From Studio to the Stadium

END OF SEASON REVIEW - PART II

PLAYERS

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Almost all of my squad had a 7+ rating but it tells you a lot that 3 of the 4 best players were on loan and the 4th​ guy is 37 years old. A cause for concern? Definitely but I will worry about it once the window opens and not before that. This is time for celebration.

Lee O’Connor came in January and alternated between right back and centre back, the Irish lad is brilliant for someone his age and I have seen him shouting on Peter as well on an occasion or two. He will be a phenomenal player if developed right.

Ro-Shawn Williams missed a lot of games in the season due to injury concerns and that is something he will have to work on. He has promise, technique and the ability but the body is a question mark.

Peter Clarke contributed with 10 goals in the campaign. He is my own Vidic, rallying troops, scoring important headers and guiding the young team.

R.H. Murphy was a menace. He scored 39 goals and provided 9 assists. He is touching 20 now and regular game time will develop him much more. He had a barren run at the end of the season and still needs time and maturity to play a whole season.

AWARDS

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6 players selected in Team of the season but only Murphy from my Top 4 make it to the list! The number shows how much we dominated the league though!

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Murphy takes the top goal scorer home by a distance! He could have scored 40 if not for the end of season form.

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I agree with the fan awards! Clarke deserves it considering his age.

FINANCES

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We started the season in dire needs of funds and end it with 3 Million in the bank! I couldn’t ask for more! The president was generous and offset our losses from time to time until we managed to go a cup run! See the bump from January to March? I love it! To help revive my boyhood club would be the stuff of dreams!

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A 7-fold increase in Stadium sponsorship and all other finances on the increase too! Am I a finance whiz or what?

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This is something that has been at the club after a while! A Tax bill!

OTHER NEWS

View attachment 23233 I don't like this but I don't think we have the money to invest in youth currently so I am in two minds and torn about requesting anything from the board!

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Well, this is good to know! I am loved!

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Season 1. Fin.

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SEASON PREVIEW!

View attachment 23187This feels surreal! I am still not over the fact that we won League 2 last season along with another trophy and a brilliant run in F.A. Cup which brings us to today. We are back in League 1 which has been our stomping ground for quite a while and I intend to change that. I am not setting us any targets and ideally, I am aiming for back to back promotions to the Premier League and I will be the next great manager after Pep Guardiola but realistically? I hope we can finish in the top half and challenge for playoff places depending on how the transfer window goes.

BOARD EXPECTATION

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The Board expectations aren't far off from mine and they have given me a decent budget and wages to work with that. I am hoping to pick up various released players from Premier League sides, players good enough for League 1 and on low wages along with the usual loan signings.

MEDIA

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The Usual suspects and our odds while not worse than Leicester aren't great either! I am hoping to pull a surprise though.

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So none of my players are good enough for best player or top goal scorer as per the Media!

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PRE-SEASON

View attachment 23180The aim of the pre-season was to get all my players match fit and earn some money so I scheduled and crammed as many friendlies as I could in a month and the players were not so happy but most of the friendlies in the second half of the month were at home so they can stop ******** about it!

The highlight of the pre-season was definitely the win over Arsenal as we defeated them by a goal and yes I know it's only preseason but such wins can instil belief for future matches to come. Other than the Arsenal fixture, the match against Man Utd and Chelsea were special as well as we held both to draws and earned TV Money as well. It was good to catch up with some of the lads as well!

TRANSFERS

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FREE

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LOANS

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So I went kind of bonkers in the window as we signed 21 players for the first team and the U-23 team with most of them coming from Premier League sides. I feel we needed strength in depth as well as we need to groom players who could play for us beyond the loan signings as well. And I went berserk with it!

Aidan Barlow, Matty Willock, Jack Elliot, Rhys Williams, Jack Roles will slot right into the first team while various other will be on the periphery and will be used for rotational purposes. I am really excited to get this young core group who I hope can lead us to the Premier League and I hope they develop well!

In terms of loan signings, Jose Mourinho was unhappy that I didn't play Regan Poole much and Man Utd now refuses to business with us because Mourinho has explicitly told them no to do any kind of business with me. This man is crazy I tell you. I played Regan around 24-25 times in the league and for a young lad, it is a good number of matches! The loss is his! I could have developed his players well.

It was still difficult signing good players as clubs felt the quality in my team wasn't enough to allow them to play with me until the last day of course! We managed to sign the brilliant Rhian Brewster and he was supposed to be my main striker before Murphy became available! I snapped him up immediately! Carlton Morris and Cassidy will be my rotational options with Brewster moving to the wings.

Dozzel will shore up my midfield while Glover will be my first choice GK with Fotzjiek his deputy! Jordan Williama was signed for his depth and versatility!

Meanwhile, the Premier League has gone crazy with the 100 Million deals!​
 
SQUAD ANALYSIS

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GOALKEEPER

Thomas Glover - On loan from parent club Tottenham, the Australian goalkeeper replaces last years incumbent Harry Lewis in the goal. The shot-stopper is good for league 1 and I could loan him for a while if need be with Tottenham being my parent club so a good deal overall for us.

Alex Fotjieck - Signed in the summer from Manchester United, the young goalie will be understudy to Glover but will mostly have to be content with reserve football.

CENTER-BACKS
Peter Clarke - The captain will be used in rotation this term with age and injuries both catching up to him. He is a brilliant mentor though and will continue to remain, my captain, just not the first choice. I am looking to ease him slowly into coaching as young options become available.

Rhys Williams - The defender was snapped up after he was released from Liverpool and at 18 has a very bright future. He has excellent physical stats and I am hoping some game time will increase his Technical skills too.

Jack Elliot - I signed him up from Philadelphia and he slots right into my first team. Good enough for league 1 and will be a useful experienced player as I groom my youngsters.

George Edmundson - A youth academy graduate, he has decent stats everywhere but has neither potential like Rhys nor the current ability like Jack. Will be a rotation option.

Jordan Williams - A full-back by trade but capable of playing in the middle, he was signed on deadline day to provide cover and depth.

FULL-BACKS

Cameron Dummigan - One of the best players at the club, the marauding right-back is a domineering presence at the back and while going forward. One of the few players whom I can see playing in the Premier League if we make it there.

Rob Hunt - Capable of playing at both the full-back positions, the versatile player is a useful option but is a whiner as he is not the first choice. His ability to chip in with goals is very useful though.

Paul Black - See Rob hunt minus the goals!

Brooklyn Lyons-Foster - Another youngster snapped from Premier League, the Tottenham player was deemed not good enough for them but could be a decent option for us. I am looking to ease him into the first team. Like all the players in the squad, he is brilliant physically.

MIDFIELDERS

Matty Willock - A versatile player, he has got a mean foot and a mean streak. A useful option at this level and one of the highest paid players at the club, I am looking at him for goals and dominance in the midfield.

Jack Roles - Snapped from Tottenham, this guy is a gem. Brilliant at this level and potential to grow more. His decision making, skills and off the ball movement are very good for the level. He and Willock could be a part of a brilliant pivot.

Dan Gardner - Hero in League 2 but he looks a bit out of depth at this level. A useful option and experienced head for the youngsters to look up to.

Andre Dozzel - A loan signing from Ipswich, he should be able to light up the league especially with my army of forwards. Quite easily my best midfielder.

Mohamed Maouche - A bit like Gardner but better, he can compete with the young midfielders and teach them a few things. Plus a very useful rotational option.

WINGERS

Thomas Agyepong - Another Premier League import, the City trainee is well developed for the league 1. He has got the pace, technique and physique to excel at this level.

Gevaro Nepomuceno - My most capped player (internationally) is a bit of a curious case. I almost let him go but kept him as he can play left back as well. He has no stand out stats but performs exceptionally when called upon.

Rhian Brewster - Originally signed up for the role of striker, Murphy helped me move him to the right. Technically brilliant, this could be his breakthrough season. One of the best dribblers in the league, I am interested to see how he copes with the physicality.

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS

Jose Baxter - Our dead ball specialist, he had a hand in 22 goals in the league last season. He is good enough for this level but can he push on and become one of the many late bloomers?

Aidan Barlow - The Manchester United lad has very good technical skills and an eye for a pass but he is skinny and can be bullied around. He could be a premier league player if he puts in the hard work.

Felix Nmecha - See Aidan Barlow but Manchester City.

FORWARDS

Jonathan Benteke - I will start with a player at the bottom of my rung, Beneteke is a good player but just not good enough for my plans and ambitions.

Carlton Morris - The Norwich player was once destined for greatness but injuries has him roaming the wilderness. He would have been the first choice but with Murphy now at the club, I might terminate his loan in January if he or his manager moans.

Ryan Cassidy - I signed him for depth and his brilliant technical skills. If I decide to play a 2 person attack, he would help wreak havoc to the opposition defence.

R.H. Murphy - Aston Villa had rebuffed my advances to sign him at the beginning but let him join us on the last day of the window. He scored 39 goals for us in league 2 and I am looking for him to continue doing so. Loved at the club, he could very well become a legend if he continues what he did last season.​
 
AUGUST

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THE LEAGUE

We are unbeaten in the league as we make a successful return to league one football as we score 18 goals in 7 matches with a 7-3 drubbing of Ipswich the highlight. We have hit the ground running, can we keep at it though?

CARABAO CUP

We are out of the cup early as we stumble against Premier League team Burnley. We dispatched off Bradford easily but just couldn't find the gear against Burnley as we had a player sent off. I don't like the cup much but I always like competing for trophies.

LEAGUE TABLE

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Top of the league early in the season. If we keep the momentum going, we can slack off a bit in the end. The guys are really enthusiastic at the moment and I am hoping we can take advantage of the same.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

R.H. Murphy! - He has started where he left off as he scored 7 goals in 6 games with 6 coming in the league. Carlton Morris will have to work really hard to displace this youngster who has found his home at Boundary Park.

IN OTHER NEWS

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Progress eh?!

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It's nice to be recognised!

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So happy for the youngster! He is just 18 and it was his professional debut! A bright future ahead!​
 
SEPTEMBER

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THE LEAGUE

A perfect month in the league as we score 12 out of 12 and keep 2 clean sheets! Set pieces were a huge part of our wins in these matches as we scored almost 6 goals via set pieces especially corners and out centre-backs were perfect in taking their chances. Our defence still needs a lot of work and like last season so does our finishing but it's all good for now.

CHECKETRADE TROPHY

Only a single match in the month as we take on fellow League 1 sides Fleetwood town managed by Joey Barton of all people. We dominated the match but like always managed to make it difficult for ourselves as Fleetwood held us for a draw before we won the match on penalties.

LEAGUE TABLE

View attachment 23083 A perfect month sees us retain our early position at top of the league! Should I be revising my expectations? Like last season we are benefitting from our good form and inconsistency of the challengers.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Jack Elliot - The ex-Philly defended is really turning it on in League 1. He is a defensive powerhouse and a menace at the other end as he scored 3 goals in September. He has formed quite an understanding with Peter Clarke and their defensive stability is the base of my attacking philosophy!

IN OTHER NEWS

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n award in 2 categories and 3rd in the last! The team is shaping up nicely and this time around, these are all my own players and not just on loan!
​
 
Things are starting to shape up nicely already this season. Be great to get back to back promotions and hopefully the bank balance keeps growing as well.

To think Scholes could actually be the manager by the end of the month as well
 
leckuno said:
Things are starting to shape up nicely already this season. Be great to get back to back promotions and hopefully the bank balance keeps growing as well.

To think Scholes could actually be the manager by the end of the month as well
Click to expand...

Haha surreal isn't it?

The league sure does seem possible but finances are worrying. Last year most players were on 0 wages and on loan, this year I have signed up many to boost the team plus the league pays pittance so crossing my fingers for another easy run in the Cup!
 
OCTOBER

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THE LEAGUE

It would be an understatement if I said it was a terrible start to the month as we started off with a loss to bottom side Rochdale. BY CONCEDING 3 GOALS IN LAST 5 MINUTES! The defending was atrocious and they were ashamed as they should be. This was followed by 2 draws and I could see our good start derail before somehow with a change of personnel and some self-respect they got their act together, winning the remaining 3 matches comfortably.

CHECKETRADE TROPHY

We faced Lincoln in the cup match and won easily bringing 10K to our coffers. This means the last match with Man Utd U-23's will be a straight shoot out between me and my old club. With Mourinho there, I don't feel much love.

LEAGUE TABLE

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We retain our top spot despite tumbling a bit in October. It is a tight league and a few other such results and we can lose it again. Focus is the most important thing in leagues like ours.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Aidan Barlow - The ex-starlet from Manchester made most of his opportunities as he hit 2 goals and made several important contributions in our attacking third. He is a constant menace from a distance and has got terrific passing skills.


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NOVEMBER

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THE LEAGUE

 We continued our momentum from October as we managed to win all of the matches in November and Aidan Barlow was at the centre of it all. The lad has really kicked on since he was given his opportunity in October as he scored 3 goals and laid on another in addition to always being a threat on the pitch. His most important contribution was against Port Vale as he scored a screamer and started the pass which eventually led to the 93rd Minute goal!

CHECKETRADE TROPHY

A routine win against Manchester United U-23's as a returning Jordan Williams ran havoc amongst the visiting team. He was excellent at right-back marauding back and forth and not giving anyone a sniff at goal in addition to creating a goal himself! We qualify for the next round and are still in sight of defending our crown!

F.A. CUP

We absolutely dominated the match with MK Dons not even having a shot forget a shot on goal but we had only one goal to show for it, scored by my substitute full-back in the 72nd minute. Unlike last year the finishing is hurting us and all of my young strikers lack a calm and mature head. Maybe I will go fishing in January?

LEAGUE TABLE

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Even a person as cautious as me would be happy whispering that we are the title favourites and it is ours to lose. Our rivals are inconsistent and we are managing to win games. And oh, an 11 point lead in November isn't bad either.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Jordan Williams - It was a choice between Barlow and Williams but the returning full-back has been brilliant in whichever role he has been thrust and ensured our progress in the cups.

IN OTHER NEWS
View attachment 23024Peter Clarke announces he will retire at the end of the season! He approached me at the beginning of the month and I asked him to reconsider as his experience is invaluable to me but after mulling on it he decided that he didn't want to play a bit-part role and instead would like to retire on a high. At 37, I can't ask him for any more so I let him do it. It would be a huge loss.

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Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan both want me, I declined of course!​
 
DECEMBER

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THE LEAGUE

We started and ended the month in the same way with demoralising wins. We went ahead in both the games and then switched off. We lost to Bolton in the 93rd minute and currently I have more last-minute losses then win and as a player under Sir Alex, that really hurts. In between, we produced some stellar performances which really show what this team is made of but there is a lot of mental work that is still required. The players have the talent but the temperament still needs to be developed.

CHECKETRADE TROPHY

Well, Jose Baxter came into this match with a point to prove as Barlow had displaced him and boy did he prove a point. He scored 5 goals as we defeated Sunderland 6-3 and overshadowed a brilliant hat-trick by Sunderland player Gaja. I should not play him for a few weeks and then unleash him.

F.A. CUP

We played Swindon who are fighting relegation in the league and we beat them easily, I am a bit disappointed by the 2 goals we let in but I will let it go. The highlight of the game was a stunning hat-trick by Aidan Barlow. The ex-United starlet amazes me when he gets going and his consistency is the only thing which required work now.

We achieve the Board requirement of 3rd Round but personally, I would love to go further but we meet a stumbling block in the form of...

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LEAGUE TABLE

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Despite the losses to Bolton and Sunderland we retain our 11 point lead but it hurts that we could have lead by more only for a few mistakes and lapse of concentration.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

No particular player played that many games or performed exceptionally so I will give it to Jose Baxter for his brilliant 5 goal performance in the Checketrade Cup as we progress to the next round!

IN OTHER NEWS

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The young defender is being groomed as Clarke announced his retirement and he has taken his chances well. Exceptional on the tackle and the ball, he can be a part of my defence on our journey to the top.

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The Left back is not regular but with the team competing on 3 fronts, his rotation was invaluable and he was a solid option. Lyons-Forster who was signed in the summer from Spurs will have to perform the backup role now.

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My job rejection tally is up to 5 now as I reject Hull, WBA and Leicester! The only club I would consider is Manchester United and even that after Oldham has attained Premiership and become a solid club there!



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JANUARY

THE LEAGUE

View attachment 23005The month started off brilliantly as we scored 7 goals in 2 games and were on a roll before disaster struck. It started with a close loss to Ipswich Town another team embroiled in the lower halves of the league. These were followed by disappointing draws against Plymouth and Burton as our rivals caught up with us and cut our lead on top. Still on top, but this month was a wake-up call in the league for us. 3-4 results here and there and we could be displaced from the top despite our dominance so far.

CHECKETRADE TROPHY

We played 2 matches in the Checketrade Trophy in the month and managed to win both of them although it wasn't without any drama. We faced Burton in the 3rd round and were winning comfortably until Burton pulled a goal back in the 91st minute. I went full defensive from thereon which was a mistake as Martin Sordell scored a 24-yard screamer in the 93rd minute to equalise it for them and brought us to penalties, where it took 9 penalty shots to eventually decide a winner and we came out on top.

The screaming after the match went on for 30 minutes as I lambasted my players and that resulted in a better result as we defeated Burnley U-23's in a relatively simple manner to book Semi-Final against Liverpool U-23's.

F.A. CUP

 This was the match I was dreading the most as it could potentially end our cup run much earlier than I anticipated but I will also have to toughen the team to face quality opponents. We started off the game brightly with a screamer from Dozzle but they scored an equalizer through Calleri before taking the lead through Redmond.

We equalised in the dying seconds of the first half via Rob Hunt which buoyed us and made me believe we could get something out of the game but they came out with vigour and scored in the 49th minute. This is where they lost the match. Our heads dropped a bit and they became relaxed. And then Roles took charge. He played a beautiful pass in for Agyepoing to equalize in the 75th minute and then turned in the winner as Barlow who came on from the bench to provide an inch-perfect pass which proved to be the winner.

The first test passed! We face Colchester next and that we should be winning easily.

LEAGUE TABLE

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Our lead was cut only by 2 points despite the setback but Sunderland are putting in an impressive run matching us point to point and I am wary of their resurgence.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Jack Roles - Just for that brilliant 25 minutes!

IN OTHER NEWS

2 player in and 2 out. Lyons-Forster departed as Hull activated his measly clause of 500K which was an oversight by me as in signing up the players, I paid no attention to their release clauses.

Another was a huge loss as F. Nmecha departed for Millwall for an even more measly 75K. I forgot his contract was expiring in summer and hadn't extended it. This brought in the vultures and despite offering him triple wages, he wouldn't extend. This led me to sell him to Millwall for 75K and I will get 40% of his next sale.

Ex-Palace player Jonny Williams was brought in to fill in the void of Nmecha but he is a short term substitute to the long term promise of Nmecha. Achraf Lazaar was also brought in as cover for the injured Paul Black.

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Everyone accepts that Roles is on a Role!


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FEBRUARY

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THE LEAGUE

Our disappointing form in the league continued early on as a loss to relegation contenders Wimbledon and a thrilling draw with Wigan did nothing to change our fortunes. A training session every day, all through the week and strong words is what it took to snap the players back into winning form before Rochdale, bottom of the league held us! They have taken 4 points off us this season!

CHECKETRADE TROPHY

A semi-final against Liverpool U-23's was ironically decided by their own as Rhian Brewster scored the winner in a match dominated by us. We took the early lead through a Jack Elliot header before the Ox scored an equaliser but up stepped Brewster to score a penalty and condemn his parent side to a defeat!

F.A. CUP

We face another Premier League side in the form of Burnley but this time we invite them to Boundary Park. It was surprisingly a fairly even game as they had a man sent off.

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If we could win this, it would be the biggest win of my career! FYI, I was hoping for a home draw to boost the earnings a bit!

LEAGUE TABLE

View attachment 22990So, a lead of 12 points with 11 matches to go should ideally be enough! Our Goal Difference is phenomenal as goals have come from all over the pitch, unlike last year where only Murphy was scoring.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Rhian Brewster - He was best amongst all, scoring important goals and running the defence ragged from his position on the wing. His work rate is excellent and he creates spaces for other players to run into. He could be a brilliant player in the future if given the time to develop.

YOUTH INTAKE

View attachment 22988The Youth Intake was better than last year but nothing to rave about.

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IN OTHER NEWS

View attachment 22986Murphy wins the best young player of the league via his 5 goals but his overall performance was disappointing, to be honest.​
 

MARCH

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THE LEAGUE

A normal month for us as moments of brilliant play are mixed with inept ones and that's what Oldham is all about folks. We started with tight wins and then lost against 21st place Swindon. A draw to Gillingham then followed as we conceded a 91st-minute equaliser before annihilating Colchester! Consistency eh?

F.A. CUP

It sure was a thriller as we lost to Liverpool 6-3. We managed to match them until the 70th minute and after that their experience showed as they scored 3 more and condemned us to a defeat and out of the F.A. Cup. Another 6th round ouster for us but another brilliant performance by the lads. This time we even defeated 2 Premier League sides.

CHECKETRADE CUP

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I don't think I have much to say. It was a brilliant win as we retain the trophy. Every member was absolutely brilliant and we played them off the park. An important win as we win our 3rd trophy in 2 years and things like these could make a lot of difference in a young players career.

LEAGUE TABLE

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12 point lead with 6 matches to go. I can confidently say that we have it in the bags now!

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

R.Cassidy - The Watford lad has displaced Murphy through his hard work and it shows. Not a blazing goal scorer like Murphy but he gives you a solid performance every match.

IN OTHER NEWS

View attachment 22973Cassidy rightfully wins it for a brilliant and consistent performance.

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Manager of the month for a month I wasn't even good!






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APRIL/MAY
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We needed 2 wins in the remaining matches and we managed 5 wins in a perfect April before we went to sleep in the last match of the season! TWO PROMOTIONS IN A ROW! GOD, I AM ******* EXHILIRATED AND I AM SO HAPPY! The win in league 2 was expected but this was something which feels like an achievement and something I am proud of. The campaign was tough, we had many new signings, young players and players on loan and they all came in and gelled up well enough to deliver this to us. The defence, the midfield and the forward line all worked brilliantly.

IN THE NEWS

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LEAGUE TABLE

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17 Points ahead of the 2nd, A Goal Difference that is 44 more than any other team and almost 100 points! Also we had such brilliant GD without having the top goal scorer as almost everyone chipped in! Roles and Dozzle have the top two averages and our midfield pivot really helped us control every single game! Surprisingly, Sunderland are condemned to another season of League 1, while Ipswich will be left wondering why did they loan Dozzle to us!

IN OTHER NEWS

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Very well deserved for the Ipswich lad. If I had the money, I would sign him up right away!

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Aidan Barlow! He has progressed very much and being in Championship puts that at a risk.

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5 wins from 5!

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The wage budget has almost been doubled but I don't think I will get free loans anymore and the Championship is a tough place to be.

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Pfft!

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Winning trophies and creating records eh!


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END OF SEASON REVIEW PART-I

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SKY BET LEAGUE 1

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Last year I was not very surprised, as a relegated team, we probably should have been amongst the favourites to win the league and some very good players we managed to win League 2 with ease but this year is a whole different story. I probably would have been very happy with a playoff spot and expected to lose that as well but to not only get promoted but to win the league by 17 points is a miracle. I don't know whether its the players, the tactics or the opposition but we have been phenomenal in both the seasons, scoring truckloads of goals along with it.

CARABAO CUP

Another non-performance in the Carabao Cup as we lose to Burnley this time. An away game against Premier League was always going o be tough and there is no shame in losing. That said, I want to make sure that we progress in this cup next year.

F.A. CUP

Can I say deja vu but a better version of it? We lost in the 6th round again to the eventual champions but this time around our performance was much better. We defeated 2 Premier League sides and showed our mettle. The young players rose up to the occasion and learned some important lessons as well. While it didn't boost our finances like last year but it did help us maintain them.

CHECKETRADE TROPHY

We retain the trophy that is special to me. This is my first ever managerial trophy and while I hope I never have to play in the cup again, it will always hold a special place in my heart! It wasn't as easy as it should have been but we defeated some good teams via good performance and good luck. Defeating Liverpool U-23's using a player of their own.

CLUB STATURE

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We are the 44th best team in the country now! Championship here we come!!!
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END OF SEASON REVIEW PART-II

SQUAD

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Another season where most of our first players had a rating of more than 7! The season was defined by the top 2 players from my squad as Roles and Dozzle ran and dominated the midfield. They ran the opponents ragged, created chances and scored some brilliant goals themselves. It was their partnership that really helped us throughout the season.

On the wings, the full-backs were charged with creating the width and they did it with aplomb. Dummigan, Hunt and Williams were absolute workhorses as they ran up and down the flank to provide width and defensive cover. All 3 of them combined for 29 assists and 8 goals and I couldn't ask anything more from my full-backs.

Whereas upfront Murphy and Cassidy shared loads scoring 37 goals between them. Murphy started the season in a blazing manner before he lost his form and thankfully for us, Cassidy was ready to take over from him as his form was necessary in the second half of the season to help us win various games

PETER CLARKE
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Oldham stalwart and club captain Peter Clarke retires. The 37-year-old Centre back was one of the first names on the team and his experience, as well as reading of his game, was brilliant. He was our defensive leader and mentor to a young side as we gained promotion to the Championship and his experience will be sorely missed. He has joined our coaching team as he will provide his experience to the U-18's. I am also glad that I could help him win trophies in the last few years of his career as his 4 trophies with us are his only trophies.

AWARDS
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The defence and midfield are dominated by Oldham as my players take 6 out of the 11 spots in the Team of the year. Elliot is another well-deserved entry in the team as he scored important goals throughout the season along with his imposing presence in the defence.

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Well, it was a tough choice between him and roles. I really can't differentiate between the two of them. More biased towards Roles as he is my own player.

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If only Murphy had hit sustained form, he could have taken top goalscorer award in this league as well. Loss of form and injuries and the emergence of Cassidy meant he couldn't repeat the feat.

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Well deserved I think! :D

View attachment 22875
Roles deservedly sweeps the Club Awards!


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END OF SEASON REVIEW PART-III

FINANCES

View attachment 22872We haven't doubled our bank balance or made any huge progress on the financial front but what we have achieved after a long while has been stability. We did not lose any further money this year despite our increased wage budget and I am confident a few years of stability and we will be able to compete with the best in the country. Our cup runs were obviously very important for the sustenance of our financial position. This time though we didn't need any help from our Chairman to bail us out and we survived on our own income.

View attachment 22871
2 Tax bills in a row is also a very important achievement for us!

View attachment 22870
Our on-field performance is being reflected off-field as we gain more sponsorships and finances from outside which is a very good thing for us as we try to move to a sustainable and self-sufficient model. The fall in Competition prize income is surprising as we achieved the same positions as the previous season.

View attachment 22869
Another feather in our cap!

IN OTHER NEWS

View attachment 22868
2nd season running! I could become the next Pep!

View attachment 22867
The bond with the players is really strong! My bond with some of the loan players might help us get them in the future as well!

View attachment 22866
Lol! There's no chance I take the job but it is really a great honour that they might even consider me.

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Season 2 Fin.

Do let me know in case of any feedback about the style! If you think it's too fast or you would like to see something specific.

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SEASON PREVIEW

View attachment 1194314
When we started the season in League 1 last season, the feeling was that of belonging. We belonged to League 1, we had played there for almost 15 years and League 1 was home. But today as I stand here waiting for Championship fixtures to be released, it seems like a dream. The ultimate dream is obviously Premier League but the Championship is also a huge achievement for us. We have missed promotion to the Championship once or twice in the past and hence finally reaching it is something which I, the players and the club can be proud of.

We are primed for relegation and the players are also not sure if we can avoid it but I feel through some smart signings, hard work and sticking to our attacking philosophy, we can avoid relegation and even surprise a few teams in the league. Over the past 2 years, we have had the most shots, most shots on target as well as most goals, scoring almost 230 goals in the last 2 years in the league. If we manage to be more clinical in front of goal and find defensive replacements, I still feel that we can manage to achieve triple promotion.

BOARD EXPECTATIONS

View attachment 1194315
The Board doesn't expect much from us. The cup expectations are on par as they usually are but in the Championship neither they or the media expect us to mount any sort of challenge and they just expect us to fight relegation and not even avoid it. In my humble opinion, its slightly insulting but the players seem to agree with the Board. It is only me who has belief in the players and I think I will need to instil it in them so we can achieve something extraordinary.

MEDIA

View attachment 22703
We are one of the contenders for relegation although we are in a better position now. At the beginning of the fixture release, we were primed for the last spot and were placed 1000-1 for the title but a few good signings in the window sees us bumped 2 positions to 22nd. We have no player whom the media thinks can be the top goal scorer or best player or even best young player and we certainly have no player in the best of the league at the start of the season. Fulham has been tipped to win the league while Stoke and West Brom are expected to challenge.

FIXTURES

View attachment 22702
Not an easy start! Huddersfield were in the Premier League not long ago while Fulham are tipped to win the league. In between, we face Forest and Norwich which are very strong teams while QPR are the unpredictable ones.
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