I will have a position battle when he returns from injury.

Joao Bravim: 29 yrs old. Signed as a Star, was tough negotiating the contract with him and ended up signing the largest contract on the team, $119K through 2029. But he will be a great piece in case Morias struggles.

Diogo Pereira: 19 yrs old. A break-through-prospect, who will have a hard time getting any playing time. He just isnt good enough. Once Morias is back from injury, he will be moved to the U-19 squad.

Joao Ventura: 22 yrs old. On the U-29 squad, just isnt good enough to be with the main squad. But does a good job holding down the fort with the U-19s.

Right Fullback/Wingbacks

Nelson Sousa: 21 yr old future prospect. Will be on the U-19 squad unless there is a dire emergency. He is on the loan list to allow him to get some playing time.

Tomas Marques: 22 yr old who can play both right and left back. He is not quite ready to be in the starting 11. But will be a great option on the bench in case he is needed.

Nuno Correia: This 21 yr-old break-through-prospect is a great addition to the team. I think he might well develop into our best fullback.

David Monteiro: I signed this 23 yr-old to step into the starting 11. Marques is just not ready and Monteiro has some great mental capabilities which lead me to think that Merieles will not be missed long.

Central Defenders

Bernardo Fontes: 26 yrs old and a great asset to have on the bench. He can step in as a central defender or a defensive midfielder. Played great last season, just not sure about him being able to match the level of play in the 3rd Division.

Goncalo Zuzarte: 24 yr old who will be a good asset to have on the bench. May make him available for the U-19 squad to keep him ready to play, just in case.

Vinicius Bertuchi: I still cant believe I was able to sign him last season. He is by far the best player on the squad. 22 yrs old and signed through 2030, yea, he is a one to build that back line off of.

Octavio: I needed to upgrade the other central defender and was lucky to find him. 25 yrs old and also signed through 2030, but at a much higher contract than Bertuchi.

Carlos Semedo: 18 yrs old and a fringe player who will be on the U-19 squad. He has alot of potential, I just hope he lives up to it.

Left Fullback/Wingbacks

Simao Melhor: On paper, not the greatest player, but he seems to play beyond his ratings. At 25 yrs old, a solid fullback who is signed through 2029.

Sylvestre Costa: 24 yrs old, not a great asset, will be on the U-19 squad, Marques can play both fullback spots and Costa is injured, so not sure he will get much playing time.

Defensive Midfielders/Central Midfielders

Vasco Gomes: 26 yrs old and a solid member of the midfield. He earned his starting spot last season and I dont see any reason to change that. He is only signed through this season so he has a chance to play himself into a new contract.

Mario Borges: 26 yrs old and somehow seems to play beyond his ratings. He has a great relationship with the rest of the midfield and I plan to take advantage of that. It will be interesting to see if he continues to play at such a high level now that the competition has gotten better.

Wendell: The 3rd member of the starting midfield. The youngster of the bunch at 21 yrs old who I am glad is under contract through 2030. He can actually get better and I cant wait to see how much more he improves.

Diogo Freitas: A good option off of the bench. This 22 yr old can play as a defensive midfielder or a central midfielder, so nice option to have to fall back on, if needed.

Dani Carvalho: 23 yr old fringe player signed through 2029. He has a pretty high ceiling and I will be looking to see him develop. Plus, he can step into the midfield if needed.

Durante Goncalves: 21 yrs old and on loan. Not in my plans so glad to see him getting some playing time.

Right Winger/Inside Forwards

Goncalo Vidazinha: 24 yrs old and a great asset to have on the bench. I just hope he continues to be able to contribute against better competition.

Mozino: The 30 yr old starter. He did a great job last season and if the pre-season is anything to go by, he will not be slowing down this season.

Hugo Ferreira: 22 yr old that needs to be sent out on loan, not in my plans and wont be seeing the pitch.

Left Wingers

Henrique Fonseca: Fonseca played good last season, in spurts. So even though at 24 yrs old, he can still improve, I wanted to see if I could get someone just a little better into the squad. He will be a great asset on the bench and will be asked to carry on like he did last season, if needed.

Julio Vitor: This 26 yr old was a big signing for us. I think he will be a great addition to the starting 11 and once he settles in a little better, then I think the sky is the limit for him.

Fabio Martins: 22 yr old who I will try to send out on loan, just not in my plans, not good enough.

Jude Larver: This 17 yr old break-through-prospect will be on the U-19 squad, but will be a great asset in case he is needed. I think he has great potential and I cant wait to see him develop.

Samuel Nettey: This 17 yr old has been signed as a fringe player and he will get a chance to play, at some point this season. He can play on the right as well so he will be given his time to shine and continue to develop.

Strikers

Pedro Pauleta: 29 yrs old, the “grand-daddy” on the squad and the captain as well. His prowess last season is well documented, I just hope he continues to score with the same regularity that he did last season.

Gustavo Lobo: I needed someone to have on the bench that could step in, just in case something happened to Pauleta. Lobo is 23 yrs old and has some room to develop. I am going to try to get him to continue his growth so that we have a solid bench asset, in case he is needed.

Save Update

I am sorry to report that my save file has become corrupt. I do not know for sure what has happened. It may be due to the updates to FM that along the way, something broke. I knew it was a risk to try to keep a save going with the number of updates the game had gotten, but it had been working well….up until today.

So thanks to those who followed along. I think I am going to give it a go again, just somewhere else.

It was fun while it lasted.