FM14 - Bobby Forbes

[Fond Foat]

Introduction

Bobby Forbes is a simple man. He has simple goals. He is considered a stickler for discipline and prefers traditional formations. Bobby has a love for Spanish football and hopes to end up managing in Spain in the future.

Personal Rules

No more than 5 transfers a year + no more than 3 loans in a year / LLM rules (except for player naming)

Manager Info

Manager: Bobby Forbes

Nationality: South African

DOB: 22/07/1978

Reputation: Sunday League Footballer

Leagues Loaded

Playable

All Leagues - South Africa / China / Bulgaria / Spain / Denmark / Mexico / Argentina / USA / Australia

Partial - England (Level 3) / Scotland (Level 2) / France (Level 2) / Germany (Level 2) / Russia (Top) / Italy (Level 2) / Portugal (Top) / Brazil (Top) / Holland (Top)

Manager History

11 July 2013 until 5 December 2015 - Roses United (South Africa)

14 March 2016 until 29 April 2017 - Chippa United (South Africa)

[Fond Foat]

Season 2013 / 2014

July - September

ROSES UNITED - South African National First Division

Season Prediction: 14th

Minimum Expectation: Avoid Relegation

Estimated Value: R13M

Stadium Capacity: 10,000

Training Facilities: Poor

Youth Facilities: Adequate

Finances: Okay

Wage Budget: R220,000 p/w

Transfer Budget: R2.5m

We have a very small squad mostly made up of U23 players. I like that as it will enable me to develop the team how I want. I decided to try to add a little experience to the team. I also decided to make three versions of a 4-4-2 for this season ahead.

Players In

31.07.13 - Charlie Dube on loan from African Warriors. 23 yo midfielder who will start most matches on the left wing.

01.08.13 - Ace Lebepe on loan from Black Aces. 21 year old winger who will start on the right side of the park. He looks like he could really be a big player for us this season.

06.08.13 - Tonic Chabalala on a free. 33 yo central defender is still a class act. I had to offer him more than I would like, but he will be the backbone of my defense.

31.08.13 - Mxolisi Magoso on loan from African Warriors. 29 yo defensive midfielder. A deadline day signing who should become my main deep-lying playmaker.

Players Out

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

13.09.13 - Roger Mjafa (MC) out for 6-7 weeks.

14.09.13 - Tonic Chabalala (DC) out for 3 months.

20.09.13 - Dusimane Bohale (DC) out for 2 months.

21.09.13 - David Fakude (ST) out for 6-7 weeks.

22.09.13 - Alex Ngomane (ST) out for 6-8 weeks. Ok...new physio needed!

Fixtures

24.08.13 - [Roses 0 - 2 Santos FC] 13th - Santos too good. We had a couple of chances but they had that extra bit of class.

31.08-13 - [FC Cape Town 0 - 0 Roses] 11th - Frustrating game. We didn't have as much of the ball, but we created the better chances.

14.09.13 - [Roses 3 - 1 Thanda Royal Zulu] 8th - A tight game but two quite lucky goals in the last 10 minutes saw us get our first win.

21.09.13 - [Roses 3 - 4 Witbank Spurs] 10th - We went behind 3 times and came back 3 times. We couldn't do it a 4th. Struggling to cover DC injuries.

28.09.13 - [blackburn 2 - 2 Roses] 10th - A game I felt we had the better off, but it took a penalty to salvage a draw.

Summary

Not the worst start to the season. We sit 4 points clear of the relegation places, but I hope the worst of our injuries are behind us and we can start to get our best team out on the park. Finances are copping a battering as we are losing about R1 million a month.

[Fond Foat]

Season 2013 / 2014

October to December

ROSES UNITED - South African National First Division

Players In

9.11.13 - Sipho Made from FC A.K for R0. Transfer will go through 01.01.14. The 29 yo full back will strengthen the right side of my defence.

Players Out

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

25.10.13 - Roger Mjafa (MC) out for 5-6 weeks. His second serious injury.

01.11.13 - Mxolisi Magoso (MC) out for 10-12 months. This forced me to cancel his loan deal.

Fixtures

05.10.13 - [Maluti FET 3 - 6 Roses] 8th - Crazy game. We were 5-0 up by halftime and in the end I was a little annoyed with our 2nd half. Still a good performance.

19.10.13 - [Roses 1 - 3 Black Leopards] 10th - Simply too good. The goal we got was a cracker, but we could have lost by more.

26.10.13 - [Chippa Utd 3 - 2 Roses] 10th - A very cruel result. We went 2 down just after the half but clawed back level only to be beaten with the last kick of the game.

02.11.13 - [Roses 2 - 2 Vasco] 11th We went 1-0 down, then went 2-1 up before a howling defensive mistake gave them a draw. Vasco were in 15th, so I really wanted a win.

09.11.13 - [sivutsa Stars 1 - 1 Roses] 12th - Gave away a penalty in the 86th but answered straight away. Sivutsa have not won in 9 games, but we couldn't get a vital win.

23.11.13 - [Roses 1 - 3 Milano Utd] 12th - Top team Milano were too clinical for us. We are officially in a rut!

30.11.13 - [united FC 1 - 0 Roses] 12th - I went with a more defensive 442 to try to stop conceding so many. We were undone by a set piece.

07.12.13 - [Jomo Cosmos 0 - 1 Roses] 12th - A huge away win sealed in the 94th by Tshepiso Molotsi. A great relief.

14.12.13 - [Roses 0 - 1 African Warriors] 12th - Disappointed that we could not follow up with another good result. Can't get that balance between attack and defence.

18.12.13 - SA Cup Prelim. Round: [Roses 0 - 2 Wittbank Spurs] - Didn't put up much of a fight. I will switch to a 4-5-1.

Summary

Not a great period for us. A lot of red and not much green. We are staying around the 3 -4 points above the relegation places, and we are not playing that badly. I need to find a way to win, however. I may give up the 4-4-2 for a 4-5-1 for a couple of weeks. The next 5 or 6 fixtures will be very telling for us.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Personal Rules

No more than 5 transfers a year + no more than 3 loans in a year / LLM rules (except for player naming)

LLM does not place restrictions on the number of transfers or loans in a year.

[Fond Foat]

LLM does not place restrictions on the number of transfers or loans in a year.

Never said it did.

[Fond Foat]

Season 2013 / 2014

January to March

ROSES UNITED - South African National First Division

Players In

Players Out

20.02.14 - Menzi Masuku (AMC) mutual termination. The 20 yo was complaining too much.

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

11.03 14 - Roger Majafa (MC) for 2 months. Very good player but too injury prone.

Fixtures

04.01.14 - [baroka FC 3 - 1 Roses] 13th - Terrible performance. We are now just 2 points above the relegation places. Will stick with 451 though.

11,01,14 - [santos FC 2 - 1 Roses] 14th - Pumped for 60m and 2-0 down. Switched back to 442 and improved. Pressure is mounting. Equal on GD with the 2 teams below us.

18.01.14 - [Thanda Royal Zulu 1 - 2 Roses] 12th - 442 again. Went down early but fought back really well. Chabalala headed home the winner in the 78th. So important to have gained the win.

25.01.14 - [Roses 1- 0 FC Cape Town] 12th - Back to back wins at last. Even better is both teams are below us on the table.

02.02.14 - [Roses 2 - 1 Blackburn] 10th - 3 in a row thanks to a 94th min header from Chabalala. 5 points clear of the relegation places. We look like a team at last.

08.02.14 - [Witbank Spurs 4 - 1 Roses] 11th - Witbank reminded us that we are a long way off the top teams in this division.

15.02.14 - [Roses 1 - 1 Maluti FET] 12th - Frustrating. We crushed them. We had shots on the goal line and missed. Good chance to kick away from the bottom lost.

01.03.14 - [black Leopard 1 - 1 Roses] 11th - A great result away to the top team. Really pleased with the effort put in all over the park.

08.03.14 - [Roses 0 - 1 Chippa Utd] 11th - Chabalala got 2 yellows in the first 10 minutes meaning it was all uphill. Still I felt we had enough good chances to equalize but...

15.03.14 - [Roses 3 - 2 Sivutsa Stars] 10th - After going 2 up in the 1st half, we let them draw level. A great Zimba goal earned us an important win. 7 points clear of the drop places.

22.03.14 - [Vasco CT 0 - 0 Roses] 12th - Pleased that we looked solid at the back. A draw away is a good enough result.

29.03.14 - [Milano Utd 3 - 3 Roses] 12th - We again let a 2 goal lead slip. We again took a 3-2 lead but allowed an equaliser in the 93rd.

Summary

A good period for us that placed us well clear of relegation. I think we started to match teams across the park and play how we wanted to. Quite a few players are coming near the end of their contracts and with me being slightly over my wage budget it will be a hard summer.

[Nobby_McDonald]

So why have you imposed transfer and loan limits on yourself?

[Fond Foat]

So why have you imposed transfer and loan limits on yourself?

I just don't like how easy it is to go to a lower league club and basically change the starting 11 every year. It is something that is not done and I think it takes away the idea of having a team of people not possessions. I like being forced to have to think really hard about who I want to let go, and on the other side, try not to make any wasteful signings.

[Fond Foat]

Season 2013 / 2014

April to June

ROSES UNITED - South African National First Division

Important News

01.04.2014 - New 1 year contract signed: Salary = R17,000 p/w.

Players In

Youth Intake Signings

05.04.14 - Philani Ntombela (16 yo attacking full back) - Rep: Could become a good National First Division player.

06.04.14 - Bongani Letshaba (15 yo center back) - Rep: Could become a decent Premiership central defender.

06.04.14 - Daniel Khune - (15 yo striker) - Rep: Could become a good Premiership striker in the future.

12.04.14 - Klaas Hempe - (16 yo striker) - Rep: Could become a decent National First division striker.

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

19.04.14 - Ace Lepebe (MR) out for 7 weeks. Has been an excellent player for us all season. Unfortunately he will miss the last couple of games.

25.04.14 - Tshepiso Molotsi (ST) out for 7 weeks.

25.04.14 - Roger Majafa (MC) out for 2 months. Incredible! I will have to let this guy go.

Fixtures

12.04.13 [Roses 2 - 1 Jomo Cosmos] 12th - Went 1 down in 81st. A penalty brought us level. Went down to 10 men due to injury. A sweeping counter saw us steal a win in additional time. We are safe from relegation.

19.04.13 [Roses 2 - 1 United FC] 12th - Again, very pleased with how organised we look. Hoping for a top 10 finish.

03.05.14 [Roses 0 - 1 Baroka FC] 12th - Went down early. Chabalala gets sent of again in the 61st. Couldn't crack open their defence.

10.05.14 [African Warriors 0 - 0 Roses] 12th - Needed a win to get a top 10 spot. We outplayed the Warriors but couldn't break the deadlock.

Players Out

18.05.14 - Tonic Chabalala (DC) mutual termination. Gave some good displays, but age did seem to catch up with him near the end.

20.05.14 - Surprise Gabela (ST) mutual termination. A good striker, but I do feel he his overpaid.

01.06.14 - Alex Ngomane (ST) mutual termination. Not quite good enough for us.

01.06.14 - Papi Mngomezulu (AMR) mutual termination. Will not be a part of the first team.

Summary

A good ending to a solid season. I hope to put out another competitive side next season. I will focus on building stronger depth.

Final Ladder

Roses United - Team of the Season

[elland road boo boys]

Good post.

Can you put up your tactics please

[Fond Foat]

Cheers.

I have player instructions that try to fit my players and I do change mentality a bit. I watch the match in comprehensive, so it is not a tactic you can just set and leave.

[Fond Foat]

Season 2014 / 2015

July - September

ROSES UNITED - South African National First Division

Season Prediction: 14th

Minimum Expectation: Mid Table

Estimated Value: R700k

Stadium Capacity: 10,000

Training Facilities: Poor

Youth Facilities: Adequate

Finances: Okay

Wage Budget: R229,000 p/w

Transfer Budget: R1.3m

Important News

13.07.14 - Croatia beat Germany 3-0 to win the World Cup.

Players In

01.07.14 - Ace Lebepe from Black Aces for R0. The 22 yo winger was excellent on loan so hoping for another strong season.

08.07.14 - Charlie Dube on a free. The 23 yo midfielder did enough on loan to convince me to give him a contract.

26.07.14 - Teboga Masaole on a free. The 24 yo midfielder looks to be perfect to slot into my defensive central midfield role.

04.08.14 - Peintjie Zulu on loan from Jomo Cosmos - The 24 yo full back gives depth to both my left full back and left midfield position.

Players Out

10.07.14 - Jeff Mbokata to Polakwane City for R0. The 33 yo midfielder had a very good season with us but at R12k a week I thought it was time to let him go.

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

16.08.14 - Justice Nozozo (MR) out for 6 to 7 weeks.

27.08.14 - Charlie Dube (ML) out for 7 to 8 weeks. Will miss Charlie!

Fixtures

23.08.14 [Roses 3 - 1 Milano Utd] 3rd - Wanted a flying start and we got. 3 up by half time. My 'Don't get complacent" talk demotivated everyone. Still, just the start I wanted.

27.08.14 [Jomo Cosmos 1 - 0 Roses] 8th - We had some great chances but a defensive error allowed Jomo to take the lead. We just couldn't get that equaliser.

30.08.14 [Roses 1 - 0 Vasco CT] 7th - The opposite of the previous game. Vasco really took the game to us, but we found the net in the 71st and held on.

11.09.14 [baroka FC 3 - 1 Roses] 11th - All goals conceded from set pieces. Still look shaky away from home. Opposition seem far more aggressive this season.

17.09.14 [santos FC 3 - 0 Roses] 12th - Santos again too good for us.

20.09.14 [Roses 3 - 0 Maluti FC] 8th - Home form continued. Due to congestion, Daniel Khune played his 1st game and scored a debut goal!

27.09.14 [Roses 3 - 2 Sivutsa Stars] 7th - Got a 3-0 lead by the half. Another screamer by Khune. Then a shaky 2nd half saw us hang on for another vital home win.

Summary

An interesting start to the season. Undefeated at home, but unable to gain any points on the road. In general, I think we look better than last season. I have made my tactics slightly less defensive, so perhaps I may have to adjust that for away trips. Have to say I am very excited about Daniel Khune. Ace Lebepe has also been excellent. We are 3 points behind the top team (Black Leopards) and 8 points clear of United FC in 15th.

[Fond Foat]

Season 2014 / 2015

October to December

ROSES UNITED - South African National First Division

Important News

01.11.14 - Finances are a shambles. We are now known as a debt-ridden club.

Players In

Players Out

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

29.10.14 - Charlie Dube (ML) out for 5 to 6 weeks. Charlie is an important player we will miss him...again.

Fixtures

04.10.14 [FC A.K. 2 - 1 Roses] 9th - Found ourselves 2 down early. Tried to fight back but the losing away streak continues.

08.10.14 [Atlie FC 3 - 3 Roses] 10th - Incredible! After a dodgy penalty decision in the 60th we were 3 down. Fakude then banged in 3 of his own and Khune nearly snatched a winner.

18.10.14 [Roses 2 - 0United FC] 7th - We remain undefeated at home. Great to have Dube back and Fakude was again excellent.

25.10.14 [Golden Arrows 0 - 0 Roses] 8th - Fair result in the end. We sit 4 points from 3rd.

01.11.14 [Roses 0 - 1 Black Leopards] 11th - Top of the table Black Leopards were too good. We were probably lucky to only go down by 1.

08.11.14 [African Warriors 1- 8 Roses] 7th - We absolutely slaughtered the Warriors. Everything we touched turned to gold. 4 goals to Fakude.

22.11.14 [Roses 1 - 1 Chippa Utd] 10th - We scored first but were generally outplayed.

29.11.14 [blackburn 2 - 1 Roses] 11th - A loss to the bottom placed team could really hurt our season. We dominated this game.

06.12.14 [Milano Utd 5 - 2 Roses] 12th - 2 up and cruising then bam....5 in a row. We were terrible. I was a very angry man. Season falling apart.

13.12.14 [Roses 3 - 3 Jomo Cosmos] 13th - We went 3 down but fought back. Not happy with a draw though. We are in 13th but 11 points from relegation places.

17,12,14 SA Cup Prelim. Round: [santos FC 1 - 2 Roses] Good to get through. With a long break coming up I switched to a 4-4-2 diamond. May continue with it.

Summary

A frustrating period. I had hoped we would be sitting in around 7th spot but instead we slid down the table. It all seems to have gone wrong after the 8-1 thumping we gave the African Warriors. I will look at switching to a new formation. The 442 diamond did a job against Santos in the cup. It may be worth continuing with it though it just looks like it will leak goals. I will probably just reassess the 442 I have and try to strengthen it. David Fakude has been the man for us. He has 15 goals (7.37) already. Ace Lepebe has also been important with 3 goals and 9 assists (7.28).

Table Summary

3rd - 29 points (Playoffs)

13th - 22 points (Roses United)

15th - 11 points (Relegation)

[Fond Foat]

Season 2014 / 2015

January to March

ROSES UNITED - South African National First Division

Important News

12.03-15 - Ousame Toure was given leave of absence to return to Mali after struggling to settle at the club. His form has been excellent though.

Players In

05.01.15 - Ousmane Toure from Dynamo for R150k. The 24 yo Malian central defender is brought in to help our waning defence.

Players Out

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

03.01.15 - Ace Lebepe (ML) for 6 to 7 weeks. Sigh....

22.02.15 - Ace Lebepe (ML) for 3 to 4 months. The end of Ace's season. The backups will have to stand up.

Fixtures

03.01.15 [Vasco CT 4 - 1 Roses] 13th - One of those results that kicks you in the teeth. We gave as good as we got but....

10.01.15 [Roses 0 - 0 Baroka FC] 13th - Almost happy to have a 0-0 after our recent performances. Again, I think we shaded the game.

14.02.15 [Roses 4 - 0 Santos FC] 11th - We spent the long break working on a more control based 442. I didn't see this result coming!

22.02.15 SA Cup First Round: [Roses 2 - 1 Morning Stars] Job done. Toure kept up his great form since we signed him.

28.02.15 [Maluti FET 2 - 6 Roses] 10th - A stunning 2nd half performance. Confidence oozing through the squad. Nozozo replaced Ace and scored twice. Great performance.

07.03.15 [sivutsa Stars 1 - 2 Roses] 9th - Another solid performance away. A Fakude goal in the 82nd gave us the win. Happy how we are closing out games.

11.03.15 [Roses 0 - 4 Atlie FC] 10th - At home full of confidence against a low end team. Why FM? Why??

14.03.15 SA Cup Second Round: [Roses 0 - 1 Jomo Cosmos] Couldn't get the equaliser after going down early. Hope we do not hit a slump now.

21.03.15 [united FC 2 - 1 Roses] 12th - Faced the bottom team and were beaten by a 94th min free kick. We are at least consistently inconsistent.

Summary

I was feeling good about life as we got to within 5 points of 3rd place, but as per usual, we hit a slump which pushed us back down the table. After the last loss to United FC, I decided to scrap the 442 all together and begin working on a 532 for next season. I will also give some of the younger players more time now. Disappointed that Toure couldn't settle and he has been away for about three weeks already. Just hoping to finish in the top 10.

Table Summary

3rd - 40 points (playoffs)

12th - 32 points (Roses)

15th - 20 points (Relegation)

[Fond Foat]

Season 2014 / 2015

April to June

ROSES UNITED - South African National First Division

Important News

12.04.14 - Ousame Toure returns to the club assuring us he is over his home sickness.

23.05.15 - New 1 year contract signed = R19,000 p/w.

Players In

Youth Intake

05.04.15 - Noah Ngobeni (16 yo midfielder). Rep: Could become a good First Division central midfielder.

05.04.15 - Innocent Makhoba (16 yo striker). Rep: Could become a decent Premiership striker.

06.04.15 - Michael Buckley (16 yo midfielder. Rep: Could become a decent First Division attack midfielder.

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

04.04.15 - Sibusiso Phakthi (MC) out for 6 to 7 weeks.

Fixtures

04.04.15 [Roses 5 - 1 FC A.K.] 9th - First game with the 532 was excellent. Will have to see how long it lasts.

08.04.15 [Roses 0 - 1 Golden Arrows] 9th - 2nd place Golden Arrows came to town and we battered them. They won with their one and only shot on goal....growl!

18.04.15 [black Leopards 0 - 0 Roses] 10th - Top of the table Leopards were next. Again, we played well and had 10 of 11 shots on target but could not get the winner.

25.04.14 [Roses 3 - 1 African Warriors] 8th - Blooded 3x16 year olds. Good solid performance. Liking the new formation so far.

02.05.15 [Chippa Utd 1 - 2 Roses] 8th - Chippa fighting for a playoff spot. Their manager was a bit up himself pre-game. We worked our socks off. Khune winner in the 90th. I gave it big!

09.05.15 [Roses 6 - 2 Blackburn] 7th - A great way to finish of the season. Khune gets his first hat-trick.

Players Out

18.05.15 - Justin Nozozo (MR) mutual termination. Does not fit into the new system.

18.05.15 - Sibusiso Masina (ST) mutual termination. Never really liked his attitude.

18.05.15 - Mpumelelo Swartbooi (MR) mutual termination. Doesn't fit into the system. Never really performed well enough.

22.05.15 - Paulos Kgoadi (ML) mutual termination. Does not suit new system.

Season Summary

In the end it has to be considered a good season. I felt we were on the verge of pushing towards the top three on occasions, but we were just too inconsistent. I like the 532 formation we finished the season off with, and I hope that will help us take another step forward next season. Fakude put in 19 league goals to be the stand out performer. Young Khune really look sthe goods, so i am hoping he will bloom next year.

Final Table

Roses United - Team of the Season

[King Costly]

Nine points better than last year so a definite improvement. Hopefully next year you can break the top three.

[Fond Foat]

Cheers King Costly. I am a bit unsure how it will pan out. A large wages cut and players leaving because of those cuts will make the next season very interesting.

[Fond Foat]

Season 2015 / 2016

July - September

ROSES UNITED - South African National First Division

Season Prediction: 14th

Minimum Expectation: Top half finish (My choice as I needed the wage budget)

Estimated Value: R0k???

Stadium Capacity: 10,000

Training Facilities: Poor

Youth Facilities: Adequate

Finances: Net debt R4.9m

Wage Budget: R195,000 p/w

Transfer Budget: R25k

Important News

14.07.15 - Money is super tight. No money to get new staff, and I can't offer potential signings very much at all!

Players In

11.07.15 - Bonginkosi Nxumalo on a free transfer. The 22 yo full back will be trained as a wing back.

12.07.15 - Mzukisi Mxonywa on a free transfer. The 24 yo full back will also be getting wing back training.

14.07.15 - Ricardo Goss on a free transfer. The 21 yo goalkeeper is here as a back up only.

Players Out

01.07.15 – Marcus Sebelebele (DL) contract expired.

01.07.15 – Teboho Kalake (DR) contract expired.

01.07.15 – Sibusiso Phakathi (MC) contract expired.

01.07.15 - Rueben Mokoena (GK) joins Polokwane on a free.

08.07.15 - Aphiwe Mlalande (MC) joins Black Leopards for R340k. Club needs the money.

12.07.15 - Ronald Mohlaka (DL) joins FS Stars for R270k. Again, money, money, money.

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

16.07.15 - Philani Ntombela (WBL) out for 5 to 6 weeks.

22.07.15 - Daniel Khune (ST) out for 6 to 7 weeks. I don't want my young players to suffer many injuries!

09.08.15 - Noah Ngobeni (MC) out for 6 to 7 weeks. I feel the lack of staff is affecting injuries.

23.09.15 - Seun Diamini (GK) out for 6 to 7 weeks. I got this news just as my backup keeper got a 1 week injury.

Fixtures

22.08.15 [Roses 3 - 1 Baroka FC] 2nd - We looked okay. Difficult to assess squad strength without an Ass Man. I feel we are weaker.

29.08-15 [Chippa Utd 1 - 1 Roses] 5th - A late goal gave us a point away. We had to fight hard to keep them out.

12.09.15 [Roses 1 - 1 Jomo Cosmos] 7th - We went down early but fought back. Fakude missed a great chance to win. Solid start.

19.09.15 [Roses 1 - 0 Dynamos] 3rd - An early goal to Majafa and then we held on to get our 2nd win for the season.

26.09.15 [sivutsa Stars 2 - 0 Roses] 6th - We didn't really turn up for this one. I am not sure I like our style in a 532.

Summary

It was not a bad start to the season considering we are skint. I had to sell some players, and we have no money for salary or transfers. I couldn't renew staff contracts or attract new staff into the club. Money will be my curse. Best performer so far has been Sipho Made in the right wingback position.

[Fond Foat]

Season 2015 / 2016

October to December

ROSES UNITED - South African National First Division

Important News

Players In

04.10.15 - Marothi Diale on a free The 24 yo defensive midfielder come across at a reduced salary. Should fill a 1st team place when registered.

05.12.15 - I resign as manager of Roses United.

Players Out

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

Fixtures

03.10.15 [Milano 2 - 0 Roses] 11th - Will switch to a 42DM31. Might take awhile to get our heads around that.

17.10.15 [Roses 4 - 1 Maluti FET] Okay, we thrashed the bottom team. Shouldn't get too excited, but we made some great plays. Fakude scores 3.

24.10.15 [black Leopards 1 - 3 Roses] 3rd - A great sign to beat this team at home. Fakude scores 3 more.

31.10.15 [Roses 0 - 2 Santos] 7th- Top team Santos was always going to be a battle. Both goals were cruel and unlucky. 84th and 87th minute.

07.11.15 [FC A.K. 3 - 3 Roses] 6th - A cracking match 2-1 up to 3-2 down than Lepebe scores to make it 3-3. Both teams had chances to win it.

21.11.15 [Roses 1 - 2 Atlie FC] 9th - Disappointing. This is one I wanted to win. Will move the 2 DMs up to CMs.

28.11.15 [Vasco CT 3 - 2 Roses] 8th - We are controlling the ball now but can't seem to stop conceding.

05.12.15 [Roses 1 - 3 Platinum Stars] 11th - This loss was enough for me. It was time to let somebody else take on this job.

Summary

The form slump and the financial issues helped me decide to allow another manager the chance to take over at Roses United.

[Fond Foat]

Season 2015 / 2016

Important News

08.12.15 - Interview with Guandong Rizhiquan (China)

24.01,16 - Interview with Shenzen Fengpeng (China)

12.03.16 - Interview with Chippa United (South Africa)

14.03.16 - Chippa United name Fond Foat as new manager (R14k p/w)

[Fond Foat]

Season 2015 / 2016

March to June

Chippa United - South African National First Division

Important News

12.05.14 - Due to technological advances, the club's training facilities have been downgraded.

Players In

Youth Intake

10.04.16 - Bongi Khanyile (16) signs youth contract. Rep: Could be a good Premiership striker.

11.04.16 - Zamuxolo Mvelase (15) signs youth contract. Rep: Could be a good Premiership central midfielder.

11.04.16 - Lennox Mngomeni (15) signs youth contract. Rep: Could be a leading Premiership defensive midfielder.

13.04.16 - Randall Issacs (15) signs youth contract. Rep: Could be a good Premiership left winger.

12.05.16 - Peter Moosa (15) signs youth contract. Rep: Could be a good Premiership right midfielder.

12.05.16 - Maxwell Mbuyazi (16) signs youth contract. Rep: Could be a good Premiership attacking midfielder.

14.05.16 - Andy February (16) signs youth contract. Rep: Could be a good Premiership striker.

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

Fixtures

19.03.16 [Chippa 2 - 0 Maluti FET] 9th - Good to start with a win though Maluti are bottom. Using my favourite 442.

30.03.16 [black Leopards 2 - 0 Chippa} 9th - We did okay. A couple of small lapses cost us.

09.04.16 [Chippa 3 - 1 Santos FC] 9th - Solid display. We kept a good shape and countered their threats.

16.04.16 [Chippa 4 - 1 Atlie FC] 6th - Strong performance at home. On loan striker Bhengu scored 3.

30.04.16 [FC A.K. 4 - 0 Chippa] 8th - Smashed. I still can't get a grip on away games with this formation.

07.05.16 [Vasco CT 2 - 2 Chippa] 10th - I focused on building a better away tactic. We got 2 up by the half but couldn't keep them out.

Players Out

29.06.16 - Coburn Woodington (MC) released.

29.06.16 - Sipho-Sihle Mtule (AMR) released.

29.06.16 - Olukolade Abodade (ST) released.

29.06.16 - Jan Mahlangu (DL) released.

30.06.16 - Kleinbooi Taaibos (MC) retired.

30.06.16 - Aaron Mokoena (DC) released.

30.06.16 - Solomon Okpako (DMC) released.

30.06.16 - Mbongeni Mzimela (GK) released.

Season Summary

I feel Chippa have a bit more about them than Roses. I need to sort out away form because we look good at home. I will make a real effort to stick to my principles at Chippa after losing my way a bit at Roses.

Final Table

Chippa United - Team of the Season

[Fond Foat]

Season 2016 / 2017

July - September

CHIPPA UNITED - South African National First Division

Season Prediction: 6th

Minimum Expectation: Top half finish

Estimated Value: R3m

Stadium Capacity: 10,000

Training Facilities: Adequate

Youth Facilities: Below Average

Finances: R1.6m (Net debt: R3.44m)

Wage Budget: R230,000 p/w

Transfer Budget: R240k

Important News

13.07.16 - We were considered the underachievers for the previous season.

Players In

09.07.16 - Simphiwe Shozi on a free. The 20 yo midfielder will get plenty of starts.

10.07.16 - Philani Cele on a free. The 24 yo full back gives us important cover.

11.07.16 - Azwindini Maphaha on a free. The 31 yo Keeper gives us experience that we needed in goals.

21.07.16 - Bojosi Manjoe on a free. The 20 yo striker will be an important player.

03.08.16 - Percy Tau on a free. The 22 yo winger will give cover to the left side of midfield.

Players Out

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

05.09.16 - Matthew Rusike (MR) out for 3 months. A big miss!

Fixtures

20.08.16 [Roses Utd 2 - 3 Chippa] 4th - A hard earned win, but any win away is good enough for me!

24.08.16 [Chippa 3 - 1 Baroka FC] 1st - We played exactly how I wanted us to play. Young players looking good at the minute.

27.08.16 [Chippa 5 - 1 Dynamos] 1st - A very strong performance. Dynamos were helpless. 4 goals for Moloto.

10.09.16 [African Warriors 0 - 2 Chippa] 1st - Again. I think tactically we got it right. Sat back and hit them where it hurts.

14.09.16 [Old Mutual F.C 0 - 2 Chippa] 1st - With an age average of 21, I wonder how long they can keep this up!

17.09.16 [Chippa 0 - 1 Jomo Cosmos] 2nd - Had to happen. We had a poor passing game and couldn't get clear chances.

24.09.16 [Chippa 1 - 1 Sivutsa Stars] 1st - Another bad home performance against the bottom team. Team talks seem to be causing problems!

Summary

It was a great start to the campaign ruined by a couple of lackluster home performances at the end. I need to get the movement back. I also seemed to have some problems with team talks. Not too sure why, but I will have to be extra careful. Being a very young squad I always had concerns over how long they could keep their form going.

Table Summary

1st - 16 points - Chippa United (tied with Black Leopards)

3rd - 15 points - Playoffs

15th - 3 points - Relegation

[Nobby_McDonald]

Chilli and chipps

[Fond Foat]

Chilli and chipps

Yeah. Chilliboys is a great nickname

[Fond Foat]

Season 2016 / 2017

October - December

CHIPPA UNITED - South African National First Division

Important News

20.11.16 - Chippa Utd have been given R208k for achieving 1st places in second period.

Players In

Players Out

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

29.10.16 - Percy Tau (ML) out for 2 to 3 months. Back up left midfielder out means yet another 16 yo enters the first team squad.

Fixtures

01.10.16 [Atlie FC 2 - 2 Chippa] 2nd - We battled back from two down which was pleasing. Hope we can find a spark soon.

05.10.16 [Chippa 3 - 1 Black Leopards] 1st - A great win against the top team. We worked so hard and played well all over the pitch.

15.10.16 [santos FC 0 - 2 Chippa] 1st - Santos always cause me headaches, so I was pleased to walk away with a win.

22.10.16 [Chippa 5 - 3 Maritzburg Utd] 1st - A goal fest. We got 2 up then everyone started to get nervous. 2-2 and then we put in 3 in a row.

26.10.16 [Chippa 4 - 2 Platinum Stars] 1st - Again 2 up and then nerves crept in. From 2-2 we played very well to get another win.

29.10.16 [Golden Arrows 1 - 3 Chippa] 1st - Went down to an early penalty but slowly worked back into the game. A tough hard fought win.

05.11.16 [Milano Utd 2 - 0 Chippa] 1st - Hats of to Milano. They played well. We missed about 10 sitters, but that is life.

19.11.16 [Chippa 3 - 0 United FC] 1st - Not as comfortable as it looks. We scored in the 89th and 92nd after some nervy periods.

26.11.16 [Chippa 3 - 4 Roses Utd] 1st - A kick in the teeth. We were 4 down! We scored in the 80th, 85th, and 86th then missed a penalty!

03.12.16 [Dynamos 2 - 0 Chippa] 1st - The cracks are appearing. Never really in this game after giving away an early penalty.

11.12.16 [baroka FC 1 - 1 Chippa] 2nd - A point away against the 3rd team is not bad. They were down to 10 from the 44th minute, however.

14.12.16 South African Cup Preliminary Round: [Chippa 1 - 2 Old Mutual FC] Okay...that sucked.

21.12.16 [Chippa 3 - 2 African Warriors] 2nd - A tense match. February come on to score 2 late goals to give us a morale boosting win.

Summary

We got through to the start of November in great shape, but I guess I always knew that the youngsters may start to struggle at some point. Plenty of nervous players on the pitch resulted in some pretty poor play. The saddest part is having good young players all demanding to go to bigger clubs. I am sure this unrest is causing issues. My two central defenders have already signed contracts with other clubs and will be gone at the end of the season. It feels like a self-implosion. Still, we are well in it and will be looking to make the most of these last 11 games.

Table Summary

[Fond Foat]

Season 2016 / 2017

January - March

CHIPPA UNITED - South African National First Division

Important News

Players In

05.01.16 - Golden Arrows Cyril Mashego (25 yo winger) joins us on loan. Gives us some experience.

05.01.16 - African Warriors' Jermaine Bowers (24 yo full back) joins us on loan. More experience.

05.01.16 - FC Cape town's Goodman Diamini (28 yo defensive midfielder) joins us on loan. Need I say it.

Players Out

31.01.17 - Chippa's Azwindini Maphaha (32 yo Keeper) joins FC A.K. on loan. He is my second choice keeper, so I can recall him.

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

Fixtures

07.01.17 [Jomo Cosmos 3 - 0 Chippa] 3rd - It was like watching a club in the bottom 3 not the top 3. Pathetic.

14.01.17 [Chippa 1 - 1 Old Mutual FC] 2nd - Redesigned my 442. We were wobbly, but I will take a point at the moment.

25.02.17 [sivutsa Stars 1 - 3 Chippa] 2nd - Switched to a 4141. 18 shots to 1!! Very pleased with how we looked. Hope it is not a flash in the pan.

04.03.17 [Chippa 0 - 2 Atlie FC] 3rd - A home loss against the 3rd place Atlie. They were clinical and we could not take our chances.

08.03.17 [black Leopards 1 - 1 Chippa] 2nd - A red card in the 38th made it a battle. We went 1 down and then they went down to 10 in the 70th. We drew level and nearly snuck a winner in the 88th, but it was ruled offside.

Summary

Just 5 points from 15 available means we are still in the mix. Roses have kicked away a little, so it is starting to look like we are fighting for a playoff place now. I decided to change to a 4-1-4-1 after the first two matches. I will stick with it until the end of the season.

Table Summary

[Fond Foat]

Season 2016 / 2017

April

CHIPPA UNITED - South African National First Division

Important News

Players In

Youth Intake

05.04.17 - Ishmael Mathamela is a 16 year old striker. Rep: Can improve a lot in the future.

05.04.17 - David Dawood is a 16 yo defensive midfielder. Rep: Could be a good Premiership defensive midfielder.

06.04.17 - Nkosinathi Manzini is a 16 yo midfielder. Rep: Could be a good Premiership central midfielder.

Major Injury News (6 weeks or more)

Fixtures

01.04.17 [Chippa 2 - 4 Santos] 5th - A think our season may end up petering out. They scored their last 2 with 10 men

08.04.17 [Maritzbug Utd 1 - 0 Chippa] 5th - Hmmmm...We are becoming the easybeats.

15.04.17 [Chippa 1 - 0 Golden Arrows] 5th - A lifeline. We never looked like conceding, but a 1 goal lead is always nerveracking.

22.04.17 [Chippa 1 - 1 Milano Utd] 4th - So close. They got the equaliser in the 89th. So cloooose.

29.04.17 [Platinum Stars 2 -0 Chippa] 5th - We tried. 9 shots on target to their 2, but we couldn't do it. With us unable to make the playoffs, I resigned.

Players Out

Summary

The season finished in a whimper to be honest. I decided to leave Chippa with one match to go as we were out of the playoff picture. For some reason, I never felt any real affinity with the club (perhaps even South Africa) so it seemed a good idea to move on. But who would want a failed South African manager??

[Fond Foat]

Career Ended

That is the end of the Bobby Forbes career. I did actually land a job in Sweden, but the same frustrations kept getting to me. Dominate a game, miss easy shots, hit the woodwork, and then unable to stop the opposition when they decide they want to score.

I have decided to start a new career and play full matches really making a determined effort to get this right. I will update my career in a new thread here but it will be game by game.

[Nobby_McDonald]

Burned chipps.