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#610179 Now I would walk 500 miles...
HockeyBhoy
Last Updated: 01/12/2026 7:00pm
Mark Duell's Three Lions will face Italy in the last four as they bid to retain the Nations League title won two years ago, ironically when they defeated the Italians in the final played in Spain. This semi-final will be played at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal, on Wednesday 2 June 2027. The other semi-final sees Germany take on Spain, again being played at the Emirates Stadium. The clash between Germany and Spain will take place first with a 3:00pm, before the Three Lions match at 7:30pm.
The Final is provisionally set for Saturday 5 June 2027.
With another international break coming up in March, England have announced friendlies against Russia at Wembley on Friday 19 March 2027, before travelling to Gibraltar four days later. Therefore the race is on for players to impress if they are looking to feature in the Nations League squad of 23 this summer.
#610168 Out on a Lim....
HockeyBhoy
#609313 Now I would walk 500 miles...
HockeyBhoy
2026-27: December Preview
We begin December with a visit from Everton, a team that actually interviewed me for the manager's position before Preston actually came calling. They're in an Europa League spot as we start the month and only three points off a Champions League spot which goes to show what sort of task we face in our last home game before Christmas. Like most of the best sides in the Premier League, there's quality in abundance throughout the side and I'm sure goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will be looking at producing a performance and give me food for thought for when the time comes to name my next England squad.
What follows next is a run of three away games. This begins with a trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in North London to face Spurs; another team that interviewed me for a vacant managerial spot. In fact, that was only this summer just gone so if we can get something there then maybe I will have proved a point to Daniel Levy as if to say "You picked the wrong man Levy!" to him. We had no such luck there last season when we played them in the Emirates FA Cup but we did keep a certain Harry Edward Kane off the scoresheet that afternoon. A repeat of that and taking an unlikely point (three of course would be better) might just improve the mood around these parts.
The next away game comes the Saturday before Christmas and it's another trip to London for the boys. This time, we're bound for the London Stadium to face West Ham. We held them to a 2-2 draw in the opening game of the season so we know we have the ability to compete with them, the question is can we go one result better this time? Boxing Day sees our three game road trip conclude with a trip to a Watford that start December in 6th place which is massively overachieving for them but if we want to look at see what it is possible then perhaps this is a good benchmark as anything.
We return back to Deepdale 48 hours after the Watford game as we host a Cardiff City side that have had a terrible start to this season. They've got a former Preston player in the shape of Grady Diangana. You can bet he will be keen to put one over his former side whilst we will be hoping to take a three point haul to push his new side even closer to the Championship trap door even as early as December. If ever there was a game classed as a proverbial six-pointer this is one. This is a game we have to win.
So not many people will fancy us in December and are expecting more misery for us. We have performed when the odds are against us before, so why not again? If we can take around seven points, tall ask I know, then maybe we might just have enough about us to stay the right side of the drop zone line and keep the proverbial wolves away from our door. The pressure is on, especially with new owners in place now, I know I have got to deliver soon otherwise I might be sacked for the first time in my career.
#609131 Now I would walk 500 miles...
HockeyBhoy
Third Round Draw made
1 December 2026
The draw was made live on the BBC's "The One Show" by former Manchester United captains Bryan Robson and Peter Schmeichel.
Preston were drawn at home to League One side Doncaster Rovers at the Third Round stage. Rovers have seen off AFC Telford and local rivals Chesterfield to make it into the final 64. This tie will be played at Deepdale on Saturday 2 January 2026 at a 3:00pm kick off time. In other ties, holders Manchester City start their defence against League One Brentford at the Etihad whilst there's an exciting all Premier League encounter between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. In addition Leeds United face fierce rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road in a Yorkshire derby that will whet many an appetite on the other side of the Pennines.
Tickets for the Rovers game will be on sale very shortly to season book holders first of all.
#609123 Now I would walk 500 miles...
HockeyBhoy
By Dave Seddon
Monday 30 November 2026, 1:00pm
The former England Under 21 internationalist, who has started the Lilywhites last two games ahead of Jack Harrison, is apparently unhappy with the amount of game time he has seen this season under manager Mark Duell and now sees his future away from Preston. Ferguson, a target for Everton early on this season, admitted it wasn't an easy decision to make:
"Despite the team being in a higher division this season, I have handed in a transfer request to the manager due to the lack of games I have started this season for the Club. I feel I am more than capable of starting games in the Premier League, and although I have had a little run in the side so far; it's far from enough.
As much as I have enjoyed being a Preston player for the last two and a bit seasons, I have to weigh up my options as a professional. If this means that I have to find pastures new then so be it.
I hope the fans understand that I am still committed to them, but under the current manager I don't see much of a future for me. I'm not being greedy, I just want to play first team football."
With dressing room morale allegedly not being great at the moment, this couldn't have come at a worse time for Duell with the all important December fixture list around the corner.
#607476 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
Actress Jessica Miesel: One of Basil's dream dates
All those questions and an hour later, the camera stopped rolling. Basil thought to himself, what was I thinking beforehand? It hadn't been actually too bad at all, and hopefully it created a good impression to the Werribee fans watching the stream on YouTube or those who would read it in the forthcoming matchday programme on Saturday afternoon for the friendly game. Basil thanked Giovanni for his time, went back through the doors, grabbed another soda and got back in his car to drive back to Melbourne: the previously mentioned Shinedown's latest album "Attention, Attention" playing via Bluetooth and Spotify on the stereo. Time to relax and chill ahead of yet another day in the life of Basil Brush, Werribee City F.C. Football Manager. It had a very nice sound to it indeed.
#607471 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
"Giovanni, why is there a camera here?" Basil enquired.
"Erm, we're going to do it as a live stream on the Club's YouTube channel." Giovanni responded with a slight hesitation,
"Well I didn't agree to this."
"Angus never told you?"
"No, just told me you would be doing the interview. I was expecting that we'd be sitting down at the table, you with either pen and note pad or a dictaphone."
"I'm sorry, but we're trying to attract new fans and new ways of interacting with our existing fanbase. This might work y'know."
"It just feels er, kinda awkward. I'm not sure that it will, I mean all the world will know about it if it does go global."
"And?"
"I like to keep certain things private to myself. I've never been one for media attention. That's why nobody ever saw me do many press conferences or an interview in my playing days. I'm a bit of an off the grid personality."
"Ah I see, but please reconsider."
"Give me a few minutes to myself. I'm just going to grab a soda and go outside for a bit."
And at that point Basil did an about turn, opened the oak doors, and headed to the car park whilst grabbing a can of Coke Zero from the drinks dispenser. He stood in the car park, contemplating. "Perhaps I should walk away from this gig, already I've been lied to." Basil said to himself. "Or shall I change my attitude?" Basil then thought what Sir Alex would have done, he would have done it but insisted no more shock surprises. So this meant a shift of personal focus was needed from the media-conscious Basil Brush now, it was time to step away from the shyness and show people what he was really like. He gulped the last dregs from the can, squeezed it, threw it into the nearby bin like Michael Jordan netting another basket for the Chicago Bulls and headed back inside.
"Right Giovanni, where do we begin?"
#607469 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
"Hi Basil, take a seat."
"Thanks Angus."
"I've been very impressed how well you've taken to the manager's job. We're unbeaten so far."
"I know. To be honest, I'm surprised myself."
"You shouldn't be. It's totally vindicating my faith in you. Anyway I've got something to ask you ahead of Saturday's prestigious home friendly."
"Sure what is it?"
"We, like all clubs, have a matchday programme and I was thinking...besides writing a column for it - can we do a Q&A with you like we do with the players."
"I'm not sure.."
"Go on; be a sport. It'll give the fans an insight into you. They don't know much bar that press release in the paper."
"I'm still not convinced Angus."
"I think it'll be brilliant, just think how much the fans will love you if this appears. It's a bit of a laugh."
"OK, you've talked me round. When do we do it?"
"This afternoon, Giovanni will be asking the questions."
"Right, I'll see him later."
Basil left the boardroom perplexed. This would see him bear a few personal things but if it helped the fans get to know him better then why not. Angus' plans were certainly something Basil was having to buy into whether he agreed with them or not. And a good working relationship between Chairman and Manager can only mean one thing: the Club can go from strength to strength.
#606972 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
That first game was against Mooroolbark Social Club, Mooroolbark being located in the NE of Melbourne . Due to expanse of Australia, Basil soon realised that there is no such thing as a short journey. 45 miles this journey, and they were on only the road less than an hour and a half. Imagine how long it would take to get to Perth? Yeah, just imagine it... Anyway the trip would be a success as the Bees as they recorded a 2-0 win thanks to goals from trialist Anthony Ragusa and midfielder Dino Paola. Next up was a trip to Clifton Hill were the hosts were defeated by a single scored by another trialist; Michael Mensah. Alas the Clifton Hill game was the last ones for Ragusa and Mensah as their trials ended a few days later.
August began with a 2-0 win against Berwick City, who are two divisions below Werribee. Goals from Matteo Ballan, with a penalty, and winger Takanori Nishimoto did the trick and a fourth clean sheet. Clean sheet number five would come the following week as divisional rivals FC Bulleen Lions were routed 4-0 thanks to a sensational first display; Lisandro Paz scored a brace whilst new signing Michael Holden and defender Daniel Petrov also scored.
The middle of August saw the winning run continue with a win over Doncaster Rovers, no not the team Basil knew of, Rovers being the first side to breach the Bees the back line in pre-season. However, that's all they managed as Werribee recorded a 3-1 win thanks to strikes from Alec Goodwin, Lachlan Davis and Shaun Weaver. Malvern City were then beaten in the penultimate game of the month, 2-1, Ballan scoring another perfect spot kick and Weaver with his second in two games to secure what was a 7th successive pre-season win.
That run ended when divisional counterparts North Geelong Warriors held the Bees to a goalless draw on the final day of August. It was a game where the Bees players just couldn't get the ball in the net. But the Bees are unbeaten in eight games, the team seem to be adjusting to Brush's tactics, and it's all set up for the only home friendly against Western United. It would be the biggest test so far against a higher quality opponent, could the Bees sting their A-League visitors and record a famous win? Basil licked his lips with an anticipation he had never experienced before. The juices were certainly starting to flow..
#606970 Now I would walk 500 miles...
HockeyBhoy
November 2026 Award Winners
A look now to see who won what in the monthly awards.
Manager of the Month:
Player of the Month:
Young Player of the Month:
Goal of the Month:
#606969 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
Thanks for your patience,
Mark
#606966 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
#606961 Out on a Lim....
HockeyBhoy
#582467 Quiz....
HockeyBhoy
Who here in Susie land would be up for a football quiz compiled by yours truly. Thinking of the following categories:
The Premier League
The EFL
Scottish Football
The World Game
What do you think?
#582111 Site issues - reporting thread
HockeyBhoy
Got almost 200GB spare on the hard drive VP, so at a loss....
#582090 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
Of course we are mate.
#582087 Site issues - reporting thread
HockeyBhoy
Sent you the error message appearing in console section from Edge via PM Rob.
#581037 Site issues - reporting thread
HockeyBhoy
Done that, and on three different browsers too. Still sadly not working for me.
#580533 Site issues - reporting thread
HockeyBhoy
Just you mate....
#580517 Site issues - reporting thread
HockeyBhoy
In the meantime, I'll type things up in notepad ready for use soon.
#580489 Site issues - reporting thread
HockeyBhoy
None of the options for posting seem to work though, that is bold etc.....guess these will return again soon? Hope so, I tend to use them a lot in my stories.
#579756 Now I would walk 500 miles...
HockeyBhoy
2026-27: End of November Summary
MATCHDAY 13 - Saturday 7 November 2026
Despite being completely dominated by the Blues, we conceded just once but that goal was good enough to see the three points head back to SW6. It came in the 28th minute when Swedish internationalist Alexander isak converted at the near post from a low cross delivered by Houseem Aouar. We had just one shot in the whole ninety, granted it was on target too, and that was in the opening minute of the second half from former Chelsea trainee Charly Musonda.
Another bright spot, aside from the preventable hammering, was the performance of keeper Jasper Schendelaar. The big Dutchman was in solid form and probably stopped Chelsea getting more than one. He's been a great acquisition since signing from AZ Alkmaar in the summer, I'm more than happy to have him as our first choice number one.
MATCHDAY 14 - Sunday 22 November 2026
LIVE ON
We were given very little chance to come away from the King Power Stadium as well despite the Foxes playing well below expectations this season. Ongjen Stijepovic was given a rest after a long run in the starting eleven and feeling jaded, Corrado Pantanelli replaced him in a direct swap whilst winger Andrew Ferguson got his chance to impress after repeatedly asking for one. Other than that, we continued with the wing back system.
It was against the run of play that saw us take the lead on the half hour, Ollie Watkins playing a delightful ball into Vincent Morel and the on-loan Frenchman took a couple of touches before blasting the ball into the net from outside the box, Iczo in the Foxes goal had no chance. The lead lasted just seven minutes as Brazilian winger Malcom headed in off the bar from a deep cross by Dylan Clayton, one of my highly rated England prospects. The same player put the Foxes 2-1 ahead when he was allowed space to cut in and then somehow squeeze the ball under Schendelaar and into the net.
Yet we kept plugging away, and hoped something would come good if we did. It did as we equalised with six minutes from time thanks to a second goal of the game from Morel. It was another sensational strike from the Monaco loanee and again from outside the box. Vincent now has four goals this season, and is our top scorer.
MATCHDAY 15 - Saturday 28 November 2026
I'd watched City in midweek against Schalke in the CL, one to see how they line up but also to see how England squad member Ryan Sessegnon played from an international perspective and knew we would be in for a long afternoon. It was just that as City had an unbelievable 53 shots, but less than half on target. That and possession in their favour, meant it was indeed probably the toughest afternoon's football I've ever had cause to experience.
City took the lead in just the sixth minute. It came from the penalty spot when the referee adjudged that Jules Koundé had fouled Andrew Balstrue in the area. It looked a bit harsh but there was no use remonstrating, the decision had been made. Portuguese star Joao Felix stepped up and despite Schendelaar getting fingertips to it, the ball found the bottom corner.
Five minutes later they scored against, German winger Leroy Sané heading in at the far post. You sensed that they would run riot, but no - we stunned them in the 13th minute when Pantanelli found Cuevas in a pocket of space and our Chilean left back hit a low and hard shot that just had Ederson rooted to the spot. Our fans went crazy! City set about punishing us the only way they knew best, scoring more goals but once more Schendelaar was superb in goal. They did score a third eventually to put it beyond our reach, Sané scoring his second of the game with seven minutes left.
So this is how the Premier League stands at the end of November:
So we are still managing to stay out of the drop zone, and didn't get hammered out of sight by Chelsea and City which impressed me no end. However, the atmosphere in the dressing room has dropped to a very scary 20 per cent but the managerial support is at a contrasting 83%. The losses we have achieved might have been a bearing on it, but we are playing at a higher level. Whether we can ride out this impending storm in the next few months remains to be seen.
The good news this month? The takeover finally went through which was a relief to anyone but the new owners haven't been very approachable at the moment. When they came in they promised investment in the training ground, however as we enter December that's been shelved. Hopefully we can get some results in and show them that this is a team that deserves some kind of serious investment put into. Otherwise I might have to look after my own interests. I'm happy here and want to stay for a while but when on and off pitch matters start to change the dynamic, maybe a change of scenery will do the trick. We shall see, right?.
#579638 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
Arriving at Galvin Park Reserve, Basil parked up and grabbed his laptop and clipboard. There was a gate open, and in the near distance, a set of goalposts up with players attaching the nets. They knew he was here and what he was about. As he walked through the gate, the slightly tanned figure of John Waddell came walking in Basil's direction.
"Hi, you must be Basil." John greeted warmly.
"Yep, that be me. You're John, my assistant manager I presume?"
"Sure am, welcome to Werribee City."
"Thanks. Are the on-trial guys here yet?"
"Yeah, they're warming up over there."
"Good, that's a start."
Trying to get themselves a deal with Werribee were winger Anthony Ragusa and Michael Mensah. Ragusa was back on familiar ground, having made 78 appearances for the Bees between 2012 and 2015, so he knew what the team was all about but had sat out the whole of last season after leaving Preston Lions in 2017. Mensah, who would turn 38 in three days time, was a Ghanaian who had spent time playing his football in Finland, Sweden and Vietnam before first arriving in Australia in 2015. He was an experienced left sided defender; although he could also do a job as a striker,. Neither would fulfil the club vision that Angus had so detailed out to him but they're on trial for a 4 week stint so no big fuss if they don't impress enough - it's not going to cost the Club anything.
The nets were up, and Basil introduced himself to the players.
"Hi guys, my name's Basil Brush and I'm the new manager around here replacing Serge who had to step down yesterday. I appreciate you.."
"Jeez, you're a Pom!" came a sudden interjection. "And is this your real name?"
Some of the players laughed.
"Yes on both counts, I'm English and yes my real name is Basil Brush. I can see why you found it funny. And you are?"
"Oh I'm David, Dave Parkinson. John and Serge signed me a few weeks ago, I'm also the current club captain."
"Thanks Dave, I'll be obviously talking to you a lot then. As I was saying, I appreciate you probably know nothing about me but everyone here is in this together. Hopefully we can do some special things on the pitch together."
"I like the sound of that," Dave said. "Let's get started. Ref's ready and waiting."
"Indeed. I'll look after the senior squad and John's going to look after the Youths until I can get someone in to do that."
Predictably enough, the Senior Squad had too much for the Youths and took the honours with a 4-0 win. Striker Alec Goodwin opened the scoring in the 8th minute when he volleyed home from six yards following a cross from vice-captain Julyan Collett. Every player got some minutes in the game, and the lead was extended in the 57th minute when triallist Ragusa was tripped in the area: left-back Liam O'Connell produced the perfect penalty right into the bottom corner.
With 21 minutes left, it became 3-0. Youth prospect Vinnie Jarvis putting too much pace on his intended back pass and seeing it roll past Jani Lah for a tragic own goal. The young Englishman wished the ground would swallow him whole after this despite encouraging words and the arm around the shoulder from Basil and John Waddell. The scoring was completed nine minutes from time when a free kick from Ragusa was met with a bullet header from Cameron Williams; leaving Lah with no chance whatsoever. A good workout for all concerned, the result immaterial.
Of the triallists, Ragusa had a great game on the right wing and certainly was vindicating why Brush was so keen to bring him in. Mensah did a steady job when he came on but not outstanding. Plenty of things to think about as Brush drove back to Melbourne, his notebook being full of scribbles here and there.
#579588 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
He spent a good ten or fifteen minutes in the shower, still mulling over what today would bring: his first day on the job.
After showering and ensuring he was clean shaven, Basil adopted his choice of attire for that first contact: a blue and yellow training t-shirt which had the logo of his final club (Stocksbridge Park Steels) adorning the left breast and a pair of blue Adidas shorts to go with matching coloured trainers. This would do for the first day and subsequent training sessions, all other matches would see him prowl that sideline suited and booted. Look smart, and mean business. Basil then proceeded to thumb the online version of Yellow Pages to get hold a car hire business.
"Good morning, Avis Rent-a-Car. Can I help you?" came the initial opening.
"Er, yeah. I'm after a car to rent please." Basil responded.
"Sure, what type of car are you looking for. We have vehicles to suit all possible combinations."
"Erm, a largish one..." Basil had never really had cause to hire a car until now...
"We have a Toyota Camry; that's a rather good one. How long is this for?"
"Well my new employer's going to be paying for it, so that depends to them. I've got their email address here for you to email them an invoice..."
"No problems, you can hand us those details when you come to pick the car up. What's the name of the driver please?"
"Brush, Basil Brush.."
"Excuse me, that's the name of the new Werribee City Manager. It's not you is it sir?"
"Yeah."
"Wow, we're honoured Mr Brush to be your choice of car provider. I'm Shane, and I'm a Werribee City season book holder."
"Oh..."
"See you soon Mr Brush, I'll make sure you have the best."
Word had indeed spread quickly from last night, and Basil just stood there in a daze. He powered up the laptop again, cup of tea to his left hand side. He saw there was a new email from John:
What a pre-season schedule...
Basil finished off the buttered croissant, drunk the remainder of his cup of tea and got into a taxi which the hotel had ordered for him. "Avis on Franklin Street, please.." The day was underway....
#579190 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
Thanks mate, it's different for sure. Up the Bees!
#579166 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
Success is earned, not a given: Basil recalled his first ever manager saying to him when he was growing up.
As soon as he got back to his hotel suite, Basil fired up his laptop and the email client. In the inbox were a few emails from Angus. The first one was the straight forward "Welcome to the Club" one which Basil skimmed through like he was reading War and Peace on speed. Second email, again from Angus, but one that he had forwarded on from someone called John Waddell. A quick search confirmed John as the assistant manager at Werribee, and Basil knew he would have to lean on him to get to grips with this latest assignment. John had sent Angus the list of the playing staff, senior and youth so Basil could realise what he was to work with.
Senior Squad
John had outlined a few things in that second email, which resonated with Basil. One that the team's best player was an Italian by the name of Matteo Ballan. Ballan from his individual player report, was a typical Italian midfielder: technically superb. Basil knew straight away that this was the team's playmaker, a lower league version of Andrea Pirlo maybe. The midfielder also had dual Australian nationality which meant he was not actually counted to the maximum five foreigner rule which the league adopted. Getting players outside of Australia to come and play lower league football wouldn't be easy. In fact, Basil viewed that as an impossibility. With no money for transfers either; everything would be done on a wheeling and dealing basis.
The squad email also talked about the striker Alec Goodwin, and compared to all the other strikers: Goodwin stood head and shoulders above them all. That's my main striker right there, Basil noted. However, there seemed to be a lack of other attacking options so the newly appointed Brush opened the attachment marked "Free Agents list" whilst reading about the youth team.
Youth Team
Waddell's assessment was frank, it wasn't a very good one. That said, they didn't have a dedicated Youths Manager to nurture them along as Waddell was doing that amongst various other duties around the Club. Getting a Youths Manager was therefore marked down as another priority. Basil emailed Waddell direct and suggested a bounce game tomorrow afternoon at home between the Seniors and Youths, one way to assess the players at his disposal first hand. Waddell's reply was instant; "Sure why not, they were supposed to be training so a game won't be a bad idea at all. I'll get a referee sorted out."
Brush now turned out his attention to the opened Excel document of Free Agents. He pored over it for what seemed like an age, but opted to contact a couple to offer each a four week trial with a view to a permanent deal at the end. Winger Anthony Ragusa and utility man Michael Mensah were those names, both said they would be available tomorrow, and the Basil Brush regime was well and truly underway. Eventually at 1:00am, Brush powered down the laptop and headed to bed. It had been long, hard day but there would be many of more of them ahead if Brush wanted to be a managerial legend of his own making. Now it was time to get some much needed sleep,..
#579152 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
"Basil?"
"Hi Sir Alex, sorry I mean Gaffer."
"What's up lad, thought you were in Australia?"
"I, I am. I need your advice."
"Oh right, what have you done?"
"Just landed my first managerial job."
"Good one, always knew you had this in you. Where are we starting out at? Newcastle Jets, Brisbane Roar, Central Coast Mariners?"
"Erm, none of those gaffer. A team called Werribee City, semi-professional side just outside Melbourne. About three levels down from the A-League."
"Not bad, just following what I did when I started out..at a smaller team. You got this Basil son."
"Really?"
"Yeah, just be yourself and don't be afraid to ruffle feathers if need be. Never did me any harm, did it?"
"Nope, thanks Gaffer. I can call you again if I need more advice?"
"Anytime Basil, day or night, seven days a week."
"Thanks Gaffer."
And with that, the conversation ended. Basil had enormous respect for Sir Alex Ferguson, he was the main man when it came to modern football management and Basil was pleased to have him there on the other end of the phone. He looked down at the piece of letterheaded A4 and there staring at him was the expectations that Angus had set out for him:
Pretty much doable Basil thought...
#578990 [FM20] Have Coaching Badges, Will Travel
HockeyBhoy
Ten minutes later, he looked at his watch again. Still no sign of the other party. "I'll give them another five minutes then I'm out of here," Basil said to himself. It was like being stood up by a woman on their first date as Basil took another mouthful of VB, tapping the table with his fingertips in frustration. Then just as Basil prepared to haul himself out of his chair, three men came rushing towards him all a fluster: one Basil recognised as the aforementioned George.
"Please, please remain seated. I'm deeply sorry about our tardiness tonight, it wasn't deliberate to keep you waiting." said one of the suited men.
"It's okay, but I was about to leave if you hadn't turned up." Basil replied.
"We understand, but let me introduce myself. My name is Angus Brown, this gentleman here is Giovanni Inserra and of course you've met George earlier."
"Pleased to meet you, what can I do for you Mr Brown?"
"Angus please. More like what we can do for you."
"Uh?" Basil shuffled in his seat uncomfortably as Angus Brown unfolded his arms like a politician ready to address the nation.
"What do you know about the name Werribee?"
Basil was stumped as if he had been bowled through the gate by one of Shane Warne's googly deliveries. He tried to remember where he had heard the name but nothing was registering. Then he had a bit of a light bulb moment.
"Werribee you say? That's a team I think my late grandfather used to pick on the football pools a lot when I was a youngster back in England. Or am I being plain stupid?" Basil stammered.
"Far from it, that's mine and Giovanni's football club. See you already know about us." Angus Brown replied, a smile breaking out across his face.
"Oh right, and..."
"Well the reason we're late is that we had a meeting with Serge (Sabbadini) today, he was the club's manager until this afternoon when he surprised us by resigning for family reasons."
"And we want YOU to succeed him Basil." Giovanni interjected further.
"Why me, I have no managerial experience you realise?" Basil replied with a touch of trepidation in his voice.
"We know all about your fabulous footballing career, George here has been instrumental in researching that for us, and we think you could do a great job for the Bees." Angus said, like a man brimming with confidence.
"Really? You're sure?"
"Never been more so. So what do you say, you can start immediately."
"I guess, erm...OK! Just don't expect miracles; I know absolutely nothing about Australian football, and that includes the A-League, but I suppose you've got to start somewhere."
"Great, sign here." Angus beamed, handing over a contract. "Oh waiter, bottle of your finest Dom Perignon please. We got something worth celebrating tonight."
And that was that. Two months after hanging up his boots, Basil Brush was back in football but in the most strangest way possible."
#578955 Now I would walk 500 miles...
HockeyBhoy
Last Updated: 17/10/2026 10:00pm
England's starting line up saw four changes from the side that began the friendly against Uruguay as Duell reverted to his usual 4-2-3-1 formation he has brought into the national fold. With the rain falling incessantly, the Three Lions took the lead in only the ninth minute. A curled free-kick from Marcus Rashford was played to the back post and Delé sidefooted a calm finish past Eric Selimi in the Dutch goal. It was the Tottenham man's 28th international goal. Both teams were creating chances aplenty and therefore it came as no real surprise when the visitors equalised in the early stages of the second half: Remy Deckers' cross being headed past Jordan Pickford by Dave Heatubun of Manchester United.
However the game swung in England's favour when Duell chose to substitute the ineffective Harry Kane with Eddie Nketiah with 25 minutes to go. The Manchester United man suddenly had the Dutch retreating in numbers every time he had the ball at his feet, and he had a part in the goal that restored England's lead in the 77th minute. The front man skipped away down the right and then delivered a perfect cross onto the boot of club colleague Rashford who hammered the ball past Selimi having being denied twice in quick succession by the Dutch custodian moments before. England were in the ascendancy, and two goals in as many minutes put the game beyond any reasonable doubt.
In the 84th minute, Ryan Sessegnon bombed down the left and fired in a low, hard cross which was converted by Jadon Sancho from six yards out. Then as the Netherlands pushed forwards for a goal which would put them back in pole position, England hit them with their fourth of the evening. Virgil Van Dijk was robbed just outside the England penalty area by Eric Dier as he looked to re-establish a Dutch attack from a less than impressive corner, and the loose ball was switched out to Sancho. The Chelsea wide man played the ball forward to Nketiah, and he shrugged off the attentions of Jeroen Heerkens to lash the ball beyond Selimi and send the majority of the Wembley crowd into sheer delirium.
The Dutch were crestfallen beyond belief as if the roof had fallen in on them, and it got worse in the third minute of time added-on as England scored their fifth. Nketiah had a goalbound effort parried by Selimi but straight to the feet of Rashford who finished emphatically and complete a great performance by those men in white.
England's line up was as follows:
Pickford; Alexander-Arnold ©, Gomez, Rice, Sessegnon; Dier, Clark; Sancho, Delé, Rashford; Kane. Substitiutes: Nketiah (for Kane 65), Cook (for Clark 65), Smith-Rowe (for Delé 71)
Six days previously, England warmed up for the Netherlands game with a friendly against Uruguay. Although Wembley was only around two thirds full, those present would have seen the Three Lions show their recovery powers to defeat their South American visitors with two goals in the final 12 minutes to take the honours 2-1.
England, who handed international débuts to Richard Latham and Dylan Clayton, looked to be on course for a home loss when Wolfsburg's Maximillano Gomez lashed an unstoppable shot past substitute keeper Angus Gunn with just 14 minutes left. Yet the Uruguayans lead lasted a little more than two minutes when England equalised thanks to a first international goal for Dominic Clark. The Manchester United midfielder picked up a Ryan Sessegnon pass on the edge of the area, and although his goal bound effort took a wicked deflection off Elizaide, the ball nestled in the corner beyond Boselli.
Three minutes after, the Three Lions scored what proved to be the winner. Marcus Rashford teed up the recalled Lewis Cook twelve yards out, and the Leicester City midfielder smacked the ball into the net. It could have been even more convincing when England were awarded a penalty in injury time when Gomez tripped Emile Smith-Rowe in the area. However, Mele sprung low to his right to deny Rashford with a smart save.
England lined up like this:
Pickford; Alexander-Arnold ©, Latham, Laycock, Sessegnon; Dier; Cook, Clark; Clayton, Rashford; Kane. Substitutes: Smith-Rowe (for Clayton HT), Rice (for Dier 63), Gomez (for Alexander-Arnold 63), Nketiah (for Kane 68), Gunn (for Pickford 74), Davies (for Laycock 74)
#578861 Now I would walk 500 miles...
HockeyBhoy
Consortium takes over Lilywhites
16 November 2026
After months of protracted negotiations, some of them late at night, the Club has been purchased through a consortium by headed Cardiff-based investor Chris Burrows. Mr Burrows, who made his fortune from a series of stationery stores in his native South Wales, has acquired the club from Ira Gordon after plenty of talking and puts an end of what seemed to be a never ending saga.
Mr Gordon, who himself purchased North End in June 2019 for an undisclosed amount from Trevor Hemmings, has left the Club immediately after the confirmation was given the green light this afternoon. Also departing Deepdale are Managing Director Danny Goode as well as Directors Marcus Dickenson and Jay Madden. Comprising the new Board alongside Mr Burrows are new Managing Director Ronnie Adam and Club Director Mike Exall.
The new Chairman thanks all concerned for their patience whilst the talks were ongoing, even when some quarters had speculated that the deal was dead in the water.
Fans will be pleased to know that Mr Burrows will be holding a special "Meet the Fans Forum" in the Greats' Room at Deepdale in the next few weeks. Details will be announced shortly.