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

[Punch]

SEP 2025 - Pre Season

Welcome to the longest pre-season I've ever seen.

A lot of games, a lot of rotation and a lot of combination trials.

We lost the last game as I rested a lot of the 1st teamers with an eye on our first competitive game coming up in 4 days time next month.

 

Our first competitive game will be the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying round, drawn at home to Division rival Spennymoor Town.

 

We've broken our own season ticket sales record...just a shame they've had to wait so long to see a game.

 

While we played a lot of home games, they are expensive as we cover the costs of the visiting teams.

Bring on the League game home crowds to boost the finances.

 

After a pre-season that seemed to last forever, we finally get to kick a ball in a competitive game.

This season we will come up against more Professional teams, the wage disparity in the League is enormous.

A lot of teams are in the 300k-400k per year region, a few of the Professional teams are in the 500k-600k per year region, Chorley, our first opponent are north of 700k per year, while FC United of Manchester, who turned professional a few years back, are at 850k per year.

We are at 190k per year.

[Punch]

2 hours ago, shaunvamos said:

You don't necessarily have to have a keeper in your subs

Interesting. Maybe I had that in my head from another League and believed it was standard across the board.

Might be something to experiment with.

[Punch]

OCT 2025 - FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

 

After promotions we find ourselves skipping two rounds, the Preliminary Round, and the 1st Qualifying Round.

 

With four players still carrying suspensions from last season, we headed into this game as heavy underdogs, despite playing at home.

It was a rusty performance, which was aided when they had a player sent off just before half time, we produced enough in attack to score two goals, while keeping them scoreless.

A Solid defensive performance gave us a clean sheet in the first game of the season.

 

Along with 28k from our share of the gate, one game was almost enough to wipe out our long pre-season losses.

 

Drawn at home to Worksop Town for the 3rd Qualifying round.

[Punch]

OCT 2025 - FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round

In a dominant performance we'd squeezed Worksop out of the game taking a 4-0 half time lead.

We gave away a couple of goals, but then scored a 5th to put the game to bed once and for all.

Pleasing to see 5 different goal scorers showing we have threats all over the park.

 

Another solid gate keeps the finances ticking along nicely.

 

We travel to Nuneaton for a shot at making the 1st Round proper.

[Punch]

OCT 2025 - FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round

In what was a lot tougher game than we expected, we managed to hold off Nuneaton with a solid defensive performance, and slotting home a late goal.

It wasn't a particularly great performance, but enough to see us through to the first round proper.

 

 

Drawn at home to National League Torquay. This will be a tough match up.

[Punch]

OCT 2025

With our FA Cup antics resulting in a lot of changes to our fixture list, resulting in just 4 League games, with the results showing that we are not out of place at this level.

3 wins and a draw to start our National North campaign, making a mockery of pre-season expectations of certain relegation.

What would be considered a boil over against massive favourites Chorley, when 21d Dan Connor struck a last minute winner to shock them in their own back yard.

Brackley came to The Bowl for our first home game and left with nothing after another solid defensive performance.

Taking a point of Curzon Ashton away was amazing, but could have been so much more after giving away a late equaliser.

We were down 0-2 against Hereford, who we had never beaten before, before 2 penalties from 21n Jordan Jack, and an injury time winner from young winger 21e Collinge let us finish the month undefeated.

 

After an excellent first month we find ourselves flapping around near the top of the table, and I think we may have made a few of the other teams take notice after almost being written off as relegation certainties.

It may only be 4 games in, but the players look comfortable here, and are performing above all expectations.

 

I was surprised to be awarded my first individual accolade, and shows how well the team has performed this month.

 

The Board were pretty happy about it as well.

 

Cups and crowds have been the lifeblood of this team from day one, and this month shows how important those crowds have been, completely wiping out the pre-season losses and sending the bank sky rocketing.

 

Goal Scoring Goalkeeper

The list is a bit smaller now with 3 keepers leaving during the off season, and another out on loan.

21n Jordan Jack is still our number 1, and again has been brilliant in goal, and then rounded out the month by scoring 2 penalties in the come from behind win over Hereford.

 

Blasts his 1st Goal of the season into the bottom right corner, keeper guess right, but had no chance.

Was that a Panenka to score his 2nd of the game, and season

 

2 from 2 for the season, and 19 from 19 for his career in the League, now with 24 career goals.

 

Up next...a busy month beginning with the FA Cup 1st Round, and some tough League games.

Edited December 5, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

NOV 2025 - FA Cup 1st Round

In a stunning performance in front of an almost sold out Bowl, we've won through the the FA Cup 2nd Round for the first time.

Torquay were a tough match up, and so it proved to be, with neither team being able to find a goal in regulation.

The visitors struck first in extra time, but the ever improving kid from the class of 25, Jordan Williams-Hegarty showed a calm head to slot home a volley in the box to send it to half time in extra time 1-1.

The second half of extra time was just an old fashined arm wrestle as neither team could find an opening, so off to penalties it went.

21n Jordan Jack then proved the difference as he saved Torquay's first penalty, while our guys kept the heads and remained perfect, to send us through 5-4.

This was also the first time we have beaten a National League team, even if it was a penalty win.

 

Good prize money, and another solid gate, keeps the bank happy.

 

We are off to The Stadium of Light for Round 2, drawn away to Sunderland.

In what will be our first game against a League One team, and one playing well, this very be a very tough match.

Hoping to see a big crowd there to give us a massive funding boost, regardless of the result.

[Punch]

NOV 2025 - FA Cup 2nd Round

 

What! A! Match!

In the biggest stadium we've played in, in front of the biggest crowd we've played in front of, against the biggest team we've ever played against, we pulled off the biggest upset in our short history to knock Sunderland out of the FA Cup, and advance to the 3rd Round.

Sunderland came out of the blocks and threw everything at us for the first 25 minutes, 21n Jordan Jack refused to be beaten, and kept turning them away time and again, and then the tide started to turn.

We started to settle down and made some good forward runs, before 25f Williams-Hegarty, who just can't stop scoring at the moment, found a gap through their defence and punished them for not taking their chances to send us 1-0 up at the break.

Sunderland came out after the break with renewed vigor and again launched raid after raid, but could not find a way past 21n Jack.

The big moment came in the 67th minute when one of their defenders turned a cross into their own goal to put us up 2-0, this stunned them, and before they could recover 25f Williams-Hagarty stole a pass and ran away to score his 2nd of the game to put us up 3-0.

We then traded three goals in an 8 minute period, but at 4-2 up, the game was as good as gone, and our defence held on, even after 24a Clarke got himself sent off for a second silly challenge in the final minutes.

 

The 170k for our share of the gate was pretty awesome as well.

 

The news got even better when the draw dropped for the 3rd Round. This was the last match drawn, and Man U came out first.

We're off to the Theater of Dreams to take on one of the biggest clubs in the world, who's stadium could go close to holding the entire population of the Isle of Man.

Not bad for a 5 year old club from a little island in the middle of the Irish Sea.

Edited December 6, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

NOV 2025

What! A! Month!

In a month book ended by our two biggest upsets in the FA Cup, we produced a real mixed bag in the League.

A late goal got us a draw at home to Spennymoor, before we traveled to Farsley for a battle of 4th and 5th, and we blitzed them, with young striker 25f Jordan Williams-Hagerty scoring his first hattrick. We now have kids named Jordan killing it at both ends of the park.

We then welcomed 20th placed Mickleover to our biggest crowd of the season so far, and required another late 22g Madden goal to rescue a draw.

We then travelled to 2nd place FC Halifax, and 25f Williams-Hegarty went crazy scoring 5 goals as we put them to the sword 7-0.

We then traveled to FCUoM to revive our rivalry from the last few seasons, and they have been on a tear lately after a rough start, we became their 5th win in a row. We didn't even play that badly, they just played that well.

 

In scoring the first goal of his hattrick, he became the youngest scorer in the history of the National North.

 

He then broke the record for goals in a game, for all games, and the League when he put 5 past Halifax.

So good has his month been that he has scored 11 goals in all competitions for the month.

 

That game was also our biggest ever win.

 

A mixed bag sees us drop to 4th, but still mixing it with the big boys of the National North.

We have also scored a massive bag of goals so far.

 

A monster month of gate receipts has sent the bank balance sky rocketing.

 

We have had our first ever international call up, with an U18's inclusion for 25l McCarthy.

He would go on to make his debut, and score as well, to cap a memorable performance.

 

After an incredible month, we need to keep the momentum rolling in the League, and we also our FA Trophy campaign.

 

Up next...Goal Scoring Goalkeeper update.

[Punch]

NOV 2025

 

Goal Scoring Goalkeeper

In any other month, 21n Jordan Jack racking up 4 goals would be a big story, but with the other Jordan scoring 11 for the month, and the Goal Keeping performances of 21n Jack, pushing his average rating to superb level, his goal scoring almost takes a back seat.

 

First goal of the month was a well taken penalty drilled low and hard.

Curled in this stunning free kick for his 1st free kick goal of the season.

In the same game he completed a brace with another well taken penalty.

[Punch]

He rounded out his month with this stunning free kick which went in off the post.

 

4 from 4 at the spot for the season and 2 free kicks takes him to 6 goals for the season.

Now taken his career tally to 28 goals.

[Hootieleece]

Put in a good shift against Man U. Who knows what will happen if Ole is still at the wheel!

 

[Punch]

5 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Put in a good shift against Man U. Who knows what will happen if Ole is still at the wheel!

To be honest, I am still in shock that our wheel is still spinning

[Punch]

 

FA Trophy 2nd Round see us drawn at home to Dorking.

Edited December 8, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

In a pretty dominant performance, we've seen through to the third round over Dorking.

An early goal from our young striker gave us a 1-0 lead at the break.

Young winger 24a Clarke made it 2-0 just after the break, before 25l McCarthy sealed his brace, and the victory with 20 minutes to go.

 

 

We will host another National South team in the 3rd Round, drawing Truro City at The Bowl.

[Punch]

DEC 2025

After a mixed bag to start the month, where we smashed Southport away, got belted by top of the table Chester away, and got held to a draw by Altrincham, we seemed to settle, and then got back to our attacking ways, banging in 15 goals in the remaining 3 League games.

25f Jordan Willaims-Hegarty is still throwing them in for fun, but needs to work on his endurance, as I find he can only play 1 or two games before needing a rest.

22g Tim Madden scored a hattrick in the Bradford (PA) game, while 21e Brett Potts continues to run amok up front.

4 wins, a draw, and a loss turned out to be a good month.

 

We've jumped to 2nd, trailing on Chester who have bolted away, and seemingly will require a miracle for anyone to take the title off them.

We've slammed in a League leading 46 goals, 15 ahead of the next best, but we're also back to conceding too many, having the second worst defence among the top 7.

We have done a lot of damaged to a few teams for and against though

 

A good month financially, even without the benefit of many Cup games, with crowds still flocking to the League games in impressive numbers.

Will be looking to spend some of that money on Facility upgrades shortly.

 

The Press were back to linking me to plenty of vacant positions again.

 

After no job interviews for nearly two years, I had two in a week, including Chesterfield for the second time.

I almost turned them down because they approached me on Christmas Day...then didn't have the decency to offer me the job anyway

 

Been a long time since there was anything to report, but I guess that lines up with when I signed my new contract and teams didn't want to pay the buyout.

 

Sorted by League appearance for the season.

While we have scored 46 League goals so far, they have been shared around a lot. 25f Williams-Hegarty being the obvious outlier.

 

Up next...a busy January starting with 3 games in the first week, before the big game against Man U at Old Trafford.

[Punch]

DEC 2025 - Youth Intake Preview

I genuinely have no idea what to make of the previews anymore.

[Punch]

JAN 2026 - FA Cup 3rd Round - Preview

 

Nobody is expecting anything from us, the bookies especially don't like our chances

 

Not that it will probably make a large difference, but first choice CM(BWM) is out after suffering a gashed leg in the preceding game.

 

This Scout report made me literally laugh out loud...just enjoy the experience

 

So with nothing expected of us, but a huge financial windfall awaiting us regardless of result, I guess the scouts are right, get out there and have some fun.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2026 - FA Cup 3rd Round

 

We were on a hiding to nothing, and so it proved to be.

To be honest, I am not too disappointed with the effort, against a team 5 divisions above us, in front of over 62k fans.

The biggest crowd we'd played in front of previously was the 13k at Sunderland.

We were well beaten, but not disgraced, by a much bigger, and much better team.

Over 5k fans made the trip from the Isle of Man to Old Trafford, which is pretty impressive in itself.

 

The prize money helps, but the 1.15 million for our share of the gate is mind boggling for this club.

We made more money in one game of football, than we have in the last 5 and a half years combined.

I'm off to visit the board and see how we can spend some of it.

 

So our magical FA Cup run comes to an end in the 3rd Round, which is a new best result for us.

With the FA Trophy still in play, and a tight League race, there is no time to waste in getting their minds back on the job.

[Hootieleece]

To be expected when everyone on the other team can pay your wage bill with the Weekly Paycheck!

Great Run!

Get the FA Trophy!

[Punch]

2 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

To be expected when everyone on the other team can pay your wage bill with the Weekly Paycheck!

Yeah, we spend about 3.5k per week total 

 

3 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Great Run!

Thank you! Was an amazing performance, so happy with how these kids are coming together.

 

4 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Get the FA Trophy!

Haha it's still on the line

[Ceching You Out]

6 hours ago, Punch said:

 

This Scout report made me literally laugh out loud...just enjoy the experience

 

So with nothing expected of us, but a huge financial windfall awaiting us regardless of result, I guess the scouts are right, get out there and have some fun.

Made me smile as well. Love it!

Manager: ”So what should we expect tactically from Man United?”

Scout: “I mean you’ve seen them on TV, right? Who cares. Just go out there and have fun.” [lifts his pint, toasts with an imaginary stranger, and slugs it]

Manager: “Guess that’s the team talk sorted then.”

[Punch]

4 hours ago, Ceching You Out said:

Scout: “I mean you’ve seen them on TV, right? Who cares. Just go out there and have fun.” [lifts his pint, toasts with an imaginary stranger, and slugs it]

Manager: “Guess that’s the team talk sorted then.”

Well it's not like we all slugged a beer before taking the field...maybe we should have

[Punch]

JAN 2026 - FA Trophy 3rd Round

 

We were slow out of the blocks in this one, maybe a hangover from the Old Trafford experience, but we were 0-1 down before we had a chance to blink.

But the early goal was like a slap in the face and woke everyone up, we piled on the pressure and had taken the lead back just over 20 minutes later.

21n Jack completed his brace to put it beyond doubt late in the second half, then 21e Potts completed his brace to add the icing to the cake in injury time.

Was a good comeback from a very poor start.

 

 

Another team from the National South for Round 4, and we're drawn at home for what should be a tough match against another team playing well.

[Punch]

Another busy month sees us complete 6 League games for a record of 4 wins, a draw and a loss.

25f Williams-Hegarty keeps on scoring, and along with 21e Potts, and 22g Madden, they are forming an impressive rotating team up front.

We broke our League attendance record in the first game of the month against AFC Telford, only to smash it by going through the 2k barrier for the first time at the end of the month against Kidderminster.

 

Holding steady in 2nd position, not sure anyone is catching Chester.

Still smashing in the goals, while of against has started to come back to the chasing pack a bit, which is good to see.

 

300 games were celebrated with a draw against South Shields.

 

The finances are looking brilliant after the Man U game.

Approached the Board to upgrade Training and Youth facilities, wouldn't hear a bar of it.

How long until the next elections?

 

A busy month on the job/interview offer again. The press linking me to several positions.

FGR came in with an interview offer which I declined due to their massive debt (over a million), plus I would fail their Vegan test

Flyde also offered me a position.

 

After a quiet 2024-2025, the offers are coming thick and fast again.

 

At just 16 years old, this kid is smashing it, winning the Player of the Month.

Wonder if I will have trouble keeping hold of him down the line.

 

Lots to unpack here, but I am generally liking what I see.

21d Dan Connor has turned into a defensive machine, and is the auto number one pick in our defensive line.

25i Croft, and 22d Roberts have formed a great partnership in the center of midfield, both of which are holding 21a Powell out of the line up.

The forward rotation previously mentioned continues to bear fruit, so much so that former leading goal scorers Chris Taylor and Paul Slater don't even get a look in, and have not played a single game between them.

 

Another busy month starting with a tough match against Chorley, followed by the FA Trophy 4th round, and finishing with the rivalry against FCUoM being reignited.

 

Up next...Goal scoring goal keeper.

Edited December 8, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

JAN 2026 - Goal Scoring Goalkeeper

21n Jack continues to be brilliant in goal and organising the defensive line.

He also collected two golas this month, scoring a brace in our come from behind FA Trophy win over Truro.

 

The first was this spectacular free kick curled around the wall for his 3rd free kick of the season.

 

The second was a game sealing penalty, his 1st in Cups for the year, that was well taken into the right corner.

 

Now has 8 goals for the season, and has reached the 30 mark for his career.

[Ceching You Out]

8 hours ago, Punch said:

Well it's not like we all slugged a beer before taking the field...maybe we should have

Like the man said, enjoy yourselves! How often do you get to have a few drinks and watch a match from the pitch?

[Punch]

14 minutes ago, Ceching You Out said:

Like the man said, enjoy yourselves! How often do you get to have a few drinks and watch a match from the pitch?

Can in hand as we play?

[Punch]

 

 

FEB 2026 - FA Trophy 4th Round

 

Another come from behind win, with the two Jordan's erasing a 0-1 half time deficit to send us to the 5th Round for the first time.

In another brilliant defensive effort, we only allowed them to have three shots on target.

 

 

National League Darlington await us in the 5th Round at the end of the month. Looks to be a tough match up.

[Punch]

 

 

FEB 2026 - FA Trophy 5th Round

 

Played well enough to win, didn't take our chances.

We probably created enough chances to win 2 games, but didn't put them away.

Despite taking the lead just before the hour mark, we quickly gave up two goals in four minutes, and couldn't recover.

A decent performance against a team from a higher division, just not the result we wanted.

 

 

So ends our Cup campaigns for the year, as we are not involved in any League Cup in this Division.

A good year with our best performances in both the FA Cup, and Trophy.

Now we need to knuckle down and concentrate on our League efforts.

[Punch]

 

 

FEB 2026

In a word, terrible.

Winning only one of five League games this month, drawing and losing two each.

Adding in the loss in the Trophy 5th Round, the sooner we move on from this month, the better.

 

Now in a three way tie for 3rd spot, with only that we have scored so many goals keeping us above the others, although FCUoM are only 1 point above.

 

In a bad month, the usual suspects are still showing good numbers, just the execution was off.

 

Good crowds in The Bowl continue to give us good financial numbers.

 

Goal Scoring Goalkeeper

21n Jack still performing well, and two more goals this month.

 

Scored his 5th League penalty for the season, and 22nd over all.

 

An absolute bullet down the middle for his 2nd Cup goal of the year and also reaches double figures for the second year running.

 

32 Career goals, and double figures for the second year in a row.

 

Up next...a tough looking month, FC Halifax will be desperate for revenge after we smacked them 7-0 at home earlier in the season, and our next Youth Intake will arrive.

Edited December 8, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

MAR 2026 - Youth Intake

The class of 26 has arrived, and it's a bit underwhelming, confirming my thoughts about the preview being able to be completely ignored.

On average, looking solely at the stars, it's probably the worst intake we've had in 6 years.

 

My overall happiness went up slightly after reviewing the attribute scores, and they proved a better insight into the prospects.

26a Craggs looks like a decent center back, although the attacking options are a bit thins this year. Maybe we will produce another Williams-Hegarty who doesn't look great on paper but starts throwing them in for fun.

I don't play an AM(C), but 26d Urwin will be retrained as a C(M)(AP), and is almost the highest rated at the club in that position, so will be interesting to see if he can turn into a decent player.

Our Goal keeping prospects continue to be very low scored, I have even sent a few of the previous ones out on loan to see if more game time will help them develop. At this point, I have no one that is going to rival 21n Jack for some time.

Looks like we also have our first player that won't be taken, 26n Kanchev, low score, plenty of other options on the AM(R) area, and his mentals are low, unambitious etc.

While 26o Giddings scores lower on attributes, he has pretty decent mentals, and is ambitious, so we might see if he can develop into something.

 

The top prospect by attribute score, high determination, good tackling and heading, may end up in the 1st team rotation pretty soon.

 

Although he doesn't star well, he attributes decently, good work rate and determination, and with that aggression I expect plenty of yellow cards

 

Another decent looking defender with room to grow, and being strong on both feet gives me the option to use him as a fill in all across the back. Those multiple position players become handy on the bench in the National League as well.

 

This will be the work in progress to turn him into a M(C) Advanced Play Maker, as I don't use an AM(C) in my tactic. He rates highly, but with some work to do, there is plenty of room for this kid to grow into the position.

 

So not as bad as it first looked when you see the stars only, as there is plenty of potential in a lot of these kids, now just to see if we can get them to realise it.

[Punch]

 

 

MAR 2026

A solid month as we peeled off 4 wins and a loss.

We are still conceding too many goals, but scoring plenty, but a win is a win I guess.

 

We hold 2nd place by virtue of our massive for and against.

With 11 games to go, anything is still possible, although ti will take a miracle, or a collapse of epic proportions for anyone to catch Chester.

 

Another decent month financially, although I have not yet approached the Board again for any improvements.

 

We now have 2 internationals in the squad, with McCarthy called up for the second time, this time to the Northern Ireland 19s, and Williams gets his first call up to the Wales 18s.

 

They both put in solid performances for their respective countries.

 

 

Goal Scoring Goalkeeper

I look at the month we had and the stats above and think, conceding too many goals, but the notice 1 in 4 games are clean sheets, which isn't too bad.

Although we do have a habit of conceding back to back goals quickly regardless of if we are winning or losing.

 

21n Jack converts his only opportunity from the spot this month giving him his 11th goal for the season.

 

Still perfect from the spot in League games, just the one career miss in a Cup game.

Now 33 career goals.

 

11 games to go in the season and 6 of them in April. A few tough matches coming up, including against top of the table Chester.

[Punch]

 

 

APR 2026

A perfect month at the right time of year, as we book ended the month with two high scoring games, and in between were some pretty solid defensive efforts, including knocking over 1st place Chester, in front of our biggest ever home crowd for a League match.

25f Jordan Williams (I shortened his name for convenience ) continues on his goal scoring ways, 25l McCarthy has shown big improvement and pops up scoring goals regularly, and 23h De Cock has become a goal sneak off the bench.

The last match of the month was one of those that give a coach grey hair, we were down 1-3 after 20 minutes, before 2 goal keeper goals drew us back level, we then raced away to a 6-3 lead by the 90th minute, and then gave up 2 injury time goals before the ref finally blew the whistle to end the madness before some one had a heart attack.

 

I said last month it would take a miracle, or a collapse of epic proportions for anyone to catch Chester...well we provided the miracle in the last game, and they seem to be providing the collapse of epic proportions.

A draw and a loss to them to finish out the month, along with a 7 match win streak to us, means we have eaten up their 10 point lead (which was as high as 14), down to just 2 points.

With 5 games to go, nothing is off the table.

Looks like it's going to be a good old fashioned street fight at the other end of the table, with plenty of teams fighting over the relegation spots.

 

In the midst of this crazy month, both Chester and ourselves secured play off spots, at worst.

 

I gave debuts to some of the class of 26 in the match against last place Oxford, in which they performed very well.

 

Big crowds flocking to The Bowl produced another brilliant month in the finances.

Still nothing from the Board on improvements.

 

A perfect month lead me to the Manager of the Month award for the 2nd time.

 

Goal Scoring Goalkeeper

Another solid month from 21n Jack in goal, I change his sheet up while I was looking at some different stats, and was surprised to see that along with now 13 goals for the season, he has also racked up 8 assists.

 

The first of his 2 goals for the month was his 7th League Penalty form as many attempts, 9 from 9 in all competitions.

He also scored a free kick in the same match to complete his brace, and bring us level, which was his 4th free kick of the season.

13 goals for the season, and now 35 for his career.

 

Up next...after a long season, it all comes down to a 5 game race to the title.

 

Edited December 10, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

 

 

MAY 2026 - Race to the Title

Match Day 38

 

In 2 important games, us in 2nd playing South Shields in 3rd, and Chester 1st, playing Chorley 4th.

We took a hard fought win over South Shields with 2 first half goals enough to get the job done, and a clean sheet to boot. Much better for the blood pressure than the 6-5 to end last month. This sent us to the top of the table, but only for two days.

Chester got the job done after an early wake up from Chorley, to take back first place.

 

 

All remains the same position wise, although after beating 3rd and 4th, Chester and ourselves are now safe from the chasing pack, and only it's now only the two of us that can win the title.

If it comes down to for and against, we look good.

At the other end of the table, Oxford look gone, while there are still 3 teams fighting over the last relegation slot.

[Punch]

 

 

MAY 2026 - Race to the Title

Match Day 39

 

In a stunning 8 minute burst we turned this game on it's head with 25f Jordan Williams scoring a hattrick, and young striker 25i Croft chipping in a goal to go to the break 4-0 up.

They pulled one back not long after before we settled down and controlled the rest of the match, before Williams scored his 4th to round out a thumping win.

 

We've taken first place!!!

Well, on a technicality, as Chester's match was postponed, so they still have a game in hand.

But having taken the win in our match, it firmly puts the pressure back on them if they want the lead back.

At the other end of the table, Gloucester won their second game in a row to move out of the relegation places, with our thumping of Kyng's Lynn dropping them into the danger zone.

Edited December 10, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

 

 

MAY 2026 - Race to the Title

Match Day 40

Another solid defensive performance gives us a 2-0 win over Gloucester.

We continue to pile the pressure on Chester, and they appear to be buckling under the pressure, as they collapse against Brackley.

 

Although Chester still have a game in hand, we've now taken a 4 point lead at the top of the table.

Chester, who were unbackable favourites for the title a month ago, had only lost 2 games all season, and have now lost 3 of their last 6, while we have gone on a tear reaching our 10th straight win.

At the other end of the table Oxford are the first team confirmed relegated, while there is still a three way fight for the last relegation spot.

Edited December 10, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

 

MAY 2026 - Race to the Title

Match Day 38 - Chester postponed game

Deep into injury time Chester managed to score a dramatic winner in their postponed match day 38 game.

An important blow for Chester, and a devastating one for Kidderminster as they themselves are in a hot fight for play off contention.

 

Chester reduce the gap back to a solitary point, and with only 2 games to play, this is going to go down to the last day.

Edited December 10, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

 

 

MAY 2026 - Race to the Title

Match Day 41

The miracle continues as we take our 12th straight win, despite looking like a close game, we had 3 goals disallowed and were all over them.

The collapse of epic proportions is now complete as Chester fell at home to mid table Curzon Ashton.

 

The stunning turn around in fortunes is complete, as we are confirmed Champions of the National North, as we go 4 points clear with 1 game to play.

Will still be an exciting last day of the season as 5 teams are still fighting for the last three play off spots, while at the other end of the table, three teams are still in contention for the last relegation spot.

[Punch]

 

 

MAY 2026 - Champions of the National League North

In a result nobody predicted, FC Isle of Man lift another trophy in their short history, having won the National League North.

We can now relax and enjoy our last game in this League, next season we're off to the National League, just one step away from League Football.

[Punch]

 

 

MAY 2026

We completed another perfect month, finishing the season with 12 consecutive wins which took us to a miracle title, and an automatic promotion to the national league.

 

Chester could only manage a draw on the last day so we take the title by 6 points.

Hear break for Kidderminster, as our injury time goal against them dropped them out of the play off positions on goal difference.

At the bottom of the table, everyone lost, so positions stayed the same, King's Lynn and Oxford are relegated.

 

We broke the National North season goal scoring record, and by some distance.

 

Our end of season run awarded me the Manager of the Month for the 3rd time.

 

The Board are increasing our stadium capacity to comply with the 4k requirement of the National League.

 

Wage budget almost doubled, and a big transfer budget that won't be used.

Wonder if they are considering turning professional.

 

The finances took a hit after having to pay for the stadium upgrade, but still in a strong position.

 

I decided to hit the Board up for some improvements. They agreed to Youth Facilities upgrades, but not to Training Facility upgrade.

Will work on that one again soon.

 

After some haggling, they did agree to upgrade Youth Recruitment and Coaching.

 

They have also agreed to upgrade my Licence again.

 

Up Next...Goal Scoring Goalkeeper

[Punch]

MAY 2026 - Goal Scoring Goalkeeper

No coincidence that our upswing in form started with 21n Jack's increase in form as well.

He has put in a brilliant season, with 14 clean sheets, 15 goals, and 8 assists to boot.

 

His first goal of the month was another curling special, his 5th free kick of the season, and 9th of his career.

 

He also converted his 8th League penalty of the season, and finished 10 from 10 from the spot for the season.

 

21n Jack finishes the season with 15 goals, and now has 37 for his career.

 

Up next...Season Review.

[Punch]

2025-2026 Season Review

 

 

Up next...season stats

[Punch]

2025-2026 Season Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Just the one Goalkeeper used this season, and his efforts have been impressive.

Our other Keepers are going to have to have to step up their game if they want to displace him.

There are a couple out on loan, will be interesting to see how they have developed compared to the ones that stayed here.

 

Defence

21d Dan Connor is a heading machine. That level of key headers is so far above everyone else, it's insane.

Some pretty solid performances all across the board.

 

Midfield

21a Tim Powell has a slow start to the season and got dropped, after complaining about his play time I put him back in the team but told him I wanted better performances. He rated 6.1 in his first game back, so I fined him and give him a rocket, and he never looked back. He was a massive part of our winning run towards the end of the season.

Good rotation among a lot of the players the stepped up when needed.

Disappointed with 22a Austin Shade, he may have to send him out on loan and see if he can get it back together.

 

Forwards

In any other season, 21e Brett Potts with 24 goals and 20 assists would have been the player of the season, but 25f Jordan Williams turned in a spectacular season, for a 16 year old, he has a massive amount of potential.

22g Tim Madden turned in solid performances when required, and 25l Brian McCarthy turned out to be another good find turning in good performances later in the season.

23h Jerome De Cock grew into the role of super sub, scoring many of his 9 goals late in games after coming off the bench.

 

Best XI - Season 2025-2026

 

Best XI - All Time

 

 

 

25f Jordan Williams' season was so good he broke the record for average rating.

 

Up next...Attribute review.

Edited December 10, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

A quick check of the Cups

South Shields took out the FA Trophy from Boreham Wood, while we were the biggest over achievers.

 

Liverpool took out the FA Cup from Man City, which would be a cruel double blow for City, after they also lost the Premier League title to Liverpool on the last day of the season.

We again took out the biggest over achiever section for our efforts in making the 3rd Round for the first time.

[Punch]

 

Just to complete the Chester collapse, they've gone from Title and promotion certainties three months ago, to getting beaten in the play off final and not even getting promoted at all.

That's a pretty massive fall from grace for the competition favourites.

[Punch]

 

25f Jordan Williams won the Player of the y\Year and the Golden Boot for the National North.

 

I was awarded the Manager of the Year for our come from behind run to take the title.

 

 

 

We broke a few other records along the way, this one was one of the most important, the crowd support for this club has been amazing.

[Punch]

 Attribute Review

 

Goalkeepers

We have a 50 point Goalkeeper finally. In fairness 21n Jack has improved out of sight in the last few years.

23e Brown continues to be the back up, but 22p Gabriel has shown impressive improvement.

The others are going to have to show a lot of improvement to make any kind of impression.

 

Defenders

 

Center

21d Connor becomes our first ever 60 point player, and has had an impressive year improvement wise. Is easily our best defender.

26a Craggs looks like the obvious choice to join him in the center, showing the next highest attributes, but also high improvement.

26h Tyler, and 25j Ebbrell will be in the rotation when needed as well.

Down lower 23m McFarlane has shown a massive improvement, but still along way behind.

At the other end of the scale, 24l Deakin and 22l Crowe have been disappointing this year.

 

Right

24e Idowu becomes our 2nd 60 point player, and has had a massive improvement this season.

23j Rawlinson has been our number one on the right the last two seasons, but may have to be the back up, even though he continues to improve.

Not a lot to report on the rest, only slight improvements.

 

Left

This is an area we've always seemed to struggle, but it's good to now have two 50 point options.

Decent improvements from most of this side of defence.

 

Midfield

 

Ball Winning Midfielders

21a Powell had a bad start to last season, but turned it around and was one of our best players in the run to the title, so will probably still be our first choice.

25a Imasuen will probably get his chances, and be a handy player to keep on the bench as he can fill a few spots.

Pleasing to see solid growth, and potential to push for 1st team spots in this area.

 

Advanced Play Makers

25i Croft has improved immensely, and along with 21a Powell made a brilliant partnership in the center of the field.

In fairness he doesn't have a huge amount of competition, so there will need to be a lot of improvement in this area.

Good to see 22a Shade turning it around and showing improvement again.

 

Attacking Right

21b Barber has been easily the best player in this area, and provides so much.

24f Freeman showing some really good signs to keep 21b Barber on his toes.

26g Paterson looks a promising prospect, while 24g Banks is coming along nicely as well.

Only minor improvements in the rest.

 

Attacking Left

24a Clarke was one of our best last season, and has continued to show very impressive improvement.

24b Nwabueze continues to improve and provide very capable back up when required.

There are a few other options showing impressive growth, especially 25l McCarthy, who has also shown impressive form as a forward.

 

Forwards

21e Potts, as I said previously, in any other season, would have been the best player in the comp, but 25f Williams has just torn it up this year, in both performances and attribute improvement.

22g Madden, who started as part of the starting team last season, find himself now as the back up, but has still shown good improvement.

A bit of work for the others to do, but 23h De Cock has been solid when needed, want to see more improvement from him.

 

Best XI

I am really liking the look of how this team is taking shape. We now have 50+ point players as the starters in every area of the field, which shows how far we have come.

Another thing to notice is that all of the players are now FC IoM academy products, as the last of the originals have now either been released or sold, so from here on, we live and die by the players we have produced ourselves.

Another thing I notice this season is that we sent a lot of players out on loan, and it seems the ones that stayed at the club, showed more improvement than those the we sent out. So I might be loaning out less players this season to see how it goes.

We also have a lot of players in the low 50's, so it might be time to start moving on some of the players in the low 40's who are not showing much in the way of improvement.

 

Up next...the Vanarama National League awaits.

[Punch]

 

 

AUG 2026 - Pre season things

 

Board gave me a gentle reminder, fight against relegation, be competitive in the Cups.

 

Fixtures have been released, we begin away to Slough, before welcoming Torquay to The Bowl.

 

Dead last predicted by the bookies again. No surprise here.

 

With the moving on of all the originals, I have named new Captain and Vice Captain.

These guys were leaders on and off the field last season, so were natural choices.

 

Money money money...well, a little bit anyway.

 

I was finally able to get the Board to agree to upgrading the Training Facilities.

 

The Youth Recruitment and Coaching upgrades have been completed and we are now at Excellent.

There is also a seating capacity upgrade to be completed at Christmas to comply with the League 4k capacity regulation, so we will be slightly reduced for half the season.

 

 

Plenty of money available, which might come in handy as we have plenty of players starting to make noise about upgraded contracts since we made it to the National League.

 

We have made the first ever sale of one of our Academy graduates. They came a while ago with a non-negotiable, zero dollar offer which was rejected, and he got upset about blocking his move. I told him we could revisit if they came back with another offer.

They came back with an offer of 500, I replied with 2k, plus some extras, and 50% of the next sale, expecting them to withdraw, and they accepted it.

He wanted to go, and wasn't part of the first team plans, so I accepted it, and he is off.

 

Up next...Friendly season

 

Edited December 11, 2021 by Punch

[Punch]

 

 

SEP 2026 - Friendly season

 

We built up through the month before finishing with a match against National League rival York, which we more than held our own.

The usual suspects performed well, and the crowd support to friendlies was brilliant.

 

The finances are down due to stadium, training, and youth facilities upgrades that are going on.

 

For the first time we get to nominate our numbers.

Another cool little milestone ticked off.

 

Up next...Ravens take flight for season 7. We kick off a big month, and have an FA Cup game as well.