Shedender - Comments

On the back of four games unbeaten since arriving at PSV February turned out to be the busiest month of the season as the Europa League returned with it's first knockout round as we played Spanish side Athletic in a two legged affair. Those two games turned out to be two of seven that had to be played this month with five being in the Eredivisie.


Before I start the February round-up I completed three signings in January (but I forgot to take a screenshot). Strikers Heitmann and Suazo arrived along with attacking midfielder Cesar. I'm sure both Heitmann and Cesar could prove to be excellent signings, Suazo is just back-up for experience purposes.

And things didn't start off great as we suffered a shock reversal at the hands of VVV-Venlo, going down three two despite having a two nil lead at half time and that annoyed me slightly as goals from January signing Cesar and defender Gouweleeuw looked to have us in control but the home side came back strong in the second half and a treble from Cooper ensured a shock win against the odds.

We did bounce back however with a 2-0 home success over Fortuna Sittard as another January signing Heitmann opened the scoring after seventeen minutes before Cesar struck for the second game running after sixty-five to seal the points. The points were never in doubt even after Strootman was sent off for two yellow cards on sixty-nine minutes and that means he'll miss the trip to Heracles.

The trip to Heracles turned out to be an absolute stunning performance, wrapping up an excellent six one away success in the process despite not taking the lead until the thirty-first minute when Mertens broke the deadlock and then the same man doubled the lead four minutes into the second half and then van Meel made it three. A Gouweleeuw own goal on sixty-one minutes proved just to be a consolation goal for the home side as substitute Lens struck twice on seventy-three and ninety minutes in between an own goal through Davidson.

We stayed on the road for the second straight game as we made the trip to Vitesse in what was going to be a tough ask but the points were shared along with six goals. The three all draw saw us take the lead from the penalty spot after just ten minutes as Cesar converted but goals from Vydra and Bony turned the game around just before half time to give the home side a two one lead but two goals in as many second half minutes from Cesar for his second and Lens turned the game around again but Bony's second goal of the game on sixty-six minutes saw the points shared.

For the third game running the side had to travel, this time to the sunny climates of Spain to face Athletic Bilbao and we slipped up and headed home with a two one defeat but still in the tie and even took the lead after thirty-seven minutes when Gouweleeuw headed home but the hosts left it late and struck inside the final six minutes to turn the game around - Aduriz and Muniain scoring,

Our final league game of the month saw us host rivals Feyenoord but we could only pick up a point as just like the VVV-Venlo game the side squandered a two nil lead but this time it was messed up late and that left me bewildered. A double from winger Narsingh looked to have won us the game as he struck in the thirty-fifth and eighty-second minute but two goals inside four minutes from Janmaat on eighty-four and Immers on eighty-eight saw the points shared.

And the month concluded with us exiting the Europa League despite being victorious in the second leg against Athletic, we picked up a three two win but exited on the away goals rule and three of the goals came in the final twenty minutes of normal time as Joseph-Monrose opened the scoring on seventy minutes before an eighty-first minute goal from Lens turned the tie around but Iraola's goal, six minutes remaining forced extra time. A penalty from central midfielder Strootman on ninety-eight minutes again turned the tie in our favour but Aduriz struck two minutes later to send the Spaniard's through.


Still top of the table and the gap has stretched to a massive two points so it's still very tight and all to play for going into the business end of the season and just eight games remaining as I look to wrap up the league title despite only arriving at the club late December, similar to Galatasaray. Ajax are doing slightly better (so that should cheer Dyrim up, if he's an Ajax fan) but MVV look doomed for the drop.

Indeed it did seem a silly move on his part Dan but I'm just pleased to have had a chance to manage in Holland were I had an excellent save with Ajax and then later Feyenoord (same save) a few years ago. I've only played the one game to date.

To be expected George, PSV and Ajax are the two biggest clubs in Holland.


We entered January with my first win under my belt since arriving at PSV, with the 2-1 away success at RKC on New Years Eve. The first month of twenty fifteen saw us play twice in the league against NEC away from home and Roda JC at the Phillips Stadion along with a home Dutch Cup quarter final vs. Vitesse.


January started with a tricky trip to NEC as I looked to make it back to back victories since arriving at the club and a fifty-fourth minute strike from central midfielder Defour ensured we picked up a single goal victory and kicked off the New Year with maximum points.

We then entertained Roda JC at home and picked up a two one victory in front of our own support. After a scoreless first period we broke the deadlock in the fifty-ninth minute through striker Lens but Roda equalised ten minutes later courtesy of Lebedynski but a last gasp strike from Lens for his second of the game ensured three points.

Our final game in the month was a quarter final tie in the Dutch Cup as we hosted Vitesse in what was expected to be a tough game and it proved just that as a single goal, struck in the one hundred and eighteenth minute sealed a semi final birth with Heerenveen.


We are just a single point clear at the top of the table come the end of January with FC Twente in second place and Vitesse in third. Ajax remain to have a poor season as they're down in eighth but thirteen points behind the second place team so I expect them to start climbing the table. Feyenoord remain to flirt with relegation, down in fourteenth.

Shall be following "Brendan".

Since I arrived at PSV I have been eagerly awaiting my first Eredivisie fixture and that arrived ten days after joining the club as my new charges travelled to relegation threatened RKC with the side hovering just one place above the bottom while a win could send my new side to the summit of the league table.


My reign at PSV has started with maximum points following a two one win away to struggling RKC. We took the lead after only two minutes when Lens found himself in space to put the ball into the net and as we continued to be the better side Mertens doubled the score after twenty-eight minutes but we were unable to add more to our tally and conceded a goal after sixty-eight minutes when Schreurs halved the deficit but we held on.


PSV have moved top of the table following my first win in my first game against RKC. We're only top on goal difference at the moment with Vitesse in second place. Ajax have had a shocking first half to the season and are down in ninth.

PSV was the only job that appealed to me Dyrim. You have a deep lying hatred for them? You an Ajax fan? The non-EU rule in Turkey was doing my head in (remember, it went down from ten to eight this season) and I've nothing else to achieve at the club that I can't elsewhere. I'm planning on sticking with PSV for at least a few seasons as I need to show some loyalty.


Similar to Galatasaray I'm sure everyone has heard of PSV but again for the select few who haven't then I am once again going to do a rundown on a club who are in second place in the top flight with the side favourites for the league title. The post became available after their previous manager headed to Stuttgart.


PSV are a Dutch football club based in Eindhoven and were formed in 1913, one hundred and one years ago and are nicknamed Boeren, which apparently translates into Peasants in English. They're predicted to win the Eredivisie and lie in second place with me taking over as the new manager. PSV have two legends on their information - former Aston Villa striker Nilis and Romario while they have Hiddink, van Nistelrooy and Ronaldo listed as icons.

Their is currently six favoured personnel on the list and they're van der Kuylen, Cocu, Koevermans, Stevens, Manoley and Jali and PSV's fierce rivals are Ajax while they also have Feyenoord and FC Twente as other rivals and their finances are currently secure and are still participating in the Europa League.


The squad I have currently at my disposal doesn't look the biggest, nor the most talented so I will make sure to address that eventually and I am also hoping to add another striker as the club currently only has two first team strikers on the books. I've an idea on who is going to be in my first eleven when I face RKC in my first competitive game.

With the league, cup and Super Cup won at Galatasaray in not even a full season at the helm I've decided to depart the club and head to Holland for the next chapter in my managerial career. I only arrived at Galatasaray back in January 2014 and eleven months later I am moving on as success came quite quickly at the Ali Sami Yen.


I applied for the vacant post at league favourites PSV after their manager went pasters new and went to German side Stuttgart. A prominent member of PSV's board are flattered with my interest but their is still no guarantee I will receive the job. I was also tempted to put a cheeky application in for the vacancy at Liverpool but decided not to embarrass myself. While at Cim Bom I have won the league, cup and Super Cup.


Mr van der Doelen offered me a three-year-contract to take the reigns but I delayed the original approach for a week so I could conclude my December month at the Ali Sami Yen and thankfully they agreed and returned with the original job offer. They're expected to challenge for the Eredivisie this season and things are looking good as they're currently in second place.


It's official. I've left my position as Galatasaray manager and take over the post at Dutch giants PSV. I was introduced to the public this morning at the press conference and it's the first time in this career that I will be departing Turkey to pursue my managerial career and I can't wait to get started. Galatasaray have been paid £825k in compensation and I'm sure I won't let the PSV board, players or fans down.

My first game in charge of PSV will be on New Year's Eve when we make the trip to relegation threatened RKC.

The side entered the final month of twenty fourteen looking to get back to winning ways in the league following our defeats to Fenerbahce and Schalke and in December we had a busy schedule as we played seven games – four in the league, two qualifying games in the Turkish Cup and our final Champions League group game against Anderlecht.


December started with our rescheduled game away to second bottom Gaziantepspor that was changed for television reasons and the relegation candidates shocked our travelling support as they picked up a hard fought and deserved single goal victory as Tosun struck the winner after thirty-three minutes.

Our next game was at home to Kasimpasa as we looked to bounce back to winning ways after three games without a win in all competitions, thankfully we managed to pick up a much needed three points but it wasn’t as convincing as I would have liked, Gudmundsson struck the only goal on twenty-three minutes in a single goal victory.

The final Champions League group B game saw Anderlecht come to Istanbul and suffer a single goal defeat as Felipe Anderson scored the only goal on ten minutes.

We returned to domestic action with a Turkish Cup fourth qualifying round trip to Dardanelspor and produce a four nil victory but it was flattering as we weren’t as good as I expected. Summer signing Gudmundsson opened the scoring on four minutes and that lead was doubled five minutes later when Yilmaz ended his scoring drought before hitting his second and our third on twenty minutes and the progression was sealed on forty-one minutes as Ozturk found the net.

We played just our third league game this month and it was one to forget. We travelled to Bursaspor looking to put in a top class performance but unfortunately it was a performance to forget as Bursaspor ran out 6-0 winners much to the shock of our away support. Goals from Martinuccio, Batalla and Ipek had them three up at half time before Martinuccio struck twice in the second half to complete his hat trick before former Middlesbrough player Tuncay completed the hiding.

The side then hosted Goztepe and former Real Madrid winger Altintop scored the only goal on sixty-two minutes.

The year ended with a home game against Genclerbirligi and twenty fourteen ended horribly as we failed to score in two consecutive games as the visitors picked up a well deserved two goal victory as my team remained at home. Two strikes inside the final fifteen minutes from Lekic and Henrique sealed the win.


Our fourth and fifth defeat of the season could see our top spot come to an end as Trabzonspor play their game on Sunday so I expect my Galatasaray side to be second come the New Year, which is a shame because we’ve been quite well the first half of the season bar a poor December.


Could say our failure to escape the group is “heartbreak” but with our poor goal difference I didn’t expect us to escape the group and it showed as we came third and will be playing Europa League football in February as Porto picked up a win to seal their progression along with group winners Schalke.

Don’t think I’ve ever been part of such a tight group.

With an excellent October behind us domestically, November saw us play four times in the Turkish Premier Division as well as two tough Champions League games as we faced Porto and Schalke 04 for the second time with the group still wide open.


We started the penultimate month of the calendar year with a trip to Kayserispor and we headed home with a well deserved three one victory despite falling behind after only seven minutes when Cangele scored a penalty but we levelled proceedings four minutes from half time courtesy of Brazilian Ademilson before second time goals from Ademilson for his second and Felipe Anderson sealed the points.

Our second fixture of the month was the return group game against Porto at the Ali Sami Yen and we produced an excellent display to be victorious two one as we took a two goal lead with Felipe Anderson (20) and Ademilson (45) scoring in the first half but we were unable to claim a clean sheet as former Manchester United player Diouf pulled one back on seventy-six minutes.

The side returned to Premier Division duty with a “competitive derby” against Trabzonspor at home and we picked up a two goal win to claim five straight league victories with two goals inside ten second half minutes. Brazilian attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson opened the scoring on fifty-seven minutes before Inan doubled the lead ten minutes later.

A tricky trip to Sivasspor was up next and we edged the game by a single goal as Inan won us the game after sixty-six minutes.

Galatasaray’s final league game of the month was the Istanbul derby clash with rivals and league favourites Fenerbahce and they “committed a crime” to defeat us two one at the Ali Sami Yen despite us clearly being the better side and taking the lead just before half time through winger Altintop but a second half double from Sow turned the game around.

November came to an end with the fourth Champions League group game against Schalke in Germany and we were dismal, crashing to a two nil defeat as striker Huntelaar struck twice in the first half. The opening goal came after twenty-one minutes before he struck a thirty-seventh minute spot kick.


With our good recent form coming to an end following a undeserved home defeat at the hands of Fenerbahce, we are three points clear of second place Trabzonspor, have a much better goal difference and have a game in hand vs. second bottom Gaziantepspor.


Unfortunately bar a complete miracle we will be playing Europa League football after Christmas. We need to beat Anderlecht 8-0 at the Ali Sami Yen and hope Porto lose against group winners Schalke. Can’t see it happening. We done quite well in the group stages but need to sort out the away form if we're going to escape the group stages.

Indeed it has been a good start to the season Dyrim, long may it continue or so I hope.


After suffering our first league defeat last time out it was important we returned to winning ways as soon as possible in October as we faced three league games and two Champions League group B games vs. Anderlecht and Porto both away from home. We won our three domestic games against Mersin, Orduspor and Eskisehirspor.


October kicked off with a tough Champions League trip to Belgium and we returned to Istanbul with a one all score draw. Following a scoreless first period we took the lead in front of the hostile Anderlecht crowd as Vida headed home on fifty-six minutes but unfortunately the lead only lasted three minutes with Rajas equalising and that's how it ended.

We returned to league action against what seemed to be a straight forward league fixture versus Mersin I.Y. and it was as we picked up a valuable two goal victory as Emre scored his first goal since arriving from Trabzonspor after only seven minutes before central midfielder Inan doubled proceedings on fifty-four minutes to wrap up the victory.

Our third fixture of the month saw my Galatasaray side make the journey to Orduspor and we headed home with the three points as Yilmaz broke the deadlock after fifty-one minutes however Stancu equalised five minutes later and when the game looked set to end all square, Altintop converted a ninety-second minute spot kick to send the travelling fans into raptures.

We returned to Champions League with a trip to Portuguese side Porto and they won two nil as Johnson and Derdiyak scored in either half.

And the month concluded with Eskisehirspor visiting the Ali Sami Yen and we picked up our third league win on the bounce but it had to be done the hard way as Gucer fired the visitors into a nineteenth minute later but we turned the game around before half time as Icelandic Gudmundsson and defender Akca struck on thirty-eight and forty-three minutes respectively.


Those three league wins on the bounce has seen us at the summit of the Premier Division and three points clear of second place Trabzonspor who we face next month in what seems to be a crucial game, even this early. League favourites Fenerbahce have had an awful start to the campaign and find themselves languishing above the relegation zone and their manager is serious pressure, I do expect them to turn it around.


The half way stage of the Champions League group and we find ourselves in the Europa League spot after only picking up a point from our last two games and that came in a one all draw in Belgium against bottom of the group Anderlecht before suffering a deserved defeat in Porto. Three games are remaining in the group - they are Porto at home and Schalke away before the group finishes with Anderlecht visiting the Ali Sami Yen.

The second month of the new season was upon us as we played three league games while we kicked off our Champions League group stages as German side Schalke 04 travelled to the Ali Sami Yen. It started well but we suffered our first defeat of the season, crashing at Elazigspor.


We started the month with a trip to Istanbul BBSK and we picked up a thumping four goal victory despite only having a one nil half time lead as Yilmaz opened the scoring after twelve minutes before experienced winger Altintop doubled the lead on fifty minutes and then Yilmaz' second four minutes later made it 3-0 and the scoring was completed when Croatian central defender Vida found the net with eleven minutes remaining.

We then entertained Schalke 04 in our first Champions League group B game and we caused an upset following a two one win as two goals in four first half minutes from Boyata and Yilmaz had us two goals up but we were unable to keep a clean sheet as Pukki pulled a goal back with twenty minutes remaining.

The side returned to league action with a home clash against Karabukspor and my Galatasaray side had to come from behind to pick up a 2-1 win after Ano opened the scoring five minutes into the second half but we equalised sixty seconds later courtesy of Altintop before the same man won us the game with ten minutes left.

September finished with a trip to Elazigspor and I suffered my first defeat of the campaign, going down two one despite Yilmiz giving us the lead after ten minutes but we were unable to hold on until half time as Zaki equalised from the penalty spot and then Pele won the game for Elazigspor after eighty-five minutes.


That shock reversal against Elazigspor has seen us lose top spot as Trabzonspor has moved a point clear at the summit. Premier Division favourites Fenerbahce have had a shocking start to the season and are down in fourteenth place but I expect them to pick up.


We are in second place in our Champions League group after the first round of fixtures. We defeated Schalke 2-1 at the Ali Sami Yen but Porto lead the group following their five goal win over Belgian side Anderlecht.

Thumping win over Bournemouth mate. Revenge? Didn't they beat you last season?

You're doing extremely well but I'm not surprised. You done well at AFC (Wombles) Wimbledon and you're doing well now. KIU.

Thanks George. Winning the league and cup was dramatic and I hope the new signings can fire me to another league title.


August saw the 2014/2015 campaign kick off with a tricky trip to Adanaspor but before that we entertained Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Cup as I looked to add my third trophy since arriving at Galatasaray back in January. We also host Kayseri Erciyesspor and Besiktas in August while the Champions League group stages were also drew.


It was the Turkish Super Cup that kicked off our season and in an entertaining game we picked up a three nil victory as debutant Gudmundsson broke the deadlock as the Icelandic winger, who signed from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the summer scored on thirty-seven minutes before second half finishes from Altintop and Balta secured the Super Cup.

We kicked off the league campaign away to Adanaspor and we picked up a two one victory despite falling behind when Mayhos opened the scoring after seven minutes but Gudmundsson equalised on twenty-seven minutes and eleven minutes later former Manchester City central defender Boyata headed home.

Our first home game of the new season saw us host Kayseri Erciyesspor and we picked up a well deserved four goal victory and we could've scored more as we dominated from the beginning. Central midfielder Inan opened the scoring on twenty minutes with the only goal in the first half. Six minutes into the second half Yilmiz doubled the lead with his first goal of the season before he struck again on sixty-eight and then winger Altintop added a fourth on seventy-two minutes.

August concluded with a second consecutive home game and we brushed Besiktas aside, winning 3-0. Turkish striker Yilmiz put us into the lead after just nine minutes before Gudmundsson doubled the lead after only twenty-one minutes and the points were wrapped up as Boyata scored his second goal of the season on fifty-two minutes.


We have made a bright start to the season as we're sitting top of the table following the first three fixtures in August. We've a 100 percent record and have scored nine times and conceded just the once, on the opening day of the season away to Adanaspor. It's been a promising start but we need to keep the form up.


The draw for the Champions League group stages were made today and we've been drawn in group B along with Portuguese side Porto, German Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 and Belgian's Anderlecht. Our group stages will start on the sixteenth of September twenty fourteen. We could finish second but it's going to be tough, don't be surprised if we participate in the Europa League after Christmas.

Fola just doesn't want a transfer window because he'll bring in rubbish.

Seriously though, good luck at FCR guys. Shall be following.

With the season ended I finally had a chance to evaluate my squad properly and was able to make wholesale changes. The non-EU rule changed this season so instead of having ten in the squad (max. six in the first team) it went down to eight (max. five in the first team) and that was quite irritating. I've spent big but I've also received big money too while eight friendlies were playing during pre season and they weren't the greatest.


The first arrival came near the end of last season as Felipe Anderson has joined from Santos for five and a quarter million. Apparently the board regard it as a "poor piece of business" even though they haven't seen him play yet. Idiots.

I've added another attacking midfielder who should be back-up to Felipe Anderson as Frei has joined on-loan from Fulham until the end of next season and we've had to pay Fulham twenty-eight thousand per month for his services. Gural has arrived for six hundred and seventy five thousand from Trabzonspor and he's a left winger while right back Luiz has cost the same amount from Gremio.

Manchester City have been paid one and a half million so I could get the services of Boyata while I've nearly spent four million to complete the signing of Beerschot AC's Turkish central midfielder Ozturk and eight hundred thousand has seen Galatasaray re-sign Derici. We've paid four point one million for Gungor while our final signing of the summer, Gudmundsson has cost four point three million from Dutch cup AZ Alkmaar.

Four players have left the club this summer for a "large sum" of cash. Guilherme will head to Udinese for six million, left winger Amrabat joined Marseille for five million along with Nounkeu who cost the same amount while Eboue returned to English football, joining Southampton for four point one million - Modise left to join H. Tel-Aviv for just shy of two million.

Ugur, Emre, Yigit, Anil, Mertan, Nekounam and Richards have all been released. Elmander joined West Brom after agreeing a switch back in January while Bilai went to Tokatspor after also agreeing a pre contract with them and Yildiz signed for Dardanelspor for eight grand.


This is what the squad currently looks like. Musiera will once again be first choice while Uzel, Vida, Boyata and Balta could be the back four. The central midfielders could be Inan and Colak while Altintop, Felipe Anderson and Gudmundsson should be the ones to be play behind the loan striker Yilmaz. Lets hope the new signings can gel in quickly and we can have another successful season.


Our pre season programme was quite disappointing this time around as we only managed to pick up three wins from a possible eight, drawing three and losing twice. We managed to beat Pasabahce, Balikesirspor and SPC Helfort while we slipped up away to Chelsea and Rapid Wien while we drew against Kartalspor, Salzburg and Chernomorets (Burgas)

Despite only joining Galatasaray around six months ago the season was a successful one as I guided the side to Premier Division and Turkish Cup success. This update will focus on the 2014/2015 seasonal expectations, how the squad is currently looking and our pre season friendly fixtures for the forthcoming season.


The pressure is on for this season as the minimum expectation is that the team win the Premier Division this season and it'll be tough. I've been backed with a twelve million transfer budget to play with and I'm sure that will change as I'm looking to ship players out who are foreign. The reason why I need to ship out foreigners is that the squad can only now have 8 non-EU players instead of ten as of this season. Annoying.


Ignore the poor ratings on some players because they don't reflect how good they player truly is e.g. Akca who done well when called upon.

You can expect some players to be released/moved on in the summer and all will be reviled in the next update and I've an idea who won't be at the club much longer while their is some players I would love to keep at the club as I embark on a Champions League journey.

Pressure is on Ademilson this season. He didn't do too good (when played) since arriving in January. I hope he'll be better this season.


I've arranged eight pre season friendly fixtures as we'll face Pasabahce, Balikesirspor, Chelsea, Kartalspor, Salzburg, Austria Wien, Rapid Wien and Sturm Graz but I'm expecting at least two of the Austrian games to be postponed as their season will probably be started - if they're postponed then I will add one/two games to keep it eight.

Well, you proved me wrong and managed to progress. Congrats mate.

You're doing well in the league too, which is excellent.

A second season has been completed in Turkey and it was one to remember as I managed two clubs throughout the 2013/2014 campaign. It started at Kirklarelispor and the side were doing well, very well but then giants Galatasaray came calling and I couldn’t say no.


Once again I had a review come the end of the season and the board were understandably very pleased with how I’ve done at the club in such a short space of time guiding the club to the Premier Division and Turkish Cup. The club were predicted to come third so I’ve exceeded expectations once again.

The supporters were delighted with my signing of Akca, despite only being two stars he was a reliable player when called upon and the player performances proved to be at a high level, the fans were very pleased with Vida’s form this season, not bad for a player who isn’t allegedly settled.


Winning the Premier Division has bagged the club five point one nine million.


Our league success this season wasn’t just my first since joining Galatasaray almost six months ago but it also set the record for the Turkish Premier Division as my success saw the side overtake rivals Fenerbahce and secure our nineteenth title. Absolute pleased to have set the record, now can I add more to my cabinet?


Two players were named in the Turkish Premier Division Team of the Year first eleven and they were Altintop who for some reason was selected in the team at right back despite never playing there under my regime (weird, correct?) and central midfielder Inan who has been quite the player since I joined.

Only downside about the TotY was there was no place in the starting XI for Yilmaz.


And the final piece of news saw the fans’ Player of the Year chosen and the spokesperson has named central midfielder Inan as the Galatasaray Player of the Year by the fans after they had a vote. Good choice. It was probably between him, Altintop and Yilmaz.

Unfortunately I didn’t win the Manager of the Year award but I don’t think I was even selected for an option. This could have been because I only joined the club in January and it’s completely understandable, if true. I will win it next season. Guaranteed.

Sadly I think you'll be playing Europa League football as I can't see you progressing from that group, it'll be tough.

The league looks to have been won Dyrim but stranger things have happened. I'm planning on remaining in Turkey so I hope the club receive a good transfer budget for next season. One signing has already been announced for next season, as I posted it a few updates back.


We reached the final month of the season with just three league remaining as I looked to wrapped up the league title against the odds with Galatasaray despite only joining the club in January and lying down in seventh position. The side have done extremely well since I arrived and long may it continue.


Our opening game of the month saw the side host Orduspor and I suffered my first league defeat since arriving at the club, going down two one as we conceded two goals in as many minutes as Barral struck after ten and twelve minutes but Amrabat's goal on fifty-two minutes ended up being just a consolation.

We then faced Trabzonspor in the Turkish Cup final and we secured the trophy following a dramatic penalty shootout. Former Arsenal right back Eboue opened the scoring after only six minutes but Janko levelled proceedings four minutes into the second half. Galatasaray won the shootout four three.

The penultimate game of the season saw us make the trip to Caykur Rizespor and headed home with a three nil victory but all the goals came in the second half after the home side were reduced to ten men as Perubie was shown a second yellow card on forty-three minutes - Balta, Akca and a Colak penalty ensured maximum points. This game turned out to be the one that secured an unlikely league title as Fenerbahce failed to win iirc.

And the 2013/2014 Turkish Premier Division curtain came down as we hosted Besiktas and defeated them two one as Modise and Inan both struck in the first half. Portuguese striker Almeida pulled one back in the second half after fifty-eight minutes but we held on to end a quality season with maximum points.


Champions. Persumably slightly against the odds? Remember the side were seventh when I took the reigns.

So the league has been wrapped up as my Galatasaray side have finished seven points ahead of runners-up, and bitter rivals, Fenerbahce who along with ourselves will particapate in next seasons Champions League. Trabzonspor, Bursaspor and Besiktas will be in the Europa League while Caykur Rizespor, Antalyaspor and Samsunspor suffered the heartbreak of relegation to the First Division.

Last seasons league champions Eskisehirspor finished a disappointing (on their books I'm sure) tenth,

Things couldn't be much tighter George. We could win the league but then again, we could fail.

Wouldn't bother me if we don't win the league Dyrim as I'm sure we'll be near the top come next season, should I manage to make the positions I want stronger.


With the title challenge heating up, the penultimate month brought four league games two at home and two away along with our Turkish Cup semi final second leg vs. Antalyaspor. It turned out to be an excellent month in the league as the side picked up four wins from as many games.


We started the penultimate month with a home clash against Istanbul BBSK and we picked up maximum points thanks to a single goal victory. Following a forgettable first half the winning goal arrived five minutes into the second half through striker Yilmaz.

The side then made the journey to Elazigspor for our first away game of the month and we picked up a two one win as Modise broke the deadlock on six minutes and Amrabat doubled the lead but we couldn't keep a clean sheet as the home side managed to find the target.

Galatasaray progressed to the final of the Turkish Cup after a scoreless second leg at home to Antalyaspor despite being the better side. The nil all draw meant we progressed to the final following the sides three goal win in the first leg.

Our final home game of the month was a tough clash against Bursaspor and my unbeaten league run since arriving continued following a three two win at the Ali Sami Yen. We took the lead after nineteen minutes through attacking midfielder Modise but a goal in either half from Pinto had turned the game around as I was staring down my first league defeat since joining Galatasaray but defender Vida equalised on seventy four minutes before Yilmaz struck a sensational winner to send the home fans into raptures.

April ended with a comprehensive win over Mersin I.Y. as Yilmaz had a sensational game - my Galatasaray side won four nil with the striker scoring all four. He broke the deadlock on fourteen minutes with the only goal in the first half before goals on sixty-nine, seventy-two and a ninetieth minute penalty secured the big victory.


With just three league games remaining it's our league title to lose as we've found ourselves five points clear of second place Fenerbahce. Our final three games will see us host Orduspor, Caykur Rizespor and Besiktas while we'll also have a small matter of a Turkish Cup final vs. Trabzonspor.

With the club heading into the final three months of the 2013/2014 campaign, March saw us play just the four games, all in the league and it was another unbeaten month as the club still haven’t lost in the league since I arrived back in January. Things are looking bright for the club currently.


March started with a tricky trip to Eskisehirspor as we delivered a three goal win much to the delight of the travelling support as attacking midfielder Modise opened the scoring on the quarter hour before the same man doubled his tally and the score on twenty-three minutes. Left-winger Amrabat added a third on sixty-four minutes to seal the points.

Our next game was at home to Sivasspor as we struggled to a two one success as the visitors stunned us by opening the scoring on six minutes courtesy of Eneramo but Yilmaz equalised on seventeen minutes and the game was turned around when Yilmaz bagged his second after twenty-six minutes.

The biggest test I had since arriving at Galatasaray was up next as we travelled to bitter rivals Fenerbahce for the Istanbul Derby and the spoils were shared following a one all draw with the home team breaking the deadlock after fifty-four minutes when Montero found the net but we made the score one all just three minutes later through Yilmaz.

And the month concluded with a tough home game vs. Gencelerbirligi as we picked up a three one win as the in-form Yilmaz scored a sensational hat trick with goals after sixteen, fifty-three and sixty-eight minutes. Lekic and Cop both scored for the visiting side.


Things are getting tight at the top of the Turkish Premier Division with my Galatasaray side only two points behind the league leaders Fenerbahce so it’s going to be an extremely tight finish to the league season with only seven league games remaining. How is it going to end?

Transfer news: I’ve agreed a deal to bring in Brazilian attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson next season. He will cost £5.25 million as I’ve activated his release clause. Will replace Modise who may move onto pastures new, if someone wants him.

Pleased you will still be following Dan despite ending your career early due to being unable to cope with my superiority. Just don’t expect the league title in my first few months in charge as it’s going to be tough.


On the back of an extremely busy January that saw us play eight games with six of those being in the Turkish Cup group stages and two league games, February approached and we had five games to participate in – four in the Premier Division and a Turkish Cup semi final first leg affair.


Our first game of the month was a trip to Kayseri Erayesspor for a league game and we turned the game around, leaving it very late in the process and securing a two one win as Gohou opened the scoring for the home side but we equalised in the first minute of second half stoppage time when Inan converted a penalty. Looking set to only pick up a point the same man fired home an unlikely winner a minute later.

We then faced rivals Trabzonspor at home in a “competitive derby” as we came out on top of a five goal thriller, picking up a three two win much to the delight of our home support. Deadline day signing Ademilson scored his first goal for the club on fourteen minutes, equalising after Kacar had given Trabz the lead after only five minutes and then Altintop turned the game around on nineteen minutes but Janko levelled proceedings two minutes later. A sixty-sixth minute penalty won Inan won us the game.

The side then made the journey to Sivasspor and a professional performance saw us run out deserved three goal winners with Amrabat breaking the deadlock and scoring the only goal of the first half after thirty-eight minutes before second half goals from Inan on forty nine and Colak in the ninetieth minute sealed the win.

Our final league game of the month saw us host strugglers Antalyaspor and our worst league performance of the season since I arrived saw us stutter to a two one win in front of our own spectators. A goal in either half from Yilmaz had us two up and in control but Antalyaspor pulled a goal back on sixty-three minutes and made it a nervous ending.

And February concluded with the Turkish Cup semi final first leg tie away to Antalyaspor and a much better performance saw us put one foot in the final after picking up a three goal win – Yilmaz and Amrabat struck early to have us two up after only seven minutes before Altintop added third after only seventeen minutes and a rout looked on the cards, fortunately for the Antalyaspor fans and players no more goals followed.


Galatasaray are fourth come the end of February and are only five points behind the league leaders as I’ve remained unbeaten in the league since I arrived at the club and have only lost the one game in all competitions, crashing to defeat at Bursaspor. Things are looking good so far and I don’t really want to see us winning the league, not this season.

On transfer deadline day I decided to look for players to fill two positions we were lacking in – another central defender needed to be purchased as the side only had two out an out centre backs while I looked to purchase another striker because if Yilmaz gets injured then I don’t have anymore talent in back up.


The first player to arrive at the club on deadline day was Akca who is a twenty-three-year-old central defender arriving from fellow Premier Division club Sivasspor for a fee of two million pound. I’m unsure how much game time he’ll get this season as he’s only been bought as back up but he looks a decent aquisition to the ranks.


My second and final signing of the transfer deadline day has seen Brazilian striker Ademilson join the club for five and a quarter million pound as it activated his release clause and the twenty-year-old has arrived from Brazilian based club Sao Paulo, signing a four-year-deal and will rotate with fellow striker Yilmaz.

I’ve given Ademilson the tenth and final foreign spot, previously had by Elmander but he’s departing the club in the summer to join English side West Bromwich Albion. The striker has big enough wages and is old so he should be easily replaced.

Sadly I don’t have them George but I do have talent such as Eboue and Kazim-Richards.


Since arriving at Galatasaray just yesterday I had zero time to evaluate my squad as I headed straight into competition action with a Turkish Cup group A tie with Bursaspor, that game was one of eight to be played in the month of January – six Turkish Cup ties and two league games as we look to climb the table.


I was unveiled to the Galatasaray support before my first game at the helm, a Turkish Cup group A clash with Bursaspor and I couldn’t have asked for a tougher start. We played well but couldn’t find a break through and the game ended scoreless.

We then made the trip to Gencelerbirligi for our second straight Turkish Cup game and we produced an excellent away performance, winning four one despite us falling behind inside the opening minute when Yokuslu converted a spot kick but we were on level terms after five minutes through attacking midfielder Modise and then Inan put a fourteenth minute penalty to turn the tie around. Second half goals from Yilmaz and a second Inan penalty put gloss on the score.

Another trip followed in the cup and we headed home with a second four one victory in successive games as left winger Amrabat put us in front after twenty five minutes but Eskisehirspor equalised on thirty-eight but Yilmaz restored the lead on forty-two minutes before strikes in the second period from an own goal and Yilmaz completed the scoring.

Our fourth successive Turkish Cup group A tie saw us host Gencelbirligi and we progressed to the semi finals with two games remaining following a three one success as Amrabat 2 and Modise had us three up at half time but we conceded in the second half as Gokoglan struck on fifty-six minutes.

Galatasaray’s first league game since I was appointed was next as we made the trip to Kasimpasa and we produced a three one win as we struck all our goals in the opening forty five minutes. Yilmaz got the side off to an excellent start after eight minutes before Altintop made it two on the half hour and then Amrabat trebled the lead in first half stoppage time. Kasimpasa pulled one back from the spot on sixty-two minutes.

Our penultimate Turkish Cup group game had us make the journey to Bursaspor and a poor performance saw us go down one nil with Pinto scoring the only goal on forty-three minutes. Not too bothered, as we’re through, just annoyed at the performance.

The sides’ second and only league game this month was our first as we played Karabukspor and defeated them 3-1. Winger Altintop opened the scoring for Galatasaray after only six minutes and that lead was doubled twenty minutes later courtesy of Inan before Yilmaz made it three ten minutes into the second half – Yildiz pulled a goal back for Karabukspor with four minutes left.

The month concluded with our final group game in the Turkish Cup and we could only pick up a point against Eskisehirspor despite Inan opening the scoring on fourteen minutes, they equalised on twenty one through Carrasco.


We’ve started climbing the league table as come the end of January we are up to fifth in the table following my two Premier Division wins from as many games. The side are also only nine points behind the league leaders so I could still launch a title challenge but wouldn’t bother me if the league wasn’t won this season.


We topped our Turkish Cup group, finishing three points ahead of Bursaspor who have also progressed to the semi finals so we could still meet each other in the final should we both make it. Twelve goals were scored in the six games, five conceded.

I didn't think I would have got the job Dyrim but it def. wasn't one I could turn down. I enjoyed my time at Kirklarelispor but I couldn't say no to a bigger club.


I'm sure many a person has heard of Galatasaray but for the select few who haven't then I am going to do a rundown on the club who were lying in seventh place in the Premier Division before I took over the reigns while they've got a pre season media prediction of third and I'm sure that's possible.


Galatasaray are a Turkish Premier Division club founded in 1905 and are nicknamed Cim Bom. They're a professional side who are predicted to come third despite being seventh when I took over. They've five legends at the club - players Korkmaz and Oktay along with managers Terim and Kilic along with Ali Sami Yen.

The club have several "icons" at the club and a few "favoured personnel" such as Hagi, Sukur, Tugay and former Brazil 'keeper Taffarel to name just four. Galatasaray's fierce rivals are Fenerbahce and Besiktas in which they both participate in the Istanbul Derby while Trabzonspor are another rival but that's just competitive.


The squad I have inherited doesn't look that bad but work drastically needs to be done to certain positions but I might not do any "serious" work until the end of the current campaign. I'm going to be on the lookout for another right back and at least another central defender as we're lacking in that position but I won't "panic buy" in this window. Elmander is departing in the summer, think he's off to West Bromwich Albion.

I believe my first competitive game since joining Galatasaray will be in the Turkish Cup Group stages, vs. Bursaspor.

We are still doing extremely well for a newly promoted side Dyrim. I didn't think we'd do as well as we have.


With the first half of the season concluded I was looking forward to the second half as we looked to continue are fantastic season to date but unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity as when I randomly checked the Job Centre I noticed an interesting vacancy so I decided to apply for it.


I have declared interest in the vacant Galatasaray post as they've been struggling in the Turkish Premier Division and are currently down in seventh place. I'm not viewed as the favourite for the job but what have I got to lose? I've only won one piece of silverware in my short managerial career and that was the Turkish Second Division (Group A) in 2013.


Kirklarelispor's board are seriously hoping I remain at the club so I can continue the work I've started.


What has surprised me the most is that Galatasaray are "flattered" by my interest and they would be foolish not to consider someone of my calibre despite only winning one trophy currently in my short managerial reign so this has surprised me but I'm not confident I will get the job as I'm sure managers with a lot more experience want the job.


Would I be stupid if I turned this down? Well I just couldn't. I've had to accept the offer they've put on the table and it's a serious step up in the management game for me and should help raise my reputation slightly quicker. I will be recieving ten and a quarter thousand quid per week on my current contract at the Ali Sami Yen and a six million transfer budget and a much larger wage budget to what I had at Kirklarelispor.


"Shedender leaves Kirklarelispor for Galatasaray." That was the surprising story on the back pages of the papers after the move was finalised. My final game at Kirklarelispor was that disappointing 4-2 home defeat against strugglers Konyaspor and the recent form wasn't great with only won league win our of the last five but I'm sure whoever takes over will change the recent form and they'll continue to have an excellent season. The Galatasaray board want me to play possession and attacking football. Not a problem, I'm sure I can do that.


And finally here is the conformation that I've officially been appointed the new manager of Turkish Premier Division giants Galatasaray, signing a three-year-deal at the Ali Sami Yen and I seriously can't wait to get started. Kirklarelispor have been agreed to be paid ninety five thousand pound in compensation.

Have been enjoying this career Kevo so I thought I really should leave a comment.

Slightly sad to see you have departed Wimbledon as I thought you were doing extremely well with them and the ups and downs to promotions and relegations were making this career excellent but I will continue to follow as you’re managing Newcastle and I’m sure you’ll be a success at St. James’.Would love to see you make the Champions League but it's going to be tough.

The final month of the year was upon us as for the third month in succession we had to face five games – four in the league again and another Turkish Cup qualifying round game, this time in the fourth qualifying round as we have a tough trip to Premier Division side Sivasspor – I expect us to bow out of the competition, just hope we can put up a fight against the team a league above.


The final month of twenty thirteen started with a home clash against Adanaspor as both sides got a point apiece following a one all draw that saw the visiting side take the lead after thirteen minutes but Kaya managed to salvage a point with an equaliser after sixty six minutes. Fair result.

Our second game had us travel to Manisaspor and a dogged performance saw us head home with a single goal victory. It wasn’t the greatest of games following a scoreless first half and when the game looked set to finish nil each, substitute Kaya pinched what turned out to be the winning goal with ten minutes left.

Our Turkish Cup fourth qualifying round tie with Sivasspor turned out to be a timid affair with the Premier Division side running out deserved three nil victors – Bekmezci, Chahechouhe and Yerlikaya on target.

We returned to league action to face leaders and league favourites Gaziantepspor at home and it turned out to be an exciting game as the points and six goals were shared equally with us taking a seventh minute lead through Venezuelan Sampedro but two goals in three minutes turned the game around as Ozbayraktor equalised on twenty seven minutes before Gulle converted a controversial penalty home three minutes later but Bati ensured the sides headed to the dressing room level with a forty fourth minute goal. Four minutes into the second half Kanca gave us the lead but we were unable to hold on as Sahin equalised on sixty-nine minutes.

The year came to an end with a limp performance and result against second bottom Konyaspor as we slipped to an unacceptable four two defeat that saw the side booed off at full time. I gave my back-up keeper his debut and he was beaten inside the opening minute as Akdag scored but Sampedro equalised from the spot but Aydin and Kayabasi struck to give the visitors a 3-1 half time lead before Aydin’s second of the game made it four while Killcaslan’s goal to make it four two was barely celebrated with eleven minutes left as the ground was almost empty.


Just the one win was picked up December and it’s made the league position look disappointing as we’ve slipped to third in the Turkish First Division but the fans need to realise that we’re twelve positions HIGHER than we were predicted to finish and currently fifteen points above the relegation zone. The first half of the season has been good but the second half needs to remain the same.

Just ten games have been played though but things are looking good Dyrim. Survival, if it happens, will be a massive boost for everyone at the club.

Dan, we won’t win the league this season and anyone who thinks we will are deluded.


Following an unbeaten October that ended with three consecutive 1-1 draws in all competitions the side entered the penultimate month of the year with another five games in all competitions – four league clashes and a Turkish Cup third qualifying round affair vs. A. Selcukluspor.


S. Urfaspor away kick started the penultimate month and we slipped to a disappointing four two defeat. Cengel’s double and Ozcelik had saw the home side take a three goal lead before Ben Aoun and a Cengel own goal made it a nervy ending as they struck after seventy and eighty two minutes but any chances ended after Ozbuvan was shown a second yellow card and was dismissed with four minutes left before Unal added a fourth S. Urfaspor goal in stoppage time.

We then entertained Kartalspor in front of our own supporters and a single Ben Aoun goal with twenty minutes gone was enough to separate the two sides. Kirklarelispor played well but we struggled to finish the game off – glad it didn’t cost us in the end.

A second straight home game was next as Bucaspor made the journey and we picked up an excellent two one success. Following a scoreless opening forty five minutes Kirklarelispor made the breakthrough two minutes into the second half courtesy of attacking midfielder Killcaslan but they equalised a minute later before another summer signing, Bati won us the game with a strike after sixty one minutes.

Our final league game of the month was a trip to Tavsanli Linyitspor and we were unable to make three wins on the bounce, crashing to a disappointing three two defeat. We took the lead a minute into the second half with Killcaslan scoring for the second consecutive game but the side were pegged back a minute later before Kaya regained the lead for ourselves. Two goals in the final ten minutes from Kaya and Bulbul saw us slip to defeat.

And the month concluded with a third qualifying round Turkish Cup affair against A. Selcukluspor and just like the previous qualifying round before that we had to rely on a penalty shootout to ensure we progressed. The game ended goalless after one hundred and twenty minutes but we progressed to the fourth qualifying round, winning four one on penalties. – we will face Sivasspor in the next round, tough game.


Those two defeats this month against S. Urfaspor and Tavsanli Linyitspor has seen us relinquish top spot in the league for what could be the first time in ages as we’ve slipped to second but it’s still been an absolute tremendous season to date, exceeding expectations and long may that continue because at this rate we’ll be safe in no time.

It’s still too early to be talking about alleged back to back promotions The club are only twelve points above the relegation zone. I’m sure we could survive but the league definitely won’t be won and if it is then I will probably resign due to “unrealisticness.”


Just the four league games were played in September as the side suffered their first defeat of the campaign, crashing to a two one away defeat against Nazilli Bld. October brought four more league games and our first Turkish Cup clash of the season as we hosted Fethiyespor.


We travelled to Adana D.S to start the month and we picked up a two one victory as we had to come from behind for the maximum points as Evirgen opened the scoring after thirty-six minutes but second half goals from Anderson who inadvertently put the ball into his own net and winger Vukajlovic sealed the points.

Next up was our first home game of October as we hosted Akhisor Bld. and we picked up a single goal victory as a twenty-fourth minute goal from Ozkan was enough to separate the sides much to the delight of our support.

A trip to Gaziantep Bld. was next and the points were shared following a one all draw as striker Guler salvaged us a point with an eighty-third minute goal as he cancelled out Devret’s fifty-fourth minute opener.

Our second game in front of our own supporters had us host Boluspor and we could pick up our second straight one one draw as Vukajlovic opened the scoring for us from the penalty spot on thirty-eight minutes but we couldn’t hold on as Cetinkaya equalised with three minutes left.

Kirklarelispor’s final game of the month was the Turkish Cup second qualifying round against Second Division side Fethiyespor and we needed penalties to progress following the sides third consecutive 1-1 draw. We took the lead with five minutes left through Oztuvan but we couldn’t hold on as they equalised three minutes later. The side kept their nerve in the penalty shootout, progressing four two to progress to the third qualifying round.


With October done and dusted we’re still top of the table but only goal difference is separating ourselves and Gaziantepspor but it’s been a tremendous start to the season and as I’ve stated in a previous update, the bubble has to burst shortly – I don’t want it too but unfortunately I’m sure it will. The side haven’t been playing well lately so sadly I can see defeats coming, again I hope I’m incorrect.