[FM23] Chapter Two: Schalke04, Rebuilding in Royal Blue with a budget of $5 dollars a day

[karanhsingh]

2 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

Not quite. Spoiler: We came in third by a difference of two goals and was denied in the final as well. I will post later today I think.

Yikes! I was just going to say, that's a great upturn in form. Good work!

[Hootieleece]

May 2026: Regular Season and Championship Playoffs

Manager's Thoughts

The team came into the month needing Two wins and some help for Automatic Promotion. The team got 4 points from the two matches and ended up 3rd by a difference of two goals! The team then continued to play well versus Stoke in the Semi-Final. The Final at Wembley was a match too far for a team that was expected to be Relegation Fodder in the Preseason ranking of 19th!

Jester was proud of the turnaround from the beginning of the season and felt vindicated in getting rid of the "Old Guard" . There would be changes in the offseason but Jester thought that the team could return to the Playoffs like the plan foretold. Even if this was a season too early.

Schedule

Highlights

The Penultimate match of the Regular Season would be held at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

Sunderland were home underdogs would they ruin our day?

The Media singled out two of our players as players to watch in the upcoming match!

Clarke was considered their most dangerous player.

The last minute score by Embleton dashed our hopes for victory and probably our chance at Automatic Promotion.

It was an even match by stats and the outcome is fair. Even if we threw points away. That is what makes Football beautiful.

After the match our Academy was raided by Sheffield United

The Final match of the regular season would see Nottingham Forest visit Deepdale Stadium

The team need to win and a little luck to make the promised land of the Premier League.

The match was a tight one early and then just before halftime NF scored. Jester rallied the boys reminding them that if they kept playing the way they were the win would come!

The Second Half of the Match a fired up PNE took the game to Nottingham, and they wilted under the pressure knowing they had Tee times the next day!

It was a valiant effort but we ended up Third. Tied on points for second but with a -2 goal difference from Bristol City. At least we had a chance to win the playoffs as Top seeded team!

With that we entered the Playoffs, and our next match would be a two-legged tie with:

Stoke City!

In other News, Chelsea won the FA Cup

Sellout Expected? Of Course its the Playoffs!

PNE is favored in the First match which is surprising.

PNE Icons hyping up the players!

Being a higher seed and having had a better season should mean something!

Just before the match the Analysis Department brought Jester this Report:

The match then took place in Stoke:

A stalemate. We had more possession and they had more chances to score.

We lose our Shadow Striker for the rest of the playoffs!

And while we were in the middle of a playoff run media and contracts tried to distract Jester.

Jester had no idea who this was he never showed up in his scouting reports!

and the Youth Candidates joined the U-18's

After all of that Deepdale Readied for the Playoff match versus Stoke for a place in the Final and the richest match in the world!

Preston was favored due to home advantage and would need to do a professional job!

Jester was confident because of our play at home: Fortress Deepdale!

We blew Stoke away after getting an early goal that ended any threat they would win!

We were pressed but long balls by us over the press to Woodburn set up our scoring!

We are headed for the Promotion Playoff final at Wembley Stadium!

and our opponent will be:

Crystal Palace!

You think. isn't this the most watched match after the FA Cup Final!

Crystal Palace was favored mostly because they still had some players from when they were in the Premier League! Eze for one!

Icons and Favorites getting embroiled in the hype for the match that didn't need it!

Crystal Palace was one of our "Bogey Teams" and we needed to shake that off to complete the impossible dream!

The match came and we started well with Mikey O'Neill scoring. Crystal Palace then answered with a penalty and two more goals! PNE fought back and got one just before half. The second half saw a hard fought battle that lasted till the closing minutes when CP scored twice as we went Very Attacking!

The Dream of the Premier league would have to wait till Next Season.....

Our pass map is a little disorganized due to their press.

 

The team played well it was just too big an occasion for us I think!

The Board and Players were happy with the payouts!

League Table

Monthly Analysis Report

to be continued:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[karanhsingh]

Your boys fought hard - a valiant effort! Crystal palace is a really tough team to get in the playoffs. 

[Hootieleece]

2 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Your boys fought hard - a valiant effort! Crystal palace is a really tough team to get in the playoffs. 

We almost did the impossible considering the beginning of the season. We will try again next season aim is to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, our play has raised the stature of some of our better players so release clauses are being activated and I can't refuse because of the team's finances.

[Hootieleece]

Awards Night 2026

After a remarkable season it was only fitting that the team have one last get together before going the separate ways.

New Players

Only a few came in and the most impactful were the Wingbacks Laird and Ogbeta!

Laird was a free transfer and led the team in assists.

Many players left but only a few became regulars at other clubs.

The loans for playing time were rather disappointing.

Reflecting on our Championship campaign with pride coming in third and 3 goals twice of being promoted! Being thought to be relegation fodder before the season started in 19th. A 16 place overperformance in the table!

Both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup were disappointments when compared with the League.

The Season still had many moments to remember.....

The 2-1 Win over Stoke in September allowed Jester to steady the ship after the Player revolt and the late April Victory over Millwall confirmed the team in the Playoffs.

The Finances are in good shape except for prize money that fell off because of our dismal cup performances.

The continued to use the 5-2-2-1WB formation to great success after some early trouble.

Even though we had a season for the ages and many remarkable performances none of us won a Competition award.

to be continued:

 

[Hootieleece]

June 2026: Offseason

Manager's Thoughts

The team had played to an incredible level and Jester was prepared to bring the gang back for another try since the team was about a year ahead of Plan 2028 Master Plan Schedule. Jester knew that some players might leave due to other teams offers that the team really couldn't refuse due to our financial situation. Thus, the team would look to fill those holes when they do appear with Free transfers and Youth from the Academy.

Highlights

The budget remains much the same. Hopefully Jester will be able to keep the team together without giving away too many raises.

 

This is a family friendly club that is embedded in its community, and we MUST continue to do them proud.

The players are a little dejected after their finals loss.

Jester decided to take a trip to Spain just to get everyone away from the Shire.

This is a player that Jester had been tracking for a while.....a low-cost replacement for Woodburn and if he doesn't work out doesn't cost us a lot to buy out.

During exit interviews the team was unananimous in thinking Browne was a great leader. So, After some thinking Jester decided to bring the captain back for a few more years on lower wages and playing time. He is after all the Modern "Mr. Preston" being the all-time appearance leader.

Commercially speaking the team is doing about as well as a team with a relatively small fan base can!

The Scouting budget and range remain the same because PNE just doesn't have the financial clout to bring in Foreigners that can get Work permits!

Even with all the player sales last season the team lost $8.25M!

The last thing this club needs is a spending spree. Jester would like to just run it back again, but outside forces will not make that possible.

Woodburn was let go because of bad form......

Jester extended a promising Youth player.

Owen Beck was brought in because Ogbeta wanted to leave and the team needed a LWB.

Our Epic run to the Finals brought a small boost in reputation.

Bristol City who got Automatically promoted won the Overacheiver award.....Just short yet again!

Ethan Laird who led us with 11 assists setting a club record was one of the signings of the Season!

Jester keeps playing the Kids!

Michael Partridge was a gem that Jester was going to bring into the team this season, bought from his Irish team for $130k! This is moneyball at its finest!

He was going to be the Backup Trequarista this season, but money talks!

The new season is here!

 

These Four Deals Secured the Core of the Team for years to come!

Possible backup resigned for short money.

Preston starts the Carabao Cup versus a Local Lancashire Club!

Management Report

Financial Report

to be continued:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[karanhsingh]

Wow that's a lot of money for the young Irishman! Should go a long way.

[Hootieleece]

1 hour ago, karanhsingh said:

Wow that's a lot of money for the young Irishman! Should go a long way.

It was that is why I didn't try to cancel. He was the star of the U-21's winning the Preseason match last season, but I didn't think looking at his attributes he was ready last season, but this season, yes!

 

[Hootieleece]

July 2026: Preseason

Manager's Thoughts

Preseason would see a lot of Football played and a lot of turnover in the team. This was not because Jester wanted to sell players but because of Release Clauses and the the chance to upgrade on existing players. The team was able to keep finding gems to replace the players who left on what can only be called "Moneyball" deals. The club made enough money to pay its wage bill for the season and maybe have enough to improve the Youth Facilities. All the while playing good football. The team will be ready to challenge for the Playoffs whether the bookies or media think so.

Schedule

Highlights

The Preseason started with the players returning in late June. The annual match versus the U-21's was held on the First. The First Team won but it was very close. Maybe Jester should take a look at some of those players. Maybe like Partridge who left for big money they are ready for the first team.

Because of a release clause Jester had to hope that newly promoted Champions would offer a terrible wage so we could keep McCann a defensive linchpin in our midfield.

Ogbeta wanted to leave when Jester wouldn't give him a raise and he made a decent profit off the sale.

Another sale Potts didn't get his loan option picked up and Jester wanted him GONE!

Laird, the signing of the season was snapped up by Crystal Palace for use in the Premier League. Another release clause for higher division. Between 3-5 goals and It would be us playing the Premier League.....not to cry over spilled milk.

Laird wasn't going to stay and when Jester signed him he said he could use the club as a stepping stone. The team still made over $5M from a free agent signing.

When asked about the transfer this was Jester's response:

Ali McCann stays!

Moneyball is the name of the Game in Preston!

This young Tottenham player becomes Laird's Replacement! What a name sure to be a Star!

This was a Free Agent signing I did just because of the name........YNWA!

While all these transactions were going on the team was in Training Camp in Spain. They played big clubs and the new signings became aclimated to our style of play.

The Third match of Training Camp was versus Cordoba an equal from the Second Division of Spanish Football.

Jester hadn't settled on a Starting XI and practiced one of his other formations against them and dominated!

 

The team returned from Spain and everyone in town wanted to meet Cassanova! Especially the ladies!

Since Dante might get lonely in the Shire, Jester decided to head back to Tottenham for a new CB.

A wonderkid on FM22! (bing search of name)

He is going to replace Bemba Diaby on the Left of the Back Three!

Another signing for the U-21's and possible sale in the future.

The Third week of Preseason, Jester always likes to invite a BIG TEAM to Deepdale.

Jester played his preliminary Starting XI in the match.

an even match though I'm not sure Newcastle played their best XI the whole match. Quality went up the last 15minutes!

The pass map isn't bad.

Not quite 10k or 40% of the stadium full.

Stoke make an offer for another of my bargain basement Youth transfers off the March List!

Since Dorrington Joined the team Jester then transfer listed Diaby.

This caused a Player Revolt!

It didn't change Jester resolve to sell. He ended up on the first plane back to Spain and Girona FC.

And once he was gone morale perked back up!

Management Report

Monthly Financial Report

to be continued:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[13th Man]

Great stuff! Even with the heartbreak, that’s a massive improvement on both the previous season and the early season troubles!

Edited June 3, 2023 by 13th Man

[Hootieleece]

6 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Great stuff! Even with the heartbreak, that’s a massive improvement on both the previous season and the early season troubles!

It will be hard to beat last season after we got going. I think that PNE just can't afford the quality of player necessary to make the jump without some insane luck.

[Hootieleece]

Season Preview 2026-2027

The Team

Teddy Sharman-Lowe SK-De

Jordan Storey RCB-BPD-ST

Malachi Fagan-Walcott CB-BPD-Co

Alfie Dorrington LCB-BPD-St

Dante Cassanova RWB-WB-A

Alan Browne DMCR-DM-D

Ben Whiteman DMCL-DLP-S

Owen Beck LWB-WB-S

Finlay Cross-Adair AMCR-Shadow Striker-A

Tom Dele-Bashiru AMCL-Trequarista-A

Mikey O'Neill Striker-DLF-S

Media Preview 2026-2027

Up from 19th but Jester thinks that we are underrated but can understand because of the budgets and players on the top teams and those relegated from the Premier League. 

Last Year's Runner up who is still 21, Mikey O'Neill isn't even in the list!

to be continued:

 

[Hootieleece]

August 2026

Manager's Thoughts

Jester looks forward to the season with a mostly settled squad with defined roles and appropriate replacements that seem to be coming up to speed. It is impeartive for the team to NOT get off to a slow start if Jester wants to repeat a run to to Playoffs again this season. In August the one item of analysis that interested Jester most was the fact that the team seemed to be shooting more in the final third thus leading to more wins. More wins means a chance to get promoted....

Schedule

Highlights

The month started out with the last Preseason Friendly. The Starting XI and the most likely subs off the bench saw action.

And then another Premier League team decided to pick the ranks of PNE for Talent.

Brighton's up front offer was abysmal for the player Jester envisioned taking over the #9 role by the end of the season.

Johnson was mad but Jester hoped to talk him into staying.....

It went badly.....to say the least.

Should have accepted the Brighton offer atleast then he would have been in their U-21's instead of on the Pitch against us!

Diaby headed to Girona after his minor revolt with a wimper.

McCann stays after turning down Luton's offer.

And to make sure other clubs knew where Jester stood on McCann he issued a warning.

This brings the first match of the season into view......PNE will be hosting Huddersfield at Deepdale Stadium.

We are expected to win mostly because of Home advantage.

As always Jester was looking for a Positive outcome to a home match!

The match came and the team played well and won 3-1 thanks to Tom Dele-Bashiru the Trequarista

The Pass map shows that the team kept possession well and made over the magic number of 500 passes!

The Sales and Marketing Department came up just short of their goal of 10K season ticket sales.

Johnson left for Crystal Palace and his place is now going to Tom Cannon!

 

He was talented and Jester wanted to mold him inti CF-A! Now hopefully he doesn't come back to haunt us!

The next match would see us play local League One team Accrington in the Carabao Cup. The backups would play in this match.

Since the team seemed to be raking in the cash with all the transfers, Jester decided to ask the board to upgrade the Youth Facilities because the Youth Teams will be important if we are really going to make run to the top. Also, our teams are playing well and attracting talent.

After some pleading and arguing the board agreed.

The Backups put together a professional job to see us through against determined but inferior opposition. Their Goal came from a worldy Freekick!

The team did a good job of keeping possession of the ball and spent most of their time trying to breakdown the Accrington Low Block.

Southhampton are a bigger team than Jester was hoping to get at this point in the run!

The next match was against our Rivals Blackburn!

Blackburn was favored but Jester expected the Rovers to roll over.

The Hype machine was in full effect before the Derby!

The day came and PNE won because they played Football while Blackburn thought it was a Rugby match!

Match Stats also show we were lucky as well as good!

Storey and the CB's were the story of this match and victory!

The pass map was good and we came close to the magic number of 500 passes that usually means victory for a possession team.

After the match with teams circling for our young stars Jester negotiated with his main man Mikey O'Neill.

Cannon is the change of pace #9 and this deal suits everyone.

The next match would see the team take on Preseason Promotion Contender Fulham visit the Shire.

Jester showing confidence before the match!

It was the day of the Attacking Midfielders!

The Fans went wild after the match taking to Social Media!

Decent pass map showing penetration and good spacing.

The team then headed down to the South Coast and Southhampton for another Carabao Cup match.

Jester played the Backups so that the Starting XI would be ready for the League match on the weekend.

and since we followed the Assman's advice for gameplan Jester sent him to the Press Conference!

The Final match of the month would see us play Playoff Contender Stoke yet again.

Good thing this trip is in August instead of February!

The Stoke manager and Jester don't get along.....

an even match between two teams that saw each other in the Playoff Semifinals last season.

The team played well except for three important players.....

It was a very even match!

Possession was very good just poor play from certain defender and goalie kept us from winning.

League Table

Players of the Month

Always the Bridesmaid!

Monthly Analysis Report

Much more proactive in the final third this season so far!

Management Report

Monthly Financial Report

to be continued:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SixPointer]

Promising start. Playing above expectations. KUTGW 

[13th Man]

Really strong start to the season.  Massive improvement over the year prior if I remember correctly!   Hope you can keep it up.  Seems like it's all finally coming together.  Now to avoid that...you know what, I'm not even going to say it...

[Hootieleece]

4 hours ago, SixPointer said:

Promising start. Playing above expectations. KUTGW 

We are trying.

2 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Really strong start to the season.  Massive improvement over the year prior if I remember correctly!   Hope you can keep it up.  Seems like it's all finally coming together.  Now to avoid that...you know what, I'm not even going to say it...

We are playing above expectations of Bookies and Media, but not above Jester's expectations. (Playoffs this season)

There is a hiccup coming but it is because we continue to play top teams but not because we are out of form.  (Jester is not expecting the Invincibles just yet!)

[Hootieleece]

September 2026: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

The Month of September saw a congested fixture list due to the international break that comes right after the Transfer Deadline. It came at the wrong time for the team and through off our momentum. For next three matches were losses against good teams, and we played well overall so that by the end of the month we were 7th in the table just 3 points out of first even with our losses. 

Schedule

Transfer Deadline 

Before the month of September really got started there was Transfer Deadline Day.

Jester didn't expect any business but you never know.

Jester enjoys finding free agents and fire sales while selling his own for as much as possible.

It was a busy window overall with 13 players joining but almost as many left.

and even with all that Jester is still a miser when it comes to payroll.

Highlights

The International Break came at the wrong time as far as Jester was concerned his team was playing well and had a match versus Norwich scheduled for 9/6/26. Jester refused to move it but Norwich accepted the move due to international callups. Thus, the team had over 10 days to lose form.

The first match of the month would see Middlesborough another Playoff contender come to Deepdale Stadium.

Middlesborough was favored and it showed in the match.

As the match stats show it was a close match and could have gone differently except for a Sub-par performance from our Goalie.

More importantly we would be without our "Hobbit Hero" for a month!

Jester was less than happy with the mistakes that led to the loss.....

The pass map is a little congested, but we did a good job in possession with more than 500 passes.

The next match was the rescheduled match which meant a midweek trip to East Anglia.

Club Favorites impressed with our form must have missed the last match!

Jester knew this would be a tough match versus another Playoff Contender!

Norwich had the better of the close match.

Our loss makes headlines because of Gigena's Wonder run through our entire defense to round the keeper and score......

The pass map and possession weren't bad getting just short of 500 passes.

The next map would see us play another Playoff Contender this time it would be Nottingham Forest visiting Preston.

We are on a bit of banana peel but are still playing well.

Jester wasn't sure if he would rotate the side for the important match.

In the time before the match Jester decided to secure the future of some of the U-21's

A Tunisian U-23 that has made 2-3 appearances in the first team before Jester could bring in more defenders.

A promising GK and South African U-21. Going on loan to Bromley.

Laycock always became a Wonderkid in older FM's, not quite there yet. (Low Determination)

Rosimus is the exciting Attacking Midfielder/Striker in the U-21's. He might have made the jump to the first team if Nico O'Reilly hadn't arrived.

The Day of the game came and NF had the better of us but nobody would fault our effort!

Especially Nico O'Reilly, the former Man City castoff!

Jester was pleased with his performance just not some others.....

The team then had to make a midweek trip to London to take on QPR at Loftus Road.

QPR was favored and Jester set out a half rotated team due to match congestion.

and they put on a dominating performance winning 2-0!

The pass map was really good and we completed almost 550 passes a winning combination for us.

With no time to enjoy the victory the team had to turn around and head for Wales and fixture with Swansea City.

Another Half Rotated side played and newcomer Nico O'Reilly kept up the form with the only goal leading to victory!

We are in the top 10 and between first and 10th place is only about 5 points at this early juncture!

Another great Pass map that led to victory. This time 530 passes!

Jester also made a moneyball move:

He may never make the first team but Jester is certain he is a good investment!

 

This guy came up in the Scouting Meeting! check out the name! (Brazilian Wonderkid)

Monthly Analysis Report

We are in 7th place but less than 3 points out of 1rst place based on XG!

Player of the Month

Management Report

Monthly Financial Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[13th Man]

Little wobble but still in touching distance if the top of the table. Looks like Jester managed to stop the bleeding and hopefully keep things headed in the right direction.

[Hootieleece]

17 minutes ago, 13th Man said:

Little wobble but still in touching distance if the top of the table. Looks like Jester managed to stop the bleeding and hopefully keep things headed in the right direction.

The Wobbles keep coming but we are still in good position. mostly because of Fixture Congestion and I think Complacency in the team because of about a year of Success near the top of the league.  Playing 46 matches and the Cups makes Rotation Mandatory and even though Jester tried there is a difference between the Starting XI and the Backups.

[Hootieleece]

 

October 2026: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

October is another funny month with congestion and an international break. The Team wobbled this month mostly because the team was often rotated, but they did not lose! The highlight was the fact that the League leaders Watford came to Deepdale and had their doors blown off in the second half. It was the kind of win that even got Jester believing that last season really wasn't a fluke. Sitting in Fourth place and hopefully on the way to at least a Playoff Berth.

Remember according to Masterplan 2028 the team is supposed to win as Champions NEXT season!

Schedule

Highlights

The month started off with a match versus Rotherham United at Deepdale Stadium.

PNE dominated the match and Fiorini's last minute extra time goal ruined a clean sheet and was against the run of play.

Our Vice Captain and Playmaker had a great Match!

The passes were good and so was possession. 613 passes which means we dominated the match!

The next match was versus Hull and an intriguing story was Woodburn might play against us. Jester liked him but his form was terrible and had to move on and it looks like he is still in poor form barely breaking into the Hull lineup.

Jester projecting Confidence.

PNE got the tight win with a half-rotated squad.

Match Stats show how close it was.....

They pressed us and we were not able to really establish ourselves in the Final third. Only 453 passes.

Galbraith a N. Ireland International who is losing his place because he can't really break into the PNE Starting XI or XVIII because of Nico O'Reilly.

More talking to the players through the media!

The next match would see us play our ancient rivals from nearby Burnley!

The Clarets boss played some mind games....

Jester tried to brush it off and instill confidence.

Both teams were considered in-form for the match and it ended being a desultory stalemate. Barely keeping the fans awake!

We defended well and kept the ball but couldn't score!

The Center of our Defense had an immense day defending our box!

751 passes and 63% possession and ZERO goals!

Five Unbeaten is always a good thing.

The Analysis department brought Jester a report that our good form was due to This:

We are good at playing through the middle. Which should be expected since we play with a Narrow Width!

Also the Center of our Back line is the Man:

Winning the ball back ALLOVER, the Pitch!

The next match was versus Portsmouth and it had many intriguing storylines Dorrington played there on loan last season and Liam Lindsay of the PNE "Old Guard" was in their Starting XI!

The Trip to the south coast was expected to be  a walk in the park. Jester expected to rotate players based on table placement of the two teams.

There was hype to this match and PNE would need to do a Professional job no matter who started!

PNE scored first and was in control of the match until a lucky long range kick from the Portsmouth GK went over the defense and was scored!

The backups played admirably and, on another day, would have won!

Portsmouth sat deep and blocked most of our shots!

I sent the Assman to the Press Conference because I took his tactical advice.

The pass map shows some penetration, but we were short of 500 passes.

The last match of the month would see League leaders Watford visit Deepdale Stadium!

A rested and Confident Starting XI took the pitch.....

and blew them away! especially in the second half!

and the fans went wild on Social Media! 

Stats, Posssession and Passes were all great!

Jester was happy with the win and how PNE played!

This player complains about playing time but is always injured....

League Table

Player of the Month

Nico O'Reilly

Always the Bridesmaid NEVER the Bride.....Jester is beginning to feel like Susan Lucci!

Monthly Analysis

Management Report

Financial Report

It is obvious that the team needs player sales to balance the budget since our player and Staff payroll IS the loss every month!

to be continued:

 

 

 

[Hootieleece]

November 2026: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

The month started with a stinker of a match against a table propping team. The pressed us hard and made it very difficult for the team to playout of the back. Several stalemates during the month where we just seemed to keep possession for possessions sake and was awful in front of goal due to blocked shots. A report from training got Jester thinking as to how to solve the team pressing us problem. Our Goalkeeper is considered a good distributor and has a good kicking rating. So, Jester got rid of the short kicks TI and added distribute quickly so we sometimes can catch the opponent's off guard. The team tried it in the final match of the month after spending one training period practicing it. It led to and "Fast Break" Style match that was unlike anything PNE had played so far. It led to goals for us and them. If we can lessen the turnovers and be more ready defensively in the future, I think it will help turn some of these draws into the wins needed to get promoted!

Schedule

Highlights

Preston would start the month playing Reading who were currently in the Relegation Zone. After the big victory over Watford, Jester wanted to give the Starting XI the day off.

It was an away match and the team was going to play like they did at home instead of Defensively.

another Fan Favorite was excited about our form.....is this the sign of impending doom?

Reading took our lineup as Disrespect to them and played out of their minds in the first Half especially Bacuna, who had a hat trick. After a silent treatment at halftime the team played to their level, but it was too late the damage had been done.

Our terrible day was all over the Highlights!

The pass map showed good penetration and spacing, and the team completed 522 passes. It was just their day!

The next match was versus relegation threatened Oxford United!

The Oxford team was lambs to a slaughter as the Starting XI wanted everyone to forget the Reading Match!

The Stats and pass map show how dominating the team was.

In Other News the Top 50 players in the World were named.

Nine of Man City's Starting XI are the top 20 players in the World and they are 5th in the Premier League!

The Next match would see us take on Coventry one of the newly promoted teams.

They would be visiting Deepdale Stadium and the team was sure to give them a warm welcome!

Jester is not interested in selling a 26 year old Linchpin of the midfield!

Coventry played well for them but it was a stalemate between two teams afraid to take charge of the match.

neither team could shoot accurately!

Coventry made cross after cross into our box and they were met by the Imperious Fagan-Walcott!

Jester was furious with the team for playing this badly after playing so well versus Oxford.

In fact Jester was so furious he sent his Assman to the Press Conference!

The next match would see the team head to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland!

During the time between matches and practices Jester found himself in Contract negotiations himself!

And Now Jester's Attributes

A lot of Green Numbers have eased Jester's time at Preston and in a Journeyman save would make him an attractive candidate for many top-level teams.

 

After spending much of the week in contract negotiations Training was off and the team didn't quite play up to expectations.

O'Reilly is the player started on occasion for the Man City team this season at 17 IRL! No wonder he is doing so well at Preston!

Spacing was a little constrained and their was a lack of penetration but we did complete 530 passes!

The Final match of the Month would see the team take on West Bromwich Albion!

In a six pointer at the top of the table!

Jester is looking to win to maintain our position in the Playoff Places!

It was an open match with neither side trying to defend.

After noticing something about our GK's Kicking ability Jester decided to take the shackles off and let him decide to try long balls over the top from time to time.

(He has 16 kicking)

TI's Before

TI's After: No Short Kicks and distribute quickly.

most players played well except Mikey O'Neill and Sharman-Lowe. Jester put it down to getting used to the new tactics.

Stats and Pass map look good. Defense not so much as it was a more open match!

League Table

Player of the Month

Monthly Analysis Report

Management Report

Financial Report

to be continued:

(Last one for a while....caught up with my playing!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[13th Man]

You were so close to the top of the table there for a minute!  Some high scoring games this past month too.

You're firmly within the playoff spots though, and staying in touching distance of the leaders.  Keep it up!

[karanhsingh]

It's tight at the top man! I really hope you can do it this season, even if it would be a year ahead of schedule. 

[Hootieleece]

6 hours ago, 13th Man said:

You were so close to the top of the table there for a minute!  Some high scoring games this past month too.

You're firmly within the playoff spots though, and staying in touching distance of the leaders.  Keep it up!

 

37 minutes ago, karanhsingh said:

It's tight at the top man! I really hope you can do it this season, even if it would be a year ahead of schedule. 

Thanks for the confidence, guys! Every match is nervy especially when I HAVE to rotate just because of tiredness. Luckily or unluckily the Cup Runs should be short this season, which should help in the second half of the season.

 

There is a reason why the Championship and the Vanarama National League are so hard to get out of the teams especially at the top half of the table are equally strong teams. Which make dropping points to Relegation threatened teams so maddening!

 

[karanhsingh]

4 minutes ago, Hootieleece said:

 

Thanks for the confidence, guys! Every match is nervy especially when I HAVE to rotate just because of tiredness. Luckily or unluckily the Cup Runs should be short this season, which should help in the second half of the season.

 

There is a reason why the Championship and the Vanarama National League are so hard to get out of the teams especially at the top half of the table are equally strong teams. Which make dropping points to Relegation threatened teams so maddening!

 

Yes you need a squad for the championship, there are just too many games. It takes a lot out of the team. 

[13th Man]

16 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

There is a reason why the Championship and the Vanarama National League are so hard to get out of the teams especially at the top half of the table are equally strong teams. Which make dropping points to Relegation threatened teams so maddening!

It's not quite the MLS in terms of fixture congestion, but those extra midweek matches are killers.  I really tried to come up with a pattern of rotation as best as I could, but it's never cut and dry when an injury pops up or you're forced to play someone more than you'd like just cause you need that goal or to hold that lead...

[Hootieleece]

4 hours ago, 13th Man said:

It's not quite the MLS in terms of fixture congestion, but those extra midweek matches are killers.  I really tried to come up with a pattern of rotation as best as I could, but it's never cut and dry when an injury pops up or you're forced to play someone more than you'd like just cause you need that goal or to hold that lead...

I agree about MLS. The team has used about 30 players this season to keep rotation and fitness levels up. It has pissed off some players but that is way the cookie crumbles. I'd rather play a fully fit player than a tired star especially when the backup has a similar skill set. 

[Hootieleece]

 

 

December 2026: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

 

December was a busy month, but the team came through it almost unscathed. The team was rotated to meet the match congestion but overall, there wasn't a drop in the quality of the performances. This is due to Jester trying to have two players with similar skillsets for each position. Of more importance was Jester renewing contracts of some of the foundational players of the team as other teams wanted to snap them up and stop our momentum. The team is definitely in Playoff Contention an has an outside chance of Automatic Promotion or Winning the League IF they can play better against top teams!

Schedule

Highlights

The busy month of December would see the team play SEVEN matches.

Jester settled a player for the time being by giving him a contract.....

McCann is our DM-D and is getting looks from bigger clubs. The main reason for this large contract is that he is just beginning his prime and the team needed to make his Release Clause larger. (From $6.25M to $15.75M)

The first match of the month was versus Derby County and their Manager EDDIE HOWE!

The Team put together a a good match dominating at home!

The Fans were thrilled and the team is alone in 4rth place within 5 points of the top and 1 point out of Automatic Promotion!

Howe was embarrassed...

And Jester did not stir the pot before the match!

After the match the team then had to ready themselves for a trip to Sheffield to take on the Blades!

For all our success still having trouble with Top Teams and it didn't help that our captain got sent off early.

The media tried to make a big deal of the Send off....Jester refused to take the bait!

The next match was a visit of Ipswich Town to Preston. Mikey O'Neill would miss the match after being injured in the Sheffield Match.

Ipswich got a lucky early goal and then played low block defense. We got an equalizer about halfway through the second half and then were denied a winner despite our best efforts!

The match stats bear this out.

The Team found out they would play Brighton in the FA Cup!

Also, the team's investment in Youth Facilities was completed.

The Youth Facilities are now Good. They will have to be improved in the future ase well because the team needs a good youth program to allow it to compete with a limited budget according to Jester.

Looking at this preview makes it all for nothing.....

The next match was versus Lincoln who was making the trip to Deepdale Stadium.

Preston was favored.

The Media started bringing up more contract headaches for Jester......

But that wouldn't detract from the match.

And the team sent the Fans home happy!

The Backups did the job in that match!

The Pass map shows that the team dominated the game.

A useful Utility player who was in danger of getting frozen out of his National team came to Jester about a move.....

So Jester arranged one for him.

He wasn't playing as much as in past seasons and Jester decided to do right by the player...even though he loved having him on the bench just in case.

Huddersfield has a new Manager!

Jester and our Goalie put together a deal that works as Jester is trying to build a cohesive team and limit the turnover of past seasons and if these foundational players leave the team gets enough money to replace them. Call it an insurance policy!

A trip to Derby County was next on the schedule.

Preston was favored on the road but Jester was wary.....

A Partially Rotated Starting XI dominated them!

Match Stats!

Jester loves it when a plan comes together and isn't afraid to let the world know!

During the Press Conference more Contracts were brought up.

After the impressive victory at Derby the team returned to Preston to take on Swansea City on Boxing Day!

The Media pressure brought Jester to the table with Storey and a beneficial agreement was reached.

He was rewarded because he has been a starter the whole length of Jester's tenure and this should cover the rest of his prime years.

And then the team and fans watched the Mikey O'Neill Show! What a way to celebrate on Boxing Day!

It was a dominate performance. Stats don't lie!

O'Neill's performance got him the Championship Player of the Week!

The last match of the Month was against Rotherham.

 

Preston was playing well but Jester was wary especially since he would need to rotate the team.

The Backups Dominated just like the Starters on Boxing Day!

The Second XI playing Well!

Dominating Stats!

Nico O'Reilly has been a wonder off the bench and as a starter....AI Pep shouldn't have got rid of him!

We pressed them hard and they folded into a defensive shell....

The pass map shows that the team penetrated and controlled the match!

League Table

Monthly Analysis

Player of the Month

Fagan Walcott was the Rock in the Center of our Back line!

 

No matter how well we do still never win this trophy!

Management Report

Financial Report

to be continued:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Hootieleece]

Midseason Review 2026-2027

Manager's Thoughts

The team is sitting in 3rd place in the table at the end of December. This was a remarkable feat for a team that was supposed to be in the relegation fight. Jester Called on the Analysis Department to look at some of the League Stats that might give a clue as to why this is.

Stats

The team doesn't seem to have a problem finding the back of the net. Even though none of our players are in the top Goalscorers.

and the team made the top ten in goals allowed. A 21goal difference between scored and conceded means a lot of wins!

The team is just off the pace for leading the league for points per match.

tied for fourth with 10 shutouts out of 19 matches!

The team is playing a possession based philosophy and is solid in 5th place.

4rth in Pass Completion that complements possession stats.

We have Two players tied for third with Assists and neither is our Playmaker!

Our playmaker sets up our assisters.

Three players in the running for best pass completion!

Our Goalkeeper has 10 Shutouts!

and is tied for fifth for least Conceded!

to be continued:

[karanhsingh]

Great stuff, you've really navigated the tricky festive period well. I like the fact that you are now able to rotate and still keep up the level of performance. 

[Carambau]

Slow but very steady progress. This is how you do it  

[Hootieleece]

1 hour ago, karanhsingh said:

Great stuff, you've really navigated the tricky festive period well. I like the fact that you are now able to rotate and still keep up the level of performance. 

I've have always rotated it is just now I win some of the rotation matches.

1 minute ago, Carambau said:

Slow but very steady progress. This is how you do it  

I think that the 5-year plan to win the Championship and get promoted as Champions was on target. Now just to meet the expectation.

[Hootieleece]

I have almost finished playing the season. I will update over the weekend.

I think for next season ('27-'28), I will focus more on the League (need to win as Champions to fulfill the 5-year plan) and tactically and make smaller less screenshot intensive updates. Maybe writing a little more in depth about my thoughts on one match per monthly update.

I would like to know what you want to read about since I think my Screenshot heavy gameplay updates are getting boring.

 

[Hootieleece]

January 2027

Manager's Thoughts

The month of January would see the team take on both top teams and bottom feeders and generally play well. The highlight was beating Brighton in the FA Cup and the low light came at the end of the month where we fell just short of league leading Watford. Hopefully this isn't the High-water mark of our Campaign, even though we seem to be on schedule with Masterplan 2028 and headed for the Playoffs.

Schedule

Highlights

The month began with Deepdale Stadium hosting our ancient rivals Burnley.

We were favored due to form and Home advantage.

Game of the Week!

It was an even match between two determined foes.....

The Draw put us in the rarified air of an Automatic Promotion Place!

"Jester Ball" was brought up again!

Also important to note on this run is our unbeaten sequence at home!

After the big match Jester went back to the negotiating table with a few players to solidify their future.

A Backup CB with potential.

and one of our most important players he scores goals, makes assists, and can play ANYWHERE in the midfield.

Deepdale and PNE had to ready themselves for a visit from Premier League Brighton in the FA Cup.

Preston was favored due to form......

De Zerbi ran his mouth.....

Jester had thought to use his backups so he could concentrate on the League but the Soundbites angered him and he played his Starting XI who he thought were as good as Brighton's if not paid as well!

and it led to victory!

and it was a dominant one if you look at the Stats!

He says we got lucky the numbers say otherwise.

There were some other upsets in the FA Cup as well.

After the FA Cup win the team said their goodbyes to Ethan Galbraith who has a similar skillset to Dele-Bashiru and never became more than a backup.

The Next FA Cup match would be against another of our rivals who are now playing in League One!

The Rock at the middle of our backline gets rewarded with a new contract!

PNE now travel to Hull to keep up their place in the League.

Hull played their best and we played about our worst.....

After the embarrassment in Hull the team was returning to Deepdale to play the WORST team in the Championship!

The Defense is playing well and Fagan-Walcott is its center.

The Pompey put up a determined fight and our defense was less than stellar, but we had enough to win the match! Even if they were the Backups!

Muller got a rare chance to shine as the RWB!

As we had sent Galbraith to Houston, we brought Remy Rosimus to replace him form the U-21's a player and he is similar to Finlay Cross-Adair.

The next match would be the rescheduled match versus Stoke and why the Starters were rested versus Portsmouth since this match was three days later.

The starters were eager to match the Backups with a win and triple salvo in the first Fifteen minutes of the match put it to bed early at the Deepdale Stadium!

Unfortunately there was a casualty in the Stoke match.

Dele-Bashiru is still leading the line from the AMCL-Treq-A position.

Bristol City got promoted to Premier League it isn't going well.....

Jester wants to take PNE to the Promised Land of the Premier League!

And the Board and Fans are thrilled!

Signed a useful backup for a little longer. Trying to keep the team together.

The Next match was for all the Marbles Number 1Watford versus #2 PNE!

There was alot of hype leading up to the match and Jester thought the team was ready for the spotlight.

Jester thought he would escape with another Draw when Jack Harrison scored the Game winner by dribbling through the entire defense and rounding the keeper late on.

 

As one can see the match could have gone either way, but they did get stronger in the second half because they had better players including Jack Harrison on the bench.

A nine-game undefeated streak put us in this position, hopefully we can start another.

We hit the post Three Times! It just wasn't meant to be!

League Table

Player of the Month

Monthly Analysis Report

Management Report

Financial Report

to be continued:

 

 

 

 

 

[karanhsingh]

14 hours ago, Hootieleece said:

I have almost finished playing the season. I will update over the weekend.

I think for next season ('27-'28), I will focus more on the League (need to win as Champions to fulfill the 5-year plan) and tactically and make smaller less screenshot intensive updates. Maybe writing a little more in depth about my thoughts on one match per monthly update.

I would like to know what you want to read about since I think my Screenshot heavy gameplay updates are getting boring.

 

It would be nice to mix it up a bit yeah and i am sure these updates are also time consuming for you. Anyway I really hope this season is THE season!

[Hootieleece]

5 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

It would be nice to mix it up a bit yeah and i am sure these updates are also time consuming for you. Anyway I really hope this season is THE season!

The time-consuming part is uploading to an image host site and then spending 45minutes to an hour writing it directly into the forum response.

As for the season its a good one.....

[Hootieleece]

February 2027: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

The team came out of January playing well but in certain matches the lack of depth started to tell as Jester started recent U-21 Call ups in matches. The team only gave up 4points out of 16, but that is the differnce of a playoff place and truly chasing the title. The team is on schedule to meet the expectations of Master Plan 2028 with a playoff finish.

Schedule

Highlights

Jester expected a slow deadline day especially since he had already offloaded players throughout the window and promoted a few U-21's to take their places.

Both of those players coming in were prearranged deals and would strengthen the U-21's

Middlesborough did the most trying to make up for leaving starters and keeping their promotion hopes alive!

We are still spending THREE times less than our rivals Burnley!

The Month then got started in earnest with the team turning its attention back to the FA Cup.

 

The team would play host to our local rivals Blackpool FC

expected platitudes from the Fan Favorites!

Jester decided to play the Backups against the Lower League team at home.....

Complete Demolition Derby!

As one can see we were on the front foot throughout the match!

Nico led the line as Trequarista!

It was a pleasing victory where everything went to plan.

The team then travelled to pre-season playoff contender Middlesborough a match that Jester was saving his Starters for.

The media did their best to stir the pot....

Of course Jester wanted to play better this time! He wants to win!

Galbraith and Finlay Adair's replacement is out for a month and will miss the big match!

Jester played defensively and got the hoped for smash and Grab very late on in extra time! This started Jester thinking this could be the season.....

another couple of victories and they will start calling it "Jester Time"!

The team set up defensively and played keep away against Middlesborough and it worked!

after the match with Middlesborough the team had another tough road match this time Nottingham Forest.

This time Jester stayed with the same gameplan defensive and keep away.

Didn't work as planned, but it was a close affair that could have gone the other way against a good team.

It was a half rotated side that played against Forest.

The stats show how close the match was and that it could have had a different outcome.

The U-18's and U-21's are playing well which is good to see since it is intergral to Jester's plans for PNE!

The FA Cup draw has us play Middlesborough.....Jester would have prefered a trip away to a Premier league side for the money, because he would rather concentrate on the League. But he will put a strong team on the Pitch against Middlesborough in the FA Cup!

QPR was coming to town and our playoff placed team was favored. As we are starting to be favorites is pressuring Jester to play his strongest team where he would normally rotate.

and the Starters didn't let him down.

Another one-sided affair....Jester would rate PNE's Starters against anyone it is just a lack of depth and Young players still learning their trade that holds us back.

After that win the team had to prepare for another Relegation threatened team, this time Reading!

This time Jester would send out the Backups hoping to get a win while preserving the starters for important matches.

That didn't mean they would play less attacking!

At least the team didn't lose, and there was a definite drop in attacking quality.

The pass map isn't bad it was just a lack of finishing that allowed them to get a draw.

The final match of the month would see us take on Middlesborough in the FA Cup!

Laird probably wishes he stayed now that he is back in the Championship!

The team went down early because Middlesborough had learned their lessons from the prior match well. Unfortunately for them our boys didn't fold and came storming back!

Our Striker goes down for 3-4 week because of a twisted ankle....

Our LWB had his game of the season!

League Table

Down to 4rth, but were playing well Top three average ratings in the League!

Player of the Month

another of the U-21 Call ups working his way in as a DM and emergency duty as Shadow Striker!

Monthly Analysis Report

conceding more than expected but only by .09! But that is difference between Playoff place and Automatic Promotion place.

Management Report

Financial Report

 

 

 

 

 

[Hootieleece]

March 2027: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

The team continued its season but form dropped a bit during March. The team only winning 7 of 15 points. So probably the dream of Automatic promotion or a Trophy for the league are out the window. The team will have to play better in April to ensure their playoff place. Making the Playoff is the target for this season anything better than that is gratis. Next Season is the target of the Masterplan 2028.

Schedule

Highlights

The month of March started out with the FA Cup Draw....

For beating Middlesborough we would now have to take on Leeds United at Elland Road.

The first match of the month was a trip to Coventry and this was a match that we needed to win if we were to be in the playoffs or something better.

We were favored, Jester never underestimates a home underdog though if he can help it.

Coventry went down 2-0 and We looked like we were cruising. Then with about 20 minutes left Coventry introduced us to Nicky Trommer!

He scored within 5 minutes of coming on and at the echo of the whistle!

Points were thrown Away!

Jester made the best of it to the media but behind the smile he was seething!

Everything seems to show we should have won, but that is the beauty of Football!

Luton who got promoted last season are looking for a manager.....NO THANK YOU!

If Jester's going to lose in the Premier League, he would rather do it with a team he molded!

The Black Cats of Sunderland were coming to town next.

Preston is favored.

Jester showing confidence after the less than good form of the Coventry Draw!

In other News Preston U-18's are humming along......

5 regular Season Titles in a row!

Sunderland scored early and settled into a low block. Jester focused on Breaking it down by catching them on a counterattack with a ball over the top to fleet footed Tom Cannon in the second half. It worked like a charm. Two Goals and a win!

Two out of three shots found the back of the net!

We were more direct in this match, and it shows in that we only had only 429 passes. Catching them on the Counter whenever they came out of their shell worked wonders!

Definitely one for the future consideration.

After that victory it was time to take on close rivals Blackburn in the West Lacashire Derby!

5th versus 6th and were favorites!

The Blackburn Coach was trying to play down the importance of the match! We are rivals and it is important to keep our playoff spot!

In a shock move Pep has been fired from Man City! 7th place with XI top 20 players definitely doesn't please the Oil barons!

It was an even match between two determined teams they got the break late on and scored a goal!

We didn't play particularly well but were barely beaten.

As the stats show we were outplayed.....

Jester trying to steady the ship!

U-18's working their way through the Post Season for the Trophy!

After the loss to Blackburn the team had to head to table propping up Huddersfield!

and the Backups would play since the match was so close to the match against Blackburn.

The Backups were more than good enough to beat Huddersfield.

Bad officiating even if we benefit isn't a good thing.

Godd spacing and distribution on the pass map.

Leeds might be beatable in the FA Cup!

Even though they were the runners up in the Carabao Cup!

The club has checked off a box, but has more to play for Playoffs at the minimum!

The Semi Final will see either Leeds United or Preston take on mighty Manchester United at Wembley Stadium!

The final trip of the month saw us travel to the University Town of Oxford.

The Starters played but it was just one of those days......even though we were missing two players due to International commitments.

Not good up front.....

Jester putting "Lipstick on a Pig of a Match"!

but the U-18's are doing great things!

and a special backup hurts himself in a U-21 match....

and of course my favorite list to Scout:

League Table

Player of the Month

Monthly Analysis Report

Management Report

Financial Report

to be continued:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[karanhsingh]

Yes it looks like automatic promotion will be tough now. Hope you can finish the regular season on a high

[Hootieleece]

5 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Yes it looks like automatic promotion will be tough now. Hope you can finish the regular season on a high

At this point I was hoping also....

[Hootieleece]

April-Early May 2027: Regular Season

Manager's Thoughts

The team came into the stretch run struggling with form and match congestion caused by our FA Cup Run. Jester has to take some responsibility for it in that he got caught up in the "Romance of the Cup" and played his best XI in hopes of a miracle Trophy! The team fell short of that by losing to Man United in the Semi-Finals. The teams form in league kept the team from securing a playoff spot until the final day of the season. This was mostly due to rotated teams and almost impossible amount of Woodwork being hit denying the team much needed points. Looking ahead to the playoffs Jester doesn't expect to advance but he will give it a go like the Cup run!

Schedule

Highlights

The only real highlights and low lights came in the FA Cup!

The month started off with a trip to Elland Road in Leeds.

Leeds United as a Premier League Team was favored and they were at home, but poor form made Jester think PNE had chance!

David Moyes got into the hype by stating the obvious!

Jester decided to set up defensively and hope for clinical finishing when we got a chance.....

The Plan worked when we scored late!

The team didn't play particu;larly well but we got the victory!

Stats show how lucky we were!

It wouldn't have happened without a Legendary Day in Goalkeeping from this Guy!

13 saves!

Of course Jester is happy after a plan comes together!

and as a reward we will play Manchester United at Wembley in the Semi-Finals!

The team then played matches in the league between the FA Cup matches but then the days came for the Trip to London!

In other News, Man City got a new boss:

Dubai is hoping for better results with a starting XI that has 11 of the top 20 players in the world. They are currently in 7th place!

This is the Man U Scouting Report!

This is a big game on a Big Stage!

Man United are big favorites! even with their less than stellar form.

Maybe with a win here the team would have a chance of matching the 1938 FA Cup Champions:

The last time the club (PNE) won a major trophy!

Captain Obvious!

Jester is getting ahead of the story here....

Jester tried the defensive approach one more time......didn't work!

Team didn't play well and the stats prove it!

Same as Leeds match, but Man U was lethal in front of goal!

and while we were losing to Man United. Liverpool was busy winning the Premier League with FOUR games to go!

The team still had three matches to play themselves to ensure their playoff place, but in the end PNE squeaked into the Playoffs in the 6th position.

 

The West Brom Match should have been a win.....but that has been our luck these past two months.

Masterplan 2028 right on schedule!

We take on top seeded Nottingham Forest in the Playoff Semifinals!

League Table

Management Report

Financial Report

 

 

 

 

[13th Man]

Excellent run mid season, but seemed to run out of steam late. Do you think the cup run hurt with the already busy schedule?

Good luck in the playoff (though it sounds like you maybe already played it?)

Also - I do feel like the game periodically decides to have your players do the crossbar challenge in matches for months on end…
 

[karanhsingh]

Wow you managed to get in a trip to Wembley as well! Properly FM'd Leeds there 

Good luck with the playoffs - there's some strong sides in there. 

[Hootieleece]

2 hours ago, 13th Man said:

Excellent run mid season, but seemed to run out of steam late. Do you think the cup run hurt with the already busy schedule?

Good luck in the playoff (though it sounds like you maybe already played it?)

Also - I do feel like the game periodically decides to have your players do the crossbar challenge in matches for months on end…
 

As I stated I think our form was impacted by the Cup run, but we were also on the whole playing better sides during April and May. Yes, I am finished with the season, and I can never remember which narrative voice I should be using....LOL!

2 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Wow you managed to get in a trip to Wembley as well! Properly FM'd Leeds there 

Good luck with the playoffs - there's some strong sides in there. 

The Trip to Wembley will be something to forget....(Spoiler Alert) and the Playoff will be something special....(Spoiler Alert)

[Hootieleece]

Late May 2027: Playoffs

Manager's Thoughts

The team had made it though the late season slump with a chance at promotion. Jester used his management skills to the utmost to bring off this improbable victory. It went back to a Team meeting right after the regular season. Where he told them they needed to play better the players agreed. Then during the First leg Versus NF he decided to play like a favorite and it took NF by surprise for the largest victory of the season. With that in hand he played conservatively in the second knowing anything could happen if they made the final.

Then we ended up playing our ancient Lancashire Rivals for the Ultimate Prize! PNE started the match like they were favorites until they got a two goal lead. Then we shut up shop and protected the lead. It shows how much Jester has learned from all of the stalemates and late defeats. He is becoming an "Match Manager"

Schedule

Highlights

After qualifying for the Playoffs and we found out that we would be playing Nottingham Forest at Deepdale Stadium first. Jester had a team meeting telling them that they needed to play better and the players responded.

The team is up for sale again because the Chairperson doesn't want to go through heartbreak again.....

The U-21's are playing almost as well as the U-18's

The Playoff game was big business for the team and the Chairman was looking forward to a sellout!

The Media and the Bookies favored Forest. Did they make the ultimate mistake of underestimating a Home Underdog? Jester hoped so.

Jester also decided that since we were the home team we would play in our normal attacking fashion except that we would look to cross early! This advice came from the Assman!

Everyone was ready!

Domination!

Yes they scored first, but then that got our players fired up!

We were clinical in our shooting and took our chances!

After that Demolition we had to expect a reaction from NF a week later in Nottingham!

NF was still a favorite but could they overcome a 5 goal deficit?

Jester was confident that we would get the right result over two legs!

The FA Cup was decided between the two legs of the Playoff Semi-Final, thank God we didn't have to play in that too!

Jester decided to set up defensively for the second leg to make sure we got the result.

We lost but we are through to the Final once more!

But in a blow we will miss the best player on the team.....

Who will miss the final!

Who would we play in a second trip to Wembley this season?

Our Ancient Rivals Burnley for the right to join the Premier League.

Burnley in many ways is our mirror image.

Jester's plan was to play like we did in First match against Nottingham Forest. Positively with early crosses and see where that leaves us at the end of the day.

Burnley was favored but we would give a good account of ourselves.

Captain Obvious at it yet again!

Jester was always excited for the rivals clash and this time would be no different!

The plan worked even if Jester decided to play defensively after scoring the second Goal!

We are going to the Premier League!

The Transfer Budget is so big that Jester doesn't know what to do with it! LOL!

Both the fans and the Board are dancing in the Streets!

It was all due to this former Man City player we picked up on a Free Transfer!

By XG and stats we should have lost, but that is what makes football the beautiful game!

The pass map shows that O-Reilly was penetrating their end regularly that led to his goals.

Of Course the opposing manager was mad!

Basking in the Glory for Now!

Player of the Year

Also Dele-Bashiru was the pick of the three Preston players who led the league in Match Rating!

to be continued:

 

 

[13th Man]

An FA cup final would have been memorable, but promotion is far sweeter. Glad the FA cup didn’t cost you in the end. 

How you feeling about your chances next season? You going to spend, spend, spend or keep the core of the squad that got you there?

[Hootieleece]

22 minutes ago, 13th Man said:

An FA cup final would have been memorable, but promotion is far sweeter. Glad the FA cup didn’t cost you in the end. 

How you feeling about your chances next season? You going to spend, spend, spend or keep the core of the squad that got you there?

Our chances are bleak in the Premier League because we got promoted a season too early. I am going to keep the core together add a few more that DON'T break the bank and try to not get relegated. 

I was trying to build a young team that grew together thus be able to punch above their weight once they got there. That is still the plan, but I am also planning for relegation if the board will still have Jester as manager.  If Jester is sacked the Career Update is over, I think.

[13th Man]

Good luck! This definitely seems like a one club save. With you already punching above your weight, I doubt Jester gets sacked unless they’re truly abject, though. 

[Jogo Bonito]

Congrats on the promotion and best of luck for the massive challenge ahead.

[Hootieleece]

2 hours ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Congrats on the promotion and best of luck for the massive challenge ahead.

I'm in the Preseason and have finalized the squad that will attempt it. Even though I wasn't going to flash the cash I ended up with a payroll of about $40M/Year just to keep the core together and make a few free transfer signings.

We are probably the youngest team in the Premier League. I tried to get better players than the ones I had as free signings to keep expenses down and set myself up for another season in the Championship if necessary.