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We’re in the home stretch. The season will end on 30 May after five league matches and three cup finals, all of which we must win.
Oh hallelujah! No bad training reports! I’ve done something right but have no idea what. What a relief!
We lost around £74,000 last month, bringing us to almost £231,000 in losses for the season.
Climbing northward, up to 91% again.
No changes. I can expect that will remain so for a couple of months, at least.
Remember that Terry Buckle kid I almost didn’t sign from the youth intake? And I said part of the reason I wasn’t going to sign him was he was too short? He’s already gone from 175cm to 178cm. At this rate he might just cut it as a slow DC! On the flip side, he’s made absolutely no progress on learning DMC. Nothing. Not even Awkward. I know I don’t know his Versatility rating but I’m seeing this trend in a lot of players. I wonder if somehow that part of the code was always broken. Time to head to the googles! I found nothing except to be patient. :-\
Kings Langley are at the bottom of the league by an 8 point margin. Sounds like a perfect time to get some bench time to Ferreira, for development purposes, and Steve Pike, a U18 DL who I promised would get to come in off the bench.
Our Angolan right fullback gets the start today at DR and I believe this is the first starter for us who wasn’t from the UK or Ireland. (I’m not counting Kemar as a Jamaican as he’s an internationaler for England now.)
vs. Kings Langley, 2 May 2020
Formation: Diamond (GK, DR, DC r, DC l, DL, DMC, MR, ML, AMC, ST r, ST l)
Starting XI: O’Keeffe, Johnstone, Pilcher, O’Shea, Rice, Coates, Watkins, Pugh, Taylor, Macey, Thirlwell
Subs: Legg, Ferreira, Pike, Nightingale, Davies, Leary, McLeish
What can you say about a match that sees your right striker score four goals, your left striker score two, and your opponent have a man sent off? Ass kicking? Of course, their only score comes from a free kick, albeit indirectly. That was countered by Coates’ free kick later that goes in directly. He’s getting good there.
POM: Eddie Macey 9.8 (4 goals, 2 key passes, 1 chance created)
Looking at the match stats, we had five players have at least five key passes. Better yet, Coates and Taylor are now Natural at DMC and AMC, respectively. That means maybe we are going to change primary formations soon. I just need Watkins to get Natural at MR.
About that formation change. After an afternoon of tinkering, reading articles, and watching videos, I’ve decided not much, really. I'm going to stay with the Diamond for my Attacking formation, the Shovel for my Control formation, and a modified version of the Club modified for Defensive postures I’ll call the Cudgel. I might swap out the Shovel for the Spade at times depending on how well we are defensively. We have not been that good on that front of late, giving up goals way too easily.
Two of our coaches are being sent to classes to improve their Continental licenses. This is very good news as they’ll be able to unlock their maximum potential.
Another creampuff we’ll probably barely beat and give up at least one goal to.
at Weston-super-Mare, 9 May 2020
Formation: Diamond
Starting XI: O’Keeffe, Johnstone, Pilcher, O’Shea, Rice, Coates, Watkins, Pugh, Taylor, Macey, Thirlwell
Subs: Legg, Ferreira, Smith, Roberts, Leary, Harding, Rae
Just before 6:00 Macey cracks the seal on not-so-super-Mare. Another six go by when our opponent score for us. That goal could have been Thriller’s had he only slid sooner. Just minutes later, Coates The Thief steals another ball, gets it to Macey, who serves a silver platter to Thriller with a goal on it. A repeat comes a little later but it’s Macey with the steal when Weston tried to do a short pass on a free kick right outside our box. Thriller’s trick comes from Olde Fashion Brixton Build Up from the back, up the right wing, and an inch-perfect Watkins cross from deep. At 70’ I use the Cudgel formation for the first time. It fails us almost immediately. -_- And again in the final minute. -_- -_-
POM: Marcus “Thriller” Thirlwell 9.6 (3 goals, 2 key passes, 1 chance created)
Did I go defensive too early? Do my wingbacks suck? They kept coming in and not stopping the wingers even though they have the “Hold Position” command.
Freakin’ sweet! Watkins is now a Natural at MR. Yes!
I fixed the Cudgel. The wingbacks weren’t set to “Stay Wider” but I changed that. I’ll try it in the next match to give it a test.
Huddersfield battered Middlesbrough four-nil with Kemar leading the way with 3 goals and 1 assist, good enough for a 9.7 rating. Now Middlesbrough is 20th and Crystal Palace is 19th. With one match left Crystal Palace is going down. Fulham is the third team in the drop zone. If they beat Tottenham (4th) and Swansea loses to Arsenal (2nd), Fulham will be safe.
Kemar’s brilliance doesn’t go unnoticed by the press so I have to take a question about his long-term development. I say we’re pleased that he is putting the building blocks in place.
Speaking of Kemar, he’s getting called up by the England coach for the European Championship, starting on 13 June. The final is 12 July. We have to hope that England wash out in the group stage or he’s not going to return in time for training camp. Even when he does he’s going to be Jaded beyond belief. He’s made it to the big time.
Do you see what I see? A star, a star, shining nice and bright, he shall be a starter someday. He shall be a starter someday.
His Determination is up to 11 now and his personality is no longer Unambitious, advancing up to Fairly Professional. I heart you Football Manager.
Two players get a chance to possibly shine coming off the bench. Padraig Murphy is a left-footed central defender in the U23s and Ben Pope is a right winger in the U18s. This is because I want my Starting XI fully fresh for a cup match on the 20th. We also have a match on the 18th. That match will see quite a few more U23 and U18 players.
at Slough, 16 May 2020
Formation: Diamond
Starting XI: Legg, Ferreira, Nightingale, Collopy, Jefcoate, Roberts, Robinson, Leary, Harding, Rae, McLeish
Subs: O’Keeffe, Murphy, Smith, Ferguson, Pope, Davies, Hibbert
Well, we are usually the early scorers but Slough caught us sleeping and score 21 seconds in. Rae could have leveled 80 seconds later but hit the post. McLeish is the one who gets us level 12 minutes later. It was an 80 second lead though as free kicks have become our weakness. Then McLeish gets them on the restart. This is when I start freebasing Pepto-Bismol. Not even McLeish’s hat trick can stop my drinking. Not even his fourth goal can slacken my pace. After the half we get more ping-ponging and my drinking continues. Not even McLeish’s fifth goal stops my doom spiral. A straight red when Leary was hacked down from behind does appease me. This time the Cudgel works to perfection, keeping things under control for the final 25 minutes.
POM: Derek McLeish 10.0 (5 goals, 1 key pass, 2 chances created)
Ferreira (6.4), Nightingale (6.3), and Collopy (6.2) all draw my ire but after the match only the latter two get official warnings. How Legg managed a 7.0 is beyond imagination.
After the match I learn that Slough were fighting to avoid relegation. Somehow they have survived, for now, but that explains their tenacity.
Nightingale and Collopy accept their warnings. Good.
Another call up for Ferreira! Dangit, I was hoping he would be available for our cup matches. This puts a crimp in things. This match is for the African U20 Nations Qualification First Round Leg One. That’s a mouthful!
The EPL season comes to a close and Kemar ends up in second place for goals scored. There’s no rest for the wicked though as he’s off to start training for the European Championship. If he gets in their first match, it will be against Portugal two days before his 18th birthday. They grow up so quick these day...
Speaking of the EPL, Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Middlesbrough are getting relegated. Bristol City, Sunderland, and Aston Villa are promoting. Everton finished third and lost in the playoff.
My scouts finish scouting all the youths of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. No luck. Maybe come June when I go looking for a senior left winger I’ll reevaluate some of them. Once we officially graduate into to the Conference South then we’ll be able to attract more interest.
Because we are playing so many B Team players Hereford have a chance as we are only slightly better than them except Hibbert, who will be the left striker. He’s leaps and bounds better than any Hereford player.
vs. Hereford, 18 May 2020
Formation: Diamond
Starting XI: Legg, Lawford, Smith, Murphy, Pike, Ferguson, Pope, Leary, Davies, Morris, Hibbert
Subs: O’Keeffe, Ferreira, Collopy, Jefcoate, Roberts, Harding, McLeish
We have a larger-than-normal crowd, 1,858 spectators who witness young M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-R-I-S get his first career goal just 3:29 in, when Hibbert’s first try got kicked away, right to The Mouse. Our second goal is from Glyn Davies who got the penalty after Ferguson got clattered to the ground. And wonder of wonders, a clean sheet for Chick Legg!
POM: Mickey Morris 7.6 (1 goal, 3 key passes, 1 chance created)
It’s nice to see Morris shine on his debut. Poor Ben Pope came in with a 6.4. He’ll get a chance in the future to redeem himself, I’m sure.
I set up a final friendly for our U18s and figured what the hell, an away trip to a foreign club would be a good reward. In the recommended list, when you go to the Friendly Creation screen, I found one called AFC Halte. I figured it was French and scheduled it. Upon closer examination a couple of days later, it turns out AFC Halte-Là plays on the French island of Réunion, which for those who aren’t into geography, is roughly 435 miles east of Madagascar. FM2018 treats them as being in France so travel cost should not be astronomical. Oddly, FM also says their stadium is a neutral site. I’ll roll with it.
I finally get a Player Development email on Angelino Ferreira proving what I’ve long suspected: Germans love David Hasselhoff. I mean, he’s a “Potential League One Talent”. (RIP Norm. We miss you, man!)
Sweet! Macey has learned the trait Knocks Ball Past Opponent. Time to get him to tutor Morris. They are both excited by the prospect. Freakin’ sweet!
Greenwich’s manager says they have a few extra nerves ahead of the match. Well, I hope to make it even more nervy. I predict a solid win.
vs. Greenwich (at Wembley), 20 May 2020
Formation: Diamond
Starting XI: O’Keeffe, Johnstone, Pilcher, O’Shea, Rice, Coates, Watkins, Pugh, Taylor, Macey, Thirlwell
Subs: Legg, Ferreira, Nightingale, Roberts, Hibbert, Harding, McLeish
O’Shea starts the scoring in a surprising fashion, using his foot. Naturally, it came in the aftermath of a free kick right outside the 18-yard box. He repeats himself nearly 40 minutes later. In between we simple dominated with a Thriller brace, a goal by our Captain, and both wingers get one apiece.
POM: Marcus “Thriller” Thirlwell 9.6 (2 goals, 2 assists, 3 key passes, 2 chances created)
The nerve of the Greenwich coach! “Brixton aren’t as good as they think.” Right... I take the high road and don’t talk shit; I just praise my squad whenever I get a chance.
I was hoping for a chance to play mind games in the presser but there were no tricky question. Their manager didn’t hold punches though, calling my success undeserved. I punch back from a follow-up question, calling the cad jealous.
We barely squeaked by Worcester earlier in the season but that was in their home. I feel more confident about this match.
vs. Worcester (at Wembley), 23 May 2020
Formation: Diamond
Starting XI: O’Keeffe, Lawford, Nightingale, Smith, Jefcoate, Roberts, Hibbert, Pugh, Harding, Rae, McLeish
Subs: Legg, Johnstone, Collopy, Pilcher, Ferguson, Leary, Macey
Rae gets injured early and our first action doesn’t come until the 27th but there’s no reason to panic as McLeish latches on to a free ball and scores. A second comes minutes later after we have some crazy no-look passes in the penalty area.
With Rae’s injury, another foot injury, I go to the Shovel and bring on Ferguson. Noah Harding was doing poorly in the first half but his goal at 55’ pretty much seals the deal. Another goal 10 minutes later allows us to go to the Cudgel early. A complete stifling of Worcester ensues and we gather our second cup trophy.
POM: Meilir Pugh 9.2 (1 goal, 2 key passes, 2 chances created)
Phew! Rae only out 1 to 2 days with a bruised ankle. Douchebag McClure still won’t acknowledge I’m the better manager and we’re the better team. Called us lucky and they were having an off day. They are third in the league and face us again in 7 days. They have to beat us by five points and hope that Merthyr Town lose to Farnborough while scoring zilch. Can’t wait to make it personal again in a week, turd.
Sure enough, The Non-League Paper comes a-knocking. Enthusiastic journalist Callum Baker asks what I think of those nasty comments. I take the high road again.
Manchester United won the FA Cup over Southampton. For the players, Eddie Macey lead all scorers with 8 goals and also had the most assists with 7. Pugh and Taylor were 1 and 3 in average rating, posting 8.24 and 7.95, respectively.
As these cup finals have become more and more important, the press conferences have grown shorter and shorter. No bulletin board material from the latest one.
Just one last cup final match to get through. Torquay are of the same quality as the previous two so I expect a victory. They are reeling as they are getting relegated from two leagues up. Because they are on the south coast of England, the will be in the Conference South with us next season. Let’s give them a preview of the abuse they can expect then! (Oh, and because it’s our final cup match I’m filling the whole bench.)
vs. Torquay (at Wembley), 26 May 2020
Formation: Diamond
Starting XI: O’Keeffe, Johnstone, Pilcher, O’Shea, Rice, Coates, Watkins, Pugh, Taylor, Macey, Thirlwell
Subs: Legg, Collopy, Smith, Nightingale, Jefcoate, Ferguson, Robinson, Leary, Davies, Rae, McLeish, Hibbert
Woo!!! Almost 20,000 folks in the stands today! Big money coming our way!
Macey appears to be offsides when he heads in a Taylor header but a Torquay defender was way out wide near the end of the pitch. How he’s so good with his brain-box with a Heading of 3 is way beyond me. The refs for-real help us, awarding a dubious penalty just before 30’ and Thriller lives up to his name. (That was his 57th goal of the season!!!) After that it’s just more Macey and more Thriller.
Torquay come out strong for the second half but... Don’t call it a comeback! Because it wasn’t. They presented some opposition but after we kept disrupting their forays into our box they lost all motivation.
POM: Marcus “Thriller” Thirlwell 9.1 (1 goal, 1 assist, 5 key passes, 4 chances created)
Wow! If you had told me we’d win all three cups AND concede no goals, I would have called you high. Our defensive form has been so poor I really expected some struggles. Hot damn!
Another wow moment? We made £107,698 from the match. We’re ahead for the month but still behind for the season.
I may have discovered a problem. I was checking the Competition tab where I noticed that for the three cups we just won the board confidences are all pegged at 55%. I hope this rights itself by the end of the season. I wonder if it doesn’t will it affect how much money I can negotiate on my new contract.
As expected the press to try a couple of trap questions but I deftly side-step them just like Pugh does when the right fullback tries a sliding tackle.
It’s the last match of the season and normally I wouldn’t be too concerned with a win. But it’s Worcester again and their HMFWIC needs to learn a lesson. Despite that, I’m using some U23 and U18 players. Most notably Colin Cockbill gets a start a left centreback for his team debut. After our last match I got emails about Ferguson and Harding being Accomplished at DMC and AMC so I’m hoping that means just one more match will get them to Natural. Ergo, they will probably remain in for the whole match.
vs. Worcester, 30 May 2020
Formation: Diamond
Starting XI: Legg, Ferreira, Smith, Cockbill, Jenkins, Ferguson, Robinson, Leary, Harding, Morris, Rae
Subs: O’Keeffe, Lawford, Collopy, O’Shea, Pike, Nightingale, Pope, Barnett, Noulas, Macey, McLeish, Thirlwell
Oh wow! We have 4,353 fans today! Excellent! This is good news for the home fans as they get to witness the likely future at right striker when Mickey Morr’s sinks one in the 21st. It came from a nicely lobbed ball by Fergie, fulfilling the spirit of the ideal Regista, seeing an opportunity before the defense can recognize it. A quarter hour later Smith gets a header goal from Robinson’s corner. Rae seals it just after I made my subs, which also seals his POM award.
POM: Alex Rae 8.4 (1 goal, 1 key pass, 1 chance created)
We made almost £67,000 from the match but the club have to shell out £105,000 for the squad bonus payout for winning league. I’m fine with that. :-)
Let’s take a look at some league statistics. Macey and Thirlwell are tied for second with 30 goals; the winner had 43! Shane Pilcher had the highest average rating in the league at 7.79. Bill Taylor was third in assists at 16. Thriller also had 9 POM awards, good enough for third. Chick Legg came in second with clean sheets at 16, one behind the winner; had he not had that late season swan dive he would have won again.
For the whole season in goals, assists, rating, and POMs, it was Thriller (57), Eddie (31), Coates (8.15), and unsurprisingly Thriller again (16).
Season award time! Fan players of the year: 1. Macey (42%), 2. Thriller (30%), 3. Hibbert (17%). Signing of the season, Glyn Davies. Young player of the year, Alan Coates.
I didn’t get credit for winning the three cup, the board rated me at 75% on the Competitions front. That’s some bullshit! Despite that, I’m still Untouchable at 97%!!!
Oh sweet baby Hey Zeus! The board request a meeting to discuss club improvements! I’ve been waiting for this moment. Their first request is upgrading the youth academy setup. Yes please! (Looks like my downgrading will be undone. Not complaining.) Holy freijoles! Gobsmacked! The board is going to upgrade us to Level 1. Goody, goody, gumdrops! The upgrades will be complete at the end of next season so we’ll have one more “average” youth intake.
I’m very pleased that Watkins and O’Keeffe have improved. They’re getting ever closer to their potential.
I don’t think I’ll post about The Fourteen in June’s update as no player will have improved over their holiday break. It will be drastically different in July as I imagine Pilcher, Coates, Pugh, Taylor, and Kemar will be sold or on loan.
The month started in a distressing fashion, at least defensively. When we got to the matches that mattered we became impenetrable. We also became a scoring machine again. I am very pleased to have gone out on a positive note.
Let’s look back at Thriller. When I first found him we really didn’t need another striker. Boy howdy am I glad I picked him up! My complaints about him at the time were his Balanced personality and low Determination (4) and Stamina (5). I also didn’t believe my scouts’ assessment 1.5 stars of potential. He is now Spirited, has a 9 Determination, and 8 Stamina; our AssMan now believes he has 4.0 stars potential, good enough to be Championship level. In 1.75 years of action with us he has accumulated 78 goals, 33 assists, and 18 Player of the Match awards.
He’s a bargain at £500 per week and I have a feeling in the coming months I’m going to have to shell out more. I just wish we could get his Determination into the double digits. (Hey, look! I took that screenshot on his 20th birthday.)