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#427100 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 14
Certainly took our chances at a hungry Sillamäe Kalev side who've made a bright start in the league. Smirnov finished off Sander Kõiv's dinked cross with aplomb on the half volley for a half time lead. Careless, gapped defending handed SK a deserved equaliser from Blomqvist only for a brief moment. Clinical work again from Smirnov as the DLF who got in the right areas to deliver a powerful netbuster in off the post only two minutes after restarting to stretch the gap at the top. Just in time with Levadia up next.
#427099 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 13
Think I've found the perfect new role for Anatoly Smirnov. Made him more deep lying and was an absolute nuisance to Pärnu all game. A beautiful through ball by Varadin connected the dots for Smirnov to land us some early momentum. It's a shame he didn't get more, problem was trying to negotiate with four defenders solo but came close to increasing our lead. Pärnu barely had a sniff all game.
#427098 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 12
If we're struggling to overcome the team down at the gutterhole of the league, you know something is up. One shot on target all game, luckily it hit the back of the net with a bit of fortunate ball dynamics. TK somehow hit cleared the ball against the shins of Mutle into the path of Urbonas who swept it home in off the bar. Such a below par performance, things need to change drastically.
#427097 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
SEMI FINAL
Every year. EVERY. F*CKING. YEAR. Flora somehow defy odds to book the final for the Estonian Cup duel. Martin Vanaveski broke Infonet hearts after nipping in behind McParland to finish cleanly at the near post. Smirnov had a goal chalked off after foolishly handling the ball into the net (typical Russians) and just couldn't conjure up something to quake Flora's backline. Shambles.
#427096 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Nice way to greet a new month, taking our best left back for the guts of two months. Good thing we've another left back...lol oh wait, we don't!
Meanwhile a major milestone as I reach my 100th game in charge of Infonet, not many clubs have been so lucky.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 11
I mean chuffing hell, could they have chosen a worse game for my 100th? Even I want a refund.
#427094 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 10
It was the travelling third of the crowd in full raptures with the remaining two thirds in disbelief to flatten poor Flora. Quiet opening half finished off strong as Nikita Ivanov got lucky with two bites at the cherry to tuck away a Varadin cross, despite hitting the post at first. Priit Mutle had a disappointing day in front of goal, but his replacement Smirnov was excellent. Double salvo in two minutes piled misery to a miserable home performance, liquid football for the second. Ending the month in superb fashion.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Four wins on the trot, exponentially increasing in our margins of victory. Harmonious squad performances, not one underperforming (Mutle perhaps). Hard to choose a standout figure this month.
LEAGUE TABLE
Slight gap already mounting, not as large as this stage last season but enough to throw a game or two. SK, Flora and Levadia fight for second.
MAY 2048 SCHEDULE
Another big month ahead, including the Eesti Karikas semi final clash for a potential treble. Levadia at home towards the end is the only game I worry about with the fear of burnout.
#427093 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 9
Trans returned to the Estonian top flight, sadly looks like they might head back to where they came from. Kevin Tamm hadn't scored in his first 30 games for the club, now found his second in three games to use his playmaking precision to guide the ball well into the top corner away from their outstretched keeper. Red card for Vladimir Tohver paved way for a comfortable second half, backing them into a corner to make costly errors - including the one leading to Priit Mutle's return to the scoresheet. Four or five could've followed, two does the job.
#427091 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 8
Chose to bide our time before sinking a spineless Paide side with their parking the bus nonsense. Twice denied by their man of the match - the woodwork, keeping out Priit Mutle and Nikita Ivanov. Step forward Karl Altosar's 17 free kick taking, assisted by a wicked deflection to finally break the Paide resistance. Red card for Mihhailov was a minor worry, couldn't recall a single retaliation from the visitors. Easy win.
#427090 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
QUARTER FINAL
Speaking of end to end thrillers, this was more complacency than action. Made it look easy for Rakvere Tarvas at first but two in two minutes by forgotten hero Kaarel Tarvis and Nikita Ivanov on the stroke of half time had us in cruise control. The non leaguers fought back twice to make it a one goal game, however Ivanov put the game beyond doubt in the dying embers. Also a noteworthy day for Kevin Tamm, finally getting his first goal for the club since his move from FK Utenis.
SEMI FINAL DRAW
You're having a laugh, third consecutive year drawn.
#427089 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 7
End to end thriller at Hiiu Stadion, cucked late by a Vitali Stokas equaliser. In form Karl Altosar is working hard at the free kicks in training, highlighted with a peach from 25 yards to give us an early lead. Kalju missed two glorious first half opportunities from Fidler and Povrzenic - the latter of those missed from two yards onto the post. Should have ran away with it in the second half; Smirnov missed twice from point blank range into the gloves of Sokolov before the inevitable happened. Committed too many forward and caught on the break to leave Stokas free for a standard tap in. Mutle almost made an instant impact off the bench but his acute angled header yet again denied. Disappointing draw, but a great game for the neutrals.
#427088 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 6
Took our chances in the second half to swat away the odious wasps of Levadia. Completely second best in the first half with the major talking point being a shocking penalty miss by Eduard Afonin straight at Bastig. Boy wonder Ivanov evaded his marker to pounce on a wonderful delivery by Lukas Varadin to settle the score. Crucial win at this early stage in the league.
#427087 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 5
Feel sorry for those who watched this tripe. Sure we had more shots, if you count 30 yard potshots, barely even half chances.
#426878 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 4
Pedal to the Mutle. I sense a beautiful partnership between himself and Ivanov, both sensational and in sync with one another, Mutle having a hand in all five goals with Ivanov involved in four. TK were already pushovers as it were, but this was almost NSFW at times. Karl Altosar also smashed in one inbetween but no clean sheet courtesy of Denis Panysh. Rene Sabanov now plays for TK, missing two clear cut chances - some things never change.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Good month, though not great. Losing our structural defensive touch with five conceded already. Mutle looks the real deal, Ivanov too. Smirnov may have some competition to return to the lone striker role.
LEAGUE TABLE
Despite a defeat, we're top of the pile ahead of the only unbeaten side left, Tammeka.
APRIL 2048 SCHEDULE
Bumper month ahead, most of it being on the road. Tricky games at home to Sillamäe Kalev and away to Levadia and Kalju sandwiched between our cup quarter final to part timers Rakvere Tarvas.
#426877 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 3
Our favourite scoreline at present, getting on the right end of it on this occasion. Priit Mutle got the nod over Smirnov and delivered a fine afternoon's work. He had the audacity of marking his first goal by lobbing the stranded Pärnu keeper before beating him in a one on one through some fine direct midfield passing. Second half turned stale as the visitors snuck in behind our defence and Koogas unapologetically tapped into an empty net. Bastig's superb save in the final quarter denied Koogas a brace to escape with a win. Defensively we may need to rethink our ways.
#426875 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Two injuries in the matter of days, must be the shock of a new season.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 2
Speaking of shock, Tammeka defied the odds to hand us our first defeat already (also contain your immaturity at the headline). But yes, Dmitri took the candy right from under us with two well engineered goals in either half which Bastig had no chance in saving. New signings Mutle and Ivanov combined for a shred of hope and Ivanov was a whisker away from completing the job only for the body of GK Kriushenko getting in the way. Not good enough.
#426874 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Bad news before the start of a new season with Sander Kõiv out for a few weeks. Varadin's cue to step up.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 1
Muzzled Flora with ease to start the season strong on an icy Tallinn afternoon. The boys didn't really thaw until the second half, Smirnov continuing his goalscoring antics to bamboozle a solid Indrek Juhnev in goal. We had the keeper to thank for number two, fumbling a long effort by Szabo to allow Vazinski to tuck in the rebound. Flora returned fire thanks to our complacent defence miscommunicating with Bastig to pave the way for Kovtunovits. Very encouraging signs for this season.
#426723 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
REGIONALLIGA BAYERN
MATCHDAY 20
Talk about Fries with a side order of disappointment. Twice did the allumette-cut German potato foil our half baked ideas. Andermatt's half volley was 1UP'd by Jonas' wonderstrike from 25 yards to level it up. Leverkusen loanee Sam Schreck got the final touch in a penalty box scramble to return our lead but yet another long ranger by Jonas Fries yet again not closed down to end the game honours even.
There goes our best centre back for a couple of weeks.
MATCHDAY 21
Where do I even start? Bayreuth certainly made us look like mugs to stun us with their flamboyance. Luibrand had another shocker up top to which he saw his free header clip the top of the bar to somehow keep the score blank. Early in the second half came the twist in the tale as Böhnlein escaped his marker to finish at the back post. A bundle of half chances was our only response to succumb to only our second defeat of the season.
Jesus wept.
MATCHDAY 22
Fortunate win, but a moment of managerial stardust as Sam Schreck was our last roll of the dice to scab a much needed three points. A free kick only minutes after coming on made the difference in an otherwise uncomfortable display. Memmingen bossed the first half and will be fuming that they didn't close the deal.
MATCHDAY 23
The cliché "first shot on goal all game" had us fighting to peg back Augsburg's II team. Dictated everything until a terrible judgement from GK Schubert allowed the home side to 'augment' our difficulties into the second half. Ziereis got the nod ahead of Luibrand and didn't disappoint to latch onto Dressel's lofted ball to fight back. Red card for Berzel killed our chances to go on for a win, we had them in the palm of our hand.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
It's all gone Alex Song with only one win in our last five games. Sam Schreck stepped up to the plate somewhat but Luibrand seriously disappointed me. Perhaps a new touch of perspective can help us improve.
LEAGUE TABLE
Bayern II are steamrolling back into contention, lying only nine points behind us. For the record, they have Arjen Robben, Serge Gnabry, Juan Bernat AND Sebastian Rudy playing for them in the fourth tier. How is that fair??
Time to hand over to @Shedender who'll no doubt steady the ship and not bottle it!
#426719 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
New Year, new me. *vomits*
FRIENDLIES
Decent winter break, but how great is it having Dortmund as your parent club? Sell out crowd, excellent gate receipts AND TV coverage to place some much needed green into the piggy bank.
No ins, no outs so nothing terribly exciting this month...
But the league return comes with four games to round off my stint, starting off with midtable Eichstätt.
#426718 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
REGIONALLIGA BAYERN
MATCHDAY 18
Nothing too sinister at basement club Heimstetten, Luibrand kept his goalscoring shine with an early strike before Timo Gebhart unleashed a hadouken effort to deflate any hope of a comeback. Took our winning streak to double figures.
MATCHDAY 19
That was before Ismaning came a'knocking. Nico Karger started in an unfamiliar shadow striker role but paid out with the opener, slotting gracefully under the keeper. The home side are also in potential relegation turmoil but put up more of a fight to grab an unlikely equaliser before half time. Luibrand missed a free header but the less details about that, the better.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Should have knocked Ismaning into next decade but alas four points from six isn't the worst thing in the world.
LEAGUE TABLE
Lead cut to eleven but at least there's a game in hand to capitalise on.
Winter is upon us so no league games for five/six weeks, plenty of strong opponents to warm us up though including parent club Dortmund.
#426681 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
FINAL
Crash, bang, wallop. Three fierce strikes outside the area destroyed Paide's confidence to lift the Superkarikas. Youth product come guaranteed starter Karl Altosar got the ball rolling and before Paide caught their breath, Smirnov picked up where he left off last season. The boys in blue were about to feel a whole lot bluer when Simonas Urbonas completed the rout. League and cup double, last one on the list is the precious Eesti Karikas.
Of course they had to leave a mark on Karl before they sulked home.
Infonet tugevus!
#426387 [FM18] The Hamburglar Saves The Day
DNZY
This has to be your anthem when you win a trophy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDFaEBjA7PU&t=19s
#426357 The New Fergie - A Northern Ireland Story
DNZY
#426180 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
After last season's success, we were labelled as the overachievers of the division finishing a spot higher than anticipated. Smirnov and Kõiv topped the highest goals and assists respectively, quite outstanding feat for a right back by the way. Smirnov represented as the signing of the season.
Also found our sponsorship deals are through the roof too, earning a nifty quarter mil and more than double on league average.
In other developments, our takeover finally made it to fruition with chairman Martin Telling stepping down with Sten Kallaste being the heir to the deed. Financially restructured and healthy for the short term and long term surely.
TRANSFERS
OUT
Quite a few were on chucked with Flórez being the biggest of the outs after refusing contract negotiations. Mario Rõivasepp was a tough decision to make, good footballer but awfully injury prone. Henn, Martin and Sabanov were notable exits too, though Sabanov was about as useful as the first D in Wednesday. Urbys finally joined Sillamäe Kalev after agreements were reached on his expiration of his contract and prospect Maksim Reimal was loaned to Trans.
IN
Actual physical money was used believe it or not, including my most expensive transfer as a manager in this career (yes, I'm not even joking).
Aleksei Riiberg - D(C) - £20k from Tammeka Tartu
Tammeka's defence has been fascinating to me, mainly because of his guy. Just nearing the end of his teen years but looks like he can still blossom in all areas. Marking and positioning both excellent but does lack the aerial ability at only 5'9" but sitting in behind McParland could be very useful. His consistency is what I was drawn to - last five about a 6.8 is important and shows he's not just a flash in the pan. Juska has competition in the only centre half position.
Radovan Szabo - M(C) - unattached free agent
On the cusp of signing him last season when he played with Levadia, but since his release he's happy to play on a bonusless amateur deal. Technically strong with experience, he'll definitely be someone to call upon if midfield injuries pile up. Also worth mentioning he's doubling up as a scout...for free! Two birds, one stone.
Nikita Ivanov - AM(C)/M(C) - £90k (rising to £120k) from Sillamäe Kalev
As far as Estonian talent goes, this guy could be a national idol. His technical, mental AND physical game is very strong for an 18 year old with ample time to grow. His recent form is a worry but probably due to the fact that he's been played at a less creative-centred club than us. A perfect Estonian alternative to Jair Flórez. Hope he'll be worth every cent.
Priit Mutle - ST(C) - unattached free agent
And the big guns keep on rolling in, former Levadia striker Mutle comes in to strengthen attacking options. While I like Smirnov, Priit looks beastly, he's available and wanted cheap wages. No-brainer as far as I'm concerned. While finishing and composure are roughly the same, unquestionably Mutle is the more 'football intelligent' of the two. Could go with these two up top and we'd practically be unstoppable.
Another reason why we needed another striker..
Lukas Varadin - D(R) - £1k from MSK Rimavská Sobota
Insider info from that Slovakian scout of ours, bringing in another Slovak member to the team. Obviously it creates a tough decision to go with him over Kõiv and vice versa, especially with that sublime form he's been in in the Slovak second tier. Fast, strong, tireless but might be a bit more defensive than how Kõiv operates, still a superb option. It did however cause tension in the squad.
Of course me being me, the dreaded Estonian league registration rule of 24 home grown players bit me on the arse again. Juska, McParland, Szabo, Smirnov, Urbonas and now Varadin are the only six non-HG players in the squad, leaving Petrauskas in the cold. Also meant we were down one good left back too. FML.
FRIENDLIES
Pre-season went..alright, due to the fact that we barely played anyone decent. Smirnov banging them in to prove a point, while Mutle also produced a goal.
SEASON EXPECTATIONS
Surprisingly simple objectives outlined by the new man upstairs. Cups are what I seek this season.
Slightly condescending to see the bookies favour Levadia over us, I know they're the team in form but I think we'll give them another tussle.
EESTI SUPERKARIKAS
FINAL DRAW
Speaking of which the super cup draw was made, pitting us against Paide Linnameeskond. Should be a banker.
#426097 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
For the second year running, Infonet player of the season goes to Sander Kõiv with his remarkable shifts at right back and aux winger, beating (perhaps surprisingly) Tomas Juska and Conor McParland to the vote quite easily. Another consecutive award is for goal of the season - Jaanus Vazinski loves a long range belter as illustrated by his wonder strike against Kalju to win here. Headlines ultimately belonged to Meistriliiga newbie Anatoly Smirnov, claiming signing of the season and young player of the season with his rock solid forward play and goal tally.
https://streamable.com/dv05j
Getting into the stats, the Russian blew people's expectations with more than three times as many goals in just one season (23) than in his seven year career (7), also breaking a Meistriliiga record for most goals in a season. He also scooped most man of the match awards with six - not a bad opening calendar year. All the defence were outstanding this campaign and Tomas Juska had his neck out as the most consistent with 7.24, himself and McParland were a brick wall at centre half. Kõiv's defensive duties were underweighed compared to what he contributed in attacking phases, 11 assists for a right back proves just how of a well oiled machine we are. Kevin Tamm came in to do a job from Utenis and a job he did with his passing accuracy to open up the space for our goals at 89%. Perhaps the only stand out concern was our discipline and none came worse than my favourite Northern Irish regen McParland; 17 yellows and 2 reds is an Infonet record for ill-discipline, perhaps his temperament needs a bit of ice.
We were also subject to a takeover only weeks away from the transfer window reopening, but in typical FM fashion is went belly up.
Gave our current chairman just enough time to draft up a new contract for me until the end of the season as I hunt for the Eesti Karikas next season.
#425993 The World's First Football Club - Sheffield FC
DNZY
#425863 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 36
Unlike us, Tallinna Kalev were fighting for their lives and I suppose we did them a favour by sending them a rope ladder equaliser to send Tulevik down. Number of debutants entered into the field but it was a former loanee at TK who helped us to our only goal, Karl Altosar with a beautifully crafted 30 yard free kick. Slack defending allowed TK to seep into the box to which Vadim Sabanov poached in an important goal for survival. Thus ending the season indifferently, but celebrating nonetheless.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
It was an outstanding season for us, despite a few wobbles. Only four defeats and conceded seventeen all season, the defence deserve huge credit. Luckily Levadia would have lost the title on the final day after a 2-0 defeat to Tammeka anyways to finish five points behind despite a remarkable U-turn after a disastrous beginning. Flora well and truly capitulated to finish well adrift but secured the final Europa League place. Tulevik went down and Tallinna Kalev survived on away goals in the relegation playoff. Definitely the good Samaritan in that context. Estonia: mission complete (almost).
#425862 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 35
Took way longer than expected...but hey ho, we are Meistriliiga champs!! If there were one man behind the master plan, it had to be sub Kaarel Tarvis - barely played all season with very minor impact but comes on to fire home the winner only two minutes after his arrival. Orchestrated on the left by Mihhailov, he sent a lovely ball into space to Flórez and teeing up the forgotten man and thus lifting the Estonian league for the first time in thirteen seasons. If we had slipped up, it would have certainly gone to the final day as Levadia won their game. Close but no cigar, Levadia!
I mean why else would they have hired me?
The sweet nectar of the Champions League is on our lips again.
#425672 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Hold up, what's this? Probably the worst possible time for a takeover bid. Why does he want to leave anyways?
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 34
Oh, that's right we're probably going to bottle it. Levadia have turned a corner with new manager (formerly of Flora) Aleksander Issakov at the helm, onto a steady 20 match unbeaten run. One point would have been enough but with gaps in our rearguard for Indrek Visnapuu to send us behind, it was to be an advanced task. The half time team talk certainly had the effect with Anatoly Smirnov ramming in his 22nd goal in the league to leave our maw salivating. Conor McParland had a déjà vu moment when immediately getting a red card moments after Flora scored to win 1-0, well it was a bit the opposite as the Northern Irishman drew his hot bath, Levadia celebrated with a Deividas Stesko planting the winning goal seconds after his red. I swear this could go tits up.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Tragic month where one win would have safely confirmed us as champions, instead we won none of our league matches. Oh how costly could the narrow Levadia defeat damage our morale and confidence?
LEAGUE TABLE
The unrelenting pressure...Levadia are cruising while we're stumbling massively. Two games left, six points at stake - one draw could be enough with our significantly better goal difference.
NOVEMBER 2047 SCHEDULE
Two games to glory. Either a win at home to Sillamäe Kalev or away to Tallinna Kalev will be enough.
As for Levadia's run in:
Away to doomed Tulevik and eighth placed Tammeka at home. Great...
#425664 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
THIRD ROUND
This performance doesn't fill me with much confidence with Levadia in a few days. Twenty four shots couldn't penetrate Lokomotiv in normal time, who were asking for the sweet release regardless - Urbonas heading onto the crossbar was as close as we got. Eventually we found a way through and it was our set piece game which helped us, firstly with a fierce Mario Rõivasepp free kick and one-upped by a Marko Sinilaid header from a corner. We'll now be knackered for the game on Saturday. Pray for us.
QUARTER FINAL DRAW
Thankfully no more cup matches until April next year, luck of the draw on our side again as we face another Esiliiga side Rakvere Tarvas in the last eight.
#425663 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Into an international break where Simonas Urbonas' recent form deservedly granted him a place in the Lithuanian team for the first time.
However, our best left back (I know he's a more natural centre back but..) is set to miss our next game.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 33
You've got to be kidding me. Paide put eight or nine men behind the ball just to salvage a pathetic stalemate, and we let them. Our shooting was so poor with only 5 shots on target from 21 and our clearest chance didn't even hit the target. Simonas Urbonas may be on a high after his Lithuania cap but squandered a huge chance late into the game, skewing it cringe-worthily wide. Levadia have already made up four points on us and we've to face them next, somehow I'm not feeling so confident.