AFC Wimbledon - Bringing glory days of the Crazy Gang back to the fans.

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 6

Match #33 Brentford AWAY

 

I was surprised by this result, i understand, Brentford needed points for survival but we played nowhere as good as we used to play recently...

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 6

Match #34 Blackburn HOME

 

I am glad to see that we were not shook by the last match defeat. Mine strikers took take care of themselves and the team, 3 goals and 3 assists between the two of them, great match for the attack.

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 6

Match #35 Southampton HOME

 

This could be the proudest season in the AFC Wimbledons history. There are 3 matches before the end of the season and we might be participants in the next seasons European competitions. Just three more left! Come on!!!

 

Edited March 14, 2023 by Pearomaniac

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 6

Match #36 Brighton AWAY

 

This could be it, one more win, with a bit of luck and an assists from my GK and three more points are in the bag. Two more matches left and i think i need one more point and if i lose not to lose with too much goals conceded. Also, if anyone is actually reading this some support would be appreciated cause my nerves are a wreck after these few matches

 

 

Two more. TWO MORE!!!

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 6

Match #37 Wolverhampton HOME

 

This is it boys, celebration can start. The best league position in AFC Wimbledon history along with first ever participation in European competitions. Next year we are playing UEFA Conference League. Pop that champaign, let the celebrations begin. 

Phew, honestly this was so exhausting, i have one more match left and i cant wait to finish it and just go to sleep, exhausted.

 

One more.

[Pearomaniac]

Hold your horses, hold your horses...hold on. I totally got that out of my mind, fifth position in the league leads into Europa League, not conference league, but since Man. City got the Conference League spot (at first) by wining  the EFL CUP there was one less blue shaded spot on the league table and i thought both of those spots left lead into the Conference League but **** me they dont, we are in the mother ****ing Europa League boys!!! EUROPA LEAGUE!!! 

 

And Man. City is going to the Europa League too because they won both cups, EFL Cup and FA Cup. And the champion is still to be decided in the last match of the season once more, Man. United or mighty Liverpool. Bloody hell what a season!

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 6

Match #38 Leicester AWAY

 

So this is definitely it, another win to round of this fantastic season where we finished fifth and next season we are seen in the EUROPA LEAGUE.

See you all soon in season recap,

 

[Pearomaniac]

OK, something happened but i literally can not comprehend it. Talk to u all tomorrow!

[DrammenBlade]

Hope it's good news!

I really enjoy your following your save.
Congratz on Europa League!(Or is it CL?? I got this feeling)

[Pearomaniac]

There it is @DrammenBlade   wtf am i going to do in the Champions League 

 

 

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Damn, Champions League. Wow. That was a ride.

[Pearomaniac]

2 minutes ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Damn, Champions League. Wow. That was a ride.

I gotta make a plan for the next season because two days before we knew we got the Champs. League i had 2-3 key players announcing that they want to "consider their options" when they contract runs out. I either need to find wonderkids willing to play for us in the CL or some hidden gems as i have "only" 60mil in the bank for transfers.

 

All i wanted was the Conference League 

[Pearomaniac]

PRESEASON REVIEW

Its been a fine preseason where i avoided arranging bigger opponents for friendlies and played mostly with lower reputation clubs. Didnt want to risk injuries against tougher opponents. Most of the players are fit and ready to start although i would love if i had another match or two in the preaseason.

 

TRANSFERS IN

OK, mistakes have been made maybe here. I have brought much wanted CD who is ready to start from day one but i have splashed cash on a wonderkid Striker thinking that my first team strikers are going to be sold but right now, at the end of the preseason it still has not happened and i have some of the top quality strikers in the PL.

 

Lachlan Hannant CD - Chelsea - €26.000.000

 

Nico De Jonge ST - Groningen - €35.500.000

 

I am also quite happy with the atmosphere in the club at the start of the season.

 

LINE UP

And this is how we are going to line up whenever its possible. I am going to start my first team strikers from the last season in hope that i will send them ASAP so i can start this wonderkid Nico De Jonge when i eventually sell one of them while i intend to send Iker Romo on a loan. One change i made in relation to the last season is that i am going to start young Alexis Londono at CMF since he can develop in a much better player than he currently is, Lastly, Hannant is going to play as a starter at CD position along with Gomez until he gets sold since i have transfer listed him as he does not want to renew his contract with us due to him considering his options.

Edited March 16, 2023 by Pearomaniac

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 7

Match #1 Leicester AWAY

 

This season we are starting the same way we finished last, with a win over Leicester away, just this one is a fantastic match for a start of a season plus, my new striker managed to get a goal on his debut in 11 minutes he spent on the pitch.

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 7

Match #2 Everton HOME

 

Once more its De Jonge and in just 19 minutes spent on the pitch. Love to see your new signings playing up to your own expectations.

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 7

Match #3 Newcastle HOME

 

I love these type of wins, score a goal and concede none. So far, if i am not wrong we have scored six goals and conceded none in three matches and we sit at top 3 of the league at the moment.

 

 

[Pearomaniac]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES REVEALED

The fixture list for 2034/35 UEFA Champions League has been revealed. There are four pots and each team will play two teams from each pot to make up their eight total fixtures in the League Phase.

We are facing a very challenging fixture list as we go up against multiple top ranked teams including FC Bayern Munchen, Borussia Monchengladbacg and Club Atletico de Madrid. Paris Saint Germain are considered to be the favorites to win the competition.

 

[Pearomaniac]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Match #1 Slavia Praha HOME

 

I think i was a bit lucky with my first CL rival who i have dominated for probably 75 minutes as they didnt had a single shot for 75 minutes, but as it usually goes in FM world they only need only one shot to score a goal and so they did in the injury time but still we got away with a win and three points and that is all that matters at the end of the day.

[Pearomaniac]

EFL CUP

Round #3 Sunderland AWAY

 

An interesting match and a beautiful winner, great cross from my 18 year old youngster Babatunde into the box and an easy job for Kirkland to head the ball in the goal. I brought Kirkland as i was looking for someone like Drogba and i think im pretty close, strong, scores goals, good headers, i think im onto something here.

 

My next opponent in the cup is Brighton.

 

That is all good but look at this fixture congestion. @Punch @Stuniverse I am playing seven matches in three weeks, how the hell am i going to cope with this, i mean, i know im the manager but how the hell am i going to manage this  I played mixed squad in the cup but now i have a PL fixture and three days after that a CL fixture  And then in 4 days another PL match. We are dooomed, doomed  i tell you.

[Stuniverse]

36 minutes ago, Pearomaniac said:

That is all good but look at this fixture congestion. @Punch @Stuniverse I am playing seven matches in three weeks, how the hell am i going to cope with this, i mean, i know im the manager but how the hell am i going to manage this  I played mixed squad in the cup but now i have a PL fixture and three days after that a CL fixture  And then in 4 days another PL match. We are dooomed, doomed  i tell you.

That's why Wimbledon pay you the big bucks, @Pearomaniac.

Normally I'd say throw in  an extra rest day for the players but as it's so early in the season that shouldn't be an issue if you did plenty of fitness training in pre-season.

The rest, I suppose, depends on how tired or not your players get and the strength in depth in each position to rotate.

--

This is what happens in real-life where European competition disrupts the League form of the clubs without big squads.

Good luck!

[Pearomaniac]

53 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

--

This is what happens in real-life where European competition disrupts the League form of the clubs without big squads.

Good luck!

Key words right here, i dont have a big squad, i always rotate 20ish players in the season and it worked so far. 

I think i will be forced to mix in some youngsters for PL matches.

[Punch]

4 hours ago, Pearomaniac said:

That is all good but look at this fixture congestion

 

3 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

Normally I'd say throw in  an extra rest day

 

'Physical - Recovery' training sessions are your friend in this type of congestion.

If you only have two days between games, try and get a 'Recovery' session on each day. Or at least a 'Recovery' on the day after the game, and a 'Rest' session on the second day.

If you have three days between games, try and get a recovery on days 1 and 3, and a 'Rest' session on day 2.

Schedule as required, and rotation of players as needed as well.

Get a few younger players game time against weaker teams.

If important players are showing fatigue, and you can't afford to sit them out completely, start them off the bench, so they don't have to play the full 90.

[Pearomaniac]

35 minutes ago, Punch said:

 

 

'Physical - Recovery' training sessions are your friend in this type of congestion.

If you only have two days between games, try and get a 'Recovery' session on each day. Or at least a 'Recovery' on the day after the game, and a 'Rest' session on the second day.

If you have three days between games, try and get a recovery on days 1 and 3, and a 'Rest' session on day 2.

Schedule as required, and rotation of players as needed as well.

Get a few younger players game time against weaker teams.

If important players are showing fatigue, and you can't afford to sit them out completely, start them off the bench, so they don't have to play the full 90.

Solid advices brother, im gonna try and apply them all.

Appreciate. 

[Pearomaniac]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Match #2 SS Lazio AWAY

 

This was one of those matches, not many chances, decent but not beautiful football, and simply opponent used the chances they got and we did not, simple as that.

 

Edited March 18, 2023 by Pearomaniac

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 7

Match #10 Aston Villa AWAY

 

After two consecutive loses from SS Lazio and Southampton i was playing against the bottom placed team in the league and hoped for an easy win and it just didnt came, we created chances, had shots, but goal never came.

 

Edited March 18, 2023 by Pearomaniac

[Pearomaniac]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Match #3 Monchengladbach HOME

 

What the hell have i vitnesed. Amazing match where everything worked perfectly, we used every chance we could hence for the scoreline like this, unlike past few matches where we had troubles beating the keeper, this one was not like it, amazing performance. There is not a player in the team that had rating lover than 7.3, beautiful.

[Pearomaniac]

EFL CUP

Round #4 Brighton HOME

 

Looks like we emptied our gas tank after the CL and PL fixtures so my combined squad was quite fortunate to beat Brighton in this EFL fixture.

 

And the opponent in the fifth round is mighty Man CIty

 

[Stuniverse]

5 hours ago, Pearomaniac said:

Looks like we emptied our gas tank after the CL and PL fixtures so my combined squad was quite fortunate to beat Brighton in this EFL fixture.

A win is a win, @Pearomaniac. Take it!

[Pearomaniac]

2 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

A win is a win, @Pearomaniac. Take it!

Oh i was not complaining, im more than happy we got the win with squad like this.

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 7

Match #12 Man. CIty HOME

 

Manchester has fallen!!! 13 matches in a row i did not had a win against the Citizens but 14th was the end of it in quite a spectacular way. We were down two goals twice but thanks to silly keepers mistake we managed to equalize and just when i thought this is going to be a draw and everything is going to be cool my strikers wake up, first Kirkland scores what i thought is going to be a winner, and then De Jonge confirms the win as we rob them from possession at the center of the field.

 

Praises are coming from various directions

 

Haaland is not getting any younger and maybe its time to step aside. 

[Pearomaniac]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Match #4 Atletico de Madrid AWAY

 

What the hell is going on in this season, somebody stop me  Another win in the champions league and this time its against a team from Madrid, its just not Real but Atletico Madrid. Another match where it looked like its going to end in a draw but none other then Alexis Londono my CMF scored a winner in the 82nd minute from a shot just outside of the box, clumsy reaction from the keeper helped him greatly.

 

Here is how the table looks like after four fixtures in the Champions League. I took a ss of a whole table as i thought it might be interesting to take a look who is where in the CL in the year 2034

[Pearomaniac]

Lets talk about NICO DE JONGE

 

Nico de Jongde is a newgen that popped up in Groningen in the year 2028 and during his time at Groningen Nico scored 27 goals in 84 matches, nothing impressive, right? His attributes is what impressed me, perfect flair, great pace and agility, great first touch and technique and decent finishing. One thing that worried me is his concentration and bravery but it seems that is not a problem for Nico de Jonge.

 

I have bought him to be a replacement for one of my two first team strikers as i was expecting someone to buy them as there were interest from multiple sides. All that interest ended up in "we would like to buy", "we are interested in" yatta yatta yatta... so i am "stuck" with three world class strikers in my team and they are all pulling their weight...

But not as Nico de Jonge does.

 

Since he was brought as a replacement he started majority of his matches from the bench but it looks like that is not a problem at all for him.

 

CL Matches

 

PL Matches

 

So far de Jonge scored 7 goals in the league in 12 matches while starting only 3 of those 12. In the CL we have de Jonge scoring 3 goals in 4 matches. The stats say that he scores a goal every 61 minutes spent on the pitch, and for a player that is 21 years of age that is pretty damn impressive. I payed him €35.500.000 when i bought him couple of months ago, right now his value is already €100.000.000+

 

I would really like to hear your thoughts on this my friends @Punch @Stuniverse As two more experienced managers i would like to hear your opinion on this guy and how is he going to develop in the future.

 

[Stuniverse]

57 minutes ago, Pearomaniac said:

I would really like to hear your thoughts on this my friends @Punch @Stuniverse As two more experienced managers i would like to hear your opinion on this guy and how is he going to develop in the future.

Nico de Jonge has some mighty impressive goals scored and average ratings from appearances mostly off the bench, @Pearomaniac  Not contributing much in assists though.

His attributes look pretty good in the key areas for a striker, except he’s not the tallest and his heading is average at best, although his jumping reach suggests there is room for his heading to improve.

For him to develop well, you are going to have to play him regularly whether that be starts or a minimum 15-20 minutes off the bench, as well as getting the most out of his training. Looks like his penalty taking needs working on.

What’s his playing time expectation compared to the other two strikers? Is Nico going to be happy being third choice? Will either of the other two strikers become unhappy if you start them less? For me, it depends a lot on the best striking roles of the three players and which two roles complement the way you want to play most. Can any of them play another position, winger or AMC, perhaps, so you can start all three?

Or, of course, you could simply rotate the three - two starts, one sub appearance each over three games - but then you wouldn’t build up those “work well together” arcs on your tactics screen.

Good luck 🍀⚽️🤞

Edited March 19, 2023 by Stuniverse

[Pearomaniac]

1 hour ago, Stuniverse said:

Nico de Jonge has some mighty impressive goals scored and average ratings from appearances mostly off the bench, @Pearomaniac  Not contributing much in assists though.

His attributes look pretty good in the key areas for a striker, except he’s not the tallest and his heading is average at best, although his jumping reach suggests there is room for his heading to improve.

For him to develop well, you are going to have to play him regularly whether that be starts or a minimum 15-20 minutes off the bench, as well as getting the most out of his training. Looks like his penalty taking needs working on.

What’s his playing time expectation compared to the other two strikers? Is Nico going to be happy being third choice? Will either of the other two strikers become unhappy if you start them less? For me, it depends a lot on the best striking roles of the three players and which two roles complement the way you want to play most. Can any of them play another position, winger or AMC, perhaps, so you can start all three?

Or, of course, you could simply rotate the three - two starts, one sub appearance each over three games - but then you wouldn’t build up those “work well together” arcs on your tactics screen.

Good luck 🍀⚽️🤞

I am aware that someone could become unhappy if i keep switching starters but i really expect to sell ine of those strikers really soon. 
 

I think having TF and AF roles in the striking pair compliments each other well and i would much rather try to keep my TF in the club. 
 

It is an impressive jumping reach considering his height so i might work a bit on his headers although he already scored some impressive headers. 
 

I am probably the most prolific club in the PL strikers wise, i have three world class strikers plus one i have sent on loan, and i never thought about it but considering now i am playing CL it is going to he hard to interest them into going to any other club.

[Punch]

9 hours ago, Pearomaniac said:

I would really like to hear your thoughts on this

I don't think that I can add much more than @Stuniverse.

I do agree that with your Champions League games, your fixture list is going to remain congested, so you either need to carry enough players to be able to rotate, or you need to pick which competition you are prepared to sacrifice (Eg: League Cup) to play kids and fringe players, and rest the first teamers.

[Pearomaniac]

53 minutes ago, Punch said:

I don't think that I can add much more than @Stuniverse.

I do agree that with your Champions League games, your fixture list is going to remain congested, so you either need to carry enough players to be able to rotate, or you need to pick which competition you are prepared to sacrifice (Eg: League Cup) to play kids and fringe players, and rest the first teamers.

Yeah, its not getting any better but i think i am going to ditch EFL cup asap as i am playing Man City so i will play reserves and just ditch it, i have much more important things this season. Thank u for your time brother

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 7

Match #14 Chelsea HOME

 

Fantastic match where we used every chance we got while for Chelsea played striker who had obvious sight issues as from 16 shots only two were on target, but guess thats enough to score a goal. Great match all around where my winger was POM gathering two assists but once more Nico de Jonge scores a goal after eleven minutes on the pitch and this is his forth match in a row where he is a scorer.

[Pearomaniac]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Match #5 Hajduk Split AWAY

 

For this fixture we were travelling to legendary venue, Poljud in Split, Croatia. I had to share couple of photos of that beautiful stadium in Croatia. The city stadium was built in 1979 in the scenic neighbourhood of Poljud. Its delicate shell-like construction, positioned almost right by the sea, blends perfectly with the city's Mediterranean visage, as though it had been here since forever. Its functional and technical qualities make it comparable to any football stadium, anywhere in the world. Heres a link if u want to take a virtual tour of it. 

Spoiler

 

Now, the result. They didnt put up much resistance as i did not expect from a Balkan based team with all due respect, we won 1:3 with only goal they scored was a Recoba like curled free kick from 25-30 meters of distance.

Edited March 20, 2023 by Pearomaniac

[Pearomaniac]

Its time for monthly awards and besides me getting the Coach of The Month award, Nico de Jonge also got Young Player of The Month Award.

 

Of course, praise and dedications were in place as usual

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 7

Match #17 Arsenal HOME

 

This has been a truly incredible season so far, i have been playing magnificently both in PL and CL and i have just inflicted first defeat of the season to a top placed team in the PL and i am breathing down their neck with just one point behind. It was not just an accidental defeat, we outplayed Arsenal in this match. I know that the first goal we got was an OG but after that they havent threatened my goal even once. Fabulous win for the team.

 

This is how the table looks 17 matches into the season

[Pearomaniac]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Match #6 Feyenoord HOME

 

It was a calm and uneventful match, feels good having matches like this from time to time. All calm until i brought de Jonge in 67th minute who scored a winner after 6 minutes spent on the pitch.

 

Looks like this was more then enough to qualify for the next round of the Champions League.

 

[Pearomaniac]

EFL CUP

Round #5 Man. City AWAY

 

I cant say im disheartened after this defeat, we will survive without competing in the EFL Cup, we got more important bussiness to do.

[Pearomaniac]

FA CUP DRAW

FA cup draw has just been made and got of FM have been rather kind to me, i got League One side, Wigan.

 

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 7

Match #19 Liverpool AWAY

 

This was one of those matches where you have to admit better team won, we had a sitter for the lead at 0:0 and we missed it, not long after it a penalty came for Liverpool, rest is history. Better team won.

[Pearomaniac]

Lets talk about FIACRE KIRKLAND

This player is the one that i am probably most proud of in my save when we are talking about transfers in. 

 

I have brought this player when he was 23 years old and before that he was virtually unknown to the serious football world. He is a regen from Ireland that popped up in Man. City at the year 2023/24 and he never actually got a real chance in Manchester, and how could he, his competition was Erling Haaland so i understand why 8 matches was the most he got at Man. City. He did went on loan at Derby County but that was much weaker league with much weaker teammates where he was not able to thrive.

This guy was burried somewhere in my reports and i have found him for specific reasons, i was in my second or third season at PL and i had a plan of looking for a Diddier Drogba like target man and i was looking for a striker that could play as TF, that has good heading, good strength, good technique and aggression. I admit it was too late when i noticed that his positioning sucks but his teammates make up for it by holding the ball up and waiting for a perfect time for a cross. What surprised me is that he is doing a lot of work in defense, presses the ball, even sometimes u can see him on the wing on our side trying to stop a cross from oppositions winger, i wish u could unriddle me why he does that @Punch @Stuniverse

 

These are his personal recognitions before moving to AFC Wimbledon.

 

And this is all that he achieved since he joined AFC Wimbledon.

 

[Punch]

3 hours ago, Pearomaniac said:

i wish u could unriddle me why he does that

If you have him playing as a Complete Forward (which is his best role) the last sentence in the above should cover it - 'do their own thing'.

[Pearomaniac]

3 hours ago, Punch said:

If you have him playing as a Complete Forward (which is his best role) the last sentence in the above should cover it - 'do their own thing'.

Nope,he is a target forfward. I see him chasing after the ball all of the time like a puppy, no mater whats our mentality, its concerning  

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 7

Match #24 Leicester HOME

 

Crazy match at home where we were in front three times but Foxes kept coming back, until second half started and we finally got away with a win here.

 

And of course, fantastic MOTM performance, two goals and two assists from fabulous Nico de Jonge

[Pearomaniac]

FA CUP

Round #3 Wigan AWAY

 

This time we are travelling to another beautiful venue, it is Wigan's DW Stadium. The DW Stadium is a stadium in Robin Park, in Wigan, within the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. The ground is 100% owned and managed by Phoenix 2021 Limited, owners of Wigan Athletic. Previous to this the stadium was owned 85% by Wigan Athletic with the local council having the remaining 15% share. It is used by Wigan Athletic football club and Wigan Warriors rugby league club, the rugby league club having a 50 years lease on tenancy to play games at the stadium. Built and opened in 1999, it is named after its main sponsor, DW Sports Fitness. In UEFA matches, it is called Wigan Athletic Stadium due to UEFA regulations on sponsorship.

Spoiler

 

It was not our best edition we ever had but we got the job done and that is the most important thing.

 

Our next round opponent is already known and it is Chelsea.

 

 

 

Edited March 21, 2023 by Pearomaniac

[Pearomaniac]

PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON 7

Match #25 Liverpool HOME

 

What a glorious season this turns out to be, first City, then Chelsea, now Liverpool, its been Goliath slaying season so far, my next match is against Bayern Munich away and if i beat them too im gonna quit this game because i dont see how it could get any better.