06-18-2010, 07:44 PM | #1 | |||
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Mo Better Blues - Birmingham City FC (FM 2010)
*For those who do not know, this is a continuation of the Diss Town FC Dynasty as Diss refused to renegotiate my contract I had BCFC come calling*
Looking around my flat in Diss seeing all my stuff packed into about 8 boxes, I am preparing for a move about 127 miles away. I am heading to a city I know nothing about, a team that I virtually know nothing about and as Nick said when I first moved over here to coach, this is different than anything you know about sports coaching and boy is it ever. I have had my phone off the hook for the entire night as it started blowing up the minute I notified Birmingham I was accepting the position. So here I am sitting at the desk of my flat and researching everything I need to know about where I am going. So I am taking over at Birmingham City Football Club, otherwise known as The Blues. A little of their history:
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Well, talk about being overwhelmed, feeling unworthy and not up to it, reading through the history of the squad has the piss scared out of me. Then I saw the aerial shot of my new home Talk about intimidation, this place seats about 30K...a far cry above the 5K Brewers Green Lane sat. The most intimidating aspect is the throng of the Blues faithful singing the team song after every goal or whenever they decide too: As you go through life it's a long, long road There'll be joys and sorrows too As we journey on we will sing this song For the boys in royal blue. We're often partisan - la la la We will journey on - la la la Keep right on to the end of the road Keep right on to the end Though the way be long let your heart beat strong Keep right on to the end Though you're tired and weary Still journey on 'till you come to your happy abode With all our love we'll be dreaming of We'll be there. Where? At the end of the road. Birmingham, Birmingham
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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06-18-2010, 08:05 PM | #2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Wow, impressive isn't it?
The next morning the movers show up to take my stuff to the new flat in Birmingham while I make the drive myself. As I arrive in Birmingham, knowing I am beating the movers there I head over to St. Andrews to meet everyone. As I roll into the staff parking lot I notice there are a bunch of fans at the doors to the offices waiting to catch a glimpse of me, not to mention the press is there. Well, here goes nothing. As I walk towards the office doors a security guard notices me and jogs over and directs to me the entrance I am to use, away from every one. Carson Yeung the chairmen meets me at the entrance way. "Good Day Dennis, I trust you are prepared for this, I am staking a lot on you." "To be honest sir, I am scared as hell, but I know this much, these boys will play their hearts out, if not for me, for BCFC." "That's the spirit, honesty...I like it. Let's get into your staff meeting, they are waiting for you." I head into the meeting room, a fairly large and spacious room with pictures of the clubs past on every wall. Seated around the large conference table are the 15 members of my staff, that's right...15. The first one to speak up is Andy Watson, my #1. "Morning sir, we would like to welcome you to the club. I have drawn up some reports on the staff and the team if you would like to look at them." "That I do, but first let me say a couple of things. First, I am excited as hell to be here, I can't wait to take on this challenge and get this club moving again. Second, I am going to lean heavily on all of you until I get into my groove. Finally, take no offense to this, but after I review everything and I don't see you as a fit here, you will be let go but with a thank you in monetary value for your contributions to the club. Now with that, Andy follow me to my office." I didn't even sit down and Andy is right out the door with me. I look at him and he immediately reads my mind. "Sir your office is this way" and he guides me there, I think he is going to fit just fine. The first thing I look at is the roster Quote:
"Sir, I understand our team here and I think we may want to shore up the middle by bringing on a few midfielders." "Andy, I am sure you do, but my preferred formation is a 3-4-3 as you know..I think we need at least 2 more strikers and maybe another midfielder." "Fair enough sir" "Also, whats this about 1 scout on staff?" "Well, the previous coach didn't believe in them." "Guess what, I do. I want a list of some of the top scouts out there. We are going to be bringing at least 2 to 3 more on board.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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06-18-2010, 08:10 PM | #3 |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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So here are the changes I make immediately:
Captain and Vice Captain stay the same with Barry Ferguson as the captain and Roger Johnson as the Vice. Incoming Staff and Players: Scout Neil Asher Scout Brad Abbot Guisippe Ricci (AC Milan Loan) John Paul Kissock (Hamilton Loan) Outgoing Staff and Players: Physio John Pryce
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" Last edited by MacroGuru : 06-19-2010 at 12:01 PM. |
06-18-2010, 08:49 PM | #4 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Crystal Palace (Away, Coca-Cola Championship)
My first match is the next day against Crystal Palace at their place...welcome to the big leagues huh. I tell Andy I want to run the 3-4-3 and he understands and get's me the lineup suggestions right away.
GK: Mark Howard DC: Krystian Pearce DC: Roger Johnson DC: Scott Dann MR: Sebastian Larsson ML: Gary McSheffrey MC: Keith Fahey MC: Dickson Etuhu ST: Djiby Fall ST: Cameron Jerome ST: Gary O'Connor S1: GK Carl Ikeme S2: DC Sam Hutchinson S3: MR Lloyd Sam S4: MR James O'Shea S5: DC Liam Ridgewell S6: MC Emmanuel Sarki S7: ML James McFadden I talk to Andy and he thinks we shouldn't push the guys to hard and I tell him I would be damned if I am going to lose my first match as head coach...and I tell them we can win this one. Quote:
Andy pulls me aside at the end of the match. "Listen, I can help you here, don't piss away my advice. These boys are wore out beat up and we need to take that into account, hopefully the media doesn't fry you to bad for this cockeyed match." 3-0 loss, what a disappointing way to start out.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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06-18-2010, 09:04 PM | #5 |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Wow..the next day back in the club house I am greeted at my office by Roger Johnson our star DC and my vice captain.
"Coach, I want out...I want to move on, I don't think I can hack it here anymore. I am tired of losing and the negative attitudes." "Wow, well son, thanks for making your feelings felt. Let me think on it.?" "Think on it? Think on it? I control your damn clubhouse..you better do more than think on it.!" He yells and grabs my little nerf soccer ball I have on my desk and hurls it across the room and storms out. I guess someone didn't have his honey nut cheerios this morning. I pick up the phone and ask Andy to come into the office. "Andy, find a new home for Roger, and do it yesterday." He stares at me wondering if I am mad. "Do it, and promote that wonder kid defender in our youth squad, Roger is going to get his ass benched until I can sell him off."
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
06-18-2010, 09:06 PM | #6 |
College Prospect
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whitman, MA
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Will take time for the team to get used to the new tactics after whatever the previous manager had them playing as. Time to get the chemistry and such going. It'll happen, just give it a bit of time to let things settle down. Great start regardless!
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06-18-2010, 10:18 PM | #7 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Ipswich (Home, FA Cup)
Well, here we go into my second match with BCFC and Andy who told me to listen to him as said the 4-4-2 we should play won't work here and to run with my 3-4-3
GK: Mark Howard DC: Liam Ridgewell DC: Krystian Pearce DC: Franck Queudrue MR: James O'Shea ML: James McFadden MC: Sebastian Larsson MC: Emmanual Sarki ST: Djibay Fall ST: Cameron Jerome ST: Gary McSheffrey S1: DC Stuart Parnaby S2: DC Dale Ridley (Our Youth Wonder Kid) S3: MR Lloyd Sam S4: ST Gary O'Connor S5: DC Sam Hutchinson S6: MC John Saunders S7: DC Scott Dann Quote:
Their GK Murphy should have gotten man of the match with 3 point blank blocks of some powerful shots, 2 from McFadden and 1 from Jerome. I can't be pissed at this loss because we finally showed up and everyone played hard. I can tell you this much, I pissed the boys off saying I don't mind not being in the FA Cup because it allows me to focus else where. I just have to keep us from dropping down further in the league. Our next match is against Ipswich again, this time at their place in 4 days.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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06-19-2010, 02:49 PM | #8 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Fantastic dynasty both this and last.
As I was searching for teams to take over if I can get the 10 layer English mod working again, I noticed that Cadbury Athletic is owned and started by the Cadbury of Cadbury's eggs fame.
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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) |
06-19-2010, 11:56 PM | #9 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Quote:
Awesome! Thank you! I love the level 10 mod and I will be taking another team on once I am done with this dynasty. Part of what I love with this game is it forces me almost to take a look and dig deep into the club.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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06-20-2010, 11:21 AM | #10 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Ipswich (Away, CH)
Here we go, back into league play where we sit at 5th but are in a total downward spiral as far as morale and our table standing. We need to pick it up. I am resting Mark Howard as he is sucking it up and our backup GK is Carl Ikeme and is on the Nigerian squad. We also come out in the 3-4-3 because of their familiarity with the 4-4-2
GK: Carl Ikeme DC: Liam Ridgewell DC: Sam Hutchinson DC Sam Dann MR: Lloyd Sam ML: James McFadden MC: Keith Fahey MC: Dickson Etuhu ST: Gary O'Connor ST: Cameron Jerome ST: Djibay Fall S1: GK Mark Howard S2: DC: Krystian Pearce S3: MR: James O'Shea S4: DC Giuseppe Ricci S5: MC Brice Ntwambwe S6: MC Sebastian Larsson S7: ST Gary McSheffrey Quote:
Pure and simple we got our asses kicked. I wasn't to happy after the match where it was to little to late. For someone begging for first team time Carl Ikeme definitely half-assed it in the goal as well. We have another league match in four days, this time it will be at home against Coventry.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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06-20-2010, 11:37 AM | #11 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Coventry (Home, CH)
So going into this match against Coventry we are introducing two new players. ST Carl Fagan which we acquired from Hull City for 600K. We also picked up on a six month loan from Hamilton Academical out of Scotland, John Paul Kissock. We are going to try something new here to get the defenders we need out on the field, obviously having three on the field isn't enough. So we set a 4-1-2-1-2 diamond.
GK: Mark Howard DR: Sam Hutchinson DL: Franck Queudrue DC: Ronald Gercaliu DC: Liam Ridgewell DM: Emmanuel Sarki MC: Keith Fahey MC: Sebastian Larsson AM: John Paul Kissock ST: Djibay Fall ST: Carl Fagan S1: GK: Carl Ikeme S2: DR: Stuart Parnaby S3: AM: John Saunders S4: ST: Cameron Jerome S5: MC: Dickson Etuhu S6: DC: Giuseppe Ricci S7: ST: Gary O'Connor Quote:
Having the cancer Roger Johnson sit at his home while we play has been a blessing as this team is starting to buy into my philosophy of attacking. This game was in our favor for most of the match. Coventry owes their keeper David Stockdale some serious thanks for keeping them in the game deflecting several close range shots. In four days we face Blackpool at home in another league match. We are already bracing for a low turnout as the fans aren't quite on board with me and not seeing a win in over a month they are growing disappointed in us.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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06-20-2010, 11:50 AM | #12 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Blackpool (Home, CH)
We are going to go with the 4-1-2-1-2 again as we were getting the attacking moves we needed and bolstered the defense. We have also sent Roger Johnson to Wigan for $1.5 million and get back our team captain Barry Ferguson from injury.
Our starting lineup: GK: Mark Howard DR: Stuart Parnaby DL: Ronald Gercaliu DC: Krystian Pearce DC: Liam Ridgewell DM: Dickson Etuhu MC: Barry Ferguson MC: Sebastian Larsson AM: John Paul Kissock ST: Carl Fagan ST: Cameron Jerome S1: GK Carl Ikeme S2: DC Giuseppe Ricci S3: MC Keith Fahey S4: ST Gary O'Connor S5: DC Scott Dann S6: AM James McFadden S7: ST Djiby Fall Quote:
Yeah, they see it and they now understand how it works. I am happy with this squad and how they are playing now and I tell them so. Their morale is picking up and changing for the positive now. I have a few who are still down but they will get there. After the match we informed that Ipswich have accepted our offer of $26K for their young striker Paul Murphy. He will be playing on the reserves and working towards first team time and he understands that. Next match is in three days and is against Sheffield United at their place. It is a league match and a chance for us to move ahead in the tables. We are sitting in 5th place right now.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-04-2010, 01:10 AM | #13 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Sheffield United (Away, CH)
Our morale is stepping up and we are performing better. The players are talking about the way we are playing heading into the game versus Sheffield.
Our lineup for the game is: GK: Mark Howard DC: Liam Ridgewell DC: Krystian Pierce DC: Giuseppe Ricci DM: Emmanuel Sarki MR: James McFadden MC: Dickson Etuhu ML: James O'Shea ST: Carl Fagan ST: Cameron Jerome ST: Djiby Fall S1: GK Carl Ikeme S2: DC Ronald Gercaliu S3: MC Keith Fahey S4: ST Gary McSheffrey S5: DC Dale Ridley S6: MC: Sebastian Larsson S7: ST: Garry O'Connor Quote:
What can I say...we totally controlled this match and it gave us 3 points...although that didn't help as we stayed right where we were in the table. We get a week break as the transfer deadline is near....we start shopping players and looking at potential fillers.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-04-2010, 01:20 AM | #14 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Watford (Away, CH)
Not a good way to start the week out..Djiby Fall is called up for Senegal to play in the African Nations cup, so we are out our top striker. Our rotational keeper Carl Ikeme is demanding first team play and honestly I have to give it to him, he is getting better than Mark Howard and he is being paid less.
The board forces me to place Mark Howard and his 4.2 million value up on transfer...We are feeling the bite here.... I think we are ok doing what we need to do in order to win this game. Our starting lineup is: GK Carl Ikeme DC Giuseppe Ricci DC Krystian Pearce DC Liam Ridgewell DM Emmanuel Sarki MR James O'Shea ML James McFadden MC Barry Ferguson ST Garry O'Connor ST Cameron Jerome ST Craig Fagan S1 ST Gary McSheffrey S2 MC Sebastian Larsson S3 ST Paul Murphy S4 MC Dickson Etuhu S5 AC John Paul Kissock S6 MR Lloyd Sam S7 DC Sam Hutchinson Quote:
Battle was an understatement here. We lose both Cameron Jerome and Gary O'Connor to injuries for a few weeks. Ferguson stunk it up so I brought in Kissock and moved to an attacking diamond formation. It just didn't work and we couldn't place the shots into the net. We have a heated rivalry against the Wolves at home in a week.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-04-2010, 01:38 AM | #15 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Wolverhampton (Home, CH)
Well, we have a few changes about to take place. We accepted a 4.2 million dollar offer for Mark Howard from Empoli. We had our offer for 40 yr old keeper Brad Friedel from Aston Villa as a backup accepted (90K). We tender a 4 million dollar offer to Roma for ST Marcus Tudgay to help us out there. Time for the players and their agents to work out the negotiations.
We also get an offer to extend the loan on DC David Murphy from Swindon which we want them to pick up a part of the tab and they turn it down so he will be coming back to the squad. Young DC Dale Ridley is sent back to the U18 team to get some more experience. Lineup for the match is: GK Carl Ikeme DC Krystian Pearce DC Sam Hutchinson DC Liam Ridgewell DM Dickson Etuhu ML James McFadden MC Barry Ferguson MR Sebastian Larsson ST Gary McSheffrey ST Carl Fagan ST Paul Murphy S1 GK Mark Howard S2 DC Giuseppe Ricci S3 AM John Paul Kissock S4 DC Scott Dann S5 DC Ronald Geracliu S6 MC Keith Fahey S7 MR Lloyd Sam Quote:
Well, the ex-player was right...we were lucky to tie this match. Part of it is that I listened to my assistant who told me we were going to get our ass kicked and started out telling the players to win this one for the fans...HELL NO! I should have built their confidence right off the bat, telling them they can win this. Anyways, after the match we had a flurry of activity. Howard accepted the Empoli offer. Friedel and Trugday both accepted our offers and we have a shake up on the team. I hope this is what is needed though. We are six days out before our match with Southampton.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-04-2010, 03:25 PM | #16 | ||
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Southampton (Home, CH)
We have our new players on staff and they have had some time, not enough but some to blend in with the team so our chemistry may be a little off this game.
Lineup for this game is: GK Carl Ikeme DC Giuseppe Ricci DC Krystian Pearce DC Liam Ridgewell MR Lloyd Sam MC Barry Ferguson ML James McFadden AM John Paul Kissock ST Carl Fagan ST Marcus Tudgay ST Gary McSheffey S1 GK Brad Friedel S2 DC Ronald Gercaliu S3 MC Emmanuel Sarki S4 ST Paul Murhpy S5 MC Sebastian Larsson S6 MC Keith Fahey S7 MR James O'Shea Quote:
That penalty call was horrific, both players go up for the ball and we get called for the whistle. My press release was not to pretty and the FA let me know they were none to happy... Quote:
The board has asked me to shut my mouth about bad calls in the future. I am still going to call it like I see it. A five day break between the next match which is at St. Andrews against Brighton..
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-06-2010, 09:53 PM | #17 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Brighton (Home, CH)
Well the players are starting to get vocal with the press. They have sleight concerns with our underperformance.
GK Carl Ikeme who I kept over Mark Howard wants to be transfer listed, does not want to be here and I have even offered him 1st team and 1st team money...so he is pissing me off as well.... So, I guess I need to do something to fire the troops up. Our starting lineup for this game: GK Carl Ikeme DC Sam Hutchinson DC Krystian Pearce DC Liam Ridgewell DMC Emmanuel Sarki ML James McFadden MC Sebastian Larsson MR James O'Shea AMC John Paul Kissock ST Craig Fagan ST Cameron Jerome S1 GK Brad Friedel S2 DC Ronald Geracaliu S3 MC Keith Fahey S4 ST Gary McSheffrey S5 DR Stuart Parnaby S6 MC Barry Ferguson S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
The attendance shows how important this game was to our fans. We were picked to win and we did convincingly. They are believing in the attacking, and I keep telling my defenders I have faith in them, it's why I only have 3 of them anchoring this team. I like these breaks that sneak in a reserve game and then our game. But our next full match will be against Cardiff at Cardiff City Stadium in 9 days.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-06-2010, 10:10 PM | #18 | ||
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Well the scouting comes back and we are told they will run a 3-5-2 against us and that we would be better of running a 4-5-1...First of all, to me, that's a defensive formation...I refuse to roll over and try and counter off of shot after shot and only have 2 guys up there for the counter. But my assistant Watson talks me into it..
So our lineup for this match is: GK Carl Ikeme DL R Gercaliu DC Liam Ridgewell DC Krystian Pearce DR Sam Hutchinson ML James McFadded MC Dickson Etuhu MC Sebastian Larsson MR James O'Shea AMC John Paul Kisskoc ST Craig Fagan S1 DMC Emmanuel Sarki S2 DC Giuseppe Ricci S3 MC Barry Ferguson S4 ST Cameron Jerome S5 DR Stuart Parnaby S6 MC Keith Fahey S7 ST Djiby Fall Quote:
That is the last time I listen to some bullshit formation suggestion that sets me apart from what I normally do...and that's run the 3-4-3. I am slowly getting the staff and players to buy into the philosophy and with the up beat play I have some of my younger talent getting called up for international duty. Quote:
Hopefully they do not take them away from us to much. We are making the push for promotion. Out of the 9 games left we HAVE to win at least 6 of them...18 points will put us in a position of either taking on the Wolves for 1st or being the top seed for the playoff. Another week break of matches until we play Peterborough at St.Andrews.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" Last edited by MacroGuru : 07-06-2010 at 10:26 PM. |
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07-14-2010, 06:23 PM | #19 |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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I am on vacation right now...however the rain has been ruining the day today...I should be updating a lot tonight...
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
07-17-2010, 08:13 PM | #20 |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Back home from vacation, if i am not passed out from travel tonight, I will be catching up, if not it will be tomorrow.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
07-18-2010, 02:13 PM | #21 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Peterborough (Home, CH)
We need to keep the streak going...although we are told not to expect a large crowd for this match.
Our lineup: GK Carl Ikeme CD Giuseppe Ricci CD Krystian Pearce CD Liam Ridgewell MR James O'Shea ML James McFadden MC Sebastian Larsson MC Dickson Etuhu ST Djiby Fall ST Cameron Jerome ST Garry O'Connor S1 GK Brad Friedel S2 CD Sam Hutchinson S3 MC John Paul Kissock S4 ST Craig Fagan S5 CD Ronald Gercaliu S6 MC Keith Fahey S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
What I am liking right now is the time between our matches, it's allowing the team to rest, provide insight on our next match. Prime example is we play Milwall in 6 days at home.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-18-2010, 02:24 PM | #22 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Millwall (Home, CH)
We plod along, moving ourselves backup the table...right now the Wolves have earned promotion and we are fighting for a playoff spot.
Our lineup against Millwall: GK Carl Ikeme CD Giuseppe Ricci CD Krystian Pearce CD Liam Ridgewell MR James O'Shea ML James McFadden MC Sebastian Larsson MC Dickson Etuhu ST Craig Fagan ST Cameron Jerome ST Djiby Fall S1 GK Brad Friedel S2 CD Sam Hutchinson S3 MC John Paul Kissock S4 ST Garry O'Connor S5 CD Ronald Gercaliu S6 ST Paul Murphy S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
Another fantastic game by the boys in Blue...but Gercaliu pissed me off...the tackle was not needed and he took their player down, there is no question the card should have been pulled. I immediately gave him a verbal warning, told him I wouldn't appeal his suspension and he would be lucky if he didn't get any additional games added on besides the one he will get. We have a nine day break between matches and then we head to Deepdale to take on Preston.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-18-2010, 02:41 PM | #23 | ||
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Preston (Away, CH)
Alright, with the end of the season coming up we decided to make some changes to help salary and the budget...on top of that, a few players were bitching about lack of playing time. To top it off, Carl Ikeme, because he didn't get the 1st team action when I first got here is demanding to be transfered, even after I told him I wanted him to stick around....
So, players we have sent off, that will leave by 7/1/12 CD Scott Dann to Portsmouth for 375K GK Carl Ikeme to Cardiz for 140K RD Stuart Parnaby to Dundee United for 4.9M Players we have joining us by 7/1/12 MC John Paul Kissock from Hamilton for 625K GK Chris Reid from Chesterfield for 400K GK John Ruddy from Motherwell for 250K ST Bobby Zamora from Fulham for 50K The keepers were needed as Friedel will probably retire or we will mutually terminate and Ikeme is gone. We loved the play of John Paul so much we brought him on full time and Zamora is just an insurance policy for us in the striker range. Our lineup against Preston: GK Carl Ikeme CD Giuseppe Ricci CD Krystian Pearce CD Liam Ridgewell MR James O'Shea ML James McFadden MC Sebastian Larsson MC Dickson Etuhu ST Djiby Fall ST Cameron Jerome ST Garry O'Connor S1 GK Brad Friedel S2 CD Sam Hutchinson S3 MC John Paul Kissock S4 ST Craig Fagan S5 MC Barry Ferguson S6 MR Paul Murphy S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
We continue our march back up the ladder and are in playoff contention now. It took some players being disappointed in their play to pull this off, as I always believed in them and told them that. Quote:
We have a week and then travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham. Let's hope we keep this up!
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-18-2010, 02:54 PM | #24 | ||
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Fulham (Away, CH)
Right back at it..we have heard from the FA on Gercaliu and he is serving a 2 game suspension.
Our lineup against Fulham: GK Carl Ikeme CD Giuseppe Ricci CD Krystian Pearce CD Liam Ridgewell MR James O'Shea ML John Paul Kissock MC Sebastian Larsson MC Dickson Etuhu ST Djiby Fall ST Cameron Jerome ST Garry O'Connor S1 GK Brad Friedel S2 CD Sam Hutchinson S3 ML Gary McSheffrey S4 ST Craig Fagan S5 MC Emmanuel Sarki S6 MC Keith Fahey S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
Damn we had this match and we let it slip away. The problem with the 3-4-3 is the defense has to play superb constantly, they do not get a day off because the front seven are playing to attack. Quote:
I need to bolster the talent there. I think if we win promotion I will reach out on the transfer market and pick up a top flight defender. Colchester visits St. Andrews in four days time.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-19-2010, 01:44 PM | #25 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Colchester (Home, CH)
Including this match with Colchester we have five games remaining and we will need to win the majority of them to have a favorable playoff spot.
Our lineup for the match: GK Carl Ikeme CD Giuseppe Ricci CD Krystian Pearce CD Liam Ridgewell MR Lloyd Sam ML Gary McSheffrey MC Sebastian Larsson MC John Paul Kissock ST Djiby Fall ST Cameron Jerome ST Craig Fagan S1 GK Brad Friedel S2 CD Sam Hutchinson S3 ML John Saunders S4 ST Garry O'Connor S5 DC Scott Dann S6 MC Dickson Etuhu S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
I wanted to get some rest to those who have earned it and some play to those who were in need of it...Colchester is 19th in the table, that decision almost killed me. We have a ten day rest before we take on Leicester at Walkers Stadium.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" Last edited by MacroGuru : 07-19-2010 at 01:45 PM. |
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07-19-2010, 01:57 PM | #26 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Leicester (Away, CH)
I thought I heard on the news channel this morning that the Wolves secured promotion, but I will have to double check the sources there.
Our lineup for the match: GK Carl Ikeme CD Giuseppe Ricci CD Krystian Pearce CD Liam Ridgewell MR Sebastian Larsson ML James McFadden MC John Paul Kissock MC Dickson Etuhu ST Djiby Fall ST Cameron Jerome ST Craig Fagan S1 GK Brad Friedel S2 CD Sam Hutchinson S3 ML James O'Shea S4 ST Garry O'Connor S5 MC Keith Fahey S6 MC Gary McSheffrey S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
The own goal should be attributed to Liam Ridgewell because he headed the ball off the corner kick and bounced it of the post, the keeper and then in... I am getting more and more excited as we move closer to the end of the season and we are winning these games moving up into the table. Right now if we win out it looks like we will secure the 3rd place spot and the playoffs. If we lose out, we can be out. We have a two week break coming up with two reserve games that I will be rotating players in and out of before Q.P.R. visits us at St. Andrews.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-19-2010, 02:10 PM | #27 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Q.P.R. (Home, CH)
Alright, the pressure is mounting and the veterans are starting to speak. They know what they have to do in the next 3 games and that is not lose.
Our lineup going up against Q.P.R.: GK Carl Ikeme CD Giuseppe Ricci CD Krystian Pearce CD Liam Ridgewell MR Sebastian Larsson ML James McFadden MC Dickson Etuhu MC John Paul Kissock ST Djiby Fall ST Cameron Jerome ST Craig Fagan S1 ST Marcus Tudgay S2 CD Sam Hutchinson S3 MR James O'Shea S4 ST Garry O'Connor S5 MC Emmanuel Sarki S6 MC Keith Fahey S7 ST Paul Murphy Quote:
I hate back and forth games like this, it makes for great watching for the fans but kills my heart. This was a solid game, but shouldn't have been. If Friedel hadn't have hurt himself earlier in the week with training, I would have subbed him for Ikeme and hoped he had the determination to stop a few of the shots. One week then we head to Oakwell to take on Barnsley...where a win secures a playoff spot.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-19-2010, 02:20 PM | #28 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Barnsley (Away, CH)
Barnsley and Reading are our last two games. A win here and we secure a playoff spot. Liam Ridgewell comes out and makes the statement he knows whats at play here and he is rallying the team to make their mark.
Our lineup: GK Carl Ikeme CD Giuseppe Ricci CD Krystian Pearce CD Liam Ridgewell MR James O'Shea ML James McFadden MC Sebastian Larsson MC Dickson Etuhu ST Djiby Fall ST Craig Fagan ST Garry O'Connor S1 GK Brad Friedel S2 CD Sam Hutchinson S3 MC John Paul Kissock S4 ST Cameron Jerome S5 DC Ronald Gercaliu S6 MC Keith Fahey S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
Well, that win was great and the score should have been five - nil however we will take what we have, a secured spot into the playoffs. We are sitting in 3rd with a win securing that spot and a loss or draw potentially dropping us to 5th. Reading is our final match of the season and they head to St. Andrews in one week.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-19-2010, 02:34 PM | #29 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Reading (Home, CH)
Our last game of the regular season. We have playoff spot secure and so I do the one thing needed, I give Brad Friedel probably his last start in his storied career.
Reading is trying to play the role of spoiler. Our lineup against Reading: GK Brad Friedel CD Giuseppe Ricci CD Krystian Pearce CD Liam Ridgewell MR Sebastian Larsson ML James McFadden MC John Paul Kissock MC Dickson Etuhu ST Djiby Fall ST Cameron Jerome ST Craig Fagan S1 GK Carl Ikem S2 CD Sam Hutchinson S3 MR James Oshea S4 ST Garry O'Connor S5 DC Ronald Gercaliu S6 MC Keith Fahey S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
Again, a rough and tumble game where the fouls were hard and brutal on both sides of the ball. Our win secures us the third place spot and we need to wait for the games to finish playing out before we know who we will play.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-19-2010, 02:39 PM | #30 |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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With the games complete we find out we will be playing Watford for the Semi-Final of the Coca-Cola Championship...I would normally be enthused playing a sixth place team but we have yet to beat them in four matches. We have two draws and two losses.
Our young stellar midfielder from Belgium, Brice Ntambwe has been called up for duty to the Belgium U19 squad. It doesn't affect us much as he is on loan right now. We now have a week to prepare for our travel to Vicarage Road and our televised match against Watford.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
07-19-2010, 05:10 PM | #31 |
College Prospect
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whitman, MA
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Go Blues!
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07-20-2010, 01:47 PM | #32 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Watford (Away, CH Semi-Final Leg 1)
Thanks Tellistto, this team needs all the support it can get. Heading into Watsford we are picked to win the match, but our guys are a little nervous, and I submit the following lineup for the match. GK Carl Ikeme CD Giuseppe Ricci CD Krystian Pearce CD Liam Ridgewell MR Sebastian Larsson ML James McFadden MC John Paul Kissock MC Dickson Etuhu ST Djiby Fall ST Cameron Jerome ST Craig Fagan S1 GK Brad Friedel S2 CD Sam Hutchinson S3 MR James Oshea S4 ST Garry O'Connor S5 DC Ronald Gercaliu S6 MR Farry McSheffrey S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
We were lucky to leave tied at 0-0, the team owes Carl Ikeme big time for some of his plays against this team. I do not know what it is with Watford, but they have our number. We get a day of rest and we will be at St. Andrews finishing off this round against Watford.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-20-2010, 01:54 PM | #33 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Watford (Home, CH Semi-Final Leg 2)
Well, we are at home where we have played well...so hopefully this helps.
The lineup for the match: GK Brad Friedel CD Krystian Pearce CD Sam Hutchinson CD Liam Ridgewell MR Sebastian Larsson ML James McFadden MC John Paul Kissock MC Dickson Etuhu ST Djiby Fall ST Cameron Jerome ST Garry O'Connor S1 GK Carl Ikem S2 CD Ronald Gercaliu S3 MR James Oshea S4 ST Craig Fagan S5 DC Stuart Parnaby S6 MC Keith Fahey S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
WOW! What a game...we dominated it even though the score doesn't show it. We had the two goals called back which were questionable in the first place. Their keeper Ashdown, he was amazing and stopped a ton of shots we sent his way. We now play Southampton at Wembley in 2 weeks. I think we will be ready for it.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" Last edited by MacroGuru : 07-20-2010 at 03:00 PM. |
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07-20-2010, 03:04 PM | #34 |
College Prospect
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whitman, MA
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That's the way to do it!
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07-20-2010, 03:20 PM | #35 | ||
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Southampton (Neutral, CH Playoff Final)
So, we lose our main captain of the matches of late Liam Ridgewell to a training injury and our other central defender Sam Hutchinson is suspended, so what do I do...I run a 4-3-3 to shock Southampton.
Our lineup: GK Carl Ikeme DR Stuart Parnaby DL Ronald Gercaliu DC Giuseppe Ricci RC Krystian Pearce MR James O'Shea ML James McFadden MC Sebastian Larsson ST Djiby Fall ST Cameron Jerome ST Garry O'Connor S1 GK David Lucas S2 MC Brice Ntambwe S3 MC Dickson Etuhu S4 ST Craig Fagan S5 DC Franck Queudrue S6 MC John Paul Kissock S7 ST Marcus Tudgay Quote:
We WIN! We Promote! OMG! I took a team to the Premiership! I can't believe it...well, not to be said...this squad wasn't doing bad when I took over, they just lost the confidence in their coach. The press releases were flattering after this though... Quote:
Well, into the off season and some moves that have been sitting in the back of my mind all season long....
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-20-2010, 03:26 PM | #36 |
College Prospect
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whitman, MA
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Now comes the hard part! Building a team to compete in the Prem!
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07-20-2010, 03:41 PM | #37 |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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2012/2013 Season
Off Season Staff Moves:
Ok, I have been in touch with Phil Walker from my Diss days and just working with Andy Watson he got on my nerves at times...so I talk with the board and we do the following... Mutually terminate Andy Watson's contract (Cost us 825k) Hire Phil Walker for about 1,500 per week (Saving us 15k) OOC* Phil has better stats than Andy did, which shocked me. We were also immediately contacted by a Wigan coach, Bryan Klug and he wanted to be our first team coach...which comes to my other thought...Roy Aitken was getting a little long in the tooth for us. Mutually terminate Roy Aitken's contract (Cost us 800k) Hire Bryan Klug for 2,500 per week (Saving us 14k) One of our coaches Kevin Phillips announces his intention of retiring as well.. With promotion I am given the opportunity to add 2 more coaches so I run out and hire Paul Abbey Damien Roden When Phillips officially retires I will offer another.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
07-20-2010, 03:42 PM | #38 | |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Quote:
I think we are there...although the influx of money I just received will help bolster where I think we need it the most...the defense..
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
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07-20-2010, 03:51 PM | #39 |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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2012/2013 Season
Off Season News:
We get a nice influx of cash for Premier Division TV rights over the forthcoming season. When the chairman hands me the note, I about fall out of my chair....$48,510,000 That's right, 48.5 million for tv rights, for a team cash strapped thats a major influx into our coppers. With that, he grabs me and hauls me into a board meeting...The want to know what I expect this season...I shoot for the stars a bit, I tell them I can achieve middle of the standings.. They appeared satisfied with it...a few days later I get an email stating that my budget for the upcoming season: Transfers: 18.25 Million Salary: 725K per week As for our new influx of youth, we really didn't receive a bumper crop this year as Dale Ridley is still our highest valued at 2.7 million. My favorite is we are 2000-1 odds favorite to win the premier and are told we will be lucky to avoid relegation.
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
07-20-2010, 04:00 PM | #40 |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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2012/2013 Season
Friendlies:
I am a big fan of traveling for friendlies over seas. It helps earn income, rewards the players for the grueling matches they are going to have...so our friendly schedule is as follows: 6.25.12 - Birmingham U18s (Home) 6.30.12 - South Melbourne 7.5.12 - Internacional 7.10.12 - Bury 7.15.12 - Stockport 7.17.12 - Northampton 7.20.12 - Hull (Home) 7.22.12 - Osasuna (Televised, Away, Friendly Cup Semi Final) 7.28.12 - Racing Club 8.2.12 - America (MEX) 8.7.12 - KV Kortrijk (Home) 8.13.2 - Sevilla
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
07-20-2010, 04:09 PM | #41 |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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2012/2013 Season
Off Season Moves:
The new transfers from last season and players leaving will be on 7.1.12 (I will list all players here a bit later tonight)
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"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" Last edited by MacroGuru : 07-20-2010 at 04:12 PM. |
07-22-2010, 10:14 PM | #42 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Notice
Due to moderator decision to box MacroGuru for 3 months, this dynasty likely will be ending, as it will be too much work to post three real-time months' worth of info upon his return.
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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) |
07-22-2010, 10:16 PM | #43 |
College Starter
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Burlington, VT USA
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A boxing probably boxes this dynasty as well, per his request.
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07-23-2010, 07:42 AM | #44 |
Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Seven miles up
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Maybe Dennis could start a boxing dynasty?
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He's just like if Snow White was competitive, horny, and capable of beating the shit out of anyone that called her Pops. Like Steam? Join the FOFC Steam group here: http://steamcommunity.com/groups/FOFConSteam |
08-07-2010, 08:34 AM | #45 |
Coordinator
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Utah
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Well, I didn't receive the full three months....
I have held off on playing FM because I didn't want to ruin this dynasty. I will be simming and posting tomorrow.
__________________
"forgetting what is in the past, I strive for the future" |
08-07-2010, 08:44 AM | #46 |
College Prospect
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whitman, MA
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Welcome back, Dennis.
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