AI Experiment - The Bandits are back for FM09

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Club reports – January-May

Bandits

Sitting top of the league, the Bandits were already dreaming of the Premiership, but now had the FA Cup to think about, with a tricky away tie at fellow Championship side Birmingham to negotiate. As it turned out, the match was more one-sided than the 1-0 victory suggested.

Their form continued in the league, a 3-1 win at Coventry being followed by a 3-0 win at home to Sheff Wed, and all of a sudden they were seeming unstoppable. A trip to Premiership Wolves in the fourth round of the cup was a chance to test themselves, and a real banana skin for the top flight club.

The match was end to end, but both sides were wasteful with their chances, until Maynard put the Bandits ahead on the stroke of half time. Ecuele Manage added a second before the hour mark, and despite pressure from Wolves, they never managed a shot on target, their injury time consolation coming via an own goal. It was a brilliant giant killing.

Perhaps they were too focused on the cup, perhaps too much on the imminent rematch with the Sheriffs, but they took their eye off the ball in the next league game, losing 1-0 at Wigan.

Sheriffs

The Sheriffs had a tricky FA Cup to overcome at the start of January, away to League One leaders Ipswich, having a fine season and dreaming of a cup upset. And in the minutes before half time, the home side came alive, scoring twice to threaten the giant killing. But on the stroke of half time, John Bostock pulled one back for the Sheriffs, and the game was set up. The second half saw much pressure from the Championship side, but they couldn't find the net, and crashed out of the cup.

They tried to make amends days later, but when Nyatanga was sent off in the first half of his league debut, West Brom took advantage, cruising to a 2-0 victory. But the Sheriffs weren't done, taking Wigan apart in the next game, the visitors scoring two late consolations to make a 5-3 scoreline look a closer match than it was.

Confidence restored, they went to Southend in their next game and drew 1-1, before the crunch match at home to the Bandits arrived.

The second meeting

The cameras were again in town to see the Sheriffs try to exact revenge on their rivals, after an early season defeat. The Sheriffs' fans were a little nervous, as the Bandits were in form and the last time one of the top two played here, they left with a 4-0 win.

The gulf in confidence was clear, with the Bandits quickly taking control of the game. The Sheriffs were still trying to get a foothold when Maynard put the visitors in front, and when Jerome added a second before half time, the home fans slumped to their seats. It got no better in the second half, and the Sheriffs failed to force a save from the keeper all day. The Bandits cruised to another 2-0 victory, leaving the Sheriffs still three points from the playoffs as January came to an end.

Bandits – closing in on promotion

The Bandits were relentless, beating Barnsley 1-0 before going to QPR and triumphing 3-0. Next up were Bolton at home in the FA Cup, and the Premiership side had every reason to be nervous. The match itself was tight, both sides missing chances, until Bandits hearts were broken in the final minute, when Scott Brown fired Bolton ahead.

The fans were despondent, but only for a matter of seconds. From the kick off, the home side threw everyone forward, McAlister burying Etherington's cross to send the tie to a replay.

Before the return trip to Bolton, they had two league games to get out of the way, and had no trouble with either, beating Watford and Southampton. And so to the replay. Home advantage didn't seem to be helping Bolton, with the Bandits enjoying the bulk of the chances, but then the Premiership side struck, Brek Shea scoring five minutes before half time.

But as before, the Bandits came back strong, Sidwell equalising in first half stoppage time, before Adam Hammill put them ahead with half an hour to play. After that, Bolton lost their fight, and the Bandits held on to the 2-1 win, moving into a quarter final tie at home to Chelsea, their conquerors in a replay last season.

The only blip in February came with a 1-1 draw at Plymouth, both own goals, but they ended the month nine points clear of Fulham, and seventeen ahead of the playoffs.

If their rivals thought the pressure would begin to tell, they would be disappointed – the Bandits opened March with a 2-1 at Stoke, which preceded their huge FA Cup quarter final at home to Chelsea. The most encouraging sign was how they held their own against their illustrious opposition, although it looked bleak when Essien put the visitors ahead. But Paul Bryant equalised, and the match remained level at half time.

After the break, both teams went for a winner, and both had chances, but it ended 1-1, and for the second season running, the Bandits had managed a fantastic draw.

Days later, they were held 2-2 at Leicester, but a 2-0 win over Sheff Utd put them within a few points of guaranteed promotion, the perfect tonic ahead of the replay.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are a different opponent, and they showed it, instantly penning the Bandits back. But the visitors held out until half time, and neutrals began to wonder. Eventually though, Chelsea's class showed, Kalou and Centre Back 4 scoring the goals that put them through 2-0.

Back to the league, and it was business as usual – a 2-1 win at West Brom meaning one point would see them promoted. It came spectacularly, a 6-2 demolition of Bristol City confirming that the Bandits would be playing Premiership football next season.

They ended March nine points clear of Fulham with six games remaining, and a massive 23 clear of the playoffs. They are ready.

Sheriffs – fighting for a playoff spot

The Sheriffs had to put the disappointment of another defeat to the Bandits behind them, and managed a creditable 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace, twice coming from behind. Two Ben Smith goals then saw off Barnsley 2-0, as they made their run for the playoffs. But a week later, they were hammered 4-1 by Cardiff, before drawing 1-1 at Bournemouth.

At least February ended well, not least for Tristan Plummer, who notched all four goals in a 4-1 win over QPR that left them eighth, still five points from the playoffs.

They needed to put a run together, and opened March with a 2-1 over Southampton, Madine scoring a late winner. McAllister and Madine then struck a brace each in a 4-0 thumping of Plymouth, a result that pushed them into the playoffs at last. An impressive 2-1 win at Bradford secured their place, before a last minute Puncheon equaliser rescued a point at Derby. Another Puncheon goal was good enough to beat Watford and complete a fantastic month.

The Sheriffs ended March in fourth place, miles off automatic promotion and two points ahead of the seventh spot that would see them miss out on the playoffs. It promised to be a tense last six games.

Championship – March

Bandits – trying to secure the title

Having already gained promotion to the Premiership, all the Bandits had left to play for was enough points to finish above Fulham. An unbeaten April saw to that – four wins and a draw taking them over the hundred point mark, and confirming their domination of the division.

The season eventually ended with a 1-0 win at Bradford, leaving them of 107 points, 12 points clear of second, and 28 clear of the playoffs. Their home record is astonishing – 21 wins, two draws, and no losses. Watch out Premiership.

Sheriffs – going for the playoffs

April began with a decent point at Birmingham, Barnes equalising for the Sheriffs in injury time, before two Smith goals beat Stoke 2-0 in their next game. Another away draw – 2-2 at Hull – was followed by another home win – 2-0 over Bristol City, and the playoff position was looking far more secure. With two games to go, one win would do it, but the fixture list had not been kind – trips to promoted Fulham and Leicester would not make that easy.

As it turned out, there was no need to worry – the Sheriffs managed their best result of the season when it mattered – a terrific 3-2 win at Fulham, putting to bed their appalling away record by triumphing at the strongest side in the division. A 1-0 defeat at Leicester on the final day meant they finished fourth, and had to face Birmingham in the playoffs.

The first leg of the playoff semi didn't start well, Pearce putting Birmingham ahead, but in the second half, the Sheriffs took over, Madine and Bostock scoring the goals that put them within a whisker of Wembley. The second leg was an open affair, and the Sheriffs seemed to book their place in the final with a Puncheon goal just before half time. Birmingham pressed in the second half, but couldn't find the breakthrough, until Pearce scored with two minutes remaining. Birmingham needed one more goal to take it to extra time, but it never came, and the Sheriffs were in the final.

Wigan were their opponents at Wembley, and any thoughts of keeping the game tight were destroyed in the opening couple of minutes, Tommy Smith putting Wigan ahead. By half time though, the Sheriffs were level, McAllister scoring the goal that put them back on track.

The Sheriffs continued to press in the second half, and eventually took the lead when Plummer scored on the hour. But minutes later, disaster struck, Tunchev picking up his second yellow card to leave the Sheriffs with ten men. Wigan fought for the equaliser, but the Sheriffs hung on time and time again, desperate for their place in the Premiership.

With time ticking away, the Sheriffs finally conceded the equaliser, Barrowman scoring in the final minute to send the match to extra time. Remarkably, given their man deficit, the Sheriffs took the lead again, Puncheon scoring again, and this time Wigan had no answer.

The Bandits had been promoted automatically, while the Sheriffs had finally broken the experimental playoff curse. Both sides will be in the Premiership next season.

Bandit Honours:

Championship (2015)

League One (2014)

League Two (2011)

Blue Square Premier (2010)

Blue Square South (2009)

FA Trophy (2010)

Sheriff Honours:

League One (2013)

Blue Square Premier (2011)

Blue Square South (2010)

FA Trophy (2011)

Setanta Shield (2011)

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Bandits report - Season summary

2008-09: Blue Square South – 1st, Setanta Shield - Semi Final

2009-10: Blue Square Premier – 1st, FA Trophy - Winners

2010-11

League Two: (Pos 1), P 46, W 30, D 9, L 7, F 108, A 27, GD +81, Pts 99

(Media Prediction: 24th)

FA Cup: Second Round

League Cup: Third Round

Johnstone's Paint Trophy: South First Round

2011-12

League One: (Pos 4), P 46, W 24, D 8, L 14, F 75, A 45, GD +30, Pts 80

(Media Prediction: 22nd)

FA Cup: Fourth Round

League Cup: First Round

Johnstone's Paint Trophy: South Final

2012-13

League One: (Pos 4), P 46, W 25, D 10, L 11, F 75, A 39, GD +36, Pts 85

(Media Prediction: 5th)

FA Cup: Second Round

League Cup: Second Round

Johnstone's Paint Trophy: South Semi Final

2013-14

League One: (Pos 1), P 46, W 33, D 11, L 2, F 112, A 24, GD +88, Pts 110

(Media Prediction: 2nd)

FA Cup: Fifth Round

League Cup: Third Round

Johnstone's Paint Trophy: South Quarter Final

2014-15

Championship: (Pos 1), P 46, W 32, D 11, L 3, F 93, A 30, GD +63, Pts 107

(Media Prediction: 11th)

League

FA Cup: Quarter Final

League Cup: Third Round

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Sheriffs report - Season summary

2008-09: Blue Square South - 2nd

2009-10: Blue Square South - 1st

2010-11

Blue Square Premier: (Pos 1), P 46, W 31, D 9, L 6, F 97, A 36, GD +61, Pts 102

(Media Prediction: 23rd)

FA Cup: Third Round

FA Trophy: Winners

Setanta Shield: Winners

2011-12

League Two: (Pos 2), P 46, W 24, D 18, L 4, F 82, A 31, GD +51, Pts 90

(Media Prediction: 24th)

FA Cup: First Round

League Cup: Second Round

Johnstone's Paint Trophy: South Semi Final

2012-13

League One: (Pos 1), P 46, W 29, D 9, L 8, F 102, A 30, GD +72, Pts 96

(Media Prediction: 24th)

FA Cup: Fourth Round

League Cup: First Round

Johnstone's Paint Trophy: South First Round

2013-14

Championship: (Pos 6), P 46, W 23, D 6, L 17, F 67, A 44, GD +23, Pts 75

(Media Prediction: 24th)

FA Cup: Fourth Round

League Cup: Second Round

2014-15

Championship: (Pos 4), P 46, W 22, D 11, L 13, F 67, A 48, GD +19, Pts 77

(Media Prediction: 12th)

League

FA Cup: Third Round

League Cup: Second Round

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Bandits report - Best and Worst

General

Stats

New records:

Highest League Position: 1st in Championship

Highest Gate Receipts: £3.9m v Chelsea (FA Cup Quarter Final)

This season:

Best player – Sidwell, 7.17

Top scorer – Maynard, Jerome, 18

Worst player – Williams, 6.90

It was a team effort this season, with fifteen players averaging 7.00 or more for the first team. Maynard and Jerome still lead the way in goalscoring, while three players picked up ten assists. In the end, it was a hugely comfortable promotion.

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Sheriffs report - Best and Worst

General

Stats

New records:

Highest League Position: 6th in Championship

Highest Attendance: 139995 v Crystal Palace, Championship Playoff Semi Final

Highest Gate Receipts: £3.4m v Millwall (FA Cup Third Round)

Highest Transfer Fee Paid: £3.1m (for Nathan Dyer from Birmingham)

Total Transfer Spending: £2.7m

This season:

Best player – Bostock, Smith, 7.10

Top scorer – Madine, 17

Worst player – Underwood, 6.78

The Sheriffs didn't have as many top performers as the Bandits, but still had eight players averaging 7.00 or above, and three in double figures for goals. No-one managed more than nine assists.

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Finance and Staff

Finance:

Real Madrid's value has gone to over a billion, with the Bandits and Sheriffs in second and third.

Rich Clubs

Bandits Balance – £124.7m (+£5.4m), with a transfer budget of £71.9m (+£22.0m).

Sheriffs Balance - £82.0m (+£12.9m), with a transfer budget of £52.0m (+£11.8m).

Both clubs are getting more and more powerful financially.

Staff Reputation

Dream Manager – 9037 (+1799)

Idiot Manager – 7324 (+668)

Dream Manager is building a massive reputation, it is a good thing the Bandits are in the Premiership otherwise they might lose him.

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Player reports - Superstars

Goalkeeper 1 (Argentina)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 30, Conc 11, Cln 22, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.31

Transfers to Sunderland for £1.9m

2008-09, Sunderland, CA 158: Apps 12, Conc 14, Cln 5, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.78

2009-10, Sunderland, CA 170: Apps 46, Conc 53, Cln 16, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.03

2010-11, Sunderland, CA 176: Apps 45, Conc 53, Cln 15, MoM 5, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.13

2011-12, Sunderland, CA 185: Apps 37, Conc 43, Cln 13, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.01

2012-13, Sunderland, CA 192: Apps 42, Conc 54, Cln 12, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.95

2013-14, Sunderland, CA 195: Apps 44, Conc 62, Cln 13, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.97

2014-15, Sunderland, CA 197: Apps 42, Conc 47, Cln 17, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.19

Notes: Has a much improved season for Sunderland, who finish eighth in the Premiership. Reaches 36 caps for Argentina, and wins European Goalkeeper of the Year.

Honours

European Goalkeeper of the Year (2015)

Goalkeeper 2 (England/Brazil)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 153: Apps 22 (1), Conc 14, Cln 12, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.01

Transfers to Rangers for £525k

2009-10, Rangers, CA 166: Apps 54, Conc 33, Cln 30, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.95

2010-11, Rangers, CA 176: Apps 46, Conc 39, Cln 18, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.99

2011-12, Rangers, CA 182: Apps 55, Conc 41, Cln 26, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.14

2012-13, Rangers, CA 189: Apps 51, Conc 37, Cln 25, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.08

2013-14, Rangers, CA 193: Apps 54, Conc 42, Cln 29, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.04

2014-15, Rangers, CA 197: Apps 54, Conc 30, Cln 31, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 1, Avg 7.05

Notes: Continues his success, winning his sixth consecutive SPL and fourth consecutive Co-operative Cup. Finally picks up his first five Brazil caps.

Honours

Scottish Premier League (Rangers: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)

Scottish Cup (Rangers: 2013)

Scottish Co-operative Cup (Rangers: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)

Scottish Young Player of the Year (2012, 2013)

Left Back 1 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 22, Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.21

Transfers to Everton for £625k

2008-09, Everton, CA 161: Apps 11, Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.81

Transfers to Arsenal for £7.5m

2009-10, Arsenal, CA 181: Apps 42 (2), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.11

2010-11, Arsenal, CA 188: Apps 38 (3), Gls 3, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.10

2011-12, Arsenal, CA 194: Apps 55 (1), Gls 1, Asts 7, MoM 0, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.08

2012-13, Arsenal, CA 197: Apps 53, Gls 4, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.18

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 198: Apps 55, Gls 4, Asts 9, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.21

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 56, Gls 2, Asts 7, MoM 2, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.18

Notes: Is part of an incredible Arsenal season, winning the treble of Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League, culminating in three consecutive wins over Chelsea at the end of the season. Has 35 caps and two goals.

Honours

English Premiership (Arsenal: 2012, 2015)

English FA Cup (Arsenal: 2010, 2015)

European Champions League (Arsenal: 2012, 2015)

Left Back 2 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 156: Apps 41 (1), Gls 1, Asts 16, MoM 8, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.35

Transfers to West Ham for £650k

2009-10, West Ham, CA 181: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.05

2010-11, West Ham, CA 190: Apps 41, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.85

Transfers to Chelsea for £22.5m

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 48 (1), Gls 0, Asts 7, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.06

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 41 (3), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.09

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 49 (2), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.07

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 50 (1), Gls 6, Asts 4, MoM 4, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.10

Notes: Another excellent personal season, but finishes runners up to Arsenal in the Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League. Has seven caps.

Honours

English Premiership (Chelsea: 2013, 2014)

English Blue Square South (Bandits: 2009)

Right Back 1 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 36, Gls 1, Asts 16, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.48

Transfers to Fulham for £1.2m

2008-09, Fulham, CA 165: Apps 10, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.52

2009-10, Fulham, CA 182: Apps 42, Gls 4, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.03

2010-11, Fulham, CA 194: Apps 43, Gls 4, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.98

Transfers to Atletico Madrid for £27m

2011-12, Atletico Madrid, CA 198: Apps 43, Gls 2, Asts 11, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.99

2012-13, Atletico Madrid, CA 198: Apps 55, Gls 1, Asts 8, MoM 0, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.04

2013-14, Atletico Madrid, CA 199: Apps 41 (1), Gls 2, Asts 11, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.12

2014-15, Atletico Madrid, CA 199: Apps 42, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 6.79

Notes: Form slips a little this season, but still helps Atletico to third in La Liga. Reaches 38 caps but is yet to open his international scoring account.

Honours

None

Right Back 2 (France)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 6, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.72

Transfers to Rennes for £220k

2008-09, Rennes, CA 155: Apps 9, Gls 0, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.84

2009-10, Rennes, CA 155: Apps 1, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.00

Transfers to Man City for £11m

2009-10, Man City, CA 175: Apps 35 (1), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.87

2010-11, Man City, CA 186: Apps 40, Gls 1, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.88

2011-12, Man City, CA 194: Apps 42, Gls 7, Asts 6, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2012-13, Man City, CA 198: Apps 40, Gls 2, Asts 6, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.06

2013-14, Man City, CA 199: Apps 51, Gls 1, Asts 5, MoM 1, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.02

2014-15, Man City, CA 199: Apps 42, Gls 4, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.03

Notes: Plays well for Man City, but their quest for a top four spot fails miserably, slipping back to eleventh. Reaches 31 caps for France without a goal.

Honours

None

Centre Back 1 (Germany)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 35, Gls 1, Asts 6, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.08

Transfers to Fulham for £1.4m

2008-09, Fulham, CA 165: Apps 15, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.83

2009-10, Fulham, CA 179: Apps 42, Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 6.84

2010-11, Fulham, CA 192: Apps 35, Gls 4, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 11, RC 0, Avg 6.95

2011-12, Fulham, CA 192: Apps 14, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.87

Transfers to Barcelona for £23.5m

2011-12, Barcelona, CA 197: Apps 23, Gls 5, Asts 0, MoM 2, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.12

2012-13, Barcelona, CA 198: Apps 48, Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 2, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2013-14, Barcelona, CA 199: Apps 54, Gls 10, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.16

2014-15, Barcelona, CA 199: Apps 50, Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.21

Notes: Continues to shine at Barcelona, and wins his third consecutive La Liga title. Has 28 caps with two goals.

Honours

Spanish La Liga (Barcelona: 2013, 2014, 2015)

Spanish Copa del Rey (Barcelona: 2013, 2014)

European Defender of the Year (2013)

Centre Back 2 (Holland)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 25, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.36

Transfers to Lyon for £775k

2008-09, Lyon, CA 157: Apps 2, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.35

2009-10, Lyon, CA 169: Apps 34 (4), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.84

2010-11, Lyon, CA 191: Apps 51, Gls 9, Asts 1, MoM 6, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.13

2011-12, Lyon, CA 191: Apps 28, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.08

Transfers to Barcelona for £35m

2011-12, Barcelona, CA 197: Apps 19, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.87

2012-13, Barcelona, CA 198: Apps 51, Gls 5, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.03

2013-14, Barcelona, CA 198: Apps 54, Gls 8, Asts 1, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.13

2014-15, Barcelona, CA 198: Apps 53, Gls 7, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.10

Notes: Continues an awesome defensive partnership with Centre Back 1, and wins La Liga again. Now has 44 caps and five goals.

Honours

French Ligue 1 (Lyon: 2010)

French Cup (Lyon: 2011)

French League Cup (Lyon: 2009, 2010)

Spanish La Liga (Barcelona: 2013, 2014, 2015)

Spanish Copa del Rey (Barcelona: 2013, 2014)

Centre Back 3 (Italy)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 9, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.28

Transfers to Chievo for £75k

2008-09, Chievo, CA 157: Apps 16, Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.67

Transfers to Sampdoria for £3.5m

2009-10, Sampdoria, CA 174: Apps 50, Gls 3, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.93

2010-11, Sampdoria, CA 192: Apps 51, Gls 3, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.97

2011-12, Sampdoria, CA 195: Apps 55, Gls 5, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.04

2012-13, Sampdoria, CA 197: Apps 49, Gls 5, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.02

Transfers to Arsenal for £39m

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 39, Gls 5, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 9, RC 2, Avg 7.05

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 55, Gls 7, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.14

Notes: Has a stunning season for Arsenal, helping the club win the treble while scoring goals from the back. Misses the FA Cup Final due to injury, but is up to 44 caps and three goals.

Honours

World Cup (Italy: 2014)

European Championships (Italy: 2012)

English Premiership (Arsenal: 2015)

English Carling Cup (Arsenal: 2014)

European Champions League (Arsenal: 2015)

Centre Back 4 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 9 (1), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.09

Transfers to Hibernian for £30k

2008-09, Hibernian, CA 154: Apps 14, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 6.68

2009-10, Hibernian, CA 154: Apps 2, Gls 1, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.90

Transfers to West Brom for £2.5m

2009-10, West Brom, CA 173: Apps 40, Gls 2, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 6.86

2010-11, West Brom, CA 184: Apps 41, Gls 2, Asts 0, MoM 1, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 6.85

Transfers to Chelsea for £23.5m

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 52, Gls 4, Asts 0, MoM 3, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.00

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 49 (1), Gls 3, Asts 1, MoM 2, YC 16, RC 0, Avg 7.05

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 51, Gls 5, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 7.06

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 53, Gls 7, Asts 5, MoM 3, YC 13, RC 1, Avg 7.11

Notes: Misses out on trophies due to Arsenal dominance, but plays very well nonetheless, although with an appalling disciplinary record. Reaches 34 caps with eight goals.

Honours

English Premiership (Chelsea: 2013, 2014)

Left Mid 1 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 23 (2), Gls 10, Asts 10, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.03

Transfers to Man City for £1.1m

2008-09, Man City, CA 165: Apps 6, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.45

Transfers to West Brom for £10.5m

2009-10, West Brom, CA 179: Apps 39, Gls 8, Asts 8, MoM 5, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.12

2010-11, West Brom, CA 190: Apps 35 (1), Gls 7, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.07

Transfers to AC Milan for £39m

2011-12, AC Milan, CA 194: Apps 12 (10), Gls 5, Asts 4, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.06

2012-13, AC Milan, CA 199: Apps 43 (3), Gls 14, Asts 2, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.92

2013-14, AC Milan, CA 199: Apps 41, Gls 21, Asts 12, MoM 8, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2014-15, AC Milan, CA 199: Apps 34 (3), Gls 11, Asts 8, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.16

Notes: An injury-plagued season saw him not hit the heady heights of last year, but still impressed as AC Milan finished third. Reaches 31 caps with eight goals.

Honours

None

Left Mid 2 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 16 (1), Gls 6, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.06

Transfers to Everton for £1m

2008-09, Everton, CA 167: Apps 17, Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.60

Transfers to Chelsea for £8.75m

2009-10, Chelsea, CA 184: Apps 50 (2), Gls 11, Asts 19, MoM 6, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.19

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 194: Apps 45 (1), Gls 6, Asts 7, MoM 5, YC 0, RC 1, Avg 7.03

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 43, Gls 10, Asts 10, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.24

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 44 (1), Gls 7, Asts 6, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.13

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 46, Gls 12, Asts 14, MoM 3, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.30

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 49, Gls 12, Asts 13, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.26

Notes: Another terrific season, but one that ends without club trophies. Has eleven goals in 39 appearances for England.

Honours

English Premiership (Chelsea: 2010, 2013, 2014)

English Player of the Season (2014)

English Young Player of the Season (2012)

Right Mid 1 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 30, Gls 11, Asts 11, MoM 1, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.11

Transfers to Blackburn for £1.3m

2008-09, Blackburn, CA 165: Apps 14, Gls 6, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.91

2009-10, Blackburn, CA 165: Apps 7, Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.44

Transfers to AC Milan for £14.5m

2009-10, AC Milan, CA 177: Apps 2 (5), Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.80

2010-11, AC Milan, CA 177: Apps 5 (5), Gls 2, Asts 3, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.13

Transfers to Chelsea for £22.5m

2010-11, Chelsea, CA 189: Apps 18 (1), Gls 4, Asts 6, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.14

2011-12, Chelsea, CA 197: Apps 46 (4), Gls 5, Asts 7, MoM 1, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 7.02

2012-13, Chelsea, CA 198: Apps 39 (7), Gls 9, Asts 11, MoM 4, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 48 (7), Gls 13, Asts 12, MoM 9, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.33

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 46, Gls 8, Asts 13, MoM 4, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.18

Notes: Plays well once again, but misses out on trophies as Chelsea finish second all over the place. Has five goals in fifteen caps.

Honours

English Premiership (Chelsea: 2013, 2014)

Right Mid 2 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 11 (1), Gls 4, Asts 8, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.26

Transfers to Rangers for £220k

2008-09, Rangers, CA 160: Apps 19, Gls 4, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.58

Transfers to Liverpool for £7.5m

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 178: Apps 34 (5), Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.03

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 192: Apps 54 (3), Gls 18, Asts 14, MoM 10, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 198: Apps 48, Gls 12, Asts 11, MoM 4, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.32

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 199: Apps 42, Gls 11, Asts 15, MoM 7, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 199: Apps 49 (1), Gls 11, Asts 16, MoM 6, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 199: Apps 44, Gls 12, Asts 9, MoM 5, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.33

Notes: Another fantastic season, helping Liverpool to fourth in the Premiership and lifting the Carling Cup. Reaches 33 caps with eleven goals.

Honours

English Premiership (Liverpool: 2011)

English FA Cup (Liverpool: 2012, 2013, 2014)

English Carling Cup (Liverpool: 2015)

Scottish Premier League (Rangers: 2009)

Scottish Co-operative Cup (Rangers: 2009)

UEFA Cup (Liverpool: 2013)

English Young Player of the Season (2013)

Centre Mid 1 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 155: Apps 52 (1), Gls 17, Asts 13, MoM 2, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 6.93

Transfers to Middlesbrough for £1.1m

2009-10, Middlesbrough, CA 176: Apps 40, Gls 10, Asts 3, MoM 7, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.16

2010-11, Middlesbrough, CA 192: Apps 44, Gls 19, Asts 4, MoM 7, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.35

2011-12, Middlesbrough, CA 198: Apps 44, Gls 12, Asts 6, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.36

2012-13, Middlesbrough, CA 198: Apps 42, Gls 10, Asts 7, MoM 7, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.08

2013-14, Middlesbrough, CA 199: Apps 44, Gls 7, Asts 7, MoM 2, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.28

2014-15, Middlesbrough, CA 199: Apps 35, Gls 4, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 7.13

Notes: His loyalty is admirable, but he isn't winning trophies, Boro finishing a distant 13th in the Premiership. Has ten goals in 35 caps, and needs a new club.

Honours

English Blue Square South (Bandits: 2009)

European Midfielder of the Year (2010)

English Players' Player of the Year (2013)

Centre Mid 2 (Portugal)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 31 (1), Gls 10, Asts 11, MoM 2, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.04

Transfers to Sporting for £1.1m

2008-09, Sporting, CA 163: Apps 17, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.86

2009-10, Sporting, CA 179: Apps 40 (3), Gls 12, Asts 3, MoM 3, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.22

2010-11, Sporting, CA 194: Apps 49, Gls 22, Asts 12, MoM 7, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.39

Transfers to Barcelona for £49m

2011-12, Barcelona, CA 199: Apps 45, Gls 13, Asts 7, MoM 4, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 7.15

2012-13, Barcelona, CA 199: Apps 45 (4), Gls 14, Asts 3, MoM 4, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.26

2013-14, Barcelona, CA 199: Apps 54, Gls 31, Asts 11, MoM 12, YC 6, RC 0, Avg 7.55

2014-15, Barcelona, CA 199: Apps 32, Gls 16, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.53

Notes: Was on course to equal last season's remarkable stats until a torn calf muscle ended his season in February. Still picks up his third consecutive La Liga medal, and sweeps the awards – World Player of the Year, World Footballer of the Year, European Midfielder of the Year and European Footballer of the Year. Has 39 caps with 14 goals, and is a true star.

Honours

Portuguese Cup (Sporting: 2011)

Spanish La Liga (Barcelona: 2013, 2014, 2015)

Spanish Copa del Rey (Barcelona: 2013, 2014)

World Club Cup (Barcelona: 2012)

World Player of the Year (2015)

World Footballer of the Year (2015)

European Footballer of the Year (2015)

European Midfielder of the Year (2014, 2015)

Portuguese League Young Player of the Year (2011)

Portuguese Best Foreign Based Player of the Year (2012, 2014)

Centre Mid 3 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 15 (4), Gls 9, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.21

Transfers to Bolton for £675k

2008-09, Bolton, CA 164: Apps 12, Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.77

Transfers to Liverpool for £16.5m

2009-10, Liverpool, CA 188: Apps 38 (1), Gls 14, Asts 4, MoM 5, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.15

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 198: Apps 44 (9), Gls 5, Asts 10, MoM 3, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.05

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 198: Apps 48 (2), Gls 18, Asts 10, MoM 8, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 199: Apps 44 (6), Gls 16, Asts 10, MoM 3, YC 6, RC 1, Avg 7.21

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 199: Apps 55, Gls 15, Asts 14, MoM 7, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.29

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 199: Apps 52 (1), Gls 15, Asts 11, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.28

Notes: Plays very well again, and lifts the Carling Cup for the second time. Has an impressive sixteen goals in 36 internationals.

Honours

English Premiership (Liverpool: 2011)

English FA Cup (Liverpool: 2012, 2013, 2014)

English Carling Cup (Liverpool: 2010, 2015)

UEFA Cup (Liverpool: 2013)

Centre Mid 4 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 4 (3), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.93

Transfers to Reading for £75k

2008-09, Reading, CA 154: Apps 22, Gls 3, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.71

Transfers to Hull for £2.1m

2009-10, Hull, CA 165: Apps 29, Gls 6, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.14

Transfers to Liverpool for £12.75m

2010-11, Liverpool, CA 189: Apps 36 (21), Gls 10, Asts 11, MoM 5, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.07

2011-12, Liverpool, CA 192: Apps 46 (9), Gls 12, Asts 6, MoM 4, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.13

2012-13, Liverpool, CA 198: Apps 51 (6), Gls 8, Asts 13, MoM 3, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.09

2013-14, Liverpool, CA 198: Apps 44 (5), Gls 10, Asts 10, MoM 5, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.08

2014-15, Liverpool, CA 199: Apps 48 (1), Gls 14, Asts 14, MoM 5, YC 4, RC 1, Avg 7.31

Notes: Plays fantastically well, improving his performances greatly on last season. Wins the Carling Cup, and reaches 29 caps with three goals.

Honours

English Premiership (Liverpool: 2011)

English FA Cup (Liverpool: 2012, 2014)

English Carling Cup (Liverpool: 2015)

UEFA Cup (Liverpool: 2013)

Striker 1 (Spain)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 165: Apps 46 (4), Gls 34, Asts 12, MoM 14, YC 8, RC 0, Avg 7.87

Transfers to Sevilla for £1.3m

2009-10, Sevilla, CA 178: Apps 51 (1), Gls 30, Asts 14, MoM 8, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.26

2010-11, Sevilla, CA 191: Apps 54, Gls 36, Asts 13, MoM 10, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.34

2011-12, Sevilla, CA 196: Apps 54, Gls 39, Asts 12, MoM 13, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.47

2012-13, Sevilla, CA 199: Apps 46, Gls 38, Asts 12, MoM 13, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.50

2013-14, Sevilla, CA 199: Apps 38, Gls 38, Asts 13, MoM 12, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.67

2014-15, Sevilla, CA 199: Apps 34, Gls 15, Asts 12, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.32

Notes: By his standards, this was a poor season, and Sevilla slipped back to fifth in La Liga. His international record is incredible – 33 goals in 30 games.

Honours

Confederations Cup (Spain: 2013)

English Blue Square South (Bandits: 2009)

Spanish Copa del Rey (Sevilla: 2011)

UEFA Cup (Sevilla: 2012)

World Player of the Year (2014)

World Footballer of the Year (2014)

European Golden Boot (2013)

Spanish Player of the Year (2014)

Spanish Young Player of the Year (2013)

Striker 2 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 32 (3), Gls 22, Asts 5, MoM 8, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 7.96

Transfers to Newcastle for £1.5m

2008-09, Newcastle, CA 160: Apps 12, Gls 4, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 7.06

2009-10, Newcastle, CA 180: Apps 34, Gls 18, Asts 9, MoM 5, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.14

2010-11, Newcastle, CA 189: Apps 50, Gls 29, Asts 15, MoM 10, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.20

2011-12, Newcastle, CA 194: Apps 50, Gls 41, Asts 20, MoM 15, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.52

2012-13, Newcastle, CA 197: Apps 47, Gls 36, Asts 15, MoM 11, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.51

2013-14, Newcastle, CA 199: Apps 53, Gls 41, Asts 16, MoM 14, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.54

2014-15, Newcastle, CA 199: Apps 47, Gls 36, Asts 8, MoM 10, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 7.48

Notes: Another awesome season for Newcastle, who can only finish seventh, so he really needs to move on. Has 33 caps with 30 goals, and wins European Striker of the Year and English Footballer of the Year.

Honours

English Young Player of the Year (2011)

English Footballer of the Year (2012, 2015)

European Striker of the Year (2013, 2015)

European Footballer of the Year (2013)

World Player of the Year (2013)

Striker 3 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 5 (5), Gls 6, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 8.04

Transfers to Sheff Utd for £55k

2008-09, Sheff Utd, CA 161: Apps 23, Gls 10, Asts 5, MoM 4, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 7.14

Transfers to Rangers for £2.6m

2009-10, Rangers, CA 170: Apps 52 (1), Gls 51, Asts 18, MoM 22, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.66

2010-11, Rangers, CA 189: Apps 48, Gls 58, Asts 18, MoM 22, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.79

2011-12, Rangers, CA 190: Apps 49, Gls 48, Asts 12, MoM 16, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.64

2012-13, Rangers, CA 195: Apps 47, Gls 56, Asts 16, MoM 21, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.83

Transfers to Chelsea for £41.5m

2013-14, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 45, Gls 33, Asts 16, MoM 8, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.46

2014-15, Chelsea, CA 199: Apps 47, Gls 27, Asts 16, MoM 4, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.26

Notes: Continues to impress following his move south of the border, but wins no team trophies with Chelsea this season. Features more on the international stage, and now has six goals in fifteen caps.

Honours

Scottish Premier League (Rangers: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)

Scottish Cup (Rangers: 2013)

Scottish Co-operative Cup (Rangers: 2010, 2012, 2013)

English Premiership (Chelsea: 2014)

Scottish Player of the Year (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)

English Footballer of the Year (2014)

European Footballer of the Year (2014)

European Striker of the Year (2014)

European Golden Boot (2010, 2011, 2014)

Striker 4 (England)

2008-09, Bandits, CA 150: Apps 15 (4), Gls 14, Asts 4, MoM 3, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.85

Transfers to Dundee Utd for £85k

2008-09, Dundee Utd, CA 156: Apps 18, Gls 11, Asts 1, MoM 4, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 7.13

Transfers to Hull for £10m

2009-10, Hull, CA 175: Apps 49, Gls 24, Asts 9, MoM 8, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.09

2010-11, Hull, CA 175: Apps 22, Gls 20, Asts 2, MoM 8, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Transfers to Sampdoria for £21.5m

2010-11, Sampdoria, CA 183: Apps 14 (1), Gls 2, Asts 4, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.10

2011-12, Sampdoria, CA 196: Apps 54 (2), Gls 35, Asts 12, MoM 14, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.35

2012-13, Sampdoria, CA 196: Apps 20, Gls 17, Asts 8, MoM 9, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.64

Transfers to Arsenal for £53m

2012-13, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 21, Gls 12, Asts 2, MoM 4, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.31

2013-14, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 46 (1), Gls 37, Asts 16, MoM 11, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 7.51

2014-15, Arsenal, CA 199: Apps 43 (4), Gls 27, Asts 8, MoM 9, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.20

Notes: Another fantastic season, and this time packed with trophies, winning the treble. Has 14 goals in 25 caps, and win English Players' Player of the Year.

Honours

English Premiership (Arsenal: 2015)

English FA Cup (Arsenal: 2015)

European Champions League (Arsenal: 2015)

World Footballer of the Year (2013)

European Golden Boot (2012)

English Players' Player of the Year (2015)

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Player reports - Idiots

Idiot Goalkeeper (England)

2008-09, Sheriffs, CA 150: Apps 51, Conc 46, Cln 22, MoM 5, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.99

Transfers to Falkirk for £80k

2009-10, Falkirk, CA 150: Apps 25, Conc 26, Cln 11, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.84

Transfers to West Brom for £2.7m

2009-10, West Brom, CA 150: Apps 16, Conc 15, Cln 6, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.94

2010-11, West Brom, CA 150: Apps 35, Conc 47, Cln 7, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.95

2011-12, West Brom, CA 150: Apps 40, Conc 45, Cln 13, MoM 2, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.93

2012-13, West Brom, CA 150: Apps 45, Conc 78, Cln 10, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.85

2013-14, West Brom, CA 151: Apps 42, Conc 68, Cln 7, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.86

2014-15, West Brom, CA 151: Apps 46, Conc 63, Cln 13, MoM 1, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.79

Notes: After relegation from the Premiership, West Brom finish 15th in the Championship and Idiot Goalkeeper is desperate to move. Still plays internationals, reaching sixteen caps.

Honours

None

Idiot Defender (England/Northern Mariana)

2008-09, Sheriffs, CA 150: Apps 5, Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Transfers to Blackburn for £700k

2008-09, Blackburn, CA 145: Apps 18, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 3, Avg 6.64

Transfers to Hull for £5.25m

2009-10, Hull, CA 145: Apps 37, Gls 0, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 9, RC 0, Avg 6.48

2010-11, Hull, CA 140: Apps 38 (4), Gls 1, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 5, RC 0, Avg 6.77

Transfers to West Ham for £4m

2011-12, West Ham, CA 142: Apps 32 (1), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 9, RC 1, Avg 6.50

2012-13, West Ham, CA 143: Apps 18 (3), Gls 0, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.82

2013-14, West Ham, CA 144: Apps 11 (4), Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 6.80

2014-15, West Ham, CA 144: Apps 32 (2), Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 7, RC 1, Avg 6.58

Notes: Plays appallingly despite becoming a regular again, and West Ham get relegated in 18th. The chances of him wanting to stay are slim. Remains uncapped.

Honours

None

Idiot Midfielder (England/Yemen)

2008-09, Sheriffs, CA 150: Apps 23, Gls 9, Asts 9, MoM 0, YC 12, RC 3, Avg 6.80

Transfers to Celtic for £1m

2008-09, Celtic, CA 150: Apps 15 (3), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 6.46

2009-10, Celtic, CA 150: Apps 1, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.20

Transfers to Aston Villa for £8.25m

2009-10, Aston Villa, CA 149: Apps 31 (3), Gls 1, Asts 4, MoM 0, YC 4, RC 0, Avg 6.94

2010-11, Aston Villa, CA 149: Apps 13 (1), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.88

2011-12, Aston Villa, CA 149: Apps 10 (7), Gls 5, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 1, Avg 7.07

2012-13, Aston Villa, CA 149: Apps 9 (7), Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.58

Transfers to Portsmouth for £3.5m

2012-13, Portsmouth, CA 149: Apps 17, Gls 0, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 8, RC 1, Avg 6.71

2013-14, Portsmouth, CA 149: Apps 44 (1), Gls 3, Asts 9, MoM 5, YC 2, RC 1, Avg 6.99

Transfers to Blackburn for £2.9m

2014-15, Blackburn, CA 149: Apps 28 (3), Gls 2, Asts 2, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.81

Notes: Abandons Portsmouth in favour of Blackburn, who finish ninth in the Premiership, while his old side prop up the table. Remains uncapped.

Honours

Scottish Cup (Celtic: 2009)

Idiot Striker (England/Zambia)

2008-09, Sheriffs, CA 150: Apps 5, Gls 5, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 7.46

Transfers to Blackburn for £775k

2008-09, Blackburn, CA 149: Apps 2 (2), Gls 1, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 0, RC 0, Avg 6.67

Transfers to Hull for £4m

2009-10, Hull, CA 149: Apps 39 (4), Gls 7, Asts 8, MoM 0, YC 7, RC 0, Avg 6.71

2010-11, Hull, CA 143: Apps 19 (19), Gls 8, Asts 3, MoM 1, YC 3, RC 0, Avg 6.74

2011-12, Hull, CA 143: Apps 41 (7), Gls 22, Asts 12, MoM 6, YC 5, RC 1, Avg 7.15

2012-13, Hull, CA 144: Apps 14 (9), Gls 5, Asts 3, MoM 2, YC 1, RC 1, Avg 6.75

2013-14, Hull, CA 144: Apps 42 (3), Gls 10, Asts 10, MoM 2, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.89

2014-15, Hull, CA 144: Apps 4, Gls 0, Asts 0, MoM 0, YC 1, RC 0, Avg 6.70

Transfers to West Ham for £2.2m

2014-15, West Ham, CA 145: Apps 23 (4), Gls 2, Asts 1, MoM 0, YC 2, RC 0, Avg 6.48

Notes: Leaves the Championship to join West Ham,who promptly get relegated. No caps.

Honours

None

[kipfizh]

Competitions - England

After losing the World Cup final to Italy, England have started their European Championship qualifying well, winning three out of three.

Premiership

Arsenal won the Premiership by a distance, while Spurs knocked Man Utd out of the top four. West Ham, Burnley and Portsmouth went down.

The FA Cup was also claimed by Arsenal – having lost to Liverpool in three consecutive finals, they triumphed over Chelsea 2-1. Liverpool claimed the Carling Cup with a 1-0 win over Man Utd.

Arsenal completed their stunning season with a penalty shoot out victory over Chelsea in the Champions League final, Ashley Cole missing for Chelsea (I enjoyed typing that). Three Premiership clubs made the final four, but Man Utd fell in the qualifiers.

Marseille beat Napoli 1-0 in the UEFA Cup final, Newcastle and Blackburn falling in the quarter finals.

[kipfizh]

Premiership Analysis - Reputation

(league position in bold)

1 (1). Arsenal (1) – 9577 (+163)

2 (2). Chelsea (2) – 9309 (+15)

3 (3). Man Utd (5) – 8794 (-147)

4 (4). Liverpool (4) – 8679 (-29)

5 (7). Tottenham (3) – 7821 (+100)

6 (6). Man City (11) – 7819 (+20)

7= (5). Everton (10) – 7801 (-140)

7= (8). Newcastle (7) – 7801 (+87)

9 (10). Middlesbrough (13) – 7285 (+69)

10 (12). Blackburn (9) – 7271 (+194)

11 (9). Aston Villa (6) – 7269 (+13)

12 (11). Sunderland (8) – 7226 (+86)

13 (13). Bolton (14) – 7027 (-23)

14 (14). Reading (16) – 6839 (+7)

15 (17). Leeds (12) – 6442 (+76)

16 (16). Preston (17) – 6435 (+28)

17 (-). Wolves (15) – 6206 (+94)

18 (15). West Ham (18) – 5811 (-965)

19 (-). Burnley (19) – 5800 (+147)

20 (-). Portsmouth (20) – 5796 (-724)

Promoted sides

Bandits – 5680 (+1119)

Fulham – 6652 (+842)

Sheriffs – 5653 (+1417)

The top four remain the same, with Arsenal and Chelsea stretching away, but Spurs make a decent rise into fifth. Elsewhere, there are only small changes.

Fulham's reputation gives them a good chance of staying in the Premiership next season, while the Bandits and the Sheriffs continue to make enormous rises. They will need their great managers next season, however, as their reputation is far lower than the rest of the league.

Overachievers : Aston Villa

Underachievers : Man City

Title Prediction : Arsenal to continue their dominance

Relegation Prediction : Fulham, Wolves and Leeds to go down

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Competitions – Championship

Best players in Championship:

1 (-). Gomis (Fulham, 29, ST, 164-165)

2 (-). Enyeama (Fulham, 32, GK, 163-165)

3 (-). Valencia (Fulham, 29, AM RC, 155-156)

4 (-). Buaben (West Brom, 27, DM/AM C, 153-156)

5 (-). Borja (West Brom, 30, DM/AM C, 152-153)

6 (-). Idiot Goalkeeper (West Brom, 23, GK, 151-200)

7 (-). Garvan (Stoke, 27, MC, 150-155)

8 (-). Herd (Fulham, 22, D RC, 149-179)

9 (-). Doyle (Fulham, 31, ST, 148-150)

10 (-). Lombaerts (West Brom, 30, D LC, 148-150)

No surprise to see Fulham promoted along with the Bandits and Sheriffs, but West Brom will be disappointed. Sidwell, the Bandits' best player, came in eleventh, while Nathan Dyer came 58th – to have a best player that far down and still get promoted is a credit to the Sheriffs.

[kipfizh]

Competitions – Around the world

Your annual guide to the major competition winners from across the globe:

[number in brackets after a win indicates how many consecutive wins that club has now had]

World

World Club Cup – Juventus

Europe

Champions League – Arsenal

UEFA Cup – Marseille

Belgium

Jupiler Pro League – AA Gent (Relegated – Liege, Charleroi, Promoted – Zuite Waregem, Roeselare)

Confidis Cup – AA Gent

England

Premiership – Arsenal (Relegated – West Ham, Burnley, Portsmouth, Promoted – Bandits, Fulham, Sheriffs)

FA Cup – Arsenal

League Cup – Liverpool

France

Ligue 1 – Marseille (Relegated – Valenciennes, Auxerre, Montpellier, Promoted – Caen, Bastia, Le Havre)

Coupe de France – Marseille (2)

Coupe de la Ligue – Lyon (4)

Germany

Bundesliga – Leverkusen (4) (Relegated – Mainz, 1860 Munich, Aachen, Promoted – Furth, Rostock, Wolfsburg)

DFB-Pokal – Frankfurt

Italy

Serie A – Fiorentina (2) (Relegated – Siena, Torino, Ascoli, Promoted – Livorno, Lazio, Bari)

Italian Cup – Fiorentina

Netherlands

Eredivisie – Ajax (Relegated – RBC, ADO Den Haag, Promoted – BV Veendam, MVV)

Dutch Cup – NAC Breda

Portugal

Liga Sagres – Benfica (Relegated – P. Ferreira, Portimonense, Promoted – Estoril, Chaves)

Taca de Portugal – Benfica

Carlsberg Cup – Porto

Scotland

SPL – Rangers (7) (Relegated – Morton, Promoted - Clyde)

Scottish Cup – Celtic

Co-operative Cup – Rangers (4)

Spain

La Liga – Barcelona (3) (Relegated – Castellon, Numancia, Las Palmas, Promoted – Mallorca, Real Sociedad, Tenerife)

Copa del Rey – Real Madrid

South America

Copa Libertadores – River Plate

Copa Sudamericana – Atletico Paranaense

Argentina

Primera A – River (2) (Relegated – San Martin (T), Gimnasia (J), Promoted – Rafaela, Belgrano)

Brazil

Brasileiro – Flamengo (Relegated – Criciuma, Parana, Atletico Goianiense, Barueri, Promoted – Santo Andre, Santa Cruz, Fortaleza, Avai)

Copa do Brasil – Internacional

International

World Cup – Italy (3)

African Cup of Nations – n/a

Asian Cup – n/a

European Championships – n/a

Gold Cup – n/a

Oceania Nations Cup – Soloman Islands (2)

Copa America – n/a

Confederations Cup – n/a

Olympics – n/a

Rangers continue their Scottish dominance with seven titles out of seven.

[kipfizh]

Summary

What a season for both the Bandits and the Sheriffs – the former were spectacular in the Championship, and will feel prepared for the Premiership, while the Sheriffs managed a promotion made more remarkable by their complete lack of stars. It makes you wonder what either side could do with the right recruits this summer.

Next season will be tough, but exciting for both, and their league clashes might be important for survival, rather than challenging at the top.

The starlets still impress, with Centre Mid 2 picking up every award going. A couple need to move clubs, and none did this year. The idiots are all struggling in their own ways.

It was the season of Arsenal, winning the treble and ending the season by beating Chelsea in the league, FA Cup final and Champions League final. Can either of the Bandits or Sheriffs provide a new challenge?

Bandit’s former manager watch

No former managers

Sheriffs’s former manager watch

No former managers

[kipfizh]

World View – Club Reputation

The top twenty clubs in the world, based on their reputation:

1 (1). Arsenal – 9577 (+163)

2 (18). Real Zaragoza – 9572 (+1568)

3 (2). Chelsea – 9309 (+15)

4 (3). Real Madrid – 9149 (-71)

5 (4). Juventus – 9121 (-21)

6 (5). Barcelona – 9065 (-53)

7 (6). Man Utd – 8794 (-147)

8 (10). Fiorentina – 8685 (+108)

9 (8). Liverpool – 8679 (-29)

10 (7). Lyon – 8611 (-111)

11 (11). Inter Milan – 8493 (-36)

12 (9). Valencia – 8487 (-127)

13 (12). Bayern Munich – 8453 (-53)

14 (13). AC Milan – 8376 (+15)

15 (14). Sevilla – 8328 (+51)

16 (16). Leverkusen – 8311 (+68)

17 (15). Atletico Madrid – 8248 (+1)

18 (-). River – 8098

19 (19). Zenit – 7994 (-4)

20 (-). Galatasary - 7951

Dropping out:

23 (20). Roma – 7849 (-133)

49 (17). San Lorenzo – 7354 (-669)

Arsenal remain top, but the story of the season is the remarkable rise of Real Zaragoza, who after entering the list last season leap all the way from 18th to 2nd. This seems to be due to a tycoon taking over a few months before the end of the season, which put them in the public spotlight.

At the other end, San Lorenzo were a surprise entry last season, also due to a tycoon takeover, but they've returned to obscurity.

[kipfizh]

World View - Ones to watch

Your annual guide to the stars of tomorrow:

Antonio Monteiro (Vitoria Setubal/Portugal, 17, AM R, 98-195) is a promising right winger playing in the top league of Portuguese football. Has made a few appearances and has a big future.

Previous tips

Loic Pelletier (Sampdoria/France, 22, MC, 165/197) gains another fourteen points of CA and continues to sail towards his potential. Sampdoria sign him from Troyes for £8.25m, and he plays regularly.

Steve Tucker (Burnley/England, 22, D RC, 134/197) gains four points, and moves from Rangers to Burnley for just £450k. Has played just once for his new side.

Tamer Ozdemir (Sturm Graz/Turkey, 21, DC, 143-197) gains ten points, and quickly moves on from Basel to Sturm Graz for £1.1m. Is a regular for his new club, and is playing particularly well.

Vladimir (Vitoria/Brazil, 18, ST, 142-198) picks up another twelve points, and is another who made a move this season, twice in fact – first from America (RN) to The Strongest for £95k, and then to Vitoria for £1.5m. Had a great season for both clubs and is a real star in the making.

Zdenek Kuban (Grampus/Czech Rep, 20, ST, 123-199) rises only three points of CA, and like the rest, makes a move, from Sparta Prague to Nagoya on a free transfer. Hasn't played much yet.

Bruno Freitas (Braga/Portugal, 18, DC, 103/193) gains five points, and is yet to make his debut for Braga.

[kipfizh]

World View - World beaters

Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina, 27, AM RLC, 194/195) continues to shine, and is unshakable from this list. Still an awesome talent.

Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo (Man United/Portugal, 30, AM RL, 194/195) remains at his peak again, and continues to perform to a high standard. Now has more than 100 caps.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid/Spain, 34, GK, 191/192) isn't losing any of his famed ability, and continues to provide Real Madrid with fantastic service. Approaching 150 caps.

Iker Casillas

Kaka (AC Milan/Brazil, 33, AM C, 190/195) retains his CA of 190, and as such stays on the list. Still performs at a high level, but at 33 time is not on his side. Approaching 100 caps.

Kaka

Number of 190+ CA players : 4 (-) (excluding starlets and idiots)

Number of 180+ CA players : 37 (+1) (excluding starlets and idiots)

Number of 170+ CA players : 153 (-1) (excluding starlets and idiots)

Number of 190+ PA players : 24 (-) (excluding starlets and idiots)

Number of 180+ PA players : 187 (+7) (excluding starlets and idiots)

Number of 170+ PA players : 929 (+74) (excluding starlets and idiots)

[kipfizh]

World View - Distribution of 180+ CA players

(excluding starlets and idiots)

The clubs

Team                Number of stars                         No. of Bandit stars
Real Madrid         7 (-) (191, 186, 185, 184, 184, 182, 180)
Barcelona           5 (-) (194, 186, 183, 183, 180)         3 (-) (199, 199, 198)
Arsenal             4 (+1) (189, 185, 184, 181)             3 (-) (199, 199, 199)
Lyon                3 (-) (187, 184, 182)                  
Man Utd             2 (-1) (194, 181)
AC Milan            2 (+1) (190, 184)                       1 (-) (199)
Chelsea             2 (-) (186, 186)                        5 (-) (199, 199, 199, 199, 199)
Roma                2 (-) (184, 182)
Juventus            2 (-) (181, 181)
Atletico Madrid     1 (-) (188)                             1 (-) (199)
Liverpool           1 (-1) (188)                            3 (-) (199, 199, 199)
Bayer Leverkusen    1 (-) (186)
Bayern Munich       1 (-) (185)
CSKA Moscow         1 (-) (184)
Valencia            1 (-) (183)
Marseille           1 (+1) (181)
Fiorentina          1 (-) (181)
Man City                                                    1 (-) (199)
Middlesbrough                                               1 (-) (199)
Newcastle                                                   1 (-) (199)
Sevilla                                                     1 (-) (199)
Sunderland                                                  1 (-) (197)
Rangers                                                     1 (-) (197)
[b]Total               37 (+1)                                 22 (-)[/b]

Not a lot of change there, with none of the Bandits moving

The leagues

Country   Stars     Bandit stars
Spain     14 (-)    5 (-)
England   9 (-1)    15 (-)
Italy     7 (+1)    1 (-)
France    4 (+1)
Germany   2 (-)
Russia    1 (-)
Scotland            1 (-)
[b]Total     37 (+1)   22 (-)[/b]

The nationalities

Country   Stars     Bandit stars
Spain     8 (+1)    1 (-)
France    7 (+2)    1 (-)
Italy     4 (-1)    1 (-)
Argentina 4 (-)     1 (-)
Brazil    2 (-)     1 (-)
Germany   2 (-)     1 (-)
Holland   1 (-1)    1 (-)
Bosnia    1 (-)
Czech Rep 1 (-)
England   1 (-)     14 (-)
Macedonia 1 (-)
Ghana     1 (-)
Mexico    1 (-)
Portugal  1 (-)     1 (-)
Russia    1 (-)
Slovakia  1 (-)

[b]Total     37 (+1)   22 (-)[/b]

[kipfizh]

World View – National Coefficients

The top twenty European countries, by national coefficient, which affects European qualification:

(Champions League: 4, UEFA Cup: 3)

1 (1). England – 114.625 (+3.714)

2 (2). Spain – 101.500 (-2.018)

3 (3). Italy – 95.411 (-0.160)

(Champions League: 3, UEFA Cup: 3)

4 (4). Germany – 85.429 (-2.095)

5 (5). France – 72.845 (+0.666)

6 (6). Portugal – 64.250 (+2.917)

(Champions League: 2, UEFA Cup: 4)

7 (7). Holland – 61.857 (+1.381)

8 (9). Scotland – 44.550 (+2.267)

9 (8). Russia – 41.833 (-4.667)

(Champions League: 2, UEFA Cup: 3)

10 (11). Belgium – 34.367 (+0.984)

11 (10). Ukraine – 34.283 (-3.100)

12 (13). Turkey – 30.900 (+0.900)

13 (12). Greece – 30.783 (-1.217)

14 (14). Serbia – 25.308 (-2.025)

15 (18). Sweden – 24.925 (+4.375)

(Champions League: 1, UEFA Cup: 3)

16 (16). Austria – 23.375 (-0.375)

17 (15). Denmark – 21.117 (-3.100)

18 (20). Switzerland – 19.925 (+3.375)

19 (17). Romania – 18.433 (-2.417)

20 (19). Israel – 15.725 (-1.775)

Dropping out:

None

Not many changes here at all this year.

[williamshankley]

Brilliant Kip. Much appreciated for the message back on Facebook. Almost starstruck . What a great season for both clubs. The reputation will be interesting in signing new players. As it stands they are both the bottom two out of all the other Premiership teams

[BenArsenal]

Excellent as always.

Arsenal completed their stunning season with a penalty shoot out victory over Chelsea in the Champions League final, Ashley Cole missing for Chelsea (I enjoyed typing that).

[StewartJRobertson]

Fantastic update. Just spent over half an hour reading every word. Cant wait to see the kind of transfers both clubs make. Hopefully see some big names signing for them. Excellent stuff and so good to have Kip back.

[5ergio]

I think I just cried out of happiness Good to see us cruising through the Championship. It'll be a brand new match up in Premiership with the Sheriffs considering the upcoming transfer moves by both clubs The saga continues

[civilservant]

Great to see you back Kip, and I hope that whatever caused you to go is sorted out in the positive

Fantastic update, it's back!!

I'm tipping the Sheriffs to come on strong next season and finish top halfs, with the bandits being relegated

'Mon the Sheriffs!!!

[kipfizh]

Can you subscribe to threads and therefore be notified of updates?

Or have you lot been refreshing every hour for the last few months?

Must admit, I wasn't expecting many replies when posting today - figured most of the readership would have left. Great to see you still around!

[Guest roberto922]

Yeah I'm subscribed.

That update was awesome, mon the Sheriffs!

[civilservant]

Subscription here too... always good to see an email regarding that says: 'kipfizh posted a reply....'

Makes my day

[damienroden]

Nice to see Leeds prove you wrong AGAIN!

Hope Man U have a financial implosion.

[hasdgfas]

yay, kip's back

Wonderful update as always

The Sheriffs really need to improve to stay in the Premiership though, 58th best player in the CCC will be nothing in the Premier League.

Big stage now, who can get it together quickest?

[Eken10]

Yeeeeeeeeesssss!!!!!1111

Im crying of happiness!

[StewartJRobertson]

Can you subscribe to threads and therefore be notified of updates?

Or have you lot been refreshing every hour for the last few months?

This probably makes me very sad indeed, but i didnt know you could subscribe to threads. Ive just been checking in every time im on the forum to see if you had posted. Absolutely over the moon when i saw your post today.

[Meitheisman]

Welcome back Kipfizh

I haven't read the update yet but just wanted to say that I'm really happy you're back and can't wait to get home tonight so that I can take the time to read your update properly.

[Striker475]

Welcome back Kip. Great to hear all is good.

In terms of the experiment, this'll be interesting. Do the two clubs throw their cash around or do they sit on it, holding onto much of their squads?

My prediction is that the Bandits will make one or two big signings but keep much of the 130+CA/PA core whilst clearing out much of the 100-odd CA deadwood, while the Sheriffs will greatly strengthen, signing as many up as they can.

Moreover, I'm going to tip that one of the original 22 players created for the Bandits will return in a 50mil+ transfer.

[AB-forever]

Great to finally see you back Kip, we missed you!

Great season for both teams and I have no doubts the Bandits will avoid relegation. It'll be interesting to see what signings The Sheriffs can come up with...

[Vintage]

I'm not subscribed. I just click it on my faves every day in hope. and today... My hope was fulfilled. Great having you back Kip. Glad everything's well. I didn't think you'd abandon it without saying. so i had faith we'd get to see the bandits and sheriffs in the Premiership together. And its great they got there the same time.

Great report Kip. But just be quicker with the next one

[Young Jimlad]

I wonder how long it will be until the Bandits/Sheriffs can entice one of their old youngsters back? The one playing for Boro seems a prime candidate.

[opivyh8su]

My blog posts awakened the inner awesome in Kip!

Welcome back ya gooner.

[SnakeXe]

Simply brilliant

[The Lambs]

This probably makes me very sad indeed, but i didnt know you could subscribe to threads. Ive just been checking in every time im on the forum to see if you had posted. Absolutely over the moon when i saw your post today.

That makes me as sad as you, I check almost daily to see if there is an update.

Good to see you back Kip, great read as usual.

I wonder if there is a chance of the Bandits signing one of the idiots this season, that would be interesting to say the least, but I guess the Bandits being listed as the Idiots disliked club will prevent that.

[Muzgrob]

Great to finally see an update, check this thread every day in my favorites, jumped to page 19 and was pleasently suprised.

Great to see bandits move in to Premiership... Hopefully they can stay up and never suffer the humiliation of relegation.

[brigandinho]

Awesome update! Great to see you're back, Kip.

[Netm]

Arsenal completed their stunning season with a penalty shoot out victory over Chelsea in the Champions League final, Ashley Cole missing for Chelsea.

FM is way too realistic

[dovEs]

Yeah, pleased that this thread has been resurrected =) Always been a good read.

[chopper99]

Good to have you back Kip, for a while there I thought you'd given up on this. But we all know that real life can take over sometimes, so I'm glad whatever it was is sorted.

I don't subscribe to the thread, but I pop onto the forums most days to check for an update in this very thread. It's a testament to the quality of it considering I rarely bother with these forums any more, other than to check for updates in this thread.

And fantastic update as always, it's great to see The Bandits leapfrogging The Sheriffs, even if the latter did fluke their way through the play-offs

I think next season the difference in attributes between the two managers will really show and The Sheriffs will struggle, while The Bandits will stay up comfortably.

Up The Bandits!!!

[Vintage]

I reckon the Bandits will finish 7th. with the Sheriffs finishing a point off relegation

I also think the Bandits will sign Idiot Goalkeeper.

And i tip a cup win for one of the clubs this season also

[StewartJRobertson]

I reckon we could see Goalkeeper 2 move from rangers to the bandits. Cant see an idiot signing for them. At least i hope not. they are failing at every club they go to. I reckon Bandits will finish around 11th and i think unless Sheriffs make wholesale changes to their squad, they will drop straight back down to the Championship.

[magicmastermind124]

Great update Kip, hope you're in a position now to continue - although you haven't said why we all respect your decision to take a break from this and we hope you're back with renewed interest!

[TheRealMagpies]

They've been promoted much more rapidly than in the 07 experiment.

Premier League decades sooner than the last run.

Do you have any idea's yet about what has changed in the game to make that possible ?

[markymarky]

ya dancer! welcome back kip, and what an update to return with. A Bandits / Sheriffs 1-2 next season, for sure.

RealMagpies, I think it seems to boil down to boards / managers knowing what to do with resources. In the previous experiment they didn't seem to notice their millions and so crawled up with minor improvements every year, here they know that they have lots of money and are very willing to spend it. I say 'very', it's not like they're nabbing Torres on a 500k a week deal, but it does seem that they're getting an idea of what's needed to be the best team in the league and putting the money into that right away, rather than accepting their post-promotion predictions of relegation struggles.

[yugo23]

I can't wait for next transfer window. I hope we will be amazed by some major transfers.

[betterspud]

OH MY GOD!!!!!

I think I may have just made a little bit of sex-wee!

So good to have you back Kip. Gonna have to print this latest update off and take it with me... Yippee!!!!