[FM21] Return of the Phoe Nix - Rise of the Raven. FC Isle of Man Youth Save.

[Punch]

NOV 2042 - Match Day 14 - Vs Manchester City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

After having an even worse start to the season than us, the Citizens had shown signs of life, winning their last two games, but that all came to a shuddering halt.

The visitors had the majority of possession, but they could do little with it as our midfield kept breaking down their attacking raids, and on the rare occasions they did get through, our defence was an absolute wall of No.

Gary Gowdy gave us the early lead, thumping home a Simon Johnson cross on 10 minutes.

While we created a few chances, we would not score again until defender David Kearney turned his man in the box from a corner, unleashing what looked a pretty tame shot on goal, before it caught a defender, and wrong footed the keeper, before dribbling across the line. It wasn't the prettiest of goals, but we take it.

Johnson and Gowdy then reversed roles to complete the injury time sealer as latter launched a cross which was met perfectly on the volley by Johnson, to complete a 3-0 win.

Another clean sheet, another 3 points, another good day at the office.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

After our sleepy start to the season, we are now 8 unbeaten since our win in the Manannan Derby.

Even better is we have not conceded in our last three games.

 

All the teams around us won as well, keeping us in 4th place.

 

 

Up next...We welcome Southampton to The Isle.

[Punch]

.

NOV 2042

After holding League leaders Arsenal to a draw, we went on a tear through the rest of the month, not conceding another goal in the League.

 

The Analyst is pretty happy with the attack, while the defence is moving in the right direction as well.

 

We've snuck up to 4th place this month.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Just the two keepers being used, with Green showing to be highly useful back up to Hodgson.

 

Defence

The defence has really tightened up this month, and youn Gregory is making himself right at home in our back line.

 

Midfield

This shows why keeping Tamara was so important. Lewis Hoey is a brilliant midfielder, but Tamara's numbers are just insane.

The passing rate, key pass numbers, combined with his interceptions in defence are just on another level.

 

Forwards

Gary Gowdy just continues to put up insane numbers - 21 goals on an xG of less than 11...

Craig Hoston is playing well, even though not scoring a lot, he creates so many goals.

Fernando Browne is getting harder to ignore. Our second player to double figures this season, in only 12 games, 6 of which have been off the bench.

We are quickly racing towards the scenario of trying to fit those three players into two spots.

 

 

Gowdy takes out his second award of the season.

 

With wages on the rise, lots of away games don't help our cause. Those Cup games and prize money really do help balance the books.

Player sales mean we are still way up on the season, but we won't be able to sell like that very often.

 

We are now the 3rd biggest producer of top league talent across Europe.

 

December & January are always tough months, an this one is no different. Six League games, our final Champions League Group match, and the League Cup.

There maybe plenty of rotation coming up to get through this month.

[Sonic Youth]

A good month just as you needed it 

That league table has interesting win/draw results, with the top ten not losing along with last placed Brighton!

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

A good month just as you needed it 

That league table has interesting win/draw results, with the top ten not losing along with last placed Brighton!

Yes, the form is heading in the right direction.

The whole table looks strange. Newcastle and Norwich in the top 3, both Manchester's and Liverpool outside the top 7. I know there is a long way to go, but it's been a strange season already.

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - Match Day 15 - Vs Southampton FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

One of our most complete performances of the season as we put five past The Saints, keep a clean sheet, and managed to rest some weary legs.

Obinna Tamara lead the way with a stunning performance, including a brace, well supported by the younger players who really stepped up.

The goals were shared around, but more importantly, the performances were brilliant up and down the park.

It's pleasing to know that we can rest some of our biggest players, and the squad can pick up and put in a performance like that.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

A loss for Newcastle steps us up to 3rd.

This was also our 4th straight clean sheet.

 

 

Up next...another tough match up as we travel to Leicester.

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - Match Day 16 - At Leicester City FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tight match at King Power as we managed to hold out The Foxes.

Our left and right wingers combined to give us an early lead, before Gowdy scored to make it 2-0 by the quarter hour.

The hosts then pulled one back on 38 minutes, the first goal we have conceded in 5 games, before having a chance to equalise from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time.

We kept the lead however, as the spot kicked crashed against the post, although I am certain Hodgson got a hand to it to help push it wide.

The second half was far less exciting as neither team could apply enough pressure to make any real chances.

Not a great game, but we do enough to keep the winning run alive, and collect the points.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We still hold 3rd, although we made up ground on Norwich, who were beaten.

 

 

Up next...Champions League action as we host Dortmund in the final group stage match, but with having already qualified in first place, this will be another run for the rotated squad.

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - Group Stage 6th Match - Vs Borussia Dortmund

 

Match Report

Spoiler

It was a reason to celebrate as we rounded out the Group Stage with a convincing win over Dortmund.

With qualification for the next round and 1st place already assured, we were able to rest some 1st team legs, and get some minutes into the fringe players and some of the young kids, and we were well rewarded.

Debut goals from two of the class of 40 kids, along with an own goal created by another youngster Brandon Cleary, who sent in a dangerous cross before their defender collided with his own keeper, and in the panic seemed to kick the ball out of his keepers hands, into his own net.

Scott Green's stocks continue to rise as well, as he made some spectacular saves to deny the visitors and keep another clean sheet.

 

We keep sending these kids out to play, and they continue to show no fear when called upon.

 

Keeping the money rolling in, and a full house at The Isle nets about the same again.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Barcelona ended a miserable campaign for Salzburg.

 

We take 6 from 6 tom complete a clean sweep of the Group Stage, and can head into the knockout rounds much more confident than the start of our season.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as Aston Villa travel to The Isle.

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - Youth Intake Preview

Wingers, Forward, Wing Back.

Lets hope the Defender brings some friends, but an interesting looking intake preview.

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - Match Day 17 - Vs Aston Villa FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

After playing the rotated squad mid-week, we were able to put nearly our strongest team on the park, and it came together with devastating effect.

There were two former IoM players in the Villa line up, but it was not a homecoming they will want to remember as they were down 6-0 by the break.

By the time the dust had settled, we netted 8 times, defender Dave Keogh scoring a hat-trick, Craig Hoston a brace, Gary Gowdy a brace, and 4 assists to boot.

An absolutely stunning performance, which will make the competition take notice.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Six wins on the bounce and we have snuck into second place...although after netting 8 goals, we are not really sneaking anywhere anymore.

 

 

Up next...The rotated squad will be out again as we host Leeds in the League Cup Quarter Final.

[Sonic Youth]

That’s something you don’t see that often, a hattrick from a defender in the same game as another player assisting 4 times while scoring twice 

Aston Villa we’re there for the taking. Just look at that form of theirs, relegation threatening!

Poor Aston Villa. I bet the players were picturing playing Barcelona 

Edited November 28, 2022 by Sonic Youth
Poor

[Punch]

17 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

That’s something you don’t see that often, a hattrick from a defender in the same game as another player assisting 4 times while scoring twice 

Aston Villa we’re there for the taking. Just look at that form of theirs, relegation threatening!

Poor Aston Villa. I bet the players were picturing playing Barcelona 

Not too often you see a team ship 6 goals by half time in the Premier League either...it was just that kind of game

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - First Knockout Round Draw

We get Sevilla , they host the 1st Leg, and as the higher seeded team, we host the return Leg.

We have never met before, so this could be an interesting tie.

 

The full draw.

 

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - League Cup Quarter Final - Vs Leeds United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The rotated squad did it the hard way, coming from behind to snatch an injury time winner over Leeds.

After giving up the lead on the half hour, it was another youngster that leveled after half time, Ryan Dillon scoring his first senior goal.

The rotated squad went all out attack in the second half, creating a string of chances, before Martin Challinor came off the bench to score the winner deep into injury time.

Based on the stats alone, we probably deserved the win, but Leeds sure made us earn it.

 

 

Semi Final Draw

Spoiler

We get the struggling Brighton in the Semi Final, although they have shown some better form recently, they have never beaten us.

 

Forest will host the in form Norwich in the other Semi.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we host Swansea.

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - Match Day 18 - Vs Swansea City AFC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A training injury to Simon Johnson, and illness to Craig Hoston meant for a few changes in the front line, but we put in a dominant performance.

Browne keeps scoring, as does Hussein, and Gary Gowdy curled in another spectacular free kick.

Challinor came off the bench to score, and complete a 4-0 trouncing.

The defence put in another solid shift to keep another clean sheet.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We continue to hold 2nd place.

 

 

Up next...a boxing day clash away to Watford.

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - Big News

 

Gary Gowdy - A Raven for life!

After his good form to start the season, Gowdy's agent wanted a new contract.

He's been the best striker in the Premier League for the last 5 years, and is just starting to reach his prime years.

So we get to have one of the worlds best strikers lead our line for the next 5 years, and it only cost us an extra £75k a week,

 

And I still detest player agents...he originally wanted nearly £4 million, I offered £100k, and then continued to reduce his fee every time we went back and forth.

I was happy to pay more money to Gowdy, as long as the agent got less.

From an original fee of nearly £4 million, he walked away with £60k.

 

We seal a great player for 5 more years, and pay an agent a pittance of what he wanted...a good day for the club.

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - Match Day 19 - At Watford

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A terrible game to watch, a poor result, and our winning run ends at 6.

We had possession advantage, created chances, but couldn't break down their defence.

Not a match that anyone will remember as the beautiful game.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We drop points to those below us, but with Arsenal held to a draw as well, we limit the damage somewhat.

 

 

Up next...a short turn around before we host Sheffield United.

[Punch]

DEC 2042 - Match Day 20 - Vs Sheffield United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tale of two halves in this one as we were terrible in the first half, it was painful to watch.

THe second half exploded into life with the introduction of Gary Gowdy from the bench.

He came on in the 57th minute, and on the 58th minute he set up our first goal for defender Dave Keogh to continue his good goal scoring form recently.

Gowdy would then go on to set up two more goals, and score one himself as we went on a 4 minute, 3 goal spree, which blew The Blades off the park.

30 minutes for a bench player, scores one, gets three assists, and picks up Player of the Match.

It's been that kind of season

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We maintain 2nd place.

 

 

Up next...a New Years Day trip to Tottenham.

[Punch]

DEC 2042

Only the filthy 0-0 draw at Watford prevented a perfect month as went on a tear through a busy end to the year.

A dead rubber in the Champions League and the League Cup arrived at good times to allow plenty of rotation players to get minutes.

 

Our attack stats have gone off the scale with 18 goals on an xG of 11, while our defence has massively improved this month.

 

We've crept up to 2nd place.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

Yearly Awards

A big night at the awards ceremony as Gary Gowdy wins awards as per usual, but a few others collected gongs as well.

 

We go backwards this month, and that will happen with the larger amount we are spending on wages now.

 

And we though December was mad...this month is going to be huge as well, although there will be some opportunities for the rotated squad.

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Speak volumes about the team's strength when the likes of Kazalac, Crosby, Harden and Chalinor can barely get any game time.

[Punch]

6 hours ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Speak volumes about the team's strength when the likes of Kazalac, Crosby, Harden and Chalinor can barely get any game time.

Harden has been out injured long term, but the others are generally in the rotation pool.

I have always carried a big squad, but we are very lucky to have some very handy players who are happy to play their part when needed.

[Punch]

Time for a break!

 

For over a year now I have reported on the journey of this club from the middle of the Irish Sea.

It's been over 20 seasons and we've come from the County Leagues at Level 10, all the way to The Premier League.

We've won League Titles, and Cups along the way, to being back to back Premier League Champions, multiple League & FA Cup wins, and of course last season, being crowned Champions of Europe.

I have been struggling a bit for motivation for a while now, so this seems like as good a time as any to put this save down for a while, before I start resenting it.

 

Is this the end for FC Isle of Man? Probably not. There is every chance that I pop back into it down the track and play some more.

But for now, I have moved over to FM23, and am going to spend some time getting my head around that game before picking a new story to share with you all.

 

This is the longest save I have ever played in any of the FM games I have owned, and it's been a lot of fun to share it with you all.

 

For the readers, the followers, the commenters, for those who offered advice, and for those who inspired from their own stories, I just wanted to say thank you for coming along this journey with me, and I hope you'll join me soon on my FM 23 story.

 

Until then...the answer is always 42

[Sonic Youth]

Just when I thought you were going to have arguably your best season and chase down Arsenal!

It’s fair enough. I thought you might finish the season first before you did something like this. It’s been a fun read and amazing to see how far you came with IoM.

Have fun with FM23 

[Punch]

19 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Just when I thought you were going to have arguably your best season and chase down Arsenal!

It’s fair enough. I thought you might finish the season first before you did something like this. It’s been a fun read and amazing to see how far you came with IoM.

Have fun with FM23 

Thank you @Sonic Youth, it's been an amazing journey, and I did toy with the idea of finishing out the season before I made the jump, but I didn't want to rush through it and do it injustice.

I am pretty sure I will be back at some point, but it's time for a fresh start I think.

[Jtomsett11]

Incredible journey and I understand the need for a break,  having hit the lack of motivation on mine back in September! Good luck on 23!

[Punch]

58 minutes ago, Jtomsett11 said:

Incredible journey and I understand the need for a break,  having hit the lack of motivation on mine back in September! Good luck on 23!

Thank you! It’s been an incredible journey.

I may need to come back to this for a break from my FM23 choice of challenge lol

[Punch]

Edit: Posted in wrong thread...

Edited December 18, 2022 by Punch

[KristianT]

Did you mix up the threads?

[Punch]

10 minutes ago, KristianT said:

Did you mix up the threads?

Yep...apparently I was a bit tired when I posted this one last night...

[lrm.investimentos1]

Great save. Would you have the Isle of Man 2D and 3D kits to share, please?

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Could you share a table of your progress through the leagues throughout this save?

[Punch]

2 hours ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Could you share a table of your progress through the leagues throughout this save?

 

Check out the tables at the bottom of this post. They show the progress through the Leagues. This is the most recent from the end of the last completed season.

Edited April 21, 2023 by Punch

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Thank you. Quite a meteoric rise.

[Punch]

7 hours ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Thank you. Quite a meteoric rise.

Sure was, but it’s been much steadier in my new youth save.