FM: Leaving Harrogate Behind - The Wigan Experience.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 10, 2009 -

Today we host Leeds. Leeds are currently in 15th place and have suffered with a few key injures. Striker Michael Ricektts is out for this game. Midfielder Matthew Spring is also out as is his fellow midfielder Seth Johnson. Their defense is solid with Liam Parker and Billy Jones at centreback. Keeper Chris Taylor has been playing very well this year. Midfielder Elrik Bakke has also played very well. Striker Marlon King who is a new acquisition will have to step up to get the offense going with the recent injuries.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's raining with temperatures in the mid 50's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares (giving my international stars the game off.)
DC: Wall
DC: Hutchinson
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Rix
MC: Melara
MR: Teale
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Paulista
S3: Nicell
S4: Paz
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Hutchinson with a good defensive play.

3 minute mark: Begeorgi dribbles it down the left side of the pitch.. crosses to Paulo.. he heads it to Rix in the middle of the box.. he shoots.. over the bar.

5 minute mark: Rolfes with a key tackle in the box.

6 minute mark: Mares with a nice defensive play in the box.

10 minute mark: Rubins with a long corner kick.. Wall misses it.. it gets to Frazer Richardson.. who hits it on the half volley.. into the lower right corner.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

23 minute mark: Mares with a good defensive play.. nice pass to Rix at midfield.. Rix with the solid pass to Paulo.. Paulo totally fakes out one defender.. then dribbles past a second defender.. into the box.. shoots.. lower left corner.. it's past the keeper.. it hits the post and bounces wide.. embarassing miss for him.

29 minute mark: Begeorgi gets the ball in the left corner of the pitch after a long pass from Mares.. he crosses to Paulo.. Paulo jumps.. heads it.. it grazes the bar as it sails over.

35 minute mark: Mares gets a yellow card for a trip on King.

37 minute mark: Melara gets a yellow card for a trip on Rubins.

38 minute mark: Frazer Richardson gets a yellow card for a bodycheck on Fabrice Begeorgi.



Halftime: We are down 1-0. We have over 16,000 fans today

53 minute mark: Paulo beats two defenders to the right edge of the box.. great dribble.. centers for Rix.. he shoots.. lower right corner.. the keeper dives.. barely gets his finger tips on it to send it wide.

Mares and Melara look tentative with their yellow cards. I put Paz in for Melara and Nicell in for Mares.

63 minute mark: Paulo with a brilliant dribble down the right side of the pitch.. beats two different defenders.. crosses for Rix.. he shoots.. over the bar.

65 minute mark: Lunt with a nice thru ball into the box.. Begeorgi gets it.. is about to shoot.. is tackled by a defender..

66 minute mark: Begeorgi is exhausted. I put Paulista on for him.

68 minute mark: Paz gets a tellow card for a trip on Richardson.

74 minute mark: Their keeper stops a flurry of shots by Paulista and Paulo.

82 minute mark: Paulista crosses to Paulo who heads it to Rolfes in the middle of the box.. quick left footed shot from Rolfes.. barely wide right.

83 minute mark: Rix with a perfect pass into the box for Paulo.. he fakes out a defender.. is inside the penalty box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. brilliant save by the keeper to tip it over the bar.

88 minute mark: We've been pressing the attack, but they are playing turtle and blocking any shots before they get to the keeper.

90 minute mark: Teale plays it in the right corner for Paulo.. he crosses.. Rix heads it.. the keeper punches it over the bar.


Game over. 1-0 loss.

We outshot them 12-11 (5-5 on target.)

Interestingly, Paddy gets MoM.

The team played well, but their defense and keeper were great.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

That loss dropped me from 6th to 10th place, but we are in nice striking range of the playoff spots early in the season.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 11, 2009 -

Newcastle has fired Paco Flores today. Paul Scholes, formerly of Manchester United fame, is the favorite to receive the job at the tender age of 34.

Ipswich had to fine Dean Bowditch a week's wages for missing practice.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 13, 2009 -

Tom Hutchinson has told the media that he is prepared to wait for a first team opportunity at Wigan if necessary, as he feels I'm a good manager who will recognize his talent if he continues to work hard.

Danny Spiller has returned to full practice today as he is recovered from his injury.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 17, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Plymouth. They are currently 7th in the Championship while we are in 10th place. Plymouth's midfielder Keith Lasley has been playing very as has Steve Sidwell. Darren Ward and Hasney Aljofree are playing great at centreback to make their defense very strong. Keigan Parker is the main scoring threat, but the striker has plenty of fellow teammates who have also scored a few goals including striker Dean Evans, right winger David Norris, and Midfielder Scott Robertson.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the mid 60's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC; Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Paulista
S3: Nicell
S4: Begeorgi
S5: Sarr

[Eaglesfan27]

3 minute mark: Paulo collided with Clive Clarke.. Clarke is injured. The match is over for him.

7 minute mark: My former player, Darren Ward, gets a yellow card for tripping Benayoun who had burnt him with a crossover.

22 minute mark: Paulo with a strong dribble around two defenders.. draws a third defender to him just outside the box.. passes to Benayoun who quickly taps it to Graham in the box.. Graham shoots for the lower right corner.. the keeper saves it.

26 minute mark: Rolfes puts an amazing pass between three defenders to Paulo who is inside the penalty box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. the keeper dives.. gets his finger tips on it to send it over the bar.. great save from the keeper.

35 minute mark: Long kick from Paddy to Benayoun.. Benayoun with a spin move.. burns Darren Ward.. Ward recovers.. hard tackle from behind on Benayoun.. yellow card for Ward.. that is his second. Goodbye Darren Ward!

They pull Dean Evans off and bring in a defender to cover the spot as they are now playing short handed.

They start playing turtle being down a man and we don't get any more opportunities in the first half.



Halftime: 0-0 tie.


46 minute mark: Aljofree takes a free kick from 30 yards out.. powerful shot curving towards the upper right corner.. Paddy is in position.. Paddy misplays it and it hits off of him into the goal! GOAL. Down 1-0

65 minute mark: Spiller and Paulo are both tired. I put Paulista on for Paulo and Sarr on for Spiller.

84 minute mark: Lunt with a good pass into the box for Benayoun.. he shoots a hard shot towards the upper left corner.. great save by the keeper.


Game over. Disappointing 1-0 loss, particularly since they were down a man most of the match.

We outshot them 15-7 (6-1 on target in our favor)

Graham Stack, their keeper, won MoM for his 6 save cleansheet performance.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 18, 2009 -

Newcastle announced that Fernando Vazquez will be their new manager taking charge immediately. There is plenty of speculation in the media that Newcastle is likely to be relegated this year!

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 21, 2009

York City upset Newcastle 2-1 in the League Cup 3rd round match today.

Alex Williams played very well for my reserve team today. This 21 year old right winger is starting to develop nicely.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 24, 2009 -

We are hosting Sheff Wed today. We are currently in 12th place while they are in 5th place. Left winger Chris Brunt leads their midfield and sets up their strikers to score. Striker Ian Stonebridge has been the main beneficiary of Brunt's assists this year and he is a good finisher. The defense is very solid with centreback Chris Doig and right fullback Mark Lynch being the two key players. Their Keeper Alexandrs Kolinko continues to play well recently.

We are 6-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 50's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Paulista
S3: Nicell
S4: Begeorgi
S5: Melara

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Benayoun steals it at midfield.. he plays a perfect pass into the box.. Paulo races to it.. the keeper races to it.. Paulo wins the race.. fakes out the keeper.. fires it into the open net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

15 minute mark: Benayoun gets it at midfield.. dribbles it down the pitch.. passes to Graham.. three defenders converge on Graham.. Lamine Traore trips him.. Penalty shot awarded! Graham steps up confidently.. fires it into the lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 2-0.

22 minute mark: Gary Teale gets a yellow card for pulling Brunt's jersey.

32 minute mark: Benayoun and graham pass it back and forth down the pitch.. finally Benayoun passes to Paulo in the right half of the box.. he shoots.. upper left corner.. barely high.

39 minute mark: Anthony Pulis gets a yellow card for pulling Rolfes jersey.


Halftime: 2-0 lead for us. We dominated possession in the first half. We have over 13,000 fans today.


49 minute mark: Paulo bodychecks Doig.. yellow card for Paulo.. Doig looks hurt.

51 minute mark: Paddy stops a flurry of shots.. finally Wall clears the ball.

52 minute mark: Lamine Traore gets a yellow card for a trip on Graham.

55 minute mark: Paulo gets it at midfield.. dribbles past two men.. passes it into the box for Graham.. he shoots.. the keeper saves it.

56 minute mark: Teale with a long pass down the right sideline.. Paulo gets to it.. centers for Benayoun in the box.. Benayoun shoots.. lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.

62 minute mark: Melara on for Teale since Teale has the yellow card. I also decide to rest Paulo since he has a yellow card. I put Paulista on for him.

73 minute mark: Melara crosses for Benayoun just outside the box.. he shoots.. powerful shot.. upper left corner.. the keeper barely tips it over the bar.

81 minute mark: Tomasz gets a yellow card for obstructing Stonebridge.

85 minute mark: Wall gets a yellow card for tripping Stonebridge.. on the ensuing free kick.. Lee fires a shot that curves into the upper left corner.. really a great shot for the goal. 3-1.

93 minute mark: Rolfes steals it at midfield.. plays it up the pitch to Benayoun.. he passes to Graham.. who fires a crisp pass between two defenders to Paulista on the right side of the box.. Paulista immediately shoots.. lower right corner.. the keeper tries to get there.. he can't.. GOAL!!!! 4-1. That is Paulista's first goal for our team.



Game over. 4-1 win

We dominated possession. We outshot them 20-9 (9-2 on target)

Simon Rolfes wins MoM, 27 of 32 passes, 1 of 1 tackles, 3 of 4 headers, 2 interceptions, 2 fouls drawn. 9 for form.

Jarzebowski, Paulista, Teale, Benayoun, Paulo, and Graham all had 8's for form. The rest of the team had 7's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Aug. 2, 2009 -

Rix has a hairline fracture of his wrist that he suffered in practice today. He will miss approximately 3 weeks including our game against Preston on Aug 22, 2009 that he was looking forward to playing against.


Portuguesa's Joao Paulo has agreed to come play for us. For 80,000 dollars we are acquiring a potentially very good striker. He is a 28 year old Brazilian player that will add depth and may get some starts for us.

I think this 80,000 dollars might be the best money I've spent in this career. I'm really glad that I didn't pass on him because I had too many strikers (which I considered doing for that reason.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct 26, 2009 -

Simon Rolfes, Joao Paulo and Wellington Paulista were all selected to the Championship Team of the week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 27, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Leicester. They have fallen down to 18th place this year. We are currently in 11th place. Leicester's keeper Joe Lewis has played very well this year except for his last game where he was horrible. Centrebacks Zander Diamond and James Chambers have solidified the defense, but the rumor is that Diamond wants to leave the club and is very unhappy. Midfielders Danny Pugh and Lee Martin lead the midfield in creating offense. Midfielder Gavin McCann is their leading scorer. Striker Andrew Johnson also has 3 goals.

They are 6-4 favorites.

It's sunny with temperatures in the high 60's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Mares
MC: Benayoun
MC: Rix
MR: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC; Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Sarr
S3: Longthorn
S4: Giuliani
S5: Nicell

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Benayoun passes to Paulista just outside the box.. he is tripped by Matt Heath. Free kick awarded from just outside the box.. Lunt steps up to take it.. powerful shot.. it deflects off the wall.. into the right side of the net! GOAL!!!! 1-0.

10 minute mark: Mares steals it at midfield.. passes it to Lunt who plays a ball into the box for Benayoun.. he shoots.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

13 minute mark: Jarzebowski steals it deep in our zone.. passes to Rix who plays the perfect through ball into teh box.. Begeorgi gets it.. fakes left.. dribbles right.. shoots.. lower right corner.. it's past the keeper.. into the net! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

21 minute mark: Hutchinson with a great defensive play.

34 minute mark: Matt Heath gets a yellow card for tripping Mares.

38 minute mark: Hutchinson with a brilliant defensive play.

45 minute mark: Benayoun passes to Paulista in the box.. he shoots from 15 yards.. great save by the keeper.


Halftime: We are up 2-0. Leicester has over 30,000 fans here today.


67 minute mark: Begeorgi is tired, I sub Giuliani on for him. I also bring on Longthorn for Mares who is tired.

92 minute mark: Benayoun receives a pass from Hutchinson at midfield.. quickly passes it to Giuliani at the edge of the box.. Giuliani is tackled hard.. yellow card for Diamond.. we take the free kick.. Lunt steps up.. hard shot.. deflects off the wall.. into the left corner of the net.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.



Game over. 3-0 win!

We dominated time of possession and outshot them 10-6 (6-5 on goal)

Tom Hutchinson wins MoM, 20 of 25 passes, 11 of 13 tackles, 13 of 15 headers, 4 interceptions. 9 for form! Paulista also had a 9 for form. The remainder of the team had 8's except for Mares who only had a 7 (still not bad for my experiment of trying this left fullback at midfield.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 31, 2009 -

Ouch! Tough injury today as Simon Rolfes tore his groin muscle and will miss approximately a month. While I have plenty of midfielders, I only have a few that are left footed and are naturals for that position (hence the Mares experiment.) This will be a noticed loss.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oct. 31, 2009 -

Today we play MK Dons in a televised match. We are hosting them. We are currently in 6th place. They are currently in 23rd and are struggling. Matthew Gillston, James Morrison, and Danny Bunce have all played well in the midfield. Will Haining and Sean O'Hanlon have provided solid defense. However, their scoring has been anemic and no one has more than 1 goal on the season. The team has only scored 5 goals on the season. Conal Platt is a recent arrival to the team and they are hoping he can reinvigorate the offense. Keeper Crhis Chiu has played reasonably well, but he isn't a great keeper.

We are heavy 1-2 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 40's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Melara (He is too good to keep off the pitch, and if he can play this position it will increase his PT.)
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo (When I play games within a few days off each other I plan on rotating my two teams of strikers.)

S1: Gerken
s2; Begeorgi
S3: Kelly
S4: Hutchinson
S5: Nicell

[Eaglesfan27]

The Tv announcers believe that Gary Teale will be my dominant player today. They feel that James Morrison will be MK Don's key player. They predict an easy win for my team.

20 minute mark: Benayoun passes to Graham.. who passes back Benayoun.. passes back to Graham in the box.. he shoots.. nice save by the keeper.

30 minute mark: They have been playing 9 men back at all times, but we get off a flurry of good shots.. 3 of which are deflected by defenders, and the last one is shot by Paulo but saved by the keeper.

31 minute mark: Graham crosses for Paulo who heads it just wide.


Halftime: A disappointing first half produces a 0-0 tie. Also disappointing is that we only have 7,500 fans or so here today.


56 minute mark: Paulo puts a great move on two defenders in the box.. passes it across to Spiller who has the open shot.. hard shot towards the right corner.. great save by the keeper.

66 minute mark: Kelly on for Benayoun and Begeorgi on for Graham.

80 minute mark: Jarzebowski with a long pass down the right sideline.. Paulo gets it.. dribbles past one defender.. tries to cross for Kelly.. a defender intercepts it in the box.. Paulo immediately rushes towards that defender.. steals it from him.. shoots it.. into the lower left corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0. WHAT A GOAL!!


Game over. 1-0 win. Not as big of a win as I wanted, but three points is three points

We outshot them 11-1 (7-0 on target)

Their keeper, Chris Chiu won MoM for his 6 saves.

Elliott and Paulo had 8's for form, Melara had a 6 at the odd position (for him.) the remainder of the team had 7's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

That win puts us into 5th place. We are 6 points behind the Wolves and Preston who are 1st and 2nd. The Wolves have an impressive +21 GD. Our differential of +11 is next best in the league.

Morale on the team is very good right now and almost everyone is very happy.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 1, 2009 -

The Wigan Board is very pleased with my performance as manager.


Leeds' Aaron Lennon has won Championship Player of the Month. Shane Paul of QPR came in 2nd, and Thomas Gravesen of Everton came in 3rd.

Cardiff's Dani has won Young player of the month. Michael Spence of Doncaster has come in 2nd, and Stephen Taylor of Preston came in 3rd.

Leeds' Ronnie Moore has won Manager of the Month. Paul Fairclough of Wolverhampton came in 2nd, and Stephen Constantine of QPR came in 3rd.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 3, 2009 -

Tom Hutchinson, Kenny Lunt, and Wellington Paulista were all selected to the Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov 4, 2009 -

Ricardo Osorio, Yossi Benayoun, and Stuart Elliott have all been called up for international duty on Nov. 7, 2009.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 7, 2009 -

Michael Stewart has recovered and is now back in full training.

Staurt Elliott was in magnificient form and had a 9 for the match despite his N. Ireland squad losing to Finland 2-0.

Tomasz Jarzebowski played well for Poland in a 0-0 tie against Norway in a WC Qualifying Match.

Yossi Benayoun had both goals for Isreal in a 2-0 win over Luxembourg.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 11, 2009 -

33 year old Tomasz Jarzebowski played well for Poland and had an assist in a 3-0 win over Norway in a WC Qualifying match.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 14, 2009 -

Today we travel to play QPR. They are currently in 8th place. We are currently in 5th place. QPR has been suffering some internal dissension with Wayne Routledge demanding to be traded. As a result, tehy haven't been starting him recently. Their most consistent performer has been midfielder/right winger Martin Rowlands. Danny Shittu has been a rock for the defense. Striker Shane Paul has provided most of the offense and has 10 goals on the year. Keeper Paul Gallacher has been inconsistent. He has 9 clean sheets in 16 starts, but has given up almost 3 goals a game in the other 7 starts. It will be interesting to see which way it goes for us and him today.

They are 6-4 favorites.

It's raining and temperatures are in the mid 40's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: Hutchinson
DC: Wall (giving Tomasz and Osario off due to international play recently.)
ML: Lunt
MC: Stewart
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Begeorgi
S3: Kelly
S4: Paz
S5: Paulista

[Eaglesfan27]

7 minute mark: Teale with a long pass down the right sideline.. Paulo gets to it.. dribbles around a defender.. into the box.. shoots the hard angle shot.. the keeper blocks it partially.. Shittu gets to it and clears the rebound.

8 minute mark: They hit Paul with a long pass on the counter attack.. he crosses to Rowlands who is alone in the right half of the box.. quick shot.. upper right corner.. great save by Paddy.

10 minute mark: Paul gets the long pass on the counter attack.. hard shot.. Paddy stops it partially.. Wall tries to clear it, but Marc Bircham steals it.. shoots it into the open net.. GOAL. Down 1-0.

17 minute mark: Teale with a corner kick that gets to the middle of the box.. Benayoun heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

24 minute mark: up and down game with plenty of attacking and counterattacking from both sides.. long pass to Paulo.. he catches up to it.. puts a move on the defender.. dribbles into the box.. passes between two defenders.. to Stewart.. who slams it into the wide open left half of the net! GOAL!!!! 2-1.

35 minute mark: Paddy stops a point blank shot from Paul.

36 minute mark: McVeigh takes the corner.. Ouaddou outjumps wall.. heads it.. into the upper left corner of the goal.. GOAL. 2-2.


Halftime: 2-2 tie. Over 17,000 fans here today.

49 minute mark: Teale with a corner to the middle of the box.. Lunt heads it.. over the bar.

57 minute mark: Paulo gets the ball at midfield.. passes it to Benayoun 30 yards out.. Benayoun does a spin move on one defender.. dribbles past a second.. into the box.. shoots.. lower right corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-2.

67 minute mark: Graham is tired and slightly injured. I bring in Begeorgi for him. Benayoun is exhausted. I bring in Kelly for him.

75 minute mark: Hutchinson with a series of great defensive plays.

83 minute mark: Spiller passes to Kelly who plays a nice pass into the box for Begeorgi.. hard shot.. upper left corner... nice save by the keeper.

87 minute mark: Paul gets a breakaway.. into the box.. he tries to make a move on Paddy.. shoots.. Paddy with the clean save!

89 minute mark: Wall clears a ball down the right side of the pitch.. Paulo gets it at midfield.. strong dribble down the right side of the pitch.. puts moves on two different defenders.. crosses.. Kelly settles.. shoots.. upper right corner.. the keeper dives.. tips it over the bar.


Game over. 3-2 win for us

We outshot them 16-12 (8-6 on goal)

Benayoun wins MoM, 9 of 12 passes, 0 tackles, 1 of 5 headers, 1 interception 1 run, 2 goals. 8 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info: The board is very pleased with that win which moves us into 4th place.

Leyton Orient has fired Martin Ling.

Yossi Benayoun has sprained his wrist and will miss approximately a week.

Michael Stewart has bruised his thigh and will miss 3 days.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 17, 2009 -

We've been informed that our match against Leicester has been rescheduled for live television coverage. It will now take place on March 7, 2010.

[Eaglesfan27]

November 17, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Doncaster. They are currently in 17th place. We are currently in 4th place. Steven Davis has played very well in the midfield and he has set up Ryan Jarvis for many goals this year. However, Ryan Jarvis is injured and the offense will miss his scoring as he leads the team with 10 goals. Matt Jarvis is the next leading scorer with 4 goals and will have to step up his play at striker. Right fullback Dave Mackay and centreback Nicky Fenton lead the defensive line. Keeper Nick Colgan has played well this year.

We are even odd favorites.

It's raining and temperatures are in the high 30's today.

GK: Paddy
DC: Mares
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rix
MC: Kelly
MC: Spiller
MR: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Hutchinson
S3: Nicell
s4: Paz
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

Sheesh.. I really need to remember to copy my notepad into this window before deleting it and typing something else (I've only started making this mistake recently.)

In any case to summarize the match, Stuart Elliott was brilliant with 2 headers for goals. He had a 10 for form and helped guide us to a 3-0 win. Melara had the other goal when he shot from 25 yards out with 10 guys in the box (5 from each side.) It deflected off 2 guys and into the right corner of the net.

The 3-0 win was total domination and we outshot them 7-2 (3-1 on target)

Elliott won MoM.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

I woke to find this in the newspaper:

Following Wigan Athletic's 3-0 win over the Doncaster Rovers, Wigan's Chairman Dave Whelan declared himself extremely pleased with the results.

The Latic were reckoned to have little chance of breaking into the top 6 before the season began, yet Christopher Engles' men now find themselves described as potential title challenger by some sections of the media.

With so many games still to go it remains to be seen whether they can do it but the fans are increasingly optimistic after this excellent recent form.



What an article! I decide that I'm going to praise someone.. Looking at my notes, I see Elliott has had 4 8's and then a 10 in our last 5 games. He is an easy choice. I decide to release a comment to the media:

Stuart Elliott has been a vital part of our current form and he is partly to thank for our excellent league position. I'm proud to have such a quality player and person on my team.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov 18, 2009 -

Cardiff has fired Steve McMahon today. Kevin Keegan is the favorite to take over according to the media, but my name is also linked to the opening. I'm not sure why the media thinks I would want to make that lateral move.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 21, 2009 -

We are currently in 3rd place and we are hosting Millwall which is in 9th place. Millwall is led by striker Simeon Jackson who has 9 goals on the year. However, no one else has more than 1 goal. Their defense has been very very good, and has contributed to their high league position.. Centreback Mark Phillips and right fullback Jon Otsemobor have been very good. Midfielder Jody Morris has played a solid two way game. Keeper Julian Speroni is an excellent veteran keeper. He has 11 clean sheets in 16 starts.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 30's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Stewart
MC: Paulista (an experiment with Benayoun injured still)
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Hutchinson
S3: Nicell
S4: Kelly
S5: Giuliani

[Eaglesfan27]

5 minute mark: Teale with a corner kick.. Lunt heads it.. keeper saves it.

12 minute mark: Spiller gets a yellow card for a trip on Serioux.

35 minute mark: Osorio gets a yellow card for a trip on Morris.

38 minute mark: Jarzebowski gets a yellow card for a trip on Morris.

40 minute mark: Mark Phillips gets a yellow card for sliding hard and dirty into Paulo.


Halftime: Their defense was phenomenal. 0-0 at the half. On a good note, we have over 16,000 fans today


57 minute mark: Michael Stewart gets a yellow card for holding Potter's jersey.

64 minute mark: Kelly on for Paulista who has picked up a minor injury and hasn't done so well at the MC/AMC spot. Nicell on for Stewart who has a yellow card and is tired.

78 minute mark: Spiller passes to Kelly just outside the box.. strong shot.. the keeper tips it over the bar.


Game over: Both defenses were very solid. 0-0 tie.

We each had 6 shots. We each had 1 shot on target.

Gary Teale won MoM, 30 of 33 passes, 3 of 3 tackles, 4 of 5 headers, 4 runs, 2 fouls drawn.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Despite the tie, we remain in 3rd place. We are currently 3 points behind the Wolves and Preston. The Wolves have a +20 GD. Preston's is +12. Ours is second best in the league, +15. We are now 18 games into the season, and our record is 9 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses. I'll post a shot of the standings when I get to the halfway point of the season which isn't that far away.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 22, 2009 -

Cardiff City has offered me their managerial job today. I would be given a transfer budget of 3 million dollars and a wage bill of about 170,000. They are currently 14th in the Championship. Lewis Guy is a phenomenal striker who is among the leading scorers, but there is nothing else that makes this job even remotely interesting. I turn it down.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 24, 2009 -

Stuart Elliott was selected to the team of the Week.

Real Madrid is under pressure from fans and the media to drop Iker Casillas who has bad form recently.

I'd be glad to offer them some money for him (dreaming.)

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 28, 2009

Our U18 team beat Manchester United's U18 team 2-1! Shaun Morris is a 16 year old midfielder who looked particularly good in this match. 18 year old left fullback Joe Gibson was great. Striker Steve McMahon had 2 goals for us. Maybe some of these kids will develop.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 28, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Ipswich. They are currently in 22nd place. We are currently in 3rd place. Their most consistent player has been midfielder Ben Watson. He and teammate Tommy Miller have been very good in the center of the pitch. Keeper Scott Carson has played well, but the offensive support has been lackluster. The leading scorer is right winger Ashley Young with 4 goals. Striker Shefki Kuqi has 3 goals on the year and is the top striker.

We are heavy 4-5 favorites.

GK: Paddy
DC: wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Paz
MC: Benayoun
MC: Melara
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Hutchinson
S3: Paulista
S4: Kelly
S5: Begeorgi

[Barkeep49]

With your December board update could you say how the financial picture is looking? After all you've certainly been doing the winning part!

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Watson steals it at midfield.. plays a perfect through ball to Dean Bowditch (a talented but unhappy striker who hasn't been playing well) and Bowdith immediately shoots.. buries it in the upper left corner. GOAL. Down 1-0.

14 minute mark: Graham with a pass to Benayoun just outside the box.. he dribbles into the box.. shoots.. nice save by the keeper.

31 minute mark: Paz with a good pass to Graham in the box.. left side of the box.. he shoots.. lower left corner.. the keeper dives.. pushes it wide.

33 minute mark: Elliott with a hard shot that keeper blocks.. Melara gets the rebound.. shoots.. barely wide left.

37 minute mark: Graham gets two seperate passes from Benayoun.. shoots wide left on both shots.

38 minute mark: Paz plays it down the left side of the pith.. Graham gets to it.. centers it for Benayoun.. he settles it inside the penalty box.. shoots.. upper left corner.. it's out of the keeper's reach.. GOAL!!!! 1-1.

41 minute mark: Benayoun steals it at midfield.. plays it to the right side of the pitch for Paulo.. he dribbles around two defenders.. centers for Graham in the box.. Graham heads it.. barely over the bar.

45 minute mark: Two defenders immediately close on Paulo as he gets a pass from Benayoun.. they are keying in on Paulo and stopping him most of the time today.


Halftime: 1-1 tie. Over 20,000 fans here for Ipswich today.


46 minute mark: Steve Foster gets a yellow card for tripping Benayoun just outside the box.

61 minute mark: Melara is having a poor game at this position, I decide to bring on Kelly for him. Graham is tired, I decide to put Begeorgi in for him.

67 minute mark: Watson with a nice pass to Bowdith 25 yards out.. Bowditch shoots.. Paddy should be able to stop this.. but he misplays it! GOAL. Down 2-1.

73 minute mark: Begeorgi draws two men... passes to Paulo.. wide open shot.. he shoots.. wide left!

79 minute mark: On a corner kick.. Abraham Paz gets called for tripping Steve Foster! Penalty shot awarded.. Tommy Miller steps up.. drills it into the upper left corner.. GOAL. Down 3-1.

82 minute mark: Paddy with a long kick that sails over the defender's heads.. Begeorgi raes to it.. he dribbles into the box.. fakes left.. dribbles right.. shoots.. right lower corner.. GOAL!!!! 3-2.

89 minute mark: Elliott plays it down the left sideline.. Begeorgi gets to it.. centers for Benayoun.. he settles.. shoots.. upper right corner... it's past the keeper.. it sails wide.


Game over. Disappointing 3-2 loss.

We outshot them 21-10 (11-4 on target)

Paddy was very disappointing, and is starting to make me think he isn't the highest priority to re-sign this year.

Benayoun won MoM, 25 of 27 passes, 2 of 2 tackles, 4 of 7 headers, 4 runs, 1 goal. 9 for form. Elliott also had a 9 for form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Barkeep49

With your December board update could you say how the financial picture is looking? After all you've certainly been doing the winning part!

Absolutely.

[Eaglesfan27]

Nov. 30, 2009 -

Stuart Elliott, Yossi Benayoun, and Joao Paulo were all selected to the Team of the Week.

We had a very favorable draw for the 3rd round of the English FA Cup. We will be hosting Southend (18th in League 2.)

[Eaglesfan27]

December 1st, 2009 -

The board has informed me that they are delighted with my performance as manager. Despite that last loss we are still in 4th place. They are satisied with the financial picture and they are thrilled that the club is exceeding expectations. The Supporters are delighted with my performance as well. However, the team continues to lost money. Last month with lost over a million dollars! How the heck did that happen? Let's take a closer look at our expenditures last month. We spent 1.7 million on wages!?! My wage budget is only 340,000/week according to that screen.. hmm maybe November had 5 weeks. We spent 10,529 on Bonuses. We spent 286,000 on Ground Maintenance. We spent over 75,000 in taxes! We spent over 190,000 on misc. expenses. On the other hand, our income from gate receipts was 530,196. Our income from Merchandising was 270,000. Our income from interest was 233 dollars. Our income from misc. sources was 24,500. We are back in debt and I'm not sure if I'll get another infusion from the board or not.


Everton's Tim Cahill has won Player of the Month. Dean Ashton of Leicester came in 2nd, and Lamine Traore of Sheffield Wed. came in 3rd.


Nottingham Forest's Michael Vickers won Young Player of the Month. Paul Edwards of Chesterfield came in 2nd, and Stephen Taylor of Preston was 3rd.

Leicester's Bobby Williamson has won Manager of the month. Alan Pardew of Stoke came in 2nd, and Graham Rix of Watford came in 3rd.

Fabrice Begeorgi came in 3rd for goal of the month for his goal against Ipswich on the 28th.

[Eaglesfan27]

December 2, 2009 -

I decide to transfer list Pape Sarr who never really met my expectations.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 5, 2009 -

Simon Rolfes has returned to full training.


Today we host Derby. We are currently in 4th place while Derby is in 18th. Derby has a new keeper, Lee Camp, who has 5 amazing games recently with all 9's for form! Striker Grzegorz Rasiak has 7 goals which leads the team. Right back Nathan Doyle has played very well on defense. Left winger Lee Holmes has created plenty of scoring opportunities.

We are 5-4 favorites.

It's overcast with temperatures in the mid 40's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Elliott
MC: Rix
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Teale
SC: Graham
SC: Paulo

S1: Gerken
S2: Hutchinson
S3: Kelly
S4: Paulista
S5: Begeorgi

[Eaglesfan27]

1st minute: Benayoun has it at midfield.. plays a perfect pass into the box.. Graham fakes right.. dribbles left.. wide open net as he beat the keeper.. shoots.. into the side of the netting! What a terrible miss. He is embarassed (and should be!)

8 minute mark: Teale collides with Rasiak their striker.. Rasiak is hurt.. he has to leave the pith.. Teale gets a yellow card.

19 minute mark: Teale plays a nice pass into the box for Graham.. he is alone with the keeper.. shoots.. keeper blocks.. Graham shoots the rebound.. the keeper flails and blocks again.. Graham gets the rebound.. shoots.. the keeper recovers and blocks again! The defense finally clears the rebound.

21 minute mark: Benayoun heads it into the box for Graham after a cross from Teale.. Graham shoots.. over the keeper's left shoulder.. into the.. Crossbar! The defense clears the rebound.

39 minute mark: Leroy Lita gets a yellow card for a dangerous slide on Tomasz.

41 minute mark: Teale with a corner kick.. Elliott in the center of the box.. heads it.. into the upper right corner.. GOAL!!!! 1-0.


Halftime: 1-0 lead. We have over 16,500 fans today.


57 minute mark: Elliott gets it in our zone.. fakes out a defender.. passes it down the left sideline to Graham.. Graham dribbles into the box.. shoots the hard angle.. the keeper tips it over the bar.

61 minute mark: Graham and Wall are having off days.. I sub in Begeorgi for Graham and Hutchinson for Wall.

67 minute mark: Hutchinson with a series of good defensive plays.

69 minute mark: Paulo gets the ball on the right side of the pitch... strong dribble down the right side.. centers for Benayoun.. he shoots from 20 yards out.. upper left corner.. it deflects off a defender.. into the right side of the net! GOAL!!!! 2-0.

89 minute mark: Elliott plays a nice pass into the left side of the box for Begeorgi.. Begeorgi shoots.. very hard shot into the upper right corner.. it's past the keeper before he even knows it.. GOAL!!!! 3-0.


Game over. 3-0 win for us

We outshot them 18-4 (9-1 on target)

Stuart Elliott had a 10 for form and won MoM, 19 of 23 passes, 0 tackles, 4 of 4 headers, 5 interceptions, 7 runs, 2 fouls drawn, 1 assist, 1 goal.

Gary Teale and Benayoun both had 9's for form. Everyone else had a 7 except Graham and Wall who both had 6's.

[Eaglesfan27]

Post Match Info:

Wow! Bobby Williamson who has been winning Manager of the Month awards was just fired by Leicester (12th in Championship.) Kevin Keegan is the media favorite to take over the job.

Gary Teale strained his calf in this math and will miss about 2 weeks.

Stuart Elliott strained his wrist and will miss about a week.

The Wigan Board is thrilled with this win.

Edit: Math should have been match.. my C key isn't working too well on my laptop.. anyone have any suggestions on how to fix it?

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 8, 2009 -

Liverpool has given manager Rafa Benitez an ultimatum.

Gary Teale and Stuart Elliott were selected to the Team of the Week.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dec. 8, 2009 -

Today we travel to play Nottingham Forest. They are currently in 3rd place while we are in 4th place. They are a well balanced team that is playing very well. Midfielder Justin Cochrane has been dominating on the pitch. Keeper Stuart Taylor is playing at a very high standard and has been pursued by several EPL teams. Striker Sam Parkin has 11 goals and is difficult to contain. Right fullbak James Biggins has been a steady force on the defensive line.

We are even odd favorites.

It's raining and temperatures are in the mid 40's.

GK: Paddy
DC: Wall
DC: Osorio
DC: Jarzebowski
ML: Lunt
MC: Rolfes
MC: Benayoun
MC: Spiller
MR: Melara
SC: Begeorgi
SC: Paulista

S1: Gerken
S2: Hutchinson
S3: Mares
S4: Kelly
S5: Giuliani