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

Punch · August 30

MAY 2045 - Match Day 36 - At Everton

A dominant performance as we suffocate the Toffees out of the game from start to finish.

We were brilliant up and down the field, as O'Connor scored a brace with a goal in each half.

Marshall came off the bench to score an injury time sealer, before Buss added another to make the score seem a little lop-sided, despite our dominance.

Two big talking points, our chase for the Champions League is officially over, as far as League Qualification goes, but even bigger...Manchester United to the Championship??? The Red Devils find themselves in a five way fight for the remaining two relegation positions.

Our final make up game, and it's a tough one as we host 2nd place West Ham, who will be desperate to stay in the hunt to snatch the League Title away from City.

Edited August 30 by Punch

Punch · August 30

MAY 2045 - Match Day 37 - Vs West Ham United

A massive effort to push the Title contenders all the way, but in the end, fall short.

It was an important match as a win would almost have secured Europa League qualification, but with the visitors still chasing City for the title, we were always in for a tough battle.

We went goal for goal all the way through the 1st half to be locked up at 2-2 at the half time break.

The 2nd half was a far tougher slog, as neither team was able to create too many chances, but it was the visitors who broke the dead lock.

We couldn't find a way to find an equaliser, so the Hammers take the three points, keeping their title fight alive.

Just a few make up games, but with one game remaining in the season, we are vulnerable to Chelsea for the Europa League spot, although a draw in our final game should be enough to get us home.

West Ham and City are fighting out the title, Liverpool are still there, but would need them both to lose, and overturn an 11 goal differential.

Arsenal are also still hanging around the European chase, so there is battles everywhere still to run.

At the other end of the table, there are 5 teams fighting out the relegation battle over the remaining two places, and what a story it would be if Manchester United ended up in the Championship.

The final match of the season won't be an easy one as we host the 11th place Brighton.

Punch · August 30

MAY 2045 - Match Day 38 Preview

Looking at the important matches:

Arsenal should beat Bournemouth, putting pressure on Chelsea, and us.

Chelsea are away to Blackburn, but should win that game, keeping the pressure on us for 5th place.

We face 11th place Brighton, with a draw not being enough, should Chelsea win, it becomes a really important match up.

Manchester United face a tough away game against Leeds, needing a win to avoid relegation from the Premier League for the first time in their history.

Newcastle, just above the relegation zone face a tough away match at Liverpool, so may need results to go their way.

Manchester City face the already relegated Preston, so should be able to wrap up the title.

A massive final day of the season, with so many matches that can change the outcome for so many teams this, and next season.

Punch · August 31

MAY 2045 - Match Day 38 - Vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Though we gave up an early goal, we put in a pretty dominant performance, leading the Seagulls 2-1, heading deep into injury time.

A clumsy challenge gave away a free kick, with only second remaining, before the visitors managed to curl a free kick into the goal, off the post.

With the way other results went, this turned out to be a pretty crushing blow.

Our draw, and Chelsea's win, meant they leapt over us to 5th place, which relegated us to the Conference League, instead of the Europa League.

But for an inch the other way to send that free kick out, instead of in...but we had our chances too.

City easily accounted for Preston to wrap up the title, even if just by a single point.

At the other end, Southampton were the big story, snatching a final day win to leap Manchester United, and Newcastle to safety, while the former are both relegated, United for the first time in the history of the Premier League.

A massive moment in the history of this competition.

We have our highest ever finish, but it still somehow feels like we we could have done better.

We are off to Wembley for the FA Cup Semi Final.

Edited August 31 by Punch

Punch · August 31

MAY 2045 - FA Cup Semi Final - Vs Fulham

A devastating loss as we go down in extra time, with only 10 men on the field after we lost a player to injury, having used all of our subs.

It was a pretty exciting game as both sides played highly attacking football, creating plenty of chances, but we managed to hold a slight lead at the break.

The second half went much the same way, but we failed to put away our chances to kill the game off, and were then punished after conceding a clumsy penalty late.

Fulham were first to score in extra time, before we hit back, despite being a man down.

Eventually fatigue became a factor, and after a nearly 60 game season, we blinked first, deep into extra time injury time, they took the winner, and the place in the Final.

We get paid again, and plenty for our share of the gate, but it's of little conciliation, as our record of falling just short in this competition continues.

Up next...that's our season done, so it will be time for the reviews.

Punch · August 31

MAY 2045

There was still so much to play for to end the season, but fatigue finally caught up to us, as we really struggled.

We won the return Leg in our Europa League Semi Final, but couldn't make up the 2 goal deficit.

We won only one of our remaining three League matches, falling to 6th place, while we also suffered a shattering late exit in the FA Cup.

Chelsea have been elevated to the Champions League, meaning we are promoted, taking their place in the Europa League.

Not sure this is deserved, but we will take another opportunity.

Despite our poor finish to the League season, our players managed to take out both the Player, and Young Player of the Month awards.

Season Awards

We have players recognised, taking out some pretty impressive awards, including youngster Sam Marshall who took out the Premier League Golden Boot.

Continuing to go from strength to strength, Marshall breaks Mo Salah's near two decade old rating record.

Plenty to help the bank balance this month, with prize money pushing us over the £600 million mark.

By comparison, we still are spending the least amount of our turnover on wages.

Our season over, the players have gone on holidays, and it's time to review the season that was, and begin making plans for the next.

Blarney · August 31

On 30/08/2024 at 05:51, Punch said:

MAY 2045 - Match Day 36 - At Everton

A dominant performance as we suffocate the Toffees out of the game from start to finish.

We were brilliant up and down the field, as O'Connor scored a brace with a goal in each half.

Marshall came off the bench to score an injury time sealer, before Buss added another to make the score seem a little lop-sided, despite our dominance.

Two big talking points, our chase for the Champions League is officially over, as far as League Qualification goes, but even bigger...Manchester United to the Championship??? The Red Devils find themselves in a five way fight for the remaining two relegation positions.

Our final make up game, and it's a tough one as we host 2nd place West Ham, who will be desperate to stay in the hunt to snatch the League Title away from City.

Great match. Probably my 2nd favorite stadium (not counting Meadow Lane of course)... only behind Tott's which I think is just beyond gorgeous.

Disappointing end to the season but you're still very young and have a lot of cash at your disposal to continue growth. You're right in the thick of things, just a little patience required to continue pushing toward the top next year.

Edited August 31 by Blarney

Punch · August 31

2 hours ago, Blarney said:

Great match. Probably my 2nd favorite stadium (not counting Meadow Lane of course)... only behind Tott's which I think is just beyond gorgeous.

Disappointing end to the season but you're still very young and have a lot of cash at your disposal to continue growth. You're right in the thick of things, just a little patience required to continue pushing toward the top next year.

We made the semi final of the Europa League and the FA Cup, won the League Cup, and recorded our highest finish in the League, while also unearthing a star forward, who won the League Golden Boot, I guess we could say that’s a season of continued improvement.

Yet it still somehow feels like we missed some opportunities, and failed to leave it all out on the field.

Here’s to hoping the improvement continues next season.

Punch · September 1

2044 - 2045 Season Review - Part 1

We win the League Cup for the 2nd time, reach the Semi Final of Europa, and record our highest League finish, continuing our climb up the table.

The FA Cup continues to be a thorn in our side, exiting at the Semi Final stage for the 2nd time, while we have lost three Finals, and exited at the Quarter Final stage a further two times.

We continue to pack Guernsey Stadium, so it might be time to consider another upgrade there.

Punch · September 1

2044 - 2045 Season Review - Part 2 - Stats

Goalkeepers

Redmond is our clear number one, with Mario playing a few Cup games, however, he is still a long way behind.

Defenders

A solid defensive line this season, plenty of rotation as we punish defenders in our tactic.

Midfielders

A really strong season from our midfield, as they all shared the load, as plenty of rotation was required over a brutally long season.

Frankie Nix has really stepped up, while also spending time playing as a wing back.

Forwards

A brilliant season from our forward line, two players scoring 30 goals, two more scoring above 20, while a further two made double figures.

Sam Marshall goes from strength to strength, taking out the League Golden Boot, and these numbers show we have now broken our reliance on Finnegan.

Finnegan extends his appearance record, and finishes the season just short of being the first to 100 Premier League goals.

However, he may never reach that mark as he has now requested a transfer, as he wants to seek a new challenge.

Punch · September 1

2044 - 2045 Season Review - Part 3 - Attribute Review

That fun time of year when we get to review how the players attribute averages have faired through the season.

Goalkeepers

Redmond is by far and away our number one.

Mario continues to improve, but is still some way off challenging for more regular time.

Plenty of improvement from the younger kids as well.

Defenders

Minor improvements here, but still our weakest area, by comparison.

We need to continue to improve here.

Plenty of improvement in the midfield, and we have excellent depth.

Forwards

Again, plenty of growth, plenty of depth.

Massive improvement from Sam Marshall, and he has still so much potential growth, and will have the potential to be our first 80+ forward, and maybe even our first ever 90+ player.

Best Squad

A slight increase to both our average age, and our average score.

The squad continues to improve, and is looking good heading into the next season.

Plenty of depth will be required as we face another season with a heavy work load.

Punch · September 1

JUN 2045 - Off Season Things

Internationals

Plenty of players called up, though we had now further new internationals as yet.

First time for a while that I have been linked to another job, although no offer at this stage.

Our Semi Final run in the Europa League resulted in a massive jump sending us up 48 places, as we are now ranked 43rd.

The take over rumours are circling again.

Transfers

Faherty came back to us as part of a player exchange, but with the rise of several younger players this season, he never found his way back into the first team.

As we now have plenty of options, he again become surplus to requirements, so we send him on his way, again.

Brooks had fallen down the pecking order, and wanted a new challenge, so we have sent him on his way.

Player sales mean another excellent month, keeping the bank balance rising.

Season Preview

Our first season with no trip to Manchester United.

The Bookies have us listed at 7th place, which is our highest rating.

A solid friendly season to get us into rhythm for what will be a big season.

Stuniverse · September 1

6 hours ago, Punch said:

We win the League Cup for the 2nd time, reach the Semi Final of Europa, and record our highest League finish, continuing our climb up the table.

The FA Cup continues to be a thorn in our side, exiting at the Semi Final stage for the 2nd time, while we have lost three Finals, and exited at the Quarter Final stage a further two times.

Congratulations on a fantastic season, @Punch

Here's to an even better season for Guernsey next campaign.

chile_paul · September 1

Really good solid progress, very much enjoying this career. :cool:

It will be interesting to see how long it takes before the squad ability stops increasing and begins to level off.

Edited September 1 by chile_paul

Punch · September 1

11 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Congratulations on a fantastic season, @Punch

Here's to an even better season for Guernsey next campaign.

Thanks @Stuniverse!

We are already looking stronger for next season, with the selling of a few unhappy players, and making happy some good players with new contracts, things are looking good.

Punch · September 1

3 minutes ago, chile_paul said:

Really good solid progress, very much enjoying this career 😀

Thanks @chile_paul, glad you’re enjoying the ride. It’s been an epic tale.

Punch · September 4

JUL 2045 - Pre Season Things

Friendly season kicked off with a bang, as we threw in plenty of games to get the legs fit.

There were plenty of minutes for a lot of players, and a lot of goals scored, while we managed to conceded just the one.

The jobs were back on the menu again as I was linked to Juventus, who did come in with an offer in the end, which of course was rejected.

The take over rumours continue, but they have been doing so on and off for the last few years now.

Sam Marshall won the Golden Boot last season, but is not even rated this year. Dave O'Connor our best bet.

None of our players rated in the Player of the Year Odds.

We do have a couple mentioned in the Young Player of the Year award odds.

We continue to move up this table.

Transfers - Massive news

Our all time appearances leader, and active goal scoring leader has left the club.

At the end of last season he announced he wanted to move on for a new challenge, and when Brentford came in with this massive offer, we couldn't turn it down.

With the potential for a further massive pay out, we make plenty out of this one.

While we are sad to see a club leader leave, he had fallen well down the list, and had become a bench player now.

A great month financially to start the year.

A couple more friendlies before we kick off the season proper at home to the Gunners.

Stuniverse · September 4

3 hours ago, Punch said:

A couple more friendlies before we kick off the season proper at home to the Gunners.

Tough start to the season, @Punch

Good luck!

phnompenhandy · September 4

Superb career. Your steady climb up the Premier League table suggests you ought to finish 5th this season, and qualify for the Champions League.

KUTGW!

Punch · September 4

6 hours ago, Stuniverse said:

Tough start to the season, @Punch

Good luck!

We have to play them some time :lol:

Punch · September 4

4 hours ago, phnompenhandy said:

Superb career. Your steady climb up the Premier League table suggests you ought to finish 5th this season, and qualify for the Champions League.

KUTGW!

Thanks!

Its been steady progress since we made the Premier League, so here’s to hoping it continues.

Punch · September 5

AUG 2045

We finished out the friendlies with further positive results.

While it was always more about the minutes in legs, and building the combinations, the great results don't hurt either.

Kick the tyres and light the fires, season 2045-2046 is go.

Punch · September 5

AUG 2045 - Match Day 1 - Vs Arsenal

We kick off the season with a massive three points at home in front of a full house on the island.

We dominated the match, but the Gunners hung in, and really made us work for it, despite all the chances we had.

Goals in the space of two minutes from Chambers and Marshall gave us a well deserved lead at the break.

The visitors hit back just after the break to make it a tighter score line than the match suggested, but we were able to hang on comfortably.

So we have played our first Premier League match without former Captain Romario Finnegan, and we are also now a part of the first ever Premier League season, without Manchester United.

Southampton thumped Leicester, Spurs thumped Chelsea, but the story of the day is Manchester City putting 6 past West Ham, who have been one of the best teams for the last few years.

I know Man City have been the best team lately, but no one seen that coming.

Speaking of our former Captain, we travel to Brentford to renew acquaintances with Finnegan, and his new team.

Stuniverse · September 5

3 hours ago, Punch said:

We kick off the season with a massive three points at home in front of a full house on the island.

:applause: ⚽️

Punch · September 6

AUG 2045 - Match Day 2 - At Brentford

It would not be a reunion that Finnegan will want to remember as we get the better of the score line.

In Fairness, the Bees were probably the better of the two teams, but in a lesson in taking your chances, we took ours, while they struggled.

Despite giving up an early goal, we fought back quickly, and had taken the lead back by half time.

It was a tight battle in the second half as they looked for a way to level, but couldn't take any of the chances they created.

Late on, a third goal broke their spirit, before a quick fourth put the icing on the three points.

So Chelsea got thumped by Spurs last week, have held Liverpool to a draw.

West Ham who got belted by Manchester City, have now beaten Spurs.

It's been a crazy start to the season already, but we sit 2nd, as one of three teams who are two from two.

We stay on the road, traveling to Boro, who will be keen to build on their big won over Brighton.

Edited September 6 by Punch

Stuniverse · September 6

👍 Ooooh, Derby County ⚽️ in the Premier League, although looks like being a long, hard season for the Rams 🐏

Punch · September 6

4 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

👍 Ooooh, Derby County ⚽️ in the Premier League, although looks like being a long, hard season for the Rams 🐏

Bookies have them at 20th place, 2,000-1 odds, so could be a long one.

Stuniverse · September 6

2 minutes ago, Punch said:

Bookies have them at 20th place, 2,000-1 odds, so could be a long one.

😢

Did Derby County get promoted automatically or via the playoffs?

Hopefully the Rams 🐏 get more than 11 points. Don’t want them beating their own worst record 😂⚽️🤣

Stuniverse · September 6

2 hours ago, Punch said:

So Chelsea got thumped by Spurs last week, have held Liverpool to a draw.

West Ham who got belted by Manchester City, have now beaten Spurs.

It's been a crazy start to the season already, but we sit 2nd, as one of three teams who are two from two.

Don’t you just love it when seasons go crazy ?

Great start to Guernsey’s season, @Punch :applause: … go take advantage of all this craziness !

Punch · September 6

10 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

😢

Did Derby County get promoted automatically or via the playoffs?

Hopefully the Rams 🐏 get more than 11 points. Don’t want them beating their own worst record 😂⚽️🤣

Playoffs, finishing a long way behind the top 2:

Punch · September 6

9 minutes ago, Stuniverse said:

Don’t you just love it when seasons go crazy ?

Great start to Guernsey’s season, @Punch … go take advantage of all this craziness !

It's been a weird start, hopefully they keep falling over each other and making it easier for us :lol:

Punch · September 6

AUG 2045 - Match Day 3 - At Middlesbrough

A 2-0 score line suggests a comfortable win, but the hosts made us work hard for the points.

Two quick goals before half time, and we probably had an undeserved advantage.

Boro probably had the best of the second half, but struggled to create quality chances.

One stinging shot was tipped onto the bar by Redmond, which would have made the final quarter of the game a lot tighter.

We managed to pick up another three points, and keep our first clean sheet of the season.

Three wins on the bounce sends us to the top of the tree, as the only perfect team, although City have only played the two games so far.

We return to the Green Lions Den, hosting 13th place Brighton.

Punch · September 6

AUG 2045

After winning our final two friendlies, we kicked off the season in fine style, taking maximum points from our first three games.

Sam Marshall picked up right where he left off last season, taking out the first Young Player of the Month Award.

I made it to 2nd place on the Manager of the Month Award.

Early in the month our boss shut down the take over rumours.

A few days later, there is now apparently an offer on the table.

This saga has been going on for years now, so who knows where this one will end up.

Transfers

While we sent a few kids out on loan, we got out for the transfer window without selling any further players.

After being relegated to the Championship for the first time since the Premier League began, Manchester United have made a splash, throwing over £120 million.

We are still one of the lowest spenders in the League wages wise, only Derby spending less.

We take a loss this month.

Three League games, The Europa League Group stage kicks off, as does our League Cup Title defence.

Punch · September 6

AUG 2045 - League Cup 3rd Round Draw

Our League Cup Title defence kicks off at Charlton.

We have a pretty good record against them, especially recently.

Punch · September 6

AUG 2045 - Europa League Group Stage Draw

The draw for this seasons Europa League Group Stage is out.

This will see us take trips to Serbia (Čukarički), Italy (Lazio), Switzerland (St. Gallen), and Greece (Olympiacos).

While we will host teams from Spain (Espanyol), Netherlands (PSV), Turkey (Kasımpaşa), and Germany (Borussia Mönchengladbach).

With us holding a rank of 43rd, we will meet only two teams ranked above us, while we face six ranked below us.

With the Board wanting us to reach Quarter Finals, minimum, looks like we are in for another season of fatigue manager.

Punch · September 7

SEP 2045 - Match Day 4 - Vs Brighton & Hove Albion

A massive effort to come from two goals down and claim the three points, but it was a rusty first half after the international break.

It was a pretty dusty performance in the first half as we struggled to get into the game, and after giving up a second goal in injury time, we found ourselves a mountain to climb.

After a half time bake, we came out in the second half a different team, and started to turn things around.

By the time the dust had settled, we had racked up four goals, and could have had several more as we rattled the post a few times as well.

After a terrible first half, it was good to put it back together and still come away with the three points.

We stay perfect, just, and top of the table, although City are still perfect a game behind as well.

Our Europa League campaign kicks off as we head to Serbia.

Punch · September 8

SEP 2045 - Europa League Group Stage - 1st Match - At FK Čukarički Beograd

A blistering start to our Europa League campaign as we blast seven past the hapless Serbian's.

We rotated the squad slightly to keep in mind the long season ahead, but it mattered little as we had racked up four goals by half time.

A defensive mix up allowed the hosts to score one, but by the time the dust had settled, we had six players put the ball in the net, to give us a massive start to the competition.

Back to our winning ways and we keep the bank rolling.

The big win shoots us to the top of the table.

A massive early season match up sends us to Tottenham, where we have a terrible record.

Punch · September 8

SEP 2045 - Match Day 5 - At Tottenham Hotspur

A tough road trip, and I guess we should be happy with a point, but this was a pretty ordinary game.

No goals, barely any shots on target, as the game bogged down in a midfield slogfest.

There was nothing about this game which will make the highlight reels.

We are no longer perfect, but stay undefeated, and on top of the table.

We stay on the road with our League Cup campaign kicking off at Charlton.

Punch · September 9

SEP 2045 - League Cup 3rd Round - At Charlton Athletic

A heavily rotated squad went to the Valley attempting to extend our unbeaten run in this competition.

A brilliant first half had us three up at the break, before an early second half sealer killed off any thoughts of a come back by the hosts.

Job done, and we move on.

Three debuts in the heavily rotated squad.

Another record broken.

We host Newcastle in the 4th Round.

We have had the better of them recently, and they have since been relegated to the Championship.

A return to the island, and League action as we host 10th place Blackburn.

Punch · September 10

SEP 2045 - Match Day 6 - Vs Blackburn Rovers

A smashing result at the Green Lions Den as we put Blackburn to the sword, in front of a full house.

Frankie Nix and Sam Marshall were running riot down the right hand side, with the former creating chance after chance, and the latter smashing them home.

A hat-trick for Marshall, a brace for O'Connor, while the defence completely shut the visitors down, not allowing any shots on target.

A complete performance, and a great result.

We stay top, and are smashing in goals for fun at the moment.

Back to Europa League action as we host Espanyol, a much tougher assignment than our first up match.

Punch · Wednesday at 08:48

SEP 2045 - Europa League Group Stage - 2nd Match - Vs R.C.D. Espanyol de Barcelona (Spain)

It was predicted to be a tight match, but we absolutely dominated the visitors.

Both our attack and defence outplayed them, we just couldn't get the ball in the net.

Youngster Wynne came off the bench to score the only goal of the game, which was enough to secure all three points.

Not much in the way of highlights, but we done enough to get home.

Winning keeps the bank rolling.

We are two from two, but our goal conceded in the first game keeps us in second place.

Back to League action as we travel to the surprisingly struggling West Ham.

Hootieleece · Wednesday at 09:43

Great Win! It has taken twenty years, but you have made Guernsey Island a Football Force and put them on the map.

Punch · Wednesday at 09:47

3 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

Great Win! It has taken twenty years, but you have made Guernsey Island a Football Force and put them on the map.

It's been a great ride, but we are slowly getting there.

Punch · Wednesday at 10:07

SEP 2045

A cracking month results wise, with just the draw against Spurs, the only game we didn't win.

Stats

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Marshall continues his blistering start to the season, taking out both Player of the Month awards.

Internationals

Plenty on duty, and Frankie Nix becomes our 45th Senior International, earning his first Caps for England.

We have had 8 of our Senior Players called up for England for their October Internationals.

We have taken back top spot producing players in the top Leagues.

The take over is back on, with the boss now willing to entertain offers...this has been dragging on for years.

We are not the lowest, but we are a long way behind.

The wages continue to increase, but we are spending a month, less than what some clubs are spending a week.

Another busy month coming up, including an International break with 8 players in the England squad.

Blarney · Thursday at 17:08

On 11/09/2024 at 05:07, Punch said:

SEP 2045

A cracking month results wise, with just the draw against Spurs, the only game we didn't win.

Stats

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Marshall continues his blistering start to the season, taking out both Player of the Month awards.

Internationals

Plenty on duty, and Frankie Nix becomes our 45th Senior International, earning his first Caps for England.

We have had 8 of our Senior Players called up for England for their October Internationals.

We have taken back top spot producing players in the top Leagues.

The take over is back on, with the boss now willing to entertain offers...this has been dragging on for years.

We are not the lowest, but we are a long way behind.

The wages continue to increase, but we are spending a month, less than what some clubs are spending a week.

Another busy month coming up, including an International break with 8 players in the England squad.

Great 2 months of the season. Outscoring opponents 17-4 in league play is a good sign of things to come.

Punch · Friday at 04:29

11 hours ago, Blarney said:

Great 2 months of the season. Outscoring opponents 17-4 in league play is a good sign of things to come.

Its been a great start, but we also have not yet played a lot of the top teams.

Punch · Friday at 06:09

OCT 2045 - Match Day 7 - At West Ham United

We produced one of our worst 45 minutes of football, only to follow it up with one of our best.

The Hammers got off to a blistering start, and we just kept letting them run over us.

By the time the dust had settled, and we regained our feet, we were three down in under half an hour.

The match started to turn and we pulled one back before the break to at least give us some momentum.

The second half was all one way traffic, but we struggled to get the ball in the net.

Our interchange bench made the difference though as they contributed two goals, with young midfielder McDaid providing the late equaliser with a stunner from outside the box.

A disappointing start to the game, but the effort to fight back from three down to get something out of it was pretty special.