Jon1982
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Posts posted by Jon1982
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Thanks Ben. The player in question, Panha only makes a couple of sub appearences and then goes back to the force...
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25. The Vultures Are Circling....
Start of Season 3
It was late at night on the eve of the pre-season transfer window and I was sat in my office, staring at the telephone. I was preparing myself for a busy month ahead, not just making plans for a full on assault on the C-League and Hun Sen Cup, but also wondering how many of my current squad would be wearing an EDC shirt for the big kick off in March, which was three months away.
Starting from tomorrow the transfer window would creak open once more and the vultures will be circling over Prey Veng, ready to swoop for Veasna, Chanraksmey, Ratana, Udom, the other Udom, Etim, Sung Rot, the kit man, the cleaning lady and god knows who else. I had to depend purely upon the loyalty of these players and the happy atmosphere in the dressing room to see me through.
The 'Gang of Six's,' intervention in the scouting meeting had given me hope that these two factors would play a huge part in the majority of my squad wearing an EDC shirt next season. They were not only my best players, but in the cases of Saray and Daravon, the most influential players in the dressing room.
Just five minutes to go until the feeding frenzy will begin..
There was also another reason why I was right to be worried....
Shock Departures
Just one week earler on the 1st December 2021, Nen Borey and my recruitment team were pouring over the list of released players in the office. We could not believe our eyes at the names on view.
The ones that stood out were the 5 North Koreans from Vishaka, who one hopes did not go back to their homeland... Naturally I made enquiries about a couple of them as to their availability, but unsurprisingly they were seeking professional contracts and so they politely declined our offers containing some very generous appearance fees.
George Kelechi, who had been a thorn in our sides when we encountered him at Nagaworld had left our rivals to become a scout in his native Nigeria.
Other big players from the major teams in Cambodia had left en masse on 1st December
While the rest of us were cooing at the names we may not have to face next season, Nen Borey sat with a concerned look on his face.
"Boss, this is not good news."
"Why not Nen, George Kelechi has gone home to Nigeria, the North Koreans have gone from Vishaka."
"But don't you see.. these players they will need replacing and whatsmore they will have more wage budget to spend. All the more reason for them to come sniffing around our players offering them more money than us."
Nen Borey was right. Suddenly there were big holes in Vishaka, Nagaworld, Beoung Ket and others squads which will need to be filled to replace the bigger names that have left. They would also have wage money to spend with these professional foreign players now off their books.
A Bit More Staff Recruitment
New Reserves Manager - Khek Veasna & New U21s Manager - Sreng Vandeth
I'm making a real effort this season to improve the Reserve and U21 set up at the club and for them to do better in their respective leagues and provide a clear path to the first team. So far under my tenure both of them have finished near the bottom of their respective leagues and have taken some proper humpings from our rival's reserve and youth teams along the way. Having proper Reserve and Under 21s managers are a step towards improving their fortunes.
A New Scout - Ly Pheng
A scout with some amazing stats. Sorry other scouts but I’m only going to ask one person to judge all new potential signings. Awesome!
Transfer Window Opens
Transfers Out
Sok Sengdara (released) – The 32 year old was surplus to requirements and so he has left the club. Hope he finds somewhere else to play.
Sok Panaseth (released) – This left back would be third choice behind Ratana and Leng Sophaon so it made sense to give him a chance to play first team football elsewhere.
Math Voeun – Free Transfer to Senate Secretariat – He was part of a battery of young strikers at the club, but there was too much competition for places and so one had to leave and that was Math Voeun.
Sung Rot- Free Transfer to Phnom Penh Crown – The first big casualty of this transfer window as Sung Rot switches camps to our local rivals. We offered him a good non-contract with a generous appearance fee, but the Crown offered more, so off he goes..
Math Fasal – Free Transfer to Nagaworld
If there was one player I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep hold of was Math Fasal, just because (in his view) I didn’t play him in his preferred ‘Inverted Winger’ role. I couldn’t be bothered with his attitude, so good riddance to you big baby. Hope you warm the bench at Nagaworld and spend the time thinking about what you’ve done… I’ve no time for silly little babies in my team Math..
Um Channou – Free Transfer to Svay Rieng
I’m disappointed about this. I gave this guy another chance in football and after a good season he has joined rivals Svay Rieng. Hope he does not live to regret that decision....
Tum Saray Free Transfer to Boeung Ket
Saray leaves EDC. I’m a bit disappointed because Tum has showed time and again that he can score and create goals, albeit off the bench, so sad to see him go. He is also the first of "The Gang of Six" to jump ship, which is a shame.
Ins
Leap Bo (DMC) Free Transfer
Welcome to the club, Leap Bo! A DMC who is back up to Raymond Etim. At just 20 years old there is also room for improvement. Despite his name, he only has a Heading of 3 and a Jumping Reach of 1-5.
Chin Chainuth - Free Transfer from Chlam Samuth
After Um Channou’s untimely departure I have signed a replacement, Chin Chainuth, who is 23 years old and has previously played for newly promoted Chlam Samuth. He comes in as possibly my number 1 with Kong Rafat challenging him, thus strengthening the goalkeeping department.
Seut Bairaing Free Transfer from Phnom Penh Crown
I have signed Bairang on a free transfer and beat off competiton from Nagaworld for his signature. A pacy left back which will take the pressure off young Ratana and Leng Sophahon, the former I may employ more at right back and in central defence.
Registered Players for the 2022 Season
It’s that time of the year again folks, when I get to do the pointless registering of players. Below is my squad of 35 for the 2022 campaign.
Goalkeepers
Kong Rafat
Chain Chainuth
Kouch Vandeth
Kouch Rithy
Defenders
Sam Channroeurn (DR)
Ouk Ratana (DRLC)
Mom Veasna (DR)
Ly Chandara (DC)
Maol Daravon (DC)
Khek Khemarin (DC)
Pin Saren (DC)
Run Sokha (DC)
Sok Panha (DRC) (On loan from National Police)
Leng Sophaon (DL)
Seul Baraing (DL/WBL)
Ayoub Joly (DL/WBL)
Midfielders
Raymond Etim (DMC)
Leap Bo (DMC)
Ouch Udom (MC/AMC)
Sann Suhana (MC/AMC)
Ouk Ratha (MC)
Long Rothsery (MLC/AMC)
Suon Veasna (AMR/L)
Math Raksmey (MR/AMR)
Tuy Udom (MR/AMR)
Ouk Dara (AMR)
Mao Mol (AML)
Molly Ummol (Nickname) (AML)
Forwards
Sok Chanraksmey (ST)
Keo Udom (ST)
Phanny Y Rotha (ST)
Math Rottanak (AMR/ST)
Sam Chamroeun (ST)
Ouch Samnang (ST)
Taing Hai (AML/ST)
Registration Bug Rears It’s Ugly Head
Annoyingly the registration bug has happened once again, which has affected most of the C-League teams, except for us and funnily enough Nagaworld, which is a shame because I may have accidently on purpose forgotten to register their players for them, epecially Mr Fasal.. Joking aside I had to become the manager of all of the affected clubs, register all their players and then retire from them. At least I was ready for it this time and knew what to do, but it still means that most of the C-League clubs start the new season with no manager and it’s still roughly one hour of my life I will never get back…
Pre-Season Friendlies
Friendly 1: EDC 5 - 4 EDC Reserves
Well that was fun! Our annual kickabout with the reserves threw up some interesting performances. Sok Chanraksmey netted four times in half an hour, before I took him off for being too good! In his place I put on the hapless Rotanak who contrived to miss every chance presented to him. At 4-0 up at half time I did the full Sven and made 20 million substitutes, including an uncompetitive debut to my new 18 year old defender, Run Sokha. On ‘theirs’ he came up against our U21 and recent recruit from the youth intake, Ung Samnang (remember the name) who tortured poor Sokha and netted four second half goals to make things a little scary. Amongst this Sam Chanroeun, who always looks the part in an EDC shirt coolly finished off a sweeping move to make it 5-1. Then it was the Samang show as he single handedly pulled the score back to 5-4. Sokha ran after Samnang like Gazza after one too many kebabs. Anyway it’s only the reserves and at the end of the day everybody’s a winner on occasions like these.
Friendly 2: Kandal 3-4 EDC
This was an untidy win, with our defence for a large part looking all at sea against distinctly average opposition. They opened the scoring when Sann Vanny broke clear from our cleared free kick to slam the ball past debutant Chainuth. We equalised when Suhana headed in a free kick, but then Kandal broke clear again and Va Chameroun put the hosts into a shock 2-1 lead. Phanny Y Rotha unleashed a fantastic shot to equalise after good work from Keo Udom, but Kandal would not got away and Sok Uduom restored their lead just after half time. Substitute Sok Chanraksmey tucked away a penalty to equalise and then in the final minute fo the game, new signing Pin Saren nutted in the winner from a corner. The defence must do better than this against the Nagaworlds, Beoung Kets and Vishakas of this world…
Friendly 3: EDC 2-1 Paillin
This was a much better all round performance. Our defence looked more settled and in control, while we attacked with patience and potency. Young left winger Mao Mol opened the scoring after he fired a low shot past the keeper after great work from Keo Udom in the left channel. The second was a powerful finish from K.Udom after a pinpoint ball from his namesake Ouch, who was excellent in midfield. They scored a late consolation, but we looked largely in control throughout the match.
Friendly 4: EDC 3 – 2 Tay Ninh (VIE)
A more solid win than it looked. EDC dominated and deservedly went 3-0 up, with the Vietnamese side posing little threat.
Baraing made progress down the left before delivering a perfect cross onto Chanraksmey’s left foot who sidefooted first time into the net. Baraing then fed Mol in the penalty area who dribbled inside before unleashing a great angled shot into the corner for his second goal in two. A three man move involving Suhana and O.Udom resulted in Veasna hitting an unstoppable low shot into the corner 3-0. They pulled one back when a pinpoint long ball found De Manh Dung who powered it past Chainuth. They rather undeservedly made it 3-2 with a looping header from Van Hung in stoppage time, but we deserved the win.
Friendly 5: EDC 3 - 1 Bati Youth
A good win this. Unmoll finished off a lovely move starting with Khemarin at the back, who played it through midfield to Raksa whose pinpoint pass found Rotha who laid off to Unmoll who finished with a lovely placed shot into the corner of the net.
Sam Chaneroun who continues to impress and he received the ball from Rotha, spun effortlessly past his man before firing home a low shot for 2-0
The impressive Ratha, one of my new youth intake recruits looks the real deal here. He feeds Chanroeun who beats his man on the left edge of the area before squaring from Rotha who finished superbly on the volley for 3-0
We were a bit lacklustre in the second half and they pulled a goal back late on, which was a lovely move that ended up with a simple tap in for Ouk Sok. A good win and a bit of revenge for my first ever EDC match.
Friendly 6- Asia Euro United 0-0 EDC
A bore draw against recently relegated Asia Euro United. I trialled an experimental 5-3-2 formation, complete with wing backs for this one. Playing three at the back may help to negate the threat of two quick strikers which we have struggled against and arguably could have cost us the title last season. It also enables me to match a team playing 4-2-3-1 in the midfield, while also being able to play the dangerous Keo Udom and Chanraksmey as a strike pairing where they can cause mayhem on their day. While it would have been nice to have won, we looked quite solid in this formation and is certainly something I could persevere with. Unfortunately Chanraksmey and K.Udom left their shooting boots at home, otherwise we would probably have won.
Friendly 7 – Wat Phnom 2 -1 EDC
Here’s our customary dodgy pre-season result of the season. I tried to blood some youngesters in my experimental 5-3-2 and quite frankly it didn’t work. To make matters worse I decided to start Long Rothesary, He annoyed me and his lack of pace meant that he kept being caught in posession by Phnom’s tigerish midfield.. He gave the ball away for their Keo Udom who raced into the penalty area, only to be upended by Panha. Perrot slotted away the pen.
Then he got sent off. Not really a way to impress your manager in pre-season. They scored again, it was coming as we looked all at sea. At half time I reverted to a 4-4-2, well 4-4-1, with Veasna and Mol introduced as wide players. We looked a far better side and so I think the experimental 5-3-2 has met its maker for now. We were unlucky as chance after chance was saved, blocked or caught offside, Chanraksmey being the main culprit. Our goal was pretty good though, Ouch Udom fed Veasna on the right with what seemed to be overhit, but the skilful right winger used this to his advantage, like a batsman hitting a boundary off a fast bowler, by placing an unstoppable first time shot into the corner of the net. 2-1. Not a complete disaster and in fact it has made my head clearer about who is going to start in our season opener, which has become a tradition, Vishaka away.
Pre Season Thoughts
As the Transfer window slams shut I breathe a huge sigh of relief that most of last season's squad has remained largely in tact. The biggest losses were Sung Rot and Um Channou, which were both unexpected, but I only lost one of the 'Gang of Six,' Tum Saray, who was mainly an impact substitute. The great thing is though, while nearly every player in the first team were offered contracts from other clubs, most of them decided to stay at EDC, citing their respect for me as the main reason, which was nice!
I start my second full season in charge of EDC with the club in a stronger position than when we started last season. While I am disappointed we did not win any silverware last year and kind of bottled in the second half of the season, that experience will stand us in good stead for the this one. At the time of writing I have also managed to keep hold of most of my key players, except for Um Channou and Sung Rot, both of which had excellent seasons, but have opted to join the larger Cambodian clubs. I have also promised my squad that I will give the younger members of the squad more of a chance this year, partly due to the success of Ouk Ratana, Ouch Udom and Kong Rafat, now probably my number 1 keeper, in stepping up to the first team despite their tender ages. I approach this season with optimism that I can challenge for the title and win the Hun Sen Cup, after coming so close last time. I think the combination between the players who have stayed, plus some promising youngsters can help us achieve this. The board only want a top half finish and a run to the Quarter Finals of the Cup, which I think I can achieve.
EDC start the 2022 C-League campaign with a stronger squad and full of optimism. Can EDC get off to a good start, or will there still be a hangover from the disappointment of last season? Find out next time on The Ultimate Football Manager Game!
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Thanks Colski. I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far..
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Part 24. The Gang of Six
Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock. There has been a ticking timebomb all season at Prey Veng and as we approach the end of November 2021 that noise is growing louder. Six of my best players have part time contracts which run out at the end of the month, meaning they would be free to leave the club for nothing and horror of horrors join our rival clubs, such as Nagaworld and Beoung Ket.
The 'Gang of 6 are:
Sok Chanraksmey
Suon Veasna
Tum Saray
Maul Daravon
Kong Rafat
Phanny Y Rotha
At various times in the season I have tried to sit these guys down and thrash out a new deal, but each time I have been turned down.
'It's not that they don't want to sign.. it's just that we think we could get a better offer elsewhere.." was the general response from their agents. They were hedging their bets. I sent my Director of Football, Khim Ravy to try and talk to them, but he was met with the same response. Even our Chairman, Hem Vutha offered to help, but the agents and players would not budge,
There are just a couple of weeks left before they can walk out of Prey Veng as free agents and potentially sign for Nagaworld...
"My client is very interested in extending terms in general, but does not want to consider a renewal of terms at this time. This is because any new contract would be on inferior terms to his current deal which still has time left to run."
I was tearing my hair out at this ongoing refusal to even negotiate terms. Despite us only being a part time club, due to our cup run to the Hun Sen Cup final and our final position of 3rd in the league had resulted in £42,000 in prize money, which in Cambodia is a lot of cash. We could offer generous terms to these players, especially in the cases of Veasna, Daravon and Chanraksmey who had contributed the most towards the successes of last season. Neither their agents or the players themselves wished to even let us put an offer on the table, which was doubly frustrating. I was sat in my office wondering what to do, making contingency plans in case all six of them left the club in two weeks time when I had a knock at the door.
It was my winger Math Fasal, who stormed into the room, not a member of the gang of six.
"Boss I'm not happy."
This came as a surprise, as Math had trained and performed well for us all season. He though was on a non-contract, which meant he was paid per appearance, plus goal and assist bonuses and a reduced payment if he warmed the subs bench. Therefore his contract was not expiring like the others but just ongoing until either party wanted to terminate it.
"You have not played me as an Inverted winger like we agreed." he said directly.
"Hang on a minute what are you talking about, that's exactly the position you played in the last game against Phnom Penh Crown and you did really well, so I don't understand the problem."
"Boss, you have played me as a winger and you have also swapped me with Veasna, so I play on the right. That is not my best position, I play on the left and cut inside, that is MY game!
"Well I only swapped you with Suon because i thought you may have a better chance up against their left back and to try and confuse the opposition, that is all."
"I'm not accepting that. I want to leave the club."
"Seriously?
"Look Math, I'm your boss, you play and do on the pitch whatever I f****** tell you to do. You are being very unprofessional." I responded firmly.
"I will never play for you again."
"You know what, f*** off I have no time for silly little babies in my team. Go on, get your things and leave now, you're on your own, As you are a non-contract player we can terminate your contract whenever we like. As if I have not enough to contend with, you are throwing your toys out the pram over a minor issue of what role I play you on the pitch, which is for the good of the team. Go on, GO! P*** off!
With that he left the room never to be seen at Prey Veng in an EDC shirt again. In fact he didn't even say goodbye to his ex-teamates and then slagged me off on his social media. The following day Math Fasal signed for Nagaworld. It seems as though someone from that odious club or his agent had been in his ear and wanted to cause upset in the ranks at EDC. Good riddance to bad rubbish I say! He could have handled that a whole lot better and any decent person would have talked to me in a respectful way. He was lying about the fact I had not played him as an inverted winger, as that is where he has been playing all season. Strange one that!
The departure of Fasal did leave a hole in my squad in that he was one of the few players who could play on the left. He had made 24 apperances, scoring 4 goals, with 5 assists and an average rating of 6.81, so he was a decent player, but Lionel Messi he ain't and replaceable he is. Tum Saray was his obvious replacement, but not only was he one of the 'gang of 6,' he never really looked comfortable on the left wing and preferred the right hand side or the 'number 10' role. It was also for this reason I signed Math Fasal in the first place. I had a couple of young left wingers, Mao Mol and Molly Unmol who I could promote to the first team, but I was not sure whether they were good enough to make the spot their own. The other option was to switch Veasna to the left and play Saray on the right if both of them stayed at the club. And that was a big 'if' right now....
End of Seeason Community Outreach & Team Bonding Day
06/11/21
In order to emphasise a point (naming no names) I booked in a Community Outreach session at a local orphanage in Phnom Penh, not far from Prey Veng. I did this not just to put something back into the local community, but also emphasise to the players how lucky they were to be footballers and how much they were loved by the fans. As the kids from the orphanage lapped up the attention from the players, who signed shirts and footballs for them I hoped they realised how lucky they were.
After the trip to the orphanage had finished I had then organised a team end of season booze up round downtown Phnom Penh. Despite our failure to win a trophy the boys have done me proud this season, but looking around I couldn’t help wondering whether this would be the last time I saw Veasna, Chanraksmey, Saray, Daravon and Kong Rafat in the same room together, before the vultures came circling…
As I watched my players, stood in a circle, chatting, laughing and no doubt sharing electrician stories from their work at the National Grid, I caught a word with my Assistant Manager and friend, Nen Borey, whilst at one particular bar overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Thailand.
“I can’t help thinking Nen, that 7-2 win over Phnom Penh Crown could be the last time those lads play together in an EDC shirt.”
Nen looked at me, holding his diet coke, (as a strict Buddhist he was tea-total) and he stared out to the ocean beyond the fence.
“You gotta let them go, boss, if that’s what they want.”
“But Nen, we came so close this year. If I could bring in a one or two new faces to the squad, we could smash it next year, in both league and cup and become a real dominant force in Cambodian football. I can only do that if Suon Veasna, Chanraksmey and Daravon are in my team, but they just won’t even look at a new contract, let alone sign one.”
“The problem is this boss, while we stay semi-pro, the football team of the Cambodian electricity company, we can never hold onto any decent players we have, because the professional teams will always offer them more money and a better contract than we ever can.” Sok, Suon and the rest, nobody knew who they were a year ago, now they are household names and the big boys, the Nagaworlds, the Vishakas and the Boeung Ket’s will always be sniffing round them, offering them money we can only dream of giving them.”
“I know, but after all we have achieved they could at least show some loyalty. Perhaps if we won the league we could go professional ourselves, but that will never happen unless we have success on the pitch and the money comes rolling in.” I replied.
“Cambodia is not a wealthy country. The wages they get at the Electricity Company is just enough to keep them above the poverty line and the football, that is a bonus, a little bit extra in their pockets, but if they feel they can get more, or even go professional and quit the National Grid, they will do so. The hours are long, and the pay is rubbish, if they have a sniff of a chance to become professional footballers, they will grab it with both hands and boss, you cannot stand in their way,” reasoned my Assistant Manager.
“I’m going to go see the chairman Hem Vutha about this and see if there is any way we can go professional, so we are able to keep hold of our best players. Otherwise the club will be left behind by our rivals. I want to give the players the wages they deserve and to look after them and their families.”
Nen Borey patted me on the back. “You are a good man boss and you have put this club on the map in Cambodia. I am sure Hem will back you on this.”
“I hope, so otherwise we will be back to being also-rans in the C-League if Sok, Suon and Maol all leave at the end of the year.” I said dejectedly.
Making A Board Request
Wearing my best, newly dry-cleaned suit I entered the boardroom. There, in front of me was the chairman and benefactor of EDC, Hem Vutha, along with the board of six directors, all Cambodian and also dressed in neat dark suits.
“Welcome!”, smiled Hem Vutha as he stood up and shook my hand. I just wanted to say before we get down to business, what a wonderful job we think you are doing. We were thrilled with the performances of the team and perhaps it was just one year too early, but we promise to back you for next season.”
“Well that is good to hear, now I think we proved this season that we could compete with the bigger teams in this league and now it is time we competed with them off the field too.”
“Now how do you suggest we do that?” enquired the Chairman.
“By going professional.” I suggested promptly.
“Out of the question!” piped up one of the directors in the board room.
This was not looking good.
Hem Vutha smiled warmly and pulled his chair a little closer.
“You see Jonathan, everyone in this room would love us to go professional and with the season we have just had, it would make sense.”
I sensed a big ‘but’ coming.
“But, it us just not the right time. We have only been a club for 6 years and are still building up our fanbase. Prey Veng only holds 1,000 fans and we simply don’t have the money to do it.”
“I can’t tell you how important I believe this to be.” I responded in desperation. If we don’t go pro we could be left behind by our rivals. We could lose our best players to them because they can offer them more money.”
“I assure you Jonathan, Sok, Suon and the rest, they will stay, they love playing for you and EDC. Our Director of Football is doing everything in his power to ensure they stay at the club, you have my word, but going pro, just to keep them sweet, for now is not an option.”
“I can't pretend I am disappointed, but I do understand,” I replied and made for the door.
“We think you are doing a fantastic job, Jonathan, keep up the good work,” smiled Hem, as I left the room.
His kind words offered little consolation.
Recruitment Meeting
It was that time of the year again, for my meeting with the recruitment team. Hem Vutha was present, alongside Nen Borey, my Director of Football, Khim Ravy and my scouting team, There would be a lot to discuss this time as I potentially had to look find two wingers, a centre half and a goalkeeper, plus another defensive midfielder as Makara had retired, leaving Raymond Etim as our only DMC.
This was going to be a long meeting and we were likely to be burning the midnight oil. The scouts had done a decent job in preparing reports on players who could potentially fill the vacancies which could occur at the end of the month.
Halfway through the meeting, at around 9.30pm there was a knock at the door. To my astonishment in walked the gang of six, lead by the captain, Tum Saray, plus a couple of agents who were representing Veasna and Chanraksmey, both of whom were also present. They had obviously come after work, as they were still dressed in their Cambodian National Grid overalls
"Sorry to interrupt boss, Mr Chairman, but we would like to do business," declared Veasna.
Hem Vutha nodded in my direction.
"Boss, we love playing for you, we want to help EDC to win trophies and we want to stay." added Chanraksmey.
"That's great to hear guys, but we can only offer part time contracts you understand?"
Their agent stepped forward and for an agent talked a bit of sense.
"Let's do a deal. We think we have a solution that will benefit all parties." he stated.
The deal was in essence that all the players would stay at EDC, but their contracts would be rolling, so it would consist of appearance fees of £80-100 per match, with added goal, assist, or clean sheet bonuses where applicable plus an unused sub fee. This would then enable the players to leave if a professional contract was offered by another club, of which EDC could not stand in their way. It would then be down to the individual players to decide whether they wished to stay at the club or not.
While the deal was not perfect and I would have liked to have tied them down to a contract so another team would have to pay for them, rather than letting them leave for free and I am sure that my Chairman was thinking the same thing, this seemed a reasonable solution to the problem.
Furthermore I knew these players well now and how much they loved playing for EDC, therefore I was confident that it would be a wrench for them to leave unless they were made an offer they could not refuse. Besides we are talking Nagaworld and Beoung Ket here, not Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In the end the deal was a compromise which suited all parties. We all shook hands and all six players signed on the night and told me they were looking forward to getting their revenge on Nagaworld next season, which was encouraging to hear.
After further discussions with the chairman, it was decided that these contracts would also be rolled out to the rest of the first team squad, which were already on non contracts, but their appearance fees would be boosted significantly in order to encourage them to stay. It did not work on all the players as we shall see, but it reduced the possibility of the whole squad staging a mass exodus, leaving us with just the youth team and a few fringe players.
EDC have managed to persuade their their best players, the 'Gang of Six' to stay at the club for the time being, but will all of them stay loyal to the club? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!
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23. End of Season 2 Round Up
A couple of days after our stunning but ultimately futile 7-2 victory over Phnom Penh Crown I arrived at the training ground to tie up some loose ends with the players for the season, following a light session to keep them going and a fun kick around.
As I pulled into the car park at Prey Veng I looked over to the training field and noticed a bunch of kids having a game of football. I did not recognise them as my Under 21 squad, or my reserves. There seemed to also be a coach with them, who was joining in the game.
Puzzled I parked up and approached them.
"Who are these kids, they can't just come in here and start playing football, we have a first team training session today!"
The game stopped and the adult walked over and smiled, clutching a football.
"Morning boss, lovely day!" he smiled.
"And who on earth are you?" I enquired.
"Mr Rudd, my name is Chan Vannak. I'm your Head of Youth Development."
By this time the kids were sitting on the grass catching their breath and others were milling around.
"Who are these kids?" Where did they come from?"
"Boss, you know what day it is today?"
"1st November 2021."
" Yes, but it's also Youth Intake Day. These are your new recruits!"
"I sighed. Flippin' 'eck, I was expecting this in March, not November. You heads of Youth Development, your like flippin' Father Christmas, only come out one day of the year. What do you do for the other 364 days?
"I go round Cambodia recruiting kids to our footballing academy."
"We have an academy?"
"Well they are in that mysterious team which are below the Under 21 teams and then magically appear one day a year in Youth Intake day, which is today!" he said rather too cheerfully.
"I have a bumper crop of talent for you to have a look at."
I gazed at this rag tag bunch of 15/16 year olds milling around trying to imagine them as future Sok Chanraksmeys and Suon Veasnas..
"Well we'd best see what they can do then."
After watching them play I ended up giving the below players a contract and a place in our U21 team:
Ayoub Joly 15 (D/WBL)
Taing Hai 15 (STC)
Ouk Ratha 15 (MC/AMC)
Sok Makara 15 (DC)
Morgan Laurent 16 (AMC)
Um Samnang 16 (ST)
Sary Chainuth 16 (ST)
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Suon Makara Retires
My dependable defender/midfielder, Suon Makara will retire next month, The 32 year old has decided to call it a day. In my opinion I still think he could do a job. Thankyou for your efforts Suon, you were a real pro on the training field and a player who made the most of your limitations as a footballer.
End of Season 2 Stats
EDC have received £13.7K for finishing 3rd in the C-League
Finishing 3rd is a new highest position for EDC since their formation in 2015.
Top Goascorers
Filip Mihailjevic 25 (Vishaka)
Sok Chanraksmey 21 (EDC)
Keo Udom 20 (EDC)
Most Goals
EDC 70
Boeung Ket 62
Vishaka 60
The Board's Assessment on my performance In the Transfer Market
So bit of strange one this. In a run down of the new signings made this season by C-League clubs Keo Udom came out on top. He has scored 26 goals in 30 appearances and has been outstanding. Not so according to my board they do not think he represents ‘value for money,’ when I only paid £375 for him and they have given me an ‘F’ grade for his signing? What the hell?
The Phnom Penh Gazette's Take On Our Season
“EDC were one of the competition’s surprise packages, consistently defying expectations and, owing largely to an impressive spell between September and October that saw them rise to 3rd were able to celebrate a successful campaign.
Were they watching my team in September/October? That is exactly when things went Kevin Keegan and we slipped from the top of the table to 3rd!
Player Awards
Fans Player of The Season: Keo Udom
Young Player of The Year: Sung Rot
Signing of The Season: Keo Udom
Goal Of The Season: Sok Chanraksmey
Top Goalscorer: Keo Udom 26
Most Assists: Suon Veasna 18
End of Season Thoughts
Going into the 2021 campaign I wanted to finish in the top half of the table and have a good run in the Prime Minister’s Cup. We achieved both of these things, but it could have been even better. The question is, Is the glass half full, or half empty? Yes 8 points clear and we messed it up, we bottled the cup final and it looks increasingly like our best players will leave the club at the end of their contracts on 30th November 2021. This may not sound good on paper, but on the positive side I achieved the aims of the season and a little bit more. There is now not one football fan, even in the remotest parts of Cambodia, who do not know EDC, Chanraksmey, Veasna, Udom and everyone else at the club. I think we can build on this season and be even better in the next campaign, but as it stands it means I may have to completely rebuild the squad and promote some youth in order to compete well again next season.
Will I be able to keep hold of my star players for the 2022 campaign, or will the lure of a professional contact tempt them away from Prey Veng? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!
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1 hour ago, glennuk said:
Great to see this updated. KUTGW.
You will get them next year.....or maybe....join NAGA?Thankyou glenn, glad you are enjoying the story. Me joining Nagaworld would be like when Clough joined Leeds United and we all know how that ended...lol. Any future job I take will be outside the C-League I think.
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Thanks Ben. Yes I'm already about 4 games into the 3rd season in real time, but the story is a few posts behind as always so it gives me time to create storylines. Judging that EDC are a part time club and Nagaworld and Beoung Ket are professional we did really well.
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22. Mixing Sport with Politics - The Hun Sen Cup Final
There is an old saying, 'Never mix sport and politics.' It seems though this saying never crossed the Gulf of Thailand into Cambodia, as their principal football trophy is named after their Prime Minister, Hun Sen. This guy has been in office since 1985 and is one of the longest serving leaders in the world. Naming your major cup competition after your Prime Minister got me thinking, what if they did this back in England? Currently the FA cup would be known as The Boris Johnson Cup and I can imagine that Liverpool and Everton fans would be horrified at the thoughts of their teams winning the Margaret Thatcher Cup back in the 1980s.
Anyway Hun Sen apparently will be there at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium to present the trophy to the winners, either us or Nagaworld.
Match 30: Hun Sen Cup Final EDC v Nagaworld 18/10/21
Here we go! After Nagaworld all but ended our title hopes in the league, just two days ago, we come up against them in the Hun Sen Cup Final. I have dry-cleaned my suit, sorted out tickets for my family and friends, who have travelled all the way from England and refined my tactics to try and beat the mighty Nagaworld. This is my first chance of silverware in the Ultimate World Football Manager Game and despite our disappointing league form over the course of the season the lads deserve something to show for what has been an amazing season so far. Tactic wise I have gone for a slightly different formation. Veasna is sadly suspended, but this has created the opportunity to change things up a bit. We will play a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Makara and Etim providing the engine room win midfield, Ouch Udom playing as a Mezzala and Sung Rot in behind the front pairing of Keo Udom and Chanraksmey. I feel we are more potent with these two up front and they have 24 goals each in league and cup. It is a gamble, but one worth taking as we struggled to contain their midfield three in the last game. The only downside is we lack width and will have to rely on Sophahon and Ratana getting forward from full back. I think this is the only way we can beat them and bring some much deserved silverware back to Prey Veng.
Team: 4-3-1-2 Kong Rafat, Sophahon, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Makara, Etim, O.Udom, Sung Rot, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
Match Report
We kicked off and made a bright start. Our tactics were working perfectly, negating their midfield and then using the engine room to spring attacks of our own, with Keo Udom looking dangerous in behind the defence. What we hadn’t bargained for was their right back, Chanratana, who was bombing forward and with Leng Sophahon pre-occupied with marking their right winger, this proved a problem and our undoing for their goal. Yamin, who usually sits in front of the back four burst forward down the right flank. Nobody seemed to track his run or do anything. ‘Someone get over there’ I shouted from the bench, but it was too late. Yamin squared it to the onrushing Chanratana who smashed it past Kong Rafat aftet just five minutes. Terrible start. Then we came into it, creating same chances of our own. Leng Sophahon crossed from the left, K Udom cooly flicked the ball on for Sung Rot, but his tame shot was saved by the keeper. Hope. Then Khemarin’s long ball forward was picked up by the dangerous K Udom but his shot was well saved. Udom played the ball into the area. Chanrakmey shot first time into the side netting. He had more time to compose himself. He would have scored that chance earlier in the season. He snatched at that one. Our star striker looks anxious and this is a problem. 1-0 down at half time, I take Sok to one side and tell him there’s no pressure on him and to play his natural game. I told the rest of the team to keep working hard and the result would come. They seemed motivated and I was confident of a response in the second half. After 55 minutes I introduced two wide players, Saray and Fasal, in place of Makara and O Udom, both were playing poorly and I needed width. Saray made an immediate impact as his cute flick header found Chanraksmy at the far post but he took too much time and his shot was blocked. We pressed forward, but didn’t create much. As in the league game their defence held firm, blocking shots, shackling our forwards and were tigerish in midfield. They won a few random set pieces, but these came to nothing. Just as things were getting a little desperate came the moment which will be talked about amongst EDC fans for years to come. A breakaway from one such set play for Nagaworld saw K Udom surge down the left. Our opponents had put too many men forward and suddenly it was 2 on 1. Udom moved forward, gobbling up the ground in front of him. Chanraksmey was making ground unmarked to his right. There was only one defender between the two strikers who have 48 goals between them this season. Keo Udom does his part as he slips a perfect ball for our man Chanraksmey who is into the penalty area. Surely this is the moment, our star striker, 24 goals this season, 11 caps and 5 goals for Cambodia, the best player ever to have worn an EDC shirt. Club legend, Sok of the flippin’ Rovers to equalise in the last minute of the game! Then ohh noo he scuffs his shot horribly into the grateful keeper’s arms. This was Brighton’s Gordon Smith against Manchester United replayed 38 years on, thousands of miles away in The Olympic Stadium Phnom Penh Cambodia. Head in hands, hands on head. It’s not our day today. It wasnae to be..
Chanrakmey did well until the finish cried the text commentary mockingly. Gordon Smith, Sok Chanraksmey…. Oh dear…
Final whistle, the players are devastated, Sok is inconsolable, I tell them they have done the club proud, but nothing, nothing can take away the pain of cup final defeat… Their goalkeeper was man of the match which says it all!
Final score: EDC 0-1 Nagaworld
Chanratana 5
But wait..!!
As Nagaworld fans poured onto the pitch at the end of the game to celebrate their team's victory I caught sight of a familiar face.. none other than Sonny Mekarna, the Buddhist monk who Nen Borey and I had met during our trip to Angkor Wat. In his jubilation he threw off his orange robes to reveal a Nagaworld shirt underneath! I couldn't believe my eyes! The monk who we had prayed with at Angkor Wat for EDC victory was a Nagaworld fan! What on earth?
I pointed this out to Nen Borey who was stood next to me in the dugout. Borey turned to me and shrugged.
"I thought there was something dodgy about them. My fears have come to true boss."
"What do you mean?"
"There was one bit of the prayer, well I didn't want to tell you at the time, but I think they might have put a curse on Sok Chanraksmey.
At one point they said they prayed for Chanraksmey to 'nuk,' which means 'to miss.'
"Well that may explain a few things. I had no idea what they were mumbling about at Angkor Wat, I presumed it was favourable towards EDC not Nagaworld. I don't speak Khmer"
"Boss you understand I could not interrupt or walk off, it would have been seen as very rude and could have become public knowledge. I just hoped I had misheard them, or the curse did not work. You were so upbeat after that visit and the morale in the camp was high, I did not want to spoil the mood."
While I was, in the heat of the moment, slightly annoyed with my Assistant Manager for not speaking up, in some ways I could see that it was a 'no win' situation. Firstly how would I explain to Sok Chanraksmey that he isn't playing in the cup final because we think he has a monk's curse on him. That would probably generate a massive Unh next to his name and a transfer request and then if the press got hold of the story... Whatsmore he has been brilliant for us all season and if I told the rest of the lads that Sok wasn't playing then what would that do for team morale and I'd also probably be laughed out the dressing room if I told them the reason.
No best play him and hope the curse was just a load of nonsense. Unfortunately the chances he missed during the final, it was almost as if a curse had been put on him...
We have gained a mighty £10.76K for losing the Hun Sen Cup Final.
Some Hun Sen Cup 2021 Stats
Top Scorers: EDC 23 goals
Top Goalscorer: EDC's Keo Udom 6 goals
Most Shots on Goal: EDC 106
Most Tackles won: EDC 82
How did we not win this?
Looming Contract Crisis
There has been a ticking timebomb at EDC throughout the 2021 season and that is because several of our top players are up for contract renewal at the end of the year. These are notably Veasna, Chanraksmey, Saray and Daravon. All of them say the same thing, they are interested in signing the contract, but feel the offer will be ‘inferior to what they already have…. Well at least hear the offers first guys and I will be very generous given the level of performance we have enjoyed this season. I think these could go right down to the wire and given our relative success there will be offers coming in for these players from our rivals as the end of their contracts near. I tried to ask the board to increase the wage budget, but they declined my request. The thing is these players should at least give me the chance to offer them something, rather than being met with a red wall…Watch this space on this one!
Top of the Table going into the last league game
1. Boeung Ket 52
2. National Police 51
3. Nagaworld 50
4. EDC 49
5. Phnom Penh Crown 46
This is how it stands before most of us head to the final round of fixtures. We can still win the league, but a lot has to go in our favour for this to happen. We must beat Phnom Penh Crown and hope everyone loses every game. I would consider this a very slim chance. We need to beat Crown though so a strong side will be fielded just in case a miracle occurs.
Match 31: Phnom Penh Crown 2-7 EDC
Booysen 21, ////// K. Udom 39, 50 Veasna 45,76 O Udom 48 Fasal 52 Rothesary 91
Nieto 76
This was too little too late. If I could just take 4 goals out of this game and re-distribute them into both the Nagaworld matches we would probably be league and cup champions. On such fine margins things are decided. We absolutely destroyed Crown as we played with freedom and confidence, free of the shackles of the previous two games.
Amazingly in the opening 20 minutes, it was all Crown, as they had chance after chance and the only times we have made it into their half, Udom kept being caught offside. We had lost the fizz and spark we had earlier in the season and sadly looked a shadow of ourselves.
South African, Boyens fired in an impressive free kick for Crown to take a deserved lead. Then suddenly we come back into it. Sung Rot had a chance from Veasna’s low cross and then the right winger headed over from close range. Nieto roasted poor young Ratana and he went close. From the resulting goal kick the ball reaches Keo Udom who lays it off the Sung Rot who drives forward, before slipping in Udom who fired a low shot past the keeper. 1-1.
We’ve woken up and suddenly after a torrid opening 20 minutes look far more like our old selves. Ratana’s throw in reached the impressive Ouch Udom who ran forward before playing a delightful through ball to Veasna who dinked the ball almost Panenka-like past the keeper. 2-1.
From a long goal kick, Udom laid off for Sung Rot who played it wide to Veasna on the overlap. He crossed in low and Ouch Udom rather scuffed the ball into the back of the net for 3-1!
The ever brilliant Veasna picked the ball up in the centre circle, before lofting a hopeful ball forward. The defender missed the header and Keo Udom ran onto it.. he doesn’t miss those.. 4-1
Phnom Penh Crown are so bad now that they can’t even throw the ball to their own player. Ratana found Math Fasal who cut inside like a good Inverted winger, before releasing the unplayable Veasna down the right. He crossed the defender missed it and Fasal stole in at the back post to bundle home number 5!
We are just toying with them now. Ratana found substitute Saray, who played it to Etim who found the other sub Chanraksmey whose beautiful weighted ball found the onrushing Veasna who slotted in number 6. Where was this in the Hun Sen Cup Final?
An angry Nieto skinned Ratana before petulantly firing in a consolation.
Veasna, Saray and Fasal combined before laying off to the young substitute Long Rothesary who fired a 25 yard pile driver into the bottom corner to put extra gloss on a stunning victory and send a warning shot to our rivals for next season. To rub salt into the wounds, Um Channou saved a late Booyens penalty. What a crazy end to the season, but this gives us hope after a long and ultimately unsuccessful season in terms of silverware.
Final C-League Table 2021 Season
1st Boeung Ket 55
2nd Nagaworld 53
3rd EDC 52
4th National Police 51
5th Angkor Tiger 48
Boeung Ket Win The C-League
Boeung Ket clinched the C-League Title after a 4-0 hammering of National Defence. Congratulations to Boeung Ket.
Rudd wins Manager of The Year
Despite our Keegan-esque fall I have been awarded Cambodian Manager of The Year for taking part-timers EDC to the brink of glory. A third place finish and a Cup final have impressed the judges as the team lit up the C-League with some impressive performances. Well at least I've won something this season!
So near and yet so far away, EDC did not manage to win any silverware in the 2021 campaign, but won the hearts and minds of the Cambodian people (except for a few monks from Phnom Penh) Their relative success though has brought their players to national attention and the larger professional clubs are watching. Can EDC keep hold of their best players over the forthcoming pre-season and can they finally build an all conquering team? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!
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21 minutes ago, BenArsenal said:
I love that you've clearly done your research into this. Like I mentioned before, it's like travelling by proxy. Love it!
I've been to Angkor Wat. It's nice but very touristy.
Thanks that's great to hear from somebody who has actually been to Cambodia. I've never been anywhere near there, so have to rely on websites and Google Earth for my information. I wanted this post to be factually correct, respectful to Buddhism, but also funny at the same time by putting it in a footballing context too.
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Seeking Divine Intervention
The C-League Table with 2/3 Games to go
1st Beoung Ket 49
2nd EDC 49
3rd National Police 48
4th Nagaworld 47
5th Phnom Penh Crown 43
The Run In
We have the hardest last two games of the league season, with trips to rivals, Nagaworld and Phnom Penh Crown, who are in 5th and certainly no pushovers. Therefore we must beat Nagaworld as they have relegated Kirivong at home on the last game, which as we found won’t be a gimme, but someone they should beat. Boeung Ket also face the bottom side and the unpredictable National Defence. It seems as if Kirivong will also have a big say in the destination of the C-League title.
EDC
16th October: Nagaworld (a)
18th October Nagaworld (a) (Prime Minister's Cup Final)
31st October: Phnom Penh Crown (a)
Beoung Ket
23rd October: Kirivong (a)
31st October: National Defence (a)
National Police
23rd October: National Defence (a)
31st October: Angkor Tiger (a)
Nagaworld
16th October: EDC (h)
18th October EDC (h) Prim
Minister's Cup Final
30th October: Kirivong (h)
Seeking Divine Intervention
Today was Wednesday and as usual on this day of the week the training ground at Prey Veng was empty, as my semi pro players were at the Cambodian National Grid doing their day jobs. It was a hot day, as it normally is in Cambodia, but today even with the office windows wide open and the fan on full blast, the heat was still stifling.
There was no fixture either for another two weeks, not until 16th October when we travelled to our title rivals Nagaworld in what is being billed as a title decider, although there are 4 teams who still have a chance of winning the league.
Then, stupidly just two days later on the Monday we meet the same opponents in The Prime Ministers Cup Final. The scheduling was terrible and surely they could have moved the league fixture forward a few days for the benefit of both sides.
I was fuming about this and together with the heat of the day was not in the best of moods or great company for my Assistant Manager, Nen Borey who sat opposite me in the office.
"Why can't we just play the league match even just a few days earlier to make sure the players can have a couple more days rest," I raged. "It's alright for Nagaworld they have professional players, but our boys are only part time." It's ridiculous to expect them to play two matches of such importance in just 3 days."
"There's nothing more we can do, reasoned Nen, We've tried the Cambodian FA and they refused to budge, we tried talking to Nagaworld and they told us to get a grip (I think that was also in reference to my Keegan style rant at the press conference) and our Chairman even tried writing a letter to Prime Minister Hun Sen himself, but he has received no reply."
We were supposed to be going over some scouting reports and various admin tasks as we usually did on a Wednesday, but this morning neither of us were feeling it.
Nen Borey suddenly had an idea.
"Then there is only one other person we can take this matter to boss!"
"Who, The President of FIFA?"
"No."
"The Dalai Lama?"
"Getting closer.."
"I don't know, "
"We take this matter to The Almighty Buddha himself."
Nen Borey suddenly leapt out of his office chair and sat cross legged on the ground as if about to pray.
Buddhism is the dominant religion in Cambodia and it was not unusual to see my staff and even some of the players pray and seek guidance from The Enlightened One before a game. While I was not a practicing Buddhist, in fact not a particularly religious person at all, I allowed this to happen as I thought it was good for team morale and at the end of the day, who am I to tread all over their culture in their country.
While I did not really believe that Buddha would make the Cambodian FA, Nagaworld, or even Hun Sen sympathise with our plight I allowed my Assistant Manager to continue his ritual uninterrupted.
After a few minutes Nen leapt to his feet.
"Boss, this is no use, it is too hot in here I cannot do this here.. but I have an idea.. These scouting reports.. they can wait until tomorrow. Boss, I think it is about time you saw a bit of our wonderful country," he said excitedly.
"Ok sounds interesting, what do you have in mind?" I enquired.
"I am going to take you on a spiritual journey, my friend. I am going to take you to the largest religious site in the whole world, the great, Angkor Wat he said pointing excitedly at the centre of a Cambodian flag which was flying in the corner of the room and has a depiction of Cambodia's most famous landmark in the middle.
To be honest I'd had enough of endless scout reports for players who were clearly not good enough, or good players who did not want to join a semi-pro outfit. Secondly I'd only really seen Cambodia through a coach window as we were travelling to and from away grounds and even then I was thinking about football, not really taking in the obviously beautiful landscapes that this country had to offer.
"Yes OK, I'm up for it. I'll leave a note for the scouting team which acknowledges their hard work, but tells them to stop scouting these players and concentrate on Nagaworld, then we shall go. How far is it?
Nen Borey took his car keys out of his pocket. "We'd better go now though, it's nearly a 6 hour drive, just to warn you.."
I nodded in agreement, anything to get out of the office for the day and Wednesday was a spare day anyway. We walked out to the club car park at Prey Veng in Eastern Phnom Penh and set off on the long, spiritual journey to Angkor Wat, the largest religious site in the world.
As we travelled out of Phnom Penh on the NR11 road, passing houses on either side, interspersed by the odd shop and palm trees, still in the blazing sun; and dodging past the oncoming cyclists and scooters which are common modes of transport in Cambodia, Nen Borey told me about the history of Angkor Wat.
Apparently it was built in the 12th Century by the then King of the Khmer Empire, Surayavarman II and was originally a Hindu temple. It was the kingdom's state temple and the centre of the Khmer empire, which stretched into modern day Thailand, Laos and Malaysia. In fact Angkor in the Khmer language means 'Capital City,' while 'Wat' means temple. Then in 1177 Angkor Wat was taken over by The Chams, a rival group to the Khmer and the new king Jayavarman converted it to a Buddhist site of which it has remained ever since. The site was abandoned after the 16th Century and was left derelict, becoming buried under the jungle which grew up around it.
Fast forward 300 years and Angkor Wat was re-discovered by the French, who had colonised Cambodia in 1863, making it a Protectorate. After its re-discovery by the French explorer, Henri Mouhot the site then underwent excavation and reconstruction to its former glory. After Cambodia became independent in 1953 the re-construction carried on until the Civil War and Khmer Rouge occupation of the 1970s halted its progress. During their regime Angkor Wat remained largely undisturbed, apart from some bullet holes which were caused by a battle between Khmer Rouge forces and the Vietnamese Army. In 1992 Angkor Wat became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becoming the largest tourist attraction in Cambodia and a destination for Buddhist pilgrims from across the world.
The drive was long. A five hour car journey for an Englishman is a military operation and the distance between Prey Veng to Angkor Wat was approximately 200 miles. That's like travelling from Leeds to London in the UK. I was surprised how far it was in a seemingly small country like Cambodia.
After many miles of straight roads with flooded fields either side and mountains in the distance, intersected by the occasional town or village which lay on the NR71, we finally reached our destination at around 1.30 in the afternoon.
We parked in the car park and got out, bought our tickets and made our way to explore the magnificent temple. I am not a religious man, but I was taken aback by the sheer size and magnificence of this place. It made the ruins of Fountains Abbey back home in Yorkshire look like a mere parish church in comparison.
Football was furthest from our minds as we absorbed the mystique and aura of this place. As we stood in the middle of a square, surrounded by the walls of the ruins I felt a tap on my shoulder. There stood before me was a lad, no more than about 10, with his father.
"It's him, EDC! EDC! I'd love it if we beat them love it!"
"Mr Rudd, selfie please selfie," he exclaimed excitedly.
I was unsure how to respond and whether the taking of selfies was permitted on such ancient holy ground, so I reluctantly posed as his father, held his smartphone up to take me and his beaming son.
"Thankyou Mr Rudd, EDC! EDC!" I grinned at him and his father, who nodded to say thankyou as they walked away.
I went back to admiring the ruined temple once again when I was approached by an older man.
"Mr Rudd, you are manager of Electricité Du Cambodge?"
"Yes I am sir. Nice to meet you," as I shook his hand.
"My village of Chhlong, by the Mekong river, we often have power cuts, the electricity supply is not good! Please can you fix?"
"Well sir, I don't really have anything to do with the electricity supply, I just manage the football team, of which most of the players work at the Cambodian National Grid, but I will have a word with one of my players, Maol Daravon, who I think might be able to help."
"Thankyou Sir, thankyou, hope you beat that Nagaworld scum in the Hun Sen Cup!"
"Thankyou, we'll do our best Sir!"
While conversing with the old gentleman, what I was oblivious to, but Nen Borey was trying his best to manage was the ever growing crowd around us in the courtyard.
We had now been recognised by almost everyone around, especially by the locals and the odd bemused Chinese tourist. Suddenly somebody cried,
"Jonny Rudd's Electric Army!", "Jonny Rudd's Electric Army,!" "Jonny Rudd's Electric Army!" More joined in.
"Jonny Rudd's Electric Army!," "Jonny Rudd's Electric Army!"
So here I was stood in the middle of the largest religious site in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, 200 miles away from my apartment in Phnom Penh and thousands of miles away from Blighty, having my name chanted over and over again, Football truly is a religion in Cambodia.
Then one wag piped up, "I'd love it if we beat them" and the rest of the crowd shouted "Love It!" in response. I had to admire their ingenuity, although I was slightly embarrassed by the attention and the reference to my famous press conference.
I turned to Nen Borey, who was probably just as embarrassed as I was.
"That is how much you are loved in Cambodia boss!" he shouted over the surrounding noise.
It did not take long before security stepped in and dispersed the crowd.
"If you all hate National Police clap your hands." (Clap Clap!) Boo! Boo!"
Emerging from the crowd was a very well dressed little man, adorned with bright orange robes and glasses."Mr Rudd, Mr Borey," he greeted us with a little bow with his hands clasped together in front of him."My name is Sonny Mekarna, I am from the Wat Ounaloum temple in Phnom Penh. Greetings. It is great to meet you both. Your football team, it has given us great joy to see them play so well! Please, come and join us in prayer. I hear you have some important games coming up!"He led us around the corner from the courtyard in which the chanting had taken place. There before us was the most beautiful lake. It glistened serenely in the blazing afternoon sunshine. Sat in a circle on a piece of grass were more orange robed monks, who greeted us warmly."Let us pray to The Almighty Buddha, for Electricitie Du Cambodge to win the league and cup this season!As I gazed out over the lake as we began our meditation I felt so calm and relaxed. When I closed my eyes I imagined Suon Veasna crossing the ball to the far post and an imaginary Buddha, dressed in the navy blue shirt of EDC heading in the winning goal to win the cup for EDC!After a fantastic time of prayers, meditation and chat, we bid our holy friends farewell. As we made the long journey back to Phnom Penh I felt that we had the divine inspiration to win, regardless of how close the fixtures were, just two days apart. We would find the strength and The Almighty Buddha had given us that.Nen Borey may only have a 'Judging Player Ability' rating of 3, but he has a 20 for thinking of great days out in Cambodia on our "days off!"Match 29: Nagaworld v EDC 16/10/21
It’s been a long two weeks since our thrilling 4-3 win over Angkor Tiger which I am not sure works in our favour, as the buzz has somewhat faded from that game. My trip to Angkor Wat has given me a boost and I believe we can still win at the very least one of league or cup. They don’t come much bigger than this. Last year’s champions are just a point behind us and still in with more than a shout of retaining their crown. Kelechi is still banging the goals in for them, along with the Japanese winger Kawabata, who is a threat on the left. On paper they are better than us, but then this season we have made a living out of beating the bigger sides against the odds and find ourselves in with a chance of winning our first Cambodian title. Whatever happens in the next three games we have done brilliantly this season to be even in this position, despite our Newcastle style meltdown.
Just before kick-off news came through that The National Police beat the National Defence 1-0, which means the old bill go to the top of the table and we slip to 3rd.
Team: 4-2-3-1 Channou, Channroeurn, Khemarin, Daravon, Sophaon, Etim, Makara, Sung Rot, Fasal, Veasna, Chanraksmey
Nagaworld 2-1 EDC
Piseth, Kelechi ///// Sung Rot
Disappointed! We could have won this, but Nagaworld showed why they are champions today. After a bright start from us, with Sung Rot’s stinging shot tipped over the bar, it was the hosts who opened the scoring. A random free kick, flighted to the back post was met by the head of Piseth to break the deadlock. We rallied and forced a couple of good saves but at half time it was 1-0 to them. I put on Keo Udom at half time, in place of the dependable Makara. He made an instant impact when he ran at the heart of the defence, before finding Chanraksmey in the penalty area, His poor touch was a stroke of genius as it allowed him to be tackled. The ball fell to Udom who squared it to Sung Rot who found the corner of the net. I really thought from here we would go on and win. Instead. Nothing. Not a sausage, just their throw-ins, their free-kicks, everything for them... We couldn’t lay a glove on them, couldn’t keep the ball or create anything. Then, the killer blow. Their full back, Charatana had the ball on roughly the halfway line and seemingly there was no danger, until he unleashed a pinpoint ball to the onrushing Kelechi who muscled his way past Khemarin and Sophina to lash the ball into the net… That was it really, I set to all out attacking, but I was just met with a wall as Nagaworld just snuffed out anything we could muster. Everything, tackled blocked or offside. This was a frustrating performance which promised much, but delivered little. No C-League title for EDC this season. It’s safe to say, Buddha doesn’t do football…
EDC have a very slim chance of winning the C-League, but can they exact revenge on Nagaworld in the Prime Minister's Cup Final? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!
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10 hours ago, glennuk said:
Just read this through in the last 24 hours. Enjoying it so far KUTGW
Thankyou. Glad you are enjoying the story so far Glenn
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3 hours ago, BenArsenal said:
Looks like you've been Keegan-ed.
Yes this season is reminiscent of Newcastle in '96, but that's what makes FM such a great game
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I'd Love It If We Beat Them, Love It!!
(Picture of Kevin Keegan pointing his finger during his infamous rant in April 1996)
"If EDC win the C-League it would be the biggest footballing shock since Leicester City won the 2015/16 Premier League season in Rudd's home country of England and there are certain elements in the C-League who would want a similar thing to happen here in Cambodia, to put it on the footballing map. It is obvious to me and to other managers in the league that some teams are not trying hard enough to beat them in order to make this dream a reality."
- Sam Chanvirak - Nagaworld Manager
My season so far with EDC has been in some ways amazing and in some ways frustrating that a slight run of bad league form has enabled the chasing pack to catch up with us. We do have a game in hand on those against bottom of the table Kirivong, who have been useless all season and have just sacked their manager. While there is sure to be high drama on the pitch, the off the field battle has also commenced. Printed in the Phnom Penh Gazette was an article by Nagaworld manager, Sam Chanvirak. I had to of course get Nen Borey to translate it into English, as it was written entirely in Khmer. In it he suggested that teams were not trying hard enough against EDC and that it seemed that the whole of Cambodia were on a crusade to ensure EDC won the title. This apparently is because they were 'Doing a Leicester' and that by them winning the title with an English manager, it may finally put Cambodia on the footballing map. Armed with this knowledge I marched into the press conference before the Kirivong game with a copy of the article in my hand...
The press of course were all over this one and they were not to be disappointed....
"Were still fighting for this title...and well Chanvirak went down in my estimation when he said that about a man like Neou Makara (manager of National Police) and if he's watching, were still fighting for the C-League title and he's got to go to Svay Rieng and get something.. and i'll tell you I'd love it if we beat them... Love it! Mic drop. Storm Out button clicked...End of Press Conference...
Match 25 – Kirivong v EDC
Already relegated Kirivong have nothing to lose against us and have a new manager to impress, so my boys need to be on their mettle. We should put this lot away with the quality and performances that we have shown this season to get us to the position we are in now. I will attack this with a 4-4-2 and hope to get an early goal to ease the pressure and allow the floodgates to hopefully open.
Team: Channou, Channroeurn, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Etim, Sung Rot, Veasna, Saray, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
Kirivong 4-3 EDC
Lelouma 26, Sophorn 36///// Chanrakmey 37, K.Udom 38, 71
Tola 45, Roma 73
Bitterly disappointed. On paper we should have thrashed this lot but Kirivong were a lot better than their league position. With nothing to lose they were first to every ball, attacked with pace and the front two of Leluoma and Tola a constant handful. Kirivong look up for this, were clearly trying to impress their new manager and they have nothing to lose. Lelouma headed in their opener and then they doubled their lead from another header. Suddenly though we found our mojo. Chanraksmey pulled one back for EDC, running onto a flighted free kick from Channroeurn and firing low into the bottom corner. Then Veasna fed Chanraksmey who turned and ran with the ball before slipping a lovely through ball for K Udom to slot home the equaliser. But.. then a ball was played forward and Um Tola smartly turned his man before slotting past Um Channou.. Grrrrr!!!!! 3-2 at half time.
After half time we dominated and then substitute Fasal chipped the ball forward for K Udom to turn his man and lash a shot against the bar, only to poke home the rebound. 3-3
Then the killer winning goal. Touch Roma picked up the ball in midfield before dribbling with it and unleashing a 30 yard shot which slipped under the body of Um Channou 4-3. We tried to force an equaliser, with Fasal and K Udom having further chances, but as the Scottish often say.. 'it wasnae to be.' We will kick ourselves big time for this defeat as this was our game in hand and we have could have gone 5 points clear. Anyway, all is not lost onto the next one..
Prime Minister’s Cup Semi Final Draw
I finally got to find out my semi-final opponents in the Prime Minister’s Cup. Second Division Group B outfit, Oddar Meanchey shocked Build Bright United on penalties to set up the last 4 tie.
EDC Board Offers Rudd A New Contract
The board have offered me a new contract for the princely sum of £140 per week, with £0 transfer funds, £750 wage budget and a remit to merely keep EDC in the C-League. At my request I get a £1,000 payment if I can take EDC to league glory and £500 if I win the Hun Sen Cup.
Match 26 National Defence v EDC 18/09/21
After the disappointment against Kirivong I am keen to ensure we stay positive for the trip to the National Defence. The title is in our own hands now, win the last 4 remaining games and the C-League Title is ours, including against Nagaworld, the reigning champions and our closest challengers. We line up 4-2-3-1 with Raksa and Sophina coming in for the suspended Daravon and Khemarin. Long Rothesary is given another opportunity in centre mid with Sung Rot just behind Chanraksmey and Fasal preferred to Saray on the left wing. A must win.
EDC 3-5 National Defence
Fasal 36, K.Udom 65, ///////// Soskana 13,41
Chanraksmey 90 ////////// Omaokafe 19,59 Da 50
I hate this stupid game! I really hate it and I am never going to play it again! We should have won this. Earlier in the season we were putting away teams like National Defence away for fun as we climbed our way to the top of the table. Now we are here we are a jibbering wreck, unable to stop conceding stupid goals on the break and unable to win for toffee. Cross charged down, long hoof upfield, quick striker runs onto it and scores. That happened twice in the first 20 minutes. Raksa and Sophina were clueless in defence , especially against their Nigerian forward, Omokafe, who might as well of been Pele! He tore our defence apart with his Cambodian mate, Phoung Soksana and we just could not cope. Every time the ball was played forward I held my breath as Sophina and Raksa trundled after their tormentors like a pair of asthmatic ants with some very heavy shopping (Copyright Blackadder)
Normally when I write the descriptions of each goal they are exactly as they happen. On this occasion I was so peed off I couldn’t be bothered to describe them. In fact my descriptions contained a lot of swear words and writing Aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhhh a lot.
We only started playing when we were 5-1 down and bagged two late consolation goals from K Udom and Chanraksmey, but the damage was already done. Down to second place we go and our title dreams in tatters….:(
Picture of Kevin Keegan slumped over the advertising hoardings after the Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle game in 1996..
Ouch Udom Called Up to Cambodia U19 Squad
Our young midfielder has been rewarded for his fine form for EDC with a call up to the national U19 squad. He has been injured of late, but we have missed his energy and creativity in midfield.
Match 27- Oddar Meanchy v EDC Prime Minister’s Cup Semi Final 21/09/21
Time for a bit of cup action to take our minds off our faltering title challenge. I think this has come at a good time and my determination to win the competition has increased so at least I have some silverware to show for this on the whole excellent season. We will play a 4-2-3-1, with Makara filling in for the suspended Etim, Daravon and Khemarin return to central defensive duties, while Leng Sophahon comes in at left back with Ratana on the opposite flank. I’m taking this seriously as Chanraksmey starts as a lone striker. Oddar Meanchy for their part have done brilliantly to get to this stage of the competition and lie 7th in the Second Division Group B. I’m hoping for a good result and performance to regain some much needed confidence.
Team: Kong Rafat, Sophahon, Khemarin, Daravon, Ratana, Makara, Suhana, Veasna, Fasal, Saray, Chanraksmey,
Oddar Meanchy 1-2 EDC
Ratha 25 ////// Chanraksmey 70 (pen), 88
Just when I thought it was going to be another one of them days, we scrape through to the Prime Minister’s Cup Final. We dominated possession without creating too much in the first half. Then from a random corner, the Second Division side took a shock lead when Chan Ratha scored with a bullet header. Despite the scoreline we still dominated the game but every chance seemed to end up with a block by their resolute defence or a save from their keeper. K Udom was brought on at half time to partner a rather lost looking Chanraksmy and Veasna played as an inside forward to support them. Chance after chance went a-begging as EDC knocked on the door. Then, the ever impressive Veasna received the ball on the right and cut into the penalty area and was felled. Penalty. Chanraksmey stepped up and fired the penalty into the top corner although the keeper got a strong hand on it. We pressed for a winner and that moment came when Suon Makara flighted a lovely ball for Chanraksmey to run onto, before cooly slotting past the keeper into the bottom corner. Young Kong Rafat made a fine fingertip save near the end to prevent the equaliser. Oddar Meanchy proved to be tough opponents and I wish them well for the rest of their campaign. Nagaworld await us in the final!
Back to The Bread & Butter of The League
Top of The League
1st Nagaworld 47
2nd Boeung Ket 46
3rd EDC 46
4th National Police 45
5th Phnom Penh Crown 43
So here we are in 3rd place on goal difference, with just two points separating the top four teams. It’s between us, Nagaworld, Boeung Ket and The National Police. There’s just three games to go, fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight!
Cambodian Player Of The Year Nominees
Sok Chanraksmey and Keo Udom have been nominated for Cambodian player of the year. In total so far they have 45 league and cup goals between them and their goals have fired EDC into the top 3 of the C-League.
It is the business end of the season and it is simple, we have to win our last three league games and hope the others drop points. I tackle this with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Long Rothesary coming into midfield. They have quality in their attack with Debeiro and Ayakoniwa who will be a threat, but I back my team to do well if we are on our game.
Team: Um Channou, Sophahon, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Makara, Etim, Sung Rot, Fasal, Veasna, Chanraksmey
EDC 4-3 Angkor Tiger
Chanraksmey 6 /////// Osa 16, Samnang 28,65
Sung Rot 30
K.Udom 63,86
What a game! What a game! I’m exhausted just thinking about this one. Think Newcastle v Liverpool all those years ago, with Keo Udom taking on the role of Stan Collymore… Unbelievable stuff! Where do I start?
We looked up for this one right from kick off and made a brilliant start! Fasal surged down the left, played it inside to Chanraksmey who tried to play in Sung Rot. The goalkeeper intercepted but the ball rickashayed to Chanraksmey who slotted into an empty net.
Their equaliser came soon after a far post free kick was met by their big defender, Ose who headed the ball into he top corner. Then from another random free kick which was whipped in and met by the head of Sok Samnang.
Not long after from a cleared corner Etim picked the ball up in midfield and flighted a lovely ball into the box, where Sung Rot volleyed in, reminiscent of David Platt against Belgium in Italia ’90 It’s Desmond!
We switched to a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Keo Udom introduced for the evergreen Makara. Sophahon played the ball up to the substitute, whose cushioned header was picked up by Sung Rot who slipped a sumptuous through ball to Udom who scored with a cheeky dink past the keeper in the corner 3-2 EDC!
Debeiro laid it off to Mantionornin who roasted young Ratana before sending a peach of a cross for Samnang to bag his second with a header 3-3
Then came the winner and perhaps a defining moment in our season. Channou’s long kick found Chanraksmey who fed the onrushing Keo Udom who hit a low shot into the corner of the net 4-3 Rudd and Nen Borey celebrate at the side of the pitch like Ferguson and Kidd back in 1993/94. We held on just, although they missed a clear cut header from another whipped in free kick. Udom on the breakaway could have had his hat-trick, but this is a very important win which keeps our title hopes very much alive! We are now second on goal difference from Boeung Ket.
The title race is going to go down to the wire and the whole of Cambodia is enthralled! Can part-timers EDC still achieve the impossible? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!
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From a 1 horse Race To a 5 Horse Race
Currently EDC are together in electric dreams, over halfway through the season, eight points clear and favourites one would think to easily do the unthinkable and win the Cambodian C-League at a canter. Football though is a cruel game and Football Manager can be even crueller when the inner gods which lurk inside the game suddenly turn against you... Add to that complacency and tiredness and suddenly what seemed so simple can become very difficult indeed...
Match 21: EDC v National Defence – Prime Minister’s Cup Quarter Final
Pre-Match Thoughts
After a great run in the league we now turn our attentions to The Prime Minister’s Cup Quarter final against National Defence. I really wanted a good cup run this season and thought at the start this would be our best chance of silverware because there was no way we could win the league. As things have turned out there is a chance we could do a league and cup double, which given where this team were when I took over is somewhat of a miracle. I go in with my trusted 4-4-2 but with a few changes. Rafat takes over from Channou in goal. I really like our young keeper and am keen to give him some first team exposure to aid his development. Udom comes in for the suspended Sung Rot and Rotha gets a game with Chanraksmy on the bench.
Team: 4-4-2 Kong Rafat, Channerourn, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Etim, O.Udom, Veasna, Saray, Rotha, K.Udom
EDC 4-2 National Defence
Udom 42,77 ////////// Soksana 36, Muslim 40
Veasna 76 Saray 88
A classic cup-tie which was literally a game of two halves. It was even with chances at both ends, but Soksana broke the deadlock when he raced clear from a cleared corner. Then, four minutes later a carbon copy saw Muslim this time break away from our corner and slot past Kong Rafat. What the hell was going on? Two-nil down at half time! I tweaked my attacking corner routine so we were better manned at the back if they broke away again from our set piece. Chanraksmey came on for Rotha and I pumped my fists and told them they had the ability to turn things around. They listened.
Veasna cut in from the left wing skipped past the full back and squared for Keo Udom who ran onto the ball and slotted past the keeper on his near post. 2-1. We pressed for an equaliser but had to be watchful for their swift counter attacks. Udom, Saray and Veasna came close, but were either saved, blocked, went over the bar or were offside. It looked like being one of those games when suddenly sub Raksa found Tum Saray who ran at the heart of the National Defence Ministry before slipping in Veasna who cut inside the box and found the corner of the net with a fine placed shot.
Then, Chanraksmey received the ball in midfield and ran at the National Defence before spraying a beautiful ball to Veasna on the left whose low cross found Keo Udom to sidefoot home. 3-2 what a comeback!
Fasal swung in the corner, the ball was cleared back to him. His cross evaded everyone except Veasna on the right who cooly laid the ball off to Tum Saray who placed the ball into the top corner with a great finish. To the semi-finals we go where we will face either Build Bright United or Second Division outfit, Oddar Meanchey.
Match 22: Build Bright United v EDC 30/07/21
It’s builders vs electricians in this latest C-League clash. In fact, if we worked together, perhaps we could build a new stadium or something.. Anyway to footballing matters and our high-flying team are still a little tired after their scintillating comeback in the Prime Minister’s Cup against the National Defence. Build Bright are struggling in the relegation zone with only 9 points so I am expecting nothing less than a win. Etim and Raksa are both suspended, while Channerurn is too tired after his cup exploits and Ratana is rested to the bench. I give a full debut to young right back Mom Veasna, Makara fills in the DMC role and Rottanak makes up the numbers on the bench.
Team: Um Channou, M. Veasna, Daravon, Khemarin, Sophahon, Makara, Sung Rot, S. Veasna, Fasal, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
Build Bright United 2-1 EDC
Kongsmarch 38 Sung Rot 45
Tola 74
I knew our luck had to run out sometime and today was the day. In the end we were second best and Build Bright thoroughly deserved their win. Stationing three men in defensive midfield and one AMC with 2 strikers ahead of them foxed us and they defended for their lives, diving in front of shots, tackling with tenacity and then counter attacked with precision. It could have been so different if Keo Udom’s wonder goal after 5 minutes was not mysteriously disallowed for an offside only the linesman could see. I knew then it wasn’t our day.
Kongsumach was given the freedom of the Olympic Stadium to waltz his way into the penalty area before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 after an even opening half hour. We equalised before half time when Makara played the ball up to Udom who laid off for Chanraksmey who fired in a shot which was blocked. The ball fell to Sung Rot who lashed a magnificent shot into the top corner from well outside the area. Boy we needed that! Then Chanraksmey thudded the crossbar soon after.
Build Bright held their nerve and were the better team in the second half as they cut our static defence open with incisive running and balls over the top. Their deserved winner came when Leng Tola appeared out of nowhere unmarked in the box to lash home. We pressed for an equaliser but they were equally dangerous on the break and could have extended their lead. Disappointed, but this is by no means a disaster.
Match 24: Svey Rieng v EDC 07/08/21
I think it was a very complacent performance against Build Bright, a team we really should have beaten. Svey Rieng may be down in 10th, but they still possess quality, especially their two lost Brazilians, Pedro Pinheiro and Thiago Santos. Therefore we play a 4-2-3-1 with Chanraksmey as a lone striker, supported by the in-form Sung Rot. Channerourn and Ratana in the full back positions return after being rested against Build Bright. We must be on our game to beat them.
Team: 4-3-2-1 Channou, Channerourn, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Etim, O.Udom, Sung Rot, Fasal, Veasna, Chanraksmey
Svey Rieng 0-0 EDC
In normal circumstances this would have been a good away point against a team who thrashed us 4-1 last season. By the standards of this season though it is a bit disappointing and frustrating. It was not for the lack of trying, in fact we were by far the better side, against a Svay Rieng team who looked a bit clueless. In the first half, Chanraksmey came close on numerous occasions, but his shots were either saved or missed the target. Then Veasna skipped down the right flank as he so often does, before hitting a perfect cross to Chanraksmey who smacked the crossbar with a powerful header. That was our best chance of the game. In the second half the hosts came back into it, but it should have been three points to us. I hope we don’t live to regret these dropped points at the end of the season. On a side note this was the first 0-0 draw of my tenure at EDC and our first draw of the season.
The Best Ever Position for EDC in The C-League
So no matter what happens in the next seven games before the end of the season, we have secured our best ever league position in the C-League. Unfortunately Nagaworld have caught up with us after a 5-2 win over Asia Euro United, so the current champions are top of the table on goal difference. While I will be a tad disappointed if we don’t win the league after being 8 points clear at one stage, the club has progressed so much this season and I am proud of the lads for all they have achieved so far. To have some silverware to show for it would be the icing on the cake. The fans are excited that their team will finish in the highest league position in the club’s short history.
Match 24: Beoung Ket v EDC
25/09/21
A win here could see us go back to the top of the table with a game in hand over Nagaworld. After a long rest since our last game, the lads are raring to go. Unfortunately both Daravon and Khemarin are both suspended so Raksa and Sophina are marshalling the defence today, I stick to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Beoung Ket are a good team and will cause us problems.
Team: Channou, Channeroun, Sophina, Raksa, Ratana, Etim, Ouch Udom, Veasna, Sung Rot, Fasal, Chanraksmey
EDC 3-4 Beoung Ket
O Udom 9 //// Noron 3, 69
Chanraksmey 31 Polroth 51
K.Udom 79 Rozip 67
F***adoodledoo! Annoyed, disapointed, frustrated, all of these things. First half we did well, despite going a goal behind when, from their throw in Ivanaldo was left with time and space to find Noron’s head with a right wing cross 1-0. Then out of the blue we won a free kick just outside the box, which young Ouch Udom lashed into the roof of the net, although their keeper could have done better. 1-1. O.Udom floated in another free kick and Chanraksmey climbed above the keeper to make it 2-1. Young Ouch Udom was running the midfield, but moments after was cruelly injured after a hefty challenge and he had to go off. From here the tide turned. After half time it was all Beoung Ket. We barely laid a glove on them before Polroth picked up the ball ran forward and fired an unstoppable shot past Channou. 2-2
Then Rizip, their other centre mid did a similar thing. We cannot get near this lot, it‘s a bit like Man U v Barcelona in that European Final where Man U just could not get the ball off Barcelona. Every phase of play started with a green shirt, not a blue one. Ridiculous! They scored another goal, I was so annoyed I didn’t even see what happened. Keo Udom pulled one back after an incisive breakaway instigated by Veasna. Saray went close late on, but we were not good enough today and on that display do not deserve to be Champions.. Nagaworld are one point above us, with today’s conquerers, Beoung Ket just one point behind.. This is now a five-horse race for the C-League title and I have to remind myself that for us to be in the conversation is already a great achievement.
Top of The Table
Nagaworld 44EDC 43Boeung Ket 42National Police 42Angkor Tiger 40Match 25 – EDC v National Police
Whoop Whoop, this is the sound of the Police, Woop Woop This is the sound of the Police. The Cambodian constabulary are in town and they will be looking to further their own title ambitions. Ouch Udom who has impressed this season with some eye-catching performances is still injured, so Long Rothesary is given his chance in midfield. Saray is preferred to Fasal on the left wing. I line up 4-2-3-1. We need a result here to keep pace with the other teams who have caught up with us.
Channou, Channerouen, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Etim, Rothesary, Veasna, Sung Rot, Saray, Chanraksmey
EDC 3-1 National Police
Chanraksmey 7 //// Soksan 87
Nasary (o.g) 32
Sung Rot 41
An arresting display of attacking football saw us come away with a solid 3-1 win. We were back to our old selves today, strong at the back, creative in midfield and lethal up front. The Police carelessly gave the ball away. Veasna playing on the left, picked up the loose ball before feeding Saray on the right who played a wonderful first time ball to Sok Chanraksmey who did what he does best, find the corner of the net.
Haha a criminal goal conceded from the Police. Long Rothesary’s overhit pass did not look to pose any threat until their goalkeeper, Khek Sambath’s clearance hit Veasna and trickled into the net. The Police hit the post from a free kick soon after, but then at the other end, a clever low drilled free kick from Veasna fell to Sung Rot in the penalty area who stabbed home for 3-0! Soksan scored a late consolation goal near the end, headng in from a corner, but it was us who take a deserved three points and go back to the top of the C-League table.
Race For The Title
The race for the title at the top of the C-League is hotting up, with 5 teams in with a shout, with just 6 games left. We have a tough run-in, with the stand out fixture on 16th October when we travel to the holders, Nagaworld, which will be the penultimate fixture of the campaign and possibly a title decider!
Remaining League Fixtures:
Kirivong (a)
National Defence (h)
Angkor Tiger (h)
Nagaworld (a)
Phnom Penh Crown (a)
Can EDC continue their march to glory, or will it all go Kevin Keegan? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!0 -
High Voltage Football
My little fancied team, Electricitié Du Cambodge have lit up the C-League with some impressive results and performances, as we find ourselves five points clear at the top of the C-League, halfway through the season. Can we continue our amazing start to the season, starting with a home game against familiar foes, Vishaka?
Suon Makara Announces Retirement
I start with some sad news. My versatile D/MC, Suon Makara has announced he will not be renewing his contract and will seek to wind down his career. Makara put in some steady performances during our survival season last year, but has been on the fringes this term, apart from a few appearances in the Prime Minister’s Cup. We wish him all the best in his future career. His professionalism in the squad will be missed.
Match 17 EDC v Vishaka 04/07/21
Vishaka are familiar foes and yes the North Koreans are still going strong. They lie in 7th place, but this belies their ability. Mihalevic is still up front and we will have to watch he doesn’t finally come good against EDC. I’m forced into a change at the back and Sophina will come in for the suspended Khemarin. Rottanak replaces Saray on the bench after he picked up a knock in training. Otherwise it is the same team who started against Phnom Penh Crown.
Team: Channou, Ratana, Daravon, Sophina, Sophahon, O.Udom, Etim, Veasna, Sung Rot, Fasal, Chanraksmey
EDC 3-2 Vishaka
Chanraksmey 7,22 /// Vannak 27, Mihaljevic 74
Daravon 83
Three big points here. We are a different animal this season and can win games from almost anywhere. Vishaka and the men from Pyongyang were always a threat with their silky passing and running, but it was us who stormed into a 2-0 lead, Veasna’s throw in on the right to Sung Rot who beautifully turned his man before crossing from the byline onto Chanraksmy’s head who found the top corner. Then, from a throw in on the left Ratana’s deep cross found Chanraksmy’s head who nodded it low into the bottom corner. Fantastic!
Vishaka were much improved from the opening day of the season and out of nowhere, Choe Myong Ho spread a lovely ball to Daravon their onrushing full back before he squared it for Om Vannak on the edge of the area who fired in a blistering shot which beat Um Channou at his near post.
Things were about even as the half time whistle blew. Vishaka were not going away in this one, despite us dominating from long periods and with Fasal and Chanraksmey forcing fine saves from their keeper.
Etim gave the ball away. Chandara played a hopeful ball forward to Mihaleljevic in the left channel. There seemed to be little threat until the Croatian dinked the ball over Channou from a very tight angle, It was a well taken goal, but a kick in the teeth in a game we could have been 4-1 ahead.
It was tit for tat until EDC won a free kick, which Veasna floated to the back post where defender Maul Daravon up from the back powered a header into the top corner 3-2 to become an unlikely hero! We saw the game out with no major incident and breathed a huge sigh of relief! Seven points clear now, this is getting Keegan esque….
Match 18 – Rithy Sen v EDC 10/07/21
Despite being in 10th place, Rithy Sen have a good team and I expect them to give us a good game. We are a well oiled machine though these days and hope we can maintain our great form and extend our lead at the top of the table, I will start with a 4-2-3-1 with Khemarin back from suspension and Channerourn in contention too. My hunch is to go with the XI who have had three straight wins.
Team: 4-2-3-1 Channou, Ratana, Daravon, Khemarin, Sophahon, Etim, O.Udom, Sung Rot, Veasna, Fasal, Chanraksmey
Rithy Sen 1-2 EDC
Piphop 67 ///// Veasna 57, Daravon 85
As an old Scottish commentator would have said. “When your are not playing well and ya have ta Grrind out a result... well that’s what EDC have done today!”
It bodes well if we can not play that well but still come away with three points. Rithy Sen had the better of the first half and twice Daravon and Khemarin had to chase back and make last ditch tackles to save the day. Meanwhile at the other end we kept the ball well but created little. 0-0 at half time.
Second half I changed to a 4-4-2 in order to try and open the game up. K. Udom and Chanraksmey though did not have their shooting boots on. The deadlock however was broken when Fasal skipped past his full back on the right wing before playing a far post cross to Veasna whose first time shot hit the defender before falling kindly back to the winger who volleyed it superbly into the corner. Rithy Sen responded and soon after Ouk Dara advanced down the left from a throw in and crossed perfectly for the dangerous Piphop to head in the equaliser.
Then from their corner, the ball was cleared to Fasal who sprinted down the right, but was upended by Rous Sophana who was promptly sent off for a professional foul. Veasna floated in the resulting free kick, Daravon headed towards goal, the keeper could only parry it into the path of the central defender who lashed home the rebound for his second winning goal in two games. Unbelievable Jeff!
Match 19- EDC v Asia Euro United 17/07/21
By this season’s standards this should be an easy three points against 11th place Asia Euro United. I was also buoyed by the news that their star Nigerian striker, Samuel Ajayi had, just two day before the match signed for a club back in his homeland. Ajayi tore us apart late last season in a 4-2 defeat and so I am glad we will not have to face him. We are forced into 3 changes due to injury and suspension, with Channerourn replacing the suspended Ratana at right back, Sophina steps in for the suspended Daravon and Keo Udom replaces the injured Sung Rot and will partner Chanraksmey up front in a 4-2-4 formation.
Team: Um Channou, Chameroun, Khemarin, Sophana, Sophohon. Etim, Udom, Fasal, Veasna, Keo Udom, Chanraksmey
EDC 2-1 Asia Euro United
K.Udom 45 ///// Sambath 94
Veasna 60
This was a great win. In the first half it was even Steven with the visitors having the better of the chances and Channou pulling off some great saves. However, once again we kept our cool and took the lead, right on the stroke of half time. Veasna stormed down the right, before delivering the perfect cross for Keo Udom to nod home with a diving header to give us a 1-0 interval lead. I told them there was much room for improvement at half time and the message seemed to get through. We dominated the second half and AEU barely got out of their own half. They missed that cutting edge that Ajayi had once given them.
We were so dominant in the second half we were even intercepting their throw-ins. When Fasal did just that on the left wing he squared it to Veasna who smacked it into the top corner with an unstoppable shot. Simply electrifying! It was then just a matter of how many. Veasna was having a brilliant game and tormented his full back all afternoon. Chanraksmey was very quiet and was substituted for Rotha. I also gave a short debut to a young right back, Mom Veasna.
Right at the end, Asia Euro won a random free kick and Samabath rose to beat Channou who was caught in no man’s land to cause only a moment of concern. Five straight wins and eight points clear now.. Dare I dream?
Match 20 EDC v Khemera Keila 24/07/21
Khemera had a great start to the season and found themselves up in the top 4 and even turned us over 3-2 at their place. Since then they have faded off somewhat and lie in 8th place. They are still dangerous and posess pace and finishing throughout their forward line. Daravon and Sung Rot come back in after suspension and injury respectively in a 4-4-2 which has served us well so far this season.
Team: Channou, Channerourn, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Etim, Sung Rot, Veasna, Fasal, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
EDC 6 -2 Khemera Keila
K.Udom 18 ////// Sokey 72, Suhana 90
Chanraksmey 19,43
Sung Rot 25
Fasal 61
Rotha 64
We were simply irrisistible today, just on a different planet to our opponents. Sung Rot was outstanding in the AMC role, committing defenders with his silky running. Chanraksmey came back to form after a couple of quiet games, Fasal had his best game in an EDC shirt and Etim is really finding his feet as our ball winning midfielder.
For our first goal he performed his ball winning role to perfection as he tackled their midfielder before slipping a lovely through ball to Keo Udom who did the rest. Then, after some neat passing between Channeoroun, Sung Rot and Veasna, resulted in the right winger playing a pinpoint through ball for Chanraksmey to run onto. He gained half a yard on the defender before finding the bottom corner with an accurate finish from a very tight angle.
Goal number three came when Khemarin won a 50-50 challenge which sent the ball up to Keo Udom who then laid it off to Chanraksmey who hit a stunning first time shot which sizzled into the bottom corner for his 17th goal of the season. 3-0 before half time!
Sung Rot exchanged passes with Ratana before storming to the edge of the box and unleashing a curling shot which flew into the bottom corner
From Channerourn’s throw in substitute Tum Saray squared the ball for Math Fasal, whose shot was fumbled by the keeper and crossed the line. 5-0
Sub Rotha skipped past his man into the box, before squaring to Fasal whose shot was parried by the keeper into the path of the onrushing Rotha who did the honours, 6-0. At 6-0 we switched off and looked rather complacent which rather disappointed me and it allowed them to get two consolation goals.
At 6-0 up, cries of Jonny Rudd’s Electric Army’ rang around Prey Veng.
From a long goal kick, Suhana found Sonkey who fired past Um Channou 6-1
Vichet fed their right winger Suhana who scored their second consolation. Not happy with the ending as we looked complacent.
A great win against Khemara who looked a shadow of the team which beat us 3-2 earlier in the season. Six wins in a row and amazingly with that result we have avoided relegation from the C-League because I had to pay a £60 bonus to my Assistant Manager, Nen Borey. Spend it wisely pal!
Eight points clear with a game in hand, EDC are walking the C-League... The only thing that can stop them now are complacency and mind games.. Surely this cannot happen, but as Jimmy Greaves used to say.. "It's a funny old game"
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Could we do a Leicester?
EDC, after 9 league games are surprisingly top of the C-League on goal difference after an excellent start to the season. While this is an unexpected turn of events, as I only really had ambitions of a top half finish in the table and hopefully a good cup run, perhaps this team is better than I imagined. After my intervention with the unregistered players I do now feel at least I am playing against the best players in the respective teams and most of them have been well contested matches.
Match 12 – National Defence v EDC 29/05/21
We travel to the army team, The National Defence top of the league on goal difference, so I am confident of a good result and performance, against a team who sit in 11th. I’m going with a traditional 4-4-2 with Sok and Udom up front. Chammeroun comes back at right back. New signing Rottanak starts on the bench.
Team: 4-4-2: Channou, Chanroeun, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Raksa, Sung Rot, Veasna, Fasal, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
National Defence 1-2 EDC
Yaty 72 /// Chanraksmey 34,36
We have acquired a more ruthless streak this season. While the team were not at our best today, in fact the Defence Ministry had the better of the chances, we just had 2, but that is all that was needed against our wasteful opponents. Sok was in fine form, the two wingers were a threat and we did enough to gain three more points away from home.
Against the run of play, Ratana and Fasal combined down the left, before the latter chipped into the box which was met by Chanraksmy’s head. The second goal came about from Ratana’s throw in, which found Keo Udom whose far post crossed found Veasna who laid it off beautfiully for Chanraksmy to fire home. Then from a free kick on 71 minutes, Yaty headed home a free kick to make it 2-1. We saw the game out from here manfully and not only are we ruthless, but also more difficult to beat. Maybe just maybe…
EDC sign Etim
A last minute signing has seen defensive midfielder, Raymond Etim join us from Svay Rieng. The Nigerian is also the first foreign signing to join our ranks and will provide good ball winning abilities and energy in defensive midfield, a kind of poor man's Ngolo Kante if you like. It also solves a problem position for us in defensive midfield after the departures of Punlock, Nara and the stupid Sedsody.
Match 13 – EDC v Nagaworld 05/06/21
We are top and fear nobody. Last season’s champions, Nagaworld are surprisingly languishing in 10th, so the roles are reversed from last season. They have a decent team with lone of the best strikers in the C-League, George Kelechi leading the line and a lost Brazilian, Marques, plus the better end of the Cambodian players spectrum. For us, new signing, Etim makes his debut and Nara comes in for the suspended Daravon in central defence. I will keep to a 4-4-2 which has served us well recently. Let’s see what happens.
Team: Channou, Channroeurn, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Etim, Sung Rot, Veasna, Fasal, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
EDC 1-3 Nagaworld
Rotha 92 /// Kelechi 21, Khemarin 45, Marques 77
Ouch that hurt. We were brought back down to earth by the reigning Champions, Nagaworld, who were simply too good on the day. Kelechi was a constant thorn in behind the defence, as they taught us a footballing lesson. A goal kick fell perfectly into his path, which I am sure was a match engine bug, (which I have named ‘Miroslav Klose’ after his goal against England in the World Cup 2010, which was straight from a goal kick) and he raced clear to slot past Um Channou. They hit the bar, before Khemarin dealt a killer blow on the stroke of half time for a 2-0 lead. For the first time this season I was angry with my defence and they were not too happy either. Attacking wise we looked OK with Veasna, Chanraksmey and K.Udom combining well. From the kick off in the second half Sung Rot sent Fasal racing down the right who squared to K.Udom who whacked it home, but strayed offside. Had that goal stood, things may have been different. We were better second half, but their quality was too much and Marques added a third near the end. Our consolation goal was quite good. From their corner the ball was cleared to substitute Ouch Udom, who sent Veasna racing down the right who crossed for sub Phanny Rotha to sweep home, but it was too little too late.
Match 14 Angkhor Tiger v EDC 19/06/21
A top of the table clash..Yikes, not sure about this one. Even though we are top of the table, these guys are a good side who we will have to watch. Blessed with Brazilians and some other decent players, this will be a tough fixture. Last time we played them they taught us a footballing lesson. We are bound to go on a bad run at some time and the Tigers are dangerous.
Team: 4-2-3-1: Channou, Ratana, Daravon, Khemarin, Sophahon, Raksa, Etim, Sung Rot, Veasna, Fasal, Chanraksmey
Angkhor Tiger 1-2 EDC
Sergiopano 19 //// Chanraksmey 66 Udom 82
This was a classic game of two halves. For the first half an hour we did not have any attacks and there seemed to be no way back when from a long free kick, Sergiopano scored with a powerful header. We limped on to half time, with just a Veasna free kick shown hitting the wall and deflecting for a throw-in the only highlight. I was not happy at half time and challenged the players to perform better. Boy did they listen!
Young Ouch Udom, introduced for the often disappointing Sun Rot became a driving force in midfield. He galloped forward before piercing the Tigers Defence with a pinpoint through ball for Chanraksmey whose initial shot was saved but then fired home the rebound from a very tight angle. Daravon in the heart of the defence was a beast. He was first to everything, throwing himself in the way of shots and keeping the dangerous Debeiro at bay. Then from a goal kick, sub Keo Udom galloped forward beating his man before firing an unstoppable shot past the keeper to make it 2-1. Angkhor pushed forward in the last ten minutes looking for an equaliser and Um Channou had to make a string of fine saves to preserve our lead. Brilliant second half performance and this result restores our three point lead at the top of the table.
Match 15- Hun Sen Cup 1st Round – EDC v Senate Secretariat 22/06/21
We are back in cup action, in the Prime Minister’s Cup 1st Round proper, where we take on 2nd Division outfit, Senate General Seretariat. I’ve rung the changes to give some of my squad players a chance. New young signing Rottanak is given a chance on the right wing, while promising striker Sam Chammeoun starts alongside forgotten man Phanny Rotha up front. I have Veasna and both the Udoms on the bench in case things go Pete Tong. Hopefully a nice easy win today.
Team: 4-2-4 Kong Rafat, Channroeurn, Sophina, Makara, Sophaon, O Udom, Etim, Rottanak, Saray, Rotha, S.Chanroeun
EDC 4-2 Senate Secretariat
S. Chanroeun 9,45 /// Makara 64, Sovan 78
Rottanak 33
O.Udom 42
This was far more comfortable than it looked and we played very well to go 4-0 up. It was the youngsters who stole the show, Etim’s instant ball sent Rotha down the right channel. He crossed for youngster Sam Chanroeun to head in his first ever goal for EDC! Makara’s ball into the box found Tum Saray whose low cross was cleverly touched on by Rotha into the path of another youngster, Math Rottanak on debut to smash home number 2. Udom released Rotha in the right channel whose low cross was cut out by the defender whose clearance only found Ouch Udom on the edge of the area who fired in number 3 high into the roof of the net. Then, three minutes later our right back Rouen Chammerourn made progress down the right, found Udom, whose low cross was fired home on the turn by Sam Chameroun. 4-0! A cross from the left saw Choy head home to make it 4-1 They scored again to at least set my mentality to balanced from attacking, but caused no more alarms. I was a bit annoyed with our sloppiness to let in two late goals, but in the end it did not matter. We are safely through to the Quarter Finals.
Match 16 – EDC v Phnom Penh Crown 26/06/21
We are seriously punching above our weight this season and our position of being anywhere near the top of the table was unthinkable when I first took over the reigns at EDC in the middle of last season. How far we have come. Crown are one of the better sides in this league and have a good strike partnership of Booyens and Nigerian, Okereke and quality (for this league) throughout their team. We are still bang average in comparison on paper, but seem to be pulling off the impossible. Our luck must run out soon. I’m going with a 4-2-3-1, with Ouch Udom playing as a Carrilero, Chanraksmey up front alone and Channerourn back at full back.
Team: Channou, Channroeurn, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Etim, O.Udom, Sung Rot, Veasna, Fasal, Chanraksmey
EDC 4-1 Phnom Penh Crown
K Udom 47, 54, 93 Piseth 19
Veasna 75
I’m not quite sure what to say! Simply electrifying stuff in the second half from EDC saw us shock local rivals Phnom Penh Crown. We shaded the first half but were still a goal down when against the run of play a hopeful ball caught Daravon underneath it. Piseth ran on to it and fired it powerfully past Um Channou. This is how it stayed at half time. I switched to a 4-4-2 and brought Keo Udom for his namesake Ouch. What a masterstroke this turned out to be.
On 47 minutes, Booyen inexplicably gave the ball away to Keo Udom who swapped passes with Fasal before placing the ball past the keeper onto the post. As the ball went agonisingly across the face of goal Udom was the first to the rebound to tap the ball home. 1-1
Then as our corner was cleared, Etim picked up the ball in midfield. He found Sung Rot, who played it into Udom in the area. His turn and shot beat the keeper, 2-1. EDC are on fire! Sung Rot picks up the ball in acres of space before slipping in Veasna who hits an unstoppable shot into the corner 3-1!!
High voltage football from EDC! From deep in his own half Veasna flights a gorgeous ball to Keo Udom who instantly controlled it, before cheekily lobbing the onrushing keeper to complete a marvellous hat-trick. Electrifying stuff!
I can’t get over how good this team has become and we are still classed as ‘minnows’ in this league yet find ourselves a whopping 5 points clear at the top of the C-League after 13 games. We are doing this against all the odds. Not much money to spend, no scouting outside Cambodia’s borders, no foreign talent wishing to join (except Etim) from Cambodian clubs and no reputation. The EDC fans were chanting towards the end of the game:
Were doing a ‘Leicester’
Cambodian style!
The Table Doesn’t Lie
(After 13 matches)
1st EDC 30 pts
2nd National Police 25pts
3rd Angkor Tiger 24
4th Boeung Ket 23
5th Nagaworld 22
6th Phnom Penh Crown 22
7th Vishaka 21
8th Rithy Sen 18
9th Khemera Keila 18
10th Svay Rieng 16
11th National Defence 13
12th Asia Euro United 12
13th Build Bright United 9
14th Kirivong 4
I’m starting to feel dizzy now. At the exact halfway point in the season we are 5 points clear at the top of the C-League.
EDC are 5 points clear in the C-League. Is this the start of a seamless road to glory, or will the chasing pack pour water over our rag-tag bunch of part-timers from The Cambodian National Grid? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!
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I wouldn't have fancied beating the ZRP police team in Zimbabwe under the Mugabe regime! Yes I think me and Sung Rot will have to be careful while riding around the streets of Phnom Penh for a while...
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It's A Steal!
We've had a good start to the season and currently lie in 2nd place in the C-League, with only one team above us, everybody's favourite team and next opponents, The National Police. I do wonder in any country which has a police force football team who actually supports them? It's not exactly cool for people to be cheering the police on for anything. You couldn't imagine a crowd of fans shouting, 'Come on National Police! Yeeeaaahhh!!' Maybe criminals do to try and hide their crimes or avoid a speeding fine. Who knows? The nearest we have in England to this are the Met Police who play in the non-leagues and have made the odd appearance in the FA Cup First Round.
In this part of the world football teams have developed through institutions rather than through towns and cities like in Europe for example, which means we have in Asia, leagues full of army teams, police forces and indeed the National Grid as EDC are. In fact in nearby Laos there is also an Electricity Football team. I tried to arrange a pre-season friendly with them, but this was kyboshed by both chairmen from their respective clubs as apparently it was too far to travel, even though Laos does border Cambodia in the North. I thought it would be cool to pair the two Electricity Companies together in a friendly and then the players could maybe talk about the best way to re-wire a house in the bar afterwards.. Anyway I digress..
Match 10 – EDC v National Police Commisionary 15/05/21
Whoop Whoop This is the sound of the Police! The National Police Commisiary FC are at the top of the C-League, so big match today. We are buoyant after two straight wins and I know we can compete in this league and on our day can beat anyone.
Team: 4-2-2-2 Channou, Sophahon, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana Raksa, Sedsody, Saray, Fasal, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
National Police 0-1 EDC
Sung Rot 86
What a steal! This was a smash and grab raid of the highest order, so much so our players should be thrown in prison for the theft of three points from the Cambodian Police! This game was awful and despite it being a top of the table clash, deserved to be shown last on Cambodian Match of The Day. That said we defended superbly throughout, Daravon and Khemarin were rocks while Ratana and Leng Sophohan kept their wide players quiet. Yes we rode our luck, especially when they hit the underside of the bar midway through the first half. We had no shots on target at half time, but that did not worry me. I introduced a more attacking option in Sung Rot and reverted to a diamond formation in midfield to try and have a bit more ambition going forward. We controlled the second half and had a few attacks of our own. From their corner the ball was cleared straight into the path of Sung Rot who ran from the halfway line and slotted past their keeper on 86 minutes. Call me Jonathan Mourinho! To the top of the table we go!
Match 11- EDC v Kirivong 22/05/21
The scary thing about this one is we go into this game as strong favourites. Kirivong are down near the bottom, but looking at their squad they really shouldn’t be. They are a talented bunch and whatsmore last time we met last season we beat them 7-3 in a crazy game! Expect goals. I’m going to go with an old fashioned 4-4-2 with Veasna returning from injury on the right and Keo Udom with Sok Chanraksmey up front.
Team: 4-4-2 Channou, Sopahon, Khemarin, Daravon, Ratana, Raksa, Sung Rot, Fasal, Veasna, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
EDC 5-2 Kirivong
Chanraksmy 15,45 Wiang In 62
Veasna 19, 25 Lelouma 92K.Udom 56The scoreline rather flattered us today and on another day could have beenvery different. They had several one on ones which resulted in saves from Channou, or hit wide which on another day this could have punished us. I feel a bit sorry for Kirivong, as everything seemed to go for us, which resulted in us going 5-0 up and looking like we could score with every attack. A good win yes, but concerns about the defence as at times Sakasi and Lelouma cut our defence to shreds. They just couldn’t finish and we could, that was the difference. Another steal.
Goal RundownFrom their goalkick Ratana won the header which freed Chanraksmy who galloped into the box, before slotting home pat the keeper 1-0From a corner, Chanraksmy flicked on and Veasna fired in from close range.
Fasal’s far post corner is met by the head of Veasna – 3-0
Ratana volleyed hopefully into the box. Chanraksmey ran onto it and volleyed home superbly 4-0
Fasal crossed for Ouch Udom whose fierce shot was parried only for Keo Udom to fire in the rebound – 5-0
Wiang In broke away and fired into the top corner – 5-1
Missed header Lelouma broke clear 5-2
Mid-Season Transfer Window
The mid-season transfer window started on 15th May 2021 and runs until 14th June.Players InMath Rotanak (Free Transfer)
I’ve snapped up this promising young striker on a free transfer. I think he has some potential and look forward to working with him.
Players Out
Nan Punlock - Free Transfer to Kampot
I’ve offloaded my back up DMC, Nan Punlok to Kampot of the Second League. He did OK for me in the first season, but had limited opportunities this term and so I decided to put him out of his misery, He will do well in the Second Division and wish him the best of luck.
Nhem Theara - Free Transfer To Banteay Meanchey
Nhem Theara has also left the club. The 17 year old DRC played a lot last season, but really was not up to the job. His performances were so bad I even had his mother in my office, begging me to drop him from the team. He has been moseying about in the reserves since then and when an offer came in I decided to let him go to Second Division Group C outfit, Banteay Meanchey, where I am sure he will be more at home. Perhaps in time he could have improved but when an offer came in and he was keen to leave, who am I to stand in his way? It does however leave us with a lack of depth at right back, with Chamoreun and Ratana the only two who can play there, plus a kid in the U21s, Mom Veasna, who is nowhere near up to the standard.
Ouch Panhaseth – on loan to Chhlam Samuth
A back-up left back who is being outgunned by a 16 year old and Leng Sophaon, which tells it's own story, I let him get some first team football at Second Division side, Chlam Samuth.Savy Sedsody Free Transfer to Phuchung Neak
I had high hopes of Sedsody becoming a rock in our midfield for years to come, but he annoyed me this transfer window by handing in a transfer request and generally being a little sod. There’s no point having unhappy players in the squad and one that is a threat to the positive atmosphere at the club, underpinned by our excellent start to the season. He’s gone to play for a club called Phuchung Neak, which currently lie in 12th in the Cambodian Second League Group C. Good luck with that...Your loss mate…
Moun Nara Free Transfer to Chhma Kamou
Nara has never quite done it for me and quite a few bids came in for him. Finally I relented and have let him go to the 2nd Division where he may be more at home.
Board Confidence Update
The board are absolutely delighted with my performance as manager and according to our chairman, being three points clear at the top of the league is beyond his wildest dreams! My expectations are to beat relegation, so whatever happens I should, barring a complete disaster achieve that and more..
So far so good for EDC as they race to a three point lead at the top of the table, but can they keep it going.. As the old saying goes though, it's a marathon, not a sprint...
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On 31/03/2021 at 15:12, oche balboa said:
This is a great story mate. Hope you continue to keep up the good work
Thankyou Oche I'm glad you are enjoying it and giving me feedback. Did you know I've put the same story on the FM Scout Forums and it has had 1200 views in one month, but not one person has commented or offered encouragement, so this is much appreciated. Cheers!
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4 hours ago, BenArsenal said:
Love the little geography tidbits. Especially so since travel is pretty much out of the question during these times.
Keep it up mate.
Thankyou Ben it's great escapism for us all at the moment. Cambodia from the research I've done looks like a very beautiful country with lots to see. I will be doing a big trip out near the end of Season 2, which is a few posts off yet.
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Thanks Mandy42 that's very interesting. I was doing a bit of research on Cambodia and stumbled across Kampong Chhnang floating village and realised that the name sounded familiar as I had just played them in the Cup on FM. It makes you want to visit these places, but for now Google Maps is all I have... Ouch Tony could easily be a Bond Villain.. We were 3-0 up and I was wondering how many more we could score and resting players for the next league game and this guy just came out of nowhere and almost won them the game...
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Getting Our Feet Wet
International News
I start this post with some International News on how Cambodia fared in the South East Asian Championships.
Cambodia were slightly unlucky to miss out on qualification for the knockout stages of the tournament after finishing in third place. They managed to beat Laos and Brunei 1-0, but lost out to the same score against Myanmar and Singapore, who qualified from the group. Unfortunately for my sole representative in the Cambodian national side, Sok Chanraksmey he failed to get on the pitch and warmed the bench for the entire campaign. Never mind at least he will be nice and fresh for ours.Match 7 – EDC v Svay Rieng 1st May 2021
On paper Svay Rieng have a better team than us, but they are in 7th, while we are having nosebleeds in 2nd. We have had some easier fixtures of late and Svay Rieng’s visit is our biggest test since the opening day against Vishaka. They are packed with quality, including the Brazilian Pinheiro pulling the strings in midfield and American Jonathan Campbell, who is probably the best left back in the league. But, never say never, we are a better team this season, on the whole better organised in defence (famous last words) and more potent in attack. This is no gimme though, but if we are to compete with the bigger teams in the league then we should be trying to get a positive result here. Sok Chanraksmy is back from International duty and will start. Sedsody comes in for Sung Rot in midfield.
Team: 4-2-3-1 Um Channou, Channerouen, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Raksa, Sedsody, O.Udom, Fasal, Veasna, Chanraksmey
EDC 0-2 Svay Rieng
Pinheiro 56
Sopheaktra 92
For most of the game we did OK, held our opposition and even created a little bit ourselves. Then we needlessly gave the ball away Sopheaktra broke down the left and squared it to Pinheiro who hit an unstoppable shot low into the corner of the net – 0-1
We then had a decent spell, with Chanraksmey and Udom both going close. From a quickly taken free kick, Sopheaktra caught our defence napping to volley home for 2-0 game over. We had 68% possession, but they were the more streetwise of the two teams and their finishing was clinical when it mattered. That was about the difference between the two sides. No shame in this defeat.
Match 8- EDC v Beoung Ket Angkhor FC – 8th May 2021
Not sure about this one. They may be 9th in the table and we may be 3rd, but they have too much quality in their ranks to be that low in the table. A South African on the wing, a Brazilian upfont and god knows what else. I line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sophina coming in for the suspended Daravon at the heart of the defence and Sung Rot is preferred to Ouch Udom in midfield.
Team: 4-2-3-1 Channou, Channeroun, Sophina, Daravon, Ratana, Raksa, Sedsody, Saray, Sung Rot, Veasna, Chanraksmey
EDC 3-2 Beoung Ket Angkhor FC
O.Udom 60, Paiva 14,21
Saray 62,
K.Udom 88
Absolutely buzzing! We were 2-0 down at half time with them looking like they could score with every attack, to putting on a superb second half performance of which we were brilliant in every department.
The first goal was a really annoying. Fasal could have started a counter attack but his lazy ball was intercepted, the ball was bunted forward to the Brazilian Paiva who spun past Sophina and drilled it into the bottom corner.
Then after a flowing move, Ivanoldo crossed from the right, Paiva nutted the ball home for 2-0. After a dressing down at half time we started the second half, but they could have been 3-0 up easily. Then, against the run of play and out of nowhere Ouch Udom received the ball and ran past the defender before slotting home, 2-1. Two minutes later Fasal’s corner was met by the head of Tum Saray with a thunderous header 2-2. It was end to end stuff as both sides went for it.
The winning goal came when Fasal played a beautiful instant low cross and Keo Udom poked past the onrushing keeper 3-2. What a comeback from EDC, electrifying stuff! Well done boys!
Match 9 Kampong Chhnang v EDC (Prime Minister’s Cup
Second Qualifying Round) 11/05/21
While we were huddled around the wireless for the Second Round Qualifying Round there were a few knowing looks from my players and staff when the draw pitted us against Second Division outfit, Kampong Chhnang away.
'Might need your wellies for this one boss,' piped up Suon Veasna.
'More like a pair of flippers,' joked Keo Udom.
When I enquired about this, it became apparent that Kampong Chhnang, a place just north of Phnom Penh was also home to a floating village, which is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Cambodia.
Now back home in the FA Cup I'd known of cup ties played at grounds with a slope, or a plastic pitch, or with freezing cold dressing rooms, but in the middle of a floating village? This beat the lot! I envisaged us having to access the ground by boat!
Pre-Match Thoughts
We are in cup action against 2nd Division opposition in Kampong Chhnang. I’ve rung the changes in light of our heroics in the last game and an important League game against National Police at the weekend, who are top of the table. I fancy a cup run this year and the President’s Cup is our best chance of silverware. I have faith in my second XI and kids to come up trumps in this one and qualify for the first round proper.
Team: 4-4-2 Kong Rafat, Theara, Makara, Nara, Sophahon, Punlock, Suhana, Rakasmey, Mol, Rotha, Chanraksmey
Kampong Chhnang 2-3 EDCOuch Tony 62,88 //// Nara 2, Chanraksmey 10, Rotha 53What the players didn’t tell me was that the floating village was only one small part of Kampong Chnnang by the river Tonle Sap, which flows into a huge lake in Central Cambodia. There was a much larger city of Kampong Chnnang further west, which is where the football stadium was and firmly on solid ground. In the end I didn’t need the wellies I had packed just in case, much to the amusement of my players and staff. This cup tie though nearly turned out to be a very slippery banana skin, which in the end we were lucky to come out with a win.
Things started well for us when Suhana’s free kick found Moun Nara in the box who half volleyed home- 1-0 EDC Then the dangerous Suhana was upended in the box, Chanraksmy did the rest 2-0. Suhana then found young Rakasmey whose clever first time ball found Rotha who placed a lovely shot into the corner 3-0. Then it was the Ouch Tony show… Who? Well after half time he emerged and decided to do his best Lionel Messi impressions. Every time this kid touched the ball he looked like scoring. We are not sure where he’d been for the first hour of the game but this guy knows how to make an impact. He frightened the living daylights out of us whenever he got the ball (which was often presented to him on a plate by our players ) He ran through from his own half for the first goal, then rounded off a team breakaway goal for his second and then went close twice on top of that. Things could have got very messy indeed had he converted those chances. Ouch Tony almost made it a painful exit from The Prime Minister’s Cup for EDC. His pace is a 6-12 and Acceleration 10-15, but should be 20. Thankfully he didn’t and we held on. Into the 1st Round Proper of The Prime Minister’s Cup we go!
Next Time: A top of the table clash against The National Police, but Can EDC steal top spot in the C-League from them?
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1 hour ago, BenArsenal said:
They certainly haven't. Guess anyone can just build an Olympic stadium if they wish (Turkey has one too. They haven't held an Olympic Games either).
Fun fact: Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium hosted the game that saw North Korea qualify for the 1966 World Cup, where they infamously went on to the quarter finals.
Thats great, thanks for pointing that out Ben. I'm glad it has existed for a long time and it is a real stadium, not one made up by the game.
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14. Onwards & Upwards
Sok Chanraksmey, a 31 year old journeyman Cambodian striker who is enjoying the best spell of his career so far at EDC. A striker with a bit of everything, can run in behind, can hold the ball up, is good in the air and is a good finisher, in fact one could say on some ways an old fashioned English centre forward. He can play up front on his own, or with a partner in crime in the shape of Phanny Y Rotha and this season, Keo Udom.
International Recall
EDC striker Sok Chanramskey has been rewarded for a fine start to the C-League season by being called up to the Cambodian national team for the South East Asian Championships, which will see the Angkhor Warriors take on Laos, Singapore, Myanmar and Brunei in Group B of the tournament which kicks off on 11th April 2021.
Earlier in his career Chanraksmey won 11 caps and scored 5 goals, which meant he had a good start to his International career. I am not sure why they have not selected him since, but perhaps it was down to injury or loss of form.
Match 4- Asia Euro United v EDC – 9th April 2021
After a great start to the season I am confident we can get something out of this one. Asia Euro were mid table last season and while they have a couple of useful players I think if we can negate them then our forward line can do the business. I will line up with a 4-2-3-1 again, with Sophina coming in for the suspended Khemarin.
Team: 4-2-3-1 Um Channou, Channeroun, Daravon, Sophina, Ratana, Raksa, O Udom, Veasna, Fasal, Sung Rot, K.Udom
Asia Euro United 0-1 EDC
Fasal 20
Three wins out of three! This was not the electrifying football we have played in the previous games this season, but instead three hard earned points away from home. The moment which separated the two sides came from a Veasna throw in. Sung Rot lobbed the ball into the area and Math Fasal climbed above the defender to nod home. 1-0. This was a war of attrition, but Asia Euro United didn’t really threaten and our keeper Um Channou looked solid when called upon. Sophana looked the part in central defence, while Veasna as ever looked a threat on the right wing. A solid,unspectacular performance, but job done and three more points.
Match 5- Khemera Keila v EDC 17/04/21
After our 100% start to the season, I am starting to feel more confident about these matches. I’m pleased with the improvements we have made to the squad and the high performance levels from all the players. We face Khemera without three players, Chanraksmey is on International duty, while Fasal is suspended and Ratana has just come back from injury, so Leng Sophason keeps his place at left back, Saray starts on the left wing and Keo Udom starts up front. Khemera for their part have had a decent start to the season with two wins and are lying in 5th place, so they should not be taken lightly. Just as an aside, this match is being played at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium. The only thing is I don’t ever recall Cambodia ever hosting an Olympic Games, summer or winter?
Team: Channou, Sophahon, Khemarin, Daravon, Channeroun, Raksa, O.Udom, Saray, Veasna, Sung Rot, K.Udom
EDC 2-3 Khemera Keila
K. Udom 37 Mol 20,45,90
O.Udom 87
Not really sure what happened to us here. A poor first half performance cost us, as we could barely get the ball. I switched to a 4-4-2 when we went 2-1 down and this improved thisngs, but two missed headers from Khemerin has cost us here from hopeful long balls. They were the best team we’ve played this season, very good for a promoted side and probably deserved the win. We showed resilience to come back from 1-0 and 2-1 down but we have to defend better than this if we are going to have a good season. We drop to second in the table and to make matters worse, Suon Veasna was injured and will be out for 5-6 weeks with a calf strain…
From a long goal kick, the ball was flicked on and Mol rounded the keeper 1-0 to Khmera. We scrapped for the ball in midfeield. Raksa won the ball, Ouch Udom strode forward before playing in Keo Udom to equalise with a fierce shot into the far corner 1-1 A hopeful ball by their right back should have been cleared by Khemarin, who missed the header to allow Mol to lob the onrushing Channou 2-1 to Khemera
The equaliser came when Chammeroun’s cross was cleared and retrieved by Rotha who crossed for the onrushing Udom who powerfully headed the ball home for 2-2
The killer blow came from another hopeful long ball, which was missed once again by the defender Mol ran onto it and slotted past Um Channou.. 3-2. A last minute winner broke EDC hearts.
Match 6 – EDC v Build Bright United 24/04/21
On paper this looks like an easy win against newly promoted and bottom of the table Build Bright United. Looking at their squad though they have some decentish players and like to play in a funny upside down Christmas Tree formation. It’s not worked well for them so far but I have an annoying feeling things may come right for them. I stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation due to their liking for putting 5 men in the middle of the park! Veasna is injured so Fasal returns after suspension to take his place and Saray keeps his place. Ratana comes back in for Leng Sophahon at left back.
Team: Channou, Channeroun, Daravon, Khemarin, Ratana, Raksa, O.Udom, Sung Rot, Saray, Fasal, K.Udom
EDC 3-1 Build Bright United
Saray 16 Vandeth 82
K.Udom 57
Rotha 92
Never in doubt! We did not deserve to lose this one and controlled the game from start to finish. The team defended well and attacked with purpose. Saray ran down the right, his low cross found Sung Rot whose shot was blocked. K.Udom picked up the ball and played in Saray who scored with a clever first time finish at the near post. Then, Ratana crossed from the left, their defender missed the ball and there was K.Udom to poke the ball home at the far post – 2-0. In response, Vichet sent Vandeth through to slot past Um Channou for 2-1. A slick 5 man move through midfield, Fasal found O.Udom who released Keo Udom whose perfect through ball found Rotha who did the rest 3-1
A good win here and onwards we go! We stay in second place in the C-League.
EDC have reached the dizzy heights of second place! Is this the spark that can mount a serious title challenge? Also, find out why I nearly had to wear a pair of wellies for a cup match next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!0
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Start of Season 3
The long road to March 2022 has finally been reached, the signings made, the contracts signed and thankfully the cleaning lady has decided to stay at EDC, despite offers from Nagaworld, Vishaka and Angkor Tiger.. I think I have a squad now which can successfully challenge for the title and make waves in the C-League after our near miss last season.
A New Defender
A late signing was Pin Saren from Second Division outfit, CMAC United who has hopefully completed the defensive jigsaw for the new season. One of the core reasons we failed to hold onto top spot was that the cover for our main two DC's, Daravon and Khemarin were inadequate and found wanting against good strikers. Hopefully Pin Saren will be able to hold our defence together....
Season 3 Match 1 Vishaka v EDC 19/03/22
Our traditional season opener is a trip to Vishaka. They are not the same Vishaka though as we have faced in previous years because most of their foreign stars, including the five North Koreans have left the club. I’m not sure where they are now, in fact I tried to sign a couple of them in pre-season, but they wanted full time contracts. Furthermore their top scoring striker, Mihaljevic is now apparently plying his trade back home in the Croatian Second Division. The new Vishaka are all Cambodian and mainly kids, so one would think they are there for the taking, but we cannot take this for granted. After all who knows, they could be like the Class of ’22...
Anyway I am reverting to a 4-4-2 and think this should be a good start to the season.
Team: Kong Rafat, Baraing, Daravon, Saren, Ratana, Etim. O.Udom, Mol, Veasna, K.Udom, Chanraksmey
Vishaka 1-1 EDC
Ravy 39 //// Mol 10
We did everything but win the game today and in the end a disappointing outcome against a poor Vishaka side we should have easily beaten.
Our bright start to the match was rewarded when Ratana and Ouch Udom combined down the right flank, before the versatile defender curled a lovely ball to the far post where young Mao Mol and the smallest man on the pitch leapt like a salmon to head home past the keeper at the near post.
Then out of nowhere we conceded an awful equaliser. Seemingly there was no danger, but their midfielder, Ben Oudom suddenly floated in a very awkward ball from the right flank which evaded everyone including Kong Rafat. This allowed Ravy to nip in round the back and prod home from a tight angle. That was really annoying goal to concede.
We attacked and attacked in the second half but missed chance after chance, with the usually dependable Keo Udom the main culprit. Veasna was lively on the right wing but his craft could not break the deadlock. This was by no means a disaster, but disappointing all the same.
Season 3 Match 2 – EDC v Angkor Tiger (Hun Sen Cup 1st
Qualifying Round)
Just months after featuring in the Prime Minister’s Cup Final we start the cycle once again, this time with a very tough home draw against fellow C-League outfit, Angkor Tiger, or as I now know means ‘Capital City Tiger’ They are a good team and have a big, solid Japanese defender, Ose and a decent young midfielder called Chan Dara, so this is by no means a gimme.
EDC 1-2 Angkor Tiger (AET)
Disappointing is an understatement. I’m not really sure what we had to do to win this cup tie.
In the first half we absolutely dominated the game, in fact they rarely went into our half. We just, like the last game could not finish for toffee. Mol hit the post after good work from Veasna, was the closest one. They came out second half but took the lead against the run of play opened the scoring when a fine move led the to the ball being crossed low from the right and converted by Sok Udoum. We then had a goal disallowed for offside. Young sub Tuy Udoum (remember the name) made a barnstorming run down the right wing before crossing low for Udom to convert, but his toe was offside. Just as I was resigned to an early exit Udoum’s flighted ball into the box was missed by the defender and Sok Chanraksmey sneaked in at the far post to equalise in stoppage time!
Extra time and they had the better of it, with us clearing the ball twice off our line, but then K. Udom went close for us. Then the killer blow: Chainuth picked the ball up in midfield and unleashed a magnificent 25 yard shot into the top corner. Out the Hun Sen Cup we go, there’ll be no 10-0 drubbings, trips to floating villages or monk’s curses this year!
Match 3: EDC v Angkor Tiger
I just want to win a game! So we meet our Hun Sen Cup conquerors Angkor Tiger in the league and at Prey Veng again. The cup game was a close run thing and I am expecting a similar match. I start with a 4-2-3-1 with Leap Bo making his full debut and Pin Saren once again deputising for the suspended Khemarin at the back. O.Udom moves to attacking midfield, with Chanraksmey as the lone striker.
Team: Kong Rafat, Baireng, Daravon, Saren, Ratana, Etim, Leap Bo, Mol, Veasna, O.Udom, Chanraksmey
EDC 1-0 Angkor Tiger
K.Udom 69
We thoroughly deserved to win this game, in fact it would have been a travesty had we not come any other than three points. We dominated from start to finish, with some of our passing and movement at times a joy to behold. It was the same old story though, we just couldn’t finish. Chances that Sok Chanraksmey would have gobbled up this time last season were being saved, or put wide, or just going anywhere but in the back of the net, while Tiger were toothless in attack. 0-0 at half time. Second half I shook things up by bringing the woefully out of sorts Chanraksmey off for K. Udom, Leap Bo, who had started the game well was replaced with Suhana and Mao Mol was subbed for my young pacy right winger Tuy Oudoum, with Veasna swapping sides to the left. This added pace and potency in our attack. Just when it looked like being another one of those days, in the 69th minute came the breakthrough. Sub Tuy Oudoum received a lovely slide rule pass from Ouch Udom on the side of the penalty area. His shot hit the post and rebounded to Keo Udom who couldn’t miss. 1-0.
Tiger rallied and had one great chance one on one on the break but the shot hit the top of the crossbar. Daravon and new signing Saren were immense in the heart of the defence, while the full backs battled hard. Other than that they did not look a great side and we deserved the three points. Well played boys!
An indifferent start to season 3 from EDC, but can they rally and start to mount a serious title challenge? Find out next time on The Ultimate World Football Manager Game!