Jon1982
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Part 34. Exodus!
I am sat in my office and the phone has not stopped ringing. In fact, the phones have been so busy that I was even thinking of hiring some locals to take the messages, as it has become more and more like a call centre. The transfer window had swung open the week before and since then it had been a non-stop. We would like to offer a contract Udom, Rafat, Ratana, Chanraksmey, Veasna, Etim, Daravon, the man who works in the club shop, the cleaning lady, the woman in the canteen who makes a mean curry... You name it, the whole of the C-League were circling around the club and they weren't going to go away until they'd got what they wanted..
A Question of Loyalty
My two best young players, Ouch Udom and Ouk Ratana have both rejected moves away from EDC including overtures from Nagaworld. I just need to hope now that Keo Udom, Veasna and others follow the same path.
The Story of The Transfer Window 2022/23
So, I'll break this up into three parts, the players I wanted rid of, the players I didn't mind getting rid of and the players I am gutted have now left the club...
Players I Wanted Rid of..
These are the guys who I wanted to leave the club to help trim the squad numbers which was becoming a bit bloated.
Math Rottanak (released) – A decent player, but there are other strikers ahead of him in the pecking order and so he needs to move on.
Leng Sophaon (released) – This guy has been a squad player for much of his time at Prey Veng, but has become surplus to requirements and needs to play first team football elsewhere.
Sann Suhana (released) Sann was a decent player and offered us a decent passing range in midfield, but his form was inconsistent and he had no pace.. a bit of a Cambodian Jan Molby to be honest and I really dislike players who have a pace of below 5 whatever position they play.
Ouk Dara (released) Ouk Dara has been moseying around the U21s since the very start of the game, but the right winger has never really progressed, so off he goes.
Players I Didn't Mind Getting Rid of
Roeum Channroeurn Free Transfer to Khemera
It’s fair to say Roeurn Channroeurn has flattered to deceive in an EDC shirt and so when Khemera came in for him I didn’t stand in his way. It does mean we are a right back light in the squad though of which we are not over-blessed with..
Ouch Samnang free transfer to Senate Secretariat
Ouch Samnang has been with us from the start, but apart from the odd cup appearance he failed to break into the first time, despite decent potential, so off he goes to the Cambodia Second Division.
Ajoub Joly – Free Transfer to Phnom Penh Crown
I am slightly disappointed by the young Cambodian U-19s left back decision to leave the club for Phnom Penh Crown, despite his ‘rabbit caught in headlights’ performance against Khemera in the last game of the season.. He had decent potential but it is not the end of the world...
Ouk Ratha – Free Transfer to Kampot
Another one bites the dust, this time a young U21 midfielder who had some potential, but again not a disaster he has left for a Second Division side.
Players I am disappointed about leaving EDC
Keo Udom Free Transfer to Chllam Samuth
The short figure of Keo Udom stood in the doorway of my office. My director of football, Ly Ravy was not far behind him and his agent was also there too, lurking in the shadows as agents often do.
"Come in gentlemen." I politely greeted them, fearing the worst.
Ly Ravy spoke first.
"I'm sorry boss, but we cannot give him the contract he wants and Keo has accepted an offer from Chhlam Samuth to go and play for them."
"Chhlam Samuth? Keo, really is that the level of your ambition, mid-table makeweights?"
"They have offered him first team football boss and he wants to go."
"But Keo you can get first team football here at EDC!"
"Boss, you left me on the bench too many times.."
These words hit me hard but also had a grain of truth. Since the signing of the talented Pelap Taboula I had favoured him at times over Keo Udom, simply because I was playing a 4-2-3-1 with a lone striker. I did not feel that Keo Udom played well as a lone striker and that Taboula or Chanraksmey's games were better equipped for this role. Udom I always felt needed a strike partner to feed off with his darting runs in behind, in a way similar to someone like Jamie Vardy. Then I signed Mat Noron, who I started alongside Taboula for the final few games of the season. Whichever way I looked Keo Udom always seemed to miss out and had become a little bit of a forgotten man. He'd still managed 9 goals in the season, but this was way down on the previous season where he had bagged 20 goals and had torn C-League defences to shreds. His form had been inconsistent since, but maybe I was at fault for that for not giving him enough starts. The chickens had now come home to roost.
"Keo, you were always in my plans, it's just other players fitted our formation better."
"Boss I got 20 goals for you. I should have been the first name on the team sheet. I am sick of warming the bench. I will not be doing that at Chhlam Samuth. The team will be built around me."
With that, the entourage left my office and Keo Udom left EDC.
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Ouch Udom free transfer to Solitio Angkor
The next to go was Ouch Udom, no relation. I liked this young midfielder and had earmarked him as the fulcrum of our midfield for many years to come.
This was a major blow and I was fuming when he heard the news as he was going to be a vital cog in the EDC midfield and homegrown to boot which meant the fans were disappointed. Solitio Angkor came in with a better deal and so off he went..
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Raymond Etim - Free Transfer to Chmao Khmao
The poor man's Kante was the next to head through the exit door for the bright lights of Chhmao Khmao, another promoted side who had finished lower down the table.. Although he was a regular first team starter Etim is 31 and so the decline was going to happen fairly soon. Shame I liked him, but not a complete disaster.
Seut Bairaing - Free Transfer to Chhlam Samuth
Our captain and regular left back has followed Keo Udom and jumped ship to the lesser lights of Chhlam Samuth for some reason.. Shame. I like him and had earmarked him to be our regular left back for years to come. However, his departure may offer the opportunity for others to make this spot their own.
Pin Saren – Free Transfer to Asia Euro United
This defender did a decent job for us last term, but his head has been turned by Second Division outfit Asia Euro United..for some reason. You could still do a job for us I argued, but no off to Asia Euro he goes. Like Etim he was in his early 30s and so the decline was inevitable..
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In the last week the spine of the team had been ripped out, but worse was to come. I got a knock at the door.. it was Suon Veasna and his agent...
"Boss I want to leave the club."
"Why? Suon, you are loved here by players and fans alike."
"He wants £150 per appearance, plus a £50 goal bonus and £50 assist bonus piped up his agent."
"That's impossible" I replied, thinking of how my chairman would react if I told him we had broken the bank to retain his services.
"£150 or no deal, Final offer."
I felt like I was on a game of Deal or No Deal..
"110, that;s all I can offer."
"140"
"110 with a £50 assist bonus."
"140 with a £50 assist bonus and £50 goal bonus
"No way Jose'"
"Whose interested?"
"Khemera Keila"
"F***!"
"How much they offering?"
"£150 with goal and assist bonuses"
To be fair, Khemera had finished above us in the table in 4th and so in my view could be considered one of the better teams in Cambodia. They were ambitious and like us wanted to destroy the professional monopoly of Nagaworld, Beoung Ket and Angkor Tiger.
"110, that's as far as I can go, 110 with £50 assist and I suppose a £10 goal bonus and an unused sub fee,"
"Veasna and his agent looked at eachother and shook their heads. No deal.
Veasna signed for Khmera that evening.... I was heartbroken,. Veasna was by far my favourite and best player at the club. Time and again he would dance down the right flank, or cut inside dangerously from the left and provide the creative spark for Chanraksmey, Udom, Taboula and co to feed off. A poor trainer, but on his day unplayable, even against the top sides in the league. We will now have to face him next season when we play Khemera...
Poor old EDC have had the spine ripped out their team by other ambitious Cambodian clubs. Can Rudd once more find his inner Harry Redknapp and rebuild the team, or will they end up like Vishaka, a team full of kids battling relegation.. Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!
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Sounds interesting. Might have a challenge on here..
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PhnompenhAndy,
Thankyou ever so much for reading the story and posting your message. First of all I am pleased that someone actually living in Cambodia is reading this and is able to give me some advice. I live in Leeds, UK, and have never been anywhere remotely near Cambodia, so unfortunately I don't know any Khmer! As the first two posts explain my aim was to take on any football club in the world which was drawn completely from an online random country generator and a letter wheel, which ended up in me managing EDC on Football Manager 2021. Strangely it was very nearly North Korea, but am glad I ended up just to the West from there in Cambodia.
Approximately the first 60-70% of the story has been written during lockdown in the UK which ended completely in mid-July 2021. Any research on Cambodia, such as the trip to Angkor Wat was done via Google. I did try and find Prey Veng, EDC's stadium on Google Earth and also try and get a feeling of the country's landscape using this resource to get an idea of what Cambodia looks like.
As for the name situation, this has created a bit of a dilemna, because I am so far into the story that these names are ingrained in my mind, so Suon Veasna will always be Suon Veasna to me and not Veasna Suon for example. It would also take me an age to go back through all 33 parts of the story so far and change every name , not just Cambodian EDC players but opposing players too. On the other hand I really want it to be an accurate and be reflective of the nation, so I am in two minds, Thankyou though for pointing this out to me. I really would never have known and has given me food for thought on how I will proceed with this.
Just out of interest, which Cambodian football team do you support and have you been to any matches? Is there real enthusiasm for football in Cambodia and is it affordable and accessible to the masses? Are EDC actually any good in real life?
Once again thankyou very much for reading the story and hope you continue to enjoy it.
Regards,
Jonathan.
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2 hours ago, BenArsenal said:
Man, sounds like a tough deal.
Hope things get better for you soon, somehow!
And its about to get worse mate....
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33. End of Season 3 Round Up
I aren't going to beat around the bush with the end of season stuff. After all we only finished 5th, were knocked out of the Hun Sen Cup in the first qualifying round and failed to really mount a serious title challenge.
I am slightly disappointed with this because we have finished two places below last season when we came 3rd and for most of the season had a real chance of winning the title in my first full season at EDC. While there have been some good performances this term, including doing the double over Nagaworld, we have failed to put a consistent run of results together. Inconsistency has been our major pitfall this season. Looking on the bright side, we are still just a part time team who are mixing it with professional teams and players. Whatsmore I achieved the board's aims of finishing in the top half of the table, but were disappointed with our performance in the cup, although there was no shame in being knocked out by Angkor Tiger who would go on to become the C-League champions.
Here's Football Manager's take on my season..
“EDC will reflect upon a campaign which saw them get the job done and manage to meet pre-season expectations. EDC finished where many had expected them to, spending time at the top of the table and deviating little from the course which helped them achieve what they had set out to achieve at the start of the season.”
Performance in The Transfer Market
The board were happy with the signings of Taboula and Noron, but not with Leap Bo or poor old Chin Chainuth who was injured for most of the campaign…
Moments To Remember
Moments to Remember: Yes thrashing Rithy Sen and National Defence was fun, but these two ended up being relegated. The highlight for me was doing the double over Nagaworld. No contest!
Finances
Not as good as last season, due to no cup prize money, but we did sell 70 replica shirts though, with Chanraksmey proved to be the most popular with fans, despite his long name!
End of Season Awards
Fans Player of the Season – Keo Udom
Young Player of The Year – Kong Rafat
Signing of the Season – Pelap Taboula
Goal of The Season – Raymond Etim v Khemera Keila
Top Goalscorer – Pelap Taboula – 13 goals
Most Assists – Suon Veasna 10 assists
Highest Ave Rating Kong Rafat 7.10
Kong Rafat Wins Awards
My 19 year old goalkeeper, Kong Rafat has scooped two end of season awards, Cambodian Young Player of The Year and Cambodian Goalkeeper of The Year. Strangely enough after all that he didn’t make it into the Cambodian Premier League Team of The Year, instead, Sambath of Angkor Tiger got that honour but never mind. The right wing berth though was filled by our very own Suon Veasna, so well done to him!
Board Confidence
The board are generally pleased with my performance and that I met their expectations of a top half finish. They are pleased with my performance in the Transfer Market (C+), Pleased with the results on the pitch (C+) and pleased with the level of support I have from the players (B-)
Strengthening The Squad
My main aim over the transfer window will be to firstly reduce the squad size. As is often the case after two or three seasons there are lots of 18/19 years olds moseying around the reserves and U21 squads, who are still a long way off the first team and need to really be playing first team football elsewhere in order to kick start their careers, even if it means dropping down to the Second Division. Getting rid of a few players off my books will also give me more money to play with when trying to attract new players to join.
I will be concentrating my efforts on strengthening the defence, as this is the weakest area of our squad. Daravon and Khemarin are pretty good and Pin Saren is OK as back up, but beyond that there is not much else. Young Run Sokha is OK, but am concerned about his lack of pace. The right back position is also a must, as Ratana has not looked as comfortable playing there and his performances suffered last season, while Roeurn Channroeurn is not really good enough, nor is young Mom Veasna. Bairaing, Ratana and Ajoub Joly (despite his nervous performance against Khemera) provides decent depth and quality at left back. We have some decent midfielders with Ouch Udom leading the way with Raymond Etim and Leap Bo. The strongest area is attack where the quartet of Keo Udom, Chanraksmey, Noron and Taboula providing a formidable firepower. Another area of concern is wide midfield. While Veasna is brilliant, Sos Suhana has been less so and I expected more from him for a player who has over 50 caps for his country. The curious tale of Tuy Oudom is also a bit of a mystery. He was brilliant in the early season, but then poor later in the season when he returned from injury.
Nagaworld Offer Another Interview!
They may be my rivals, but Nagaworld somehow appreciate my work at EDC. At the end of the season they got rid of their manager and have come chasing me! I have politely declined this opportunity, however I would be open to offers from outside the C-League, possibly Thailand if they have heard of me.. Besides, me taking the Nagaworld job would be reminiscent of when Brian Clough went to Leeds United in 1974... and we all know what happened there...
New Head Physio – Sos Veasna
We welcome our new Head Physio, Sos Veasna to the EDC family. He may not know how to wire a plug, but he knows a bit about healing footballers..
Staff Exodus
Unfortunately as one arrives, three of our backroom staff refused to sign new contracts, citing “they would rather be at a more prestigious club” Sod off! We are a top 5 team in Cambodia and you had played a part in us getting there.
It’s goodbye to my Reserves Manager Sreng Vandeth, Goalkeeping Coach, Nhem Ravy and Ly Pheng one of our scouts. Never mind boys, I’m sure there are better people out there we can sign in your place....
However the departure of three of my backroom team are the least of my worries.....
The Feeding Frenzy Has Begun
On 7th December 2022 the Transfer window swung open and once again my player's loyalty is already being tested to the hilt. Two of my young charges, Ouk Ratana and Ouch Udom have already been targeted by Nagaworld and Boeung Ket. To my dismay the highest 'wage' I can offer them is less than what they are already on which is worrying. Only £70 appearance fees when they were already on £80-100... that ain’t gonna work.. Ket and Naga are offering them £150 per week professional contracts.. how can I persuade my best players to stay? Whatsmore upstarts, Khemera Keila and Solitio Angkor have established themselves as C-League clubs and are now looking to play with the bigger boys this transfer window. My worst fears of last season which resulted in the appearance fee 'compromise' deal with my star players could start to unravel if their offers are higher than what we can muster. Watch this space!
Return To The Boardroom
Dressed in my dry cleaned suit once again I knocked on my chairman, Hem Vutha's door.
"Come in Jonathan, shouted the Cambodian Electricity mogul."
The petite little man with thinning dark hair combed in a side parting and thick dark rimmed glasses was sat at his desk.
"And what can I do for you Jonathan?"
"Hem, I think it's time we went professional and give my players the contracts they deserve."
He sat and silently pondered on what I said.
"Jonathan, we would love to go professional, but you have to understand, we have only been a football club for 6 years. We simply cannot afford the expenses of full time footballers."
"Hem, we will eventually lose these players. There's only so long Veasna, Udom, Ratana, Daravon will want to stay on just appearance fees alone. If they get injured they are screwed, especially if they cannot work at the National Grid as well. There's only so long they and their families can put up with this."
"So you want to see this club go bankrupt then Jonathan huh? as Vutha uncharacteristically raised his voice, because that's what will happen if we go professional. We will have to pay the players more, the coaching staff more because they will be training every day, we will have more overheads with electric, (yes we still have to pay for that)... everybody from Suon Veasna down to the cleaning lady will have to be paid more because Prey Veng will need be open every day for the players. It is simply not possible, Jonathan. Now I suggest you go back onto the training field and do what you are good at rather than asking for things you do not understand..
"Well you can do one thing for me. Don't set the maximum appearance fee to 70 f***** quid when I try to offer them a new contract when some of them are on more than that already.. otherwise we will end up like Vishaka, a team full of kids scrapping against relegation...
With that I left the boardroom fearing what the Christmas transfer window would bring for us and our Scrooge-like chairman...
EDC will have to punch above their weight for another season and hope to keep hold of their players on appearance fees alone. The Wnt signs have started appearing again and the Christmas transfer window is just around the corner… The vultures are circling once more, this time with even sharper beaks and talons…
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When I first started this game I thought.. Cambodia this will be easy and within a couple of years i'll dominate and then move on. Proven not to be the case, anyone can beat anyone, with part time clubs like EDC competing against professional clubs, Nagaworld, Boeung Ket, Angkor Tiger and Vishaka who can pay their players and attract talent from abroad, mainly Nigeria and Japan which has proven to be a realistic barrier. As we shall see (and credit to Sports Interactive) for making the game as real life as possible, even in a more obscure nation like Cambodia, it becomes more difficult for semi pro teams to be succesful.
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32. Opportunity Knocks
The Title Race Is Hotting Up!
There are just five games left in the season and if we win all our games, the FM Gods are favourable and the Almighty Buddha is smiling upon us, then the C-League Title could be come home to Prey Veng for the first time.
This is how the top of the C-League table stands as we go into the final games of the season..
Nagaworld 45 pts
Khemera 41
EDC 40
Angkor Tiger 39
Boeung Ket 39
EDC Sign Mat Noron
We really didn’t need another striker, but this guy is quality (for this league) and I couldn’t resist. He could make a real difference and help take the pressure off Taboula and Chanraksmey, the latter who is not getting any younger.
Youngsters Released
I have had let go a couple of youngsters who have been hanging around in the reserves and U21s, Mat Rakasmey, a right winger who made one sub appearance and Pov Chandara, a left back who never really progressed from the Under 21s. There may me more to follow as I seek to trim my squad to a more manageable size.
Match 22 – EDC v Solitio Angkor 17/09/22
Game on! We need to keep the pressure on and win this one against Solitio who have been in a decent run of form themselves to propel them up to 7th. We go in with an attacking 4-4-2 diamond with new signing Noron starting alongside Taboula, Etim coming back in midfield and Tuy Oudom startis on the right after impressing as a sub against Nagaworld.
Kouch Rithy, Channroeurn, Daravon, Khemarin, Bairaing, Etim, Sung Rot, Oudom, Veasna, Taboula, Noron
Match Action
We didn’t have it all our own way for much of the first half. Noron and Taboula were being tightly marked and we kept giving the ball away too cheaply to our opposition who attacked in numbers. A switch to shorter passing and wing play brought results. Veasna received the ball on the left flank, before providing a pinpoint cross into the path of the onrushing debutant, Noron who guided it past the keeper into the corner of the net.
Raymond Etim, the poor man’s Ngolo Kante, intercepted the ball beautifully in midfield, before striding forward and slipping in Taboula down the left channel. He dribbled to the bye-line before checking back and sliding the ball across for Noron to tap in number two!
A slick passing move resulted in Veasna being released down the left. His intellegent ball to Taboula resulted in the Nigerian cooly slotting home for number three
Solitio had too much posession for my liking and this resulted in Makara tapping in from close range after a well worked move. 3-1. They scored again to make it 3-2 in the 82nd minute causing a few nerves at the end of the game, but we pulled through with a bit of frequent time-wasting. We are now just two points behind Nagaworld, but the leaders have a game in hand.
All we need to do is keep winning and keep the pressure on Nagaworld and if the FM Gods are smiling on us, you just never know!
A more convincing win than the scoreline would suggest and certainly deserved.
Final Score: EDC 3-2 Solitio Angkor
Noron 29,46 Makara 77
Taboula 53 Vannak 83
Nen Borey gets a National A Licence
During my reign at EDC I have always encouraged my staff to study for their coaching badges, to improve themselves and the training of the squad. My assistant manager,Nen Borey has now reached National A License level. Well done Nen, onto the Continent now!
Top Of The Table After 22 Matches
Nagaworld 46
Khemera 44
EDC 43
Angkor Tiger 42
Boeung Ket 42
It’s getting tight at the top of the table and with just four games left it’s all to play for. Our run in sees us take on 3 of the top 5, starting with Boeung Ket.
24th Sept – Boeung Ket (h)
1st Oct – Rithy Sen (a)
15th Oct Phnom Penh Crown (a)
29th Oct Khemera (h)
If we win all these game we have a chance, if other results go our way.
Match 23 – EDC v Boeung Ket 24/09/22
Revenge is very much the word on everybody’s lips around Prey Veng, as we prepare to take on the Champions, Boeung Ket. Earlier in the season they inflicted a 5-1 thrashing, which was to date my biggest defeat as manager of EDC. While this result was a shock which halted us in our tracks, our results have picked up since and we somehow find ourselves above our opponents in the table and just three off the top with just four games to go. It goes without saying that we must win all of these to stand a chance of snatching the title off our rivals Nagaworld, who have led for much of the season.
Ket play with a typical 4-2-3-1 with Omakafe leading the line and three in midfield. To try and negate this I will put Etim and Leap Bo as two holding midfielders, with Sung Rot playing just off Noron up front and Pin Saren stepping in for the suspended Maul Daravon in defence.
Team: Rithy, Bairaing, Saren, Khemarin, Channroeurn, Etim, Leap Bo, Oudom, Veasna, Sung Rot, Noron
Match Action
We started the game well. Noron looks a threat in behind, while Sung Rot is finding space in the withdrawn striker role.
Then Oh Dear! A Miroslav Klose bug goal. Sovakhmarin outmuscled Khemarin, ran through on goal and fired it past Rithy. We dominate the game again, Noron shot wide when clean through and Sung Rot had a shot well saved. A header from the same player goes tantilisingly across the face of goal, but nobody was there to tap it in. 1-0 down at half time.
I make two changes. Taboula comes on for Leap Bo and joins Noron up front while Sos Suhana comes in on the left, with Veasna switching to the right, I play a diamond in midfield. I’m going for broke..
We started the second half brilliantly, with Veasna volleying just over, but then the sucker punch. From a random free-kick, Khemarin was adjudged to have pushed their striker, resulting in a penalty kick. Mao Sovan sent Rithy the wrong way for an undeserved 2-0 lead..
Then hope. Etim released Sos Suhana down the left. His accurate cross was acrobatically met by Pelap Taboula for 2-1 Game on!
We pushed and pushed for an equaliser. Suhana and Veasna were threats on the flanks, but their crosses were either cleared or wouldn’t fall for the strikers. Then, late on Sung Rot hit the foot of the post after a smart breakaway. We pushed the Champions all the way here, but as the Scottish say, it just wasnae to be. This all but puts an end to our title hopes for another year, unless results seriously go our way. I am encouraged though that we are now more than a match for anyone in this league.
Final Score: EDC 1-2 Boeung Ket
Taboula 64 Sovankhemarin 28
Sovan 57 (pen)
Opportunity Knocks
The defeat to Boeung Ket has left us down in 5th place, but strangely just three points off the top of the table. Whatsmore, the two teams above us, Nagaworld and Khemera both lost to lowly Solitio Angkor and Chlam Samuth respectively, proving that anybody can beat anybody in the C-League. We have three games left, win them all and who knows we could win the jackpot. Opportunity knocks for EDC.. Khemera then lost again to mid-table National Police 2-1, which means I could leapfrog them if I win the next game against Rithy Sen.
Nagaworld 46
Khemera 45
Boeung Ket 45
Khemera 44
EDC 43
Match 24: Rithy Sen v EDC 01/10/22
In our run in, this is the game that we should win and keep up the title challenge. We beat them 4-1 earlier in the season, but they are fighting for their lives in 12th place, the top relegation place, so they have plenty of incentive to spring a surprise.
I will attack with a diamond 4-4-2 formation, with Taboula partnering Noron up front and Sos Suhana filling the left wing berth with Veasna on the right. Daravon also comes back from suspension and Ratana will replace Chanroeurn at the problematic right back position. A must win today.
Team: Rithy, Ratana, Daravon, Khemarin, Bairaing, Etim, Sos Suhana, Veasna, Sung Rot, Taboula, Noron.
Match Action
We dominated possesion with Noron and Sung Rot both having pot shots at goal, both well saved. Then the sucker punch. A breakaway results in Kanmol breaking clear and delicately finishing past young Kouch Rithy.. Arrgh!
Sung Rot sends Noron clear, but the goal is disallowed for offside..It’s gonna be one of those days…
Then from a random free kick, Sung Rot fires it into the top corner. We needed that. One each!
The from a left wing throw in Bairaing exchanges passes with Etim, who flights a lovely ball into Taboula down the left channel. He stops, for what I thought was an offside flag, but the referee waved play on. He dinked a lovely ball onto the head of Sung Rot who scores his second with a powerful header. Amazing!
Sung Rot almost makes it three running onto a beautifully weighted through ball from Veasna, but he shot agonisingly wide.
He did get his hat-trick in the second half. As Rithy Sen threatened to break away, Ratana got an important foot in. This sent the ball up to Noron, who laid it off to Taboula, whose simple ball found Sos Suhana. He slipped the ball through beautifully for Sung Rot who slid the ball home for a brilliant hat-trick.
Ratana played the ball forward again to Noron, who shrugged off his marker and passed to Taboula. The Nigerian took one touch before fizzing a curling shot into the top bins.. You don’t save those. Coasting to victory now!
Noron, who has terrorised the Rithy Sen defence with his pace and power has his moment. He bullies the defender off the ball, before shooting, but the shot is blocked. Taboula picks up the loose ball and slides him back in again. He provides a cute finish into the corner to make it 5-1. In the end, a brilliant performance, with the front three of Sung Rot, Noron and Taboula were outstanding.
Final Score: Rithy Sen 1-5 EDC
Kamol 20 Sung Rot 33, 35, 52
Taboula 55, Noron 75
Kong Rafat & Ayoub Joly Back from Cambodian U19s
My number one goalkeeper. Kong Rafat and young left back, Ayoub Joly are back after helping the Cambodian U19s to a quarter finals place. This represents progress for the Cambodian youngsters, as during the tournament they held Yemen and Saudi Arabia to 1-1 draws and were narrowly defeated by India 2-1. In the Quarter Finals Cambodia succumbed to Hong Kong 2-0, but it was great to see a Cambodian team being competitive at international level.
League Table with 2 games left
1st Angkor Tiger 48
2nd Boeung Ket 48
3rd Nagaworld 47
4th EDC 46
5th Khemara 44
Match 25: Phnom Penh Crown v EDC 15/10/22
Two words.. Timothy Okoreke If I stop him I win the game and take three points which may give us the opportunity to win the title on the final day. Other results have to go our way of course and we can only stick to our end of the bargain. Crown are unpredictable opponents but lie in 6th place, but way off the pace and the leaders of the chasing pack that are never going to catch us in the top 5.
I go with my trusty 4-4-2 but unfortunately Sung Rot is ineligible as I am loaning him from our opponents. Ouch Udom replaces him and Kong Rafat is back in goal from international duty.
Team: Kong Rafat, Ratana, Daravon, Saren, Bairaing, Etim, O.Udom, Veasna, Sos Suhana, Taboula, Noron
As expected, Okoreke looks dangerous running in behind and he misses the best chance, sliding a shot wide from another dangerous move. We are giving as good as we get and Taboula has a goal ruled out for offside.
We have come back into it with Taboula causing problems in the channels. Then out of nowhere it all unravels. Their goalkeeper plays a pinpoint goal kick straight to Okereke who sprints forward before sliding the ball under Kong Rafat. There is literally nothing I can do about that goal, it is a bug, a stupid bug, which I name after Miroslav Klose and even with the best laid plans tactically you cannot legislate for it which is just so annoying..
Maol Daravon, who had kept Okereke quiet challenged him in the box and did not get back up. He was stretcherd off with a groin strain and young Rum Sokha takes his place. Sub K.Udom got down the left channel before crossing for Taboula, who’s volley is beaten away by the keeper. Our best chance of the game.
Ivanaldo crosses from the right and guess who is on the end of it, the Nigerian Pele himself. 2-0
After some huffing and puffing but the house still standing we fashion a goal back. Veasna ran forward before playing a beautifully weighted through ball into the path of sub Keo Udom who cooly finished into the corner. 2-1.
Taboula has about 3000 chances which end up being saved, wide or ruled out for offside, while Udom and Veasna came to life in the closing stages, but to no avail. This result puts paid to our slim title hopes and we must build again for next season..
On another day we could have won this, Pelap Taboula would have taken the match ball home and we would still be in the hunt for the C-League title, but FM doesn’t work like that. Yes, Crown probably about deserved to win, but only just. Another result that ends this season with too many if's buts and maybes...
Nagaworld Retain The Hun Sen Cup
It is with some regret that I report that the scum sorry Nagaworld have retained the Hun Sen Cup after a 1-0 win over everybody’s other least favourite team The National Police at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium. I really hope they don’t go and do the double…
Youth Intake Day!
This annual jamboree of young talent spotting has come slightly earlier this year. My effervescent Head of Youth Development, Chan Vannak bounded into my office one day full of it about this latest crop of young talent to descend on Prey Veng. He reckons this could be a ‘Golden Generation,’ on a par with Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, Butt and the Neville Brothers…the Class of 22,as he called them.. I’m not so sure but I agreed to have a look and sign some of them if I thought they could kick a ball in a straight line… and amazingly some of them can!!
Match 26: EDC v Khemera Keila 29/10/22
Our season finally comes to an end with a dead rubber against Khemera Keila. If you want to put something on this game, it is a battle for 4th place in the C-League, which in Cambodia really does not make much of a difference. It’s not like we will qualify for the Asian Champions League, as only the top team have that privilige. I’m going to put the kids out for this one and look at some of the fringe players in my now rather bloated squad.
Team: Kong Rafat, Channroeurn, Khemarin, Sokha, Joly, Leap Bo, Laurent, Dara, Oudom, Samnang, Chanraksmey
Match Action
This was a miserable end to the season. Our kids looked like a nervous wreck, especially Ajoub Joly at left back, surprisingly after playing in the U19s Asian Championships and our more experienced players didn’t look arsed, which is a real shame,. Mat Dara looked useful on the left hand side, while Run Sokha looked Ok at the back.
They even went 1-0 up and my young bucks have not even touched the ball yet. This does not bode well. A lovely move results in an easy tap in for Ly Saroth 1-0 to them..
In the second half Noun Borey fired Khemera into a 2-0 lead. We look a bit clueless, but it is just a dead rubber.
I put the cavalry on of K.Udom, Sung Rot and Veasna to try and turn things around, but to no avail. Half of them were already thinking about their holidays, including myself.. A lot of work ahead of us this Cambodian winter if we are to make a serious and sustained title bid next season. We finish 5th with 46 points.
Final Score: EDC 0-2 Khemera Keila
Saroth 1
Borey 46
Final League Table Cambodian C-League 2022
Angkor Tiger 54
Boeung Ket 52
Khemera 51
Nagaworld 51
Khemera 50
EDC 46
Phnom Penh Crown 40
National Police 37
Solitio Angkor 33
Chhlam Samuth 31
Chhmao Khmao 28
Vishaka 23
Svay Rieng 22 (R)
Rithy Sen 21
National Defence 18
Angkor Tiger win The C-League
After securing a 3-1 win against The National Defence, Angkor
Tiger have won the 2022 C-League title. Congratulations go to
them from all at Prey Veng.
So it wasnae to be for our friends Electric as they finished 5th in the C-League, eight points off the top. The team has still managed to entertain in patches, but failed to reach the heights of the previous season. Can Rudd keep this promising team together over pre-season, or will the vultures finally get their prey?
Find out next time on The Ultimate Football Manager Game!
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Update: I am resisting the temptation to buy the new game so I can carry on bringing this story to you and possibly another one which I have in the pipeline on FM21.....
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On 19/10/2021 at 03:16, BenArsenal said:
Damn the police. LOL
Or as NWA once said...
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Part 31. Keeping Up With The Nagaworlds
It's been an interesting season so far. We got off to a great start, but then a mixed bag of results have seen us fall off the pace as we enter the second half of the season. As we know in football though, anybody can beat anybody no matter where they are in the league table. Our big rivals Nagaoworld have been consistently (and annoyingly at the top of the league, with the rest of us, lead by a rejuvenated Angkor Tiger, surprise packages Khemera Keila and us chasing them. Things are taking shape in the C-League and a positive run of results could see us catch our rivals and who knows what could happen then??
Match 18: EDC v Chhlam Samuth
When we last played this newly promoted side I was quite impressed with them even though we managed to beat them 2-1. This is a must win if we are to keep in touch with the top teams, as that costly last minute equaliser against the Defence saw us slip to 4th and 5 points behind flippin’ Nagaworld. I have nothing to lose now and I am simply going to go for it. I’m playing 4-4-2 with K.Udom partnering top scorer Taboula up front, Ratana slots in at right back and Khemarin deputises for the suspended Daravon in defence. Molly Unmoll is given another chance on the left wing.
Team: 4-4-2 Kong Rafat, Ratana, Khemarin, Saren, Bairaing, Etim, Sung Rot, Veasna, Molly Unmoll, K.Udom, Taboula
EDC 3-0 Chhlam Samuth
Veasna 12,
Sung Rot 61,
K.Udom 87
A good solid win, in which while we did not have it quite all our own way against a competent Chhlam Samuth side, it was exactly what we deserved for a positive attacking display.
In the opening exchanges they gave as good as they got, with Kong Rafat having to pull off two fine saves. It was us though who took the lead on the break. Veasna picked up the ball and found Sung Rot on the right. His cross found Keo Udom, but when his shot was blocked the rebound fell to Veasna who stylishly curled the ball into the top corner for his 7th goal of the season.
Samuth would not give up though and Kong Rafat was once again called upon to make a point blank save from their dangerous young striker, Touch Sinoun. We were dominating the game though and the deserved second goal came when Etim played a ball down the left channel. The ever willing Veasna retrieved what was seemingly a lost cause. He turned inside before crossing low for Sung Rot to divert home.
The icing on the cake came when from a breakaway, Sok Chanraksmey ran into the right channel and he squared it to the onrushing Keo Udom who couldn’t miss. 3-0. Back up to second we go, just three behind Nagaworld, who could only draw 1-1 with Chamao Khamao.
Match 19 – National Police v EDC 21/08/21
We visit the Cambodian Constabulary in decent form and with plenty of motivation to keep the pressure on Nagaworld at the top of the table. They have a good striker Chen Chitra who must be watched, but the rest of the team look like young special constables, rather than cheif superintendants. I will stick with the 4-4-2 which has served us well with Sos Suhana preferred to young Molly Unmoll on the left wing. Daravon also replaces Pin Saren in the heart of the defence.
Kong Rafat, Ratana, Daravon, Khemarin, Bairaing, Etim, Sung Rot, Sos Suhana, Veasna, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
National Police 3-1 EDC
Chitra 23 Taboula 56
Piseth 49
Hosan 90
Oh dear, we got stuffed by the old Bill.. We came unstuck as Chitra and his mate, Piseth tore us apart with a lethal counter attacking game, underpinned by their goalkeeper’s uncanny knack of finding these two from 80 yards away. We were utter crap though. We couldn’t finish, we couldn’t defend and whenever we were caught in possession they just bunted it downfield for Chitra to do his stuff.
It was tit for tat in the opening 20 minutes. Chitra looked a real threat, while Veasna hit the post with a free kick . Then the inevitable happened. All day long Chitra was running in behind. He dribbled into the area and dinked it cutely past Kong Rafat. It was coming and we cannot cope with this guy.,
Miroslav Flippin Klose bug. A perfect 80 yard goal kick ends up at the feet of Chitra (who else) and he squares it for his mate, Piseth with our defence all at sea. 2-0 bye bye title hopes.#
We look clueless, nothing is working and they look like they can get a third any minute. K.Udom shoots wide from inside the penalty area. I shouted at the entire team and demanded more. They listened. Ratana’s hopeful ball forward is into the path of the onrushing Taboula who dribbled into the area and slotted the ball into the corner. 2-1 Game on! We pressed and pressed and came close on a few occasions, but they also looked dangerous on the break.
Then from another Miroslav Klose job, Sok Hosan tapped in a rebound after his first shot was parried by Kong Rafat to seal victory for the flippin Police.. We slip to 4th and 6 points off the pace, although we still have to play the three teams above us before the end of the season, so some could say, all is not lost… but right now, like Dr Dre I’m still not liking police..
On the way home, the team coach was pulled over by the Cambodian cops, just for them to surround it and chant 3-1 3-1 at us. B******s!!
Match 20 Svay Rieng v EDC 27/08/22
It’s do or die, make or break. If we win our last 6 games of the season we are in with a chance of winning the title, but there is little margin for error. Svay Rieng lie in 11th and we should beat them, but our away form has been atrocious of late. Therefore I have decided to revert back to our 4-2-3-1 formation and made a few changes to shake things up a bit. Pin Saren comes in for the suspended Daravon (again), O. Udom comes into midfield, Sos Suhana ois given another chance on the left and Taboula up front on his own, with Sung Rot just behind. Oh yes and Chanroeurn comes in for the out of form Ratana.
Team: Kong Rafat, Bairaing, Khemarin, Saren, Channroeurn, Etim, O.Udom, Sung Rot, Veasna, Sos Suhana, Taboula
Svay Rieng 2-2 EDC
Ly You 7 Sung Rot 79
Udom 66 Chanraksmey 83
Well we controlled the first five minutes, created nothing and then let them score. It was all too easy. Their midfielder had the ball in midfield and had all the time in the world to slip in Say You who timed his run to perfection and slipped the ball under Kong Rafat for 1-0. We then controlled the game as our opponents sought to protect their advantage. Etim stung the hands of the keeper with a stunning effort from 25 yards. Time and again we got down the flanks but could not deliver the final pass. Taboula had the ball in the net, but was disallowed for an offside in the build up. Then Pin Saren nodded home from a corner, but again this was chalked off for pushing.. and there’s not even any VAR in Cambodia!! To make matters worse, they got a second, can’t remember how because I was trying to restrain myself from throwing my laptop on the floor in disgust. At 2-0 we were down and out, couldn’t string two passes together and looked like conceding a third. Frustrated and with little else to do, I ‘Demanded More’ from my players. Then suddenly we got a goal back, Bairaing threw the ball in and Veasna squared for Sung Rot to tap home 2-1. Suddenly we sprang into life and remembered how to play football. We drove forward like a pack of dogs chasing a gazelle. Veasna was getting on the ball K Udom was running in behind like last season. From one such run, he squared for the onrushing Chanraksmey who slotted home a dramatic equaliser. It keeps our very faint title hopes alive as we move up to 3rd.
EDC Youngsters Selected In Cambodian U19s Squad
My young goalkeeper, Kong Rafat and young left back, Ayjoub Joly have both been included in the Cambodian Under 19s squad for the U-19 Asian Championship. The young Angkor Warriors have been drawn against India, Yemen and Saudi Arabia in Group A of the tournament.
Match 21: Nagaworld v EDC 09/09/22
This is a must-win game if we even have the faintest chance of hunting down the league leaders and champions elect, Nagaworld. They will be out for revenge as well after we humped them 4-1 earlier in the season. I go with a cautious 4-2-3-1 formation with Taboula who did well against them up front last time up front on his own. I have tried to motivate Sos Suhana to actually turn up and play like the experienced international he is (albeit for Cambodia). Young goalkeeper Kouch Rithy makes his senior debut while Kong Rafat is away on international duty with the U19s.
Team: Kouch Rithy, Channroeurn, Daravon, Khemarin, Bairaing, O.Udom, Leap Bo, Veasna, Sung Rot, Sos Suhana, Taboula
Nagaworld 1-2 EDC
Ravy 90 Veasna 73
K Udom 88
A fantastic result and performance today. Our defence was solid, Kawabata hardly had a kick all game and Kouch Rithy had an excellent debut. The first half was evenly matched with Sung Rot going close and hitting the post, while at the other end, Kawabata shot over the bar and Math Fasal also wasted a glorious chance to rub our noses in it.
In the second half we carried on where we left off and created chances, but still couldn’t score. Taboula who was inneffective was replaced by Chanrakmey and Ouch Udom’s industry in midfield was sacrificed for the firepower of Keo Udom. This seemed to work.
Keo Udom intercepted the ball and fed Chanraksmey. The veteran striker didn’t have the pace to do it himself, and wisely laid it right to substitute, Tuy Oudom, whose extra pace allowed him to advance down the right flank. His pinpoint cross was met by the head of Veasna who diverted it past the onrushing keeper., Yees!! 1-0!
Then from Khemarin’s free kick, Keo Udom outmuscled his marker, before turning smartly onto the ball and finishing smartly past the keeper, sending our travelling fans into raptures. This season ain’t over yet!
They pulled one back through Ly Ravy’s acrobatic effort, but it was a mere consolation. A great result and performance and we have done the double over Nagaworld this season! Up to second we go and five points behind Nagaworld. Watch out Nagaworld, Jonny Rudd’s Electric Army are coming for you!
A thrilling win against the league leaders Nagaworld sees EDC close the gap to five points, with just five games left. Can EDC keep up the pressure and will Nagaworld implode, or will Khemera or Angkor Tiger sneak ahead in the C-League Title Race? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!!!
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13 hours ago, BenArsenal said:
Congrats on the award mate. Well deserved.
Can't wait to see where this story develops.
Thanks Ben. I didn't realise how popular my little Cambodian story was. Yes I aim to carry on whenever possible and eventually move to another country possibly...
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30. Trying To Grasp The Nettle
Here is the next instalment of my now award winning Football Manager Story. Thankyou to everyone who voted for me!
After an indifferent run of form which has seen us drop off the pace in the title race, it is time to grasp the nettle and get back to winning ways. It's fair to say that the month long gap did really mess with our momentum. Young Tuy Oudom who was at one point the leading scorer in the C-League with seven goals has simply not been the same player since he came back from injury. Chanraksmey and K Udom who killed it last season have been missing chances, while young Taboula blows hot and cold. The only constant is Veasna who has been brilliant, but he cannot do it all himself. We have a better squad than last year, yet for whatever reason it is not clicking in the same way, We look loose at the back, especially when up against pace and the full backs, Bairaing aside have not been up to the standard of last year. It is exactly the halfway point in the season so there is certainly time to pull things around and mount a serious title challenge.
Match 14- EDC v Vishaka
We are back round to the start of the return fixtures. Vishaka are surprisingly down in the relegation zone this season and so I expect nothing less than a win. They are full of Cambodian youngsters and should be there for the taking, but our form is inconsistent and we need to get back on track, starting today.
I’m going to start with a slightly new formation 4-4-1-1 with Sung Rot playing just off Keo Udom. Veasna returns on the right, while I am giving young Molly Unmoll his first start on the left after scoring a hat trick for the Reserves and excelling in training.
Team: 4-4-1-1 Kong Rafat, Ratana, Daravon, Khemarin, Bairaing, Etim, O.Udom, Veasna, Sung Rot, Molly Unmoll, K.Udom.
EDC 3-1 Vishaka
Veasna 29 Noron 5 (pen)
K.Udom 45
Taboula 87
A much needed win over Vishaka, of which we got better as the game went along.
Things didn’t start well though. Their striker Noron has the ball near the edge of the box and seemingly no danger. He pushed it past Khemarin who tripped him. Penalty. They convert 1-0.
We are dominating possession, but they look dangerous with the long hoof down field, while we are playing beautiful tika taka style football but not scoring. Veasna hits the post, the team is getting annoyed. I tell everyone to calm down and demand more. Veasna listened. He’s had enough and gets his head down and just runs from inside his own half and whacks it petulantly past the keeper for 1-1.
Then from the halfway line, Maul Daravon hits a rather hopeful ball into the penalty area. Young Molly Unmoll does well and flicks it back to Keo Udom on the corner of the area. He nonchalantly places a shot past the keeper into the corner.
Direct from Kong Rafat’s goal kick, the ball was taken down by Pelap Taboula who ran into the box and smashed it home to put the gloss on a much needed victory.
Match 15: Angkor Tiger v EDC 23/07/22
Angkor Tiger will be "tough to beat" mused my Performance Analyst, Keo Sambo. (Yes we do have one, he lives in a cupboard and spends all day watching football matches) I think we are two evenly matched teams. They lie in 5th while we are in 3rd and have fallen off the pace a little in the title race, so we need a win to keep up with Boeung Ket and Nagaworld. We line up in a 4-4-2 with Tuy Oudom preferred to Molly Unmoll, and Veasna moves over to the left wing. Ratana drops to the bench after a poor run of form and Roeurn Channroeurn comes in at right back.
Team: 4-4-2 Kong Rafat, Channroeurn, Saren, Khemarin, Bairaing, Etim, Sung Rot, Veasna, Oudom, K.Udom, Taboula
Angkor Tiger 3-0 EDC
Dara 33
Darapitch 38
Srin 57
This was a miserable performance and we simply couldn’t defend against a lively Tiger side, nor could we hit a cow’s backside with a banjo going forward. At least our midfield was good enough to create some chances, but overall this was a dire performance.
We got off to a decent start and Sung Rot almost put us a goal up after he hit the post. Something told me then it wasn’t going to be our day. Then we succumbed to a strange goal. The ball was cleared from a cross and then played into the area while my entire back four just stood like lemons in front of the keeper, playing everybody onside. All Chan Dara had to do was control the ball inside the area and smash the ball home. Odd goal that and even worse statuesque defending. Then after a couple of chances from us, Tiger broke away and scored, Darapich, who tortured Bairaing all afternoon with the finish. In the second half, from a corner Srin rose unchallenged to power a header home. We did create some chances ourselves with Taboula and K Udom going close, but they knew where the back of the net was and we didn’t which was the difference between the two sides.
Match 16: EDC v Chhma Khamo 30/07/22
Currently we have slipped to 4th in the table, due to our recent inconsistent results, with Boeung Ket and Nagaworld with a game in hand on us, so while we are not completely out of it I would hardly make us favourites for the title. Chhma Khmao have had a decent season and the newly promoted side lie in 8th place, ten points away from trouble. A must win if we are to keep pace with the three teams above us and have a say in the title race. I line up in a 4-4-2, with the old firm of K.Udom and Chanraksmey upfront. Ratana and Daravon return to the back four, while Sos Suhana starts on the left hand side of midfield.
Team: Kong Rafat, Ratana, Daravon, Saren, Bairaing, Etim, Sung Rot, Suhana, Veasna, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
EDC 3-1 Chhma Khmao
Chanraksmey 2 (pen)
Sung Rot 5
Taboula 87
We were excellent today and fully deserved to win.
We got off to a great start after a bit of scramble in the Khmao penalty box resulted in a penalty. Up stepped Chanraksmey who powered the ball home for 12 yards. 1-0. Then from a poor clearance from their defender, the loose ball was picked up by Sung Rot who ran forward, dropped his shoulder past the defender before slotting home confidently for 2-0, with only 3 minutes on the clock!
Just before half time, Khmao halved the deficit when a far post corner was headed home by Long Pheng.
In the second half we dominated proceedings with Veasna providing a constant supply line of crosses for Chanraksmey and Udom, neither of which could capitalise, with their keeper pulling off a world class save to deny the former. Substitute Taboula did rather better and volleyed home yet another Veasna cross to make it 3-1 in what was a comfortable victory in the end.
Today was also a fan day, so the ground was full of families and potential supporters of EDC, who will sure to have been impressed by today’s performance. We are now in third place, just three points behind leaders, Nagaworld.
Bizarre Friendly Result
EDC Reserves 3-15 EDC U21s
A strange result has emerged from a kickabout between my Reserves and U21 sides, which ended up with a rugby score of 15-3 in favour of my U21s.. Perhaps some of these players are in the wrong squads, including 7 goals for my young forward, Morgan Laurent and 4 for Sary Chainuth.., remember their names!
Match 17: National Defence v EDC 05/08/22
The poor old National Defence are bottom of the league, so despite their name they have not been defending very well. We will hope to cash in and take three points today. They play a strange formation which consists of them filling up midfield, so I go with a 4-4-1-1 with Sung Rot playing just off Chanraksmey, plus attacking wingers and full backs to try and exploit their lack of numbers in wider areas. This may change if they prove tough to break down.
Importantly, Boeung Ket lost their game in hand to Phnom Penh Crown 2-0, meaning I can leapfrog them into 2nd with a win today.
Team: Kong Rafat, Chanroeurn, Daravon, Khemarin, Bairaing, Etim, O.Udom, Veasna, Sos Suhana, Sung Rot, Taboula
National Defence 3-3 EDC
K. Panha 41 Taboula 27,33
M. Panha 50 Khemarin 58
Pidor 91
There are times when you simply have to grasp the nettle and make it count and we failed to do that today. Bottom of the table National Defence looked useless and clueless for the first 40 minutes of the match as it was like an attackers v defenders training exercise.
After completely dominating the first 20 minutes we were rewarded with a goal. Veasna received the ball from Channroeurn and ran down the right, before feeding Sung Rot in the inside right channel. His cross was met by Pelap Taboula with an acrobatic volley into the corner of the net, 1-0!
Etim cut out the Defence’s clearance. He fed attacking full back Sam Channroeurn whose cross was diverted home first time by Taboula for number 2! Lovely.
Then we hit the self destruct button. A rare attack from National Defence resulted in Daravon conceding a free kick on the edge of the area and getting sent off for a second yellow card. Panha lashed in the resulting free kick for 2-1. Oops..
Just after half time we self destruct again. A pretty passing move by us is broken up by a huge Wimbledon style hoof down the pitch to the onrushing Panha in acres of space, who slotted past Kong Rafat 2-2, in a game we should be winning comfortably.
As the water bottle I had just kicked on the touchline slowly regained its shape, Veasna flighted in a random free kick and Khek Khemarin rose like a salmon to nod home with a firm header. 3-2. Then we hung on Sven-style as National Defence suddenly turned into Spain c2010, we just could not get the ball off them. The Panha brothers in midfield may as well have been Xavi and Iniesta..
They piled forward outnumbering our defenders and carving out chances, which but for some horrendous finishing and some fine goalkeeping from Kong Rafat they could have easily outscored us. I introduced Leap Bo to add some stability to the midfield and told my full backs to stay back in order to contain them. By the 90th minute I felt we had a measure of control again and had done enough to cling on to an ugly win. Then, a right wing corner was fired in and met full on the volley by Pidor to equalise.. An opportunity missed..again… We remain in 3rd.. The nettle we were trying to grasp had a very nasty sting...
A last minute equaliser by bottom side National Defence prevented EDC from closing in on the top of the table, but all is not lost as we head into the closing stages of the season. Can EDC mount a serious title challenge, or will they be once again the bridesmaids in the 2022 C-League?
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12 minutes ago, EvilDave said:
Mark - well done on what will soon be known as the 'Mark Wilson Awards'
Jon - congratulations! It's wonderful to see new talent on the forums, and your awards are richly deserved!
Thankyou EvilDave and everybody who voted for me
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10 minutes ago, mark wilson27 said:
The winner is The Ultimate World Football Manager Save by John1982 who fully deserves it with a great
Thankyou everybody, especially Sok Chanraksmey, Suon Veasna, Keo Udom, Maol Daravon, Kong Rafat, Raymond Etim, Ouk Ratana, Pelap Taboula and the rest of the EDC team.. not forgetting my faithful Assistant Manager, Nen Borey who now has a Judging Player Ability rating of 5! and the league database machine that is @Timo I could not have done this without you!!
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17 minutes ago, mark wilson27 said:
The winner of the Newcomer of the year is
John1982
Wow! What can I say? Thankyou for accepting me on the boards and reading my story..! Well done to everyone else who won their awards and who knows where I will be in 2031 on the Ultimate World FM Game.. maybe Outer Mongolia or Krygkstan.. or with Guiseley in the Conference North...
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32 minutes ago, mark wilson27 said:
And the winner is The Ultimate World Football Manager
by John1982 who won by a single vote over two other stories
Wow! Thankyou everybody for voting for me! Up the Cambodian Electricity Football Team!!
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I've sent my votes now. Cheers. Good luck everybody!
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Where do I send my votes to?
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29. Back Down To Earth With A Bang!
At the risk of turning into Arsene Wenger, Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho here, or any manager who has ever complained about the scheduling of fixtures, the month long gap has taken the spark out of Electricite Du Cambodge's season. We were flying, three points clear and just swept aside our biggest rivals Nagaworld 4-1. There was a lot of optimism around Prey Veng.
Then a dodgy 0-0 draw against lowly Solitio Angkor just before this break put a small downer on things, albeit this was not a disaster. The lads had to concentrate on providing electricity to the good people of Cambodia, while I twiddled my thumbs in between the two weekly training sessions.
Finally the game we had all been waiting for came around, the Champions, Boeung Ket away. How would we get on?
Match 11: Boeung Ket v EDC
After a month with no fixture, largely due to us being knocked out of the Hun Sen Cup early I finally get to play again. They don’t come much bigger than this in Cambodia, the champions Boeung Ket away. Whatsmore during the recent transfer window they went and signed Omakafe from National Defence, who will be someone to look out for and has caused us problems in the past. “The Nigerian Pele’ helped peg us back from C-League glory in his National Defence days and he has now joined The Champions. I will line up in a 4-2-3-1 with Tuy Oudom back from injury and after one month off was raring to go! Sam Channroeurn deputises for Ouk Ratana at right back after he picked up a knock in training.
Boeung Ket 5-1 EDC
Sovan 19 Chhchoeun 45 K Udom 85
Sotheaven 84,90
Phearith 88
Ouch that hurt! We did not deserve this at all. A flattering result for the Champions, in a game which hinged on the sending off of our right back, Sam Channroeurn. Up until then we had been by far the better side and could have been at least two goals up.
We made a bright start, Sung Rot had a shot which fizzed just wide. Taboula headed just over after good work from Veasna. Then at the other end a random free kick from the left and the ball was headed into the corner by Mao Souvan, Kong Rafat could have done better, but the Champions took an undeserved lead.
Channroeurn was then sent off for two bookabale offences. I reluctantly subbed O Udom for Mom Veasna the young right back to maintain a flat back four . They got a second, can’t remember how, Tuy Oudom rattled the crossbar late on. It wasn’t our day..Southvean ran the length of the field and fired past Kong Rafat. A bad day at the office..Keo Udom pulled a late consolation 3-1
To really rub our noses in it they scored twice right near the end, but by this time we had gone, given in no hope. Daravon was knackered but I’d used all my subs and Mom Veasna is unfortunately not good enough, so the right side of our defence was just fair game. We did not deserve 5-1 but that was the score… Painful. Yes the water bottle was thrown, the players didn’t like it but that’s how I felt. Many prayed to Buddha after, but I went home, had a couple of glasses of whiskey and threw the duvet over my head and tried to forget about the whole sordid affair…
Chin Chainuth Injured
I don’t normally comment on injuries, but this one is serious. My Number 2 goalkeeper Chin Chainuth is out for 8 months with a broken ankle, leaving me with now just two keepers at the club…
Sam Sambo Joins EDC!
I have signed free agent Sam Sambo as cover in the goalkeeping position. He will be 3rd choice behind Kong Rafat and Kouch Rithy. Welcome to EDC!
Match 12: EDC v Rithy Sen 25/06/21
After a dodgy run of form I hope to beat 9th placed Rithy Sen to restore momentum in our title challenge. I’m going to revert to a 4-4-2 with the old firm of Chanraksmey and Keo Udom up front and young Taboula as an impact sub. Ratana should return at right back in place of the suspended Chanroeurn and Leap Bo will deputise for Etim, who also misses out after picking up too many yellow cards.
Team: Kong Rafat, Ratana, Khemarin, Saren, Bairaing, Leap Bo, Sung Rot, Veasna, T. Oudom, K. Udom, Chanraksmey
EDC 4-1 Rithy Sen
K Udom 36,58,72 Pidor 76
Sung Rot 62
We were back to our old selves today as Rithy Sen had no answer to our attack. Keo Udom scored a marvellous hat trick and a screamer from Sung Rot, who has carried on from where he left off last season completed the rout.
The first was a simple goal. Sung Rot had the ball about 25 yards out. He played it to Leap Bo, who found Bairaing on the left wing. His simple low cross was diverted in by Keo Udom for a well worked goal.
Ratana recieved the ball from young Tuy Udom. He crossed in and Keo Udom volleyed home, with the keeper getting a strong hand on it, but was unable to prevent it crossing the line. For the third goal, Keo Udom turned provider as his shot was charged down but the defender, only to fall into the path of Sung Rot who curled a wonderful shot into the top bins. 3-0
Sung Rot did what he does best and run at the heart of the Rithy Sen defence, He found Chanraksmey, whose instant pass was turned in by Keo Udom for a well deserved hat trick.
Pidor found the corner of net from a breakaway involving several players for 4-1 but it was just a consolation. Well done lads!
Match 13 EDC v Phnom Penh Crown 02/07/22
When we last played the Crown we thrashed them 7-2 on the final match of last season and I will be hoping for something similar today. They have a decent side and I will have to be wary of Okerere and Booyens up front. We will line up in a 4-4-2 again with O.Udom coming in for Sung Rot who cannot play against his parent club, while Etim comes back into midfield after his suspension.
Team: Kong Rafat, Ratana, Daravon, Saren, Bairaing, Etim, O.Udom, Veasna, T.Oudom, Chanraksmey, K.Udom
EDC 2-4 Phnom Penh Crown
Chanrakmey 2 Okoreke 5, 44, Sopana 20, Booysen 81
Taboula 54
A terrible result and performance.. We got off to a great start! Ratana threw the ball in to Veasna, whose pinpoint cross was met by the head of Sok Chanraksmey (how often have we said that) to bury it into the bottom corner. Then, disaster struck. A long goal kick was missed by two EDC players, allowing Okereke to run through on goal and slot in the equaliser..
An EDC move broke down and Okereke flew down the left wing before squaring to Sophan who did the rest. Bugger!
Kong Rafat saved a penalty.
Young Tuy Oudom ran down the right and provided a pinpoint cross for sub Taboula to head home 3-2
Booyens headed home number 4, Disappointing result our defence was terrible and could not handle the pace of Timothy Okereke.(again) Must do better if we are to be C-League Champions! We slip to 3rd.
Match 13 Khemara Keila v EDC 09/07/22
Like us, Khemera are punching above their weight this season and sit just behind us in 4th. They also have a decent striker, Borey who will need watching and a team of honest players who will give us a game. After the defensive disaster of the last game I am reverting back to a 4-2-3-1 with Taboula ploughing a lone furrow up front, with Sung Rot returning to midfield and Sos Suhana stepping in for the suspended Veasna.
Team: 4-2-3-1 Kong Rafat, Ratana, Daravon, Saren, Bairaing, Etim, O.Udom, Sung Rot, T.Oudom, Sos Suhana, Taboula
Khemera 2-1 EDC
Borey 52, 72 Etim 45
A joke result against a joke team. We dominated the game, but lacked cutting edge and this in the end was to cost us dearly. They looked dangerous on the odd break they had. A corner was cleared to Raymond Etim who advanced forward before unleashing a piledriver from 25 yrds out which flashed into the bottom corner. We needed that! 1-0.
They hit the bar from a free kick to send a warning to EDC. Then worst nightmare. A corner was cleared , hoofed up field and as our defence stupidly were drawn towards the ball like moths to a lampshade, Noun Borey raced clear, sidestepped Kong Rafat and lashed it into the empty net. FFS!!
What a joke! Out of nowhere a right wing cross was turned in by Noun Borey. Joke. I hate this game. This joke pub team go above us in the table.. somehow..
Oh dear. Three league defeats after the month long gap has seen EDC's title hopes falter. At the halfway point in the season, however there is still time to make it back up and mount a serious challenge for the C-League.....
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Not only has there been a gap in EDC fixtures, but also a gap in these posts, due to a combination of holidays, illness and readjusting to life without restrictions in the UK, meaning less time to write this story. I do hope to bring you some more material soon as EDC seek to upset the odds and win the first C-League title in their history!
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28. Mind The Gap!
When we left off in the last post, EDC were flying, top of the table and unbeaten in the league. This great run of early season form had also seen the emergence of Tuy Oudom, a young 17 year old right winger from the Reserves who had taken his opportunity in the first team with both hands. To date he had scored 7 goals making him the top goalscorer in the C-League, that is until he got injured in the last game, a 5-1 thrashing of Svay Rieng. This now meant a month to six weeks on the sidelines for the teenager.
While I was delighted with his performances I also did not want us to become too dependant on him. K.Udom despite playing well was missing chances, while Sok Chanraksmey still looked a bit spooked from the monk's curse at Angkor Wat. Taboula, while highly promising blows hot and cold, but he is just 19 and Veasna was having a great season, but his role is to create goals rather than score them himself. His chances created were so often being missed by others.
This run of fine form had been down to a 17 year old kid who was now lying on the treatment table and will miss the top of the table clash against Nagaworld.
Match 9: EDC v Nagaworld 14/05/22
This is the game we have all been waiting for, the visit of our nemesis, Nagaworld. Tied at the top of the table on 19 points a piece, this is the big top of the table clash that the whole of Cambodia is talking about. George Kelechi may have retired and taken up scouting, but they still have the dangerous Japanese forward, Kawabata, along with the pacy Ly Ravy and of course former EDC winger and big stupid baby, Math Fasal. Throw in Sonny Makarna and his supposed antics at Angkor Wat and we have many many reasons to beat Nagaworld today.
I keep faith with the 4-2-3-1 formation. Sos Suhana comes in for Tuy Oudom, while Pin Saren is suspended so Khemarin keeps his place with Daravon coming back into central defence. I am going to attack this lot as I do not think they are the force they were last season. What the hell, playing a tactical game against them last season didn’t really work so let's attack and see what happens....
Team: Kong Rafat, Ratana, Daravaon, Khemarin, Bairaing, Etim, Leap Bo, O.Udom, Veasna, Sos Suhana, Taboula
EDC 4-1 Nagaworld
Suhana 8 Ly Ravy 50
Taboula 22,35
Daravon 62
Yeeeeesss! Revenge! Sonny Makara, Sam Chanvirak (manager last season), Kawabata, George Kelechi, Chataratana, Monks at Angkor Wat, Your boys took one hell of a beating!
What a win! Amazing. This was an electrifying performance which frightened the living daylights out of our fierce rivals Nagaworld!
On 7 minutes Ratana threw the ball to Veasna, who laid off to Raymond Etim who curled in a peach of a cross to the far post where Sos Suhana was there to poke home. A great start for EDC!
Then, a great all round team goal. Khemarin headed away their attack. The ball fell to the impressive Leap Bo who clipped the ball forward towards Taboula. Their defender missed the ball completely, allowing the Nigerian to run freely onto the ball and smash home for 2-0. Taboula is bullying their defence and they don’t know how to handle him. From the goal kick, the ball is missed again by the defender and Taboula just trots through and fires home for 3-0, EDC are in electric dreamland!
A good move in midfield by Nagaworld results in Krya finding space on the right wing who crossed for Ly Ravy to slot home at the far post. 3-1. Squeaky bum time.
Veasna swung in the free kick and Maol Daravon nodded home at the far post 4-1! Never in doubt! I gave a late debut to Matt Dara and symbolically brought Sok Chanraksmey on so he could be on the pitch at the end to exorcise his demons. Brilliant game, brilliant performance. There’s no stopping us now!
Whatsmore the Nagaworld manager banged the table in frustration during post match press conference! The tables are turned! Come on!!!
Top Of The C-League Table
1st EDC 22 pts
2nd Nagaworld 19
3rd Khemara 18
4th Boeung Ket 15
5th Phnom Penh Crown 15
The Vultures Are Circling (again)
It is one minute past midnight on 15th May 2022 and the phone has not stopped ringing. Bids for my players are coming in left right and centre and once more I do not know what my squad is going to look like for the second half of the season. The deal we made back in pre-season has enabled this and so it is down to the individual loyalty of the players. We have given them generous appearance fees plus other bonuses, but it is just a case of hoping they want to stay at the club which is currently three points clear at the top the C-League.
Already bids have been made for Veasna, Channroeurn, Etim, Ouch Udom and Ratana.. Watch this space!
Match 10: Solitio Angkor v EDC 21/05/22
Our old foes from the first season have been promoted back to the C-League but they are not faring too well again, sitting down in 11th, just above the relegation zone. If they are anything like the team we played before they will be determined and should not be underestimated. We are a lot stronger these days and line up in our trusted 4-2-3-1 with Pin Saren returning to central defence and Sann Suhana replacing Leap Bo in midfield for a more attacking line up.
Team: Kong Rafat, Ratana, Daravon, Saren, Bairaing, Etim, O.Udom, Sann Suhana, Veasna, Sok Suhana, Taboula
Solitio Angkor 0-0 EDC
This was certainly after the Lord Mayor’s show following on from the Nagaworld game. I think the FM gods decided we were not going to score a goal today. We created chance after chance after chance, but just could not stick the ball in the onion bag and Chanraksmey looked cursed once again, Taboula was busy but ineffective, Veasna and Sos Suhana were not themselves and O. Udom perhaps had other things on his mind. Our opponents looked dangerous from set plays and Kong Rafat was called upon to make some good saves. Having said that we still deserved to win, but their keeper was unbeatable. Two dropped points, but hopefully not a complete disaster..
An EDC fan Ny Boris tweeted: “Absolutely fuming. Our strikers couldn’t finish a dinner,” which just about summed things up..
Mind The Gap!
The Solitio Angkor match was our last game for a month. While this was good news for young Oudom because it gave him time to recover, it meant we could badly lose momentum, especially after two great results against Svay Rieng and the big one against Nagaworld. The players being part time had to work extra hours at the Grid in order to make up for the lost football income. As all of them were on an appearance fee based contracts this lack of action left a hole in their pockets which needed filling. I often noticed a difference during these periods as with no fixture for several weeks it was harder for them to maintain focus in training and they were often more tired than usual due to their longer shifts in their day jobs.
This gap in fixtures was also extended by our early departure from the Hun Sen Cup and we just had to sit out the final weekend of the gap without a game. The next league match is a trip to the Champions, Boeung Ket. A difficult game, which would have been made easier with the form and confidence we have accrued due to the last two big wins and the momentum we have created.
At what cost would this month long gap and loss of momentum have on EDC's season? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!
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On 20/07/2021 at 13:55, BenArsenal said:
Ooh, you've changed your avatar! Nice!
Yes I'll be applying for Cambodian citizenship next..
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Thanks Neil. Glad you are enjoying it so far. There are plenty more twists and turns to come, with several teams trying to pour water over our title challenge...
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27. Tuying Our Opponents In Knots
Tuy Oudom, not to be confused with the two Udom's in the team, Keo and Ouch has been for much of my tenure languishing in the Under 21 and Reserve teams, not pulling up many trees and just another newgen kid with dreams of one day making it into the first team. The untimely departure of Math Fasal, who stormed out after a bust up with me for allegedly not playing him in his favoured Inverted Winger role left me with a problem as to who would start on the left wing. I have two decent young left wingers, Mao Mol and Molly Unmoll, the latter got injured for several weeks in pre season and the former started the first few games. Despite scoring our first goal of the season, Mao Mol failed to impress enough to hold down a regular spot.
At the beginning of the season I had a conversation with my new reserve team manager, Khek Veasna and the name Tuy Oudom came up. Khek had seen something in the boy and suggested I at least included him in the match squad. This season I had promised to give the reserves and youth team a clear path into the first team, something I believe in strongly and so promoting Tuy Oudom was in line with a policy I had already wished to implement at the club, to give these young players a chance in the first team.
The problem was Oudom is a right winger, very right footed and pretty useless on the left. Whatsmore, Suon Veasna who in my eyes is the best player at the club was tearing C-League left backs apart for fun. Veasna though is two footed and can also play on the left, but would this lessen his threat by switching him?
I gave Tuy Oudom his debut as a substitute against Angkor Tiger in the Hun Sen Cup defeat, but he made little impact. In the league match against the same opponents he came on and made a real difference and in fact it was his run and shot which hit the post for Keo Udom to tap in the rebound for the only goal of the game. What struck me was his pace of 14 and acceleration of 13, which in a relatively poor division like the C-League can make all the difference. My new reserve team manager was right, this boy had something and I was keen to find out more about what he could do..
Match 4: Chhmao Khmao v EDC 08/04/22
My next game is a trip to newly promoted Chhmao Khmao. They currently lie in second and are buoyant after an impressive 4-1 away win against The National Police, so they are no pushovers. I am also reunited with defender, Moun Nara, who now plays for them and is doing well. They also have Ouk Mol, a young striker who once scored a hat-trick against us for Khemera last season. I will keep faith with 4-2-3-1, but Tuy Oudom will start on the right wing after impressing during a recent sub appearance and Veasna will start on the left. Keo Udom replaces the out of sorts Chanraksmey, still cursed by the monks, who drops to the bench. We should win, but this lot are a bit of an unknown quantity.
Team: 4-2-3-1 Kong Rafat, Bairaing, Daravon, Saren, Ratana, Etim, O Udom, Suhana, Veasna, Oudom, K. Udom
Chhmao Khmao 0-1 EDC
T. Oudom 17
As the late great Brian Clough used to say, “One’s enough,” and at the moment this is enough for us at the moment. This is a new EDC this season, not quite the team of last year who blew opposition away with electrifying football, but one that is more solid at the back, patient in midfield but a bit shot shy up front. Nevertheless a win is a win and once again on the balance of play we thoroughly deserved the victory. O.Udom, until his untimely departure due to injury ran the show in the heart of midfield, while Etim beavered away behind him, snuffing out danger with tackles and interceptions. K.Udom looked dangerous upfront, but did not really trouble the keeper until later in the second half. It was even Steven during the opening exchanges with their right winger hitting our crossbar with a cross cum shot posing their only threat. O.Udom and Suhana looked creatve in midfield. Etim fed O.Udom who clipped a lovely ball over the top for the onrushing right winger Tuy Oudom who had cleverly appeared from nowhere to delicately touch volley the ball past the keeper. It was a really well timed run from the youngster and a lovely little finish to match. We looked comfortable for the most part with Kong Rafat barely called into action throughout. K.Udom could have added a second when he broke away, only for the keeper to save on the angle. A solid win in which our opponents failed to register a shot on target. We briefly go to the top of the table, but let’s not get too excited yet!
Nagaworld offer me a job interview!
Nagaworld have offered me an interview! I have declined as this has only been generated by the stupid registration bug. It’s nice they appreciate my work at EDC, but my next job when it happens will be outside the C-League.
New Goalkeeping Coach
After our previous goalkeeping coach refused to renew his contract I put a job advert up and Nhem Ravy replied. He was working at Khmera, but has jumped ship to Team Electric. Welcome to Prey Veng Nhem Ravy!
A New Young Midfielder
Mat Dara has joined us on a free transfer. This versatile midfielder can play in central midfield or on the left or right and possesses a fair amount of pace. He will start as a development player with a view to him being promoted to the first team eventually, perhaps if Veasna leaves the club at some point.
Match 5 EDC v National Defence 16/04/22
We owe National Defence a bit of revenge after they helped to derail our league campaign last season. I line up unchanged from the last game where we looked solid. It is also a fan day, so I am hoping that the lads put on a show and help build up more core supporters at Prey Veng.
Team: 4-2-3-1 Kong Rafat, Bairaing, Daravon, Saren, Ratana, Etim, O Udom, Suhana, Veasna, T.Oudom, K. Udom
EDC 4-0 National Defence
Veasna 28,66
Oudom 60,65
We looked very much in control and dangerous today. In the first half Veasna went on a barnstorming run across the field before his shot was blocked. K. Udom hit the post when he wriggled free in the left channel from the angle. At the other end, National Defence had a few set pieces which did not come to much. Then we took the lead from one such National Defence set play. K. Udom ran down the left on the counter attack, before feeding Veasna who powered into the penalty area and smacked an unstoppable shot past the keeper, which was exactly what we deserved.
From a Miroslav Klose bug clearance from their keeper, Kong Rafat saved when Pheng was through on goal. Our young goalkeeper was superb throughout the game.
Our second came from a great move down the right. Sub Leap Bo dribbled into the penalty area, before finding the overlapping Ratana who crossed low from the by-line and Tuy Oudom tucked it away virtually on the line. A deserved 2-0 lead.
Bairaing received the ball on the left. He found the impressive Leap Bo who laid it right to Tuy Oudom who unleashed a scintillating strike into the top corner. Top notch stuff from the youngster! Leap Bo was involved again in the fourth goal as he found Keo Udom on the right flank. His cross found the onrushing Veasna, who controlled and flighted the ball past the keeper. Electrifying stuff! The winger smacked the post late on in stoppage time to almost claim a deserved hat-trick. This was the EDC of last season, but this time with a more solid defence.
EDC sign Taboula
We have signed our second Nigerian, Pelap Taboula, a talented young striker. We have a lot of strikers at EDC, in fact maybe too many, but I think this guy is the real deal and he’s only 19. Chanraksmey is not getting any younger so he will be a long term replacement for him. A marvellous coup for the club!
Season 3 Match 6 EDC v National Police
At least the crime rate in the Prey Veng district of Phnom Penh will take a dip in the next 24 hours, as The National Police are in town. They lie in a lowly 13th, while we sit in 2nd. Last year’s title challengers have not started well this season, so they will be keen to arrest this run of bad form (sorry couldn’t resist). The only dilemna I have is whether to start new signing Taboula, as apparently there will be a bumper crowd of err 200 people to see the new man in action. Keo Udom has played well as the lone striker, but has only scored one goal, one even my Mum could have put away against Angkor Tiger. We start with a 4-4-2. Taboula partners K. Udom up front and comes in for Suhana, who drops to the bench.
Rafat, Ratana, Daravon, Saren, Bairaing, Etim, O.Udom, Veasna, Oudom, K.Udom, Taboula
EDC 5-2 National Police
Oudom 4,41 Ravann 15
Taboula 33 Chetra 44
Ratana 62 (pen)
Etim 69
This was more like the EDC of last season, great going forward but conceding a couple of dodgy goals at the back. It was fairly even until a corner by Veasna was met by young Tuy Oudum who leapt at the far post to head in the opening goal. He’s done it again!
In response from their right wing cross a missed header allowed Ravann to head home an equaliser. Oops
Pin Saren launched the ball upfield which found Keo Udom who had drifted to the right channel. His pinpoint cross was met by debutant Taboula who powered a header into the top corner, like Alan Shearer in his pomp to make it 2-1!
Ratana burst forward, laid it infield to O.Udom who ghosted past his man, found Taboula who checked back before delivering a sumptuous reverse pass to the onrushing Tuy Oudom who powered it home. This lad can do no wrong! 3-1 Perhaps I should add the 17 year old Tuy Oudom to the ‘wonderkid’ list alongside the likes of Haaland and Moukoko..
Chey Chitra raced clear from a cleared corner to slot in a goal 3-2.
From their throw-in Pin Saren did brilliantly to intercept the ball and he fed Veasna who burst down the left and into the penalty area where he was tripped. Penalty! Up stepped young Ratana to slot home the penalty and score his first ever goal for EDC!
From a cleared corner Ratana launched the ball forward. Raymond Etim ran forward and gets to the ball before the onrushing keeper and managed to cleverly touch the ball into the corner of the net for his first goal in an EDC shirt.
Brilliant job boys back to the top of the table we go!
Experienced International Joins EDC!
I’ve snapped up Sos Suhana on a free transfer and he has 53 caps for Cambodia to his name. Now I know Cambodia are hardly world beaters, but he is a good player at this level and will add some experience to our relatively young squad.
Season 3 Match 7: Chhland Samuth v EDC 01/05/22
Newly promoted Chhlan Samuth have made an impressive start to the season and are currently in 4th place.
The stand out result for them was a 6-1 win over National Defence and look to have some decent players amongst their ranks, so we cannot take them lightly. They will probably play two up front, which is something we normally struggle against. I think I will revert to my 4-2-3-1 formation, with a headache of K.Udom, Taboula or Chanraksmey to start as the lone striker. New signing Sos Suhana will start on the bench, as Veasna and Tuy Udoum are undroppable at the moment.
Team: 4-2-3-1 Kong Rafat, Ratana, Daravon, Saren, Bairaing, Etim, Leap Bo, O.Udom, Veasna, Oudom, K.Udom
Chllam Samuth 1-2 EDC
Chainuth 26 Oudom 53
Taboula 77
Two pieces of individual brilliance brought us a hard earnt three points on the road against lively and tough opponents, who caused us problems all afternoon and deserved to get something out of the game themselves. The hosts took the lead against the run of play. They had the ball in midfield and there was seemingly no danger, but the ball was chipped into the penalty area where their right back, Chainuth appeared unmarked before firing an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net.
We looked a bit clueless and K Udom was looking increasingly isolated up front. I brought on Taboula for Leap Bo and reverted to a 4-4-2. Our equaliser came against the run of play when Etim intercepted the ball in midfield and found O.Udom, who played a simple pass to Tuy Oudom. The youngster beat his man and strode forward with confidence before unleashing an unstoppable 25 yard shot which sizzled into the top corner. This guy just gets better and better!
Chllam Samuth can play though and knocked the ball around with confidence. One pass went astray and debutant sub, Sos Suhana cleared the ball to sub Chanraksmey, who released Taboula down the left channel. He outpaced his defender with ease and finished with aplomb, using the outside of his right foot. Sheer quality from the young Nigerian to give us a perhaps undeserved lead! Samuth would not give up though and Kong Rafat had to be at his best to make two brilliant acrobatic saves to preserve our lead and give us a ropey three points. It’s performances like this that make Champions and in Pelap Taboula perhaps we have a real matchwinner. Five wins in a row, top of the table and unbeaten in the league so far.
Season 3 Match 8 EDC v Svay Rieng
Our latest match sees us taking on Svay Rieng, who in the past have proved to stubborn opposition. They also play in a dodgy 4 man narrow funky Christmas tree formation, so I will load my midfield with a 4-2-3-1. Ratana and Daravon are suspended so Channroeurn and Khemarin step into the back four. In midfield Sann Suhana is preferred to Leap Bo and Taboula starts as the lone striker.
Team: Kong Rafat, Channroeurn, Khemarin, Saren, Bairaing, Etim, O.Udom, Suhana, Veasna, Oudom, Taboula
EDC 5-1 Svay Rieng
Veasna 42,66,87 Chamroerun 51
Oudom 56
Chanraksmey 84
This was a brilliant performance in which we controlled the game from start to finish. We kept the ball really well and possession is an area of our game that we have much improved on. It took a while for us to get going, but once we did there was no stopping us. Veasna was a constant thorn down the left, while Oudom continued his rich vein of form on the right.
Tika taka football from EDC! Etim, Bariaing, knock the ball about in midfield. Then the left back played a perfect ball forward to Veasna in the inside left channel who ran onto it and fired in from the angle for a deserved lead. At half time we were 1-0 up and Svay Rieng has not had one shot on goal.
Early in the second half, out of nowhere Svay Rieng broke away and they overloaded our defence resulting in Heng Chameroun racing clear and fired home an unexpected equaliser.
However, the youngster did it again! Veasna crossed in, sub Chanraksmey flicked the ball on and Tuy Oudom like a whippet ran onto the ball and lashed it home!
Udom fed the overlapping Chanroeurn, who has got forward well all afternoon. He raced to the by-line and found a cross. The keeper missed it and the brilliant Veasna swept home from 2 yards.
From a Veasna corner, Um Channou, who was having a mare against his former club missed the ball and Sok Chanraksmey gratefully side footed into the empty net.
Finally, another great goal from EDC. Sub Sos Suhana and Channeroeurn combined down the right, the ball goes infield to O.Udom who fed Sann Suhana. His cross was taken on the chest by the onrushing Veasna before firing sweetly into the top corner for a brilliant hat-trick. Great performance boys!
Injury to Tuy Oudom
The only downer was man of the moment, Tuy Oudom going off with an injured groin, which will keep him out of action for 5-6 weeks. To put it bluntly this kid was smashing it, quite literally. Not only is he EDC’s top goalscorer but he also tops the charts for the whole C-League with 7 goals. Not bad for a player with a finishing of 1, yes you heard right, Tuy Oudom only has a finishing of 1. Amazing! Anyway we are going to have to do without him for two months or so, but Sos Suhana is a ready replacement and like Veasna he can play on either flank, so they will be able to play swapsises every now and again.
EDC are top of the table and still unbeaten in the league. Can they keep up the good form and lay the ghosts of last season to rest against their nemesis, Nagaworld... Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!
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Part 35. Can We Fix It?
I woke up on the first day of a Veasna-less EDC. It was raining outside and this about summed up my mood.
I got up and headed straight for the training ground, wondering what my squad would look like when I returned. Who would be the next to leave> Daravon? Ratana? Taboula? I deliberated this as I drove through the driving rain that hit Phnom Penh, causing the trees to swing violently as the wind blew. The stormy weather summed up the uncertainty brings to a semi-professional club like EDC. I did not feel I could carry on in the job without the players who had left, Veasna, Udom, Etim and whoever else may decide to jump ship in the forthcoming weeks.
I met with Nen Borey in a coffee shop not far from EDC's stadium to discuss the matter.
"Nen, What are we going to do? If any more leave I don't think that I can carry on."
"Nonsense! course you can Jonathan, where's this come from?"
"If we cannot hold on to our best players, then what is the point. The only way we could compete is if we had those players." I stated dejectedly.
"Rubbish! Look Cambodia may not be a hot bed of wonderkids and talent on every street corner, in fact football has only become popular here very recently, but we can sign players in the window ourselves, which are just as good if not better."
"Look Nen, I hear what you are saying, but I feel like I have taken EDC as far as I can take them. Unless we go professional we cannot win the C-League title. We need professional players tied down under contract, with the ability to generate income through transfer fees. We cannot do that at the moment when players can just walk out to join another club whenever it takes their fancy."
Nen knew of my argument with the chairman, just weeks earlier and knew there was more chance of CR7 playing for Grimsby Town than us going professional..
"I've been thinking about trying my hand in Thailand, you know taking on a lower division club from the regional leagues and taking them up through the divisions, really improving a club and shaping it in my own image."
"Jonathan.. have you seen some of the clubs in those leagues.? The pitches are just grass fields, constantly overgrown, the facilities are awful.. think about the worst Sunday League teams back in England and times it by 100. Your much better than that. You'll never get anywhere trying to do that. Dreadful players, no supporters, pitches you can barely see for jungle and swamps... At least here at EDC you have a proper ground, with astroturf and some seating for spectators.."
"I dunno it was just an idea. I am a journeyman manager, perhaps I need a new challenge.."
"We can still do this. Look at the talent we have just in our reserves, Soun Sambath, Mat Dara, Tuy Oudom, Touch Vannak to name but a few. Let's give these guys a chance, let's build a new young team, added to the experienced players who have stayed, such as Daravon, Chanraksmey and co, We can also offer some decent appearance fees for out of contract players with less players at the club."
"We can do this together Jonathan, we can build a new EDC," exclaimed Borey as he finished his mug of coffee and slammed it on the table. "Now what are we waiting for?
So it looks like I am staying at EDC.. for now....
Season 4 Board Expectations
Despite the mass exodus of players, the board still expect us to finish in the top half of the table and reach the Quarter Final of The Hun Sen Cup. The more players that leave, the less I believe this is possible, but we do have a talented bunch of youngsters at EDC which will now get more of an opportunity. Thanks to Nen Borey's powers of persuasion I am looking forward to nurturing and developing these players and sticking two fingers up to Khemera, Solitio Angkor and of course Nagaworld..
Staff Recruitment
New Goalkeeping Coach
It’s nice to report on someone actually joining the club for a change. Prum Tola is our new goalkeeping coach. He has a Working with Youngsters stat of 14 which is what got him the job, as we have a lot of young goalkeepers at the club.
A New Reserves Manager – Chhin Makara
After my previous reserves manager walked out at the end of his contract I have hired this guy, who apparently is known for developing young players. The way this transfer window is going he will need to make them learn fast!
Player Recruitment
Nen Borey, my recruitment team and myself had a long meeting to discuss how we can replace those who have left and this is what we have come up with. We did a lot of business too as the comings and goings at EDC continued right up until Transfer Deadline Day.
Anderson Gbayoro (DC) free transfer from Svay Rieng
I tried to sign this Ivorian defender in my first season, but the guy would not even sit down to listen to what contract we could offer him. Now he is ‘excited’ to join EDC. Shows what a couple of top 5 finishes and a cup final can do!
Min Rattanak (MC) free transfer from CMAC United
This is a quality signing who will add some creativity in midfield. A passing and pace of 13 means he has a good passing range and can get around the pitch, something we have lacked a bit in our centre midfield.
In Sambath (DRLC) Free Transfer
This is a bit of a gamble. He plays all across the back four, which is what we need, but his stats aren’t that great, but he came highly recommended by my scouts, so this signing could go either way.
Um Makara (D/MC) – Free Transfer from Solitio Angkor
A young utility player with bags of potential and further strengthens our backline and defensive midfield.
Ivanoldo (DR) – on loan from Phnom Penh Crown
Although he sounds Brazilian, this right back hails from African island of Sao Tome & Principe. I’ve brought him in on loan to add some experience and depth to the troublesome right back position.
Sary Theara (AMC) Free Transfer
A development player who has flair, creativity and a good passing range, something we lack in midfield, save for Rattanak.
Chea Samnang – Free Transfer
This 28 year old midfielder offers us more creativity in midfield and will be an understudy to Rattanak in attacking midfield. A good signing and adds a bit of experience to the squad.
Teat Chandara Sokha (DL)– Free Transfer
This 33 year old gives us depth and experience at left back.
Hem Sokha (D/WBR) – Free Transfer from Phuchung Neak
Bought purely as back-up this right back has some potential to be a first team player.
Small Boost in Reputation
Amazingly despite all the departures, EDC have risen to the 9th biggest club in Cambodia, with Boeung Ket and Nagaworld at the top. It will be interesting to see where we are this time next year!
The 35 Registered Players
Registration has come early to the C-League this year. Here’s my lot to challenge for the C-League title this year, much changed from last, but with a few familiar names still here..
Goalkeepers
Kong Rafat
Chin Chainuth
Kouch Rithy
Sam Sambo
Defenders
Maol Daravon (DC)
Ouk Ratana (DRLC)
In Sambath (DRLC)
Khek Khemarin (DC)
Anderson Gbayoro (DC)
Ivanaldo (DR)
Run Sokha (DC)
Chea Sambath (DC)
Teat Chandara Sokha (DL)
Hem Sokha (DR/WBR)
Um Makara (DC/DMC)
Sok Makara (DC)
Midfielders
Leap Bo (DMC)
Va Vannak (DMC)
Touch Vannak (MR)
Chea Samnang (MC)
Min Rattanak (MC)
Tuy Oudom (MR/AMR)
Sary Theara (MC/AMC)
Sos Suhana (ML/R, AML/R)
Mat Dara (MRLC)
Molly Unmoll (ML/AMLC)
Mao Mol (ML/AMLC)
Forwards
Taing Hai (AML/ST)
Morgan Laurent (AMC/ST)
Ung Samnang (AMC/ST)
Pelap Taboula (ST)
Mat Noron (ST)
Sok Chanraksmey (ST)
Sary Chainuth (ST)
Soun Sambath (ST)
Friendly 1 – EDC 5-3 EDC Reserves
An entertaining kickabout with our reserves ended up in a 5-3 win to us. Mat Noron scored a hat-trick, while Mat Dara and Sok Chanraksmey weighed in with a goal each. On ‘theirs’ stand our performances came from one of my young strikers Soun Sambath, who scored a hat-trick of his own and is showing good potential to be fast tracked to the first team squad.
After Noron and Taboula contrived to miss every one on one situation, as we carved our Second Team open time and again, Taboula chased a lost cause in the right channel, before turning, crossing and finding the head of Mat Noron who powered it home. The reserves equalised. Young winger Um Vannak released Sambath who slotted past Kong Rafat for 1-1. It was fairly evenly matched after half time. Um Makara caught out fellow new signing, Theara and released Noron to slide home for 2-1. Then Sambath rounded the keeper to tap in an equaliser 2-2. Straight from a corner Dara poked home for 3-2 and then Sambath equalised once again from the penalty spot. Noron tore down the right before picking out the head of Chanraksmey to guide it in the corner, before Noron himself rounded off the scoring with a cool finish after being sent clear by the impressive midfielder Chea Samnang to complete a perfect hat-trick.
Friendly 2 – EDC 0-3 Tay Ninh (VIE)
Our first proper run out against the now regular friendly opponents, Tay Ninh of Viet Nam. We line up in an experimental 3-5-2 formation, devised to nulify any threat thrown at us from our opponents. Then their striker after 8 minutes Truong Trong Sang received the ball, surrounded by our three defenders. He turns, he shoots he scores a screamer..the best laid plans. Then we let a corner trickle through to the far post and the same player pokes the ball home from 6 yards.. Oh dear! Hao Van Hao compounded our misery by nodding in a third late on. Rome wasn’t built in a day…
Friendly 3- CMAC 2 - 1 EDC 19/02/23
Oh dear! On paper we were turned over by a bunch of part-time landmine clearers (who do a dangerous job, so maximum respect to them by the way), but in reality we should have won this by a country mile. They scored after yet more poor defending from a corner kick, while Touch Vannak scored a brilliant breakaway goal to equalise not long after. Just after half time they won a dodgy penalty which was converted, After that we huffed and puffed but could not blow the house down. Noron and Tuy Oudom went close. At least this was only a friendly, but I think it’s going to take time to re-build this team after the Christmas exodus. The one positive was the performance of young Vannak, who could hopefully be a good long term replacement for Veasna on the right wing.
Friendly 4 – Kampong Chhnang 0-1 EDC
Ok, so this wasn’t barnstorming, but a win is a win and it should have been more. The most notable thing was my decision to line up in a 4-3-3 with Noron, Chanraksmey and young Samnang forming a three pronged attack, with Chea Samang and Rottanak creating from midfield, Um Makara sitting and Ratana and Ivanaldo providing the width from full back. We controlled the match and the only goal came when youngster, Sambath turned inside on the right channel and provided a low cross which was turned in by Chanraksmey. A platform in which to build upon.
Friendly 5 – Svay Rieng 2 - 4 EDC
We started brightly but then they scored a counter attacking goal through Prak Mony. Ratana levelled from the penalty spot after Sos Suhana was felled in the box. Laboravy fired in a free kick, 2-1 to them.
Ouk Ratana intercepted the ball from the goal kick and found Mat Dara who clipped a lovely ball into the path of Chanraksmey who finished with a lovely slide rule finish into the corner.
Then, Hem Sokha laid It inside to Khek Khemarin who flighted the ball to Chanraksmey who ran onto it like a greyhound, belyng his 33 years and found the net with a delightful composed finished.
Ouk Ratana headed home a late fourth from a Mat Dara corner to put gloss on a good win in the end.
We were better when we switched to 4-4-2 and Mat Dara was brilliant on the left, with Ouk Ratana also impressive at the heart of the defence and of course Chanraksmey showed the youngsters how its done. Well done boys!
Friendly 6 – EDC 0-2 Asia Euro United
This was a bit of a joke result, typical FM, but on the plus side, better it happen in a friendly than a competitive match.
We reverted to a 4-4-2 again and started the game well, with Dara dangerous on the left and an impressive few first touches from a triallist called Pom Vannak. All seemed well until a random free kick was swung in and Yaty nutted the ball home off the underside of the crossbar. Bummer..
Then we attacked again, Taboula had header tipped over. Then from another random free kick, Sambath rose at the far post. 2-0.. how???
We spent the rest of the game camped in their half, getting the ball wide at will but often with nobody on the end of the stream of crosses that were flying in. When we did have a shot it was saved or blocked. Just one of those days I’m afraid, but best it comes now than later in the season when it matters.
Hun Sen Cup 1st Qualifying Round Draw
We have drawn the students from Mekong Kampuchea University, which given our mixed set of results in pre-season could be a banana skin we didn’t need. Let’s just hope they had a big night out the night before and are playing with sore heads..
Friendly 7 Prey Veng 0-1 EDC
We actually deserved to win by more, but once again while we completely dominated the game, we failed to break down our stubborn neighbours, Prey Veng. It took until a stoppage time free kick from Mat Dara, who seems to be one of the better players in this current bunch, straight into the top corner to separate the two sides. Otherwise our build up play was really good, but once again no end product. This is worrying, the EDC of old with Veasna, Udom and co would have had this lot for breakfast… I enter this season with real trepidation.. On the positive side, the new 4-3-3 formation which I employed in the second half seemed to work quite well and could be worth persevering with.
Friendly 8 EDC 1-1 TDC Binh Duong (VIE)
We lined up in our new formation of 4-3-3 and up to the final minute of the game were leading 1-0 and heading for an unlikely win against a talented top tier Vietnamese side, who dominated for long periods. We looked useful on the counter attack though and from on such move, Taboula escaped down the left channel before crossing low for Mat Noron to fire home into the roof of the net. We grew in confidence as the game went on and looked good for a hard earnt 1-0 win, until a moment of stupidity from Taboula who played a needless backpass, which let in their winger who crossed for snappily named Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong to drill home a very late equaliser. I can take heart from this performance though.
So EDC begin their new campaign after some indifferent pre-season results. Can Rudd bed in his new signings in time for a tough start to the C-League campaign, or will they be steamrollered and struggle against relegation? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!
Merry Christmas everyone!