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#536293 Homegrown Hoops
TinakoFM
#536149 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
I am officially the new manager of Grimsby Town!
A completely unexpected move up to league football, as I join a Grimsby team sat 23rd in League Two with January 2032 approaching. They remain, as in real life, in the fourth tier of English football, though have played in League One as I'll show shortly.
Current Team: Grimsby Town (English League Two) | Honours With Them: 0
This Season's (2031-32) Expectation(s): Avoid relegation
Overall Team #: 8 | Career Honours: 0
Real Life
Grimsby Town, like my previous club Bradford City, hold a strong history in the English game, having been founded back in 1878; initially as Grimsby Pelham, the latter part being the family name of the Earl of Yarborough who was a prominent member of the local community. Their first home was Clee Park, prior to a move to Abbey Park and then Blundell Park which remains their home today. They began playing football in 1888, though didn't enter the Football League until 1892.
They remained in Division Two until 1901 when they won promotion to the top-flight, alongside Small Heath (now known as Birmingham City). They were relegated back down within two campaigns, before eventually dropping into non-league in 1910 - though did go back up soon enough.
An interesting fact from their early years: Grimsby and Hull City were allowed to play their festive fixture on Christmas Day, as opposed to Boxing Day, due to the demand caused by the local fish trade.
Across the next twenty-seven years, Grimsby would experience football in all three divisions and also reached the FA Cup semi-finals on two occasions; notably, in March 1939, against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Manchester United's Old Trafford, with an attendance of over 76,000 which is interestingly still that ground's record; in-game, however, United have extended the capacity to above 90,000. They lost both cup semi-finals. In 1947-48, Grimsby were relegated from Division One and have since never made it back to England's top tier.
They soon dropped down to Division Three, where they were notably managed by a certain Bill Shankly; pre-Liverpool of course. Shankly couldn't get them out of tier three. Things got worse in the later years, despite a few promotions to Division Two, as they dropped into Division Four in 1967-68. They then became a bit of a yo-yo club up until 1992, having gained five promotions and three relegations.
Another fact from this period. In 1954, former Hungarian international Elemér Berkessy became the club's new manager. He was the first foreign manager in England's Football League.
1992 saw the Premier League form, which allowed Grimsby to enter Division One; the new second tier. They continued to move up and down between tiers two and three, though ultimately would suffer demotion to non-league in 2009-10; the first time in 100 years. They stayed in the Conference/National League for six seasons, eventually gaining their place back in league football in 2015-16; mostly thanks to 30 goals from Pádraig Amond, which was their highest goal tally for a single player in quite some time. They spent the last three campaigns, before this save, in the lower part of the League Two table.
Away from league action, Grimsby have just one noteworthy trophy to their name: the 1997–98 EFL Trophy, as they defeated AFC Bournemouth at Wembley Stadium thanks to an extra time winner from Wayne Burnett.
They are nicknamed The Mariners and play their home games at Blundell Park; their average attendance has dipped from around 5,000 to around 3/4,000 now. Grimsby hold rivalries with Scunthorpe United, Lincoln City, Hull City and Barnsley.
In-Game
Nothing major has happened to Grimsby between 2019/20 and 2031/32. In the former, they did win promotion to League One and remained there for four seasons, before dropping back to League Two where they have stayed; only making the top ten once. They also haven't added to their trophy count.
In the current campaign, 2031/32, Grimsby are second bottom though level on points with Yeovil Town. They have a record of W6 D3 L14. Former Southampton youth coach Carl Martin was the previous manager, between 2026 and 2031. My first match in charge will be at home to promotion-chasing Tranmere Rovers; who @HockeyBhoy is currently managing. I am also reunited with a former player: Cavan Williams. A Welsh winger who I briefly managed at Bradford City; he is currently on loan to us from Wycombe Wanderers.
Journey So Far!
Current Manager Profile:
Career Recap:
Job 001, 2019–2021:
Job 002, 2021:
Job 003, 2022–2024:
Job 004, 2024–2025:
Job 005, 2026–2027:
Job 006, 2027–2028:
Job 007, 2029–2031:
Job 008, 2031–:
Awards/Trophies:
With Limerick:
Club: 2022 End of Season Play-offs (pic)
Personal: 2022 Manager of the Year (pic)
With Khimik:
Club: 2024 Promotion (pic)
Personal: 2024 Manager of the Month, November (pic)
With Bradford City:
Personal: 2029 Manager of the Month, February (pic)
2029 Manager of the Month, October (pic)
#536054 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Damn, look at that form...
...and yet, out of nowhere, League Two side Grimsby Town offer me an interview:
I didn't apply for it or anything. I obviously attended, though honestly wasn't too fussed either way - happy to stay, happy to go.
They came to me before the Billericay Town defeat, a fixture that was followed by a board meeting from my guys at Bradford City. They made me convince them that I'd win the next game, versus Bromley.
A few days short of that aforementioned match-up, Grimsby Town got back to me:
Let's go! I've finally made it to League Two, just not in the way I had imagined. A real shame that I couldn't get here with Bradford City, but given my play-off form there and recent results I couldn't turn this opportunity down.
With that said, Grimsby Town are not in a great position. They sit second bottom of League Two in 23rd, level on points with @Dan's Yeovil Town. York City are 6pts ahead, while Stockport County are stranded down the bottom by 8pts. There is still a lot of football to be played though, as we've literally just hit the halfway marker of twenty-three matches - and the January transfer market is just over a week away.
I'll do a more in-depth look at my new club shortly. Excited, though hopefully I wont suffer a third-career relegation!
#535953 Nordic nights & Scandinavian days
TinakoFM
I'm sure you'll miss relegation once more - wish you luck!
#535890 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Oops indeed. Quite the capitulation!
#535833 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
The scariest part - we didn't even go 'attacking' once, they literally just ripped us open for fun.
#535831 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Current Team: Bradford City (English National League) | Honours With Them: 0
This Season's (2031-32) Expectation(s): Reach play-offs
Overall Team #: 7 | Career Honours: 0
Frustrating times.
Despite taking the good performance from October's final fixture into wins over Sutton United and Gateshead, we've reverted back to being unable to play football - no matter who we play.
We drew with mid-table Ebbsfleet United, inexplicably got battered by a bang average Chester team before securing a (probably decent) point with then-second place Hereford. It all makes for annoying viewing, as none of our performances - barring the three straight wins - have made any sense whatsoever... we just aren't turning up consistently, I guess.
We do, for now anyway, remain in the play-off places. We're 7th, 7pts off 1st and 1pt clear of 8th. Practically in the same spot as this time a month ago.
Current Manager Profile:
Career Recap:
Job 001, 2019–2021:
Job 002, 2021:
Job 003, 2022–2024:
Job 004, 2024–2025:
Job 005, 2026–2027:
Job 006, 2027–2028:
Job 007, 2029–:
Awards/Trophies:
With Limerick:
Club: 2022 End of Season Play-offs (pic)
Personal: 2022 Manager of the Year (pic)
With Khimik:
Club: 2024 Promotion (pic)
Personal: 2024 Manager of the Month, November (pic)
With Bradford City:
Personal: 2029 Manager of the Month, February (pic)
2029 Manager of the Month, October (pic)
#535752 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Current Team: Bradford City (English National League) | Honours With Them: 0
This Season's (2031-32) Expectation(s): Reach play-offs
Overall Team #: 7 | Career Honours: 0
Less said about October, the better.
We had a big downturn in form, which always arrives every season without fail as every man and his dog figures out the tactic at exactly the same time. I switched things up for the month's final fixture, versus Hemel Hempstead Town, and we miraculously remembered how to play football again which was nice - winning 4-0.
Before that we had lost to leaders Port Vale and promotion chasing Havant & Waterlooville, while tier six outfit Altrincham dumped us out of the FA Cup after scoring with their first three shots; despite languishing near relegation in the National League North. Elsewhere, struggling teams Maidstone United and Billericay Town held us to draws.
We remain in the play-off spots in 7th, 6pts off Port Vale and just 1pt ahead of Carlisle United.
Current Manager Profile:
Career Recap:
Job 001, 2019–2021:
Job 002, 2021:
Job 003, 2022–2024:
Job 004, 2024–2025:
Job 005, 2026–2027:
Job 006, 2027–2028:
Job 007, 2029–:
Awards/Trophies:
With Limerick:
Club: 2022 End of Season Play-offs (pic)
Personal: 2022 Manager of the Year (pic)
With Khimik:
Club: 2024 Promotion (pic)
Personal: 2024 Manager of the Month, November (pic)
With Bradford City:
Personal: 2029 Manager of the Month, February (pic)
2029 Manager of the Month, October (pic)
#535607 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Current Team: Bradford City (English National League) | Honours With Them: 0
This Season's (2031-32) Expectation(s): Reach play-offs
Overall Team #: 7 | Career Honours: 0
September, just like August, was a pleasing month.
Just like last month, the period in question actually began on a negative note as recently promoted Blyth Spartans held us to a draw at Valley Parade - at least we showed fight with a late equaliser, not for the first time this campaign. We would go on to secure one-goal wins in four of the next five fixtures, namely versus Carlisle United, FC United of Manchester, Gainsborough Trinity and Bromley. The only bad result was a potentially costly 2-0 loss to promotion rivals Barnet.
We head into October sitting 3rd, 2pts off of undefeated leaders Port Vale who we actually take a trip to next time out; Barnet are the club that separate us.
Current Manager Profile:
Career Recap:
Job 001, 2019–2021:
Job 002, 2021:
Job 003, 2022–2024:
Job 004, 2024–2025:
Job 005, 2026–2027:
Job 006, 2027–2028:
Job 007, 2029–:
Awards/Trophies:
With Limerick:
Club: 2022 End of Season Play-offs (pic)
Personal: 2022 Manager of the Year (pic)
With Khimik:
Club: 2024 Promotion (pic)
Personal: 2024 Manager of the Month, November (pic)
With Bradford City:
Personal: 2029 Manager of the Month, February (pic)
2029 Manager of the Month, October (pic)
#535523 The Barca Buffoon
TinakoFM
Sounds like a fun story, will be following!
#535489 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Current Team: Bradford City (English National League) | Honours With Them: 0
This Season's (2031-32) Expectation(s): Reach play-offs
Overall Team #: 7 | Career Honours: 0
Positive, if not perfect, signs early on.
Things began badly as Fleetwood Town defeated us our home soil, we did fight-back from 0-2 to 2-2 but they ended up scoring again in stoppage time. We recovered nicely, scoring seven goals in the next three games against Wrexham, Woking and Newport County. August concluded with a disappointing draw away to newly-promoted Chesham United, though in fairness they have begun their first season at this level relatively well.
We sit 4th after five fixtures, five points off early leaders Sutton United who have impressively won 5/5.
Current Manager Profile:
Career Recap:
Job 001, 2019–2021:
Job 002, 2021:
Job 003, 2022–2024:
Job 004, 2024–2025:
Job 005, 2026–2027:
Job 006, 2027–2028:
Job 007, 2029–:
Awards/Trophies:
With Limerick:
Club: 2022 End of Season Play-offs (pic)
Personal: 2022 Manager of the Year (pic)
With Khimik:
Club: 2024 Promotion (pic)
Personal: 2024 Manager of the Month, November (pic)
With Bradford City:
Personal: 2029 Manager of the Month, February (pic)
2029 Manager of the Month, October (pic)
#535435 Nordic nights & Scandinavian days
TinakoFM
#535385 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Current Team: Bradford City (English National League) | Honours With Them: 0
This Season's (2031-32) Expectation(s): Reach play-offs
Overall Team #: 7 | Career Honours: 0
2031/32 is almost here. Pre-season for it went excellently, hopefully it's a precursor to some success.
Expected wins were secured over Upton AA, Caley Braves, Hemsworth Miners Welfare and Dumfries (10-0), which preceded the return of the Valley Parade Shield. Bolton Wanderers defended their title, defeating us in the final; we had beaten Juventus U23s, who finished 3rd by virtue of getting past Dutch outfit Excelsior.
Days later we drew with League One side Wycombe Wanderers, before beating National League North's Chorley 7-1 to wrap things up. Just two friendlies weren't won, both narrowly so against league opposition. Decent.
The media have predicted us to finish 3rd, while the board again would like play-off football.
I signed four new players in the off-season.
Experienced centre-back Alfie Jones arrives from Kilmarnock, while right winger Benjamin Harrold signs on a free transfer from Northampton Town. Gwyn Hunter-Wilson, a young attacking midfielder, joins on loan from Crewe Alexandra for squad depth.
The big signing is Lewis Richardson from FC United of Manchester, the striker notched double figures in each of the last four campaigns for them - hopefully he can transfer that form to us, he's started very well with eight goals in pre-season.
Anthony Scully (interestingly to FC United - a forward swap of sorts), Allen Fontaine, John Harris and Jay Kelly are the notable departures, among others.
Also during pre-season, I asked the board to get some affiliates going - both outward and inward. They agreed, subsequently teaming up with Southampton (Championship) and Skelmersdale United (NWCFL Premier).
Current Manager Profile:
Career Recap:
Job 001, 2019–2021:
Job 002, 2021:
Job 003, 2022–2024:
Job 004, 2024–2025:
Job 005, 2026–2027:
Job 006, 2027–2028:
Job 007, 2029–:
Awards/Trophies:
With Limerick:
Club: 2022 End of Season Play-offs (pic)
Personal: 2022 Manager of the Year (pic)
With Khimik:
Club: 2024 Promotion (pic)
Personal: 2024 Manager of the Month, November (pic)
With Bradford City:
Personal: 2029 Manager of the Month, February (pic)
2029 Manager of the Month, October (pic)
#535305 Nordic nights & Scandinavian days
TinakoFM
Good luck on the final day!
#535269 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
It is frustrating, but what can we do? ... well, I could get promoted!
To quote Mr. Gerrard, we go again!
#535244 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
That's how the 2030/31 National League finished.
Stockport County secure a second consecutive promotion to return to the EFL; for the first time since 2010/11! Morecambe will join them in League Two, going up after just one season in non-league. Leaving this division are Guiseley, Burton Albion, Darlington and Kettering Town. Burton the big droppers, given they were in the Championship as (relatively) recently as 2017/18.
Joining us, Bradford City, from League Two will be Carlisle United and Port Vale. Carlisle only went up last season, while the next campaign will be Port Vale's first in non-league football since the very early 1900s.
As usual, four teams are coming up into the National League. From the North: Gainsborough Trinity and Blyth Spartans. From the south: Hemel Hempstead Town and Chesham United. Four surprise packages, it must be said - none of them, as far as I understand, have ever played in the fifth tier of English football... certainly not in the save at the very least. Whipping boys aplenty, perhaps?
Lastly, below the spoilers you can see all our awards et al. from this season.
#535149 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Great news: We won a penalty shoot-out!
The catch: We get knocked out by a penalty anyway.
Onto 2031/32!
#535144 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Next up, second place Morecambe away.
Bromley vs. Wrexham, who beat AFC Fylde, is the other encounter.
#535142 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Feared the worst when penalties were summoned. For obvious reasons, but also Déjà vu from last season's elimination.
Onward!
#535136 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
#535132 Nordic nights & Scandinavian days
TinakoFM
Unlucky with the RoPS interview, perhaps another time!
#535082 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Current Team: Bradford City (English National League) | Honours With Them: 0
This Season's (2030-31) Expectation(s): Reach play-offs
Overall Team #: 7 | Career Honours: 0
Play-off football secured!
We ended up reaching the board's expectations on the final day, thanks to a 3-0 victory over Maidstone United; who stayed up thanks to Guiseley's defeat to Woking. That was our only victory in the final four fixtures, though we did remain unbeaten to extend that streak to an impressive eleven matches - all those draws were actually crucial.
In all honesty, we probably don't deserve play-offs given our overall season form - shown by the fact I was literally moments away from the sack on two occasions. But... I will obviously take it.
We'll meet third place Havant & Waterlooville, who in my eyes deserved to be champions this season, in the first round of the play-offs - the same stage we were eliminated from last season. Wrexham and AFC Fylde face-off in the other fixture.
Lastly, in a massive show of faith, the board offered me a new contract... which I duly signed. Nice confidence booster ahead of the dreaded play-offs.
Current Manager Profile:
Career Recap:
Job 001, 2019–2021:
Job 002, 2021:
Job 003, 2022–2024:
Job 004, 2024–2025:
Job 005, 2026–2027:
Job 006, 2027–2028:
Job 007, 2029–:
Awards/Trophies:
With Limerick:
Club: 2022 End of Season Play-offs (pic)
Personal: 2022 Manager of the Year (pic)
With Khimik:
Club: 2024 Promotion (pic)
Personal: 2024 Manager of the Month, November (pic)
With Bradford City:
Personal: 2029 Manager of the Month, February (pic)
2029 Manager of the Month, October (pic)
#535072 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
One. Game. To. Go.
Surely not even we can mess this up? We host 20th place Maidstone United, who still have survival to fight for, while FC United of Manchester will play Morecambe, who are vying for the title.
#534938 Now I would walk 500 miles...
TinakoFM
Bring on League Two!
#534908 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Current Team: Bradford City (English National League) | Honours With Them: 0
This Season's (2030-31) Expectation(s): Reach play-offs
Overall Team #: 7 | Career Honours: 0
That, eventually, turned into a rather pleasing run of matches.
It not only kept me in the job, but also reignited our play-off push as we've moved into 7th. FC United of Manchester, who were fighting for the title at one point, are just 1pt behind us. That Fleetwood Town loss was the only low, low point, as we got wins over Chester, Ebbsfleet United, Billericay Town and, crucially, Kettering Town.
There are just four more matches left to fulfil. We'll face relegation-threatened duo Newport County and Maidstone United, as well as promotion rivals Wrexham and Bromley; those two being back-to-back... a make-or-break period.
Current Manager Profile:
Career Recap:
Job 001, 2019–2021:
Job 002, 2021:
Job 003, 2022–2024:
Job 004, 2024–2025:
Job 005, 2026–2027:
Job 006, 2027–2028:
Job 007, 2029–:
Awards/Trophies:
With Limerick:
Club: 2022 End of Season Play-offs (pic)
Personal: 2022 Manager of the Year (pic)
With Khimik:
Club: 2024 Promotion (pic)
Personal: 2024 Manager of the Month, November (pic)
With Bradford City:
Personal: 2029 Manager of the Month, February (pic)
2029 Manager of the Month, October (pic)
#534903 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
For the second time this season I've avoided the sack.
It wasn't a bad time to go five undefeated!
#534899 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
Lads turning up!
All we need to do is avoid defeat at home to fourth bottom Kettering Town. I think we all know what's coming...
#534897 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
#534889 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
#534882 [FM20] Earth Trip
TinakoFM
1pt secured, just 8pts more to go...