(FM21) Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

September 2040

A tight 2-1 victory against reigning champions Omonoia kicked off the season in a positive manner. After a friendly to maintain match sharpness, Geroskipou drew 1-1 against Apol. Limassol in a game that they ought to have won easily.

Against Sassuolo, Geroskipou got one back for the EL R32 in the previous season, beating them 2-0 thanks to goals from Bielan and Diaz. Another draw in the league against Anorthosi, again where Geroskipou should have come away with all 3 points after getting 3.32xG was seen as 2 points dropped instead of 1 point gained.

Form got back on track however in the next 2 games, as Othellos were beaten 3-2, and then Nea Salamina were seen off with ease in a 4-1 win.

Spoiler

News

Another club was found to start a link with Geroskipou, this time it was Teplice from the Czech Rep.

Table

After the up and down month, the bookies odds were all currently hitting for places 1st-4th.

Fixtures

A tough list of fixtures, including away games at Chelsea and Monaco in the Champions League, and Alki and APOEL at home in the league.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

October 2040

A predictable 4-0 loss to Chelsea in front of over 50,000 at Stamford Bridge opened up the month. In the league, a big 4-0 win over Paralimni saw Geroskipou into the international break, where they beat lower league opposition 8-0 and 16-0.

The Monaco result was a disappointing one, Clive thought that his side should have got at least a draw, but the early dominance from the French side proved to be Geroskipou's undoing. Back in the league, a 3-0 win against Alki and 2-0 win against APOEL gave them maximum points from the month.

Spoiler

News

With the money from the APOEL game, Clive thought that the money could be spent recruiting the best players the club could find.

Table

Wins against APOEL and Alki, Geroskipou were now the only unbeaten side in the league, and were sitting at the top of the table.

Fixtures

There were 2 games from the 3 competitions in November. AEL and Ypsonas in the league, AEL twice more in the cup, and Monaco and Sassuolo in the Champions League.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

November 2040

A massive 6-2 win against AEL, with Pereyra getting a hattrick, Mancic with a brace and even Yakubu getting a non-penalty goal saw Geroskipou extend their unbeaten league streak. A 0-0 draw at home against Monaco was another missed oppertunity both for big prize money and points in the group stage. Normal service was resumed in the league, with Ypsonas getting beaten 3-0 thanks to a Jancetic hattrick.

With the international break postponing the cup games against AEL, a fully rested side went onto lose 3-1 against Sassuolo in the CL to keep them glued to 4 points and in danger of crashing out of all European competitions.

Table

The gap was now only 1 point, but Geroskipou had a match in hand over the chasing pack.

Fixtures

December was looking extremely busy with re-arranged fixtures. Apol. Limassol would be followed by a top of the table clash against Omonoia. Then the fixture congestion would really start against Chelsea would possibly be the final European game of the season. 4 days later Anorthosi would visit, followed by Aris 3 days later. On the 22nd, a trip to Othellos before Christmas, and on boxing day, the first leg of the cup against AEL. 4 days later, the final game of the calendar year would be against Nea Salamina at home.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

December 2040

December started out well, with Geroskipou beating Apol. Limassol 1-0 away from home courtsey of a Diaz goal. In the next game against league leaders Omonoia, things fell apart, as Geroskipou surrendered a lead twice and ended up losing 3-2. This would be the last time they lost for the rest of the month in all competitions though.

Chelsea visited Geroskipou in the Champions League. They had already won the group, but still fielded a full strength squad. Despite their best efforts, Lukic and the rest of the Geroskipou backline were a fortress, while the attacking core finished the chances that they were given. Clive's boys came back from 2-1 down in the 74th minute to win 3-2 and overtook Sassuolo for 3rd place in the group after they were beaten by Monaco.

Moving back into the league schedule, a bouyant Geroskipou side easily beat Anorthosi, Aris Limassol, and Othellos 4-1, 2-0 and 5-2 respectively before scoring 9 (Nine) goals without reply in the first leg of the cup against AEL to put the tie beyond any reasonable doubt. Jancetic scored 5 on his own, with Coufal, Pikkuhookana and Miskic adding the rest.

In the final game of the calendar year, Nea Salamina were pushed aside 2-0, and all Clive could hope for was a favourable draw in the Europa League, and for the league form to continue.

Chelsea's form going into their game with Geroskipou was nothing short of Colossus, only dropping 5 points in the Premier League up to the day of the game.

News

The 9-0 win sent records tumbling down.

Even though they were now officially out of the Champions League, it seemed to be an endless money pot.

Clive managed to twist the arms of the board yet again to get some more facility upgrades. This time around it was again both the training and the youth facilities.

Tables

Despite the winning run, Omonoia and Alki were still in the hunt at the halfway point of the season. There was however a sizeable gap between the top 3 and APOEL in 4th place.

With the win against Chelsea, Geroskipou managed to climb into a EL R32 spot. Clive could not help but wonder if the Monaco results went their way though.

Fixtures

The second leg of the cup was a chance to properly rest some bodies and send out more of an experimental side.

Paralimni, APOEL, AEL and Alki made up the rest of January's fixture list.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

January 2041

A 3-1 win with a heavily rotated side saw Geroskipou through to the QF of the cup 12-1 on aggregate. The good form in the league continued, as Paralimni were pushed aside 3-1. The next game saw APOEL beaten 2-1 in a tight game with Priso getting the winning goal from the spot.

The first leg of the QF of the cup was another tight win against Anorthosi, where a rotated side won 1-0 with the only goal coming from Jancetic. Diaz scored a hattrick 4 days later, as AEL were beaten for the third time in quick succession 4-1.

The second leg of the cup was squeaky bum time, as Anorthosi held Geroskipou to a 1-1 draw, to send Clive's side through to the SF 2-1 on aggregate. The final game of the month saw Geroskipou beat Alki 2-1 thanks to a winning goal from Bielan from a corner routine.

Spoiler

Transfers

In the January window, 2 players previously heavily scouted were bought in.

Arroyo looked like a massive prospect on the left wing.

And Toth also looked like a sure fire future star, and he was able to play either centre half or a left sided full back.

Table

It seemed that whatever Geroskipou did, Omonoia copied. The gap was still 4 points, but Alki had dropped off over the month and now sat 10 points behind top spot.

Fixtures

The final 2 games of the league before it split was a great opportunity to get 6 points. The EL R32 was to be played against Saint-Etienne.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

February 2041

With a 7-0 win over Ypsonas, Geroskipou's winning run in the league was extended to 9. This soon turned to 10 after Aris were defeated 3-1 the following week. Omonoia kept the pressure up, so at the 22 game point, the gap was still only 4 points.

The first leg of the EL R32 was at home. Geroskipou could not take full advantage of this though, depsite registering more chances, the game ended in a 1-1 draw with Priso getting the only goal of the game for the home team.

A league match against APOEL broke up the two legs, and after going 1-0 down before half time, a big performance was needed to turn the game on its head. Priso scored from the spot to level the scores, before Diaz struck in the 88th minute to give his side a 2-1 win.

Back to Europe, with everything to play for, Saint-Etienne started as good as a team can do, scoring 3 in the first 16 minutes. As they were now 4-1 up on aggregate, they sat back for the rest of the game and soaked up pressure. Geroskipou could not even get a goal back after that, and crashed out at the first knockout round for a 3rd season in a row.

Fixtures

A 6 pointer against Omonoia kicked off the business end of the season, before Apol. Limassol were the next challenger. Nea Salamina was sandwiched between both legs of the SF of the cup and a league match against Alki.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Youth Intake 2041

For the first time possibly in Clive's career, there were multiple players that he chose to give contracts to through the youth intake. A total of 5 players were handpicked by the boss to be given contracts through to at least 18 years old.

The Players

Possibly the best player that came out of the youth system to this point, Vuckovic looked to be a technically decent player at only 15, although Clive was worried about his personality.

Georgiou was a moderately paced, smart finisher.

And Loizou was a faster, maybe less intelligent version of his youth team strike partner.

Panagiotou had bags of pace and could sometimes put the ball on a sixpence from the wing.

Heather-Bracken looked to be a decent centre half if he could go above his plotted potential.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

March 2041

The European crash effected the side in a big way, as for nearly the whole of March, they seemed to forget how to win football matches. The rot continued with a 2-1 loss against Omonoia, followed by another disapointment against Apol. Limassol, losing 3-1.

Fortunes changed in the cup, where penalties from Pereyra and Karagiannis were converted to beat Alki 2-0 in the first leg. A brief uplift in form continued into the league, where Nea Salamina were beaten 4-1.

The slump started up again the next game though, with Alki beating Geroskipou 2-1, almost knocking them out of the cup on aggregate, but a Priso goal on the half hour mark helped send his side through to the final. In the 3rd meeting of the two clubs a week later, Geroskipou dominance was not shown on the scoreboard, as the two shared the points with a 1-1 draw.

Spoiler

Table

As in months prior, whatever Geroskipou did, so did Omonoia, who also hit a rocky patch of form.

Fixtures

2 massive fixtures lay in April, an away game against APOEL, and a 6 pointer against Omonoia.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

April 2041

With everyone still having to play everyone, the title 'race was racing to the wire' as the media reported.

Omonoia (H) - The 6 pointer

With Omonoia drawing their game against Nea Salamina and (Spoilers) Geroskipou losing narrowly to APOEL, the gap at the top was now only 3 points with 4 games to play, coupled with the current H2H record between the two sides leaning in Omonoia's favour meant that this game could be described as a 12 pointer. If Geroskipou could keep a clean sheet then the H2H record would be equal, and so would the away goals, which was next in the sorting order of the league (3-3 going into MD29).

First Half

Geroskipou meant business, not even allowing Omonoia a shot on goal, which accumulating 11 themselves, one of which was a Bielan header that opened the scoring,

Half Time

APOP Geroskipou 1 - 0 Omonoia

Second Half

If this result stood, then Geroskipou had the edge on goal difference. Unfortunately, the ref was not on their side, giving Omonoia a dubious penalty which was converted and levelled the score. An obviously fired up Geroskipou side made some rash challenges an earned a few yellow cards to worry Clive about early baths, but it was all building to Diaz pouncing on a loose ball in the area and cooly finishing in the 88th minute to give Geroskipou the win and 3 points.

Full Time

APOP Geroskipou 2 - 1 Omonoia

News

Another of Clive's coaching team was offered a job, this time Frei left to join Tenerife in the 2nd Division of Spain. It was too bad, as Clive told him as he was leaving that he had been to Elevenerife on holiday and was much nicer.

Another welcome boost to the fans, they no longer had to drive the length of the country to watch their side play, as the APOP Geroskipou Stadium was now back in action, with a new capacity of 19,821.

Table

The win against Omonoia made the gap 6 points with 3 games to go. Because of the away goal ruling though, they would have to win the title outright on points, so needed at least 1 win and a draw, or hope that Omonoia would drop points.

Fixtures

The 3 league matches left were against Apol. Limassol, Nea Salamina, and Alki on the final day of the season. Another grudge match against Omonoia also lay ahead in the cup final.

Edited May 30 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Matchday 30 - Apol. Limassol (A)

Geroskipou made light work on Apol. Limassol on MD30, dominating possession and not allowing a shot on target for the home side until the last minute of the game, which they scored. A Diaz double was enough to see Geroskipou hold onto their title race advantage.

More records were sent tumbling, as Clive bought on Loizou Y41 off the bench while the game was at 2-0 to become the youngest ever First Division player, as well as the youngest ever Geroskipou player.

Table

Despite Alki winning their game against Nea Salamina, the win ensured another season of Champions League football for Geroskipou.

Omonoia also won their game, but as the gap was now 6 points with 2 to play, all Geroskipou needed was a draw from their final 2 matches.

The board had also made a lot more money available in the transfer budget for the 41/42 season. A massive £12m.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Matchday 31 - Nea Salamina (H)

Needing only a draw to mathematically wrestle back the title from the chasing Omonoia, Clive sent out his side full of confidence after regaining some confidence after their win the previous week. The first half went all Geroskipou's way, and for a second straight game, they dominated possession and did not allow their opponents to register a shot in the first 45 minutes. Frustratingly though, they could not make this dominance show, as the teams went into the break with the scores as 0-0.

The second half started the same as the first ended, until in the 58th minute, Nea Salamina registered their first shot on goal, and it snuck into the roof of the net to put them 1-0 up. Geroskipou were now chasing a goal, and despite the dominance continuing, they could not find their way back into the game, with all of the attacking core missing some laughably easy chances. The score would remain 1-0 at the full time whistle, meaning if Omonoia won their game away at Alki, the title race would go down to the final day of the season.

But as news of the other full time scores went around the ground, there was ecastic celebration from the home supporters.

Alki had beaten Omonoia 3-2, so despite losing, Geroskipou had won the league in the first game back at their home stadium.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Cypriot Cup Final and MD32

Cypriot Cup Final

The cup final was Omonoia's only way to get back at Geroskipou for foiling their plans for a 2nd straight league title. Geroskipou's players knew this and both teams came haring out the blocks, hitting each other with thunderous tackles to try and set the tone of the game, much like in the '88 FA Cup Final with the crazy gang and Vinnie Jones. 5 yellow cards were handed out in the first half.

Like in previous weeks, Geroskipou dominated the early stages of the game, but didn't have anything to show for it on the scoreboard. This was until the first minute of added time at the end of the first half, when Priso ran the length of the pitch from a corner counter attack, beating 2 poorly organised defenders, and smashing home to give Geroskipou the lead at the break.

Half Time

Omonoia 0 - 1 APOP Geroskipou

Second Half

The start of the second half was a much cagier affair, neither side getting enough go forward to make an impact on the game. This all changed just after the hour mark though, as Bohorquez was booked for a rash challenge, and just a few minutes later, so was Gonzalez. The resulting free kick saw a looped ball to the back post where Ferreira poked home, only for the goal to be disallowed for a push in the box by the would-be goalscorer.

After this, Geroskipou somehow become the dominant side once more, pinning Omonoia in their own half, and trying to get that second, cup securing goal. This did not come however, and in the final few minutes, it was all hands to battle stations. Omonoia were pushing hard for an equaliser, but defense wins championships. In the final minute, Iosifidis was running down the wing with only clear air in front of him, before Sundstrom tracked back and hacked him down, and effectively winning the cup for Geroskipou. Not long after, the final whistle blew.

Full Time

Omonoia 0 - 1 APOP Geroskipou

MD32 and May Results

With the excitement of the cup out of the way, it was back to an already won league schedule to round out the season. Alki were dismantled in front of over 19,000 fans, with Priso ending his season with a hattrick, and even a run out for a retiring Panagoitou up front, who after nearly 10 seasons at the club, still had not scored a goal. The goal did not come, but this did not hinder the result as Geroskipou ran out 5-3 winners.

Table

Omonoia crumbled after losing the league, ending the season on 66 points, whereas Geroskipou were a full 9 points clear come the end of the season.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2040/41 Season Review

After another successful season had wrapped up, Clive got the usual competition and club rankings from the news. The league had dropped in stature ever so slightly.

But Geroskipou were on the up, managing to get into the top 45 clubs in Europe.

A massive payout of just over £5m for co-efficient ranking money only meant that next season would be more.

Another chunk of TV money also came in for the Champions League.

Death and Taxes were knocking. £1.4m to the government.

The board, in a fairly rare generous move, decided to clear some debt that the club had. The way the email came through, Clive thought that the big debt of £8.5m was wiped. This was obviously not the case, as the debt of £68,000 was taken off.

But still, the board were overjoyed with themselves, giving each other big pats on the back for a debt that was soon to clear either way.

Before

After

An unsung hero retires

After 17 seasons at the club (5 on loan), Panagiotou decided to hang up his boots aged 34. Despite playing a single league match in the 7 previous seasons, he was the Scott Carson of the changing rooms, and players and fans alike were sad when he announced his decision.

Spoiler

Downfall of Pafos

Clive was looking over the Cypriot federation website to check in on how all the other leagues finished up as he usually did. One oddity that struck him were former cross town rivals Pafos, who had plummeted from the First Division down to finishing bottom of the STOK Division in the space of 17 seasons. This meant that the next season, they would be plying their trade at the same level that Clive started in with Geroskipou all those years before.

Clive's Cuttings

Edited June 1 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2041/42 Pre-Season

Like the previous seasons, big clubs were coming in for Clive. This season, the pick of the bunch were Spuds. Clive wanted to continue winning trophies though, so turned the offer down.

In the reviewed club reputation list, Geroskipou were now sitting on the top of the pile.

The usual £202,000 tv money was being sent over to the club.

Season ticket sales saw a healthy growth from the previous season.

Champions League Draw

Geroskipou were placed in possibly the group of death. Man City, Juventus and Porto all smelling Cypriot blood.

Transfers

In

Big money was getting flung around by Clive in the pre-season, £11.75m to be exact.

Kadusic - A 20 year old Bosnian, able to play either DR or DM.

Nielsen - A 16 year old Dane, able to cover DC or DR.

Milisavljevic - A 19 year old 6'5 centre half. For £2.4m, big things would be expected in future

Dosoudil - An up and coming 16 year old Czech, mainly will be developed at ST.

Mulligan - A quick 20 year old Irish winger, and would be a main feature of the first team.

Michaelsen - A 17 year old Dane, who came in whilst breaking the clubs transfer record with his £4m signing.

Halavac - A real gem in the rough found by Clive. The clubs first ever permanant wonderkid signing, bought for only £3.7m with a release clause at Malmo. Unfortunately, his agent demanded a measly release clause in his contract, along with a wage of £10,000 p/w, the highest at the club by a long way.

Al-Ashkar - An 18 year old signed when he was only 16. There were already wispers going around that he would be called into the Syrian national team over the course of the season.

Spoiler

Out

Just the one sale in pre-season. Lemonnier was wanted by Alki who were prepared to pay through the nose for the defender.

In other news, Cedric Roux would not be able to rejoin for another season on loan as he was sold from Sporting Lisborn in the summer.

Results

The usual batterings, including a 10-0 win against Pafos.

The Super Cup went better than Clive could have ever hoped, as a full strength Omonoia side were beaten 6-1 thanks to goals from Sundstrom, Priso, Diaz and Bielan.

Odds

Bookies still had Alki as favourites for the league. But everyone else knew that Geroskipou were the real favourites.

Fixtures

The league season would open up away against Aris, before Ypsonas and Juventus in the Champions League. Alki and APOEL were to be played within 4 days of each other, before AEL were the final game in September.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

September 2041

After convincing wins in the league against Aris Limassol (4-2), and Ypsonas (4-0), Geroskipou were bought crashing back down to earth thanks to the Champions League matchup against Juventus, where they lost 4-0 in front of a near sell out home crowd. Back in the league, Alki were beaten 3-1 thanks to a brace from Arroyo and another from Priso to send Geroskipou top after 3 games.

When Clive's side visited GSP in what should be the hardest game on the league calendar, they bullied APOEL for large portions of the game, but it was another case of players not finishing their chances well enough, and it was only Mulligan's equaliser in the 71st minute that earned Geroskipou a point from the game. Back at home against AEL, Diaz and Bohorquez both scored in a 2-0 victory in front of the first sell out of the season.

News

After Clive's business in the transfer window, long time servant Andreou was now 3rd choice on the depth chart at MR, and as he was out of contract, he knew his time was up at the club. There was now fresh blood in and this was one of the last players from the previous generation to leave.

Table

After 5 games, it was Geroskipou that stood at the top of the table, but APOEL were level on points and Omonoia not far behind.

Fixtures

A hectic month lay in store, maybe not the most challenging games in the league, but Porto and Man City away in the Champions League and the first leg of the cup against Achna certainly filled up the weeks.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

October 2041

A near perfect month for Geroskipou started with a massive 5-2 win away win against Porto in the Champions League that saw the sides switch places in the group. This was followed by consecutive 3-1 wins against Othellos and Achna, even with a heavily rotated side for the Achna game which saw Loizou Y41 on the scoresheet.

Man City away was the only blemish on the record as the English club beat Geroskipou 2-0 in an expected blow out. Form got back on track the next game against AEK Larnakas, as a 9 minute hattrick from Priso helped Geroskipou win 4-2. In the final game of the month, Achna were battered 3-0 in the first leg of the cup, meaning a full rotation could happen in the second leg. 

Tables

8 games in, Geroskipou were sitting 3 points clear of APOEL, who had made a resurgence from their previous few seasons of disapointment. 

And in the Champions League, there was still an outside chance of the Cypriots qualifying from the group, but the chances were extremely slim.

Fixtures

November looked tough on paper. 3rd place Nea Salamina would be played 3 days after the Achna game. Then in the midweek, Man City would visit for the start of the second half of the Champions League, before Omonoia would visit 5 days later. Achna would give a chance for some first teamers to rest their legs before 4th place Aris would visit Geroskipou, before Juventus in Turin would be crucial in their Champions League qualification chances.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

November 2041

Nea Salamina were beaten 2-1 with a slightly rotated side, with Mulligan coming off the bench to score the winner in the 88th minute. The plan to rest first teamers in order to send out a fully rested side in the Champions League worked wonders, as Geroskipou were able to frustrate Man City at home to draw 1-1 to see them move onto 4 points and make Europa League qualification more likely. After a short break in games, Omonoia were beaten 1-0, with Mulligan again proving to be the difference.

Achna were seen off in the second leg of the cup, before a rotated side beat Aris Limassol 3-2 in order to try and emulate the Man City result against Juventus. This time though, the plan did not work, as Juventus won 2-0 to put an end to any chances of progressing through the group stage. 

Table

Being as Geroskipou were the last side unbeaten, it was no shock that they were 8 points clear at the top after just 11 games.

Fixtures

Apol. Limassol and Ypsonas provided tune up games for Porto at home in the Champions League. A win or draw in this game would see Geroskipou through to the R32 in the Europa League. There were then difficult games against Alki and APOEL in the league, before AEL would be the last game of the calendar year.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

December 2041

December started with some more excellent form in the league, with Geroskipou picking up wins against Apol. Limassol (2-0) and Ypsonas (3-0) to extend their domestic unbeaten run to 18.

With Geroskipou sitting on 4 points in the Champions League, and Porto on 0, the result of their matchup didn't really matter too much apart from co-efficient points. The game proved to Geroskipou that they were not just a flash in the pan though, as they dominated the game, with an xG of 3.32 and even though they only scored 2, and allowed Porto to come back into the game in the final 10 minutes to draw 2-2.

Spoiler

Back in the league, Alki were beaten 5-4 in a rollercoaster of a game, with Priso scoring a hattrick and Diaz scoring an 86th minute winner. The next game against APOEL was another game of frustration, as Geroskipou narrowly lost despite creating the better chances, but a 2 minute window in concentration ultimately won APOEL the game 2-1 to hand Geroskipou their first loss in the league.

Spoiler

Against AEL, it was Geroskipou's to score twice in as many minutes, as they won by the same 2-1 scoreline.

News

With the form he was in, it was no shock that Priso won African Striker of the Year and was named in the continent's best eleven.

Table

Despite losing the APOEL, Geroskipou were still 7 points clear of them at the halfway point in the league, and were sprinting away from Nea Salamina in 3rd.

Fixtures

The cup QF was against Apol. Limassol, with easy games on paper against Othellos, Achna and Larnakas in the league before Nea Salamina presented themselves as the toughest game of the January set of games.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

January 2042

A clean sweep of wins in January. The Apol. Limassol were beaten 4-1 on aggregate in the cup to send Geroskipou through to another semi final. In the league, Othellos were beaten 5-2, Achna 7-1, AEK Larnakas 4-0, and Nea Salamina 5-0. This was the best that Clive had ever seen his side, both in defence and attack.

News

£325,000 was sent over by West Ham after the sale profit clause was activated in Lawson's deal. 

As Geroskipou were selling out stadiums regularly, Clive convinced the board to expand the stadium. The upgrade would take capacity to 21,588

Also with the money burning a hole in the club's metaphorical pocket, Clive also convinced the board to upgrade the training and youth facilities.

Table

9 points clear with only 12 games left to play. At this pace, it looked like a runaway league win.

Fixtures

The final 2 games of the pre-split league were Omonoia and Apol. Limassol. In the Europa League, Shakhtar would provide a good yardstick of the ability of the squad.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

February 2042

Yet another Priso hattrick helped Geroskipou pick up all 3 points against Omonoia, before Apol. Limassol were also dispatched 3-1. 

The first leg of the EL 1st KO round was one of the most complete performances that Clive had seen, as they beat Shakhtar 7-1 to effectively send them into the R16 before the second leg had even kicked off. A Diaz brace helped beat APOEL 3-1 in the league, before Geroskipou lost the second leg of the EL 3-2 despite dominating yet again.

Spoiler

The EL R16 draw pitted Geroskipou against current Ligue 1 leaders Monaco.

News

The Chinese transfer window had not yet closed, and SH Shenhua came in with massive bids for Susa (£17m rising to £21m), Diaz (£21m rising to £25.5m), and Bohorquez (£20 rising to £22.5m). Maybe it was the European run that Geroskipou were on, or maybe it was the form that the team were in, but all 3 players rejected the money that was being thrown at them.

Clive did hope that Susa wouldn't though, as he rated Susa the least out of all 3 players and £17m would not be sniffed at.

Clive had also reached the 900 game milestone in his career.

Table

Forgot to take a screenshot of the table, but with 3 wins from 3, Geroskipou were still top.

Fixtures

A stretch of home games gave Geroskipou a chance to build momentum for the cup semi final against APOEL and the EL R16 game against Monaco.

.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

March 2042

Another perfect league month, with 3 wins from 3 against Alki, Apol. Limassol and Nea Salamina. The win against Nea Salamina combined with APOEL dropping points in their game won Geroskipou their 2nd consecutive league title, and their 4th overall, with a massive 6 games still to play.

With the league all but wrapped up, Clive could field a stronger side in the first leg of the cup SF against APOEL, and they won 4-0, with goals in the 92nd and 94th minute easing pressure in the second leg, where Clive would field a weaker side in preparation for the EL R16. In the second leg, a 2nd string side lost 1-0, but it was still enough to see Geroskipou through to another Final.

In the Europa League, a 1-1 draw at home against Monaco made them heavy underdogs going into the second leg. In the second leg though, a well rested side shook the apple cart, beating their French opposition to a pulp in a massive 6-2 away win, with Priso grabbing another hattrick, to see them through to the QF of the competition.

The quadruple was still on.

RB Leipzig were awaiting in the QF of the EL.

News

After winning the league early, the board released their budgets for next season, a massive wage bill and hiked transfer budget of just over £7m.

Halavac won the NxGn award for the season, no doubt with some big clubs looking to sniff around.

There was just the one youth prospect signed from the academy.

Table

Fixtures

The main focus in April would be getting through German side Leipzig in the EL.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

April 2042

A slim win against APOEL was made even sweeter in the Europa League, where Leipzig proved to be another notch on Clive's gun for the season. He sent out a 2nd string side against Omonoia however, and lost 2-0. In the 2nd leg of the EL, it was all to play for at Geroskipou stadium, though any feelings of nervousness were eased by a Halavac goal, and then 6 minutes later the tie was put beyond doubt, as Diaz stroked home. Later in the game Priso scored Geroskipou's 4th of the tie to send the German side home.

Spoiler

News

The EL SF would pit Geroskipou against Benfica, a side that they had beaten before in Europe. If they could win over two legs, they would be just 1 game away from lifting European silverware.

Finally. Clive however was concerned that there was no bidding from external parties though, as he could use some oil money.

Table

Despite the race being over long ago, Clive counted 20 points between them and APOEL in 2nd.

Fixtures

The EL SF approached against Benfica, if Geroskipou could get through that, then the final would be the week after the league wrapped. The cup final against Omonoia would also be played in May.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Europa League Semi-Final vs Benfica

First Leg

Geroskipou started stronger, going up 1-0 thanks to a Diaz away goal. All was looking under control too until the 80th minute, when Benfica really started putting pressure on. Their class showed and they scored in the 86th minute to level the scores, and then in heartbreaking fashion, struck again in the 94th minute to take the win in the first leg.

Second Leg

Geroskipou needed a win, although they did have the away goal. This sentiment wouldn't last long though, as Benfica left the traps like a greyhound. They scored twice before the 30 minute mark to put them up 4-1 on aggregate, and all looked lost. That was until Diaz scored to give Geroskipou a slight chance. When Priso scored again in the 60th minute, it gave Geroskipou ascendancy in the game.

Benfica knuckled down though, soaking up pressure, and despite a 3rd goal from the spot from Michaelsen, it was too little too late. The game ended 3-2 Geroskipou, but Benfica advanced to the final on away goals.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

Cypriot Cup Final vs Omonoia

Geroskipou bounced back from the disapointment of the Europa League defeat by throwing Omonoia around like a rag doll. There was no doubt in the minds of the players that they were going to win this game.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

May 2042

Despite a weaker side playing against Omonoia, Geroskipou still won 1-0. In the gap between Benfica and Omonoia in the cup final, Clive saw his team stagger to a 1-1 draw against Apol. Limassol, meaning that the record point marker would not be reached this season.

With the squad riding on a high from the cup win, Priso and Diaz both scored braces to help beat Nea Salamina in the final game of the season.

Final Table

Geroskipou had ended up winning the league by a massive 20 points, which is a massive gap given a 32 game season.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2041/42 Season Review

Soon after the season finished, a bid for the club was turned down, in favour of the board promoting from within to the position of chairman.

Despite money coming out of the clubs account during the season for a stadium upgrade, the board then announced that new plans were in place, costing nearly £11m to increase the stadium by 7,150 seats.

The club was now going to be paying off £350,000 p/m for a new total of £24m (+£7.25m interest) of debt.

Both Diaz and Priso both ended the season in the top 3 scorers of the Europa League, despite not playing in the group stages.

Clive's Cuttings

Mulligan made an immediate impact, with 22 goals and 17 assists off the right wing, only being outscored by Diaz and Priso. Arroyo also picked up 17 assists from the left. Halavac and Karagiannis, who were rotated regularly rotated, both got more than 10 assists each. 

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2042/43 Pre-Season

The usual tv money was going to 'flood' into the bank.

Along with a massive boom in demand for season tickets, up nearly 1,000 from the previous season.

Transfers

In

Clive was splashing the cash again this season, with a total of 10 new players coming into the squad.

Borja - An up and coming DL from Ecuador, who could turn out to be a great player in the future.

Paradisi - A player who Clive saw as a long term replacement for Bohorquez.

Reisinger - Possibly a panic buy, although hopefully he could be sold for a profit in the future.

Rzepka - A 16 year old prodigy, who would be learning the ropes in the U19 for a few seasons.

Weis - Another player who could possibly sold for profit in the future.

Wagner - Another player who would be playing in the U19 for a few seasons.

Ban - A Croat who would be a backup for Diaz.

Mihaly - A useful rotation option on the right wing for Mulligan.

Petursson - Another U19 signing. 

Linares - A player who would be used in rotation with Arroyo.

 

Spoiler

Out

4 players were sold on.

Bello being sold was a weight off Clive's shoulders.

Delgado was sold for a profit, as he was not developing the way Clive had hoped.

Verbrugghe was sold to another Cypriot side, hopefully being able to fit into their starting 11.

Coufal was also sold for a profit to the Spanish 2nd Division.

A sale that didn't happen was Susa to China for an initial £35m, possibly rising to nearly £50m. Clive was packing Susa's bags for him, when the news came through that he was not going to leave. Clive had no words.

Odds

After all the transfers coming and going, Geroskipou were still only predicted to finish 2nd. Again, Clive thought that Alki were paying off the media to put them above his side.

Edited June 11 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

CL Qualifier + Super Cup

The Champions League qualifier was set to be against FC Kobenhavn, a team that somehow Geroskipou had avoided in all previous qualifying campaigns. 

In the first leg, Geroskipou were not clinical enough, and went into the away leg with a 1-1 draw.

In the second leg however, the side remembered how to hit the target, and won 3-1 on the night, to take them through to the group stages 4-2 on aggregate.

Spoiler

Some familiar sides were in the group, including Chelsea and Monaco. Red Star were the side that Clive was confident that his side could grab 6 points against.

Super Cup

Geroskipou blew APOEL away in the Super Cup, winning 5-1 after taking their foot off the gap while 4-0 up.

Results

Fixtures

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

September 2042

A 0-0 draw where Larnakas were beaten everywhere but the scoreboard started the league campaign. After that, Geroskipou went on a tear, beating Red Star 4-0, Aris Limassol by the same result, and AEL 3-0. In the final game of the month, a late comeback with goals from Michaelsen and Diaz saw Omonoia beaten 4-3 to keep the unbeaten start going.

Spoiler

Player Issues

As expected, Halavac was being hunted by some major clubs, and his head had been turned. Despite Clive's best attempts, his agent would not take out the release clause from his contract, so Clive made a promise to sell him if the £9.75m was met.

One issue that Clive would not have thought would be an issue was new signing Linares. Despite only being at the club less than two months, he was angry to not be included in the Champions League squad, and had managed to turn the majority of the squad against Clive. 

Tables

APOEL led the league, but had played a game more and only 1 point ahead.

The big 4-0 win saw Geroskipou top their CL group, although the tough games were still to come.

Fixtures

Monaco and Chelsea in the CL. Alki and Nea Salamina in the league were the tougher games, and Othellos and Ermis Aradippou rounded the month.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

October 2042

An important 2-1 win against Monaco in the Champions League continued on from September's form before poor finishing cost Geroskipou yet again in the next game, as they lost 1-0 against Alki despite dominating.

After a 10-0 friendly win, (in which the centre half pairing scored 7), Nea Salamina were beaten 3-0 thanks to a Mulligan brace. The miracle of the previous season did not happen again against Chelsea as they ran out 2-1 winners at Stamford Bridge, before wins against Othellos and Ermis Aradippou finished October on a positive note.

Spoiler

Tables

It was tight at the top, with Geroskipou, Omonoia and APOEL all within a point of each other.

Chelsea were now top of the CL group, although thanks to Red Star holding Monaco to a draw, Geroskipou were still in a qualification place.

Fixtures

Yet another heavily congested month lay ahead, the pick of the games being the two Champions League fixtures (Chelsea (H) and Red Star (A)), and APOEL at GSP in the league.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

November 2042

November was a month of ups and downs. A good win against Apol. Limassol was followed by a suprise 1-1 draw against Chelsea. APOEL then came and ruined the fun, outplaying Geroskipou and winning 2-0. Then a rotated side beat Othellos 5-2 in the cup, and a 3-0 win against Anorthosi followed.

It took an 88th minute goal from Priso to earn a point in the CL against Red Star, with Lukic allowing both shots on target in, on what should have been a night that clinched Geroskipou qualification into the R16. Geroskipou took this frustration out on Ermis Aradippou, winning 4-1, but with an xG of 6.45 and it would have been more, but they struck the woodwork 3 times during the match.

Spoiler

 

News

The stadium expansion was completed, with a new capacity of 26,971.

Tables

The 3 big sides were still all within a point of each other at the 12 game mark.

The draw against Red Star would have been enough to see Geroskipou through the group. The game against Monaco was now a win and in.

Fixtures

The hardest league game in December would be Omonoia in an early 6 pointer. Monaco was the main game though, a win or draw would see Geroskipou progress to their first ever CL R16.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

December 2042

A shock 3-1 loss against Othellos, in a game where Geroskipou hit the post twice almost sent them out at the first hurdle, but the first leg performance was enough to see them through. It was back to the regular programming resuming in a 4-0 win against AEK Larnakas.

In the do or die match against Monaco, a firecracker was shot up the team's rear end, and they won 4-0 to see them through to the Round of 16 in the Champions League. The big wins kept coming in the league, with Aris Limassol and AEL were both beaten 5-0. The final game of the month was another loss where Geroskipou dominated, but the opposition keeper had a blinder.

May seem like a stupid question, but how is this not offside?

Spoiler

Selected match stats

Spoiler

Juventus in the R16 would be a tough ask.

News

Linares was now over his temper tantrum, but there was still a bitter taste in Clive's mouth.

Clive was checking in on the Brazilian youngster coming in over the next transfer window, and it looked like the gamble had paid off, as the media were dubbing him the next Kaka.

And to nobody's shock, Priso won the African footballer of the year.

Tables

Omonoia had slipped off the running slightly, although APOEL were still top by a point.

Fixtures

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

January 2043

After a 2-1 win against Alki and a 2-0 win against Apol. Limassol, Priso was called up for AFCON. Clive bought in Szabo as backup, and it paid off immediately. He scored the only 2 goals in the win against Nea Salamina, a goal in the 3-3 draw in the cup second leg, which helped take Geroskipou to the SF, 4 in a 5-1 win against Othellos, and 2 in the league win against Apol. Limassol for a total of 9 goals in his first 4 games for the club.

The final game of the month, the first sellout crowd of the new stadium saw APOEL beaten 3-1, with Priso coming off the bench and securing the win.

Transfers

In

The Brazilian player had finally joined, 3 years after the inital contract was signed. Raimundo looked like he could replace either Halavac or Karagiannis within the next few seasons depending on his development.

As there was no backup good enough for Priso, who had been called up to AFCON, Clive had to make a last minute signing. Szabo was bought in to be his long term replacement/hot prospect.

Out

A few days before deadline day, Celta Vigo came in for Halavac, matching his release clause. Naturally, Clive thought that this would be the end of his Geroskipou stay, but out of nowhere, he rejected the contract.

Table

The perfect month allowed Geroskipou to leapfrog APOEL to the summit of the table.

Fixtures

Just one game in the league pre-split, and the home leg of the Juventus tie.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

February 2043

3 wins from 3 in the league was pleasing, although the draw against Juventus was most pleasing. Clive thought that Diaz had won the game for Geroskipou in the 83rd minute, but then a last minute goal from Juventus broke Cypriot hearts. It was now all to play for in the second leg.

Spoiler

News

£800,000 for one game was such a far cry from only being selling out a 3,827 seater stadium, although it was only 6 seasons ago,

Transfers

On deadline day, Clive thought that the contract rejection from Halavac would deter sides from bidding. This of course did not happen, as Hertha Berlin came in to match his clause. This time, Halavac did not reject the contract though.

Todorovic was bought in during Clive's panic. He realised that he paid too much for a centre half that was only 5'9.

Table

With 8 games left, Geroskipou were 7 points clear of APOEL, with the title race now firmly only a two horse race once again.

Fixtures

A busy month lay in store, with 2 games a week for the first 3 weeks. Luckily, the semi final of the cup was against relegation threatened AEK Larnakas, so Clive could afford to play a rotated side in preperation for the big game against Juventus.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

March 2043

2 wins from 3 in the league was enough to see Geroskipou qualify for next season's Champions League. A 6-1 aggregate win against AEK Larnakas saw them through to their 6th final in 7 seasons.

The Champions League result looked a lot worse than the performance on the night. It was always going to be a difficult task to go to Turin and win, especially as Juve had 3 away goals.

Spoiler

The consilation prize was the heaps of cash given to the club from UEFA.

That money went straight back into the new budgets. £450,000 p/w in wages and a £26m transfer budget! Amazing things were starting to happen.

Table

5 games to, 8 points clear. If Geroskipou lost this from here, Clive publicly said he would resign as manager.

Fixtures

The title could be won as GSP against APOEL, failing that, Nea Salamina if results go Geroskipou's way.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

April 2043

With only 5 games to go, the title race almost looked over, but Geroskipou still had to play APOEL twice, meaning any further slip ups could see the tides turn completely.

In the first meeting between Geroskipou and APOEL, it was advantage APOEL, as they were the first team domestically to outplay Geroskipou all season, and came away with a 4-2 win. After a friendly against Pafos, Clive's team righted the ship, with a convincing 3-0 win away against Nea Salamina.

Spoiler

Youth Intake

There were 3 players signed up from the youth academy, with the hope of them growing into decent prospects.

Spoiler

News

With the new look bolstered U19 team also playing in the Champions League, Clive was excited to see how they would fare against Europe's elite. It took a shootout to knock them out in the semi final, despite playing Club Brugge, a side that had won the competition a few seasons prior.

Table

3 games to go, and 5 points clear. It was still not decided, but a win against APOEL should be enough to wrap up another league win.

Fixtures

Omonoia was always a challenge, before a double header against Omonoia in the league and then cup final, before an away trip to Alki to round out the season.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

May 2043

The final month of the season showed a sea of green. A 3-0 win against Omonoia was enough to win the title, as APOEL and Alki played out a 0-0 draw in their game. A week later, APOEL's frustration was doubled, as the league winners beat them down 5-3.

The following week, a similar beatdown occured in the Cypriot Cup final. A Priso hattrick and a close range header from Bohorquez helped Geroskipou win another final 3-1.

A rotated side beat Alki 1-0 in the final, meaningless game of the season.

Spoiler

Spoiler

Final Table

In the end, Geroskipou won the league by a massive 12 points, as APOEL drew their final match of the season.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2042/43 Season Review

After the U19's CL run, it came as no shock that they also won the U19 league, although it was only by a point, although the goal difference was double APOEL U19.

Rankings

The First Division was now 14th in Europe.

Whereas Geroskipou were on the rise, shooting up to the 26th in the rankings.

Thanks to the other Cypriot side's ineptitude, Cyprus were not even being given a playoff spot in the CL.

In some suprising news for the scouting department, former Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas had joined the club in the off-season. Clive was hoping his knowledge of the British Virgin Islands would bring a flurry of prospects from the island to the club.

Finances

£4.3m came in from the CL TV deal.

Along with just over £6m from the co-efficient tables.

There was also big news regarding club debts. The board announced plans to clear off the majority of the debt, meaning only £115,000p/m was now payable.

Clive's Cuttings

Goals were spread well through the team, with Priso, Diaz, Szabo and Mulligan grabbing the line share.

Mulligan very nearly overtook Leiva for a single season record for assists with 23, although there were no changes in terms of all time records.

With the new stadium, there was a massive uptick in attendances, as Geroskipou nearly averaged full sell outs for the majority of games.

Edited June 18 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2043/44 Summer Transfer Window

Out

Some small profits came into the club over the summer window. Notably Al-Ashkar leaving for £825k, Michaelsen for £4.9m. The biggest profita came from the sale of Toth back to Slovan Bratislava for £3.5m, to give nearly a £3m profit, and Rodriguez moving to Schalke for a £6m profit.

In

There were 8 players bought into the club.

Sabatier - A French youth international, in on a Bosman from Montpellier.

Ramirez - Another Bosman, a Spanish youth international to compete for DL.

Nuti - An exciting Italian prospect in for an initial £5.5m from Livorno.

Araneda - A DC that would be in the first team from day 1, and already a starter for Chile.

Vargas - A panic loan as deep cover on the left wing.

Radojicic - A third Bosman signing, who has potential to become a starter on the right wing.

Rao - A massive £8.75m signing to be a replacement for Rodriquez.

Vos - A DC for the future, an Austrian U20 international at only 16.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2043/44 Pre-Season

The usual battering of lower rated sides in Cyprus was complete, with a 3-2 win against Real Sociedad added before a convincing 3-0 win in the Super Cup.

In the Champions League qualifer, Shakhtar were beaten 9-2 on aggregate to give Geroskipou their 5th straight group stage spot.

Inter and Dortmund were massive favourites to qualify from the group, with Clive only really seeing Basel as a side that his side could grab points off of.

Odds

Clive was at a loss for words when he saw Alki were once again favourites to win the league.

Fixtures

A tough first month, with Dortmund and Omonoia being so close together, and also Alki and Basel at the end of the month.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

September 2043

7 second half goals started the season off with a massive win against Othellos. This was followed up with a suprise 3-0 win against Dortmund. A tight win against Omonoia was followed up with another win against Aris Limassol.

A rotated side drew with Alki before a Bielan double helped Geroskipou grab their 2nd win in the Champions League against Basel.

Spoiler

Tables

Geroskipou sit 1 point behind Alki with a game in hand.

And second in the CL group, but with 6 points from 6.

Fixtures

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

October 2043

The first perfect month in a while (and maybe ever). 6 wins from 6, with no goals conceded. The 3-0 win against Nea Salamina at the start of the month was the hardest league game, but the real shock came in the Champions League, as Geroskipou comfortably beat Inter 2-0 at the San Siro.

Spoiler

Tables

Geroskipou were back on top of the league, with a healthy lead at the early stage of the season.

Geroskipou were now also top of the CL group, and only a massive turn in fortune could now stop them going through to the R16.

Fixtures

The return legs of Inter and Dortmund in the Champions League were priorities, mainly for prize money though, and a rotated side could be played over the course of the month, with Ypsonas, Anorthosi and Othellos all also coming in November.

Edited July 31 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

November 2043

The home game against Inter sent Geroskipou crashing back down to earth, as they went back to Italy with all 3 points. A tired side then drew against APOEL, before the international break.

After the break, form in the league improved, with a 2-0 win against Anorthosi and 5-1 win against Othellos. But a trip to the yellow wall was fruitless, as Dortmund won 3-1.

In Clive's goal of bringing in some more scouting knowledge, Shamrock Rovers were chosen as a new affiliate club.

Tables

Geroskipou were now unbeaten in the league in 12, and sitting top of the table.

The losses in the Champions League however meant that qualification from the group stage were hanging on by a thread.

Fixtures

The re-arranged cup tie was to come in December, and the win and in game against Basel in the Champions League.

Edited August 5 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

December 2043

Almost another clean sweep of wins in December, the only loss was an undeserved loss against Nea Salamina in the league. 2 3-0 wins in the cup against Ypsonas saw Geroskipou progress to the quarter final, where Nea Salamina were beaten 4-0 in the first leg, which made up for the defeat in the league 4 days prior.

In the league, an 8-0 win over Achna, and consecutive 4-1 wins over Omonoia and Aris Limassol saw Geroskipou end the month with a +47 goal difference at the halfway stage of the season.

In the Champions League, Basel were beaten 2-0 to secure a R16 berth for the Cypriot club.

Spoiler

Arroyo was looking to leave to join the MLS. Given the fact that he still had a few seasons left on his contract, Clive rejected the offer knowing that he would be able to hold out on any unhappiness.

Tables

The gap at the top had been cut to 5 points.

Real Madrid would be one of the tougher challenges in Clive's managerial careers.

Fixtures

Alki and APOEL would be the toughest challenges in the league, but with no congestion, Clive would be able to play full strength sides for all games.

Edited August 5 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

January 2044 Transfer Window

There were only a few deals, but they were significant.

In

San Roman was the one in, although this was agreed at the start of the season. 

Clive struggled to get this deal over the line, with Chivas demanding an initial £16m, with a few £m in add ons, but ultimately, he thought is was worth the gamble.

Not only was it a club record transfer, but also a league record transfer.

San Roman also demanded a massive contract, making him highest paid player at the club.

Out

2 players on the way out, Bielan refused to renew his deal, and instead chose to move to China for a massive wage increase.

Susa also refused a new deal, so Ajax came in. As he was not a regular starter, Clive managed to negotiate a £1m fee.

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

January 2044

Clive reached the 4 figure milestone during the month against Ypsonas, in a game his side won 2-1 thanks to goals from Raimundo and Priso.

The rest of the month was yet another clean sweep on wins, San Roman scored a brace on debut to help beat Alki in a 2-1 win. In the second leg of the cup, a rotated side won 2-1 on the road to send Geroskipou through to another semi final.

San Roman scored another brace against AEK Larnakas, before Raimundo scored 4, including 3 penatlies in a 5-0 win against APOEL, before the month rounded out with an impressive 3-1 win against Anorthosi.

Clive had never seen a ruling like this before! A straight red was a harsh call on the field, and the FA rescinded the ban.

If anyone has seen one of my previous threads, I thought it would be funny to see how Mongolian Dream could shape up against Geroskipou, but they were 'too far away'.

Table

A much healthier 11 point lead at the top, with 11 games left.

Fixtures

The big one was coming up, Real Madrid were visiting Cyprus for the first time in nearly 30 years (APOEL in CL GS 17/18).

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

February 2044

Just before the Madrid game, Mulligan twisted his ankle, meaning that Sundstrom would have to deputise for both legs.

A San Roman winner was all that seperated Geroskipou and Apol. Limassol in the 22nd game of the season.

A 1-0 loss to Madrid in the Champions League was followed by further tight wins against Omonoia and Apol. Limassol (Again).

How his side didn't come away with a win was beyond Clive. Poor finishing would be the obvious culprit though, as Geroskipou out xG'd Madrid 2.51-1.48.

Table

With a 13 point lead and only 8 games left, only a fool, or Arsenal, could bottle this lead.

Fixtures

A massive March lay in store for Geroskipou. APOEL away, followed by Alki in the cup, before a trip to the Bernabeu. Then Alki in the cup 3 days later, before Alki in the league and Omonoia, all in the space of 3 weeks.

 

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

2044 Youth Intake

For the first time in a while, Clive decided to sign multiple players from the youth squad in the hope that they would be useful to his squad or another squad in the First Division in the future.

Tuttle-Horncastle Y44

Vasileiou Y44

Efastathiou Y44

Martidis Y44

Dimitriou Y44

Kyriakou Y44

Edited August 6 by ChaosClive

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

March 2044

It was as if the clock had rewound 10 years, as Geroskipou lost 4/6 games in March. APOEL witheld a late onslaught to win 2-1. Then in the cup, a Nuti double saw Alki defeated 2-0, before a full strength side narrowly lost 2-1 (3-1) to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

A 3rd string side then lost 2-0 against Alki and the ensuing shootout to put an end to the cup dominance.

4 days later, Alki were dispatched 3-0 in the league before a return to rotten form came in the shape of a 2-1 defeat against Omonoia.

Spoiler

Table

5 Games to go with a 14 point lead, according to Clive's maths, one point would be enough for another title.

Fixtures

[ChaosClive]

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou

April 2044

With the title in sight after a 3-0 win against Nea Salamina, Geroskipou pulled out all the stops in the next game against Apol. Limassol, hammering them 9-1 and bringing home the title, with Priso and Nuti both grabbing hattricks, Mulligan a brace and Raimundo the icing on the cake.

After the international break, Priso bagged another hattrick on route to a 5-2 win against APOEL.

News

Despite the season not yet being over, another goalscoring record tumbled.

A massive wage bill and transfer budget would be in effect for the 44/45 season.

The U19 side managed to breeze through Roma to win the U19 Champions League.

Hall of Fame

Despite managing his whole career in Cyprus (Minus the winter of the AFCON victory) Clive was now seen as one of the top English managers of all time, being on a list that included Clough, Robson and Revie.

Table

With the league now wrapped up once again, it was now about finishing in style.

Fixtures