Retiring (nearly) to Runcorn

[fonz]

background

I've already played around half a season of this game as last time I tried to post a story I soon realised I didn't have the time, or frankly inclination, to play it. So should be alot of posts in next couple of days. As I'm sure you'll appricate when reading this, it involved heavy use of the pre-game editor.Oh and the game is running of FM05

After making his fortune running a company that created novelty ringtones, Tanny Linnet felt he could retire comfortable and safe in the knowledge he had contributed to the world at the tender age of 42. As he settled into the frog shaped armchair he hoped to spend the latter part of his life in, he flicked on his television. Free from the pressure of (sort of) quality controlling his own incessant adverts, he turned to sports channels. As table-tennis, aerobics and rain at a cricket ground failed to hold his interest, he settled on a repeat of a London Masters event. Tanny was shocked to see men his age and twice his weight trying to play indoor football, but with some degree of success. This gave Tanny the beginnings of an idea "Sure a bunch of unemployed ex-Chelsea reserves can win a 5-aside tournament against their dangerously sweaty peers, but how far could a team of over 35's get in the world of competitive football?" Tanny suddenly had a purpose for at least a portion of his fortune. He would buy a small sub- conference club and arm them with his money, a world class stadium and the best over-35's his could obtain. He'd then put a rookie manager in charge to ensure any success was down primarily to the players. Tanny soured his treasured football tomes to decide which team would suit this bizarre end. Runcorn FC Halton, a recently created team anyway, seemed perfect. Primarily because their nickname matched Tanny's surname. "They'll always chant my name, even if I may be treating their beloved club as my own personal plaything," vacently beamed the millionaire privately.

[fonz]

background

I've already played around half a season of this game as last time I tried to post a story I soon realised I didn't have the time, or frankly inclination, to play it. So should be alot of posts in next couple of days. As I'm sure you'll appricate when reading this, it involved heavy use of the pre-game editor.Oh and the game is running of FM05

After making his fortune running a company that created novelty ringtones, Tanny Linnet felt he could retire comfortable and safe in the knowledge he had contributed to the world at the tender age of 42. As he settled into the frog shaped armchair he hoped to spend the latter part of his life in, he flicked on his television. Free from the pressure of (sort of) quality controlling his own incessant adverts, he turned to sports channels. As table-tennis, aerobics and rain at a cricket ground failed to hold his interest, he settled on a repeat of a London Masters event. Tanny was shocked to see men his age and twice his weight trying to play indoor football, but with some degree of success. This gave Tanny the beginnings of an idea "Sure a bunch of unemployed ex-Chelsea reserves can win a 5-aside tournament against their dangerously sweaty peers, but how far could a team of over 35's get in the world of competitive football?" Tanny suddenly had a purpose for at least a portion of his fortune. He would buy a small sub- conference club and arm them with his money, a world class stadium and the best over-35's his could obtain. He'd then put a rookie manager in charge to ensure any success was down primarily to the players. Tanny soured his treasured football tomes to decide which team would suit this bizarre end. Runcorn FC Halton, a recently created team anyway, seemed perfect. Primarily because their nickname matched Tanny's surname. "They'll always chant my name, even if I may be treating their beloved club as my own personal plaything," vacently beamed the millionaire privately.

[fonz]

Tanny Linnet quickly aquired Runcorn and installed himself as chairman. His first epic project was the building of a new ground, the 25'000 seat Corn Fields. "Not only is it a hilarious pun,I think it brings a sense of rural arcadia to suburban Manchester," Linnet mused to a confounded press conference. "I will choose the intial batch of players, then my manager will be entrusted with further funds to secure contracts and strenghen the squad. The only condition will be the players he buys must be over 35, or at least they cannot play until they reach that age. There is probably at least 15 world class players in my intial squad-or at least they were world class. I would expect to succesive promotions."

Some weeks later Linnet revealed his players and coaching staff:

Manager-Marco Smit-34. Linnet appionted the young Dutchman partly because of his own Dutch ancestory, and partly because he believed he would have little infulence on team matters. Smit, of course, had other ideas.

Coaches: Unsurprisingly, many of the players were eager to be involved in coaching as well.

Player/Assistant Manager-Ronald Nilsson,41-116 caps for Sweeden and ex-Coventry manager.

Player/Coach:Stuart McCall-40-ex-Bradford legend, not expected to feature heavily on the playing side.

Scout:Alf Norman Johansen-83-With all the players expected to be veterns, Linnet supposed a veteren scout as also essential.

Scout: Daniel Andrews-52-The only member of staff remaining from before the take over.

In the next few months, Smit decided to strenghen his coaching team.

Coach: Rene Muelensteen-42-Sensiontally poached from Man United, a highly respected yound coach.

Coach:Pat Jennings-59-Northern Ireland legend brought in as goalkeeping coach.

Assistant Manager:Ceasre Maldini-72-With Ronald Nilsson increasingly involved in the first team, Smit decided he needed another assistant, signed from AC Milian, the ex-Italy boss was perhaps the biggest coup of all.

THE SQUAD

GK: Nigel Martyn-38-Ex-Leeds, 23 caps

GK: Jose Rene Higuita-Eccentric ex-Columbia keeper-69 caps and 3 goals.

GK: Neville Southall-45-Welsh record cap holder (91) and current Welsh under-21 manager. Reserve keeper.

DR:Ronald Nilsson-41-Swedish,116 caps, 2 goals

DR: Karl Gumaelius-35-Swedish, uncapped-comparitive unknowen, reserve.

DR: Craig Short-36-Ex-Blackburn, uncapped but played in Priemership until last season.

DL: Paulo Maldini-36-127 caps, ex-AC Milan

DL: Alessandro Costacurta-38-59 caps, ex AC Milan

DL: Grame LeSaux-36-Ex-Chelsea, 23 England caps

DL/R/C: Colin Cooper-37-2 Caps, ex-Middlesbrough

DC: Jeff Agoos-36-American, 135 caps.

DC:Hierro-36-Ex-Real Madrid-89 caps,29 goals

DC: Frank Lebouf-French, ex-Chelsea, 50 caps, 4 goals.

DC: Roberto Nestor Sensini- ex-Argentina internatonal, 36-60 caps

MR: Angelo Di Livo-38-40 caps

MR: Paul Merson-35- Ex-Arsenal-23 caps

ML: Zinho-39- Brazillian Winger-50 caps, 3 goals.

ML:Youri Djorkaeff-36-Versitile ex-France international, 82 caps

ML:Ganfranco Zola-38-Very versitile ex-Chelsea and Italy favourite, 35 caps.

MC:Stuart McCall-40-Scottish player/coach-40 caps, 1 goal

MC: Gus Poyet-38-Ex-Chelsea and still current Uraguay playmaker-35 caps

MC:Paul Ince-37-Ex-Liverpool and England 'enforcer'-53 caps

MC: Paul Gasgoine-37-Troubled ex-Spurs and Lazio midfielder-57 full England caps, 10 goals.

To be compleated shortly

[fonz]

MC:Thorsten Fink-Tireless Ex-Bayern Munich midfielder-uncapped

MC:Vinny Samways-35-cult hero in Spain with Las Palmas fans, English defensive midfielder, uncapped

MC:Mauro Silva-36-Brazillian Defensive Midfielder, ex-Deportivo 56 caps.

ST:Bebeto-40-Brazilian poacher-89 caps, 44 goals

ST:Romario-38-Controversial Brazilian world cup star-84 caps, 69 goals

ST:Teddy Sheringham-38-Ex-Man United and Spurs forward,51 caps, 11 goals.

ST:Tony Yeboah-38-cult Leeds and Hamburg hero, still occasional Ghana international-37 caps, 22 goals

ST:Claudio Canigga-37-Pacy ex-Rangers man, Argentine international,50 caps, 18 goals.

ST:Paulo DiCanio-36-Controversial Italian forward-Ex-West Ham and Juventus, uncapped

ST:Fabrizio Ravenelli-35-Ex-Middlesbrough and Juventus finisher, 22 Italian caps with 8 goals.

[fonz]

Pre-season

With a full pre-season arranged by the chairman, the only tasked that remained for manager Smit was to find the best line-up and formation for his team of veterens.

Smit's first game in charge was a home tie aganist Norwich . Perhaps it was the novelty vaule, or the draw of seeing a Primership team take on the multi-national oldies, but an encouraging crowd of over 20'000 people turned up to see a Runcorn lost 2-1 to their top flight opponents.

]Match Report[/url]

Although regarded as a decent result and preformance by the manager, for the next friendly away to Aldershot, Smit changed to a 4-3-3 formation with disastorous consequences. Poor preformances from Higuita, Lebouf and McCall led to a 2-0 defeat to the fellow minnows, who fully deserved their victory. Smit claimed this should serve as a warning aganist complanency.

An early goal from Di Canio and a late one from Romario sealed a convencing 2-0 victory over Championship side Sunderland, Runcorn this time operating a diamond midfield system. Paulo Maldini put in a MoM preformance from left back whilst Di Livo protected the back four, old England and addiction mates Gasgoine and Merson manning the midfield, Merson with instruction to support 'in the hole, forward Di Canio.

Despite dominating, Runcorn failed to get their first away win at Hartlepool. Southall had a shocker in nets, managing to concede two goals when only one shot was registered on target the entire match. Smit blasted his teams wastefulness and quietly dropped his oldest player.

The final pre-season game delighted Smit was his side destroyed Brighton 5-1. Smit's faith in the dimond formation was repayed by five different scocers (one a Brighton own goal admittly). In truth, Brighton deserved better from an even game but Smit was delighted at his sides improved finishing and some excellent goalkeeping from Nigel Martyn.It was again Maldini, however, who was a cut above as MoM.

With the first game of the season,a home game aganist Hinckly, only days away, Smit had failed to add a single player to his squad. When asked if he thought his aging players could withstand the pressure of a full conference North season, Smit replied "Look, the truth is these players may be old, but most of them are probably fitter than the vast majorty of the part-timers in this league. Thats not arrogence, just truth. At the minute, I think the squads big enough, we can roatate for cup games which, we hope, there will be alot of. The only problem could come if we get alot of injuries-which is very possible with a team exclusisivly over 35."

When pressed on whether he'd even tried to sign players, Smit frustratly anwsered "Yes, we tried a few big name signings. The chairman was keen we get at least one. Bergkamp was our big target, and Arsenal were willing to sell, despite the press scoffing when I declared our intention to sign the lad, but he didn't want to come. We offered him almost 4 teams his current wage for a one year contract but he opted to stay. It was the same story with a few other big names."

The following week Smit did make two slightly bizzare signings-both 34 year olds-Colin Rose, a former fans favorite, and Arthur Numan, an ex Dutch international left back who was out of contract. "They'll make good squad players, but they'll have to stay in the reserves for a few months," commented Smit. One other unexpected early season transfer was the surprise exit of Grame LeSaux. Smit was rumoured not to be a fan of the defenders style and had been unimpressed by his early showings, so accepted Portsmouths offer to take him of his hands for a nominal fee and the promise of a friendly.

Uploading pre-season screen shots to a photoblog now

[fonz]

OK now got some screenshots up on a blog now,can see themHere. I'll be bit more concise with next few months

Perhaps the most surprising thing about the Runcorn Legends (as the media had unimagnitivly christened them) first game was the surprsingly low crowd. It was to a crowd of just over 2000 that Tanny Linnet slightly embarresly announced that the next few years would be "an experiment in football, which when it ended, would leave the club in a supurb, strong posistion-hopefully in a much higher divison." Of course Manchester is hardly a city lacking football clubs and it was still a higher number than most other clubs in the division, but the friendlies attendence figures and the size of the stadium made it seem small indeed.

Hinckley, of course, had the oppertunity to make history. With the curioisty vaule, more than the 2000 odd at The Corn Fields would be lloking out for the result of this game. A goal aganist Nigel Martyn today would probably be the highlight of these part-timers careers.

It wasn't long before Hinckley's hopes of a remarkable upset were scuppered ,however, by two goals from Gus Poyet in the 3rd and 5th minutes, the first a powerful header, the seconda tap in from a spilled Zinho shot.

A later brace from Romario in the 72nd and 74th minutes sealed the game.

http://runcornpictures.blogspot.com/2007/12/1st-game-hinckley.html

[fonz]

17th August- Away to Southport 0-0

With only a two days break between the season opener and this Tuesday game, Smit rotated most of the squad, indeed only Martyn and Maldini remaining from the last game. Southport player/manager Liam Watson was in surprisingly cocky mood before the match, announcing he was very confident of beating Runcorn, despite their being 1-8 favourites. Indeed, despite the 36th minute sending off of Southport's Earl Davis, Southport held out for a 0-0 draw! A dreadful display from Claudio Cannigga seen him squander four chances. Liam Watson himself came on to see the result out as Smit desperately through on Gascoigne, Poyet and Yeboah to try and change things but 10-man Southport held their own, creating several chances to win, and Runcorn dropped their first points in only the second game of the season.

While Southport had failed to score past Runcorn, many predicted other teams could follow the format set down by Southport to defeat Runcorn. Smit was despondent but told a local reporter "Perhaps its better this happened early on in the season, it teaches us we have to divine right to victory is this league; the players have to put in every effort, every game."

http://runcornpictures.blogspot.com/2007/12/2nd-game.html

[fonz]

The Rest of August

The undoubted star of this month was Uruguayan captain Gustavo Poyet. "Of course a team like this hardly needs a captain," beamed Smit "but Gus has been an utter inspiration. It’s disappointing there’s no player of the month type awards at this level" After the disappointing draw at Southport, Smit again changed much of the team but confirmed the teams 4-1-2-1-2 formation. The result was a spectacular 5-3 victory at home to Kettering. Poyet scored a hat trick in a man of the match performance while Di Canio and Zinho also got on the score sheet. A highly erratic display, as would be expected, from Rene Higuita made the game seem closer than it was.

Any suspicions Runcorn wouldn't be able to roll teams over at this level was dispelled by a 6-0 drubbing at Droylsden's Butchers Arms Ground. Poyet again acted as playmaker but was narrowly beaten to the man of the match award by Paul Merson, largely due to his spectacular long range chip.

So far, perhaps due to some inconsistent displays, attempts to pry the veterans away from lowly Runcorn have been few and far between.

http://runcornpictures.blogspot.com/2007/12/kettering-a...den-merson-chip.html

[fonz]

September

2-3 (H) vs Portsmouth (friendly)

5-0 (H) vs Harrogate Town

4-0 (A) vs Ashton United

3-0 (H) vs Gainsborough

3-0 (A) vs Barrow

If August was light on games, September made up for it. Five games began with a friendly against Premiership Portsmouth whilst other teams had a week off for internationals (how many internationals in the Conference North?). Although they dominated in possession and shots, Runcorn were on the verge of a 3-0 defeat until the 81st minute. Then a goal from Mauro Silva and another three minutes later from Zola brought them back into it. No winner could be found ,however, and a near capacity crowd went home mildly disappointed, if greatly entertained.

The rest of the games were in the conference north. The defence had clearly been worked on in training as not a single goal was conceded in this period. "We've got a bit more of an established line-up now, that helps," Smit speculated. Certainly, Maldini, Nilsson, Agoos and Sensini seemed to have established themselves as first choice, although Smit conceded more rotation would probably be necessary later in the season.

Upfront Romario(2), Di Canio(4) and Zinho(2) were most regularly on the score sheet. Although 17 goals were scored overall the most notable was almost without question the excellently executed strike from reserve keeper Rene Higuita, playing on the right-wing!

There was bad news with Gus Poyet's thigh injury against Ashton United looking to keep him out for 3 months. The star of the first month had already been involved in a drama in September ,however, as he declared he was angry the club had a policy of rejecting all bids for him. He became particularly irritated when a bid from top flight Spanish outfit Sevilla was rejected out of hand.

Tanny Linnet's meeting with manager was somewhat fractious as he demanded he 'prove' his transfer nous by signing another star, preferably a few. He also confessed the low attendances (Nuneaton Borough had a higher average) had thrown his finical calculations of balance. The club was losing nearly two million a month. Linnet declared Smit would have to make the cups his priority as they promised big pay day attendances if they reached the latter stages. That or play more pointless friendlies such as Portsmouth. Smit opted for the former option, knowing it would cause difficulty in the coming months.

http://runcornpictures.blogspot.com/2007/12/september.html

[fonz]

3-0 (A) vs Hornchurch (FA cup 2nd qualifying round)

5-0 (H)Chippenham (FA cup 3rd qualifying round)

3-1 (H) Nuneaton Borough

4-0 (H) Worksop

6-1 (A) York (FA cup Forth Qualifying round)

Runcorn powered through another five games in October, including three FA Cup qualifying rounds. Hornchurch, a conference south side, were a tougher prospect than many of the sides faced so far. A Di Canio double and another from free scoring Zinho ,however, sealed a fairly convincing win. The next game against a sub-Conference regional level team Chippingham featured a Romario hat-trick (one of which a bizarre facial deflection from a goal kick) and a wonder goal from, erm, Colin Cooper. A return to league football three days later meant another rotated squad. Di Canio and Canigga-his first game after a woeful display against Southport- and both scored, Di Canio getting a brace. A penalty (conceded by reserve right-back Gumaelius) did see Runcorn concede their first goal in nearly two months. Worksop failed to get a shot on target in Runcorn's walkover final league match of the month. Runcorn's last game of the month, a cup tie with Conference high flyers York, was undoubtly the most interesting of the game. When Runcorn conceded in the 8th minute to a sprightly York side, with a goal scored by 22 year old Andy Bishop, Smit later admitted to wondering if his aged stars had reached their limits. By half time, however, it was 4-1 to Runcorn, thanks to a double from Di Canio and singles from Zinho and Merson. Runcorn dominated and ran out the game six-one visitors, Di Canio completing his hatrick and substitute Zola adding one.

Asked for his player of the month, Smit opted for Di Canio for obvious reasons. "He has scored in every game he's played in since that 0-0 with Southport. It's an amazing record. I think its ten games now-an amazing record at any level." Some fans were frustrated the two top scorers- Di Canio and Romario rarely seemed to play together, Smit assured them it wasn't deliberate. "Games are becoming more compact, I have to rotate. I have confidence I could play them together or indeed without both of them but it just so happens its not been convenient very often this season. Besides, Romario is more effective with a player who can hold it and knock in for him, like Bebeto, Yeboah or Canigga. Di Canio can play in most ways but he's most familiar with the Italians, Ravenelli and Zola."

There were also a few transfers this month. After much pursuit, Smit managed to convince Andy Melville that a move to Runcorn wasn't a massive, career-ending embarrassment of a step-down. Multiplying his wages by five also helped. While the 36 year old Welsh centre back was hardly on a par with the likes of Romario and Maldini, the chairman was satisfied by the big name signing. A more curious transfer incident occurred when Smit tried to add to his coaching staff-with overachieving Southport manager Liam Watson. The 31 year old's achievement of taking points of Runcorn-with a ten man side-was looking increasingly impressive as was the form of his unfancied Southport side. Smit decided to make a cheeky move to employ his rival, far too young to play for his team. Despite early resistance, Southport were willing to part with their manager for 50K. With little choice, Watson suggested he would only move to Runcorn for a highly inflated wage, when this was offered Watson made a highly unorxadox move to cancel the transfer-he retired! Smit was informed that the transfer could not proceed as Runcorn had bid on him as they would a player and had the contract they had agreed had been for a player-coach position, one Watson could now not fulfil.

http://runcornpictures.blogspot.com/2007/12/october.html

[fonz]

4-0 (H) Alferton town

4-1 (H) Yate-FA trophy 1st round

5-0 (H) Altrincham

4-0 (H) Barnet

3-0 (A) Bradford Park Avenue

3-0 (A) Worchester

5-0 (A) Warrington-FA trophy 2nd round

This month was Runcorn’s most packed fixture wise so far. Four home ties followed by three away ties. The first game was most notable for a surprise brace from thus far disappointing striker Tony Yeboah. The game against minnow amateurs Yate brought a shock in 5th minute as striker Adam Barns nipped past Paul Ince to get his head on a long ball from the Yate keeper to head past Big Nev Southall. Runcorn soon recovered, though, Zinho, Canigga and a Di Canio penalty putting paid to a spirited and surprisingly skilful Yate. The game against Altrincham was fairly normal by Runcorn but was noteworthy for two things. Zola, played a different role in midfield, in the position occupied initially be Gustavo Poyet (still injured) and more lately (and less effectually) by Youri Djorkaeff, running forward to link up the strikers and get around the box. He scored twice and was made man of twice and was named man of the match. Conference leaders Barnet seemed to offer less resistance than Yate when they met Runcorn in their 1st round FA cup tie, the pink shirted underhillians only offering 3 off target shots the entire game. What may have been the first signs of fatigue seemed to show in the return to league football a few days later against Bradford PA. Although they ran out 3 goal victors, it took till the 57th minute for Zola to break down the hosts. Indeed they only had 4 shots on target the entire game. On a brighter note, the rarely used Teddy Shirngham got his first goal of the season in the 88th minute. "We'll be seeing alot more of him," Smit promised. Worchester away was remarkably similar to the Bradford encounter, three goals despite only four shots on target with 8 off target on both occasions. "We do need to rediscover some sharpness, but we're still creating which is important. I must take part of the blame for rotating the strike force so much. Partnerships haven’t really formed for likes of Ravenelli and Yeboah with some of the others yet." If confidence was lacking it must have been partly destroyed by the away demolition of amateurs Warrington in the 2nd round of the FA trophy. Smit tried out a new formation here, a very attacking 4-2-4. "I feel I haven't experimented enough this season formation wise, but I don't think out and out wingers suit our older players. This way we can have Zinho and Zola drop back if necessary, but largely play of the front. Maldini and Nilsson can push up to strengthen the mid-field. It does leave alot to the centre-backs but it seems to have worked here." Yeboah even managed to miss a penalty.

"Player of the month this month was tough," mused Smit, "for the 3rd month running Zinho was in the frame for his sheer consistent brilliance. He scores important goals that get us out of trouble and he does unbelievably things during games. He's probably upped the attendance on his own. However, I've opted for Mauro Silva. He's been very consistent all season too. He seems to break down every move the opposition tries without moving and he's continued, and probably improved, in that role this month, but he's also contributed 3 goals at a time we really needed are mid-fielders to chip in, though I never expected Mauro to be that mid-fielder!

The draw for the second round of the FA cup threw up a tough one, but one of the biggest names possible-Sheffield Wednesday. After the conference leaders, Runcorn would have to play League One's leaders and form men. "It'll be tough but exciting. These players will be proper professionals. But we've beaten Sunderland and Brighton, and we should of beaten Portsmouth. It's possible, though I understand its the first game this year we aren't favourites. Its a big draw though, the chairman will like that, Wednesday were in the premiership not so long ago.

There was one bit of transfer news at Runcorn towards the end of November-but it was quite a big one. Certainly the biggest name signing since Tanny Linnet's bulk buys of the summer. Ex-Man City hero Ali Benarbia agreed to join from Qatar side Al Ryann, but not until December

http://runcornpictures.blogspot.com/2007/12/november.html

[fonz]

December

Results on photoblog along with formations, click on screenshot for better focus. League table now added too.

http://runcornpictures.blogspot.com/

Between the 4th of December and 3rd of January, Runcorn played a sapping nine games. With most of their league rivals now relieved of their cup competitions, the strain started on show on Runcorn, at least in the earlier matches. The very first game was a hard fought but glorious victory at Hillsborough. Ironically despite Smit warning his players of Wednesday’s youthful side, it was 36 year old Chris Marsden-ex-Southampton, who opened the scoring. Possession wise things were even, but Runcorn eventfully won the battle of the mid-field and created more chances. Again though, they couldn’t top the magical 4 shots on target (this time with ten off) and it took an 84th minute goal on the counter attack from Romario to avoid extra time. The game at the Corn Fields that Wednesday against Moor Green seen Runcorn struggle to a 2-0 victory, through a goal Ravenelli penalty and goal from substitute Gustavo Poyet, on his first appearance since his injury. Finishing was again poor and even a jaded looking substitute Di Canio couldn't help that, although Moor Green keeper Green was named MoM. Against Stalybridge finishing was only marginally improved (1/3 of shots n target, only one goal from 7 shots) and the overall performance was again tired. Romario seemed to be replacing Di Canio as the utterly reliable source of goals, but a Stalybridge player (centre-back Daryl Burgress) was named MoM. Canigga picked up an injury in this one. Eager to change things, Smit returned to a slightly revised 4-2-4 formation, "the wide men will start sitting back a bit, but they would play as wingers, more wide attacking mid-fielders. They won't run much in other words," Smit explained. The change worked, or perhaps the weeks break, worked and a rejuvenated looking Runcorn but four past an in-form Stafford Rangers. Romario and Di Canio played the second half together and got 3 between them. Smit stuck with the formation with only minor changes from the previous game. "It's Zola and Di Canio playing wide today and there quicker and fitter than most, I've instructed them to run back a bit more and help out the mid-field (an English pairing of Samyways and Merson.) Di Canio seemed fully returned to form, chipping in another two while Ravenelli contributed another penalty "He also seems to be on when we get them," shrugged Smit. Merson and Yeboah rounded things off. The 7-0 victory ad Redditch Valley Stadium was the biggest victory of the season and amazingly had 7 different scorers, including a first for new boy Melville. "I always knew we could do this, admittly I didn't expect it happening at this stage of the season," Smit told an awe struck press. This result was achieved with another slightly altered formation, a 4-2-1-3. The final game of the month, a 4-0 win at home to Hucknall seen four goals scored within 20 minutes.

One downside to December was the slow recovery of Gustavo Poyet. Despite that goal on his return, he has struggled to recapture his form of earlier in the season. Some speculate he is no longer interested in playing for Runcorn but Smit disputes this, "He still enjoys playing for the club. I know that. Would he like to play for Sevilla? Perhaps, but its not happening and I think he accepts that. He is an older player, its winter and we've changed formation frequently this month-his recovery will be slow I'm afraid.

Off the pitch things were certainly looking less steady at Runcorn. Firstly Paul Gascoigne announced a broken skull sustained in training in October-expected to keep him out for nine months, was making him consider retirement. Whilst never a star performer for the Linnets, he was a star name and the disappearance of his name form the Runcorn squad list would be a blow.

Contracts too were becoming an issue. Most of Linnet's players were only on one year deals and many were reluctant to sign extensions. These included Paulo Di Canio and Mauro Silva-key players. Of course retirements meant Runcorn was always going to have a high turnover of players but the contract issue threatened to completely disrupt the squad as players could enter negioations with suitors (of which there were many) during January.

One name did come in that December; Tim Sherwood. The former Spurs and England man signed for 10K from Coventry and impressed in central mid-field in his two games thus far.

"This is the toughest month yet to decide a player of the month," sighed Smit "but I suppose you can't look past Romario really. He scored when no-one else did. He kept us in games. The two keepers did their bit too this month mind, Higuita and Martyn could certainly claim the same thing, but I'll still plump for 'little Rom' as I've taken to calling him. Its shocking how many headers a 5 foot 3 guy can win ,by the way.".

http://runcornpictures.blogspot.com/2007/12/december-match-overview.html

http://runcornpictures.blogspot.com/2007/12/more-december-match-overviews.html

[fonz]

Nearly up to date now!

2005 started with a repeat of their first game of the season aganist Hinckley. Although less confident a preformance than last time, Runcorn won 2-0 thanks to a free kick from player/coach Stuart Mc Call and a late addition from Claudio Caningga. The game aganist Lancaster seen several key players rested for the upcoming 3rd round FA cup game aganist Preston. This proved something of a mistake as Runcorn slumped to a 1-1 draw. It was the 1st time a side had scored aganist Runcorn and got something from the game. New signing Ali Bernarbia did score on his debuet, but also missed a host of chances to win the game. The real story of the game was perhaps seen in the possesion charts. Much of the game was played in and around the Lancaster box, but they controlled possesion in that area.

"It was a disappionting preformance. We really did contribute anything for a long time. We didn't get at their defenders nearly enough," said Smit shaking his head in a post-match interview. "This wasn't the best preperation for a game aganist a top Championship side, but perhaps its just the warning we need. We'll change a few players about but that was a good side I put out therem they should have won. But credit to Lancaster, they played confidently and very compently. Maybe we just can't win games after playing Hinckly," read a statement from Smit on Runcorn's website.

[fonz]

Janurary-FA cup forth round

"Theres obviously going to be interest in this game. Without doubt its the greatest test so far. Preston may be struggling in the Championship but they are still heavy favorites. We have the confidence and the ability, however, and I think any questions about these players desire has now been anwsered. Would Di Canio and Romario be averaging over a goal a game if they were only here for the money? This is a real club," Smit told an increasingly rapid press ahead of the FA cup third round tie with Preston. "Jeff Agoos is the only major injury, and although thats a blow, we do have Frank Lebouf able to come in so we should be ok," Smit continued.

A near full atttendence crammed into the Corn Fields to witness the aged superstars stenest test yet. It looked like turning into an anti-climax as early Preston dominence yeilded a goal in the 9th minute by ex-Glentoran striker Andy Smith. The goal prompted Runcorn into action, however, and Romario scored his 7th and 8th FA cup goals in the 11th and 16th minute to put Runcorn in control. And there they remained, finding 23 shots to Prestons 7. Romarios attempt to claim a hat trick was stopped illegal by the Preston keeper, resulting a penalty converted by Youri Dyorkaeff. Two injuries to the 'Big Z's' (Zola and Zinho) distrubed Runcorn's flow throughout the rest of the game, but Paulo Di Canio scored in the 90th minute to keep pace with goal scoring rival Romario. Di Canio was now one goal behind Romario in the FA cup, but at this stage had scored more overall and in the league.

[fonz]

Meant to say third round. Going to be alot more brief for rest of the season, esspecially with league which is almost won now

Contract Crisis

"Its unbeleivable how many players are on one year contracts." grumbled Smit as he desperatly tried to convenice stars such as Mauro Silva and Gainfranco Zola to stay on in Janurary. Smit and the Runcorn managment have come under critcism for not addressing the issue sooner. "Some players seem to have decided right from the start this would be there only year at the club and I guess I can't critise them. Most of these players could still play at the highest level, who am I to deny them that? We will offer everyone a very generous new contract, though, and they weren't exactly on a pittence previously. Truth be told we probably have a higher wage bill than most Premiership clubs but thats not my concern." By the end of Janurary most players had resigned, but several of the veterans did decide to be put out to pastures new. "We're losing 7 players in all," sighed Smit "Zinho, Zola, Mauro Silva,Costacurta, Bebeto, Di Livio and Craig Short." Asked if he was surprised Smit anwsered "Well, Mauro and Gainfranco we had always expected. Craig was always touch and go. The others though, are all over 38. I'd thought the older players would have stayed but they have their reasons, mainly they want to return to their home countries which they all are. Bar the first three, they weren't regulars anyway. We will probably still play them, they are all still good pros. I'd expect them to put in the effort. And with the amount of games we have the rest of this season I can't afford to leave out good players.

The squad was boosted by two new signings in Janurary. Scary Danish Mid-Feilder Stig Tofting made a return to English football after a 100K move to Runcorn from Hacken.Only recently 35, he will be youngest member of the squad. Smit seemed unconcerned at his volatile reputation "We have a team with a few controversial figures, Gasgoine, Romario, Di Canio, Merson and Samyways to name but a few. I doubt Stig will be any sort of problem." Rtaher less spectaculary former manager, now just player Andy Hessenthaler, now 39, was an unexpected Janurary siging. "I've always admired his workrate and creativity, though of course he wont be a first team regular." Smit commented. Steve Stanuton also agreed to join at the end of the season

[fonz]

A slightly weary looking 2-0 win againist third place Droylsden followed FA cup glory. An early goal from a more sprightly looking Gus Poyet was added to late on by sub Paulo Di Canio's effort. "It is tough to play so many games and rotate so much but we have to get used to it. The rest of the season will be like this and the focus will be on the cups.

An FA throphy tie aganist Dag and Redbridge brought out a near full stength Runcorn line up. Surprisingly though, it was bit part player Bebeto who showed Runcorn how much they'll miss him by scoring a terrific hat-trick aganist the conference side to win the game.

[fonz]

19th of Janurary-This was the date of the replay the Conference North had been waiting for since the second day of the season. Liam Watson, the only manager to stop Runcorn for scoring this season, the only man to challange Smit in the press pre-game and the man who retired to scupper a deal to bring him to Runcorn as a player/coach, brought his Southport team to the Corn Fields.

With Southport in 2nd posistion in the league, over 20 points behind Runcorn but it theoretically able to catch them, Smit playfully commented to Watson that this would be "the deciding game of the season." Watson agreed with this sentiment, issuing a similar statement claiming Smit's charges wouldn't go up if Southport beat them. Smit responded at a press conference, saying he wasn't worried about Southport's excellent form or record aganist his team as his players were simply better. Watson had the last pre-match words as he claimed, somewhat bizzarly, he didn't take the Runcorn title challange seriously and was sure they would falter. The game was set-up to be a classic...

[fonz]

Runcorn, though, couldn't quite match their rhetoric by sending out a full strengh team. Linnet and Smit had agreed cup games would take priority, making the Wendesday clash aganist Southport cede in importance to Saturday's game aganist Ipswich. Runcorn ,of course, still had a much better team boasting Mauro Silva, Zinho and Ravenelli.

The 1st half was, however, a tense affair. Southport had clearly done their homework and knew how to stifle Runcorn. Sheringham missed a glourious chance but that aside Southport held well. Then in 45 minute of the first half, Ravenelli picked up a long cross field pass from Sheringham. With one equiste touch, he blasted from 30 yards into the oppiste corner of the net with pracitcaly the last touch of the half. If one incident showed up the tragic ineviability of talent over hard-work, this was it.

Southport were unwilling give up ,however, and attacked the game with renewed vigour in the Second half. They had already wasted one good chance when in the 56th minute Lee Mulveany sneaked in behind Craig Short at the back post to latch on to an excellent Neil Robinson cross. He blasted in past an angry Nigel Martyn to equalise the game! Could Southport repeat their feat of the second day of the season? Runcorn slowly began to dominate more but couldn't quite penetrate Southport's defence. Just after the hour mark, Romario was introduced to try and find some goals, replacing Zinho. While he didn't do that intially, on the 74th minute he put in a cross, which after deflecting off Ravenelli, was tapped in Ali Bernibia. It seemed a creul way to end Southport's resistance, but it got worse. The floodgates were open and Runcorn scored three goals in the last ten minutes. Two from Romario and one from Sensini. After the game Smit conceded he had been mightly impressed by Southport's technical ability, workrate and Watson's tatical nous. He concluded he was sure they would be joining his side in the conference next year anyway.

[fonz]

OK that wasn't brief but it was an epic match!

With with the league clash out of the way, Smit was free to focus on the Ipswich. They were faring slightly better than Preston in the Championship but The Linnets were still confident of victory, not least because of the massive pressure on the Town's manager, Joe Royle. It proved well placed confidence as Runcorn bettered the Southport preformance by scoring five without reply aganist Ipswich. Ipswich managed only 4 shots the entire game, less than Southport. Some have noted Smit's recent habit of playing Di Canio and Romario together in the big games rather than rotating them as he had previosuly done. It paid dividence again here as Di Canio and Romario both chipped in 2 while subsitute Stig Tofting rounded the game of with his first goal from the club-a stunning 25 yard free kick.

The Kettering game a few days later seen the return of what was becoming quite a regular 'second' or 'league' team, the stars of which were proving to be Ravenelli and Zinho. Both chipped in two today, although Tim Sherwood's preformances also shone.

With a period without cup games, however, Runcorn were able to play Ashton United with their first xi three days later. The result was predictable. 5 goals for Romario, 4 for Di Canio, one more for Merson. Truth be told, it cold have been alot worse as it was 7-0 on 21 minutes! Di Canio lodged a hat trick in just five minutes and Romario scored his first three within ten minutes! It was a different world than Man United loanee Adam Eckersly was used to...

Gainsbrough three days later was a return to the usual league preformances, a slightly sluggish win with Zinho and Sherwood providing the goals aganist an admittly in-form Gainsbrough.

The mammoth FA throphy trundled into its forth round on the 5th of Feburary. Runcorn looked far from jaded however as they put 8 without reply past mid-table Conference side Woking! This was their biggest away win of the season and second biggest win overall. Runcorn had been favorites but it was still an embarresment for a Woking side that boasted ex-Spurs keeper Jadal. Romario clocked up another hat-trick.

Bebeto, Ravenelli and a brace from Zinho sealed a Runcorn virotry aganist basement club Harrogate town. Zola aggrevating his injury again, though, causing concern. "It won't keep him out as long as last time, but it's still a blow. On a brighter note, Gasgoine is making great progress. He almost defintaly play again this season." (Smit addresing injury concerns)

3rd place team Worksop surprised a full strength Runcorn side with a goal from young striker Blake Norton. Runcorn were already 3-0 up, however, and any chance of an upset evaporated with Worksop's Mark Wilson being sent off minutes after Norton's stike.

Smit accepted his mind was largley on Saturdays FA cup game againist Plymouth proir to Runcorn's clash with Barrow that Wendesday. "It's a big game, but we are getting close to winning this league so we have to stay focused. Perhaps in an effort to do this, Smit made a rare formation change, going for the 4-2-4 formation with Costacurta and Cooper as wing-backs. The very attacking formation yeilded a fairly paltry three goals from Sheringham, Silva and Bernibia. This streched their lead over 2nd place Southport to a near, but not quite, insurmountable 33 points.

[fonz]

Some stats

Goals scored in league:111

Goals conceded in league:7

Goals scored overall:153 (I think)

Top goalscorer overall:Romario-32

Top League Goalscoreri Canio-20 (in 15 games)

Finances:11 million pound loss this season

Balance stands at 68 million

Average attendence:5283 (inflated massivly by cup games, regular league attendence more like 2000)

Wage Bill: 539,369 K per week

Wage Budget:1.5 Million per week

[fonz]

Quick Update

Runcorn laboured slightly to a 3-1 victory over a spirted Alferton Town this week, but of course increasingly the real focus was on the FA cup. The game aganist Plymouth was preceded by a 3-0 win over Barrow, mainly using now established second team players. A more flowing preformance indicated the players had started to gel.

Runcorn started their FA cup tie aganist Plymoth with a ferocity rarley seen in their Conference South games, Di Canio scoring a brace inside the first 18 minutes. After this thoughm the game became more competive. Martyn pulled of some superb saves as both sides had numerous chances, the final shot count put Plymouth on 14 shots at goal, Runcorn at 22. When Algofree triped Zola inside the box in the 78th minute, however, Di Canio stepped up to seal the game and his hat-trick from the penalty spot. Scott Taylor pounced on a rebound two minutes later to make for a nervy last ten minutes, but Runcorn held out to book themselves a sixth round spot.

[fonz]

6th Round Draw

"It was impressive, compartivly we havn't been in the best of form for the past few weeks, but we've kept winning and thats whats important," Smit commented as he waited nervously for the draw to begin.

With the three of the 'big four' still in the draw and, Runcorn aside only one non-Preimership club still remaining, any tie seemed tough. "Even Wigan are top of the Championship, it hasn't really been the year of the underdog," Smit mused "at this stage I guess we are hoping for a bigger club. Anyone will be difficult, so we might as well test ourselves aganist the best."

Smit was not to be disappionted. Third out of the hat, Runcorn FC Halton were given a home tie aganist Preimership leaders Chelsea! Seperated by five leagues and a calculators worth of places, Smit and his charges looked to relish the tie. "It is the most difficult tie, but I suppose its the culmunation of this experiments first stage. Chelsea have the best players in the world today, we have the best players in the world ten years ago. On paper they should roll us over, but the bookies said that about the Championship teams. If we beat Chelsea we not only could win the cup, we should-the players must remember that."

[fonz]

Game Notes

I posted alot of this story in one go and as well as being a bit off putting to read, it also made me miss the fact there is a probably more suitable forum for 'experiments.' Although already written in story form, if any mod wishes to move it I wouldn't mind. I did to search to check if anyone had tried this before and it seemed they hadn't, though granted the search function isn't up to much.

Anyway at this early juncture anyone care to hazard a few predictions of how far the team will get in the long term?