BustaRaymes

FC Vaajakoski 2041 Finnish Premier League Missing out on European football while finishing 4th is harsh. It had all to do with our full schedule. These final fixtures are in october, right along with European games, and our squad is not large enough to keep getting the results we need. Also, the final games were played during international games, which made our squad look like this at one point: Horrible. Europa League A good showing here. I gave up the Lyon game to rest our starting 11 for the league playoffs and the rest were just great. With only games against AS Roma and Leverkusen left we're pretty solid in the ranking. Squad We're really growing and we have the players to show for it. We lack good fullbacks and are very short in midfield, but the first 11 are more than decent at the moment. Kähkönen is turning into a very good goalkeeper. Still only 20, I'm surprised the bigger clubs aren't sniffing around him yet. Tuovinen came in as a fullback but is excelling at centre-back. He might well be one of those players that is really good for us, but not good enough to be approached by big clubs. Koski, Nyholm and Kuusela are our machine room. They fit together very well and have good footballing abilities. I'd like Finland regular Koski to have a bigger part in our build-up play, but that hasn't been working very well yet. Nyholm is the playmaking dynamo, Kuusela is the talented one who's being followed by Juve, AC Milan and (of course) Napoli. But he's staying here, mainly as we don't have a replacement at all. Nykänen had a stellar season with 15/17 G/A and developed into a key player, while Byman made his Finland debut. Earlier than expected, but guess where we popped up: Maggi left between this screenshot and the season ending, but having 2 on here is a good sign! Transfers As said, Maggi was sold. I didn't want to but the board was starting to intervene and in the end I couldn't resist getting out of financial trouble instantly. Upgrades incoming! Youth intake We do need those upgrades as we hit our ceiling when it comes to youth intakes. Kosonen looks very nice, although in our best filled position, and I can maybe see Virtanen make it as we lack players in midfield.

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FC Vaajakoski 2040 Finnish Premier Division Another season of improvement. We're not on par with the likes of HJK and Honka yet, but we can at least put up a fight against them. But wait, what is that 'UEL' doing there? We won the cup! Our first silverware at the highest level, after a championship and two First Div League Cups. Squad The 4-2-2-2 experiment was over as we were way too unstable. We turned Lehtonen into a backup AML, Miftari and Rinne played as midfielders regularly, and we got through the season in our old, albeit a little more conservative, formation. Maggi is turning into our new big man. He develops so rapidly and is already asking for a move, but he's on a long contract and I'm keeping him here for at least 2 more years. Nyholm is already an established player who surprisingly received little to no interest from other clubs. Nykänen flew under the radar when he was a youth player but has a firm spot in the starting team. Good dribbler, good crosser, and a decent scorer as well. The striker spot was claimed by Byman. 1 goal last season, 18 goals this season: he grew into a nice allround striker. Lehtonen provided an excellent backup. Whether on top, as IF or as a targetman when we needed a goal; he delivered perfectly. Transfers Youth intake Another uninteresting one. Rantanen looks decent but needs time, and Naukkarinen looks pretty good but has a bad personality.

Oh man not again. Nice expectations as well man! Board wants you to play 5th gear press AND defensive, supporters want attacking, counter-attacking and entertaining. I mean it's like they want to have something to moan about.

FC Vaajakoski 2039 Finnish Premier Division A slight improvement bus not as good as we hoped. We were mediocre all season and got in a slump towards the end. The home loss against KuPS in the playoffs says it all. Squad We were kind of forced to change formation. There is not enough quantity in midfield, but we do have good wingers and about 4 or 5 good but interchangeable strikers. None of them is a natural goalscorer so we went with a hard working one and a pacey one in the end. We were struggling a lot converting chances. The best should be Byman and he scored a total of 1 goal this season. Kähkönen continued his development into the next season, growing his rating and attributes nicely. Heinonen is the experienced rock at the back, but others are coming for his spot. Not sure what to so with this as he never lets us down. Nyholm burst into the team and seems to be the next big thing to look outside of Finland. He's tied down though and I plan to keep him for a while. Nykänen was not really on my radar but we needed him and he delivered. Nice fast winger. Transfers We needed to put in a lot of players, as Napoli just kept coming for us. Filankembo and Granholm followed Lähderinne, with us getting 50& on a next sale. Youth intake Again with the strikers! Malm and Nordlund both look talented, curious to see how they'll turn out to be. Korhonen has some potential I think, but he's a boring type of right back.

FC Vaajakoski 2038 Finnish Premier League Europe: Not as good as last year, but we learned a lot. The European games are bang in the middle of an already pretty congested part of the season when you're still in the cup. In the end it cost us dearly, dropping way too many points in the league and crashing out against a beatable Istra. The money was welcome though. Squad A good first season for Kähkönen. This guy is going to be our goalkeeper for the forseeable future and is developing nicely. Mattila is tunring into a nice player of which I'm not sure if we need him at DM or CB. I think the former one. One of our newer stars is Koski. He came in as a 3rd option at DM but has been developing quickly and got himself a starting spot. Kokkonen is another one to watch for the next years, coming off the bench a lot as IW on the left. Lähderinne had a class season and is going to leave for Napoli, who are loving us as they popped up following multiple players. Transfers Ahonen and Ojanperä left for good money and a big sell-on, they are the first group that left hoping for a cash influx so we can take the next step. Youth intake A slight let-down this season. I'm not complaining though, we've had so many good players come through that our HOYD has built up some credits. Maggi is very welcome as we could use a left back. Nizeyimana has the style I like from a GK, I'm curious to see if and how he develops.

FC Vaajakoski 2037 Finnish Premier League A great leap forward as we qualify for our first European adventure! Going pro was a major factor. We already had the talent, just not the training time. A few players have burst into the squad and went from interesting talents into full on star players within a season. Squad We started the season with Salmela in goal but he wasn't ready for that at all. Uusitalo came back into the squad doing really well and keeping his place for the rest of the season. We have defensive stars in Ojanperä and Ahonen, both being watched from the Serie A. In midfield, Granholm is starting to pull the strings as a playmaker and Filankembo keeps bombarding his opponents with his runs. Up front we have a (luxury) problem: Lähderinne is the better striker but Nikkanen scores whenever he's in the team. Transfers We actually received some money this year. Laitinen, Syrjä and Halonen left after years of good service. Youth intake Lehtonen seems to be the next great thing up front for us, with Lyyski a close second. Kähkonen is the goalkeeper we've been waiting for. Kuusela is going to be a very useful playmaker and Tuovinen is more of a centre back, so we'll retrain him to that.

Nice one man, and pretty quick as well! Congrats!

FC Vaajakoski 2036 Finnish Premier League We started off with 15 points out of the first 10 games, nicely running along 4th place and things looking good. Then, all of a sudden, things turned to sh*t. We were not being outplayed a lot, we just stopped scoring and wingers kept dropping out of form. We qualified for the playoffs by one goal and stayed up because we played a jaded EIF. We need to change some stuff around and most of all: a new playing style. With so many good wingers and 3 or 4 good strikers, we have to look for ways to make room for our most talented players. Squad We are getting a little top-heavy. While Miftari and Syrjä have been staples of the squad for years and are good enough for this level, they are going to be surpassed by Filankembo and Kokkonen soon. Ahonen had a decent first year. He's not too special going forward but if we have to build a new tactic, we can surely work with what he does have. Kuittinen kept doing what he does, even in the PL he scored double figures. Tiihonen debuted this year as the starting striker and did well. We're going to make some changes in the squad en freshen it up a bit. We have multiple players coming back from loans, ready to play. We'll probably have to say goodbye to mainstays Uusitalo, Halonen, Haarala, Syrjä or Miftari and Laitinen. When put together, there's a clear difference in quality: Out: Transfers Nikkanen, Mattila and Byman are returning for a spot in the squad. Youth intake There's the DM I was promised! Sundberg looks decent already and will feature next season. Koski's Professional personality makes him a good 2nd choice. I had hoped for a higher CA GK, but we'll have to make do. We can't keep Uusitalo in goal so Salmela gets the spot for now, hoping he'll improve quickly.

I've been crying about a goalkeeper and a DMC for seasons now <3

FC Vaajakoski 2035 Finnish First Division F*ING FINALLY We're up. It took us 12 years but we're going to play the big boys now. We were top early on and never really gave up. SalPa was keeping pace, but our final games were easier so we could build a gap they couldn't close in the promotion group. We went professional as well, although we're deep in debt. I managed to tie up our better and more talented players, but we're way over budget. Squad I'm sure we won't be the punching bag we're predicted to be. The squad is good, talented and large enough to keep out of trouble. The lack of a player at DMC worries a bit, but we should be ok. Rautiainen was our best defender again. It was time for him to make the step up. Syrjä had a great season as a winger. It's a real battle on the wings for playing time and we're well equipped there. Special attention for Bleart Rama this season. He was never very talented and has always been on the fringes, but he was really important this season with quite a few goals. Laitinen started the season as a backup and came in the squad about halway through. He found his shooting boots again, great to have him 'back' Transfers Halme lost his place and left. Nothing much happened next to that. Youth intake Another great intake. Kokkonen and Granholm are going straight into the squad with a good chance of quite a few minutes. Mattila is kind of a weird player for a DC, might retrain him as a DMC as we need someone there soon. Lähderinne looks very nice as well.

FC Vaajakoski 2034 Finnish First Division Another good display, we're definitely on the right track. It's been long overdue but we have the squad, the talent and the right ages to go up and not worry about going straight back down. It just needs to happen. That's not easy as there's alway one team too strong for the rest, and the playoffs are hard to get past. But we are hopeful. Squad Our formation change gave us more stability while also getting more bodies forward when in transition. It's been a puzzle getting to fit them all in and I'd like a midfielder or two extra, but we can move forward with this. Laitinen disappointed us though with just 9 goals. He's been scoring less for a while now so I may look to our U20s for a new starter up front. Uusitalo is a reliable goalkeeper but really not good enough. We haven't pulled someone better yet though. There is one in the U20s who might develop beyond him but I don't have too many hopes. Heinonen is developing pretty good and is our leader at the back. He's not going to extend until we're up though. Another great season for Kuittinen, 13 goals from midfield is outstanding. Rinne is giving Miftari and Syrjä a run for their money on the wings. It's great to have a player to exchange both with when one of them is out of form. Transfers All quiet. Youth intake This is a great pull! I might start Ojanperä, Ahonen is a great addition as we lack a good left-back and Byman could be the one to replace Laitinen. Kosonen is interesting as well. I'm not sure whether to train him in some attributes, or maybe retrain him to play in midfield. I'll probably let him develop a bit on his own and see what he turns into.

FC Vaajakoski 2033 Finnish First Division Another decent season in which we were heading for the playoffs all year long. Too bad it was a short adventure after that. Squad Heinonen had a great first season. I like almost everything about him and can only hope we can hold on to him for a few more seasons. Haarala is developing more and more into a player we can count on. He lacks a bit physically, but his mental stats make up for it. Kuittinen just keeps going. I don't know what makes him so good, but it looks like he has all the right mental and physical attributes to make up for his technicals. Transfers We sold a few who were decent for us, but we have enough options in their positions. For Kallio and Paukku I'm gambling on a future sale. Youth intake A nice set of players, although most are not ready for a spot in the squad. And again, no goalkeeper. Tiihonen, Sulejmani and Kontkanen are my picks out of the group.

Oh man that Man Utd game. You know it's going to happen but still it hurts when it does. Heading the right way now though, nice story!

Looks fine with me! For me personally, I mostly like to follow along the story. See a few players, a tactic, a table, but I don't need every detail. For my own posts I try to minimize text for instance, put in a couple of screenshots and on to the next. To each their own of course, in the end I like all kinds of updates.

FC Vaajakoski 2032 Finnish FIrst Division We came pretty close to promotion this season, but it wasn't to be. Every season there are 2 or 3 really strong teams against which we need to be on our absolute best to beat, expecially away. We did however have a party this season: We won the yearly pre-season First Division Cup! Squad A strong season in particular for our midfield. Rautiainen keeps developing as a very solid fullback. Although I don't really give him a lot of attacking freedom, he does pop up around the box now and then. Syrjä just keeps providing assists every year and this was no exception. I'm still amazed that Kuittinen is our star player. He wasn't much to look at only 3 years ago, but now he's the man who can do it all. Mentals + physicals mean so much at a lower level. Transfers A quiet year for us. I did however sack a full squad of youth players. Youth intake We finally had our 3rd investment upgrade and it did pay off in terms of quantity. Heinonen is very good from the start. I would've liked a bit more jumping reach but he has a lot of time to learn. Although we're stacked at RB, I like Korhonen. Decent attacking qualities. Määttä has some good physicals that may help him get a few games in a not too distant future. We really need MC's to fill Björn's boots soon, and I hope Leino can be one of the candidates.

Nice one mate, congrats!

FC Vaajakoski 2031 Finnish First Division There we go! Our first Playoff finish, and we went out after a good performance against underachieving big club Inter Turku. This raises our hopes for a promotion not being too far away. Squad Uusitalo has finally been developing his Handling, which I nearly gave up on happening. He's still one of our weaker points, but at least he's pretty solid in his performances. Rautiainen burst into the squad this season. Although he's often unavailable due to international games, his development has been nothing but spectacular. Another solid season from Syrjä. His consistency in providing chances and goals is invaluable. Laitinen broke the 20 goal mark this year and is starting to lead the line more and more. Although he's close to his PA, our other options are way behind him. Transfers Not seen here as it was late last season: DR Sjöberg left, mainly because of Rautiainens development. Youth intake Another nice intake with another DR and another bad goalkeeper. Vanhala looks great. His personality is not great but the potential is there. I'm considering starting him right away. Kallio seems like a good option as well. Although our right side plays a lot more sober than the left, his technique could be an asset in our build-up. Hagelberg and Shabani look very useful, but need to lose their personality.

Lovely stuff!

FC Vaajakoski 2030 Finnish First Division We were better again this season. I'd like to make the jump to a regular Promotion Group spot in the next few seasons but I've learned not to hope for too much. Squad At the back, Halme is slowly turning into our rock. He rarely plays a bad game and is improving consistently. Kuittinen keeps getting better. He came completely out of left field, I actually thought he wouldn't improve anymore when he was 18 and at reserve team level. Miftari turned out to be great. It didn't take long before he was too good for the U20s. I retrained him as a AML and while he had zero experience in the position, he mastered it within 3 months. He could well be the big one. Transfers Youth intake I don't like the personalities this time. I do like most of the players attributewise. Rinne could well be a great player. He's going straight into the first team, mainly to be in a mentor group to improve his personality. Kallio, Mäki and especially Paukku feel like they could be first team players as well. To my annoyance, I've been getting this message whenever I ask for an increase in youth recruitment: WHAT DO YOU MEAN, ENOUGH YOUTH? There is no such thing. Maybe it's something Finnish.

FC Vaajakoski 2029 Finnish First Division A bas, BAD season. We played ourselves into trouble, probably triggered by my tactic-tinkering, and narrowly avoided relegation. The extra league with weaker opponents really saved our butts here. It does make me see that we may not be developing in the way I thought we were. Looking at the youth players we should be doing better every season, but we don't. Is it the tactic? Are the others just developing with us? Or does the pre-season overview, which is still putting us in relegation spots, just have a point? Squad We did develop though. Our youngsters improved heaps and especially the front three have really settled in well. Experienced fullback Sarkkinen was the pick at the back this year. He was playing in a more advanced role and his 9 assists show that. We do need some youth in midfield though. Björn still being our leading man can't be the master plan here. Max Syrjä was the big man this year, contributing 18 goals to the cause. Transfers Youth intake Look at all those Fairly Professionals <3 The top three are all good prospects. Rautiainen is a great fullback already, Haarala and Haapala have stuff to learn but could be in the team soon. Saarela is the first goalie we got in years, I'm curious if he can develop beyond Uusitalo's level. We do need him to.

I've been lagging behind on my updates, so here goes: FC Vaajakoski 2028 Finnish First Division Again no real trouble here, as we keep developing our younger players. Squad Sjöberg had a good season and is developing well. His attacking qualities make him very useful compared to Rönkä. In midfield, Björn is still our key man. Whether playing as a playmaker or as a BBM, his versatility really is an asset. Kuittinen has made a huge leap this year. He was not really a huge talent, but during his loan spells he developed well. This year he exploded, even making it to top scorer. Liimatainen remains an enigma. He's really not that good but he's pacy and unpredictable. He popped up hugely when needed this season, scoring 11 in 14 starts and 7 subs. Transfers Nuija, Suihkonen and Salmo are no longer needed with the youth we have now. Youth intake Another decent set of players and even some good personalities to go with them. I like Fdaouch, Miftari and Siren. Mäenpää has all the skills I like, but we need to get that Unambitious off of him.

Lovely save so far XaW, congrats and keep it up!

FC Vaajakoski 2027 Finnish First Division Another season without too much stress. Youth players are developing slow but steady and we can let go of some of the older players now. We got to the promotion group but are still a ways off mounting a serious challenge. Squad Uusitalo had a decent season in goal, however I'm a bit concerned about his lack of development. Sjöberg is doing great, a very solid season for a 16 year old. He might well be one of our more talented players. Hugo Halonen is one of the OG players, was young when the save started and is very reliable. Can't see him losing his spot soon. Laitinen missed out on a good part of the season due to injury, but our star striker still managed top goalscorer. Also a small spotlight on Liimatainen. He's never been a starter but he always delivers when called upon. Transfers Loaning players seems to trump playing them in the U20s development-wise, so more went out this season. Syrjä and Kuittinen return for a spot in the first team. Youth intake Another decent batch of players. A bit too many Unambitious ones for my liking though. Patronen looks decent, I just hope he develops a bit as we have a lot of left wingers. Mäkelä is my pick for this season. Tall and strong, he could well get a starting spot in a season or two. Gustafsson has the same issue as Patronen. Looks good, Unambitious and in for a fight in his position. Eskelinen has some good allround defending attributes. Hope we can mentor that personality off him. I already love Heikkinen. A tower of a man with the pace and turning speed of a school bus on square wheels, just waiting to be developed.

FC Vaajakoski 2026 Finnish First Division Another season of hanging around midtable. We're mainly developing our youngsters now, as we're too good to get in trouble and not good enough to challenge. But we're absolutely going to get there. Squad At the back, Suihkonen was our best man. He's a bit weird as he's not very good technically or even physically, but his mentals make him one of our best rated defenders. But in my book he's one of the first to be replaced, as we're not going to get much further with him in the coming years. Great backup for all positions at the back though. Björn was our midfield man again. As a BBM or attacking CM he puts a lot of energy in our attacking play. Saboor Salim finally played most of the season injury free and got a nice 7+ rating out of it. He as well looks decent but is very much replaceable in the near future. Laitinen, our man leading the line for the coming years, had a good first season. 14 goals as a 16/17 yo is a great start. Transfers Pacey backup Voutilainen was on a non-contract, JIPPO needs him more than we do. Youth intake Hello my boys! Too bad a few of them are unambitious, but still a nice pull this year. I don't really have an opinion on Suomalainen yet. I'm just going to leave him in the U20s and see what he develops into. I like Saastamoinen, as we were lacking fullbacks with attacking potential. It's not much technically, but his pace gives us options. Karvinen looks good but we don't play with an AMC at the moment and he lacks the physicals to be an MC in our current style. If he develops well, we could create a spot for him. Halme is the kind of tall defender I like. We lack this type of player at the moment. Sjöberg is already great. Good physicals, good technique and 8 crossing for a 15 year old at this level? Sign me up, and sign him up for a starting spot. Roope Riihimäki has a great name for a striker and he has all the potential to make it. Might even be our first backup already.