Ronaldo Beckham Posted December 7, 2023 Share Posted December 7, 2023 Well done securing a Play Off place. I hope you win the Play Offs buddy. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 8, 2023 Author Share Posted December 8, 2023 22 hours ago, Ronaldo Beckham said: Well done securing a Play Off place. I hope you win the Play Offs buddy. Wait and see......I honestly hope we don't because the best players on the team are loanees we can't afford to buy! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 8, 2023 Author Share Posted December 8, 2023 May-Early June 2030: Regular and Post Season "Beware what you wish for....." Manager's Thoughts We played well through out the final month, but it was our talisman's return that propelled us to promotion. Without him we are just another team but with Gael Lafont we are something magical. The supporters and I want him to stay, but the board wouldn't sanction the high-cost transfer and want to continue lowballing players to achieve their goals because of the finances. This will probably cost us dearly in Ligue1 since all the best players are loanees that are going to return to their clubs, and we will be stuck with the deadwood I wanted to get rid of just the try and stave off relegation. The Board and supporters got their wish with promotion, but I'm not sure if the team would have been better off losing the playoff and remaining in Ligue2. Schedule Highlights I started May answering questions about bring Lafont to Paris FC permanently...... I was definitely interested but there was no way we could afford to bring him permanently. and that was before the match versus FC Annecy..... We won easily and dominated a side that was ready for vacation already. With the win we established that we would be the 3rd place team and only have to win one match to enter the Promotion Playoff versus the 16th place Ligue1 team. Kevin Zeroli....Lafont's understudy almost missed the next match..... Chergui played well and was the player I want making assists from the wing. More talk about Lafont to Paris FC......not going to happen. The Final match of the regular season was against Clermont Foot 63 a team that was supposed to be playoff bound but ended up in the midtable range. We were favored but would need to be careful. It was the type of match that gives manager's ulcers......but we won! Our Backup Striker was the man of the match! His two goals snatch victory from the jaws of defeat! The media are talking about "Leece-Ball" again........it isn't a thing! I'm just trying to play Direct counterattacking football adapted to my Gegen press style! Caen won the League and we came in 3rd so we are waiting for our next opponent in the Promotion Playoff. I was happy to see team leaders Chergui and Morante make the team of the week! With the season over and needing players to fill out the u-19's I signed a few more players against my better judgement. We continue to lose youth players to poaching......its why we can't have nice things and have to loan players to fill out the team! The First Team continued practicing while we awaited our next opponent in the Playoff Semifinal. We would host the Playoff Semi-Final at Stade Charlety. We were favored but I wasn't so sure about it...... but I was happy to be the home team! I shouldn't have worried we dominated from the first whistle and won the match 4-0! On to the Promotion Playoff Final which would be over two legs! Lafont came back just in time to work his magic......now can he do it in the final? In the final we would face Le Havre Athletic Club the 16th place team from Ligue1 Uber Eats! We had tied the record with SM Caen the Champions, after the regular season, but because we played one more match. We now have the record! The Coupe de France Final was played, and Stade Rennais FC beat Lyon for the prestigious trophy and the European berth that goes with it. Three Players called up for the World Cup and only one, Ostojic, is a starter for a Ligue2 Team! During the Staff meeting it was suggested that we build up using our youth system. I agree in part, but our youth also get poached. Stade Charlety would be about 75% full for the first match of the Playoff Final......at least it is better than our regular season draw, Again we are favored and I wasn't sure why......unless their injured players were their most important. We dominated and should have won outright but their defense was dogged! The media were talking about me trying to get rid of the "Deadwood" at the club even though most of the transfer-listing were already made when I arrived! We paid the Jamaican Club for their partnership with us. A sellout was expected for the second leg in Le Havre......at least we had more traveling fans than they did. We were still favored....but I was circumspect as always wary of home "underdogs" after the first match. I would let our Backup Striker go in a match for all the marbles! We dominated and they had looked ready for vacation from the first whistle! Now we get a bigger challenge dethroning our Fierce Rivals PSG next season! We have made it to the "Promised Land" of Ligue1 Uber Eats. Praise is all well and good will I get something more than an "attaboy" from the Board! Lafont has been the man for us, but with the budget we have we can't afford him and Marseille want him for their first team and won't re-loan him to us. I'm happy to be promoted but I also know it means a short stay in Paris.....because of the board and finances. Gael Lafont is the man of the moment! Three Paris FC players make the Team of the Year! Unfortunately, two of them are loanees! End of Season Board Meeting The Board are only spending the TV money they will get with this budget and most of the room created in payroll will be used for promotion raises. We are growing Social media followers but definitely need more actual supporters in the stands of Stade Charlety! Our Attacking numbers were extraordinary this season where we scored a record 71 goals! Next Season's vision: We must become more direct! Wing play isn't good enough! League Table Management Report Just got promoted and lost support of both the board and the supporters! Monthly Financial Report to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 8, 2023 Author Share Posted December 8, 2023 2029-2030 Ligue2 Season Review The team's success was due to the new players brought into the team especially the loaned players. We won the playoff and are now in Ligue1 Uber Eats! In Ligue2 BKT we finished in third place and validated the finish by getting to the playoff final against Le Havre. We played decently in the Coupe de France and went out on a tricky match in the Tenth Round versus fellow promoted team Bordeaux! All the excitement in the season came after Hootie Leece took over, but the foundation was laid in October and November. Even though the team was successful on the pitch it was less competitive on the financial side. This is basically how we lined up after I took over.....only difference was substituting Sarr for Duarte. Club awards were dominated by one player: Gael Lafont! Player of the Year He was the difference between promotion and mediocrity! The Foundation was laid early I just made sure it stayed on track! Not bad for a guy fired by the New England Revolution! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 9, 2023 Author Share Posted December 9, 2023 June 2030: The Offseason Manager's Thoughts The offseason finally came but I didn't have much time for a vacation as I had to prepare the team to be competitive in Ligue1 Uber Eats. That meant finding a replacement for Gael Lafont. We think we found one. Also I had to navigate some egos in making the transactions. The biggest talking point was the sale of "Pocho" the fan favorite to Newell's Old Boys of Argentina. I did it because I didn't think that a 5'3" player could play direct football that the Board wanted. I also made changes to the formation to more align the team with the style the Board wants I don't think it will work but I won't be fired for not trying to install their style. The biggest obstacle to making this team competitive in Ligue 1 is a lack of funds in both payroll and transfer funds. Highlights After the Playoff Final I told everyone, they would have a chance to keep us up next season and that made everyone happy to go on vacation. I then made enquiries about re-loaning our best players. Almost all teams said they wanted to give the players a chance in their first team unless we were ready to fully transfer the players. With that sorted we only transferred one player of the 7 that made a difference for us. Osambela joins us permanently after making the CM-A position his own. Here is the player whose contributions were outshone by Lafont. The Board was able to check off another objective as well. Another Youth player poached.......SMH! I got the e-mail with the Commercial summary, and it was hopeful but there were definite places in need of improvement. (Sponsorship, anyone) Since we are moving up to Ligue 1 the sales department is raising ticket prices to create more revenue. After looking at the revenue projections I decided to try and get by with the players we had and some free transfers. I had agreed to loan the player out in a discussion so this was agreed to even though he might have played for us next season. The SM Caen Manager, who won the League, Won the award! I am keen to find reinforcements because Lafont isn't returning......to the team. The Team captain wants to move to a bigger club....I want to keep him for at least next season when his contract runs out and I had already agreed to let him run his contract down. Which is fine with me.....I need him on the pitch next season. Sellier was from PSG and will be a backup striker in the first team. Valdillo drop his concerns once he was loaned out. We are the promoted! Marseille will be playing Champions League......great for French Soccer! Even though I have lost support from both the Board and supporters I was able to talk them into another Coaching Class. Which should help in the future. We increased in stature since we are now a Ligue1 Team. We were Ligue2's biggest overachievers! This player who had been on the transfer list was taken off and will be found in a backup role even though he is playing in the World Cup for his country! In our most successful season ever we attracted the most fans as well even though we are far from filling Stade Charlety! The team received enough tv money to pay for the season's player payroll budget! The Schedule was released! I think we are in for a tough time. I fired my Assman and am looking for one more aligned with my style. The media got wind of it and said I was asserting my power...... The board also authorized increases in staff, but I don't know how many of those jobs I will fill because we are most likely returning to Ligue2 after next season, and we just don't have the money. This is the only player that attracts attention from our transfer list. He is a "hobbit" and doesn't fit in with direct play. We found a Central midfield Free Transfer to replace Lafont! This is the player.....more attacking less well rounded but should do well in the AP-A role in the 4-3-3. This was from the youth castoffs list and he will be in ParisFC2. We had a lot of interest in our Assman job and this is the person picked to be our number 2. IRL he is in the running for the Sunderland job in the Championship in 2023! As always, I am happy to have a capable Assman! Another player we offered a free transfer to turned us down...... We re-signed one of our players near the deadline and he will help fill out the ranks of Paris FC2. We got our man to replace Lafont for a real cheap price. The Hobbit is returning to Argentina....the money will help the team. This was a free transfer that will help fill the bench and replace the Hobbit. I used the find comparable players search function and found a player to take the hobbits place and he is 7" taller! Osambela's loan came to an end and he is with us permanently. Our Big signings! The supporters are worried about the sale of the Hobbit but I asked for trust. Management Report Monthly Financial Report to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 10, 2023 Author Share Posted December 10, 2023 July 2030: Offseason-Preseason Manager's Thoughts The team came back fired up to do well in Ligue1. The old players and new players took to the revised tactic like ducks in the water and the team reeled off 5 victories in Friendlies including wins over Standard Liege and Schalke04 that give me confidence that we won't be totally out of our depth in Ligue 1. I was also happy to be able to replace most of the players lost in the offseason with free transfers and low fee players. We are trying to play more direct like the board wants and we will see once the season starts if we actually did a good job during the off and preseasons. Schedule Highlights I went back to an old well in recruiting Sammy D'Ath from Empoli as I thought we needed more depth up top to implement the Board Play Style. Reader's will remember that he left The New Saints for Italy but never found playing time in Italy and he was on the transfer list for a price we could afford. He will become our new number one Striker...... Board Expectations.....not to bad.....we should make a valiant attempt to stave off relegation! I also found this player to strengthen our Defense and replace Andre! He will become our Star Player and Highest paid player reflecting our Defensive Ethos! I was pleased to add these two talented players to our team. Transfers In Asier Osambela CM-A Souleymane Ndiaye AP-S Brice Denet-AMR-IF-S Andres Caro- CD Sammy D'Ath PF-A These are the 5 most important players brought in to replace the loan players that were so important last season. Osambela was one of those loan players and the only one we could afford to retain. As you can tell I mostly used Free Transfers and I was really surprised to find Andres Caro without a team. Now that were in Ligue 1 we have as many Season Ticket Holders as the whole crowd on most match days at Stade Charlety last season! The team played well against Standard Liege and surprised me with the win! World Cup Results Brazil beat Italy for the trophy. The teams friendly against Schalke04 was a surprise as well. It made me believe we might actually survive in Ligue1 Uber Eats. As always I picked the middle option about squad bonuses. Season Preview The Squad We aren't a bad team but I'm not sure we have the quality to compete, but we will fight tooth and nail for survival. Goalkeeper is a weakness. The Tactic This is the most direct tactic I have ever made..... We have the best odds to go down and I understand why but that doesn't mean we won't try. Of course no Paris FC players on the Preseason Watch lists Management Report Monthly Financial Report Even with all the cash raked in during the off season the team's finances are precarious. Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted December 10, 2023 Share Posted December 10, 2023 Well done getting promoted and best of luck staying up! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 10, 2023 Author Share Posted December 10, 2023 1 hour ago, Rikulec said: Well done getting promoted and best of luck staying up! Thanks, it's going to be chore......now that the board wants me to play more direct. I generally like possession when a weaker team just to play defense. I have played two matches in Ligue1 and have had less the 40% possession, but I have 4 points, but I don't like the players stupidity with the ball....... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 10, 2023 Author Share Posted December 10, 2023 August 2030: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts Once we started playing matches for real and not friendlies it became obvious that the more direct way of playing the Board and Supporters want will not work. Because it leads to too many turnovers and puts our defense under duress. Whenever I more the passing slider back to "more direct" we play better, and I am more comfortable because I know you need the ball to score, and scoring means a chance at winning. Overall, though for the most part we are in way over our heads talent wise and it will be a remarkable success if we avoid relegation from Ligue 1 Uber Eats. So far, the fixture list has been kind to us only one top team and the rest were relegation rivals. Schedule Highlights I decided to check out the rumored player and he would be an upgrade on our current Goalkeeper, but alas no funds are available even with "adjustments" We finished the Preseason on a high note beating another local team......now just to do the same with PSG! The Sales and marketing department came through with good news. We were filling half the seats in Stade Charlety with Season ticket holders! Our first match in Ligue 1 will be against Lille at Stade Charlety. Hopefully we will remain in Ligue 1 and be able to take advantage of the increased TV Deal! A reminder of the Boards expectations be competitive with the league's smallest payroll. We got lucky in are first match and it showed me that the more Direct approach the Board want to take just gives the opponent the ball thus putting us under pressure repeatedly. Our Star player made his debut as the heart of our defense! Of course, no more players are coming in I have about $161k wages available....... We then traveled to Normandy and the home of Ligue 2 Champions Caen. We were underdogs but this is a team I thought we had a chance against. The more Direct play led to us being on the back foot and that will have to change if we are to have a chance of avoiding relegation, but we were lucky, and win is a win. Three Important points! We had won and I even played what I considered my "Backups"......which Tapia is Backup GK! The next match saw us travel to Troyes....we were underdogs but I thought we had a chance..... A 300% increase in Season Ticket Holders! Wonderful! We were pressed by a team that played direct and our transition wasn't good enough and led to extended pressure. After I changed passing TI from much more direct to more direct things got better and we battled our way back into the match, but it was too late the early awful performance was too much to overcome. The last match of the month would see us host OGC NICE at Stade Charlety. Even Foreign Teams poach our players! We started well, but the more direct transitions just turned the ball over to the opponent who knew how to take advantage and put our defense under duress. We have to keep going and probably abandon the more direct approach that isn't working! League Table 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 December 11, 2023 Author Share Posted December 11, 2023 September 2030: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The month was about as good as a relegation threatened team could ask. Seven out of Twelve point won and could have been more if some calls went our way. I won't let sour grapes enter the picture and remain optimistic. By playing a more possession oriented game we are helping our defense by keeping the ball away from our opponents and I have made some changes to the starting lineup that seem to be having a positive effect. Especially at Right Back. The former backup is more of a Center Back but has decent balls skills but with him in the lineup we have three Shutouts and draw. So He is just one of the changes I have made to make the team defensively solid to eventually provide a base for our attackers to score....which is why you play the game! Schedule Highlights The month of September saw us travel to the Bay of Biscay and take on fellow promotee Girondins de Bordeaux FC. Even though Bordeaux was currently in last place they were the home favorites. We scored first and looked in control of the match and then just before and just after half time Bordeaux scored to World class goals and that was the difference. The match also got me to thinking some of my starters shouldn't be starting...... We want to show them were better next time we play. The Final day of the transfer window came and went with little movement on our part.....mostly due to lack of funds. Not a bad window Three Starters for less than a $1M Dollars and only one Starter out the door for more money. The team then returned home to Paris to take on Stade de Reims at Stade Charlety We were underdogs but I was confident we had a chance to get a result! In fact I played the Backups and got a superb match from the aging Idrissa Toure as CM-A. He scored two Worldly Goals from just outside the box! and the defense was much better as well mostly because we had more of the ball. Man of the match with Two great goals! Of course, I was pleased with the performance but more pleased with the win! Players are poached there is a reason why we have a hard time fielding a team...... For the next match we headed to the Medieval University Town of Montpellier for a match. We are still underdogs and we receive bad news...... Our First Choice GK will miss the next month or so with a twisted ankle. So I called up the best Youth GK and gave him a professional Contract and made him the backup for now. Even after the First-Choice Keeper recovers, he will remain training with the first team and getting time with Paris FC2. The match was to be held on my Birthday......would the team gift me with a win? We did get a draw at least! The press wants me to say something controversial.....but I stayed as neutral as possible while staying positive about VAR! The Final match of the month would see us play Toulouse FC in Paris. I put the Starters back in the lineup but made changes to my left and right backs. It seemed to work as we were even better defensively and Young D'Ath started show his old goalscoring skill in the upset win. My Former The New Saints Striker shows he has what it takes in Ligue1! and I was pleased with the good performance. The next match was more than Two Weeks away so I decided to fill up the training slots without playing a Friendly. I am a big Believer in Team Bonding and Community Outreach. I try to incorporate those into ANY week's training, Usually After matches for bonding and Before for Community Outreach. The reason for the Bonding is to celebrate a win or commiserate a loss but to make sure the locker room has a good atmosphere, and the players morale stays up. The Community Outreach before games because it works on Teamwork, and it make for Good PR to help fill the Stands with supporters. League Table Monthly Analysis Report We're looking good defensively. The passing change works even if the Board and Supporters don't like it. Player of the Month This player's defensive ability makes the difference at Right Back that led to this month's two wins. Management Report Winning leads to support and a good locker room atmosphere. Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 12, 2023 Author Share Posted December 12, 2023 October 2030: Regular Season "The month from Hell...." Manager's Thoughts This was a month from hell.We played three top teams with Lens underachieving except against us. Our defense looked like Swiss cheese and our offense was non-existent with the absence of Sammy D'Ath. I had to deals with entitled players who thought they deserved starting spots just because of who they were and what they were making in payroll. I disagreed with them and that didn't help morale and atmosphere while we are losing. At least we didn't really lose any ground in the relegation fight, and we are on course to have a chance as long as we have as many or more points than matches played. The goal this season is 35 points or more to ensure safety. Because this team fiscally can't afford to go back down. Schedule Highlights The month of October didn't get off to a good start it began with an injury. Our new Striker would miss all the matches this month with PLANTAR FASCIITIS! One of the "Old Heads" on the team couldn't take being replaced by Osambela and a backup role didn't help team morale and atmosphere. And it happened before the first and possibly easiest match this month....and we were still underdogs because Lens was underachieving. The Lens Manager was playing mind games and it turns out it affect my players...... The match was terrible it was almost like it was too big a moment for our GK and several members or our defense. The mind games worked. We are still in a good position on the table and have more points than matches played. Lens players just danced around our defense and scored at will! and to add injury to the insult our Captain will miss the rest of the month after getting injured during the match. Another of the "Old Heads" didn't like having been demoted to a backup role even though I wanted to keep him as an impact sub because of his deadball skills. Another player goes down before the big match against PSG! The next match would see us travel to the Parc des Princes to take on our Fierce Rival PSG. I didn't have any miracles and planned on not having a repeat of the Lens match. In fact, to prove to the "Old Heads" that they weren't ready for "Prime Time" they were made starters for the match. Desire was the only metric that we may beat PSG in analytics! Mikel Arteta had nice things to say about us and the rivalry....which really isn't one yet........ We set up defensively and it was just better players sank us......early then they turned it into Defensive practice for us. Capdevilla who I don't think is ready to start mostly because of his lack of confidence is having a real problem coming off the bench as well. I had wanted us to show more fight.....and desire. We let down our fans! I had a good talk with Arteta and it is just business between us.....Our Clubs and their supporters hate each other! The final match of the month didn't get any easier with League Leading AS Monaco coming to Stade Charlety! I backed Riou to play better in the match versus AS Monaco..... The "Old Heads" want to leave we Transfer-Listed them and hope to see the last of them during the January Window. I only want players who will fight for their place in the team and for the team. The team was setup defensively to reduce AS Monaco's chances to score because goal difference might be important in the Relegation Fight. It was a carbon copy of the PSG match except different players that were much better than us. I tried consoling him.....but we'll see if it works..... We transfer-listed him and asked his agent to find a buyer. We are going to be a team in transition with Captain Ivan Morante leaving at the end of the season as well. All the Usual Suspects have good Youth Academies! The Lens Manager got fired even after humiliating us..... League Table Monthly Analysis Report Not the best analysis scoring less than we are giving up but the 7-1 loss followed by two shutouts does skew things a bit. Player of the Month Even though the defense wasn't good as a whole. This player always put in a good shift whether starting or from the bench. Management Report I have the Board's Support. The fans are almost as upset as I am about our play this month. The players wanting to leave aren't helping the atmosphere while we are losing. Monthly Financial Report Financially we are doing ok, but it is imperative that we stay in Ligue 1 to maintain our fiscal obligations. Looking Ahead Valciennes match is a must win and if we can draw the other two we would be in good place relative the relegation fight. to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 13, 2023 Author Share Posted December 13, 2023 November 2030 Manager's Thoughts After October if you had told me that we would get Four Points from three matches I would shaken your arm off in gratitude. We did just that winning the All Important Six-Pointer in the Relegation Fight with Valenciennes FC and playing respectably against both OL and Stade Rennais earning a point. The team played much better as the revolt of the "old Heads" was pacified and the play on the pitch got better. We are currently in a good place with more points then matches played. If we can keep this up we should be able to safely stay in Ligue 1 Uber Eats which is the aim of this season. Schedule Highlights The first match of the month was the most important in the Relegation Fight. It was a trip to Valenciennes FC. The home team was favored even though they were sitting bottom of the table.....probably due to our own poor form. The former fan favorite while coaching Valenciennes took some questions about the Relegation Fight......He was positive. I will remain neutral about until things are more certain. I signed our best in his prime central midfielder to a new deal to dispel his doubts and concerns about playing time. I would rather be winning matches than talking about it! The important Six-Pointer was even but my boys were more clinical in their finishing led by D'Ath scoring early and Zeroli late! His mind games didn't work on the boys..... Osambela set up both goals from the CM-A position on the right. The next match was to be at Stade Charlety versus Olmpique Lyonnais. It would be a tough match but I will always back my teams to play well. Stephan took the opportunity to leave hapless Valenciennes for also relegation threatened Montpellier. The media wanted me to talk about other teams.....I concentrate on Paris FC! The New England Board has a short leash and unrealistic expectations. My successor lasted just a season. Match Day came and we were up to the challenge and came away with credible draw against heavily favored OL. We have a new Goal scoring leader ......even if he is no longer a Striker. REgens haven't broken into the top Ten Best players in the world yet...... Will Valenciennes FC get the new manager bump? or will they suffer the ignominy of Relegation time will tell. One of the annoying "Old Heads" agreed to leave the team and head home to finish playing..... The next match would see us travel to Brittany to take on high flying Rennes. The "Old Head" is leaving, and I am tired of his antics..... We worked hard during the break and hopefully it will show up in the match against Stade Rennais, We were dominated but made it respectable in the end....... Our backup Striker finally scored! We have been unlucky on defense......I hope! SM Caen also decided to change managers.....for a bump.....but they chose one who was unsuccessful in Grenoble in Ligue2! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month The Star player was the difference between victory and defeat this month with his performances. Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 13, 2023 Author Share Posted December 13, 2023 December 2030: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts December came and I was wondering how to make sure we would get four points out of the four fixtures. Luckily for us we came upon Three teams in slumping form and took advantage by winning comeback victories in two of them and winning the other late on a Set-Piece Corner. This is the type of stuff that keeps a team up when they are in a relegation fight. Nine points out of a possible Twelve in a month. If we can keep this up we will avoid relegation like I told the board. All the while the Ligue 1 Coaching Carousel was at full spin as managers fell short of expectations. I also still had some left-over bad feelings from the "Old Heads" revolt of October but over all most are moving on either in January or at the end of the season when their will be a "Changing of the Guard". Schedule Highlights The first match of December would be against a up and down Olympique Marseille Team at Stade Charlety. Marseille was a big favorite even if they were in the same form as us. I reminded my team that even though OM weren't playing their best we shouldn't take them lightly through the media. We won! because of our will to fight for the badge led by our Talisman Sammy D'Ath, who had two goals! Highlights of the thrilling comeback victory were on TV's all over France! The next match would be tougher and see us return to the Breton Coast to take on FC Nantes then in 4rth place. I restes as much of the team as possible not just Morante for this match. Mostly to appease playing time concerns. I didn't expect miracles. The Backups kept it close, but FC Nantes domination of possession told the story of the match. After the loss in Brittany, we returned, with the Orange Crush looking for a victory. The struggling side was on a 6 match winless run so were a team we should have had a chance against. And we won another Comeback Thriller! The biggest problem was that the victory was Pyrrhic with two starters going down with serious injuries including the First String GK! more highlights of another unbelievable comeback! The Youth Academy sent the preliminary report about this years intake: They call it a good intake with only two possible players in the bunch! We also found out what minnows we would play in the 9th round of the Coupe de France in January. We lost a starting Center Back for the rest of the month as well. We then had to return to the road headed for Lille and playing LOSC. The Hosts were big favorites but had similar form could we steal another point or three? With the starters rested I expected a good performance against LOSC. and we got it with a hard-fought 0-1 Victory. Goal came off a Set-Piece. Man of the match the heart of our Defense, signing of the season so far.... even if Sammy D'Ath is giving him a run for his money. I was pleased with the performance overall and especially Caro's! After that victory an email came from my coaching course that I now had a Continental B License. and I must say thanks to Coaching Courses I have become a decent manager for a former Sunday Footballer at best! While that was going on the Ligue 1 Uber Eats Coaching Carousel was still spinning..... My Rival takes over OM! After being fired by RB Liepzig! Left OL for Nice.....not sure about this move....seems like a lateral move to a same size club. OL brought back a manager they had fired.....just two years ago! and had been fired since then as well. Reims made a change as well..... While all that was going on just before Christmas..... I shipped another "Old Head" out of the team and sent him home to Portugal to retire! Another "Old head" got injured just before Xmas and I will not be re-signing him! I changed season expectations to AVOID Relegation! Which means 15th or better place. I'm not planning a spending spree but I will chase Bosman's for next season! The last "Old Head" made it official he was leaving.....There will be a "Changing of the Guard" this Summer. We re-signed a player that will be useful next season. Early Christmas present for him and his family League Table We are in a good place at Xmas Break. 11th place and 24 points. Survival is in sight if we keep it up. Monthly Analysis Report We are still conceding more than we are scoring and that is concerning, but our position in the table and number of points is what matters most in a relegation battle! Player of the Month He has played both AP-A and CM-A this season and excelled in both positions he was the engine behind our comeback victories. Management Report Winning cures many ills and definitely shores up support with the Board and Supporters. Monthly Financial Report Since I wasn't able to get all the "Old Heads" sold to other teams we are dropping into negative territory fiscally, but if we stay up the prize money should be enough to get us out of debt. Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 14, 2023 Author Share Posted December 14, 2023 January 2031: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team got through the Christmas Break with a lot of training and a few warmup matches in the Coupe de France. Saumur was no match for our Backups and Amiens was no match for our starters. The lone Ligue 1 match was against a struggling OGC Nice, and we were brought back down to earth with a 3-1 loss after another slow start. On the Transfer front I have begun planning how the team will look next season by signing players for low fees or on Bosman's. Next year's team will be smaller and younger as well as cheaper considering the teams finances for the Longterm. Schedule Highlights After the Christmas Break the team started training again and the injuries kept coming...... Osambela is a mainstay up front as the CM-A and will be missed but not for the next match. We headed to the Loire Valley and the home of the French Armor/Cavalry School at Saumur for our next match this in the 9th Round of the Coupe de France. We were heavily favored and I planned on playing the backup in this match in any case. Damien Sellier the new signing that will slot in as the Backup Wide Targetman had a wonderful all action display. Leading the Backups to Victory against the outmatched Semi-Pro Team. Luckily, I didn't need the Backups for the rest of the matches this month.... In the 10th Round we will have to travel to Amiens and take them on. In 11 days! The Team made a signing to replace Morante who is leaving in the Offseason. He is decent for a Bosman Signing and means I will be changing from a Halfback to an Anchorman next Season even though I am contemplating changing formations to a 5-2-3 DM Wide. The team headed to Picardy and went to play Amiens who was favored even though they are Ligue2 Team. I back my Manager's Pet to do well against Amiens! Amiens "Parked the Bus" and were hard to breakdown but eventually quality told....and we won a pleasing 0-2 Victory. All sweeter with a goal from D'Ath! Sour Grapes! Zeroli playing as CM-A had an all-around match! I was happy with the victory and the manner of it.....if we could just play like this every match! After the Amiens match the team continued its pursuit of Bosman signings for next season to replace the "Old Heads". This one wasn't a Bosman, but he was too good of a player that my GM brought to my attention and IS more of one for next season. The Bosman Signing came next...... Backup CM-A for next season. Unfortunately, we will play high flying Stade de Rennes in the 11 Round of the Coupe de France. The only match in Ligue 1 this month ended the month with a visit to OGC Nice. Nice Hadn't been playing well and I was hopeful of another unlikely victory. People are complaining we aren't "Direct" enough......if it won games I would do it, but not with these players! We started slowly like usual but never found the second gear....there was a glimmer of hope when Sammy D'Ath scored to make 2-1 in the Second half but try as we might, We couldn't score a second and because we were pushing for it, we gave up a third goal as well. After that debacle with the Transfer Window closing it was back to work recruiting for next season. another CM-A for depth purposes. and we re-signed the First Choice GK to a long-term deal even though I am not entirely convinced he will be first choice next season. This was instigated by the target and the Staff Meeting. With the Transfer Window closing I shutdown the Idea of any more deals mostly because we don't have the money to do them! Another Relegation team get a new manager..... Quiet Day was expected in Paris! and I didn't take part.....Sokler would leave a few days later.....to Scotland! One deal suggested by the GM.....and for next year! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Look Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 15, 2023 Author Share Posted December 15, 2023 February 2031: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts February was the month I thought we had a chance of securing safety from relegation with Four winnable matches and three of them being Six Pointers! If we had won all four, we would be safe, but instead we still have some work to do because we only got Five of the possible Twelve points. We are still in a good position to reach safety, but the road will be much tougher because we have played most of our direct opposition and will now going forward mostly play better teams. The Coupe de France match I expected to lose so I played the backups and that also lets me concentrate on the relegation battle on which my further employment depends. Schedule Highlights Even though the transfer window was closed in France it was still open and one of the "Old Heads" was getting interest to go out on loan. I would have liked to keep him around, but his mind was made up to leave.... If he does well in Scotland, we will be able to cash in on the transfer otherwise not so much. After Sokler left we still had to get ready for a tough Coupe de France Match. I didn't think we could win so I decided to play fringe and rotational players in the match. Since we had important relegation matches coming up and I wanted to be ready for them. Stade Rennais was favored even though we were the home team because they were on such good form recently. We started slow and never really recovered from giving up an early own goal. But we filled the stands and set a Gate receipts record! The next match was a Six-Pointer in the Relegation Battle even though both teams were currently midtable. Of course, I was looking for a better performance from my boys versus Reims. We played better defensively mostly because of our goalie's NINE saves, but we were able to get an all-important point while under pressure all match. Ordunze won us a point! We returned home after the trip to Reims with an all-important Six-Pointer in the Relegation Battle and we needed to play better and more on the front foot. Paris FC was favored and needed to do a professional job to get the points......no pressure. That is what happens when we play at home...... But not on this night, Montpellier played bravely right into our press and were punished for it! Our AP-S did his job superbly according to plan......just how I drew it up! Highlights of the Big upset all over France that night! Zeroli was even named Player of the Week for his great game. But the funny thing was that the Press asked me about the Target Man and not Zeroli even though he too had a good night! The last of the month of Six-Pointers was a trip to Toulouse and we would be missing our defensive linchpin Caro who was suspended. Inzaghi was quite a coup for a club of Toulouse's Stature! Rumors were going around about my future as well...... Inzaghi took the compliment as intended.... We scored first and looked good for a while then there relentless possession took over and then we were under pressure....and finally gave up a goal. I was happy for the draw after the terrible second half of the match. The press wanted me to complain about VAR, instead I ducked the question! League Table Monthly Analysis Report 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...
Hootieleece Posted December 16, 2023 Author Share Posted December 16, 2023 March 2031: Regular Season "Stayin Alive and a little longer....." Manager's Thoughts We are winning the Six-Pointers in the relegation fight and losing to the better teams. This month was a perfect example: We scratched out a victory against SM Caen and proceeded to lose the next three against top of the table teams. The Board decided I had done enough to lengthen my stay in Paris. I did accept the offer but I did put a compensation clause in case someone else is impressed with Paris FC's survival in Ligue1. Now is time for us to play out the string and make sure we avoid the relegation playoffs by continuing to win the Six-Pointers! Schedule Highlights The month of March started with another Six-Pointer in the relegation battle this time versus SM Caen. It was important to do well in this fixture because I was certain we would fail to collect points in the others this month. Luckily the match would be held at Stade Charlety and we were favored. We won an ugly match 1-0 and are now 3 points from the mythical 35-point total that ensures safety! We won the match with a Set-Piece Corner after being on the defensive most of the match. Sellier a Backup Target man got sent off for elbowing an opponent late in the match...... When Raheem Harper got a yellow card I moved Caro to Halfback, and he played brilliantly. Ligue 1 teams are searching for success...... The next match saw us travel to RC Lens......who was having a good if unremarkable season. We were under duress most of the match and the scoreline proved it even though we scored first and gave ourselves hope......for a while. But to make matters worse our starting Right back would be out for at least a month! The next match would see us take on our Arch-Rivals PSG at the Stade Charlety. It was a milestone for a manager who never kicked a ball in anger..... PSG were favored because they were PSG and the lowest paid player in their Starting XI makes more than our whole team! Arteta thought I was playing mind games when I complimented him and his team....I was just stating the obvious. We tried to play defensively but Mbappe put an end to that right away and we chased the game.....but couldn't get a clear shot on goal. Their quality was just too much for us. and I said as much in the post-game press conference! Arteta was gracious in victory. We lose another important backup in training before the AS Monaco match. Playing the Number 2 and 1 teams back-to-back is tough! This time we headed to the principality and were definitely underdogs to the surprise Top of the Table Team AS Monaco. We got off to a fast start but then were overwhelmed by their possession of the ball breaking down our defenses! Especially in stoppage time! VAR is still a hot Button topic I wish to steer clear of. My job seems to be on the line...... And we lose our Number One GK before the all-important Six-Pointer with Valenciennes in a week! Bring on the NewGen Wonderkids! I guess the Board decided I was doing a good enough job! I ended up with a bit of a raise but I also put in a compensation clause if someone head hunts me......which ended up hurting my chances for further licenses. I am enjoying the Parisian Lifestyle......so it was a no brainer to stay.....next season I may be saying something different! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead The Valciennes match is the most important it is a Six-Pointer and where I expect to gain the points necessary for safety. to be continued: 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted December 16, 2023 Share Posted December 16, 2023 Beat Caen: BOOOO!!!!!! Lost to Lens: YAY!!!!!!!! Keep it up. You can keep the club up for another season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 16, 2023 Author Share Posted December 16, 2023 18 minutes ago, keeper#1 said: Keep it up. You can keep the club up for another season. That was my thinking.....by staying. I didn't see any real good jobs that I wanted to go for, so I opted to stay. Awaiting an email from a club. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 17, 2023 Author Share Posted December 17, 2023 April 2031: Regular Season "Safety Achieved" Manager's Thoughts It was an up and down month that saw us take Six of Twelve possible points and achieve safety from relegation. Now that we have achieved that I decided to plan for next season with a more direct formation and its debut wasn't memorable defensively but we were able to score so that was encouraging. If I stay with the new formation I will not need Attacking Midfielders but will need to find Wing Backs though not just Fullbacks. So, there may be some adjustment to our recruiting over the summer. Schedule Highlights The month of April began with a Home match with Table Proppers Valenciennes. It was a Six-Pointer in the Relegation Fight, and it was important. Especially since if we won it, we would reach the magical 35 points! We were favored and Stade Charlety was prepared for a festive occasion. We have either been really good defensively or really bad with no in between, but I didn't realize we were on pace to be historically bad. Another ok intake, I signed the DM and the STC myself and will let the GM sign who he thinks best. We played well against our relegation rivals and put on defensive display to prove the naysayers wrong! excuses, excuses! We played so well defensively that one of our DC became man of the match......He also received a talking to about form just before the match. I want to say my motivational skills created this performance! The GM (DOF) signed another 6 players to the U-19's. The team then had to head to Lyon and tough match against a Top Team in Olympique Lyonnais. OL was struggling for form and had financial problems but were a tough team to beat even so. The scheduling of matches isn't something I really think about......I just try to win each as it comes and look at the table near the end of each month. We fought hard but they had the extra umph to win it late.......we keep giving up late goals this time 89 and 90+5! I wasn't happy and wasn't going to compliment them after another late loss......it hurt so close yet so far! French Teams are not doing well in Europe so we won't get an extra Champions League Spot this season! We returned heartbroken to Stade Charlety but had to pick ourselves up to take on Stade Rennais who was 2nd in Ligue ! Uber Eats! We had one go our way and Stade Rennais Red Card helped seal the deal! With that victory we are officially safe! We play well at home and that is a factor in our survival this season! Every Relegation Fight Team needs to win points at home! Our New Right Back is out for the rest of the season getting minutes with Paris FC2! The Next Match was against OM who is managed by my Rival Jaissle...... We have a chance in this match and now that we are safe, I am trying a new tactic that is more direct to please the Board and Supporters. I had been training a 5-2-1-2WB as a Third tactic, but thought about my team and next season and came up with this.....mostly because I had two good strikers and wanted them both on the field! It was a trip to Marseilles and another Six-Pointer! I only pay attention to how my team matches up with theirs..... We looked leaky defensively, but we definitely were able to score with direct balls to the Strikers.......our problem was that Hugo Guillamon decided to have the match of his life and prove why at one time he was one of the most recruited wonderkids on FM! Also, we had had only about three days training the new formation. I moved him around as tiredness and yellow cards piled up and he played well for us. and now our left Wingback is out for the rest of the season.....SMH! I was thinking of next season when I re-Signed this player that is out on loan, he is naturally an Attacking Mid and a Striker, but I feel his lack of pace means we should retrain him as a Central Midfielder on the cheap. Monthly Analysis Report 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...
keeper#1 Posted December 17, 2023 Share Posted December 17, 2023 Well done! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted December 17, 2023 Share Posted December 17, 2023 Congratulations on staying up! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 17, 2023 Author Share Posted December 17, 2023 8 hours ago, keeper#1 said: Well done! Thanks. 15 minutes ago, Rikulec said: Congratulations on staying up! Thank You. I wasn't sure it was possible at the beginning of the season but good play against our direct rivals and the occasional lucky bounce made it possible. The new Formation/tactic looks great in May! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 17, 2023 Author Share Posted December 17, 2023 May 2031: Regular Season "Playing out the string and looking to the future." Manager's Thoughts We continued playing with the 5-3-2 DM Wide that was more direct and in May we found the seeds for possible success next season as we played out the string. The team is going to need at least one star Wing back and possible upgrade at goalie to truly make it work. Losing the Captain Ivan Morante makes for a void at DM as well. These are things I will have to work on finding replacement s on a shoestring budget. Schedule Highlights The first match of May was versus FC Nantes another top team and would be a tough test for the new formation. We were favored because we are at home not because Nantes bad form. It was a crazy game with one side scoring and the other replying and it ended as a Draw. Our Star Defender used to play for them but wasn't able to get the win! The new formation again proved it could score but was still defensively fragile as we were still learning the system. VAR helped us in this case...... AS Monaco had a stellar season and broke PSG's Dominance for at least one season! The next match was to be held at Stade Charlety as well....this time FC Lorient was the opponent. We played defense got lucky and were more clinical in our finishing, but we proved we could play a Direct Route one style of counterattack that unnerved our opponents! @keeper1 SM Caen survived as well..... The youth players were reevaluated and Six more were added to the U-19's just to make up numbers. The Final match of the Season would see us visited Estac Troyes. Who were in the playoff place and would be a tough out. I didn't want my boys to be on vacation just yet...... I wanted them motivated for victory! It was domination and we looked good doing it! The manager's pet played well.....leading the line. Valenciennes brought Montpellier down with them......when Montpellier had a chance at the Playoff place! I must say I was a little underwhelmed with the Prize Money from a mid-table finish in the league! League Table Player of the Month to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 17, 2023 Author Share Posted December 17, 2023 Late May 2031: Post Season Highlights The Post Season started off with an awards ceremony for our Academy Graduates. I am impressed with Segla and see him breaking into the team when he turns 18. Board Meeting The Board let me know there would be some money to spare to improve the team.... but since I am going younger, and the transfer money isn't enough to attract Elite talent I will try and continue with my Bosman ways. Our Supporters increased due to our play in Ligue 1. We were outscored but by the end of the season it wasn't a big difference, but decent for a team that expected to get relegated. Club Icon Stephan who left for Valenciennes and then Montpellier to give me my chance in Paris has been fired for failing to remain in Ligue 1. Sammy D'Ath was in the Team of the week for the last match of the season! I then went on a negotiating spree to fulfill promises to players made during the season. Sarr has been a Regular in our Defense since I got here.... Capdevila is an exciting prospect who has been overshadowed by D'Ath but with our new two on top should excel. Fischer is an Attacking Mid I will be converting into a Central Mid Attack. I don't know where these rumors come from since I don't need Center backs.....this guy just wants to stay in Ligue1 since Valenciennes was relegated. Season Review Sammy D'Ath with his team leading 13 goals was considered the signing of the season for us. The Board only gave me a B for finishing safely mid-table with the worst team in the league! We could have gone farther in the Coupe de France, but Stade Rennais was a tough match for us. A good season with some decent results to show for it. Playing in Ligue 1 really helped the financial bottom line. Our Starting lineup wasn't outstanding but there were no really bad performances. \ Team Player of the Year, Fans Player of the Year, and Midfielder of the Year. Young Player of the Year and Attacker of the Year Defender of the Year and Signing of the Season! This summed up the season but what really mattered was that we won the Six-Pointers! The 300-match mark is quite a milestone! Highlights pt.2 PSG ended up winning the Coupe de France even though they didn't win the League. The Tax bill is gonna hurt....... The Commercial Summary was optimistic even after the Tax Bill. We are only scouting Western Europe for the most part we can't afford expanded scouting for now. I decided to move on from ALL of our left backs looking for ones the could play Wingback. This player is cheap and provided cover and depth even if he is a little slow. Teacher's Pet owes it all to me! Since we are supposed to play direct Route One Football, I thought it prudent to bring in a Target Man as a change of pace Striker and to breakdown "Parked Buses". Management Report Monthly Financial Report to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 18, 2023 Author Share Posted December 18, 2023 June 2031: Offseason "Trolling for talent with almost no budget" Highlights The Team is the best in Paris FC History! We either won or lost.....not too many Draws with our fragile defense. A Takeover may be in the offing...... I'm looking for a goalkeeper with better reflexes as our current keeper was often rooted to the spot letting in goals! David De Gea wants the Paris FC2 Head Coach job......I might have hired him to play Goalie for us instead! Two of my favorite teams in France are back in Ligue 1 Uber Eats! France is still in Fifth place due to the lackluster performance of our teams in European competition. The beneficiary's of the Coefficient System.......the surprise is Monza! Paris FC gained some reputation, but we remain in the shadow of our Arch-Rivals PSG in reputation in the Capital and France in General. We didn't get any superlatives for our historic season being pipped by Bordeaux! but Sammy D'Ath was one of the signings of the Season! We are still getting players poached by "Provincial" Teams! We came 120 short of averaging a Sellout for the Season! Our Fans were excited to watch us in the Big leagues! The TV money pays the wage bill for players! We aren't in enough financial trouble to be a good investment! I was able to find a decent GK for a low price. He has the passing, kicking and reflexes last season's #1 lacked. All of our Season Ticket holders re-upped and we will add a few more. Sammy gets hurt just before Preseason! We brought in 6 young talents to replace the "Old Heads". Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead We played Burnley on the First day of Preseason and lost. We have plenty of time to get the 5-3-2 WB formation ready for the season. to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 18, 2023 Author Share Posted December 18, 2023 July 2031: Preseason "We got Mbappe! Yes, but the other one......" Manager's Thoughts We turned our thoughts to playing more direct and using the 5-3-2WB formation that we finished the season with. In my search for good players to add to the team for low prices we didn't fill all the positions needed. Especially Wingback, but I had a solution two of my older strikers had decent crossing and positioning attributes, so I decided to retrain them as wingbacks. Also I switched the attacking and support Wingbacks side in the formation. The formation was used throughout the preseason and as the new wingbacks got used to the system and the new players we seemed to be adding got used to it we seemed to play better. I don't expect to dominate but if we can pull-off another midtable campaign with the new formation I will consider it job done. Schedule Transfers Timothy Fayulu Sweeper Keeper Ismael Camara WCB Alejandro Castro Defensive Midfielder Keke Topp Target Man Samuel Nibombe CD-X Ethan Mbappe Defensive Midfielder These Six are the standout players of the summer's recruitment. The others are either slated farther down the depth chart or for Paris FC2. Mbappe is a replacement for Morante at DM. Season Preview I thought I had brought in better talent for depth and made the team better, but we remain the favorites for relegation. Remember we came in 11th last season. Of Course, no player on the relegation favorites is expected to be top goal scorer! This is the team as rated by my Assman. The biggest chance I am taking is retraining old players, Dan Nlundulu and Ester Sokler ,as Wingbacks and making them the Starters. Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 19, 2023 Author Share Posted December 19, 2023 August 2031: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team has started well for a relegation threatened team. We won Three of Five matches and have 9 of a possible 15 points and if Stats were everything (XG) we would be undefeated. We are playing well offensively even though I must say I am uncomfortable not possessing more of the ball. We are getting shots off and making life tough for other teams by out shooting them even when we have less possession. Our defense hasn't been perfect but we are conceding less than expected so that is a good sign, and the analysts think we are a decent team no matter what the Bookies and Media say. I actually think I might be able to make this Route One Direct Football work! Wish me luck! Schedule Highlights Before the regular season started we got a gift from the Hobbit we sold last year. an extra $57k for an inter-Argentina transfer...... The first match of the season would see us travel to the ancient Cathedral City of Reims. We were in good shape on the injury front, and I hoped to win this match I considered a Six-Pointer. The Saudi's are circling for our newly appointed Captain and defensive Superstar! We lost the match and were dominated because our passing was too predictable, but that's what the board and fans want I will give it to them even if it means losing.... Ethan Mbappe had a decent debut, but it would have been better to win! The Stade Charlety was ready for it debut this season another Six-Pointer this time versus OM. The Stadium was ready for the sellout that would be every home match...... Marseilles was favored but I took the highly unusual step of playing the Backups in the match. The Backups led by new signing Target Man Keke Topp won the match with his headers! Two Goals on 11 headers gave us the victory! The next match would be held at Stade Charlety and would be a definite Six-Pointer in the Relegation Battle. Troyes Manager tried to play some mind games..... I remained neutral and wouldn't say yea or nea! Even though I am quietly confident we can repeat last season with just a little luck. The Stadium is now half-full of season ticket holders every home match that is a good thing for the bottom line! The Direct Route One approach dominated the outclassed ESTAC Troyes team and led to victory! After the dominant victory against Troyes, we were ready to take our show back on the road this time to Toulouse. Toulouse was favored but I thought we could win the match.....if we played like we did against Troyes. We lost even though we dominated......Toulouse Goalie was unbelievable and our wasn't.......Stats back this up. Our XG was better especially late after giving up three goals to easy headers! The team had 14 Shots from inside the box with 6 saves and 4 blocked......talk about getting FM'ed! After the frustrating day in Toulouse, we returned home to take on Lorient FC. Lorient was favored but this was another match where I thought we had a chance! I challenged the team to do better against Lorient! and we did with a gritty 1-0 victory that helped Mbappe gloat to his former teammates! League Table I forgot to take the screenshots! Monthly Analysis Report We are playing well defensively and can still do better as shown by the 3-goal debacle against Toulouse, Overall I am happy that we are conceding less than expected. Player of the Month Management Report Monthly Financial Report Finances are in decent shape thanks to the sellouts of Stade Charlety. Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 22, 2023 Author Share Posted December 22, 2023 September 2031: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts We played well this month but have only one point out of a possible nine. If things had gone differently, we might have had as many as seven points but refereeing was a bit of a problem and the fact that we were for the most part against PSG we were penned in our half of the pitch. In the other matches we took the lead only to wilt late. To combat our late tiredness and mistakes I am going to put more emphasis on physical training in my training schedules now that we have some idea of how to play more direct. The way the Board and supporters want us to even though they are still critical. The Media say we are playing Route One Football. Schedule Highlights The Transfer Window closed and we had done some business to strengthen the team and release some of the "Old Heads" The First Match of the Month was a trip to St. Etienne a newly promoted team but with bigger resources than us and the only winnable match of the month! I am backing my player as he is in a bit of a funk...... We dominated them early but wilted late and gave up a tying goal! The referee wasn't the best either, but we should have done better.....we might come to regret those lost points. The other manager didn't want to get into the refereeing either..... Mbappe will miss the match with PSG which is next. Did he get suspended intentionally to not face his brother? The next match was at Stade Charlety and against our Archrivals PSG! We were big underdogs but we would try our best. I am always excited for rivalry matches and hoping to do well in them! We played defensively and well and almost got a draw.....until a worldly volley from Mads Bidstrup from a K. Mbappe cross beat our keeper in the 90th minute! Mbappe played well.......I acknowledged it and his brother was happy. I think he didn't want to play against him! Our late loss was the talk of France that night..... We were playing defensively and well just not getting a shot off ourselves. As you can see by our pass map we were penned in our end for most of the match. The next match didn't get any easier with a trip to Brittany and Stade Rennais next on the itinerary. We were underdogs again and looking to be defensively sound and ground out a result! We played well for about 70 minutes and had the lead! then they scored twice late with the winner on 90+8! We felt robbed! Even though we lost Keke Topp was the Player of the Week! I decided to extend Nlundulu because of his play as RWB! Our starting CM-A will miss the next 1-2 matches! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Management Report Even though we are losing the team and support for my management is strong! Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 23, 2023 Author Share Posted December 23, 2023 October 2031: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts We continued playing well but were snake-bitten and just couldn't buy a goal so we only collected two points out of a possible nine points and it has been two months since we had won. Even so the team is behind me as well as the Board and Supporters, That is important but an opportunity came up at the end of the month I could not ignore. The ASSE job opened up because the manager moved within the league. It was another team in the relegation fight, but they are a "Sleeping Giant" as opposed to an also ran like Paris FC. Their Board has more resources and ambition than Paris FC, so I decided to apply again. You will remember that is why I got fired from NE Revolution because I applied for the ASSE job two years ago..... Schedule Highlights The International Break made sure that there would only be three Fixtures this month. The first of which had us travel to Ligue1 leading OGC Nice. We were the underdogs of course but would fight hard for a point playing Direct Route One Football. The OGC Nice Manager was not a fan...... I just dismissed any "War of Words"! We played on the defensive again and put in a fine effort to come out with a draw! We got a point! We want to win next time...... Our Draw was the subject of the Sport Highlights that night.....mostly because of Nice's record! but I was happy that we had more points than matches played! We lost one of our most important defensive players for about a month! luckily he will only miss two matches! Next we returned home to play against RC Lens at Stade Charlety. We played a little more open and it cost us because we just didn't have the quality of RC Lens. The media began to get on my case...but we were just not getting the breaks....... I wasn't happy about how RC Lens's player were able to dance around us and score! Next, we had an important Six-Pointer in the Relegation Battle when we traveled to SM Caen! I wanted our new GK to put on a performance against Caen! It was a dreadfully boring match between two teams that were afraid to lose..... and it ended a draw! D'Ath has been held goaless since this winless streak began..... We haven't won in almost two months! Both Ester Sokler and Dan Nlundulu were Strikers who I've turned into Wingbacks! The coaching carousel keeps spinning and ASSE job came open again......It was why I was fired from the NE Revolution. They are my favorite French Team! They are bigger than Paris FC and a place I could see myself staying and building something. So, I applied. In other World News the usual suspects have the best Youth Setups! I attended the interview. I thought it went well and waited! Another High profile coach has been a bit of a journeyman after leaving Brighton. The draw against us didn't save the SM Caen's managers job....... We had another match set for the first of November....... Against AS Monaco who have fallen back to Earth after winning the title last season. I was being optimistic about our chances against AS Monaco! League Table Monthly Analysis Report 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 December 23, 2023 Author Share Posted December 23, 2023 November 2031: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts I came into November still working for Paris FC and awaiting the call from ASSE. I would continue to do my best for Paris FC, but I must say that daydreams of what I could accomplish at ASSE started to takeover my thoughts. The First thing was that I would be able to go back to Gengen press and use the 4-3-3 and try and become the French "Liverpool". Also, ASSE was a place where I would be expected to build a Youth System and develop players. Also, they maybe a place where the Youth Players don't get poached as often by other teams. Highlights In what ended up being my final match at Paris FC went as expected. A defeat to a better team even though we defended well for most of the match. It was two worldly goals that beat us as we were peppered with shots and couldn't break away to take the pressure off......Our goalie made 12 Saves in a losing effort! The last straw for me was the fans criticizing the very tactics they clamored for with Direct Route One passing! And it seems that all of our Strikers have forgotten how to finish...... The team wasted a magnificent effort from the Goalkeeper Fayulu! After the match the email from ASSE arrived and I called my agent to negotiate with them. The Salary offered was enough to turn my head as well as the transfer budget and payroll. The only negative was "Make most of Set Pieces" everything else aligned with what I wanted to do. I moved to ASSE on the 3rd of November. November 2031: Regular Season "New Beginnings" Schedule The new team was an exciting place to be even though the immediate goal was the same......stave off relegation from Ligue 1 Uber Eats. We were expected to stay in the League, and it was my job to make sure we stayed out of the Relegation Fight. The Club Vision aligns well except the Set Pieces ......and I like the shorter contracts for older players...... As you can see a much bigger club from the supporter profile. We even have a Season ticket holder waiting list! Avoid Relegation and be competitive in Coupe de France, I think that is manageable expectations. Until I have had a chance to put my imprint on the team. This is who they decided to replace me with.......someone who doesn't play Route One Direct Football they expect. The First Match As ASSE manager came just over a week after taking over. It would be a home fixture and we were considered underdogs. We had a chance, but tactical familiarity would be low, and I wouldn't expect a miracle against a team in good form. The Team was introduced to the Gengen Press and Three Formations a 4-3-3 DM Wide which would be the main formation and a 4-2-3-1 DM Wide, and 4-2-4 DM Wide. All were from my Welsh Days and modified by the players available at ASSE. Lorient was possession-based side I would press them but not say too much in the press. Match Day came and you could tell that the team was still coming to grips with the roles and formation which was radically different than what they had been playing. The team went down to a tough defeat that on a better day should have been a draw or a win. Now this is an interesting development! All the usual Suspects but also the First New Gen Top Ten player! The next match would see us travel to Bordeaux for a Six-Pointer in the Relegation Battle. Neither team was in good form, but Bordeaux was the home team and our lack of tactical familiarity hurt our chances. The Boys surprised me with a superior performance that had Meviut Aktas looking like Mo Salah! He had done his best Mo Salah imitation and then came to claiming he wanted to leave for a bigger team! Player of the Week! I am not actively shopping him but if a Team came in for the right price ($50M) I would sell. Will I be getting a "Sugar Daddy"? After the trip to Bordeaux the team then had to travel to Paris and Parc Des Princes to take on PSG. Of course we were underdogs but if we played like we did against Bordeaux. I gave us a chance. The Ligue 1 Coaching Carousel continues to spin...... PSG Seemed surprised by our press and gave us two early goals that made the match easier to win with them trying to beat the press and us playing on the front foot! Highlights at 11pm of the greatest victory of the Leece Era yet! We kept possession and pressed them (PSG) and they were surprised. The last match of the month was to be in St. Etienne versus Stade Rennais. It was another tough match playing a top team. even with our better play and home field advantage we were the underdogs. He should have expected "Heavy Metal Football" French Style! Stade Rennais thought they had the match won and then we made a change up front and PSG Loanee Francisco Javier Romero led the comeback with two goals and the Hobbit (5'4") Alanzinho scored the game tying goal in extra time! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted December 23, 2023 Share Posted December 23, 2023 Those finances....oof! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 23, 2023 Author Share Posted December 23, 2023 27 minutes ago, keeper#1 said: Those finances....oof! Spoiler Alert: It gets much better. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 23, 2023 Author Share Posted December 23, 2023 (edited) December 2031: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team continued to play well as it got used to the Gengen Press approach, but the defense was a bit of a concern. With the Club under a takeover bid I was wondering if I would be able to keep my job. Much to my satisfaction I was able to keep my job and now I have a board that can afford to take this team to the upper reaches of Ligue 1. Which means I will have the funds for a rebuild of the team more in the "Heavy Metal Football" Image of early Liverpool under Klopp and restock the youth system going forward. Now we just have to make sure we keep the momentum going by remaining in Ligue 1 this season. Schedule Highlights After the exciting draw with Stade Rennais there were still two matches to go before the Xmas Break. The first was a match against perennial power OM in Marseilles. We were the underdogs on the road, but we were beginning to play with confidence. I was excited for the rivalry match but then again, I am excited for every match because it's a chance to win! We played toe to toe with the tough OM team and it ended in a draw. Alanzinho will be out until the season resumes in January. According to XG we should have won, but a draw is a fair enough result. The St Etienne Youth Intake Preview Doesn't look good but I will look to restock the reserve team when the window opens up. We will take on our old rivals from Ligue 2 in the Coupe de France. The last match before the Xmas Break was against high flying OGC Nice. The trip to the Riviera wasn't pleasant because we were playing High Flying OGC Nice, and it would be a tough ask to get all three points from them. We would try and we were playing well except for defensive lapses due to a lack of tactical familiarity. The Ligue 1 Uber Eats Coaching Carousel continues to spin..... Just before the last match of the year a transfer embargo is enforced.......its happening! Bring on the "Sugar Daddy"! The match versus Nice was another frustrating draw but there is a glimmer of hope if we can fix our defensive woes..... We are showing that we don't belong in the relegation fight at least! Midseason League Table We are in a decent place Mid-table 9 points ahead of the playoffs a few wins in the second half of the season, and we should remain out of the relegation talk. The Board that hired me was happy with my performance so far, but the finances worried me. The Team is taken over by a Tycoon! It is going to be a tall order to make the Board's Dream a reality. The new Chairman wiped out the debts and gave me a large transfer budget. The new board is kept the old vision at least for this season. The new direction is where I want to go restoring or reviving this "Sleeping Giant" of a Club. and to do it we now have no debts......(this is immediately after takeover and new payroll and transfer budget hadn't been calculated) With a new board in place, I asked to go on a coaching course, and it was granted. After this one only the Continental Pro License remains...... I asked for improved training facilities and Youth Facilities as well...... The Board want to see what I can do with current facilities and recruitment that is pretty good actually. A $41M dollar transfer Budget.......not bad I should be able to bring in several handy prospects..... I am now expected to expand the staff to be among the best in Ligue 1! With some of the new money I spent it on players that were already here.....Bischof can be our #6 for years to come. I did spend some of the transfer money on a better Goalkeeper......Israel's number 1 GK! I brought in a player for the reserves right now that could be handy in the future as well. Those were the Joker Signings from French Teams before the January Transfer Window. I expect to do some business in January to provide depth to the defense especially at Center back. League Table Monthly Analysis Report We are at least (barely) scoring more than we concede. Hopefully the new goalie will help. Player of the Month A player that could become the foundation of a defense...... Management Report The New board, Supporters, and team are behind me as we start this new era at the club. Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Edited December 23, 2023 by Hootieleece added images , and wrote words 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeper#1 Posted December 23, 2023 Share Posted December 23, 2023 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted December 24, 2023 Share Posted December 24, 2023 Oh, interesting! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 24, 2023 Author Share Posted December 24, 2023 8 hours ago, Rikulec said: Oh, interesting! I have never had a tycoon takeover before. Always a Consortium that continued to run the team like the previous owners. This should give me a chance at creating a good team and will test my scouting and recruitment skills to the utmost. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 24, 2023 Author Share Posted December 24, 2023 January 2032: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The transition to the new owners has been hectic but something else went wrong even though we had been asked to expand the Physios we were still interviewing people as an injury crisis hit. We had half the first team in the Physio room. It didn't affect the line ups for the Coupe de France matches but there was a definite decline in performance due to the missing players in the two league matches. The loss in the Coupe de France was due to my arrogance I should have played what first teamers I had to get them ready for SM Caen the next week instead of playing the backups yet again who put out a pitiful performance. We brought in some players for depth but our big transfer window will be this summer and we get rid of the dead wood and bring in younger hungry player to play true "Heavy Metal Football" and challenge for Europe! Schedule Highlights The Xmas Break gave me a chance to drill the team and get some recruiting in at the same time. This wash out from PSG should make a decent mezzala in our system. We were traveling to a Ligue 2 Team but I gave the first string the day off expecting a win and to see what the backups could do. Even though Dijon was on top of their game we were expected to win..... This move is to shore up the defense as we have a shortage of Center backs in the team...... He should become good in a few years. The Backups won the match with ease..... We got out to an early lead and even though Dijon put up a fight we won! As a result, we get another minnow in the next round. One of the players stuck in our Reserve Team that I hadn't really looked at became a hot commodity.....and turned down our offer to stay. Kabore Joined us went into the first team as third choice CB. All the niggling injuries and sickness around the team showed that we had to expand the number of physios. The player I want to turn into Mo Salah wants to leave, I am not actively shopping him but $48M would also bring in a decent replacement. The Ligue 1 Coaching Carousel continues to spin...... I went into this match already planning another round of Coupe de France play......the Hubris! The Transition to the new owner has been smooth if a little hectic. A deal from before my time paid off for the War Chest! We peppered their goalie but two break aways led to goals for them and we went out of the Coupe de France in disgrace! Of course, this didn't sit well with me...... I wasn't happy to go out like that and said so! Didier was another Free agent I added to the team for CB Depth and was out of sorts on this day. Then as we were getting ready for the real season to start again the injuries started...... First String CB goes down..... Then the Hobbit Mezzala went down.......as you can see we have an injury crisis. Our Star man goes down and is out for a month......the only Silver Lining is that he probably won't be sold this Transfer Window. No Duh! Even though we were going through an injury crisis the matches still had to be played and the first sent us to Normandie and SM Caen. The home team is favored due to our injuries..... We are historically unbeaten against SM Caen so I showed confidence to help the team through the injury crisis. We are still getting caught out in the back by bad passes. and the draw came with a cost another member of the team in the physio room! Our New GK didn't have the best debut but it was mostly on defensive lapses. Our loanee Striker was watched by his boss...Mikel Arteta of PSG! We are collecting a lot of draws in this unbeaten streak a few more victories and we could be a contender.....but the team isn't ready for that....maybe next season! More work for the Physios as we had another match at the end of the month! This time AS Monaco would come calling to St. Etienne. They are the current Champions and in 6th place and were a tough team to beat. I expected our Loanee Striker show his quality. We escaped with a draw.....If we were full strength, we might have won......but for now I take the points any points! As the Transfer Window Closes there maybe more activity from us but for only the right player. Teams have been spending but we are not one of them......even with a Tycoon, I tend to be a penny pincher. I was looking at every position actually. League Table Monthly Analysis Report 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...
keeper#1 Posted December 24, 2023 Share Posted December 24, 2023 Could be a 12 point February if it wasn't for the injuries Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 24, 2023 Author Share Posted December 24, 2023 2 hours ago, keeper#1 said: Could be a 12 point February if it wasn't for the injuries I am hoping for at least six points and hoping for nine. I just don't think we can get full points at this time. I just want to beat Paris FC badly though. Mostly because of the tactical vise they put me through and then criticized me for playing like that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 25, 2023 Author Share Posted December 25, 2023 February 2032: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts I went into the month of February feeling good about how we were playing and expected a good month. Some members of the fanbase expected us to win all 12 points. I was a little more realistic and expected Eight. Instead, we have gotten ten of twelve and were an own goal away from all Twelve! The Team continued with its signing of players and planning for next season. We brought in a Colombian Free Agent Midfielder that can't be registered till next season as our new BBM. Also, we re-signed our Captain van Doorn for Four more years of leading the line. The month was puncuated by mind games and other media fuss around the rivalry matches and they added to the atmosphere. I try to make sure we win all the rivalry matches to get the supporters on my side. I think we are on our way. Schedule Highlights The month of February started with Transfer deadline day! It wasn't going to be a busy one for us as most of the potential targets were outside of our transfer budget that I actually wanted. That didn't stop us from shipping out our 3rd place GK who wanted to leave. I thought it was the best outcome for all parties involved. Atkas wants to leave but won't unless we get $48M for him......and he needs to be professional until then. I hope I made the right decisions for the team. After a few days of practice it was time to get back to business of playing matches. We headed to Paris to take on my old club...... We beat them and badly......it was a great match! VAR was our Friend and the Paris FC Manager was supportive of it! We finally won a match in our unbeaten streak! Hatate is our 34-year-old BBM that is playing well as I line up his replacement. Aktas was injured so didn't attract any interest during the window. We returned to Stade Geoffrey Guichard victorious ready to take on Lille. Even though LOSC was in fine form we were considered the Favorites! Our Hobbit Mezzala will miss a couple of matches including this one. I signed this Free agent without being able to register him because he is next season's BBM. He will make a perfect replacement for Hatate. As the match against LOSC showed we could win a close one...... Our Unbeaten streak goes back almost to when I took over what a "New Manager" Bounce. I brought in Nery Burton more for next Season....... The Next Match was against our ancient rivals Olympique Lyonnais. We would be traveling to Lyon for the tough match...... Lyon was favored but I thought we had a chance..... De Zerbi tried some "Mind Games"...... Excited as always for derbies and I always want to win them...... We won! It could have been different under circumstances but it wasn't since we came back and won it late! His mind games didn't work and was looking for scapegoats! Numbers don't lie......we are unbeaten in 10! Just want to keep the good times rolling! De Zerbi accused me of unprofessional conduct when he was the one playing mind games......if the media and him want us to be rivals so be it! We do manage Rival teams! FC Nantes a competitive rival was coming to town next and expected a big crowd! Both teams were in similar form, and we were favored because we were the home team. I want to win every match, but especially Rivalry matches! Our Captain came looking for a raise and I gave him one......he will be important to this team in the future! He is playing Advanced Forward, but after Aktas leaves, he will move to the Mo Salah position (AMR-IF-A). Game day came and Aktas gave us a lead, but we couldn't hold it. It was probably the right outcome all considered. If he keeps playing like this he will get his dream move! Still unbeaten! We want to beat our rivals not just draw against them! Koutsias was a depth player that I was waiting till the end of the season to make decision on.....his agent and him got a Bosman move such is life. League Table Monthly Analysis Report 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...
keeper#1 Posted December 25, 2023 Share Posted December 25, 2023 This part of the fanbase is happy with a ten point February 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 25, 2023 Author Share Posted December 25, 2023 (edited) March 2032: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts The team was playing well and I had hoped to win all the points before the International Break. Unfortunately, even though two of the three teams we were playing were in the relegation zone we played like the relegation team against them! I don't know why we played so poorly against Clermont and Troyes, because we played well against Reims and have kept ourselves in the top half of the table. I think that our terrible record against the relegation teams means we will NOT be making a late charge for a European place. Even so we are comfortably established in Ligue 1 and can really start planning for next season. Schedule Highlights This month's shortened schedule due to the international break did well for us. Giving us time to bring players back and instilling some more tactical familiarity. The first match of the month was against local rival Clermont Foot 63. I wanted to win this one.....badly. (Even though back on FM2015 this was the first team I ever won a league with. Also have fond memories of my FM20 Save with Clermont as well it is on this forum) They were playing dismal football and looking likely to get relegated and we were playing well....time to do the professional job and finish them off! As Always, I WANT TO WIN all the rivalries! Our BBM would miss the match......that's the problem with old players the niggling injuries...... For some reason we have a tough time putting away relegation threatened opposition,,,,,it almost like a complacency comes to the forefront. We returned home from Clermont disappointed and determined to correct things against Reims our next opponent. We played a determined Reims team that was our equal and super-sub Romero scored an all-important goal to draw the match! Thirteen unbeaten definitely the New Manager Bump......I wish there were more wins than draws! I decided to praise Romero in the press to help his morale. Another of the transfer listed players maybe leave on a Bosman...... We go into the last match of the month playing the worst team in the League! We have to win right? The complacency hit again and we were not firing on all cylinders.....Troyes wanted it more and Dylan Borrero played the match of his life for them! He had singlehandedly won the match for them...... No reason he should have beat us like that..... The Youth intake isn't as bad as preliminary reports made it out to be. Alas, none of the top fifty wonderkids belong to ASSE. League Table We are comfortably in 9th place we will probably end up with a top half finish, but any chance of a Top-7 finish went out the window dropping points to Clermont and Troyes. Monthly Analysis Report We are a decent team. Scoring more than expected and conceding less than expected. Player of the Month Even though he got burned by Borrero, He played well in the other two matches and had the best average rating over the last five matches. Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Edited December 25, 2023 by Hootieleece fixed some images 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 26, 2023 Author Share Posted December 26, 2023 April 2032: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts We continued playing our exciting and nerve inducing football that has made sure that we are the best ASSE team since the Fall of ASSE to Ligue2 in 2023! We are bringing in younger players that are fit to play the gegenpressing to replace the older players who were useful in Ligue 2 and are a bit out of their depth in the current system. The match at the end of the month against PSG was a bit of a measuring stick. We had surprised them in November at Parc des Princes but this time they were ready and shredded our Set-Piece Defenses. We made the scoreline palatable in the second half, but it showed how far we have yet to go to reach our objectives of Best Youth System in Country and European Places within Two Seasons. Schedule Highlights April would see the team open at home with a winnable match versus Toulouse FC. Toulouse was flying high in 5th place, but I was confident we could get a result. More mind games from opposing managers.......it is getting tiresome. I just wanted to keep winning.....and let the chips fall where they may! And we won led by our Captain Barry van Doorn! Another mind games manager looking for a scapegoat when they lost to us! van Doorn had gone 8 matches without scoring......but he worked his socks off in every match until he did score. Having a Young Leader will help us build a good young team that will challenge opponents for years to come! After the win against Toulouse we had to travel to Lorient for our next match. Lorient was favored because they were the home team, but this was another chance to win. Unfortunately like so many matches this season we end up with a draw due to a late opponents goal......It was probably justified in that we were outclassed in possession and quality of shots on goal. We will be the best ever Ligue 1 team in ASSE History since 2023......The Days before the fall to Ligue 2 in 2022 don't count! I play the Gengen press like early Liverpool because that is what attracted me to Football in the first place! The Top French Teams are not showing well in European Competition and that is something for ASSE to help remedy in the years to come! The Third match of the month was held a Stade Geoffrey Guichard in St. Etienne. It was a match against Bordeaux and we were considered favorites being the home team and such. I just wanted us to put together a full match of intensity to get the win. And we did blitzing them for FIVE Goals.....after gifting them a goal early that woke us up! I am bringing in younger players that are more able to adapt to the Gengen press! I will continue the turnover during the summer window. The Board objectives were reached! (Both Board's I think it is a bit of a glitch) The last match of the month brought the Stormtroopers of the Galactic Empire of PSG to St. Etienne. Any team with Mbappe and other all-stars would be favored over our lot! We fought hard but it wasn't enough......We allowed 4 goals on Set Pieces.......and then in the second half made the scoreline more palatable. League Table Monthly Analysis Report Player of the Month The PSG Loanee with a small optional fee ($3.6M) is playing his way into my future plans as our striker. Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 26, 2023 Author Share Posted December 26, 2023 May 2032: Regular Season and Postseason Manager's Thoughts We continued playing exciting football down to the end and if we had won out, we might have made Europa Conference Football. That is next season's goal now. Since the season is over it is time to take stock and move us in the direction, I want. the team is going to get younger and more Athletic and that is what the board wants. We were able to sign to Wonderkids that were getting looks from the Big Boys and they slot right into our opening day first XI. The board also renovated the Stadium and Training Facilities as they were not fit for a topflight team that is seeking European Football. Exciting Times ahead in Central France. Schedule Highlights May would start with a match against high flying Stade Rennais after the PSG Debacle. The Trip to Brittany was always a tough one for us. But we played like we should have against PSG and came away with a win......led by PSG Loanee Romero's Hattrick. I was very happy with his contributions to the win. Highlights of the upset at 11pm! Romero has been putting in some good performances lately long may it continue...... The Academy Grads had been hired for the U-19's and because we were short on numbers quite a few were signed. We signed Ten players of which maybe two will make the team in the future. While training for the next match our number 1 Left back went down with an injury. and would miss the rest of the season. We were playing another of our rivals from the 1970's OM and it was expected to be a sellout. It was a home match, and I was determined to defend the Fortress Guichard! We were favored and there was a media spat before the match....... The Gengen Press and highline kept them peened in their end of the pitch, but we were not able to take advantage of our possession advantage to score the winning goal. The Former Coach was complimentary of the job I was doing.....I accepted politely.....and just hope the board feel the same way! Another Home match and the last one of the of the season, this time Racing Club Lens. We were expecting another sellout.....thats what happens when you play exciting Football, and you are winning! Lens was favored but that is to be expected by how well they play....... @keeper#1 I wanted to instill confidence in my team and it seemed to go down well with the older players. We played well but we went down early and had to fight back with everything to get the draw with Romero being the Hero yet again! I was happy that the team did as well as it did under my stewardship.....onward and upward from here. League Table We were the 6th best scoring team and Romero was the 6th best scorer in Ligue 1 after getting more chances after I took over. Highlights Part Deux The team came in 8th place in Ligue 1 Uber Eats and for our efforts we were rewarded with: and my successor in Paris was sacked.....probably would have been me if I stayed...... Season Ending Board Meeting I made the move right away to make Romero's move permanent since it was so cheap. Budgets are about the same as last season, I will probably move some of the transfer money into payroll to bring it up to about $60M/year. We have grown the supporters numbers on social media and doubled the Season ticket holder waiting list! Analysis Shows we were a good team. We just need to work on our defense a bit. Defensive analytics weren't bad, but we need to keep more clean sheets! The board's vision aligns with mine.....sign u-23 players that are Wonderkids! Also, short contracts for older players and long contracts for younger players. The Team is behind me even if some of the leaders will be leaving in the summer. The Board went ahead and improved the stadium with under soil heating system. Highlights: part trois He will now be leading our line.....into the future! Francisco Javier Romero-AF We were also looking at some wonderkids to fulfill the U-23's for first team objective. We want this player to be our new Mezzala! The Board went forward with renovating the Training Facilities after they were downgraded. Another under 23 Wonderkid this time for the Defense...... I am hoping that the Belgian Wonderkid becomes Bettoni's partner and foundation of our defense for years! Our Transfer Was Accepted...... He slides in as our Number one CB and Bettoni moves to Cover.....and Nikolau tutors them both. Now the waiting begins.....will we get the two wonderkids at bargain basement prices! I don't know where this rumor came from he wasn't even on the radar.....plus he is too old for our new age profile! PSG just being PSG dominating French Football and we were just a few points away from Europe thanks to them! Well $2.5M is coming out of the revenues every month for the next year.....at least it's not loan repayments! We are doing ok commercially but could be doing better! The CB signed......we beat the big boys to him! The Mezzala signed with us as well..... He slots into our MC-Mezz-A position in the 4-3-3. We are going younger and hope to keep them long-term but will eventually have to sell them to the big boys especially if we don't get European Football Soon! Best team since the Fall of the Team in 2023 to Ligue 2 in game! This player is in my doghouse for not playing up to standard but I am giving him a chance next season..... Romero our new Number 9 won Player of the Month! He has come to love St. Etienne and that is why he signed with us! We needed a new backup Left Back and this guy fit the bill. Management Report Monthly Financial Report to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 27, 2023 Author Share Posted December 27, 2023 June 2032: Offseason Manager's Thoughts The offseason was rather quiet as we brought in our new players and let go of quite a few players in a squad turnover to make the team younger and more athletic. The Team gains some ground in reputation but will not really make strides until we are playing European Football in the midweek. The team looks good on paper, but we will see how is goes in the preseason. Our early season schedule is tough but if we play well, we will be in the hunt for a European place. Which is actually the goal of the third season under my watch. Highlights The first piece of business in the off season was to sign a backup Left Back. In comes this player from Luton Town. He's an Algerian International and will give some competition to the Starter. The FC Nantes Manager won the Award because they made Europe when expected to be mid-table at best. I am only going after players that are right for ASSE meaning younger players of potential that don't break the bank! My New Signings came to the Press Conference reaction was mixed at best. We will play the teams that our signings came from this season...... Ligue 1 Uber Eats remains in 5th place because of underwhelming performances by PSG and others in European Competitions. 147th we can only go up from here.....as a team in the 5th best league we need to be in the Top 100 at least.......We need European Football badly! Newcastle and Sevilla get the extra Champions League places......France was a distant 5th in coefficient rankings. My former Second Team Head Coach will take over at Paris FC. That doesn't look like a guy who wants to play direct! We are a bigger team in France now that we have had some modest success in Ligue 1. We sent our Third String Right Back out on Loan. Even though we had a good season FC Nantes was better reaching 5th and European Football. No one was the signing of the season from ASSE. Romero would have been up there if he wasn't a loan. The stadium was 80% full on average this season. Time to keep the good times rolling! $28M isn't bad but it doesn't compare with the English and German TV deals! We start off with a relatively rough five matches.....we will have to be our best to win. Our New BBM was capped by his country. Our Israeli Goalie became a French Citizen to ease the teams Registration needs. We are only playing Six Fixtures this preseason and we'll be missing a few of our players at the Olympics. Another of the older depth players left on a Bosman. Neither of these loan players has a future with the club. Apfeld is headed to Kaiserlautern on a Bosman in few days. Management Report Monthly Financial Report to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 28, 2023 Author Share Posted December 28, 2023 July 2032: Preseason Manager's Thoughts The Preseason was a mixture of both good and bad performances as you can expect from a young team that needed to learn each other and the system. We had our good nights and our bad nights but overall, we looked good and put up a tough fight against Newcastle which I was using as a benchmark of where we were and how much I could expect this season. The Board and the Bookies expect a Top half finish to the season, and I think we can do it if we finish strong. Which I think we will as our young team adapts to life in the Ligue 1 Uber Eats. Schedule Highlights Aktas finally got the big move he was after....to Saudi Arabia! He wanted to leave, and I could move van Doorn into his position on the right to make room for Romero as #9. Everybody is happy. The Bank balance is refilled after the transfer activity. The Board is looking for us to have another Top Half Finish......based on my thoughts so far that should be the goal, but we will try for Europe. Next Season is a definite for European Place though otherwise I would have failed. We sent out some of the ASSE2 Players out on loan. Aktas officially signed and moved to Saudi Arabia! Fans and Supporters were complaining about letting our best player leave.....I told how it was! And it was record fee for an ASSE player! A former rival and Club Icon becomes the 2nd Team Head Coach! Heading into the Preseason this is the most likely starting XI. We wanted a replacement for Aktas and found one in a young Italian. He will be loaned back to his current team for this season and then battle van Doorn for the AMR position next season. The reason why we sent Proietti on loan is we found another player to provide Attacking Midfield Depth. We overpaid in salary but he was happy to compete for a place on the team. Our Wonderkid Central Midfielder will miss Preseason by playing for France in the Olympics! At least he will be playing and match fit when he gets back.....but he did miss the tactical familiarity and cohesion that comes from Preseason Friendlies. Not going to stop a player from playing for their country! We also re-signed our best prospects to contracts so we don't miss out on selling them if need be. I love these rumors that seem to come through my email.....when I didn't even think the player was on our scout list! The Ligue 1 Management Carousel continues to spin...... Toulouse has a former star player as ASSMAN! The Team was playing Friendlies and doing decently we won more than we lost, but against the big boys we put up a fight and still lost. This was the signature Friendly of the Season, The first home game after training camp. We played well but the team in the Champions League proved to have a little more. Another of my favorite team's has a job opening......but I'm not finish with my job here. The objective of taking over ASSE is to be playing Champions League Football by 2036 and win Ligue 1 at least once before I move on. With the new ownership/Board it should be possible. Stadium Renovations are finished! I decided we needed a player to backup Romero as #9 and we had the perfect candidate on our radar since Paris FC and he was a Free Agent! A perfect like for like sub for Romero and won't kick up a fuss about playing time yet! Season Preview We are expected to have a top half finish and battle for a European Place....I think that is a little high but I will take it! Romero our new #9 is on the watch list for top goal scorer in Ligue 1! The team seems to have decent depth and spread of quality if a little on the young side and will have some growing pains early in the season. Management Report Monthly Financial Report to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 28, 2023 Author Share Posted December 28, 2023 August 2032: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts We had five fixtures with a total of Fifteen points, but if before the season I would have said we could have gotten nine even though we were playing some tough teams. Instead we looked shaky defensively and our GK looked lost in goal, and we ended up with only Six points. Questions were already being asked about the "Relegation Battle". We are a young team, and these are the growing pains. We have the capability to be in the European Place picture at the end of the season and to that end we need to play much better! I also decided on making a GK change at the deadline that should help us in our pursuit of a top half finish and a deep run in the Coupe de France. Schedule Transfers The Last Four Transfers from last season belong to this season. Sem de Ridder DCL-CD-X (First Team) (Wonderkid) Morgan Beaubocher MCL-MEZ-A (First Team) (Wonderkid) Mustapha Tailibi DL-WB-A (First Team) (Backup) These Five were the rest of the Preseason Transfers. Francisco Javier Romero STC-AF (First Team) Corentin Claverie MC-BBM (First Team) (Backup) Frederico Proietti AMR-IF-A (First Team) (Loaned) Belkacem Biskri AML,AMR, MC (First Team) (Backup) Candido STC-AF (First Team) (Backup) Highlights The Regular Season started with a trip to Lorient in Britanny. Lorient was favored but we had a good chance of winning this one. I wanted to win to start of the season and the sound bite resonated well with the Vice-Captain of the team. The Board came by to remind that they were looking for a Top-Half finish in Ligue 1 and Quarterfinals of the Coupe de France. All of which I think is possible with this team as constructed. Romero Led the Line with a Hat trick! Biskri came off the bench and did well.... for a PSG Washout like Romero! After the trip to Britanny, we returned home to prepare for a tough trip to rival Olympique Marseille. Marseille was favored but we had a good chance of winning the match according to the oddsmakers. I always enjoy rivalry matches and want to win them all! Poor boy has had his head turned and is now complaining about playing time as well. He is good depth for the left wing. I don't want to lose him. I played the backups to ease some playing time concerns and they put in a dismal performance..... VAR has been ever present but I am trying to remain above the fray over it. The team returned chastised to St. Etienne and licked it wounds while getting ready for FC Nantes visit in the next match. We were favored as the home team and were supposed to be a Europa Conference League Team this season..... Romero led the line, but it was Bynoe-Gittens on the left setting up the Goals! Beauboucher had a debut to remember and own goal and the match winner! We had to pay on a past transfer deal for our starting Left Back! He is finally coming into his own after a lackluster start to our formation and tactics. Injuries in training to the players I want to rotate into the lineup annoy me to no end! More rumors for a player we just didn't have the transfer funds for and wasn't much better than our current players...... Our next match was a trip to the principality and those are always tough. Teams from small cities like St. Etienne often get their heads twisted by the glamor of Monaco. We had a chance but needed to play better defensively. No, we weren't going to sell our starting Right Back. It was a close but ugly loss by a half-rotated squad while I tried to make players with playing time concerns happy! VAR questions are beginning to haunt my dreams! After the loss in Monte Carlo, we headed home to take on a tough Rennes Team that was also a title contender. We were struggling for form with a young team, and they picked up where they left off last season. I expected a defeat but would try to win. We were outplayed and went down to ten men......it was an abysmal day for all of us! We are struggling because we are playing top teams and winning against the others we will be fine. This rumor was really persistent as the transfer window began to close. We didn't even sniff around.... Agents being Agents! The Transfer window was closing, and I had been less than happy with our goal keeping and our Backup wanted to go to Le Havre for a new challenge. So, I needed a new GK preferably a decent #2 but an upgrade would also be welcomed. I started looking and downgraded Nahum's playing time to bring in this guy. Milan's #2 could takeover as our number one, because I was less than happy with Nahum's goalkeeping this season. Nahum is just going to have to get used to riding the bench.... League Table Monthly Analysis Report Conceding more than you score is a recipe for disaster, that is why I made the GK move! Player of the Month Chasing the Golden Boot with 5 goals in four matches. Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead Looks like a "get right" month! to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 September 2032: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts September was supposed to be a "Get Right" Month with some easy victories and a rivalry match just before the International Break. I had been looking for seven of nine possible points, but we only ended up with Five. The two newly promoted teams played us hard and we were lucky to get draws even though there was a VAR Controversy in the match with Le Havre. The match against our rivals OL was the best match we have played all season. If we play like that the rest of the season we will be in the European places. Unfortunately there is still a long way to go in the season. Schedule Highlights The month of September 2032 started with a match against Le Havre a newly promoted team and where we got our star midfielder from it should have been a walk over. This was the first home match that we should definitely be winning so the fans were turning out. Neither teams form was particularly good but we were favored to win. We would be playing against our former GK and Vice-Captain who was on the team a week before! And our Star Midfielder was also under scrutiny because he was playing against his former team! Could of, Should have , and would have won the match if things had gone differently. They didn't and we played a team that matched us for grit and determination, and we weren't quite ready for it. Bynoe-Gittens is becoming the player I envisaged as AML-IF-S, the assister. VAR overturned a Penalty against us and decided the match! I angrily remarked about it in the press conference, and this was what I got! The Train Facilities are now again World Class! After the renovations were finished it was time to use the facilities to ready ourselves for Strasbourg another newly promoted team. Both team were struggling for form, but we were favored on the road due to our predictions of being a European place Team at the end of the season. It was another match that we threw away are advantages and played down to their level and had to rescue a late draw. Biggest problem was that now we didn't have a right back ready for the next match....... The Next match was a reacquaintance with our ARCHRIVALS OL at Stade Geoffrey Guichard! We were expecting a sellout for the match versus our Archrivals from OL. Both teams were struggling for form, but we were favored over Robert da Zerbi's Team. This was the match in which it all came together, and we played well like we were expected to. He started some "Mind Games" ahead of the match and they backfired now he's was looking for scapegoat by calling me out..... Our BBM was the man of the Match! Not bad for a Free Transfer! I am ignoring the OL Manager and his antics....... I had an International Break to get ready for! We didn't get the "magic number" of 500 passes, but we did dominate the center of the pitch and easily won the match. The OL game allowed for Four of our players to be named to the Team of the Week! The intenational Break began and the remaining player trained intensively and that led to more injuries the most serious of was: Our Depth option/ Sup Sub will miss at least one match! The Board called an Emergency Meeting and asked if I could use a bigger Payroll budget. Of course I said yes and I got another $5M to play with...... League Table Monthly Analysis Report The stats aren't perfect but they are better than last month.....we still have work to do defensively. Player of the Month Other players had flashier moments and matches but the most consistent player was De Rutter. Management Report Monthly Financial Report Looking Ahead to be continued: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 October 2032: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts Seven of Twelve possible points it wasn't a bad month, and we end the month solidly in the top half of the table and in contention for European place. We played well but had to do so with a lot of rotation due to injuries and suspensions. Some of my contemporaries are complaining about the "Bully Ball" Gengen Press that we play but it is what works when you are young and athletic and just don't have top notch talent yet. I think we can continue on our winning ways and have a successful season, but it will take a bit of luck and hard work to make the dream of Europe a reality. I am also enjoying that the board is working hard to find sponsorships and refill the transfer coffers in case we find another player that could help us fulfill our vision. Schedule Highlights The first match of the month came after an international break and was scheduled against OGC Nice. The visitors were considered the better team and we were underdogs at home. Beware Home underdogs! It took some time but Bynoe-Gittens is doing exactly what I want from him to be the setup man! I wanted to show the team I had confidence in them. Would it help? We ended up with a draw after a fast start.....and hung on to it late. Bynoe-Gittens is quickly becoming the main man from the AML-IF-S position and role. I want to keep my best players if possible! The next match on our itinerary was against Lille (LOSC) and was a trip to Coal Country. This time we were the favorites and had to worry about overconfidence. We won a hard-fought tie late after stopping a penalty that would have given my predecessor the win! Sour grapes from the other dugout! Our new GK stopped all five shots on target including a penalty! Five unbeaten we were beginning show our quality! Due to all the cards given out in the last match there was some rotation in the lineup for the next match. Speaking of Rotation options. This player I brought in for depth has been on the Physio's Table since Preseason. The next match was against Relegation threatened SM Caen. We had a good chance of getting a result to continue our unbeaten run. The Starting Right Back goes down to injury....why can't I have nice things! Gameday came and we started slowly and looked to be playing down to their level but kicked it into gear after a halftime talking to for the Rotated side ended up victorious. Lost another of our depth options to injury. We try to impose our will on the other team and play "Bully" ball if possible....and it helps get results. We lose another depth player for a long time in training.......defense is getting a little thin. De Zerbi, who enjoyed picking fights with me in the media lost his job......results matter! Barisic is set to be my rival now! The Coaching Carousel is still spinning in France......someone wanted to be back in France bad! The Usual Suspects are on the list, but our goal is to be on that list one day! The last match of the month saw us take on RC Lens. Lens was definitely favored but I thought we had a chance. It was a tight match, and it was gutting to lose in extra time! Even though we lost the unbeaten run has put us in a better place in the table. VAR haunts me, but remembering the FA warning I say nothing! We play physically within the rules of the game! A $24.5M Sponsorship deal.....maybe if we get Europe, They'll extend it! Because of the Sponsorship deal the board made more Transfer funds available..... League Table Monthly Analysis Report Scoring more than we are conceding and conceding less than expected. Life is good! Player of the Month Nery Burton Management Report Monthly Financial Report The Sponsorship deal really balanced the books! Looking Ahead to be continued: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted December 31, 2023 Author Share Posted December 31, 2023 November 2032: Regular Season Manager's Thoughts We went undefeated in the month of November with Seven of a possible nine points. We are playing "Bully Ball" Gengen Press and it is working with a young athletic team that has a bit of quality. One of our two wonderkids has been lighting up the scoreboard and making a name for himself. He is a physical specimen playing as a mezzala-attack in the central midfield and he led us to victory against Bordeaux. The AML-IF-S position is supposed to be a creator for our offense and after a slow start last season Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is showing that he is the man for the job. Right now, we are outscoring our opponents and not playing particularly good team defense even though we are getting good individual efforts that are having us concede less than expected. May we keep up the good play and make Europe this season. It will do wonders for the development of our young players next season. Schedule Highlights The month of November would see us play three times around an international break. I was asked if our new goalie should get called up by Italy for the break. I only worry about ASSE and where we are at and how the players are playing for us. Our First match of the month was against Reims, who just hired a new manager. We were favored as the home team, but I had a funny feeling about this one...... I gave the new manager a compliment..... and it was returned! The match wasn't a nice affair between two who both wanted to win! The draw didn't hurt our place in the standings and was probably a good result considering how badly we played. Reims organized defense made it difficult for us to get good shots off. The next day a list of the 50 best players in the world was released: All the usual suspects' ,,, with one regen! Joao from Napoli. Then came the international break and injuries for the players who stayed with the team..... Bischoff is our number 6 and integral to our attack as a DLP-D. 5 Starters were now down for the count.... And it got worse the Starting Right Back is back on the injured list after just getting back. I was beginning to start wrapping my players in bubble wrap! The International Break continued without anymore "accidents" or injuries, and we had to prepare for a trip to Bordeaux. The Bookies and Media were beginning to believe we are better than they thought during our rough start.....now to live up to it. A physical match ensued with many penalties that favored our style of play, and we came out with the victory. Our Wonderkid is playing well and adapting to the Mezzala role. I was pleased for the supporters....as we continued to beat Bordeaux. Our Central Midfielder was also Player of the Week! The last match of the month would see Montpellier set to visit Stade Geoffrey Guichard. We were favored as the home team. This was the quintessential "Bully Ball" game, and a half-rotated team came away with victory. The AML-IF-S is supposed to be a creator and playmaker in our formation! League Table Monthly Analysis Report Our defense has been playing better than expected. Need to look into the stats..... 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...
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