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02-06-2008, 11:14 PM
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#1 | ||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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WWSM 2008: Grasping the Iron (Life after Millwall)
Oh how fickle is fate for those that earn their keep in the beautiful game. A scant 6 months removed from being the toast of east London after leading Millwall on a brilliant two year run I am unemployed.
Nevermind the League One Championship and the fact that the very next season we missed a spot in the playoffs and a chance at promotion to the EPL by a single point. In the end an underachieving team and my inability to keep my mouth shut about calls I didn't agree with spelled doom. The fact that we were underachieving due to a team full of disgruntled stars, unhappy because the board would not open it's coffers to reward their achievements counted for nothing in the end. A scapegoat was needed and the jacket fit me nicely..............So I waved goodbye to the Den in the rear view mirror and went looking for work. Last edited by BYU 14 : 02-09-2008 at 12:29 AM. |
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02-06-2008, 11:26 PM
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#2 |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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I decide to pass on two openings in the Irish Premier League and take a Holiday. Finally, after Christmas in the States, I return to England and go looking for work.
12/29/2010 The Norwich job opened up over Christmas and I rush an application in. I am informed the next day that they have already decided on Paul Jewell for the position. 01/11/2011 No jobs are open, but several Managers are under pressure...I express interest in the following jobs. Middlesbrough - EPL I am regarded as having no better than an outside shot at this job if it opens up Blackpool - L1 Hull City - L1 I am touted as having an excellent shot at both jobs should they decide to sack their current Bosses. Blackpool sits in third place and Hull City in 14th. I would love to lead Blackpool to promotion and earn the right to get back at my former employers at Milwall in 2011/12. I wait to see what hand the Soccer Gods deal next. |
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02-07-2008, 11:03 PM
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#3 |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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01/29/2011
Still no jobs open, though I express my interest in the Hull City job (again) and in the Bristol City position (The team I drew my last Millwall pay check against) Hull City Chairman Paul Duffen makes it known they would be foolish not to consider a Coach of my caliber, though nothing can be decided as long as current boss Michael Ling is still in charge. Bristol is not as kind releasing a statement indicating Gary Johnson's job is not in jeopardy, and if it was I would not be first choice to take the reigns. Meanwhile, Millwall is 1-2-2 in league since my firing and sit in 19th place. New boss Stuart Gray has not set the Den ablaze as of yet, despite bringing in Defender Lukas Petras and Strikers Lee Miller and Phil Younghusband. He has also relegated regulars Robbie Williams and Chris Iwelumo to the reserves and has gone to a 3-5-2 style, that has several players out of position.....I wish him a painful demise  |
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02-08-2008, 10:03 AM
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#4 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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I might enjoy this more than the Milwall dynasty... Sorry.
__________________
2006 Golden Scribe Nominee 2006 Golden Scribe Winner Best Non-Sport Dynasty: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) Rookie Writer of the Year Dynasty of the Year: May Our Reign Be Green and Golden (CK Dynasty) |
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02-09-2008, 12:27 AM
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#5 |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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02/12/2011
Middlesbough fire Ian Holloway!!! I apply for the job, but am not one of the favorites to take over the Premiership side. Southamptons Paul Ince is the front runner. 02/15/2011 I express my interest in Blackpool again and also let it be known I would consider League one club Scunthorpe United, whose Manager Peter O' Connor has come under pressure. 02/18/2011 Middlesbrough hire Southampton's Paul Ince. I immediately apply for his old job, but again am not one of the frontrunners. 02/20/2011 Southhampton hire Jason Dodd to take over as Manager, I don't even get a thanks but no thanks call!!! 02/26/2011 Scunthorpe Fire O'Conner and since I received a favoralbe response when I expressed interest I apply.....I am also going on 4 months unemployed and the coffers are drying up!! Scunthorpe offer me the job the next day.......I am hearing Rumors the job at Championship side Leicester may open up, so I ask for a delay. It may be hard to hold out though as they offer me $3,300.00 a week, a 1.8 million transfer budget and an 87K per week payroll. Not bad figures for a mid-Table League one side. 03/02/20011 Leicester fire Gary Megson and I apply for the position, though again I am not mentioned as a favorite and the club sends me a rejection on March 5th. 03/06/2011 Scunthorpe is back for a decision and as the only other open job at this time is Tamworth from the Blue Square North, I decide to accept the Scunthorpe offer. I am now entrusted with the "Iron" and will do my best to deliver......The board wants a "respectable" finish in League one at the end of the two year period.....As usual I have a different plan. Get to the Championship at the end of next year and hopefully haunt Millwall for dumping me!! |
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02-09-2008, 12:28 AM
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#6 | |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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Quote:
Kick a man while he's down.......Hooligan!!!  |
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02-09-2008, 01:17 AM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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Meet the Iron
A motley crew, though not devoid of talent. In fact at first glance I believe they have far more potential than a 20th place club in League one!! With 11 to play we are 1 point clear of the drop zone, but I am convinced we will achieve a mid-table position by the time the Season ends. David Edwards shows better than any of my attacking Midfielders at Millwall and I think he will thrive in my tactic. On the Wings Lewis Quinn and Cleveland Taylor are very good, and though Quinn would have never challenged the McIndoe/Smith combo I had at the Den, Taylor would have seen substantial playing time. The area I worry about are the Forwards. Neither are quite what I like for this tactic, so this area will be my number one priority come the off-season. The back line needs to be improved as well, as Elebert has decent defensive skills, but is slow as a Turtle on it's back! Iriekpen can fly, but is not a solid marker, so it will be the lesser of two evils teaming with Foster in the middle. Murphy is probably the best of the lot at left Fullback and on the other side McCafferty can fly, but couldn't tackle the corner flag with a Steamroller. Some work is needed here. The #1 Keeper, Ross Turnbull was sold to Plymouth on January 1st, and the two remaining are not the answer. Howarth has flashes of brilliance, but is streaky and Neal is 16 and nowhere near ready for the first team. This area also worries me as I need a rock back here until I bolster the Defense. On an ironic note, I am now running a team that bears the colors of the hated Hammers!!! What a cruel twist of fate, and one that will take a while to adapt to. League one Standings 03/06/2011
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02-09-2008, 10:08 AM
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#8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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03/09/2011
I celebrate my Birthday by meeting with my staff and completing assessments on all of them. I have been interviewing staff since before I got the job, as as quick as I draw the conclusion that most on staff are abysmal, the house cleaning begins. I fire Coach Jeff Dawes and Scout Alex Dalton almost immediately 03/10/2011 Scout Alan Daffom and Physio John Murray are next to go. I hire 24-year-old James Barrow as a fitness coach. I hire 41-year-old Fitzroy Simpson as a coach. 03/12/2011 I fire Fitness coach John Noonan. I hire 40-year-old Ian Chapman as a scout. I hire 36-year-old Marlon Miles as a coach. I hire 34-year-old Ian Black as a coach. I hire 31-year-old Gavin McPherson as a physio. I don't care much about experience, I want knowledge and enthusiasm and I think the new staff has a good mix of ages, skills and experience.... I have a staff now in place I feel will help us win.
There is now a lot to be done as we prepare for our first match, away to Northampton. An added "twist' to my impending debut is the fact that I am still on suspension by the FA, so I will enjoy my first game as boss from the stands  |
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02-09-2008, 10:34 AM
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#9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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I am actually quite happy with our first game, a tough away draw to 14th place Horthampton. Matt Green is going to be very, very good for us in this tactic as I ask the assistants to play a counter attack style and he excels in this area all night. Green saves the day with a stoppage time strike, after taking a perfect crosser from sub Mark King. Cleveland Taylor had an assist from the right wing as well as it looks like my initial assesment of the wings being the clubs strength is spot on. I am bitterly disappointed with the play of AMC David Edwards (5) however as it appears he just does not grasp the concept of the tactic. I will need to be patient as they learn, but he just looked lost and even an average game from him could have meant a win. I really can't wait to get back on the sideline and I plan to stay there this time. In fact, when approached by the media regarding a Northampton goal that was dissallowed due to an offsides, I tactfully say I saw nothing. |
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02-09-2008, 12:05 PM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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03/15/2011
I request both Parent and Feeder clubs from the board. They will look into it at their next meeting.
My home debut is not exactly an event as only 4200 fans brave the freezing rains to witness the future of Iron Football for the first time. I have to abandon my usual home style due to the weather and play a more direct style and it works great in the first half as we get behind Bradford's defense time and again. Matt Green (7) only put one of 5 shots on target, but he is exciting to watch when he gets behind his man, maybe even more exciting than Makela was for that last outfit I managed. When we can get him hitting the framework consistently he will be very explosive. Man U loaner Antonio Bryan (7) joined Green up front this game and they made a nice combo. My fears were premature about David Edwards (8) as he looked very good today at the AMC spot and set up both strikers with several nice through balls. Howarth (6) is killing me in goal as he is just not poised when an opponent breaks on the counter. He should have saved at least one of those goals. Bradford's Keeper Tommy Forecast (9) was a wall and made several key saves to salvage the draw in his MOM performance for his side. 03/17/2011 Millwall have rejected the $400,000 offer from Scunthorpe for AM R Aaron Wright. Bastards....They will loan him to a Blue Square side, but couldn't bear to let me get a hold of him. I immediately bash Millwall Manager Stuart Gray to the press. The transfer of Sam Cox to Scunthorpe from Tottenham in a deal worth $1,100,000 has been agreed. The transfer will go through on Friday July 1st 2011. This gives us a true DMC, and a talented one at that. He is a bit pricey, but at 19 has great upside. Determined and possessing great bravery and pace he will help hold our back half together nicely as he matures. |
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02-09-2008, 12:43 PM
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#11 |
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College Benchwarmer
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: St. Catharines, Canada
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This is going to be a fun dynasty!
__________________
MY CURRENT FM19 DYNASTY - FM19: "Ludere causa Ludendi - To Play for the Sake of Playing" - Queen's Park FC (Scottish League Two) MY OLD FM11 DYNASTY - FM11: From Semi-Pro Minnows to the EPL - Dover Athletic FC My Personal Blog - Now on the Tee - Golf, Sports, Poker, Life 2006 GOLDEN SCRIBE AWARD WINNER FOR BEST 'OTHER SPORT' DYNASTY - EHM2005: Sharpening Swords in Buffalo |
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02-09-2008, 01:22 PM
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#12 | |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Berkley, MI
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Quote:
Agreed, it already is. |
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02-09-2008, 01:41 PM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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This is a huge statement game as Carlisle come in lurking just outside of the promotion playoff zone and after falling behind early we unleash the hounds. Bryan (8) and Edwards (8) tally a quick double before the half and we never look back. After taking the lead I switch to a counter attack style and it sets up even more chances after the break. Matt Green (8) is quickly turning into a favorite of mine as he is just dynamic when he gets the ball in space. Cleveland Taylor (8) continues to provide quality feeds from the right side and I just need to find a consistent compliment at the other wing spot as Stephan Quinn (7) is solid, but not the playmaker we need on the left. The Defense, led by Steve Foster (8) and Danny Murphy (8) is stout and saves Howarth (7) on several occasions with timely clearances. I am excited heading into next weeks game with Blackpool as it looks like we are starting to click. 03/19/2011 While speaking to a local newspaper, I mention how pleased I am with striker Matt Green's recent play. I then add I expect him to continue to thrive in this system. The free transfer and loan deadline looms a week away and I put in several requests for both, as well as a couple of transfer requests for the 07/01/2011 off Season period. One player of note is my old charge Rhys Taylor. As I search through lists, I notice he is valued at $12,000, a real bargain! While he will never unseat Edwards at Millwall, he is certainly better than anyone we have here. 03/23/2011 AMC David Edwards has been called up by Wales head coach John Toshack for his squad to face Russia and Spain. The matches take place on March 26th and March 30th. He will miss our Blackpool match, which hopefully won't disrupt chemistry as he has really started to play well after a rough start. 03/26/2011 Thaksin Shinawatra and Scunthorpe chairman Steve Wharton announce a new link between Manchester City and Scunthorpe United. Under the terms of the agreement the following will apply with an immediate effect:
The board also announce a another new link with Basingstoke Town signing on as a feeder club. Under this agreement:
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02-09-2008, 08:39 PM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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Matt "The Machine" Green (9) is all you need to know about this match. Blackpool had no answer for the mighty mite dynamo. At 5'5" and 147 pounds Green looks like a school boy playing with Men, until he takes the ball on one of his patented weaving runs through an opponents defense, then it is everyone but him that looks like the boy. We struck quick in this one and though the first tally was an own goal, it was intense pressure following a corner that forced the costly error. We kept Blackpool on their heels all day and they really only had 2 quality chances, which Howarth (8) saved with ease in his best game yet. He appears to be a little more settled as our defense is becoming more organized as they become accustomed to my style of play. In fact three of the back four, Iriekpen, Murphy and Foster scored a form or 8 in the match, as did DMC Brian Stock, a natural MC playing out of position, but doing a nice job. Stephen Quinn (8) also had his best game on the left wing, as this was our best team effort yet. The win also lifted us to 17th in the table, 5 points clear of the drop zone with seven matches to play. I appeal for the crowds to give "Iron Ball" another chance as I am disappointed that less than 5000 showed up on a fairly nice day for Football. 03/26/2011 The loans flood in and it is great timing for a late Season push. Chlesea loans us three solid players
Twenty-five-year old midfielder David Edwards gave a solid performance for Wales in this match. He is playing with confidence at the moment. Liverpool negotiate over my bid for DC Ronald Huth, countering with a 500K price tag. He is not that good, so I tell the Reds to kiss the Millwall board square on their collective Asses. They also barter over Winger Ashley Murhpy and Keeper Chris Oldfield. I decline on Murphy, but accept a counter of 190K for Oldfield as I need a Goal Keeper. Speaking of my favorite former side, Millwall resides in 14th place and appear to be safe with seven to play. Their League record after my dismissal....6 Wins, 4 Draws, 5 Defeats...a very slight improvement, but pretty much on par with the 6 - 2 -6 mark they compiled with me over the last 14 games I managed after Chelsea destroyed us in the Carling Cup. Despite this, spurred perhaps by my public feud with Stuart Gray, and shots taken at me by Chairman Stewart Till, I am now despised by many of the Lion faithful that raised all measure of hell upon my firing....It could also be because I now manage a side that wears West Ham colors as well.....Oh well, God speed to you all and I can't wait to play the Lions again!!! For good measure I take another shot at Gray, when the chance presents itself. My nervous Keeper Chris Howarth approves of this, letting the press know he believes we will work well together because of our similar styles.....that came out of left field!! 03/28/2011 Chris Howarth GK, Danny Murphy DL and Matt Green ST were selected in the Coca-Cola League 1 Team of the Week. Millwall have rejected my $12,000 offer for Rhys Taylor. What a bunch of wankers!! They are just making this personal now, so I swallow my pride, offer 20 K for Taylor and mention off the record that I think Stewart Till likes Goats.  Man City's Norwegian central midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim has joined us on loan until the end of the season. Ibrahim, who is valued at $3.5M, currently has 2 years remaining on his $1.2K p/w deal at The City Of Manchester Stadium. I am suddenly up to my ears in quality Midfielders, but I won't complain...I also get City's other offer in GK Joe Clegg, who gives us some decent depth for the rest of the year. A busy day as I have two transfer deals accepted and offer a contract to Brno's Philip Kubes, a 19 AM C/R that could solve my AMC worries for years to come (and he is cheap now as well). I also offer a contract to young Liverpool Striker Jason Williams, who flat says he has no interest in the Iron. 03/29/2011 Assistant coach Ian Baraclough has noticed that Stephen Quinn isn't looking his usual self in training. He has heard rumors that Quinn may be looking to move on to a bigger club. I try and negotiate a new deal with Quinn in an attempt to keep him in the fold, but his agent say he has no interest in negotiating with us....Fine, I list him for transfer and ship him to the reserves. I am not going to play this crap here, you want to be with Scunthorpe United or you can go. Liverpool accepts my bid for GK Chris Oldfield, but Oldfield shows no interest in joining us either. No Problem, enjoy life as an EPL reserve player. 03/30/2011 Gavin McPherson has reported that goalkeeper Lee Neal has sustained a twisted ankle after falling awkwardly during a training session. It is likely that Neal will be out for between 3 weeks and a month while he is treated. Good thing we picked up Clegg on loan. Spain 2 - 0 Wales (Euro Ch'ship Quals) Twenty-five-year old midfielder David Edwards gave a solid performance for Wales in this match. He is staying in form while on international duty, I just hope he doesn't get fatigued. 03/31/2011 The transfer of Caleb Folan to Scunthorpe from Hull for $700,000 has been agreed. The transfer will go through on Friday July 1st 2011. He will add good depth at the striker position, as my two of my top three (Bryan and Kukuta) are loaners. Kukuta is also hurt and I also discover Keeper Clegg is as well when he arrives.....Thanks for sharing that tidbit City!! They both go to the reserves until match fit. The transfer of Filip Kubes to Scunthorpe from Brno in a deal worth $40,000 has been agreed. The transfer will go through on Friday July 1st 2011. A big signing here at a bargain price. I am convinced he will be a star!! |
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02-09-2008, 09:05 PM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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04/01/2011
Assistant coach Ian Baraclough has reminded you of some important dates in the month ahead: 4.2.2011 - Kidderminster v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 4.6.2011 - Scunthorpe Reserves v Grimsby Reserves 4.9.2011 - Reading Under 18s v Scunthorpe Under 18s 4.9.2011 - Scunthorpe v Swindon (Coca-Cola League 1) 4.13.2011 - AFC Telford Reserves v Scunthorpe Reserves 4.16.2011 - Cardiff v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 4.17.2011 - Antonio Bryan's loan finishes 4.20.2011 - Scunthorpe Reserves v Swansea Reserves 4.23.2011 - Scunthorpe v Bournemouth (Coca-Cola League 1) 4.25.2011 - Cheltenham v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 4.27.2011 - Kettering Reserves v Scunthorpe Reserves 4.30.2011 - Scunthorpe Under 18s v Hull Under 18s 4.30.2011 - Scunthorpe v Hull (Coca-Cola League 1) League One Table
The battle for the last drop spot is really heating up now as all teams are now level in games played. Seven teams within 3 points will make it an exciting relegation battle. Our GD of +3 could be huge here!! Team Stats
Striker play is our strong point and they are doing better than I had hoped. The Midfield ratings are getting better as this crew is a better fit into our system then they were in the previous one IMO. Plus most of the old coaches sucked! Eager to unleash the new loaners (loaned players in white) |
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02-11-2008, 11:07 PM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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A mixed bag as we remain unbeaten with the away draw, but we had ample opportunities to win, if we could have been more accurate. I am starting to consider looking for a new Coach for shooting as we are consistently under 40% on target....We don't even play that high of a tempo away, so we should get better quality. Our three recent loans Stoch (7) Bridcutt (7) and late sub Ibrahim (6) make their debuts and will need some time to learn our tactic, though Stoch showed some flashes and will be a threat down the left wing very soon! I can't for the life of me figure out Chris Howarth (6), except that he is really just not that good a Keeper. The goal he allowed in first half stoppage time was just pathetic. We will need to upgrade here before the next campaign without a doubt. All in all a decent road performance as all the starters but Howarth rate a 7. Hopefully the new players will assimilate in 1-2 more games and we can start pouring some goals in. 04/03/2011 Striker John Cunliffe has rejected my latest contract offer. He is reportedly far from happy at Glanford Park as he has been reduced to a rotation player. I would like to keep him, but in truth can probably find a better fit for my system. DC Steve Foster is been rewarded for his recent fine performances with a new 2 year contract worth $875,000. Foster, 30, arrived at Glanford Park from Luton for a fee of $750K in 2009. He is a solid veteran who is the centerpiece of my backline. His overall rating for the year is 7.09. The board pays out $70K to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after reaching the semifinals in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. A nice little bonus for the squad (some more than others) 04/05/2011 Millwall have rejected my $30,000 offer for GK Rhys Taylor. I offer almost three times his listed value and still no. It is clear that prick Stuart Gray just does not want to do business with me....guess I need to quit being so nice! 04/06/2011 The transfer of GK Chris Oldfield from Liverpool for $190,000 has been agreed upon. He originally had no intention of coming to the Iron, but was willing to negotiate. It took three trips to the table, but I now have my starting GoalKeeper for 2011/2012. The transfer will go through on Friday July 1st 2011. Gavin McPherson has reported that right winger Jamie Walker has suffered a bruised head after a late tackle during the match against Grimsby Reserves. He will be out for between 5 days and a week while he is treated. The reserve squad looks like a mash unit with four players out injured. It has necessitated calling up 6 players from the U18 squad to play in reserve games. Amazingly they are still mid table (11th) in group 4. |
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02-12-2008, 10:12 PM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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This is a complete disaster!! Swindon enters the match in the drop zone and totally shut us down. I make the mistake of going with a long ball strategy due to the rain and it backfires badly. By the time I change the squad is mentally out of it and we lose 3 precious points!! Matt Green (5) has his worst match of the year and can't shake free behind a poor Swindon defense. In fact only Steve Foster (7) and 62nd minute sub Abdisalam Ibrahim (7) have form above 6 for the match. Two shots on target is just not acceptable and for as good as he played in his debut, Miroslav Stoch (6) is just as bad in this one. The part that really hurts is Swindon generated nothing from the wings, but still out shot us and held a 6 minute possession edge.....rotten stuff! This puts us in a pinch. Five games to play and 3 points from the drop zone. Here is what the table holds for us down the stretch. Home Bournemouth (8th) Hull (21st) Away Cardiff (1st) Cheltenham (23rd) Doncaster (3rd) Hull and Cheltenham are must wins, as we will need at least 6 points to stay up. Taking points from Bournemouth at home as well would secure our safety. After the game I am approached by a journalist from a local newspaper: "Ezomo Iriekpen hasn't been impressing with his recent performances. Isn't it time you dropped him?" is the first thing out of his mouth. After I threaten to drop him, I go to bat for Iriekpen, expressing confidence that he will soon play himself out of his struggles. Iriekpen responds to my support by siding with the journy, stating he doesn't think he deserves my confidence at the moment. For hell's sake kid, get off the ledge and just play defense!!! 04/12/2011 Antonio Bryan is coming up to the end of his current loan deal. He will return to Man Utd in the next few days. I will try and snag him for the rest of the year as he will be key to our push to stay up. |
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02-15-2008, 10:15 PM
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#18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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A tough test against table leader Cardiff and it was a hell of a game with the difference being Steve Foster's (7) own goal. Green (8) was brilliant in a losing cause and Stoch (8) had a solid game as well. Antonio Bryan (6) coming to the end of his loan deal just mailed it in and we again struggle in goal as Chris Howarth (6) is just not a clutch player. With a slight possession edge and playing them even most everywhere else I am happy and am now more confident than ever we will avoid the drop. Green's last goal was a thing of beauty as he attempted to cross the ball, had it headed out by a Cardiff defender, then swooped in to corral the loose ball and buried a precision shot between Lee Robinson's (6) legs, leaving the Cardiff Keeper standing befuddled in the six yard box. 03/20/2011 Antonio Bryan has completed his loan spell at Scunthorpe and returns to Man Utd. I am going to pursue a permanent deal with him as he adds a second pacey striker to the attack. Great for my counter tactic. 03/22/2011 I bid $400,000 for Aaron Wright and Millwall counters for $600,000. I match their price, though I wonder why I even deal with these bastards now. Gavin McPherson has reported that reserve wing-back Jonathan Hall is suffering from a cold. I send him home for a week, as I don't want anyone sick now!! 04/23/2011 This happens quick...I bid $625,000 for Antonio Bryan and Man U accepts, Bryan jumps at the chance to come back to Glanford park and on Friday July 1st 2011, he will become full time player for the Iron! AMC David Edwards has called on the team to continue their fight against relegation by beating AFC Bournemouth on Saturday. With the season drawing to an exciting close, he knows that we will be safe if we can win three of our remaining four games. Edwards has made forty-two appearances so far this season for The Iron, scoring five goals. I love his fire and he will probably be one of my Captains next year. |
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02-15-2008, 10:35 PM
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#19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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Matt "The Machine" Green (9) turns in a scorcher with the hattie and now has 5 goals over his last two matches. It was far from a one man show however as Steve Foster, Ezomo Eriekpan, Cleveland Taylor, Liam Bridcutt and Gael Kakuta all come in with an 8 form in a dominant performance. The small crowd pisses me off as we are fighting for our lives and the fans seem to have written us off. I am sure to mention this to a local journy after the match. I am convinced we will stay up now and am already thinking about challenging for promotion next year, while praying Millwall stays right where they are. 03/24/2011 The day after the match the media is all over Matt Green, one journy raves on his recent string of sensational performances and asks if I agree that he is playing at the top of his game? I state he is playing well and that I hope he can maintain his level of performance. Another comments that you could take a video of Green's performances and show it to any young kid and say 'that's how to play'. Heady stuff! Cheltenham Town boss John Ward chimes in, expressing his appreciation of Green's ability ahead of their upcoming match. Ward went on to state that his team would have to somehow find a way of containing the player if they are going to have any chance of coming away from the match with a decent result. Green is our top goalscorer, with 23 goals in 39 appearances after this match. Gavin McPherson has reported that sweeper Mark Keen pulled up with a torn hamstring after chasing the ball during a training session. He will need to see a specialist and is out for between 2 months and 3 months while he is treated missing most of training camp next Season. |
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02-15-2008, 10:53 PM
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#20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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A huge road win against already relegated Cheltenham pretty much secures our spot in League one next Season as we sit 6 points clear with two to play and an +11 differential advantage over 21st place hull. It would take a miracle of epic proportions, a collapse never before seen in the history of English football to screw this up. We are staying up and it is all due to the return of John Cunliffe (9) who explodes returning to the lineup after Bryan's return to Man U. Matt Green (8) notches another as well and Chris Howarth (8) plays out of his head, collecting the clean sheet. Cheltenham play tough, helped by a huge advantage in fouls which I find a little disconcerting. Still, we come out on a flyer and never look back. An easy win on only 1 days rest. John Cunliffe's goal in minute two ended a run of over ten hours of competitive soccer without a goal. He seemed much more at ease after the Match. Cleveland Taylor picks up an automatic one match suspension after collecting 15 yellow cards. The suspension will apply for all English domestic competitions and will start on Monday May 2nd 2011. A lot of yellow for a "graceful" player. At least we are safe now and can make do without him. |
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02-16-2008, 12:52 PM
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#21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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04/27/2011
Gavin McPherson has reported that forward John Dickson has sustained a dead leg following a strong challenge during the match against Kettering Reserves. Dickson will be out for between 3 days and a week while he is treated. Liverpool's Tommy Henry has rejected our contract offer. He is a top U18 Keeper, but he feels he can learn more at Liverpool. They would have let him go for 170K, would have been a great pick up. A national newspaper is reporting that a source close to Millwall's Alex Pearce has revealed that the central defender finds Preston Edwards difficult to work with and feels he is damaging morale within the club. Speculation is rife that unless the pair can resolve their differences it is unlikely that the two will be able to cooperate on the field. What a pity, it was truly only a matter of time before Preston's ego began to cause problems. there are going to be issues with unhappy players there and I can't say I won't enjoy watching if the Lions implode. 04/28/2011 The transfer of Clyde's U18 DM David Martin is set to be completed. The transfer will go through on Friday July 1st 2011. He was a cheap pickup at 35K and is a future project at 17 years of age. 04/29/2011 The Matt Green appreciation tour continues as Hull City boss Kevin Summerfield today spoke of his appreciation of Green's ability ahead of our upcoming match. He went on to state that his team would have to somehow find a way of containing the player if they are going to have any chance of coming away from the match with a decent result. All this hype worries me a bit as I don't want Green to develop an ego like a certain Millwall Keeper.
Remember the name Ronnie Walker...Bastard referee. Things start well enough with David Edwards (7) scoring after a sweet drop pass from Green (6) who had drawn all attention in the box. Then it started unravel, first Stoch (7) who was off to a great start goes down after a questionable tackle. Walker ignores our pleas for a card and play goes on. In the 28th minute Green runs onto a long ball from Ezomo Iriekpen (6) and puts the ball top shelf for a 2 - nil lead....but no. Offsides is called and several players go ballistic. Walker wants to hear nothing of it and soon after the cards start flowing freely. SEVEN yellows and a red, are you kidding. When Murphy gets run we unravel and Hull takes full advantage, including a backbreaker in stoppage time to end the first half. Three minutes after play resumes we are pretty much finished. This is a devastating loss at home to the 21st place team in the table. The second team in three weeks the team in that position of the table has bit us in the Ass at home!! After the game the media wants to know all about the offside call which turned the tide. I am pissed and happily share my thoughts on the call and Ronnie Walker. The inevitable warning ensues from the FA, but the board does not censure me. It is pleasing to have a board with balls behind me after the spineless FA butt kissers that compose Millwall's board. I hate the Lion so much now I would take the West Ham job if offered. 04/30/2011 Still upset I warn Danny Murphy that discipline will come if he costs us with another dismissal. He accepts the warning and promises to do better. Gavin McPherson has reported that left winger Miroslav Stoch has suffered fractured ribs after a late tackle during the match against Hull. Pretty much ends his loan from Chelsea. McPherson also reports that forward Stuart Howell has suffered a facial injury after a late tackle during the match against Hull Under 18s. Howell will be out for between 6 days and 2 weeks while he is treated. Hull is one of our fiercest rivals and this thuggery in both the Senior and U18 matches won't be forgotten. |
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02-16-2008, 01:08 PM
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#22 |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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05/01/2011
Assistant coach Ian Baraclough has reminded you of some important dates in the month ahead: 5.1.2011 - Abdisalam Ibrahim's loan finishes 5.1.2011 - Joe Clegg's loan finishes 5.4.2011 - Scunthorpe Reserves v Norwich Reserves 5.7.2011 - Doncaster v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 5.11.2011 - Exeter Reserves v Scunthorpe Reserves 5.14.2011 - Coca-Cola League 1 Playoff Semi Final 5.14.2011 - Scunthorpe Under 18s v Norwich Under 18s 5.17.2011 - Coca-Cola League 1 Playoff Semi Final 5.25.2011 - Finland Under 19s v England Under 19s (Euro U19 Ch'ship Quals) 5.27.2011 - England Under 19s v Poland Under 19s (Euro U19 Ch'ship Quals) 5.29.2011 - Coca-Cola League 1 Playoff Final 5.29.2011 - Bulgaria Under 19s v England Under 19s (Euro U19 Ch'ship Quals) Luckily the most important date won't be 05/07/2011, as we secure out spot in League one for next year despite the loss as Bristol Rovers stumble into relegation. Ian Baraclough gives me some feedback on how training has been going over the past month. The following players have trained well over the past month: Cleveland Taylor (Set Pieces) Chris Howarth (Tactics) Andy Dyke (Attacking) The following players have failed to impress in training during the past month: Jamie Walker (Defending) Lee Neal (Ball Control) Taylor will be a big part of our future, so his efforts are duly noted. Board confidence update To summarize, the board is satisfied with your coaching of the team. This has been underlined by the fans' happiness at Scunthorpe's 4 - 2 Coca-Cola League 1 victory over Carlisle. Despite the positives, Scunthorpe's 1 - 3 Coca-Cola League 1 defeat against Hull cannot be ignored. Neither can the great job of officiating from Ronnie Walker! We recorded a loss of $533K last month, ouch, attendance is killing us! 05/04/2011 The transfer of Liverpool DM Dean Byrne for an initial $170,000 can now be completed. He will join us on Friday July 1st 2011. Another young (17) DM who will compete for a future first team spot. 05/05/2011 Unemployed Jamaican Striker Luton Shelton has agreed terms with us. He is another pacey sort and will be a good rotaton player. Unfortuantely work permit problems spring up, so this may fall through. Winger Chris Millar has told the club's website that he wants to stay loyal to The Iron but is finding it very hard to accept that he is not in the head coach's first team plans. I let him know he is a back up and he needs to be patient. I have no plans to retain his seervices after the Season as he does not fit my style of play. |
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02-16-2008, 01:49 PM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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A hard fought game against Playoff bound Doncaster in which we just can't generate chances. Chris Howarth (7) does well in goal, and the shot that beat him was a scorcher. We really only had one quality chance as Matt Green (7) missed a sure goal when he couldn't get his shot on target. We were banged up and we had no game from the wings at all as our cross percentage shows. Kakuta (7) and Millar (7) were decent but neither can put the ball into the area like Stoch (Injured) and Taylor (Suspended) can. WB/D L Mark King suffers a nasty broken leg in the match and will be out 5-6 Months!! He had 33 appearances for us this year and while not great defensively, did chip in 5 goals. Final League one standings
The only good thing is we still ended up ahead of Hull. Time to start getting ready for next year. Final Team Stats
*Loaned Players listed in white Green really came on at the end and I probably could have utilized Cunliffe better as his form was solid, I just like more speed. Foster is a stalwart on Defense but I need a lot of help everywhere else in the back. I am thinking Green and Foster are good bets for post Season honors, nobody else even close. |
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02-18-2008, 04:24 PM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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English Season Summary - 2011
Thoughts on the Season
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02-18-2008, 09:05 PM
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#25 |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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05/11/2011
Ezomo Iriekpen misses training as we prepare to head into the offseason break and I fine him a weeks salary. He acknowledges that his unprofessional behavior was unacceptable and that he deserved the fine. He promises to get better, but he is on my last nerve and I will be looking to unload him. 05/18/2011 Our signing of Striker Luton Shelton is cancelled after our appeal for a work permit was turned down. Not a huge loss as he ws being brought in to provide depth. 05/29/2011 The board pays out $400K to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after finishing 18th in the Coca-Cola League 1. That's a nice bonus for mediocrity. We are given $200,000 for our final position in the Coca-Cola League 1. It is beyond me why the board would pay out more in bonus money than we earned for our final League position. 05/30/2011 DC Steve Foster was selected in the Coca-Cola League 1 Players' Select. Thought Green had a shot too, but the competition at Striker was pretty steep. Cardiff City's Mick McCarthy has won the Coca-Cola League 1 Manager of the Year award. Richard Money of Walsall was named in second place, while Leeds' Geraint Williams took the third spot. I thought Williams should have gotten the nod for what he has done with Leeds. Granted, they are a well supported club, but they were on the verge of oblivion two years ago and are now going to the Chamionship. The results of the goal award are as follows: 1st: Stephen McPhail - Cardiff (v Oldham, April 30th) Bluebirds central midfielder McPhail shows his class by scoring a freekick from the edge of the area. 2nd: Harry Forrester - Southend (v Port Vale, April 16th) Dribbling from inside the Port Vale half, Forrester takes the ball past two opponents before coolly scoring a real poacher's effort. 3rd: Chris Brown - Bristol Rovers (v Bradford, March 12th) Brown provides a perfect finish to an excellent team move by scoring a well timed close range finish. We didn't make the list, but at least we didn't concede any on the list either Swindon Town's Stephen Ward has won the Coca-Cola League 1 Top Goalscorer award, finishing with 28 goals. Paul Heffernan of Doncaster was runner-up and Blackpool's Martin Paterson completed the top three. Last edited by BYU 14 : 02-18-2008 at 09:53 PM. |
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02-18-2008, 09:50 PM
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#26 |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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June 2011
Assistant coach Ian Baraclough has reminded you of some important dates in the month ahead: 6.2.2011 - Albania Under 19s v England Under 19s (U19 International) 6.3.2011 - England Under 21s v Croatia Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship Quals) 6.4.2011 - Albania v England (Euro Ch'ship Quals) 6.6.2011 - Andorra Under 19s v England Under 19s (U19 International) 6.8.2011 - Andorra v England (Euro Ch'ship Quals) 6.12.2011 - England Under 21s v Croatia Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship) 6.15.2011 - Sweden Under 21s v England Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship) 6.18.2011 - England Under 21s v Portugal Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship) 6.25.2011 - Gaël Kakuta's loan finishes 6.25.2011 - Liam Bridcutt's loan finishes 6.30.2011 - David Elebert's contract expires 6.30.2011 - Brian Stock's contract expires 6.30.2011 - Lewis Guy's contract expires 6.30.2011 - Chris Millar's contract expires 6.30.2011 - Mark King's contract expires 6.30.2011 - John Cunliffe's contract expires The only one above I will even try to re-sign is Cunliffe, and early word is he is looking to move on. I am looking to put my final stamp on the team and none of the guys above fit that. Stock is a good player, put he is a pure MC, and I just don't utilize that position in my tactic. He worked at DMC when he did play and was adequate, but I will be brining in new blood there. 06/01/2011 We pay our annual fees to our feeder clubs.
06/02/2011 Sweden have been allocated an extra place in the EURO Cup for next season due to finishing top of the Sporting Play table. Two other nations will also gain an extra place from a draw on 6.4.2011. The following seventeen nations have achieved a place in the draw: Denmark, Holland, Scotland, Spain, Serbia, Romania, Germany, Greece, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Belgium, Bulgaria, Turkey, Russia, Portugal and England. Board confidence update To summarize, the board feel you should be performing slightly better in your role as head coach. They have been unhappy with Scunthorpe's 1 - 3 Coca-Cola League 1 defeat against Hull. Join the club! A minor positive is perhaps the fact that the fans believe Matt Green to be performing well. He will be an even bigger start mext year. The club recorded a loss of $854K last month. Not a good Month at all. I have go to get some asses in the seats next year or we will drown. Right now we sit at just under 2.5 million in the red...not good! 06/04/2011 Belgium and Spain have been drawn out of seventeen nations to receive an extra EURO Cup place next season. No worries, England have all we need to take the Cup! The following English teams have qualified for European competitions next season.
I offer Ezomo Iriekpen a chance to leave the club and he jumps on it. He is willing to terminate his contract for a fee of $50K, a small price to pay to get rid of his attitude....buh bye. 06/09/2011 Your assistant coach Ian Baraclough has reported back on the only Scunthorpe player to be involved in today's international matches: Faroe Islands 1 - 2 Wales (Euro Ch'ship Quals) Twenty-five-year old midfielder David Edwards gave a solid performance for Wales in this match. Millwall's GK Rhys Taylor has agreed terms with Hull. He rejected offers from Millwall and Scunthorpe. Wanker, right to our fiercest rival he goes....Mark the calendar. ST John Cunliffe is delighted to have successfully negotiated terms with Morton. He rejected the offer from Doncaster. Strange choice here, he could have defected to a well stocked Doncaster club, another rival, but instrad takes his game to a smaller pond. Notice he didn't even consider out offer to re-sign, though we made decent one. 06/12/2011 The transfer of Danny Murphy to Swindon from Scunthorpe for $475,000 has been agreed. The transfer will go through on Friday July 1st 2011. I hate to seem him go, but I got 300K more than his value, so it was not a hard choice as strapped as we are for cash. I can replace him with a Loaner from Man City. 06/18/2011 My assistant coach Ian Baraclough has noticed that David Edwards isn't looking his usual self in training. More worryingly, Baraclough has heard rumors that our main AMC may be looking to move on to a bigger club. He suggests that I try and negotiate a new deal with Edwards in an attempt to persuade the player not to leave the club, problem is we have no cash. I will have to hadle this one carefully. 06/19/2011 Our reserve and U18 Squad both accept invitations for League play for the upcoming Season. Every penny we earn will count this year. 06/20/2011 Scunthorpe supporter spokesperson, Gary Cardoza, has announced that Matt Green has been voted Scunthorpe's Player of the Year by the fans. A great choice, he missed out on League honors, but this may mean even more to a player. While he was at, Cardoza announced the Best Eleven for this season. Steve Foster was the pick of the players, the central defender having made 48 appearances and scored one goal for the team at an average rating of 7.13 this season. The rest of the Best Eleven squad was: Antonio Bryan, John Cunliffe, David Edwards, Stephen Gleeson, Matt Green, Paul Hayes, Chris Howarth, Ezomo Iriekpen, Mark King, Ryan McCafferty, Chris Millar, Danny Murphy, Stephen Quinn, Cleveland Taylor and Ross Turnbull. Have no clue how Turnbull and Gleeson got on there as they spent my watch on the reseerve squad. We will receive $700,000 for Coca-Cola League 1 TV rights over the forthcoming season. It will help a bit with finances. I get bold and tell the board that I believe we can win promotion. As a result, my transfer budget for this season is still set at $0 but I get a payroll budget of $97K p/w. We are currently spending $68,434 per week on salaries. Some wiggle room there. Youth Promotions Dave McKnight, John Dickson, Mark Keen, Stuart Howell and Jonathan Hall have been promoted to the Reserves as they are now too old to play for the Under 18s next season. Keen is the closet thing we have to a prospect. New Youth Players Ian Baraclough informs me that the following players have been promoted to our youth team. Marc Gibbons (Bridport), DM C; Temitope Robinson (Scunthorpe), S C; Russell Wright (Scunthorpe), D RC; Richard Daly (North Ferriby), AM C. Baraclough is excited by Gibbons whom he feels has the potential to be one of the most gifted players to come through the youth ranks at the club in recent years. We shall see, he looks good on paper. 06/22/2011 The loan move of Man City's Joe Clegg to the club is completed. He will be a longshot, but will still get a chance to be the #1 GK for us. 06/25/2011 Our young centre-back Dave McKnight makes it a point to tell me he was pleased with what he managed to gain from shadowing Steve Foster. McKnight confirmed that he picked up one or two moves which will hopefully give him a competitive advantage in the future. Foster is a huge positive force on the squad. 06/27/2011 My assistant coach Ian Baraclough and the backroom staff have assessed the fitness and condition of the playing squad upon their return for preseason training. Everyone is in good shape but DWB L Mark King, who is still recovering from a broken Leg....Good news as the lads appear ready to get at it! We do not currently have enough funds to complete the transfer for Newcastle starlet Kazenga LuaLua. I go to the board and get the budget adjusted to complete the deal. This kid will be worth it. 06/30/2011 The transfer of Kieran McKenna to us from Burnley has been agreed. The transfer will go through on Friday July 1st 2011. We snag him on a free as he was not negotiating with Burnley and is over 24. He will help a ton at Right Fullback and also as a late game defensive sub on the wing. Last edited by BYU 14 : 02-18-2008 at 09:53 PM. |
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02-19-2008, 11:11 PM
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#27 |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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07/01/2011
Assistant coach Ian Baraclough has reminded you of some important dates in the month ahead: 7.1.2011 - Start of transfer window 7.1.2011 - ST Caleb Folan joins Scunthorpe 7.1.2011 - ST John Cunliffe joins Morton 7.1.2011 - AMC L R Kazenga LuaLua joins Scunthorpe 7.1.2011 - D/WB L Danny Murphy joins Swindon 7.1.2011 - AMR C Philip Kubes joins Scunthorpe 7.1.2011 - DC/DM David Martin joins Scunthorpe 7.1.2011 - DM Dean Byrne joins Scunthorpe 7.1.2011 - GK Chris Oldfield joins Scunthorpe 7.1.2011 - ST Antonio Bryan joins Scunthorpe 7.1.2011 - DR/MR C Kieran McKenna joins Scunthorpe 7.1.2011 - DM Sam Cox joins Scunthorpe 7.15.2011 - Scunthorpe v Goole (Friendly) 7.19.2011 - England Under 19s v Italy Under 19s (Euro U19 Ch'ship) 7.19.2011 - Scunthorpe v Cambridge City (Friendly) 7.21.2011 - Holland Under 19s v England Under 19s (Euro U19 Ch'ship) 7.23.2011 - Scunthorpe v Wolves (Friendly) 7.24.2011 - England Under 19s v Germany Under 19s (Euro U19 Ch'ship) 7.27.2011 - Bray Wanderers v Scunthorpe (Friendly) 7.30.2011 - Under 18s Cup First Round Draw 7.30.2011 - Scunthorpe v Man City Reserves (Friendly) We start to build for a run at promotion with a slew of new faces joining the fold. The fans are particularly excited about Striker Caleb Folan, Attacking Midfielder Kazenga LuaLua (Who can play on either wing as well as AMC) and the versatile Kieran McKenna who will start at DR and can also play the right Wing when a defensive presence is needed. Kubes is delighted to join us and is looking forward to competing for a first team spot. We added a lot of depth to the Midfield and also bring in a pair of Strikers that will give us a nice rotation. The big question will be the back line, which I will look to shore up though loans. Sent off In addition to Cunliffe and Murphy, we also say goodbye to the following players who are released on free transfers as they are out of contract and not part of my future plans. Chris Millar Brian Stock David Elebert John Andrews Junior Crowther Mark Fisher The only one who played any real minutes for me was Stock, and as mentioned, there is really no natural position for him in my tactic. Millar and Elebert are not quality players and the other three are youth/reserve players who don't look to have first team potential. |
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02-20-2008, 11:44 PM
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#28 |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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07/02/2011
I release Strikers Lewis Guy and Andy Dyke as well as D/WB L Mark King on free transfers. None figure into my plans and they are all out of contract. I turn down a transfer bid by Hearts for AMC David Edwards who tells me that he is upset that I have decided to not allow him to hold talks with the Scottish Club. He goes on to say he wants to join Hearts and believes he should be allowed to leave. Not good, another Preston Edwards in the making. 07/03/2011 The board has injected $675K to help with the club's running costs. We are still 1.7 Million in the red, so I will have no transfer budget this Season. 07/05/2011 Gavin McPherson has reported that central midfielder Dan Jones has sustained a strained wrist while lifting weights during training. He will be out for between a week and 2 weeks while he is treated. 07/10/2011 As of today, the we have sold 675 season tickets for the upcoming season. The board expects the club to sell another 1700 season tickets in the following weeks, taking the number of season ticket holders for the upcoming season up to around 2400 in total. I can't believe the expectations are so low. 07/11/2011 Gavin McPherson has reported that forward John Dickson pulled up with a groin strain after chasing the ball during a training session. It is likely that he will be out for between 2 weeks and 3 weeks while he is treated. 07/12/2011 David Edwards has asked me place him on the transfer list. He says my refusal to allow him to move to a bigger club is one of the main reasons as to why he has had to resort to such measures. He requested to leave earlier and I asked him to stay and help us achieve promotion, but he wants no part of it. I don't want to have this distraction all Season so I list him for one Meeellion dollars. Looks like young Philip Kubes will get his chance to take the AMC spot. Friendlies 07/15/2011 Scunthorpe 7 Goole 2 We fall behind twice before lacing Goole with 6 unanswered goals. Matt Green gets the hat trick and Antonio Bryan adds 2 in the thrashing of the amateur side. Good work from my attacking duo the first time out. Not very pleased with Howarth's play in the first half, while Chris Oldfield tallies the clean sheet in the second. 07/19/2011 Scunthorpe 1 Cambridge City 1 Just a friendly I know but we played horribly. Howarth again lets in the equalizer in thew second half after Joe Clegg holds the Lilywhites scoreless in the first 45. Nobody outside of Kazenga LuaLua (who tallied his second straight 8 rating) played well in this one. I know we need to assimilate a lot of new bodies, but we should have routed the Blue Square South side. Last edited by BYU 14 : 02-20-2008 at 11:45 PM. |
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02-21-2008, 10:58 AM
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#29 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whitman, MA
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Good luck with the new team and season.
Tell
__________________
FOOL - Ann Arbor Winged Lingerines FOOLX - Portland Axemen Hattrick - Fizzle United (222968) |
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02-21-2008, 10:31 PM
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#30 | |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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Quote:
Thanks Tell, I am worried about my Defense, but I think we will be able to score once everyone is acclimated. 07/19/2011 Gavin McPherson has reported that right winger Cleveland Taylor has suffered a bruised thigh following an accidental collision during the match against Cambridge City. Taylor will be out for between 6 days and 2 weeks while he is treated. Glad it is nothing serious, he is one of our key players and losing him for an extended period would cripple our attack. 07/21/2011 We sell disgruntled AMC David Edwards to Barnsley for $1,000,000. The bad news is Luton and Frogman get $400,000. of that!! I hate sell on clauses, only because I always forget to include them in my transfer deals The AMC spot is now Kubes to lose and I think he will do fine. In the first two matches he has been very active and a disruptive force to opponents with his aggressive play.We grab Chelsea's Jim Kerr on loan and he will help shore up the back line, teaming with Foster at the DC spot. Gavin McPherson has reported that defender Russell Wright has sustained a chest injury during a weight training session. He will be treated by the club's physios be out between 2 weeks and 3 weeks. 07/23/2011 Friendly Scunthorpe 1 Wolves 2 After a close first 45, we get handled fairly well in the 2nd half by the Championship side when we sub everyone out. Matt Green (7) gets our only goal and despite giving up both Wolves goals, Chris Oldfield (8) plays a great game in goal in the second half, when we have all our scrubs on the pitch. I am seeing things slowly come together Gavin McPherson has reported that defensive midfielder David Martin has sustained a damaged elbow after falling awkwardly during the match against Wolves. Martin will be treated by the club's physios, and likely be out for between a week and 3 weeks. We are getting some dings in the pre-season. 07/24/2011 The board have announced the latest figures from ongoing season ticket sales. As of today, the club has sold 1428 season tickets for the upcoming season. We are expected to sell another 1000 season tickets in the following weeks, taking the number of season ticket holders for the upcoming season up to around 2400 in total. The groundskeeper asks if I wish to make any changes to our current field dimensions. I go for the Coca-Cola League 1 maximum of 120yds long and 77yds wide to get the most out of my tactics. Anton Blackwood has returned to Arsenal after I terminate his loan. He would not have started for us, so I see no sense in wasting a long term loan spot. 07/27/2011 Friendly Bray Wanderers 1 Scunthorpe 1 A fairly decent result against the Irish Premier League squad and what I thought would be our weakness (defense) is turning out to be what is saving our bacon. I am still looking to improve our back line, but I can live with giving up a goal a game as I am confident we will eventually be averaging 2+. The returning Cleveland Taylor (8) and Matt Green (8) put in solid efforts as Green again scores our only goal. 07/29/2011 - Skybet Crewe and Doncaster have been made 7-4 joint favorites to gain promotion from the Coca-Cola League 1 this season. The rest of the main contenders are priced at: 5-2 - Sheff Utd, 5-2 - Luton, 3-1 - Oldham and 6-1 - Bradford. By pricing us at 50-1 the bookmakers clearly think that relegation is a real possibility and that we should be gearing up for a long, hard and ultimately disappointing season. Think again bitches!! 07/30/2011 Friendly Scunthorpe 2 Man City Reserves 2 They score in stoppage time to steal the draw in a match we really wanted to win, despite the fact it is a friendly. I play our counter attack style, which means Antonio Bryant (8) gets the start alongside Green (6) up front and Bryant nets both our goals. He really excels in the counter attack style of play as the target man. The battle for the number one Keeper is coming down to Howarth (7) and Oldfield (7) and it is too close to call. The League opener against Southend is now less than two weeks away. We have shown some good things as a squad, but I would still like to see our attack be a bit crisper. Last edited by BYU 14 : 02-21-2008 at 10:41 PM. |
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02-23-2008, 05:04 AM
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#31 |
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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08/01/2011
Assistant coach Ian Baraclough has reminded you of some important dates in the month ahead: 8.3.2011 - Blyth v Scunthorpe (Friendly) 8.7.2011 - Scunthorpe v Birmingham (Friendly) 8.10.2011 - Scunthorpe v Middlesbrough (Friendly) 8.13.2011 - Scunthorpe v Southend (Coca-Cola League 1) 8.17.2011 - English League Cup First Round 8.20.2011 - English League Cup Second Round Draw 8.20.2011 - Scunthorpe Under 18s v Cambridge Under 18s 8.20.2011 - Luton v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 8.21.2011 - Under 18s Cup Second Round Draw 8.22.2011 - England Under 19s v Norway Under 19s (U19 International) 8.23.2011 - England Under 21s v Norway Under 21s (U21 International) 8.24.2011 - Scunthorpe Under 18s v Arsenal Under 18s (Under 18s Cup) 8.24.2011 - England v Norway (Euro Ch'ship Quals) 8.27.2011 - Hull Under 18s v Scunthorpe Under 18s 8.27.2011 - Scunthorpe v Kidderminster (Coca-Cola League 1) 8.31.2011 - End of transfer window 8.31.2011 - English League Cup Second Round 8.31.2011 - Scunthorpe Reserves v Bristol City Reserves The board have announced the latest figures from ongoing season ticket sales. As of today, the club has sold 1826 season tickets for the upcoming season. The expectation is that the club to sell another 600 season tickets in the following weeks, taking the number of season ticket holders for the upcoming season up to around 2400 in total. Assistant coach Ian Baraclough has feedback on how training has been going. The following players have trained well over the past month: Steve Foster (Set Pieces) Ryan McCafferty (Set Pieces) Matt Green (Attacking) One player in particular failed to impress in training during the past month: John Dickson (Attacking) 08/02/2011 To summarize, the board is satisfied with my coaching of the team. The capture of Caleb Folan, who the fans believe to be a good signing, has been particularly pleasing. We recorded a loss of $752K last month and just continue to bleed cash. 08/03/2011 Friendly Blyth 0 Scunthorpe 2 Nothing to really write home about as we dispatch Blue Square North side Blyth away. LuaLua (8) and Green (8) score our goals and the defense is solid, if not spectacular. The race is still tight between Oldfield (DNP) and Howarth (7) for the starting GK spot as Clegg (7) plays well, but has fallen behind. Most of the starting 11 is pretty well decided and I will move players to the reserves after my next friendly VS Birmingham. 08/04/2011 I sell AML C Stephen Quinn to Aberdeen for $50,000. He was surplus and not happy anyway. Since he was only valued at $14 K I feel this is a good deal. 08/05/2011 Our Captain Cleveland Taylor has put pen to paper on a new 2 year contract. He stated that his love for the club was the main reason behind him signing the new deal. He has been with the Iron since 2003 and has 43 career goals for us. I sign him through 2013 at $8,500 per week. Matt Green rejects an extension as I have a feeling he thinks he will score big somewhere when his current deal runs out in 2012. I offered him the same as Taylor as he only makes $4,600 per week now, but it wasn't good enough. Carling Cup draw We draw Championship side Huddersfield Town in the first Round. The game will be played at The Galpharm Stadium on Wednesday August 17th 2011. I had hoped from someone a bit easier in the first round. We secure the services again of flashy Midfielder/Striker Gaël Kakuta on loan from Chelsea. He will add some more pop pop to our attack. 08/07/2011 Friendly Scunthorpe 2 Birmingham 1 A nice little win over a Championship League opponent as Green (7) and Loaner Gael Kakuta (8) nab the goals. Kazenga LuaLua (8) has another good game and cements the starting AML spot. I had hoped he would be a good utility player for all three attacking midfield spots, but I need him on the pitch as a starter the way he has been playing. Oldfield (7) starts in goal for this one and gives up a goal right before half, while Clegg (7) secures the win with a clean 2nd half. The latest figures from ongoing season ticket sales are 2315 season tickets for the upcoming season. The board expects we sell another 100 season tickets in the following weeks, taking the number of season ticket holders for the upcoming season up to around 2400 in total. Gavin McPherson has reported that defensive midfielder Sam Cox has suffered a broken foot after a late tackle during the match against Birmingham. The only course of action for a broken foot is for the player to see a specialist, and Cox will be out for between 3 months and 4 months while he is treated. This is horrible news as we have nobody ready to step up at the DMC spot. I will have to play either a young, green play or have McKenna play a little out of position here. 08/10/2011 Friendly Scunthorpe 1 Middlesborough 2 Another tight game against a Championship side and I am happy with our form heading into the season. We actually could have tied this but a shot by Caleb Foran (7) hits the crossbar in the waning minutes. We get 6 on target to their 4 and are fairly competitive in all areas. Howarth (7) outplays Oldfield (6) and earns the starting Keeper nod in a close battle. Oldfield will still get plenty of starts as I want him to develop. Antonio Bryant (8) nets our goals and in another performance of note, Cleveland Taylor (5) has a horrendous game! He needs to pick it up as we get ready to open against Southend in 3 days, especially after I just redid his contract!! I sign 31 yr old AMC R Edrissa Sonko on a free. He is getting older and has slowed a bit, but can still provide some quality depth in the midfield. If Kubes struggles, he will jump right in and be ready to go. The Season is getting ready to start and I think we will over-achieve and surprise people before it is over. |
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02-23-2008, 12:49 PM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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2011/12 Scunthorpe First Team
Projected Starters positions in white Looking at the roster we have some definite potential, but almost no depth. The injury to DM Sam Cox (recovering in the reserves) really highlights this fact as we will be forced to go with Dean Byrne (not ready) or Kieran McKenna (not a natural position) as cover while we wait to get him back towards the end of November. We have a lot of firepower up front and finding a working rotation and keeping everyone happy and in form will be my only challenge. Luckily I have flexibility to play both Bryan and Kakuta on the wings. The only real weak link up front is Folan, who is my hold up Target man and not the prototypical guy that I normally look for in this spot. For that reason I will probably team my speed target man (Bryan) up with Green and Kakuta most of the time. It forces me to create a second home tactic, but I want to make sure I have flexibility. LuaLua will be a star on the left wing, I think I am lucky to have secured his services and look forward to watching him develop over the next couple of years. Kubes is another good prospect that could do some good things for the Iron in the future. Foster will again be the leader of the defense and I look for big things from Loaner Kerr as his partner. All in all I feel I have some exciting young talent and some solid veteran leadership. We are not as talented as the top level League one clubs due to finances, but if we stay healthy and can gel as a unit we could make a run. I give Howarth the starting Keeper job, but he will have a very short leash League Match
An incredible finish by the Iron to steal three points before a rabid opening day crowd, that was rewarded if they stayed to the end. We started sluggishly and because of it I used my 3 subs early in the second half. As we entered the final 10, things went from glum to hopeless when Jim Kerr (6) was injured, leaving us with 10 men. Once again, with the game on the line Matt Green (8) stepped up and owned the final 10 minutes, scoring on a beautiful break (that came with some controversy) to draw level, then planting one in the top corner from angle in stoppage time to send the gronds into raptures. Kubes (8) did a nice job orchestrating the attack in his debut and LuaLua (8) came off the bench to start the second half and opened things up on the left wing. It was great to see the youngsters come out so strong. McKenna (6) got the start at DM, but was outplayed by Byrne (7) who also came on in the sedon 45. This area will be a real sore spot until Sam Cox gets back. I am approached by a journalist from a local newspaper regarding Green's first goal. He tries to play up the controversial offsides debate and asks my opinion. Ignoring the bait, I decline to give a comment. Gavin McPherson has reported that central defender Jim Kerr has suffered a bruised head following an accidental collision during the match against Southend. He should be back for our next match. Johnstone's Paint Trophy draw We will play fellow League One side Mansfield Town in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy North First Round. The game will be played at Field Mill on Wednesday September 7th 2011. Mansfield Town won the competition for the only time in their 114-year history back in 1987. Not a bad first round draw, just wish it was at home. 08/14/2011 The Board have announced the final sales figures for season tickets. The ticket office has confirmed that the club has sold 2381 season tickets for this season. Nineteen short of our goal and a significant drop from last year when the club sold 2802 season tickets. I have got to win to get the fans back as the Iron supporters are fickle. Our park holds 11,183 and we need to at least be drawing at least 8 - 9 K to operate in the black. Last edited by BYU 14 : 02-23-2008 at 09:03 PM. |
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02-28-2008, 11:18 PM
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#33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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Carling Cup 1st round
We start strong and answer right back when Championship side Huddersfield breaks on top. Kakuta (8) gives the opposition fits early on, but Matt Green (6) can't compliment his play and is mediocre before going off injured. The real surprise is Chris Oldfield (8), who takes MOM despite giving up 3 goals, it speaks volumes for the game has had as he made several beautiful point blank stops to keep us in the game in the first half, and prevent a blowout in the second. We played well overall, but Foster (6) lost his mark badly a couple of times and it cost us with Goals given up twice. Amazingly Huddersfields keeper David Martin (5) has the worst form of the match, despite only allowing the single goal, though in truth it is their backline which is responsible for that. Gavin McPherson has reported that striker Matt Green has suffered a gashed arm following an accidental collision during the match against Huddersfield. It is likely that Green will be out for between 4 days and a week while he is treated.....Two words, THANK GOD. He will likely play against Luton on the 20th, 100% or not. 08/18/2011 Kieran McKenna has been called up by N.Ireland head coach Nigel Worthington for his squad to face Wales. The match takes place on August 24th. These types of things hurt us more than one would imagine with our depth issues. I would with hold him, but I don't want to piss him off. 08/20/2011 Gavin McPherson has reported that central defender Alex Corderoy has sustained a bruised rib following a robust challenge during a training session. It is likely that Corderoy will be out for between 5 days and 2 weeks while he is treated. Not the news I want on match day for the first team, luckily not too bad. |
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03-02-2008, 09:26 AM
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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League Match
We escape Kenilworth with a draw against Frogman's lads on a damp, muggy day. Oldfield (8) is again aces for us in Goal and I am now considering making him the definitive number one if he can maintain this consistency. Two things really hurt us in this game besides only two chances on target. Kakuta (7) and Bryan (7) play well enough up front with Matt Green out (he did not recover from his knock as quickly as hoped) but, they are a combined 5 of 28 on headers won....This is killing us and I need to find a capable target man who can get his noggin on the ball to fully play the type of tactic I like to play. The back line has a good game with Waterhouse (6) Van Aanholt (7) and McKenna (7) all having double figures in interceptions, though Waterhouse loses his man on the flank a bit much for my liking. I still need to get more pace and better positioning skills in the back. League Match
Home sweet home sees us escape with yet another last minute won as Antonio Bryan (8) pulls out a goal after a remarkable pass from Philip Kubes (8) in stoppage time to send the fans home happy. It could have been more comfortable, but Kidderminster had rock solid tackling and we hurt ourselves with offsides calls as we had good opportunities set up on 2 of the 5 we got flagged on. Kubes was solid in organizing the attack all day, and he is looking like a real steal at this point as I feel he will really be effective when he hits his prime. Ryan McCafferty (8) was also brilliant at the right fullback spot, intercepting 18 passes and entirely shutting Kidderminster down on that side of the pitch. I gave Howarth (7) the start in goal and he shows he wants to fight for the #1 job with the clean sheet, though he was never really put under pressure in the match. Gavin McPherson has reported that defender Russell Wright has suffered a bruised head after a late tackle during the match against Hull Under 18s. Wright will be out for between 5 days and a week while he is treated. A local journalist writes about how I have overseen something of a mini clearout at Scunthorpe. I have definitely tried to place my stamp on the club, as I have allowed fourteen players to leave, while bringing in ten new faces (not including loans) to Glanford Park. He also talks about my decision to offload David Edwards to Barnsley for $1M, which was not my first choice, but he wanted to go and we need money, so it was purely business. Better to do this than foster another cancer like I had with Edwards at Millwall. (Yeah I still hate him) 08/31/2011 The transfer deadline for English clubs is tonight. As the Month draws to a close we sit in 6th place in League One, a nice start for sure, but it is a long Season. My goal is to stay as close to this position as possible throughout the year and then hope my youth will be prepared to make a late season run at the playoffs. |
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03-02-2008, 09:51 AM
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#35 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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09/01/2011
Assistant coach Ian Baraclough brings me some of the important dates in the month ahead: 9.3.2011 - Northampton v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 9.7.2011 - Mansfield v Scunthorpe (Johnstone's Paint Trophy) 9.9.2011 - Johnstone's Paint Trophy South Second Round Draw 9.9.2011 - Johnstone's Paint Trophy North Second Round Draw 9.9.2011 - Lithuania Under 21s v England Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship Quals) 9.10.2011 - Scunthorpe Under 18s v Luton Under 18s 9.10.2011 - Scunthorpe v Carlisle (Coca-Cola League 1) 9.11.2011 - Exeter Reserves v Scunthorpe Reserves 9.12.2011 - England Under 19s v Georgia Under 19s (U19 International) 9.13.2011 - England Under 21s v Belgium Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship Quals) 9.14.2011 - Scunthorpe Reserves v Lincoln Reserves 9.14.2011 - England v Georgia (Euro Ch'ship Quals) 9.17.2011 - Nuneaton Under 18s v Scunthorpe Under 18s 9.17.2011 - Bournemouth v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 9.19.2011 - English FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Draw 9.21.2011 - AFC Telford Reserves v Scunthorpe Reserves 9.24.2011 - Scunthorpe v Rotherham (Coca-Cola League 1) 9.27.2011 - Blackpool v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 9.28.2011 - Scunthorpe Reserves v Yeovil Reserves He also provides the monthly training report and indicates the following players have trained well over the past month: Kieran McKenna (Set Pieces) Patrick van Aanholt (Defending) Caleb Folan (Attacking) The following players have failed to impress in training during the past month: Jim Kerr (Aerobic) Alex Corderoy (Strength) Board Summary The board feel I should be performing slightly better in my role as head coach. They are in agreement with the fans and regard the signing of Jim Kerr as a poor piece of judgment. However, the board is pleased to see that the fans believe Filip Kubes to be an extremely good signing. I don't know what I could have done better at this point of a young season, except win our first round Carling Cup match....Fickle bastards. The club made a profit of $62.86K last month. Hopefully a positive upturn that will continue. League Match
A well played match for 85 minutes, then we completely fell apart, culminating in Kubes (6) getting his second yellow card of the day in stoppage time, unacceptable!! Caleb Folan (8) had our best effort of the match and actually won over 50% of his headers, I need to get him in more. Green (7) came back from injury as a second half sub and got back into rythm nicely, while Kazenga LuaLua (7) added yet another assist. Chris Howarth (6) was again inconsistent and I really need to just give the GK job to Oldfield, he will struggle due to his youth at times, but Howarth is just too erractic! Our lack of composure down the stretch today was just frustrating and the fact we only put 3 on target didn't help either as we suffer our first League One defeat. Filip Kubes has been given an automatic one match suspension after being sent off in the Coca-Cola League 1 match against Northampton. The suspension will apply for all English domestic competitions and will start on Saturday September 3rd 2011. Not a good time for this as he was hitting stride and I worry about a disprution of match chemistry. Gavin McPherson has reported that left-back Patrick van Aanholt has suffered a strained neck after jumping to challenge for the ball during the match against Northampton. He will be day to day, nothing too serious. 09/06/2011 Edrissa Sonko has been called up by Gambia head coach José Martínez for his squad to face Kenya. The match takes place on September 10th. Great, my #1 AMC suspended and now my backup is being called up and will miss the match that Kubes is suspended from. |
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03-02-2008, 10:56 AM
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#36 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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Johnstones Paint Trophy North 1st Round
Our Cup woes continue with an unceremonious first round dumping away to Mansfield. It is a shame just over 1800 people showed up as they missed a great match! Excellent back and forth action, but in the end our fight back was derailed by Allen's 79th minute tally for the home side. Mansfield shredded us, in everyone but their back four and Keeper rated an 8 in this one. Our Defense has been extremely poor on the road the last two and neither Keeper played well for us today as I started Howarth (6) and brough in Oldfield (6) at the break, with similar results. My entire back line (Waterhouse, Foster, McCafferty and McKenna) all rated a 6 and only Foster was even marginally effective hitting 9 of 10 tackles and 9 of 10 headers. The real problem was being out of position on a consistent basis by all four men. LuaLua (7) got his obligatory assist and both Kakuta (8) with a goal and an assist and Cleveland Taylor (8) played well on attack as did Edrissa Sonko (7) who was a brilliant 31 of 33 passing the ball. 09/09/2011 Our 5-3 defeat against Mansfield in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy North First Round is a new record high scoring game. The previous highest scoring game we were involved in was a 7-0 win over Brentford in the Coca-Cola League 1 play. Two players have been called up for international duty. Match Date: September 13th. Czech Republic Under 21s: Filip Kubes Match Date: September 14th. Northern Ireland: Kieran McKenna League Game
Again the famliar surroundings of Glanford park see us back on track as Matt Green (8) makes his return to the starting 11 and carries the day. Kazenga LuaLua (8) assists on both of Green's goals and as much as I would love to get Kakuta on the pitch, these two old down the left side fairly well and we seem to be better when they are teamed up. One option I have is to play LuaLua at AMC and start Kakuta on the left wing, but I don't want to inhibit Kubes progress. I have a decision to make, and may eventually consider sending Kubes off on a Season long loan to one of our Feeder clubs. Chris Oldfield (7) is steady and I think I will stay resolute now and leave him as my number one. This situation with the first team Keeper spot is starting to become a distraction. Ian Baraclough has reported back on the only Scunthorpe player to be involved in today's international matches: Kenya 3 - 0 The Gambia (African Nations Quals) Thirty-one-year-old attacking midfielder Edrissa Sonko remained on the field for the entire game but he will be disappointed with his level of performance for Gambia. |
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03-02-2008, 11:28 AM
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#37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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League Match
Our away struggles continue, though in this case they are not entirely deserved as we just couldn't finish. Led by LuaLua (7) and Taylor (7) our game from the wings is solid as we get plenty of crosses in the area. I try a combination of Gael Kakuta (7) and Matt Green (6) up front and they just don't click. Green prefers the left side and Kakuta has to play there. I listen to Ian Baraclough and start Howarth (6) in goal again and it backfires, I don't know why I can't stick to my guns, but he is just not getting it done. Kubes (7) injury was to his jaw and could be fairly serious. This could solve my rotation dilema as LuaLua would move to AMC by default if Kubes is out a while. Sonko is a veteran presence, but he can not start at AMC and maintain the pace I like. The penalty awarded to Bournemouth was BS by the way, but you won't hear that from me. Gavin McPherson has reported that attacking midfielder Filip Kubes has sustained a dislocated jaw following a strong challenge during the match against Bournemouth. Kubes will be out for between 3 weeks and a month while he is treated. As I feared, at least I have options in the midfield. Sure enough, I am approached by a journalist from a local newspaper: Your player Dean Byrne was outraged that Bournemouth were awarded a penalty today. Did you feel it was a penalty? I decline to comment.  09/18/2011 I secure a transfer agreement for Thomas Lyskov from Reading for deferred fees. The transfer will go through on Sunday January 1st 2012 and Lyskov will play at left fullback. He needs work on defensive technique, but he has great pace and determination. 09/21/2011 Gavin McPherson has reported that right winger Jamie Walker has suffered concussion after a late tackle during the match against AFC Telford Reserves. It is likely that Walker will be out for around 6 days while he is treated. |
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03-02-2008, 12:16 PM
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#38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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League Match
A very exciting match with both sides making the most of limited opportunites and Antonio Bryan (9) proving to be our answer Man evertime Rotherham evened the proceedings up. LuaLua (8) and Green (8) were both vital cogs in the attack providing 1 and 2 assists respectively. I am very happy with the way LuaLua is playing the AMC spot in place of the injured Kubes, he is turning out to probably be one of my best value signings (along with Juho Makela at Millwall) I ignore my assistants advice and stick with Oldfield (7) in goal and the results are good enough. Kakuta (7) doesn't create as much as LuaLua on the left Wing, but he is better at runs and is also a much bigger scoring threat. The only thing I do not like about this came is once again our heading, as Green and Bryan are not solid in this area. (3 for 30) I need to get Folan on to the pitch to at least keep Defenses threatened by headers. I am also encouraged by our biggest crowd of the year. 09/26/2011 Antonio Bryan was selected in the Coca-Cola League 1 Team of the Week. Pretty much a no brainer after his showing against Rotherham. League Match
An exciting day as we break through on the road after only securing 1 away point all Season. Bryan (8) gets his second straight MOM with Cleveland Taylor (8) right on his heels after a splendid performance on the right wing logging an assist and completing 14 of 19 passes. The game was never really in doubt as we peppered the Blackpool Keeper and Chris Oldfield (7) played well between the pipes for us. Jim Kerr (7) returned to first team action at Center Defender and played well securing 16 interceptions, 10 of 12 on headers and 2 key tackles. 09/28/2011 Gavin McPherson has reported that striker James Turnbull has sustained strained knee ligaments after twisting painfully during the match against Yeovil Reserves. Turnbull will be out for between a month and 2 months while he is treated. 09/30/2011 The loan move of Arsenal's Jay Simpson to Scunthorpe can now be completed. I am excited about this as this adds even more pace to my attack and Simpson can play the AM R spot as well. I know I already have an abundance of speedy strikers, but can you ever truly have enough? |
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03-02-2008, 01:10 PM
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#39 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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10/01/2011
Assistant coach Ian Baraclough reminds me of important dates in the month ahead: The prestigious FA cup begins for us this month and it would be great to survive the first round! 10.1.2011 - Scunthorpe Under 18s v Norwich Under 18s 10.1.2011 - Scunthorpe v Chester (Coca-Cola League 1) 10.3.2011 - English FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Draw 10.4.2011 - Crewe v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 10.5.2011 - Scunthorpe Reserves v Guiseley Reserves 10.8.2011 - Watford Under 18s v Scunthorpe Under 18s 10.8.2011 - Scunthorpe v Bristol City (Coca-Cola League 1) 10.12.2011 - Forest Green Reserves v Scunthorpe Reserves 10.14.2011 - Luxembourg Under 21s v England Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship Quals) 10.15.2011 - English FA Cup Third Qualifying Round 10.15.2011 - Hull v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 10.15.2011 - Sweden v England (Euro Ch'ship Quals) 10.17.2011 - English FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying Draw 10.18.2011 - England Under 21s v Romania Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship Quals) 10.19.2011 - Swansea Reserves v Scunthorpe Reserves 10.19.2011 - England v Belgium (Euro Ch'ship Quals) 10.22.2011 - Scunthorpe Under 18s v Reading Under 18s 10.22.2011 - Scunthorpe v Bradford (Coca-Cola League 1) 10.26.2011 - Scunthorpe Reserves v Grimsby Reserves 10.29.2011 - English FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying 10.29.2011 - Colchester Under 18s v Scunthorpe Under 18s 10.29.2011 - Oldham v Scunthorpe (Coca-Cola League 1) 10.31.2011 - English FA Cup First Round Draw Training Report The following players have trained well over the past month: Edrissa Sonko (Ball Control) David Martin (Defending) Temitope Robinson (Shooting) One player in particular failed to impress in training during the past month: Roger Porter (Defending) Board Confidence update They feel I should be performing slightly better in your role as head coach. They are in agreement with the fans and regard the signing (Loan) of Joey Waterhouse as a poor piece of judgment. However, they are pleased to see that the fans believe Kazenga LuaLua to be an extremely good signing. As if any smart fan could have missed that The club recorded a loss of $353K last month, the bleeding resumes.
Cold on the heels of our great away win last time out we come home and get completely undone by Richard Offiong (9) and former Scunthorpe Midfielder Brian Stock (8) who I set adrift prior to the Season. Stock seemed to be involved in any and all action in our end and put us to the sword, with what turned out to be the winning tally on a Penalty. DC Jim Kerr (5) coming off a fine showing last week, looked clueless in defense and was basically raped by Offiong all afternoon. Howarth (7) (I know, I listened to Baraclough again) was confronted with some tough saves, but still.....conceding 4 at home......a sieve would have been more protection. Matt Green (8) is out sole bright spot today and I am looking forward to teaming him with Jay Simpson when we play a counter attack style. This result dampens our recent run as we now sit in 8th place, one point out of the playoff zone. League One Standings
Two of the three relegated Championship sides hold 1st and 2nd place, which isn't a huge surprise, but it is still early and I can see it being a tight race. One early shocker in terms of disappointments is the third relegated Championship side, Bristol City is residing on the League one drop zone as well at the moment. In terms of early over-achievers I think you have to go with League Two Promotion winners Brighton and Chester. I believe we should be included in that group as well, as should our arch rival Hull, who barely escaped the drop last Season. 10/02/2011 I am approached by a Firestarter, err journalist from a local newspaper regarding Jim Kerr's outrage that Chester were awarded a penalty yesterday. I really want to explode, but make no comment. In all honesty I should advise him that Kerr needs to play some Defense!! I agree with the board and fans and terminate D/WB L Joey Waterhouse's loan agreement. Back to Wigan he goes as he was little help here. As I was growing tired of Ian Baraclough's horrible advice on line-ups I placed an advert for an Assistant Coach. A total of eight people responded and I believe I will begin interviews. The applicants were: Travis Oakes (Torquay) Marco Clarke (Guiseley) Martin Clark (Morton) Martin Scott (Carshalton) Jason De Vos (Chester) Derek Adams (Ross County) Jackie McNamara (Braintree) Dean Kiely (Leigh) Clark looks like the best Candidate and I make him an offer after our interview. |
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03-06-2008, 10:05 PM
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#40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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League Match
A poor result away as our starting forwards Green (6) and Folan (6) are shackled. Kakuta (6) also plays poorly on the wing, to the point that I sub in Sonko (7) and move LuaLua (7) back to the left Winger spot to generate some offense. We still don't threaten until I finally bring Bryan (7) in and he draws us close as time winds down. As we enter stoppage time Green gets free and looks sure to score the equalizer, but he is whistled offsides and our final chance is flushed away. I really want to involve Folan in first team action due to his target man potential, but he does not generate the chances I hope for. At this point it is looking like the Green/Bryan combo might be the ticket. Gavin McPherson has reported that left-back Patrick van Aanholt has suffered a bruised shin after a late tackle during the match against Crewe. He will be day to day, but I expect him to miss no more than 1 game if that. 10/07/2011 I am concerned about the team's current performances and ask Edrissa Sonko, one of my veterans, to call a meeting of the playing staff to try and focus the players' minds on performing with more consistency. After the meeting he states that some progress was made with certain individuals and although not all the issues have been resolved, he feels the meeting resulted in more positives than negatives. Good, now let's get into form and get into the playoff zone. League Game
Well, the players only meeting did not quite have the effect I wanted as this one was a borefest. Bristol was content to sit 10 men behind the ball and we had no answer, putting a paltry one shot on target. They weren't much better, but there style allowed them to keep the ball away from us and we could never get into a groove. Green (6) is smothered before going off injured and Kukuta (6) does no better from his spot in relief. Folan (7) does not play bad himself, but again does not create chance for the speed striker. Everyone else was decent (7 ratings all around) but we played down to Bristol's horrid pace. I am worried that I am wearing LuaLua (7) down, as his fitness seems to be lower at the end of the match as the season progresses. He is too valuable to rest though. Gavin McPherson has reported that striker Matt Green has suffered a strained neck after jumping for a header during the match against Bristol City. Green will be out for between a week and 2 weeks while he is treated. We can't afford to be without him even for a match 10/09/2011 Man Utd's Joe Dudgeon joins us on loan for 3 months. He is valued at $325K and currently has 21 months remaining on his $425 p/w deal at Old Trafford. He can play all three back line positions and will give me some much needed flexibility on defense. Filip Kubes has been called up to the Czech Republic Under 21s squad to face Scotland Under 21s and Austria Under 21s. The matches take place on October 14th and October 18th. 10/11/2011 Gavin McPherson has reported that central defender Jim Kerr has suffered strained knee ligaments after twisting sharply during a training session. He will be day to day, but he is also wearing out his welcome as the fans and board think he stinks so I may end his loan. Especially with Dudgeon in the fold now. 10/14/2011 Edrissa Sonko has been called up by Gambia head coach José Martínez for his squad to face Algeria. The matches take place on October 19th and October 26th. |
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03-06-2008, 10:33 PM
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#41 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Coordinator
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: The scorched Desert
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League Match
A huge win that can get us right back on track as we take down arch rival Hull away!! Arsenal loaner Jay Simpson (8) earns his keep in place of the injured Matt Green spearheading a furious counter-attack. After Hull draws level it is once again Bryan (8) who delivers in the clutch with a quick answer back to win the match. Ryan McCafferty (8) moving to Central Defender with Kerr hurt is spectacular with 22 interceptions and 3 for 3 on tackles. Cleveland Taylor (8) is also in top form and nets an assist for his efforts. Oldfield (6) is surprisingly poor in goal and I let him know I am disappointed. He will remain my number one though, as I am now looking to off-load Chris Howarth. Gavin McPherson has reported that central midfielder Dan Jones is suffering from a cold again. This guy is always sick, I ship him home toot sweet to recover. International action Czech Republic Under 21s 1 - 1 Scotland Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship Quals) Twenty-year-old attacking midfielder Filip Kubes came on as a substitute for Czech Republic and was largely disappointing. Steve Foster has picked up an automatic one match suspension after collecting 5 yellow cards. The suspension will apply for all English domestic competitions and will start on Saturday October 22nd 2011. Geez, I am olding the back line together with chewing Gum with all the injuries and suspensions! Hull City boss Kevin Summerfield heaps praise on striker Jay Simpson following the match stating, "I was impressed with how well Simpson played against my team and thought he was one of the best players on the field." I hate it when a bitter rival gushes like this, sod off Summerfield!!! On top of this I am then approached by a journalist from a local newspaper insinuating one of Simpson's goals was offsides: "Jay Simpson scored a somewhat controversial goal today. What is your opinion of the incident?" I have one more "Sod off" left in my pocket and I use it here....shut up and report on our big win against Hull. 10/17/2011 Ryan McCafferty and Jay Simpson were selected in the Coca-Cola League 1 Team of the Week. Well deserved for both. 10/18/2011 Morton have rejected my offer of a delay transfer of assistant coach Martin Clark. The transfer has now been cancelled as I can not scrap the money together. I am stuck with Baraclough for at least this Season it seems. 10/19/2011 Austria Under 21s 0 - 3 Czech Republic Under 21s (Euro U21 Ch'ship Quals) Twenty-year old young midfielder Filip Kubes' fledgling international career continued in this match with a solid performance for Czech Republic. Nice work Kubesy!! Algeria 4 - 3 The Gambia (World Cup Quals (AFR)) Thirty-one-year-old Edrissa Sonko played the whole match for Gambia but will have every reason to be unhappy with his overall performance. He has not played much with us and probably doesn't really have his match legs under him. 10/20/2011 Gavin McPherson has reported that Edrissa Sonko has suffered a groin strain after the attacking midfielder attempted a sprint during training today. Nice, he gets off the plane and hurts himself...doesn't look bad though. |
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