Dude, Where's My Club? - A Journeyman

TheLuckDuck

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Another year, another FM, another story from yours truly. I did this one last year http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/football-manager-2017-manager-stories/362102-%5Binsert-witty-title-here%5D-journeyman-save.html
so far I haven't last a season on FM18, the furthest I've gotten is March before being sacked, Pep Guardiola I am not.
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20th of July 2017

Empty pizza boxes and beer cans littered the floor, with the carpet of the shared accommodation being drowned by a tsunami of last night's litter. I stumbled around the mess, my bare feet stepping into, well, I don't know what and I don't particularly want to find out.

I almost lost my footing as I slalomed around a pile of boxes helpfully noted as the "Leaning Tower of Pizzas" (original guys) into the blissfully and strangely untouched kitchen as I struggled towards the poorly stocked fridge

I heaved the fridge door open to retrieve anything that would quench my thirst and remove my tongue from the bridge of my mouth, where it had been stuck since I'd woken up in a haze on the floor next to my bed. Preferably the drink would be non-alcoholic, but beggars can't be choosers as I poured the liquid down my throat.


I stumbled back into the room grasping my new found friend in one hand as I cleared a space on the sofa for me to perch my **** as I attempted to remember what had caused such a mess, but memories were vague. I spotted my laptop on the table in front of me under another mass of cans, I wondered how it got there before booting it up and opening my email account.

I jumped as I felt something move beneath me before realising it was the foot of one of my housemates, Dave, who had fallen asleep on the dirty old sofa. I moved some of the rubbish off of my friend and he hissed as I did so as I'd obviously awoken him from his sleep. "Gerroff" he moaned


I returned my attention to the laptop in front of me and noticed a strange looking email in my inbox amongst the usual bollocks from the university, opening the email I assumed it was a spoof before seeing the very much official header

"Dave?" I asked "Why do I have an email from Stockport County?"

"Wha- oh yeah, me and a few of the boys sent them your cv a few days ago" he said, perching on his elbow, intrigued by the email

"You did what?" I exclaimed

"Looks like you've got an interview this afternoon" he smirked, peering over my shoulder at the email "I'd hurry up if you were you" he smiled as he lay back on the sofa

I sprinted towards the bathroom, with Dave's laugh providing a soundtrack to expletive heavy thoughts
 
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View attachment 72762
UNI STUDENT TAKES OVER AT COUNTY
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In a stunning and barely believable turn of events, 21 year old university student Matthew Hawkins has taken over at Stockport County FC

The Welshman, who only recently graduated from nearby University of Manchester, has taken over at The Hatters following the departure of Jim Gannon after over a year in the job

Stockport have of course spent the last four seasons in the National League North and here's what Hawkins had to say:

"When I was growing up Stockport were a solid Football league club and that's where I hope to take us as that is where we belong"

Stockport is undoubtedly a tough first gig in management, with the club's promotion ambitions hindered by their status as a semi pro club in a division that includes Salford City, York City, Southport and Kidderminster Harriers
 
Looking forward to this. Didn't read many saves last year but caught up on your one about a month ago and it was brilliant. Can't wait for this to develop
 
Lovely stuff. Stockport have always been my lower league club of choice ever since I was at Manchester Uni. Though I graduated 10 years ago, so let's not speak about that.
 
Looking forward to this. Didn't read many saves last year but caught up on your one about a month ago and it was brilliant. Can't wait for this to develop
Cheers mate, almost recovered from NYE so developments incoming!
 
Lovely stuff. Stockport have always been my lower league club of choice ever since I was at Manchester Uni. Though I graduated 10 years ago, so let's not speak about that.
Cheers mate, not managed in the Vanarama North for a while so this is going to be tricky
 
STOCKPORT COUNTY
View attachment 72546View attachment 72546View attachment 72539

So, what's going on at Stockport County then?

SQUAD
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We have an ok squad, nothing special for this level and that's why I've been tasked with a mid-table finish, not much money to spend either but we have a decent striker in Oswell and a few good players scattered throughout the squad

REPORT
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More pros than cons, but only just. We definitely need improvement but there's not enough money to make all of them

FINANCES
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We're a semi-pro club in a league including professional clubs like Salford and historic clubs like York. Money is needed and the projections are positive but I'd like it now please

STAFF
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Its a very lonely place at the moment

BACKGROUND
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Stockport, when I was growing up at least, are a traditional Football League side and shouldn't be fooling about in these lower reaches of the English Pyramid

SEASON PREVIEW
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Pffft

 
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BUSY HAWKINS BRINGS IN FOUR
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View attachment 72432

New Stockport Cunty boss Matthew Hawkins has been a busy boy since joining the club, bringing in 4 new players to strengthen what supporters have referred to as "Stockport's weakest ever squad"!

First to join the Hatters was striker Luke Lofts

The 19 year old forward has been linked with half of the Vanarama North since his contract at Championship Hull City expired, with the Englishman in high demand

Stockport swooped in ahead of the competition to land the former Tiger
View attachment 72431

Next through the door was attacking midfielder James Smith, who's also joined on a free transfer

Smith, 19, wasn't in as high demand as Lofts was following the expiration of Smith's contract with West Bromwich Albion, with Stockport his only suitors
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Also joining Stockport is Ivorian teenager Freddy Yao, who has only joined for free

Stockport will be Yao's fourth club, with the Ivorian having spent time at Stoke City, Fulham and Burnley, but is yet to make a league appearance

Yao, a midfielder, has been signed with the view to adding more quality to the Stockport midfield
View attachment 72429

Last but not least is Lionel Stone, who's joined on a free transfer after his contract with Dundee United expired

At 22 Stone is the oldest of the signings, with the Scottish defender having more experience than the other three

Stone is the only one of the trio to have made league appearances, having played two games in the SPL for Dundee United after joining them from Brentford
View attachment 72428
 
View attachment 72412
SOLID START FOR ROOKIE BOSS
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Stockport County's rookie boss Matthew Hawkins has led the side to a solid start, as the Hatters have picked up a respectable 10 points from their opening 7 games

Despite a run of three straight losses against Harrogate (2-1), Salford City (4-1) and a particularly cruel 3-2 defeat to Leamington where Stockport fell to a 92nd goal County fans have been enthused by the new boss

They began the season with a 2-2 draw at Spennymoor before comfortable dispatching Curzon Ashton 2-0 at home

Then came the trio of defeats before the Hatters rounded out the month with two victories, beating Gainsborough Trinity 2-1 and Tamworth 3-1 away from home

Fans have been particularly by the partnership of Luke Lofts and Jason Oswell, who have flourished in the 4-3-1-2 formation deployed by Hawkins, bagging 10 goals between them

This month has left Stockport in 11th and enthusiastic about the season to come
View attachment 72410

 
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SEPTEMBER
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Can we build on our solid start?

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 0-2 Bradford Park Avenue
View attachment 72398
Hinchliffe, Minihan, Clarke, Cowan, O'Halloran, Walker 85, Yao, Warburton (Stephenson 60), Smith, Oswell, Lofts

A fairly even game where they just finished better than we did, the red card finished us

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 1-3 Southport
View attachment 72397
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, O'Halloran, Hampson, Clarke, Stopforth, Yao, Smith, Oswell (Stephenson 64), Lofts

Another even game but our finishers and individual errors cost us once again

VANARAMA NORTH
York City 3-0 Stockport County
View attachment 72396
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, O'Halloran, Ball, Walker, Yao, Smith, Oswell, Stephenson (Lofts 64)

It feels strange having these two play each other so far down the league pyramid and we didn't help ourselves with individual errors appearing once again

VANARAMA NORTH
AFC Telford 3-2 Stockport County
View attachment 72395
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Cowan, Clarke, O'Halloran (Hampson 77), Walker, Stopforth, Yao, Smith (Stephenson 60), Oswell, Lofts

We did incredibly well to fight our way back into the game and then a lapse of concentration sees us lose it late on. Fun.

FA CUP SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND
Dunstable Town 1-4 Stockport County
View attachment 72394
Hinchliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, O'Halloran, Walker (Ball 59), Stopforth (Yao 59), Smith, Stephenson, McKenna, Oswell

We changed formation against no-hopers Dunstable and it worked, hopefully it stands us in good stead in the league as well

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 0-1 North Ferriby United
View attachment 72393
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, O'Halloran, Walker, Stopforth (Yao 60), McKenna, Smith, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 70)

They're bottom of the ******* league

FA CUP THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND
Stockport County 2-2 Southport
View attachment 72392
Hinchliffe, Clarke, Stone, O'Halloran, Minihan, Duxbury, Yao, Stopforth, Smith (Stephenson 64), Oswell, Lofts

We went with a 5-2-1-2 today and it went.. ok

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 72391
The month from **** is finally over
 
OCTOBER
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Dreadful month last week, we need to improve, can we?

FA CUP THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND REPLAY
Southport 3-1 Stockport County
View attachment 72372
Hinchcliffe, Clarke, Stone, O'Halloran, Minihan, Duxbury, Yao, Stopforth, Smith, Stephenson (Lofts 63), Oswell

No FA Cup win this season then

VANARAMA NORTH
Darlington 3-0 Stockport County
View attachment 72371
Hinchcliffe, Stone, Clarke, O'Halloran, Minnihan, Duxbury, Yao, Stopforth (Warburton 58), Smith (McKenna 73), Oswell, Lofts

We really are on a hiding to nothing. Poor players & no money

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 1-3 Blyth Spartans
View attachment 72370
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, O'Halloran, Ball, Yao, Stopforth, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell

We tried a 4-1-2-3 (I guess?) and it didn't really work, we're trying everything folks

VANARAMA NORTH
Nuneaton Town 4-1 Stockport County
View attachment 72369
Hinchcliffe, Minihan (Smalley 67), Stone, Clarke, Duxbury, Ball, Yao, Stopforth (Walker 67), McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell

We tried it again. It didn't work, again. To be fair we were ok and collapsed as we went looking for a goal in stoppage time

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 2-1 Kidderminster Harriers
View attachment 72368
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Clarke, Stone, O'Halloran, Ball, Yao (Walker 61), Stopforth, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 45)

IT WORKED! IT ACTUALLY WORKED! WE DID A WIN!

LEAGUE TABLE
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WE DID A WIN
 
NOVEMBER
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Rumours are that I might get sacked soon, that would be a shame

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 0-7 FC United of Manchester
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Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Clarke, Stone, O'Halloran, Walker (Stopforth 66), Yao, Ball, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 66)

I'm getting sacked aren't I?

VANARAMA NORTH
Boston United 0-0 Stockport County
View attachment 72255
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Stone, Clarke, Duxbury, Ball, Yao, Walker, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 69)

How do we get embarrassed at home by FC United and then get a 0-0 away at top of the table Boston?

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 2-1 Chorley
View attachment 72254
Hinchcliffe, Cowan (Minihan 73), Stone, Clarke, Hampson, Ball, Yao, Walker, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell

I forgot what winning felt like, a nice way to end the month's league games though!

FA TROPHY THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND
Biggleswade Town 1-2 Stockport County
View attachment 72253
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Clarke, Stone, Hampson, Walker, Yao (Smith 58), Ball, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 58)

The 4-1-2-3 is starting to work!

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 72252
I'll be out of a job by Christmas
 
DECEMBER
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The 4-1-2-3 is starting to work, can it save my job?

VANARAMA NORTH
Brackley Town 2-6 Stockport County
View attachment 72231
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Clarke, Stone, Hampson, Ball, Yao, Walker, McKenna, Stephenson (Lofts 68), Oswell

WOW! Where did that come from? An incredible performance saw us blow away playoff chasing Brackley, this tactic is looking very nice

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 3-1 Spennymoor
View attachment 72230
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, Walker, Yao, Stopforth (Smith 74), McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 74)

Last week's win would mean nothing if we didn't follow it up today and fortunately we did as we pull further away from the relegation zone

FA TROPHY FIRST ROUND
Tamworth 3-2 Stockport County
After Extra-Time
View attachment 72229
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Clarke, Stone, Hampson, Walker, Yao (Smith 75), Stopforth, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 75)

Shame.

VANARAMA NORTH
Curzon Ashton 2-4 Stockport County
View attachment 72228
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Clarke, Stone, Hampson, Walker, Yao (Smith 71), Stopforth, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell

Winning is fun.

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 3-2 Alfreton Town
View attachment 72227
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Clarke, Stone, Hampson, Walker, Yao, Stopforth, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 61)

A great fightback from 1-0 down even though we were a bit nervy at the end

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 72226
What a month!

 
So since getting tonked 7-0 at home, you've gone W5 D1 in the league.

At least your players responded, I guess...?!
 
So since getting tonked 7-0 at home, you've gone W5 D1 in the league.

At least your players responded, I guess...?!
I gave them the bollocking to end all bollockings (6)

In fairness, I went attacking at half-time in that game which probably didn't help matters. I've changed around a few roles on the tactic since then as well
 
JANUARY
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Things are going ok at the moment

VANARAMA NORTH
Alfreton Town 4-1 Stockport County
View attachment 72129
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Cowan, Stone, Hampson, Walker, Yao, Stopforth, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 66)

Back down to earth with a bump

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 1-2 Salford City
View attachment 72127
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, Walker, Yao (Smith 70), Stopforth, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 51)

We have a massive disadvantage against the pro teams like Salford, we held our own well though

VANARAMA NORTH
Harrogate 1-2 Stockport County
View attachment 72125
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, Walker, Smith, Stopforth (Cowan 75), McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 45)

A bollocking at half time did the trick as we disappointed massively in the first half

VANARAMA NORTH
Southport 1-3 Stockport County
View attachment 72124
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, Walker, Smith, Stopforth (George 70), McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 70)

We fell behind against Southport once again but we soon rectified that, banging in three goals before half time

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 2-3 York City
View attachment 72123
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, George, Yao, Walker, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 59)

A proper back and forth end-to-end game that was a joy to watch, unfortunately York's superior quality really showed

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 72122
The table's looking better

TRANSFERS

View attachment 72121View attachment 72120
We brought Kaine Fleix and Luke George on loan from York and Hartlepool respectively
 
FEBRUARY
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This tactic is working wonders, the players like me, the fans are enjoying it. Only problem is we're not really climbing the league that much

VANARAMA NORTH
Kidderminster Harriers 0-4 Stockport County
View attachment 72119
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone (Cowan 62), Clarke, Hampson, George, Yao, Walker (Stopforth 86), McKenna, Stephenson (Lofts 86), Oswell

What a win! We took the lead very early on and just countered from there on in. Beautiful stuff.

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 3-1 Nuneaton Town
View attachment 72118
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, George, Yao, Walker (Stopfoth 33), McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 79)

An early setback as Nuneaton took the lead, but we didn't panic. Instead, we equalised, took the lead and scored another

VANARAMA NORTH
FC United of Manchester 2-0 Stockport County
View attachment 72117
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Clarke, Stone, Hampson, George, Yao, Stopforth (Smith 65), McKenna (Felix 65), Stephenson, Oswell (Lofts 45)

FC United are our kryptonite

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 3-2 Boston United
View attachment 72116
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, George, Yao, Stopforth (Warburton 90), McKenna, Stephenson (Felix 67), Oswell
KAINE FELIX YOU BEAUTIFUL MAN!

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 72115
Another good month. Turns out tactical consistency is a good thing, who knew?
 
YOUTH INTAKE
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I know star ratings don't mean much at this level, but I'm excited anyway

ANDY BROOKES
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He's alright, isn't he? 19 flair on a target man, not something you see every day

ALEX RICHARDSON
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The first of our two decent goalkeepers, we can only play one though. That's a shame

STEVE PACE
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I wonder if he's quick off his line... I'll show myself out

ARCHIE HORNE
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A pacy left winger, all he needs is to improve the rest of his game

DANNY YOUNG
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A 6ft tall left winger? Yes please.

ISAAC BEECH
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He can play everywhere! I'm excited!
 
MARCH
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We have some very winnable games this month

VANARAMA NORTH
Chorley 3-2 Stockport County
View attachment 72048
Hinchcliffe, Cowan, Clarke, Stone, Hampson, George, Yao, Stopforth, McKenna, Stephenson (Felix 65), Oswell (Lofts 65)

A very disappointing defeat away to Chorley isn't how I wanted to start the month but we have to improve

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 1-1 Brackley Town
View attachment 72047
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, Cowan, George, Yao (Smith 74), Stopforth, McKenna, Stephenson (Brookes 74), Oswell (Lofts 45)

Beat them 6-2 away. Draw 1-1 at home. Makes sense. Andy Brookes became our youngest ever player though

VANARAMA NORTH
Gainsborough Trinity 1-2 Stockport County
View attachment 72046
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, George, Yao, Stopforth, McKenna, Stephenson, Oswell

We've bounced back from our two disappointing performances with a strong away showing against Gainsborough which saw us grab all three points

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 2-1 Leamington
View attachment 72045
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, George, Yao, Stopforth (Smith 77), McKenna, Stephenson (Brookes 77), Oswell (Lofts 64)

Another solid performance and victory

VANARAMA NORTH
Bradford Park Avenue 1-3 Stockport County
View attachment 72039
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, George, Yao, Walker, McKenna (Felix 75), Stephenson, Oswell

A poor first half. Half time bollocking. Good second half. Win.

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 72038
5 games left
 
APRIL
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Let's end this season with a bang!

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 0-2 Tamworth
View attachment 71945
Hinchcilffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, George, Walker, Yao, Stephenson (McKenna 20), Felix, Oswell (Lofts 67)

Let's put the bang on hold

VANARAMA NORTH
North Ferriby United 0-1 Stockport County
View attachment 71944
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Clarke, Stone, Hampson, George, Walker (Stopforth 71), Yao, Brookes, McKenna, Oswell

A slightly weakened side struggled to victory in Yorkshire

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 1-1 AFC Telford
View attachment 71943
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, George, Walker (Stopforth 61), Yao, Brookes, McKenna, Oswell (Lofts 61)

We continue to pick up points as I continue to worry about whether or not they're extending my contract

VANARAMA NORTH
Blyth Spartans 0-1 Stockport County
View attachment 71942
Hinchcliffe, Minihan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, George, Yao (Dixon 63), Walker, Brookes (Lofts 63), McKenna, Oswell

Smash. And. Grab. Only shot on target, we scored.

VANARAMA NORTH
Stockport County 3-1 Darlington
View attachment 71941
Hinchcliffe, Minhan, Stone, Clarke, Hampson, George, Yao, Walker, McKenna (Felix 67), Brookes, Oswell (Lofts 53)

We battered them, only to rely on two late goals to secure the win, and a good finish in the league

LEAGUE TABLE
View attachment 71940
Do I get to keep my job?
 
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