r96 - Comments

2030 - July and August:
In this post, I get the season properly underway in 2030 with my new club, Russian second tier side Dynamo Bryansk; my first club outside of Asia after thirteen years spent in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong (x2), South Korea and China.

Fixtures:


Table:


Competitions:


It has been a difficult start to the campaign, but that was totally expected given the state of this club when I arrived. Despite them getting a point on the opening day of the season without me, they only had seventeen first-team players with no reserves/youth to call on. They also had no staff, so not only did I have to build up the cast off the pitch I had to do it on the pitch too. Results have been very iffy, but in all honesty it has bettered my expectations after my first few games; I even considered resigning early on due to how under-prepared this club was after promotion the previous season. I feel I've managed to steady the ship though, making some key if somewhat plucky incoming transfers that has changed the performances for the better.

I'm yet to taste victory with Dynamo after nine matches, one of which was in the Russian Cup; fourth round defeat to KAMAZ. You can see how bad it was at the beginning, losing heavily to the aforementioned KAMAZ, Tom and Khimki. However, performances began to improve from the Orenburg match. We deserved to lose to Orenburg, but the performance was so much better to previous weeks. A narrow loss to Tosno followed before my first point in charge, a one-one with Tyumen at home. We may have got annihilated by Anzhi Makhachkala, but that was understandable as they're the league leaders and had won eight out of eight to start the season. Our most recent league meeting came after that and we picked up another point versus Dynamo Saint Petersburg. Small steps but positive steps. Considering all that I have mentioned above, I'm happy with how it's going.

Our summer activity, both on and off the field, can be seen below. As well as the squad statistics, over THIRTY players have been used so far after only ten matches - that basically says it all.





It's a tough first job in Europe but one I am up for. Thanks for reading!

Next: 2030 - September and October (w/ Dynamo Bryansk)

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027–2028 | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2028–2029 | Liaoning Hongyun | (China/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2030– | Dynamo Bryansk | (Russia/2) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) FA Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2029 - The Job Search:
After getting sacked by Chinese Super League side Liaoning Hongyun, I go in search of my seventh job in management in the year 2029.

The first thing I decided to do was to go on holiday, for the first time in the save, until November 2029. That way I'd avoid getting a job midway through the season; seeing as I wanted to stay in Chinese football. However, no jobs came calling when I returned from holiday. So, at the end of March 2030 I decided to add/remove some leagues from the save to perhaps leave Asian football for the first time. Countries Added: Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia and Ukraine. Countries Removed: Australia, India and Malaysia. I basically added a few south/eastern European nations and removed the Asian nations I hadn't managed in. I then went on holiday again until June so almost all those league changes took place.

The first interview I got was from Russian second tier side Dynamo Bryansk, a favourite for relegation. Despite that, I was interested and took the interview. Then came an interview from recently relegated Yanbian, one that I didn't actually apply for; they wanted me but then chose to ignore me after the interview. I wasn't interested anyway, but it was a little odd. Dynamo offered me a contract soon after, I was close to accepting but chose to delay after the Shanghai Shenxin job came up; I got an interview from them but they overlooked me. A few Romanian second tier teams showed interest in me but there was only one destination I wanted...



Below you can see the job searching process which I described above, as well as the screenshots confirming the save's league changes and my holidays.













I join Dynamo Bryansk with just one fixture played of the new season. As I said, we're favourites for relegation. We only have seventeen players which is a little short, hopefully I can dip into the transfer market.





I'm looking forward to this new challenge in Russia! My first step out of Asia and into Europe. The first update will be in two months time!

Thanks for reading!

Next: 2030 - July and August (w/ Dynamo Bryansk)

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027–2028 | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2028–2029 | Liaoning Hongyun | (China/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2030– | Dynamo Bryansk | (Russia/2) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) FA Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2029 - July and August:
I take you through July and August's fixtures with Chinese Super League side Liaoning Hongyun!

Fixtures:


Table:


Nothing has changed since the last update, exactly the same things kept happening therefore the results basically stayed the same. Seven Super League matches, we lost all but one (draw versus third place Tianjin Quanjian out of nowhere). Losses to leaders Jiangsu Suning, Lijiang Feihu, Shijiazhuang Ever Bright, Shanghai Shenxin, Qingdao Huanghai and Yanbian. That was only going to equal one thing...



I've been sacked as Liaoning Hongyun's manager. Completely understandable, done well to last as long as I did to be honest; managed to stop them sacking me a few weeks prior, as you can see with the screenshots below showing two board meetings. The squad statistics are also there too.







That's a shame. Very disappointing, but very much expected; tried loads of different things, nothing worked which is obviously not good when you're playing teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid Beijing Renhe and Changchun Yatai every week.

My plan is to continue, for sure, and look for another job in China. If not, then maybe South Korea or perhaps even adding a few leagues in Europe. We'll see. It does continue! My last three jobs have not gone anyway near to plan, hopefully the next one will; it will be my seventh job in the save.

Thanks for reading!

Next: 2029 - The Job Search

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027–2028 | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2028–2029 | Liaoning Hongyun | (China/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. sacked

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) FA Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2029 - May and June:
After a pretty abysmal start to the 2029 season, we go and play the next eight Super League fixtures and one CFA Cup match. We, Liaoning Hongyun, go in search of our first win of the season.

Fixtures:


Table:


The first two matches continued where the last two months ended, in defeat with back-to-back losses. Thankfully, after that we picked up a big three points against strugglers Shanghai Greenland Shenhua at home; goals from Xia Baojun and Hou Mèng. We lost the following match versus Hebei China Fortune, but managed to win again after that against Shanghai SIPG - another shock victory against a top side. A friendly win followed before normality resumed with four defeats in a row, well beaten in them all and even got battered by second tier Meizhou Hakka in the CFA Cup; a rotated eleven but absolutely awful to lose 5–1. However, more infuriating was the back-to-back defeats to Changchun Yatai and Beijing Renhe; two teams close above us in the table. Two wins in those games would've changed our situation completely.

Despite the two wins, it has been more frustration with Liaoning. We went off bottom a few times but by the end of the two months we're back in the basement. Five points from the rel. play-off and eight points off safety. Sixteen matches remaining, best we could hope for now is probably the play-off (which we got, and won, last season). We are favourites to finish bottom, and the board are still fairly OK with me with my job status set at 'stable'. Of course hoping we survive relegation, but also hoping they keep me in the job either way. Time will tell.

You can see the job status screen below, as well as the squad statistics.




Thanks for reading!

Next: 2029 - July and August (w/ Liaoning Hongyun)

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027–2028 | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2028– | Liaoning Hongyun | (China/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) FA Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2029 - January to April:
We begin the 2029 campaign with Chinese Super League club Liaoning Hongyun in this post, hoping for my first full season with the team after joining and subsequently saving Liaoning midway through 2028.

Fixtures:


Table:


Difficult beginning to the season! Bottom of the table after ten matches, losing seven and drawing three - winless. It has been an action-packed April with eight of those matches falling in the year's fourth month, ridiculous scheduling in more ways than one. We've played every few days all month, plus we had to face basically all the top teams; namely Shandong Luneng Taishan, Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao and Tianjin Quanjian consecutively as well as Jiangsu Suning and Guangzhou R&F. Extremely tough for anyone, nevermind a favourite for bottom of the table and relegation team in us.

The three draws came against Jiangsu (surprisingly as they're the reigning champions), Yanbian and Qingdao Huanghai. We've been battered a lot, esp. versus Shandong, Guangzhou, Quanjian and R&F. One loss that was unjust was the Shanghai Shenxin defeat. As mentioned, this leaves the club bottom of the Super League rankings; six points off the relegation play-off place and seven points off safety. Not all over yet, performances have slightly improved lately. Still twenty-four games remaining.

Below screenshots show our transfer business and the early season squad statistics screen.




Thanks for reading!

Next: 2029 - May and June (w/ Liaoning Hongyun)

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027–2028 | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2028– | Liaoning Hongyun | (China/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) FA Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2028 - August to October:
In this update, I begin my new role as Liaoning Hongyun's new manager in the Chinese Super League. Six matches are remaining as we aim to avoid relegation to the second tier.

Fixtures:


Table:


Thankfully, we've managed to avoid relegation. Only just though, after having to go through the relegation play-off. My first official match in charge of the team came on 10 September 2028 versus Shijiazhuang Ever Bright (a club I came close to joining months ago), it was a winning beginning as Brian Valdez's goal gave us the three points. Very important win. Next came a run of ridiculously tough fixtures, playing sixth, then fifth, then third and then first. We lost to sixth and fifth in Shandong Luneng Taishan and Changchun Yatai, but incredibly we managed to beat third place Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao; the real-life giants of the CSL. Left-winger Xia Baojun with the big goal. Six points from a possible twelve, I'll take that all day long.

We still sat in the relegation play-off spot after all of that, but we were four points clear of the automatic relegation places. Next, after an international break, came the toughest of them all - league leaders Jiangsu Suning. We got battered 5–0, that result made them officially champions but also meant we wouldn't be getting relegated automatically. Going into the final day, we had to hope Yunnan Lijiang dropped points versus second place Tianjin Quanjian and we bettered their result versus strugglers Shanghai Greenland Shenhua. Sadly, although Lijang lost, we got battered by Shenhua meaning it was the relegation play-off for us.

We were pitted against third place from the National First Division, Yinchuan Helanshan. We drew 1–1 in the away leg, before easing past them 3–0 in the second leg thanks to a brace from Argentine striker Valdez - a man who scored sixteen goals in thirty-seven games on loan from River Plate. We've managed to extend his loan for another season, majorly positive news! Likewise with influential winger Willian, from Vasco da Gama. So, despite a few worries, I have achieved what I wanted which was to avoid the drop. Bring on next season!

An unwanted broken record can be seen below, as well as the end of season review/awards and the season's squad statistics.






The next post will be after two competitive months in 2029. Thanks for reading!

Next: 2029 - January to April (w/ Liaoning Hongyun)

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027–2028 | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2028– | Liaoning Hongyun | (China/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) FA Cup.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2028 - The Job Search:
I've officially departed Hong Kong football for a second time, after winning three more trophies in a disappointing campaign with South China we return to the job search as I search for job number six! As I said in my past post, my preference is to get a solid job in China.

I applied for numerous managerial posts as usual, the first to offer me a job interview was I-League (India) outfit Bengaluru on 7 June 2028. A very interesting prospect, quite easily the best team in India and perhaps even within the realms of the AFC Cup as they've won the last six league titles and two of the last three AFC Cups. I was interested, probably would've took it but they gave the contract to somebody else. Next came Henan Jianye (National First Division, China) on 12 July. In line with my aforementioned preference, this job excited me a lot. They're arguably a mid-table top tier club in the second tier, it would've been the perfect job to build something and return them to the top league. However, like Bengaluru, they didn't offer me the job.

Two days later, Goa of the I-League in India gave me an interview. I wasn't feeling this, but took the interview anyway and realised I definitely didn't want it after further researching; poor finances and a bit of a glass ceiling with the top few teams in India dominating. They offered me a contract, but I rejected their advances. Chongqing Dangdai Lifan of the Chinese Super League gave me an interview next, I was very interested but talks broke down after they wanted me to work under a director of football (former Arsenal and England defender Tony Adams, in-fact!). I never agree to work under a DoF, so I didn't want the job anymore - Shijiazhuang Ever Bright also wanted a DoF role. At this point, while talks were still ongoing with Chongqing, their fans and media gave me positive reviews - if not for the DoF, that could've been a good job.

Next came another Chinese top-flight team - Liaoning Hongyun. I got good feels about this one instantly, thankfully they gave me an interview and a subsequent job offer. Meaning, my sixth job in management is Chinese Super League side Liaoning Hongyun!

Next Manager of Liaoning Hongyun:


Job Search Process:















Delighted to be Liaoning Hongyun's next manager. I join with just six Super League fixtures to play as I try to keep the club in China's top division. The club sits in the relegation play-off place, two points clear of two automatic spots. Safety is just one point ahead. I'm confident, but not getting carried away. I must keep them in the top league, relegation wouldn't be the worst thing but it would put me on the backfoot straight away. They are a newly-promoted team and were the start of season favourites to finish bottom, my contract is also until December 2029 so if relegation was to happen I should be OK.

Fixtures:


Table:


Competitions:


Now it's time to check out the squad. The next update will be at the end of the league season. Thanks for reading!

Next: 2028 - August to October (w/ Liaoning Hongyun)

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027–2028 | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2028– | Liaoning Hongyun | (China/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) FA Cup.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2028 - May and June:
After an extremely confusing and difficult first four months of 2028 with South China, we go into the final two months of the season as we finish the extremely dire Premier League season, play the final AFC Cup group stage match before the knockout stage begins and meet my former team Eastern in the 2028 FA Cup final.

Fixtures:


Table:


Competitions:


As expected, after the last lot of months, this was another difficult run of matches. First up we ended our Premier League season with a wi...nope, another unwinnable match; lost to second place Metro Gallery. Fortunately, we managed to stay fifth and therefore qualified for the end of season play-offs for an AFC Cup spot for next season - that meant we played Metro Gallery again a few weeks later, lost again so no continental football for next season unless we do the impossible and win the AFC Cup. No league win since December 2027, a run of eleven matches - awful.

Speaking of which, we lost our final group encounter to Geylang International; that was expected though as I rested my entire line-up as we were already qualified and the Geylang match fell smack bang in the middle of the last PL game and the FA Cup final. We were subsequently drawn with Malaysian side Negeri Sembilan in the knockout stage, a good draw but it wasn't to be as we were eliminated despite going a goal up. Bitterly disappointing, but somewhat expected.

Thankfully, there was one high in the club and I winning the 2028 FA Cup! We beat my former employers Eastern 3–1 at the Hong Kong Stadium. A terrific performance, for once. That FA Cup triumph is my third trophy in one season with South China, my ninth Hong Kong trophy and sixteenth honour in the save. Happy with that, but not with the season overall - league form is the worst I have ever seen, managed teams near the bottom of leagues before and had better - South China are the best team in Hong Kong, not good enough.

My job status security has been quite funny to be honest. See the screenshots below, but before the FA Cup final my security level was 'insecure', afterwards it was 'stable' and the board subsequently offered me a new contract! I wasn't sure if I wanted to stay, but accepted it anyway for an insurance policy. However, after the play-off semi-final and AFC Cup defeats (just two games) I was back down to 'very insecure' and the board called a meeting to discuss the bad form (I persuaded them to not sack me). I found that hilarious, not sure if it's a trigger happy/lack of foresight board or Football Manager being Football Manager. Gave me a chuckle, anyway. Shortly after, I chose to resign as South China manager.

Resignation:


Bipolar Job Status:







As always, few other notables. Awards, records, FA Cup champion screenshot, season review and squad statistics can be viewed below.












So, I'm no longer South China manager. It was always going to be a short stop back in Hong Kong but, despite three trophies, I'm disappointed with how it went - the league is always the most important competition, for me. We go again though, the job search begins immediately. My aim? I'd love to find a club in Chinese football, whether top tier or second tier, and build them into something - not necessarily AFC Champions League winners or anything, but help improve them year-on-year and see what occurs. Anyway, thanks for reading!

Next: 2028 - The Job Search!

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027–2028 | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) FA Cup.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2028 - March and April:
Form, especially in the league, took a battering in January and February 2028, we play two of the three remaining months of the campaign in Hong Kong with South China in this post.

Fixtures:


Table:


Competitions:


It seems we are not allowed to win in the Premier League, it has been ridiculous. Four PL matches in these two months, lost three of them and drew the other. Meaning, we haven't won a league match since 11 December 2027 (eleven, 11, winless!!). We lost to the bottom two teams, conceding ten (10!) goals in the process. I have no idea what is happening, but there's no way to win in the PL - battered by them all. What makes it all the more frustrating and confusing, we're playing fantastically and winning matches in the cup competitions!

We're dominating our AFC Cup group, sealing qualification to the knockout stages with a game to spare; winning five/five. We became League Cup champions on 8 April, beating league champions Kitchee on penalties. In the FA Cup, we have reached the final by beating Sun Hei in the semi-finals. Superb form in the cups, shocking form in the league. So odd! Throughout this period, the board have got on my back; with my job status even reaching 'very insecure' at one point, as of now it's at 'insecure'.

Of all the competitions, the league is all but done - fourth, fifth or sixth will be our final position, awful considering we're the league's best team. Advancing in the AFC Cup, won the League Cup and still have the FA Cup final to come. Hopefully we can finish fourth, win the FA Cup and go as far as possible in the AFC Cup but with this form, who knows! A few records and awards can be seen below, as well as a few other things like Tedi Supriyatna leaving the club to return to Indonesia and the league champions, League Cup champions and a screenshot to see how bad our league form has been. Board relationship and my inclusion as the best manager in the Hong Kong hall of fame are also below. Squad stats too!















Who knows what's to come! Thanks for reading!

Next: 2028 - May and June (w/ South China)

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027– | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 2 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.
2028 | South China -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2028 - January and February:
2028 begins with a whole host of fixtures, including the start of the FA Cup and AFC Champions League. Exciting times.

Fixtures:


Table:


Competitions:


Two 2–0 wins in friendlies began January, before three consecutive Premier League encounters. We lost to relegation-threatened Yau Tsim Mong, dire result but they deserved the points. We then went back-to-back goalless versus Pegasus and Southern District. Not good, as at this point Kitchee overtook us into first place. Then came the big match, the AFC Champions League first preliminary round match versus Geylang International of Singapore. Our form was pretty awful so I wasn't too confident. However, Afonsinho decided to take matters into his own hands and go on a four-goal rampage to send us into the next qualifying round. Hero! Our main man all season with 22 goals in 25 matches in all competitions.

Following that, a week later we meet Japanese giants Sanfreece Hiroshima. Despite that first round win, I honestly wasn't expecting anything in this very tough test but the boys turned up BIG. We beat Sanfrecce 1–2 in Japan! Outstanding result, and we completely merited it. We were now one match from the group stages, which would've been incredible really. It wasn't to be, though, as we were beaten by Pohang Steelers. 6–1 in the end, the South Koreans earned the win but the scoreline was a disgrace - unfair on us but it happens. Our first FA Cup tie was next, versus Hong Kong Rangers, and we won to advance to the semi-finals.

From there, we've turned to shit in all honesty. Three batterings in successive games versus the aforementioned Rangers, North Korean team Hwaebul in the AFC Cup (which we qualified for by losing to Pohang) and Tai Po. No idea what has happened since the turn of the year, but something has changed massively - as if someone, somewhere, has turned a switch. We must improve if we want to advance this season. We'll see.

Elsewhere, a few records have been broken and we signed two young promising left-wingers, one has signed now (Lai Tsz Long) while the other will join later in the year (Yip Kwok Ho). Squad statistics can also been seen below, as usual.








Hopefully form can improve. Thanks for reading!

Next: 2028 - March and April (w/ South China)

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027– | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2027 - November and December:
After a pleasant start to the season with South China in Hong Kong, this update sees the end of the year that was 2027.

Fixtures:


Table:


Competitions:


The two months began with the Hong Kong-Shanghai Interport Club Championship two-legged final. A Community Shield-esque competition, one that is super difficult to win with a Hong Kong club. We faced Chinese giants Shanghai SIPG and, despite a fantastic first leg performance, we lost 6–2 on aggregate. No complaints, actually happy with how we played. No HK club has ever won that competition, dating back to 2005. Another meeting with my ex-club Eastern arrived on 20 November to start the League Cup, we drew thanks to a Afonsinho brace - the nationalised Hong Kong man has been in sensational form with fifteen goals in fifteen matches. Back-to-back matches with Sun Hei followed, the latter finishing our League Cup group stage fixtures. We beat them which, coupled with that Eastern draw, sent us straight to the semi-finals; avoiding the 'loser' play-off system.

In these two months, we had four league meetings and managed to win three of them but lost the last vs. title rivals Kitchee; our first loss of the league season. However, we achieved our biggest win of the campaign by beating a spirited Hong Kong team 6–1. We remain top in first place, but are now just two points ahead of Kitchee. Pegasus and Metro Gallery ready to pounce too. Just ten fixtures left, it's gonna be tense I feel. Of all the competitions, we still have the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and AFC Champions League to play for. Really excited for the latter; the draw is done in a week-or-two.

Squad statistics are below, as well as two awards which came to our club in December 2027.





Thanks for reading!

Next: 2028 - January and February (w/ South China)

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027– | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

Albirex Niigata (S) – Where Are They Now? – Ten Years Later:
It has been ten years since I left my first club in management, Albirex Niigata (S) of Singapore. I thought I'd go back and see how they've done without me at the helm.

My Record:
2016 - 1/9 | PLD24 | W13 | D3 | L8 | GF33 | GA22 | GD+11 | PTS42
2017 - 2/9 | PLD24 | W14 | D4 | L6 | GF51 | GA27 | GD+24 | PTS46
Joined: July 2016 | Resigned: November 2017
Trophies: 3 (League Cup X2, S. League X1)

For a first job in management, this was a perfect place to start. I joined midway through the 2016 campaign with the club sitting top of the table. Despite struggling at times, I managed to keep them top and secure the league title; my first trophy and Albirex's first S. League triumph. I also won the League Cup within the first few months of my contract. Not a bad debut season! The second season again saw us win the League Cup, but we fell short in the league despite having a very good run as you can see from the stats above. Warriors beat us to the crown by a few points unfortunately, we were brilliant but they were even better - just! The FA Cup never came close to my cabinet, for some reason I couldn't get far in that competition.

I resigned at the end of the 2017 season despite fans and board wanting me to stay. I wanted to move on to a new club, felt I done all I could with Albirex especially as they are not able to qualify for continental competitions (AFC Champions League/AFC Cup) due to them basically being a Japanese team in a Singaporean league. A glass ceiling, so to speak.

Their Record Since:
2018 - 1/9 | PLD24 | W14 | D5 | L5 | GF40 | GA25 | GD+15 | PTS47
2019 - 2/9 | PLD24 | W13 | D7 | L4 | GF42 | GA21 | GD+21 | PTS46
2020 - 3/9 | PLD24 | W11 | D7 | L6 | GF37 | GA24 | GD+13 | PTS40
2021 - 2/9 | PLD24 | W13 | D9 | L2 | GF38 | GA22 | GD+16 | PTS48
2022 - 3/9 | PLD24 | W11 | D6 | L7 | GF34 | GA24 | GD+10 | PTS39
2023 - 2/9 | PLD24 | W10 | D8 | L6 | GF33 | GA24 | GD+9 | PTS38
2024 - 2/9 | PLD24 | W12 | D7 | L5 | GF36 | GA21 | GD+15 | PTS43
2025 - 7/9 | PLD24 | W6 | D10 | L8 | GF24 | GA28 | GD-4 | PTS28
2026 - 8/9 | PLD24 | W5 | D10 | L9 | GF18 | GA22 | GD-4 | PTS25
Period: January 2018 to November 2027
Trophies: 2 (FA Cup X1, S. League X1)

They actually managed to win the title in their first season without me which is nice, they actually performed better statistically than my lot. The next six campaigns they went without the S. League trophy, as they were constantly finishing second or third. However, the last two seasons have been dreadful with the club finishing seventh and eighth in a nine-team table. Very poor. In the years since my departure, they've won two trophies; the aforementioned S. League and the elusive FA Cup in 2023. Overall, they didn't do too bad when I left but have since fallen on trickier times. Hopefully they can get back up to the top of the league. Although, they've almost finished the 2027 season and are currently bottom in ninth; which would be their worst position in their history (in-game and real life). Luckily for them, there is no relegation in Singapore.

Around the league, Garena Young Lions have managed to win the last four titles (including the ongoing 2027). That, is pretty incredible. During my two years, they finished bottom of the ladder both times; as well as the following season. In-fact, they didn't finish inside the top three between 2016 and 2023. The following season, when they did, they won the whole thing and have won every season since. Very surprising! Even more a surprise, my big rivals at the time were Warriors - they've only ended in the top three twice since 2018!

Screenshots:




Always like seeing how clubs do without me, as well as the general footballing world; speaking of which I'll probably do a similar post like this in July 2028 seeing how major clubs from around the globe have done. Any requests are welcome! Thanks for reading!

Next: 2027 - November and December (w/ South China)

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027– | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2027 - August to October:
I'm back in Hong Kong football with reigning champions South China. In this update, we get the season underway with the first three months of the new 2027–28 campaign.

Fixtures:


Table:


Competitions:


Pre-season featured five matches, including a early reunion with my former club Eastern in Leung Nok Hang's testimonial. Overall, pre-season went well and we looked good to start the club's title defence. In the league, we've won five of our first six and drew the other. Perfect start to the league season, even the draw versus rivals Kitchee was a good point to pick up. Another meeting with Eastern came on 19 October, it ended with victory as goals from Joël Diop, Afonsinho and Leung Nok Hang gave me a win versus my old team.

Away from the league, two cup competitions have begun. The Community Cup kickstarted the competitive season and we subsequently won the first available piece of silverware by beating Metro Gallery by two goals to zero. One of the few trophies I didn't win in Hong Kong previously with Eastern, but it has been added now. My seventh trophy in Hong Kong football in three and a bit years! Sadly, the Senior Challenge Shield (which I won twice with Eastern) won't be added to mine or South China's cabinet as we lost in the opening round on penalties to Pegasus. Disappointing. On a side note, we played two friendlies to fill the fixture list and won them both versus Standard Chartered Bank and São Paulo.

As you can see in the above screenshot, a whole host of cup competitions to sink our teeth into in Hong Kong. One of the reasons I enjoy this country's football league most, amongst other things. I would highly recommend managing in Hong Kong on Football Manager 2017. Senior Challenge Shield is off bounds, Community Cup already in the bag. Still got the FA Cup, League Cup, Hong Kong-Shanghai Interport Club Championship and, most excitingly, the AFC Champions League later in the season. Much to play for, along with the all-important league of course. Below you can see the board's expectations.

Board Expectations:


Community Cup Success:


With the new season, new signings were made. They can be seen below, along with other notable happenings and squad stats. I made six signings. Chan Ho Yin (who I actually signed for Bucheon, but he didn't officially join until I was sacked! - subsequently decided to loan him), Cheng Ming Fung and Yeung Chun Hung I were big players for me at Eastern between 2023 and 2026. Oh Soo-Jin was an excellent pick-up in my opinion, a talented South Korean midfielder who has fitted in nicely. Au Ka Hing and Tedi Supriyatna are back-ups.

Transfers:


Squad Statistics:


Coaching Course for Continental A Licence:


Joël Diop's Deserved POTM Award:


After a tricky year with Bucheon, it's good to back in winning ways in Hong Kong with South China. Thank you for reading!

Next: Albirex Niigata (S) – Where Are They Now? (ten years on)

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027– | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.
2027 | South China -- (Hong Kong) Community Cup.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2027 - Back In A Job:
After getting sacked by South Korean club Bucheon last time out, I instantly go in search of a new job to get back into the swing of things. I wouldn't have minded waiting a few months if needed, but there were quite a few jobs available that interested me so there was no need for a break. I still wanted to stay in Asia, so no new leagues have been added.

Numerous jobs were open, but three took my interest.

A| Mohun Bagan (I-League, India)

B| Qingdao Huanghai (First Division, China)

C| South China (Premier League, Hong Kong)

Mohun Bagan were the first club to get back to my application. India is definitely a place I'd like to manage one day, but I chose to decline this (after a delay) as I was feeling one of the other two jobs more. So now it was between the Chinese second tier or the Hong Kong top-flight; a place I know well after big success with Eastern between 2023 and 2026. Qingdao Huanghai are in the middle of their season, sitting extremely comfortably in the top two promotion places with only a half of the season left. South China's season has just ended, with the club claiming their fifth Premier League title.

The Huanghai job was the most obvious choice, but my gut feeling was to take the South China job as I really enjoyed Hong Kong football when I was with Eastern. It was a tricky decision, but as Huanghai took too long to get back to me and South China offered me the job almost instantly I decided to make a return to the autonomous territory of China.

Mohun Bagan Delay:


South China Offer:


Delighted to return to Hong Kong. South China is my new job. If all goes well, my plan is to stay for just one season, hopefully achieve success, and leave at the end of the campaign for a return to one of Asia's top two nations (China or South Korea) as that's where I need to be. However, for now, I'm excited for the new season which starts in a few months. A full pre-season, start from scratch in all the competitions and, to top it off, AFC Champions League to come at the start of 2028. The perfect job for this moment, I feel.

New South China Manager:


Once two months of competitive action has been completed, I'll return with another update. Thanks for reading!

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked
2027– | South China | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2027 - July (kind of):
As read in the previous post, we were facing tough times with Bucheon in South Korea. Rooted to the bottom of the K League Classic, facing almost certain relegation coupled with high pressure from the board and supporters. This is July's update. You can probably guess what has happened.

Fixtures:


Table:


I've been sacked! The first time in this ten year career, I had previously only resigned. Real sad it didn't work out, wanted to help build Bucheon into a stable top-flight club. However, it didn't go to plan as I couldn't help them do so. It's worth nothing that in their previous three campaigns in the save in the K League Classic, they've been relegated in similarly poor manners each time. A club seemingly too good for the K League Challenge but not quite good enough for the K League Classic. The board scheduled a meeting straight after the convincing defeat to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. They wanted me to achieve seven points within the next five games. Plain and simply - never going to happen; we only got eight points from the last twenty-two games! I refused to accept their demands and was subsequently sacked.

Bucheon is now my shortest tenure at a club, a grand one year and five days. Quite the turbulent short spell, a title and promotion in my first season in-which I joined halfway through and sacked halfway through my second campaign.

Board Meeting:


Board Demands:


Sacked:


Shame! However, I haven't rested on my laurels as I am already in a new job. That will be discussed in the next post, thanks for reading!

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026–2027 | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0. sacked

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2027 - May and June:
We find ourselves bottom of the table after eight matches, losing seven and drawing one in the top-flight of South Korean football with Bucheon in 2027. In this post, we take on what May and June has to offer as we go in search for win number one.

Fixtures:


Table:


We've improved ever so slightly in these two months, managing to pick up two (two!) wins from ten league matches. The first coming against Jeju United, Kim Shin grabbing a stellar hat-trick. Scoreline flattered us but I wasn't at all bothered. The other was versus Seongnam, a relegation rival. We were superb that day, deserving of the points. Apart from that, it has been much more of the same to be honest. Nine defeats overall, with one those coming in the cup to lower division opposition but I threw that game away with a reserve line-up; league the ultra main focus.

As you can see, the final game of this set of fixtures was to our closest rivals - Anyang. A late, late goal condemned us to defeat, probably all but relegating us in the process despite fifteen matches remaining. We sit bottom, eight points off of the relegation play-off and nine points off complete safety. It has been tough! It has began to take a toll on my board relationship, with my job status dropping to insecure since before the Pohang Steelers match. Very surprised I didn't get sacked after the Anyang loss. I hope I can turn it around, but wouldn't be surprised to see myself out the job in months if not weeks.

Right at the beginning of the two months, that takeover was made official. Nothing has changed either way since, so it's as if it never happened!

Job Security:


Takeover:


Thanks for reading! I'll return after two more months of action - if I survive that long!

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026– | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

2027 - January to April:
Six months later, this returns. Took an long, unplanned break from FM17 without even realising, but have got back in the mood for it recently. I stopped playing in the build-up to the 2027 season, in the K League Classic after promotion from KL Challenge in 2026 with Bucheon. I hadn't planned to stop, but just got bored with the game in all honesty and found other things to keep me busy. Find it crazy it's been six months though! Only recently did I even remember the game existed. This website probably played a key part, always enjoy doing these posts - more than playing the game sometimes!

Fixtures:


Table:


Transfers:


It has been a tough opening to the K League Classic for me and Bucheon, as expected. It was always going to be the toughest season of my career, I've been used to winning trophies between 2017 and 2027 in Asia's low ranking divisions but now it's serious in one of the continent's top leagues. Despite this, it's where I wanna be. Must turn it around soon, though.

Pre-season went well, as did the signings I felt. Eight games have been played, we've lost seven of those with the other match being a credible draw against Ulsan Hyundai. We've got battered handsomely by Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Seoul and especially Jeonnam Dragons. We actually played well in the matches versus Gangwon (leaders at the time) and Pohang Steelers but narrowly lost out. The table doesn't make for pleasant reading, with the team six points from safety already. It isn't looking good, but we still have time to turn it around.

Few other notable things to happen are:
Takeover Talks: Our chairman is reportedly looking to step aside, no huge news in regard to this but one to keep an eye on.


400 Games Reached: The one-goal loss to Pohang was my 400th game in management. Nice.


The board expectation is to avoid relegation, so that is and has always been the aim. Their current confidence in me is stable. That's all from me, thanks for reading!

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026– | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

End of Season 1 with Bucheon:
In this update, my first (half a) season with South Korean second tier club Bucheon comes to an end. We are in a fight for promotion. Coming into this we sat in second place, one point behind leaders and automatic promotion place holders Anyang; we sit in a play-off spot but only four points clear of fifth place Goyang Zaicro. The aim is top spot, but if not that then we must claim a play-off place at the very least.

Gwangju gave us our first test of September 2026, a test that ended in a goalless draw; not much else to say about that, bore draw. One of the two strugglers were up next, Sangju. They and Asan, who face us in two games time, have been truly atrocious at the bottom of the league with both at least 30-40 points off their nearest challengers. Just like we done before this season, and in truth most of the teams have, we battered them to ease to a 0–3 win. Daejeon Citizen played us next and drew with us 1–1, Ahn Tae-Woong grabbing an important late equaliser.

The aforementioned Asan was our next league encounter and we beat them 3–0, just like we did to the other basement club; those two are literally a guaranteed three points, they may as well not turn up. Can't complain though! With those two out the way, only tricky fixtures were left to play; seven games left with us still chasing Anyang. Suwon came to our place on 27 September and we turned them over to win, but it took a 90th-minute goal from Ahn Tae-Woong. A 0–0 tie with Gyeongnam ended September.

Two matches in a couple of days kick started October 2026 with fixtures against Daegu and Chungju Hummel. Daegu gave us a tough match-up but we still managed a deserved 3–1 victory, Kim Shin getting a brace. We struggled to break Chungju Hummel down for the majority but Ahn Tae-Woong stepped up late on to snatch us the three points. Very important win, it guaranteed us a play-off spot but, more importantly, it kept us close to Anyang ahead of a gigantic encounter with them on Matchday 38. Before that, we played our first friendly as Bucheon boss after beating Boin High School 6–1.

The huge encounter with Anyang took place on 21 October at our stadium, a win would put us top of the table with just two games remaining. It was a dramatic fixture. Lee Kang-Hoon gave Anyang a first-half lead, before Lee Myung-Won drew us level on 70 minutes. Nine minutes later, Kim Shin came and scored a go-ahead goal. We led with eleven minutes left to play. However, two minutes before the end of normal time Nam Ha-Neul raced through our defence and smashed a shot past a hapless Kim Young-Jun. 2–2 looked to be a disappointing final score, but more was yet to follow.

As the assistant referee held up his board to show the minutes of stoppage time, the main man since my arrival Ahn Tae-Woong got on the ball and incredibly scored to put us 3–2 ahead with seconds left. It didn't end there though as seconds later Kim Shin punished an obviously all-out attack Anyang team on the counter to make it Bucheon 4–2 Anyang. Enormous, enormous victory! This put us top of the table with two to play. I noticed something important after the match with Anyang.

That was Anyang's penultimate fixture, meaning they only have one more fixture to play this season while we have two. Their final game wasn't until the final day, so our game with Goyang Zaicro fell a week before and it gave us a chance to secure the title and promotion with a victory. Could we take this golden opportunity or will we bottle it?



^^Click "Show Spoiler" before scrolling down. ^^


We still had one fixture left to play, that was against third-place Gwangju. In short, it was a remarkable disaster. We lost by FIVE GOALS TO ZERO! 0–5! I have no idea what happened, thankfully top spot was done and dusted but deary me. What happened? Embarrassing way to end the season, in front of a record attendance too. Poor. At least it meant nothing, though. Funnily enough, Anyang lost on the final day so if we were still chasing the title that 0–5 loss would've been enough. How odd would that have been!

Results:


League Overview:


Past Positions:


That Win vs. Anyang:


That Loss vs. Gwangju:


Record Attendance for Gwangju:


Fantastic first few months with Bucheon in South Korea, only been here since July and we've already won a trophy and a promotion. I can't believe it. Next season will likely be my toughest of the save so far, I've been one of, if not the, best team in the leagues so far whereas next season I'll be one of the worst, I expect. It'll be nice to mix it up, I guess.

Squad statistics can be seen below. Ahn Tae-Woong has been sensational, only nineteen years old. He has scored some gigantic goals for the club this campaign; iirc he was only on two goals/two assists when I joined, he's scored something like sixteen goals in my tenure. Superb! Kim Chil-Sung, my prodigy if you will , has been incredible, no idea why the previous manager(s) hadn't used him. Other than them two, it has been a squad season; loads of players have had good games when others haven't. Good squad.

Talking of Ahn Tae-Woong, he has broken a few records. He scored the most goals in a season for the club and most league goals in a season for the club, as a result he won the league's Player of the Year award and Top Goalscorer of the Year award. Noting awards, the end of season ones have been released. The striker won Fans' Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season, no surprise. Kim Chil-Sung won Goal of the Season.

Lastly, I forgot the mention previously, I went on a coaching course for my Continental B Licence while at Eastern, that is now completed. I doubt I'll be going for my Continental A Licence yet give the club's finances but I'll ask soon.

Squad Statistics:


Ahn Tae-Woong Records:



Ahn Tae-Woong Awards:



End of Season Awards:


Coaching Course Done:


Trophies So Far:


Thanks for reading! Update 3 from Bucheon will arrive after two months of competitive action in 2027. Bring it on!

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

-----------
Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026– | Bucheon | (South Korea/1+2) | Trophies: 1 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 1 / Relegations: 0.

-----------
Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Bucheon -- (South Korea) K League Challenge.

-----------
Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.

First Matches in South Korea:
Welcome! In this update, I start my new job in South Korea's second tier with Bucheon. Two months of solid league football to focus on, as well as the FA Cup still up for grabs. Coming into this spell, we sat fourth with twenty-three K League Challenge fixtures to play.

My first game in charge of Bucheon was against league leaders Anyang. In what was a very even affair, we came away with a debut point after a stunner from Ahn Tae-Woong earned us a point. Fair result. Goyang Zaicro appeared three days later and I won my first three points as Bucheon boss after a stunning two-minute double from Kim Chil-Sung; a player I gave a career debut to in my first match, he has now become a regular! Gwangju played us on 11 July and, just like Anyang, held us to a 1–1 draw; Kim Shin getting a goal for us.

We had an FA Cup tie up next, versus K League Classic club Ulsan Hyundai. A tricky fifth round match, they sat near the top of the top division. They showed their quality as they eased past us 1–4, it was actually an even game really but they just had too much for us and merited the progression. League action returned with an encounter with second-bottom Sangju, we completely dominated them and won 5–1. Ahn Tae-Woong got a hat-trick in that one, who has been sensational since I joined; some of his goals have been incredible. A big win, pleasing but expected as, as you'll see from the table in a moment, they and Asan (Ansan Mugunghwa in-game) have been horrendously bad this season.

Daejeon Citizen was our following fixture and we managed another simple three points after winning 3–4. Daejeon gave us a few scares, including having a late equaliser ruled out for offside, but in truth it would've been a disgrace if we didn't win that. Just as it would if we didn't come away victorious from our next game, versus bottom team Asan. Like Sangju, we eased to a win after goals from Kim Si-Woo and Ahn Tae-Woong (x2). That rounded off my first competitive month with Bucheon, a pleasant beginning.

August 2026 started with a trip to Suwon, another lowly opponent. Ahn Tae-Woong got yet another goal before Han Sung-Min popped up with number two to send us another win; fourth in a row. We made it five and six in a row as we subsequently got wins against high-flying play-off rivals Gyeongnam and mid-table solid side Daegu; both single goal wins. Our winning run was stopped on 15 August as Chungju Hummel battled well to force a point in a 2–2; Ahn Tae-Woong making sure we didn't lose.

Two more fixtures to go, two important ones. The first was versus leaders Anyang, whom we sat only a few points behind in second; a win would send us top for the first-time in my reign. We did just that as Kim Chil-Sung gave us a lead before a penalty from Ha Sung-Ryong made sure of the points. Top of the table! Sadly, it didn't last long as we lost next time out versus play-off chasers Goyang Zaicro, my first league loss with Bucheon and, in all honestly, it was one hard to take as they scored a late, late undeserved winner. Disappointing.

So, after two months with Bucheon this is how the table looks. We are in second place and one point off table toppers Anyang. An improvement since I joined, for sure, as Bucheon were fourth and seven points off top back in June. It's a tight league though, with only eight points separating first and sixth. Eleven matches are left to play, the board want a play-off final appearance so that will be the minimum expectation but I, of course, am aiming for that automatic promotion place. It'll be tough, though.

Results:


League Overview:


Squad statistics are below. Special mentions to Ahn Tae-Woong (who has set a record for most Player of the Match awards) and Kim Chil-Sung. We made two additions in the transfer window, two loan players. With the finances (see below) so bad, we have nothing to spend in budget so I had to look for cheap loan signings. That I did, and completed temporary moves for Derek McGahon (RB) and Im Jong-Hyuk (GK). Both likely back-ups, but both look capable to be starting.

Squad Statistics:


Ahn Tae-Woong Record:


Kim Chil-Sung:


Transfers:


Finances:


One final note. My first few months have gone pretty well on the pitch, but it has been quite challenging off it. When I joined the club, multiple players were unhappy due to the club's recent (well, "recent" being a season ago) relegation and wanted to leave as a result. At least six players have come to me moaning, all oddly crucial first-team players - how strange. Three of them I managed to turn around, but three others it didn't go so well.

Shim Sung-Nam, Yoo Hyun-Ho and Paulinho all didn't take my interactions well and have since turned on me, as well as cohering others to join a mutiny. Thankfully, I managed to convince the squad I was right but the aforementioned players still aren't happy. They've subsequently been dropped to the Under-18s. We haven't needed them and squad harmony has improved with no moans for around a month. The board still mention it in the confidence message, but as long as we keep performing on the pitch it shouldn't matter; plus all three of those player's contracts expiry in a few months.

Squad Dissenters Dropped:


Board Confidence:


First two months with Bucheon done! I have enjoyed it, despite the off-field early issues. The next update will come at the end of the season in two and a bit months (in game). Hopeful for promotion. Thanks for reading!

Cheers,
R96Skinner.

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Career so far:
2016–2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) | (Singapore/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: n/a. resigned
2018–2023 | Persib | (Indonesia/1) | Trophies: 3 / Awards: 9 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0. resigned
2023–2026 | Eastern | (Hong Kong/1) | Trophies: 6 / Awards: n/a / Promotions: n/a / Relegations: 0. resigned
2026– | Bucheon | (South Korea/2) | Trophies: 0 / Awards: 0 / Promotions: 0 / Relegations: 0.

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Trophies won:
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2016 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) S. League.
2017 | Albirex Niigata (S) -- (Singapore) League Cup.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super Cup.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Super League.
2024 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2025 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Senior Challenge Shield.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) League Cup.
2026 | Eastern -- (Hong Kong) Premier League.

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Awards won:
2018 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, June.
2019 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2020 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, October.
2021 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, May.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, July.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Month, August.
2022 | Persib -- (Indonesia) Manager of the Year.