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2026-27: December Summary (continued)

MATCHDAY 18 - Monday 21 December 2026
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We headed to the London Stadium to face the Hammers on a cold Monday night in the smoke. A win could move the team up two places to 15th, leapfrogging AFC Bournemouth and Fulham in the process. We named an unchanged side again from the side that lost narrowly at Tottenham Hotspur in our last game. Predictably enough, the Hammers controlled proceedings from start to finish (43 shots in 90 minutes) but it took them until the 44th minute to open the scoring. The goal came when Piotr Zielinski threaded the ball into Simon Matthews, and the Scot turned away from his marker Connor Roberts to sweep a low left foot shot under Jasper Schendelaar and into the net.

It proved to be the only goal of the game, but we were unlucky not to go back to the North West without a point as we had a 83rd minute goal chalked off for an questionable offside. The goal was headed in by left-back Cristiàn Cuevas from a wonderfully flighted free-kick by Jack Harrison, and to be honest it did appear harsh. And so we slipped to yet another defeat.

It was to prove to be my last game in charge of Preston...

This evening, at the headquarters of UEFA in Nyon, the draw for the qualifying groups for the 2028 European Championships were made. 54 nations were grouped into ten groups with the winners joining hosts Sweden for the Finals in June 2028. As current holders of the title, Mark Duell and his England squad were attuned to see whom they would face as part of their defence.

England were placed into Group G, which is one of the six five team groups. In that group, they will encounter old foes Scotland, Austria, Georgia and Malta. The renewal of clashes with the "Auld Enemy" is sure to get the juices flowing when the first set of qualifiers kick in March next year. The two nations last met in a World Cup qualifier in 2025 at Wembley Stadium when the Scots surprised the Three Lions with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Aberdeen's Kevin Wilson and Motherwell's Chris Cadden whilst Manchester United's Eddie Nketiah (then of Arsenal) scoring England's sole goal.

Austria will provide an equally stern test for the Three Lions, having lost by the odd goal in five each time that they played England. Marcus Rashford scored a hat-trick on England's last trip to the Ernst Happel Stadion, and supporters of the Three Lions will be hoping the experienced Manchester United man will be on the scoresheet again when they go there again. England will be expected to breeze past both Georgia and Malta, although Georgia away is always a potential banana skin.

The campaign begins at Wembley on Friday 19 March 2027 with that mouth watering game against Scotland; and Wembley is sure to be a sell out for it.

2026-27: Mid-December Summary

With December being a busy month of fixtures, here's the summary of the first half of it.



MATCHDAY 16 - Saturday 5 December 2026


Before the home game against Everton, I decided to call another team meeting to try improve the dressing room morale. I made two changes from the side that lost 3-1 to City, Julio Pleguezeulo and Charly Musonda coming in for Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, but other than that we were unchanged. Ten minutes in and we were behind, Munir's shot from outside the area taking a wicked deflection off the returning Pleguezeulo and wrong footing Jasper Schendelaar before nestling into the bottom corner. An unlucky return for the Spaniard. Nine minutes later and we found ourselves 2-0 down, Kasper Dolberg heading in a near post cross from Doinkou. We needed an immediate response to avoid embarrassment and got it, Corrado Pantanelli curled a low ball into the area and whilst Everton dozed: Vincent Morel poached in his fifth of the season.

28 minutes gone though, Everton reinstated their two goal lead when Geiger's corner was headed in by Dolberg for the Dane's second of the game, We didn't concede further that half but you could tell how deflated the team were at the interval, their heads sunk low as if to say we're going get hammered here. I thought about giving them hell but that would have only made things worse so plenty of encouraging words were said instead. Eight minutes after that restart we had a way back into the game when Kasey Palmer saw his shot rebound into the path of Musonda who rifled a shot into the roof of the net and beat Jordan Pickford at his near post.

Could we salvage a draw? Well those words seemed to have had some positives as we scored a third on the hour. A pass from Connor Roberts carved open the Toffees defence like a knife through hot butter to the feet of Morel who took a couple of touches before blasting in a low shot under Pickford for his sixth of the season. Deepdale was bouncing! Neither side could find a winner, not that they didn't try, and the teams shook hands on a six goal thriller at the end.

MATCHDAY 17 - Sunday 13 December 2026


The last time we played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round last season when Spurs defeated us 3-0 with all the goals in the first half. There was no Christian Eriksen around to torment us this time, the Dane no longer an automatic choice but good enough to be on the bench. We made one change from the Everton draw, Palmer replaced in central midfield by Ongjen Stijepovic. Predictably enough, Spurs controlled the game from start to finish but were wasteful in front of goal which probably has annoyed Frank de Boer no end.

One goal decided the game on the half hour, Ryan Kelly's cross from the right wing being headed in by Chilean Matias Venegas. And that was that in a dour game to be honest. We did keep a certain Harry Edward Kane quiet again, who was deployed as right winger for some reason.

Chapter 16: Consistent Beginnings

It was a baking warm day in Melbourne as Basil jumped into his hire car from Avis. The temperature outside was showing 18 degrees Celsius, but the heat inside the vehicle was topping 25, a stark comparison of what he would expect back home. Mid-October temperatures in South Yorkshire would top 14 degrees Celsius if you were lucky but it was a considerably warmer climate in his new surroundings. It certainly felt a wee bit different for sure. Basil turned on the car stereo, and having paired it with his mobile, drove the 20 mile journey to Galvin Park Reserve with the sounds of Helloween's classic power metal album "Keeper of the Seven Keys; Part 1" pumping out.

He arrived at the stadium at exactly 12 noon, at the same time as his assistant John Waddell. The two men walked through the open gate, took one look at the pitch, before heading down the tunnel towards the home dressing room whereupon they awaited the arrival of the players. The team hadn't been announced in advance at the last training session on Thursday afternoon, Basil's philosophy was that unless a player was injured (as in really injured) then the side would be named on the day itself with all available for selection. This was the first of a 22 game league season where each side would play each other home and away over the next seven months. The top two would be promoted to NPL Victoria - 1 with the bottom relegated to NPL - Victoria 3. Werribee had last featured in the higher division in 2015 when they were relegated by virtue of a 13th placed finish. Basil was determined to make sure that relegation was not on the menu in his maiden managerial campaign.

Matchday 1: Werribee City 0 - 0 Manningham United Blues

Despite having the better of the chances, the Bees had to settle for a share of the spoils on the opening game of the season. Blues had to thank goalkeeper Luke Gallo to thank for their point as he denied Bees' striker Alec Goodwin on a number of occasions whilst former Newcastle United trainee Alex Baird kept the Bees in it with saves of his own. 

Team: Baird; Lakic, Collett ©, Petrov, Bavcar; Murray; Ballan, Zaffina (Gorgovski 72), Paz, Davis (Holden 66); Goodwin. Unused Substitutes: Dunn, Weaver, Parkinson, Davies, Kessie.
Booked: Bavcar
Man of the Match: Matteo Ballan
Attendance: 529
Position After Game: 9th

After seeing his side draw a blank on the opening day, Basil decided he needed to freshen up matters early doors. This involved making his sixth permanent signing of the season, Mark Pistininzi arriving as a free agent after seemingly doing enough when on trial. With no funds available for transfers, Basil knew that he was having to wheel and deal in this début managerial season. Players would come in either on trial, on loan or as a free agent whilst wages being prudently negotiated to ensure the Club itself didn't suffer financially. Seven days after that opening game, the team headed to the north of Melbourne to play their first away match.


Matchday 2: Moreland City 1 - 1 Werribee City

Basil made three changes to the side that drew 0-0 on opening day. Club Captain David Parkinson replaced Daniel Petrov in central defence, new signing Mark Pistininzi was handed an instant début in place of Bradley Murray whilst Michael Holden came in on the left wing to take over from Lachlan Davis. The team took the lead in the 25th minute when Holden flicked the ball on for an anticipating Goodwin to beat the hesitant Moreland keeper with a volley into the bottom corner. However, the lead lasted just three minutes when James Michaelis headed in from eight yards out. Moreland should have won the game with a golden chance two minutes from the end, central defender William Abbott being left unmarked but putting his effort straight at Baird.

Team: Baird; Lakic, Collett, Parkinson ©, Bavcar; Pistininzi  (Murray 80); Zaffina (Gorgovski 68), Ballan; Paz (Davis 68), Holden, Goodwin. Unused Substitutes: Petrov, Dunn, Davies, Weaver.
Booked: Bavcar, Goodwin
Man of the Match: Alec Goodwin 
Attendance: 75
Position After Game: 7th



Matchday 3: Werribee City 1 - 1 Langwarrin Soccer Club

The final game of the opening month saw Werribee face a Langwarrin side that many had tipped for promotion before the big kick off. However, it was the Bees who dominated the game: creating chance after the chance with Langwarrin firmly on the defensive. This was illustrated by the fact Langwarrin picked up five yellow cards in the game.

Werribee made two changes to the side that drew seven days ago, central defender Cameron Davies replacing Nicholas Bavcar with Parkinson switching to left back, and Jamie Gorgovski in for Brandon Zaffina. In one of their few chances, Langwarrin took the lead in the 57th minute thanks to a wonderful half volley by Jordan Templin which gave Baird no chance whatsoever. The Bees levelled immediately afterwards, a teasing cross from Holden being converted by Goodwin from close range for the striker's second of the season. But neither could find a winner and Werribee settled for a third successive draw.

Team: Baird; Lakic, Collett, Davies, Parkinson ©; Pistininzi (Petrov 83); Gorgovski (Murray 73), Ballan; Paz (Davis 65), Holden; Goodwin. Unused Substitutes: Weaver, Dunn, Bavcar, Zaffina.
Man of the Match: Alec Goodwin
Attendance: 476



Current standings:

As Basil drove back to the hotel, he contemplated. "Three games played, three draws. At least I'm being consistent." Basil said to himself, "Just need to get that first win and a monkey off my back." as the heavy guitar riffs of Smoke On The Water filled the Melbourne air.

Chapter 15: The Final Countdown

As he reflected on the last 3 months, Basil knew reality had certainly kicked in. Those last 3 months had seen him go from retired semi-professional footballer to a full time football manager. "Where has time gone?" he questioned himself whilst quaffing another mouthful of Coke Zero.

The next seven days saw Basil draw up plans, throw away plans, draw up more plans on repeat. It certainly beat number crunching in the Job Centre offices back home in England. Those summers back home where Basil would go away for a few weeks to attend a coaching course were now being to be into practice. The real thing was dawning.

In fact, prior to taking the Werribee job, Basil had no real interest in becoming a manager in his own right. He only did the coaching badges to keep his "hand in" and keep his love for the beautiful game going. It helped him with his local amateur Sunday morning side back in England for a number of seasons, not that they won anything, but something to do. Now Basil had moved up to the top table, the sudden realisation he was a manager of a proper football team was engulfing him and his thoughts every minute of every day.

He opened up John's latest email which detailed the first month's games:



Yeah Basil had made a contract offer to Mark Pistininzi the day before, which the experienced 30 year old was now mulling over. However new contract negotiations were stalling with Alec Goodwin, the striker now on a month to month deal. What made it worse for Basil as regards Goodwin, newly formed Macarthur FC were showing signs of a bit of an interest. The Bulls had only been formed a year ago and were looking to soon become the latest members of the A-League which was reputedly looking to expand by one side to take it to an even 12 clubs.

He picked up the mobile, and called the striker. However Basil was left disappointed as the call went straight to voicemail, so he chucked the now empty can into the waste bin in sheer frustration. Basil stomped over to the fridge in the room, took out another can and fired up the tactics planner program on the laptop. "I have to start with a win." Basil said to himself as the tactics chalkboard kicked in. In 48 hours time, he would be on the sideline at Galvin Park Reserve overseeing his first ever league game and waiting to have his plans destroyed or come to fruition. This would be the start of a journey which would take over his life now. No looking back, only forwards.

Moore appointed to Under 23's role

Preston North End can today confirm the appointment of Darren Moore as their new Under 23's manager.

Moore, 52, headed the list and is North End's choice to succeed Dean Keates who left Deepdale on 22 November 2026 to become the new first team manager at Charlton Athletic. The new incumbent enjoyed a 20 year playing career which involved spells at Doncaster Rovers and West Bromwich Albion before returning to the Hawthorns as Under 18's coach in the summer of 2012; his first coaching role.

Since then he has held the manager's role there plus stints in charge of Huddersfield Town and most latterly; Bolton Wanderers where he was sacked in February 2025 after less than 14 months in charge at the University of Bolton Stadium.

The Club welcomes Darren to Deepdale as part of Mark Duell's back room team.

Chapter 14: Pre-Season Completed

Werribee had five more pre-season games to complete their preparations for the new season ahead of themselves. Basil was getting to know the players, and they seemed a very loyal bunch as well. If an offer came in for them, the player was coming back to Basil and telling him he wanted to stay at Werribee. Perhaps Basil had stumbled upon a squad that wanted to prove themselves to their new manager and not seek a new challenge elsewhere? But with the players on part time contracts and some of them expiring early in the season, Basil knew he would have a job on his hands to keep this squad focused and ready to mount an unexpected promotion challenge.

But anything is possible right?

September began with the prestigious home friendly against Melbourne's third A-League side, Western United. Almost 3000 attended the game, with almost 2400 of them bedecked in the green and white of the visiting team. As Basil arrived at the stadium a good four hours ahead of the 3:00pm kick off, he was greeted by home supporters and given a warm welcome:

"Great video interview boss, can't fault some of your choices."

"Brilliant gaffer, we're proud of you and the team."

That brought a smile to Basil's face as he went through the doors of the Galvin Park Reserve stadium for his first real game in charge of the Bees. They had obviously played the bounce game there in early July but since then they had been on the road, and they would be for four more games after this one. Predictably enough the professional side came out on top, recording a 3-0 win thanks to a brace from experienced Kosovo internationalist Besart Berisha who in the mid 2000s had an ill fated spell at Burnley; and an injury time clincher from midfielder Steven Lustica. Basil was far from despondent though, the team had created chances but just couldn't make them count. It had been a good workout for his Bees side.

A week later, the Bees hit the road again. This time they were to face another divisional rival, this time in the shape of Moreland City at their Campbell Reserve stadium. John Waddell's fixture planning was certainly interesting but there was nothing Basil could do to change that with the start of the season just four weeks away on the horizons. Moreland took the lead just after the half hour when winger Osman Kose scored but the Bees equalised just three minutes before half time when Lisandro Paz nutmegged Selemidis on the right wing before crossing for Michael Holden to score with an angled half volley into the bottom corner. Neither side could break through after that and the teams shook hands on a 1-1 draw. The game saw a first appearance for yet another trialist, this time full back Milan Popovich.

The next test would come at La Trobe University where Murray United hosted the Bees. The Bees controlled the game from start to finish, limiting their hosts to just a couple off target efforts in the entire ninety minutes, whilst creating 15 of their own. Both the goals came in the second half, and both goals came from defenders which pleased Basil no end as he wanted to see goals from every part of the team and not be reliant on just his striking options. The first came in the 63rd minute when Matteo Ballan's free kick caused many a problem for the home defence and central defender Cameron Davies reacted quickest to poke home from six yards out. The win was secured eight minutes from time, a free kick swung in from the right by Paz and Club vice-captain Julyan Collett headed in at the far post.

Two friendlies left, and the penultimate one would see the Bees venture across town to face Hoppers Crossing who are two divisions below in the state league structure. The Bees predictably had the best of the player but to be fair it was a turgid goalless draw which frustrated the heck out of Basil. This was a chance to increase the morale in the camp with the big kick-off closing in. Was there a plus point from this draw? Yes, it came from the right back spot as Popovich took the Man of the Match award. The full back being the best performer in a dour game where 44 players featured all at some point.

There was some cheer before the final friendly, winger Paz agreed terms on a new two year deal which takes him until May 2021. Basil was rather happy to get that deal over the line as the winger had contributed 2 goals and 5 assists in the 12 friendlies he had featured in, and hopefully the team will continue to flourish with him in the side. The final friendly then, at the Laura Douglas Reserve: home of Hume United who play further down the league pyramid. After failing to deliver in the previous game, the Bees definitely stung their hosts by scoring all their three goals in the first 26 minutes. The opener came in just the second minute when Paz skipped his way down the right wing, and then planted a perfect cross onto the head of Alec Goodwin who thumped his header into the net. The perfect start. The big striker scored his and the Bees second in the 18th minute, a low finish into the bottom corner after Jamie Gorgovski had picked him out in space. The third came eight minutes later; Parsons tripped Holden in the penalty area and Ballan drilled in the resultant spot kick low and straight down the centre of the goal. After that it was easy street for the Bees and as they came away with a routine win.

The big kick off awaits Brush and his team, can they set it alight? Brush hoped so as he relaxed in his hotel, however he had other things on his mind: getting Goodwin to reduce his demands and join Paz in signing a new contract. Alec was his first choice striker, he didn't want to lose him to anyone.

Blessed with a very good Chinese (actually there's 2 but one is better than the other), Italian and Indian takeaways in the village where I now live.

Must say I'm quite partial to a good curried beef and fried rice from the Chinese. In fact, I had one tonight 😉

England tonight learned whom they will face in the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League 2027.

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.

Doing well still my man, the graphics on this story are splendid especially the team sheet. Is that something you created yourself? If so, top notch work Mr Barlow!

2026-27: December Preview

Five more league games to play before 2026 can be marked as complete. We start and end the month at home but face three testing away games which we know we need to take some points from if we are to edge towards the survival zone. With dressing room morale probably at the lowest point so far in my reign here, I know that I need to get results to get the players feeling good again and not let it drag us down. Otherwise with a new Chairman in place, my time at Preston might come to a shuddering halt and all the memories from last season will be just that: memories.

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.

Third Round Draw made

We last night found our opponents in the Third Round of this season's Emirates FA Cup.

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.

There could be trouble brewing down at Deepdale after winger Andrew Ferguson formally handed in a transfer request.

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.

So Basil had been convinced to do the Q & A after all, even though he hated media attentions and cameras being stuck in his face. It had been something he hadn't been keen on as a child growing up, always ducking out of the way when a family member wanted him to pose for a picture. But if this could help the fans know some of his likes and dislikes etc then perhaps that Giovanni and Angus certainly had everyone's best interests at heart, including his own. This is how it panned out:




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. 

Basil walked back into the boardroom at precisely 1:00pm to meet Giovanni for the Q and A which Angus had been so keen to see him do. Giovanni was there, dressed smartly in a grey Armani suit, compared to Basil who was in a casual Werribee City tracksuit with the zip halfway up and a white club polo shirt. He was about to sit down when he spotted a camera with its lens seemingly focused on the seat where Basil was to sit.

"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?" 

Ahead of the Western United game, Basil was asked if he would do a Q&A in the match programme. Normally it would be a player featured, but Angus was keen to have Basil featured. A few days before the game, Basil was summoned into the Chairman's office.

"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.

There had been 18 days gone since the bounce game with the Youth prospects to the first of 12 consecutive friendlies (all played on a Saturday); which would build everything up for the first league game of the season on 12 October. Basil hadn't, even in his playing days, seen a schedule like this before. Most of the games were away from home as Werribee looked to protect their pitch or so it seemed from Basil's thinking.

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..

A fourth different winner of the Manager of the Month, predictably enough it isn't me though. The winner is former Barcelona playing Xavi who is bringing the Catalan feel to Wolverhampton. He won each of his three games in November to take the award ahead of Thomas Tuchel and Frank de Boer.

Now in his 11th season at the Etihad since signing from Schalke 04 in 2016, Sané continues to shine and wow the City supporters. He's still only 30 and has plenty of good seasons ahead of him. Wolves Rhian Brewster scored more goals and had a better overall monthly rating but I guess the big team mentality got the German the award.

For the second month in four, Arsenal players swept the board in this particular category. This time right-back Osvaldo took the award, with central midfielder José Andres Razo being runner-up and striker Wladimir taking third place.

The winner this month was Demarai Gray of Fulham whose free-kick against Cardiff City got him the award. That said though, our very own Vincent Morel finished in place for his opening goal at Leicester. Further proof that we might have a quality player here.

A fortnight after the arrival of Anthony Ragusa and Michael Mensah, Basil took a couple more triallists on board as he looked to build a squad capable of making a challenge in the division this season. Arriving at Galvin Park Reserve were defender Tom Lakic and experienced midfielder Mark Pistininzi. 

Lakic, at just 22, was a defender that can play anywhere across the back line. He could feature in either full back position and also in central defence which would a major boost to his side. Finding a player that is extremely competent in all three roles is like finding a needle in a haystack. Pistininzi, 30, was a defensive midfielder powerhouse who could be the barrier Werribee need in front of the back four even though he is in the twilight of his career. There's no substitute for experience and Basil saw that in spades with Pistininzi.  They joined fellow triallists Ragusa and Mensah; could any of the four impress enough to become a regular Bee?

The calendar had reached 3 August when the Bees had their first permanent signing under Basil. That signing was the versatile Lakic penned a deal after looking impressive on trial. Basil thought that if he hadn't snapped him up then someone else would have. However due to the wage budget at the time Basil couldn't agree terms with Pistininzi, so some players would have to be moved on if he wanted to acquire the experienced campaigner's services. At the same time, midfielder Dino Paola agreed terms with Sydney FC, the lower league affiliate of the A-League side of the same name. Paola would join the Sky Blues at the beginning of October when his contract at Werribee came to an end. Basil had tried to sign Ragusa the day before but the winger opted to join Geelong, a division below the Bees which seemed a strange choice whilst Mensah was just not the right fit at this time Basil thought. That and him being 38, well it wouldn't have pleased the Chairman much.

Basil worked harder than he had before and proceeded to burn the midnight oil to find more signings with the wings and up front being the places he was so keen to fill. In the space of a day, three new faces came in like bus syndrome. These were left winger Michael Holden who had an amazing record of 51 goals in just 117 games over the last six seasons as well as Lachlan Davis and Amanze Kessie who both could play up front or on the wings. All three were under 23 and that ticked the boxes Basil was looking to fulfil as part of the remit Angus had given him. Then on 8 August saw another new arrival, 20 year old midfielder Jamie Gorgovski signing up. Gorgovski had come through the fabled Borussia Dortmund youth system, but didn't make the professional ranks, so Basil saw this addition as a bit of a coveted one.

That said, Basil did release three more players to lessen the wage bill.  Left-back Liam O'Connell, central midfielder Samuel McCall and wide player Takanori Nishimoto were let go. Whether those decisions came back to haunt Basil and Werribee remained to be seen. Sometimes you are vindicated, sometimes you drop an almighty clanger. That's how football goes...Basil thought to himself! All great managers have been through this; right?