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

[Punch]

JAN 2033 - Match Day 29 - At Bristol City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A much better performance this time around as we put two passed Bristol, and managed to keep a clean sheet as well, thanks to Hodgson's late penalty save.

 

 

Penalty

Spoiler

The win takes us within a point of the top 6 with a game in hand.

 

 

Up next...We face Ipswich at The Bowl in the FA Cup 4th Round.

[Punch]

JAN 2033

Another up and down month, although two of the losses were to Premier League Wolves in the League Cup Semi Final.

 

The analyst shows we are still on the good side of defence, but we are still on the wasteful side of attack.

 

Sitting one point outside the play offs with a game in hand.

 

We sent Pociello on his way after he wanted more playing time, and he wasn't Championship quality.

 

We lost a small amount this month, despite a big gate receipts month.

 

Another monster month in February, starting with the FA Cup 4th Round, which will probably see the schedule change if we manage to get through.

[Punch]

FEB 2033

 

After the transfer window closed, an update to the wage spending:

 

While our figure has gone up since the start of the season, we are still spending less than half the next lowest, more than 400k less than the league average, and a million a week less than Newcastle.

Yet we are somehow still mixing it with the big boys.

[Punch]

FEB 2033 - FA Cup 4th Round - Ipswich Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A massive turn around in this match as we come from two goals down, scoring three goals in the last 30 minutes, including an injury time winner when the game looked headed to extra time.

This was one of our most never say die performances, and while a heart breaker for Ipswich, a massive morale booster for us.

 

 

 

Our gate receipt record is broken.

 

 

4th Round Draw

Spoiler

Drawn away to Scunthorpe for the 5th Round.

 

We have a long history, all the way back to League Two.

They had the best of the earlier exchanges, but we have had the better of them lately.

 

Up next...a return to League action as 22nd place QPR travel to The Bowl.

Edited February 15, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

FEB 2033 - Match Day 30 - Vs Queens Park Rangers

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A solid performance against a struggling QPR side. We played a slightly rotated squad to give some legs a rest.

An own goal and another from the ever reliable Jordan Williams before half time.

Young gun Gary Gowdy then scored a sealer just after half time.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The win landed us back in the play off spots, but with such a close table, nothing is certain.

 

 

UP next...the changed schedule sees us travel to Scunthorpe for the FA Cup 5th Round.

[Punch]

FEB 2033 - FA Cup 5th Round - At Scunthorpe United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A great performance including a hat-trick to Millington, while Wylie in defence was on fire setting up three goals.

 

 

 

Quarter Final Draw

Spoiler

Division rivals Sheffield United will travel to The Bowl for our First Quarter Final.

 

One of everything, although we did end up winning the League Cup match on penalties.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we face a tough match away to Barnsley.

[Sonic Youth]

You’ve got a busy schedule, with plenty of cup matches earnt. Hope you get past Sheffield United in the FA Cup Quarters.

Still inconsistent in the league I see. Maybe that’s partly due to the stadium and games being called off because of the weather/flooding (?). When is the new stadium going to be completed?

[Punch]

FEB 2033 - Match Day 31 - At Barnsley FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A disappointing loss as we are well beaten by Barnsley.

We did level the score after half time before they ran over the top of us.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Even though we have a game in hand we have dropped more than a game behind the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...Bournemouth travel to The Bowl

[Punch]

9 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

You’ve got a busy schedule, with plenty of cup matches earnt. Hope you get past Sheffield United in the FA Cup Quarters.

Still inconsistent in the league I see. Maybe that’s partly due to the stadium and games being called off because of the weather/flooding (?). When is the new stadium going to be completed?

The inconsistency seems to happen every time we get promoted. It takes a season or two to settle in.

The new stadium hasn't even been confirmed yet, it's still being investigated.

[Punch]

FEB 2033 - Match Day 32 - Vs AFC Bournemouth

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A disappointing result as we give up a lead in front of a full house at The Bowl.

They outplayed us for most of the match, but we took the lead in the second half, but couldn't hang on as they run us down.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

This loss hurt a little more as it allowed Bournemouth to leap us, and with Bristol also winning, we lost two places back to 9th.

 

 

Up next...the assignment doesn't get any easier as we travel to St James Park to take on 1st place Newcastle.

[Punch]

FEB 2033 - Match Day 33 - At Newcastle United

 

Spoiler

Not a lot to say here, other than, we got belted.

I guess that's what an extra million a week in wages gets you.

I can always take the positive view that they spend an extra million a week, and only beat us by three goals.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We take another tumble to 10th, although still with game in hand.

 

Up next...we stay on the road, this time away to last place Middlesbrough.

[Punch]

FEB 2033 - Match Day 34 - At Middlesbrough

 

Match Report

Spoiler

While it probably wasn't our best performance, but we played well enough to get the result, and break our three game losing streak.

Hodgson got us off the mark with a cracker of a free kick, before Lewis sealed it in the second half.

 

Hodgson scored his 3rd free kick, and 4th goal of the season.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The win, along with Bournemouth losing moved us up to 8th.

 

 

Up next...15th placed MK Dons travel to The Bowl.

[wildecooke]

hodgsonnnnnnnnnnn

[Punch]

15 minutes ago, wildecooke said:

hodgsonnnnnnnnnnn

Hasn't had many pens, but can hit a free kick

[Punch]

FEB 2033 - Match Day 35 - Vs MK Dons

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A good performance against the Dons, with an Earl hat-trick, and a clean sheet.

A good defensive effort, but we probably should have made more of the chances we created.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still sitting in 8th place with a game in hand.

 

 

Up next...Preston travel to The Bowl.

[Punch]

FEB 2033 - League Cup Review

 

Wolves, who eliminate us in the Semi Final, have taken out the League Cup after defeating Chelsea.

[Punch]

FEB 2033

3 wins, 3 losses, then 2 wins. Certainly an up and down...and then up again month.

 

The analyst is less happy this month as our defence slid back to the center, while our attack is still wasteful.

 

We currently hold 8th place with a game in hand.

 

The ever improving Earl earned himself the Young Player of the Month Award.

 

Hodgson scored the 11th goal of his career, and 4th of the season.

 

Earned my Continental Pro Licence.

 

Even with a good month on gate receipts we basically broke even.

 

Another busy month in the League while we round out the month with the FA Cup Quarter Final blockbuster at home.

[Jtomsett11]

A hard season so far and you're on the cusp of the play offs, but to be honest you're still massively overachieving when you look at wages and squad quality compared to the big guns! Good luck for the end of the season!

[Punch]

30 minutes ago, Jtomsett11 said:

A hard season so far and you're on the cusp of the play offs, but to be honest you're still massively overachieving when you look at wages and squad quality compared to the big guns! Good luck for the end of the season!

I think we are massively overachieving. I thought the Boards expectation of a top half finish was completely bonkers, but maybe they seen something I hadn't yet.

We have reached the point where a lot of fatigue is setting in, and some of the players can only play every second game, so that probably doesn't help with out consistency.

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - Match Day 36 - Preston North End FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

This one almost feels like a loss as we weren't able to make up ground in our make up game with Preston.

We created plenty of chances, but their keeper had a blinder, making some great saves to keep us at bay.

It took a cracking volley from Earl to level the scores, but a draw was all we could get out of it.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay in 8th spot, one game back from the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...we travel to Crystal Palace.

[Sonic Youth]

Sitting just outside the playoff positions. Your goals against looking the difference lately. Interesting that your goals scored is now good but your still wasteful. Looking forward to the FA Cup Quarters 

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Sitting just outside the playoff positions. Your goals against looking the difference lately. Interesting that your goals scored is now good but your still wasteful. Looking forward to the FA Cup Quarters 

Goals scored vs chances created has been poor, that’s why the analyst calls us wasteful 

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - Match Day 37 - At Crystal Palace FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A high quality match at Selhurst but we were unable to get anything from it as Palace denied our chances.

They had the chance to make it 0-2 at the death, but a spectacular penalty save from Hodgson kept it at one.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Newcastle become the first team to guarantee themselves play offs at worst, while we find ourselves slipping further behind the play off pack, now two full games behind with 9 to play.

 

 

Up next...20th place Rochdale travel to The Bowl.

[Punch]

MAR 2033

 

Pat Millington signs long term deal...

 

 

After a long negotiation that was broken off several times, and a massive amount of back and forth, we have handed out our largest ever contract,  making Pat Millington our highest paid player, and by some margin, but we have finally tied him down to a long term deal.

We had been offered as much as 20 million for him, but I really didn't want to sell, and it seems he did want to stay after all.

It's costing us a bomb, and there are a lot of bonuses and extras, with the optional extension and the release fee had always been a sticking point, but we managed to get both over the line and to be fair, it's probably still a good deal for us, considering he is arguably our best player at the moment.

 

Will be interesting to see how the other players in the team react now, and if they all want more money too.

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - FA Youth Cup

 

Our U18s are still running amok in the FA Youth Cup...

 

They take a 4-1 lead into the second leg of the semi final to be played at The Bowl.

Looks like they may face Liverpool on current standings.

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - U18s Continued

 

 

Our 18's squad has taken our the Division 3 League again.

 

 

The title is won with 6 games still to play.

Not sure what it takes to get put up a division, but it seems clear we are too strong for Division 3.

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - Match Day 38 - Vs Rochdale AFC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

One of our best performances for a while as we complete a 3-0 belting of The Dale.

Heading into the break with a 1-0 lead we came out too strong in the second half and ran over the top of them.

A very pleasing result all around.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We jump up to 7th, one place out of the play offs, but still 5 points behind, with 8 games to be played.

 

 

 

Up next...we travel to 19th place Ipswich.

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - Youth Intake

 

The class of 33 has arrived, and looks like there is a few potential gems among them.

Interestingly the decline of IoM natives continues, as there is just one in this years intake.

 

By PA

We have 5 players above 140 PA, which include a 149, and a 157.

 

By Current Attributes

Only one player currently above 60 points, but quite a few very close in the mid to high 50's.

 

The top 3

Spoiler

Hamilton looks to be an exciting midfielder, given a PA of 157, could turn into a special player if he can reach those heights.

 

Christian will be competing for the same position, and with a PA of 149, again could turn into a special player if he can reach his potential.

 

Harden can play multiple positions in attack, while he only has finishing of 4, has plenty of potential to improve.

 

 

 

Overall, the numbers don't look great for this intake, which is what the preview suggested, but there are a few with the potential to turn into pretty handy players, if we can get them to reach that potential.

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - Match Day 39 - At Ipswich Town FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tight game at Portman Road as we required a late Earl equaliser to rescue a point.

Most of the stats show a pretty even game, although the xG suggests we should have won.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We drop a place, but are still 5 points behind the play off spots.

Newcastle seemingly just need to fall over the line to win the title.

 

 

Up next...Southend travel to The Bowl.

[Sonic Youth]

Looks on surface a decent youth intake. It’s curious that the top three have the same personalities and media handling but low determination. They all look like becoming three different types of midfielders too (which is handy). Also look like brothers or cousins too 

Can we get a screenshot of the IoM youngster from the intake?

If not for a change in form, your position on the table looks just about set. Kit feels like a slow crawl to the end of the season.

[Hootieleece]

Good work! too bad you have fallen off your earlier pace. Hopefully you make the playoffs.

 

It looks like you need to work on your defense..... you have a good goal difference, but too many losses and draws! Does your team seem to fade late in games?

Edited February 19, 2022 by Hootieleece

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - Match Day 40 - Vs Southend United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A brilliant all round performance as four different goal scorers get us passed Southend.

They hit back with a goal just before half time to make it a close game, before we put together two good goals after the break, to run away with a convincing win.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still in 8th place, but we made up some ground on the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...the FA Cup Quarter Final has been postponed to the end of the month due to having 19 players on international duty.

[Punch]

10 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Looks on surface a decent youth intake. It’s curious that the top three have the same personalities and media handling but low determination. They all look like becoming three different types of midfielders too (which is handy). Also look like brothers or cousins too 

Can we get a screenshot of the IoM youngster from the intake?

Possibly a decent looking central defender, has some decent attributes already, another that will be decent if we can get him to his potential.

 

12 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

If not for a change in form, your position on the table looks just about set. Kit feels like a slow crawl to the end of the season.

We are still hanging about making a nuisance of ourselves, and still massively over-achieving by my estimations, regardless of the Board's expectations.

[Punch]

13 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Good work! too bad you have fallen off your earlier pace. Hopefully you make the playoffs.

 

It looks like you need to work on your defense..... you have a good goal difference, but too many losses and draws! Does your team seem to fade late in games?

I still think the bigger issue has been our wastefulness in attack. There is a lot of games we have been way in front on the xG, but only managed a draw, or even lost.

It's been a common theme up through the League's where we have been really inconsistent the first season, then it started to click part way through the second season. Will be interesting to see if that remains the same or if it takes longer to adjust in this higher League.

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - FA Youth Cup

 

 

Our kids ran amok again to book themselves a spot in the FA Youth Cup Final for the 4th straight year.

We will face Liverpool in a two legged final, after Arsenal were unable to overturn a three goal deficit in the other semi.

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - Internationals

 

Plenty of players on international duty during the March break.

 

Charlie Henry made his 40th and 41st Youth International appearance.

Mutton, Odumosu, and Harrison become our 46th, 47th, and 48th youth internationals.

Sheridan made his 5th senior international appearance, while Suk-Kuen, reached double figures, and scored his 2nd senior goal.

 

Up next...FA Cup Quarter Final at The Bowl, as Sheffield United come to The Isle.

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - FA Cup Quarter Final - Vs Sheffield United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning result as we come from behind to beat Sheffield United in injury time.

After United took the lead early, Pat Millington got us back on level terms before half time with a cheeky chip. It was as ridiculous as it was brilliant, and I guess that is why we are paying him 10k a week to make a difference in games like this.

John Hodgson was the star of the second half keeping us in the game with a series of brilliant saves to keep us level, and just when it looked like we were headed to extra time, deep into stoppage time, Jordan Williams, so often the hero for this club, got his head to a cross first to beat their stranded keeper, to send the crowd crazy as we booked our place in the FA Cup Semi Final.

 

We also collected about 150k for our share of the gate.

 

 

Semi Final Draw

Spoiler

The draw was probably the kindest of the three Premier League teams we could have faced, although we are drawn at home, so will be a much smaller crowd than Forest would have hosted. Hopefully we can put on a show for The Isle fans though.

 

We have previously met Forest twice, both in the League Cup, even managing to beat them in the most recent encounter.

 

 

Up next...a short turn around before we come up against 23rd place Charlton at The Bowl.

[Punch]

MAR 2033 - U18's Division 3 League Cup

 

After winning through to the FA Youth Cup Final, our U18's turned their attention to the Division 3 League Cup, where they have thrashed Aldershot 4-1.

Their second Trophy this month, after already securing the League Title, keeps them in the running for a 4th straight treble.

[Punch]

MAR 2033

After starting the month with a draw and a loss, we got back on track winning two and drawing one of our next three, before rounding out the month with a surprise win in the FA Cup Quarter Final.

 

The analyst shows our defence and attack moving in the right directions, even if only slightly.

 

 

 

Earl took out another Young Player of the Month award, while Heys collected 3rd.

 

We find ourselves in 8th, two points outside the 6, although Bristol have a game in hand in 7th.

Newcastle became the first team to be guaranteed promotion to the Premier League, and they only need one more point to claim the title.

Unless something drastic changes, it will be tough to see Middlesbrough surviving the drop, and Charlton are pretty close to following them, while there are a few teams still in line for the last relegation slot.

 

We collected a small profit this month, while the gate receipts are keeping us afloat, with full houses at pretty much every game this season, no big away draws in the Cups, have resulted in lower gate takings than we could have had.

We desperately need the new stadium to be found so we can up the revenue even more.

 

And just like the, it's the final month of the season.

Six League games to be played, and our first ever FA Cup Semi Final.

[Punch]

APR 2033 - Match Day 41 - Vs Charlton Athletic

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We made harder work of it than we needed to, but we got the job done, and kept a clean sheet.

An early goal to Sheridan, before Millington came off the bench to seal it late.

Hodgson put in another Player of the Match performance in goals, and provided an assist.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Newcastle are crowned Champions, while Middlesbrough are officially relegated, as we move up to 7th, still 2 points out of the play off places, while Bristol have a game in hand.

 

 

Up next...we travel to Cardiff to take on the 18th place Bluebirds.

[Punch]

APR 2033 - Match Day 41 - continued

 

Bristol were beaten in their make up game against Sunderland.

 

With all teams now having completed 41 matches, the race for the final play off spot has tightened, with 4-5 teams still a chance to make it, with 5 games to play.

[Punch]

APR 2033 - Match Day 42 - At Cardiff City FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A good old fashioned arm wrestle at Cardiff where neither side were able to find a goal.

Both keepers were best on ground as they turned away all of the few chances that were created.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We hold in 7th, still 2 points behind the play off spots.

Newcastle, already confirmed Champions, while Sheffield and Barnsley confirmed play offs at worst.

At the other end, Charlton, who were promoted with us last season, go straight back down again, as their relegation is confirmed.

 

 

Up next...We travel to Birmingham to take on the 17th place Blues.

[Punch]

APR 2033 - Match Day 43 - At Birmingham City FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Three goals in seven minutes either side of halftime was enough to get the job done against Birmingham.

A two minute brace to Earl, before he was forced off with a tight thigh, luckily he will only be out for a few days, but will miss out next improtant match against Watford.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Nothing changed, we are still 2 points back, but now Crystal Palace have snuck up level with Bristol, ready for us or Derby to make a mistake.

 

 

Up next...a two day turn around before a massive match that could decide our season against 5th place Watford at The Bowl.

[Punch]

APR 2033 - FA Cup - 1st Semi Final

 

It took extra time, but Manchester United awaits either ourselves or Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup Final.

The 2nd Semi Final will be played in a few weeks.

[Sonic Youth]

It’s turning into quite an exciting finish to the season.

Got my fingers crossed for you in the FA Cup and making the playoffs.

[Punch]

APR 2033 - Match Day 44 - Vs Watford

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We expected a tough match, and we got it.

The stats were pretty even all over the park, so a draw was probably a fair result in the end.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Fulham and Watford confirmed play off spots at worst, meaning there is four teams left fighting for just one spot.

Our next match becomes must win, but if Derby win either of their last two games, then it's all over anyway.

At the other end, there are still three teams fighting over the remaining relegation slot.

 

 

Up next...as must win as they come, to have any chance of making the play offs, we must win and Derby must not, as we travel to The Stadium of Light, to take on 14th place Sunderland, in our last away game of the season.

[Punch]

1 minute ago, Sonic Youth said:

It’s turning into quite an exciting finish to the season.

Got my fingers crossed for you in the FA Cup and making the playoffs.

I think we are still massively over achieving to even be in contention for the play offs at this stage.

FA Cup semi will be a hard match as well, in the middle of a heavy run of games to finish out the season.

[Sonic Youth]

6 minutes ago, Punch said:

I think we are still massively over achieving to even be in contention for the play offs at this stage.

FA Cup semi will be a hard match as well, in the middle of a heavy run of games to finish out the season.

Still exciting though 

I did have an uh reaction when I saw the Watford result, then remembered they were in 5th and it was a good result 

To games to, plus FA Cup. Almost a free hit with those games left.

[Punch]

APR 2033 - Match Day 45 - At Sunderland AFC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A brilliant result as we come from behind to keep our play off chances alive.

We went behind early, but by 15 minutes we'd come back to take a 2-1 lead.

A great 64th minute header from Earl turned out to be crucial to seal the victory as Sunderland would score an injury time consolation.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Sheffield United have finally sealed automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Derby could only manage a draw, meaning that with one game to play, three teams still can mathematically take the last play off spot.

If we were to win our final match, a draw would not be enough for Derby, as we have superior goal difference.

We both have tricky match ups, with us at home to Blackburn, while Derby are away to Bristol.

The equation is a lot harder for Crystal Palace, as they would need us both to lose, and themselves to overturn a 5 goal deficit in their goal difference. Unlikely, but not impossible.

At the other end of the table, there are four teams that could still be relegated.

It's going to be a massive final day of the season.

 

 

 

Up next...before the final day madness gets here, we have a massive FA Cup Semi Final clash coming up against Nottingham Forest. The Bowl will be packed to the rafters with Manx faithful daring to dream the impossible.

[Blarney]

On 15/02/2022 at 05:41, Punch said:

FEB 2033

 

After the transfer window closed, an update to the wage spending:

 

While our figure has gone up since the start of the season, we are still spending less than half the next lowest, more than 400k less than the league average, and a million a week less than Newcastle.

Yet we are somehow still mixing it with the big boys.

This is an incredible number.  To be competitive like that spending nearly a 10th of what some teams are spending.  Well done.