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Season 20/21 - January Transfer Window Review



As well as that 16 year old guy I posted earlier, I made a few more signings in the window.



The young Belgian joined us on a three year deal after his contract expired last Summer at Lokeren. Weirdly, once he joined Lokeren decided they wanted him back on loan until the end of the season. I decided to accept as he's definitely one for the future.



Waste of wages. Not sure why I could a punt on this guy, will look to sell on ASAP.



Joined for just over £500k from Barcelona which I feel is an absolute bargain. He has been capped by the Spanish Under 21 National Team and was a regular in Barcelona's 'B' team the past few seasons. He's tall too so will be able to win headers and overall looks like he could be a quality centre midfielder in the future.



This one was a signing that was completed in the final hours of transfer deadline day. This guy is probably the transfer I've been most happy with in this whole career. It came up on my newsfeed that Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea had all had offers accepted for him. I had a bit of extra cash lying around so I thought I'd give it a go, offered him relatively high wages and BAM... He chose us!

He's never leaving There's no way he's anywhere good enough for this league but I continue to play him every game without fail !

Season 20/21 - Twenty matches gone

Our last ten matches in the league went really well for us and we are continuing to do well in the league. Survival is still my main priority as we only sit eleven points above the drop zone in what is a really tight league this season. We can dream and say that I should be looking at Europa League qualification but I don't want to think about that just yet.




As you can see, we currently sit in 5th position after twenty matches which is something I never would of dreamed of at the start of the season, especially due to our budget compared to the rest of the teams in this league. The majority of the squad is the same side I had in the past few seasons in the Championship, with some players playing for me since our days in the Conference and League Two so to be sitting where we are now is great.

We only lost two games in the league out of our last ten matches. We gained some great results along the way with former Manchester United winger Bruninho scoring a late equaliser on his debut against Manchester City. Which was followed by a great double from Summer signing Federico Bonazzoli to ensure we beat Liverpool. We move into our new stadium in a few weeks but to be completely honest with you, I would love to stay at Plainmoor. Yes, it only holds 6,200 but that means that the majority are Torquay supporters and our home form has been brilliant so far.

As I said earlier, the January transfer window has opened so I'm once again expecting bids to flood in for my players, especially academy graduate Tafari Zuill who has been outstanding for us this season. He is now regularly being capped for England under 21's so I just hope we can keep him. Jack Barmby is another player who I expect to gain interest. He has been brilliant for us this season which has seen his value rocket up to £7.75 million. This is one of the main reasons I love FM. In our FGR Succession Game, Barmby is currently playing in League Two with Morecambe whilst Luke Young and Levi Ives are both playing Conference football. Whereas in this game, they're all key players in the Premier League. I'm so happy that my initial objectives at the start of this career of player development seem to have really paid off.

Loyalty to my players is the key in this career and it really seems to be paying off.

Just had this report on one of my player's out on loan; Brian Thornhill. I bought him in the Summer from Sheffield Wednesday and he's currently playing out on loan at League One side Portsmouth.



The next Jordan Henderson hey? What a player to live up to...

January transfer window has just opened and I've managed to sign this guy for a fee of £500k which will rise up to £550k with instalments. Unfortunately, he won't be able to join us for two years due to some rule in Morocco but overall he looks like he could be a good player. The board have given me £15 million to spend in this transfer window but I'm going to look mainly at bringing in young players as I don't want to disrupt the harmony on my first team squad.



He's a bit small for a centre back so I'm thinking of retraining him as a holding midfielder but I'm not entirely sure yet. I have played my next ten games and will update you on those shortly. I will give a full lowdown of my January transfer window dealings when the window shuts at the end of the month.

Ouch. Tough end to the season. Good luck elsewhere.

Nice.

This guy has also had his work permit accepted so can now play matches for us. I'm currently in talks with him regarding a new deal as his current contract has a release clause of around £3 million. He won't budge from a release clause of £10.5 million in his new deal but I guess that will have to do.

This was the goalkeeper that I brought in as back up for Hubert. He has spent the past few seasons out on loan in League One and was released by Liverpool without making an appearance for them. He recently made his debut for Denmark so there should be a good re-sale value on him in the future.

Another young Italian has joined us. I signed him for £1 million from AC Milan- looks like an absolute steal when you look at his stats.

Bought in this guy as a replacement for Keita. His contract ran out at Italian side Perugia so we've managed to bring him in on a free transfer which is pleasing. Definitely opportunity for a high re-sale value with him too.

Keita refused to sign a new deal and Hull activated his release clause. It's a shame to lose him as he was class for us last season.



We made a good profit from him though and he becomes our record sale.

My two months are up. There are about 2 weeks until the new season starts so there's some time for Itchy to bring in some new players before the season starts.

Tonight instead now.

Cymro is the only reason that we are where we are !

I will get this done tonight lads.

Cheers Dan, hopefully we can keep it up now and stay in the league. Our move to our new stadium has been delayed again so we aren't moving there until January which means we're still at Plainmoor which only holds 6,200. It will be nice to move into our new stadium which holds about 16,000 if I remember correctly so that will help our finances. To be honest though, I will be a bit gutted to leave Plainmoor as we've had so much success there.

Season 20/21 - Ten games gone

Ten matches in the league gone and we sit 5th in the league which was very unexpected come the start of the season predictions. We are still only 8 points off the relegation zone in which looks to be a very tight league this season and once again, my priority is to survive.



In our first ever Premier League match we defied the odds to beat Arsenal at home thanks to two late goals from our Summer signing Federico Bonazzoli. Bonazzoli has been my stand out player so far and we really now have seemed to have found a striker who can bag in the goals for us. Apart from Bonazzoli, the squad itself hasn't changed much from previous seasons with Levi Ives, Luke Young and Jack Barmby impressing greatly.

Jack Barmby has been brilliant for us on the left hand side of the midfield and is currently keeping Summer signing Moller-Daehli out of the side which is very pleasing. It's mad to think that this lad only two seasons ago was released by Oldham in League One and it's now looking like he could be a key player for me in the Premier League. We're doing well so far and have had quite a tough start having to play United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs but we seem to have adapted well.

The main man Luke Young seems to adapted well to the Premier League and despite only scoring once so far from midfield for me, he is still the first player on the team sheet if he is fit. I have signed a new Danish goalkeeper who was released from Liverpool in the Summer as back up for Hubert and I will post him up when I open the game. John Bostock has also been loaned out to League One side Northampton, it's such a shame because it does look like his knee injury he suffered a few seasons back really has wrecked his career. I hope he can get a few games in that league and then maybe push for a starting place in our squad- unlikely though, as it says a lot that not even Championship sides were interested in taking him on loan.

Overall, good start to the season I just hope we can keep it up.

Kristian Scott is class for us isn't he. It's mad he's been with us since League One, he's now been capped by America too which is a great achievement. Besides The Kluk, Scott and Taylor are my favourite players in this side.

Think Rui Rei can become a favourite of mine in the future too.

Right, I'm pissed off and keep losing so I'm going to finish a little early so Itchy can have a little bit of the transfer window.

Shame to through away a lead but nice to get a last minute winner.

Through to the 4th round of the FA Cup. Drew United...

Cymro's transfers have arrived as it's January 1st.







Rui Rei looks class. The other two are good but not good enough for now, I'm going to look at loaning them out.

Wow.

Can't stop the Hurri Kane.

Nice. Happy to get my first win after being battered in the previous three.

Before I start the new season I'd like to give you all a rundown of my current squad. Throughout this career, I haven't really focused on showing you lot my squad and now before the Premier League season, I decided now would be a good time. I understand many of you won't read this full post but for those who are interested then have a look below.

Goalkeepers

Guillaume Hubert - My starting goalkeeper and now in his fourth season at the club. I signed him for £64k from Standard Leige and he's turned out to be an absolute rock for him in goal. He has had some clubs abroad looking at him but hopefully I can keep hold of him.

Jeremy Gavanon - Been with me since our days in the Conference. He is now a player/goalkeeping coach and to be honest, its mostly nostalgic reasons why I've kept him for so long. He'll probably retire at the end of this season but I'm hoping he will then become a full time member of my backroom staff.

Defenders

Levi Ives - Another player who has been a prominent feature in this career and one who has been with me since our days in the Conference. Capped for Northern Ireland and a player with great potential. I've actually managed to sign him up to a new deal as well which is great news.

Bram Nuytinck - Former Dutch under 21 international signed in the Summer on loan from Anderlecht.

Krystian Pearce - An absolute rock of a defender and another one who has been with me since our Conference days. He's a regular starter for me even now and has been for the past six seasons. He is another one who is one of the first names on the teamsheet and I hope when he retires that he'll join my coaching staff, hopefully that will be in a good 5/6 seasons though.

Rhys Bennett - A player who is entering his fifth season at the club after joining us after our promotion to League One. He is a strong versatile defender who can play either right back or centre half and has had a great partnership with KP for the past few seasons. I'm hoping he can make the step up the Premier League.

Lloyd Palun - He initially joined us as a holding midfielder but throughout the seasons he can been converted to a centre back. Due to the form of KP and Bennett he only managed nine appearances last season but I'm going to keep him purely due to his versatility. He's been with us six seasons now after joining the club after our promotion from the Conference, joining from French side Nice.

Ulrik Hoffman - Talented defender who joined us in the Summer on a free transfer. Previously of Danish side FC Copenhagen, I will probably look at loaning him out this season.

Kgosi Nthle - A player who initially joined us as back up for Levi Ives at the left back but has firmly made himself into our starting right back. He has been with us two seasons now and is a full South African international however unfortunately, he hasn't had a cap for a good few years now.

Midfielders

John Bostock - The former Crystal Palace and Spurs youngsters is currently entering his fifth season at the club. He was brilliant in his first season at the club but a terrible knee injury has seen him lose his place in the side over the past few seasons. He is currently on the transfer list which is unfortunate as I'm quite sure if he didn't have his injuries, he'd be a top player for us.

Jack Barmby - Former Manchester United winger who joined us at the start of last season from League One side Oldham Athletic. He had a great season for us last term and I'm sure he can make the step up to the Premier League. He's English and still young and a key player in my side.

Tafari Zuill - Probably the most talented player ever to come from our academy. At 18 years old he is one of the first names on the teamsheet and has been a regular feature in the side since he was 16. He has potential to be a top, top player, it will be interesting to see where this guy is in five years. I hope he will still be here but I have a feeling he will eventually end up out growing the club.

Kevin Perret - Another 18 year old midfielder who I'm very excited about. He has been a regular for the past few seasons for Belgium side Lierse and I'm currently looking at loaning him out. Like Zuill, he's another player who I can't wait to see in five years.

Soloman Asuquo - Nigerian international but currently doesn't have a work permit to play in England. I am looking at loaning him out abroad so he can gain a work permit. Really good stats for a player so young.

Mats Moller Daehli - Former Manchester United youngster but most previously of Cardiff City. He is currently the clubs record signing and highest paid player, I can't wait to see how he performs this season because he's a player I have very high hopes for.

Bruninho - Former Manchester United youngster who joined the side in the Summer. He is currently on the loan list to try and gain some first team football.

Luke Young - Captain fantastic, club legend and my top ever goalscorer throughout my career. This guy doesn't need much explaining for those who have been reading from the start. What a man.

Patricio - Talented defensive midfielder who signed on a free transfer in the Summer from Spanish side Sevilla. He was previously on loan for us the past two seasons. I initially didn't plan on playing him but he's come on leaps and bounds over the past few seasons and now he's one of my key players.

Louis Thompson - Former Yeovil and Swindon midfielder who joined us last season. He is a good player but has been more of a bit part player for us so far. I will probably look at letting him go if he starts to moan about a lack of football.

Tendayi Darikwa- A player who joined us after our promotion to League One. A very talented footballer who can play either right back or right midfield. This would be his first season in the Premier League so it will be interesting to see how he fares. He gets his fair share of goals so I hope that can continue.

Ethan Robson - Joined us in the Summer after his release from Championship side Sunderland. I am currently retraining him as a left back as I don't feel he has anything to offer us in the centre of midfield.

Ben Pearson - Another former Manchester United youngster currently entering his sixth season at the club. He's an OK player but I don't think he'll be anywhere near the first team picture this season so I'll look at moving him on as soon as possible.

Strikers

Federico Bonazzoli - Arrived in the Summer after his release from Manchester United. He was signed by them five seasons ago from Inter Milan but failed to make a competitive appearance for United.

Ryan Dillon - Signed on a season long loan at the start of the season from Championship side Fulham. He has also been capped by England under 21's and scored on his debut. He has spent the past two seasons on loan in the Championship at Huddersfield and Wolves respectively so I'm hoping he can make the step up.

Martin Sorensen - The young Danish forward joined us as a sixteen year old when we were in the Conference. He is capped regularly for the Danish under 21 side and spent last season out on loan at FC Copenhagen scoring 2 goals. I did intend on loaning him out this season but I recalled him from his loan at Brentford as I want to give him a chance this season.

Clifford Slthole - Joined us last season for a fee of £120k from South African side Orlando Pirates. At only 19 years old he has great potential and he's a player who I feel will be brilliant in the next few seasons. He scored his first goal for the South African national side recently too which is pleasing.

Scott Hogan - Has done OK for us since joining from Brentford three seasons ago. He scored a good amount of goals the season before last and was poor last season. He is currently on the transfer list and will listen to any offers for him. He is also a relatively high earner so the quicker he's out the club, the better.

George Green - Joined us in the Summer from Everton. He was the Championship top goalscorer last season whilst on loan at MK Dons so I'm hoping he can continue that kind of form in the Premier League.

Nabil Jaadi - A player who intially joined us as a centre midfielder. He will be entering his fifth season at the club since joining us in League One from Udinese. He is currently on the loan list as I can't see a space for him at the moment but I don't want to lose him permanently.

Out on Loan

David Verstraeten - Young Belguim forward who has been in our youth side the past three seasons. He is currently on loan at League Two side Mansfield after being on loan in the Conference with Aldershot and Cheltenham last season. Definitely one for the future.

Bart Mulder - Another player who has been with us a few seasons now. He is currently on loan at Championship side Sheffield United after spending a small part of last season on loan at their rivals Sheffield Wednesday. He has also been a bit part kind of player for us but seems to do well whenever he goes out on loan. He has also spent time on loan at Bolton Wanderers, Wycombe and Accrington Stanley.

Jared Sims - A player who joined me from our time in the Conference and a good solid lower league player. He was great for me a few seasons back but he now just doesn't have the quality to get into my side. He is now on loan at League Two side Hartlepool and hasn't scored a goal for two seasons. He has previously had loan spells at Leyton Orient, Peterborough and Preston.

Tyler Harvey - He was never really good enough for our squad. He has spent the past two seasons on loan at Wrexham and Gateshead in League Two and is now currently on a season long loan to Coventry who are also in League Two.

Dan Crowley - Joined in the Summer from Arsenal but was immediately loan out to League One side Charlton. I don't really see a future for him at the club.

Cathal Connor - Quick winger who joined us two seasons ago from Irish side Shamrock Rovers. He played a bit for us last season after a loan spell in League Two with Wycombe. He is currently on loan at Championship side Oxford for the season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick - A player who joined us when we gained promotion to League Two from Northern Irish side Linfield. He is a regular under 21 international but is yet to make his debut for the full squad. He is currently on loan at League One side Crewe after loan spells in League Two and the Conference with Burton Albion and Bristol Rovers.

Liam O'Donoghue - 17 year old midfield who came through our youth side. Currently on loan at Conference side Harrogate.

Pal Marius Nesset - Someone I had very high hopes for but he's really let me down. He has spent the last three seasons on loan in the Conference with no improvement and will be let go next Summer when he contract runs out.

Brian Thornhill - Joined in the Summer on a free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday before being loaned out to League One side Portsmouth. He made 40 appearances in the Championship last season so he must have something about him.

David O'Brien - Talented Irish centre back who joined us three seasons ago from Shamrock. He spent last season on loan at Conference side Blackpool however is now on a season long loan at Championship side MK Dons.

Dodo - Another young centre back who I believe will be quality in a few seasons. He has only featured marginally for us the past few seasons and is now out on loan at League One side Ipswich.

Steven Raun - A player who I am very excited about. He played a few games for us last season and has been capped by Denmark under 21's. He is currently on loan at Championship side Burnley so it'll be interesting to see how he progresses.