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#476904 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
“When I drafted this challenge concept originally two and a half years ago, I was expecting this to be a short lived ‘flash in the pan’ and fizzle out as time progressed. Never would I have expected to be so engrossed in a Football Manager save entering into its 40th season and to share the experience with my fellow FM advocates.
900 days have passed living in this fictional, Machiavellian managerial alter ego whom has become a serial sensation in success - the ‘Pep’ of the semi pro let’s call it. Good looks, flawless playing styles, minor setbacks but above all else – a multilingual wanderlust. Scouring seventeen European countries and that forgotten stint in the back end of Iraq; from admiring the stunning natural landscapes of the Faroe Islands, feasting on the olive oil infused Mediterranean cuisine of San Marino, feeling at home with mother’s cooking in Northern Ireland and freezing my balls off on the touchlines in Estonia, it has been an unforgettable pilgrimage that is still ongoing.
In this European mega-quest, I’ve raised 29 trophies aloft and gained almost continental-wide recognition for my achievements and been headhunted by some of the top international hotseats, with the likes of Germany, Denmark and Spain scribbling me down on their shortlists. Some may have dropped everything to sell their soul – but I decline them.
My heart remains at the grassroots level, learning more about obscure leagues, the fascinating backstories behind the creation of clubs a large majority would never have even heard of - creating history, building drama & suspense and taking games to the final day.
THAT is what makes an enticing read.
Humble brags aside, this save would not have reached this point without your support and interest. I’m by no means a journalistic, analytical or even an imaginative writer at times with my use of rustic English, but the comments I’ve received during the span of the journey have been overwhelming.
All of your comments have continually driven me and motivated me to keep pursuing this career and improve my work despite my recent drought in content - which will be briefly explained.
Long story short; this story has not finished, the next chapter is right around the corner and I have no plans to retire it any time soon.
Unfortunately work commitments and personal obstacles have eaten away a lot of my concentration to the point where it is difficult to find the time to open up the game. Rather than spouting out some random screenshots, I prefer to bide my time and not hurry out some low effort, poorly prepared analysis as I value the reader’s perspective.
A shoutout to those who’ve supported this since day one:
@Dan
@Sean_67
@HawkAussie
@Shedender
@Andrew♣
@r96Skinner
@AlexDepa
@SugarDaddy69
@Chris_ESK
@KEZ_7
@F.E.
@mons
@tongey
@b0nb0n
@GreenFront
@Catley20
@jambowambo
@Tipicality
@ade04
@bigmattb28
@BTB1991
@bcsaulJ
@Revans
@Dmeister
@davysrfc
@AdamRK
@Qvordrup
@Evan Kane
@Danilo Edanov
It doesn’t matter if you’ve left a single comment or hundreds of them, I’m eternally grateful for every one.
You guys are the real MVPs.
…now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got another team to manage."
#476903 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
#476887 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
#472119 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
A return to the sunny peninsula sticking out of Spain, to paradisiac rock of Gibraltar. The red hot Lincoln Red Imps have been one of the most dominant sides in the British colony since their conception in 1976. The name of the club is an obvious connection to Lincoln City FC in England, former director Reg Brealey sponsored the Gibraltarian club and paid for new kits during a holiday to the rock, inheriting the name Lincoln and nicknamed accordingly to “The Imps” wearing red and black vertical stripes.
While Gibraltar may not be a recognised country, it holds a larger population (~34,000) than one other European country; San Marino (~33,500) and is almost as populous as Lichtenstein, just shy of 5,000 inhabitants. From the aesthetic beauty of cable cars traversing the Great Rock standing tall at 1400 feet, to the fascinating historic elements of their 55km of tunnels during the Second World War, Gibraltar has a lot to offer on the tourism front with 12 million visitors entering per year - not to mention a small contingent of wild and mischievous Barbary macaques nicking stuff from their backpacks. Thieving bastards.
This one is rather unique, as Lincoln have built a brand new stadium called the Lincoln (GIB) stadium (how original, SI) to vacate from Victoria Stadium, the national stadium. I’m amazed they even managed planning permission for the size of the nation itself, perhaps overcompensating too with a capacity stretching to the 6,000 mark, almost 20% of the entire population. The new venue opened its doors in 2026 with Lincoln defeating Mons Calpe 3-1 in front of 2,895. Still, at least it didn't take a millennium to open like Tottenham's new stadium...
As mentioned in the opening sentences, Lincoln Red Imps are the most dominant and most successful side in Gibraltar. Glittered with 23 league titles, including 14 consecutive titles between 2002 and 2016 before Europa put an end to the sequence in 2017. No shortage of success across the cups either, attaining 17 Rock Cups, 18 Senior Cups (now defunct) and 11 Pepe Reyes Cups (pre FM era). Europe has been a mini-success story for the Imps; a full strength Glasgow Celtic were famously defeated 1-0 by the Imps in a Champions League qualifier in 2016 to gain almost worldwide recognition and dubbed “the Shock of Gibraltar” thanks to a goal by Lee Casciaro – sadly they would go on to lose 3-0 in the second leg.
Fast forward to 2057, everything has gone south…sure, they managed to win the league nine more times but you would need to go back to the 2028/29 season the last time Lincoln raised the league trophy aloft, in fact their fortunes turned increasingly worse than that, succumbing to two relegations in 2051 and 2055. The crown has fallen to the hands of both Lynx and Boca Juniors (GIB) who've given the Gibraltarian League a paradigm shift in the last three decades.
SQUAD
A massive downgrade from my Budućnost camp, but not overly woeful. Large portion are part-timers and amateurs, only a handful stepping into the professional shoes but it's understandable since all their best players got snapped up after their demoralising relegations. Few stand-outs, rest are lucky to warm a bench at a level 7 English club. Interestingly, not one teenager in the main squad but may be a blessing as a lot might be hitting their prime years.
KEY PLAYER: Matt Collier - M(C)
Former youth product at Manchester City (which is an oxymoron in itself), the Welshman was released into the wild and ended up in the 'highly competitive' Gibraltarian league where he failed to make it at Europa Point or Boca. Lincoln has become his home and stands out as our key man, also rocking the captain's armband. Already mentally toned at 23, practically mastered the art of passing and will be our primary source of creativity in the middle. Let's hope his leadership steers us far away from the drop zone.
EXPECTATIONS
Flattered that I've been trusted with a nice cash cow for rebuilding the team, pressure seems to be off with low expectations from the board. The only way is up it seems.
Furthering our income, Swiss side Thun are our second nominated parent club along with German Bundesliga side Hannover 96. Couple of cheeky free, all expenses paid loan deals might be a good place to start rebuilding.
#471903 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Nation: Kosovo
Media Prediction (Odds): 1st/12 (Evens F)
Expectations: League winners
Pros: League holders. Front runners in Kosovo. Only finished outside top three once in six seasons. Solid wage budget. A chance to finally tick off this nation.
Cons: Insultingly small transfer budget. No source of wealth.
RESULT:
The offer is there, the objective is simple...but is it a 'safe bet' taking Feronikeli on? Is there much of a challenge involved? Hmm...
Nation: Gibraltar
Media Prediction (Odds): 9th/10 (300-1)
Expectations: Avoid relegation scrap
Pros: Pedigree of success engrained in club history. Half a million in transfer budget.
Cons: No league title for over 25 years. Newly promoted. One of the favourites to be relegated. Small squad lacking in quality and harmony. Less wage budget than Ferronikeli.
RESULT:
Tough decision to make. Lincoln's offer is a handsome one, but is it a poisoned chalice waiting to infect my reputation? A mighty gamble but one that could pay off.
#471879 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
T-COM 1.CFL
A slight improvement on last month, though it wasn't setting the bar very high. Coming from behind to beat Petrovac gave me a warm feeling, however two shoddy draws shows how the team will miss me when I'm gone. Brief goal drought for Vitali as well?
GRUPA CRNA GORA
Qualified comfortably for the cup semis with a 5-1 aggregate victory over Bokelj to set a course for six consecutive Grupa Crna Gora successes.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
GROUP G
MATCHDAY 4
A missed penalty may have cost us the unlikely shred of qualification from the group. The usually reliable Rosic had a case of deja-vu when facing Ibrahim in goal, wasn't lucky enough to pounce on a rebound after a great save. Beşiktaş commanded affairs throughout, goals from Martínez and Ozanan left behind a mountainous task too hard to scale. The penalty could have helped change the game, but the Turks were too good for us.
MATCHDAY 5
Ruthless from Los Ches. It's not that we played particularly badly (even if we were poor at times), Valencia's finishing was an A+ standard. Couldn't get near them while they dribbled past our defence like they were cones, forcing two penalties out of us to account for 66% of Pruden Ramirez's hat-trick. Nikola Vidovic, Adil Mohammed and perhaps the goal of the night from Mathieu Gallard completed the rout and got their revenge for embarrassing them on their own turf.
MATCHDAY 6
What a spectacle to hang my Budućnost scarf up on. For all of København's dominance of the first period they were caught napping at the back, Vitali racked up his European goal tally to double figures to surprisingly lead at half time. Scepanovic thrived on the empty space available to him on the right and set up a second goal for Tvaradze, requiring two bites at it to leave the Danish crowd silent. It triggered another wave of dominance from the home side who quickly wiped the lead out, getting caught out on two set pieces to leave the game at 2-2. We bowed out of our European journey in a blaze of glory to seal a memorable win, Vukovic unmarked at the back stick to tap in from our own set piece manouevre. Copenhagen will be swarmed with loud, proud and intoxicated Budućnost fans on their way home tonight.
FINAL GROUP TABLE
Thrilled to leave with seven points from that group. Two wins more than I expected, we did the nation proud I feel.
Thus ends an eventful stay in Montenegro as I seek a brand new challenge in a brand new nation.
#471484 Next Goal Wins
DNZY
#471174 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
T-COM 1.CFL
Wow...just wow. What on Earth happened at Jedinstvo? Odds on me getting sacked before finishing the EL games? Let's just move on from this trainwreck shall we?
GRUPA CRNA GORA
At least we haven't lost our touch when it comes to obliterating tinpot second tier sides.
Last month it was makeshift defence, this month it's makeshift central midfield.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
GROUP G
MATCHDAY 3
With Beşiktaş lining up in a 3-4-3, there was only one outcome, perhaps taking longer than everyone expected. Flashbacks to the Valencia game we hit the front through the penalty spot; Rosic tapping in after missing the initial spot kick. The laborious task of trying to keep three clean sheets in a row was too much and Mehmet Akgül broke the sequence to escape his marker and tap in a whipped cross to the back post. Winding the clock down we thought we'd hang on for yet another point, Beşiktaş had other ideas in mind with substitute Turgut Tayük breaking our hearts with a screamer from 25 yards. No shame in that defeat, just the disappointment of "what could have been".
#471167 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
T-COM 1.CFL
My assistant is hanging on by a thread. Only one win this month, a convincing 3-0 display against Mladost (P) simply paving over cracks. What makes things even worse is losing to our local rivals Sutjeska. Let's go with the "Europa League hangover" excuse.
News on the injury front, lost our best left back for a month and a bit. Pretty sure I've no other natural left backs. Oopsie.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
GROUP G
MATCHDAY 1
Words escape me sometimes. Quite possibly be my biggest giantkilling of the save thus far. All the credit goes to our stalwart defence and an outstanding shift from Milosavljevic in goal holding 8 saves, including a superb point blank reaction from a Valencia corner. Vitali once again proving indispensable to the club to guide the ball into the net following poor defensive marking and silencing the 71,000 in the Mestalla Stadium. The improbable now made probable?
On top of losing our left back, our only competent right back also misses out for the only "realistic" winnable game at home to FC København. Can a makeshift back four disrupt the Danes?
MATCHDAY 2
Evidently yes, but only just. København wasted three attempts handed to them on silver platters, calling on more heroics from Milosavljevic and continuing to cement his place as first team keeper. Roganovic was immense for the second game in a row, turning into an absolute unit of late at centre back. Didn't exactly create much throughout the ninety but I'm sure our fans will forgive us for looking at the bigger picture. Nice to see a sellout at the Pod Goricom.
don't say it..
don't say it..
don't say it..
don't say it..
don't say it..
WE MIGHT ACTUALLY QUALIFY FROM THIS GROUP!
#470901 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
@bcsaulJ - Thank you for the continued support!
@Shedender - Glad you're still enjoying, it's a shame work is holding me back from providing the updates more regularly.
_________________________________________
T-COM 1.CFL
Not worrying too much about the league this season as I'll be out the door once we exit Europe and leaving duties to my assistant. So far so good, picking up back to back wins over newly promoted Rudar and more impressively continuing our good form when playing Petrovac. Bokelj however still seem to cause us issues, holding us to a one all draw with Vitali continuing to rack up goals domestically and continentally.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
CHAMPIONS PLAYOFF, FIRST LEG (AWAY)
Legia were certainly a few steps above our usual weight class but almost held on until a late goal undid our good work. Federico Vitali came mightily close from a free kick only for the crossbar to save Legia's skin. The continuing Polish pressure drained us, eventually leading to substitute Milisavljevic to sneak one under our own Milosavljevic (yes, there is a difference in name) to win the game for the Wojskowi. Can we pull off the same antics that Astana faced in the second leg on our own patch?
CHAMPIONS PLAYOFF, SECOND LEG (HOME)
Close but no cigar. It's sad because we would have held off Legia and perhaps winning the game before Vujanovic's red card on the hour mark. Vitali did his damnedest to lead a charging counter attack, threaded a beautiful ball into Ilic for a one on one but it lacked any power and down the throat of the keeper. Vujanovic struck a similar free kick against the woodwork but down the line his red card was our caveat. Three minutes after the dismissal arrived the inevitable from Ove Lindgren thus sealing our fate. Europa League group stages it is...
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
GROUP STAGE DRAW
Pitted with some difficult teams in Group G; Valencia, Beşiktaş and FC København. Doubtful we'll even scrape a win out of this but we're going to enjoy the ride.
#470560 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
TRANSFERS
OUT
Losing a lot of weight in the squad, eleven leaving and one retiring. Perhaps the two big losses are our right back Djukic who had no intention of extending his contract, and Borghetti who probably left kicking and screaming with a move to the Romanian top flight at the song of just over £75,000.
Seems that Montenegro's coefficients were in a bad state when I came in, of course working my magic I allowed them to move into the second qualifying phase. Such inconvenience that I've to trample on some weaklings in the first qualifying round this season.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
Probably the weakest of the bunch, San Marino's Pennarossa don't have a snowballs chance in hell.
FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND
Sparing all the longwinded details, we destroyed them. Four from Vitali, braces for both Matic and Ilic plus rare goals for the departing Andrisic and utility midfielder Ninkovic took us into double figures for the two legs. Felt bad for Pennarossa and offered them a measly one goal after a lapse of concentration but this was a total mismatch. An aperitif to prepare the appetite.
Lost a good centreback in the process for a lengthy spell.
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
Not too far to travel, FCSB are a tricky draw but we should be up for the challenge.
...meanwhile..
Is this the end of the road for Vitali too? £375k up front and a quarter milli over a year. Dangerously good offer by Anhzi Makhachkala.
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG (AWAY)
A tense draw with two away goals in Bucharest was a top result. Vitali went about his business and shrugging off the transfer talk to plant the seed of our first goal after great work by Zoran Matic. Set pieces were our kryptonite, twice conceding from dead ball situations even when Scepanovic restored our advantage. Native Romanian Zdrâncă hadn't much else to do throughout. Tightly poised for the return leg in Montenegro.
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG (HOME)
God bless the away goal rule (only when it's in our favour)! Very disjointed game with neither side creating too many worrying chances, although falling asleep at the back allowed FCSB's South African sub striker Njabulo Madikane, leaving us in a tricky predicament. From there on it was kill or be killed, Federico Vitali stepping up to the plate to continue his streak of scoring in Europe to take advantage late in the tie. 3-3 it finished on aggregate, sending us one step closer to potential group stage territory.
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
Crossing over into the Borat-land as Astana prepare for our visit.
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG (AWAY)
Gingerly saw out an impressive draw in the Kazakh capital, having Ionut Zdrâncă to thank for keeping us in it. Our Italian stallion Vitali made it seven in five games, feeding off a fine cross by Scepanovic in the buildup. Astana looked short of confidence at times, wasting some good chances before one jittery mistake by Ninkovic had Sergei Larin a clean shot at goal to equalise. A late red for Astana wound the game down nicely for the return leg.
...which Zdrâncă will miss sadly. My faith has to go into Milosavljevic to pull off the heroics.
Vitali stays! Yeah, so what if I continuously delayed the deal, in the form he's been in lately you can hardly blame me? The prospect of Europe might be enough for him to stay with good grace.
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG (HOME)
Oh my days, sheer dominance! Only the four when it really could have been seven or eight, Astana left their footballing smarts on the plane. Ninkovic made up for his first leg cock up and blew Astana away with his long range strikes, one from a free kick while Roganovic headed in a corner for an insane three nil half time lead. Even Caccianiga's clumsy red couldn't slow down the fiery momentum, Vitali topping the cherry on top of the cake with a deflected free kick in a famous night at the Pod Goricom Stadium. Guaranteed group stage football so my departure will have to wait!
CHAMPIONS PLAYOFF DRAW
Toughest test as Budućnost manager, facing the wall of white in Warszawa.
#468152 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
@Dan - Glad you're still enjoying, delighted to be moving up the ranks again!
@bigmattb28 - Was very touch and go I will admit!
__________________________________________
Centre back Roganovic won in a landslide vote of the fans' player of the season award, reminds me of a McParland-esque figure winning multiple aerial battles throughout the season; Scepanovic and Vukcevic not even close in terms of vote percentage. A catalog of fine goals to choose from throughout the year, but Slobodan Jovanovic's fearsome hit at relegated Lovcen stood out among all. Signing of the season was a no brainer, the attainment of Federico Vitali may have been the best transfer of the story. Finally, Roganovic's partner-in-crime Dusan Vukcevic earned young player of the season.
Half of his goals may have been from penalties but Radomir Rosic put in good shifts to top the goals tally this season for us, finishing with 14. Although Vitali was only playing for half the season, you cannot argue with his contributions almost reaching a 7.5 average rating - what a machine. Assists spread out from left, right and centre but sourcing regularly from left winger Zoran Matic and deep lying playmaker Nenad Andrisic, both notching 8 assists. Nemanja Ninkovic didn't always get in the team but when he did, his midfield skills were on display topping passing completion with 87%. Honourable mentions to Dragan Scepanovic on the right wing too; 12 goals, 7 assists and 4 man of the match awards - grossly underrated. Discipline-wise, Montenegrins love flying in with tackles but none more so than Perica Djukic with 15 yellows, while Milos Vujanovic lost his cool on two occasions.
AWARDS
Despite Federico Vitali getting robbed of the cup player of the season title by the equally solid Zoran Matic, his eight goals in six cup games won him the top goalscorer award instead.
An impressive five players were drafted into the Team of the Season, baffled how Francesco Borghetti ended up as the second striker but we'll roll with it. Roganovic, Vujanovic (maybe), Rosic and Scepanovic definitely earned their spots.
I do feel Kolakovic deserved it more considering they took us right to the wire with limited funds compared to us but I guess sentiment is irrelevant as I win Manager of the Season.
#467631 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Almost down to the bare bones on the wings. No Scepanovic due to suspension, his backup injured, Ilic injured on the left. May need to shuffle the deck going into the final.
GRUPA CRNA GORA
FINAL
The double or revenge for Petrovac?
ABSOLUTE SCENES!! The final ten minutes properly captured that cup final atmosphere in an otherwise poor eighty minutes leading up to it. Zoran Matic got in behind the defence to open the scoring…only for it to be smeared moments after. You could cut the tension with a knife as neither side wanted to lose, however conceding a penalty in the last six minutes tested our mental strength especially with Mujkic smashing it in. My final tactical sub saw Tvaradze replaced by Borghetti, within minutes it paid dividends; teeing a header to Vitali on the volley, rifling in the equaliser. If that wasn't exhilarating enough, up pops Vukcevic (the guy who almost cost us a draw on the final day) to power in the winning goal with his head. Finally tasting that sweet nectar of a league and cup double for the first time since the Infonet days!
https://streamable.com/x0wz5
Certainly worth another watch.
Federico Vitali was an absolute boss in the cup. Scored in every game he started minus the second leg of the semis. Magnificent acquisition.
#467628 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
T-COM 1.CFL
MATCHDAY 26
Hung on by the skin of our teeth but got what was required going into the final day. A three minute salvo by Rosic and Scepanovic respectively had us cruising into the break. Two quick yellows for Vujanovic soon turned the tide on the game as we conceded and dropped further and further into our own 18 yard area. A breathtaking curler from outlandish territory had Jedinstvo back in it; one goal-line clearance and a rattle of the woodwork later, hearing the final whistle was music to the ears. Excuse me while I change my underwear..
Meanwhile in Bokelj, absolutely fantastic news as Petrovac return to second by virtue of a late defeat.
MATCHDAY 27
Judgement day with fingernails bitten down to the nub. Conceding within the first five minutes didn’t exactly calm the nerves, and we really didn't look tidy all game. Thankfully we could rely on top scorer Radomir Rosic to come to the rescue with this 14th goal of the season. The objective was simply not to lose but fate threw every possible curveball in the book. Scepanovic foolishly got himself sent off and Marko Vukcevic nearly gifted the restoration of Mladost's lead. A sweatdripping draw that at long last confirmed us as champions of Montenegro again!
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Four points out of six was just about good enough, Radomir Rosic turning up for a change with some handy goals.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
God bless head to head records! I’m a tad disappointed that it came on a technicality but it means another nation is ticked off. Devastating for Petrovac. Europa League spots going to Grbalj and Jedinstvo while Lovćen recorded the second worst points tally in league history to plummet into the second tier. Bring on the cup final!
#467371 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
T-COM 1.CFL
MATCHDAY 21
Escaped and I mean 'escaped' in caps lock. Brutal display on our part and Dečić will be massively annoyed that they couldn’t break through. Ionut Zdrâncă was the only thing preventing an assured defeat, twice getting in the way of their one on ones. Not going to win a league if we play like this.
MATCHDAY 22
Pushed our way to victory at struggling Cetinje, not without sweating a little bit towards the end. Matic, Rosic and a delicious free kick from Vitali left us well in the driving seat despite a quality finish by Ziadic in between. Could have almost rued a penalty miss by Rosic early into the second half, especially with Ziadic getting his head on another goal back after our keeper went completely AWOL from a floated free kick. Nevertheless, the more points we gain the better.
MATCHDAY 23
Alarm bells ringing. Poor game overall, but third placed Grbalj were the more clinical. Mirza Smaljovic twice netting from similar positions as he cut inside from the left away from our centre backs who were chasing shadows. Only a single shot on target for us, Vitali not up to his usual standard. Not his fault he was feeding off scraps.
MATCHDAY 24
Hardly an accomplishment against winshy Lovćen, condemning them to the drop. Vitali and Borghetti tag-teamed up top in a two striker system, combining for Borghetti's opener just six minutes in. Missed an abundance of chances with their keeper swatting away everything like his life depended on it. Sadly, he couldn't stop Sead Obuca's bullet header from a corner to confirm their second tier status next season.
MATCHDAY 25
Pressure is definitely getting to us, failing to put a dent in Sutjeska. Neither side truly deserved a win, but to be fair and balanced Sutjeska were the more likely suspects especially with a clumsy two footer by Roganovic almost cost us the game. Vitali came closest for us, but was denied from an acute angle. We're falling to pieces at present.
GRUPA CRNA GORA
SEMI FINAL, FIRST LEG (AWAY)
One foot in the final already, taking a luxurious lead back to Podgorica. Three very well taken goals too; Scepanovic set up a lovely one-two with Matic to sweep home, Vitali brought another majestic solo effort with an ice cool finish and Andrisic took penalty duties and blasted home from the spot. Scepanovic perhaps would have made it four late on, but could only finish down the throat of the keeper (careful that doesn't get taken out of context). Opportunities to rest players for the second leg.
SEMI FINAL, SECOND LEG (HOME)
Even our second string put in more fight than Jedinstvo's "big guns". Had everything under control, reducing the visitors to pot shots and routine stops for Milosavljevic before getting injured. A rare goal from Jaba Tvaradze all but wrapped the tie up, took his goal seriously well too with an exquisite header. Awarded a penalty in injury time which Rosic failed to disappoint, earning us a 5-0 aggregate win and gearing up for a cup final in June.
It's all up to Ionut Zdrâncă for the rest of the season between the sticks.
FINAL DRAW
Petrovac relied on penalties in their semi final, both sides fighting for a league and cup double. Can we thwart their plans?
RESULTS OVERVIEW
With a tense end to the season, dropping points in three games is something we could really have done without. Definitely a dry spell in goalscoring threat compared to previous months with exception to our two legs in the cup. Vitali just slowing up his momentum up top.
LEAGUE TABLE
The Sutjeska draw paid a serious penalty, dropping to second with two games left. It'll have to be one of Bokelj or Dečić to do us a massive favour and roadblock Petrovac from winning their final two. As for us, another crack at Jedinstvo at home, followed by a potential banana-skin at local side Mladost (technically now called OFK Titograd). May the best team win.
#467125 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
YOUTH INTAKE
Two words; bang. average.
T-COM 1.CFL
MATCHDAY 18
Laborious victory over Mladost with the crunch game against Petrovac on the horizon. In a game where Vitali failed to deliver magic, instead produced by our wingers as Ilic crossed in for Scepanovic to clear the dead air in the ground. Vitali made way for Borghetti who flicked a header into the path of Vujanovic for a late second. Need to perform better than this.
MATCHDAY 19
Whelp, our resistance had to be broken sooner or later but we couldn't afford it to be them. Their two strikers Stamatovic and Mujkic have 35 goals between them and it showed, the partnership on the break was electrifying and Mujkic delivered the crushing blow coming close to half time. You'd have bet your house on Vitali to finish a one on one in the last ten minutes, but Petrovac keeper Amar Stanic played the role of guardian in the scenario and saved it. 20 and out.
MATCHDAY 20
The bogey label wiped from memory, meticulously forcing our way to a crucial late victory over Bokelj. Defending continues to be the Achilles's heel in our gameplans, falling behind early on with lazy marking and positioning. Vitali returned to scoring ways in emphatic fashion with a top drawer postage stamp from 25 yards and the first of two penalties by Rosic nudged us ahead. Bokelj missed two sitters before inevitably equalising going into the break. If it weren't for a red for Ivica Petric's red this game could have gone either way, in the end it had to be decided from the technicality of a penalty and who better than Rosic to close the deal heading into injury time. Mighty relief not to drop more points.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
A red mark that symbolizes blood being drawn in this title race. Far from impressed with the manner of our results, breaking sweat to overhaul Mladost, creatively absent at home to Petrovac and scraping past Bokelj with two pens. I hold my standards high for a team of this stature.
LEAGUE TABLE
So blessed Petrovac lost twice this month opening up a three point gap at the top. In an ideal world it would have been six, but hey ho we play the cards that are dealt to us. Who'll keep their composure the longest?
#467119 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
T-COM 1.CFL
MATCHDAY 16
Straight into the roster, straight onto the scoresheet. A splendid league debut for Federico Vitali, earning the winner against our rivals Sutjeska with a dipped header that grazed the underside of the crossbar and in - the Italians always do things with finesse. Victory was sweeter with scumbag Antic failed miserably trying to snap Rosic's leg in two, straight red for his troubles. Never in doubt.
MATCHDAY 17
I think we've found our serial goalscorer. Couldn't get going in the first half hour, Jedinstvo taking the lead and could have doubled or tripled their earnings. Vitali on the counter is a lethal weapon; made the runs, broke up their shape and scored twice to boot, bellissimo. Radomir Rosic was called upon for a late penalty against the ten men, sending out a message already with ten games remaining.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
No rust just thrust, picking up two wins from two. Unquestionably the player of the month belonged to the Italian striker spearheading our attack. Definitely getting our money's worth.
LEAGUE TABLE
Petrovac refuse to lie down, matching us stride for stride in the title race and still are equal with our point tally. A sixteen point gap now to third.
#467113 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
____________________________________________
TRANSFERS
OUT
Couple of pre-contract departures, the only major one that mattered was Nenad Andrisic who'll be joining our near rivals Petrovac in July. Can't say much about the others, fourth to fifth choice in their positions at best.
IN
Spent a sizable amount on a new left winger in lieu of a threat that Lazar Ilic would walk after not allowing him to talk to potential bigger clubs. Delved into the loan market also, bringing in a new centre back.
Injury to Roganovic forced us into the aforementioned loan deal.
Andreja Petkovic - M(L)/AM(L) - £200k from Partizan (rising to £220k)
Shrewd business to invest in a product of a famed youth academy in Partizan. Almost similar to Ilic and being three years his junior, he can only overtake Lazar's ability. Exactly what's required in a run of the mill winger; speed, trickery on the ball and can cross a ball. May not even see him perform to his peak but a token of generosity on my part. There is a twist however...
Partizan were desperate for him back on loan which not only helps us give him more game time in a better league, but also reaping monetary gain from monthly fees. Pure genius.
Marek Pacholik - D(C) - season long loan from Sparta Praha
What a coup from our parent club. A Czech hopeful who has already bubbled into under 21 level internationally. Commanding in the air, mentally fantastic for a teenager of this level, a cut above what we have in the locker already.
That is...until I forgot to do my research. Turns out he was already loaned out to Mladá Boleslav on top of getting first team action at Sparta, therefore unable to register him. No money lost, but a move with no gain. Waste of my time.
FRIENDLIES
We asked for the big boys in friendly action, taking away a very respectful draw with Bundesliga opposition in Nürnberg with Vitali on the scoresheet, and thrashing Levski by three unanswered goals. (Ignore the fact that Vardar beat us, they're having a good year in Macedonia).
#466594 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Second fiddle to Scepanovic, looks set to miss the rest of the season. Cannot afford to lose Scepanovic now.
T-COM 1.CFL
MATCHDAY 15
Closing out the calendar year by beating the relegation favourites Lovćen. Two ahead only four minutes deep with Scepanovic and Jovanovic scoring two belters. Switched off when they launched a long throw into the box for a way back, but Jovanovic settled it with a second screamer. Credit must also go to Nenad Andrisic who slotted in at central mid, getting three assists and would have got man of the match if not for his penalty miss deep in first half injury time. Both sides ended with ten but barely affected the end result.
Invincible season looming?
GRUPA CRNA GORA
QUARTER FINAL, SECOND LEG (HOME)
FORZA VITALI! A second half coup de maître overturned Bokelj's firm lead, having rocked us with Domuzin's early strike to eliminate our away goal advantage. Looked hopeless heading into the break before a poor backward header gifted Scepanovic with a well taken equaliser. Words were said, it ignited our performance with Federico Vitali heroically netting twice and won it with a peach from 25 yards. Into the semis as a league and cup double seems doable.
I'll toot my own horn when required.
SEMI FINAL DRAW
That'll do, that'll do.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Best way to close out 2055. I could rave on about the scoring abilities of Vitali, the consistency of Scepanovic and even Jovanovic contributing but what a month for Nenad Andrisic; 2 games, 5 assists. Excellent work.
LEAGUE TABLE
No change in picture for top spot, though the gap to third is now fourteen points.
#466505 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
T-COM 1.CFL
MATCHDAY 8
First game in which we failed to score. Like watching paint dry.
MATCHDAY 9
Struggled on another torn up pitch but one goal was enough to snatch victory. Zoran Matic corrected his key side netting miss before half time to finish excellently after a delicately flicked header by substitute Borghetti opened the angle for him. Our Romanian keeper Ionut Zdrâncă was tested deep into injury time but stood ground to comfortably deny Mladost a sweaty equaliser. I dare say we may not get so lucky next time.
MATCHDAY 10
Laid down our first marker in a top of the table clash with Petrovac. Dragan Scepanovic took very little time to get our motors running after calmly finishing a through ball from Borghetti. Petrovac nearly got us wobbling but squandered big chances to keep our lead in tact. Set pieces were the crucial step to success; firstly Borghetti getting his laces behind a free kick from twenty yards, then a similar one hit the bar dropped to the feet of Lazar Ilic who shepherded the ball into an empty net. Although a late goal wiped away a clean sheet, it didn’t wipe away the smiles on our faces as we move four clear.
MATCHDAY 11
Entertainment in a disappointing scoreline. Being the home side we should have built momentum from Radulovic’s lucky early goal but it was quite the opposite. We were awfully skittish when Bokelj broke on counter attacks, one leading to a well deserved equaliser by Petrovic. Ionut Zdrâncă was well tested making two critical stops to keep us level, while at the opposite end Lazar Ilic somehow headed over from two yards. Even a red card couldn't help chances materialise, leaving the game to fade into a draw. Right result on the day.
Bokelj leaving us with virtually no strikers heading into our next game.
GRUPA CRNA GORA
SECOND ROUND, SECOND LEG (HOME)
Quality over quantity, Iskra should have won this - no lie. Took our goals very well indeed, Vitali continues to splurge his talents in the cup games, part time midfielder Sreckovic powerfully headed in a corner and Zoran Matic finished a free kick like something straight off the training ground. Iskra deserved their goal, but bottling five clear cut opportunities is sinful. Dejan Milosavljevic definitely the busier of the two keepers.
QUARTER FINAL DRAW
Our bogey side in the quarters.
T-COM 1.CFL
MATCHDAY 12
This could have finished any scoreline on Dečić's slurry pit(ch). Both sets of defenses must have stayed at home because it was almost too easy slipping in behind, not to mention two own goals offering further help. Tvaradze passed fit for the game offered his first goal of the season, Scepanovic and two own goals stacked in between two Dečić retaliations. Sead Obuca almost added a fifth but somehow his bullet header was denied on the line.
MATCHDAY 13
Dragan Scepanovic is tearing it up right now, a fine hattrick to maintain our unbeaten season. His positioning and spatial awareness were both spot on, getting in the right positions for each of his finishes. Cetinje were no great shakes even if Milosavljev grabbed a consolation, only to get sent off moments later.
MATCHDAY 14
It's a worrying sign when the home team don't play like the home team, i.e. us. Despite the penalty decision going our way to take the lead early on, precious little went our way after the dreadful Radulovic error handing Grbalj level, 90 seconds later no less. Milosavljevic has impressed in performances recently earning him some game time and didn't disappoint, saving twice from point blank range to prevent a turnaround. If it weren't for a red card slowing Grbalj down, we'd have surely cracked to our defeat of the season.
Still unbeaten, but no clean sheet in seven games in all comps. Defensive focus on the next agenda.
GRUPA CRNA GORA
QUARTER FINAL, FIRST LEG (AWAY)
Tragic first leg, but buoyed by a late away goal by the exciting Vitali who continues to score in the cup. Absolutely overrun all game, leading to concede two casual goals and could (and definitely should) have been more. Deservedly beaten, pressure all on us heading to our back garden for leg two.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
As a perfectionist, it's the yellows and reds that grab my attention; we were poor at Jedinstvo, woeful at home to Grbalj and Bokelj are definitely a tough nut to crack. Performance-wise, Dragan Scepanovic has illuminated these last couple of games with 5 goals and 2 assists.
LEAGUE TABLE
Just surpassing the halfway point and even after defeating them twice this season, Petrovac continue to cling onto our ankles with 32 points at the top. Eleven clear of third it is guaranteed to be a two horse race, head to head may be a blessing if this continues.
#465990 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
____________________________________________
NEW SIGNING
Federico Vitali - ST(C) - unattached free agent
In addition to Borghetti and Tvaradze, we welcome Vitali to join our strikeforce. Serie A and Serie B experience with his former clubs Frosinone and Catania, the Ascoli born poacher is well in his prime and no doubt he'll add some goals to his resume. All giddiness aside, 15 goals in 118 appearances for someone with 16 finishing is deeply concerning but hopefully can find his level in the Montenegrin farmlands. Of course me being me, we've left it too late to register him for the first half of the season, so it'll be until January until he debuts in a league game but is eligible for the cup.
T-COM 1.CFL
MATCHDAY 5
Rosic to the rescue as we nearly went down to a smash and grab Grbalj. Controlled the tempo for 90% of the game until we got stretched at the back, allowing Radovic to place the ball in the back of our net. Sparing our blushes, mostly Borghetti's blushes who somehow headed a free header from a yard out onto the bar, man on fire Radomir Rosic bailed us out with a netbuster from an attacking corner.
MATCHDAY 6
Lovćen were easy prey, Borghetti grabbing some inspiration with a brace that included a sublime 20 yard finish. Rosic continued contributing goals for three and a first of the season for Lazar Ilic capped off a one sided affair, even with their red card.
MATCHDAY 7
Known as the 'Montenegrin classic', Sutjeska's performance was far from classic and barely got a sniff of our 18 yard box. Dragan Scepanovic tucked away his 50th career goal with a fine assist by Borghetti, while midfielder Milos Vujanovic's deflected free kick assured victory. Game wound down to sideward passing in midfield before Fabry's frustration earned him a red in injury time. Six straight wins over our rivals in all competitions.
It'll take a lot to de-throne us.
GRUPA CRNA GORA
SECOND ROUND DRAW
Two legged affair with Iskra from tier two side in round two. Too much two?
SECOND ROUND, FIRST LEG (AWAY)
Thorough job done in the first leg, clocking four away goals on return to Pod Goricom. Second choice wingers Zoran Matic and Elvedin Terzic set the tone nicely in the first quarter of the game. Our new Italian striker Vitali impressed on his full debut, even if his two goals were tap ins via goalkeeping errors. Iskra caught us on the break to pull one back but the odds are stacked against them in the second leg.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Still without a scratch going into October, perhaps deserving more at Grbalj. The 4-2-3-1 wide system working almost optimally with Ilic and Scepanovic on the wings with Rosic underlapping. Still yet to see the best from our strikers but Vitali could be the answer once 2056 hits.
LEAGUE TABLE
Still top with Petrovac creeping behind by a single point. Won't be long until the league table fully breaks into subgroups.
#465862 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG (HOME)
First Leg:
Such a cruel blow to us, surviving with ten men for the guts of an hour. Trailing one nil on aggregate, we knew we’d resign ourselves should our Balkan neighbours netted once. Evenly matched contest throughout, making it very difficult for Dinamo to break us down. Arguably having the better chances, we were given a huge boost with a penalty slotted by Rosic to level the tie. Balance of play shifted after the dismissal of Ninkovic but Dinamo were struggling to mount many shots on target. Sadly for us though, a late goal was lurking – brought on defender Obuca to tighten up at the back but a weary clearance teed up the away goal for Kopecky in the 119th minute. Aggrieved, not discouraged.
T-COM 1.CFL
MATCHDAY 1
Starting the season off with a slender victory over Petrovac. Game was far from pretty with talking points few and far between. The only thing that mattered was the final score with our one goal, centre back Marco Radulovic rising highest to meet a header from an inswinging corner. Petrovac gave it a good go but the early red in the second half killed the game.
MATCHDAY 2
A setback so early in the season, blowing a late penalty that could have won us the game. Radomir Rosic helped himself to the first penalty but couldn’t hold our lead till half time when an unmarked Nikic punished us. With four clear cut chances in the second half, I’m baffled how this ended all square, but the moral of the story is this: DO NOT sub the goalscorer. With Rosic off, Ninkovic nominated himself for the second penalty and failed with Bokelj’s 35 year old keeper pushing it over the bar. Not ideal, but we live and learn.
MATCHDAY 3
Low scoring, scrappy slow burners seem to be the norm in the Montenegrin leagues but more than enough against Dečić. Italian born Frenchman, Francesco Borghetti looked sharp and threatened on a few instances before latching onto Zoran Matic's cross and swept home. Speaking of Matic he had a goal disallowed for offside, right call but annoying nonetheless.
MATCHDAY 4
Simply too good for Cetinje, our wingers destroying their full backs with four goals from crosses. Radomir Rosic took centre stage with a composed hat-trick while Dragan Scepanovic and Milos Vujanovic also getting in on the action. Dead atmosphere in the second half after that breathless first and left the game at five.
Unsettling news, barely lasted twenty minutes as a substitute.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
A strong start was expected, though that careless draw at Bokelj irks me a bit. Not seen a great deal from our strikers but with our attacking midfield three it compensates well; Rosic in fine form lately.
LEAGUE TABLE
Only side to break into double figures after the first four, Petrovac and Bokelj chasing behind us at this very early stage.
#465229 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
I'm a man of my word, landing in on deadline day too. An overdue return to Montenegro, but this time I aim to vindicate my only relegation in this nation with a team dripping with domestic success. FK Budućnost Podgorica (ФК Будућност Подгорица) are more than just a football club, but instead a club for over 30 different team and individual sports including basketball, volleyball, boxing, judo and even chess! The term Budućnost roughly translates into ‘the future is coming’ and the football club was the first formed club under this name back in 1925, during the Yugoslavian era. The club go by two nicknames, ‘Plavo-bijeli’ (blue-whites) for their traditional blue and white striped kits, they are also known as ‘Varvari’ (the barbarians) to the diehard ultras.
Descendant of its previous name Titograd (Титоград), Montenegro’s capital city Podgorica (Подгорица) takes up almost a good quarter of the nation’s population with an estimated 186,000. The name Podgorica is broken into two parts, ‘Pod’ referring to ‘area below’ and ‘Gorica’ loosely translating into ‘little hill’. A notable landmark in the city is its ‘Millennium Bridge’, a cable-stayed bridge spanning 173 metres above the Morača River.
The Podgorica City Stadium (Stadion pod Goricom) is the theatre for Montenegro's most prestigious club with a capacity breaching the 15,000 mark with further expansion aiming for 20,000. Built in 1945 shortly after WWII, it has been the home for various Titograd/Podgorica teams and also hosted a handful of international matches involving both Yugoslavia and Montenegro. The highest recorded attendance roughly estimated 20,000 during a Yugoslav league match between Budućnost and Hajduk Split in August 1975, couldn't tell you who won but it certainly wasn't communism. Probably the best kept stadium in the nation, might even be the first I've managed that has four stands.
FK Budućnost are the most successful team since the formation of the independent Montenegro in 2006, earning three titles (2008, 2012 & 2017), equal with FK Sutjeska. The side also lifted one Montenegrin Cup in 2013, pipping FK Čelik in a 1-0 victory. They were also runners up on two occasions in the prestigious Yugoslavian cup in 1965 and 1977, losing to Dinamo Zagred and Hajduk Split respectively. Did you also know they won a European trophy? Back in 1981 they entered the now defunct Intertoto Cup back when it was a group stage format, topping their group ahead of Danish club Odense, Sweden’s Östers and the Austrians of Wacker Innsbruck (not exactly notable names but the point is they have a European honour next to their name). In the FM era, they’ve absolutely cleaned up with 27 league titles, including five invincible campaigns. The future has definitely come for these heavyweights.
SQUAD
Impeccable depth in numbers when it comes to quality, it's no wonder they're dominating all across the board domestically. Many players hitting their prime years already, surprised there aren't as many teens coming through the ranks as of yet. Obviously with big talent come big bills, one lone Georgian Tvaradze in particular on nine grand a week but thankfully our financial game is well on point. If anything, a new striker may be required with only two on our roster currently. We'll see how Tvaradze and Borghetti get on first before jumping to conclusions. Wingers seem to be the nucleus of our key men.
KEY PLAYER(S): Lazar Ilic - M(L)/AM(L)
Our lefty is the younger of the two and thus hasn't progressed as well mentally, but damn he'll do. Blistering quick for the division, solid crossing ability and technique will no doubt improve over time. Broken through into the national side too so guaranteed he'll be the finished article before he hits his mid twenties.
Dragan Scepanovic - M(R)/AM(R)
The righty is practically a clone of Ilic but with a wiser, albeit hot head on him. Equally as quick, equally as pinpoint on crosses and technique, harder worker and a bit more flair. Practically cut from the same cloth which makes an attacking 4-2-3-1 system ideal with these players and can slot deeper as the game winds down.
EXPECTATIONS
I've been hired for one reason and one reason alone...WIN THE DAMN LEAGUE. Anything less is a definite failure and a one way ticket out of Montenegro. I mean with the budget we have, the players at our disposal, the backroom setup and intelligence, if I don't win it I'll put my managerial career on the line. I'll quit football immediately.
(and that is not a joke).
#462617 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
#454676 [FM19] Shedender's British Steel Challenge
DNZY
#454665 [FM19] Brexit Can't Melt British (and Irish) Steel
DNZY
@Dan - I wouldn't say 'great', just the best option out of the available.
@AdamRK - Yes, Gary can definitely kick a ball..I hope.
___________________________________________
TRANSFERS
IN
I'd like to say we emptied our pockets for the first transfer window but with frugal funds available, frees and loans were the only alternative. Zac Butterworth arrives in from Rangers to add some creative flair to the midfield (I'm using terms loosely here), while Gavin Malin comes in to maintain the defensive/attacking transitions. As I've noticed over the months...defending isn't really our strong point, hence why defending additions in Michael Dunlop and John Higgins to try and hold the fort. Higgins may also double up as an overlapping option.
ALBION ROVERS vs. Queen's Park
Scottish League Cup Group E
Reigart Stadium
It was to be our only group win, but thankfully it came against our arch rivals. A delightful looping ball over the Queen's Park defence paved way for Graham Gracie to fire home in the opening quarter. Gracie so nearly doubled our lead in the opening stages of the second half too but denied by Hart in goal (no, that ain't Joe). The visitors were wasteful with routine saves for Peter Morrison to gather and preserve a clean sheet. The game did however end in controversy with QP equalising in injury time but the flag was up for offside. Replays showed the ref correctly ruling it out.
Mattered very little as the rest of the group took turns to whip us. Clyde softened us up for Queen of the South to give us a right pasting. Improved with the Queen's Park victory, however we came up short against Stranraer in a tight encounter.
Unsurprisingly knocked out of the group stages and finishing bottom to boot. We were rank outsiders anyways so no complaints.
Queen's Park vs. ALBION ROVERS
Scottish League 2
Hampden Park
Second time around we weren't so fresh at the massive Hampden Park...for all 1400 fans to flock. Contrary to belief we actually were in the game despite slumping to a 3-0 half time deficit. A bit of a stern team talk and turned on the thrusts after the break. Gracie could have had a hat-trick in the game but settled for one via a counter attack to light the fuse. A penalty from Fisher helped us pull it back to 3-2 but midfielder Jamie Gallagher spurned the full comeback in injury time, heading straight at the keeper from a corner. Five clear cut chances in the game, we'll look back on this and wonder why we came away with nothing.
Started life in League 2 very nicely with a rather fortunate late winner against Edinburgh City, courtesy of an own goal after Gracie bagged a nice brace. Gracie also netted at home to Peterhead in a rather flattering draw. However Rangers' Colts ran rings around us which had a knock on effect going into Elgin City and the Queen's Park result to leave us with only a single win from our opening four league games.
ALBION ROVERS vs. Stirling Albion
Scottish League 2
Reigart Stadium
Shambles. This was a must win against the bottom side but Stirling prevailed victorious. Edged the first half with some close shaves, Graham Gracie seems to be the reliant goalscorer for us but denied by the post on the half hour. Keeper Peter Morrison might want to look away from the highlights reel, totally oblivious to his surroundings from a free kick as Daniel Jardine looped a header over him into an empty net. Stirling took control afterwards and Peter MacDonald should have added two more to the Stirling tally as we luckily escaped. Not looking good.
September was forgettable. Berwick Rangers really should have been taken to the cleaners but ended in a standstill. David Goodwillie continues to be far too overpowered for this division, slotting a brace in a comfortable 2-0 win for Clyde. Couldn't even compete with Cowdenbeath, even more surprising that someone other than Gracie scored in that match too. The Stirling ended a miserable month.
LEAGUE TABLE
Not going too well with the Wee Rovers. You can see my frustration with the Stirling result as they now move level on points with us at the wrong end of the table. Might not be a state of emergency just yet but unless our performances improve, this could become a fight for survival. Clyde cruising at the top.
SCOTTISH CUP
SECOND ROUND DRAW
Speaking of whom, out of all the teams we could have faced in the second round of the Scottish cup, it had to be them.
#451165 [FM19] Brexit Can't Melt British (and Irish) Steel
DNZY
@Dan @bigmattb28 @Shedender @r96Skinner all say Albion.
@Suffolk Seasider & @tongey for Hemel Hempstead.
@AdamRK taking the leftfield approach with Dergview.
___________________________________________
Life in this challenge begins in Scotland to League 2 outfit Albion Rovers. The Wee Rovers have been on a rather downward trajectory during their lifespan, from once being a well established Championship side to even dipping their toes into the Scottish Premiership to now being almost bottom of the food chain. In fact, they've practically been fourth tier since the mid nineties but did however spend a couple of seasons in League 1 before their recent relegation to their 'level'. Three honours to Albion's name, winning the Championship once in 1934, League 1 in 1989 and most recently League 2 in 2015.
SQUAD
A lot of versatility but a major concern is the lack of some natural central midfielders. It's unclear what formation I'll rock with but I need at least two CMs which needs to be addressed massively in the open transfer window. One highly influential player and two other influential players is a small enough circle to keep harmony up but could easily turn the team on me in an instant. Fair to say we'll need to strengthen the team to win anything here.
Key Player: Gary Fisher
Expectations
In summary: stay up, be grand.
#450654 [FM19] Brexit Can't Melt British (and Irish) Steel
DNZY
___________________________________________
So three teams have come forward to seek my services to ride through this mammoth challenge:
- In Northern Ireland, we've the Constitutes of Dergview in the second tier who look to aim avoiding the drop at an unflattering 100-1 odds in the season preview.
- On the other hand, I could delve straight into the English leagues with Hertfordshire based Hemel Hempstead in the Vanarama South. The board expect a top half finish and with an extra allocation of playoff places might help us move up divisions, but as I'm seeking trophies this may not be the smartest option to start.
- Perhaps the most appealing offer comes in the land of tartan, Albion Rovers in Scottish League 2. Another side with low ambitions of maintaining league status and with the bookies having us favourites to get relegated or at best conquer the relegation playoff this may be a poisoned chalice.
#450408 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
@bcsaulJ - Fingers crossed it'll hold!
___________________________________________
My links with Slovenia must have influenced Olimpija becoming our parent club for the foreseeable future.
A great moment too for the in-form Jurijs Ivanovs who grabbed his first cap for Latvia (not that it's very hard to get in).
VIRSLĪGA
MATCHDAY 12
What a f*cking way to lose our first game of the season. Truly staggering. I guess we have ourselves to blame, two glaring defensive errors from aerial balls equalled two goals for Mikuckis from their only two shots on target. Janis Dobrecovs may have snuck one past the Skonto keeper, nothing, literally nothing else caught him out. Even a 33 shot fusillade and the return of Marcel Newton couldn't undo our mistakes. I feel sick to my stomach.
MATCHDAY 13
It happened again. All over them like a disease, yet one late sneaky header gets away from Skurjats' grasp and trickles into the net. Jurijs Plukaitis very unlucky not to score for us, only denied by the crossbar but back to back defeats now leaves us in a really delicate state before the Spartaks league game.
MATCHDAY 14
Ah the inevitable FM slump, how I've missed you. Should be illegal for someone of Ricards Stolcers to play in this division, he ran circles around us all game plus comfortably ticking off a fine hat-trick. So much possession, very little end product. Three defeats in a row, a dream now evaporates.
MATCHDAY 15
Imagine a threepeat over Ventspils, sadly not the case. One close range header in either half left things all square, Jurkovs counteracting Ivanovs' opener. I love the fact we're racking up nearly 20 shots a game but failing to convert them to goals. More points dropped, get this poor form away from me.
MATCHDAY 16
Much better, in fact we scored all four...three of them at our end. Dobrecovs must have struck oil lately, he's banging them in on an almost regular basis now and a welcome return to the scoresheet for Newton shooting with a bit of welly past a helpless Jelgava keeper. Was almost over at half time with a third goal, but ruled out for offside by a bunch of killjoys. Sokolovs endured the unfortunate "wrong place, wrong time" scenario to give a sliver of hope until Dobby got a second. More of this please!
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Wouldn't be a Halloween post without a bit of blood red, in fact three helpings of it (two were bullsh#t). Can't really pin this dip on anyone in particular but I'm glad things are steadying once again. Dobrecovs looking really impressive alongside Newton up top.
LEAGUE TABLE
Well...it was fun while it lasted. Can't see Spartaks hiccuping from this point. Now we're in a slugfest with Skonto and Ventspils for European places.
Well, well, well. What do we have here?
Nation: Montenegro
Media Prediction (Odds): 1st/10 (3-1F)
Expectations: League winners
Pros: Seventeen league titles in eighteen years. Five times consecutive league champs of Montenegro. A squad that can easily walk this league (ten times better than Gulbene's). (Almost) a £2m transfer kitty. European football almost a certainty.
Cons: Loved by the town of Gulbene. Budućnost board abide by a number of key philosophies. (I'm sorry, it's very hard to come up with a reason not to leave...)
RESULT
I mean that wage is an insult with the amount of money they generate. Heart over head or head over heart? All the signs are pointing to head.
#450306 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
VIRSLĪGA
MATCHDAY 7
A very unlikely point against the champs, not without a little bit of luck on it's way. Spartaks showed their professional attitude against the semi pros and easily waltzed their way to two goals. Then came the comeback; two set pieces, one of which we didn't even challenge for as a corner was headed in by the unchallenged defender. The second from Plukaitis took a massive deflection but still took the credit. Shellshocked Spartaks.
Bad news for Rimkus, he's finding life difficult at Gulbene. Especially with Nalivaiko tearing things up in this XI.
MATCHDAY 8
The first win over Ventspils might have been a fluke, this one was proper annihilation. Two tap ins in quick succession by Plukaitis left the visitors tearing up their plan A. I guess plan B for them was damage limitation, not a peep from them thereafter, leaving Nikolajs Apins to drive the final nail into the coffin. Pinch me, I must be dreaming.
MATCHDAY 9
Can anyone stop us right now? Certainly not Jelgava. Massive relief for Dobrecovs to get the goalscoring monkey off his back with a double on top of a Knapsis penalty and a rare goal from Jurijs Ivanovs from centre back. Two late goals from Jelgava made it somewhat of a game but in truth, we were always going to win this.
MATCHDAY 10
You wait for a bus for twenty four games, then suddenly Dobrecovs gets five in two. RTU are definitely the whipping boys of this league with only one point to their name, and being two down and then going a man down before the half hour mark, that was certainly not going to change. Complete control from start to finish with Dobrecovs bringing home the match ball.
MATCHDAY 11
For Christ's sake, STILL can't beat this shower of blankers. Can't say much for us, we barely put a dent in Riga's backline and only creating three half baked ideas.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Could be our best month to date, didn't lose to Spartaks for starters, hammered Ventspils and controlling nearly every game we're in. Glad to see Janis Dobrecovs back in the goals, but seriously hats off to this midfield of Gulbis, Knapsis, Apins and Nalivaiko - working absolute wonders right now.
LEAGUE TABLE
Let me make this abundantly clear - we are semi-professional...and we're stringing along the only three professional sides in the division below us. No defeats, only one loss in our last twenty five games in all comps. Is the trophy drought going to end this year??
I think it's now time to take the next step. Preparing for a new age at Gulbene with upgrades to both our training facilities and now our youth facilities.
Oh. Gulbis has retired....mid-season...in the best year of his Gulbene career...and now he's abruptly left....what the frick?!