ChaosClive

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou March 2044 It was as if the clock had rewound 10 years, as Geroskipou lost 4/6 games in March. APOEL witheld a late onslaught to win 2-1. Then in the cup, a Nuti double saw Alki defeated 2-0, before a full strength side narrowly lost 2-1 (3-1) to Real Madrid in the Champions League. A 3rd string side then lost 2-0 against Alki and the ensuing shootout to put an end to the cup dominance. 4 days later, Alki were dispatched 3-0 in the league before a return to rotten form came in the shape of a 2-1 defeat against Omonoia. Table 5 Games to go with a 14 point lead, according to Clive's maths, one point would be enough for another title. Fixtures

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou 2044 Youth Intake For the first time in a while, Clive decided to sign multiple players from the youth squad in the hope that they would be useful to his squad or another squad in the First Division in the future. Tuttle-Horncastle Y44 Vasileiou Y44 Efastathiou Y44 Martidis Y44 Dimitriou Y44 Kyriakou Y44

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou February 2044 Just before the Madrid game, Mulligan twisted his ankle, meaning that Sundstrom would have to deputise for both legs. A San Roman winner was all that seperated Geroskipou and Apol. Limassol in the 22nd game of the season. A 1-0 loss to Madrid in the Champions League was followed by further tight wins against Omonoia and Apol. Limassol (Again). How his side didn't come away with a win was beyond Clive. Poor finishing would be the obvious culprit though, as Geroskipou out xG'd Madrid 2.51-1.48. Table With a 13 point lead and only 8 games left, only a fool, or Arsenal, could bottle this lead. Fixtures A massive March lay in store for Geroskipou. APOEL away, followed by Alki in the cup, before a trip to the Bernabeu. Then Alki in the cup 3 days later, before Alki in the league and Omonoia, all in the space of 3 weeks.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou January 2044 Clive reached the 4 figure milestone during the month against Ypsonas, in a game his side won 2-1 thanks to goals from Raimundo and Priso. The rest of the month was yet another clean sweep on wins, San Roman scored a brace on debut to help beat Alki in a 2-1 win. In the second leg of the cup, a rotated side won 2-1 on the road to send Geroskipou through to another semi final. San Roman scored another brace against AEK Larnakas, before Raimundo scored 4, including 3 penatlies in a 5-0 win against APOEL, before the month rounded out with an impressive 3-1 win against Anorthosi. Clive had never seen a ruling like this before! A straight red was a harsh call on the field, and the FA rescinded the ban. If anyone has seen one of my previous threads, I thought it would be funny to see how Mongolian Dream could shape up against Geroskipou, but they were 'too far away'. Table A much healthier 11 point lead at the top, with 11 games left. Fixtures The big one was coming up, Real Madrid were visiting Cyprus for the first time in nearly 30 years (APOEL in CL GS 17/18).

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou January 2044 Transfer Window There were only a few deals, but they were significant. In San Roman was the one in, although this was agreed at the start of the season. Clive struggled to get this deal over the line, with Chivas demanding an initial £16m, with a few £m in add ons, but ultimately, he thought is was worth the gamble. Not only was it a club record transfer, but also a league record transfer. San Roman also demanded a massive contract, making him highest paid player at the club. Out 2 players on the way out, Bielan refused to renew his deal, and instead chose to move to China for a massive wage increase. Susa also refused a new deal, so Ajax came in. As he was not a regular starter, Clive managed to negotiate a £1m fee.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou December 2043 Almost another clean sweep of wins in December, the only loss was an undeserved loss against Nea Salamina in the league. 2 3-0 wins in the cup against Ypsonas saw Geroskipou progress to the quarter final, where Nea Salamina were beaten 4-0 in the first leg, which made up for the defeat in the league 4 days prior. In the league, an 8-0 win over Achna, and consecutive 4-1 wins over Omonoia and Aris Limassol saw Geroskipou end the month with a +47 goal difference at the halfway stage of the season. In the Champions League, Basel were beaten 2-0 to secure a R16 berth for the Cypriot club. Arroyo was looking to leave to join the MLS. Given the fact that he still had a few seasons left on his contract, Clive rejected the offer knowing that he would be able to hold out on any unhappiness. Tables The gap at the top had been cut to 5 points. Real Madrid would be one of the tougher challenges in Clive's managerial careers. Fixtures Alki and APOEL would be the toughest challenges in the league, but with no congestion, Clive would be able to play full strength sides for all games.

Just on the topic of your tactic, there would be a few tweaks that I would make. Our play styles might be slightly different though, so if you do not take these up fair enough. Instructions: - Take off expressive play. I doubt the players in your team have the vision, technique or passing ability to play this way. If a player has high attributes (Advanced playmaker) you can set a personalised instruction to take more risks on the ball. This instruction may also not play well with the hold shape instruction you also have on. - Take off hold shape. If your side is going to be playing to avoid relegation, a counter attacking system is best, as opposition sides are more likely to throw men forward to attack. The presets give a good idea of how to set up instructions that wont clash with each other. Even if you start with a preset and slightly tinker with it, I think it will bring you more success. Formation/Roles: I tend to play with a basic 4-4-2, with 1 MC being more defensively minded and another being either a playmaker or attacking midfielder. The two strikers come in handy when playing counter attacking, as you can have a combination like TF/AF, TF/P, PF/AF ect. This is just personal preference though. - DC - CD (D) - This is just a personal preference to keep them in a line and not allow doglegs to let opposition players into any spaces. - FBs - FB (D/S) - Again, a personal preference. - PF - The problem with having a PF on Defend is that they will not give you an out and out goalscoring threat, and with no other player in the forward position, you might be stuck without this. If you are going to stick with AMR/AML, try and put a TF (A) who can beat players in the air. Like @danyates8 and @_Ben_ have mentioned, not trying to dogpile on you, but trying to help you get some more fun and success in the game. Let me know if there are any questions or if you disagree with anything. Good luck.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou November 2043 The home game against Inter sent Geroskipou crashing back down to earth, as they went back to Italy with all 3 points. A tired side then drew against APOEL, before the international break. After the break, form in the league improved, with a 2-0 win against Anorthosi and 5-1 win against Othellos. But a trip to the yellow wall was fruitless, as Dortmund won 3-1. In Clive's goal of bringing in some more scouting knowledge, Shamrock Rovers were chosen as a new affiliate club. Tables Geroskipou were now unbeaten in the league in 12, and sitting top of the table. The losses in the Champions League however meant that qualification from the group stage were hanging on by a thread. Fixtures The re-arranged cup tie was to come in December, and the win and in game against Basel in the Champions League.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou October 2043 The first perfect month in a while (and maybe ever). 6 wins from 6, with no goals conceded. The 3-0 win against Nea Salamina at the start of the month was the hardest league game, but the real shock came in the Champions League, as Geroskipou comfortably beat Inter 2-0 at the San Siro. Tables Geroskipou were back on top of the league, with a healthy lead at the early stage of the season. Geroskipou were now also top of the CL group, and only a massive turn in fortune could now stop them going through to the R16. Fixtures The return legs of Inter and Dortmund in the Champions League were priorities, mainly for prize money though, and a rotated side could be played over the course of the month, with Ypsonas, Anorthosi and Othellos all also coming in November.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou September 2043 7 second half goals started the season off with a massive win against Othellos. This was followed up with a suprise 3-0 win against Dortmund. A tight win against Omonoia was followed up with another win against Aris Limassol. A rotated side drew with Alki before a Bielan double helped Geroskipou grab their 2nd win in the Champions League against Basel. Tables Geroskipou sit 1 point behind Alki with a game in hand. And second in the CL group, but with 6 points from 6. Fixtures

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou 2043/44 Pre-Season The usual battering of lower rated sides in Cyprus was complete, with a 3-2 win against Real Sociedad added before a convincing 3-0 win in the Super Cup. In the Champions League qualifer, Shakhtar were beaten 9-2 on aggregate to give Geroskipou their 5th straight group stage spot. Inter and Dortmund were massive favourites to qualify from the group, with Clive only really seeing Basel as a side that his side could grab points off of. Odds Clive was at a loss for words when he saw Alki were once again favourites to win the league. Fixtures A tough first month, with Dortmund and Omonoia being so close together, and also Alki and Basel at the end of the month.

Great save, excited for the return of Tullibody.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou 2043/44 Summer Transfer Window Out Some small profits came into the club over the summer window. Notably Al-Ashkar leaving for £825k, Michaelsen for £4.9m. The biggest profita came from the sale of Toth back to Slovan Bratislava for £3.5m, to give nearly a £3m profit, and Rodriguez moving to Schalke for a £6m profit. In There were 8 players bought into the club. Sabatier - A French youth international, in on a Bosman from Montpellier. Ramirez - Another Bosman, a Spanish youth international to compete for DL. Nuti - An exciting Italian prospect in for an initial £5.5m from Livorno. Araneda - A DC that would be in the first team from day 1, and already a starter for Chile. Vargas - A panic loan as deep cover on the left wing. Radojicic - A third Bosman signing, who has potential to become a starter on the right wing. Rao - A massive £8.75m signing to be a replacement for Rodriquez. Vos - A DC for the future, an Austrian U20 international at only 16.

I think locking the thread, yes. But closing it, no, it should be kept almost like a museum artifact 'The average FM player'.

Maybe he took it into his dm's with someone? Either way, completely lost his head over a video game.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou 2042/43 Season Review After the U19's CL run, it came as no shock that they also won the U19 league, although it was only by a point, although the goal difference was double APOEL U19. Rankings The First Division was now 14th in Europe. Whereas Geroskipou were on the rise, shooting up to the 26th in the rankings. Thanks to the other Cypriot side's ineptitude, Cyprus were not even being given a playoff spot in the CL. In some suprising news for the scouting department, former Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas had joined the club in the off-season. Clive was hoping his knowledge of the British Virgin Islands would bring a flurry of prospects from the island to the club. Finances £4.3m came in from the CL TV deal. Along with just over £6m from the co-efficient tables. There was also big news regarding club debts. The board announced plans to clear off the majority of the debt, meaning only £115,000p/m was now payable. Clive's Cuttings Goals were spread well through the team, with Priso, Diaz, Szabo and Mulligan grabbing the line share. Mulligan very nearly overtook Leiva for a single season record for assists with 23, although there were no changes in terms of all time records. With the new stadium, there was a massive uptick in attendances, as Geroskipou nearly averaged full sell outs for the majority of games.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou May 2043 The final month of the season showed a sea of green. A 3-0 win against Omonoia was enough to win the title, as APOEL and Alki played out a 0-0 draw in their game. A week later, APOEL's frustration was doubled, as the league winners beat them down 5-3. The following week, a similar beatdown occured in the Cypriot Cup final. A Priso hattrick and a close range header from Bohorquez helped Geroskipou win another final 3-1. A rotated side beat Alki 1-0 in the final, meaningless game of the season. Final Table In the end, Geroskipou won the league by a massive 12 points, as APOEL drew their final match of the season.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou April 2043 With only 5 games to go, the title race almost looked over, but Geroskipou still had to play APOEL twice, meaning any further slip ups could see the tides turn completely. In the first meeting between Geroskipou and APOEL, it was advantage APOEL, as they were the first team domestically to outplay Geroskipou all season, and came away with a 4-2 win. After a friendly against Pafos, Clive's team righted the ship, with a convincing 3-0 win away against Nea Salamina. Youth Intake There were 3 players signed up from the youth academy, with the hope of them growing into decent prospects. News With the new look bolstered U19 team also playing in the Champions League, Clive was excited to see how they would fare against Europe's elite. It took a shootout to knock them out in the semi final, despite playing Club Brugge, a side that had won the competition a few seasons prior. Table 3 games to go, and 5 points clear. It was still not decided, but a win against APOEL should be enough to wrap up another league win. Fixtures Omonoia was always a challenge, before a double header against Omonoia in the league and then cup final, before an away trip to Alki to round out the season.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou March 2043 2 wins from 3 in the league was enough to see Geroskipou qualify for next season's Champions League. A 6-1 aggregate win against AEK Larnakas saw them through to their 6th final in 7 seasons. The Champions League result looked a lot worse than the performance on the night. It was always going to be a difficult task to go to Turin and win, especially as Juve had 3 away goals. The consilation prize was the heaps of cash given to the club from UEFA. That money went straight back into the new budgets. £450,000 p/w in wages and a £26m transfer budget! Amazing things were starting to happen. Table 5 games to, 8 points clear. If Geroskipou lost this from here, Clive publicly said he would resign as manager. Fixtures The title could be won as GSP against APOEL, failing that, Nea Salamina if results go Geroskipou's way.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou February 2043 3 wins from 3 in the league was pleasing, although the draw against Juventus was most pleasing. Clive thought that Diaz had won the game for Geroskipou in the 83rd minute, but then a last minute goal from Juventus broke Cypriot hearts. It was now all to play for in the second leg. News £800,000 for one game was such a far cry from only being selling out a 3,827 seater stadium, although it was only 6 seasons ago, Transfers On deadline day, Clive thought that the contract rejection from Halavac would deter sides from bidding. This of course did not happen, as Hertha Berlin came in to match his clause. This time, Halavac did not reject the contract though. Todorovic was bought in during Clive's panic. He realised that he paid too much for a centre half that was only 5'9. Table With 8 games left, Geroskipou were 7 points clear of APOEL, with the title race now firmly only a two horse race once again. Fixtures A busy month lay in store, with 2 games a week for the first 3 weeks. Luckily, the semi final of the cup was against relegation threatened AEK Larnakas, so Clive could afford to play a rotated side in preperation for the big game against Juventus.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou January 2043 After a 2-1 win against Alki and a 2-0 win against Apol. Limassol, Priso was called up for AFCON. Clive bought in Szabo as backup, and it paid off immediately. He scored the only 2 goals in the win against Nea Salamina, a goal in the 3-3 draw in the cup second leg, which helped take Geroskipou to the SF, 4 in a 5-1 win against Othellos, and 2 in the league win against Apol. Limassol for a total of 9 goals in his first 4 games for the club. The final game of the month, the first sellout crowd of the new stadium saw APOEL beaten 3-1, with Priso coming off the bench and securing the win. Transfers In The Brazilian player had finally joined, 3 years after the inital contract was signed. Raimundo looked like he could replace either Halavac or Karagiannis within the next few seasons depending on his development. As there was no backup good enough for Priso, who had been called up to AFCON, Clive had to make a last minute signing. Szabo was bought in to be his long term replacement/hot prospect. Out A few days before deadline day, Celta Vigo came in for Halavac, matching his release clause. Naturally, Clive thought that this would be the end of his Geroskipou stay, but out of nowhere, he rejected the contract. Table The perfect month allowed Geroskipou to leapfrog APOEL to the summit of the table. Fixtures Just one game in the league pre-split, and the home leg of the Juventus tie.

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou December 2042 A shock 3-1 loss against Othellos, in a game where Geroskipou hit the post twice almost sent them out at the first hurdle, but the first leg performance was enough to see them through. It was back to the regular programming resuming in a 4-0 win against AEK Larnakas. In the do or die match against Monaco, a firecracker was shot up the team's rear end, and they won 4-0 to see them through to the Round of 16 in the Champions League. The big wins kept coming in the league, with Aris Limassol and AEL were both beaten 5-0. The final game of the month was another loss where Geroskipou dominated, but the opposition keeper had a blinder. May seem like a stupid question, but how is this not offside? Selected match stats Juventus in the R16 would be a tough ask. News Linares was now over his temper tantrum, but there was still a bitter taste in Clive's mouth. Clive was checking in on the Brazilian youngster coming in over the next transfer window, and it looked like the gamble had paid off, as the media were dubbing him the next Kaka. And to nobody's shock, Priso won the African footballer of the year. Tables Omonoia had slipped off the running slightly, although APOEL were still top by a point. Fixtures

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou November 2042 November was a month of ups and downs. A good win against Apol. Limassol was followed by a suprise 1-1 draw against Chelsea. APOEL then came and ruined the fun, outplaying Geroskipou and winning 2-0. Then a rotated side beat Othellos 5-2 in the cup, and a 3-0 win against Anorthosi followed. It took an 88th minute goal from Priso to earn a point in the CL against Red Star, with Lukic allowing both shots on target in, on what should have been a night that clinched Geroskipou qualification into the R16. Geroskipou took this frustration out on Ermis Aradippou, winning 4-1, but with an xG of 6.45 and it would have been more, but they struck the woodwork 3 times during the match. News The stadium expansion was completed, with a new capacity of 26,971. Tables The 3 big sides were still all within a point of each other at the 12 game mark. The draw against Red Star would have been enough to see Geroskipou through the group. The game against Monaco was now a win and in. Fixtures The hardest league game in December would be Omonoia in an early 6 pointer. Monaco was the main game though, a win or draw would see Geroskipou progress to their first ever CL R16.

How are the debts looking? How long until you pay at least one off to bring the monthly payments down?

Clive English - Back to the motherland - APOP Geroskipou October 2042 An important 2-1 win against Monaco in the Champions League continued on from September's form before poor finishing cost Geroskipou yet again in the next game, as they lost 1-0 against Alki despite dominating. After a 10-0 friendly win, (in which the centre half pairing scored 7), Nea Salamina were beaten 3-0 thanks to a Mulligan brace. The miracle of the previous season did not happen again against Chelsea as they ran out 2-1 winners at Stamford Bridge, before wins against Othellos and Ermis Aradippou finished October on a positive note. Tables It was tight at the top, with Geroskipou, Omonoia and APOEL all within a point of each other. Chelsea were now top of the CL group, although thanks to Red Star holding Monaco to a draw, Geroskipou were still in a qualification place. Fixtures Yet another heavily congested month lay ahead, the pick of the games being the two Champions League fixtures (Chelsea (H) and Red Star (A)), and APOEL at GSP in the league.