Ponferradina: Ending cruel history

[Mike]

SD Ponferradina hire unknown Dale

View attachment 40318

Michael Dale was today unveiled as Ponferradina’s new manager in extraordinary circumstances that saw previous manager Carlos Granero sacked after failing a random drugs test. The Welshman had been lined up for a sensational switch to Spain for some while, and has finally sealed a deal that would see him at La Ponfe for the next year.

When Dale met the media for the first time, he had announced his plans to change the history of Ponferradina – and that was to take them to the very top of the Spanish leagues.​

“I’ve always seen management as an opportunity to make a name for myself. To come here and sign for Ponferradina as manager has ended some speculation from recent months. Having been linked to Denia, Granada and Pajara, it was Ponferradina that really stood out and if I was to sign for any of those teams it’d always be Ponfer.

Immediately after I signed, I was told that in order to improve debts, I was to go about it my way. I was told that if I wanted to terminate staff and/or players contracts, then it was entirely up to me. I haven’t really had the time yet to check out the behind-the-scenes of the club, but I am sure to do it very soon.

I have announced my intentions about the club, and I hope to give a strong title challenge this season as the club is capable of doing so.

I appreciate the full backing of the board and I hope to do a fantastic job here.”

Dale’s first competitive match in charge will be against Osasuna ‘B’ in the league. He will also manage the team in notable a friendly against Inter.​

 

[Jake]

You chose La Cultus rivals! I hope they batter you in the league (A)

Good luck mate, if its half as good as your Espanyol story it will be a cracker.

Remember, 5 file rolling auto save ftw

 

[Mike]

(A) I hope to go one better than your Cultural story :O

Is it really hard to get promoted?

 

[Jake]

(A) I hope to go one better than your Cultural story :O

Is it really hard to get promoted?

the promotion system is chaos. even if you win the league by a mile you still have to enter the playoffs! as long as you avoid some of the big teams in the draw its not too hard to win a few extra matches. Ponferradina will no doubt be cold too so you will see plenty of snow on your 3d match engone when playing at home. The teams coming from the southern provinces to play you wont like that, so you have an advanatge for at least part of the 2 legged fixture.

 

[Aannddyy]

Never heard of this club but good luck Mike, I'm sure you wont need it

 

[Mike]

Cheers, certainly gonna need it. Never heard of the club or anything about them. (A)

 

[Mike]

Friendly result:

Ponferradina 5 – 0 Ponferradina ‘B’

Dale makes addition to squad

View attachment 40325
Nacer Barazite signs for La Ponfe

Nacer Barazite was pleased to take on the chance of first-team action by signing a season-long loan from Arsenal. The Dutchman has said that it is a great opportunity to improve his game and hopefully become a big-name player in the future.

The signing of Barazite will certainly help Dale’s Ponferradina’s title challenge. The lack of attacking midfield options is concerning given the tactic, and Barazite will surely fill the gap.​

 

[Jack Fulham]

Loved the Espanyol one, I am sure this will be a much tougher test though

 

[Kris]

Will try and follow as much as i can. Until i get the net back anyway

 

[stigen]

if I was you would have never picked a team from spain right after your espanyol game:O

but good luck and hope you do very well<)

 

[Mike]

if I was you would have never picked a team from spain right after your espanyol game:O

but good luck and hope you do very well<)

Why not? (A)

I enjoy the Spanish leagues, and this was a recommendation by Jake, so blame him

 

[Mike]

Just a quick update of pre-season, have training in a bit. Hopefully more updates later.

- - - - -​

PRE-SEASON​

Friendly results

Ponferradina 5 – 0 Ponferradina ‘B’
Huracan Z 0 - 7 Ponferradina
Calahorra 0 - 3 Ponferradina
Ponferradina 1 – 7 Inter
Bembibre 0 – 7 Ponferradina
Ponferradina 2 - 2 Alicante
Sant Andreu 1 – 2 Ponferradina

Overall friendly thoughts: Pleased overall. Started very well with 3 wins with no goals conceded. We got demolished when Inter visited, but was a great way for the team to gain experience. Another high-scoring victory boosted morale, and we drew against Alicante, but that was more for fitness.

Let’s hope this can continue into the start of the season.

View attachment 40412​

Spanish Cup First & Second Round Draw:

Eibar/Ponferradina vs. Compostela/Gimnastica



Transfer Roundup:

In
Nacer Barazite – Loan (End-of-season).

Out
None.

 

[stigen]

raped by inter but atleast you managed to score once
only one transfer?:O

 

[Mike]

I know :$ haha

Yeah, financially I'm very weak. Very limited to transfer options. Transfer period still another week and a half though

 

[Nick.]

who's database are you using???

 

[Mike]

Using patch 10.2, no changes made.

 

[bcfc]

I have a feeling this will become legendary

Good luck mate :wub:

 

[Mike]

Thank you (A)

Stick around, I certainly hope so too XD

 

[Mike]

AUGUST



First real test for Ponferradina

View attachment 40611 Eibar vs. Ponferradina View attachment 40610​

In Michael Dale’s first game in charge, he saw Dani Borreguero score after 27 minutes to give his side a 1-0 lead, but before half time Eibar’s Jon Altuna equalised with a fine goal. Ruben Vega put Ponferradina back into the league with a real poacher’s effort, but an 87th minute free kick from Roberto Cuevas was enough to take the game into extra time, and then the dreaded penalty shootout, which Eibar won.

FINAL SCORE: 2-2; Eibar win on penalties.​

Opener proves to be cracker

View attachment 40610 Ponferradina vs. Osasuna ‘B’ View attachment 40608​

There were goals, goals and more goals in Dale’s first league game as manager of La Ponfe. Loan signing Nacer Barazite scored early on with a cheeky chip from 20 yards, then 8 minutes later, Ruben Vega scored a header from a corner to make it 2-0. Centre back Jano also scored a headed goal from a whipping corner only 3 minutes later, and the score at half time was indeed 3-0. It wasn’t until the 86th and 88th minute when both Jano and Vega added to their day’s tally to sink Osasuna ‘B’.

FINAL SCORE: 5-0 WIN​

Month overview and thoughts:

With only two games played – one cup, one league – it’s really hard to tell where my team is at.

Obviously I’m disappointed to have been knocked out of the Spanish Cup early on against fellow B1 side Eibar. To see us going 1-0 and 2-1 up was really pleasing in my first real match in charge, but penalties is a lottery, and to go out via the penalties is morale-denting.

As for the league, I’m really pleased with the 5-0 win over Osasuna’s ‘B’ side. To see two players, one of which is a central defender, score two goals is very pleasing. Currently sitting on top of the table, I’m fully confident that I have a bunch of players destined for promotion.

Ponferradina Player of the Month

View attachment 40609​

I’m gonna have to go with Ruben Vega. In only two games, he’s showing great composure in front of goal, and has scored 3 goals in 2 games so far. Hopefully more will come from him and partner Oscar de Paula.

Results

View attachment 40606

End-of-month league table

View attachment 40607​

​

 

[DRPEPPER]

Loved your espanyol one mate, of course ill follow this!!