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#400491 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Forked out on three new free agents to perhaps augment our current tools, not saying that my players are tools but quite a few of them are better off working at a building site than becoming proper footballers.
Armen Andreasyan - AM(R)/M(R) - unattached free agent
The best of the three is a new right winger who's capable of jetting off down the wing and can still launch a decent cross in. At 22 is only going to improve, with already a good pair of feet on him to dribble a ball. Pretty much a fail-safe option that doesn't harm our budget.
Davit Papoyan - D(C) - unattached free agent
Addressing the centre back issue justly with Papoyan, 6'3" with a bit of muscle to him should strengthen our back line for any demolishing we'd have received before bringing him in. Ignore the sum of 1s, he's decent in the air, can target any player that tries to bypass him and help us out. Believe it or not, this is a player the club released at the end of last season. Durrrrrrrr.
Harutyun Elazyan - M(L) - unattached free agent
Finally one for the long term, improving our other wing for numbers and not quality just yet. Mentally very weak when it comes to football but can cross a ball quite well. Concerned that his work rate will sting us especially if we're down by a goal or two but a good sub option to perhaps add a bit of thrust.
#400470 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
Heading far east almost into the sands of mainland Asia, Armenia is calling for my managerial debut appearance. Erebuni may not be the most well known football team in the land, despite it located within the Armenian capital, Yerevan. The club has had a whirlwind history for the past 25 years originally formed as Homenmen-FIMA in 1992. Naming convention for the club ever changed through the years, replaced by the name Homenmen Yerevan in 1995, Erebuni-Homenmen in 1997 before finally settling on Erebuni SC in 1999...just their luck that the club dissolved just one year later due to financial problems. The club concept unearthed again in 2007 thanks to local businessman Tigran Ayvazyan who founded it as a youth football school before it's official revival to the Armenian football pyramid in June 2016. The club play in black with a white trim, though depicted with blue in game.
Erebuni (Էրեբունի) is a small district within the 12 districts of Yerevan and holds incredible mysteries with it's old fortress that in fact birthed the city of Yerevan itself way back in 782 B.C.. The historic fortress (Arin Berd) itself is the main attraction here, overlooking the district from it's height of 3,335 ft above sea level with many excavations taking place over the last century to discover the Urartian fortified city dated to over 2800 years ago. The district itself holds a tenth of the Yerevan population which equates to 120,000 spread out over 48 square kilometres.
A predictable name of Erebuni Stadium is where the club plays it's home matches, or at least used to as they currently play at Mika Stadium temporarily. It's not the most attractive stadium you'll ever see and doesn't have much information other than it being an all-seater for a miniature crowd of only 544 people. The dimensions and surface of the pitch are both very questionable with only 90m x 85m on a gravelly surface, or in other words a massive sandbox. No wonder they've opted for a temporary replacement.
Predictably, nothing lies in the unbuilt trophy cabinet since their return to Armenian football. Only last season they've landed in the Arrajin Khumb (second tier) but had little to cheer about, finishing rock bottom of the league with 2 wins in 24 games...in a league of academy teams from the Հայաստանի Բարձրագույն Խումբ (Bardzraguyn Khumb) (top division). No cups either by getting walloped 6-0 on aggregate to Gandzasar at the first hurdle. FM time hasn't exactly provided them with much prosperity either, only bobbing their heads into the Bardzraguyn Khumb and only finishing 7th or 8th...out of 8 teams. You thought this was going to be easy? Not a hope!
SQUAD
Could there be any more -yans in the team? At least the majority are and above 3* CA, but that's not guaranteed to match with the rest of the quality compared to other sides in this division. Spoiled for choice in quite a number of positions but centre backs are the immediate deficiency, though one is on course to become 4* or above. Overall depth seems satisfactory but no harm in delving into the market for upgrades.
KEY PLAYER: Tigran Elazyan - D(R)
Deflating sighs if this is the best player at the club. Technically below the bog standard but at least has mild intelligence and the stamina and fitness to perhaps keep himself in the game for 90 minutes. My concern is that he won't get much better than he already is and won't offer much flair to a weak enough team as it is.
EXPECTATIONS
I mean that's an absolute reach to claw our way into midtable contention, even for a manager of my ability. The cup expectation is something I can achieve because it already begins at the quarter final stages. I expected a lot less in terms of budgeting and to have £18k in the transfer kitty is a pleasant surprise but the wage budget doesn't give much wriggle room.
Take my advice, I'd refrain from placing a fiver on us even to get into Europe. Save your cash.
#400354 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
Nation: Armenia
Media Prediction (Odds): 7th/8 (200-1)
Expectations: Finish mid-table
Pros: Gateway into Armenian league. Four of eight sides in division qualify for Europe. Okay squad depth. Have "buni" in their name.
Cons: Serious gulf in quality compared to other sides. Expectations quite steep. Offer very little in footballing intelligence. No other jobs available worth pursuing.
RESULT:
It's either I take it or risk waiting another six months or so before something else becomes available.
#400319 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Despite Girard's excellent contribution to our goal tallies, right back Delcourt earned player of the season (to my surprise I forgot about him), Puech came third. A goal worthy of winning a title via Bertrand Lagrange's stunning free kick deservedly took the label of goal of the season from 35 yards out. Signing of the season doesn't exactly come into light as A). not my signing and B). Kouamé wasn't overly brilliant. One award that is thoroughly deserved is Titouan Girard who popped up with 11 goals in 13 games (missing one or two through injury), reiterating his excellent contribution to the Differdange squad.
https://streamable.com/fnvlj
Girard secured top goalscorer ahead of Puech with 19 overall, the majority of them coming in the second half of the campaign. Delcourt had an outstanding average rating and I had no idea, just short of 7.5 overall and set the best average rating in the league with an impressive 7.62, plus securing four man of the match awards with Girard. Logan Olivier made the moves happen, assisting 13 times which is surprising for a ball winning midfielder. Amar Feltes also deserves a worthy mention who went under the hood, converting the most completed passes ratio of 86%. Young, fiery full back Janvier Bâh got stuck in with eight yellows while Delcourt managed to be the only player sent off this season.
Secured the league, failed in the cup, but it's not all bad when your worst defeat of the season was 1-0.
Anyways, onto the Champions league draw...
...wait, what?
I have been royally screwed over, it seems that despite winning the domestic league and being told in black and white that we've qualified for the Champions league...yet somehow we've been omitted from it?? ARE YOU F*CKING KIDDING ME?!
No choice but to leave, not the best memory to leave with either.
#400311 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
NATIONALDIVISIOUN
MATCHDAY 26
Welp. Both chasing sides did their bit. Could we cough up our end of the bargain?
CHAMPIONS! Swept aside Titus Pétange with relative ease, securing a three goal advantage before 23 minutes had elapsed. The anticipation nearly sidetracked us from the job at hand with Rouanet bringing a very important save just four minutes in before Lagrange hit the inside of the post five minutes later. End-to-end first half, we eventually broke through with Romain Puech, doubled with an outrageous 35 yard free kick by Lagrange and polished off with top scorer Girard almost immediately to fan the flames even greater. Of course on a final day, there's always a sense of dramaticism and Titus fought back with Tiago Santos unmarked to prod home but failed to advance any further due to Jean-Marc Teixeira's red card to effectively kill the game. Three in a row for Differdange and trophy number 20 for myself!
Logan Olivier taking a bullet, but will he be fit for the Champions League?
RESULTS OVERVIEW
A 23 league match unbeaten run helped us greatly, but would have been 25 in all competitions if Dudelange didn't knock us off our perch. Girard finished just shy of twenty goals this season, but Puech helped himself to a few himself this month in lieu of Bangala. Fun fact: the Dudelange game was the only game we failed to score in under my management at this club.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
Right down to the wire but winning our final six games in a row it never looked in doubt. Dudelange and Jeunesse Esch secure Europa League football with Progrès who won the Coupe De Luxembourg over Dudelange which made me grin smugly. Grevenmacher, Rosport and Avenir Beggin all tumble down to the second tier.
#400260 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 25
Girard puts us in pole position going into the last game of the season as we confidently took down Fola Esch at Thillenberg. The score really flattered the visitors as the woodwork saw more action than me in a room full of women, Logan Olivier denied twice from long range. The goal itself was odd as it seemed the defender got there first but Girard's clinical right boot saw it differently to seal the deal late in the first half.
As we were going into the last game of the season, taking a two point lead to our final game away at Titus Pétange. Jeunesse Esch have a derby game at Fola Esch whereas Dudelange are blessed with rock bottom Grevenmacher being their opposition. What are the odds we may choke this?
#400258 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Bangala out for the season. Coming at the worst possible time as he was fresh in form.
COUPE DE LUXEMBOURG
SEMI FINAL
Disappointment, not just the result but the game was an awful let down given the bumper crowd. The only thing to write home about was the goal itself, and a very poor goal at that. Free kick whipped in, Leymarie had time to control, turn and take a bite which found it's way into the net while we couldn't find the capacity to nick it off him. Any glimmer of hope was dashed as Laroche saw red late on. No double this season I'm afraid.
#400252 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
NATIONALDIVISIOUN
MATCHDAY 24
A return to Mondorf saw the same outcome minus any slip ups. Amar Feltes smoothly passed the ball into the bottom right corner early on and Romain Puech oozed class to strike the top left corner from the edge of the area to calm any early nerves. We saved Mondorf the mortification of more than a two goal win; Bangala was hungry for goals but luck was not on his side, forcing a top one on one save from Zaritskiy in goal and then hit the inside of the post in the second half. Your move, chasing pack.
#400247 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
May need to start wrapping Girard in cotton wool with another minor injury to keep him out of the cup quarter final.
COUPE DE LUXEMBOURG
QUARTER FINAL
A late blip in the final five minutes foolishly allowed Mondorf to take this cup tie to extra time but in the end our quality was more than enough to see us reign supreme to book a semi final place. It had been one way traffic up to the last quarter; Puech and Legrange launching us into a commanding advantage but a ray of light was offered to the underdogs. Todorovic smashed what looked to have been just a consolation from our own attacking free kick to get nabbed on the counter and defensive ineptitude allowed Chaussy in acres of space to convert a goalmouth cross at the back stick. Luckily, we restored our lead as Mondorf burnt out into extra time - two powerful efforts from Bangala and Lagrange had it all wrapped up. A red card for Ramdedovic confirmed there was no way back.
SEMI FINAL DRAW
A tie stewed in rich rivalry juices for a place in the final. Dudelange will be tough to cut.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
W's on top of W's this month as the final stretch approaches. Nice blend of striking options to grab us goals while Girard is away, Puech perhaps finding some goalscoring form at last.
LEAGUE TABLE
Good grief, Dudelange and Jeunesse Esch just won't budge. Matching us stride for stride with only three games remaining.
#399429 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Bad news heading into our next game as our only recognised left back and capable centre back is ruled out for a few weeks.
NATIONALDIVISIOUN
MATCHDAY 23
It made it a lot less comfortable than we would have liked but a win is a win. The entertainment factor was still there with two stunners from range just 70 seconds apart carried us into a strong lead within a quarter of an hour. Thereafter, we were pretty much passengers as Racing dispossessed us to slide in Kevin Krogh Gerson to keep us on our toes. KKG should have equalised but for a marvellous stop by Rouanet in a one-on-one situation. We were ropy, clumsy and to an extent careless but held on for the three points.
#399387 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
NATIONALDIVISIOUN
MATCHDAY 22
Käerjéng were no match to unhinge our lengthy unbeaten streak, illustrated with a three nil tonking. Controlled possession play helped us out for the first two goals; a string of thirty passes concluded with a beautiful top corner curler by Bangala for the first, Puech squared Olivier to squeeze one in at the near post. Olivier returned the favour to Puech in the second half on the counter attack to march on with just four games remaining. Worrying scenes however as top scorer Girard was taken off injured midway through the opening half.
A brief scare, but thankfully nothing major.
#399275 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 21
Honing Differdange's pursuit to a third league title in a row with an authoritative display against lowly Avenir Beggin. Titouan Girard just can't stop scoring with 8 goals in 6 games, including the two he nestled in through the first half to get the motor running. The visitors bungled decent chances to claw their way back and would rue them as Bangala tapped home a third and a ricocheted shot from Amar Feltes piled on more woe. Some "Playstation football" may have cost us a clean sheet but our four goal lead was restored with Romain Puech ending his goal drought.
Rock steady and showing very little signs of a wobble currently.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Important four points from our two games this month, especially getting a result at Dudelange. Girard and Bangala teaming up excellently lately with some sterling midfield work too from Olivier and Mbondi.
LEAGUE TABLE
This'll go right down to the wire with only five games left. The gap remains two points but a defeat for Jeunesse Esch against Dudelange have hit them hard in third, leaving them three points behind. Still wouldn't count anyone out yet.
#399261 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Jesus Jeff, slow down and put the chequebook away. There's only so much money we can handle in a couple of months.
NATIONALDIVISIOUN
MATCHDAY 20
A lot more to fight for at the Stade Jos Nosbaum as we twice fell behind to rescue an important point. Wasn't happy how easily Dudelange sliced us open to allow Kayombo an easy goal and if it weren't for Rouanet, he'd have stuck a second past us in a matter of moments. On the back foot, we managed to strike before half time though a superb individual effort by Girard to level it up before half time. Concentration lacked as we fell behind again through another soft goal, former Monaco product Kadir Gözükara piledrived Dudelange back in from just 30 seconds into the second half. What they can do, we can do better as Girard turned provider for Bangala who drilled low and hard into the bottom right corner for 2-2. Probably the right result but we seriously had to work for it to stay top of the pile.
#399068 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 19
The hardest game of the month was professionally handled against waspish Progrès Niederkorn. Did fall behind through a poorly dealt with free kick, allowing Guegan to head home his first goal for the club. Our "best" rated striker Romain Puech was sidelined due to inadequate performances, his replacement Guychel Bangala was the agent to success; equalising five minutes after and then provided the winner late on thanks to a fortunate defensive error. A massive three points with Dudelange on the horizon.
It seems making it a fan day certainly helped boost support and egg us on to victory.
Unstoppable at present.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
The winter break has helped us reinvigorate. Three wins from three with Girard and Bangala scoring six between them in three.
LEAGUE TABLE
The downside is that the other two sides below us also won their last three to keep things as you were with seven games left. Dudelange away next - it may be a title decider.
#399067 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Nothing to write home about here.
NATIONALDIVISIOUN
MATCHDAY 18
One way traffic is the only way this game can be described. Una Strassen made it look like an exhibition as Girard stuck two more home in either half to take our minds off the title race. Scoreline really did flatter the home side with the amount of chances created and Girard was a whisker from a hat-trick but headed onto the bar. Janvier Bâh met the same fate as he also nailed the beam on what was barely a contest.
This though was worrying, our best and only recognised right back is out for a large portion of the calendar year.
#399063 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
NATIONALDIVISIOUN
MATCHDAY 17
Relegation threatened Rosport were no match for us, taking a beating by three goals. With Dudelange winning on Saturday, there was no room for error and Titouan Girard set things right, tucking in a rebound after an initial save from Amar Feltes' effort. Did break a sweat before half time where the visitors created two cleat cut chances in a minute; first Rouanet saved from eight yards to concede a corner and their centre back Dirk Schultze with a free header put it over from three yards out. Second half was a frolic more than anything, two powerful efforts by Mbondi and Girard netted his second to wrap things up comfortably. ez pz.
#399031 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
UNBELIEVABLE JEFF! A nice sum of £465k churned into the kitty.
Sadly, we're still a distance from the black. Also, how the f*ck does a Luxembourg club lose £12m in four and a half years?!
.....not a very exciting month to be honest.
#398965 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
NATIONALDIVISIOUN
MATCHDAY 16
Talk about a let down for my first game in charge. Dominant performance but two set pieces unravelled us to hand RM Hamm Benfica a point late on. Their keeper could only parry a ferocious effort from Cameroonian midfielder Landry Mbondi to put it down as an own goal half an hour in. Unfortunately there was no stopping an unforeseen leveller, Márcio Rodrigues powered in a bullet header from a corner. Less than a minute later, the lead was brought back to us when Girard ploughed in from a low cross. We were the making of our own downfall, cheaply giving away possession for a two on two and giving no choice but to hack the attacker for a penalty which was duly converted. Four times as many shots, yet still come away with a draw.
At least it preserves the unbeaten run.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Only the one game before the winter break settles, a disappointing draw that should have been more.
LEAGUE TABLE
The good news is that Dudelange suffered their first defeat of the season, the bad news is that Jeunesse Esch won to now keep the league tight. Two points in it between the top three.
#398794 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
After a disappointment in Lithuania, I've decided to head to another country beginning with 'L' - Luxembourg. FC Differdange 03 are a relatively newfound club of only fourteen years, replacing their former sides Red Boys Differdange and AS Differdange to merge as one in 2003, hence why 03 lies in the name. The team is kitted with all red with white trim.
The city of Differdange lies in the very south-westerly point of Luxembourg and shares a border with France and portions of Belgium. A population of just over 25,000 people make it the third largest city in the nation behind Esch-sur-Alzette and of course the nation's capital Luxembourg (city). The city is largely industrial and is home to the majority of Letzebuergesch steel production with the largest steel producing company, ArcelorMittal heavily affiliated here. There is a major link with Miami University here, as it's "Dolibois European Center", allocating 130 or more students to study abroad in Europe, mainly in Differdange castle which dates back to the year 1577.
Stade Municipal de la Ville de Differdange is the new home of the club, moving in (roughly) 2012 upon building completion and transitioning from their old Thillenberg stadium when Red Boys Differdange played their games here before merging. The stadium holds 2,400 which is significantly less than their previous stadium which held over 6,000 but only because of lack of standing here. The surface is grass.
History has been kind to Differdange since their reshuffle in 2003...but not league wise - failing to win any league title pre-FM era but far back as 1979 (as Red Boys Differdange) and even further beyond that in 1933 where they secured their third in a row between 1930 and 1933. Post-FM era, they're doing brilliantly with five Nationaldivisiouns in six seasons. Funnily enough their predecessors are known as record holders, with the most Luxembourg Cups to date (15). As for FC Differdange 03, they have in fact carried that charm over with four cups in 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2015. European football has been an interesting factor for the club, most notably the incidence during the 2011-12 season in the Europa League; entering into the Third Qualifying Round to Greek champions Olympiakos but losing 6-0 on aggregate...or so they thought. Olympiakos were thrown out of the competition due to match fixing and allowed one more roll of the dice for the Letzebuergesch side to advance one more step to a potential historic EL group stage. However, PSG had other ideas to brush them aside by the same aggregate scoreline as Olympiakos. Ever since then, it hasn't gone well for them. One major rival is that with F91 Dudelange in a local derby.
CURRENT SEASON
All things look rosy for FC Differdange this season, but tightly marked by Dudelange in what looks to be a real battle of rivals this season. Although Dudelange are unbeaten this season, we've secured 13 wins from 15, slipping up only to third place Jeunesse Esch and a stalemate with Dudelange and thus lead by a single point. Jeunesse Esch will certainly not be ruled out either, only four points behind. Speaking of them, we knocked them out of the Luxembourg cup in the fifth round before muscling our way ahead of Avenir Beggin to the quarter finals to a tasty encounter with Mondorf in the quarter finals. Two pieces of silverware on the line, can we secure them both?
SQUAD
I'll admit we have some fine key players and exciting hot prospects, but beneath the surface there is a serious underlying issue...defenders. Virtual NO capable centre backs apart from trying to mount some adolescents from the under 19's. Hopefully it won't be a pitfall because we've some really talented players in all sorts of other areas. Some very high wages in here as well, it's no wonder they're financially crippled on top of that!
KEY PLAYER: Logan Olivier M(C)
Three goals and nine assists already this season, this lad looks beastly. Very impressed with his physicality and work rate, but the aggression factor is always a catch 22 with ball winning midfielders, leading to a lot of ill-discipline. Doesn't quite look like much of a playmaker so I may have no other option but to set him up that way. For a 21 year old though, bags of potential to further himself and mature greatly.
EXPECTATIONS
Being as they are top of the league and their previous manager only left to take the role as Luxembourg manager, it's only natural that they expect me to take them to the league title. Luxembourg cup may not seem important to them, but I'm willing to give it a go. Wage budget is quite healthy to compensate for a poor transfer budget.
Duty begins with RM Hamm Benfica before a long winter break to revitalise us before an action packed second half of the season. Rosport and Una Strassen will be seen as preliminary tests before two consecutive tough games at home to Progrès (a side I almost managed) and a very tricky away day to arch rivals F91 Dudelange. Time to scrub away what was left of my
Suduvareign and back to challenging for leagues!#398648 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
@r96Skinner - Yes and no, think we should have won more of them to be honest. Shame our strikers were just absolute muck so we were pretty doomed either way.
____________________________________________
Nation: Luxembourg
Media Prediction (Odds): 2nd/14 (5-2)
Current Position: 1st
Expectations: Winners of Nationaldivisioun
Pros: Top of the league. Fourteen games unbeaten, thirteen of those are wins. Strong squad with former Ligue 1 academy players. Two consecutive league titles and holders.
Cons: Only one point clear in the league. Almost £1m in the red. No transfer budget. Terrible depth in defence. Will be seen as a bottle job if I fail to bring the title to them again.
RESULT:
One offer on the table from the side top of the Luxembourg table. Hard to turn down.
Nation: Lithuania
Media Prediction (Odds): 5th/8 (14-1)
Expectations: Europa League qualification
Pros: Similar quality squad to Suduva, but better. Europa League football in the summer months. Solid depth in squad. Small league that may guarantee European football easily.
Cons: Financially somewhat insecure. Media writing them off already. Zalgiris are a tough nut to crack.
RESULT:
On par to the offer by Differdange, just with a bit more to achieve. Tough decision.
Nation: Gibraltar
World Ranking: (=)172nd
Expectations: Be competitive/don't get outclassed too often.
Pros: Smaller nation in and around my level. No pressure to succeed.
Cons: Drawn with Liechtenstein, Lithuania and Israel in UEFA Nations League. Not even offering me half of the other two clubs.
RESULT:
#398508 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 21
Done. So very done. Our attacking efforts are a joke with only two goals in our last five, and losing this game to Trakai more or less seals the nail in Suduva's coffin. Zutautas tormented our frail back four to take one goal for every defender and inflicting embarrassment to the home support. Djukic got ironic cheers with his first league goal since May but barely affected the convincing scoreline. Yet again far more shots, yet again proves that stats are meaningless. Crystal Palace would have put up more fight than us.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Just can't score, and if we can't score, we can't win games. Not a single victory this month with a blushing cup exit on top of that.
LEAGUE TABLE
Twelve points from safety, there really isn't much more we can do. Suduva are doomed.
May seem cowardly, but if a team with the quality it has can't perform with passion or fight, there really isn't much use for a manager of my calibre. 51 days in charge and now back to square one.
#398504 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
FOURTH ROUND
I'm in disbelief. How on Earth did this happen?! Oh, that's right because our strikers are utterly pathetic. Nothing clear cut, nothing testing, just an absolute disaster going forward despite the number of shots. To rub salt in the wounds, non-league Krazante were down to ten men going into extra time and still couldn't muster anything. That's where we paid the penalty quite literally; Roman Urbys fired straight at the keeper to dump us out of the cup. I'm so ready to put my fist through the screen.
#398503 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 20
Another draw and another game our strikers have failed to hit the back of the net. Perhaps we looked more likely to hit the back of the net with Roman Urbys and Enver Djukic both striking the woodwork and bouncing clear. Rokas Stesko may be our best defender but he his testing my patience lately; first his mistake against Atlantas, now giving away a foolish penalty and getting sent off in the process to allow Utenis to swipe a late advantage. Young goalkeeper Freidgeidas has been impressive with his recent performances and proved it once more with a superb hand to claw out the resulting penalty and preventing defeat.
#398500 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
A LYGA
MATCHDAY 19
Strange game, but one we were thankful to escape with a point. Defensive howler by Stesko as a blind-sighted backpass allowed Atlantas to stab home the opener just five minutes in. Minutes later we escaped a blatant penalty claim waved away by the ref, meaning for a stern half time team talk. A stroke of luck from new boy Romanov; his shot just outside the box clipped a defender, deceived the keeper and rolled in in slow motion towards the last five minutes. To think we could have won this match without that horrible error of judgement.
#398460 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 18
Lietava came into this game on the back of relatively poor form but we were second best all ends up to hang on for a share of the points. Freidgeimas in goal saved our ass from a major chance in the first half to deny Albano Haxhiu from close range. The home side were left puzzled how they hadn't break the deadlock and centre back Suhhomjatnikov had the mother of all goalmouths at his mercy, somehow headed over from two yards out. Eliosius departed the game early with a cynical foul to earn a second yellow but too late to unbalance the game. Dodged a bullet here.
Second choice attacking midfielder ended the game on a stretcher.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Easing in gently with four points from the opening two games. No goals conceded either.
LEAGUE TABLE
First win on the goal lifts us to within seven points behind Trakai and eleven from the Champions Playoff places. On the right trajectory.
#398319 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
@Shedender - Nice to know you read every post properly on this story!
___________________________________________
NEW SIGNINGS
Pen to paper for two new reinforcements, brought in to potentially save us from the drop.
Aurimas Romanov - AM(C)/M(C)/AM(RL) - unattached free agent
Formerly of Utenis, this guy is what the squad is crying out for in the middle of the park - a playmaker. Certainly an upgrade to what we already have, excellent vision with favourable flair and technique, surely will get the ball rolling in the right direction of the field. Major downside is that we'll cost us a few bob in the wage department but it's a risk worth pursuing.
Mantas Rimkus - D(R)/D(C) - 6 month loan (end of season) from FBK Kaunas
A back-up option to bleed in if sh*t hits the fan at the back line. Possesses the strength to boulder over any fast attackers and can slot in at the right hand side as we lack numbers there. Sort of a safety net signing.
A LYGA
MATCHDAY 17
Suduva hadn’t won one game in sixteen before my reign began, stepped up with the best possible outcome against fellow strugglers Zalgiris Kaunas. Largely in control, keeping the ball mainly in the midfield areas with the goalscoring conviction coming from the wings. A brace from Petkevicius and one from Verbickas helping us to get just that little bit more competitive. A good W to start.
#397088 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
@Shedender - I would, but didn't get it if you checked the spoiler.
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My thirteenth job lands me to the Baltic nation of Lithuania, managing FK Sūduva Marijampolė. Founded originally in 1921, this club has had seven different name changes before the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, finally adopting their current name for the foreseeable future. The club play in white with a red trim and are aptly named "the Sudovians".
Despite solid foundations in a 96 year history, Suduva have not yet seen an A Lyga title reach their trophy cabinet, finishing second best to FBK Kaunas and the now defunct Ekranas in 2007 and 2010 respectively. Two Lithuanian cups were sealed in 2006 versus Ekranas and 2008 versus another defunct club in Tauras Tauragė, both slender 1-0 victories in the finals. Two supercups were also lifted, beating Ekranas in 2009 and a 2018 win over Žalgiris. Most recently, Suduva were a whisker away from creating Lithuanian football history by making it into a UEFA Europa League group stage debut, but were stopped by Bulgaria's top side Ludogorets 2-0 on aggregate to see them miss out.
CURRENT SEASON
Boy oh boy did these clowns leave us in a right pickle...anchored to the bottom with only a pathetic seven points from sixteen games and leaving the club on the cusp of relegation with only twelve games remaining. A 1-1 draw to Žalgiris is about as good a result that they've been blessed with so far. Still have a potential entry with the LFF taurė ongoing, dumping out Tera 3-0 which should be the minimum requirement for a club like this. Need to make up at least eight points to at least scrape a relegation playoff, but to retain safety in another challenge altogether, lying twelve behind Žalgiris Kaunas. Let the games begin.
SQUAD
With quite a lot of depth and quality players, I can't quite put my finger on why this club are in disrepute. Terrible average ratings, abysmal pass completion ratios and only 17 goals scored - drastic measures need to be taken. Also doesn't help when your most important player is injured.
KEY PLAYER: Enver Djukic ST(C)
I'd say on par with Sean Dempsey, if not better. 16 finishing and 13 composure with some decent off the ball too, he could be moulded into a mean poacher with the right creative players behind him. Can I turn him into a goal machine?
EXPECTATIONS
I kind of see mixed messages being thrown at me; A) to reach the Champions Playoff or B) avoiding relegation. Has to be one or the other in my book. LFF taurė is doable as we're one round away from reaching the quarters anyways. Won't worry too much about budgets for now, need to see how the squad gel in with my tactical philosophy before jumping into the transfer market.
Duty begins with a crucial six pointer at home to Žalgiris Kaunas and three tests of character against sides in the top half: Leitava, Atlantas and Utenis. A cup match against non-league Krazante will see us potentially reach a cup quarter final should all go to plan. Here goes nothing.
#397067 Journeyman across Europe! Let's (try to) win the champions league
DNZY
Best of luck with this!
#397066 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
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Nation: Spain
World Ranking: 12th
Expectations: "Don't get outclassed in UEFA Nations League"
Pros: It's bloody Spain! 10,000% (no, not an exaggeration) increase to my current earnings. Basically, no pressure to get them far.
Cons: Abundance of injuries to key players. Would sell my soul to lose integrity of this save. Wildly unrealistic.
RESULT:
Nation: Kosovo
Media Prediction (Odds): 4th/12 (11-2)
Expectations: Challenge for league
Pros: Good reputation in Kosovo. Willing to search for parent club.
Cons: Trepça'89 are dominant. Only a squad of 20 players. Very little funds in the black.
RESULT:
Third time Ferronikeli have turned me down, but this time they were adamant to take me. However, I wanted them to get on their hands and knees for me....they didn't comply.
Nation: Luxembourg
Media Prediction (Odds): 4th/14 (8-1)
Expectations: UEFA Europa League qualification
Pros: Obscenely rich for a small club. Brilliant depth in squad. Knocked Rangers out of Europe IRL.
Cons: Competitive league with Differdange, Dudelange and Jeunesse Esch having ex-Ligue 1 players in their squads.
RESULT:
Damn, felt this would have been mine but Cédric Divas is the man to lead the Letzebuergesch Wasps forward.
Nation: Lithuania
Media Prediction (Odds): 2nd/8 (8-1)
Current Position: 8th
Expectations: Reach Champions playoff
Pros: Big reputation. Quality players.
Cons: Underachieving to the max and on brink of relegation. No wins after 16 games with only 8 points. 12 points from safety with only 12 games to go.
RESULT:
Have I just taken the short end of the matchstick? Decisions, decisions...
#396919 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Marco Golunucci (GK) – "Intelligent goalkeeping brain on young shoulders. Only 16 at the time, he inherited such confidence with a professional manner about him during training sessions. Every one-on-one, every six yard toe poke, every penalty squaring up against, he doesn’t wince, he just squared up to claw nearly anything out that pointed in his direction. Flabbergasted how he only gained one cap for San Marino’s national team in his career."
Alex Somoza (RB) – "Experienced wing back who tore up the right hand channels in Andorra. What got me about Alex was his perceived attitude to games, as an individual and as captain. Organised our Santa Coloma defensive line while also springing forward for attack phases and lambasted those who only gave 50% attitude during games. My vote to go into management down the line."
Conor McParland & Gary Turner (CB) – "Inseparable, dynamic defensive duo that created great synergy both on and off the field. They work in unison with one another and built this malleable shield at the back. McParland used his all of his 5’10” and vertical leap to win the aerial battles while Turner’s quick feet and spatial awareness mopped up in behind. Not sure how many strikers they’ve emptied out of their back pockets."
Redeemer Borg (LB) – "Redeemer by name, Redeemer by nature. A defender who never left my shortlist during my time in Malta and had the pleasure of equipping him to my Valletta side. Two excellent seasons winning two to three key tackles per game and still aimed to dribble it forward without complications. Parents were spot on with name choice."
Rudi Farrugia (CM) – "Model professional who dictated the tempo in midfield, brought so much attacking flair in an already powerful 4-3-3 setup and it was crystal clear how limp Valletta turned in his absence. Dedicated his best years to his boyhood club, never unsettled at any stage when things went wrong, even when we collapsed finishing second best to Birkirkara during my first season in charge. Iron-willed and an all-round great guy to be around."
Mark Holmes (CM) – "Never have I seen such a tireless, ethereal midfielder like Mark. So much stamina, determination, work rate and spatial awareness for someone so young. Sculpted from the leftover clay that created N’Golo Kante. Even in a five man midfield, he’d manoeuvre forward to the 18 yard box on the offensive and immediately trek back to slot in as a defensive midfielder or even an auxiliary defender when exposed on the counter. Fits the definition of ‘workhorse’."
Filippo De Luigi (AM) – "A defenders worst nightmare in the Sammarinese league. Ball magnet with an abundance of tricks up his sleeves to blitz the right wing. Such a creative mind in whisking in devastating crosses in the most intricate phases and is a maestro behind the set pieces. Both a goalscorer and a goal maker. Only Sammarinese player to win both young player of the season and player of the season in the same season says it all."
Bardur Sorensen (CF) – "He didn’t offer much in physicality but I saw a glint in him like a diamond in the rough upon signing for my EB/Streymur side. Thirty goals in two seasons proved his value and his career got off the ground as a potential future icon to the club and kick-started an international career. When he got the nod for the Faroe Islands national team I almost shed a tear of joy, it was as if a ‘father-son’ connection had been established. Fantastic talent."
Sean Dempsey (CF) – "Can’t find a superlative high enough to praise what this young lad brought to Dungannon. Eleven goals in the final six games to seal a first ever Irish Premiership, scored in a first ever Irish Cup victory, thirty-five times rustling the back of the net in an unforgettable quadruple winning season. Goal machine, beating heart in a well-oiled machine and will live long in Dungannon Swifts folklore. You’ll never see anyone that golden for generations."
Ben Woodburn (CF) – "Apple of Liverpool fans’ eyes and something of a heat seeking missile in the Welsh leagues. Fit in like a glove to TNS, recapturing his golden years with some outstanding accuracy for goals. I feared this would break the bank but with so much hype on social media, Woodie was a cult hero to Saints fans. Singlehandedly lifted us into an historic Europa League group stage and piled up almost fifty goals in two seasons. A risky, yet genius acquisition."
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ACHIEVEMENTS
After some turbulence in Malta, the ship steadied by finally knocking one off my bucket list and lifting the BOV Premier Division with Valletta. Success flowed back into more native territory..well right across the pond at least as The New Saints' resurgence to the top to usurp Bala from the Welsh throne, sealing consecutive league titles and of course the milestone of making it to the Europa League group stages made it all the sweeter. I suppose you can call it a gap year with the forces, flying out to Iraq for a brief stay and contend in international management only for a Chinese brigade to undo the wheels of potential success in the AFC Asian Cup. What better way to wrap up twenty years in management than to clean sweep the Northern Irish crown jewels and inherit endless affinity plus the keys to the land of Dungannon. And we're not even scratching the surface to this perilous adventure...