Strictly No Dancing?

[markyt]

Despite the potential bombshell delivered by Carolyn, Mark left their meeting in excellent spirits.

The M5 clear he raced the relative short distance to the WSM turn and then touring the town ring rounds maneuvered his way to Woodspring Park. As the car slowed to a halt in the director's car park, Mark grabbed his bag and after signing a couple of autograph books entered the foyer and found Emma poised waiting trying to look busy on the main reception desk. Her positioning almost uncanny as it was clear she had been watching for his arrival and completely flustered to the point too.

She looked nervous and it was obvious why.

Mark had told her the night before of his arranged meeting and the shock that Carolyn's name had clearly created, impacting still on Emma despite Mark's soothing words over the telephone that nothing would change between them.

With people about the two walked slowly down the corridor as if simply passing the time of day.

'Its ok, don't look so worried and I promise that tonight I will tell you everything and that there is nothing for you to worry about.

That ship has sailed and I'm not going to start swimming.'

With an hour or two already gone for the day there would be no opportunity to catch up with Emma until much later and although he had tried to put her mind at rest he was conscious that he would need to see her that night. Carolyn was not reappearing on the scene but contact between the two had been re-established and Emma should not see Carolyn as a threat to their building relationship. 'Relationship' now that was a huge word and in truth that was a word that best summed up how he was feeling towards her despite trying hard not to even go there. He loved being around her despite the complications that that would cause. There would be no going back now....

But he needed to focus and with Cardiff due in town there was still much work to be done. 20 minutes later and he was in the car and travelling speedily to the training ground. Jacobs, Atkins and Baronowski were all deep in training mode when he finally emerged in to Winter sunshine dressed for the occasion. The afternoon session would be all about Cardiff and how WSM would tackle the game. Only one change from the league Cup game and that enforced which saw Benyon replace Folan in attack. There was a cold nip in the air but for all of that Mark was glad to be out in the fresh air and in reality it was here that he came most alive barring a game itself.

Morale following the Charlton game was at an all time high and for the rest of the afternoon Mark forgot all about the goings on back at the ranch. He was calm, at peace and with the bigger picture and a plan of action developing in the background he would focus purely on the next game and then the next game and the next game after that.....

Carolyn's last statement perhaps said it all.

'Walker may hold the gun but that doesn't mean it can't be spiked. And spiked it is going to be sweetie...'

[markyt]

The Cardiff game on a cold damp Saturday afternoon was pretty much an anticlimax after the heady height of midweek.

Steve Walker had presented himself and a small entourage into the home team dressing room prior to kick off and any thing other than polite courtesy was given short shrift. Mark and Wayne Jacobs finalised the team talk making it abundantly clear that now was not the time to stand around and gawp. Walker tried to even throw in a few adrenalin chasing words but most fell on deaf ears as players concentrated and got into their pre game mindset. For those that heard the words a wry smile. Walker was a clown and butt clenching and patronizing buzz words were not required. The words just didn't sound right coming from his mouth.

From kick off WSM matched an improving Cardiff side stride for stride. With another sellout at 5500 WSM were willed on by a fervent crowd many of who considered Cardiff as a local derby. With that noise behind them WSM drove themselves forward prompted by excellent link up play from the midfield quartet who were for times simply excellent. Benyon delighted to be starting the match looked busy and determined to impact positively on the 90 minutes. McLeod a willing foil for WSM's favoured son probably guilty of missing the first chance or two that fell to the home side. But for all the neat and clever passing the final third remained a let down and at half time despite hitting the target purposefully with a handful of decent chances the score line remained at 0:0. To be fair to Cardiff they were also guilty of missing cast iron chances and with possession shared equally the game remained balanced on a knife edge.

Second half and Cardiff raced through their gear ratio and after smoothly powering into 5th gear it was WSM that suffered during a 15 minute spell when they simply couldn't keep the ball. By now Mark and Wayne Jacobs had entered themselves for the tandem weather presenting job waving winds in a westerly direction as they demanded changes to tactics and players to heed words of wisdom. Through the torrid 15 minutes McKeown ensured that the back line kept in unison and with the rain pouring down finally WSM emerged without seeing the net burst.

Kerr started the breakthrough collecting a goal line clearance and then threading a beautiful wall deep into the Cardiff half. Walker a second half sub chased hard and with fresh legs got to the ball before the centre half. One step over and an audacious chip saw him clip the bar. Mark had been on his feet the moment Walker smacked the ball goalwards. In truth he was just as much a voyeur as the Cardiff keeper who got no where near the ball. Both sides now settled into a rhythm that saw the game break down into fits and starts. Tiredness crept in and with it a loss of aptitude. The heavy turf was taking its toll. Mark made the final substitution on 80 minutes replacing McCann with Quinn. Bates had replaced Benyon on 72 minutes.

The game was up and Mark checked his watch and started to walk towards the opposition bench. Cardiff gave away a needless free kick right infront of him. It would be WSM's last chance. Lee Sawyer raced after the ball knowing that time was up. WSM amassed on the edge of the box awaiting the long free kick. Sawyer floated the ball up aimed for the penalty spot. White and blue shirts almost merged as the two sets of players battled to get to the ball. Caleb Folan got something on the ball and from amongst the melee Guy Bates hammered home and raced away in celebration. From silence Woodspring Park erupted in noise and Mark and the bench jumped up and down and joined the celebrations. The outpouring of success choked in the fans throats. Cardiff had been awarded a free kick for a push in the box. The goal had been disallowed and seconds later it was all over.

Mark waited for Mark Clattenburg to head down the tunnel before questioning the decision of the man in black. The two argued briefly before Mark was pulled away by Ed Baronowski. A draw was not the result Mark needed right now and the winless run in the league would continue....

Mark could picture a smiling Walker as he commiserated with his side. 'We were robbed of the win lads'

Cardiff - home

0:0

[markyt]

Rallying Cry!!!!!!!

With a week between fixtures Mark had given the players two full days off in preparation for the next home game against Stockport.

The impact of not being in the cups now gave Mark and the WSM some cold comfort perfect for the wintry weather that arrived unseasoningly early. 21st of November would effectively be their last game of the month and with a break chance to offer some rehabilitation time and rest. WSM would not return to a fixture until early December and Mark offered a simple bonus to the team.

Pick up three points and everyone gets 7 days holiday and with Stockport next to Woodspring Park the players worked hard together as a unit ensuring that the tactics demanded were ready for the weekend.

Stockport like WSM had been promoted to division one the season before and the similarities didn’t stop there. Stockport were in the top half of the table had started the season brightly but their form had dipped of late as the grinding amount of fixtures hurt their squad especially as injury clipped their wings. Injuries had ripped apart the side and now they had the longest list in the league. One name Mark was glad not to see available Adam Le Fondre. Le Fondre had torn WSM apart on previous encounters but now the lad was out for the season. One less worry.....

The only change to Mark’s side Benyon hit by a virus that saw him sent home to recuperate. Folan and McLeod were back in tandem and with both in a decent vein of form Mark was far from unhappy at the choice made. Scott Walker had impressed albeit in a cameo role (word up) and mark considered returning him to the left wing but Dave Buchanan deserved to start. Lee Sawyer was now growing in confidence in his less than familiar right back role had once again seen off the fine challenge from local lad Sam Bailey whilst both Walker and Bailey enhanced their professionalism by quietly waiting for their opportune moment to return.

WSM had struggled to contain Stockport on previous meetings but with the tactics changed and WSM going more direct from the first whistle for once it was the home side that dominated. Mark enthused at his teams performance had only words of delight for his charges. WSM were on fire and keen to banish the league demons that had haunted their recent performances and importantly results.

Two goals either side of the half time interval enough to break Stockport hearts. Both goals all part of the normal WSM repertoire with quick breaks from the flanks and a thundering Folan shot on 42 minutes and McLeod glancing home a McBride cross from 10 yards. WSM should have scored a hatful against the side known for his history of hat making.

But two goals were enough and with three changes to give players a run out late in the game Mark didn’t need to conjure any rabbits from the top hat in chasing or closing down the game. Stockport were beaten, well beaten to the point they offered very little resistance during the last 30 minutes or so. Rohan Rickett’s came on for 15 minutes and scared the life out of the Stockport right back. His pace on the left wing and an ability to ghost past his marker time and time again super stuff. Just a pity he couldn’t hit a cow’s back side when riding the damn thing as his crossing was woeful. Alan Quinn again quietly got on with his work and with rapier like precision found gaps with his range of passing. Stephen Anderson again showed in 10 minutes that he was getting to grips with the league and should have claimed a goal for his efforts.

WSM were as good as they had been for months and whilst the football wasn’t the prettiest it was effective, clinical and powerful.

Happy holidays and Mark himself took advantage of the time and dashed to Dubai for a family break and some well earned sunshine.

The sunshine made up for the cold shoulder from Emma at the thought of his rapid departure....

Stockport – home

2:0

WSM were now up to 7th in the table despite their recent run.

[markyt]

December 2009 - part one

Mark's review of the month ahead was pitched on three levels. Recent performance, progress across 7 games and Decembers review would see his pitch for the January transfer window.

In terms of recent performances whilst 7th was a fantastic position to be in before the winter fixture programme kicked in, WSM had wobbled and whilst still dangerously close to getting a nose bleed by being so high up in the division Mark rightly felt concerned at recent results. The quality of the opposition was much higher but so was his squad and whilst there was no way the WSM could steam roller teams every week now and again that looked a possibility but for the odd mistake, lack of quality when it mattered when in possession of the ball and despite goal scorers across the team an inability to kill sides with a ruthless streak was ever clear. Saying all of that key signing James Collins had yet to play a game and he would make a difference alongside McKeown.

For all of that Mark was happy with the shape of his squad and here was the problem. He felt that two signings could be the key to further success. Make that three according to scout Wyles. However of the three players Mark wanted to discuss only one would cost the club money and he would still remain well inside the wage budget for the year if all three were acquired. He was not yet convinced that money was available to him but after promises and Carolyn's words or warning he realistically considered something to be there. Not a lover of the January window he had previously not become involved in that market but with the potential opportunity of snaring Pitman there was no doubt he would not only place a toe in cold waters but dive in headlong......

The players:

Alan Morgan had been a hit during the summer during a trial period and was a mile better than Wilce and Gillan and despite several attempts to get the player to sign to the WSM cause, Morgan had remained convinced that he would get better offers. Now as December arrived that had not been the case. Morgan had contacted Mark directly and been big enough to ask for another deal despite the obvious embarrassment. Mark promised to get back to the lad sooner rather than later knowing that he was now first in the queue to acquire the player he had been disappointed to lose in the summer.

Lee Barnard was a player spotted by Wyles whilst trawling the countryside on the look out for potential signings.

In actual affect Mark had seen the player himself when catching a Chelsea reserve fixture early in the season. Not that Barnard had impressed. Former Tottenham trainee Barnard had hit the road and after a brief stay in the lower divisions after being released by the London club Barnard had been signed by Derby for 500k. After scoring 19 goals across one season he had found himself out of favour less than 15 months later and his contract terminated. He knew where the net was, had played at a higher level and proved that he could do so but now hawking his services around the country as he looked for an illusive club. The player had baggage that much was known and a belief that he should be on a bigger stage. Age was now against him as he was now in his mid 20's and possibly close to drifting out of the game.

Mark had no problem with ambition but having a look at a player first hand would cost nothing and if Wyles was convinced that Barnard could add to the mix then he wanted to look. A short term deal could suit both WSM and the player and if Barnard scored as prolifically in division one then Wyles belief would be returned with some payback.

As with regards to Pitman, Mark now ate and slept thoughts of the man. No disrespect to Benyon, Folan and McLeod but Pitman was the better long term bet, even though that hurt thinking thoughts of that nature especially where Benyon was concerned but Mark could see the Bournemouth player in an England shirt. That was how good he believed Pitman to be. If Bournemouth needed to sell then he wanted to at the very least have a go. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Mark launched into his sales pitch and both free options were waved through by Bliss.

No issue with either if Mark should secure them.

Pitman however was a problem and Bliss promised a response on monetary issues later in the month.

Bliss looked to have aged, lines creased his face and sleep deprivation at the very least impacting on the WSM chair. Bliss was far from himself and content with football business rather than his normal range of conversation. Bliss was under pressure and Mark needed no second guesses as to who or what were behind the WSM chairmans problems. Bliss would have to go cap in hand to Steve Walker if Pitman was to be chased. No decision on attempting to secure the player would be made before the turn of the year although Mark could see Walker making both of them sweat over that option.

Some good news came Mark's way from the equally subdued Gregan.

Compared to normal Gregan almost was there in body but not in spirit. He too looked troubled. By what actually Mark didn't care....

Bids for Cherno Samba and David Dunn had arrived and within minutes accepted.

Dunn would head north to Accrington for 30k not a bad return on a free signing and Samba off to Bournemouth with the same money, 20k, that WSM had spent on him acquiring the lad from Plymouth. Mark couldn't help wonder if that was a sure sign that Bournemouth were covering themselves just in case Pitman was on his bike very soon. As the supermarket slogan went - every little helps and 50k was at least a down payment.

[markyt]

December 2009 - part 2

Fixtures, fixtures and more fixtures were the final discussion point for the December board meeting. WSM were nicely positioned in 7th place in division one and 7 appeared again as the number of games to feature across the month. These included three tricky away league games against Blackpool, Carlisle and Colchester with equally testing home games featuring a local derby against Torquay backed up across the festive period with another derby game against Yeovil and then a cracking game finishing the programme Sheffield Wednesday. The Sheffield game would finally see the benefit of the expanded ground as the travelling support from the Yorkshire crowd would see the game reach a new ground record close to the 9000 mark and record gate receipts to match such a turn out most welcome.

One more game for WSM to mention and that the little game against Bolton at the Reebok in the qtr finals of the league cup with tv coverage boosting WSM earnings.

Despite the current league position which was better than most could ever have imagined WSM had hit a mini slump.

They could compete certainly at that level but time and time they would be undone against the supposed bigger clubs in the division and with suspension and injury impacting on the squad that slump could cost them a lot more than simply losing points. Mark knew that momentum had to be maintained and that knowledge meant that timely additions to his squad could make a huge difference come the end of the season. Three wins were the priority and as a minimum they had to come from the home games. Anything over and above that would be a bonus.

Three wins would keep WSM in the play off shake up well into the New Year. If the like of James Collins was then available to shore up a somewhat leaky defence then WSM might well have the team to drive on especially if Alan Morgan featured at left back. The WSM back four needed an experienced head or two and for all of the effort of McKeown and co experience at the higher level was a missing ingredient in Mark's side. Where would WSM be in the table if Collins had been available all season long?

The meeting quickly closed and Mark and Wyles spent the remainder of the morning contacting Morgan and Barnard.

Barnard agreed to a two week trial without hesitation and Morgan agreed to sign the same contract on offer back in July.

Morgan would need several weeks of intensive training but possibly an option for the Sheffield Wednesday game on the 29th of December.

Mark and Guy Wyles took advantage of a leisurely lunch and set in motion scouting plans for the next two months. Wyles chipped into the debate happily and confidently but the two were pretty much on the same wave length and the plan developed almost instantly.

Chelsea U18's would feature heavily in the scouting plan along with a greater focus on the better teams in the division. Mark had considered targeting the clubs at the bottom of the Championship especially those mired in a relegation battle. But that could wait. He wanted options for the summer. Of course he might be well past his sell by date at that point but at least he would be aware of the player options should he turn up at another club. Chelsea U18's was a rich picking ground and with his contacts and insider knowledge he would have every chance of adding to the growing number ex Chelsea players.

Lee Sawyer would eventually take over in midfield from the likes of Kerr and McCann. Right now getting Sawyer into the side regardless of position was a priority. He would however with games under his belt move into the centre of the park establishing himself probably for the long haul. James Gilpin another ex Chelsea man was now pressing hard for a place in goal.

Gilpin would be a fine long term acquisition but probably 12-14 months away from establishing himself as the No.1.

That wait would be worth it as Mark could see the youngster playing for the Scottish side and for a decade plus at that.

WSM if they could keep him would benefit from his outstanding ability with Gilpin earning points for the club just by pulling on the green jersey for the West Country side.

The music in the local restaurant was already well into the Christmas spirit. But Mark had too much on his mind to get into the festive mood. Guiding WSM through troubled waters, Emma and her problem with Carolyn and of course concern that Steve Walker was meddling in the back ground all consumed his waking thoughts. The football and the training ground the only place where he could free his mind and release the demons that were beginning to torture his soul.

Lunch was followed by 3 hours on the training ground and every minute a blessing in disguise.....

[markyt]

Tangerine dreams?

Forget the black and gold of Wolves. The iconic strip of the division was surely Blackpools.

Blackpool were the sleeping giant of the Football league and decent management teams had failed to wake them.

Whilst Mark was not old enough to remember their halcyon days he had been told the stories of their success, the Stanley Matthews Cup Final of 1953, a manager Joe Smith that remained at the club for 23 years through to the likes of legends Alan Ball and Jimmy Armfield.

Ball a world cup winner was a boyhood idol and the white boots and period at Southampton ingrained into Mark's football memory bank. Armfield had long been a voice of football via the likes of Radio 2 sport and of course latterly Five Live. Armfield was a one club man and Mark shared one honour with the Blackpool legend. Both had captained England 15 times....

Dreams and memories were soon replaced by reality. Blackpool's ground had changed dramatically over recent years with new stands wrapped around a perfect pitch. Locals starved of success still turned up in their droves although the team fared no better than their recent past.

2009/10 was no different and unless form turned dramatically another season of mid table ranking beckoned.

'Rank stupidity' to coin a phrase from a Carry On film as the North West club should at the very least be knocking on the PL door.

WSM with a rest period behind them stuttered under the floodlights and for an opening 30 minutes or so struggled to cope with wave after wave of orange attack. The future or at least the remainder of the match did not look bright and Mark wrapped in a long padded coat pitched himself into the technical area and demanded instant improvement. Finally WSM got themselves into the game although the initial tactics had been literally thrown out within minutes of kick off. WSM's shape now left three at the back with Lee Sawyer drafted into a holding midfield role. The three central midfield players as if sailing a supertanker managed to not only stop the flow to goal but turn and start to create havoc going forward. Folan and McLeod wasted the best of the first half chances to the men in white but as the troops trudged off a sodden heavy pitch WSM were in the game and there was very little to choose between the two sides. The tactical changes had dumbfounded Blackpool and despite space opening up in front of them they couldn't capitalize and if anything appeared mesmerized by the tactical trickery on display.

That soon changed. Mark had banged the drum for a higher pace but with no changes to player or tactic clearly expected a growing in confidence WSM side to continue in the same manner. Blackpool caught them on the break within a minute of the restart and all of the good work of the first 45 minutes was undone. Blackpool broke clear and after one decent diagonal ball their no.9 released a lovely flick on into wide open space for a flying left wing to smash home unchallenged. Chris Cohen on loan from Celtic took aim and pinged home a cracking shot. Mark looked towards scout Wyles sat on the bench. Cohen was on fire and made Buchanan and Walker look like snails....

Mark was on his feet berating his back line. No one had closed down the Blackpool winger with even the WSM keeper remaining static in his 6 yard area. Wyles would definitely be checking out Cohen in the not too distant future.

From 46 minutes on a game of real quality developed. WSM driven on by Mark and support from 400 travelling fans made a real effort to draw level. Blackpool played their part and although pushed back for long periods of the half happy to break on the counter. As WSM pushed further forward the more open the game and several times a Blackpool second looked very likely with Cohen involved almost every time. But for all of their good work Mark's midfield five couldn't deliver or fashion a clear cut chance and as the game came to a close WSM were left to hit shots from longer and longer range. Three substitutions had made no impact on a game and WSM closed the game on their knees exhausted from their effort. Blackpool had shown again that whilst WSM were a very good side, hard working and full of vim and vigor they lacked enough spark to create well crafted openings for their strikers especially when facing a decent well marshaled back four.

Mark's tangerine dream turned into a nightmare but despite defeat WSM remained in 7th but another loss to a 'big' team added to the memory bank. Lots of positives for both managers however as Mark knew at the very least his team had pushed Blackpool all the way and to boot he met Jimmy Armfield.....

Blackpool - away

0:1

[markyt]

One step forward and one step back.......

Despite a very good second half performance WSM returned home from the North West with nothing.

Whilst the media suggested they were hard done by the facts were simple. If you don’t score more than the opposition you won’t win and if you don’t hit the target you won’t score in the first place.

Watching training on the Monday morning Mark had decisions to make. There were the usual post match knocks to consider and then the key factor form. Could he really drop the front pairing of Folan and McLeod? The two were already heading the right way in terms of the leagues top scorers. But their goals were not coming against the better teams. Was that down to the service given to them or their ability?

Deep in conversation with his backroom team resolution came slowly across a long damp Monday afternoon training session. Benyon and Bates would be offered the chance to take on Torquay in the South West derby fixture with Folan and McLeod rested. Changes elsewhere were required as the effect of the Blackpool game and the frenetic pace played out on a heavy pitch meant that Aaron Downes and Dave Buchanan would at the very least miss one game. Scott Walker the club captain whilst not keen to return in place of an injured Buchanan deserved a start. He like Benyon one of Mark’s favoured ‘sons’. Damion Stewart would come into the side in place of Downes. The timing perfect as Stewart found himself called upto the Jamaican squad within hours of playing against Torquay.

International call ups were a new phenomena for Mark and WSM. Within weeks Aaron Downes found himself called upto the Australian squad and went out of his way to thank Mark for making the difference.

Torquay after being promoted via the playoffs were surprising everyone with their style of play. Ian Atkins had them mixing with the best of the division and although they were in 10th in the league still close enough to smell another promotion on the horizon. The fixture for once lacked the media free for all as local derbies were now too regular to get exited about across the South West region although not from the fans viewpoint. Torquay’s success revolved one man. Having sold players in the Summer to PL clubs Atkins had spent wisely ensuring that his ‘star’ had a decent support act to back him on the pitch. Craig Reid was a real talent and his goal to game ratio the equal to anyone in the football league. WSM needed no warning as Reid had single handedly destroyed WSM over the last few seasons.

Stewart and McKeown would be kept busy....

The game under dark thunder clad clouds started brightly and WSM despite changes to the team were the quickest to slide through the gears. Benyon and Bates were right on the money and their movement kept the Torquay back four honest. Benyon a natural leader of the line hugged the last shoulder and time and time again the right delivery from the likes of Walker, McBride and McCann pushed Torquay down a one way street. Reid was nullified in the early minutes with McKeown in particular ensuring that the Torquay hitman saw very little of the ball.

WSM took advantage of lax marking and opened up the scoring on 18 minutes. Scott Walker collected a wall wide left, moved forward with menace before clipping a cross towards the far post. The ball bounced and somehow avoided the head and boot of both WSM strikers but McBride steaming in from the opposite wing saw the ball late and flashed at the ball and struck it firmly past an unsighted keeper.

The goal if anything evened up the game although Torquay getting little return from their intended game plan went slightly more direct and the back four for WSM more than confident to deal with that kind of delivery.

The home support rubbed their eyes in disbelief when on the stroke of half time McBride claimed a second goal.

A free kick after a poor challenge on Benyon was given on the edge of the box. The home fans bellowed for a penalty but the ref was right with his decision. The kick favoured a right foot and after debate between McCann, Kerr and McBride it was the ex Leeds man that took pot luck. A curling ball looked to being going straight down the throat of the keeper when the slightest of deflections wrong footed him and the ball hit the back of the net agonizingly just out of reach. A man on the post would have stopped what was in the end a tame effort.

Deflection or not McBride claimed a goal and at half time WSM were two up.

WSM despite being in control only had themselves to blame for a late barrage. Reid arrived on 80 minutes and duly claimed a goal.

Stewart had found himself caught out of position and McKeown closed the gap in the centre of defence but in doing so allowed Reid acres of room on the penalty spot. Reid slammed home from 10 yards and Brains could only push the ball into the roof of the net. The goal staggered WSM and with substitutions made a nervous 8 or 9 minutes followed but Stewart redeemed himself and cleared twice from the goal line as the game came to a close. Mark watched furiously as his once in charge team began to fall apart under pressure but somehow they clung on........

Sheer relief as the final whistle met with a noise that could be heard in Exeter. WSM were upto 6th and Torquay down to 10th.

Torquay – home

2:1

[markyt]

One step forward and one step back...

After beating Torquay at home the next fixture involved the longest journey for an away fixture. Carlisle nestled on the northern border of England. Carlisle were a well established division one club and had built a fortress at their home ground remaining unbeaten on their own turf for a year and a half. Apt bearing in mind that Hadrian built a wall their thousands of years earlier.

With a win and an excellent performance behind them Mark looked at the Bolton cup game and the kudos of the qtr final tie, the TV coverage and decided to stick with the same eleven that had beaten Torquay. That meant that the likes of Folan and McLeod would be further rested and fresh for the assault on the Championship side. With no injuries to worry about he was confident that WSM could get a result from the 8 hour road trip.

Lee Sawyer had grown into the role of right back and after a run of games now looked assured, confident and aware of his responsibilities. The way that WSM played he was asked to get forward and that was the added attraction of the role. Nominally a holding midfielder he could thread a pass pretty much with his eyes shut. Speed wasn't the dominant part of his game but speed of thought was and chasing back and forward up the right hand line suited his talent and he found the link up play of McBride supported him dovetailing the two players skills nicely. Defending and tackling were bread and butter and the only concern was positional play and ensuring he didn't roam too far forward. In the games he had featured no one had taken him to the cleaners although a couple of times he had to thank colleagues for helping him out at crucial moments.

Mark Gower the Carlisle left sided midfielder knew his task in hand and given the task of getting around Sawyer. Gower was a player that Mark had admired and from scouting missions in the past had even considered as an option. But in the end Scott Walker was his equivalent and Gower at that time too much money. Gower hugged the left hand side and sticking to his task bullied, tormented and sucked the confidence from Sawyer. At half time Sawyer was pretty much shot and Mark had no choice but to sub the youngster and hand the duty of marking Gower out of the game to Sam Bailey. The damage had been done and WSM were 2 down and despite having chances themselves to get into the game had been rocked by Gower's experienced left foot.

Gower at half time was smoking imaginary cigars and Sawyer was in the man's pocket. Gower had claimed two goals one after a jinking run and lob over Brains that looked effortless and the nonchalance of the final chip impressive. The second goal came after a long run that saw him ghost past two tackles before Sawyer racing to get back literally lost the plot and took the legs away from the Carlisle man. The ref didn't need to hesitate. Penalty and Sawyer on a yellow card. Gower got up and stroked the ball past Brains.

Sawyer was now more cautious and the likes of Stewart and McKeown tried to keep him under some kind of restraint. But Gower knowing Sawyer was on yellow made hay while the late winter sun shone. Sawyer stood back afraid to tackle and that took away a key part of his game.

Mark made the substitution just before half time. Sawyer looked a beaten man and knew that the halt to his game justified.

He slumped on the bench and said very little. Mark asked Atkins to look after the player as he started to focus on how to get the WSM engine started.

Limited by the knowledge that Mark Gower would need occupying Mark pushed Grant McCann into the hole behind the strikers.

The move worked and at last Benyon found space, Kerr able to release the likes of Walker and McBride. Kerr stepped further forward knowing that at last Bailey had got the illusive Gower at least under some measure of control. For all of the hard work and the later introduction of Quinn WSM couldn't get a goal. They came close but Carlisle proving there team was more than capable of handling nimble strikers. With the game over Benyon claimed nothing more than a consolation goal. Sam Bailey broke from his own half and a diagonal ball raced into the box and two touches from Benyon saw the ball driven through the keepers legs. The goal brought a sarcastic cheer from the WSM travelling support. 8 hours there and back not the best return for them....

Making matters worse Sam Bailey complained of pain in his groin and that meant intensive treatment prior to the Bolton game.

Mark would now hope that bailey would be fit enough to start or he would have to decide on Sawyer or deeper into his squad for a ready replacement at right back. WSM were at least spared the return trip home with the team staying over in the North West. Replacements would need to be summoned. WSM went backwards to 7th in the table...

Carlisle - away

1:2

[markyt]

Sammy Lee was one of those footballing legends that somehow despite playing at the very highest levels and being more than a decent coach when given the reins had found life difficult. His baptism of fire had seen him troubled by relegation and despite a season or two of play off activity now found decline at the North West club to be becoming terminal. The pressure was rising and the arrival of WSM would either be seen as turning a corner and a cup run boosting club morale or final rites would be administered over his tenure. The fans were unhappy and Lee between a rock and a hard place made worse by financial turmoil.

WSM despite the gap in divisions were actually just 9 places away from Bolton and even the most neutral of journalists were troubled by making a call as to just who would win on the night. The big clubs viewed the LC as not worthy of their involvement until the semi's at the very least and fielded weakened sides. Sammy Lee had no choice but to go for broke and field his strongest side.

With TV cameras and decent money available there was no way now that Mark would do anything but the same especially as a giant killing could do wonders for club and career. With several of his normal starters rested he had options to choose from and with only one injury decision to make. Who to play at right back?

Reserve team captain Matt Somner had be summonsed to the North West and with Sawyer needing 'air' and Bailey doubtful he went from playing in the stiffs to first team in 48hours and let no one down in the process. The smell of blood was in the air and with a paltry crowd of only 14500 of which 2000 traveled from the south even the home faithful doubted that Lee's troops could muster a charge.

With the team remaining in the North West over the weekend there was a real spring in the step and playing on a cracking surface in front of the cameras an added bonus to Mark's team.

From the opening minutes WSM rattled Bolton cages, closed down the space and began to play their way into the game. The midfield quartet of Walker, Kerr, McCann and McBride were different class and with the Bolton midfield barely on first name terms there was only one winner in the centre of the park. It was no surprise to see WSM score first and with Folan and McLeod really making a nuisance of themselves up front the goal came from a dead ball situation. Folan had been hauled down wide left and a Walker kick was partially cleared to the edge of the box where Mark Kerr smacked home a 25 yard screamer that really was a match winner in its own right.

One up at 30 minutes and Bolton endured a torrid remainder of the half as everything WSM touched turned gold but despite the power, pace and determined effort a second goal wouldn't come and many in the crowd worried that Bolton were not out of the game just yet.....

Second half and WSM expected an onslaught especially with Lee furious and outwardly regaling the men in white with tactical demands. The onslaught just didn't materialize and with every minute the WSM support dared to believe they would be into the semi finals. 60 minutes passed, 70 minutes passed and with the home crowed restless Bolton remained powerless to match WSM Mark's side grabbed the winner. McBride raced clear and with the keys to the Reebok looked for the right pass and with yellow shirts arriving in the box and Folan in particular demanding the ball the cutest of cutbacks saw the ball at Kerr's feet and the boy thumped home a drilled shot from 12 yards. The celebrations both on and off the pitch the 'perfect match' but Mark quickly got the players to refocus.

There were still over ten minutes of football to play and a Bolton goal could change the game.

Even better that Lee Sawyer on for McCann had supplied the ball to McBride and in one fell swoop seen his morale boosted to former heights. A Bolton goal came but in the 90th minute and too late to save Bolton and Lee.

Lee was removed from his post hours after the game showing how ruthless the world of football was.

The Bolton goal a penalty with McKeown adjudged to have handled. He had done and was yellow carded in addition but with the whistle blowing seconds later no one cared less. WSM had dumped Bolton from the league cup and would now face Middlesborough over two legs in the semis. Tony Mowbray and his Georgian billionaire were next up...

Bolton - L Cup qtr finals

2:1

[mark wilson27]

Good win against Bolton, going to be tough against Middlesbrough, whos in the other semi

[markyt]

Originally posted by mark wilson27:

Good win against Bolton, going to be tough against Middlesbrough, whos in the other semi

Mark the other semi pitched Aston Villa versus Man City with Villa emerging from a close affair 3:2 winning their home leg 2:1 in extra time.

Middlesborough are going through something of a transformation and for one season 2009/10 with decent financial backing actually get themselves into a decent position but run out of steam as the season closes. Unfortunately over 3 seasons and millions spent they were relegated just 12 months later 2010/11.

Villa and Man City are now classed as decent mid table clubs with the odd season of pushing the big four. Wigan under Colin Calderwood are the 'new' team to be reckoned with and one season on from my current story line 2010/11 are PL champions.

[markyt]

With a late night trip home the players were given Thursday off and apart from one or two players arriving for intensive physio sessions both the training ground and Woodspring Park were deserted. Friday morning would see a gentle workout before another away trip on the final Saturday before Christmas. Mark knowing that time with his players would be limited had delayed the trip to East Anglia until Saturday morning and although a dawn start at least the players would have a couple of nights in their own beds.

Despite the late night arrival to Exeter, Mark had arrived bright and bushy tailed to his desk at 10am and cleared through a backlog of snail mail and email. Emma who had managed to get over her problem with Carolyn's return although still unhappy at her reappearance at least had stopped pulling faces when her name was mentioned kept tea on a drip and even provided biscuits. Things were looking up.

Mark was just about through the mountain of paperwork when Emma put a call through to him. 'A Mr Jol for you. Do you want to take the call?' The only Mr Jol Mark knew was the Tottenham manager and with no reason to expect a call he asked Emma to put it through.

'It is Mark Thomas?'

The return voice, one Mark had only heard on Match of the Day or Sky Sports completely unmistakable and with very pronounced vowels introduced himself.

'Hallo Mark, Martin Jol, thankyou for speaking to me and please allow me to call you Mark and I am Marty. Excellent win against Bolton and your team played very well and fully deserving of a win.

Any way that is partly the reason for my call. I like the look of your striker Caleb Folan and wish to explore a price?'

It was no surprise that one or two of his players were creating interest and that was always the nightmare scenario from success on the pitch under the glare of tv cameras.

WSM had deserved the win and the likes of Folan had been integral to that success.

'Mr Jol, sorry Martin, Caleb isn't for sale and won't be unless we get an offer that is how can I say too good to turn down.'

Martin Jol laughed, and Mark liked the guy immediately. Martin Jol was so laid back he was almost asleep. But his teams played quality football and for Mark the Dutch way. He couldn't really remember seeing Jol play but the Holland side of 1974 and 1978 were certainly sides that played a similar brand of football. A passing game with a venomous streak carved through it.

'Mark, I was thinking of the million pound mark. What do you think of that?'

Mark needed no moment to think. Not a chance Martin, not a chance. We sold Blake Newbold in the summer for more and Caleb has similar if not better qualities and I can see him playing in the PL. If you want him in your team then any offer has to be too good to be true. Start doubling your thinking and then maybe we will do some thinking too...'

The call ended with Jol suggesting that he would have a rethink but that there were other candidates available at better prices.

Mark agreed totally with that statement and that Jol was more than welcome to look elsewhere and that the WSM boss would prefer that he did. Tottenham wouldn't be the only club interested in his key players and despite turning down the offer Mark knew that if anyone came in with a serious offer for Folan then he would be sold but not at a million that was fact. Before putting the phone down he called Paul Bliss and updated him on the enquiry. Bliss agreed with Mark's assesment and rejection of the offer but Mark could hear in his voice that anything closer to £2 million would probably be accepted without much debate.

Now onto matters such as Colchester and another game against Dave Jones....

[markyt]

With the effects of the midweek game impacting once again on team selection Mark selected players in form from the reserves to bolster the side put out against Colchester. That meant a return to the starting eleven for Guy Bates who was leading the scoring for the reserve league. He had hit a purple patch and was now nicknamed Midas by the reserve squad for his ability to hit the back of the net even with the softest or deftest of touches. He would partner Benyon up front but elsewhere Kerr and McCann were given time to recover from their exertions with Alan Quinn and Lee Sawyer asked to cover the middle of the park. Dave Buchanan returned wide left for Scott Walker meaning that other than being on first name terms the midfield really was a patched up affair but time and options were running thin but no reason to doubt his side's ability to get something from the festive match.

Dave Jones had got Colchester playing some excellent football but a lack of a killer instinct upfront the only reason for mid table security. Too many draws and 0:0's at that meant that despite a watertight defence that really put the term Scrooge into meaning especially at the seasonal time of year Colchester couldn't score in a brothel.

Their star man an ex Tottenham player Johnny Jackson was claiming plaudits on a regular basis and growing in maturity and once again being scouted by the bigger clubs.

Half time and Mark furious tried to calm his thoughts before entering the away dressing room. The goal shy Colchester boys were having fun at the fair and with every shy winning a coconut....

He purposefully left the door open so that the noise of the Colchester players could be heard by the shell shocked WSM team.

Even with the door shut it was clear that Colchester were having big fun at Mark's side's expense.

'You hear that sound. That's the sound of laughter at your inept performance and do you know what else, they are in there in their cosy warm dressing room realizing that despite our cup success we are nothing but country bumpkins. Laughter at your inability to put two passes together. Laughter at your lack of awareness and finally laughter at your ability to play football.....'

The words poured out before tactical changes were made with Alan Quinn pushed further forward and Sawyer told in no uncertain terms to cover the back four and protect them from Jackson's running and passing game. Colchester were out of sight and at 3 up at 25 minutes and every reason to be delighted with the game progress. The goals all coming from the creation of Jackson and clever through balls. The goals arriving on the 16th, 20th and 24 minute mark.

WSM were shocking and the supposed form players Quinn and Bates were not even involved in the half.

Colchester were laughing and giving their home crowd something to cheer about.

Brains the mom for the first 45 minutes at least had kept WSM in the game as Colchester should have been 6 or 7 in front...

The second half after a rocky start for the away side suddenly got interesting as Bates proved that form counted for much and given too much space cracked a solo effort home from the edge of the D. The WSM goal timed at 62 minutes gave the travelling 500 WSM supporters something to warm their hands over. The moving of Quinn into the hole behind the strikers had worked and Sawyer now sitting deeper spotting the runs of the menace that was Jackson and mopping up the attacks as tired Colchester legs and Jackson lost the momentum. The laughing had stopped....

WSM now grew in confidence and for 10 minutes rattled the home team and but for excellent keeping perhaps the outcome would have been a little different. Or at the very least made things difficult for the home side. For all of the home team performance WSM claimed a second in the dying seconds of the match with Alan Quinn racing 30 yards and thumping home a daisy cutter that bobbled and bounced on a pock marked surface. The game appeared close and to those watching on Soccer Saturday a cracking match. The truth though that WSM had lost but at least the team had restored some pride with a much better second half. Mark had virtually lost his voice and said very little post match leaving the words of comfort and joy to Jacobs and Aitkin.

Dave Jones was buoyant post match claiming Jackson to be the best midfielder in the division. Mark asked that question himself could only say that Jackson was a menace but that he would prefer to talk up his own team's talents and that once regrouped with batteries recharged WSM had a group of midfielders that could more than match Jackson's ability.

Colchester - away

2:3

[copperhorse21]

Congratulations on ten thousand views! What a fantastic achievement. Now, for sure, I'd be an idiot not to read your stuff from its beginning.

I'll be doing that very soon.

KUTGW!

[markyt]

Originally posted by copperhorse21:

Congratulations on ten thousand views! What a fantastic achievement. Now, for sure, I'd be an idiot not to read your stuff from its beginning.

I'll be doing that very soon.

KUTGW!

Thankyou for those kind words and hopefully enough of a story to make it interesting for you. It has developed as I hope has my story writing but that is not for me to say...

Moving house and 2 weeks holiday will cause a minor delay in updates. But rest assured there is a lot more to come! Apologies in advance...

[TheFuzzyOne]

on a side note, i bought Johnnie Jackson in my game.

He was fab.

Sorry.

[markyt]

Apologies for the delay in posting - work and life getting in the way.

‘What the F*** are they playing at...’ screamed Mark to the nearest of his backroom team Wayne Jacobs. An equally obscene comment returned in the wind which was now swirling around Woodspring Park delivering leaden skies and frequent heavy sleety downpours.

So much for the season of goodwill.

Boxing Day had seen the arrival of Yeovil and part two of the battle of Somerset.

Mark had selected the best available side barring the still long term injured which included key signing James Collins still to play in the white of WSM.

This supposed best team had been torn apart in less time than it had taken Mark to drive from his Exeter home to the ground much earlier in the day.

40 minutes and the WSM supporters were already feeling short changed by Father Christmas and demanding a refund from the man with a white beard.

Yeovil had caught them with 3-5-2 formation that took time to counter and in 25 minutes of one touch football WSM had been toyed with and even with Mark bouncing and urging the team on from the sidelines WSM had seemed powerless to control a by now quite stunning Yeovil performance. A fluke changed the mood on the stroke of half time that gave the record stadium crowd of 7500 something to warm their hands about. Scott Walker seemingly a permanent addition to the defensive unit strode clear and lashed a cross goalwards from wide left. It was perhaps the only positive contribution in a dire first half for the WSM captain. Aiming for Folan and McLeod the ball somehow found its way over the keepers fingertips and the back of the net.

One goal back against an avalanche somehow not enough to calm the WSM vocal half time efforts. Yeovil were comfortable and 3:1 up.

WSM pushed forward and went 4-2-4 with the full backs told to get forward to support the midfield two of Kerr and McCann. Sawyer told to get ready for any early second half introduction quickly added waterproofs as he would no doubt be soaking wet the minute he walked the touchline. The goal had been a lifeline and a wake up call and with the wind now pointed one way and behind the white shirts of the WSM side Yeovil braced themselves for the second half firestorm.

And Mark the fire starter in chief wasn’t arsoning about.

WSM now being driven forward by a now vocal home support and the puppet master Kerr in the centre of the park sparked into life and gave Yeovil a taste of their own brand of medicine. Direct football played at a pace and with McBride and Walker in full cry down the flanks Yeovil stepped backwards and flinched under the onslaught. Folan leading the line with vigor waking up from his first 45 minutes of slothfulness got the home show on the road and in a 10 minute spell cracked two goals to level the score. The first a drilled shot on 51 minutes after excellent support play from Sam Bailey and the second a powerful header from 10 yards out from a perfect Walker delivered corner. Now things were getting exciting and Yeovil clung in for a long second half. Mark made changes to keep momentum going and with Benyon and Sawyer on providing fresh legs WSM looked likely to grab a 4th.

On 79 minutes after a fumbled Folan shot arrived at the feet of the WSM sub, Benyon lashed home and claimed a goal that looked to be enough for three points. Most teams would have settled for that but Mark had no choice but to keep the formation and with the changes made had to rely on one way traffic and hope that the lack of the numbers at the back wouldn’t haunt him long after the festive season had been concluded. Mark leapt from the seat as Walker slung a perfect shot that twisted and turned in the wind but his celebration cut short by the twanging of the cross bar. Mark looked at his watch.

Seconds to go....

But seconds seemed to slow as Yeovil mounted one last counter attack after McCann had lost the ball in midfield and Stephen Mclean a player that Mark knew well from his scouting dossier waltzed past last man Downes and coolly rolled the ball underneath the fast advancing Brain’s.

4:4 some game and honours were even and over a jar or two most supporters would admit a fair result after a titanic struggle.

Mark was almost subdued and silenced. Yes he had lost himself in the storm and his voice hoarse but Yeovil had come to town and destroyed his tactics.

WSM’s second half had been memorable but it was the charge of the light brigade all over again and Mark needed time to assess the way forward.

Russell ‘Slade’s side had torpedoed any thoughts of a Merry Christmas....

The Battle of Somerset a high scoring draw.

Yeovil – home

4:4

[markyt]

Less than 72 hours between fixtures the roller coaster ride against Yeovil was quickly forgotten as Sheffield Wednesday would arrive in town on the 29th of December.

The fireworks of Boxing Day quickly lost their sparkle to be replaced by sheer hard work on the training ground.

The weather unseasonably warm allowed for training outside and with a desire to collect 3 points increased efforts from everyone involved in the long sessions.

One game left for the year and then a gap to the League Cup Qtr finals against Middlesborough on the 6th of January. The bid to get amongst the play off places was faltering and with questions surfacing in the media about the team performance of late and queries over Mark’s future being elsewhere if improvement and momentum slowed. Mark was now one of the ‘bright’ young managers of the league system and with envious eyes watching the mood at WSM it appeared that Mark would be snaffled up by a bigger club in the not too distant future.

Mark had read the press articles with much amusement. In truth he knew that he was the one likely to be on his way regardless of success on the pitch. With Paul Bliss virtually broke the club was being propped up financially with handouts by media magnet Steve Walker. Walker now an investor in the club was now running the show behind the scenes biding his time to pounce and install a manager of his choice. Carolyn Smith had done some digging into Walker’s past and the Scottish link the strongest trail she had unearthed in frantic phone calls suggested a big name manager from north of the border was ready to take over. There was just one problem and that was Mark’s popularity both the media and fans and with promotion and good football, timing in Walker’s plan to bring in his man was everything.

Walker needed a reason to push Mark out and right now that opportunity was some distance away................

Sheffield Wednesday was a sell out and for the first time Woodspring Park would finally see 9000 and the potential for decent gates now realised. Wednesday were now one of the divisions form teams and with a run of 4 straight wins arriving in the South West in peak form. Mark selected a strong side and with a high tempo demanded from the half moved to a very direct style of football.

Buchanan and McBride were ordered to ping crosses into the box and with Grant McCann moved into a hole behind the strikers, Mark was looking to feed off the front two.

After 10 minutes of very scrappy football WSM grabbed a lead and with the half almost up delivered a second goal.

Folan and McLeod relit the WSM fire extinguished on Boxing Day and claimed a goal each. Folan’s opener a delightful turn and volley that screeched into the roof of the net and McLeod a firm header from a driven McBride cross. WSM deserved to be in front and with a noisy home support backing their every step looked good value for their performance. The second half onslaught failed to materialize although Wednesday looked to make like difficult on Tuesday night by claiming a consolation goal on 79 minutes. WSM still powered forward despite the setback and should have been out of sight.

A win is a win and three points much needed. Wednesday found two games on the road in a short space of time too much and WSM grabbed the late Christmas present with open arms.

WSM at least kept up pace with the league leaders and three points against an excellent side priceless and a great result to end the year. The win closed a terrible December and but for the highlight of the cup run continuing probably the worst run in Mark’s WSM career. In the league two wins and three losses with a four all draw not the stuff of promotion challenges.

The return to fitness of James Collins was as crucial as the addition of one more striking option. WSM needed to stop leaking goals and the Yeovil high scoring draw the root of WSM evils.

Sheffield Wednesday – home

2:1

[markyt]

Commentary

Unfortunately work got in the way of my first FM story and with the arrival of FM 08, a house move and diy to contend with my story in marathon terms got to 19 miles and hit the wall....

Timing also not helped with the change of forum and the formatting issues in the conversion process.

However from a personal point of view I enjoyed the story writing process and had the story line twisting and turning nicely as FM07 developed and meandered through each season. Several future seasons were written and in the bag and after dusting them off and FM09 now in the DVD drive I am intending to start again and will open a new thread in the next few days. This will mean starting with Weston Super Mare once more, life in the lower leagues being revisited and whilst I will use my original story as a baseline, FM09 will lead and I will follow. Who knows where the story will end up.

For those that followed Strictly No Dancing (and I hope there were a few) my next post will bring closure and a concise review of the story finally putting it to bed!

Mark

[markyt]

Strictly No Dancing Conclusion

I guess the first question to answer for those interested in my story would be what happened to Weston Super Mare?

Firmly established in the Premier League as mid table club I would venture to suggest that they have become the new Bolton in that whatever happened they always seem to end up in that middle rump of clubs with not much to play for all season long.

For WSM and crowds of 19-20000 this is nothing short of superb bearing in mind life in the Conference South with a starting crowd of less than 500.

WSM survived their first difficult season in the PL finishing on goal difference above the relegation zone. Second season and WSM flaunted with the European places finally limping to 8th. PL season three saw WSM challenge the leaders eventually finishing 5th and qualifying for Europe. With a relatively small squad their journey into Europe in season four impacted on their league form and left the club needing to win their final game of the season to avoid relegation.

Financially the club is classed as rich much down to a player buying policy of sourcing decent players at a low price and then selling them on to the bigger clubs for huge sums of money. Their scouting network unearthing some exceptional finds once they had reached the top of the league pyramid. A particular knack for finding young English players for £1 to £2 million and then selling them onto Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United became a season regularity. The players were already full internationals prior to their big club transfers at hugely inflated prices.

However WSM had long departed with Mark Thomas.

Despite promotion to the Championship and finishing ahead of the likes of Wolves, and Crystal Palace in the season that my story effectively stalled on the forum, the new owners simply announced that on full takeover of the club it was time for someone new and after several successful seasons and the rise from the lowest tier of the football league the ex Chelsea man was out and sent to the ranks of the unemployed.

Don’t you just love FM!

[markyt]

Much of the groundwork for the clubs Championship season had already been done.

A new keeper Joe Lewis signed for £300k from Norwich, Nathan Ellington for £2 million from Bolton, Marvin Elliott from Bristol City on a free transfer plus Brett Pitman snaffled in the January transfer window the previous winter.

Of course then there were the three amigos!

My storyline identified three young Brazilians, Thiago, Robson and Alan.

All signed for WSM for next to nothing during the season before the Championship debut.

Alan was an instant hit scoring 52 goals in his first season and those goals drove the club to automatic promotion.

Robson and Thiago were in and out of the side but both proved exceptional players and a sound investment. Scoring 52 goals in a season saw Alan’s price rise dramatically and Real Madrid’s £20 million offer was accepted by the board but his loss was covered by the emergence of Robson who stepped into his shoes and teamed up with Pitman and the pair scored the goals to keep Hughes' WSM in the PL. Less than one season later Robson was soon on his way to the new rich club of English football, Manchester City for £29 million.

Strange how life imitates FM….

Of the three Thiago was the one I expected most from. He failed to make much of an impact in the PL despite hitting the net fairly regularly but that tended to be after an entrance from the subs bench.

In Europe however he was the club’s star man and despite signs of him being an exceptional talent WSM eventually released him at the end of his contract. Work permit issues probably!

Age and time was on his side as he returned to England as Rafa Benitez signed him for Liverpool again for a huge fee, Thiago having spent three seasons playing in Spain for Barcelona.

Robson became an England player and became a prolific marksman at international level.

So that was life at Weston Super Mare.

[markyt]

What about the rest of life with FM 07?

Despite a decent reputation and FM stating Mark was the favourite for a post, applications for jobs came to nothing. Amusingly a season and a half after leaving WSM a job offer materialized.

To become manager of Wolves and replace the unpopular and in my view deserved so, Bryan ‘have a pop’ Robson. Wolves had climbed back in to the Championship at the second attempt but despite spending big found themselves at the wrong end of the table. Robson paid the price although he soon resurfaced at Newcastle and that too went sour all too quickly.

Wolves were in a mess but a raid of Weston Super Mare reserves stalled the clubs slide down the championship table. The January window opened almost to the day of Mark’s arrival.

Six players from WSM joined Wolves in those first few days. Lee Sawyer the biggest purchase of those early days. The tide turned and Wolves gained some respectability and headed onwards and upwards.

12 months later and Sunderland and Wolves won automatic promotion to the PL.

Wolves with very little money, £5 million to spend each season, battled to keep out of the clutches of relegation and after 4 seasons broke free and started to show a liking for high altitude and the heady heights of the top 10. Free signings were the key to success and the Czech Republic became a rich source of talent and for me the new Brazil. Three or four signings made a dramatic difference and Wolves quickly after those early struggles became a decent PL side going on to win two trophies and 2nd in the PL.

With no money from the Wolves board forthcoming the opportunity to move to Newcastle one not to be missed especially if meant from taking over from Robson’s mess.

Within three seasons Newcastle with a transfer fund of £30 million each season were PL champions. Lee Sawyer bought from Wolves for £300k captained the side to glory.

It was a one season wonder although Newcastle were always close to winning big and always pushed the dominant clubs Arsenal and Chelsea all the way.

Mourinho was still in charge at Chelsea although he did have one season at Inter Milan.

Arsenal came calling after Tony Adams failed to deliver any league success over a five year period and FM 07 showed why the big clubs had so much success in the game. A transfer budget of £300 million……………… (just how does that work)

Truth be told I spent every single penny in that summer and the players from Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool that were all the very best were all secured. Mind you that Arsenal side was already something special but the £301 million worth of signings added just a little bit extra…..

Paying £70 million for one player was amusing after years of having very little to spend.

FM07 came to a close with Arsenal unbeaten in 15 games and heading the PL and CL tables.

There you have it. 20 seasons plus condensed into a couple of posts.

One PL title, several cups and an odd run to the CL semis to show for my best efforts.

Apologies again for the stalling of the story and apologies again for starting another one…..