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#161391 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
I know mate, it's taking an age for my players to get used to one another and the formations. Then again, there were wholesale changes so I pretty much expected this difficult period of transition. Even with the form being a bit iffy, I think we've got enough about us to go up this year. The home form is good, it's just my away form that's killing me.
#161368 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
Needing to end October on a high, I sent my team out with one message: "Win at all costs!" Morale was at an all-time low - it was never going to be easy. Thankfully, the kids stepped-up, bagging a 2-0 victory. Finally a clean sheet. Have we turned a corner?
Having released Batt and Fleetwood (the latter because of the severity of his injury/ high wage), I'm left with an even younger squad than before. The most senior player in my team is just 23. Can you win with kids? I don't think I have much choice as of now. Boys must become men if we are to challenge for promotion.
#161363 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
How is it you're all over a team and THEY hammer YOU!? Well that's what happened here - against the team at bottom! It didn't help that the match report for the referee read: "didn't have the best game of his career". To be honest, I've absolutely had it with Damian Batt - he's been AWFUL! Despite the fact I've not got the biggest squad, I'm releasing him as of tomorrow!
#161362 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
A disappointing draw against promotion-chasers Bath. Despite leading the game, we threw away 2 points, as Bath capitalised from a set-piece. To be honest, they set-up VERY defensively (flat 4-5-1) - they obviously hoped they could nick a goal on the counter or through a set piece, and it worked. Well played I guess, but very disappointing from our point-of-view.
#161343 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
With the injuries pilling-up, and yet more players being called-up for internationals - now Larsson (just 16) has been summoned for Sweden U-19's - I've moved to bulk the squad with the signings of left-back Charlie Taylor (season-long loan from Leeds), and Shaun Jeffers (free agent).
#161341 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
Eastleigh edge Gosport out in a thriller. After going in 3-0 up at half-time, I thought I was in for a stress-free day at the office. No such luck! Despite giving a good half-time team talk, Gosport came out firing and brought the game back to 3-3. Given that we were away - and our away from is absolutely shocking, I was honestly bricking it. I thought we'd thrown it! Fortunately, just before I was about to have a fit, we clinched the victory. I'm very concerned with my defending - not sure if my cavalier attitude in attack is influencing our sloppy back-line. Nevertheless, with the injuries we have, this was a BIG win.
#161338 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
Despite leading courtesy of a wonder strike from Connor Hunte, we completely imploded and lost the game 3-1. It was another bad away day - making me question how to approach future away matches. That's the second loss in a row, and to make matters worse we picked up some lengthy injuries. That's our first loss in quite a while, and its brought an end to our unbeaten run.
After the game, I was greeted by the news that Stuart Fleetwood will have a VERY lengthy lay-off. We're one of the worst injury-hit sides in the league. We really can't catch a break. @KG Watson - As you can see having the best side in the league doesn't always pay dividends. Luck can really turn a season.
#161284 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
This month has halted our progress somewhat - we've fallen to 2nd in the league and crashed out of the FA Cup. Having my players back from internationals/ injury should help our progress in October. Unfortunately, just as we have our number one GK (Santangelo) returning from injury, Vincent Acapandie has picked up an injury ruling him out for at least 7 weeks.
#161274 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
Folkestone 3 - 1 Eastleigh
Eastleigh bow out following a dismal display. In truth, we were very, very poor. Everything went wrong for us, and as it always seems to, everything went right for them. 3 shots on goal, 3 goals - what more can I say? It's annoying to be knocked out, then again I did weaken the side thinking it would be an easier tie than it evidently turned out to be. Annoying, but we must now turn our focus to the league.
#161253 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
A brace from Jordan Larsson helped secure a vital home win. After a disappointing display against Concord it was imperative we bounced back with a win. A special shout out goes to Jai Reason who popped up with two assists, despite playing out of position at RM.
In other news, that victory was something of a landmark for Eastleigh Football Club, as we set a new record for games unbeaten. To be honest, the accolade has passed me by - I think we're capable of much, much more.
#161240 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
It looked like a bit of an international hangover. Despite getting my boys back, they looked very lethargic. Acapandie in particular, was very poor. The game just seemed to fizzle out, with neither side really creating anything. It was very poor, and I expect a much better showing next week.
#161238 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
Cheers! Yeah, my squad is pretty kick-ass for this level. I think it's going to hurt me financially though. Still, my plan was always to buy young, develop them, and sell (if I have to) for a healthy profit. Whilst I hope we can win the league, I know we're a VERY young squad, with hardly any experience - it's going to be tough, but if we do it I think the squad is good enough for back-to-back promotions. One step at a time though.
#161236 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
First away victory. With one draw and one loss on the road, I decided to alter things a little. I changed the formation from Gegenpressing to Simeone's 4-4-2. With my players still away on international duty it was always going to be a difficult encounter. Fortunately, despite a little scare, we emerged victorious.
Despite looking as though we threw away a two-goal lead, a late penalty helped us over the finish line. Stuart Fleetwood was in fine form, netting a hat-trick to help secure the 3 points. There was pandemonium in the stands when Fleetwood's penalty rattled the net, but I was quick to ensure we were focused defensively - we've been poor on the road, and it was crucial we kept our heads in the dying stages.
#161151 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
In a cruel twist of fate, my number one keeper Dean Santangelo, picked up a nasty injury whilst away on international duty. It is understood that the Iran U-21 vice-captain fell awkwardly and broke his hand. It looks likely that I will be without Dean for sometime – the initial prognosis being 3 weeks.
#161148 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
The obvious disadvantage of having such a young and talented squad at this level, is the possibility that at any time your players could be called-up for internationals. It's a catch-22, whilst there is an opportunity to withdraw them, the experience they gain and exposure they get will do me wonders in the long-term. For the match against Hayes & Yeading, I found myself without Baumgartner & Horvath (Austria U-19's), Caleta-Car (Croatia U-19's), Santangelo (Iran U-19's), and Vincent Acapandie (Reunion main).
Needless to say, there were major changes to the side. With 3 of my first-choice back four, my number one GK, and my main playmaker missing, I had to turn to Jack, Dovey, Damian Batt, Will Evans, Yado Mambo, and Cameron Howieson. It was another "off-day" for my strikers as they were found wanting in the absence of my prime creator. Fortunately, despite going behind, Christopher Missilou capped a Man of the Match performance with a fine looping header to secure a vital away point.
#161126 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
We are top of the league, I say we are top of the league. I'm not getting carried away - it's a long season after all - but I'm delighted with the performances given the large number of new faces at the team. Team cohesion is a problem, and something I'm definitely going to address in training over the coming weeks, nevertheless, I'm delighted to see that the quality is really shining through.
We're a very young team - the youngest in the league (avg. age of 19.95) - but we're performing very well. In other news, I was awarded the Manager of the Month. I'm actually quite surprised, I hadn't expected to win it - especially after losing against Eastbourne.
#161036 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
Eastleigh come from behind to secure a memorable victory. Despite dominating the opening exchanges I found myself 1-0 down. Fortunately, just before half-time, Connor Hunte found Larsson with a lofted cross into the area, and Larsson rose above the defenders to head home the equaliser. Although the late goal may have saved them from the hairdryer, I knew I had to change something to turn the game around. Despite rallying the troops at half-time, we continued with another lacklusture 45 mins. Just as I resigned myself to the thought of just one point, that man Horvath popped-up again to save us with a dramatic 89th minute winner. That win has put us top, but we will need to improve if we are to stay there.
#160996 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
Well, what can I say? I was absolutely blown away by my team. Incredible, just incredible. We absolutely dominated the opposition, from start to finish. We had 22 shots to the opposition's 3! Acapandie is exactly the type of all-action full-back I was after - he was enormous! On another note, I was so pleased that Larsson could finally get off the mark. The future looks bright!
#160985 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
As promised - major changes! I took a big risk after the Eastbourne game in releasing some prominent first-team players; those leaving the club included: Chris Dillon, Yemi Odubade, Jamie Collins, Romone Rose, and club captain Glen Southam. With my squad already on the thin-side, I had to move quick to find replacements. With just four days before my next game, I began lining-up replacements. Fortunately, I got all the targets I was eyeing. My team is finally complete. Those joining the Spitfires include: Connor Hunte, Yado Mambo, Vincent Acapandie, Christopher Missilou, Dean Santangelo, Christophe Lowinsky, Jadan Hall, Cheick Kourouma, and Jason Twum.
#160970 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
My first loss! This was always going to be a difficult game, but I'm not happy in the manner in which we lost it. My strikers just didn't turn up - couldn't get anything on target. There is going to be BIG changes for the next game - watch this space! I plan to make some big decisions in the transfer market over the next few days. We've got two home games coming up so its important we get some points on the board during this period of transition.
#160966 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
Cheers mate. I'm doing things very differently this time round. Should be interesting!
#160900 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
A really good first game. Everything went right; we were all over them in the first half and had plenty of chances to put the game to bed. My little playmaker Sascha Horvath was in fine form, looking dangerous with every set-piece he took. Caleta-Car took advantage of the great deliveries, notching two goals in what turned out to be a Man of the Match performance. In truth, the scoreline flattered Bromley - it could have been A LOT worse as Larsson had two goals questionably chalked off.
#160892 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
Cheers mate. Yes, it would be great if you could lock the other thread.
#160887 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
A really good pre-season; the boys performed admirably and adjusted to my formation really well. If I was pressed to pick one stand-out performer, I would probably say Larsson. The young Swede was in fine form, netting 8 goals in five appearances.
#160870 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
With the season approaching, and my movement in the transfer market slowing down, I've loaned-in two Burnley players to bulk-up my squad. Alex Coleman (DC), and Cameron Howieson (CM/AM), will provide some much-needed depth to the first-team. They're not the best but they will provide adequate cover, and I've agreed to a season-long loan without having to pay their wages. I can't recommend using your loans enough - these "free" players allow you to use your wage budget elsewhere.
#160803 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
With the squad heavily depleted, I've moved to loan Colchester striker Freddie Ladapo. Unfortunately, before he even kicked a ball, he picked up a nasty injury. As it stands, he is likely to miss the start of the season as he recovers from a double hernia. Although we're not paying his wages, we're unlikely to see him in action until at least October.
#160797 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
January can't come soon enough. I've secured five new players, all of whom will be joining in the next (January) transfer window. Some of these have taken a considerable chunk from my wage budget, so I've had to release a large number of first-team players. Those who have left the club include: Craig McAllister, Chris Todd, Dean Beckwith, Dan Spence, Ben Strevens, Corey King, and Mike Green. I'm really excited with my new players though, once they're in we will be a real force to be reckoned with.
#160794 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
As he was the only player I could sell, I decided to let go of Club No.1 Ross Flitney. I don't think that Jack Dovey is good enough to step-up, and I will be seeking a new goalkeeper for this season, but the £18.5k I received was too good to turn down.
The money received from Flitney's sale helped me secure the signings of four very promising youngsters. Although they're young (all 16), I think they are very capable footballers and what they may lack in experience, they certainly make-up for in ability. All four players were poached from their clubs for a total of £17.95k in compensation.
#160791 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
I'm not a fan of the route-one football usually seen at this level, and for that reason I've developed a nice collection of tactics to help me throughout the season. As community member Sheriff Skacel pointed out in my last story, tactics like these are not the "norm" at this level; nevertheless, I maintain if you have the right players it will work.
The first tactic under the microscope is the Gegenpressing system. This is my take on Jurgen Klopp's Dortmund. Playing an asymmetrical 4-2-3-1 system, this tactic combines high pressing and fast, direct attacking football.
The second tactic at my disposal is my take on Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid. Playing a deep, narrow 4-4-2, this tactic combines discipline and control.
And finally, the last tactic in my armoury is "The Bus". Or more to the point, my version of Jose Mourinho's defensive 4-5-1 formation. Based on Chelsea's formation in the first leg of the 2013/14 Champions League semi-final against Simeone's Atletico, this tactic is designed to frustrate. The primary aim of this tactic is to "park the team bus" in front of the goal and try to nick something on a counter attack.
These tactics are very different to the usual '4-4-2, Mike Bassett' tactics Skrill South are used to, and for that reason it will take A LOT of time for my players to get used to my philosophy of football.
#160775 English hero challenge (We're promoted!)
mully99
Just minutes into the job and I had to address the current playing staff. The meeting went well; I said, in no uncertain terms, I expected promotion. Fortunately, the boys agreed. Although I have big plans to overhaul the current squad, it's always good to know that if I need to use these guys, they're determined and ambitious.
After speaking with the board, and looking over the club finances, I realised I had a bit of room to maneuver in transfer market. I will have to keep a close eye on the overall wage budget as at this level mismanagement could be fatal. We've got £50k to spend and an allowance of £20k p/w in wages - things are about to get interesting!
As with any club, trophies are the main way to gauge managerial success. There isn't much in the trophy cabinet at the moment but hopefully I can change that.