Guest roberto922 Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 If you want a new team to support, the Luton sign up is a decent replacement and is quite similiar to Kips experiment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCFC Gee Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 I really hope this isn't the end for the Bandits, i've been following this for longer than i remember now and loved checking out each new update to see how they got on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPA Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 This has been the greatest thread ever on these forums (and IMHO the best thread on all other forums in history of internet). Ending it like this would be like watching the whole Lord of the Rings trilogy and suddenly the end titles start scrolling the moment when Frodo and Sam finally reach the foot of Mount Doom. Now let us have a proper ending and after that may the Bandits rest in well deserved peace! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest roberto922 Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 TPA - I'm pretty sure Kips life isn't all about FM and the Bandits so that probably isn't going to happen. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
weelillad Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I think it's obvious that real life is demanding all of kipfizh attention right now. But he's kept this up for so long and I don't think he is one to let things go without a proper conclusion. So I expect at least one final post from him, if only to tell us that this is the end of the experiment. Let's just wait patiently and get on with the rest of our lives in the meantime. I only hope that he is healthy and well! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yugo23 Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 Maybe Kip is running 50 more seasons atm, just to give us huge update with (finally) some good news. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5ergio Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I think it's obvious that real life is demanding all of kipfizh attention right now. But he's kept this up for so long and I don't think he is one to let things go without a proper conclusion. So I expect at least one final post from him, if only to tell us that this is the end of the experiment. Let's just wait patiently and get on with the rest of our lives in the meantime.I only hope that he is healthy and well! This! I don't remember how much time I've waited for my Bandits fix to arrive before. Kip has shown us not only an AI experiment, but also how to tell an excellent story of a made-up team in a video game. His technique in writing, arranging the reports and managing all the "fan" hussle is outstanding in my eyes. We will have a last post I believe IF this is the end. Another thing is, if you want a '09 version, better wait till february or something so that we can have at least some problems solved with the game by then. Just don't start pressuring the Master Story-teller from the first day of FM '09 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Defoes Right Boot Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 This! I don't remember how much time I've waited for my Bandits fix to arrive before. Kip has shown us not only an AI experiment, but also how to tell an excellent story of a made-up team in a video game. His technique in writing, arranging the reports and managing all the "fan" hussle is outstanding in my eyes. We will have a last post I believe IF this is the end.Another thing is, if you want a '09 version, better wait till february or something so that we can have at least some problems solved with the game by then. Just don't start pressuring the Master Story-teller from the first day of FM '09 spot on Sergio. Our problem is that Kip has been far too good at his job and has made us all care far too much about an FM game - far more than we do about our own games! To repeat... our problem, not Kip's. He is well aware of his/the Bandits fanbase and unless other factors force it he's not going to leave us hanging... he's proven that he cares about all our support and that he won't stitch us up. Although it might be that he can't carry on for some reason I'm sure he'll fill in the blanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5ergio Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Btw I updated our problem page, opps I mean the facebook fan page Feel free to check or even join Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenArsenal Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 God I'm back after so long... Must have missed aeons of Bandits since I last visited... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Did you miss me? Seriously, sorry all, real life (work AND family, as it turned out) took over, and I must admit my enthusiasm for the meandering Bandits wasn't pulling me back whenever I had a spare five minutes. But it's time to come back, and a long awaited update will be coming shortly! It has been a busy few months, but sorry for not dropping in to say so Fast forward mode will soon be accelarating to see if we can get the Bandits any trophies before the experiment ends. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Talking about Manchester United turning things around after a few years in the Championship. Maybe looking at what allowed them to climb back to the top (board take over, great manager, excellent youngster coming through the academy...) would give us a hint as to what the Bandits need as I now don't have a clue anymore. We've been through 25 years or so in the EPL with a good 12-15 managers, there was a board take over back a decade ago or so, we had great prospects... and sold them... I'm depressed now, it really starts to feel like the Bandits will never win anything. Good board, and a couple of decent managers who 1) stuck around because they didn't get better offers and 2) didn't have one bad season that saw them sacked because of expectations. A slow rise is a good thing for a good manager, because if they overachieve one season they set themselves up to be sacked the next. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Will there be any more updates before FM09 is released? Yup Imagine the shock when you're all reading this thinking the experiment had died Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Because Kip uses external tools to check on the player CA and PA, any future experiment will have to wait until these tools are released by the third party publishers.Didn't it take a couple of months before the excellent mini scout was released this year and a few more months after that for the equally impressive Genie to arrive? This could mean he will not start his 09 experiment until around February. Exactly - don't expect the experiment to start as soon as FM09 comes out, for two reasons. One, I really do need an external tool to make this experiment useful, and two, if a patch comes out which changes a great deal, which can happen (and quite quickly), it might be wise to start after that point. I am hoping that Kip has not lost interest in this experiment, but it must be a real pain in the backside to update this these days, never any exciting information to report and always holding on to the slim hope that this season will be the one where they win something. If I'm honest, that was one of the problems that allowed it to slip when everything got busy. On the plus side, there is actually some interesting stuff to report this season Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Let's just hope that whenever the next update arrives, it is much less snorevilly than the last one... The campaign for snorevilly to become a word starts here. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZJ Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 You have no idea the smile I got one my face when I opened the forum and saw: "last post by: kipfizh" in this thread. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZJ Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Oh, and welcome back!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
5ergio Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Wow! All the synergy worked guys, Kip is back Welcome back Kip, it's been a long time huh Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blowcrapup Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 You have no idea the smile I got one my face when I opened the forum and saw: "last post by: kipfizh" in this thread. I felt the same way. Its like a mini second coming of Jesus. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sazchu Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Welcome back Kip, can't wait for the next installment, also good thing that you say that there is something interesting going on. Snorevilly, interesting, i like it :þ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest roberto922 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I honestly think a couple of you need to see a Psychiatrist BCU - You're calling Kipfizh imaginary? Great to see you back Kip Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meitheisman Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Waoh great timing, I hadn't check this thread in a week or so only to find out that Kipfizh is finally back and posted a few minutes ago. Hope all is well and glad to have you back here! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blanco Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Hoo-f***ing-ray... I've been anxiously checking this every time a new post comes just in case I've missed one Roll on season whatever it is (I've lost count now...) The last month or so has been ever so slightly snorevilly... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrientMartin Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Did you miss me?Seriously, sorry all, real life (work AND family, as it turned out) took over, and I must admit my enthusiasm for the meandering Bandits wasn't pulling me back whenever I had a spare five minutes. But it's time to come back, and a long awaited update will be coming shortly! It has been a busy few months, but sorry for not dropping in to say so Fast forward mode will soon be accelarating to see if we can get the Bandits any trophies before the experiment ends. I have to admit I jumped up out of my chair at seeing your post!! Great to know the experiment is continuing, just hope the Bandits can get the Premiership or Champions League title, before it finishes, I'm not sure how I'd cope if we didn't. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rinso Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 great to see you back Kip, looking forward to the update SOON!! (hint hint) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCFC Gee Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Good to see you're back Kip, definitely looking forward to what these exciting events may be! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Lambs Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Let me add my voice to the many who are glad to see you back. Absence makes the heart fonder, I for one am gagging for my bandits fix, or may be a pint, I get confused easily these days. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Let me add my voice to the many who are glad to see you back.Absence makes the heart fonder, I for one am gagging for my bandits fix, or may be a pint, I get confused easily these days. In that case, go get yourself a pint, and then read the upcoming update Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Season 2060-61 Bandits report - Transfers Transfers In Transfers Out After perhaps the most boring season in Bandit history, the fans were left wondering what was to happen next. Could Yates spark them out of their apathy, or would the team continue a spiral down into the relegation battle they escaped so narrowly two seasons ago? Summer After first dismissing most of the current year’s youth products for being, quite frankly, useless, Yates decided that the first team squad was carrying a few it didn’t need anymore. First to go was a surprising and disappointing departure – Cyrille Diane may be 31, but he was a first choice central midfielder with talent, and he had been playing well. But Leeds came in with a 6.75m offer, and he moved on. Following him out of the door was one time first choice left winger Juan Jose Rodriguez, who had been ousted from the squad over the last few years, first by Tony Harris and then David Ramos. At 29, it was time to move on, and he returned to Spain, joining Zaragoza for 2.3m. Stephane Mathis is an enigma. He has never played well in his career, but Liverpool were convinced enough to pay Lille 21m for him, only for him to return average ratings of 6.11 and 5.50, which makes him one of the worst signings of all time. The Bandits took on the challenge for 9m, but he’s averaged 5.40, 5.94, and 6.18 for the club, and all that money seems a waste. Port Vale have now taken him on for 2.4m, but at 29, supposedly the peak of his career, he managed a dismal 6.05. He won’t be missed. Next to leave was Jim Emerson, the aging left back who was signed just last season, but failed to impress, probably because his PA is only 141. The 1.8m fee paid by Bolton brought in a 300k profit for a hopeless player. The penultimate sale was Juha Laiho, who was signed only last season and instantly became the first choice right back. Despite that, Yates deemed the 6m offer from Crystal Palace to be good business, and the 27 year old Finn moved on. And then came the final sale, and it hurt in a very bad way. Aitor Rubio may now be 32, but he is the most naturally gifted player the club has ever had, and has single handedly (at times) saved the Bandits with his goals. Six years after signing for 36.5m, Sampdoria offered 13m, good money for his age, and he was let go. It was a strange sale, and the sort that you would expect a financially struggling club to make, but there was no need to get rid of him with the clout the club holds. His CA may be dropping quickly, but the guy can still score hatfuls, as he went on to prove in Italy, scoring 30 times in 44 matches at an average of 7.95. Ouch. With his sales complete, Yates turned to bringing players in, and began with 26 year old Albanian left back Klodian Lila, who has a CA of 161 and a PA of 171. A reasonable signing, Lila cost 4.6m from QPR. Next to arrive was right back or right midfielder Jamie Bingham, who played extremely well for Boro in League One last season. A fee of 3.6m was enough to capture the 25 year old, but with a CA of 151 and a PA of 162 he will never be a decent Premiership standard, merely a squad player. There was to be only one more signing, 19 year old striker Spencer Williamson, who arrived from Sheff Wed for 1.2m. Yates probably thought that 141 was a pretty good CA for a teenager, but with a potential of only 157 he is unlikely to get much better. And that was it. The man that had saved the Bandits more often than perhaps any other – Aitor Rubio – had left, and a giant striker sized hole remained. Diane and Laiho also disappeared from the first team, and only Lila looks like challenging for a place on match day. The fans were once again feeling quite uninspired. The club ended last season with about 22 players capable of playing first team football, and the number was dropping. January With a threadbare squad, the fans were hoping that, for once, Yates wouldn’t decide to sell anyone else in January, as such action could leave him struggling to put eleven players out at the weekend. Fortunately, he decided to get rid of only one this time, and it was a player who had never broken into the first team, 25 year old defensive midfielder Joe Kelly. Man City paid 3m to take him on, and as the only sale the club were, for once, not weakened in a transfer window. The question was whether Yates could build on this and bring some talent in to improve the side. He started with 24 year old Dutch striker Marcel Doorn, who cost 4.7m from Chelsea. His decent 158 CA could actually rise to 171 so he really isn’t a bad signing. Excellent by Yates’ standards. Next came Rumen Georgiev, a 25 year old Bulgarian defensive midfielder. With him, Yates returned to form, as his CA will never rise above its current level of 157. Another quite pointless signing, and one that cost the club 5m from Porto. There was to be one more – Terry Cash is a 24 year old striker with a very good record for Leicester in the Championship. The Bandits paid 7.75m to bring him up a division and hope that he could replace Rubio in time. He looks okay, but with a CA and PA of 165 he certainly isn’t on the great man’s level. And that was it. Yates had definitely weakened the squad in the summer, and sold a legend, but in January had improved the size of the squad again, if not actually helping the first team. Yates’ awful ability to judge potential is really beginning to hurt the club now. He cannot sign a prospect, and when he gets one by chance he sells, not realising how good they could become. So even though the club needs youth, he signs teenagers with no potential to become the player he wants them to be. Now that he is selling the club’s stars, where does that leave them? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Bandits report - squad Top 20 in Squad (sorted by CA) Name, Pos, Age, CA-PA O’Keefe, DM, 27, 174-183 (+2) McParland, GK, 31, 173-173 (-) Ricketts, DC, 29, 172-173 (+1) Ramos, AM L, 24, 171-188 (+4) Sadar, DL, 31, 169-174 (-4) Taylor, GK, 25, 169-170 (+2) Gould, AM R, 20, 168-184 (+10) Mintus, ST, 20, 165-176 (+6) de Zeeuw, DC, 31, 165-174 (-) Salvati, MC, 26, 165-171 – on loan from Liverpool Cash, ST, 24, 165-165 – new signing Joel, AMR/ST, 27, 164-172 (+1) Howarth, AMC, 23, 163-178 (+2) Constable, D/WB R, 28, 163-168 (+1) Thomas, DC, 32, 161-173 (-2) Lila, DLC/MC, 26, 161-171 – new signing Mitrev, WB/AM L, 29, 161-171 – on loan from Aston Villa Peters, DC/DM, 23, 159-176 (-) de Lange, ST, 32, 159-172 (-) Doorn, ST, 24, 158-171 – new signing Players in last season’s top 20 who have left the club: Rubio, ST, 31, 163-184 Diane, MC, 30, 162-170 Mathis, AMR, 29, 158-169 Laiho, D RL, 26, 156-173 Players in last season’s top 20 who have dropped out of the top 20: Messner, ST, 32, 155-175 (-11) This doesn’t make for pleasant reading. First teamers in Rubio, Diane and Laiho have left, and only two players arrive in the top twenty who aren’t on loan. And neither of them are really that good. There are just two bright sparks left. Striker Mintus, and winger Gould are two very talented twenty year olds, and they must be retained. But Yates can’t tell when a player has talent, so what are the chances of him rejecting a mediocre bid? Notable others: None CA of X or above: 190 : 0 … 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 180 : 0 … 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0 170 : 0 … 5, 6, 7, 8, 7, 5, 5, 4, 4 160 : 0 … 19, 18, 19, 11, 15, 16, 18, 14, 17 150 : 0 … 25, 27, 26, 21, 19, 20, 23, 22, 23 140 : 0 … 33, 29, 26, 22, 21, 20, 24, 22, 24 130 : 0 … 35, 30, 26, 24, 22, 21, 25, 25, 25 120 : 0 … 36, 31, 27, 25, 23, 21, 25, 25, 26 110 : 0 … 39, 31, 27, 25, 25, 23, 25, 25, 26 100 : 2 … 38, 41, 29, 27, 26, 23, 26, 25, 27 The numbers look better but that’s actually a little misleading, as two of the new players are only on loan. And with only two under 23s anywhere near first team standard, what does the future hold? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 So here's something a little odd. I've moved the experiment on to a new machine, which is far quicker and should actually have the capability of running the number of leagues I want in FM09, but it seems that somewhere along the line the FM save game actually references the database. You see, despite the fact that in the database I changed Fisher's name to the Bandits, they've reverted back to being 'Fisher' in the saved game now that its running on a different machine. I would've thought once the game had loaded that the data would be self-contained, but it seems now. So for the rest of this experiment, bizarrely, the Bandits appear in screenshots as Fisher. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blowcrapup Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Selling Rubio is going to go badly. Welcome back and KUTGW Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopper99 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Welcom back Kip!! I was hoping for a glorious return for the Bandits after the break, but looking at those transfers it doesn't look likely. So with Kip back one legend returns and one departs in the form of Rubio, I can't believe Yates sold him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meitheisman Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 So with Kip back one legend returns and one departs in the form of Rubio. Even the legend himself wouldn't have said it any better Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Before the season report begins, I thought it might be a good idea to tell you briefly about the European Championships of 2060. Germany beat Portugal in the final, after Italy, France and England had all gone out in the group stages. After the tournament, ex-Bandit manager Robbie Way (yes, that idiot) became the new England manager. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrientMartin Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 He'll probably win the next world cup!! Being the first manager to do so for England in 114 years? The ultimate irony. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Bandits report – Season report August-December Another bad summer of transfer dealings left the fans dreading the season ahead rather than going in with optimism. They had had a dodgy squad for a few years now, but a bunch of five or so stars had always saved them. Now, with the talisman Rubio off in Italy, scoring fourteen goals in nine pre-season games to show how talented he still is, the pressure was on the remaining few. Could Messner continue his late career form? Could the defence hold up? The season began at the Emirates, and after the first weekend their fears were already being realised, a 3-0 humbling being about as bad a start as they’ve ever had. They recovered somewhat to win 3-1 against Everton in the next game, but a trip to Anfield in their third game wasn’t ideal. They ended up surprising the nation though by winning 2-1, the new strike pairing of Messner and Mintus getting the goals, before the latter was later sent off. Suddenly, the mood was up. And that mood continued against Villa, where Messner scored another couple in a 3-1 win, sending the Banditst towards the top of the league, before a stirring comeback to draw 2-2 from 2-0 down at West Ham suggested that these players had more mettle than was previously realised. Confidence was high, and Sunderland were comprehensively dispatched in the League Cup, a brace each from de Lange and Messner sending the Championship side back up north with their tail between their legs, humbled 4-0. And then, all of a sudden, they lost form again. One point was gained from the next four matches, with losses to Chesterfield, Newcastle and Man Utd, only a late equaliser at Colchester saving them that day. All in all, it was bad preparation for a League Cup tie at dominant Sheff Wed. An early Mintus goal put the Bandits into a surprise lead, and the match then went from good to excellent when Sheff Wed had two men sent off in the opening half an hour. Playing with a two man advantage though, the Bandits somehow contrived to go 2-1 down before half time, but another Mintus goal in the second half took the game to extra time. The nine men held on, and then beat the Bandits on penalties, in a result that is truly dreadful given the circumstances. When you’re 1-0 up against nine men with an hour to play you shouldn’t be going out. They managed to put the disappointment behind them to beat Derby 1-0, before a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace kept them in the mid table mix. A 3-0 hammering at Sheff Wed was followed by 1-1 draws with Leeds and Chelsea and the memories of their fine early season start were wiped out. December was an inconsistent month, with good wins over Hull and Spurs being surrounded by four defeats. As the year turned, they sat 13th and on course for another extremely dull season. January-May January saw some promise for the tiny squad that the Bandits had, after Yates finally decided not to sell first teamers in every transfer window. With a few new players, the fans were hoping that at least a top half finish was possible, or even perhaps an attack on the European places. A double header against Merseyside opposition yielded only one point to start the year, a draw at Everton being followed by a defeat to Liverpool, but the team were back to winning ways in the FA Cup, comfortably defeating League One Blackpool 2-0. Aston Villa were then beaten in the league as they tried to push themselves back up towards the top half. But the form dipped again, and three consecutive league defeats, to West Ham, Chesterfield and Newcastle saw them fall to an alarming 16th, the only bright spot being another cup win, this time 1-0 against Championship side Nottm Forest. Mintus secured a precious point at Colchester before the cup run was ended for another year, the Bandits going down 2-0 at home to Leeds. The poor performances continued with a loss to Man Utd, and then a dreadful 2-0 defeat at relegation threatened Derby, a result that saw the Bandits fall into the relegation zone with just nine games remaining. Realising the danger they were now in, they bounced straight out of the drop zone with a vital victory against Crystal Palace, but one game later defeat by Leeds saw them fall back to 18th. There were now seven games left, and they were still haunted by the possibility of their first relegation. The next two fixtures were daunting matches against Sheff Wed and Chelsea, but suddenly they needed results. It wasn’t to be, as they came away from the pair of game with no points, and in serious trouble. Now 19th, they were four points from safety with five games left. It was crunch time, especially as the next match was against Port Vale, just one place above them. Inside a minute they were a goal down, but second half strikes from Cash and Constable earned the Bandits a 2-1 win and took them to within a point of their rivals. Still 19th, they would probably need another couple of wins before the season was out. The next match was against high flying Burnley, and it went to form, the Bandits going down 3-1, before another six pointer came along, this time against Hull, the target club in 17th. A loss would all but guarantee Championship football for the Bandits next season, but a win would close the group up completely. And a win they delivered, goals from Ramos and Mintus keeping their hopes alive. With two games remaining, Everton were bottom by miles and gone, the Bandits were still 19th with 37 points, Hull and Newcastle were also on 37 but with better goal differences, Derby had 38 and Port Vale 39. It was anyone’s guess. The trouble for the Bandits was their goal difference, so bad that they needed to get ahead of anyone on points. There were four teams in their sights and two had to be overtaken. On the penultimate weekend of the season, West Brom went 2-0 up on the Bandits, before a stirring comeback gave the visitors a vital point, Cash’s late penalty earning a 2-2 draw. Port Vale blew a huge chance to guarantee their safety, losing at home to bottom club Everton, while Hull went down to Spurs. Newcastle and Derby met, the Geordies hammering their rivals 4-0 to move clear. With one game left, two relegation spots were still open. Hull sat 19th with 37 points, the Bandits 18th with 38, Derby ahead on goal difference with 38, Port Vale 39 and Newcastle 40. Hull had the easiest of the fixtures, playing bottom club Everton, but with no pair of clubs in the mix playing each other, no-one was guaranteed points. Meanwhile, the Bandits travelled to their great rivals Spurs knowing that victory would put them in with a great chance of survival. So it was a dagger to the heart when, after only four minutes, former Bandit star Tony Harris scored for Spurs, putting the Bandits firmly on the back foot. Mintus equalised before the half hour, but Spurs scored another just before half time to go into the break leading 2-1. Elsewhere, only Hull were leading, 1-0 at Everton, but Port Vale were a man down in a 1-1 scoreline at Villa, Derby were losing to Man Utd, and Newcastle were being held by Leeds. In the second half, Hull completed their 1-0 victory at Everton to finish the season on 40 points, while Villa took advantage of their one man advantage to defeat Port Vale 3-1 and see them finish on 39. Newcastle’s draw at Leeds saw them survive despite a last minute equaliser against them. Derby lost to Man Utd to finish with 38 points. Derby were down, but the only question was who would join them. If the Bandits lost, they would finish 19th. A draw would see them above Derby but behind Port Vale on goal difference and gone, but a win would propel them to safety. It was win or bust. And sadly, the result was bust. No amount of second half pressure could force a goal, and in the end Spurs held out quite comfortably, the Bandits not looking like scoring either of the two goals they required. Not only were they relegated, but Hull’s win saw them fall down to 19th on the final day. And that was it – the first relegation in their 55 year history, making Yates infamous around the club as the first man to take them down. And make no mistake about it, that is what he’s done – his transfer dealings have been abysmal. See you in the Championship. Honours: League Cup (2044, 2047, 2052) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Bandits report – Season summary 2006-07, English Conference South - 1st, FA Trophy - Winners 2007-08, English National Conference - 7th, FA Trophy - Final 2008-09, English National Conference – 7th 2009-10, English National Conference – 9th 2010-11, English National Conference – 6th 2011-12, English National Conference – 18th 2012-13, English National Conference – 5th 2013-14, English National Conference – 1st 2014-15, English League Two – 21st 2015-16, English League Two – 21st 2016-17, English League Two – 6th 2017-18, English League Two – 6th 2018-19, English League Two – 7th 2019-20, English League Two – 6th, Johnstone’s Paint Trophy – South Semi Final 2020-21, English League Two – 10th 2021-22, English League Two – 1st, Johnstone’s Paint Trophy - Final 2022-23, English League One – 13th, Johnstone’s Paint Trophy – South Semi Final 2023-24, English League One – 11th, League Cup – Final 2024-25, English League One – 11th, League Cup – Semi-Final 2025-26, English League One – 18th 2026-27, English League One – 17th 2027-28, English League One – 14th 2028-29, English League One – 20th 2029-30, English League One – 1st 2030-31, English Championship – 14th 2031-32, English Championship – 10th, League Cup – Final 2032-33, English Championship – 12th 2033-34, English Championship – 8th 2034-35, English Championship – 21st 2035-36, English Championship – 2nd 2036-37, English Premiership – 17th 2037-38, English Premiership – 12th 2038-39, English Premiership – 15th, FA Cup – Semi-Final 2039-40, English Premiership – 11th 2040-41, English Premiership – 14th 2041-42, English Premiership – 13th 2042-43, English Premiership – 11th 2043-44, English Premiership – 6th, League Cup – Winners 2044-45, English Premiership – 9th 2045-46, English Premiership – 3rd 2046-47, English Premiership – 2nd, League Cup – Winners 2047-48, English Premiership – 5th, League Cup – Final 2048-49, English Premiership – 5th, UEFA Cup – Semi-Final 2049-50, English Premiership – 11th, League Cup – Final 2050-51, English Premiership – 6th 2051-52, English Premiership – 9th, League Cup – Winners 2052-53, English Premiership – 3rd 2053-54, English Premiership – 5th, UEFA Cup – Semi-Final, FA Cup – Semi-Final 2054-55, English Premiership: - 6th 2055-56, English Premiership – 6th 2056-57 English Premiership: (Pos 14), P 38, W 13, D 9, L 16, F 61, A 60, GD +1, Pts 48 (Media Prediction: 4th) UEFA Cup: 1st Round FA Cup: 3rd Round League Cup: 4th Round 2057-58 English Premiership: (Pos 12), P 38, W 13, D 13, L 12, F 54, A 52, GD +2, Pts 52 (Media Prediction: 10th) FA Cup: 4th Round League Cup: 2nd Round 2058-59 English Premiership: (Pos 13), P 38, W 13, D 7, L 18, F 52, A 62, GD -10, Pts 46 (Media Prediction: 13th) FA Cup: Final League Cup: Quarter-Final 2059-60 English Premiership: (Pos 14), P 38, W 13, D 8, L 17, F 48, A 51, GD -3, Pts 47 (Media Prediction: 12th) FA Cup: 5th Round League Cup: 3rd Round 2060-61 English Premiership: (Pos 19), P 38, W 10, D 8, L 20, F 46, A 72, GD -26, Pts 38 (Media Prediction: 15th) League FA Cup: 5th Round League Cup: 3rd Round Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Bandits report - Best and Worst General Stats New records: Oldest Player – Liam Johnstone (38 years 282 weeks v West Ham) This season: Best player –Mintus, 7.35 Top scorer – Mintus, 15 Worst player – O’Keefe, 6.49 A special note to Messner and de Lange, who both played superbly up front when given rare chances. Both are moving on at the end of the season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Bandits report - First XI Summary GK: McParland (31, 173/173) – 7.16 LB: Sadar (31, 169/174) – 6.91 CB: de Zeeuw (31, 165/173) – 6.68 CB: Ricketts (29, 172/173) – 6.83 RB: Constable (28, 163/168) – 6.66 LM: Ramos (24, 171/188) – 6.75 CM: O’Keefe (27, 174/183) – 6.49 CM: Howarth (23, 163/178) – 6.47 RM: Gould (20, 168/184) – 6.55 ST: Mintus (20, 165/176) – 7.35 ST: Cash (24, 165/165) – 7.27 Average age – 26.2 (down from last year’s 28.0) Average CA – 168.0 (up from last year’s 165.1) Average rating – 6.83 (down from last year’s 7.12) The presence of Gould and Mintus in the first team reduces the average age, and the average CA of the first team actually goes up. But the performance levels have dropped sharply, falling 0.29 per player. The trouble is twofold – the first team aren’t playing well, and they have absolutely no backup. Gould, Mintus and Ramos are the bright prospects, but otherwise, there really isn’t a lot there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Bandits report – Outside the first XI Dropped: Thomas (CB): Now aging, left out in favour of de Zeeuw. Joel (RM): Youngster Gould and on loan Mitrev restrict his appearances. Peters (CM): The central midfielder wasn’t good enough, and has to wait for another chance. Messner (ST): Played superbly when allowed to but didn’t get many chances. Sold: Laiho (RB): Sold on after only one season. Diane (CM): A great player, but sold on despite still being perfectly capable of Premiership football. Rubio (ST): The legend departs, and shines in Italy. Prospects None – the youngsters are now in the first team. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Competitions - Other stats Germany beat Portugal in the European Championship final, while England failed at the group stage, allowing Robbie Way to take over. In other words, they’re screwed. As hosts of the 2062 World Cup, they do not need to qualify, however. Sheff Wed had the perfect chance to reclaim the Premiership, needing only a draw on the final day of the season, but lost to Chesterfield and handed Liverpool the title. Burnley continued their excellent few seasons, finishing third, while Derby and Everton went down with the Bandits. Liverpool claimed the double, beating Man Utd in the FA Cup final, while Sheff Wed had a trophy to take home, beating Aston Villa in the League Cup. Barcelona lifted the European Cup, a single goal being enough to defeat Benfica, Bayern Munich won the UEFA Cup, beating Roma, while holders Burnley broke the record for unbeaten matches, not losing in 23 games until going down to Marseille. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 Summary After 25 years in the Premiership, the Bandits have finally been relegated without winning the big one. Within a goal of becoming champions years ago, their run in the league is over, and mainly thanks to some abysmal management. Yates is still manager, and has to go if the club are ever going to recover. To add to the feeling that the transfer dealings were to blame, some of those that have been let go have shone this season. Not only did Tony Harris score a critical goal on the final day of the season, but former striker Tom Barton won World Player of the Year. Former Bandit keeper Jami Priha (a Bandit ten years ago) also won European Goalkeeper of the Year, while Roma’s Harry Harper, a product of the Bandits youth team, came second in European Midfielder of the Year. There are only a couple of decent young players left, but perhaps at this stage that doesn’t matter – anyone with serious talent would leave now anyway. The task is to get rid of Yates, and bring in someone who can create a new squad. He’ll need to – already Messner and de Lange are leaving, and it’s not as if they have a big squad. It’s back to the Championship. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kipfizh Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 World View - World beaters (by CA) Juan Carlos Gimenez (Lyon/Argentina, 24, 199/199, Midfielder: 75.92%), remains top for the second season, retaining his massive ability of 199. He doesn’t actually play that spectacularly this season, but he’s not exactly bad, is he? Juan Carlos Gimenez Nenad Mijatovic (Milan/Serbia, 26, 199/199, Centre Back: 76.01%), joins Gimenez at the top of the list as he gains the last two points of his potential. A true successor to Carlo Lupo in the heart of Milan’s defence, he is incredibly difficult to get past. Nenad Mijatovic Roberio (Marseille/Brazil, 27, 198/198, Winger: 78.43%), stays at his peak for the second year in a row, and continues to destroy the French league with skilful wing play, chipping in with a healthy twelve goals. Roberio Ismael Romero (Inter/Colombia, 30, 190/190, Goalkeeper: 75.42%), remains on the list for the second season, with his ability as its peak. He continues to shine in goal for Inter. Ismael Romero Mathieu Adam’s CA falls from 192 to 187. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest roberto922 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Oh good god That man HAS to be sacked. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrientMartin Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Oh dear, how can a team with such great resources be in the championship!! If we'd kept Rubio, we'd have stayed up. Yates is now the officially most hated man in... Banditville, he's certainly on my "deathlist." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sazchu Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 That's awful, i think there will be nothing great until a new board, which could be a long time away, and a proper board is needed, or if we get lucky the horrible board can hire a proper manager who takes the bandits where they belong and where they have been, top flight battle and european competition. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
weelillad Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 I would shoot the board before I shoot the manager. And it would be such a farce if Way wins the World Cup with England. And kipfizh is back! Hooray! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
blowcrapup Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 If Yates stays we won't come back up next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Lambs Posted October 18, 2008 Share Posted October 18, 2008 Wowsers and exciting if ultimately disappointing season. Based on our reputation we must be favourites to bounce right back, but with Captain Craptastic as manager, even that must be in doubt. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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