(FM24)Flamingos Can Fly! Taking Scarborough Athletic to the top.

[robertpeet27]

Scarborough Athletic

Welcome to my first FM24 save with Scarborough Athletic, where I am looking to take the National League north side to the top of the Premier league. Being from Yorkshire myself I am looking forward to seeing where this save take me and what players we can attract from yorkshire clubs, especially while in the lower leagues. 

Having spent the majority of FM23 on foreign shores, shuch as Austria, Germany, Norway and then My FM24 Beta save with Real Madrid, I am looking forward to challenging the English League pyramid again. 

How I play the game:

 - I instant result all games, with the exception of finals or important games I would like to watch, this is because I enjoy the progression of a save much more that the moment of a match. Documenting it here on the forums allows me to see the progression of the save, the aspect I particulary enjoy

- There will be no transfer restrictions or any sort of other sub plots to the save, simply trying to get Scarborough to the top as quick as possible. 

- I will update monthly and round up all transfers and friendlies in one post. 

[robertpeet27]

Welcome to Scarborough

Located on the north west coast of England this yorkshire coastal town has taken something of an economic slump in recent times. 

Here I am going to try and continue to positive progress the club has had in recent years to reinvigorate the town and bring glory to the coast. 

 

After the monumental fall in the early 2000s, we will look to continue the upward trend of the recent years back by the new ownership, and build upon Jonathan Greenings stint as Manager. 

 

Board and Supporter Objectives

The current best XI

 

The Main Players

The 3 players i think we will rely on this year are:

Coulson - A 35 year old Centre forward who will lead our line and hopefully have the quality to push us towards the playoff spots the board have their sighs on. 

Gooda - A former Barnsley acadamy player who is a top CB for this level, we have had to knock back Swindon already, and I think I will have my hands on keeping him here

Maloney - A traditional playmaker who will run our midfield and try and control and dictate our games for us to assert ourselves this year. 

 

Edited November 7, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

Preseason & Transfers

The squad I have inherited was quite light, with only 18 players in the whole club. with £600 p/w in wages spare I dived into the loan market to try and enable us to bring in first team quality. 

We couldnt sign players of this level as they were wanting between £300 & £500 p/w and i needed at least 4 players to cover at least two players in each position for the start of the season. 

Jamie Bramwell - A young and more significantly low cost CB who can be used as a needs must should we need him due to injury or fixture congestion. 

Ola Okeowo - Our first and only permanent signing, a speedy RB who can support our RW in the attacking 3rd. 

William Van Lier - A physically strong CM who will be an excellent BBM at this level. 

Caden Kelly - A Mezzala/Playmaker in the centre of midfield who can cover both wings. Having players who can play in numerous positions on the pitch is vital in non league. Caden fits that bill. 

Friendlies

We played 4 friendlies in pre season, owing to two factors. Firstly the limited squad meant I coulndt rotate two teams for two games a week, hence I played it safe and didnt push the lads as injuries before the season start was not something we could afford, secondly a busy 46 game calendar with FA cup qualifying rounds to come we needed to make sure we saved the lads legs for the season to come.  4 positive games followed with at least 3 goals scored in each game set us up nicely for the 1st game. 

[robertpeet27]

August 2023

A good start to the season being unbeaten in 3, the two losses to South Shields and Scunthorpe were not a worry as I believe they will be up there at the end of the season. The concern is that we have conceded in all 6 games and we cannot keep conceding goals if we wish to remain in the playoff places come the end of the season. Michael Coulson got a good start as I expected and we will need to hope he can stay fit. 

 

[robertpeet27]

September 2023

An unbeaten month in the league and cup. We were still conceding at the start of the month, but we look to have started to solidify at the back with clean sheets in 3 of the last 4 games. 

I got carried away and went into October as you can see we started well against Farsley with a 4-0 win. 

A special mention goes to summer signing WIlliam Van Lier who has been fantastic with some crucial goals and plenty of assists already this season. 

We start October in 5th sot only 3 points of table toppers Warrington. 

[robertpeet27]

October 2023

The good times keep rolling at Scarborough as we win Manger of the month off the back of 4 wins out of 5. We managed to beat Oldham Athletic in the Fourth Qualifying round of the FA cup, meaning we are through to the first round, and our Finances are looking rather healthy at the moment which may enable us to substantially improve the squad next year. 

[robertpeet27]

November 2023

A bad start to November as Luca Colville is ruled out due to a twisted ankle which is reflected in our results, thankfully we finish the month strongly with 3 points and remain in the playoff spots. 

We lost to a 90th minute winner against AFC Wimbledon, but we should be proud of the run we had in the FA cup rather than thinking of what could have been. 

Edited November 7, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

December 2023

The month started with an upgrade to our youth level, given the club finances were over £450,000 I felt we needed to improve the club and this should hopefully help us in years to come with low budget squad players coming through the youth acadamy.

 

We then made a signing at Centre back to try and address the issues we have had all season, conceding too many goals. Rhys Bennett comes in on a free transfer for quite a hefty weekly wage, but with clubs circling around Bailey Gooda and the player unwilling to renew his contract, I had to ensure we had another strong CB going into the second half of the season. 

 

Te results were fantastic, with 3 wins out of 4 in the league bumping us up into 3rd position, while we progressed in the FA Trophy. William Van Lier got another player of the month award, and I am hoping Darren Ferguson does not recall him back to Peterborough after multiple discussings about the position I am playing him in. But I simply cannot change him from a BBM given the return we are seeing.

Edited November 7, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

January 2024

Another great month of results, putting is second in the table with a game in hand on top place, win that and we will be top of the league. We fell out of the FA trophy with a rotated side, however I was prepared to sacrifice this competition for league points. We have had a strong month in terms of conceding goals and I do think Rhys Bennetts introduction has been worth the expediture of his significant wage. 

The team seem to be gelling and are now grinding through the season accumilating points. 

However the injuries strike again, Luca Colville picks up another knock, which is disapointing given the tactic is built around him at the right wing advanced playmaker role. 

Transfers

A good window, as we didnt lose anyone, most importanly Gooda stayed, and although unlikely to be with us next year, leaving on a free, he will be crucial in our attempt to be promoted. 

We did bring in two loan rotation players who are poor, but cost no wage to join us, given we are nearly £1000 a week over our budget due to contract renewals on our most important players. 

 

[robertpeet27]

February 2024

A tough month with tough fixtures gives us a mixed bag. South Shields brought us down a peg after Janurary before we turned over chester and Scunthorpe and a good draw against Southport led us into the Gloucester game.

However we had to rotate the side and the second team couldnt handle the away fixture, which now sees us in 3rd, 8 points off pace setters Tamworth. 

Another Luca Colville injury as well really makes it difficult for us to catch up to them as we are visibly weaker without him. 

[robertpeet27]

March 2024

An unbeaten month puts us 4 points of league leaders South Shields with 4 games to play, if only we had won the two games we drew we would be in a fantastic position given our opposition for the final 4 games. 

The pain is Luca Colville is injured once again with a twisted ankle, I am regretting signing him on again for next year as he is far too injury prone. 

Dissapointingly we conceded in all 6 games this month, something we really need to improve on next year. 

We also sold 1 player for £0, third choice goalkeeper Bancroft, frees up £100 a week, which given our financial position is important!

Final 4 fixtures:

I believe we can beat all 4, two lower table teams in Kings Lynn and Boston, then Spennymoor and Alfreton at home are both winnable games, we need a miracle, for South Shields to also drop points, but this is the National League North, and anything can happen!

[robertpeet27]

April 2024

We had it in our hands, South Shields did their best to throw it away with two draws to start the month, under normal circumstances an unbeaten month would be positive, but were left with a taste of what if. 

Far too many draws this year to really challenge at the top, hopefully something we can change next year. 

Overall a fantastic campaign, earning a new contract and satisfying the board for next year, but first we play Tamworth who have been a strong side all year. Only finish 2 points behind us, this one off shot at the final will be a difficult match. 

 

Play off Semi Final

A fantastic win that puts us into the Play off final vs Chester. They pipped us to second spot and are deserved finalists, just one more game to earn what would be a fantastic promotion. We are going to miss Bailey Gooda next season, he has been fantastic, hopefully he changes his mind and opts to stay, but he seems to have had his mind set on this from midway through the first half of the season. 

 

Play Off Final

Gutting, we had our chances, especially Mr Coulson who bottled it to take us to extra time, just a step too far for us this season, which is a shame as I think we really could have made a move next year and look to go and challenge for the playoffs in the league above with the right recruitment. It wasnt to be and now our focus goes onto next season and building a squad of my choosing tom complement our star players. 

 

Edited November 8, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

Season Review

[robertpeet27]

Youth Intake

An important moment of the year, I am hopeful we get 2-3 academy products that can be our rotation players next year to save our wage expense for the 1st 1XI. 

 5 Elite talents coming through, with 4 of them going to be able to make that rotation role I was looking for. 

The pick of the bunch is Javan Beet who featured on the bench for the last two games of the regular season. 

Im looking forward to see what they produce next year. 

[robertpeet27]

Transfer window

William Van Lier - Rejoins us on a permanent deal after a fantastic season last year on loan, Peterborough happy to see him leave on a free also. 

Dylan Wharton - Wharton Joins on a free transfer after being at Gainsborough Trinity last year, looks like a good you goalkeeper who can hopefully progress this year as our number 1. 

Matthew Baker - A well rounded physically strong centre back joins from Stoke on a relatively cheap £275 p/week. will parter Rhys Bennett this season. 

Jayden Danns - Not my first choice but looks a fine young prospect whose pace and finishing should be a lethal combination at this level. 

Aaron Powell - Joins on loan from from Peterborough who we have been workin with over the past season also, he looks raw technically but stron physically and in the right mental attributes to be a stron LWB at this level. 

Frankie Maguire - A well rounded BWM who is an upgrade on Purver at CDM, hopefully Maguire can use us as a springboard to go higher in the pyramid, or take us with him. 

Billy Jones - I was happy with getting Van Lier given his exploits last year, but when Billy Jones came up for £210 p/week I couldnt turn him down, a massive imporvement on Van Lier, im hoping we can resign him if he performs well up to January.

Caden Kelly - Caden Kelly is welcomed back to the Flamingo Land Stadium to be the RW cover for Luca Colville, given Colvilles injuries last year I had to make sure we had a strong replacement should he be injured consistantly again. For £45 a week Kelly is a steal. 

[robertpeet27]

Preseason / Season Preview

Tipped as favourites to go up after our signings, I was hopeful we could build on last years playoff heartbeak to get the job done as champions, A positive set of friendlies lead us into the start of the season, although we still conceded far more goals than I would have liked. 

Finances - we have a healthy bank balance leading into the season, heres hoping for a strong FA cup run/a good away tie to boost them further. 

£66 a week left over, but we have a full squad of 22 players, 2 for each position with 3 youth players giving us some just in case backup. 

Tactic and Squad: Same shape as last year we look like a stron side to move into the start of the season, I fully expect Luca Colville, Billly Jones and Lewis Maloney to be the stars this year. Im nervous of Jayden Danns leading the line at the tender age of 18 years old, Coulson is only good enough to be backup this year, and after missing out on 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice, Danns comes in with some pressure on his shoulders. 

[robertpeet27]

August 2024

What a start! 7 wins from 7 to start the season,Colville, Maloney and Green the standouts, and although we have conceded in 4 of the games, the goals score have far outweighed any concerns at the back. The main concern here supports my feelings at the start of the season, Jayden Danns yet to score, considering we have won every game, his inability to find the net may be the reason we dont find ourselves promoted, hopefully he can find his shooting boots. 

Maloney wins player of the month, and to no surprise we take manager of the month

August Statistics by Position, Goals, Assists:

 

[robertpeet27]

September 2024

Another unbeaten month, a rotated side drew away at Gloucester spoils our 100% record, but a fantastic month for us sees us 6 clear at the top already. Jayden Danns with the only goal agains Alfreton was a good way for him to open his account, much neededly so too. Were progressing nicely in the FA cup also. 

 

 

Jevan Beet becomes Scarboroughs youngest ever goal score, he is performing well as the scond string Left Inside forward. 

Results again meant we won Manager of the month, hoping we can continue this form through the season. 

September statistics  by postion, goals, assists - Maloney heading the goals and assists able, Noticibly Jayden Danns has 9 goal contributions, although he isnt finding the net he is key to how we play at the moment. 

[robertpeet27]

October 2024

WOW! We are plauing Magnificently, We win every game this month to remain top of the table, qualify for the FA cup proper, Jayden Danns is scoring! He has found his shooting boots and hopefully can keep going now for the season. We extend our lead at the top of the table to 9 points, a strong start to the season, they key now is rotation as we come into the middle of the season and the games start mounting up. 

Consecutive Wins!

Wharton Injury - we lost Wharton in the second to last game of the month, meaning Blair will play the majority of Novemeber, a good deputy and with the goals we are scoring im sure we can continue to outscore our opponents. 

Statistics by position, goals, assists - Maloney still top of both goals and assists, we have a strong 5 players now who are contributing up top, Maloney, Danns, Jones, Green and Colville are all into double figures for goal contributions this season. 

[robertpeet27]

November 2024

All green again! A convicing 8-2 victory over Maidstone followed by two 4-0 victories back to back .A good win in the FA Trophy over promotion rivals Scunthorpe (thanks to a Jayden Danns Hat-trick) rounded off the month nicely leading into our FA Cup second round game away at League 2 Exeter. 

A fantastic hard fought 1-0 away win, thanks to a red card from Exeter however we were in a strong position up to that point also. This gets us to the third round where hopefully we can get a big away draw!

Swansea, probably end of the road, and although it will be a sell out, not the big money day we were hoping for. A championship side will no doubt be too strong for us this time around. 

A month full of wins sees us receive manager of the month again. 

Statistics by Position, Goals, assists - Harry Green leads the goals after a fantastic month including 7 goals in two matches, Lewis Maloney is still performing in both catagories from the mezzala position.

[robertpeet27]

December 2024

The Christmas period, always packed with lots of fixtures, and often where titles are won, or seasons are derailed, something I was very aware of. With the distraction of the FA cup 3rd round in January a strong performance this month was vital. 

Another strong month including victories against Spennymoor and Scunthorpe who joined us at the top end of the table, This now puts us 21 points clear at the top of the table, surely too much for anyone to catch us now. We are still unbeaten with 1 draw being our only blemish on a perfect record. 

100% month tends to mean one thing, another manager of the month to the collection

Danns Was voted player of the month, a drastic turn around from what was a slow start for him. 

Although dubbed a golden generation we are not given more than a C rating in any position for our youth intake, lets wait and see what comes through!

Statistics by position, goals, assists - Danns now top scorer with 17 goals and 11 assists, a strong season so far for the 18 year old who has answered all of his critics, including myself, tying him down to help us next year will be key!

[robertpeet27]

January 2025

FA Cup 3rd Round - What a game it was!

After being 3-1 up thanks to a Jayden Danns Hat trick, (boy has he turned his season around) we blew it to be 3-3, into the final minutes we go where we get a penalty and Luca Colville gets the chance to send us through to the fourth round, AND HE TAKES IN, national league north side Scarborough Athletic are through the the fourth round of the FA cup after beating...... CHAMPIONSHIP side Swansea City. What  result!

And who should we get? Another trip to St James Park, however this time Newcastle United rather than Exeter, the big tie we were after. What a result for the club. 

We may have been well beaten but £900,000 is an astronomical income from gate receipts and will set us up to improve the club for years to come. 

To the league - an away draw to high flying Boston the only blemish on another perfect month of league football, we progress in the FA trophy too, we look well set now in the league to go up as champions. 

Statistics by Position, Goals, Assists - We have 4 players who quite frankly have torn up the division, Danns, Green, Colville and Maloney have been incredible all season and the main reason we are flying so high. 

 

January Transfers - nothing big to show here, after signing new contracts for Danns, Colville, Maloney and Green we were £800 per week down. We managed to convince Fleetwood to send Billy Jones back to us for the remainder of the season, and on 0 wages, £210 a week saved there. 

Then Aldershot came in for Brown, a chance to clear £450 a week off the books, which for a 2nd choice player was far too much to be paying anyway, in comes Cruise for £0 a week in  replacement. 

 

 

 

[robertpeet27]

February 2025

Business as usual in the league, plus a 4-0 win at home to national league Oldham Athletic in the FA Trophy. 

A blotch was a 2-2 draw to low lyin Farlsey who equalised in the 94th minute!

Not that it matters as we are now 24 points ahead and all but champions.

Niall Osbourne scored 3 games in a row from RIght back. 

 

Statistics by Position, Goals, Assists - Danns added another 4 goals to his tally this month. 

 

[robertpeet27]

March 2025

A draw and a loss seemed to show the pressure of getting over the line as champions got to the lads, however an away win at Tamworth saw us crowned champions, and with that burden off our backs an 8-0 and 6-0 victory followed. 

A shame we couldnt have gone unbeaten but to be only suffering our first loss in March is incredible! 

Statistics by Position, Goals, Assists - Two braces for Danns and a hat trick for Kelly and Maloney this month. How Maloney is performing at over 1 goal contribution per game is amazing, what a season he is having. 

Youth Intake - a good intake, Jake Daniel looks a fine prospect where it not for his poor personality and determination, Poppleton and Haywood the other two standout players coming through.

[robertpeet27]

April 2025

A rotated side drew against Buxton in order to rest the first team for the semi final against Gateshead, but unfortunately their class shon through and they went onto the final. A strong finish to the season meant we completed the season with 123 points, losing only once all year. 39 wins out of 46 is a monumental effort by the side, and gives me hope we can finish in the top half of the national league next year. Weve signed our best players to contracts for next year, then we can rebuild the rest of the side around them. We won Head coach of the year, not to anyones suprise given the results on the pitch. 

Season Stats by Position, Goals, Assists - Jayden Danns finishes with 34 goals, an impressive return, one i hope he can match next year. Lewis Maloney was my player of the season, the sheer number of goal contributions is incredible from centre midfield. 

Finances - we finish the year with over £800,000 in the bank, given we have spent £750,000 on new training facilities and £70,000 on the stadium it shows what a healthy position the club is in. 

[robertpeet27]

Season Review

A few notable mentions, Jayden Danns, Billy Jones and Niall Osborne were fantastic this season, hopefully Fleetwood let go of Jones and we can bring him in on a free. 

A fantastic FA Cup campaign that has set us up financially for the next couple of seasons. 

Disapointing to lose to Gateshead in the semis, but a good showing, hopefully go one better this year. 

Unsuprisingly Maloney gets player of the season, truly outstanding numbers. 

[robertpeet27]

Season Preview

After Promotion we had a lot of gaps to fill, I let the majority of players leave due to the sqaud players being below the ability required in the division below, even before the step up. 

We made a total of 10 signings to compliment the players we had already here, I havent replaced Green, Danns, Colville or Maloney, Im trusting them to make the step up, but Maloney has an exciting player behind him who will push for the starting spot.

I am also going to keep the same formation, I believe front foot football is the way to play, Id rather lose by trying to win the game, than sit there and then get picked off, limping to 0-0 draws and 1-0 loses to try and get just enough points to stay up.

Hopefully I dont regret that at the end of the year!

With the siginings we've made the bookies have us 5th favourites for the title, to my surprise, I dont feel like we have had the best window, and the Goalkeeper still seems below the standard for the league. I will try improve this if the right player becomes available. 

 

Transfers

Aaron Powell - After a successful loan spell last year we bring Aaron back to the Flamingo Land stadium on a free from Peterborough.

Jack Hannah - Signs after being released by Middlesborough, a well rounded Centre back with attributes above 10 in all the right places for a CB, good personality and enjoys big matches. 

Odin Samuels-Smith - comes in to provide competition for places against Aaron Powell, although Odin doesnt know where to be in the attacking third, he will be quick to get there and should be able to use his pace in the defensive phase as well.

Sai Sachdev - another full back who doesnt know where to be going forward, but had a good personality and level of consistancy, should be able to trust him defensively.

Jenson Metcalfe - Jenson has a fantastic mental profile to sit infront of our defence and break up the oppositions attacking moves, he will challenge Maguire this year. 

Charlie Casper - looked better than 2 stars to me when scouting, hopefully some games and performances can boost that, if not I will have to re-enter the market, personally I think he will be a success. 

Sam Roscoe - After all the young lads coming in I wanted to sign a bit of experience. A few areas of weakness but in this division his aggression and size should shine through, he will play in the big games away from home where we may be under a bit more pressure. 

Dele Alli - the big signing, released by Everton, I couldnt resist the opportunity to bring him in, when he agreed ot a £1000 a week deal, already worth £1.9-£3.8 million, if he has a good start to the season we may be able to pocket a pretty penny! Maloney will have to fire from the off, because im itching to get him into the starting XI.

Max Mcfadden - cover for Luca Colville again, Kelly not for loan this year and not worth £150k for a support player at this level, paid more wages than I ideally wanted for Mcfadden but was one of the only options at right wing who had the right attributes for the advanced playmaker role.  

Josh Stones - A well rounded striker with solid, physical, mental and technical attributes in the right places, should be a good backup for Danns. 

Tactics and squad: The same formation as last year with a good amount of players who was with us last year. 

Friendlies : solid results given we only just finished assembling the squad by the Pontefract game, it may take the first month for us to find our feet as the new players adjust to our playing style. 

Edited November 12, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

Staff

We reappointed all staff members this year following promotion, as well as adding an extra coach, before that we didnt have a normal coach. 

Richie Smallwood comes in to assist me, he has strong attributes and a good personality

Gary Hooper looks a good Head of Youth development with fantastic experience to pass onto the youngsters

Michael Ingram was the best I could find to coach our keepers, will look to improve on him when possible.

Rob Harris is poor and needs to be replaced next year.

Pat Lyons is a fantastic coach, who has brilliant attributes all round. He leads most training sessions. 

 

 

[robertpeet27]

August 2025

What a start to the season! 5 wins out of 5, including a 8-1 and 6-2 victories, 3 clean sheets as well puts us top of the pack, I think this may be down to the form carrying through from last year as all the goalscorers were with us last year. No suprise that our performances have lead to Manager, player and young player of the month. Lets hope we can keep going at this pace, we will but happy to make the playoffs this year I think, other teams will probably have too much quality for us over the christmas period and into the new year when fatigue kicks in.  

We lost Frankie in the Scunthorpe game, this will hinder us in September no doubt as he has been brilliant so far this season. 

Stats by position, goals, assists - Strong starts for Jayden Danns and Billy Jones, Dele Alli yet to make an impact. 

[robertpeet27]

September 2025

At the start of September I dipped into the market as we were still a bit short, we required a CB and a BBM to have to players per position, and then when I saw Aiden Marsh available, the Barnsley fan inside me had to sign him, and thank goodness I did when Danns Got injured not long after!

Ryan Astley and Alex Gilliead come in, Astley looks a well rounded CB but hasnt played much professsional football while in Evertons youth setup. Gilliead comes in with lots of experience, most notably for Bradford. He will be fantastic cover for Jones and will assist the young lads with his experience. 

 

 

The first losses for a while for Scarborough Athletic, and in both games we were outplayed and I think it shows the quality in this league, espcecially Swindon who I think will top the league come the end of the season. Luca Colville has a good month with 3 goals, and nice to see Marsh and Stones get off the mark. 

The start to the season gives the board a reason to extend my contract which I gladly accept.

Billy Jones keeps performing and wins this award again. 

Stats by position, goals and assists -  Danns and Jones lead the goals, and Jones, Colville and Green are tied on 5 assists. All three carrying on from their performances last year which is great to see. 

 

Edited November 12, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

October 2025

Another strong month in the league, however a dissapointing loss to Ebbsfleet who were bottom of the league at the time of playing them. Niall Osborne hit some goalscoring form from Right back and Josh Stones filled in Jayden Danns absense. 

Were playing well and scoring goals, the team is starting to gel and I feel like this could be another fantastic season. 

Unfortunatley Dele Alli got injured so the wait for his performances goes on, may have been a mistake bringing him in for the wage, hopefully he comes good in the new year. 

[robertpeet27]

Novemeber 2025

A nice tie in the FA cup at home to 22nd place National League South side St Albans City should have been an easy win, but they held us to a 0-0 draw, meaning we had another fixture to play to ensure we progrressed, 4 wins in a row followed, including beating them 3-0 in the return leg to be drawn at home to Bolton in the 2nd round. 

I was hoping we could maybe hold them to a draw to get a replay, so I dropped the wingers back and looked to counter them on a cautious mentality, and boy did it work, we put them to the sword! 

Although the Third round draw was not as good to us, a home tie to Coventry City will surely be where we fall out this year.  Jayden Danns has come back nicely on his return from Injury. 

We remain second in the league after losing to Yeovil, who are a strong side, perhaps I should have dropped back to balanced or cautious for this tricky away trip. 

Another "Golden Generation" is coming, Ill be happy for the Centre back to come through as a good player, other than that im not too hopeful. 

Stats by Position, Goals and assists - Jayden extends his lead at the top of the goalscorers. I think we are blessed by the amount of players  who contribute to our goals and assists, we have a rightback on 7 goals for the season, and 5 players with over double figures for goals contributions. 

[robertpeet27]

December 2025

A fixture packed month in December as always, and to only lose one and draw one is a fantastic result, and no surprise we sit top of the league. 

It looks like its a head to head race between us and Swindon to take top spot. They have a game in had on us but for us to be up there is fantastic given this is our first year after promotion. 

Wigan started moaning about Josh Stones role, so I have allowed him to go back as Aiden Marsh has performed well. 

The money saved there has allowed me to extend Osborne, Maloney and Maguires deals to the end of next year. 

The first game in January will be the FA Cup Third round agains Frank Lampard Coventry City. 

 

[robertpeet27]

FA Cup Third Round

Dele Alli strikes again, the pantomine villain manages to get sent off when we are 2-1 up. 

I think we may have even won this or taken them back to their place with 11 men on the field.

A fantsatic effort given the fitness issues of the squad as you can see below, we went defensive and dropped the wingers again, which seemed to be working. 

It is no surprise we got an injury from the game, the lads are shattered after the recent fixtures.

 

[robertpeet27]

January and February 2026

A double month due to me playing two of February's games without realising! I think I was too focused on the amount of injuries and poor results we were having at the time. 

The loss to Swindon was sickening, dominating on XG and to concede twice so late on, makes you question the players and their determination to succeed, perhaps due to the amount of young lads we have in the team and the more senior ones not performing. 

Its the first sign of inconsistency throughout our time here. I think the system and the amount of  games has really caused issues for the lads fitness, Im getting a lot of messages about them needing resting, and a lot of injuries coming through. 

I think next year I need a bigger squad, at least 25-56 players who can feature. 

We are still second and only three points being Swindon who have also faltered. A big push required in the next couple of months. 

Injuries:

Stats by position, goals, assists - Danns and Colville performing well, however Colville will not sign a new contract. Maloney is again contributin heavily. 

 

Edited November 13, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

March 2026

Two disapointing away losses really gives Swindon the title. With 5 games left they need to drop 6 points and for us to take all 15, which in this current form looks unlikley. 

Aiden Marsh has had a good month, playing the majority up top with Danns as the Left Inside forward. 

Injuries carried over from February has really hurt us with Green, Colville and Mcfadden all spending time on the sideline. 

Stats by position, goals and assists - Niall Osborne now with 14 goals from right back. Dele Alli aso has 5 assists now after recording 3 in 3 games, he came requesting a new contract off the back of those performances, and was laughed out the door.

Edited November 13, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

April 2026

Youth Intake day, and two defenders came through as Elite talents, matching up with the preview we were given. 

Bolder looking better than Chippendale, Whitehouse looks the best of the lot with fantastic physicals for his age. 

 

We stumbled over the line to take 2nd place, whereas Swindon didnt let up and finished well deserved champions, I have given the squad the full week off to try and regain freshness for the semi final and hopefully Play off final at Wembley. 

5th place Crawley were the Semi Final opponents, they had beaten 6th place Altrincham on penalties. We were drawn at home against them due to our higher league position and that looked to be our advantage as we put the tie to bed in the first half with a goal from Maloney and superstar Jayden Danns. 

We went to Wembley to take on Rochdale, arguably  the two side that should have been in the final after the league games. They had overcome Gateshead in the Semi Final 3-0, and had the dangerous 6ft 9" Kyle Hudlin up top. 

They would go onto dominate the game, but we managed to keep in touch and peg them back quickly after they took the lead twice. And then we netted all 5 of our penalties before they missed their final kick to send us into League 2!!!!

 

A Fantastic Day for Scarborough as we enter League 2 next year, A real season of consolidation is ahead, a big revamp of the squad will be required no doubt.

Edited November 13, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

Season Review

A few snapshots of the previous season, and the big news that we have turned professional. A decent sized budget, double our current wage budget with £680,000 to spend, I would imagine that will be pushed to wages and I will exploit the free agent and loan market once again. 

The stadium is increased by 1500 seats, but at the cost of £1.9 million. A hefty sum, and our total bank balance had a £850,000 grant been given by the authorities. Ticket prices rise again which should help. 

Review:

Stats by position, goals, assists - Jayden Danns carried on from the year before and produced a tally of 24 goals this season, a great effort, hopefully he cant get double figures this year to keep us up.  Notable mention to League player of the season Niall Osborne with 16 goals from Right back. Maloney Colville and Jones. Colville wont sign a new contract, and given the jump in level I think we could do to find a real talisman at right wing. 

 

[robertpeet27]

Season Preview

After back to back promotions we head into the 2026/27 season hoping we can stablise the club in League two, My 3 year target now is to fnish mid table this year, play offs next year and promotion in the third year if we do not achieve it in season two. #

Our main issue will be attracting players as our reputation will need to catch up with the league we are in. 

I am also reluctant to sign any players for a fee due to the possibility of us getting relegated straight back down.

The bookies have us 13th for the title, and if that can be our spot at the end of the season I would be overjoyed!

New Staff members - the board allowed two extra coaches to join us, both massivley improve our coaching team, and with us going full time we should really notice the improvements. 

Friendlies - mixed bag of friendlies, due to plenty of trialists and quite a slim squad after loads endning and players leaving at the end of last season. 

Club Vision for the season:

Starting Season Finances - 

.

Scarborough Athletic 2026

[robertpeet27]

Transfers

9 players joined us during the off season. They have all improved the squad and will fight for a first team place. 

We have attracted real quality through the loan market, Im hoping this shines through once they have gelled together. 

Nobody leaves, which is good new as I thought Jayden Danns would have interested some League one clubs.

James Clarridge -  Young impressive CB who will fight for a first team spot, he has a lot of potential to grow and this could be a real breakout season for him. 

James HCB - A New Zealand international comes in on loan from Readin. He ticks a lot of boxes, great attributes for a ball winner with a good personality and consistancy. 

Vernon Scanlon, looks a real find on a free after being released by Arsenal. Will be my starting Box 2 Box midfielder, hopefully he can really improve and attract a big bid.

Lemar Gordon -  Looks to suit us perfectly in the RW advanced playmaker Role, I expect to see him contribute some big numbers for us this year. 

Cian Ashford - A strong looking Mezzala, will battle Maloney for the starting spot. 

Connor Barrett - Competition for Osborne at right back, and certainly capable of being a good cover option. Fantastic physicals for this level. 

Sahil Bashir - I struggled to find an Inside forward, I ended up taking a punt on Bashir, Im not sold on him but we shall see how he gets on. may put Danns there and pop Marsh up top. 

Tommy Reid - I didnt sign him until the last week of his 4 week trial, beacuse hes 5 foot 8. I just couldnt get passed it, but when no one else matched his ability I decided to take a gamble, one im dreading to be honest. 

Aaron Hayden - An experienced CB who has played at this level. Cheap as chips at £500 a week. Shold be a solid signing. 

[robertpeet27]

August 2026

A good start to the season, a clean sheet away at relegated Notts County, a rotated side lost to Preston before we were stunned by Solihull Motors conceding two in the 90th minute. 

Another good away win before nicking a 1-0 at home to Port Vale. 

A poor result finishes a tough welcome to League two. 

The signs are looking good though, we are competing against a tough set of opening fixtures, September looks easier, so we will see what it brings. 

Edited November 15, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

September 2026

A much better performance this month, we battered York as well but they truly FM'd us. 

A positive month, ending in the play off places, the amount of goals we are scoring is impressive at this step up in level. 

Stats by Position, Goals and Assists - No suprise Danns leads the goal scoring tally, but I am impressed with Bashir's numbers, although his average rating shows he is inconsistant, hopefully something he can improve upon. 

 

[robertpeet27]

October 2026

Another strong month, good wins over Chesterfield and Lincoln, before an away loss to Accrington. 

We played well against Wrexham and I was pleased with the performance. Especially that the games against Swindon, Harrogate and Walsall were all won without conceding a goal. 

7th in the league is incredible given we had just achieved promotion and hopefully our form can keep going to keep us safe this year. 

Stats by Position, Goals, Assists -  Jayden Danns tops the goal scoring charts, Lewis Maloney having another blistering season with 11 goal contributions, he is now keeping Cian Ashford out of the side. 

First Time a club has looked to take my services, rejected of course. 

 

[robertpeet27]

November 2026

What a start to the month, a fantastic win against Port Vale in the FA Cup, before wins agains Morecombe and Colchester. 

Brought back down to earth at the end of the month with two losses to Leyton Orient and Wycombe.

Unsurprisingly out of the FA Cup against Preston, but not a bad result again. 

Despite the mixed form we are up to 5th, and look good for a top half finish. 

Im ready for us to fall away again towards the back end of the season due to the intensity of the tactic being used. 

Stats by Position, Goals, Assists - Danns Continues his goalscoring form, where Bashir has added goals to his assists, outperforming Gordon which has surprised me as I saw him really performing, but he hasnt really set it alight.

Another job interview, rejected again. 

200 Games, and what a 200 games it has been, to be in the top half of League two already is crazy. 

Meant to be a good group, hopefully the CM is something special. 

 

[robertpeet27]

December 2026

An unbeaten month, 4th in the league, only 3 points of the automatic places, incredible!

We lost Jayden Danns for 3 weeks after the Mansfield game, but we just kept going, Aiden Marsh filling in fantastically with 4 in 4. 

Try and keep a hold of all our players and move into the new year attacking the top 3 in the table for an automotatic spot, not what I envisaged our season to be like, but gladly received.

Danns is top scorer in the league so I expect the bids to start rolling in. 

Stats by Position, Goals, Assists - 22 goals, Danns, Crazy! Marsh with 10 is also doing fantastic with Maloney keeping up with contributing in both areas. Ashford has crept up to second place for assists. Everyone is starting to perform and we are really looking good. 

 

[robertpeet27]

January & February 2027

We make a big signing in February to try and help us over the line into the automatic sports, Adama Traore joins as a free agent, he posses big quality and is in to contribute where Gordon has failed to really take ownership. 

A mixed bag of results follows, too many draws really halt our progress, we sneak into 4rd place but we should really be more comfortable in there.

 

Stats by Position, Goals, Assists - Danns, topping the goal scoring charts for us and the league, Bashir and Ashford carry on providing the assists. 

Youth Intake -  A poor intake with 2 more centre backs, neither look particulary fancy, a lot signed for personality but not quality.

Another job offer:

 

Edited November 18, 2023 by robertpeet27

[robertpeet27]

End fo Season

A great start to March puts us in control, however losing to Port Vale gave away the advantage before taking it back from Forest Green. 

In reality its the next wo games that cost us, we lost our shooting boots against Exeter and Mansfield. 

At that point it was over and play offs were our realistic option. 

We never expecgted to be here so cannot be too disapointed about failing to get over the line. 

We played Accrington Stanley in the Semi final and saw them off comfortably. Colchester await in the final, again a tough opposition who have been there or thereabouts all season. 

Jayden Danns MASTERCLASS!!!!! We are up again, Unbelievable, what an absolutely incredible result and we are into League one, a meteoric rise. We are going to be seriously tested next year but bring it on!

 

[robertpeet27]

Season Review

A Summary of the season:

 

[Cometdude]

Love that Dele Alli's only real contribution has been selling shirts 

 

[robertpeet27]

6 hours ago, Cometdude said:

Love that Dele Alli's only real contribution has been selling shirts 

 

I am glad hes gone!

I thought he would tear up the national league, but FM managed to capture his real life downturn very accurately!