ninjaskill
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Your team certainly seems to have gelled, hopefully the Rosenborg game is a good earner if nothing else
On A Mission To Become The Greatest Europe Has Ever Seen......The Hard Way!
- Thread starter BallyC7
- Start date
- Replies 30
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May 2018
[FONT="]Update: May 2018
[/FONT]Our excellent start to the season continued into May. We suffered the expected defeat to Rosenborg but it didn't effect my lads league form as they strung together some good results immediately after. We did suffer our first league defeat at the end of the month, but still an extremely solid start, especially considering we were expected to battle relegation this season.
View attachment 58841
Norwegian Cup 2nd Round: Rosenborg - Away
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 69), Daly (Frankmo 69), Obeng (Blaka 69), Ashby, Rashid
View attachment 58839
As expected, we were dominated by one of the best teams in the country. However, I'm pleased we managed to bag a goal and we'll take a big boost to the finances from this game (nearly £100k).
View attachment 58837
Matchday 4: Senja - Away (4th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 67), Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid (Gwarda 67)
View attachment 58836
A good solid away performance gives us another 3 points against a Senja side that had also won 2 of their opening 3 games before this fixture. It was pretty comfortable throughout with our opponents never really threatening to score.
Matchday 5: Elverum - Away (5th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid
View attachment 58834
A real smash and grab win for us. Our opponents dominated possession and had 16 shots to our 5. But all that matters on the day is that we scored more than them and take away another huge 3 points!
Matchday 6: Grorud - Home (1st vs 10th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen (Ludvigsen 63), Raaholt, Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 63), Daly, Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 63), Rashid
View attachment 58833
This was a really entertaining game with both sides creating more than 30 chances between them! But it was us that just edged it on the day and preserved our unbeaten start to the season. Gundersen made his return from injury to make his first appearance since the opening game of the season.
Matchday 7: Nybergsund - Away (3rd vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Ludvigsen, Raaholt, Celina, Hopen, Daly, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid
View attachment 58832
Nybergsund had only lost one game this season coming into this fixture, so it was always expected to be a tough one! And it proved to be exactly that as our opponents were far superior on the day and probably should of won by a much larger margin. We suffer defeat for the first time in the league this season.
Christian Morch
Goalkeeper
Appearances: 5
Clean Sheets: 1
Saves: 21
Average Rating: 7.04
Christian has been extremely consistent this month and has made some really important saves which have contributed to us maintaining top position in the league.
League Table
We remain top of the league after 7 games
View attachment 58830
[FONT="]Other News
[/FONT][FONT="]
[/FONT]Right wing back Mathias Kvalheim suffered an injury which kept him out for virtually the whole month.
View attachment 58829
[FONT="]Update: May 2018
[/FONT]Our excellent start to the season continued into May. We suffered the expected defeat to Rosenborg but it didn't effect my lads league form as they strung together some good results immediately after. We did suffer our first league defeat at the end of the month, but still an extremely solid start, especially considering we were expected to battle relegation this season.
View attachment 58841
Norwegian Cup 2nd Round: Rosenborg - Away
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 69), Daly (Frankmo 69), Obeng (Blaka 69), Ashby, Rashid
View attachment 58839
As expected, we were dominated by one of the best teams in the country. However, I'm pleased we managed to bag a goal and we'll take a big boost to the finances from this game (nearly £100k).
View attachment 58837
Matchday 4: Senja - Away (4th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 67), Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid (Gwarda 67)
View attachment 58836
A good solid away performance gives us another 3 points against a Senja side that had also won 2 of their opening 3 games before this fixture. It was pretty comfortable throughout with our opponents never really threatening to score.
Matchday 5: Elverum - Away (5th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid
View attachment 58834
A real smash and grab win for us. Our opponents dominated possession and had 16 shots to our 5. But all that matters on the day is that we scored more than them and take away another huge 3 points!
Matchday 6: Grorud - Home (1st vs 10th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen (Ludvigsen 63), Raaholt, Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 63), Daly, Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 63), Rashid
View attachment 58833
This was a really entertaining game with both sides creating more than 30 chances between them! But it was us that just edged it on the day and preserved our unbeaten start to the season. Gundersen made his return from injury to make his first appearance since the opening game of the season.
Matchday 7: Nybergsund - Away (3rd vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Ludvigsen, Raaholt, Celina, Hopen, Daly, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid
View attachment 58832
Nybergsund had only lost one game this season coming into this fixture, so it was always expected to be a tough one! And it proved to be exactly that as our opponents were far superior on the day and probably should of won by a much larger margin. We suffer defeat for the first time in the league this season.
Christian Morch
Goalkeeper
Appearances: 5
Clean Sheets: 1
Saves: 21
Average Rating: 7.04
Christian has been extremely consistent this month and has made some really important saves which have contributed to us maintaining top position in the league.
League Table
We remain top of the league after 7 games
View attachment 58830
[FONT="]Other News
[/FONT][FONT="]
[/FONT]Right wing back Mathias Kvalheim suffered an injury which kept him out for virtually the whole month.
View attachment 58829
June 2018
Update: June 2018
A poor month sees us concede A LOT of goals. Defensively we have really struggled this month and it will need addressing if we're going to stop this poor run of form next month.
View attachment 58420
Matchday 8: Moss - Home (1st vs 7th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Ludvigsen, Raaholt (Kvalheim 69), Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 69), Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid (Gundersen 69)
View attachment 58419
The perfect way to bounce back from defeat is with a big win! 6 goals past our mid table opponents and although we leaked 3 ourselves, I'm delighted with the performance and character shown from the lads!
Matchday 9: Asker - Away (3rd vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen (Karlsen 55), Eriksen, Ludvigsen, Raaholt (Kvalheim 55), Celina, Hopen, Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 55), Rashid
View attachment 58418
We had plenty going forward in this game, but defensively we were really poor and Asker looked like scoring every single time they attacked. Our second defeat of the season comes against another side in the top 3 and challenging for top spot, so it's still respectable (even if the scoreline wasn't).
Matchday 10: Alta - Home (1st vs 5th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Daly (Solbakken 63), Obeng (Ashby 63), Gundersen, Rashid
View attachment 58417
A hard fought draw at home to a side that played some really decent passing football against us. The defence was solid today and we worked hard to get this point!
Matchday 11: Raufoss - Away (13th vs 3rd)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen (Ludvigsen 45), Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Solbakken, Obeng (Ashby 45), Gundersen, Rashid
View attachment 58416
We were poor in this one. I was expecting to get back to winning ways against one of the bottom 2 but they actually dominated us in the first half and raced into a 4-1 lead by the 48th minute! We did improve dramatically after that and earned back two goals but it wasn't enough to get anything out of the game.
Esben Rashid
Striker
Appearances: 4
Goals: 5
Assists: 2
Shots: 14
Average Rating: 7.95
Rashid has been in fine form this month and has now emerged as the club's top goalscorer this season, having scored in 8 of his last 10 games.
League Table
We lose our place at the top of the table as we slipped down to 4th this month. However, with a game in hand against the top 3, we're still very much in the mix at the top end of the table.
View attachment 58415
Other News
I bagged another new contract which will extend my stay here for another 2 years and gives me a pay rise to over £300 per week. I've doubled my salary in my first year of professional football management
View attachment 58414
Update: June 2018
A poor month sees us concede A LOT of goals. Defensively we have really struggled this month and it will need addressing if we're going to stop this poor run of form next month.
View attachment 58420
Matchday 8: Moss - Home (1st vs 7th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Ludvigsen, Raaholt (Kvalheim 69), Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 69), Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid (Gundersen 69)
View attachment 58419
The perfect way to bounce back from defeat is with a big win! 6 goals past our mid table opponents and although we leaked 3 ourselves, I'm delighted with the performance and character shown from the lads!
Matchday 9: Asker - Away (3rd vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen (Karlsen 55), Eriksen, Ludvigsen, Raaholt (Kvalheim 55), Celina, Hopen, Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 55), Rashid
View attachment 58418
We had plenty going forward in this game, but defensively we were really poor and Asker looked like scoring every single time they attacked. Our second defeat of the season comes against another side in the top 3 and challenging for top spot, so it's still respectable (even if the scoreline wasn't).
Matchday 10: Alta - Home (1st vs 5th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Daly (Solbakken 63), Obeng (Ashby 63), Gundersen, Rashid
View attachment 58417
A hard fought draw at home to a side that played some really decent passing football against us. The defence was solid today and we worked hard to get this point!
Matchday 11: Raufoss - Away (13th vs 3rd)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen (Ludvigsen 45), Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Solbakken, Obeng (Ashby 45), Gundersen, Rashid
View attachment 58416
We were poor in this one. I was expecting to get back to winning ways against one of the bottom 2 but they actually dominated us in the first half and raced into a 4-1 lead by the 48th minute! We did improve dramatically after that and earned back two goals but it wasn't enough to get anything out of the game.
Esben Rashid
Striker
Appearances: 4
Goals: 5
Assists: 2
Shots: 14
Average Rating: 7.95
Rashid has been in fine form this month and has now emerged as the club's top goalscorer this season, having scored in 8 of his last 10 games.
League Table
We lose our place at the top of the table as we slipped down to 4th this month. However, with a game in hand against the top 3, we're still very much in the mix at the top end of the table.
View attachment 58415
Other News
I bagged another new contract which will extend my stay here for another 2 years and gives me a pay rise to over £300 per week. I've doubled my salary in my first year of professional football management
View attachment 58414
European Competition Winners
European Football Major Leagues Review
As the 2017/18 season comes to a close around Europe, let's take a look at the competition winners.
English Premier League: Manchester City
FA Cup: Tottenham
Carabao Cup: Manchester United
French Ligue 1: Paris Saint Germain
French Cup: Paris Saint Germain
Coupe de la Ligue: Paris Saint Germain
German Bundesliga: Bayern Munich
German Cup: Bayern Munich
Dutch Eredivisie: Feyenoord
Dutch Cup: PSV
Italian Serie A: Juventus
Italian Cup: AC Milan
Portuguese Premier League: FC Porto
Taca de Portugal: Sporting Lisbon
Portuguese League Cup: Sporting Lisbon
Russian Premier Division: Spartak Moscow
Russian Cup: Spartak Moscow
Scottish Ladbrokes Premiership: Celtic
Scottish Cup: Celtic
Betfred Cup: Celtic
Spanish La Liga: Barcelona
Copa del Rey: Barcelona
Turkish Super League: Fenerbahce
Turkish Cup: Basaksehir
Champions League Winners: Manchester City
Champions League Runners Up: Sevilla
Europa League Winners: AS Monaco
Europa League Runners Up: Villarreal
European Football Major Leagues Review
As the 2017/18 season comes to a close around Europe, let's take a look at the competition winners.
English Premier League: Manchester City
FA Cup: Tottenham
Carabao Cup: Manchester United
French Ligue 1: Paris Saint Germain
French Cup: Paris Saint Germain
Coupe de la Ligue: Paris Saint Germain
German Bundesliga: Bayern Munich
German Cup: Bayern Munich
Dutch Eredivisie: Feyenoord
Dutch Cup: PSV
Italian Serie A: Juventus
Italian Cup: AC Milan
Portuguese Premier League: FC Porto
Taca de Portugal: Sporting Lisbon
Portuguese League Cup: Sporting Lisbon
Russian Premier Division: Spartak Moscow
Russian Cup: Spartak Moscow
Scottish Ladbrokes Premiership: Celtic
Scottish Cup: Celtic
Betfred Cup: Celtic
Spanish La Liga: Barcelona
Copa del Rey: Barcelona
Turkish Super League: Fenerbahce
Turkish Cup: Basaksehir
Champions League Winners: Manchester City
Champions League Runners Up: Sevilla
Europa League Winners: AS Monaco
Europa League Runners Up: Villarreal
July 2018
Update: July 2018
We put last month's disappointing run behind us with an unbeaten month here. Three games where the lads had to work really hard to grind out 7 points and they were superb in doing so. We played some lovely football this month and have really showed our credentials as title challengers as we passed the halfway stage of the competition. We could just do with tightening up the defence a little as we now have no clean sheet in 10 games.
View attachment 58405
Matchday 12: Skeid - Away (8th vs 4th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby (Daly 85), Rashid
View attachment 58404
We kicked off July with a win, following 3 games in June without one. It was a great performance away from home and the lads played really well to earn all 3 points.
Matchday 13: Lyn - Home (2nd vs 9th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Aasand, Hopen (Daly 63), Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 63), Rashid
View attachment 58403
After going 1-0 down mid way through the first half, the team looked to be up against it. However, we showed great resiliance and determination and played some really good football, creating a number of chances as we fought to get back into the game. It took a while, but 2 goals in 3 minutes late in the 2nd half secured us all 3 points and we kick off July with back to back victories.
Matchday 14: KFUM Oslo - Away (4th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Aasand (Celina 45), Hopen, Frankmo (Daly 45), Obeng, Ashby (Karvonen 55), Rashid
View attachment 58402
Oslo were the pre season favourites to win this league and found themselves in 4th place at the half way stage. We'd beaten them in a 4-3 thriller on the opening day of the season, and this was another cracker for the fans in another 6 goal spectacle. Very proud of the boys as they fought back from 3-1 down to earn a massive point against possibly the best team in the league. Dennis Obeng scored against his old club again, just as he did in the opening game of the season.
Esben Rashid
Striker
Appearances: 3
Goals: 4
Assists: 1
Shots: 15
Average Rating: 8.40
Rashid wins back to back POM awards as he bagged himself another 4 goals in 3 games this month. This lad has been incredible during the first half of the season and leads the way in the league's top goalscorer and top average rating charts!
View attachment 58401
View attachment 58400
League Table
Back at the top after this month's strong showing, and with a 3 point buffer!
View attachment 58399
Update: July 2018
We put last month's disappointing run behind us with an unbeaten month here. Three games where the lads had to work really hard to grind out 7 points and they were superb in doing so. We played some lovely football this month and have really showed our credentials as title challengers as we passed the halfway stage of the competition. We could just do with tightening up the defence a little as we now have no clean sheet in 10 games.
View attachment 58405
Matchday 12: Skeid - Away (8th vs 4th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby (Daly 85), Rashid
View attachment 58404
We kicked off July with a win, following 3 games in June without one. It was a great performance away from home and the lads played really well to earn all 3 points.
Matchday 13: Lyn - Home (2nd vs 9th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Aasand, Hopen (Daly 63), Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 63), Rashid
View attachment 58403
After going 1-0 down mid way through the first half, the team looked to be up against it. However, we showed great resiliance and determination and played some really good football, creating a number of chances as we fought to get back into the game. It took a while, but 2 goals in 3 minutes late in the 2nd half secured us all 3 points and we kick off July with back to back victories.
Matchday 14: KFUM Oslo - Away (4th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Aasand (Celina 45), Hopen, Frankmo (Daly 45), Obeng, Ashby (Karvonen 55), Rashid
View attachment 58402
Oslo were the pre season favourites to win this league and found themselves in 4th place at the half way stage. We'd beaten them in a 4-3 thriller on the opening day of the season, and this was another cracker for the fans in another 6 goal spectacle. Very proud of the boys as they fought back from 3-1 down to earn a massive point against possibly the best team in the league. Dennis Obeng scored against his old club again, just as he did in the opening game of the season.
Esben Rashid
Striker
Appearances: 3
Goals: 4
Assists: 1
Shots: 15
Average Rating: 8.40
Rashid wins back to back POM awards as he bagged himself another 4 goals in 3 games this month. This lad has been incredible during the first half of the season and leads the way in the league's top goalscorer and top average rating charts!
View attachment 58401
View attachment 58400
League Table
Back at the top after this month's strong showing, and with a 3 point buffer!
View attachment 58399
August 2018
Update: August 2018
A mixed month with a couple of wins, a draw and a defeat. However, still pretty good form for a club expected to be battling relegation this season!
View attachment 57561
Matchday 15: Baerum - Home (1st vs 6th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Daly (Solbakken 54), Obeng, Ashby (Karvonen 72), Rashid (Gwarda 54)
View attachment 57560
A very even game with both sides sharing possession equally and both having 12 shots on goal. So a draw was a fair result on the day.
Matchday 16: Senja - Home (1st vs 6th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen (Lee Jones 45), Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi (Frankmo 75), Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 88), Rashid
View attachment 57559
This team continues to prove their character and determination to me as they show yet again that we just don't know when we are beat. Again we come from 2 goals down and staring defeat in the face, to come back with four goals of our own and bag another huge 3 points.
Matchday 17: Follo - Away (14th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim (Raaholt 62), Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi, Obeng (Rashid 24), Gundersen (Karvonen 62), Ashby
View attachment 57558
It was top v bottom as we took on struggling Follo. But the game didn't follow the form book at all as Follo completely dominated us. We looked like a team devoid of any ambition at all in this game and the 1-0 scoreline flattered us as Follo could easily have had 3 or 4.
Matchday 18: Grorud - Away (12th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Karlsen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim (Raaholt 65), Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi, Obeng, Gundersen (Frankmo 45), Ashby
View attachment 57557
We definitely seem to struggle with motivation for the games against the sides as the bottom end of the league. We were again dominated here by a side in the bottom 3, but managed to scrape a 1-0 win courtesy of an own goal. I suppose they do say that if you are going to win titles, you have to win when you play badly.
Christian Morch
Goalkeeper
Appearances: 4
Clean Sheets: 1
Saves: 10
Average Rating: 7.20
Our defensive record this month has been much better, with Morch being a major contributor to that with some consistent performances between the sticks.
League Table
With 8 games to go, I feel I can actually start dreaming of lifting this title now. We have maintained our position at the top of the table and extended our lead to four points over the chasing Alta and KFUM Oslo. The table suggests it will be one of us three that lifts the trophy!
View attachment 57556
Other News
The transfer window opened and I made one addition to the squad...
Aaron Lee Jones
Centre Back
Signed from Asker for £7,500
Aaron is an English defender who was playing his football at one of our league rivals, Asker. He'd played 13 games for them this season already recording an average rating of 6.75. I was keen to improve my options at centre back and wanted to get a player already playing in the league so he could fit in quickly. Jones fit the bill perfectly and it was also a bonus that we were able to weaken one of our rivals.
View attachment 57548
Update: August 2018
A mixed month with a couple of wins, a draw and a defeat. However, still pretty good form for a club expected to be battling relegation this season!
View attachment 57561
Matchday 15: Baerum - Home (1st vs 6th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Daly (Solbakken 54), Obeng, Ashby (Karvonen 72), Rashid (Gwarda 54)
View attachment 57560
A very even game with both sides sharing possession equally and both having 12 shots on goal. So a draw was a fair result on the day.
Matchday 16: Senja - Home (1st vs 6th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Karlsen (Lee Jones 45), Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi (Frankmo 75), Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 88), Rashid
View attachment 57559
This team continues to prove their character and determination to me as they show yet again that we just don't know when we are beat. Again we come from 2 goals down and staring defeat in the face, to come back with four goals of our own and bag another huge 3 points.
Matchday 17: Follo - Away (14th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim (Raaholt 62), Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi, Obeng (Rashid 24), Gundersen (Karvonen 62), Ashby
View attachment 57558
It was top v bottom as we took on struggling Follo. But the game didn't follow the form book at all as Follo completely dominated us. We looked like a team devoid of any ambition at all in this game and the 1-0 scoreline flattered us as Follo could easily have had 3 or 4.
Matchday 18: Grorud - Away (12th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Karlsen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim (Raaholt 65), Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi, Obeng, Gundersen (Frankmo 45), Ashby
View attachment 57557
We definitely seem to struggle with motivation for the games against the sides as the bottom end of the league. We were again dominated here by a side in the bottom 3, but managed to scrape a 1-0 win courtesy of an own goal. I suppose they do say that if you are going to win titles, you have to win when you play badly.
Christian Morch
Goalkeeper
Appearances: 4
Clean Sheets: 1
Saves: 10
Average Rating: 7.20
Our defensive record this month has been much better, with Morch being a major contributor to that with some consistent performances between the sticks.
League Table
With 8 games to go, I feel I can actually start dreaming of lifting this title now. We have maintained our position at the top of the table and extended our lead to four points over the chasing Alta and KFUM Oslo. The table suggests it will be one of us three that lifts the trophy!
View attachment 57556
Other News
The transfer window opened and I made one addition to the squad...
Aaron Lee Jones
Centre Back
Signed from Asker for £7,500
Aaron is an English defender who was playing his football at one of our league rivals, Asker. He'd played 13 games for them this season already recording an average rating of 6.75. I was keen to improve my options at centre back and wanted to get a player already playing in the league so he could fit in quickly. Jones fit the bill perfectly and it was also a bonus that we were able to weaken one of our rivals.
View attachment 57548
September 2018
[FONT="][/FONT]
View attachment 57501
Matchday 19: Elverum - Home (1st vs 11th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen (Karlsen 76), Lee Jones, Kvalheim (Raaholt 76), Celina, Hopen (Daly 76), Abdillahi, Obeng, Gundersen, Rashid
View attachment 57500
What a way to bounce back from a couple of poor performances at the end of last month. We were excellent all over the pitch as we turned out our best team performance of the season!
Matchday 20: Nybergsund - Home (1st vs 6th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi, Obeng (Gwarda 71), Gundersen (Ashby 71), Rashid
View attachment 57499
A professional job at home to the team that inflicted our first defeat on us earlier in the season. Rashid got himself back on the scoresheet after a run of 3 games without a goal.
Matchday 21: Moss - Away (5th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid
View attachment 57498
A fantastic second half come back as we fought from 3-0 down to earn a valuable point against one of the top 5. And we even missed a golden opportunity in the 90th minute to win the game!
Matchday 22: Asker - Home (1st vs 6th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid
View attachment 57497
A close fought game sees us prevail with another home win as we keep up our challenge to actually win this league. Fantastic spirit shown from my players today.
Matchday 23: Alta - Away (2nd vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi (Daly 71), Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 71), Rashid (Gwarda 71)
View attachment 57496
This was a huge game for both sides. If we had won, we'd have pretty much wrapped up the title. But we didn't as Alta made the most of their home advantage and took a vital 3 points which would leave them only 1 point behind us at the top, with only 3 games remaining.
Esben Rashid
Striker
Appearances: 5
Goals: 6
Assists: 1
Dribbles: 13
Average Rating: 8.02
After a few games of failing to find the net, Rashid has certainly found his scoring boots again this month with a return of 6 goals in 5 games. We really need him to keep this up for the final 3 games and help us become champions.
League Table
3 games left and we sit at the top of the division. However, it's certainly not comfortable up there with Alta and Lyn breathing down our necks. It's going right down to the wire!
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[FONT="][FONT="]Update: September 2018
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A good month sees us record 3 wins and only 1 loss. The defence have had an up and down month, keeping clean sheets before conceeding 3 goals in 3 consecutive games. We'll need to tighten things up next month! Scoring goals hasn't been a problem at all as we found the back of the net 16 times in September.View attachment 57501
Matchday 19: Elverum - Home (1st vs 11th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen (Karlsen 76), Lee Jones, Kvalheim (Raaholt 76), Celina, Hopen (Daly 76), Abdillahi, Obeng, Gundersen, Rashid
View attachment 57500
What a way to bounce back from a couple of poor performances at the end of last month. We were excellent all over the pitch as we turned out our best team performance of the season!
Matchday 20: Nybergsund - Home (1st vs 6th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi, Obeng (Gwarda 71), Gundersen (Ashby 71), Rashid
View attachment 57499
A professional job at home to the team that inflicted our first defeat on us earlier in the season. Rashid got himself back on the scoresheet after a run of 3 games without a goal.
Matchday 21: Moss - Away (5th vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid
View attachment 57498
A fantastic second half come back as we fought from 3-0 down to earn a valuable point against one of the top 5. And we even missed a golden opportunity in the 90th minute to win the game!
Matchday 22: Asker - Home (1st vs 6th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi, Obeng, Ashby, Rashid
View attachment 57497
A close fought game sees us prevail with another home win as we keep up our challenge to actually win this league. Fantastic spirit shown from my players today.
Matchday 23: Alta - Away (2nd vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi (Daly 71), Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 71), Rashid (Gwarda 71)
View attachment 57496
This was a huge game for both sides. If we had won, we'd have pretty much wrapped up the title. But we didn't as Alta made the most of their home advantage and took a vital 3 points which would leave them only 1 point behind us at the top, with only 3 games remaining.
Esben Rashid
Striker
Appearances: 5
Goals: 6
Assists: 1
Dribbles: 13
Average Rating: 8.02
After a few games of failing to find the net, Rashid has certainly found his scoring boots again this month with a return of 6 goals in 5 games. We really need him to keep this up for the final 3 games and help us become champions.
League Table
3 games left and we sit at the top of the division. However, it's certainly not comfortable up there with Alta and Lyn breathing down our necks. It's going right down to the wire!
View attachment 57495
October 2018
Update: October 2018
After a disappointing result against 3rd placed Lyn, we finished the season well with back to back victories!
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Matchday 24: Lyn - Away (3rd vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen (Karlsen 45), Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 45), Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 45), Rashid
View attachment 57493
A really poor first half saw us 2-0 down at the break, and we really hadn't been in the game at all during the first 45 minutes. However, three changes at the break and a change of team instructions saw us come out more attacking, closing down the ball more and with a higher defensive line....and it worked as the lads worked their way back into this one and levelled the scores at 2-2 within 25 minutes of the restart. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get anything out of the games as Lyn bagged two more goals with their only 2 attacks of the second half and secured the win.
Matchday 25: Raufoss - Home (2nd vs 10th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones (Karlsen 62), Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi (Daly 62), Ashby (Obeng 62), Gundersen, Rashid
View attachment 57492
After going 4-1 up, we did our very best to throw this one away. However, despite the relentless pressure from Raufoss during the latter stages of the games, we just about held on for the 3 points which took us back to the top of the table after Alta lost to Nybergsund.
Matchday 26: Skeid - Home (1st vs 9th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 60), Abdillahi, Obeng (Gwarda 60), Gundersen, Rashid
View attachment 57491
As we entered the final game of the season, we were top of the league with a 3 point cushion over Alta and Lyn. A win or a draw would guarantee us the title!!
View attachment 57490
And the lads made no mistake as they turned in a wonderful performance in the final game of the season to secure the most unexpected of titles! We won the league by 3 points over Alta who also recorded a win on the final day. Tore Andreas Gundersen was in superb form today, bagging a hat trick and his 100th career goal in the process.
View attachment 57489
Esben Rashid
Striker
Appearances: 3
Goals: 5
Assists: 3
Key Passes: 7
Average Rating: 8.63
That man Rashid was phenomenal in the final 3 games of the season, contributing to 8 goals in only 3 games! Incredible finish to the season from our best player by far!
Final League Table
We did it! Champions!!
View attachment 57488
View attachment 57485
Other News
Naturally, the board were over the moon with our unexpected title win!
View attachment 57487
And the fans were elated! I wonder how many of them backed us at those pre season odds of 100-1!
View attachment 57486
Update: October 2018
After a disappointing result against 3rd placed Lyn, we finished the season well with back to back victories!
View attachment 57494
Matchday 24: Lyn - Away (3rd vs 1st)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen (Karlsen 45), Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 45), Frankmo, Obeng, Ashby (Gundersen 45), Rashid
View attachment 57493
A really poor first half saw us 2-0 down at the break, and we really hadn't been in the game at all during the first 45 minutes. However, three changes at the break and a change of team instructions saw us come out more attacking, closing down the ball more and with a higher defensive line....and it worked as the lads worked their way back into this one and levelled the scores at 2-2 within 25 minutes of the restart. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get anything out of the games as Lyn bagged two more goals with their only 2 attacks of the second half and secured the win.
Matchday 25: Raufoss - Home (2nd vs 10th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones (Karlsen 62), Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen, Abdillahi (Daly 62), Ashby (Obeng 62), Gundersen, Rashid
View attachment 57492
After going 4-1 up, we did our very best to throw this one away. However, despite the relentless pressure from Raufoss during the latter stages of the games, we just about held on for the 3 points which took us back to the top of the table after Alta lost to Nybergsund.
Matchday 26: Skeid - Home (1st vs 9th)
Formation: 5-2-3 Wing Backs
Lineup: Morch, Pettersen, Eriksen, Lee Jones, Kvalheim, Celina, Hopen (Karvonen 60), Abdillahi, Obeng (Gwarda 60), Gundersen, Rashid
View attachment 57491
As we entered the final game of the season, we were top of the league with a 3 point cushion over Alta and Lyn. A win or a draw would guarantee us the title!!
View attachment 57490
And the lads made no mistake as they turned in a wonderful performance in the final game of the season to secure the most unexpected of titles! We won the league by 3 points over Alta who also recorded a win on the final day. Tore Andreas Gundersen was in superb form today, bagging a hat trick and his 100th career goal in the process.
View attachment 57489
Esben Rashid
Striker
Appearances: 3
Goals: 5
Assists: 3
Key Passes: 7
Average Rating: 8.63
That man Rashid was phenomenal in the final 3 games of the season, contributing to 8 goals in only 3 games! Incredible finish to the season from our best player by far!
Final League Table
We did it! Champions!!
View attachment 57488
View attachment 57485
Other News
Naturally, the board were over the moon with our unexpected title win!
View attachment 57487
And the fans were elated! I wonder how many of them backed us at those pre season odds of 100-1!
View attachment 57486
End of Season Awards & Stats
End of Season Awards & Stats
Highest Average Rating (based on appearances)
1st. Esben Rashid - Striker - 26 appearances - 7.77
2nd. Orjan Hopen - Central Midfielder - 27 appearances - 7.31
3rd. Dennis Obeng - Striker - 26 appearances - 7.27
Top Goalscorer
1st. Esben Rashid - Striker - 25
2nd. Victor Ashby - Striker - 13
3rd. Dennis Obeng - Striker - 13
Most Assists
1st. Esben Rashid - Striker - 12
2nd. Orjan Hopen - Central Midfielder - 11
3rd. Dennis Obeng - Striker - 10
View attachment 56991
View attachment 56990
Esben Rashid also picked up the league's Top Goalscorer award, winning it easily!
View attachment 56988
The media plaudits flood in after our shock league title win!
View attachment 56989
End of Season Awards & Stats
Highest Average Rating (based on appearances)
1st. Esben Rashid - Striker - 26 appearances - 7.77
2nd. Orjan Hopen - Central Midfielder - 27 appearances - 7.31
3rd. Dennis Obeng - Striker - 26 appearances - 7.27
Top Goalscorer
1st. Esben Rashid - Striker - 25
2nd. Victor Ashby - Striker - 13
3rd. Dennis Obeng - Striker - 13
Most Assists
1st. Esben Rashid - Striker - 12
2nd. Orjan Hopen - Central Midfielder - 11
3rd. Dennis Obeng - Striker - 10
View attachment 56990
Esben Rashid also picked up the league's Top Goalscorer award, winning it easily!
View attachment 56988
The media plaudits flood in after our shock league title win!
View attachment 56989
Last edited:
Pre Season 2019
View attachment 56588
My only disappointment was that the board will not allow me to go on another coaching course to further my own development.
View attachment 56574
[FONT="]Pre Season 2019
I didn't go for quite as many pre season friendlies as last season, as the First Division campaign is a little longer with 30 games, so I was aware of the lads burning out at the end of the season if I pushed them too hard early on. But I still opted for 7 games and we recorded an unbeaten pre season campaign! I was very impressed as again I've added a number of players to the first team squad, and we did play some teams with a higher reputation than us, that we were expected to lose to.
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View attachment 56590I didn't go for quite as many pre season friendlies as last season, as the First Division campaign is a little longer with 30 games, so I was aware of the lads burning out at the end of the season if I pushed them too hard early on. But I still opted for 7 games and we recorded an unbeaten pre season campaign! I was very impressed as again I've added a number of players to the first team squad, and we did play some teams with a higher reputation than us, that we were expected to lose to.
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[FONT="]With regards to financial activity over the past 4 months, the board announced a new kit sponsor, and some decent TV rights that will be coming our way this season.
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[FONT="]The commercial summary from last season made for good reading with most of the numbers up on the year before.
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[FONT="]Which left the finances looking very good as we go into the new season.
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[FONT="]Although the club have now committed to a sizeable bank loan to increase the stadium capacity. It means we'll be playing our home games 'away from home' for 6 months.
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[FONT="]Again, the board backed me financially in the transfer market. It may not look like a lot of money, but this is a decent little budget for a minnow club from Norway. A hefty increase in the wage budget should allow me to bring some better quality players in.
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View attachment 56583[/FONT]
My only disappointment was that the board will not allow me to go on another coaching course to further my own development.
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[FONT="]Squad dynamics look good as we head into the new season, although I do have some disgruntled squad players who are looking for more opportunities.
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[FONT="]As predicted, the media fully expect us to struggle this season and with odds of 500-1 to win the title, another surprise championship may be just beyond our reach this year lol! The bookies have us odds on to be relegated!
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[FONT="]But the board are not putting too much pressure on me as they just want me to try my hardest to avoid automatic relegation. They're also hoping we can go one round better in the cup this season.
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Transfer Centre
It was important to add to the team before the new campaign kicked off. Having been surprise winners of the lower league last year, it was clear I'd have to look for a little more quality in all areas of the pitch if we were going to survive the First Division this coming season!
Georg Flatgard
Striker
Signed from Elverum on a free transfer
George is a decent striker who can fill one of my two advanced forward spots. He has decent stats all round and can certainly make an impact for us this season. He came from Elverum who struggled in our league last season, where he scored 8 goals in 24 games (21 of these appearances were off the bench).
View attachment 56571
Glenn Harviken
Centre Back
Signed from KFUM Oslo on a free transfer
Harviken is a centre back with decent tackling, marking and heading ability and at 24, he can make a name for himself here for a few years yet. He made 25 appearances for league rivals KFUM Oslo last season, recording an average rating of 6.79.
View attachment 56570
Stian Simenstad
Left Back/Left Wing Back
Signed from Raufoss for £2,000
Another left wing back was an absolute must. Behajdin Celina played almost every game in this position last year, largely because he had no competition for his place in the team as we had no backup player. It remains to be seen whether Simenstad takes the first team spot or acts as a backup to Celina.....both players will have a chance to prove to me they deserve to be number one.
View attachment 56569
Martin Hoyland
Central Midfielder
Signed from Unattached on a free transfer
Martin was brought in as a direct replacement for Orjan Hopen who left us to join Vitebsk in a £50k deal. I didn't want to sell him as he was probably my best player, but the player became unhappy after rejecting Vitebsk's first bid and player power shone through at the end of the day and I had to let him go. Hoyland is a decent replacement in my more attacking central midfield role, although he'll probably start as a backup player.
View attachment 56568
Preben Mankowitz
Central Midfielder
Signed from Grorud for £6,000
And the reason that Hoyland will probably start as a backup in that position, is because this man, Preben Mankowitz, will probably be number one in that role. Mankowitz was bought simply for his creativity and ability to carve out chances for the team, with his passing and vision stats at 15 and with good technique and flair stats too, he could be the catalyst in everything we have going forward.
View attachment 56567
Morten-Andre Slorby
Central Midfielder
Signed from Grorud for £3,500
I raided Grorud again for their other central midfielder Slorby. He will play my box to box midfield role and I'm hoping he and Mankowitz will make a direct and easy transition from Grorud to us and this will help them both to settle in a little quicker.
View attachment 56566
Riki Alba
Striker
Signed from Grorud for £4,000
Another player signed from Grorud, this time striker Riki Alba who will boost my options up front. I'll be sticking with the front 3 setup that was so successful last season for us, but felt I needed better backup options in the advanced forward roles (I play two advanced forwards off of a target man) and Alba offers me that.
View attachment 56565
Tomas Varpestuen
Goalkeeper
Signed from Unattached on a free transfer
Another position that needed addressing was the goalkeeper role. I have a good first choice keeper in Morch who I brought in last season, but no viable backup option. Not only is Varpestuen a good backup player, but he is also probably good enough to push Morch for his starting place in the team.
View attachment 56564
Tomasz Sokolowski
Central Midfielder
Signed from Unattached on a free transfer
Sokolowski will offer more cover in the central midfield role and adds some good experience to the squad at the age of 33. He has great determination and work rate about him, with good tackling and passing ability, so should definitely be able to make an impact in the centre of the park.
View attachment 56563
My head of youth development brought a few youngsters to the team, which didn't cost us any money, so I allowed him to crack on. However, none of them look anything special so I haven't detailed them here. However, below is the transfer summary.
View attachment 56560
As mentioned above, we lost our best player Orjan Hopen to Vitebsk which was a shame but the player wanted to move to a higher league and who am I to stand in his way. A £50,000 return on a player I signed a year ago on a free transfer isn't to be sniffed at anyway. Mikkel Frankmo hadn't developed the way I'd hoped and although a first team regular in my first season here, he was no longer seen as good enough for my squad and with better options now up front, I've sent Valentin Blaka out on loan for the season. Other first team squad players that have been moved on are Robin Daly and Dardan Rexhaj, both of whom struggled to make an impact last year.
It was important to add to the team before the new campaign kicked off. Having been surprise winners of the lower league last year, it was clear I'd have to look for a little more quality in all areas of the pitch if we were going to survive the First Division this coming season!
Georg Flatgard
Striker
Signed from Elverum on a free transfer
George is a decent striker who can fill one of my two advanced forward spots. He has decent stats all round and can certainly make an impact for us this season. He came from Elverum who struggled in our league last season, where he scored 8 goals in 24 games (21 of these appearances were off the bench).
View attachment 56571
Glenn Harviken
Centre Back
Signed from KFUM Oslo on a free transfer
Harviken is a centre back with decent tackling, marking and heading ability and at 24, he can make a name for himself here for a few years yet. He made 25 appearances for league rivals KFUM Oslo last season, recording an average rating of 6.79.
View attachment 56570
Stian Simenstad
Left Back/Left Wing Back
Signed from Raufoss for £2,000
Another left wing back was an absolute must. Behajdin Celina played almost every game in this position last year, largely because he had no competition for his place in the team as we had no backup player. It remains to be seen whether Simenstad takes the first team spot or acts as a backup to Celina.....both players will have a chance to prove to me they deserve to be number one.
View attachment 56569
Martin Hoyland
Central Midfielder
Signed from Unattached on a free transfer
Martin was brought in as a direct replacement for Orjan Hopen who left us to join Vitebsk in a £50k deal. I didn't want to sell him as he was probably my best player, but the player became unhappy after rejecting Vitebsk's first bid and player power shone through at the end of the day and I had to let him go. Hoyland is a decent replacement in my more attacking central midfield role, although he'll probably start as a backup player.
View attachment 56568
Preben Mankowitz
Central Midfielder
Signed from Grorud for £6,000
And the reason that Hoyland will probably start as a backup in that position, is because this man, Preben Mankowitz, will probably be number one in that role. Mankowitz was bought simply for his creativity and ability to carve out chances for the team, with his passing and vision stats at 15 and with good technique and flair stats too, he could be the catalyst in everything we have going forward.
View attachment 56567
Morten-Andre Slorby
Central Midfielder
Signed from Grorud for £3,500
I raided Grorud again for their other central midfielder Slorby. He will play my box to box midfield role and I'm hoping he and Mankowitz will make a direct and easy transition from Grorud to us and this will help them both to settle in a little quicker.
View attachment 56566
Riki Alba
Striker
Signed from Grorud for £4,000
Another player signed from Grorud, this time striker Riki Alba who will boost my options up front. I'll be sticking with the front 3 setup that was so successful last season for us, but felt I needed better backup options in the advanced forward roles (I play two advanced forwards off of a target man) and Alba offers me that.
View attachment 56565
Tomas Varpestuen
Goalkeeper
Signed from Unattached on a free transfer
Another position that needed addressing was the goalkeeper role. I have a good first choice keeper in Morch who I brought in last season, but no viable backup option. Not only is Varpestuen a good backup player, but he is also probably good enough to push Morch for his starting place in the team.
View attachment 56564
Tomasz Sokolowski
Central Midfielder
Signed from Unattached on a free transfer
Sokolowski will offer more cover in the central midfield role and adds some good experience to the squad at the age of 33. He has great determination and work rate about him, with good tackling and passing ability, so should definitely be able to make an impact in the centre of the park.
View attachment 56563
My head of youth development brought a few youngsters to the team, which didn't cost us any money, so I allowed him to crack on. However, none of them look anything special so I haven't detailed them here. However, below is the transfer summary.
View attachment 56560
As mentioned above, we lost our best player Orjan Hopen to Vitebsk which was a shame but the player wanted to move to a higher league and who am I to stand in his way. A £50,000 return on a player I signed a year ago on a free transfer isn't to be sniffed at anyway. Mikkel Frankmo hadn't developed the way I'd hoped and although a first team regular in my first season here, he was no longer seen as good enough for my squad and with better options now up front, I've sent Valentin Blaka out on loan for the season. Other first team squad players that have been moved on are Robin Daly and Dardan Rexhaj, both of whom struggled to make an impact last year.