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#412016 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 4
Finishing the opening month unbeaten, earning a worthy point at Zalgiris. Fell behind with a well composed finish by Zvonimir Visnjic but got level before half time, awarded a penalty and Abesadze slayed last week's penalty demons to place this one perfectly down the middle. The game could have gone either way after the break; Alic for Zalgiris struck the postage stamp, Kabura also hit the upright (again!) and Pavlyukovich almost cashed in late, but his close range effort comfortably fell into the arms of the goalkeeper. Even game with a justified result.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Draw specialists right now, three 1-1s in a row after an opening win. Pavlyukovich key with the goals this month, but defensively looking fragile. Might even resorting to a new strategy if it doesn't work out, but unbeaten at the moment I can hardly complain.
LEAGUE TABLE
Steady out of the blocks, can only manage fifth with so many draws. Suduva making the best start with the usual suspects.
APRIL 2043 SCHEDULE
Suduva away next, aiming to pile revenge on them for the playoff defeat. Newly promoted Lietava follow with Atlantas being the last side we face before the reverse fixtures at Zalgiris Kaunas and ending with another gruelling test with Trakai.
#412006 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 3
Chuffing hell were we made to sweat in this encounter. A bloody awful performance somehow merited an excruciating late twist to deny Utenis all three points. Utenis were playing keepaway for a lot of the match, controlling and negating any plan we threw at them and deservedly took the lead through Paukste's strike, rooting Zukauskas to the spot. We thought prayers had been answered with an 88th minute penalty but Giorgi Abesadze put it too far to the right and rebounded off the post. Seconds ticking, we throw the kitchen sink and somehow the ball fell to Pavlyukovich to tuck away a 93rd minute equaliser to have me jumping out of the dugout in ecstasy. It's a temporary thrill, we were playing with fire here and won't get lucky next time.
#412003 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Already hit with a first injury, Birskys out for a few weeks.
A LYGA
MATCHDAY 2
STILL can't beat Trakai, in fact not won in our last eight against them. Unbiased opinion, I feel we were the better team on the day and only conceded early from an unfortunate deflection off the wall from a Trakai free kick. The response was good, sealing an equaliser with Pavlyukovich opening his account. Olivier Kabura had to be the unluckiest player on the field, first hitting the bar then hitting the inside of the post to prevent us overturning the scoreline altogether. A red card for Trakai's Zavadil helped us slightly, but not by much and failed to break through a second time. I'll take this though.
#412001 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
So the takeover completed as expected. Though our new owner didn't open his wallet, he did take a bank loan of £53k. Better than nothing I guess, however it does feel like there's this big weight on our heads to clear it ASAP.
Then this happens, saying there'll be no investments but do put money towards clearing debt? Board do you even know what you're doing?
NEW SIGNING
Andrius Matulevicius - D(C) - unattached free agent
Perhaps a tad stupid, but I pawned back Matulevicius because apparently our foreign quota is excessive. Average defender but still capable to do a job. There's only one problem with that...this came after the transfer window and registration and although you can't see it, he's unregistered for the first half of the season. Footballing genius I am.
A LYGA
MATCHDAY 1
That said, we started life back in the league with an opening victory against local rivals Zalgiris Kaunas. Slightly uncomfortable at times, but always had a firm grip on the game. Olivier Kabura started the new season off with another opening day goal with Edgaras Marcinkevicius sweeping home a second in the following half. A poorly defending corner handed ZK a lifeline, but that hope was dashed with a red card for Matas Rukas with ten minutes to go. Positive start, but far from our best.
Smashing one glass ceiling already on the opening day, breaking the 5,000 attendance mark for the first time. The hype is real.
#411402 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
TRANSFERS
OUT
With finances in the dung pile, we resorted to a proper uproot of the squad. Some of whom didn't even feature, however players like Sarkisyan, Saarlas, Matulevicius and Poskus were the biggest chops. It may have saved us some cash, but being in the red is still going to hurt us. Or will it? (you'll see shortly).
IN
Had to busk for two new signings, both from our parent club Vojvodina to make up the headcount after losing 11 players. Can't say they're anything exciting.
Mirko Radenkovic - D(C) - season long loan from Vojvodina
Okay maybe there is something exciting about this chap, certainly a third choice on rotation with the lack of central defenders we already have. Packs a lot of beef with his 6'1" Balkan build, not afraid of getting involved but his tackling and heading might hold him back. Can also play striker if I'm feeling demented.
Nikola Golubovic - GK - season long loan from Vojvodina
Backup option to Zukauskas but should feature the odd occasion regardless. Still a teen, but looks like he may have a lot to offer over the next couple of years. A good bit taller than Zukauskas, the technicals are all there just doesn't have the capacity and physicality to fit in as our number one. At least we can provide him some game time.
FRIENDLIES
Strong set of results over preseason. Babite and Riga were fairly easy pushovers but to take down Djurgårdens will be a massive confidence boost. Kabura getting a few, let's hope he'll recapture his form from the preinjury days.
So here comes the juicy topic of the season, Stumbras subject of a takeover to eradicate our financial difficulties.
The mouth salivates. How much could this investor possibly invest in our coffers?
Let's hope we don't spend it all at once!
As far as the bookies are concerned, we're in a strong running for a top four finish. Atlantas remain favourites, Suduva to my surprise second favourites, Trakai on the other hand may struggle after their fall from grace towards the end of last season.
#410836 Putting The Town On The Map
DNZY
#410773 Putting The Town On The Map
DNZY
#410772 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
@Dan - Cheers fella! Yeah that Zalgiris win was so important otherwise we'd have been leapfrogged outside the European places.
@ade04 - There will be something similar for FM18....but I'll keep you waiting for now.
@Shedender - Yeah this save has been so much fun, think someone wanted me to release the save file which I may do down the line. Thanks by the way!
___________________________________________
There was one name on everyone's lips over the last season, apart from Pavy of course - Ştefan Chiorescu. Superb acquisition, the fans absolutely admired him to make him both player of the season and signing of the season, and to top it all off his screamer against Atlantas earned goal of the season. Perhaps surprising is seeing his midfield counterpart Lukas Zutautas was nominated as the young player of the season...at 24.
https://streamable.com/f0b4u
He may have taken bronze medal as player of the season, but nobody came close to him with his goal tally - Pavel Pavlyukovich just shy of a twenty goal season but delivered like DHL over the Christmas period. Hats off though to the now 34 year old box to box midfielder Chiorescu, aged like a fine wine with scintillating performances and performed most frequently and earning five man of the match awards to back it up. Arnas Zukauskas on the right wing certainly went under the radar for a while but his overall contribution was fantastic, albeit sparse at times - seven assists this campaign. Lukas Zutautas may not have scored this season but filled in the advanced playmaker role gracefully with second to none passing accuracy - 90% accuracy and best in the overall league. Discipline is an area we perhaps have a loose screw, five reds this season, but surprisingly enough Konstantin Sobtsenko didn't once get sent off...just gained 11 yellows over the season.
First time outlining the commercial summary, making one or two profits and/or losses - especially in competition money however that was due to the absence of European football from this time last year. A third increase on the retail and match day side of things with a few broken record attendances occurring. Slight decrease in sponsorship, which is somewhat understandable but made up with some extra boost in the TV broadcasting department.
Speaking of losses...yikes. We could be in the dung pile if we don't offload our books sooner or later.
Which is ironic because the last course of business was to hand Pavlyukovich a new deal until the end of next season. But there is good logic behind it.
#410698 Don't Take Me Home
DNZY
#410694 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 33
Finishing the season off in good spirits, but needed some elbow grease to overthrow Zalgiris Kaunas. Pavel Pavlyukovich capped off an impressive season with his 19th goal of the season to seal the all important winner, almost securing a score if not for the crossbar. I'll say it, ZK didn't deserve to lose, they showed brave determination minus the end product but did thwack the woodwork twice. Curtain closes on an intense season, but did we do enough?
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Those two defeats to Suduva and Trakai almost capsized our whole campaign but the comeback at home to Zalgiris truly lifted our spirits and went on to finish up well at Zalgiris Kaunas.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
Finally we drink in the sweet nectar of European football after five years dry. Not only did we topple Suduva to fourth, we also shoved Zalgiris to finish in a fully deserved third. Top two was just too much to ask for. On the positives: Europa League football is back baby!
How about this for a story though? Trakai were destined to lift their first ever league title - going into their final two games with a six point lead. They choked massively, losing their last two games and surrendering the league to Atlantas out of nowhere on head-to-head records. Heartbreaking.
Last but finally not least, was narrowly denied the award of Manager of the Year. A close second, but better man won.
#410686 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 32
THERE IS ONLY ONE CONOR MCPARLAND!! His suspension in the last game must have truly charged him up to deliver the winner, coming from behind twice against Zalgiris. The green whites led into the break with a Brazinskas ball that Zukauskas let in too easily at his near post. Rethinking our strategy, we just went for it and it took a belter from Pavlyukovich to give us something to shout about...until Klimavicius headed in from a corner to restore their lead only six minutes later. The visitors should have been out of sight, but back we came with a helpful deflection on Kabura's shot, credited to Roman Birskys to draw level again. Step forth the Dungannon born stallion to power home a header with nine minutes to go and secure a massive win. One game to go, can we edge into Europe?
#410672 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 31
Everything starting to derail now. We just can't seem to beat Trakai, but all credit to them they've surging for a first ever title. It was an unstoppable effort to win the game too, despite a strong defensive header away Dominykas Urbys found the 'sweet spot' to fire a ferocious shot expected to leave a hole in the back of the net. Didn't create anything major, just watching the world burn before our eyes.
#410670 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Only back from injury too, smh.
A LYGA CHAMPIONS PLAYOFF
MATCHDAY 30
Groans galore. Should've at least picked up a share of the spoils but let ourselves down massively to blow the league chase wide open. Suduva were more confident and perhaps deservedly nudged in front, though Lukosius' shot should have been kept out by Zukauskas. Pavlyukovich hit the post with our best shot of the game while Suduva piled on the pressure, Cicman missing a sitter to breathe a sigh of relief. It was a welcome return to the scoresheet for Olivier Kabura with his first goal post-injury to level it up. It lasted shorter than England's world cup hopes, McParland in the wrong place at the wrong time to divert a cross into his own net. Costly defeat.
At least McParland can rethink his strategy with a game off.
Jesus Christ, we'll be lucky to field a bloody team next! Huge injury blow.
#410664 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Adding another injury to the list.
A LYGA CHAMPIONS PLAYOFF
MATCHDAY 29
Ideal start to the pursuit, a slender win against ten man Atlantas. A rare feature for Andrius Matulevicius at centre back and made a case to cement himself in the team, heading in the only goal of the game midway through the first half. A retaliation from the visitors was futile when Ilja Akhilgov saw a straight red for a belligerent tackle on Lukas Zutautas. Seven games unbeaten now, we're looking sharp.
Typical, the goalscorer misses the next game.
#410532 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Just what I needed with a big game ahead plus the Champions Playoff not far off.
A LYGA
MATCHDAY 28
Had to reverse the bus out of the garage and park it in front of our goal in a stern defensive display at Zalgiris. Ştefan Chiorescu has been the midfield metronome of late, but skipped a beat on this occasion with a red card at the beginning of the second half. For all of the green whites' pressure, they couldn't crowbar their way in and had to stew with a point. Not that we'll complain.
An unsung hero at the back.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Two pleasing results, shame we couldn't have it our way in the Zalgiris game but beggars can't be choosers. Hopefully the striking importance of Pavlyukovich can continue shining in the playoffs.
REGULAR SEASON LEAGUE TABLE
It meant we went in still ahead of Suduva and now level on points with Zalgiris, Atlantas not far off only three points away and Trakai top the pile in a bit of a haze with only five games left. FBK Kaunas suffered relegation, Utenis fight in the relegation playoff and Zalgiris Kaunas just managed to keep their asses out of trouble. Zalgiris incidently won the LFF taurė, meaning that four place is available for a Europa League spot. The tension can be cut with a knife.
CHAMPIONS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Starting at home to Atlantas who we've a fairly good record against, perhaps the most telling game away at Suduva where a win alone could book us into the Europa League on its own. Followed by another away day at Trakai, returning home to Zalgiris and the most favourable last fixture at Zalgiris Kaunas. Let the games commence.
#410531 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
A LYGA
MATCHDAY 27
Destroyed our local adversaries yet again, gallivanting to a 4-0 half time lead. Pavel Pavlyukovich flaunting that 16 finishing with a first half hat-trick plus a Jurgen Hoxha header had us going like a freight train, especially since they were down to ten men for 69 minutes. Second half we eased off the gas, perhaps giving benevolence towards our visitors who pulled two back in between Romualdas Birskys' landmark first goal for the club. Professional(ish) display.
Made even better by a record attendance. Shame we couldn't convince 4 others to go.
#410516 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 26
Sighs and tuts, another set of dropped points at FBK Kaunas. Pavlyukovich won't get a better opportunity to score a one on one, goal spread wide open but instead fired straight at the keepers chest. It wasn't the best chance of the game, FBKK striker Valeriy Rusetskiy on loan from BATE denied by Zukauskas who turned it onto the post before getting hacked clear. These are the kind of games we need to capitalise on.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
A positive outcome this month with seven points from nine. Dogged determination goes a long way, both defensively and offensively as both wins illustrated.
LEAGUE TABLE
Climbing right back into the mix and now hyperfocused on a European placement as we near the conclusion of the regular season. Might just be too late to grab hold of Trakai's ankles. As long as we withstand Suduva, we should be in the clear.
OCTOBER 2042 SCHEDULE
Two games before disembarking to the Champions Playoff, two games to gain points and put us in the best possible position.
In other news, a new deal for me until the end of the season.
#410500 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 25
Man like Pavlyukovich. The brazen Belorussian gets us out of jail again with two late show stoppers, overturning Suduva's first half lead. Took a while to get our sea legs after Deividas Stesko caught us by surprise to leave Zukauskas rooted and have my former club in front. Almost got worse when Emilijus Cesnauskas put the ball in our net a second time, luckily for us he was offside. Incoming frags from Pavel; bailing us out first with a vicious strike that unforgivably richocheted off a defender and in, then came some classic off the ball movement had him perfectly placed for Birskys' floated through ball. Job done, Suduva continue to fall at our feet.
#410498 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
YOUTH INTAKE
Greeted with not quite the 'golden generation' of youth intakes but some keepers in there for sure...not the goalkeepers though, they're sh*t. Also a surprise to see a paddy in the list.
Dainius Marcinkevicius - AM(RLC) - youth intake
Somewhere we don't really have a lot of options is in the attacking midfield area, and this lad is versatile to play all across the board. Far too early to be shoehorned in but has ample time to improve. One of the more exciting ones.
A LYGA
MATCHDAY 24
Exactly what the doctor ordered, the benefits of having a sturdy defence. Weathered storm Atlantas for the first half hour before taking a surprise lead when Chiorescu let fly into the top corner from 25 yards out. More weathering but Atlantas couldn't uproot anything, leading to us stealing another with Hoxha beautifully turned his markers inside out leaving clear blue water to calmly place his shot. Atlantas got the message and fired back immediately but time had run out to rescue any points. Crucial win.
#410263 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 23
At least we ended the month positively, recording a safe 2-0 win at Utenis. Jurgen Hoxha, the man of the hour with two classic poacher goals from crosses on either side. A rare start for Vahagn Sarkisyan and almost brought an impression, however a good effort presented to him ended up saved by their goalkeeper. Nevertheless, it's nice to get that winning feeling back.
THIS however was not okay, might be missing Pavy for some key matches.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
One of those 55/45 months I suppose. On the one hand we won four, but foolishly lost three. Hoxha and Burcă look to be inspired additions, helping the goals cascade again along with Pavlyukovich who is also impressing me of late. The cup exit is a bit gutting and thought we might have won something this season, but it lifts pressure off the series of league matches coming up.
LEAGUE TABLE
Slipped down to fifth again behind Suduva, but suddenly the table doesn't look so bad and lie within 11 points of top (unrealistic, but doable) and 7 points of second (certainly doable).
The Utenis win also made sure of a spot in the top six 'champions playoff'. No relegation this season to my relief.
SEPTEMBER 2042 SCHEDULE
A calmer month on the horizon, all winnable games and 'must wins' in an aim for Europe.
Another bit of good news...Kabura is nearing his return!
#410262 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 22
Definitely flattered Trakai with that scoreline. A few fortunate efforts and they won the game, and that's not me being salty. That bastard Zutautas scored once more against us, Zukauskas failed to keep it out when he really should have. The second made possible by a series of deflections that landed at Jarmalavicius' feet to sweep into a gaping net. Nothing fortunate about the third - just our heads were down as Dominykas Urbys casually potted a third. Not the rosiest couple days on the back of that Silas defeat.
#410259 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Some bad news with Abesadze, ruled out of the cup match coming next.
LFF TAURĖ
QUARTER FINAL
Crashed and burned in extra time to hand us a shock exit from the cup. Silas made life very difficult for us despite Zukaukas firing us in front, but their star striker Dusan Vignjevic mugged us right off before netting in the corner for half time parity. Second half brought nothing but a disallowed goal for offside against Silas, but it was a prelude of what came after the 90. Robertas Beniusis was the jewel in the crown, finishing twice in five minutes before Vignjevic's second ruined us completely. Tarasevich added insult to injury with a clumsy red card to send us packing.
#410255 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 21
Huge win to reel us back into top three contention. Giorgi Abesadze celebrated his first goal in a Stumbras outfit, sending Daniel Horvath the wrong way in a penalty won after McParland was bundled over in the area without complaint. Of course Zalgiris are one of those sides who don't lie down and Klimavicius punished us, shrugging off two or three defenders before driving a low effort away from Zukauskas' fingertips. The boys in green looked dangerous but it was the boys in blue who won the game, that man Burcă picking up where he left off to poke home what proved to be the winner. Despite Zalgiris' late pressure, we hang on to the three points.
#410251 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
FOURTH ROUND
No banana skins here, Adrian Burcă showcasing his skills in a glistening full debut. A rare goal from Artem Tarasevich got us out of first gear, but we really revved up in the second half. Pavlyukovich and Burcă were like waves in motion, dancing gracefully together to both secure braces to complete a demolition job. Two goals and two assists for the Romanian, perhaps he'll be in the first team sooner rather than later.
QUARTER FINAL DRAW
Avoiding top division opposition and welcome FK Silas to our patch.
#410249 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 20
Nervy, but snatched it at the death against our other Kaunas rivals. Good first half pressure gave way for Jurgen Hoxha to grab his second goal since his loan move from Zalgiris. Such a soft equaliser to concede straight after the restart, switching off completely as Slavickas finished from close range. We threw the kitchen sink trying to restore our advantage, Pavlyukovich giving their keeper a busy shift but not quite getting there. It was only until a corner as injury time approached that he thundered home a vicious effort to breathe a huge sigh of relief. Deserved result on balance of play, but almost not getting our way.
#410248 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
A LYGA
MATCHDAY 19
Christ almighty...only us eh? Bottom side FBK Kaunas pulled the carpet right up from under us in what I can only describe as 12th man influence (i.e. the ref), dishing out 8 yellows and 1 influential red. It was our own fault for the opener with slack defending allowing on loan Rusetskiy in, however it was cleared up quickly with a superb passing play eventually put in for Pavlyukovich only four minutes later. Igor Petrauskas got into some hot water with his first half red, completely changing the spin axis of the game. The visitors took advantage of the extra man, Dambrauskas from range and a Petrauskas free effort handed them a much needed victory to avoid relegation while we floundered.
#410244 Don't Take Me Home
DNZY
#410051 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 18
Returning to our best, pushing Suduva aside and take the spoils. Marius Urba slammed in a wonderful free kick only five minutes in with Hoxha picking up where he left off, linking up with Pavlyukovich for the second. The Belorussian is in a rich vein of goalscoring form, whereas the league's top scorer Tomas Cicman showed the polar opposite. The Slovakian had a 'mare, missing twice from close range and failed to put anything impactful towards Zukauskas in goal. Back to back clean sheets and wins, loving life again.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Back in the green with three wins in succession. Pavlyukovich on fire currently, Hoxha injecting some extra life into the team since he's come in but the unsung stallion of the moment has to be Chiorescu with his commanding midfield presence. Top buy so far.
LEAGUE TABLE
The wins lift us back into European contention as we safely can look over our shoulders again. Alas it doesn't bring us any closer to Trakai, trailing by 15 points with the same amount of games to play. Could still push in for a top three?
AUGUST 2042 SCHEDULE
Back to another sardine packed August, starting with two crucial games to the local boys before a date with the LFF taurė. Both Zalgiris and Trakai make their way to our turf, fingers crossed we'll grab something and close off with Utenis away.
#410050 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 17
Now that's what I call instant impact! Hoxha delivered the goods as we hoped he would, hammering home as half time approached while also at the crux of the second goal, moving into the left channel to gather space for Birskys who set up Pavlyukovich for the second. The scoreline perhaps flattered us, Atlantas pressurised but came with no punch. Zukauskas brought one decent save but that was about it. The winning feeling returns.
#410036 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
The end of June and beginning of July greeted us with various injuries to throw curveballs before the league return.
TRANSFERS
IN
We were busy boys in the next transfer window; recruiting four new names, filling in voids where we really need substance.
A fifth was almost on the cards with Seslija getting headhunted to help our striker undersupply. Deal was nearing completion, especially since he was only on an amateur deal until Zalgiris stepped in with a renewed permacontract. Curses.
Alexandru Turdean - M(C) - unattached free agent
Could be a coup, especially with those stats at 23. Looks well rounded, even to the extent of a roaming playmaker if we're lucky. Technique and vision lit up my eyes along with his physicals, could complement Chiorescu (who has Romanian background) nicely in the middle. Took a chunk of the wage bill, but I think its shrewd business on my part.
Giorgi Abesadze - D(R) - unattached free agent
Someone whose blipped on my radar over the last few months and have officially pursued for his signature. Solves the right back shortage (despite having a player retrain there), strong teamwork and footballing brain still as a teenager, good strength to outmuscle those on the ball - all in a £600 p/w package. Ups the foreign quota a bit, but well worth it.
Adrian Burcă - ST(C) - free transfer from Chiajna
Work in progress is how I'd describe this purchase, a protégé shall I say. Needs a lot of work mentally, though with the right tutor he'll fit in like a puzzle piece. Tall enough to win headers and physically in great shape, but still requires upskilling to fully get into the side. The gaffer has a plan, don't worry.
Jurgen Hoxha - ST(C) - end of season loan from Zalgiris
And this is why Burcă won't exactly feature. Experienced striker from a strong side, but ebbing out of the selection - one man's trash is another's treasure. Should operate nicely in the front two 'poacher/advanced forward' amalgam, casting as the poacher with Pavlyukovich opposite. Destined to shine to get back into the game, here's hoping it'll be with us.