Northernpilgrim Posted January 16, 2017 Share Posted January 16, 2017 Hello, and welcome to my latest Football Manager career. After my last attempt ended in failure, I've decided to start a journeyman career, but with almost no rules. The only rules I'm going to set are: No resignations without having been offered a job I can't apply for or accept a job I wouldn't take in real life (ruling out Exeter City and Manchester United) No applying for jobs mid-season, I will always see out a season before looking to move on. I haven't decided if it's going to be a continuous journey, or if I will settle somewhere and stay long term. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 16, 2017 Author Share Posted January 16, 2017 The starting point and I'll be playing as myself, so here I am Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 16, 2017 Author Share Posted January 16, 2017 These are my transfer dealings so far and my squad looks like this Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 16, 2017 Author Share Posted January 16, 2017 Preseason results were mixed to say the least Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 16, 2017 Author Share Posted January 16, 2017 But August went well Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 16, 2017 Author Share Posted January 16, 2017 September wasn't bad either Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 16, 2017 Author Share Posted January 16, 2017 October was a great month Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 16, 2017 Author Share Posted January 16, 2017 November was pretty decent too Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 16, 2017 Author Share Posted January 16, 2017 December was unbeaten but frustrating and leaves the league table looking like this with more than half a season gone Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 16, 2017 Author Share Posted January 16, 2017 January was another very pleasing month, although I had to rescue the last game after we let York level from 3-1 and that keeps us top of what is looking a very tight league Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 17, 2017 Author Share Posted January 17, 2017 An unbeaten league month in February, but there was cup disappointment and we've ended the month with a 4 point lead at the top. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
deltablue Posted January 17, 2017 Share Posted January 17, 2017 Much better so far this time Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 17, 2017 Author Share Posted January 17, 2017 4 minutes ago, deltablue said: Much better so far this time Thanks deltablue Early days yet, but definitely signs that what I'm doing is working. Next month is tough though as we start with a trip to Forest Green. We have Lincoln in game 45, so hopefully that won't be a title decider Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenzar Posted January 17, 2017 Share Posted January 17, 2017 Looks a solid start! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andychar Posted January 17, 2017 Share Posted January 17, 2017 Great start. Would be good if you can get out of that league ASAP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 17, 2017 Author Share Posted January 17, 2017 1 hour ago, andychar said: Great start. Would be good if you can get out of that league ASAP. I can't say that I was targeting promotion at the start of the season, I was asked by the board for a top half finish and thought we might scrape a playoff spot. That said, we aren't far from a position where I'd be disappointed if we didn't see it through. Some tough games still to come though, hoping to do an update later tonight. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 17, 2017 Author Share Posted January 17, 2017 We lost the game at Forest Green, but went the rest of the month unbeaten and we remain top of the league going into the last 6 games Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 It wasn't a perfect end to the season but it was good enough for the title and promotion as we ended the season 3 points clear Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 Preseason results were pretty encouraging Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 We made quite a few changes to the squad over the summer and it now looks like this Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 I have applied for a couple of jobs over the summer, failing to get an interview at Carlisle, and getting one at Blackpool, who only interviewed me three days before our opening league fixture, so at the moment I remain Macclesfield manager, but if they offer me the position I'll be taking it, as the rules said I can't apply for a job in the season, not that I can't take one. I'll update as soon as a decision has been made Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 After just one League 2 fixture, Blackpool got back to me and I've decided to accept their offer Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 It's clear that Blackpool have been on the slide ever since departing the Premier League, but this graphic tells the whole sorry tale although the squad doesn't look too bad, I'd feel happier with a better backup keeper as Slocombe is currently injured Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 And at least initially, I'll be using a 4-3-3 formation that I used for some of last season at Macclesfield Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 We've made a decent start to the season. (I've included the opening game, despite the fact it was before I took over) and we're in an automatic promotion spot at the end of the first month, which I'm obviously happy with Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 In terms of transfers, two players have been added to the squad, both free transfers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 19, 2017 Author Share Posted January 19, 2017 We were unbeaten in September, and it was nearly a perfect month, ruined by a red card against my old club as we end the month second in the table, with a comfortable cushion to 4th place and the playoffs Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 19, 2017 Author Share Posted January 19, 2017 The most pleasing thing is our defensive solidity. One goal conceded in 6 matches, and three 1-0 wins in the last 4 games. Loving life in Lancashire right now Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bitner Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 4 hours ago, Northernpilgrim said: The most pleasing thing is our defensive solidity. One goal conceded in 6 matches, and three 1-0 wins in the last 4 games. Loving life in Lancashire right now Good to see you doing well! Cheers, Bitner Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 19, 2017 Author Share Posted January 19, 2017 2 hours ago, Bitner said: Good to see you doing well! Cheers, Bitner Thanks Bitner Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
argento Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 great start! will be following your progress Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 19, 2017 Author Share Posted January 19, 2017 12 minutes ago, argento said: great start! will be following your progress Thanks argento, and welcome aboard Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobby_McDonald Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 Well done getting Macc up, but you do like to be beside the seaside. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 October was almost perfect too including victory over Bristol Rovers despite being reduced to 10 men with 37 minutes left, and 9 for the last 19 minutes plus added time which left us still very much on the tail of the leaders Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 A perfect November in the league, and thankfully the slip-ups came in the cups which has seen us overhaul Portsmouth at the top of the table Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 December was another pretty good month, even if we did lose to our main title rival and surely promotion, if not the title, is ours for the taking from here? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenzar Posted January 20, 2017 Share Posted January 20, 2017 Only a draw at Newport. Did your defence play like plonkers at Rodney Parade? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 13 minutes ago, Lenzar said: Only a draw at Newport. Did your defence play like plonkers at Rodney Parade? We went 2-0 down, so I was actually relieved to get a point! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 17 minutes ago, Lenzar said: Only a draw at Newport. Did your defence play like plonkers at Rodney Parade? And trust a perfectionist to pick up on that when I'm having quite possibly my best season ever . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 21, 2017 Author Share Posted January 21, 2017 A perfect January and although we haven't shaken Portsmouth off, we're nearly at the point where promotion is secure The reason for our success? Step forward Jack Redshaw, who has been phenomenal Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 21, 2017 Author Share Posted January 21, 2017 I don't know if a team has ever had 75 points after 30 games and not gone on to secure promotion, but I don't intend to be the first if they haven't. We need a maximum of 8 more wins to go up, so we should be looking to put it to bed as quickly as possible now Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 This year's youth intake has a few players with potential, and the top eight will all be offered deals Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 An unbeaten February and we're 28 points clear of 4th place with only 30 points left to play for, so it's probably safe to say WE'RE GOING UP!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 Jack Redshaw was once again central to our progress this month, and has taken his tally to 35 from 36 games. He needs 11 more from 10 games to break the record for goals in a season by a Blackpool player (45 by Jimmy Hampson in 1929-30). Jimmy Hampson was sadly killed in a boating accident aged 31. It would be a magnificent achievement if Redshaw could overhaul this record, which has stood for 87 years. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 After 2 games in March, and 4 points we are officially promoted Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 Delighting the board and even attracting comment from Charlie Adam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
argento Posted January 22, 2017 Share Posted January 22, 2017 Congrats on promotion! Happy hunting for the title and the top scorer record Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 The rest of March was less impressive but we remain on course for the League 2 title Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 2 hours ago, argento said: Congrats on promotion! Happy hunting for the title and the top scorer record Thanks argento. The title is still on, but I think the goal record is unlikely. He's on 38 after 41 games, so needs 8 from 5 games to overhaul Jimmy Hampson. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northernpilgrim Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 April was the worst month of my career so far and remarkably, 100 points is not going to be enough to win the league. We could break the existing League 2 record of 102 points and still not win the league title Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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