[FM11]Crazy Canuck on Global Managerial Tour - National Hero to Global Icon (hopefully...)

[rancer890]

After a weird crash in 'Crazy Canuck on Global Managerial Tour - This is the Big One!', probably because of either: (1) my Japanese xml file, or (2) my German xml file, I've done a player career game (which I discontinued during exams, and haven't picked up again because I want to PLAY the game..), and after a couple more tests with a particular xml file, I've decided to once again post another career thread. If this one crashes...I'll probably stop playing FM11...

Anyways, onto league setup.

FM11.3

Large DB

Edits:

• US-Canada Advanced Editor - Link
  

Do note if you load Canada and the US, the game will crash. I am living proof of that...so only load Canada OR the US. This is the only league xml file I loaded. I also loaded updated MLS transfers (with 2011 draft picks), and the usual real names, real agents, etc..

Leagues:

Africa - South Africa

Asia - All (out of the box)

Europe - All (out of the box)

North America - US expanded, Mexico

Oceania - none

South America - Argentina, Brazil

So essentially, it's everything except the 4 South American leagues.

Starting Rep - Semi Professional, because no sane person will hire a Canadian/HK sunday league manager, not even in FM

Start Date - January 2011. Or else the US xml file won't work. It does kinda screw up things as there's technically 2 sets of 2011 MLS Superdraft draft picks...but as long as the game doesn't crash, I really don't care

Unemployed - No. Why? Because nearly every club rejected me, even the NCAA teams...so I added myself as manager to a Canadian lower league team. More on that later. I have one season update ready.

Goal: erm, to be a global icon . I do want to manage MLS in this save. The Superdraft prospects are actually going to come from the NCAAs this time. The NCAA isn't perfect (from the info I gathered in a 3 year test), and by means the most realistic in terms of where the MLS prospects come from which colleges, and there's some minor bugs, but nothing groundbreaking. The prospects are definitely a bit better now though than before. 1st Round picks WILL NOT be waived in this file! Not sure about trading though and if they all act like Mo Johnston yet..

Particular Leagues/Teams to manage: no expectations in general, other than moving up the American system. You will probably see me a lot less in Asia, unless it's Australia, because I've managed so many years in China over the last several FMs, I do want to take a break from that league..I wouldn't rule out going to the more obscure European leagues, maybe even Argentina/Brazil, and shockingly, maybe England...I also want to return to Shakhtar to finish what I started in my last career game.

Teams wise, probably just Montreal/Vancouver/TFC.

Final last words: Hopefully no crashes and I can have a good career.

[rancer890]

Career Overview

Summary

Year        Team                 Country       League           Position          Notes and Info    Salary (annual)
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6759564&viewfull=1#post6759564"]2011[/url]        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         3rd                     N/A            $17,750
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6765512&viewfull=1#post6765512"]2012[/url]        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         1st       Playoff Finalists            $20,500
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6780561&viewfull=1#post6780561"]2013[/url]        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         1st           PDL Champions            $20,500
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6790159&viewfull=1#post6790159"]2014[/url]        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         1st    West Conf. Finalists            $20,500
2015        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         N/A                     N/A            $10,750
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6808121&viewfull=1#post6808121"]2015-2016[/url]   Persipura Jayapura   Indonesia     Divisi Utama          1st Cup Winners + Promotion            $65,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6824040&viewfull=1#post6824040"]2016-2017[/url]   Persipura Jayapura   Indonesia     Djarum ISL            3rd                     N/A            $80,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6833095&viewfull=1#post6833095"]2017-2018[/url]   Persipura Jayapura   Indonesia     Djarum ISL            2nd         AFC Cup Winners            $70,000 
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6839607&viewfull=1#post6839607"]2018[/url]        Kuban Krasnodar      Russia        Pervyj Divizion       1st               Promotion           $100,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6853419&viewfull=1#post6853419"]2019[/url]        Kuban Krasnodar      Russia        Prem'er Liga          8th                     N/A           $300,000
2020        Kuban Krasnodar      Russia        Prem'er Liga          N/A    Kubok Rossil Winners           $175,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6878253&viewfull=1#post6878253"]2020-2021[/url]   Vitoria Sport Club   Portugal      Liga ZON Sagres       5th           Cup Finalists           $325,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6897004&viewfull=1#post6897004"]2021-2022[/url]   Reading FC           England       Championship          1st          FA Cup Winners         $1,400,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6927651&viewfull=1#post6927651"]2022-2023[/url]   Reading FC           England       Premier League        8th        FA Cup Finalists         $1,600,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6958513&viewfull=1#post6958513"]2023-2024[/url]   Reading FC           England       Premier League        4th          FA Cup Winners         $3,300,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=6985409&viewfull=1#post6985409"]2024-2025[/url]   Reading FC           England       Premier League        1st       UEFA EL Finalists         $3,750,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=7024481&viewfull=1#post7024481"]2025-2026[/url]   Reading FC           England       Premier League        4th                     N/A         $3,500,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=7045117&viewfull=1#post7045117"]2026-2027[/url]   Reading FC           England       Premier League        2nd         UEFA CL Winners         $4,500,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)/page5"]2027-2028[/url]   Reading FC           England       Premier League        1st     FA Cup, CWC Winners         $4,250,000
[url="http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/264162-Crazy-Canuck-on-Global-Managerial-Tour-National-Hero-to-Global-Icon-(hopefully...)?p=7119099&viewfull=1#post7119099"]2028-2029[/url]   Reading FC           England       Premier League        1st     Carling Cup Winners         $4,500,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Career Totals                                                                                           $28,000,000                                                                      

Stats

Year        Team              GP -   W -   D -   L -   F -   A -   G.D. - Days
2011        Victoria          14 -   8 -   1 -   5 -  25 -  16 -  +  9  -  354
2012        Victoria          18 -  12 -   4 -   2 -  50 -  18 -  + 32  -  224
2013        Victoria          18 -  12 -   4 -   2 -  48 -  13 -  + 35  -  364
2014        Victoria          16 -  13 -   2 -   1 -  49 -   8 -  + 41 -   362
2015        Victoria          10 -   9 -   0 -   1 -  35 -   3 -  + 32 -   324
2015-2016   Persipura         41 -  24 -   6 -  11 -  63 -  40 -  + 23 -   319
2016-2017   Persipura         46 -  29 -   7 -  10 -  75 -  41 -  + 34 -   367
2017-2018   Persipura         53 -  29 -  12 -  12 -  85 -  50 -  + 35 -   371
2018        Kuban             22 -  16 -   5 -   1 -  42 -  12 -  + 30 -   136
2019        Kuban             32 -  13 -   9 -  10 -  50 -  33 -  + 17 -   391
2020        Kuban             14 -   5 -   8 -   1 -  23 -  13 -  + 10 -   217
2020-2021   Vitoria           48 -  22 -  12 -  14 -  77 -  53 -  + 24 -   369
2021-2022   Reading           59 -  44 -  11 -   4 - 121 -  45 -  + 76 -   309
2022-2023   Reading           61 -  32 -  12 -  17 - 109 -  87 -  + 22 -   378
2023-2024   Reading           49 -  31 -  12 -   6 -  92 -  45 -  + 47 -   357
2024-2025   Reading           66 -  39 -  21 -   6 - 121 -  45 -  + 76 -   372 
2025-2026   Reading           57 -  35 -   7 -  15 - 115 -  48 -  + 67 -   350
2026        Canada             5 -   3 -   2 -   0 -   5 -   1 -  +  1 -   165
2026-2027   Reading           63 -  43 -  11 -   9 - 133 -  47 -  + 86 -   384
2027        Canada            13 -   6 -   2 -   5 -  16 -  13 -  +  3 -   365
2027-2028   Reading           61 -  44 -  12 -   5 - 147 -  53 -  + 94 -   350
2028        Canada             8 -   6 -   1 -   1 -  16 -   3 -  + 13 -   366
2028-2029   Reading           57 -  41 -  10 -   6 - 127 -  39 -  + 88 -   373
2029        Canada             8 -   2 -   1 -   5 -   7 -  21 -  - 14 -   ???
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Career Totals                831 - 516 - 171 - 144 - 1614 - 726 -  +888  - 6672
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Club Totals                  805 - 501 - 166 - 138 - 1577 - 709 -  +868  - 6672
International Totals          35 -  17 -   6 -  10 -  44 -  38 -  +  6 -   896
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victoria Highlanders          76 -  54 -  11 -  11 - 207 -  58 -  +149  - 1628
Persipura Jayapura           140 -  82 -  25 -  33 - 223 - 131 -  + 92  - 1057
Kuban Krasnodar               68 -  34 -  22 -  12 - 115 -  58 -  + 57 -   744
Vitoria Sport Club            48 -  22 -  12 -  14 -  77 -  53 -  + 24 -   369
Reading FC                   473 - 309 -  96 -  68 - 955 - 409 -  +546 -  2873

Awards

• December 12, 2012: USL Premier Development League (PDL) Coach of the Year winner
  
• December 15, 2013: USL Premier Development League (PDL) Coach of the Year 3rd place
  
• May 22, 2017: Djarum ISL Manager of the Year 2nd place
  
• May 28, 2018: Djarum ISL Manager of the Year Winner
  
• December 30, 2019: Russian Manager of the Year Winner
  
• May 23, 2022: npower Championship Manager of the Year 2nd place
  
• May 26, 2025: Barclays Premier League Manager of the Year
  
• May 24, 2027: Barclays Premier League Manager of the Year 3rd place
  
• June 20, 2027: Won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with Canada
  
• May 8, 2028: Barclays Premier League Manager of the Year
  
• May 21, 2029: Barclays Premier League Manager of the Year 2nd place
  

Rich List

Year        Club              Ranking                   Value
2022 July   Reading              50th             $85 million   
2023 July   Reading              36th            $121 million
2024 July   Reading              27th            $170 million    
2025 July   Reading              21st            $232 million
2026 July   Reading              23rd            $222 million
2027 July   Reading              14th            $306 million
2028 July   Reading              14th            $334 million
2029 July   Reading              12th            $382 million

Contracts

• January 11, 2011: Signed a 2 year contract with Victoria Highlanders (PDL Northwest) worth $17,750 a year until December 31, 2012
  
• January 1, 2012: Signed a 2 year contract extension with Victoria Highlanders (PDL Northwest) worth $20,500 a year until December 31, 2014
  
• December 31, 2013: Signed a 1 year contract extension with Victoria Highlanders (PDL Northwest) worth $20,500 a year until December 31, 2015
  
• December 31, 2014: Signed a 2 year contract extension with Victoria Highlanders (PDL Northwest) worth $20,500 a year until December 31, 2017
  
• June 27, 2015: Resigned from Victoria Highlanders
  
• July 15, 2015: Signed a 3 year contract with Persipura Jayapura (Indonesia) worth $75,000 a year until June 30, 2018
  
• June 6, 2018: Resigned from Persipura Jayapura
  
• June 22, 2018: Signed a 3 year contract with Kuban Krasnodar (Russia) worth $275,000 a year until December 31, 2020
  
• July 5, 2020: Resigned from Kuban Krasnodar
  
• July 5, 2020: Signed a 4 year contract with Vitoria Sport Club (Portugal) worth $350,000 a year until June 30, 2024
  
• July 9, 2021: Signed a 3 year contract with Reading FC (England) worth $1,600,000 a year until June 30, 2024
  
• July 1, 2023: Signed a 3 year contract extension with Reading FC (England) worth $3,600,000 a year until June 30, 2027
  
• July 1, 2026: Signed a 3 year contract extension with Reading FC (England) worth $4,300,000 a year until June 30, 2030
  
• July 19, 2026: Signed a contract to manage the Canadian National Senior Team
  
• June 24, 2029: Sacked as manager of the Canadian National Senior Team
  
• July 1, 2029: Signed a 4 year contract extension with Reading FC (England) worth $5,750,000 a year until June 30, 2034
  

[rancer890]

Victoria Highlanders - PDL (Premier Development League) Northwest

The US PDL division is the 4th in the American soccer pyramid. The Victoria Highlanders are based in British Columbia (BC)'s capital city on the west coast of the country. Victoria isn't the most populous city (that distinction goes to Vancouver), as the city is on Vancouver Island. There are no professional sport teams, and there's only 2 semi-professional teams, including the Highlanders, which are the Victoria Salmon Kings, based in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). There are more 'famous' professional athletes than semi-professional teams, with Steve Nash (Point Guard, Phoenix Suns, NBA), Rich Harden (Starting Pitcher, Texas Rangers, MLB), and Michael Saunders (Outfielder, Seattle Mariners, MLB) the most famous ones to come from Victoria.

In more soccer related news, the Highlanders play at 2000 seated Bear Mountain Stadium. It's a multi-purpose field where the football team also play there, so it's not a grass turf. There's average corporate facilities, average training facilities, and adequate youth facilities + academy. Youth recruitment is fairly basic.

[rancer890]

2011 Season Review - Victoria Highlanders - PDL Northwest

Standings | Fixtures - solid season but we came up short to make the playoffs.

Transfers - The key ones:

Andrew Dykstra - starting GK all season. Was pretty average but he was the best we had

Carlos Krause - signed just to add another body. The 4th round pick of the Superdraft, picked by Colorado, did well in his 1st season with Victoria

Kwame Watson-Siriboe - the former 2010 Superdraft 2nd round pick of the Chicago Fire was very solid in the 9 games he played with the team

Lars Lyssand - versatile player who led the club in assists

Niall Thompson - former Canadian international who did well in his first season with Victoria

Squad - The only player already with the team doing well was Tyler Hughes. Other players above also made an impact on the team. However, we did struggle at times and some positions will be improved for next season.

Overview | Facilities | Finances

Next season: my status is very insecure, but I should be able the last year of my contract (I signed a 2 year deal). I probably have to make the playoffs to continue to be employed by Victoria.

--

I know, the update seems a little...bland. It'll get better later on, provided there's no crashes and I still have a job beyond next season.

[pezza1]

Good start Rancer!! Why is your status 'very insecure'? That seems like a reasonable start to me!

Im currently living in Vancouver and im a season ticket holder at the Whitecaps so I will definitely be following this thread closely!

How did the Whitecaps Residency do in the playoffs?

[rancer890]

Good start Rancer!! Why is your status 'very insecure'? That seems like a reasonable start to me!

Im currently living in Vancouver and im a season ticket holder at the Whitecaps so I will definitely be following this thread closely!

How did the Whitecaps Residency do in the playoffs?

I'm not sure.

They wanted midtable so I basically gave them a respectable league position...I guess 3rd place isn't respectable enough. I probably want to aim for playoffs next season. I want more wage budget, and it's not enough wage budget with only midtable.

The Residency team beat Kitsap 2-0 but lost to Ventura county in the Western final on penalties.

Priorities this off-season is a good striker and just more depth. Lavrynecko and Medic had good seasons, but I want to get rid of them because of their high salaries (making $10k+). I already signed a new number 1 goalkeeper who I'm really excited about but I won't unveil him just yet. He's old but I think he'll really help us next season (provided I don't get sacked. I'm still very insecure). I reckon the board will at least let me play out the contract...

This is the 16 team MLS file so no Whitecaps and no Timbers in the MLS (because I want to retain the draft).

[Raware]

Good to see a rancer thread up and running .

Steady first season there but I too am a little surprised that your job status is insecure with that league finish. Good luck for the new season

[Flamers]

Good luck!

[AK22]

Welcome back! Your last career thread was top stuff so will be looking forward to see how this one unravels

[pezza1]

I'm not sure.

They wanted midtable so I basically gave them a respectable league position...I guess 3rd place isn't respectable enough. I probably want to aim for playoffs next season. I want more wage budget, and it's not enough wage budget with only midtable.

The Residency team beat Kitsap 2-0 but lost to Ventura county in the Western final on penalties.

Priorities this off-season is a good striker and just more depth. Lavrynecko and Medic had good seasons, but I want to get rid of them because of their high salaries (making $10k+). I already signed a new number 1 goalkeeper who I'm really excited about but I won't unveil him just yet. He's old but I think he'll really help us next season (provided I don't get sacked. I'm still very insecure). I reckon the board will at least let me play out the contract...

This is the 16 team MLS file so no Whitecaps and no Timbers in the MLS (because I want to retain the draft).

They must be very demanding, your board!!

Im looking forward to FM12 when the Whitecaps will finally be on FM in an official capacity. Definitely want a save with them next year!

[rancer890]

Good to see a rancer thread up and running.

Steady first season there but I too am a little surprised that your job status is insecure with that league finish. Good luck for the new season

Cheers Raware. Glad to be back.

I'm not worrying too much. It's got some bugs. As long as I get to the playoffs next season I'll be alright. I just need more wage budget because I can't compete right now. Top priority is a parent club to get money into the club and cut some of the more expensive wages.

Good luck!

Cheers Flamers.

Welcome back! Your last career thread was top stuff so will be looking forward to see how this one unravels

Not sure if this one can beat that one. I really had a lot of fun in 'The Big One'. Hopefully I will just have a long, successful career.

They must be very demanding, your board!!

Im looking forward to FM12 when the Whitecaps will finally be on FM in an official capacity. Definitely want a save with them next year!

Yeah I don't like them too much. They're not willing to give me a parent club.

I'm more looking forward to FM13 when there's 3 Canadian teams in MLS. Of course, as long as SI doesn't give the MLS the finger again for future FMs I'm happy.

[Jason the Yank]

Looking forward to this. Been debating whether or not to download this file (maybe the 20-team version)

[rancer890]

Looking forward to this. Been debating whether or not to download this file (maybe the 20-team version)

Cheers Jason. I haven't tested the 20 team version though so can't really give much of a comment there.

[Jason the Yank]

I was thinking about the 20-team version, only because Montreal and (maybe) New York Cosmos will be in after I've played long enough to get an MLS job.

[B.W.G]

Good start so far Strange seeing you as insecure even though you did better then expected.

Good luck for the new season

[rancer890]

2012 Season Preview - Victoria Highlanders - PDL Northwest

PDL Northwest Expectations - win the league

Wage Budget - $140k (currently spending: $139,339)

Transfer Budget - $0

And after a talk with the board, they agreed to give me some more wage budget. I now have $152,209 to lead the Victoria Highlanders to the top of our division.

(All Figures USD, but you all should know that by now. )

[rancer890]

January 1, 2012

The Victoria Highlanders have resigned manager Ricky Nakano to a new contract through the end of 2014 worth $20,500 a season. "I'm really excited to continue to manage the Victoria Highlanders," Nakano said in a statement, "I'm looking forward to continue to improve this club and win."

[Vipertitan]

welcome back bud good start enjoyed reading it...

[rancer890]

2012 Off-season Transfers - Victoria Highlanders - PDL Northwest

Transfers

Lots of new players coming in, and even though the squad seems smaller, I think we have a lot better quality than last season.

Zach Thornton - doesn't appear in the transfer screenie because I signed him after last season ended. The former US international and veteran goalkeeper who played for several MLS clubs like Chivas USA, the Metrostars/NYRB franchise, and the Chicago Fire should be good in the PDL.

Pablo Rolon - young player on inexpensive wages who should contribute nicely to the team

Leonardo Ocamica - used up a lot of wage budget on this player, but if he can give us a league title and help my job secured, he's worth it.

Juan Casado - used up even more wage budget on this striker. He's still new to North America and Canada in general, but hopefully some of our Spanish speaking players can help him fit in.

Dave van den Bergh - veteran player who most fans who support the MLS should know. His wage is probably a little high but I don't mind if he can help us get some wins. Hasn't played in since 2009 with FC Dallas though so who knows how well he'll be for us...he can play nearly every position on the pitch (except WBR, DR, and GK ) so he'll be useful.

Alfonso Loera - veteran centre back signed on the transfer deadline. He's on inexpensive wages and seems like a very good player

Leaving the club include our 2 leading scorers, Davor Petrovic (didn't resign) and Niall Thompson (too old), Ivan Boljat (didn't resign), and Yuriy Lavrynenko (sold because of high wages).

Pre-season results:

March

3rd - vs Seattle Sounders - L 1-2

9th - vs FC Dallas - L 0-1

16th - vs Sporting KC - L 2-4

22nd - at Valparaiso - W 4-1

28th - at Rollins (Div II) - W 5-1

April

2nd - at Bermuda Hogges - W 2-0

8th - at Quintana (Puerto Rico) - W 1-0

14th - at Mercer - W 4-0

------

Solid pre-season. We did well against the MLS clubs and very well against the NCAA clubs. We faced one PDL in Bermuda and we beat them as well. So, hopefully the season goes well..

[rancer890]

welcome back bud good start enjoyed reading it...

Cheers mate. Hopefully the good results can continue.

[Flamers]

Good luck!

[Vipertitan]

Cheers mate. Hopefully the good results can continue.

yeah longest bad run i got was 18games

[rancer890]

2012 Season Review - Victoria Highlanders - PDL Northwest

Standings | Fixtures |Western Conference Playoffs | Overall Playoffs - we had a fantastic regular season, and won our division. The playoffs were a bit hectic for us as we had 4 playoff games in 8 days, and we just ran out of gas in the end...

Transfers - The key ones...

Pablon Rolon - I needed him a little more when van den Bergh was injured. He did alright for a young player

Leonardo Ocamica - you can probably say my MVP. He averaged a goal a game and led the club in goals and 2nd in assists

Juan Casado - didn't have as much of an impact as I wanted and he's making a lot for I expect for him

Dave van den Bergh decided to tear his hamstring in his 6th game and was lost for the season, not too sure if I want him back next season.

Alfonso Loera - did really well, although we really could have used him in the final

Jackson Beckham Da Silva - he did okay in the games he was in. He's still very young.

Squad - Was still a sad squad, but had a more quality. Adolfo Gregorio had a breakout season and was fantastic all year. Lars Lyssand compiled the most assists, and Zach Thornton was solid in net despite his age.

MVP - Leonardo Ocamica

Overview | Facilities | Finances

Summary

Year        Team                 Country       League           Position       Notes and Info    
2011        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         3rd                  N/A
2012        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         1st   Lost Playoff Final                                                                                                 

Next season: My status is only stable right now. The confidence thing seems a little bugged so to speak but I'm in no danger to lose my job. In the off-season I need to strengthen some positions and get more depth most importantly. We probably need a larger squad to compete in the playoffs and I already losing 3 players (well probably a few more as I have several contracts expiring) but I just need some quality depth at reasonable wages.

[Flamers]

Progress though!

[rancer890]

Progress though!

Yes I am learning on a job. I need some better foreigners though (which are those who aren't Canadian/American/Puerto Rican/Antigua & Barbuda-in). Ocamica is a keeper for now but I didn't like how my other Argentine fared, considering he is the most highest paid player on the team. I had a chance to acquire American striker (and former TFC player) Alan Gordon before the season but he signed with another team.

Slowly I am building this team and knowing what I need to win a championship.

[Flamers]

It's continual. I always build from the back. Strikers are easier to find in my experience.

[rancer890]

It's continual. I always build from the back. Strikers are easier to find in my experience.

In my first season, striker was the weakest link in the squad so I acquired some strikers hoping that one or both of them would do well and fit in. One did well and one didn't imo, so I'm probably going to get rid of the one that didn't do so well to acquire a non-foreign one or a really good foreigner.

I really need to build the back again since I'm losing some players because they're going to other clubs or I just don't want them on the team because they're either too old, want too much money, or both. Already acquired some decent players who should contribute next season so it's a good start so far.

[rancer890]

2013 Season Preview - Victoria Highlanders - PDL Northwest

Media Prediction - 1st

PDL Northwest Expectations - win the league

Wage Budget - $170k (currently spending: $185,671)

Transfer Budget - $0

I'll probably ask the board later for another wage budget increase...

[rancer890]

2013 Off-season Transfers - Victoria Highlanders - PDL Northwest

Transfers before 2013:

IN:

Oscar Benitez - free - young player recently released from Argentine Primera Division club Lanus. Good young player and will be a depth player

Josh Gardner - free - he was released from MLS club Columbus Crew and we snapped him up. A quality non-foreign player

Peter Lowry - free - spent the 2011 season with the Portland Timbers and signed a contract with the LA Galaxy in 2012 but waived. We then signed him up. He's a quality player

OUT:

Ben Dragavon - Cincinnati - free

Mirko Medic - Virginia Beach - free

Davor Petrovic - free

Transfers - lots of new faces. I think this is our strongest squad yet so far.

Stuart Jimenez - young goalkeeper released by NASL side Tampa Bay who should be the backup for the next couple seasons

Andres Guzman - former Velez youth. More depth at a low cost

Jonathan Philippe - new starter and former Boca youth.

Kevin Jackman - released from the Montreal Academy and will provide nothing more than depth

Michael Williams - I was excited to sign this young player recently waived after being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2013 MLS Superdraft by San Jose. He spent 2 years in college with Louisville Cardinals, scoring 7 goals in 18 games

Ivan Becerra - former 2006 MLS supplemental draft pick of the Columbus Crew. He'll provide more depth and is also an American citizen so he won't occupy a valuable foreigner spot.

The only player I wanted to keep at the club this season was Josh Brown, but my offer couldn't really compete with the MLS...all the other players were released because they wanted too much money or their current salary was too high for my liking.

---

I'm really excited about the new season. We have a lot more quality now and we're signing NASL and MLS players, as well as a recent MLS Superdraft pick. We nearly signed another 2013 4th round pick but he went to another club.

[Flamers]

Good luck, those signings are starting to look really good!

[DSYoungEsq]

Ah, the patient build-up, from the back, so to speak. Worth it when your patience yields the eventual dividends you know can come.

[rancer890]

2013 Season Review - Victoria Highlanders - PDL Northwest

Standings | Fixtures |Western Conference Playoffs | Overall Playoffs - Another very good season capped off with a Northwest Division title and the overall PDL Championship.

Transfers - The key ones...

Josh Gardner - did a great job as the starting left midfielder

Peter Lowry - he did a great job as a veteran for this team

Jonathan Philippe - a great job considering this was his first year outside Argentina.

Michael Williams - I didn't expect this production out of this young striker

Squad - strongest squad yet. Hopefully we can make even more improvements to this next season

MVP - Michael Williams

Overview | Facilities | Finances

I organized some money spinner away friendlies to gain some profit this season.

Summary

Year        Team                 Country       League           Position       Notes and Info    
2011        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         3rd                  N/A
2012        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         1st   Lost Playoff Final
2013        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         1st        PDL Champions                                                                                                 

Next season: Much of the same please!

[Flamers]

Do you get promoted or what? I have no idea about the US football system

[rancer890]

Do you get promoted or what? I have no idea about the US football system

No promotion/relegation in the US soccer system. We never had one, and at this rate, maybe we'll never have one.

The US football system doesn't have promotion/relegation either.

[Flamers]

What is this game called?

[rancer890]

What is this game called?

Football obviously.

[Flamers]

I meant the game your playing, Football Manager Damn Americans..

[rancer890]

I meant the game your playing, Football Manager Damn Americans..

I'm not even American.

I would purchase Worldwide Soccer Manager if it existed..

[cerud]

Loving that you're back and doing a new save. As a fellow Canadian (and living in Vancouver...go Whitecaps!!), I can't wait for a revamped MLS in FM12 with the Whitecaps and Sounders. Will definitely be following this career.

Cheers,

cerud

[rancer890]

Loving that you're back and doing a new save. As a fellow Canadian (and living in Vancouver...go Whitecaps!!), I can't wait for a revamped MLS in FM12 with the Whitecaps and Sounders. Will definitely be following this career.

Cheers,

cerud

You mean the Whitecaps and Portland Timbers FC. But pretty close, there's 3 way rivalry in the Northwest now.

But yes MLS will be interesting in FM12 -- if MLS isn't bugged.

[rancer890]

2014 Season Preview - Victoria Highlanders - PDL Northwest

Media Prediction - 1st

PDL Northwest Expectations - win the PDL Northwest (more accurately, the entire PDL)

Wage Budget - $185k (currently spending: $200,429)

Transfer Budget - $12k

I'll ask the board again for a wage budget increase and allocate the transfer budget to wage budget. It's the first time I got a transfer budget..I think once we get rid of the deadwood next January 1st, and hopefully I can squeeze a little more salary into the team.

[cerud]

You mean the Whitecaps and Portland Timbers FC. But pretty close, there's 3 way rivalry in the Northwest now.

But yes MLS will be interesting in FM12 -- if MLS isn't bugged.

Right! Timbers, my bad

[rancer890]

2014 Off-season Transfers - Victoria Highlanders - PDL Northwest

Transfers

We made some fantastic additions to the squad again this year. We didn't acquire any waived MLS draft picks, but we still acquired some great talent.

Chuck Kim - veteran striker who will add some depth to the squad. He spent the 2013 with two Canadian teams, Hamilton FC Rage and the Toronto Lynx.

Matthew Smith - young midfielder who will add more depth. Formerly of FC Edmonton of the NASL

Ulisses - my first Brazilian signing. Released from Brazilian Serie B club Guarani, this young player will be a help to the team this season

Niek Ripson - my first Dutch signing after my scout scouted the Netherlands. He spent his entire career in the Netherlands, playing games with NAC Breda, FC Oss, FC Emmen, RBC, Lienden, and most recently with Jupiler League club Telstar

Cody Arnoux - a 26 year striker with experience training in the Premier League with Everton. Arnoux also has experience in the MLS, playing with Real Salt Lake and the Houston Dynamo, scoring 3 goals in 21 games.

Future Transfers

Alejandro Cuffaro Russo - my scout searched Argentina and found this young player. He won't come to Canada till he's 18 but he has great potential when he starts playing some games for us.

Ryan Cochrane - we are in the final stages of negotiations with this veteran American centre back. He has played in the MLS from 2004 to 2013, suiting up 180 times with San Jose Earthquakes/Houston Dynamo franchise, the New England Revolution, and the 'new' expansion San Jose Earthquakes. (yes there is a difference those 2 Quakes teams if you follow MLS!!!). Oh yeah, he's going to retire at the end of the season so it's only one season contract technically.

--

Our payroll should be around $200,000, which is similar to last year. This team should definitely be able to compete with the best of them. The only downside is the fact we lack a 3rd goalkeeper so hopefully no injuries! (/touch wood )

[rancer890]

2014 World Cup - Hosts: Brazil

Group Stage

Group A - Brazil, Serbia, Japan, New Zealand

Group B - Colombia, Italy, Netherlands, Iran

Group C - Argentina, Belarus, Ghana, Canada

Group D - Spain, Chile, Denmark, Ivory Coast

Group E - Uruguay, Cameroon, Greece, Australia

Group F - Ukraine, France, Mexico, Egypt

Group G - Scotland, Montenegro, Algeria, USA

Group H - Portugal, Croatia, Ecuador, Bahrain

2nd Round

Italy 3-1 Brazil

Serbia 1-2 Colombia

Argentina 2-3 Chile

Belarus 1-1 (p) Spain

Uruguay (p) 1-1 France

Cameroon 0-0 (p) Ukraine

Scotland 1-3 Croatia

Montenegro (p) 1-1 Portugal

Quarter-Final

Italy 0-0 (p) Spain

Colombia 2-1 Chile

Uruguay 2-0 Montenegro

Ukraine 1-2 Croatia

Semi-Final

Spain 0-1 (e) Croatia

Colombia 1-2 (e) Uruguay

Third Place Game

Spain 1-0 Colombia

Final

Croatia 0-4 Uruguay

[Lenzar]

Is the Andrew Dykstra you had before related to the old QPR keeper?

[Jason the Yank]

Chicago Fire, IIRC.

[rancer890]

Is the Andrew Dykstra you had before related to the old QPR keeper?

Jason's right. Formerly of the Chicago Fire.

FYI, England finished 2nd (behind Ukraine), but last among 2nd place teams so they didn't even make the playoffs. Germany finished 3rd behind Belarus and Switzerland, missing the playoffs because of goal difference.

[rancer890]

2014 Season Review - Victoria Highlanders - PDL Northwest

Standings | Fixtures |Western Conference Playoffs - Disappointing result to lose in the Western Conference Final.

Transfers - some of the key transfers this past season include:

Ulisses - despite leaving the club for a one month break because he couldn't settle, he still had a very good season

Niek Ripson - the Dutch midfielder/centre back settled into the club nicely

Cody Arnoux - a solid season for the 26 year old.

Ryan Cochrane - great final season for Cochrane. Too bad he's already decided to retire after the season.

Squad - Strongest squad yet, but couldn't deliver a championship

MVP - Michael Williams - he did better this season despite losing a month to injury.

Canadian Citizenship Watch - Kwame Watson-Siriboe is now a Canadian citizen. He should be eligible for the national team in 2016.

Overview | Facilities | Finances

I organized less friendlies so not as much profit as last season.

Summary

Year        Team                 Country       League           Position             Notes and Info    
2011        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         3rd                        N/A
2012        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         1st         Lost Playoff Final
2013        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         1st              PDL Champions         
2014        Victoria Highlanders Canada        PDL Northwest         1st   Lost Western Conf. Final                                                                                        

Next season: Win it all

[rancer890]

October 5, 2014

TBF, he does have another year at over $20,000 so it isn't all that bad for him to play football another season. He's only 30 so he's got some mileage left in him. Only a few more retirements and unretirements till he catches up with MJ and Favre!

[pezza1]

How did you get hime to change his mind? I have a player retiring on my save and I still feel he has alot to offer so if theres a way to make him change his mind then I'll definitely look into it!

Well done on winning the league again...just unfortunate you couldnt finish the job in the playoffs, but thats knockout football i guess!!

What now? Will you stay on in Victoria or are you looking at other jobs?