AI Experiment - what would happen if?

[kipfizh]

Bandits squad

General

Stats

Finance Overview

Interested Players

Not a lot of change there – will anything improve?

Top 20 in Squad (sorted by CA)

Name, Pos, Age, CA-PA

Savage, DC, 23, 123-134 (+4)

Kinch, ST, 26, 119-119 (0)

MacDonald, MRLC, 27, 117-117 (0)

Atkinson, GK, 25, 116-116 (0)

Mills, DC, 23, 113-113 (+3)

Bennett, DR, 24, 112-112 (+3)

Hinds, AML, 25, 110-110 (0)

Barker, DRC, 33, 108-130 (0)

Liversidge, D/AM L, 26, 107-109 (+1)

Bloomfield, AM RC, 25, 107-108 (-1)

Law, GK, 20, 102-115 (+1)

Hendry, MC, 29, 101-101 (0)

Bryant, ST, 20, 100-113 (+9)

Wells, ST, 25, 97-97 (0)

Boyce, D/WB/M R, 18, 94-107 (+12)

Booth, DM, 20, 92-108 (+5)

Saunders, GK, 19, 90-101 (+3)

Cornwall, WB/AM R, 18, 89-113 – new entry in top 20, youth from last season

Riley, DC, 29, 85-100 (-3)

Kelly, AML, 22, 85-91 (+6)

Players in last season’s top 20 who have left the club:

Jewell, DC, DM, 19, 105-134

Grant, AM RC, FC, 19, 90-104

Players in last season’s top 20 who have dropped out of the top 20:

None

This looks no better than last season, with many of the top players at their peak, and Jewell, who was a fine prospect, leaving.

CA of X or above:

190 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

180 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

170 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

160 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

150 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

140 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

130 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

120 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1

110 : 0, 2, 2, 3, 2, 6, 7

100 : 2, 4, 7, 7, 6, 13, 13

90 : 7, 11, 10, 9, 10, 16, 17

80 : 13, 14, 13, 13, 16, 21, 21

70 : 19, 22, 21, 20, 22, 27, 25

60 : 26, 26, 25, 23, 24, 32, 30

50 : 30, 31, 31, 26, 26, 35, 33

The Bandits now have their first player over 120AI, but other than that, very little has changed.

My shortlist of 24 players now looks like this:

Shortlist

[kipfizh]

Ten seasons in

So, we're ten seasons into this experiment, and with all of the players turning 27 this summer, their careers are probably past the halfway mark. So where are we?

The Bandits

The progression is there to see, but it's slow. They made the most of their year with the stars, reaching the Conference, but then took seven seasons to make another step up. Two seasons into their league status, they aren't making headway.

They seem unambitious, but then both the chairman and the top managers they've had reflect that, so it is perhaps not an AI problem. That said, the level of players interested in them has been a little disappointing given their financial setup. But now, ten years in, do they even look that appealing? They don't spend anything, after all.

The Good Players

The players are now in the peaks of their careers, and should enjoy much success over the next season or four. There's been a few transfers, especially when a club becomes overloaded in one position, but they're all making names for themselves. Their loyalty is fantastic, but as you would expect, even that didn't stop a couple leaving Man Utd when they got relegated.

The Bad Players

They've caused a lot of trouble, but I can only see that getting worse. Why? Well, at some point they'll lose ability, but retain their reputation. That's a dangerous combination for someone with a big ego. Watch this space.

England

They concede on average one goal every two years, and in a major tournament, but still haven't won the Euros. With a squad packed full of stars at their peak, they should hammer anyone now.

[kipfizh]

An accidental experiment?

During this season, I've come to realise that another major AI obstacle is coming up, especially for the big clubs.

Quite simply, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and (to a lesser extent now), Man Utd are enormously reliant on their superstars. But crucially, all of those stars are the same age, so all of them will fade at the same time (mostly).

Let's look at where the players are:

Chelsea: 10 superstars

Arsenal: 4 superstars

Liverpool: 3 superstars

Man Utd: 2 superstars

Milan: 1 superstar

Tottenham: 1 superstar + 1 idiot

Leeds: 1 superstar

Fulham: 1 idiot

So, Chelsea have ten (outfield) superstars. That means that they aren't buying replacements for them, and even if they are buying squad players, those players aren't getting any experience.

Can you imagine the difficulty in replacing ten world beaters simultaneously, when no-one in the world is as good as any of them?

What will happen when those players all fade? Will the clubs that currently own them fall from grace spectacularly, or will they manage to muscle together a new team in double quick time?

[Kay-Ole]

Hmm, as great as this thread is, I think it would be even more interesting to make a Bandits team, where the CA was much lower, and the PA 200. Then they might keep the players, and they would develop as the time got up the divisions. Like this, it's more of a 'conference team with bunchloads of money'-project. Wich is still great fun to read, by the way!

[darrenwicks]

kipfizh - would you mind posting a screenshot of the all english league tables for last season. Premiership is there already, but could you add the Championship through to Conference as well?

(Interested in Man Utd & Hereford) Thanks.

[Samphus]

kipfizh - kudos to your experiment it is a source of great interest to myself as it has developed. I wondered whether you had examined the top teams in the Premiership (including Man Utd) to assess their youth/ younger player development against this AI problem of replacing their fading stars.

[cufcste]

Brillaint thread - i hope you keep it going and dont lost interest!

[mark johnson]

cracking thread and has inspired me to start playing the game again after a 3 week absence.

keep it up tho, i need somthing to read at work

[TheoWalcott89]

kipfizh, great thread. I only saw it today so i had some catching up to do, but its pure genius.

By the way, i may have missed this, but who's their manager?

[Abs_UK]

Great update..

Can you tell me have Man Utd been Promoted again??

[TheoWalcott89]

Man Utd comfortably win the Championship and return up the leagues.

yes they did

[DS]

The only question that remains over the good players is can goalkeeper 1 make CA of 200. It will be difficult now that he is 27. I think he will make it only because he is a goalkeeper and they develop till later on in there careers. If he was an outfield player I would believe he would go up to 199 but never make 200. My prediction is he will make 199 at the end of next season and then 200 in the following season.

Originally posted by TheoWalcott89:

kipfizh, great thread. I only saw it today so i had some catching up to do, but its pure genius.

By the way, i may have missed this, but who's their manager?

They started with a crap manager and they sacked him and appointed another crap manager. I believe the main reason they arnt signing good player is because of the manager and thats why kipfizh is planing on doing another experiment with a good manager instead of a crap one to see if it is because of the manager.

Also something i just realised today...staff can have a CA of over 200...

[mark johnson]

its been a long time since i sat in wait at work for a new update

[Jimbokav1971]

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

[HunterKiller]

^ ^

WHS

[Skiddaw]

Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

excellent idea

[matt_lfc_matt]

Originally posted by Jimbokav1971:

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Hall of fame.

Great idea!!

[Weden]

Don't jinx it!

[kipfizh]

Bit early for that, we're only ten years into a loooooong test

Want to know where the Bandits are in 2060? I do.

More updates after the weekend, I won't be around until Sunday, sorry to keep you waiting!

[Weden]

Originally posted by kipfizh:

Want to know where the Bandits are in 2060?

Retired?

[Deyong]

kipfizh, what a great experiment and great read, very good idea and really interesting to read..

on my game i have noticed that the big four will buy wonder kids to replace their ageing stars, surprised yours hasn't, although maybe the injection of 22 wonder kids has put all the others to other teams around the world.

i also feel coaching plays a HUGE part in a players progress..

my only other comment would be, if i were a chairman and injected £25m into a club, i wouldn't be sitting back with no ambition woud I !

[waz_nufc_awk]

aargghh

seems like ages since kipfizh did an update.

am starting to get withdrawal symptoms....

[LovejoyIsALegend]

What a read kipfizh, amazing. I give you a very, very big well done mate!

[grep]

Gorgeous beta tester job indeed !!!!!!

Really well done

[njligernj]

Fascinating idea ... great posts. However I'm a little worried that without a more ambitious chairman and/or manager we won't see the full potential. I'm really curious if it's merely the unambitious people running the club causing the lack of progress or the AI doesn't "realize" it has a chance to progress the club.

[timpino]

I have an idea to why some of the teams with the superstars namely chelsea are doing bad, you gave them an ambition of 1, which means they don't really care if they win their league...

Also remember the idiot who stayed on his contract after saying he wanted to leave the club etc. and his contract ran out and he stayed on it playing utter crap, this might be the game's way of showing he is really just a money-hog and gaining a huge salary while just walking around on the pitch might have suited him fine

Love to see how 2060 will be like, your players will probably have regens by then or maybe regens of regens also I think you should have put the chairman @ 1 for patience and 20 for interference since it will make the chairman sack the coach and maybe even bring in players!

[Titicamara]

Good read. Keep it up.

[kipfizh]

Season 2016-17

Club report

2006-07

English Conference South: (Pos 1), P 42, W 30, D 6, L 6, F 82, A 29, GD +53, Pts 96

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: Winners

2007-08

English National Conference: (Pos 7), P 46, W 22, D 8, L 16, F 68, A 55, GD +13, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: Finalist

2008-09

English National Conference: (Pos 7), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 73, A 65, GD +8, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 17th)

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

FA Trophy: 1st Round

2009-10

English National Conference: (Pos 9), P 46, W 19, D 12, L 15, F 58, A 57, GD +1, Pts 69

(Media Prediction: 10th)

FA Cup: 4th Qualifying Round

FA Trophy: 3rd Round

2010-11

English National Conference: (Pos 6), P 46, W 21, D 10, L 15, F 75, A 55, GD +20, Pts 73

(Media Prediction: 12th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2011-12

English National Conference: (Pos 18), P 46, W 16, D 9, L 21, F 59, A 66, GD -7, Pts 57

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 3rd Round

2012-13

English National Conference: (Pos 5), P 46, W 21, D 11, L 14, F 67, A 52, GD +15, Pts 74

(Media Prediction: 16th)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2013-14

English National Conference: (Pos 1), P 46, W 20, D 18, L 8, F 68, A 46, GD +22, Pts 78

(Media Prediction: 8th)

FA Cup: 1st Round

FA Trophy: 4th Round

2014-15

English League Two: (Pos 21), P 46, W 12, D 15, L 19, F 60, A 69, GD -9, Pts 51

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: 1st Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy: South Quarter Final

2015-16

English League Two: (Pos 21), P 46, W 14, D 10, L 22, F 56, A 73, GD -17, Pts 52

(Media Prediction: 23rd)

FA Cup: 2nd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

2016-17

English League Two: (Pos 6), P 46, W 17, D 16, L 13, F 64, A 51, GD 13, Pts 67

(Media Prediction: 24th)

League

FA Cup: 3rd Round

League Cup: 1st Round

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy: South 2nd Round

Without signing a single player in the summer other than the usual youth squad promotions, the Bandits went on a storming run to rise fifteen places in the league, confounding the media’s prediction that they’d sit rock bottom when all was said and done.

In the playoffs, they were a minute away from reaching the final, before Exeter came back, but sixth is a superb achievement for the Bandits.

In the cups, they reached the FA Cup 3rd round and got the home draw against Premiership opposition that all clubs want. West Brom came out on top, 3-1. In the League Cup, they quite bizarrely gone drawn against Portsmouth in the first round for the third year running, and like the two previous years, lost. No progress n the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy either.

There is a slight worry though. This season is bound to raise the expectations around the board and fans, and unless the squad is strengthened, this season could be exposed as a fluke, and this could endanger the manager’s position. Will that happen?

[kipfizh]

Good player reports

Goalkeeper 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 47, Conc 29, Cln 15, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.66

2007-08, Bandits, CA 166: Apps 49, Conc 56, Cln 12, MoM 6, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.51

2008-09, Bandits, CA 178: Apps 32, Conc 38, Cln 6, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.28

Transfers to Blackburn for 650k

2008-09, Blackburn, CA 178: Apps 14, Conc 16, Cln 4, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2009-10, Blackburn, CA 184: Apps 41 (1), Conc 45, Cln 13, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.38

2010-11, Blackburn, CA 189: Apps 32, Conc 48, Cln 5, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2011-12, Blackburn, CA 192: Apps 43, Conc 62, Cln 7, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2012-13, Blackburn, CA 194: Apps 45, Conc 65, Cln 9, MoM 4, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.58

Transfers to Arsenal for 27m

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 196: Apps 56, Conc 70, Cln 18, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 197: Apps 43, Conc 34, Cln 19, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.74

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 198: Apps 33, Conc 30, Cln 13, MoM 4, YC 0, RC 1, Avg 7.61

2016-17, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 40, Conc 49, Cln 10, MoM 0, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.38

Notes: Plays solidly again, but still cannot reach the magic 200 CA mark – wull he ever? Arsenal finish third after another good season, but once again he wins no club medal. Reaches 36 caps. Third in European Goalkeeper of the Year.

Goalkeeper 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 10 (4), Conc 6, Cln 8, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.93

Transfers to Leeds for 675k

2007-08, Leeds, CA 167: Apps 43, Conc 45, Cln 12, MoM 7, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2008-09, Leeds, CA 181: Apps 35, Conc 45, Cln 4, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.26

2009-10, Leeds, CA 189: Apps 42, Conc 51, Cln 8, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2010-11, Leeds, CA 191: Apps 37, Conc 41, Cln 8, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2011-12, Leeds, CA 195: Apps 57, Conc 68, Cln 17, MoM 10, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2012-13, Leeds, CA 196: Apps 51, Conc 77, Cln 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.27

2013-14, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 39, Conc 52, Cln 7, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2014-15, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 59, Conc 72, Cln 14, MoM 8, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2015-16, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 40, Conc 45, Cln 10, MoM 8, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2016-17, Leeds, CA 200: Apps 56 (2), Conc 64, Cln 17, MoM 10, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.60

Notes: Reaches 63 caps after an excellent season between the sticks. But Leeds fade in their attempts to retain the league, finishing a distant eighth. Second in European Goalkeeper of the Year.

Left Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 9 (5), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.14

Transfers to Tottenham on a free

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 165: Apps 42, Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 175: Apps 40, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2009-10, Tottenham, CA 187: Apps 45, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.11

2010-11, Tottenham, CA 194: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.35

2011-12, Tottenham, CA 197: Apps 39, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2012-13, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 42, Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2013-14, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 35, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2014-15, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 1, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2015-16, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 43, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2016-17, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 43, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.28

Notes: Reaches 48 caps with two goals as Tottenham raise their game to finish fourth.

Left Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 153: Apps 51 (1), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Transfers to Liverpool for 40k

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 165: Apps 40 (1), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 6.73

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 179: Apps 50, Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.30

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 183: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.38

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 192: Apps 53, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.47

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 198: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 7, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.23

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 8, RC 2, Avg 7.29

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.84

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2015-16, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 56, Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.41

2016-17, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 45, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.29

Notes: Liverpool’s slide down the league is spectacular, as they fall to thirteenth, despite a decent season from the player, who moves on to 34 caps without scoring. Third in European Defender of the Year.

Right Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 154: Apps 4, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 8.00

Transfers to Newcastle for 400k

2007-08, Newcastle, CA 165: Apps 39, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.18

2008-09, Newcastle, CA 181: Apps 46, Gls 1, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.28

2009-10, Newcastle, CA 187: Apps 3, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Chelsea for 27.5m

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.27

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.39

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 60, Gls 1, Asts 9, MoM 2, YC 8, RC 1, Avg 7.55

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.12

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 8, RC 2, Avg 7.26

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.56

Notes: Has a fantastic season and reaches 49 caps with one goal. Chelsea return to the summit of English football, winning the Premiership and Champions League.

Right Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 155: Apps 50, Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.70

Transfers to Liverpool for 24k

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 166: Apps 29 (8), Gls 1, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.03

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 178: Apps 51 (1), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.15

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 188: Apps 49 (1), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.34

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 195: Apps 54 (1), Gls 1, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 52 (1), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.38

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 6, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.54

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.47

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 57, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

2015-16, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 51 (1), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.56

2016-17, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 42, Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.33

Notes: Has another good season but Liverpool flounder to 13th. Reaches 37 caps with one goal. Second in European Defender of the Year.

Centre Back 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 17 (6), Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.57

Transfers to Tottenham on a free

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 166: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 181: Apps 41, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.22

Transfers to Milan on a free

2009-10, Milan, CA 187: Apps 31, Gls 4, Asts 5, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.32

2010-11, Milan, CA 192: Apps 52, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.25

2011-12, Milan, CA 196: Apps 46, Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 4, Avg 7.48

2012-13, Milan, CA 200: Apps 35, Gls 10, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 9, RC 2, Avg 7.46

2013-14, Milan, CA 200: Apps 41, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 5, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.44

2014-15, Milan, CA 200: Apps 38, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2015-16, Milan, CA 200: Apps 40, Gls 9, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.43

2016-17, Milan, CA 200: Apps 44, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 12, RC 0, Avg 7.70

Notes: Has the best season of his career but runs foul of the referee more than once. Reaches 65 caps with one goal and dominates the England defence. European Defender of the Year, and World Footballer of the Year.

Centre Back 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 3 (5), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.25

Transfers to Arsenal on a free

2007-08, Arsenal, CA 166: Apps 49, Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.02

2008-09, Arsenal, CA 177: Apps 52, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.19

2009-10, Arsenal, CA 184: Apps 51, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 6.98

2010-11, Arsenal, CA 190: Apps 49, Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.02

2011-12, Arsenal, CA 194: Apps 53, Gls 3, Asts 5, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.34

2012-13, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 49, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 2, Avg 7.33

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 11, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.71

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 5, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2016-17, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 52, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 8, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Notes: Continues to play superbly well, and reaches 39 caps with two goals.

Centre Back 3

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 49 (3), Gls 0, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.77

Transfers to Chelsea for 55k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 166: Apps 23 (12), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.89

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 20 (6), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.96

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 22 (9), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 39 (3), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.40

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 41 (3), Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.61

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 51 (2), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.47

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 42 (6), Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.17

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 47 (3), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.54

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 36 (2), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.16

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.44

Notes: Has a much improved season and wins the Premiership and Champions League. Reaches 39 caps with four goals.

Centre Back 4

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 45 (1), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.80

Transfers to Chelsea for 28k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 32 (4), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.14

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 28 (4), Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.84

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 32 (4), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 23 (11), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53 (1), Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 10, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.62

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (1), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (2), Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 50 (2), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 4, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.46

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 52, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.50

Notes: After another excellent season, wins the Premiership and Champions League, but only plays one game for England, reaching 30 games with one goal.

Left Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 13, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.15

Transfers to Man Utd for 170k

2007-08, Man Utd, CA 165: Apps 39 (3), Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.19

Transfers to Chelsea for 10.5m

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 180: Apps 48, Gls 7, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 6.73

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 48, Gls 4, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.08

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 192: Apps 45, Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.16

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 53 (2), Gls 9, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.45

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 56, Gls 8, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.48

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53 (1), Gls 12, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.57

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 46 (3), Gls 9, Asts 5, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 8, Asts 8, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.74

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 57, Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Notes: Continues to play superbly for club and country, reaching a massive 72 caps with an impressive 15 goals, and winning both the Premiership and Champions League. World Player of the Year.

Left Mid 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 44, Gls 11, Asts 9, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.61

Transfers to Portsmouth for 300k

2007-08, Portsmouth, CA 165: Apps 40, Gls 7, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.28

2008-09, Portsmouth, CA 180: Apps 48, Gls 6, Asts 9, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.52

Transfers to Man Utd for 11.5m

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 185: Apps 57, Gls 15, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.42

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 190: Apps 51, Gls 10, Asts 7, MoM 6, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2011-12, Man Utd, CA 196: Apps 50, Gls 7, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 50, Gls 8, Asts 12, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.72

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 37, Gls 11, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.68

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 8, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2015-16, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 43, Gls 10, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.60

2016-17, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 40, Gls 5, Asts 8, MoM 6, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.88

Notes: With Man Utd returning to the Premiership, he steps up his game and has the best season of his career, although his club still struggle to 14th. Reaches 36 caps with 11 goals. Comes third in World Footballer of the Year.

Right Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 17 (19), Gls 6, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Chelsea on a free

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 12 (17), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.66

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 178: Apps 11 (11), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.45

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 15 (18), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 21 (19), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 43 (8), Gls 12, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 2, RC 2, Avg 7.47

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54 (1), Gls 8, Asts 7, MoM 7, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 60 (1), Gls 8, Asts 12, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.75

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 11, Asts 11, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 9, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 56, Gls 11, Asts 8, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.57

Notes: Wins the Premiership and Champions League while playing superbly well, and makes it to 59 caps with 12 goals. Comes second in World Player of the Year.

Right Mid 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 40 (1), Gls 9, Asts 8, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

Transfers to Chelsea for 20k

Loaned to Rangers

2007-08, Rangers, CA 166: Apps 49 (1), Gls 17, Asts 12, MoM 11, YC 16, RC 0, Avg 7.72

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 8 (13), Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.67

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 182: Apps 12 (4), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.75

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 12 (5), Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 20 (16), Gls 7, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 0 (1), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Arsenal in a part-exchange, him and 29m for Fabregas

2012-13, Arsenal, CA 198: Apps 49, Gls 14, Asts 10, MoM 10, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.76

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 4, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.40

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 17, Asts 2, MoM 7, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.53

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 14, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.59

2016-17, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 13, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.49

Notes: Continues to make the most of his move across London, playing regularly, and very well for Arsenal. Moves on to 23 caps with four goals. Comes second in European Midfielder of the Year.

Centre Mid 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 18, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.17

Transfers to Man Utd for 675k

2007-08, Man Utd, CA 159: Apps 33 (5), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 6.55

2008-09, Man Utd, CA 173: Apps 10 (9), Gls 3, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.53

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 181: Apps 27 (13), Gls 6, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 191: Apps 18 (12), Gls 6, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2011-12, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 8 (23), Gls 5, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.06

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 20 (16), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.14

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 9 (16), Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 1, Avg 7.08

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 7 (15), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.05

Transfers to Arsenal for 27m

2015-16, Arsenal, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 3, Asts 10, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.43

2016-17, Arsenal, CA 196: Apps 49, Gls 7, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.69

Notes: Continues to play wonderfully well having made his move to London, and has his best season so far. Reaches eighteen caps with three goals, but interestingly, his CA drops by four to 196, to indicate that at nearly 28, his decline may have begun.

Centre Mid 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 2, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Portsmouth on a free

2007-08, Portsmouth, CA 165: Apps 47, Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 5, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.21

Transfers to Man Utd for 11.25m[/b}

2008-09, Man Utd, CA 180: Apps 33 (5), Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.82

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 184: Apps 50 (2), Gls 11, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.58

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 189: Apps 45 (5), Gls 12, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.52

2011-12, Man Utd, CA 193: Apps 47 (1), Gls 5, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.46

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 43 (4), Gls 14, Asts 5, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.51

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 46 (1), Gls 16, Asts 5, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.68

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 46 (1), Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.49

Transfers to Chelsea for 47.5m

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 34 (16), Gls 4, Asts 6, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.26

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 54, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 6, YC 6, RC 2, Avg 7.46

Notes: Has another excellent season, reaching 47 caps with five goals, and wins the Premiership and Champions League. Retains his CA of 200, unlike other central midfielders. Comes third in World Player of the Year.

Centre Mid 3

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 40 (1), Gls 2, Asts 6, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.41

2007-08, Bandits, CA 165: Apps 53, Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 8, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.45

Transfers to Man Utd for 975k[/b]

2008-09, Man Utd, CA 180: Apps 41 (2), Gls 8, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2009-10, Man Utd, CA 186: Apps 36, Gls 6, Asts 5, MoM 9, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.75

2010-11, Man Utd, CA 194: Apps 43 (7), Gls 10, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.52

2011-12, Man Utd CA 200: Apps 47 (1), Gls 12, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2012-13, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 45 (3), Gls 10, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.31

2013-14, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 45 (2), Gls 6, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.36

2014-15, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 44, Gls 3, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.43

2015-16, Man Utd, CA 200: Apps 50, Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.54

2016-17, Man Utd, CA 196: Apps 36, Gls 0, Asts 6, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.31

Notes: Returns to the Premiership with Man Utd and stands up to the test well, although they are no longer a big club. Reaches 66 caps with four goals, but already his CA has started to drop.

Centre Mid 4

2006-07, Bandits, CA 152: Apps 54 (1), Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.53

Transfers to Chelsea for 1.4m

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 42 (2), Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.77

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 176: Apps 20 (10), Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.73

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 187: Apps 35 (5), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.14

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 50 (1), Gls 2, Asts 5, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.24

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 57, Gls 3, Asts 11, MoM 3, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 7.54

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 57, Gls 3, Asts 8, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 44, Gls 7, Asts 5, MoM 1, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.34

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 6, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.47

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 51 (3), Gls 1, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 8, RC 1, Avg 7.43

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 191: Apps 37 (6), Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.26

Notes: A successful season sees him win the Premiership and Champions League, while reaching 43 caps and three goals. On the down side, however, his CA is dropping alarmingly fast for someone yet to turn 28. Injuries have not played a part.

Striker 1

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 3 (32), Gls 7, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.91

Transfers to Chelsea on a free

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 36 (4), Gls 21, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.28

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 23 (9), Gls 18, Asts 2, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.31

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 11 (13), Gls 8, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 193: Apps 32 (4), Gls 21, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.56

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 39 (7), Gls 21, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.61

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 43 (5), Gls 27, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 44 (6), Gls 26, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.62

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 33 (7), Gls 21, Asts 1, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.63

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 41 (6), Gls 25, Asts 3, MoM 4, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.55

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 34 (6), Gls 25, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.55

Notes: Continues his excellent record for club and country, winning the Premiership and Champions League, and having a prolific season for England, reaching 60 goals in 63 caps.

Striker 2

2006-07, Bandits, CA 151: Apps 55, Gls 37, Asts 3, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 8.11

Transfers to Chelsea for 100k

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 26 (7), Gls 20, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.15

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 179: Apps 22, Gls 13, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.55

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 184: Apps 52 (1), Gls 31, Asts 3, MoM 9, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.89

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 188: Apps 52 (1), Gls 31, Asts 4, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.83

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 54, Gls 34, Asts 5, MoM 10, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.98

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 31, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.76

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 60, Gls 35, Asts 5, MoM 9, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.88

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 50, Gls 28, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.92

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 53 (1), Gls 31, Asts 3, MoM 8, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.98

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 195: Apps 36 (1), Gls 17, Asts 3, MoM 5, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.84

Notes: Has another excellent season and wins both the Premiership and Champions League, while reaching 55 goals in 72 caps. CA starts to drop though. Comes third in European Striker of the Year.

Striker 3

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 1 (25), Gls 2, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.58

Transfers to Chelsea on a free

Loaned to Sheff Utd

2007-08, Sheff Utd, CA 165: Apps 30, Gls 20, Asts 3, MoM 8, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.77

2007-08, Chelsea, CA 165: Apps 3, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2008-09, Chelsea, CA 181: Apps 26 (5), Gls 17, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 185: Apps 28 (8), Gls 17, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.61

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 190: Apps 6 (12), Gls 5, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 196: Apps 30 (9), Gls 22, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.44

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 21 (15), Gls 17, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.22

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 14 (5), Gls 13, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.79

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 22 (7), Gls 16, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.48

2015-16, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 22 (13), Gls 14, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.23

2016-17, Chelsea, CA 200: Apps 35 (9), Gls 22, Asts 3, MoM 4, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.55

Notes: Reaches 14 goals in 35 caps but is still a reserve for his country. Plays more for his club though, and wins the Premiership, while staying on the bench for the Champions League triumph. Comes second in World Footballer of the Year.

Striker 4

2006-07, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 55 (2), Gls 31, Asts 2, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.91

2007-08, Bandits, CA 166: Apps 2, Gls 4, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 9.00

Transfers to Liverpool on a free

2007-08, Liverpool, CA 166: Apps 46 (1), Gls 23, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.34

2008-09, Liverpool, CA 180: Apps 52, Gls 26, Asts 0, MoM 6, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 190: Apps 45, Gls 25, Asts 1, MoM 11, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.87

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 194: Apps 53, Gls 31, Asts 2, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.83

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 58, Gls 42, Asts 5, MoM 14, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 8.07

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 55, Gls 33, Asts 4, MoM 11, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.85

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 49, Gls 37, Asts 1, MoM 14, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 8.22

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 51, Gls 33, Asts 3, MoM 11, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.88

2015-16, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 33, Asts 1, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.96

2016-17, Liverpool, CA 200: Apps 46, Gls 27, Asts 0, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.76

Notes: Has another terrific season but Liverpool stumble badly. Has a prolific season internationally too, reaching 46 goals in 58 caps, eleven in ten this season. Second in European Striker of the Year, and second in European Footballer of the Year.

[kipfizh]

Bad player reports

Idiot A

2006-07, Tottenham, CA 150: Apps 47, Gls 8, Asts 8, MoM 7, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 7.34

2007-08, Tottenham, CA 165: Apps 39, Gls 3, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 7.21

2008-09, Tottenham, CA 177: Apps 1, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Fiorentina for 13.25m

2008-09, Fiorentina, CA 177: Apps 34, Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.56

2009-10, Fiorentina, CA 184: Apps 37, Gls 6, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 4, Avg 7.41

2010-11, Fiorentina, CA 190: Apps 39, Gls 10, Asts 4, MoM 8, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.72

2011-12, Fiorentina, CA 197: Apps 7, Gls 3, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 8.14

2012-13, Fiorentina, CA 200: Apps 20, Gls 4, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.35

2013-14, Fiorentina, CA 200: Apps 16, Gls 3, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.56

Leaves Fiorentina on a free, joins Tottenham

2014-15, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 48, Gls 8, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.35

2015-16, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 40, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2016-17, Tottenham, CA 200: Apps 40 (3), Gls 6, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.30

Notes: Reaches 46 caps with his three goals, and has a decent season at Tottenham, But he skips training a couple of times and when he had a brief spell of not playing, pleaded for his place back.

He still has two years left on his contract but is very unhappy.

Idiot B

2006-07, Newcastle, CA 150: Apps 46, Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 3, Avg 7.30

Transfers to West Ham for 11.5m

2007-08, West Ham, CA 165: Apps 40, Gls 5, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.13

2008-09, West Ham, CA 177: Apps 42, Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 2, Avg 7.29

2009-10, West Ham, CA 185: Apps 49, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.35

2010-11, West Ham, CA 193: Apps 42 (2), Gls 4, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2011-12, West Ham, CA 197: Apps 32, Gls 5, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.22

2012-13, West Ham, CA 197: Apps 9 (2), Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.91

Released by West Ham, joins Fulham on a free

2012-13, Fulham, CA 197: Apps 28, Gls 3, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.57

2013-14, Fulham, CA 200: Apps 52, Gls 2, Asts 8, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 2, Avg 7.38

2014-15, Fulham, CA 200: Apps 30 (3), Gls 2, Asts 9, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 2, Avg 7.30

2015-16, Fulham, CA 200: Apps 23 (4), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.19

2016-17, Fulham, CA 199: Apps 7 (16), Gls 4, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.83

Notes: The good side is that he won five more caps to reach 47, with five goals, and that he becomes the first idiot to get personal recognition, coming third in European Midfielder of the Year.

The bad is that Mike Newell doesn’t appear to want him in the side, playing him only sporadically, his CA is dropping, and he’s incredibly unhappy. He pleads over and over again for his place back, now and then saying he’s bored of the surroundings, and that he must move on. He’ll get his chance this summer as his contract expires.

[kipfizh]

Other stats

England won the European Championships, and sit top of their World Cup qualifying group.

Chelsea returned to the top of the Premiership, with the fortunes of Liverpool and Man Utd still poor, finishing 13th and 14th respectively. Man Utd players were happy with this, though.

Premiership

Yeovil went one better than last season, beating QPR in the FA Cup, while Chelsea beat Cardiff in the League Cup final with a mostly second string side.

Chelsea’s amazing season continued, beating Barcelona in the Champions League final, while Villareal beat Leeds in the UEFA Cup final.

[kipfizh]

Summary

The Bandits had a wonderful season this year despite not bringing any fresh faces in – on the one hand this is encouraging, but on the other hand it raises expectations, and perhaps signings will be needed to meet them.

Chelsea have become dominant again, but much of this is down to the star Bandits players, who interestingly are already starting to decline. They all turn 28 this summer, but the central midfielders especially are already beginning to loss their stunning ability. Where will this decline take them and how dramatic will it be?

Man Utd were happy with 14th this season, which proves they aren’t a big club any more. Strange. Liverpool came only one place higher – times are changing.

So what will happen to the big clubs who rely on the stars, as they start to decline?

Justin Edinburgh’s Gillingham came mid table in League One.

[kipfizh]

Bandits squad

General

Stats

Finance Overview

Interested Players

There are plenty of players interested in joining now – will they be signed?

Top 20 in Squad (sorted by CA)

Name, Pos, Age, CA-PA

Savage, DC, 24, 128-134 (+5)

Kinch, ST, 27, 119-119 (0)

MacDonald, MRLC, 28, 116-117 (-1)

Atkinson, GK, 26, 116-116 (0)

Bennett, DR, 25, 112-112 (0)

Hinds, AML, 26, 110-110 (0)

Barker, DRC, 34, 109-130 (+1)

Bloomfield, AM RC, 26, 108-108 (+1)

Liversidge, D/AM L, 27, 107-109 (0)

Law, GK, 21, 106-115 (+4)

Bryant, ST, 21, 103-113 (+3)

Hendry, MC, 30, 101-101 (0)

Cornwall, WB/AM R, 19, 98-113 (+9)

Wells, ST, 26, 97-97 (0)

Saunders, GK, 20, 94-101 (+4)

Murphy, AM RC, FC, 19, 86-107 – new entry in top 20, youth from two seasons ago

Knox, D/M/WB R, 22, 85-88 – re-entry

Townsend, DC, 17, 82-116 – new entry in top 20, youth from last season

Hill, ST, 18, 71-74 – new entry in top 20, youth from last season

Carrick, D/AM R, 17, 69-158 – new entry in top 20, youth from this season

Players in last season’s top 20 who have left the club:

Mills, DC, 23, 113-113 (+3)

Boyce, D/WB/M R, 18, 94-107 (+12)

Booth, DM, 20, 92-108 (+5)

Riley, DC, 29, 85-100 (-3)

Kelly, AML, 22, 85-91 (+6)

Players in last season’s top 20 who have dropped out of the top 20:

None

Last season, the 20th player had 85 AI, now it is 69. That player has huge potential, but I don’t think this side is any better. Was this season a fluke?

CA of X or above:

190 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

180 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

170 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

160 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

150 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

140 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

130 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0

120 : 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1

110 : 0, 2, 2, 3, 2, 6, 7, 6

100 : 2, 4, 7, 7, 6, 13, 13, 12

90 : 7, 11, 10, 9, 10, 16, 17, 15

80 : 13, 14, 13, 13, 16, 21, 21, 18

70 : 19, 22, 21, 20, 22, 27, 25, 19

60 : 26, 26, 25, 23, 24, 32, 30, 24

50 : 30, 31, 31, 26, 26, 35, 33, 28

All round, this squad is worse than last season. The manager must now bring in players.

My shortlist of 24 players now looks like this:

Shortlist

The rich list looks as follows, with the Bandits 8th:

Rich Clubs

[foobar]

Kipfizh,

Any chance we could see the team information screen as well? I would like to see the club's reputation and possibly see how the favoured players list has evolved.

[timpino]

Being a barca fan and seing as this has gone a fair bit into the unknown, could you quickly check their squad and tell me if they have a solid lineup of spaniards?

[TPA]

This must be one of the most interesting threads on this forum and I have to admit I've gotten already quite addicted to it

Anyway, I think now this is getting even more interesting as the good players' CA has started to drop. What I'd like to see is that in some point some of them return to Bandits and if that'll give them a boost. After all, Bandits still are their favourite club, right? So I guess it would be quite expected that some of them return to the club.

Also it's interesting to see how many of them continue in football after their playing career is over. Will some them become a world-class manager? We'll see...

[nick...]

I predict Right Mid 1 will stay at 200 the longest. Some of these players may have been burnt out, from being exposed to too much first team football too soon...

[draganche78]

@ TPA,

I already mentioned earlier that it would be good to see some of the Bandits players to return to Bandits squad (it would be certainly helpful for them).

The problem is, in my opinion that will not happen unless Bandits get promoted to league one (not sure for league two).

[TPA]

Originally posted by draganche78:

The problem is, in my opinion that will not happen unless Bandits get promoted to league one (not sure for league two).

Well it's interesting to see. Does their low ambition mean they will retire later and play at lower level clubs? I think it's the more ambititious players that don't find it very rewarding to continue their careers very long after they have peaked.

[njligernj]

8th on the rich list and they still refuse to buy any players!?!?!? Good grief ... we need some ambition for the Bandits.

[stumostro]

In the playoffs, they were a minute away from reaching the final, before Exeter came back, but sixth is a superb achievement for the Bandits.

Come on Exeter!!!! Shame they couldn't both go up!

<br>

Excellent post though kipfizh

[Terry_M]

I'm loving this thread.

[Mike7077]

Maybe there should be an experiments board. I'm sure it would be popular. Great thread this. I only discovered it last night, took me a while but I've just gotten through it. My eyes hurt and my brain craves sleep but what a thread!

[Amaroq]

Congrats on 30,000 views, kipfizh ... still going strong!

[kipfizh]

30000? Crikey! Thanks for the support everyone!

I'll include more information in the currect season relating to the Bandits - including their club information screen. As ever, if there's some info you'd like to see evolve each season, let me know and I'll include it in the reports.

As for the Barcelona request - I'm not running the Spanish league in detail so examining them wouldn't tell us much.

The CA of the Bandits players is certainly dropping (I'm currently writing up another season, and some are dropping fast), so who knows, perhaps they'll end their careers where they started them. The Bandits are their favouorite clubs, and many of them like each other as well, so if one goes, others may follow. We'll see.

[timpino]

I was just wondering out of curiosity, in my games they tend to not have any or just 1 or 2 spaniards after a while in their first team that is...

How about rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo? have they started to end their carers?

Ronaldihno? still playing?

[grep]

SI are hiring ...you gave them one of the best curriculum ever seen

keep up the good work !!

cheers

[willyw]

Great effort mate, enjoyable read! keep em comin

[kpup275]

This thread is remarkable! Good thing I had some time on my hands yesterday because I read the whole thing and just couldn't seem to stop...

(I have never been happier for a FM team that is not mine than when I read that The Bandits beat Cambridge to get to League 2. Great stuff!!)

Keep up the good work kipfizh. This is truly world class reading!

[Abs_UK]

Great update again..

Kipfizh how many more seasons will you be running this for??