Destination: The top

[CantGetEnoughOfJelavic]

January

Bring on Peterhead!

I had moved to Peterhead, an appartment similar to the one I had in Fleetwood, just more spacious. I had not little managerial office here. I just had a desk in a room where the players socialised. There was a pool table, which was in a horrid state and a couple of seats. Training times were inconsistent so I stomped on that quickly, having the lads show up at 8:30, ready for training at 9:00. It stopped at 11:00-11:45 for a small lunch, then continued from 11:45-3:00. After the guys showered they'd have compulsalary time in the 'pool room' from 3:30 to 4:15.
We also had to share training facilities with Buchanhaven Hearts, something I got rid of quickly. I was quick to get the board looking for a parent team so we can bring in some youngsters on loan. We were linked with Hearts soon after, that'll be good.

Two players I brought in were to players on a amateur contract at there previous clubs. Two good players that could look to help us finish top.

The first game in-charge arrived. I game we should be winning and winning in style.

SD3: Clyde 1 - 1 Peterhead
Att. 389
Own Goal(1)
Bavidge (Missed pen)

​

Very disappointed with the performance from the players. They didn't knock it about well enough, at all. Then Bavidge just hammers it over the bar, how long till it's find on the moon by NASA?

SD3: Peterhead 1 - 2 Stranraer
Att: 395
McAllister(1)​

No honey moon start then? Daaaah! Went 1-0 just before half time, they then equalised then took the lead very quickly into the second half.

SD3: Montrose 1 - 3 Peterhead
Att. 267
Cawley(1)
McBain(1)
McAllister(1)​

That's more like it! We were really needing that win, can't allow Queens Park to catch up with us, then overtake us.

Peterhead's Player of the month:

*No photo*

Lewis Davidson - 0 Goals - 1 Assist
The left back was consistent, he defended as good as he attacked. I was impressed.​

 

[CantGetEnoughOfJelavic]

Febuary

So, I had been at Peterhead for about 7 weeks now, bad form hit as soon as I arrived. We can't throw away promotion.

SD3: Peterhead 0 - 1 Annan
Att. 405​

Daah! Losing 1-0 to a side close behind us isn't good. Especially losing by such a silly goal! The ball came back of the post and our centre back, Clark just headed it towards our own goal! Idiot.

SD3: Peterhead 2 - 1 Berwick
Att. 399
McAllister (1)
Bavidge(1)
A nice victory, we need to win games like this if we want promotion.


SD3: Alloa 2 - 0 Peterhead
Att. 380
We played shockingly, one shot in the whole game! Just shocking..




SD3: East Stirlingshire 3 - 1 Peterhead
Att. 207​

We had young Kisuka make his debut, getting injured in the process. They went 1-0 up, stupid. The ball was passed back to our centre back, (happens all to often) who got tackled and there striker was through. No shots by half time, then they go 2-0 up. Something was not right. Then 3-0. After going 3-0 down, 3 passes from the kick off and Bavidge was through 1 on 1 with the keeper. Consolation goal! Woo.



A very disappointing month for us. Getting dominated by East Stirlingshire, Annan Athletic and Alloa. Urrrgh!

The Peterhead Daily Times

Is Peterhead manager, Joe MacNab the right man for the job? Peterhead were sitting comfortably first 10 weeks ago. A whole 6 points of second placed Queen's Park. Now, they're sitting second, a point of top spot. Has the chairman made a mistake that will cause Peterhead missing out on promotion? The fans are mixed on the subject. "I think he's the right man, give him and the new players time and we'll be promoted". Others thought "he should be sacked" and "He's not the man for OUR club"









Peterhead's Player of the month:

Rory McBain
1 assist - 0 goals

No one stood out this month, but he performed pretty good. Got in the positions and made good runs.​

 

[Klippybo]

Peterhead! You will freeze up there! I only live an hour or so away from there!

 

[CantGetEnoughOfJelavic]

Peterhead! You will freeze up there! I only live an hour or so away from there!

Ha, I live in Scotland, too! Very northern!

 

[CantGetEnoughOfJelavic]

March

- Peterhead slip to 5th as I have a bust up with media.




​

The month started against Queens Park, who were sitting one point ahead of us in first. A win here would be more than nice.

SD3: Peterhead 1 - 1 Queen's Park​

Att.467Kelly(1)​

We played pretty well, we weren't on the backfoot for the whole 90. We went 1 up, the had a man sent off. They continued to press and finally got a goal, clearly offside. SD3: Elgin City 6 - 0 PeterheadI'm speechless, I just don't get it. The team is the definition of useless.

SD3: Elgin City 6 - 0 Peterhead​

I'm speechless, I just don't get it. The team is the definition of useless.

Next up in the league, was bottom side, Clyde. A game we need to win. No messing about. A victory was needed!

SD3: Peterhead 1 - 1 Clyde
McBain(1)​

Well, for one, I could take a few positives. We passed it about a lot better. The final pass was just never there!

SD3: Stranraer 2 - 0 Peterhead​

They went 1 up through a penalty, that wasn't a penalty! Urgh. Now it wasn't a case of trying to win the title. I needed a play off spot. I could throw all that away.


The team could throw it away. I can't let that happen, I had to change things quick. A defensive tactic, and a counter attacking tactic. 5-4-1 with a sweeper was what I decided to go for.. I was never keen on playing with a sweeper, but I needed something new.


I woke up early on the Saturday morning, ready to head over to the ground in my second hand Toyota Corrola before I was stopped by the local paper, The Peterhead times."Joe, you've come to our club and have caused us to hit a bad run of form. What do you have to say to the fans and everyone of Peterhead.""Well, first of. I don't see you doing anything better? You're a short fat man who works at the local paper for free. For the fans? Stay with the club, and if they are true fans why do only about 200 of them show up? There's a good 15k people living here. Show up and stop supporting big clubs like Man United and Man City who don't even play football in Scotland" I pushed passed the short, fat, 4 eyed man and into my car.

It was released in an online article that made it to the RecordSport website! 'Peterhead manager outbursts and questioning journalist'. Urgh! Time for the game.

SD3: Peterhead 1 - 5 Montrose
McAllister(1)​

Their first goal came from a threw ball... Where was the sweeper?! Urgh! Then it was followed my an own goal.. I don't even know what happened. I just.. hmmmThe team have no confidence. How do we pick them up?How did we manage to f*ck up everytime? Everytime! This wasn't something that ever happened.

On my way out of the stadium I bumped into the chairman, Roger who told me very sternly that if 'we miss out on promotion, we'll have to let you go, the fans want you gone and if we miss promotion. I'll want you gone'.

The following morning I called the lads in for a team meeting. "Now lads, things haven't been going our way recently. I know you lads have more than enough quality to turn things around."

"The boss is right! We can do this, lads! COME ON" Alan Rattray, the captain blurted out. Everyone agree'd. Lets hope this helps us get back into the play-off places. No one was good enough to get a Peterhead's player of the month.

_______________________________________________​

Anyone hit this bad form before?

 

[CantGetEnoughOfJelavic]

End of the Season

Have I ****** another club up? Or had I been ****** up by another club?​

DS3: Peterhead 0 - 1 Alloa​

A red card, a missed pen! Thrown it away. Kisuka was sent of for a silly challenge.. Then we got a penalty late on, Cawley stepped uo to take it as much as I screamed let Rory take it.. He ballooned it over the bar. The fortunes could have changed right there but he threw it away. That's when they scored. Putting the final nail in the coffin.


After the game I was met outside by a gathering crowd.

"Get the f*ck out our club"​

"Who the f*ck are you? You're not Jim McInally"​

"You've ruined us!"



More fans here than I had seen at a game. I made that clear, quickly.


"Oh, so you can show up outside the stadium but not show up inside? The players need you! If you were in there playing as the 12th man. We could still be sitting top of the table. It's not me nor the players fault that Jim walked out of this club for the chance to manage Dumbarton. So.." I was cut short quickly by the chairman who dragged me inside.


"What were you doing out there! You can't go against the fans and argue with them!" The first time I'd heard him be quite aggressive. "I had no ****** option, sir! They were stopping me from leaving. I had to do something."


"Look, if we miss out on promotion. You're gone. Another bust-up with the media or fans and you're out!" Roger made it all, very clear. I still couldn't understand why I couldn't speak to the fans like I did nor did I know how I managed to squander promotion which looked certain.

***


SD3: Annan 4 - 1 Peterhead
Bavidge(1)​

We started it off half decent. Going 1 up in the progress. They equalised then very shortly after when 2-1 up.

3 games to go...​

​

SD3: Berwick 1-0 Peterhead​

We performed well, missed some good chances and had a goal disallowed, which I feel really should have stood.

SD3: Peterhead 2 - 4 East Stirlingshire
Clifford(1)
McAllister(1)​

They went 1-0 up within 56 seconds, we responded well by passing it about well then scoring. Our keeper made a howler making it 2-1 then they scored a free kick making it 3-1. Then it was just about how many they'd beat us by..

we knocked it about fine, we're not that bad up top to be honest. Defence and the keeper are major problems. That would be seen to come the end of the season. I can't believe it though, I came in we were top. 6 points from second we had 39 points. 15 games later, we were 9th with 47 points. What the ****?

MacNab wants job back in England​

Today, we were told that Peterhead manager Joe MacNab wanted a job back in England and the York City job would be the one. York's previous manager walked out after a dispute with the chairman. York City are still to play their play off semi-final. MacNab is seen an outsider for the job.
(Non-league paper)




Yeah, I wanted the job, and York considered the interest from me, I don't see me getting it. The board were quick to find this out and were not happy.




Next in the league was recently crowned divison 3 champions, Queens Park.

SD3: Queen's Park 1 - 1 Peterhead
Cawley(1(1pen))​

We lead for most of the game. There equaliser was a threw ball that the goalkeeper picked up then dropped. Gutted! I told him I wasn't happy either.

Final league table​

I couldn't believe it, the way we slipped, and continued to slip. How? How? HOW?




***


"You said you wanted one more season here? Now, you want out?" I could hear Roger shout from behind me as I made my way out of the stadium.


"What? I just said I'd like a job back in England and the York job would suit me. I never said I wanted out of Peterhead!"


"You applied for the job. You had John speak to the York chairman for you!"


"Well? What are you going to do?" I enquired, sarcastically.


"How many times do I need to warn you of the sack before you get understand? FINAL warning." I turned and walked out. I couldn't be arsed with chairman's always being on my back. I was so close to resigning.

I was confused I hadn't been sacked for missing promotion?


***


I sat at home, sipping my coffee watching 'Premier League Years' with a number of things going through my head.






'Why did I come to this club?' They're a semi-proffesional club at the lowest of the lows. This is the club I've thrown my career away at. I regret signing a deal with Peterhead. I couldn't resign because who would take me on? I suppose some BSN/S side might take me on. I don't know


***

 

[CantGetEnoughOfJelavic]

On the move... Again!
​

​

"Hello, is that you Joe?"


"Of course it's me, It's my phone?" I replied, having a joke with the man on the other end of the phone.


"It's me, John! Brechin need a new man in charge. I recomended you. They said they were flattered by your interest. Altough a compensation fee for you'd be to expensive..."


"What are you saying?" I asked back.


"If you resign, you might get the job."




A massive risk here. Should I resign for the small chance I got the job, or what?

***​

Peterhead manager does everyone a favour​

Today, Peterhead manager Joe MacNab has resigned as manager of Peterhead. Doing everyone a favour.

​

Would I regret this?

***​

A couple of days had passed and I was awoken with the ring of my phone.


"Hello?" It was John. Hopefully he had some good news.


"Good news, buddy! You have an interview with the BRECHIN board! Haha! They want you at their ground at 5, tonight." I was delighted, I was jumping with joy! Going up a division to a side that would have a chance of promotion. Everything! I couldn't get ahead of myself though. I hung up and went to the train station.




The time came...


"Welcome to Glebe Park, the home of Brechin City FC. Follow me." A nice young lady welcomed me at the gate of the stadium. She took me through to a room, with a table. 3 chairs on one side, 1 chair on the other. I sat down on the single seat and in walked 3 men.
Chairman, Ken Ferguson. Managing Director, Martin Smith. Director, Angus Fairlie.


"Hello, Joe. I am Ken, the chairman. We'd like to offer you a one year contract, full-time and 700 a week. If that'd be okay?" Woah! He just offered me a contract straight up.


"Well, okay!" I put my hand out and the deal was confirmed!


"We'll unveil you to the press within the hour. Meet us at the reception area for 6:15, thank you" This was crazy. It was just all at once.

***​

Journalist: Welcome to Brechin, Joe! How do you feel?


Me: I feel great. I'm happy to be here after leaving Peterhead after an extraordinary run of bad results. I'm delighted to be here though, yes.


Journalist: Brechin have just narrowly missed out on promotion, will you be able to bring them promotion next year?


Me: That's the aim, yes.


Journalist: You had a poor relationship with both chairman and the chairman at your previous club, do you plan on changing that.


Me: Well, the chairman and board here are straight to the point, which I prefer. Media? Depends on how you treat me haha!


Ken Ferguson: That'll be all, he'll be available for photo's pitchside, soon.




***




Now, let's hope Brechin is a club I can settle into!

Brechin City FC

Second Division

Glebe Park - 3k capacity

1906

Semi - professional

National

Okay financial state​

 

[AldoKemp-1]

Don't be too hard on yourself peterhead are doing terrible in my save too lol. good luck with brechin.

 

[gogogo golem]

I love the story but giving the kiss of death to one or two more clubs will mean you'll probably have to load up the welsh league to get a job.

 

[CantGetEnoughOfJelavic]

I love the story but giving the kiss of death to one or two more clubs will mean you'll probably have to load up the welsh league to get a job.

Yeah, haha. Hopefully I do something special with Brechin to revive my career!

 

[CantGetEnoughOfJelavic]

Settling in...​

I moved in a nice one bedroomed house near to the stadium. One bathroom, an actual kitchen and a living room.

Some of the players were released, leaving me with about 16 players. I brought some into the squad to make up the numbers


Transfers IN


Bob Malcolm - free - An experienced central defender who knows what he's doing at the back.


Mark Clifford - free - A half decent central midfielder who made a difference for the Peterhead side I managed the season beforehand


Colm Horgan - 24k - A defender who makes a good back up for this level of football, with the potential of being a good SPL back up in the future.


Simon Locke - A good, young English keeper who could make the no.1 jersey, his own.


Shane Campbell - Previously at Dundee United before being released. A good striker, who made a couple of SPL appearances the previous season.


Samir Carruthers - A brilliant young talent, he'll be key in our quest for promotion this season. Ex-Villa trainee, making two PL appearances in the progress.


Roddy MacLennan - A fine youngster who'll be benchwarming for most of the season, but he'll make his way into the side soon.


Cameron Lancaster - Another youngster who plays up top!


Ewan McNeil - Young centre-back, Rangers trainee.

Samir Carruthers ​

Pre-season 12/13​

Brechin 1-1 Lossiemouth


Brechin 1-3 Hull


Brechin 1-3 Inverurie Loco Works


Brechin 0-1 Peterborough


Brechin 2-2 Doncaster

​

A very disappointing pre-season to say the least. Missing wins against Lossiemouth and Inveruriie Loco Works!

Challenge Cup first round:
Brechin 0 - 2 Stenhousmuir​

We went 1-0 down through an absolute screamer, they doubled there lead through a ****** stupid own goal. The ball was crossed in and came of our right back. There keeper pulled off some extraordinary saves! We had a massive 22 shots to there 6.

League Cup first round:
Brechin 2(p) - 2 East Fife
Clifford(2)​

It went to penalties, with us missing our first one and thenour keeper saved there first one! Shane Campbell missed the final penalty, handing the tie to East Fife.


We were now out of two cups in the space of about 5 days. Me, on a personal level hasn't won a game in 12 games...

SD2: Forfar 0-0 Brechin​

Poor performance, defence looked solid throughout, just need to get the ball forward.

SD2: Brechin 4 - 2 Dumbarton
McManus(2(1pen))
Lauchlan(1)
Campbell(1)​

The sweet taste of victory! Forgot what it felt like haha! They passed it about well, looked good.

SD2: Elgin City 1 - 1 Brechin
Campbell(1)​

Very disappointed with the draw, we played them off the park!

SD2: Brechin 1 - 4 Cowdenbeath
Campbell(1)​

There first goal was an absolute disaster. They played a through ball, somehow there striker got to it, our defender slid in, twice and then had his name down as an owngoal! They ripped us to shreads with passing! We just played *****.


Let's hope that wasn't what kicks of a huge bad run...

Player of the month:

Cammy McDonald - 0 Goals - 0 Assists

The central defender started the season well, making several crucial challenges and bossed the defence well. ​

 

[CantGetEnoughOfJelavic]

Sorry guys, I think I'm going to stop doing this story. Simply because when the side starts losing it won't stop. Haha!

I'll have a new similar story up soon!

 

[youngmanger]

ok, I hoped you would have ploughed on a bit, however when you start a new story, make it a belter! unlucky mate