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#424590 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 10
Kevin Tamm criticised my team talk vis-à-vis this game, but I did feel something missing notwithstanding the 2-0 scoreline. Tarvis rotated with Smirnov and had a goal that practically fell into his lap from four yards out, rebounding off the goalkeeper after a close range save from McParland. Kõiv may still be missing but didn't stop Flórez feeding off the wingbacks, Mihhailov's lovely weighted pass found the Colombian after ghosting seamlessly past a static TK defence. A third loomed but Sinilaid headed wide from centimetres out. Good performance, but not great.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
You can hardly call us a one man team - seven different goalscorers in another impressive month for Infonet. Smirnov fitting right at home, but for how long? Flórez likewise.
LEAGUE TABLE
Levadia had a meltdown this month, widening the lead to a crazy eleven points only ten games in. Sillamäe Kalev perhaps surprisingly sit second with Flora and Tammeka not far off. Ours to lose?
MAY 2047 SCHEDULE
May looks pretty meaty with some big six pointers thrown in there. Could have the season wrapped up if all goes to plan?
#424589 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
You've got to be kidding me...
AND he's turning the squad against me.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 9
And with the weekday drama, it disrupted us from sealing a ninth straight win this season at the Hiiu Stadium. Kalju were a tough lock to pick, Smirnov was denied superbly by Edgars Tukris before bizarrely finding the net, unluckily hitting the back of Tukris via the crossbar. One goal wasn't enough and a former friend came to spoil the party, ex-Stumbras striker Adrian Burcă was left in a pocket of space at the near post to which Bastig could do nothing to keep it out. Burcă could have so easily made it worse with a one on one, thankfully ballooning it into the stands. For all our pressure, it didn't measure up to a win.
Still flying.
#424587 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Bloody hell, our goal provider now ruled out for a couple of weeks.
And his compatriot spoke up too. Flórez has really turned a corner this year, now feels he's good enough to depart for a bigger club. Nightmare.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 8
New kids on the block Tulevik got a smack of reality with three goals in thirteen minutes for an easy victory. Midfield battles were crucial and they made business happen; Rõivasepp linked onto a pass in by Kübar to beat the outstretched Prikhodko, Altosar drove a sweet fizzing effort in from 25 yards on the half volley and Smirnov deftly finished the job. Eight wins from eight, could we be anymore dominant?
Ah, of course he has...Rõivasepp's injury problems continue.
#424586 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 7
Tammeka usually have the most disciplined and structured defensive wall in the division, then along came us to flatten them with four goals. A slow burning first half was set alight by an early second half header by our favourite Northern Irish defender McParland to nudge us in front. Anatoly Smirnov was denied by a decent save in the first half, but after breaking up possession in their half coupled with awful positioning, he had a one way ticket to the top corner of the net. The union of Kõiv and Flórez has been a joy to watch lately and combined yet again for numero tres. Tammeka's miserable afternoon was finished with a cheeky finish under keeper Juhanson by the man in form, Smirnov. We're like a bullet train in motion.
Bad news followed, Vazinski out for up to three months.
#424585 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 6
The good form keeps on rolling, safely brushing past Pärnu LM with a single goal. Kõiv continues to make magic happen with his fifth assist in six games, setting up a close range finish for Jaanus Vazinski's first goal of the new season. Having rested some of our players for the upcoming Tammeka game, Kaarel Tarvis started and was offered the opportunity to double our lead from the penalty spot - a terrible kick straight at the keeper. Martin Henn had a free header rebound off the post in another attempt to push further ahead but the one goal was enough.
#424572 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
International break wasn't kind to us, losing Altosar after a collision during an U21 international while Kevin Tamm suffers a lengthy spell out with a broken shoulder.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 5
Injuries aside, it failed to halt our rotation options silencing Flora on their own turf. The Kõiv/Flórez combo working wonderfully again as the right back's crosses were met by the Colombian twice to continue our winning streak. Flora never came out of the traps.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Couldn't have asked for a better start, five wins from five. Smirnov, Flórez, Kõiv all absolutely superb - teamwork all round was excellent.
LEAGUE TABLE
Already a five point gap at this early stage ahead of Levadia, that 3-1 win paying serious dividends. Let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
APRIL 2047 SCHEDULE
Bit of an easier month ahead, though the away days at Tammeka and Kalju look rather mischievous. No excuses for the other games.
#424570 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 4
Despite Paide LM playing this monstrosity, it failed to keep us out as we steamrolled our way through. Jair Flórez returned from injury to find a leak in the eight man defence, free at the back post to convert Sander Kõiv's whipped cross. Flórez also assisted for new signing Simonas Urbonas whose shot was too hot to handle for Siim Peedo to further our lead. Honestly, this could have got ugly for the visitors as we struck the woodwork three times afterwards. Two will do.
#424568 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 3
Remember the name, Anatoly Smirnov. Incredible start for the new signing who helped us bury Levadia with a sublime hattrick. Mind you, two of them came from the penalty spot as Levadia lost their nerve with clumsy challenges - both were clinical. Third choice keeper Aleksei Järva already kept two clean sheets already in lieu of Martin Bastig's injury setback, however failed to get his third as Andrei Bastig (not to be confused) returned fire for the league champions. Other than that, the boys in green weren't at the races and Smirnov took home the match ball with his third deep into added time. Massive start for our Infonet boys!
#424563 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 2
A little less electrifying but a top strike by Smirnov undid Sillamäe Kalev. He came off the bench again, but now looks to have the impact of a starter as he put serious force behind his right boot to leave a broken patch in the net. Two from two.
#424562 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
The road to 1000 games in management is on.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 1
A winning start to the new season, though Tallinna Kalev are an opposition easy to topple. Their goalkeeper opened our account when trying to keep out a strong Mario Rõivasepp shot on his return from injury. Tarvis picked up where he left off with a superb cut in from the left to blast a second into the top corner emphatically. TK's task was made even more advanced with Yiä-Jussila getting his marching orders when taking out Tarvis and denying a goalscoring opportunity. On came our Russian import Smirnov and didn't he begin with a bang, capitalising off a missed header to race through on goal and slotting a third. It feels good to be back.
#424559 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
Indeed. You know what's the worst part? If we didn't concede that 95th minute header when we were already losing..we'd have been up on away goals.
#424557 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
PROMOTION PLAYOFF, FIRST LEG (AWAY)
Hindsight is a beautiful thing, especially when you're already being dicked on. This was horrendous going behind after only 40 seconds and could have got even worse yet somehow we pulled an equaliser out of the bag by who else, Sascha Mölders. I went 4-3-3 in the second half on a whim to get some more away goals...evidently it came back to bite us in the arse with a second goal for Martin Dausch and if it couldn't get any worse, an injury time header by Schmidt made it a mountain to climb for the second leg. Viel glück.
You're having a laugh. There goes 60% of our midfield for the second leg.
Oh, could it get any worse? Yes it f__king can! Schubert away on international duty for the German U20s, missing the second leg.
PROMOTION PLAYOFF, SECOND LEG (HOME)
So close, yet so far. Did almost everything to grab a vital second which would have been enough but it wasn't to be. A first goal for Aaron Berzel was massive, but chances were few. I'm amazed we even kept a clean sheet here as Saarbrücken tested the agility of Bonmann in net. Devastated after all our hard work. Cruel way to fall.
It was a terrific season for Sascha Mölders, claiming the player of the season and top goalscorer awards for the year. Will Sascha be here next season? That's the million dollar question.
Thus ends my stint, @Shedender takes the baton again.
#424551 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
REGIONALLIGA BAYERN
MATCHDAY 35
Sideswiped by Schalding. Numerous chances to get ahead, yet one counter attack left us completely exposed to fall behind. Luckily we had the services of Sascha Mölders who not only equalised but deservedly nudged us in front with only four minutes left. Immediately when we took our foot off the gas, Schalding were back in it with a late René Huber strike. Unless Memmingen lose, it goes down to the last day...
Not quite...so much tension goes into the last day. Need to meet or better Memmingen's result at home to Ingolstadt II to seal top spot and potential promotion.
...but before I show you the final day...
BAYERISCHER POKAL
FINAL
Hell yeah boys, we've got a trophy! Very enjoyable final that went end to end in the first half - Mölders turning up with a brace. Felix Weber's poor headed clearance allowed Rosenheim a way back in, eventually getting the ball over the line with Korbinian Linner's consolatory goal. Second half petered out as we held firm to lift that famous Bavarian cup!
Not only that, but it reserves a spot in the DFB-Pokal whatever happens.
..anyways the league finale.
MATCHDAY 36
GET IN! The formbook went exactly as it should as a 2-0 win over Buchbach is enough to win us the Regionalliga Bayern. Mölders tucked away an early goal for starters but only the crossbar denied Buchbach deep into first half stoppage time. Felix Weber headed in the clincher, allowing us to breathe a little easier.
But it's not over yet. Need to beat one last team to get promotion to the 3. Liga.
That opposition are Saarbrücken from the Regionalliga Südwest. Two legs, one victor. Eep.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
Memmingen won their final game, which would have been tragic if we slipped up. FC Bayern II faded away in the end, eight points adrift. Pipinsried and Unterföhring go down.
#424460 FM18 Megapack 279 Updates by claassen (Final pack)
DNZY
Doesn't give you the right to be a cock though, does it?
#424439 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
REGIONALLIGA BAYERN
MATCHDAY 31
Dropped silly points but we were lucky it wasn't worse. Schubert was the busier of the two keepers, heroically saving a shot destined for the net in the first half. Mölders wasted our best chance deep into injury time, one on one forcing a fine fingertip save to brush it past the post and to blow the promotion race wide open.
MATCHDAY 32
Bayreuth's keeper had a stormer despite Ziereis heading in our opener. Dominated the first half, but the visitors improved after the restart to hit us with a Makarenko sucker punch. Should have taken our chances better, but as I said their goalie was terrific. Sam Schreck also was a nightmare for the opposition at times.
MATCHDAY 33
Better team lost, Eichstätt stirred up some real problems for us. Totally against the run of play, Schreck pounced deep into first half injury time after a sublime through ball by proxy midfielder Dressel who is filling in for Andermatt quite well. That took the wind out of their sails to pave the way for Gebhart to double the lead. Such an important win.
Knew this was coming. In-form Gebhart has been on the injections for the last two games, stood out by a mile in recent games too. Could very well be out for the remainder of the season.
MATCHDAY 34
Credit to @Dan's 4-3-3 tactic as we switched up the game in a blind panic, eventually recovering after a cheap Garching goal. Again dominated, again our strikers couldn't finish at all but the two centre backs provided the clinical touch to turn it around. Sets us up nicely for our final two games.
BAYERISCHER POKAL
SEMI FINAL
Crawled our way into a 'historic' Bavarian cup final thanks to a Gebhart rocket. Rested a number of key players and the risk paid off. Lacklustre game despite the number of shots.
FINAL DRAW
A romantic tale of two clubs founded in 1860, doing battle for the crown of the Bavarian cup.
And what a beautiful cup she is.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
STILL unbeaten in my stints. Narrow wins and important rearguard attention have been the key to success.
LEAGUE TABLE
Good news - FC Bayern II have surely dropped out of the running, bad news - Memmingen are looking fierce. Two games left, one slip up could be the difference.
The appetiser against Rosenheim before the main course against 12th placed Schalding and 14th placed Buchbach. Let the final month begin.
#424324 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Beginning with a nice little notification, raking in the most sponsorship money in the league and we've put it to good use.
TRANSFERS
OUT
To keep things ticking over nicely in the finances, a lot of stock had to be shifted - releasing nineteen players. Notable names include Filic who was ageing, Milosavljevic who wasn't getting in the central midfield running and Punculs who kicked up a storm when I told him he couldn't be registered...not one of my best signings that's for sure. Jaanus Martin was also on the verge of leaving, instead I sorted a loan deal with some cash attached to fellow Meistriliiga side Kalju. Martin Mäekala I was lucky enough to get some moolah for too, departing to Tulevik for £9k.
There was also a close shave when Mihhailov was on the verge of rejoining Flora. He made a solid impression on me after a successful debut season here, I wasn't going to risk losing him.
IN
Didn't intend to change too much in the course of this transfer window, but some really neat additions will no doubt refine our squad.
Anatoly Smirnov - ST(C) - unattached free agent
With no disrespect to Tarvis, Smirnov is a far better goalmonger on paper, mind you he has only scored seven goals in a failed career around Russia. Nevertheless, his physical game is far superior with exception to his jumping reach which is okay as I don't intend using target men in my tactic. His finishing is on par with Tarvis, however I do feel he's more accomplished and Tarvis can be the go to sub to potentially shake things up. Win win.
Simonas Urbonas - M(C)/AM(C) - unattached free agent
Discarded by Levadia, Urbonas fell into our lap to add extra creativity in the central areas. Can play both further forward or from deep, this Lithuanian is an improvement to what we have already, especially with injury prone Rõivasepp ruled out ever so often. Strong vision and decision making can ensure he'll put the thread through the eye of the needle, even if he does have 10 passing. Took a large chunk of wage budget too, so fingers crossed he'll repay it in performances.
Kevin Tamm - M(C) - unattached free agent
Exactly what we needed, an injection of experience in the team. Faced him when he played for Utenis back in the Lithuanian days, this lad was definitely the best available target to add to our midfield trio. Perhaps got the stamina to be a Stefan Chiorescu kind of box to boxer, his playmaking abilities are perhaps too good to refuse. So many good options now if worst comes to worst.
FRIENDLIES
Safe to say that it wasn't our finest pre-season. Two defeats to strong opposition wasn't the problem, it was drawing to a lower league side of Maardu that had me concerned, the testimonial wasn't a big deal. Smirnov got on the scoresheet too.
FML. All before our first games of the league, we lose our best keeper and our promising Colombian attacker.
SEASON EXPECTATIONS
More or less the same sort of odds to finish in the same position as last season. Levadia strong favourites to make it a three-peat of Meistriliigas.
MARCH 2047 SCHEDULE
900th game incoming against Tallinna Kalev which should be easy pickings..it's the other games I fear. Sillamäe Kalev our bogey side, Levadia the undisputed champs and Paide who should not be underestimated. No Flórez or Bastig though. This won't be a stroll in the park.
#424313 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
@Jack Deasy - Here
[RETRACTION]: Save file corrupted the day after this post was submitted and couldn't be load from that point. This meant I had to replay the end of March fixtures. The following results are pre-crash period and these will not be counted towards this succession save. Apologies for any confusion.
MATCHDAY 29
At the aptly named Willy-Sachs stadium, we didn't make a cock and balls of the result against Schweinfurt. Finally got Sam Schreck to score by playing him more open in a trequartista role which proved to be the winning goal. The home side didn't touch the target.
Of course our top goalscorer gets ruled out for the season. Might even be the last time seeing him in an 1860 shirt.
MATCHDAY 30
Had Markus Schubert to thank for this result as Nürnberg II tested us to the end. Ziereis stepped into Mölders shoes to smoothly tuck in after a lovely through ball by Schreck. Berzel clumsily handed the visitors a penalty which handed him a second yellow, however Schubert saved a tame penalty by Sepsi to escape with all three points.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Still flying high resultwise, five wins stacked up with our side looking solid at the back. Getting Schreck in check could perhaps be the golden ticket.
LEAGUE TABLE
Bayern II continue to nibble at our ankles, only a point in it as the season unfolds to it's climax.
[/RETRACTION]
REGIONALLIGA BAYERN
MATCHDAY 29
At the aptly named Willy-Sachs stadium, we didn't make a cock and balls of the result against Schweinfurt. Sascha Mölders could have had a hattrick on the day but settled for a 15th minute near post strike to win the game outright. Felix Weber squandered a huge moment by having his penalty saved to further our dominance.
Sadly, Andermatt will struggle to play again before the season is done. Big blow.
MATCHDAY 30
A strong second half performance had us coasting to victory over Nürnberg II. Mölders on hand again before falling asleep for quite a well worked move by the visitors to level. Schreck and a late Ziereis strike saw us home and hosed.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Five wins stacked up in a row now, Mölders continues to bang them in.
LEAGUE TABLE
Dropped points for Bayern II means we're now three points ahead with only six games left. Memmingen still in the hunt also.
Some tricky games await in April, mostly lying in the top half. The Bavarian cup is still up for grabs with a semi final looming, question is will it draw our attention away from the league?
#424285 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Thirty years is a long stretch in football; clubs make history, records are broken, paradigms are shifted and for Irish manager David Nealon - his sell by date moves further and further away.
Known exclusively as 'DNZY', the Dublin born mastermind may still be among the lightweights within the footballing divisions but you can't argue that he has gone from strength to strength - calculating a staggering 52% win rate in 899 games in charge, winning 466 games in total and only losing 235.
Racking up an incredible twenty-five honours in his thirty years in management, he is now considered one of the most decorated and most successful Irish managers of these last few generations.
Approaching his 900th game in football management, we sat down with Dave to revisit six matches that shaped the footballing landscape for him in the dugouts.
21st May 2022 - (W) Fiorentino 0-2 TRE FIORI (San Marino Stadium)
Campionato Sammarinese Championship Playoff Final
"For obvious reasons I chose this match, not only because it was my first honour as manager, but for whom I was up against. 500 fans may not seem like a lot, though it didn't subtract the atmosphere of two heated rivals dating back almost half a century. Fiorentino were always a tough opposition to come up against, but on the occasion they were so quiet. Dominated them all ends up with our sharp passing play, not letting them get a sniff. Cristian Salomone I had put my trust in to occupy left back, despite his inconsistency but repaid my faith with a tidy finish low and far from keeper's reach in just six minutes. Thereafter the Fiorentino fans remained silenced as we practically walked them off the park and frustrations broke out when Amici saw red to wave that white flag. Colombini drove home a free kick to put them out of their misery to notch a stunning victory. I do recall a very loyal sixty-something year old fan coming up to me, almost with tears in his eyes and said to me roughly translated from Italian "thank you, thank you, you beautiful man" - if that ain't passion, I don't know what is! Was enough to reel me into a year extension at the club."
30th August 2025 - (L) EB/STREYMUR 3-4 HB (Tórsvøllur)
Løgmanssteypið Final
"This one hurts, I honestly felt we had done enough to come away with the trophy but HB outfoxed us, fought from 3-2 down to snatch it from our grasp. Credit must go to Jan Christian Dam who inspired his side who trailed 3-2 at half time to get the job done in the second. Besnard had a sensational game for them and even though we starved them of ball possession, he was the man in the right places at the right time to clinically break EB/Streymur hearts. Why I chose to talk about this game was how I spoke to them after the game, sometimes you give everything only to fail. It was broken, anguished and despairing dressing room - I had to put my point across to a wounded squad. "To be tough enough to win, you have to be tough enough to lose". That quote I live by forever, sometimes a man needs to be knocked down to get up stronger. Eight weeks later, we became champions of Faroe Islands for the first time in over a decade. Don't tell me it's a coincidence, a manager must be a motivator to get results."
3rd August 2033 - (W) TNS 4-1 FK Partizan Beograd (Greenhous Meadow, Shrewsbury)
UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round, Second Leg
"Still get tingles thinking about this game, if you had seen my reaction after the fourth goal I was almost ready to slide on my knees Mourinho style. I'll set the scenario; trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Serbia, a potential tie with Galatasaray in the next round, a UEFA Europa League group stage spot on the line, tension surrounds. Partizan sold out their away allocation to intimidate us with their ultraist support and pyrotechnics fogging up the stand in red smoke. Going one nil behind brought the mood down slightly as an away goal put the Serbs firmly in control. Ben Woodburn had finesse, bravado and flair of an experienced Premier League striker and struck twice in two minutes to all of a sudden vocalise the Welsh support. Half time was a complex situation, "what do I say to the boys? should we go for it?, should we remain patient?"...decisions, decisions. Whatever I said, it didn't take our foot off the clutch as Matty Moleneaux levelled the aggregate scoreline up and only requiring one more goal to send us through. I honestly couldn't believe how well we played, Partizan almost looked shellshocked with their visiting entourage mute. Partizan go down to ten, we all of a sudden start to believe and had them wobbling going into the final ten. Ron Lemar; what a superb game he had out on the right hand side and won so many battles with their left back and to cap it all off, scores the winning header to erupt the Greenhous Meadow. The TNS boys pile on top of each other, the fans out of their seats, me trying to contain my excitement - that's what football is all about. The rest of the evening was a blur..."
18th December 2035 - (W) DUNGANNON SWIFTS 6-5 Cliftonville (Stangmore Park)
Irish League Cup Semi-Final
"Embodies the phrase 'an emotional rollercoaster', don't think any crooked bookie saw this coming - this had everything in a cup game. We got thrashed 5-0 in our last meeting at Stangmore Park in the league, almost a requiem to pray that it wouldn't happen again. Our starting stance took me by surprise with two goals in fifteen minutes but what didn't surprise me was Cliftonville's response after scoring three times in less than twenty minutes to fall behind at half time. There was nothing critical to say to them, the Shamrocks were simply too strong. Looked like we weren't going to find an opening before a moment of inspiration from my dear friend Conor McParland gave us this second wind. Beggs got forward to pile in what I thought was going to be a winning goal but sold short with a Cliftonville equaliser. 4-4! What I'll never forget from this game was our resilience; everybody was knackered to the point of burning out but the lads kept believing up until the ref's lips on the final blow of the whistle. Sean Dempsey in particular looked jaded, but he never signalled it from his body language. It was a game of chess in extra time to see who was going to attack first and even though we got an early break, the Reds countered us. It was five each with only a few minutes left, I had it set in my mind who my penalty takers were going to be, but out of the blue came this burst of energy from Dempsey and erupted Stangmore Park with the eleventh and final goal of the game. Truly astonishing game of football, even Gerard Lyttle (Cliftonville manager) congratulated me in the dressing room after the game he just witnessed. That Martin Tyler quote of "I swear you'll never see anything like this ever again" rings around in my mind every time I bring up this game. What a season it was as a whole."
29th April 2036 - (W) DUNGANNON SWIFTS 2-1 Portadown (Stangmore Park)
Danske Bank Premiership
"Now, by no means was this game a classic but the sheer context of the result was enough to make it unforgettable. It's funny because I have bitter history with Portadown as a manager in previous encounters - receiving the sack after only 60 days in charge without sitting a single league game will never be forgotten for as long as I live. Anyways, I still consider my achievements at Dungannon Swifts to be my best to date in my career. The 2-1 win here not only beat Port for a moral victory on my part, but it mathematically confirmed us as Northern Irish league champions for the first time in the club's history. McSweeney and Kane assured us of the result, but even though Port rattled us a bit towards the end to leave it on a knife edge, it would be our day. I had this smug smile on my face, trying to hold back in gloating to show what they could have had but we'd celebrate long into the wee hours for something Dungannon may never relive and drink in a massive quadruple success. The stars certainly aligned in my favour, any regrets Portadown?"
8th June 2041 - (L) FK ZETA 0-7 FK Budućnost Podgorica (Pod Goricom)
Grupa Crna Gora Final
"I always let out a mixture of a sigh of exasperation with a slight chuckle at how truly ugly this game was. Why did I put it on this list? It proved that I am indeed human. Not only that, it made me become a better manager and learn from my mistakes. I won't even lie, I knew we'd get beaten but to get hit for seven was next level humiliation for a cup final. The whole squad were hurting from their recent relegation and it was if all their self-belief vanished before kick off. I failed at Zeta, I won't even deny it; I failed to lead them in the right direction, I couldn't motivate my players, my tactical blunders relegated us. This match would be where the U-turn would come, after five long years in my career without a trophy I sensed fate had a plan in store. Three years later, I won a league and cup double with Stumbras in Lithuania and a domestic treble with Armenian club Pyunik. Sometimes it takes a big earthquake to break the mold. Needless to say that everyone associated with Zeta were furious and never did I pen a resignation letter so quickly before the Zeta ultras came to get me!"
Nealon is now settling in comfortably in his latest role in Tallinn, Estonia where he is head honcho at Infonet. On the back of a second placed finish in the Estonian Meistriliiga, David is determined to go one better and to land trophy number twenty-six to his ever growing list. His 900th game will be the league opener away at JK Tallinna Kalev, will it be victorious for him? Preseason awaits, and from inside sources - there's a lot of exciting deals waiting in the wings.
#424027 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
#423961 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
#423909 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
SEPTEMBER 2017
NEW SIGNING
As the clock struck midnight on deadline day, we managed to get one new entry over the line. On loan from Kiel, welcome Tim Siedschlag.
Being thin on the midfield front, this guy fits perfectly into the system. Excellent attributes across the board for this division, focused mainly on the set pieces.
Big blow as Seferings misses a couple of matches.
REGIONALLIGA BAYERN
MATCHDAY 10
The Berzel-Mölders partnership continues to work wonders on the right flank. Did have to dig out of a hole when Majdancevic crept in to slot a leveller for Rosenheim but a penalty from Ziereis moments later averted that panic.
MATCHDAY 11
Christ almighty, did we get out of a jam here or what?! Dominated the first half until Schweinfurt out of nowhere scored twice to leave us sweating. Reverted to a 4-3-3 where Nico Karger played the role of super sub, dramatically pulling us out of the mud with two goals in nine minutes. You know what the worst part is? We should have won it late on...
HOW. DO. YOU. MISS. THAT?! 92nd minute and Ziereis misses from two yards out. gg.
Still unbeaten. Can't complain.
BAYERISCHER POKAL
SECOND ROUND
Mind you, all credit to Ziereis who was too hot to handle with a storming hat-trick against Bamberg. Keep your pants on, they're a team in the sixth tier.
THIRD ROUND DRAW
Advancing up the pecking order to face a fifth tier side, SV Erlenbach.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Steadily keeping the ship upright, despite a turbulent swell against Schweinfurt. Ziereis stepping up to the plate after Seferings injury.
LEAGUE TABLE
Sadly the draw knocks us down to third as Eichstätt and Memmingen continue to win games.
I hand over the reigns to @Shedender who'll no doubt derail this unbeaten run..especially with Eichstätt coming up. No pressure, pal!
#423893 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
REGIONALLIGA BAYERN
MATCHDAY 5
Took apart the bottom club Seligenporten with relative ease. Mölders returned to the scoresheet plus one from Swiss midfielder Nico Andermatt. Lifts us top of the league temporarily.
MATCHDAY 6
Also made light work of winless Augsburg II. Andermatt delivering again to staple his place well within the first team.
MATCHDAY 7
Mauersberger is a lucky, lucky boy. He was single-handedly at fault for both Memmingen goals as they came from 2-0 behind with ten minutes left. Phillipp Steinhart came to the rescue in the 92nd minute to leave with all three points as opposed to just one.
MATCHDAY 8
Masterclass in the second half destroyed Pipinsried with a tactical tweak. Sascha Mölders came off the bench to record a hat trick, combining brilliantly with right wing back Aaron Berzel for two of them. A comical o.g. buried the home side.
MATCHDAY 9
Drew a blank against Illertissen, probably my fault as I set our winning formula instructions a little too deep into the game. Berzel had the crosses, but Mölders didn't have the finishes.
Despite the draw, it maintains our bright unbeaten start to the league.
DFB-POKAL
FIRST ROUND
Yikes, Kiel were out for blood. I know they're two tiers ahead of us but they were ruthless on the counter as we tried to fight back. A Marvin Ducksch brace and a Steven Lewerenz far post volley dumped us out emphatically. Thought we pulled one back from Türk but he strayed offside.
BAYERISCHER POKAL
FIRST ROUND
We did however smother Memmelsdorf to safely advance to the second round of this meaningless cup. Andermatt is a goal machine at present and added two more to his collection to get us on our way. Interim defender György Hursán piled on more misery for the visitors.
SECOND ROUND DRAW
Sixth tier Eintracht Bamberg are the reward.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Much stronger month, winning four league games on the bounce before Illertissen frustrated us. Think I've found our best XI at present and some partnerships are really beginning to bud. Mölders and Andermatt the go to people for goals.
LEAGUE TABLE
Now the only undefeated side in the league, we sit prettily on top of it. Eichstätt and Memmingen both with games in hand.
A lighter month on the horizon, starting with the second round of the tinpot cup followed by two games on the opposite spectrum of the league table. Rosenheim will be the tougher of the two, sitting in fourth only fives points adrift of us.
#423889 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
NEW SIGNING
One more loan signing, taking in Leverkusen youngster Sam Schreck. And no, he didn't enter to the sound of "somebody once told me..".
The kid looks very decent. Technically gifted and isn't too far from becoming a Bundesliga standard player. Practically a mini coup.
REGIONALLIGA BAYERN
MATCHDAY 1
For what it's worth, this is a great opening. Toughest starting point but held up well despite Bayern's opener midway through the first half. Mölders smashed in a deserved equaliser and almost won it but denied by the post.
MATCHDAY 2
How this only finished 1-0 is beyond me. We absolutely bombarded their goalmouth but credit to Unterföhring for their damage limitation.
MATCHDAY 3
We may rue this, giving Fürth II a cheap penalty to lead against the run of play. Ugur Türk has made a decent impression on me already after restoring parity and his through balls so nearly resulted in more for us. Strikingwise, below par.
MATCHDAY 4
Finishing off July with a win at Ingolstadt II. An injury to Timo Gebhart forced me into an early first half sub - Daniel Wein came on to replace him. Low and behold he drove home the winning goal on the half hour. The home side offered precious little.
Catch 22 is that a lengthy spell on the sidelines for our best central midfielder.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Two wins, two draws. Should have beaten Fürth II but can't really complain about the rest. One goal a game is a slight worry.
LEAGUE TABLE
Setting a decent benchmark in third behind Illertissen and early pace setters Eichstätt.
August will be a bit more substantial with five league games starting off with bottom club Seligenporten at home. DFB-Pokal follows along with another cup known as the Bavarian Cup which carries less importance. Hoping to get our season up and running.
#423858 1860 Munich Revival - A Succession Save
DNZY
Somehow took down Swiss Super League side Lugano before a dicking by Münster, a boring 0-0 with Würzburg and a routine win over Weiche.
The calibre of the Regionalliga Bayern seems to be comprised mainly of second teams, none moreso frightening than Munich's kiddies. Still 8-1 odds are in our favour, though with only one promotion spot in this league, nothing is guaranteed.
Partnership deal with Dortmund will be a massive springboard for us, both financially and reputably - not to mention a few loanees could come our way with their outstanding youth farm.
As far as new signings go, one priority was a new keeper as our number one Bonmann is ruled out for up to 4 months. Dresden's Markus Schubert comes in.
Tall(ish), well rounded and not costing a dime. A good opening signing.
Comes especially as our opening fixtures were released with big bad Bayern II up first. Nothing like a good rivalry to get the juices flowing.
Last but not least, we discovered our opposition in the DFB Pokal first hurdle. A long nine hour drive for Zweite Bundesliga outfit Kiel.
#422202 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
Despite the goalscoring antics of Tarvis, the midfield presence of Vazinski or the security of McParland, it was Sander Kõiv who won out as the fans' player of the season with a rather decent 7.04 season and beating Juska and Mihhailov to the accolade. Jaanus Vazinski's low howitzer at Tallinna Kalev rocketed it's way to the goal of the season award (even though there wasn't any real underlying context to it as it was in a dead rubber). The business of Conor McParland was a popular opinion as being our best signing of the season and could be the final piece to the puzzle our team needed at a bargain price of £3.5k. Last but not least, a terrific breakthough season for academy product Karl Altosar who fought vigorously to become a staple in the squad at only 20 years of age to win young player of the season.
Even better news for Karl as he's been brought into the Estonian national team setup, winning a first cap against Liechtenstein.
Free transfer Kareel Tarvis I mentioned at the start was a gamble, well that gamble brought us 20 goals to lead out as top goalscorer for both Infonet and in the Meistriliiga. Tarvis also collected 5 man of the match awards and assisted 5 too, ridiculing him being labelled as a one trick pony. Mihhailov had a scintillating debut season in an Infonet shirt too, clocking the best average rating of a 7.16 with some excellent devotion to get into attacking phases as well as guarding the channel. Vazinski was an unsung hero too, outstanding control of the midfield with his passing game exquisite at 88%, not to mention 5 assists too. The other player who contributed finely was Jair Flórez, although not as consistent as I hoped. The Colombian endured a difficult opening year in the Baltic but helped out from time to time, only problem is how many attacks he squandered. Kõiv was golden boy, and by that I mean how many yellows he picked up with 14, but amazingly enough not a single red.
Last but not least, after several sit downs with the board, a new deal finally came to fruition. Tough negotiations mean I only earn £50 more and almost threatened to walk if my demands weren't met. They're lucky to have me for now.
#421982 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 36
Total dud of a finale, but the result went our way. Both sides on the beach, Miroslav Divis clocked out from his loan spell with a happy memory to win the game in the 86th minute with his head during a swift counter attack. Our defence did their job to restrict Levadia to hopeless pot shots without a single one hitting the target. A revisiting point for next season.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Two dead rubbers, two wins without a goal conceded. A solid way to end the season.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
Much like a 'Spurs' kind of season, we put the pressure on but far too late to dethrone Levadia who won quite comfortably by eight points. Paide completely fizzled out after a strong start to finish in third and securing Europa League football along with us. Trans unsurprisingly fell through the trapdoor while Tallinna Kalev survived in the relegation playoff. Flora by the way - torrid season all the way down in sixth.
#421980 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 35
Objective for TK was points to survive, objective for us was to run riot. One way traffic from beginning to end, leading two nil at the break with a stunning low drive from Vazinski and a deflected Sander Kõiv cross found its way in off defender Aleksei Tovstik. Second half continued in the same manner, awarded a penalty within two minutes to which Kareel Tarvis notched up a milestone 20th goal of the league season - not a bad free transfer eh? Clever movement of the ball found it's way to Flórez for a fourth and settle into our final game of the season at home to Levadia.
#421758 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 34
Ended a mini crisis with an improved, resounding performance at home to Kalju. Kareel Tarvis eyeing up the golden ball with his 19th goal of the season to leave him one shy of a score. A former friend came to visit as ex-Stumbras player Adrian Burcă coolly levelled after some careless midfield dispossession. Our dominance eventually paid off with Conor McParland heading in his first Infonet goal from a corner which halted any sort of response from the visitors.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
A month I want to put swiftly behind us, such a disappointment that our title ambitions went up in smoke so late in the season. It also bums me out that we're out of the Eesti Karikas at the same stage as last season, but learning curves for next year.
LEAGUE TABLE
While missing out on top spot hurt us with utmost effort put in, something good did come out of it. EUROPA LEAGUE! Guaranteed second place with two games remaining.
NOVEMBER 2046 SCHEDULE
Dead rubber from our perspective, although Tallinna Kalev are fighting to stay up. Still, let's try to earn six points to conclude a successful season.
#421433 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
THIRD ROUND
SOS. It's all going pear shaped, back to back defeats and now dumped out of the Estonian cup too. I will say we played better than the last two games combined, but that was probably when Flora were down to ten men in the second half. The goal was as soft as they come - completely allowing dribbles and passes to go unchallenged to finally fall into Hanson's lap for an easy finish. After the red, chances fell to us. Gave Urbys another crack of the whip who came closest as he walloped the inside post before there was no time left. Three Ls in a row...bad things come in threes as the old adage goes.
#421432 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Big loss at right back, misses both games against Flora.
MEISTRILIIGA
MATCHDAY 33
Blown it. Despite encouraging signs in the first five minutes, we were nowhere to be seen afterwards. Substitute centre back Gregory Axionov woke up the fans during this garbage game to sneak in behind from a free kick to power a shot in at the far post, leaving us completely befuddled. Such a let down after what was our brightest period of the season.