Jon Harrod - Comments

I probably have to agree with you. I think it's great to have Glenn Hoddle on board though!

August 2016

Before the Premier League even begins, I'm hit with this...

I'm not short of midfielders, so I don't see any reason to ask him to reconsider.

For the the first weekend of Premier League option. I choose to take in the game with the most English players on show. Southampton vs Tottenham.
In the starting 11s, I get to watch; Forster, Bertrand, Ward-Prowse and Austin from Southampton, and Rose, Dier, Alli, and Kane from Tottenham.
Redmond and Trippier are the only subs of interest.

I get to see a nice goal from Austin in the first half as well as Trippier coming on at half time for an injured Aurier.
Redmond got a decent run out in the second half, but there were no more goals for English players as Spurs win 3-1. Kane managed to hit the bar, but finished the game on a 6.4 rating.
Austin picked up man of the match. The only other good performances came from Dier and Trippier.


There's only one more game before I have to pick a squad, and I choose to attend West Brom vs Liverpool.
The Baggies side contains; Foster Dawson and Rodriguez, while Liverpool have; Clyne, Henderson and Lallana. The benches hold more interest with; Livermore, Barry, Sturridge, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ings.
I witness a 2-0 win for West Brom. Surprisingly, the best performing English player was Craig Dawson. Only Livermore of interest came off the bench. I must say that I'm rather disappointed not to see Sturridge or Ox. Foster was solid in goal, but in all honesty, he didn't have that much to do!

Attending Matches

As an International manager, it is only right that Shearer attends matches to see his players in action. The aim is to attend one match every weekend as well as occasional midweek games, if it looks like there will be players worth watching.
The first game attended is a Europa League qualifier. Aberdeen vs Everton.

In this game, I am able to watch; Keane, Baines, Barkley, Rooney and possibly Jagielka if he comes off the bench. No Pickford though.
I'm treated to Everton losing 1-0. No English player rated higher than 6.6, and neither Barkley or Rooney lasted the whole 90 mins.
What a promising start!

Meet The Staff

Shearer wastes no time in getting on the phone to some of his old mates. Finding former Internationals, some of which had also been wasting their life as pundits, to help out their country.













Not everyone was willing to help out though, the Neville brothers, Stuart Pearce, Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher all rejected the call.

The Current Situation

We take over before qualifying for the 2018 World Cup has begun. Our group, just as in real life, contains; Scotland, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia.
Prior to our first qualifier on 4th September against Slovenia, we have a friendly at Wembley against Belgium on 31st August.

As far as staff go, Steve Holland is still listed as U21 assistant manager, so I don't personally have one. I'll look for somebody that hopefully has playing experience. I feel Shearer would want to surround himself with ex-players that share a similar outlook to him.

I actually start by removing all current senior squad coaches from their roles, and will build the team up from scratch.

Meet The Manager

Alan Shearer has left his pundits chair and moved back into management. It's the only job that he would have taken. His short stint as Newcastle boss doesn't really count as experience as it was a long time ago. He has his coaching badges though and he's ready to answer his nations call for help.

An Introduction

With FM18 fast approaching, I wanted a quick and easy save to end my time on FM17. I don't see many International stories on here, and certainly not with any real detail, so I thought I'd change that.

Imagine, Gareth Southgate, the FA's yes man, has been caught out in a similar way to Big Sam. What are the FA going to do? Who would even consider taking the job? Well... there's a former pro that has thrown his hat into the ring and feels he can bring the best out the talent on offer. Find out who shortly!

As far as the actual save goes, I'm only running the English leagues as I only care about English players. I've also added current international players from each continent, as well as players with continental reputation, just to make sure the other squads don't suffer and make my life too easy!

The game will start on the 1st July. And I am using the latest data update from this site, meaning players are at the correct club as of 1st September 2017.

Crystal Palace (H) - 30/9/2018

In the pre-match press conference for this match, Sam Allardyce states that he can't see how we can possibly stay up. Hopefully those words will spur the team on to prove him wrong.

As far as the match goes, Isak needs match fitness but I'm prepared to give him a start and see how long he lasts. Kone is rested after his mistake in the last game.

On the bench are; Mannone, Wijndal, Kone, Gibson, Khazri, Chong and Borini.

We force a few early saves from Mandanda. We seem to be able to find space, despite Palace playing a flat back 5, which is promising.
Some of the best chances fall to Ndong, but he puts 2 shots over the bar with only the keeper to beat.
Despite all the pressure and efforts that we have, it's 0-0 at half time.
We manage to score straight from kick off. A long ball over the top from Dozzell finds Kluivert and he rounds the last defender before putting it past the keeper. 1-0.
Just as I'm getting ready to pull Isak off, he has his best chance of the game, forcing a fingertip save from Mandanda. He still comes off on the hour mark though, with Chong coming on and Kluivert moving up front.
Kluivert takes 8 minutes in his new position to score again, getting on the end of a cross from Kean. This came on a counter attack after Benteke had hit the bar, so settled some nerves.
The nerves soon come back though. Just a minute later, Ndong plays a short backpass to Pickford and Benteke nips in to take it away from him and score.
Gibson comes on with 13 minutes to go instead of Felix to try and sure things up.
Kluivert almost turns provider inside the final 10 minutes as he sets Dozzell through one on one. He hits it straight at the keeper though when he should have done better.
A late final change sees Kone replace Alvaro and he makes a couple of good clearances.
Right at the end, Kluivert bags his hattrick. He beats the offside trap from an Ndong through ball and rounds the keeper as if he's not there. 3-1 final score!

Bristol City (A) (EFL Cup) - 25/9/2018

Nothing of interest between games here.
As we are playing a lower division side, I'm still happy to give some fringe players a run out. This is how we line up.

On the bench are; Woud, Love, Badal, Felix, Watmore, Kluivert and Borini.

We start well and create chance after chance, without really testing the keeper.
The first real test for for Haugaard doesn't come until just before half time, when he tips a Youan strike wide. Up until then, the shots we had managed to get on target were straight at him.
We go in at halftime the better team, but goalless.
The second half begins much the same. Youan wasting chance after chance. I pull him off after an hour and replace him with Borini.
Not long after that, we fall behind. Kone of all people takes far too long on the ball and is dispossessed by Tomlin, who runs through and beats Mannone...
I replace Asoro with Felix, for the last 12 minutes as we push for an equaliser.
Kluivert for Ndong is a late change, but we end defeated. The mistake by Kone and Youan's missed chances costing us dearly.




The stats show that we should have done better. I was only expected to reach the 3rd round, so the board won't be too unhappy. I, on the other hand, made my feelings very clear to the team and I expect a much better performance next time out.

Manchester United (A) - 22/9/2018

Lynden Gooch picked up a groin strain in training that will keep him out for a couple of weeks. He's only a fringe player, so won't be missed too much.
Pickford is back in full training though and should be ok for the United match.
Just before the match, Torres bruises a rib. He should only miss the one game.

Away from injury news, the work on our youth facilities has been completed. This means we now have superb facilities which should help going forward.

I don't want to make too many changes for the sake of it, so it's just Pickford coming in.

On the bench are; Mannone, Wijndal, McNair, Ndong, Watmore, Youan and Isak.

We fall behind after 15 mins as Herrera scores from 25 yards. It looks like Pickford should probably have got to it, but I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt.
United are completely dominating us and we struggle to get out of our own half. It's no real surprise that Kane adds a second just before half time when he heads home a Martial cross.
I'm disappointed and frustrated that it's actually 3-0 by half time. Poor defending as it's another cross that isn't dealt with. This time Martial tucks it away.
After shouting at the team, I switch things up at half time. Switching to 4-2-3-1 and bringing on Ndong for Gibson and Isak for his debut in place of Borini.
We start the second half much better. Even creating a few chances. Nothing of any real note though and most of the time, the ball is stuck in midfield.
Watmore replaces Khazri late on, but there's no goals and few chances. We end at 3-0.




It's good to see we had plenty of possession but we did very little with it. May need to change things up against the bigger teams going forward.

Tottenham (H) - 15/9/2018

Galatasaray make a random loan offer for Djilibodji. No future fee, just a regular loan offer. Obviously, he's not going.
The Tottenham game coming up actually gets moved to Sunday 16th for television coverage.

Alerrandro's loan move to Horsens falls through as he doesn't earn enough to get a Danish work permit. So I'm stuck with a few non -EU players now that don't have permits and haven't been loaned out.
Cattermole still wants to leave, but understands that his injury has hampered his sale. He expects to leave in January though.
Djilibodji on the other hand is now happy to stay, as interest in him has cooled.

Finally, I do manage to find a loan move for Alerrandro. He's moving to Slavia Prague for the season.

Kone resumes full training. So we're almost back to full strength. At least that's what I thought until Pickford twisted his ankle the next day. He'll be out for up to 2 weeks, meaning he should only miss the Spurs game.

With Pickford injured and Ndong suspended, we line up like this.

On the bench; Woud, Wijndal, Alvaro, McNair, Kean, Watmore, Asoro.

Borini hits the post inside the 1st minute as we make a strong start. Khazri puts a shot over the bar a few minutes later.
We take the lead just before 10 mins. A cross from Sessegnon is turned in by Borini. It's good to have him scoring again!
We go 2-0 up after 17 mins. A Dozzell corner is nodded down by Kone, pulled back by Kluivert and driven home by Gibson.
Spurs pull a goal back with a wonder strike from Lamela. He put it in the top corner from nearly 30 yards out. We do manage to take a 2-1 lead into half time though.
We should score early in the second half, but Lloris makes a good save and Spurs hit us on the break. It ends with Zaza cutting a ball back from the byline for Belotti to equalise.
I make the first change after 65 mins. A tired Dozzell, replaced by McNair. I give Kean 20 mins too, as an AMC instead of Khazri.
Spurs take the lead on 78 mins. Simone Zaza gets away from Kone and powers one home from just inside the box.
Asoro replaces Kluivert as we look for an equaliser. We almost get one late on as Asoro clips the outside of the post, but it's not to be and we end 2-3. Disappointing considering we had a 2 goal lead.

Manchester City (A) - 1/9/2018

We have a pleasant start to the month as Asoro scoops the young player of the month award, with Kluivert coming 3rd. I only manage a 3rd place in the manager award though.
Submitting the final squad list is easy, as we don't have 25 first team players over 21, so everyone that might play can be registered.

Isak is injured for the game against City. He'll need to wait a couple of weeks to make his debut.

On the bench are; Mannone, Wijndal, Thandi, McNair, Watmore, Kean and Borini.

City have a very attacking line up, and we do well not to go behind early on. Pickford and Alvaro combining well to keep them out.
We see more of the ball in the first half, but it's mainly in our own half. The best chances all fell to Aguero, but thankfully, we manage to see half time at 0-0.
The second half starts much the same, with our front 3 seeing very little of the ball. After 65 mins, I switch to 4-3-3, bringing on Kean and Borini to replace Asoro and Khazri.
The decision backfires, and Aguero finally gets on the scoresheet. Poking in from close range after a driven cross by Alexis Sanchez.
With 10 minutes to go, a tired Felix is replaced by Watmore.
We look like we're getting back into the game, but then Ndong picks up a second yellow and we're down to 10 men.
We fight hard, but they are just too strong for us. Iniesta pulling all the strings in midfield, we do well to only lose by 1.

Transfer Deadline Day - 31/8/2018

With deadline day fast approaching, I'm frantically looking around for players that will improve the first team squad as well as cheer up some of the unhappy players.

Just before the madness happens, the draw is made for the next round of the EFL Cup. We will travel to Bristol City on 25th September.

I don't get anybody in before the big day, but manage to set the wheels in motion on a number of deals that could end up costing us a fortune...
The first deal of the day sees Thill leaving on loan. He joins Hamilton in the Scottish Prem for the season, where he should be a first team regular.
Corey Jordan also leaves, joining Huddersfield for an initial £3.4m. I didn't want him to go, but there's no point keeping unhappy players, and we make a decent profit.

As far as ins go, it's time to break our transfer record. Alexander Isak arrives from Dortmund in a £30m deal, quickly followed by Moise Kean for £19.5m from Juventus.



It's possible that I've overpaid for them. But Isak looks amazing and will be a first team regular, while Kean will certainly be challenging for a place.
Also arriving is Tahith Chong, on loan from Manchester United.

He's very versatile, and will be a useful option from the bench.

The biggest problem I have is that I can't shift Romero out on loan. He still doesn't have a work permit, and there are 50 clubs showing an interest. However, nobody comes forward when I offer him out for loan.

I agree a few deals for players that can't get work permits, including that Zenit striker Kozlov.

Matsumura cost us £3.5m

Cordova cost us £2.6m

Pappalardo cost £3m, and will join us on 1st January 2020, after he turns 18.

Kozlov cost us £1.3m.
Now I just need to loan them out in the next 6 hours...

I'm not the only one that's busy. My HoYD is too, as he agrees a deal to sign Owusu-Ansah.

He joins for an initial £250k, which could prove a bargain. Nowhere near first team ready though.

We receive a number of offers for Matsumura. I accept all the ones that offer him first team football. He chooses to join Guingamp in Ligue 1.
Cordova also gets a loan move, and will play in La Liga for Alaves.

Unfortunately, we don't shift Kozlov before the window closes, hopefully he can go somewhere that has a later window to us...

Here's a summary of the Premier League window.

Millwall (A) EFL Cup - 28/8/2018

Dozzell's ban for his sending off has been increased by 2 games. He would have been rested for the Millwall game anyway, so I don't bother appealing it.
Meanwhile, the board are happy with my control of the wage budget, so increase retained transfer revenue to 75%. That will be nice if Jordan, Djilibodji and Cattermole do leave.

I'm still trying to find an 18 yr old that will cheer up the team members that are disappointed about new signings. A scout in South America comes back with a potential candidate, but I doubt he'll get a work permit, and I'd need to beat off PSG and Barcelona to his signature. I'm guessing he must be good!

We move on to the match, and trying to learn from last seasons mistakes, I make some rotation without going over the top!

On the bench are; Pickford, Djilibodji, Sessegnon, Gibson, Khazri, Torres and Youan.

We don't get off to a great start. After failing to clear a corner, the ball is played back into the box and turned home by Hutchinson. Just over 3 mins gone, and we already trail...
We get better after that, and after 10 mins, Asoro hits the bar. Kluivert really should score the rebound after getting to it first, but the keeper managers to block it.
We finally level the game just before the half hour mark. A corner is swung in by Felix and headed home by his fellow Portuguese loanee Alvaro. 1-1.
At half time, we've had 71% of the possession without really threatening again. Asoro has had a few chances, but rushed them or simply fluffed them. I switch him with Kluivert at the break. My HoYD does keep telling me he'll make a good winger... lets see.
Chances are few and far between in the second half, so after 65 mins, I make a change. A tired Ndong, replaced by Gibson, and Asoro, who's still been poor, replaced by Torres.
As we get to 70 mins, I'm forced to make our final change. Thill picks up a knee injury, so Khazri comes on.
With 10 mins to go, it's looking like extra time. Until we work a throw in from the left, and Wijndal gets a cross in. Kluivert has so much space, and converts easily to put us 2-1 up.
Kluivert scores again just minutes later. This time the ball goes down the right, Thandi plays it inside to Torres, who squares it for Kluivert who timed his run perfectly.
After a nervy start, we eventually see the game out 3-1. Asoro probably isn't good enough to lead the line on his own, but maybe Kluivert is.




On the post match loading screen, I see that Arsenal have made an offer for Lacazette... Only a month or so later than real life!
Thill's injury isn't serious and he'll only be out for a week

Leicester (H) - 25/8/2018

I finally receive an offer worth considering for Jordan. It's from Huddersfield, in the Championship, but he still wants to discuss terms.
I managed to get them up to £3.4m plus £500k after 10 games. It's a profit on the £2m I paid, and it doesn't look like he's ever going to be happy. So I accept it.

Kone picks up an abdominal strain that will keep him out for a couple of weeks.

A few of my players are starting to complain that I haven't strengthened the squad as I said I would. Personally, I think we have, but they clearly want bigger names. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to find an 18 yr old that will satisfy them. I've got a week to find someone.

For the match against Leicester, I've stuck with the same formation, as it seems to counter the 4-2-3-1 they are expected to play quite well.
Kone and Rodwell are injured, Dozzell is suspended, so we line up like this.

On the bench are; Mannone, Thandi, McNair, Rzepecki, Torres, Kluivert and Borini who's returning from injury.

There's a lot of action early on, but no goals. Youan and Khazri both missing good chances.
Khazri finally comes good though, latching on to a through ball from Ndong and smashing it past the keeper. 28 mins gone, 1-0.
Schmeichel's in fine form in the Leicester goal, as Ndong and Youan test him out. We go in at half time 1-0 up.
The second half starts much quieter than the first and we reach 60 mins without much action. Youan has been disappointing, so I replace him with Kluivert.
Kluivert has a good chance just after coming on, but Schmeichel is still holding firm.
Ndong is getting tired, and he's on a yellow. So with 15 mins to go, I replace him with Rzepecki.
In the 85th minute, Asoro finds some space and has a chance to seal the win, but sees his shot hit the post.
Right at the death, just as it looks like we're safe, Djilibodji manages to give away a penalty...
Mahrez steps up (no idea how he's still at Leicester!) and Pickford makes the save! Sessegnon even manages to prevent the corner.
We rode our luck a little, but we see out a 1-0 win.

Watford (A) - 19/8/2018

Before the season starts, it's time to name the captain. As Cattermole wants to leave, I feel that it's sensible to take it off him. Lamine Kone is named our new captain, while Didier Ndong is named as vice captain.

Cole Dasilva completes a loan move to Accrington.

The draw for the second round of the EFL cup sees us travel to Millwall on 28th August.

Just before the Watford match, Love picks up a knee injury that will keep him out for a couple of weeks. On the plus side, our training facilities upgrade has been completed.

For the match, I have to make a decision about formation, as 4-2-3-1 has been doing ok pre-season. However, I don't feel happy playing such an open formation in an away game, so revert back to 4-3-1-2.

On the bench are; Mannone, Wijndal, Alvaro, Dozzell, Watmore, Thill and Kluivert.
Ndong has just returned from injury, but should last 60 mins.

It's a mixed start as Youan pulls a hamstring in the build up to the opening goal. Asoro getting on to a cross from Jones. Kluivert comes on just after to replace Youan.
Kluivert and Asoro link up well. Kluivert being caught offside when he had a good chance, while Asoro blasts a one on one chance over the bar.
Just after half an hour, and Khazri hits the post after a good ball from Ndong. We just can't get that second and go in at 1-0.
The second half starts with another injury, as Rodwell is stretchered off less than 5 mins in. Dozzell comes on.
We eventually get a second after 55 mins. Khazri finding Kluivert who lifts it over the oncoming keeper.
Although Ndong was only cleared for 60 mins, I'm wary of taking him off as we only have one sub left. I'll try and get him through to 75 I think...
After 65, Asoro misses another great chance with only the keeper to beat. We get to 75 and Ndong is replaced by Watmore, and we switch to 4-2-3-1.
Less than a minute later tho, Dozzell sees red as he gets sent off for a two footed tackle. Then from the resulting free kick, Kone gives away a penalty for a push. Deeney scores, to make for a nervy end.
We can't hold on though and it's another free kick that undoes us. Janmaat getting on the end of it.
We don't give up. With 5 minutes to go, Kluivert plays a ball through to Asoro and this time he takes his chance and we go 3-2 up.
Somehow, thanks to a late, great save from Pickford, we hang on.




Rodwell's injury is bad. It's cruciate ligaments and he'll be lucky to play again this season. Youan seems to be ok though.

Besiktas (H) (Friendly) - 11/8/2018

Annoyingly, I can't find a Spanish club willing to take Alerrandro on loan. The only teams willing to take him and offer him first team football are in Denmark and Poland, so I accept those offers and let him decide.
Maja completes his loan move to Walsall. Hopefully it will do him good.
Bordeaux make an offer for Djilibodji, but only a guaranteed £4.2m, possibly reaching £6.5m. It's not enough for me to agree to, even if he does want to leave.
Buckley completes his move to Forest.
I've also accepted a loan offer from Forest Green for Tom Proctor. He agrees to it and will join them until January.

In the Premier League previews, I don't have anyone with a chance of winning best player or young player apparently. Over to Sessegnon and Dozzell to prove them wrong!

Buffonge had a choice of Cambridge or AFC Wimbledon, both in League 1. He chose to spend 5 months at Wimbledon.

For the game against Besiktas, which is being televised, I've gone with the strongest team of players that are fit.

On the bench are; Mannone, Wijndal, Thandi, Love, Kone, McNair, Rzepecki, Gibson, Watmore, Kluivert, Felix and Asoro.
All our players are match fit now, with the exception of those currently injured. So let's win our last friendly and hit the season running.

We take the lead after 11 minutes, a cross from Torres is turned in by Youan at the near post.
A couple of minutes later, Khazri scores a free kick and we're cruising.
Pickford makes a couple of saves as we go through the rest of the first half, but we go in at 2-0 up.
I don't make any changes until 55 mins, after a quiet start to the half. Rodwell and Khazri are replaced by Gibson and Kluivert.
Driussi pulls a goal back just as the subs are being made, scoring with a cheeky chip.
It's not long until we regain our 2 goal lead. Jones and Torres link well down the right before Jones squares the ball for Youan to score his second.
A couple more changes after 75 mins. Djilibodi and Torres for Kone and Watmore. I'm tempted to take of Youan, but I don't want to spoil his chance of a hat-trick.
He doesn't get it, despite having a few late chances, and we end with a 3-1 win. A solid end to pre-season.




Time now for a week of rest and training ready to kick the season off at Watford.

Zenit (H) (Friendly Cup) - 5/8/2018

With only a day between matches, there's obviously not much to talk about. However, I have accepted an offer from Nottingham Forest for Will Buckley.
We also receive a loan offer for Buffonge from League 1 side, AFC Wimbledon. According to my coaches, he's well suited to League 1 currently, so I'm in two minds whether to give him regular action there, or sporadic action in the Prem. In the end, I compromise and let him go out until January. I'll then reassess him.

Clearly I need to rotate the team a bit for this match. I take everyone below 90% fitness out of my starting 11, and I'm left with a line up looking like this.

On the bench are; Pickford, Djilibodji, Kone, Sessegnon, Thandi, McNair, Rodwell, Rzepecki, Torres, Thill, Khazri and Asoro.

Things don't start well. A ball over the top catches the defenders out, and we're a goal down inside 3 minutes.
A few minutes later and we're forced to make a substitution as Gibson picks up a dead leg. Rzepecki replaces him.
It's 2-0 after 15 mins. Mannone saves the first shot, but it falls nicely for Mak to tap in.
We pull a goal back 10 mins later. Jordan plays a ball into the box from just inside the Zenit half following a free kick, and Wijndal gets his head to it, to loop it over the keeper. We're back in the game!
We need to rely on Mannone more than once to keep us in touch, but we make it to half time trailing 1-0.
Our young defence has been caught out a few times, so at the break, I swap Badal for Kone to try and sure things up.
We're struggling at the other end too. So after 10 mins, and no real action, I pull Youan for Asoro.
We certainly look better after the changes, but it still takes us until the 70th minute to equalise. Just as I'm thinking about more changes, Dozzell, plays a brilliant through ball for Felix to run on to, and he makes the most of his one on one chance to slot home. 2-2.
I still make a change, as Dozzell is tired, so bring on Rodwell.
It's looking like penalties, so with 5 to go, I replace Buffonge with Khazri with that mind.
Both sides have a chance to win it late on, first Mannone makes a great save, and then we counter, but Khazri puts it wide with only the keeper to beat. Penalties it is...
Zenit score their 1st, while Felix sees his saved.
Zenit score their 2nd too. Khazri shows why I brought him on, putting his in the top corner.
Mannone got a touch to Javi Garcia's but couldn't keep it out. While Rodwell put his down the middle, but the keeper didn't move and it's saved!
Zenit score their next to win the shootout...




Hopefully, I don't have to call upon my two inexperienced defenders at the same time this season.
Kozlov that scored their 1st goal, is an 18 yr old newgen, so I get my scouts to check him out properly, as he had a good game.

Yeah, let's hope so! Got to love small release clauses!

RB Salzburg (H) (Friendly Cup) - 4/8/2018

Elliot Embleton completes a loan move to League 2 Barnet. He'll be a key player there until January.
Cambridge make an offer to loan Buffonge. I'm not sure League 1 football will really benefit him though.
Luke Molyneux joins League 2 Morecambe for 5 months.

The Premier League title odds are in, and we're predicted to finish 19th. Priced at just evens to go back down. Looks like it could be a tough year.

Jordan Pickford has resumed full training. Hopefully we can get him match fit before the season starts.

For this match, I've gone 4-2-3-1. Lets get those fans going with some exciting football.

Pickford passed the fitness test, so should be ok. While Sessegnon gets the chance to impress further forward.
On the bench are; Mannone, Jones, Love, Kone, McNair, Rzepecki, Gibson, Watmore, Thill, Buffonge, Dozzell and Youan.

We start well, with Torres looking good down the right. Our first goal though, comes from the left. After 14 mins, Dasilva finds Khazri, who's forced wide, but manages to squeeze a ball into Asoro who beats the keeper at his near post.
They equalise after 32 mins. We don't do a very good job of clearing the ball following a throw in, and a cross field ball finds Seguin in acres of space just outside the box and he rockets one home.
We continue to look the better team with Sessegnon missing the pick of the chances, but we go in at 1-1.
Early in the second half, Sessegnon plays a well timed ball to Ndong. His shot hits the post, comes back to him and he hits the post again! So unlucky...
The hour mark sees a couple of changes, Rodwell for Rzepecki and Djilibodji for Kone. The later immediately gets his head to a Khazri free kick, but aims it straight at the keeper.
Sessegnon misses a couple more chances, so i take him off for Buffonge, while Torres is tired, so is replaced by Watmore.
Shortly after the 70 min mark, Ndong picks up what looks like a twisted ankle. No point risking him, so Gibson comes on.
Despite numerous chances, we can't score. it ends 1-1 and we go to penalties...
They score the 1st one, and Gibson scores for us.
They score their 2nd, so does Khazri.
Pickford tips the 3rd onto the post and out. Watmore scores.
Their 4th is scored, and so is ours by Kone.
They have to score their 5th, and they do. Asoro steps up to win the match, the keeper goes the right way, but he can't reach it! We win the shootout 5-4.




We'll face Zenit in the final after they beat Sparta Prague 3-0.

Coventry (A) (Friendly) - 1/8/2018

Andre Dozzell, picked up the Under 19 Euros, Golden Ball. He was the only one of my players to make the Best XI, although Woodburn also made it after his loan spell with us. Germany won the tournament, so it's no surprise they filled most of the places. A few of them are 18 or younger, so I make sure i get full scout reports on them!

Denver Hume, who probably isn't ever going to make the grade, moves to Guiseley for 6 months.

One player my scouts found quite early at the Euros was Ferran Torres. He had a £1.2m release clause, so I snapped him up and he's now arrived.

He's clearly not first team quality yet, so may end up going out on loan.

Mannone and Kluivert both pick up small knocks in training. Neither will be out long, but they will both miss the next match.

We receive a loan offer from Walsall (now in the Championship), for Josh Maja. They tell me he will be a key player, so that's good enough for me. Meanwhile Molumby is heading to Dundalk until the end of the Irish season.

With a few injuries, it's a slightly unusual line up, with both Dozzell, and Thill playing further forward than normal.

On the bench are; Mannone, Sessegnon, Thandi, Jones, Love, McNair, Torres, Buffonge, Khazri, Watmore, Felix and Youan.

We take the lead after 17 mins. A delightful cross from Dozzell is headed home by Asoro.
We follow this up with a number of long range efforts throughout the first half, but although we test the keeper, we don't really look like scoring another. We lead by 1 at half time.
I don't actually make any changes at half time, opting to give everyone another 10 mins. Not much happens in that time though. Our first few changes see Thill, Gibson and Alvaro come off, with Youan, Felix and Love coming on. Kone switches to DC and Felix plays AMC, with Dozzell dropping back.
We keep creating chances, but we just can't take them. For the last 15 mins, I switch to 4-2-3-1, replacing Dozzell with Sessegnon, Djilibodji with Thandi, Rodwell with Khazri and Asoro with Torres.
The changes probably don't help the rhythm and we just see the game out 1-0.

Darlington (A) (Friendly) - 28/7/2018

While Leicester have been busy trying to poach one of my young defenders, I've gone and signed one of theirs. Welcome to Sunderland, Simranjit Thandi.

He's costing us over £3m but he's almost as good as Love already.

I miss out on adding a decent looking striker, as 16 year old Matthew Williamson, chooses to leave Luton for West Ham instead of us.

Offers still keep coming in for Corey Jordan. This time it's West Brom. But they won't go above £1m. I also get a random loan offer for Djilibodji from PSV. If he's leaving, it's for good money. Not on loan!
Jordan is getting fed up with me rejecting offers and hands in a transfer request. I reject it of course. I'm starting to think it could be a struggle keeping him.
I'm also starting to receive loan offers for Youan, but he's going nowhere.

England lost to Germany in the U19 Euros semi-final. So most of my players are now back. Just the 2 on loan from Benfica to go, as Portugal are also in the final.
I'm still trying to get everyone match fit, so I keep the same formation as last time (with a few tweaks).

On the bench are; Woud, Wijndal, Kone, Jordan, Sessegnon, Thandi, McNair, Dozzell, Ndong, Thill, Buffonge and Kluivert.

A strong start sees us take the lead inside 7 mins. Gibson hit the bar from just outside the box and Asoro pounced first to pick up the pieces.
We keep the pressure on, but their keeper makes save after save. Khazri does beat him after 28 mins, but is denied by the post.
A couple of minutes later, Khazri does score, turning in a cross from Watmore.
Watmore scores himself after 41 mins. This time, it's a cross from Love that Asoro heads against the post. it falls nicely for Watmore to slot home.
There's still time for a fourth before half time. It's Khazri again, this time from 25 yards out.
Right on half time, the ref gives a soft penalty and Khazri steps up to complete his hat-trick.
I make wholesale changes at the break. Off go, Djilibodji, Gibson, Khazri and Youan. On come, Jordan, Ndong, Thill and Kluivert.
It takes us a while to settle in the second half, and there's not much action before 60 mins, where I make another couple of changes. Thandi and Sessegnon replacing Love and Dasilva.
We don't score a 6th until the 80th minute. Ndong hitting into the top corner from even further out than Khazri did earlier in the game.
Thats it though, despite lots of possession and numerous chances, it ends 6-0.

Wohlen (A) (Friendly) - 23/7/2018

Stoke came in with an offer for Jordan. After some negotiations, I got them up to a guaranteed £1.5m with a possible £500k in add ons. Its more than Leicester are prepared to offer, but still less than I'm willing to accept.
Elsewhere, Donaldson completes his loan move to Hartlepool, while Jack Paterson moves to Rangers on loan for the season.

As we are playing a supposedly weaker side in our final training camp game, I thought I'd try an attacking formation. Everyone seems to love 4-2-3-1 at the moment, and I've based mine around Klopp's Liverpool team.

On the bench are; Mannone, Djilibodji, Dasilva, Jones, Jordan, McNair, Gibson, Rodwell, Rzepecki, Khazri, Watmore and Asoro.

After an even start, we go behind. Kone loses his man and Woud doesn't position himself too well for the one on one that followed.
Just before half time, Borini is stretchered off. Asoro comes on.
I make a few tweaks at half time, to see if it helps us do something with all the possession that we have.
We finally equalise after 56 mins. A cross from Wijndal is cleared straight at Asoro, who turns and scores.
I see that as a good time to make some changes, so off go; Kluivert, Love and Badal. On come; Watmore, Jones and Jordan.
A poor pass from Watmore after 68 mins, leads to a counter attack and a goal, despite having 4 defenders against their two attackers.
Late on, Khazri and Djilibodji replace Thill and Kone. Then even later on, Cattermole picks up an injury and is replaced by Gibson.
We almost grab an equaliser with the last kick of the game, but it's not to be.




Borini strained his knee ligaments and will be out for 5-6 weeks, while Cattermole has a hip injury which will keep him sidelined for around 8 weeks.

Sion (A) (Friendly) - 21/7/2018

Leicester have come back in for Corey Jordan. It's still nowhere near the £2m I paid for him though. The best I can get out of them is £1.9m plus £400k after 40 league games. He wants to discuss terms and kicked up a fuss after I last rejected an offer. Stoke and West Ham are also interested, so maybe I can withhold making a decision just yet...

We get a loan offer for Josh Donaldson from League 2 Hartlepool. Whether first team football in League 2 is better than playing U23, I'm not sure, but I let him go.

He doesn't leave before the Sion game though, so I let him play to give him a send off.

On the bench are; Mannone, Badal, Wijndal, Kone, Love, Cattermole, Gibson, Ndong, Thill, Watmore, Asoro and Borini.

We take the lead after 15 mins, Youan scoring from more than 20 yards when it looked like there was nothing on. We should be level less than a minute later, but they put the ball over when clean through on goal.
We force a couple of good saves from their keeper and it looks like we'll go in with a lead. But just before half time, a cross comes in that Donaldson doesn't deal with and it's 1-1.
Just one change at half time, Watmore replaces Kluivert.
Just before the hour mark Youan picks up a potential head injury. I don't want to rick him, so Borini comes on. At the same time, Gibson comes on for McNair and Badal for Djilibodji.
We waste a lot of chances in the second half and just before the end, Watmore takes a knock and is replaced by Asoro. We see the game out 1-1.

Ingolstadt (N) (Friendly) - 18/7/2018

Jermain Defoe has finally retired. I'm not sure why he picked the 17th July to do it!. Winning the Championship last season at least means he goes out on a high.

We received a loan offer from Peterborough for Youan. Although first team Championship football would be good for him, we can't afford to let him go. Buckley could be on his way though as we accept a bid from Rangers. We've also had loan offers for Rzepecki, but nobody is prepared to give him first team football, so he may as well stay.
Jan Kirchoff has now completed his move to Koln for an initial £6.25m, hopefully reaching £9.75m eventually.
Rather annoyingly, no Spanish clubs are coming in to loan the two players needing work permits. Hopefully that changes soon.

With 6 players at the Under 19 Euros, we're limited to the changes we can make for this game. But we'll switch it up a little.

On the bench are; Donaldson, Woud, Jordan, Jones, Djilibodji, Gibson, Watmore, Buffonge, Thill, Kluivert and Youan.

We get off to a great start, scoring straight from kick off. Love plays a through ball for Asoro, who squares it for Borini to nod home.
Asoro and Borini link up well again for the second. A one two on the edge of the box leaves Asoro to score, beating the keeper at his near post.
The rest of the first half is quiet. We keep the ball well and never really look under any pressure at the back.
Two half time changes see Wijndal and Rzepecki replaced by Jones and Gibson.
We don't see quite so much of the ball early in the second half, as Ingolstadt try and get back in the game. After an hour, I make a couple more changes. Kone and Khazri replaced by Jordan and Thill.
Ingolstadt's pressure finally pays off against our make shift defence, and they pull one back on 64 mins.
We create a few late chances, but nothing of real note and we see the game out 2-1.

Hertha Berlin (Friendly) - 15/7/2018

Krusnell agreed to join Crewe on loan.Hopefully he'll get plenty of play time this season.
Huddersfield made an offer for Kirchoff that meets our valuation. Let's see if he's prepared to go back to the Championship.

For the friendly against Hertha, I start with my strongest available team, but still trying to make this 4-3-3 work!

On the bench are; Donaldson, Woud, Jordan, Love, McNair, Rzepecki, Cattermole, Khazri, Thill, Buffonge, Youan.

We start brightly, creating a number of chances, but mainly from long range. The game is pretty much what you'd expect from the first pre-season match, and not too much happens until Pickford is stretchered off after 37 mins. Let's hope that's not serious! Donaldson comes on to replace him.
In stoppage time, Borini should put us in front, but the keeper makes a good save.
I make a couple of half time changes. Gibson and Kluiver, for Rzepecki and Buffonge.
We take the lead just a minute into the second half. Borini getting the assist for Ndong to score from close range.
A couple more subs on the hour mark. Borini and Ndong for Asoro and Cattermole.
We score a late second. A great crossfield ball from Watmore finds Buffonge, who beats his man and puts a lovely cross into the box for Asoro to turn home.
We then score an even later third. Rodwell squaring for Cattermole to tap in after a quick counter attack.
We end at 3-0. A good solid start to pre-season.




After the match, we find out that Pickford has broken his shoulder. A specialist should get him back with 3 weeks though.

Pre-Season Squad Report

A breakdown of what we have and what we need!

Goalkeepers
Pickford remains our best goalkeeper and still has room to improve, while Mannone at 30 years old, stays as second choice.
The four remaining keepers are all 21 or under, and it appears that the best currently is 19 yr old Michael Woud, although new signing Josh Donaldson has the best potential.
Stryjek is now 21 and not improving, so gets transfer listed, while Briggs is only 16, so will hopefully get a lot of U18 games this season.
Although I haven't loan listed Woud or Donaldson, I'm prepared to listen to offers if any come in.

Defenders - Left
Sessegnon is still the best left back at the club, but Wijndal is catching him up and should get some game time this season. Both still have plenty of room to improve though.
Dasilva still has plenty of potential, but I'm starting to wonder if he'll ever realise it. I consider sending him to Crewe, but he'd struggle to get in their team. Maybe playing some U23 football will do him some good. If a National League side is willing to make him a first team regular, he can go on loan.
Krusnell is also not developing as I'd like. Crewe are willing to give him first team football though, so he's off their until at least January.
The only other 2 players with DL as their best position, Hume and Taylor, aren't very good, nor do they have the potential to be. So they can be on their way.

Defenders - Right
I'm a bit short on right backs, hence having Alexander-Arnold on loan last season. Jones is currently the best at the club. As for second choice, there isn't much difference between Mathews and Love (who had a good season at Falkirk last year). At 23, Love still has room to improve, so I'm keeping hold of him and I'll let Mathews go. The only other DR at the club is 16 yr old Dean Mackey. He can hang around for the time being. I do need to look for another though!

Defenders - Central
My first choice pairing is obviously still Kone and Djilibodji, however, if Papy leaves, that place will be taken by on loan Alvaro.
Jordan and Badal then become the backup center backs. Hopefully some play time will cheer Jordan up.
21yr old Brotherton isn't going to make the grade, while of the remaining kids, only Tickell looks to have any promise. If Djilibodji does leave, I should probably look to bring someone else in.

Defensive Midfield - Central
Although I don't normally use a CDM, I do have some players for where this is their best position. And it's useful to have one or two just in case.
The three players that have this as their best position are; Cattermole, Kirchoff and McNair. Kirchoff is going and Cattermole wants to, so McNair can stick around. Especially seeing as he can fill in at center back.

Midfielders - Central
I usually play with a midfield three. My current first choice trio would be; Gibson, Ndong and Rodwell. Dozzell is pushing hard to make the first team.
After those 4, I have another group of 4, all of similar quality. Rzepecki, Paterson, Embleton and Molumby. Embleton doesn't look like he'll grow much more, so he can go, while I'm hoping to arrange a loan move for at least one of the others. They're too good for League 2, but hopefully a League 1 or Championship club will be interested.
Of the remaining players, there are three 16yr olds that I'll keep hold of, 18 yr old Mbunga Kimpioka, who's unlikely to improve and 21yr old Robson who just won't cut it. They are both free to leave.

Attacking Midfield - Left
I'm highly unlikely to use standard ML/MR so I'm just looking at the attacking versions. I have a few youths that can only play ML/MR put I'm training them to play AML/AMR.
The only real AMLs I have are Buffonge and 16yr old George Smith. Kluivert, Lens and Khazri can all play there, but are really rights or centrals.
I'll keep hold of Buffonge and try and give him some game time.

Attacking Midfield - Right
Kluivert is the best winger at the club, and although he's best on the right, if I play with 2 wingers, he'll probably end up on the left. This leaves Watmore as my best right sided option, with Lens challenging him for his place.
Buckley is now 28 and really needs to be moved on, while Molyneux (20) and Greenwood (21), are probably both too old now to make the grade. Proctor is 17 and full of potential, so I may consider loaning him out.

Attacking Midfield - Center
Khazri is clearly my best AMC at present, while Gooch and on loan Felix, fight it out as his back up. At 22, I'd expect Gooch to be better by now. If he can get a loan move to a Championship club, it may help him.
I'm unsure whether to keep Thill or loan him out. My coaches see him as League 1 standard, so I'll see if any decent offers come in.

Strikers
If I'm playing with two up front, then my first choice pair would be Borini and Anichebe. Romero is actually my next best, but still needs that work permit (or Spanish citizenship). This leaves my backup pairing as Asoro and Youan.
Of the remaining strikers, Alerrandro and Maja, still have a chance of making it and will be loaned out, while Nelson and Thompson are free to leave as they appear to lack any real potential.

Pre-Season 2017/18

This post will cover from 1st July until my first friendly on 15th July. After that, I will go back to posting on a game by game basis.

On 1st July, Thill arrives along with Josh Donaldson. The Scottish goalkeeper hasn't improved at all since we agreed to sign him in December, hopefully he will now he's here.
John O'Shea completes his move away from the club, joining Midtjylland on a free.

I receive news that Alerrandro and Romero are still unable to get work permits. Romero still needs to spend another year in Spain to gain citizenship, while Alerrandro still needs 566 days.

A number of well known players are released from their clubs. None of them under 18 though. Starting to wish I'd included free agents in the list of players I could sign when I started this challenge as I see; Remy, Chalobah, Atsu, McGeady, Ulloa, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Sagna, Angelino, Schweinsteiger, Lingard, Januzaj, J. Pereira, A.Pereira, Varela, Valdes, Krul, Haidara, Gomis and Behrami all released from their clubs!

While looking at transfer listed under 18s, I cam across Jayson Molumby at Brighton. He's only average, but he'll help bulk the squad out and only cost an initial £40k.


Another midfielder has come in on loan.

I tried signing him, but Benfica want over £50m for him! He'll have some company, as his portuguese team mate Alvaro will be joining him for the season.

The pair of them are currently at the U19 Euros, so will join up with the squad after.

The majority of the team have now reported back for pre-season, with only Anichebe carrying an injury.
I remind the players that we're aiming for mid-table. 15 of them now think I'm being too ambitious, while Carlos Badal thinks we should be aiming higher. 5 of them are unhappy with the number of new signings, while the rest are happy.

Kirchoff still wants to leave and I accept an offer from Koln which will easily reach at least £8m.

I arrange some friendlies, including a cup to be held in memory of Bradley Lowery. The teams invited are Zenit, RB Salzburg and Sparta Prague.

The board come back with their list of possible affiliates. Blyth, Port Vale and Crewe. Due to their excellent training facilities, Crewe is really the only option. Even though they are in League 2 and Port vale are in League 1.

Leicester make an offer for Corey Jordan, which I reject, but he gets upset about it. I'm not prepared to let him go for less than I bought him for, so he's going to have to get on with it.

Before our training camp gets under way, it's time to fully assess the squad. I'll dedicate a separate post for that.

June 2018

I was writing this post and my laptop crashed and I lost everything I'd typed! This post should cover June, as once July starts I will go more in depth with my pre-season plans.

First up, our take over has been completed! Our new chairman is Alan Graves, who clears the clubs debt, pumps a bit of money into the transfer kitty and announces that he will improve the training facilities.

Shortly after, we announce the signing of Vincent Thill. I had agreed a deal for him which was blocked by our embargo. Once it was lifted, we went back in, but he ended up costing an extra £2m.

My scouts aren't sure about him, but he has great base stats (and a decent reputation IRL), so I'm happy to take the punt.

I have a chat with our new chairman, and talk him into improving the youth facilities as well as the training. Happy days.

On the 9th June, the domestic window opens, and I'm immediately met with a bid from Watford for Jordan Pickford. It's only £5.75m and seeing as he's valued at £6.75m, it's rejected without a second thought.

I've put some faith in my HoYD, and have let him make approaches for young players. I still have final say on confirmation though! He's come up with this little gem to join our ranks.

My coaches rate him higher than my scouts, with his rating rising to 3.5 stars once he arrived.

Liverpool want almost £40m for Woodburn, so he won't be making his stay permanent.

A training camp has been arranged in Switzerland for us, so I arrange 3 friendlies for the time we are there against; Hertha Berlin, Ingolstadt and Sion.

We have received a few loan offers for players, but I want to wait until my players return from holiday before fully assessing everyone and who I want to keep for the season ahead.

The review of last season is now in. Here's the breakdown for the top two divisions.

Khazri and Djilibodji doing the business.

With the season finalised, it's time to start the planning for next season and that begins with setting expectations...

Although I'm hoping to not be in a relegation fight, I'm happy with the budgets, so leave expectations on the lowest setting to give us some leeway.

For no apparent reason, our affiliation with Ghanaian club Asante Kotoko is ended. So I ask the board for a new feeder club, mainly for us to send players on loan.

It feels like things are going well, but then Djilibodji comes to see me. There's a host of clubs showing an interest in him and he wants to leave to play in the Champions League. He has a 12.5m release clause in his contract, so I tell him that he can leave if it's met. He's not impressed and wants me to offer him out. I don't want to lose him, but certainly can't offer him Champions League any time soon, so I accept that he'll be leaving. I just need to get what I can for him now.

Sessegnon, Dozzell, Woodburn and Paterson are all heading to the U19 European Championships at the end of July. They'll be accompanied by a couple of my best scouts!

Just as his contract's about to expire, Anichebe agrees to a new one. He's not amazing, but with Defoe retiring, it's useful to keep some experience around.
As we reach the end of the month, Pienaar retires. He's not good enough to become a coach here, but he'll pick up a job somewhere.
Jeremain Lens returns from his Bulgarian loan spell and withdraws his transfer request. The rest of the loan players return too, time to see if some of the will now get work permits!

End Of Season Round Up - 2017/2018

This is a long post, quite fragmented as a type things as they happen. It covers the period from our last match until the 1st June, at which point I'll start another post for pre-season.

Following on from the last post, the board keep their word to discuss a new contract. However, they aren't prepared to improve the training facilities, or set up an affiliate to help us pick up youngsters.
I agree to a 2 year contract (they won't give me more), with a £3.5k wage rise.

End of Season awards.

It's no surprise that Djilibodji won the award. He finished the league campaign with an average rating of 7.50.

Dozzell may need to curb his temper a bit as he becomes more of a first team regular.

For the end of season team meeting, I consider my comments carefully. Eventually, I state that we can finish mid-table next season with a couple of squad additions. Everybody seems happy with that!

I plan pre-season to last 5 weeks, so players will return on 9th July.

Rumours start swirling about another takeover offer, so once again, I'm under embargo. No signings coming in any time soon. Although, I'm building up quite a shortlist!

QPR's poor end to the season continues as they lose to Ipswich in the playoff semi-final.

Chelsea beat Man City after extra time in the FA Cup final.

I finally get my Continental B coaching licence.

Jermain Defoe decides that he will definitely retire!

Final League Table

Ipswich beat Middlesborough in the playoff final.

In the end of season awards, Kluivert picked up young player of the year, I won manager of the year and Sessegnon, Djilibodji and Ndong were all named in team of the year. Pickford was named as substitute goalkeeper.

I'll finish off this post by stating that Arsenal won the Premier League, while Bournemouth, Huddersfield and Brighton were relegated.