Hootieleece Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 (edited) Hello again! With the Beta out I didn't get much of a break from FM. (about two days) Premise: I usually start a save as myself every year with the Beta to learn the new features before delving into creating Career Updates. This year I decided to record my travels in that save for posterity. The Title: On the Road is a novel by Jack Kerouac an author from a city I live near in Massachusetts. Hootie is my nickname because I love "Hootie and the Blowfish" a 90's Band. The Manager: I don't know why it gave me basic Spanish.......It does it every year. (I would have picked French since that is what I studied at the University. The Skills: (or lack there of) The Game World: (Leagues playable or on View) Due to a screwup when setting up I only had MLS Leagues available on my original start date (October 19. 2023) So I vacationed again until the playable leagues started loading. (I vacationed till 6/18/2024, the day AFTER the School Year ends for me). to be continued: Edited March 17 by Hootieleece Changed title. Again#4 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shd34_216_42 Posted October 19, 2023 Share Posted October 19, 2023 Spanish is probably because of the nationality. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted October 20, 2023 Share Posted October 20, 2023 You know you can add second languages in the manager setup. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 20, 2023 Author Share Posted October 20, 2023 8 hours ago, keeper#1 said: You know you can add second languages in the manager setup. I know but I didn't. I used to add French, but didn't bother this year. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 20, 2023 Author Share Posted October 20, 2023 The Job Search begins: There were four jobs open. I only applied to Conwy Borough because it had biggest payroll. Of course I took the interview! I needed a job! I was sent an offer letter and I accepted. Considering my lack of credentials, I thought the offer was more than fair. Yes, I make less than I did teaching but I will now be on an exciting adventure in Wales. I am taking over the biggest team and favorites in the Cymru North! It has a small fanbase but I will work to make it bigger and better with success. Tactical Direction As a Liverpool fan I will try and emulate Jurgen Klopp's Success wherever I go in this save so I created the following tactics. They are all "Out of the Box" Gengen Press TI's 4-3-3 Formation will be the main formation. with a 4-2-3-1 Wide Variant which I am most familiar with and have had the most success with in FM. and finally a 4-2-4 because it was a suggested formation for a Gengen Press. to be continued: 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted October 20, 2023 Share Posted October 20, 2023 Wales, eh. Speaking English and Spanish will do you no good there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 20, 2023 Author Share Posted October 20, 2023 39 minutes ago, keeper#1 said: Wales, eh. Speaking English and Spanish will do you no good there. Probably, but enough Welsh people understand English. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted October 21, 2023 Share Posted October 21, 2023 I was also considering starting in Wales for this year's save, good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13th Man Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 Here we go, another American??? Looking forward to seeing how this goes! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 22, 2023 Author Share Posted October 22, 2023 10 hours ago, Rikulec said: I was also considering starting in Wales for this year's save, good luck! Thanks. 4 hours ago, 13th Man said: Here we go, another American??? Looking forward to seeing how this goes! This Avatar is one that is closest to actual me. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sizeman21 Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 Good luck in Wales! Journeyman saves are always fun to follow! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 22, 2023 Author Share Posted October 22, 2023 1 hour ago, Sizeman21 said: Good luck in Wales! Journeyman saves are always fun to follow! Thanks for the follow. I should have 1 or 2 months of updates up later today. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 22, 2023 Author Share Posted October 22, 2023 (edited) July 2024 Manager's Thoughts It is exciting to take a job in Football after all those years of teaching and to do it in another country such as Wales is wonderful. I had to take a salary cut to accept the job, but I was glad to do so. Then the Owner/Board let me know that even though we are a newly promoted team it is expected that we win the League and get promoted to the top league in Wales this season. After reading the media expectations I began to believe that also then I met the squad, all 13 of them. So, this is going to be a building job while under pressure to win. I think we can do it by adopting Liverpool tactics and eventually adapting them to our situation. The reason I am doing this is because I am a Liverpool fan and know just about nothing about tactics. I am going to start with the 4-3-3, but might move to a 4-2-3-1 Wide because I know it well from FM. Schedule The Team The team is in a good place for a newly promoted team and has good facilities for this level. Highlights (Preseason) I tried to be humble and still inspire confidence with this answer especially since I have no background in Football/Soccer. Shortly after the interview was my first match a friendly and I got to see the team put my "Liverpool" tactics in action. It wasn't the best performance, but it was a win without much practice. The team had only 13 players and no staff so I tried to bring up the numbers a bit. After some cajoling the President/Owner said yes but ended up calling it off due to lack of responses. This was a "gray" player that was on the team he was the best of them, so I gave him a job. I would also later give jobs to Scott Smith and Gareth Craig as well to build up the number of players in the team so I can rotate a bit and or provide cover for injuries. The next friendly match showed how good we COULD be...... We had another Friendly and the team didn't play so well..... After a few preseason friendlies it was obvious that the team had only to really good players. He was named Captain and given the Mo Salah role os AMR-IF-A in the 4-3-3. Lee Ellis was named Vice Captain and was to be the runner from the Midfield Three. Near the end of the month applicants started coming in for the open Staff roles and I conducted interviews. I hired the best of the Goalkeeping coaches. I hired a Chief Scout so that I could at least get reports on the opposition. I hired a physio, and he would be busy soon. Season Preview The team is expected to win the league and be promoted even though we are a newly promoted team. This is in line with the Board of Directors objectives for the season. No Pressure! Even though we are expected to win the league only one player is a preseason pick for player awards. Regular Season Highlights Heading into my first game in charge there were some nerves. Even though we are favorites to win the league we are not favored in this matchup. Even so I expect a win.....then again I expect to win every match! I signed a Head of Youth Development even though we really have no u-19 players right now this is more for next season and the future. I also hired an Assman before the first match. He is more capable than me and has a badge. Mostly I picked him for his Set Piece Preferences that reflect mine. The Owner/Board reminded me of the objectives for this season. Finally, the first match came, and it was a win completed by our Captain Edwards! I am focusing on Conwy because I need to worry about getting us promoted by being the best we can be! The Owners secretary got back to me that we sold 105 season tickets for a 1,000-seat stadium! We will officially be moving into our new stadium with this next match. Hopefully it will be our fortress on the way to the championship! We were expected to win this one...... and we did emphatically. The Captain continued his good play leading the team to victory! Player of the Month and I came in second for Manager of the month! Looking Ahead to be continued: Edited October 22, 2023 by Hootieleece added images , and wrote words 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13th Man Posted October 22, 2023 Share Posted October 22, 2023 Let’s gooo!!! 105 season ticket holders!!! Good first few matches too. What’s the level of play there (maybe compared to the English pyramid)? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 22, 2023 Author Share Posted October 22, 2023 August 2024: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The month saw the team lose twice my first two losses as a manager. I am sure there will be more in the future. Some of it because of an injury crisis in the Goalkeeping department. some of it because we actually aren't suited to playing a high defensive line. (Lack of pace) that will become more of an issue if we are promoted but I think that the "Klopp Tactics" are working fine for a team expected to win the league championship. Schedule Highlights The first match of the month saw us get an injury worry. our number one Goalkeeper broke his hand! and could be out as much as 2 months! Gareth Craig was another of the "Gray" players that I signed for the team. He is Edwards understudy at AMR-IF-A but will also be cover for the Left Back. He is an ML by training. In a Friendly against Mold Alex that the backroom staff agreed to......our backup keeper broke a finger. I see the beginnings of a injury Crisis. We need a goalkeeper! We signed one off his couch! Named Callum Roberts. The next match was in the Welsh Cup We lost on penalties while playing the youngsters to give some of our players a rest. Since the league is the boards priority. The next match was in the league and see the team play with a full-strength side. We drew the match 1-1. In the after-match press conference I was asked about tactics. During this month I spent as much time trying to keep our players on the team as I did coaching them. Star Left Back Simon Taylor was offered by numerous teams but decided to stick with us. After getting an updated non-contract offer from us. And it was much the same with Sam Sumpter the linchpin of our Defense and a Set-Piece Star. The team then had to travel to Holywell Town for a match. We played like the expected champions and dominated them. They ended up playing deep and we had to breakdown the bus with Set-Pieces. We are playing as expected with a novice manager......maybe the man management and motivation skills I learned in the classroom are bearing fruit. and we set a team record. We must be doing something right. Guilsdield came calling to Y Morfa Stadium and we were considered favorites. The game started well enough but soon turned sour, especially since the referee was terrible. Of course, I was disapointed to lose and to lose the top spot in the table because that is the goal for the season. League Table I'm sorry that I didn't take the screenshots at the right time in game. Monthly Analysis Report We score more than we give up, but we give up too many some of that is because of our goalie situation but some of it because of our High Line. Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 22, 2023 Author Share Posted October 22, 2023 5 minutes ago, 13th Man said: Let’s gooo!!! 105 season ticket holders!!! Good first few matches too. What’s the level of play there (maybe compared to the English pyramid)? Vanarama North/South at best. You have to remember these are all Semi-Professional teams. There are only four professional teams in Wales (Cardiff, Swansea, The New Saints, Wrexham) Only TNS plays in the Welsh Pyramid. As for the home games in the league we are attracting about 2500! The hardest thing for the team is that I am not allowed Part-Time Contracts for players only staff. Which will make keeping players hard especially if we are promoted. Only one player has left so far. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13th Man Posted October 24, 2023 Share Posted October 24, 2023 On 22/10/2023 at 13:46, Hootieleece said: Vanarama North/South at best. You have to remember these are all Semi-Professional teams. There are only four professional teams in Wales (Cardiff, Swansea, The New Saints, Wrexham) Only TNS plays in the Welsh Pyramid. Got it. I knew the major Welsh clubs just about played in the English leagues, but wasn't sure the state of the Welsh league on its own. Semi-pro is it's own type of challenge. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 24, 2023 Author Share Posted October 24, 2023 September 2024: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team is playing well as expected even though we are using tactics that don't suit the team. Mostly it is a pace issue on the backline. But since we are favorites in most matches a lot of teams are sitting back and allowing us to press them which leads to goals. Also, since we are substantially taller and good jumpers, we do well on set pieces. Our match against a bigger team went as you would expect we lost. mostly because of pace and technical skill of our opponents. It is something for me to keep in mind for the future if we get promoted. We are on track to do just that, but the season is long. Schedule Highlights September started with me working the contracts of our First team players to keep them on the team. This is a major problem with Non-Contracts. Liam Fish is a decent CB and is probably 3rd best but he is left footed, so he spends time in the Starting XI. The First match of the Month was in the Welsh Cup....and would be the first of a Double Header versus Rhyl 1879. Conwy was the favorite and needed to play like it. We played well but it took to extra-time to seal the deal. Mostly because we couldn't break down their defense. I was pleased with the brace for our new Striker that helps him settle into the side. We then had to ready ourselves to take them on again a few days later this time at Y Morfa Stadium. Another Cup game, different Cup! Still Favored and needed to do the job. Which we won 2-1 with a penalty shot. With that win our cup duties were over for the month, and we looked forward to playing in the League and living up to our billing as best team in the league. Again we would play at Y Morfa Stadium and were the Favorites. It was considered the top match of the week in our league. Gresford gave us their best shot, but we just outscored them. I am worried about our defense mostly because I don't think we have the pace to play the High Line. It shouldn't hurt us too bad in this league but will definitely be a problem at the next level. I will always believe in my team's ability to win a match! The next match would see us travel for the next match and be underdogs even though we are 2nd in the League table. We are still playing the unmodified "Klopp Tactics" and we keep winning! The opposing coach was sanguine about the loss.... On the other hand, I was overjoyed with the dominant DEFENSIVE performance! The last match of the month would see us host Haverfordwest in the Welsh Cup. This would be a tough match against a much bigger team, since they were recently relegated from the Top Welsh League and most of their players were on Full Part-time Contracts much bigger than any player we have makes. I was excited to see how my team stacked up against bigger competition so I could start planning for the future. We were beaten by a better team we were simply outclassed. And the Gengen Press didn't help......It works when you're the favorite but as an underdog that is outclassed you are in for a rough time. Of course, I'm aiming of getting to their level. They had several players on the field that made more than my whole team each! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Monthly Awards Player of the Month Manager of the Month Maybe I have a future in the Football Managing career! Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 24, 2023 Author Share Posted October 24, 2023 October 2024: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team is playing well even though the 4-3-3 gegen press doesn't suit the team, but because we are better than most of the teams in the league it works out ok so far. This month was a fine example as we played several of the "cellar dwellers" of our league and won all of our matches. Schedule Highlights The month of October started with a match against the worst team in the League. The Match would be at the Y Morfa and we were favored since we were in first place. I was upbeat about our chances to win the match against Airbus UK. We were in second because Denbigh finished their match first, before our domination of the lackluster Airbus UK was over. Airbus UK tried to make it a Rugby match, but we were up for it and being bigger and stronger especially across the backline let us set the tone in our favor. Don't know what was "unpredictable" about it the best team played the worst team and thrashed them. During the time between matches I organized mentoring groups to help make our younger players better professionals. The groups are quite large but are organized by position type so that the players will learn PPM's useful for their positions in their training time. Generally, I like to have one mentor type for no more than four mentees. The next match was against old opponents 1879 Rhyl from the back-to-back cup matches. We traveled to Rhyl for the match and were considered favorites. I kept the familiar Starting XI in place because it was working. We are playing well, of course we are going to win the match! It was a tough match played out against a team that knew a lot about our playing philosophy. The winner came from the sub-Jordan Cowan. After the match our next match would be at the Y Morfa Stadium. Hay St. Mary's was next on our dance card and we were expected to beat the team in terrible form. We won the match 3-0. With another good defensive performance. Crossing objectives off the boards list is always a good way to keep a job. As a reward we will take on Holywell Town in the next round. The Y Morfa Stadium was the sight of our next match. It was a match against another relegation threatened team and we were favored. We scored three goals in a row to take a lead before they got one back, but we put together another good performance. We are doing what we were supposed to do this season win matches! With the Denbigh loss we get a little breathing space at the top of the table. And our central midfielder was named player of the week! Griffith's goal was a free kick that Messi would have been proud of! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Our defense is improving after dominating the leagues cellar dwelllers. But over the whole season we have been terrible mostly due to the lack of pace in our back line, but we have the firepower to win most matches anyway. Player of the Month Jacob led the line for us and bagged important goals for us. I won the Manager of the Month again not bad for a novice with no badges! Management Report Monthly Financial Report The team will be in the red by the end of the season no doubt which means we must get promoted. Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 25, 2023 Author Share Posted October 25, 2023 November 2024: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts According to the media and the table everything is great in Conwy. We are at the top of the table, but I am detecting the first signs that the Klopp tactics are beginning not to work. Even though having part-time non-contract players play like Liverpool of four years ago is a little ludicrous. Unfortunately, unless you are a tactical genius, tactical planning is a lot of copy catting so that is why I copied the team I am a fan of since they were successful. I am in the coming weeks make tweaks to the tactics and hopefully we can still reach our goal of promotion. Schedule Highlights The month of November would start out with a trip to Prestatyn Town. We were favored and needed to do a professional job to keep our place at the top of the table. It was a draw against a determined team, but it was an own goal that got them the draw. Even so I was beginning to see that the AI managers had figured out how to beat us defensively. The Unbeaten Streak continues! Porthamadog was the next team on the dance card. The match would be held at the Y Morfa and we were again favored. Match of the Day! We survived a foul fest with a terrible ref and won 1-0 on an own goal! But again I saw how the teams were stopping our attack and I would start tinkering with the tactic in the future if this kept up. Worldwide Super Stars Obviously, none of these players will ever play for Conwy, but I think this is a good way to keep track of the Gameworld. Highlights Pt. Two The team then headed for Bangor 1876 for the next match. Bangor was favored probably because of our recent poor play and being at home. We played just like we did in the last match but this time we were beaten because of it losing 2-0 to Bangor 1876. We just can't expand our lead over Denbigh. Denbigh didn't play until the Next Day. The team returned to Conwy with its tail between its legs, but had another match before long. This time Ruthin. We need to keep winning because Denbigh isn't giving us any breathing room in the race for promotion! The team won but it was another badly refereed match. It's always good to read good press about yourself and your team. The last match of the month was a Cup match versus Holywell. It should be a tough match with the visitors favored by the bookies. I am always upbeat about my chances.....before a match! Especially since we are top of the league! The match was a thriller even though no goals were scored until penalties were taken! Our goalie was the star with the penalty saves for the win! As a result of the match, we will take on this team in the next round: League Table Monthly Analysis Report The Defense is getting better. Over the whole season our attack is great! Recently it has begun to sputter. Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidBeckham Posted October 25, 2023 Share Posted October 25, 2023 Solid start mate! I would put money on you bagging the league! Even though I’m not a Liverpool fan, I will still be rooting for you! Keep up the good work mate! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 25, 2023 Author Share Posted October 25, 2023 1 hour ago, DavidBeckham said: Solid start mate! I would put money on you bagging the league! Even though I’m not a Liverpool fan, I will still be rooting for you! Keep up the good work mate! And I'm not a United Fan, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying your updates. We are doing a pretty good job, but Denbigh just won't quit making this a two-horse race. Also, in the January window something happens that might change the calculus. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 25, 2023 Author Share Posted October 25, 2023 December 2024: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts It was another good month on the pitch. The team responded well to the change in roles that better fit the players. We even won the match versus Denbigh our main competition for promotion this season. Unfortunately, because of our success other teams want our players. which will mean more negotiations once the window opens in January. We also should be able to get 4-5 players from our youth intake that we can use. Schedule Highlights The Holiday Season would see us trying to keep our lead in the table before the big Six-Pointer with Denbigh just before Christmas. First up was a trip to Caersws. Conwy was favored due to Caersws bad form. I think we are doing well as I tinker with the tactics a bit.....more on that later. A Big time manager comes into the League, but not enough time to make a real run at us though for promotion. A really good manager for this league and he makes 1/3 of what I do! Back to the Pitch We had our way with Caersws and dominated them with the new roles. Barratt has been the beneficiary of our tactical evolution. Another New Manager......Airbus is just looking to not get relegated. We returned home for another match at Fortress Y Morfa! Our Captain led the team to victory! Denbigh plays a day later than we do...... Youth Intake Report Looks like we may get 4-5 players we can use next season since this league requires at least 2 u-19's in the 16 players named. Tactical Change Since the team was beginning to have problems scoring and I was tired of being asked about player roles. At the start of December I decided to adjust the player roles to ones the players were suited for. I got rid of the Inside Forwards and changed them to wingers. The midfield 3 saw a change as well DLP-D became a BWM-D, The Carriero became a CM-A and the third player became an Advanced playmaker- Support. I also setup overlaps and support on the wings depending on the Wingers orders. Also, the Goalkeeper became a GK-D. The TI's remained the same still an "out of the box" gegen press. As we were doing well, I asked to go on a Coaching course before money ran out......of course they said no fearing I would leave. The Y Morfa became a buzz with activity and expectation as the match with Denbigh neared. Denbigh was favored even though we sat atop the table and were the home team something to think about. For once I let slip what I was actually thinking to the media! I almost regretted it. Game becomes the Game of the week in the league. Denbigh tried to turn the match into a rugby match, but it was our captain that was given marching orders! Edwards is our captain and arguably our best player....of course he will be in the lineup ASAP! The last match of the month was against Llandloes. The home team was favored because of the Edwards suspension. We missed our Captain, but at least we didn't lose even if we threw away points due to an own goal! Two more goals for our Striker! With a Semi-Pro team on non-contracts there is always speculation about your best players leaving the team. League Table Monthly Analysis Report Monthly Awards Player of the Month Manager of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 26, 2023 Author Share Posted October 26, 2023 January 2025 Manager's Thoughts The team had an up and down month and a lot of interest in our players from our competitors. We ended up losing our starting GK to a JD Cymru South Team. We were able to keep the rest of our players that got offers from elsewhere. The team was carried by the play of Striker Jordan Barratt and our loss was due to over-the-top balls and miserable goalkeeping in a match that XG analysis showed we should have won. We are still atop the table but because of less than perfect play we haven't been able to really separate ourselves from our title rivals Denbigh. There only Seven matches to go in the season can we see out the Title Run which is what the board is asking for? That is the question that will be answered in future updates. Schedule Highlights The first match of the new year was against Holywell and we were favored being the home team. Just before the match our staring GK Connor Todd left the team for Alfan Lido. Mostly because for some reason I was unable to meet his demands in negotiations. The opposing manager trying to flatter me and my team, pointless mind games! The match was a bit more exciting than it should have been, but we are susceptible to balls over the top of our defense and that exploit worked yet again. The only real way to fix it is to get a better GK or pacier defenders. Young Jordan Barratt led the line with aplomb. Things are going well.... We've managed to create a breathing space in the title race, now can we keep it. It is always good when your best players ignore offers from other teams......more money helps incentivize them! We were on a high and travelling to the worst team in the league....what could go wrong? We were favored against the relegation threatened team and on a high! our backline has committed itself to our cause...... I was a little full of myself in this press conference if I say so myself. It was the game of the day! Everything went wrong and our defense was shredded by over-the-top balls and their goalie stopped just about everything! The undefeated run is over.....need to start another one. This loss rankled a bit as you will see. As you can see we got "FM'ed"! In other news the Welsh Cup ended as always in the hands of the New Saints! They win it every year because they are the only professional team in the Welsh pyramid. After the loss to Guilsford we headed on the road to Gresford looking to make amends. I am still confident that my team will win! It was another big game according to the local press. Jacob Barratt had a game! Hat-Trick Hero! Even the media are noting his good form! The team then headed home to take on our rivals Llandudno This would be a tight derby affair. The media wanted a war of words ahead of the Derby. More mind games, but I showed confidence in my team! Guilsfield hired a new coach after beating us! The derby didn't live up to the billing except there were two teams giving it their all and all we got was a stalemate. I started talking about the title race after the derby. As you can see the title race is tight and hopefully Denbigh drop some points. Only SEVEN matches to go! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted October 27, 2023 Share Posted October 27, 2023 Almost there. You got this. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13th Man Posted October 27, 2023 Share Posted October 27, 2023 Seems like a smart tactical switch - simplify the roles for the semi-pros and play to their strengths. Seems to be going according to plan too! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 27, 2023 Author Share Posted October 27, 2023 19 hours ago, keeper#1 said: Almost there. You got this. Still have seven chances for it to go wrong. Denbigh just won't go away that puts pressure on us. 5 hours ago, 13th Man said: Seems like a smart tactical switch - simplify the roles for the semi-pros and play to their strengths. Seems to be going according to plan too! That is the hope, and it is doing ok. I should have thought about it before but hindsight is 20/20. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 27, 2023 Author Share Posted October 27, 2023 February 2025: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team played well in the three matches in the this update. We did lose two points in a draw with Airbus UK, but our Captain led from the front in the remaining two matches with FIVE Goals in the two matches. Thus bringing us closer to our goal of winning the league and Promotion to the Cymru Premier League. Schedule Highlights With all the downtime in February the players heads were continuing to be turned and I spent a lot of time negotiating pay raises since all of our players were non-contract. Hopefully that will change when we are in the Cymru Premier League! Our Star Left Back! One of our Starting Center backs! Couldn't keep Holloway who was wooed away by our title rivals Denbigh. He was third best of our three best center backs. That ends the January transfer window. No new deals for us. After the transfer hubbub I was happy to return to just football with a match against Airbus UK Broughton. We were not favored even though we led the table. Did the bookies know something about the other team we didn't? I was asked about starting later than Denbigh in the league. I'm not sure there is a benefit to knowing what you have to do. I think it might put undue pressure on the boys. It was a tough match, and we were undone by Set Pieces for some reason even though we are among the tallest players and best jumpers in the League. One week later we were the hosts at the Y Morfa Stadium This time we were favored and needed to do a professional job to maintain our position with Denbigh hot on our heels. Again game of the week! We Dominated! Starting with a Hat-Trick from our Captain to open the match! We let up a bit in the second half after scoring five in the first and let them score one.... The captain led the team with a Hat Trick! One more match on the First of March Again we would be playing a relegation threatened side.... Our Captain led the boys yet again to a win! League Table A one-point lead with four remaining matches.... Monthly Analysis Report Scoring twice as many as we are conceding that is one way to win the league! Yet we are the worst defending team in the league...... Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 27, 2023 Author Share Posted October 27, 2023 (edited) March 2025: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team played up and down and lost some ground in the quest for the title which will make the final two matches important since Denbigh isn't falling off the pace. The team also has a chance for another trophy as well. This is all because we are the best attacking team in the league and that covers for our somewhat shaky defense. Highlights The media used the first week of March to get everyone interested in the Title Race. This will be a nail-biter! Hopefully we don't bottle it! The next match versus Prestatyn Town was to be held at the Y Morfa Stadium. Prestatyn were to be tough opposition since they were in 6th place. At the pre-match press conference, I exuded confidence and hoped the team would pick up on it. We lost! it was all down to a late penalty.......I won't say anything about the referee! I kept my thoughts to myself because I needed to be on the sidelines for the rest of the matches! After the devastating loss to Prestatyn town we headed out on the road to Porthmadog We were favored and needed to win! We got the much-needed win on a penalty! See keeping my mouth shut has benefits! Afterwards we would have a Cup Semi-Final to play instead of stewing for two weeks before our next match. The Tier 2 League Cup isn't high on my priorities, but another trophy is always nice. We won and now have a Cup Final to look forward to and it will end our season! and we will face a team from the JD Cymru South in the Final. I sent my Assman to the Press Conferences for this because I was thinking about the League Title Race! Monthly Analysis Report Monthly Awards to be continued: Edited October 27, 2023 by Hootieleece added images , and wrote words 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 28, 2023 Author Share Posted October 28, 2023 (edited) April 2025: Regular Season "Looking for Lucky" Manager's Thoughts We didn't finish in style but won the title anyway because our rivals tripped up as well. We rebounded to win another trophy in a cup competition. A Domestic Double not bad for a novice manager. I ended up signing a new contract with Conwy after the Title win but was denied a coaching course after the cup win. This will probably be my last at Conwy unless we are successful at the next level. I don't think the current players are actually good enough to make it and I will be looking to upgrade most positions or use some of our U-19 players to round out the squad. Schedule Highlights The first week of April saw the first of the last two matches played. It would be at the Y Morfa and we were favored. The players knew how important these matches were...... I just keep playing the Gegen press until it doesn't work. The match was a frustrating one in that we dominated but couldn't get anything by the Bangor GK! Lucky for us Denbigh lost, and we kept our lead meaning it would all come down to the final day! The Team headed to Ruthin for the final match with everything on the line..... Rallying the boys in front of a big match that is what I want from my leaders! I thought our Striker was playing well in front of the press before the match. The Denbigh Head coach was more involved with what our opponents were going to do than his own team. Match of the Week and a Title Decider! It was a hard-fought match and we lost, and I thought all hope of our winning the league with it, but Denbigh had lost as well leaving us the Title! Talk about being Lucky! We did it! We won promotion to the JD Cymru Premiership. My Managerial Career has so far been successful. After the match among the rejoicing in the locker room I was asked about Conwy's Progress in the Football world. Of course, I was delighted to win the title in my first season! It makes it easy to win the title when your players make up Half of the Team of the Season! We were easily the best team in the league and the other teams couldn't handle "Heavy Metal" Football Liverpool Style! League Table After fulfilling the objectives of the board, I decided to sign on for another season in Conwy since we would be playing in a better league. I'm pleased that I don't have to look for a new job! After the Celebrations died down the team had another trophy to play for..... We were set to take on a lower-level team from the JD Cymru South and were favored. Trying to win our second trophy of the season! I thought my team was in a good place and would win the match. We dominated another over matched team and won the trophy! We did a Double! The Supporters love me......I bask in the adoration of the masses! LOL! Griffiths was the player of the match leading the team from Midfield! Of course, I was pleased with more silverware for the cabinet! I approached the Board about my badges after signing the contract and winning the Level2 Cup! Also, I hoped to work on my badges but that was quickly dashed by the board. I will probably be leaving Conwy after next season no matter what since I am unable to get the badges, I need to climb the pyramid and make a career. Season Review Fan's Player of the Year Young Player of the Year Season Summary Season Analysis Report Board Meeting-New Season We are growing the fanbase albeit slowly! The team is behind me even though I lack badges! After the Board meeting, I signed the better players on the roster to Part-time Contracts. Monthly Financial Report This is the core that I am going to build around for the next season. Expect a lot of player movement as I look to upgrade the squad. The Haverfordwest match during the season gave me much to think about the next level. Management Report to be continued: Edited October 28, 2023 by Hootieleece added images , and wrote words 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted October 28, 2023 Share Posted October 28, 2023 Onwards and upwards! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 Congrats on the pair of trophies! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13th Man Posted October 29, 2023 Share Posted October 29, 2023 Stumbled a bit over the finish line, but managed it anyway. Got the double and a promotion on the resume. Let's see what the next season holds! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 29, 2023 Author Share Posted October 29, 2023 19 hours ago, Rikulec said: Onwards and upwards! Thanks for the confidence. 17 hours ago, keeper#1 said: Congrats on the pair of trophies! It was a bit of a shock winning the league, but the cup was a for gone conclusion. 14 hours ago, 13th Man said: Stumbled a bit over the finish line, but managed it anyway. Got the double and a promotion on the resume. Let's see what the next season holds! The board want me to to play Sean Dyche Football, but I am going to continue to gegen press this time with a 4-3-2-1 Wide DM Formation and hopefully better players. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 29, 2023 Author Share Posted October 29, 2023 May 2025: The Offseason Part One Rhyl East Beach in North Wales for a few days of Relaxation. Highlights None of our players made player of the year....I think our many entries split the vote! We signed a new striker even though Barratt had a great season and was just given a new contract. This guy is cheap! We signed this player to become our new AMC-AP-A in the 4-2-3-1 DM Wide. His biggest advantages over our other players is pace and finishing. I am in search of better midfielders and attribute wise he is better than at least some of our current players. And I got the last of the Four Horsemen of our Defense to sign on the dotted line. In other world news Liverpool won a Treble winning the FA Cup while Arsenal won the Premier League. Man City came in 5th and got into Champions League on Coefficients! I have increased in several attributes due to my successful season even without the badges. Management Report Monthly Financial Report to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 30, 2023 Author Share Posted October 30, 2023 June 2025: Offseason Part Two Highlights Considering we are in the red......that is good news, I guess. We're moving up in Leagues and the prices of tickets are going down? When it says ticket prices are going up! The League we are joining is getting better. Not top 100 but close enough for a Semi-Professional Team from North Wales. We hired the best scout available and for this level he's great! 12 JPA and 12 JPP! We are one of two newly promoted teams! We're moving on up within Wales! Basically, the board just want us to be competitive! I can do that even with the terrible players I have...... Gegen Press is OP! At least we got TV Money this season! Even though that doesn't even pay my salary! This was a player I was looking to sign but he joined our newly promoted rivals Barry Town instead. Daniel Parry-Jones Kurtis Rees Ryan Holmes Josh Williams Sam Jones None of the players signed is much better than what I already had except all are significantly pacier/faster. Most will work well with the 4-3-3 even though I am thinking of going with 4-3-2-1 DM Wide. I still need a better Goalkeeper..... Management Report Monthly Financial Report to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 30, 2023 Author Share Posted October 30, 2023 July 2025: Preseason Manager's Thoughts After a mostly discouraging offseason where I failed to really attract quality players. I decided on a change of formation from the 4-3-3 DM Wide that worked so well during last season to a 4-2-3-1 DM Wide but with the same TI's and Gegen Press. Think Klopp Liverpool 2015-2016. The new players were pacier and that helped but the core was still slow as molasses. The new formation worked well in the preseason, but we had problems against better competition like what I fear will be in the JD Cymru Premier. This is mostly based on playing recently relegated Haverford West in a cup last Season and York City in this Preseason. Schedule Highlights I started the month on getting another CB to provide cover. I am pleased with my signings, but I still wonder if they will be enough to keep us in the Welsh Premier League! The Welsh League Cup has us playing against old foes Bangor 1876 in the first competitive match of the season. I brought in a Defensive Midfielder that is much better than any of the current players and that should help the defense overall. Coaches with much better attributes and qualifications are getting jobs in this league..... And I spent much of the preseason in between matches renegotiating with the players to keep some of whom I had wished to replace but couldn't find a significant upgrade we could attract. These players are on cheap deals and could leave in the future but for now they provide cover and or play in the starting lineup depending on circumstances. We played well in the Preseason except for our match against York of the Vanarama National League. They definitely outclassed us on the pitch and off of it as well with the salaries of their players. They were fully professional and star players were earning $45k to $12k for our star players. (per year) Season Preview Being 400-1 means the bookies and Media expect us to get relegated. I am just looking at getting into 10th place and staying up. I think 33 points will do it. Of course, being relegation candidates mean none of our players are on the preseason lists for awards. Maybe we'll shock the world! Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 31, 2023 Author Share Posted October 31, 2023 August 2025: Regular Season "Rollin" Manager's Thoughts I came into the season with trepidation based on the two matches against bigger competition we had played and expected a big step up for us. I was also determined to keep playing a Gegen press style approach even though we are underdogs. I think that the approach is working because the AI doesn't expect it and expects us to "Park the Bus" because we have been big underdogs in every match. In every match after we get the first goal or two it is the AI the "Parks the Bus" and we then control the game and play for Set-Pieces which we are good at being tall and good jumpers. So far it is working, and we are well on our way towards safety from relegation. Let's just say we are "Rollin'". Schedule Highlights The first competitive match of the season was a Cup match versus Bangor 1876. I decided to field a strong team for the cup match as I saw it as dress rehearsal for the start of the season. We played well and dominated the action. Bangor played us like we were a much bigger team and parked the bus, but it was all for naught as we scored late with a Set-Piece rebound! Our new DM had a great debut among a few others. We signed last year's second half GK as a backup/emergency GK. Our Star Left Back has gone missing from training.....shouldn't have given him such a lucrative deal but he is one of the few players that will probably make it at this higher level. He will also sit out the season opener as further punishment. The Board wants me to try and avoid relegation and be competitive in the cups. That is what my objective is also. If we get off to a good start we may have relegation beaten before the league splits into Championship and Playoff Divisions. Since there are 32 matches in the season my goal is to get 33 points which should be enough for 10th place and safety. As a reward for beating Bangor we get a trip to Connah's Quay! After all that it was time for the first match of the new season and Bala Town was coming to visit the Y Morfa Stadium. We were underdogs, but never bet against home underdogs according to Hootie rule of Football Wagering. Bala Town was shocked that we tried to play on the front foot and pressed them hard even though it took Set-Pieces for us to score. We really controlled the match. After the historic victory against Bala we then had a trip to Pontypridd for the next match. Again we were big underdogs but I was going to play "Heavy Metal" Football and see where that takes us. Complete domination, Pontypridd didn't know what hit them as we blitzed them for FIVE goals! and it was our Backup Striker, Last Season's leading scorer Barratt that led the team to victory. I was pleased with his contribution to the game. After the glorious victory in Pontypridd we returned home to take on Caernarfon Town at Y Morfa Stadium. Again, we were considered "underdogs". Another great performance! We went out to a two zero lead and then were pegged back by a goal against the run of play and Barratt scored a finisher in Extra time to cap the victory and send all 190 fans home happy! It was a bit of a pyrrhic victory with our starting Goalkeeper getting injured and being out for almost two months! (I have noticed more injuries to goalies during matches in this year's match engine. No more not having a backup keeper on the bench) Conwy next had to take on Carmarthen Town in the next fixture. We are still considered underdogs because no one is taking us seriously yet....... Another Historic Victory because of working the ball into the box and Set Pieces. We went out to a 3-0 lead before they knew what hit them even though they tried to "Park the bus" after the first goal. Set-Pieces were how we scored we outclassed them in the Air! and just to make sure we didn't lose a key player I renegotiated another deal. League Table Monthly Analysis Report scoring many more than we concede is the recipe for winning Football! Monthly Awards Wright has played magnificently playing well in defense and getting forward to score as well! Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13th Man Posted October 31, 2023 Share Posted October 31, 2023 Being big, tall, and fast can really be a massive advantage at the lower levels. I should know, that was pretty much me, though I got a bit more intelligent and skillful in my mid 20s. Seems to be working so far though! Wonder when sides will start to park the bus on you? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted October 31, 2023 Author Share Posted October 31, 2023 Just now, 13th Man said: Being big, tall, and fast can really be a massive advantage at the lower levels. I should know, that was pretty much me, though I got a bit more intelligent and skillful in my mid 20s. Seems to be working so far though! Wonder when sides will start to park the bus on you? They are generally parking the bus about 30 minutes in after the first or second goals and then it becomes TI's: Work the Ball into the box, Play for Set Pieces, and more Expressive. I give up an occasional over the top ball but it is really us controlling games when we shouldn't.......Gegen Press is OP in the match Engine. No way a bunch of Semi-Pro's with low stamina and fitness should be able to pull it off. I am a Liverpool Fan and that is the most obvious tactic for me to emulate. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
13th Man Posted November 1, 2023 Share Posted November 1, 2023 However OP gegen is, it shouldn’t work without players that are at least more fit, fast, etc than their opponents. I would think it would be extra effective at the lower levels, then get less effective with good but not top top professionals (when teams have the composure and quality to play through the press), then be excellent again with the right top players. That’s kind of what I’ve found in game as well… 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted November 1, 2023 Author Share Posted November 1, 2023 September 2025: Regular Season "Imperfect Circle" Manager's Thoughts The start of the month saw us brought back down to earth a bit after our fast start. We then rallied and won every match for the rest of the month. Including a cup tie with Connah's Quay which we went down 2-0! The gegen press is still working and is scaring teams into defensive postures and bad passes that we are so far capitalizing on. Eventually this run of form will end but I am hoping that by that time we will have enough points to achieve safety. Schedule Highlights The month of September started with the Transfer Window Closing and other than our summer signings no business from us. We had brought in eight players of generally better quality than the players we already had....but they were far from the quality of the New Saints. Harvey Green is the best of the bunch and I will look to build around him in the future. Some of the players are being retrained as DM's because of our change in formation. Many of these players were signed before I made that decision. A bit of mistake but it is working well on the pitch so far. There was an international break that gave us a rest from matches, but I had some players play with the U-19's during the break. Unfortunately, our Backup Left Back will be out meaning our Starting Left back will be worn out after the hectic schedule forced on us by the break. After the break we started playing again our first opponent was newly promoted Barry Town. Because of our Dismal Preseason Ranking and the fact, they were the home team Barry town was favored. I decided to extend some of the Starters break by rotating the squad for this match. It was a mistake to play the squad players and we had trouble defending against a 4-4-2 that played direct "Route One" Football even though they claimed to be a Control Possession side. After the loss to Barry Town, we headed back to Conwy looking to rectify the situation against Colwyn Bay at the Y Morfa Stadium. I learned from my mistake and played the strongest possible team..... We controlled the game but couldn't find the net....but we got the one we needed for the win out of 26 Shots! He is an MC-AP being retrained as Segundo-Volante and he will be missed in the next match. We had a Cup match next against a real minnow Nantile Town. I rotated the team again due to injuries and the need for rest. The squad players dominated but our goal tending left something to be desired. As a reward we get Alfan Lido at the end of the month! The next match saw us travel to Newtown FC The home team was heavily favored but I was ready with a rested starting XI. Newtown Park the Bus after a red card and made it difficult for us but eventually due to a set piece we scored the winning goal and added another for good measure. The next match saw us play in the Welsh Cup away at Connah's Quay The hosts went out to a 2-0 Lead and at halftime I let the players have it with a Hairdryer afterwards we played like champions! and as a reward for our hard fought victory we will play: The Best team in Wales not in the English Pyramid and only Professional team. The Welsh League Cup was next versus Alfan Lido. for the first time all season we were favored by the bookies and media! One game at a time, let's get a win here and then worry about the next opponents. The pundits were right for once as we took it to them! The captain leading by example and sharing the ball with teammates! I was happy with the play of our squad players in a half rotated starting XI! As a reward we will play another match! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Analysis says we are extremely shaky in defense even though we are giving up less than a goal a match and expected goals are less than 1/match! Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vakama2619 Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 TNS aren't even in Wales they're actually based in England Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted November 2, 2023 Author Share Posted November 2, 2023 7 hours ago, Vakama2619 said: TNS aren't even in Wales they're actually based in England I didn't know that. I just assumed they were actually from Wales ever since I started playing FM Ten years ago. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carambau Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 And their name was "Total Network Solutions" before they changed it 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vakama2619 Posted November 2, 2023 Share Posted November 2, 2023 (edited) 18 minutes ago, Carambau said: And their name was "Total Network Solutions" before they changed it They'll be dancing in the streets of Total Network Solutions this evening Edited November 2, 2023 by Vakama2619 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted November 2, 2023 Author Share Posted November 2, 2023 October 2025: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts We continued our good play until we started playing the better teams in the league. We tied Bala Town and lost to TNS and Connah's Quay. As the more than once a week matches began to take a toll on our part time players. The Referee also made sure we only tied Bala Town and lost to Connah's Quay. Against TNS their superior training and quality began to show in the second half and allowed them to win the match. Our success has been predicated on getting an early goal and then controlling the match with possession and Set Pieces as weaker opponents Parked the Bus after our early goals. Time to start thinking about a Plan B for better teams or recruiting better players or both! Schedule Highlights The first match of October saw the team host Penybont at the Y Morfa Stadium. Even though we were on top of the table and had won our last five matches we were home underdogs! The statement game is delayed because of TNS International Call ups! The Penybont match went to plan after they scored the first goal! We responded and got some help from the referee. but we lost our starting Left Back for the rest of the month. Highlights and sitting a top the table.....not bad for relegation candidates! We don't have a lot of cover and the U-19's are far from ready. It is part and parcel of football, we already missed our starting goalie for a month! We then hit the road to Cardiff to take on the Met Uni team.... Another Relegation candidate is picked to beat us! can we keep up the streak? Again, we went down to an early goal and after halftime and some substitutions we took control and won the match. One of my preferred destinations is having trouble already firing a manager! We will play Connah's Quay FC in the Quarterfinal of the Welsh Cup! After the Cardiff Met Uni win, we again hit the road for Bala Town and another tough match. One of my CM's doesn't want to be part of a DM rotation.....I am looking to rid myself of him and bring in a better player in January for the stretch run. He can demand all he wants.....not going to happen for tactical reasons. the 4-2-3-1 DM Wide is working wonders so far! This was a tough match, but the home team was helped by the referee with THREE Penalty Kicks! and we scored off of Set pieces to open and close the match with it ending in a Draw! and next we take on the New Saints in a Cup match! This will be a great test! We played our usual way with a mostly Starting XI barring injuries and suspensions and played the professionals well but lost. and we lost our Right Winger for most of the rest of the season! As XG shows we gave them a match for about 60 minutes when we began to wear down, they took advantage. We returned home to Y Morfa Stadium beaten but unbowed. We were to take on Connah's Quay on the 1rst of November. Again we were home underdogs! The referee decided the match in which only our players got yellow cards and they got a late penalty! Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month The backup AMC had quite a month off the bench. Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted November 3, 2023 Author Share Posted November 3, 2023 November 2025 Manager's Thoughts The month was a mixed bag. We lost to the good teams and beat our relegation competitors even though we were underdogs. We have most likely lost any chance of winning the league due to our losses to TNS, but then again it would be a miracle for this bunch to pull that off. Probably worse odds than Leicester in 2015! We are on target to remain safely in the league with 1-2 more wins. That is the goal as I will then try to find better players to keep us in the fight for a European place. This is all due to our phenomenally lucky start to life after promotion! Schedule Highlights After the loss to Connah's Quay we headed back to Conwy with our tail between our legs. and one of our disgruntled players agreed to leave in January. Pontypridd was the next team on the schedule. The relegation threatened team was favored against us at home! Never bet against home underdogs! The U-19 player I was using as a backup AML gets hurt.....in his debut start after scoring! He had been lighting it up for the U-19's and our captain needed a rest and Pontypridd was the perfect game for it. In world news, Jude Bellingham becomes the best player in the world ahead of Kylian Mbappe! After the Pontypridd match, we had a difficult encounter with TNS next: this is one time I might bet the favorites....since this was rescheduled due to international commitments of their players. We fought hard and it was a red card and our going down to ten men that clinched it for the favorites! After the loss to TNS we went on the road to Carmarthen Town The Home team was favored......even though we were still a top the table. They scored early and threw off our game plan......we fought back but it wasn't enough. Again we returned downtrodden to Y Morfa Stadium. Our fellow promoted team was the next opponent on the schedule and they were favored even though we were the home team! We managed to win but it took another missed penalty by our opponents to give us all 3 points! Another U-19 AML was given a debut and scored! I made sure that the backup right back was on a full part-time basis. We then headed for Colwyn Bay and the last match of the month. According to the bookies and media it would be another tough match for us. We escaped with a draw with a late goal by super-sub Barratt last season's leading scorer! We loaned out our best defensive prospect so he maybe better for us in the future! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Still scoring more than we are giving up, but the conceded goals number is creeping up. Player of the Month The backup BWM-DM-D put on a show in several appearances this month even scoring a goal! Management Report Monthly Financial Report We are only spending about half the wage budget and are in the red......the supporter bake sales aren't enough! Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted November 3, 2023 Author Share Posted November 3, 2023 December 2025 Manager's Thoughts Our play all season has been above our level and like Daedalus we are coming back to earth after flying too close to the sun. We are still playing hard and are a tough out but the better teams especially TNS show that they are just better than us. We have made it to safety with 12 matches left to play. That is a magnificent achievement and one to be proud of, but this will probably be my last at Conwy mostly because I can't attract the players needed to make this success sustainable and the financial situation of the club won't allow me to complete any courses for coaching licenses. Schedule Highlights The first match of December would see us take on Newtown FC at the Y Morfa Stadium. We dominated the proceedings like we had in September and October! Highlights on the local channels! As you can see from the table we are probably safe from relegation it just hasn't become official. After our Victory against Newtown FC we were faced with a sterner test: Caernafon Town who were behind us in Third Place in the table. of course we were underdogs but we would try to catch TNS.......with a win! Another match where we fought valiantly but having a man sent off was too much for us. After the Match the Youth Intake Report came in and I am excited that we may have a player or two. We could use players of all positions, but we are thin on the wings and midfield, and this doesn't really change that. But the biggest news we are officially SAFE from relegation! I thought we would eke it out near the bottom of the table, going into the season I was looking for 10th place and to have more points than matches played. We have definitely overachieved. Our start was nothing short of miraculous! Another of my favorite clubs fired a manager......perhaps one day in the future I will apply. First, I need some licenses! We were on the road again this time in Penybront We were still underdogs! We went down early but continued to fight and were able to draw level but unable to separate from the hosts! The final match of the month would see us play Gap Connah's Quay again on the road. The Underdog role suits us and the opponents were in fine form it would be a tough match. We took an early lead but couldn't hold it! As Connah's Quay fought back. I am happy right now but if the right players become available I will spend..... I am looking for a winger to replace Jones who won't be back to March! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted November 4, 2023 Author Share Posted November 4, 2023 January 2026 Manager's Thoughts The team battled hard won a couple and lost a couple of matches. The losses came back-to-back against the class of the League TNS. We added two players who should help us get better especially midfield playmaker Burchell. With him coming into the squad we have switched back to the 4-3-3 DM Wide of last season. The team was able to transition rather quickly because the roles and responsibilities were roughly the same as the 4-2-3-1 DM Wide, we had used this season. We have a chance to make Europe this season if we do, I will stay for one more season in Wales. Schedule Highlights January started off with a great victory! We controlled the match and dominated the game like we had all season when we won. Our AMC-AP-A was the man leading the line! The last match of the first 22 was against TNS and we didn't expect to win.... We would try again and probably give them a game but be brave losers...... as expected......another brave showing in a loss. A recent signing a AMR made his debut, just signed a few days before the match. He is about the best player we can attract that has any pace and skill for the position. The New Saints keep their tight grip on Welsh Football. After the league split we are in the Championship Division and will finish no lower than 6th place. 10 matches against the rest of the qualifiers for the European places. We made a signing of a true midfield playmaker that should be a big help to our team. He is by far the most technical player on my team by far. With the signing of Burchnell we switched back to a 4-3-3 so he could play his favored position. In the next match we would take on Connah's Quay again! Glorious Underdogs once again....... We played well after two early lapses in concentration allowed them to score two goals. The 4-3-3 did its job and we were able to escape with a draw. Our Starting Striker goes down for over a month! We then returned to the Y Morfa Stadium for the final match of the month. Caernarfon Town would be tough customers but we were ready. Burchell led the team and won it with a Free Kick goal! We are now just fighting for European places as all of our losses to TNS make it impossible to catch them with 7 matches to go! If we could find a better player for any position that would join us I would sign him. League Table Monthly Analysis Report Our Team attack makes for good reading....defense not so much. Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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