[FM23] Another Island Life - Green Lion Pride - A Guernsey FC Youth Story

[Punch]

34 minutes ago, dtown1414 said:

Obviously need a run of good games. Hopefully, the schedule will be kind to you. 

I don't think this will be our season somehow. Too much inconsistency has left us too much work to do this late in the season.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2028 - Match Day 38 - Vs Bognor Regis Town FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A really tight battle against The Rocks eventually ends in a disappointing draw.

We took a first half lead against the run of play, and just when it looked like we might be able to hang on for the win, the visitors hit back in the shadows of full time.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay 12th, but we did gain a point on the play off places.

 

 

Up next...a tough assignment as we travel to 3rd place Dover.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2028 - Youth Intake

 

The class of 28 arrives, and after I gave up on the previews, which was confusing to say the least, the players that have arrived are quite exciting, and show rewards for the improvements we are making.

 

The star review shows players with massive potential, and a couple that are nearly ready for first team straight off the bat.

 

There are some exciting attribute numbers here, including our first ever 50 point player out of the Academy.

While Alexandrou looks to have impressive numbers, there is minimal room for improvement, so it may not be as exciting as first showing.

 

We welcome our first players from Sierra Leone, Australia, Czech Republic, and Cyprus.

 

The Top 5

Spoiler

An exciting midfielder, with massive potential. This kid has potential to be a superstar of the future, and a possible future Captain as well.

 

An exciting keeper with massive potential, and massive height as well. If we can get this kid to his potential, he is a likely challenger to Sejdini in future.

 

An exciting forward prospect, with good pace, and if we can get some of those technical numbers up, he will be a potential first team player in time.

 

An exciting defender, with high potential, his attributes are not that high, but if we can get them up, he has a good shot at getting in the rotation.

 

Another potentially exciting midfielder, who will be a work in progress, but he could make a good push in time.

 

 

So after promising very little, this intake delivers some exciting prospects with massive potential.

The work we are putting into the youth system might be finally starting to show.

Edited April 11, 2023 by Punch

[dtown1414]

Definitely some promising youngsters with loads of potential. 

[Jtomsett11]

7 hours ago, Punch said:

 

MAR 2028 - Youth Intake

 

The class of 28 arrives, and after I gave up on the previews, which was confusing to say the least, the players that have arrived are quite exciting, and show rewards for the improvements we are making.

 

The star review shows players with massive potential, and a couple that are nearly ready for first team straight off the bat.

 

There are some exciting attribute numbers here, including our first ever 50 point player out of the Academy.

While Alexandrou looks to have impressive numbers, there is minimal room for improvement, so it may not be as exciting as first showing.

 

We welcome our first players from Sierra Leone, Australia, Czech Republic, and Cyprus.

 

The Top 5

  Hide contents

An exciting midfielder, with massive potential. This kid has potential to be a superstar of the future, and a possible future Captain as well.

 

An exciting keeper with massive potential, and massive height as well. If we can get this kid to his potential, he is a likely challenger to Sejdini in future.

 

An exciting forward prospect, with good pace, and if we can get some of those technical numbers up, he will be a potential first team player in time.

 

An exciting defender, with high potential, his attributes are not that high, but if we can get them up, he has a good shot at getting in the rotation.

 

Another potentially exciting midfielder, who will be a work in progress, but he could make a good push in time.

 

 

So after promising very little, this intake delivers some exciting prospects with massive potential.

The work we are putting into the youth system might be finally starting to show.

I would not be surprised at all if Alexandrou turns out to be the best of the lot. I remember with the Bulls I had the 7th best player of my intake with high current ability go on to be a £10 million striker. What's his personality like?

[Punch]

7 hours ago, dtown1414 said:

Definitely some promising youngsters with loads of potential. 

Some players with the highest potential we have produced from our Academy, so if they reach their potential, very exciting times ahead.

 

1 hour ago, Jtomsett11 said:

I would not be surprised at all if Alexandrou turns out to be the best of the lot. I remember with the Bulls I had the 7th best player of my intake with high current ability go on to be a £10 million striker. What's his personality like?

Determination and Composure 12, Teamwork 10, most of the others in the 7-9 range, not too bad for a 16 year old. Will be interesting to see if we can get much improvement out of him.

[Jtomsett11]

7 minutes ago, Punch said:

Some players with the highest potential we have produced from our Academy, so if they reach their potential, very exciting times ahead.

 

Determination and Composure 12, Teamwork 10, most of the others in the 7-9 range, not too bad for a 16 year old. Will be interesting to see if we can get much improvement out of him.

If he isn't 'unambitious' or 'low determination' as his personality, and is something decent, I'd bet on him turning out alright!

[Punch]

7 minutes ago, Jtomsett11 said:

If he isn't 'unambitious' or 'low determination' as his personality, and is something decent, I'd bet on him turning out alright!

Light-hearted.

His numbers might make him a decent player at this level, I just have the feeling his ceiling might be reached pretty quickly if we progress through the Leagues.

[Punch]

    

 

MAR 2028 - Match Day 39 - At Dover Athletic FC

 

Crabble Athletic Ground - Dover

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We were always up against it against The Whites, and while we frustrated them for much of the game, they eventually ran over the top of us.

They were just simply a much better team than us, so that we kept them out for so long, was encouraging.

Well beaten in the end, but not embarrassed, which to me is showing signs we are headed in the right direction, even in loss.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay 12th, but we have now dropped 12 points back from the play off spots.

 

 

Up next...a short turn around before we host Potters Bar in a make up game for when we are playing in the FA Trophy Semi Final.

[Punch]

    

 

MAR 2028 - Match Day 40 - Vs Potter Bar Town FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The Scholars have been struggling this season, but we put in one of our most complete performances of the season to run riot at home.

Two goal in each half, and a clean sheet, combine for a very impressive performance, and a vital three points.

 

A short turn around resulted in some rotation, and Class of 28 midfielder, Alexandrou found his way onto the bench, and eventually onto the field.

He was very impressive, and even collected an assist on debut.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We were the only match that played, so we gained a few places, but everyone else will have the chance to catch up in a few days when we are on FA Trophy Semi Final duty.

 

 

Up next...a massive day at the Lane as we host National League Rochdale, in the FA Trophy Semi Final.

Our third trip to the Semi Final in the last four seasons, and this is probably our best chance of them all to make the Final.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2028

We struggled in the League, going without a win until the last match of the month, but we did manage a massive upset, knocking Notts Co out of the FA Trophy.

 

Despite the poor month, the Analyst is still reasonably happy with our performances.

 

We sit 10th, but have played an extra game, due to still being in the FA Trophy.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

The Notts Co game gave us a nice boost financially this month.

 

A monster month to end the season, as we begin by hosting National League Rochdale, for a shot at the FA Trophy Final, before six massive League games.

[Punch]

    

 

APR 2028 - FA Trophy Semi Final - Vs Rochdale AFC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A massive upset as we come from behind to upset Rochdale, to book a place in the big dance and head to Wembley for the first time.

The visitors scored an early goal, but then seemed to take their foot off the gas, allowing us to work our way back into the match, taking a 2-1 lead at the break.

The second half turned into a real midfield slogfest, with very little in the way of chances being created by either team.

We managed to hang on for a well deserved, if unexpected win, sending us through to the final at the third attempt.

 

 

 

Final Draw

Spoiler

We face Hartlepool, in what will be a tough encounter, as they have been in good form, looking to get back into League football.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to 21st place Horsham.

[Sonic Youth]

Congrats on making the FA Trophy final 

And yes, I’ve finally caught up too.

[Punch]

4 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Congrats on making the FA Trophy final 

And yes, I’ve finally caught up too.

Thank you!

Haha nice work.

[Punch]

 

APR 2028 - Match Day 40

 

While we were pulling off upsets in the FA Trophy, the rest of the League was playing their 40th match.

 

Spoiler

Results sent us back to 12th, where we were after match day 39, but we have gained three points on the play off spots, now nine behind with six to play.

 

 

[Punch]

    

 

APR 2028 - Match Day 41 - At Horsham FC

 

Queen Street - Horsham

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tricky match that had the potential to be a trap for us, but we got out of a dour game with a late strike that gave us all three points.

In a game that promised nothing, and delivered less, it was left to a late Docherty goal in injury time to settle the matter.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay 12th, but we have gained another three points on the play off spots, now 6 behind with 5 to play.

There is about to be a massive crush though, as there a now 8 teams separated by 7 points.

 

 

Up next...another must win clash as we travel to the hapless last place Corinthian.

[Stuniverse]

5 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Congrats on making the FA Trophy final 

And yes, I’ve finally caught up too.

I second that. What @Sonic Youth said.

Congratulations, @Punch now remember, leave it all out there at Wembley. No regrets!

[Sonic Youth]

12 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

I second that. What @Sonic Youth said.

Congratulations, @Punch now remember, leave it all out there at Wembley. No regrets!

And I echo what @Stuniverse said about no regrets left ou there at Wembley   

[Sonic Youth]

Also, that’s a fantastic 5 games to try for the playoffs, and still be in contention!

[Sonic Youth]

And Yoevil have been on some streak to now be top.

[Punch]

11 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

I second that. What @Sonic Youth said.

Congratulations, @Punch now remember, leave it all out there at Wembley. No regrets!

Thanks Stu! It's been an amazing run, we have got a pretty tough opponent in the final though.

 

10 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Also, that’s a fantastic 5 games to try for the playoffs, and still be in contention!

Still a big hurdle to climb, and a massive amount of teams trying for those last two play off spots.

 

10 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

And Yoevil have been on some streak to now be top.

They sure have, they cut down H&W's 5 point lead, and now have a 5 point lead of their own.

[Punch]

    

 

APR 2028 - Match Day 42 - At Corinthian Casuals FC

 

Kingsmeadow - Kingston upon Thames

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We conceded first and last, but in between, smashed home six goals to confirm The Casuals relegation.

A hat-trick from Docherty, and a host of good performances lead to an impressive victory.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We move up a place to 11th, but we have also cut the lead to the play off spots to 4 points, with 4 games to play.

 

 

Up next...after sending one team to relegation, we have a chance to confirm another as we host 23rd place Ramsgate.

[Blarney]

On 12/04/2023 at 05:15, Punch said:

 

MAR 2028

We struggled in the League, going without a win until the last match of the month, but we did manage a massive upset, knocking Notts Co out of the FA Trophy.

 

Despite the poor month, the Analyst is still reasonably happy with our performances.

 

We sit 10th, but have played an extra game, due to still being in the FA Trophy.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

The Notts Co game gave us a nice boost financially this month.

 

A monster month to end the season, as we begin by hosting National League Rochdale, for a shot at the FA Trophy Final, before six massive League games.

Why you gotta be so mean to Notts? I'm beginning to think it's some bad karma. I can't complete a save with them and in every thread I follow someone else is knocking them out of tournaments.  And most likely they're going to end up in 2nd place irl and have a playoff fight to gain promotion.  Poor Notts.

[Punch]

3 minutes ago, Blarney said:

Why you gotta be so mean to Notts? I'm beginning to think it's some bad karma. I can't complete a save with them and in every thread I follow someone else is knocking them out of tournaments.  And most likely they're going to end up in 2nd place irl and have a playoff fight to gain promotion.  Poor Notts.

That was one hell of a game. It really could have went either way, and we just got lucky in the shoot out.

[Punch]

    

 

APR 2028 - Match Day 43 - Vs Ramsgate FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We left it late to hit top gear, but we secure the three points, and in doing so, resign a second team in a row to relegation.

It was a pretty dour game in the first half as neither team got much happening, but two goals in 10 minutes was enough to take the win.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We gain another place to 10th.

Not so long ago, we were 12 points behind the playoff spots, but now find ourselves 2 behind, with 3 games remaining.

 

 

Up next...a tougher match as we travel to 9th place Dartford.

[Punch]

    

 

APR 2028 - Match Day 44 - At Dartford FC

 

Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park - Dartford

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough one at The Darts, as we dominate possession, but were unable to do anything with it.

We then got punished with a clumsy penalty giving away the points to the hosts.

 

With Weir suspended and Salmon rested, our top prospect from the class of 28 was thrown in the deep end, and more than held his own.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay 10th, but now require the teams in front of us to lose both their matches for us to qualify for the play offs.

While we are still mathematically a chance, this loss effectively ended our chances of reaching the play offs this season.

 

 

Up next...our final home game of the season as we host 19th place Braintree Town.

 

Edited April 14, 2023 by Punch

[Punch]

    

 

APR 2028 - Match Day 45 - Vs Braintree Town FC

 

Footes Lane - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We put on a brilliant performance in front of the Green Lions faithful in our last home game of the season.

A hat-trick from Cameron, including two goals in two minutes in the second half secured the three points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We stay 10th, and somehow still find ourselves in the mathematical race for the playoffs.

There will be four teams fighting over the final play off spot though.

 

 

Up next...a tough trip to finish the season as we head to 12th place Worthing.

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Ahhh the final. An epic achievement.

[Punch]

    

 

APR 2028 - Match Day 46 - At Worthing FC

 

Woodside Road - Worthing

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A massive performance under pressure as we get the win we needed to have any chance of reaching the play offs.

First half goals to our front men, while we conceded a clumsy own goal in the second half, we gave them no other chances, and took the three points.

 

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We got the win we needed, but all the other moving pieces didn't fall the way we needed.

We gained a place to 9th, but miss out on the play offs by 3 points.

 

 

Up next...we have three weeks to fill, so there might be some friendlies to keep up match fitness, before we make the biggest trip of our lives to Wembley, where we face Hartlepool in the FA Trophy Final.

[Stuniverse]

Congratulations on a fantastic season, @Punch. At one point I thought you were looking very mid-table so for Guernsey to finish where you did is a credit to you, your staff, and your players. Next season will be the big promotion challenge! I'm sure of it.

31 minutes ago, Punch said:

Up next...we have three weeks to fill, so there might be some friendlies to keep up match fitness, before we make the biggest trip of our lives to Wembley, where we face Hartlepool in the FA Trophy Final.

Good luck.

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

Congratulations on a fantastic season, @Punch. At one point I thought you were looking very mid-table so for Guernsey to finish where you did is a credit to you, your staff, and your players. Next season will be the big promotion challenge! I'm sure of it.

Good luck.

Thanks Stu!

It's been strange, last season we started well, then fell in a hole, before finishing off the season strongly. This season we were just inconsistent all the way through, before finishing strongly again.

 

The Trophy Final should be an amazing experience for these kids. Hope they just have fun and enjoy the experience, and are not too intimidated by their first trip to Wembley.

[Punch]

 

APR 2028

A brilliant month as we advance to the FA Trophy Final, before winning 5 of our final 6 League games.

 

The Analyst was pretty happy with our final month.

 

A good run home left us still in the play off hunt all the way to the final day, before we finished one win out, in 9th place.

 

Our brilliant run home leads me to my first ever individual award taking out the Manager of the Month.

 

We turn a small profit this month, backed by continued excellent crowd support.

 

Just the one competitive match left, with the Trophy Final at Wembley.

We threw a few friendlies in there to keep up the match fitness with such a long break.

[Punch]

MAY 2028 - FA Trophy Final Preview

 

We are massive underdogs going into this one as we face the National League Champions Hartlepool.

After winning their way into League football, they will be looking to complete a double.

Both them and us will being vying for a first FA Trophy title.

[Punch]

    

 

MAY 2028 - FA Trophy Final - Vs Hartlepool United FC

 

Wembley Stadium - London

Spoiler

 

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A heart breaker at Wembley, as we put up a massive fight against the National League Champions, to go down in a shoot out.

We scored early, but had to come from behind twice, and a brave effort to take it to penalties.

We went shot for shot in the shoot out, but unfortunately we blinked first as Kirkpatrick missed to hand the title and another trophy to The Pools.

While disappointed with the loss, we were expected to be thrashed, so to have made such a game of it, well we can't be disappointed with that.

 

 

 

Review

Spoiler

Runners up, biggest over achievers, and best match...that's some season, even if we just fell short of a trophy.

 

 

Up next...time to review the season that was.

[dtown1414]

Tough loss, but a solid season! What will this successful manager decide to do next season?

[Punch]

4 hours ago, dtown1414 said:

Tough loss, but a solid season! What will this successful manager decide to do next season?

They should have belted us, it was a brave effort to take it that far.

[dtown1414]

1 hour ago, Punch said:

They should have belted us, it was a brave effort to take it that far.

Yeah, you're right there! You got the best out of the team. Interested to see where you go from here!

[Stuniverse]

Oh no, @Punch - gutted for you!

It's been a very successful season though. This must be the highest league finish in Guernsey's history EVER.

A lot to be proud of and to build on next season.

[Punch]

21 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Oh no, @Punch - gutted for you!

It's been a very successful season though. This must be the highest league finish in Guernsey's history EVER.

A lot to be proud of and to build on next season.

Thanks Stu!

It has been a good season, although we actually finished 8th last season, but we scored more points this season in running 9th. More wins, more points, and more goals this season.

Just need to work on the consistency next season to take us to the next level.

[Punch]

 

MAY 2025

With the regular season done and dusted, we threw in some friendlies to keep the squad match fit as there was three weeks between competitive matches.

A brilliant performance to make the Trophy final, and we pushed the heavily favoured National League Champions all the way, before falling in penalties.

 

Yeovil ran away with the title, but you have to feel for Havant & W, after leading the League for most of the season, only to be over run, they score over 100 points and didn't get promoted.

In fact, they didn't even make the final, with Eastbourne defeating Maidstone in the play off final to win promotion the the National League.

 

A massive season financially, with deep Cup runs, and impressive fan support delivering a massive profit this season.

 

The downside to that is of course we get hit with a big tax bill.

 

We signed up a new sponsor. Increasing our corporate revenue is showing we are heading in the right direction.

 

No real surprise with Champions Yeovil manager Cole Stockton taking out the Manager of the Year award.

The surprise, however, was myself taking 3rd place in the voting.

 

 

Up next...here comes the reviews.

[Punch]

 

2027-2028 Season Review

[Punch]

 

2027-2028 Season Review - Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defenders

 

Midfielders

 

Forwards

 

 

 

[Punch]

 

2027-2028 Season Review - Attributes

 

It's that time of year where we get to review how the attribute averages, and see how they have improved, or not, over the season.

 

Goalkeepers

Sejdini continues to improve, and Jones, while still improving, has fallen further down the order.

 

Defenders

A mixed bag among the defenders, with small improvements among the main starters.

 

Midfielders

Another mixed bag of minor improvements and losses among the central players.

We do have some solid options among our regular starters.

 

Forwards

Kirkpartick becomes another 50 point player on our list, while Pepe has shown massive improvements.

 

Best XI

Sejdini has become the best player at the club, while we now have four 50 point players, and our average rating has crossed the 45 point mark.

Our average age has also gone above 19.

 

 

This season has shown a real mixed bag among the players, and while I think it is too early to tell what effect the U21s team has had, it at the very least gives the fringe players, and those too old for U18s, somewhere to get a game.

Interestingly, I don't see much benefit at this stage from players who have been on loan either, so I may review that after another season.

 

All in all, happy with the squad, and it's development though, there is enough improvement to show we are headed int he right direction at least.

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Damn it. I was so sure you will take the win in that final.

[Punch]

2 hours ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Damn it. I was so sure you will take the win in that final.

We gave it a good shake. Just not our year.

[Punch]

 

JUN 2028 - Off season things

 

Our affiliation with Bristol has been terminated, other than a friendly, which was mostly against their U21s, we didn't see much out of it anyway.

 

The Board approached me about this one, not sure if it will help a lot, but I seen no reason to decline it, and it made the Board happy I agreed.

 

A slight loss but season ticket sales are already going great.

 

Our massive TV Rights money arrives

 

We kick off the season with a tough one, away to Hamlet, before our first home game, against the newly promoted Basingstoke.

 

Despite two seasons just missing the play offs, the Board are only hoping to avoid relegation again. I thought Mark might have gotten a little more ambitious.

He is not even interested in the Cup/Trophy, despite deep runs last season.

 

The Bookies still don't rate our chances, having us massive favourites for relegation.

Mind you, they have been saying that for three seasons now and we are still here.

 

Friendly season arrives, with a few tough games thrown in, and a some tactical changes to experiment with.

[Punch]

 

JUL 2028

A mixed bag through the friendlies as we adjusted to life under a new tactic, and faced some tough opposition.

It was always more about the minutes than the results anyway.

 

Time to tick off the final licence, and The Board agreed, without argument.

 

A nice start to the season financially as season ticket sales are through the roof.

 

We break the 900 barrier for the first time.

 

Our squad numbers are set for another season.

 

Kick the tires and light the fires, Green Lions are go for a new season.

[Sonic Youth]

That was a good run in, though the middle of season hurt you more than that loss did really.

Great effort in the final! You were a kick away 

This season is hopefully the one 

[Punch]

4 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

That was a good run in, though the middle of season hurt you more than that loss did really.

Great effort in the final! You were a kick away 

This season is hopefully the one 

Thanks Sonic!

Was a pretty solid season, even without really achieving anything.

Hopefully some tactical tweaks help us take the next step.

[Hootieleece]

5 minutes ago, Punch said:

Hopefully some tactical tweaks help us take the next step.

Just run the "out of the box" Gegenpress with a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 Wide, or 4-2-4 and you will have success.....

I stopped my chronicling of it in lower leagues, but I am currently in the VNL in the playoff places with a team preseason 17th after making Playoffs season before with similar team. (Boreham Wood)