On a quest to be the best. [FM15]

Shame but that was always going to happen, it was a pointless job to take on for the challenge we are doing

I completely agree Angelo Ionescu, it also means I'll need to return to Championship 2 to try and win it and at least the Steel and Sons Cup as well.

In hindsight it was a 'pointless' job to take on Dan but because of what Wellington Rec had done the previous season, winning the league when they weren't expected too I thought I could've done the same, obv. not though unfortunately and I deserved to be sacked.


Following my sacking at Lisburn Distillery, I had to wait a few months until the 'correct' job became available and it's one I feel could see me chalk off the Championship this season and only my fourth trophy in England. Like I said in the 'title', I'm heading to England to manage a Welsh side to that's one of three teams in the second tier - Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham but what team has appointed me?


The team is Swansea! They are predicted to finish the season in fourth place hence the league expectation of "win promotion" and that's achievable if I get off to a good start, they have been struggling early doors in the Championship and their manager received the chop.

I've been given a transfer budget of just under two hundred thousand but that's to be expected because they've spent just shy of seven million so that's to be expected. I've signed a three year deal at the Liberty Stadium but I'm hoping it'll be a one season jobby.

Good luck with Swansea Who else is in the Championship?

Good luck, should be back to routine now

There is several teams in the Championship Johno, some who I expect to do well (e.g. Hull, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday to name three) and some who have been struggling (e.g. Aston Villa and Leicester) so I don't know what to expect from Swansea but I'm hoping we can at least secure promotion.

I hope so Dan, it's going to be tough though.


I have arrived at the Liberty Stadium and I don't even have time to introduce myself to the squad 'properly' as I've to get into league action and my first game will be in the Championship against league favourites Sheffield Wednesday but it's at home so I've to be confident. It's one of two league games to conclude this month.


It was a successful 'debut' for me in the Swansea dugout as I guided the side to a 3-0 victory at home to Sheffield Wednesday as the three goals arrived in the first half. Johno Carroll broke the deadlock on nine minutes before left back Chris Henry fired home a double to seal the points.

Unfortunately I couldn't make it two wins from as many games as we could only draw two two away to Birmingham City - Michael Clark and Rhys Harrington scored within four minutes of each other in the first half but I conceded my first goals as Swansea manager in only my second game.


I usually don't like having league tables this far down in the likes of the Championship but this month I don't have a choice, the side are seventeenth in the table and on fourteen points but because only ten league games have been played, the league is tight as we are just nine points behind leaders Bolton despite being sixteen places below them in the standings.

Good start!Surely you will do better with Swansea.

Shouldn't be too hard Angelo Ionescu, whether we secure promotion to the Premier League or not remains to be seen though.


October would turn out to my first full month at Swansea City Football Club after picking up four points from my opening two games, it hasn't been a terrible start by any means - five games awaited us in October as I looked to kick start the Swans' season..


Two second half goals from winger Andy Cooper helped us to a 4-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Liberty Stadium, the other goal scorers were Michael Clark and a Jonno Carroll spot kick.

We then recorded a three goals to one victory away to Blackpool as Jonno Carroll had netted after only four minutes, Andy Cooper added our second goal on twenty seven minutes and then Gary Barry's strike five minutes into the second half sealed the points.

It would then be the same scoreline as Derby were beaten at the Liberty thanks to two Gary Barry goals and a Jonno Carroll finish in between.

Our penultimate game of the month saw us defeat Plymouth 3-1 at Home Park - Gary Barry 2, Richard Farrell, Michael Clark and Anthony Hall the goal scorers.

October ended with a four two victory at home versus Ipswich Town in a game that'll be remembered by Gary Barry as he bagged a treble as his goals came after twenty nine, forty three and eighty eight minutes and that's not bad for a player who is unhappy at the club, Andy Cooper bagged the other goal.


It's been an unbelievable turn around at the club since my arrival as they have yet to taste defeat, dropped just two points and are now sitting top of the Championship table albeit on goal difference, I refuse to get carried away though as the Championship is 'unpredictable' and a poor run could be around the corner.

Well that was an easy turn around, congratulations on promotion

Ha, I'd love to be promoted this season Dan, especially after what happened at Distillery but I'm refusing to get carried away.


We have reached the penultimate month of the calendar year once again and it's been a solid start at the Liberty Stadium as I've guided Swansea from near the bottom of the Championship to it's summit, albeit on goal difference and in the four league games this month, I'm looking to cement top spot.


We travelled to the King Power Stadium to entertain Leicester City and recorded an excellent 4-1 victory with the majority of our goals coming in the second period in the Midlands - Jonno Carroll scored on four minutes, Gary Barry then bagged two goals after sixty six and seventy one minutes and Anthony Hall then sealed the points three minutes later.

A treble from Jonno Carroll saw us beat Bolton three one at the Liberty Stadium.

Then we had a 'crazy' game against Wrexham at home as we beat fellow Welsh side Wrexham 5-4 and I thought we were cursing when Gary Barry scored a first half hat trick but it wasn't too be, a double from midfielder Richard Farrell, including a goal six minutes from time ended up sealing the points.

The month ended up with a two all draw away to Bristol City, our two goals arrived in the space of one second half minute through Anthony Hall and Gary Barry.


While we haven't been able to 'cement' our place at the top of the table, we are still top of the table and that's what's important as we sit one point clear of Hull City but you can still expect 'twists and turns' in this unpredictable league. We have scored fifty goals so far this season.

Routine to date, keep it coming

Good month Will be close battle for top 2 spot.

Looking good mate, sure you can do it

You're flying through Sky Bet...good luck in the Prem

And I'm hoping it remains routine until we at least secure promotion to the Premier League Dan, then I don't care what happens, ha.

Just like real life Johno, I am expecting the Championship to become tough and unpredictable but it's been simple so far but I know, as I'm sure many others know, it won't last.

Cheers KEZ, I hope so as it'll be another trophy chalked off.

IF the club get promoted Angelo Ionescu to the Premier League then I'll be off, it's all about trophies and not loyalty.


The final month of twenty thirty two is upon us and it's been a breeze in the Championship...so far but I expect that to change, we have just five league remaining to conclude another calendar year and I'm hoping our excellent start, in which I haven't lost a game since arriving. continues.


And the final month of 2032 began with a 4-2 victory at home to Barnsley thanks to doubles from striker Gary Barry and winger Andy Cooper who hit both of his goals inside the final eleven minutes at the Liberty Stadium as the unbeaten start under me continues.

We then recorded a two one win at struggling Aston Villa thanks to two goals in the space of eight second half minutes from Premysl Pocta and Jonno Carroll.

Before anyone asks, I don't know what happened at home to Crystal Palace as the struggling side beat us SIX NIL at the Liberty Stadium, disgraceful performance and one that won't be 'tolerated' at this club under my stewardship, but I'll put the result down as a one off.

They did bounce back though at home to West Bromwich Albion as the side recorded a 4-2 success thanks to goals from Omar Illescas, Josh Crossley, Rodriguinho and Gary Barry.

And the year would end with a four two victory away to Crystal Palace, just ten days after they disgraced us six nil - Tommy Freeland, Gary Barry 2 and Josh Crossley all scored our goals inside twenty four first half minutes.


Much to my delight, we will be heading into twenty twenty three in top spot, four points clear and I'm pleased although I would've loved the gap to be [i]slightly[i] bigger but c'est le vie. After twenty four league games, we have found the net sixty four times and conceded forty six as we're providing (frustrating) entertainment.

Oh forgot about that . Anyway nice job.Be wary of Hull and Ipswich.They can catch you up anytime.

It's OK Angelo, we just need to maintain our form and we'll secure the minimum promotion.


Once again it's time to wish my readers another Happy New Year as we have entered the year twenty thirty three and I'm hoping within the next four or so months we'll have secured promotion back to the Premier League and I can secure my fourth trophy in England.


It was a forgettable start to the New Year as we suffered a disappointing five three defeat at "The Circle", our three consolation goals came in the second half as Rodriguinho bagged two while Gary Barry also netted.

The side did manage to bounce back just two days later as Stoke were beaten 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium as both goals arrived in the second half. Attacking midfielder Rodriguinho broke the deadlock on fifty seven minutes and the points were sealed with ten minutes left through Steve Stowell.

We eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup after winning four one away to League One side Millwall - Richard Farrell, Rhys Harrington, Premysl Pocta and Tommy Freeland the goal scorers at The Den.

A goal from Rhys Harrington after five minutes was enough to seal a 1-0 away win at struggling Bournemouth.

It was then back to FA Cup action and the side secured a three one win at League Two Bristol Rovers thanks to a Gary Barry double and a late Premysl Pocta goal.

The side then returned to league action as Reading arrived at the Liberty Stadium and won four one in a disappointing result, central midfielder Richard Farrell scored our goal on twelve minutes but it was a poor result against our promotion 'rivals'.

January would end with back-to-back defeats as we suffered a disappointing two nil defeat away to Sheffield United, we didn't score, we didn't play well and there's nothing really else to say but we'll need to bounce back in the remaining months to try and get over the line.


Those three league defeats, including back-to-back ones at the end of the month has seen us surrender top spot and now we're three points behind the new leaders Hull.

Couple big defeats but sure you'll be there at the end of the season

Just shows the 'unpredictability' of the Football League Dan, no one runs away with the league but I'm disappointed with those three defeats this month, most importantly, the Hull defeat as that was a "big game" in my opinion.


After surrendering top spot after three league defeats last month, it's important the side bounce back in February and we have five league games to deal with, including one against fierce rivals Cardiff City and we've also got an FA Cup home game against Premier League struggler's Fulham.


Following back-to-back defeats at the end of last month, the side bounced back in the first game of February after beating Charlton 3-1 at the Liberty Stadium as star striker Gary Barry scored twice, winger Premysl Pocta scored in between Barry's double.

A trip to fierce rivals Cardiff City was up next and despite playing 'poorly', we shocked them 3-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium as our three goals came in the first half courtesy or Andy Cooper, Gary Barry and Anthony Hall.

It was then a ten goal FA Cup fifth round thriller against struggling Premier League side Fulham as we beat them six four. Gary Barry scored a hat trick while Andy Cooper, Richard Farrell and Jonno Carroll also scored in the game as we advanced to the next round.

Gary Barry's first minute goal at Hillsborough was enough to seal a 1-0 win.

Three first half goals at the Liberty Stadium was enough to seal a three one victory over Birmingham City as Richard Farrell netted on thirty three minutes and then two goals in the space of six minutes from Rhys Harrington was enough to 'officially' seal the points.

We then surrendered a two goal lead away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, goals from Andy Cooper and Anthony Hall seemingly had us in control but we disappointingly concede two goals to concede maximum points.


And we're back at the top of the table but I can't get carried away because I still have twelve league games remaining and it's been a mixed season to date because we've scored eighty three goals but have conceded sixty two and that really need to be addressed. We are two points clear of second placed Ipswich.

Back on track its good to see matey

Yep and now I've got twelve games to try and secure at least promotion Dan.


We have officially reached the 'business end' of the season and the penultimate month of the league campaign saw us trying to secure the minimum of a play-off spot and six league games this month and an sixth round FA Cup tie against mid-table Premier League side Nottingham Forest.


Four second half goals ensured an excellent comeback against Blackpool who led two nil at the interval, we won the game 4-2 in a game that saw attacking midfielder Rhys Harrington bag a treble while Jonno Carroll's goal, two minutes into the second half, started the fightback.

A late goal from defender Anthony Hall ensured we'd have to do it all again against Nottingham Forest following a three all draw at the Liberty Stadium - Gary Barry and Michael Clark scored the other goals in the first half.

We then edged a five goal thriller against MK Dons three two as Michael Clark's late goal sealed the points, Gary Barry scored the other goals in the first forty five minutes.

The side then dominated and beat struggling Plymouth 4-0 in what was a fourth consecutive home game in all competitions and the goal scorers were Gary Barry, Michael Clark, Rhys Harrington and Andy Cooper.

Nottingham Forest won the FA Cup sixth round reply seven nil, enough said.

We returned to league action with a fourth consecutive league fixture at home as Leicester were beaten three two but once again it wasn't as comfortable as it should have been as goals from Gary Barry, Michael Clark and Andy Cooper seemingly had us in control but they scored twice to make it a nervy ending.

Just three days later and we hammered Derby County 6-2 at the iPro - Michael Richards, Michael Clark, Jonno Carroll 2 (1 pen), Drazen Bosnjak and an own goal from Thomas Chippendale ensured a huge away victory.

The penultimate month ended with a three two defeat away to second placed Ipswich but that doesn't do too much damage in the long run, Jonno Carroll scored our first goal on eighteen minutes from the spot while Andrew Brown made it a nervous ending for the home supporters when he struck our second goal with eleven minutes left.


So, a play-off spot has been secured and with just six league games remaining, we have a six point lead at the top of the table.

Should be sorted now chum! But you still lost 7-0 to forest! haha

I hope so Dan, I hope so. You laugh at me losing 7-0 against Nottingham Forest? At least I haven't been sacked, ha!


It's now the final month of the league season and just six games are remaining in the Championship season as we look to secure promotion to the Premier League and if we can secure the league title then even better but promotion is a must because I couldn't be bothered going through the play-off route.


Two goals in the final ten minutes from striker Gary Barry saw us beat Bolton 3-1 away from home, Andy Cooper had got us off to a dream start after only four minutes.

We then suffered a disappointing two one defeat away to fellow Welsh side Wrexham, Gary Barry netting on twenty eight minutes.

Three days later and we beat Bristol City four two at the Liberty Stadium as Gary Barry bagged a treble as his goals arrived after thirty seven, forty and forty nine minutes while Jonno Carroll's fifty seventh minute goal ended up sealing the points.

It was then an eleven goal thriller away to Barnsley as we secured a five four win - Andy Cooper, a double from Gary Barry, Steve Stowell and Jonno Carroll scored, Carroll's goal secured the dramatic come back and promotion to the Premier League.

We then hosted relegated Aston Villa and secured the league title following a ten goal thriller and a 6-4 win as Gary Barry bagged a hat trick, Jonno Carroll scored twice and Andy Cooper also scored at the Liberty Stadium.


The league campaign concluded with a two two draw away to West Bromwich Albion in a game that saw us play well and probably deserved to win but Rhys Harrington's goal five minutes from time rescued a point, Gary Barry scored our first goal on twenty two minutes.


This is how the top half of the season has ended and we have secured the league title, finishing six points ahead of Ipswich as my point was proven that no one would run away with the title, we scored one hundred and twenty six goals in the forty six league games but we conceded a staggering eighty eight times.


Following our Championship win, I have decided to resign as manager of Swansea and will start looking for work once again, I spent just over seven months at the Welsh club and didn't mind my short stint at the Liberty Stadium but it's time to move on once again.

Job done as expected

I'm pleased the job was done in the end Dan, glad I didn't run away with it though to an extent.


Yes I have decided to return to the Republic of Ireland as only one trophy eludes me in this country and if I'm able to get it then that'll be another country chalked off and my third(?) to date, the trophy that I need to win is the Munster Cup and I'm hoping to get that done as soon as possible.


Following a successful interview process, I have been approached and subsequently accepted the position at Waterford United in which could turn out to be my shortest managerial stint to date if it all goes to plan but if it doesn't then the board are expecting a mid-table finish and haven't offered me a transfer budget but that's fine because the league is already in progress.

I believe I take over with reins with the club lying in eleventh place.

Congratulations on winning the Munster Cup! heard it here first...

Good luck in Ireland

Ha, cheers Dan but they'll be facing Cork City in the final so it's not going to be easy.

Cheers Johno, I hope this'll be my shortest stint in management.


I arrived in Waterford with just one goal in mind and that was to make this my shortest managerial stint on Football Manager 2015 as it could only had around three weeks and four games over three competitions.


Waterford surrendered a two goal lead in my first game, going down three two in the end away to Bohemians in the second round of the Challenge Cup, a double from Shane Barry seemingly had the side in control but a lack of defending cost us in the end.

They then went on and lost five two at home to Shamrock Rovers, Dean Prendergast netting twice in the second half.

It was then a mental THIRTEEN goal thriller at home to Wexford Youths as Waterford won the game 7-6 - Shane Barry 2, Evan Conneely 2 (1 pen), Stephen Croly, Nathan Gannon and Shane Mann the goalscorers on a night were both defences remained at home.

Our one and only game in June saw us beat Cork City 5-4 after extra time to secure the Munster Cup 'against the odds' as Wayne Flynn's one hundred and first minute ended up sealing the trophy as I chalked off Republic of Ireland while the other goals in the final came from Liam Coughlan on two minutes, Shane Barry after twenty two and seventy five minutes and Nathan Gannon with six first half minutes remaining.



It's official, the spell at Waterford United ended up being my short stint in management as I resigned after only twenty two days at the helm in which I managed to win the Munster Cup following an extra time win over Cork and that proved to be my luckiest managerial switch, my next managerial job will need to see me have some loyalty to them.

I decided not to bother posting the league table as I had only played two league games and because this wasn't a 'long term' job in Republic of Ireland, I didn't see the point.

Wow 22 days

That's correct Johno, I wasn't wasting any time at Waterford.

Ha, you were correct but we were quite lucky to win the trophy required Dan.


Just twenty two days were spent at my previous employers Waterford United in which we secured the 'much needed' Munster Cup, I have decided on a return to the English leagues with a challenge at a Conference North side, whose squad looks rubbish but are predicted to win the league so it'll be a real challenge.


I have been appointed the new manager of Trafford Football Club in what I'm predicting to be the toughest challenge I've faced since I managed Kvik Halden, the pressure is on from the beginning as the board expect me to win the Vanarama North title, which, in my opinion is a completely unrealistic expectation (they've only ever been 'non league' since I loaded up England) but I'll try my best.