A Craven Tale - Level 17 to UCL

[TheAwesomeAtom]

Part I: The Beginning
[Heavily rewritten due to save file corruption forcing a restart]

3 July 2023 - Thursday

Dear Diary, I'm John Craven. For all of my nineteen years, I've lived in the district of Yorkshire that shares my name my whole life, as has my dad, and my granddad, and so on. And for all of those nineteen years, there has been nothing I've loved more than football. That's why with nothing but a suit, a dream, and a head full of numbers, I've decided to try to get into football coaching. I put some applications in at the four teams in the Craven & District League Division Three that are hiring, and given that these are amateur teams on the seventeenth rung of the English Football Pyramid, I figured I've got a shot.



11 July 2023 - Tuesday
I had an interview at Kelbrook Phoenix FC, a small club based in (as one could guess) Kelbrook, a village in West Craven, on the A56. The chairman, Paul Muldoon, really seemed to like to me, which is a good sign.



14 July 2023 - Friday
The most wonderful thing has just happened. The chairman called me and told me that in their hunt for a manager, every single candidate had been vetoed by some member of the board. He brought up my name, and I ended up being the compromise. That's right, I've been offered a job as a MANAGER! Sure, the condition was that I work for free, don't change any of the staff, and that I have to bring the team to a top-two finish, but I don't mind, I get to be a manager!

I came to Slough Park, Kelbrook Phoenix FC's somewhat run-down grounds, and met with the general manager Henry Ansah and my assistant manager, Jorge Hibbert. They filled me in on the squad and the supporters. I asked them why neither of them were the manager, and they told me that they were too busy with their day jobs (Henry is an accountant and Jorge's a realtor). Fair enough. I met up with the squad, and they were skeptical at first, but if there is one thing I'm good at it, it's talking.

Based on Hibbert's advice, I drew up a basic 4-2-3-1 fluid counter-attacking tactic. The squad didn't suit the tactic well in the midfield, but I couldn't make a single tactic without a hole somewhere. It'll be fine, I hope. I named Remy McQuade, a defender, as captain. He's a builder by trade, and a hard worker. I'd better acclimated fast, as we've got a friendly tomorrow against Kader, a much larger (but still amateur) team in the North Riding League Premier Division, on the 11th level of the football pyramid.

 

[TheAwesomeAtom]

Part II: First Friendly

15 July 2023 - Saturday
Ahead of my first friendly, I had my first press conference. Well, I say press conference, but there was only one local BBC Radio intern. He seemed to like me, though. It's a win in my book. Anyway, the real important event of the day was the friendly.

It was a home game, attended by twenty people, including the five members of the Kelbrook Ultras. I walked into the locker room and told the players to show me what they're made of, and they were off. Despite the size difference between us, the commentators predicted a draw, due to the very high quality of our keeper, Leon Upton. We managed to seize the initiative early on, with the first goal being scored by right attacking midfielder, David Fox, in the 13th minute. Despite losing the possession game (with Kader managing to hold the ball for more than 60% of the first half), we were able to get more shots off due to an emphasis on set pieces. This led to a second goal for Kelbrook, this time by center attacking midfielder Elliot Ward, in the 39th minute. I praised the team in the locker room at halftime, and then went into the second half confident. After a foul, however, Kader got a penalty kick. Luckily, Leon Upton was able to deflect the shot, keeping the score 2-0. Nothing much else happens in the second half, and we coasted to victory!

 

[TheAwesomeAtom]

Part III: Pre-Season

18 July 2023 - Tuesday
Today, we've got our second friendly of the pre-season (that I'm here for). This time, it's against Knaresborough Celtic, in the York League Division Three, on the 11th level of the football pyramid. Another club much larger than ours, but after our last game, I'm hopeful. I'm particularly hopefully about our attacking midfielders, who were the stars of the show against Kader. It was another home game, with 18 people showing up. When game time rolled around, I sent out the same squad as last time (although with a bit more pep in their step this time). We managed to get some good shots off early on, but David Fox (AMR) twisted his knee and had to be substituted out in favor of the less competent Aaron Boylan. Shortly after, Knaresborough was able to get a very lucky (0.06 xG) long shot into the goal, the first concession of my tenure. This was then followed, at the end of first half added time, by an even luckier (0.03 xG) second goal for Knaresborough. At halftime, we had the higher xG and possession, and yet we were down 0-2. Shortly after halftime, Knaresborough got a third goal. I fired up the team, and they managed to seize momentum, working the ball into the box, where an opposing player fouled, leading to us getting a penalty kick in the 66th minute. Left defender James McMenamin stepped up, and put it straight into the net. At 1-3, we still were almost certain to lose, but at least total humiliation was off the table. Nothing much happened for the rest of the game. We really should have won that won based on xG, possession, and momentum, but Lady Luck simply wasn't with us. C'est la vie, I suppose.

19 July 2023 - Wednesday
I met with the recruitment staff today, and General Manager Henry Ansah informed me that he'd be working to strengthen the defense and recruit a backup keeper. That seems sensible to me.


20 July 2023 - Thursday
Henry Ansah told me he's trying to sign a 21-year-old attacking right midfielder by the name of Kyle Roden, who Ansah says is the son of a family friend and supposedly "very good," although I know nothing about him. He also told me about a right-defender he found named Daniel Bannister, and based on the data he showed me, I offered him a spot on the team.


26 July 2023 - Wednesday
We signed Kayle Roden, my first new signing. As promised by Ansah, Roden is very good, and the fans like him. He's on the first team as our new default right winger, and he is easily the best man we've got in the midfield. Meanwhile, Ansah has decided to go for a Sam Samson (I couldn't believe the name either) for a backup keeper, and a Anton Espersen for a new central defender.


29 July 2023 - Saturday
Bannister didn't want to join us, but that's fine. The big item for today was the final friendly of the pre-season, against Timperley Villa, part of the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur League Division B, on the 19th level of the football pyramid. That's a few levels below us (level 17), so I felt that we should win this one. The commentators, however, predicted a draw.

We seized the momentum early on, and while the ball was in the opposing penalty box, a foul led to center-AM Elliot Ward putting a penalty kick into the Timperley net in the 23rd minute. We went into the second half happy, although our inverter winger, Jack Galbraith, had to be subbed off due to a minor injury. We cruised through the rest of the second half, winning 1-0.

Now, we have a five week stretch to train and prepare for the season proper.


1 August 2023 - Tuesday
I got some news on transfers this afternoon from Ansah. Sam Samson ended up going with a different club, but Anton Espersen has decided to sign with us. He'll be useful as a new central defender, and the fans love him! He spent his first night in Kelbrook drinking with the Ultras.


3 August 2023 - Thursday
The preseason report came in, and it seems we are expected to finish third in the nine-member Craven & District League Division Three. This is the bottom rung of the football pyramid here in the Craven District of Yorkshire, meaning that there is no relegation (as there is no local lower league to be relegated too). There are two berths for promotion to the 2nd division of the Craven & District League up for grabs, and the board has informed me that they're counting on Kelbrook getting promoted, and that if we finish in the bottom half, I'll be sacked on the spot. I'm nervous, but excited.


17 August 2023 - Thursday
We've signed yet another player, Kienen Heler. He will be our new inverted winger, holding up the left flank of our attack. The squad is really starting to come together, and my optimism grows daily (the local bookie says we'll almost certainly get promoted in his opinion). The whole team seems to like me except Espersen, who has been quite reserved. However, he is Danish, so it's not too surprising. I hope to wear him down eventually.


1 September 2023 - Friday
Training has gone well these past two weeks, but the pre-season is finally over. Tomorrow, I make my competitive debut. Unfortunately, this first game against the Addingham Reserves, the best team in the league, is probably impossible. Still, I'm going to try my best.

 

[TheAwesomeAtom]

Part IV: Competitive Debut
2 September 2023 - Saturday
This was my first competitive game managing, and against very, very heavy odds against the Addingham Reserves, the strongest team in the league. I told the squad to take it easy, and we walked out onto the pitch, my heart hammering. It was a home game with 10 spectators, half of which were the five Kelbrook Ultras, who cheered as we entered.

The Addingham Reserves took control of the game instantly, forcing us on the defensive, and got their first goal in the 27th minute off of a free kick. We parked the bus, and although we never equalized, we kept the scoreline 1-0, which minimizes the hit to our goal differential. Overall, we were expected to lose by a lot, so I'm actually happy with the way things turned out today. I would've preferred a win, of course, but I'm happy.

Due to high amount of fouls worrying me, I've decided to remove getting stuck in from the team tactic moving forward. We may be starting at the bottom of the table, but I believe we can make it up. Besides, the board and the fans are both satisfied with how we did in that game.

9 September 2023 - Saturday
It's match day, this time an away game against Worth Valley FC (attendance 29). Worth Valley is the slight favorite, but I have hope.

The game was back-and-worth until the 40th minute, when strike Scott Walker scored us our first competitive goal. Sadly, Worth Valley equalised after a foul by Espersen led to a penalty kick in the 58th minute, followed by a second Worth Valley goal in the 62nd minute. We were unable to equalise, and the final scoreline was 1-2. I know this was the expected outcome, but I had hoped for a redemption after the last game. Now, winning the next game is extra important for me, especially given that the board and supporters were both disappointed with our performance today. They still are reserving judgements, but I don't want to test their patience more than I have to.

However, after the game, I did sign another new defenders: Ian Dean, who we actually poached from our league rival Weston Lane SSC, and will become part of our right flank once he recovers from a fractured toe.


18 September 2023 - Monday
I've signed two new players today: Danny Meadowcroft, a 38-year-old veteran who will form the center of our defence, and Deegan Bowskin, who will be joining the center of our attack. As the squad improves, and I'm getting more and more optimistic.


23 September 2023 - Saturday
It is now matchday once again, this time against Oakworth FC (Home; Attendance 19), and we were, for the first time this season, the favorites to win. For this reason, plus my new talent, I went into the match confident, despite the pouring rain.

It took some getting used to, but in the 61st minute, attack midfielder Elliot Ward got a goal. There was a scare near the end when Oakworth appeared to equalise, but the goal turned out to be offside. Just to safe, I had the team park the bus for the rest of the game. This worked, and the game ended as a 1-0 victory, giving me my first competitive win and pushing the team from last to 6th in the league. Our performance could have been better, but a win is a win, at least when it comes to my job security.

24 September 2023 - Sunday
We've signed Matt Ball onto the team as a backup keeper, and the Ultras took me bowling to celebrate the first win of my tenure. Overall, it was a pretty good day.


28 September 2023 - Thursday
We've signed a new defensive midfielder, George Bowyer, who I hope will help shore up our weakest area.

 

[TheAwesomeAtom]

Part V: Finding a Rhythm?

30 September 2023 - Saturday
Today, we (7th) play against the Cononley SC Reserves (3rd) in a home game (Attendance 11) that we are the favorites in.

To start off, Kienan Heler got a lightning-fast goal in the 6th minute, which seemed to me like a very good omen. Shortly after, in the 9th minute, Scott Walker doubled our league with a long-distance shot. So far, this was shaping up to my best match so far. At halftime, I made sure to tell the team how happy I was, and shortly afterwards, in the 52nd minute, Walker got himself a brace. But the team wasn't done yet, with Kayle Roden getting himself a goal in the 59th minute, putting the scoreline at 4-0. Unfortunately, this lead led to some complacency, and the Cononley Reserves managed to get a goal in the 62nd minute. This bit of bad fortune continued with both Leon Upton, our keeper, and Ryan Carrington, one of our defenders, injuring themselves, leading to second opposition goal in the 72nd minute. We then parked the bus and the game ended 4-2. All together, this is the best game we've had by far, increasing our position on the table from 7th to 4th.

1 October 2023 - Monday
Today, I had my first monthly meeting with the board, where they discuss how I'm doing as a manager. They say they're still withholding judgement, but their satisfied for now. Hopefully, they'll have made up their minds about me (in a good way) by our next meeting at the start of November.

Meanwhile, in the league, we're currently 4th, putting us in the top half (and thus helping my job security). I hope to run up the table in October, especially as our next match, against the Skipton Town Reserves, is supposed to be an easy win for us. I'm really excited to play the Skipton Town Reserves, as I'm a native of Skipton myself, and I've been to many Skipton Town proper fixtures growing up.

8 October 2023 - Sunday
I've signed a new wing-back to secure the left flank of our defence, Philip Ejiofor, a new striker named Adam Chadwick, and I'm trialing three other players who seem very competent. If I want to win this league, I'm going to need a lot of good players.


14 October 2023 - Saturday
Today was our first match of the month. I got up in the morning and walked to the Deman Stadium (as I'm a Skipton native) for our (5th) away game (Attendance 31) against the Skipton Town Reserves (9th). It was surreal coming here as the opposing manager after so many fixtures in the stands supporting Skipton as a boy. I wonder if I'll ever play against (or better yet, for) the Skipton Town team proper. Anyway, the Skipton Reserves were at the bottom of the table, so we were expected to win handily.

We weren't as dominant as I would have hoped, and nothing of note happened in the first half. However, early on in the second half, Keinan Heler got a wonderful goal, putting us in the lead. However, in the 64th minute, the Skipton Reserves got an equaliser after a long-distance pass. Luckily, soon after, a red card eliminated one of their attackers, leaving them a man down. Somehow, though, in the 86th minute, they were able to get a goal and take the lead. Panicking, I instructed the team to go Hail Mary on the offensive, but to no avail. Despite having the higher xG, we lost. The Ultras booed me for the first time as I walked off the pitch, although I wasn't as upset by the result as I should have been (after all, Skipton Town is my favorite club), but it was disappointing.

One of the board members called me afterwards to tell me he was disappointed, which scares me. I didn't dare show up to the local pub tonight either. I'm just looking to redeem myself in the next match, with a few new key players to boot.


16 October 2023 - Monday
I've just had to say goodbye to a player for the first time. Scott Walker, my backup (and former primary) striker, as well as the team vice-captain, left us to ascend to level 15 of the football pyramid. I suppose that's good for him. Ejiofor is the new Vice Captain, as he's both talented and a good leader.

 

[TheAwesomeAtom]

Part VI: Mediocrity

21 October 2023 - Saturday
Today, we (5th) were playing at home (Attendance: 11) against Weston Lane SSC (4th). The board and fans were expecting a win.

The game was a giant nothingburger. Nothing happened for the first two-thirds of the match, and then the opposition got a goal in the 70th minute. We equalised in the 83rd minute thanks to Adam Chadwick. We really unperformed here.

Frankly, I'm of the opinion that I may have brought in too many new players and ruined the team's cohesion. I've decided to heavily limit the new player intake from here on, and the players agree with me. At the very least, I've still got the locker room behind me.


31 October 2023 - Tuesday
Today's my birthday, my first at the club! I am now officially twenty! This year has been absolutely mad, all I wanted was a coaching job and I ended up a nineteen-year-old manager. In the year ahead, I intend to lock in and lead the lads to the top of the table! Speaking of the lads, they bought me a cake and we ate it during our training lunch break. They're great guys, the lot.

2 November 2023 - Thursday
I met with the board today. Overall, they're satisfied with how I've performed, but they seem less so than last time I met with them. The same seems to be true for the supporters. They're not the biggest fan of my match performance, but they like my transfers and they like how much the players like me. In that case, I think my youth is an advantage, as I can better relate to our younger squad.

8 November 2023 - Wednesday
Cecil Nyoni, one of my two star midfielders, damaged his knee cartilage during training. Because of this, I'll have to make do with a subpar midfield for the next two months or so. I hope he gets well soon, because this will not be fun.


11 November 2023 - Saturday
It's game day for us (6th), an away game (Attendance: 13), against the Otley Town Under 21s (9th). This is widely expected to be a blowout in our favor, so I'm going to try to live up to that with a more aggressive tactic.

This aggression paid off in the 15th minute with a goal from Ian Dean, one of our defenders. However, the Otley U21s soon equalised with a very lucky (xG 0.02) goal in the 22nd minute, and then a second in the 29th. It's exactly as feared, the players are all fine, but they can't work together effectively. The Otley U21s then got a third goal the 50th minute. Luckily, the Otley U21s seemed to start fading in the second half, and our new winger, Jeff Smith, brought the scoreline to 2-3 with a direct goal from a free kick in the 66th minute. Almost immediately after, an Otley U21 player was given a red card, leaving the Otley U21s with only ten men on the field. After that, continued poor behavior gave us a penalty kick, which equalised the scoreline thanks to George Bowyer in the 85th minute. Despite our best efforts and twice as much xG than our opposition, we were unable to get a win, much to my chagrin. At least we didn't lose, if we had, I may have been finished.

21 November 2023 - Tuesday
Today, as part of my efforts to improve team cohesion, I had to make the hard choice to release Tunde Rawlingson on a free transfer.

He's a nice bloke, but he just isn't close to the skill level I'm looking for. Sadly, he's just hurting the rest of the team by taking up training time. I wish him well. Striker Matthew McFarlane is next, and that'll be all of the cutting I can bring myself to do for now.


25 November 2023 - Saturday
Today, we (6th) played Worth Valley (2nd) at home (Attendance: 19). We were the favorites going into it, despite Worth Valley's high position on the table, due to the quality of our players. However, due to the cohesion issue, I was not optimistic going into the match.

We quickly went on the offensive, and George Bowyer got an early (7th minute) goal, which made much of my pessimism fade away. However, Worth Valley quickly started putting massive pressure on us, and our defence folded in the 41st minute. The second half went back and forth until the 69th minute, when Worth Valley was able to take the lead. The game ends 2-1.

 

[TheAwesomeAtom]

Part VII: 'Tis the Season

1 December 2023 - Friday
I met with the board today, their still satisfied with how I'm performing, not much change from last month.
I went over to the pub to chat with the supporters, and it was much the same as last month.


3 December 2023 - Sunday
Today, we (6th) played the Addingham Reserves (1st) at Stockinger Lane (Attendance: 21), the first match of the second half of the season. We still had zero away wins, and they are much better than us, and so the board told me that I'd get no flak for losing this one. I told the lads to go out and just play without pressure. It was the same squad as last time. I got my hopes up when Adam Chadwick appeared to score a ninth minute goal, despite the massive pressure from the Addingham Reserves, but it was disallowed due to Chadwick being offside. Shortly after, in the 12th minute, the Addingham Reserves scored a goal for real. In the early second half though, the momentum began to shift towards us. Sadly, this didn't last, and in the 84th minute, the Addingham Reserves got a second goal. It's been five matches since we've last won, and the board wants me to sign a new defender.

16 December 2023 - Saturday
Today, we (6th) played Oakworth (8th) at Bronte Playing Fields (Attendance: 21). We were the favorites going into the match, but I was still nervous due to locker room issue and the total lack of any away victories.

Things got off to a good start, with a 24th-minute goal from Adam Chadwick, but shortly after, in the 32nd minute, Oakworth equalised. However, just three minutes later, midfielder Cecil Nyoni, back for the first time in months from a ligament injury, gets a goal. Six minutes after that, Adam Chadwick got himself a brace, but two minutes later, Oakworth brought the scoreline to 3-2. Early on in the second half (the 56th minute), Bowyer was able to bring the scoreline to 4-2 via a penalty kick, but it went to 4-3 just two minutes later. Nothing much happened until the 89th minute, when disaster struck, Oakworth equalised. The match ended in a draw.

On the recommendations of Assistant Manager Jorge Hibbert, I've adjusted our tactic to have a lower block, in order to shore up our defence.


23 December 2025 - Saturday
Today, we (7th) played against the Sutton Reserves (2nd) at home (Attendance: 14). We were widely expected to get crushed, so I went into the match expecting our winless streak to extend, and so I told the lads to just have fun without pressure.

As expected, the Sutton Reserves quickly got a goal (13th minute). Nothing much happens for the rest of the game, but I suppose I should be glad, after all, we were expected to lose by a much greater margin than 0-1.

25 December 2023 - Monday
I've had a wonderful day. My whole family gathered at my Gran's for Christmas dinner, and they were all happy to here my tales of managing Kelbrook Phoenix. My only wish is that it continues, especially given that my job security doesn't currently seem too stable.


31 December 2023 - Sunday
It's been a wonderful year, I've become a manager at a young age, despite only trying to get a coaching gig, here's to 2024!
We'll drink a cup of kindness yet
For the sake of auld lang syne...

 

[TheAwesomeAtom]

Part VIII: The Late Season

1 January 2024 - Monday
Looking back on myself, I feel like I've grown quite a bit when it comes to my skills since I came to Kelbrook

Meanwhile, I had my monthly meeting with the board. They were still satisfied with me overall, and, to my surprise, assured me that I needn't yet fear for my job. In particular, they cited my strong locker room support as their favorite part of my performance as manager, which I very much appreciated.

After that meeting, I cycled down the road to the Craven Heifer, the local pub, to chat with the supporters. They felt similar to the board about me, and liked several of the new players I've brought on this season.

7 January 2024 - Sunday
Today, we (6th) played the Cononley SC Reserves (5th) at the Cononley Sports Club (Attendance: 21). Going into the match, we expected to win, and given that we beat them last time we met, I was optimistic about our odds of finally breaking our away game curse. We managed to seize the initiative early on, allowing Chadwick to make a 35th-minute goal. From then on, we maintained xG dominance, and I really started to get excited. I was right to be, we won! It was our best performance in months, and in one fell swoop, our season-long away curse and our seven game away drought were over!

10 January 2024 - Wednesday
The board informed me that since 6 months have now passed since I came on as manager, they're handing over control of staffing to me. I plan to make some changes with the youth teams, as well as the medical and analysis departments.


17 January 2024 - Wednesday
I've become renovating the backrooms by promoting Charlie Collin to Head Physio and hiring James Grainger as Head Performance Analyst.


20 January 2024 - Saturday
I've just brought on another physio, Tim Douglas, to the club.


24 January 2024 - Wednesday
I've now appointed Lee Knight-Nash as our U21 Manager and Priestly Aspin as our U18 Manager, that should improve the quality of our youth development. Meanwhile, I've brought on Terry Thomas as our new Chief Scout.


27 January 2024 - Saturday
Today, we (6th) play the Skipton Town Reserves (8th) at home (Attendance: 11). I went into the match optimistic, as we were widely expected to win. Not much happened in the game until we thought we took the lead, thanks to Anton Espersen, in the 88th minute, but the goal was disallowed. The game ended scoreless, despite our good performance.

With that, promotion is now mathematically impossible. The best we can hope to finish is 4th. I am now extremely concerned about my job security.


2 February 2024 - Friday
I met with the board today for our monthly meeting, and they were not happy. They said they were very disappointed about how low Kelbrook is on the league table, and that they expect a win against Weston Lane. At least they haven't yet threatened to sack me.

At the very least, the locker room is still behind me, and the supporters are still satisfied with me.

 

[TheAwesomeAtom]

Part IX: The End of the Beginning

14 February 2024 - Wednesday
I've let Jack Galbraith go on a free transfer, he just doesn't fit in with my plans, sadly. Meanwhile, I've redone our training schedules to place a high emphasis on set pieces, maybe that will help us salvage something out of this season.


17 February 2024 - Saturday
Today, we (6th) play Weston Lane SSC (3rd) at Weston Drive Recreation Grounds (Attendance: 14). We were the favorites going into the match, but I didn't like our odds, as we are notoriously terrible away. Matt Ball will be our starting keeper, rather than Leon Upton, as I want to give Ball some more playing time.

In the first half, we got some good momentum and several shots on target before Weston Lane was even able to shoot once. Despite this, we were unable to maintain possession, with Kelbrook having the ball for only 24% of the first half. We totally dominated the match, but it ended in a scoreless draw. At least we didn't lose, though.

1 March 2024 - Friday
I met with the board today, and the situation was essentially the same as during our last meeting, although they told me that should be afraid for my job if the remaining two matches of the season don't go well.

The supporters are neutral in their sentiments about me, not much has changed over the last month. That's probably for the best.

30 March 2024 - Saturday
It's been a while, but we finally had another match! Today, we (6th) played the Otley Town U21s (9th) at home (Attendance: 17). I went in nervous, because although they were at the bottom of the table, a loss of the game would likely mean the end of my employment at Kelbrook.

We had a nasty scare early on when the Otley Town U21s appeared to make a goal, but it ended up being disallowed due to the scorer being offside. The first proper goal of the game was in the 43rd minute, by our Kienan Heler. We dominated the game from then on. Any real risk of us losing the game ended in the 73rd minute, when Adam Chadwick put us up 2-0. The game ended with that scoreline, much to my relief.

At this point, we are mathematically guaranteed to get, at best, 5th, and, at worst, 7th place in the league.


1 April 2025 - Monday
Today, I had my monthly meeting with the board. They echoed the same sentiments as last time, but at least I still have a job.

The fans are still neutral on me. One of them cursed me out, but another bought me a drink, so it could have gone worse.

10 April 2024 - Wednesday
I've offered U18 contracts to many promising youth candidates, it's really been a good year in terms of youth quality. I hope to take advantage of that going forward, if I keep my job, that is.


20 April 2024 - Saturday
Today, we (6th) had the final game of the season against the Sutton Reserves (3rd), at Sutton Playing Fields (Attendance: 28). If we lost this match, as everyone from the press to the board expected, we would fall to 7th in the league, so morale was quite low.

We took a defensive posture, and managed to hold off the Sutton Reserves' initial attacks. We then went on a counteroffensive, and Adam Chadwick took a shot, which was blocked by the Sutton Reserves' keeper. Said keeper sent the ball all the way across the field, where Kyle Roden recovered it, and sent it back up to Chadwick. This time, Chadwick found the back of the net, leaving us up 1-0 in the 16th minute. I started feeling hopeful at this point, as even if the Sutton Reserves equalised, a draw would allow us to keep our 6th place position. Better yet, if we won, we could move up to 5th. I heaped praise on my players at halftime, and they were determined to avoid defeat. Sadly, the Sutton Reserves were able to equalise in the 51st minute, but we didn't need to win, we just needed to not lose. That's exactly what we did. Turtling, our players managed to repel threat after threat, until the whistle blew, ending our season. We were able to retain 6th place, and this was our fifth unbeaten game in a row! I really hope this saves my job.

After the match, I took to the locker room to give a speech to the lads (I've found I have a knack for that), in which I called for us to win promotion next year.


22 April 2024 - Monday
I started off today with a call from the board. I wasn't sacked, and they told me that although they were very disappointed with how I did in matches, the club was doing quite well financially, and social media engagement was up. They demanded promotion next season, which I agreed to, and said that they'd like me to keep going with youth development.

After that, he lads and I went down to the Craven Heifer to drink with the fans, and we went over the season. We didn't do as well as we would have hoped, but there were upsides. An impromptu poll found Kayle Roden voted Player of the Season.

Meanwhile, I've also improved my skills quite a bit this season.

As I waved goodbye to the players for the summer, I had a smile on my face. It finally sunk in that I'm a real manager now. I'm determined to make everyone proud next season!

 

[TheAwesomeAtom]

Part X: Here We Go Again

3 June 2024 - Monday
I'm officially back from summer vacation, which I spent back home in Skipton. It was nice being able to spend a lot of time with my family, but today is bittersweet. Jeff Smith (aged 39), our best winger, and Danny Meadowcroft (aged 43), our best defender, called me to tell that they're retiring from competitive football. I tried to get them to reconsider, but to no avail. In the end, I wished them luck on whatever it is they're going to do next.


7 June 2024 - Friday
I've been hearing rumors that a Paul Muldoon wishes to sell the club, and that he's in active negotiations with a local businessman. If this goes through, it could lead to an increased budget. In turn, an increased budget could allow us to improve our training and youth facilities. Meanwhile, we've signed Jordan Snodin, a new defender of very high quality. I plan to make some more signings before the season begins.


15 June 2024 - Saturday
Today, Chairman Paul Muldoon called me to officially inform me that a takeover is in progress, but didn't offer much more detail. I'm optimistic about that, but my optimism has been (frequently) misplaced before.


24 June 2024 - Monday
The players arrived back in Kelbrook today, and I gave them a (well-received) speech to welcome them back. We went out for drinks afterward at the Craven Heifer, and Anton Espersen, now my closest friend at the club, and I have decided to move in together so I won't have to drive an hour each way from Skipton to Kelbrook. Meanwhile, we have added the Kelbrook Phoenix U18 team to the National U18 League, in order to further our youth development.


3 July 2024 - Wednesday
I've signed Wade Ripley, a very high quality winger, for the team. I may make some more signings later, but I don't want to overdo it like last season.


6 July 2024 - Saturday
Today, we have our first friendly, against Pex Hill, a team on the 11th level of the football pyramid. We're playing at home (Attendance: 20). We're not the favorites to win, but our team cohesion has been looking up. It's still bad, but it isn't abysmal like it was before. I have hope going into this, given that last season, we had a very good track record with friendlies. Plus, we'll be trying out my new 4-2-3-1 Gegenpressing tactic.

Our players seemed to have troubles with the pouring rain, and Pex Hill was able to get a lightning-fast goal in the 4th minute, which crushed our morale. A penalty kick nearly made the scoreline 0-2 in the 31st minute, but Matt Ball was able to deflect the penalty. Instead, we equalised in the 35th minute thanks to Wade Ripley, on his first appearance, which made me quite happy. Sadly, at the end of the first half, Matt Ball had to come off after injuring his arm. Shortly after halftime, Pex Hill managed to score another goal. We managed to recover morale, but could not get a goal. In fact, in the 70th minute, Pex Hill put the scoreline up to 1-3. I got annoyed at the squad after the match, more annoyed than I should have been, and Bowyer and Chadwick called me out. I made a promise that I would work on making sure everyone stays happy here at Kelbrook Phoenix, which satisfied them.


7 July 2024 - Sunday
If this weekend couldn't get any worse, we've just lost Cecil Nyoni, who will be ascending all the way up to the ninth level of the football pyramid. It's good for him, but terrible for me. I took my mind off of the situation by going to watch another local game, which did improve my spirits somewhat.


9 July 2024 - Tuesday
In a move that absolutely crippled our midfield, George Bowyer has signed with FC Isle of Man, on the 10th level of the football pyramid. I really can't blame him, but with this, I've lost my both my defensive midfielders in just 72 hours. Meanwhile, it appears that the takeover has fallen through.


10 July 2024 - Wednesday
Today, we have our second pre-season friendly, at home (Attendance: 15), against Wyre Villa, which is a larger club than us (Level 12), so I'm not particularly optimistic going into the this.Despite my initial pessimism, we did manage to score in the 24th minute, thanks to Kyle Roden. Afterward, Anton Espersen put the scoreline to 2-0 in the 38th minute, which made me start feeling quite optimistic about the new tactic. We dominated form then on. Wade Ripley even appeared to score in the 78th minute, although it was ruled offside. All in all, after the week I've been having, this 2-0 victory was a breath of fresh air.

[The second half of this entry was lost due to WiFi issues, it will be added within 24 hours]