CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Too much pressure, mate! I'll choke and finish mid-table!!
Road to Glory : The Manager
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Too much pressure, mate! I'll choke and finish mid-table!!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Crewe are famous for their youth, it seems. Well, if they were to be known for anything it would surely be their youth set up and one thing that interested me was their youth set up - I worked with youth in Aberdeen and across Scotland prior to pursuing management.
So, one of the big things the board wanted was for me to use their youth and just generally develop to either sell or play.
Some of the more promising kids currently at the club were apparently the likes of Oliver Finney, Greg Raven and Kenny Martin. Nothing too special but surely some gems will come through soon enough as none of these will be in my plans.
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Some of my key players, though, will be Wayne Brown, the experienced journeyman, Craig Davies who has also been around. As well as Marc Pugh.
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The squad is actually ageing and I will need to add a few in January to continue to push for a play-off finish, which was essential. The board and fans expected it while the players want to solely think of the Championship next year. Determined lot!
The club are out of the League Cup and JPT, so I have thoughts for the League and FA Cup only. The 1st round of the FA Cup see us take on Chelmsford.
_________________________________________________________________
Jim White: "And we are live again, as we are joined by Peter Beagrie to discuss the latest appointment in the Football League. Crewe Alexendra have hired James McKenzie! He's Scottish, has never played before but has had success in South Africa and Ireland. What's your immediate thoughts, Peter?"
Peter Beagrie: "Yeah, well it was certainly a surprise. No disrespect to James but it is a shock to see people without playing experience manage around the United Kingdom. There was a few stories when he went to South Africa as he was involved in youth football in Scotland and you know well done to him for getting into a good job now."
Jim White: "He has 1 promotion to his name, as well as going on to avoid relegation before he went to Ireland to win the league. How different is his experience in England going to be, Peter?"
Peter Beagrie: "I am not sure, I would certainly say it was probably a step up. But he's been given a head start with their league position and with a few bob I am certain he can keep them around the top 6."
Jim White: "Thanks, Peter. We will be back to you in a second but we have news from the Cricket!"
So, one of the big things the board wanted was for me to use their youth and just generally develop to either sell or play.
Some of the more promising kids currently at the club were apparently the likes of Oliver Finney, Greg Raven and Kenny Martin. Nothing too special but surely some gems will come through soon enough as none of these will be in my plans.
-
-
Some of my key players, though, will be Wayne Brown, the experienced journeyman, Craig Davies who has also been around. As well as Marc Pugh.
-
-
The squad is actually ageing and I will need to add a few in January to continue to push for a play-off finish, which was essential. The board and fans expected it while the players want to solely think of the Championship next year. Determined lot!
The club are out of the League Cup and JPT, so I have thoughts for the League and FA Cup only. The 1st round of the FA Cup see us take on Chelmsford.
_________________________________________________________________
Jim White: "And we are live again, as we are joined by Peter Beagrie to discuss the latest appointment in the Football League. Crewe Alexendra have hired James McKenzie! He's Scottish, has never played before but has had success in South Africa and Ireland. What's your immediate thoughts, Peter?"
Peter Beagrie: "Yeah, well it was certainly a surprise. No disrespect to James but it is a shock to see people without playing experience manage around the United Kingdom. There was a few stories when he went to South Africa as he was involved in youth football in Scotland and you know well done to him for getting into a good job now."
Jim White: "He has 1 promotion to his name, as well as going on to avoid relegation before he went to Ireland to win the league. How different is his experience in England going to be, Peter?"
Peter Beagrie: "I am not sure, I would certainly say it was probably a step up. But he's been given a head start with their league position and with a few bob I am certain he can keep them around the top 6."
Jim White: "Thanks, Peter. We will be back to you in a second but we have news from the Cricket!"
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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I had arrived yesterday and my first game was here and ready for me, Gillingham were bottom and we were at home. I'd bring over my 4-4-2 again and try to play wider with a real direct approach.
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I'd thrown out a similar line up that had played the majority of the game. Tom Lawrence would play despite only four starts but apart from that nothing that throws any curve balls.
We took the lead early through a Lawrence free kick and from there we just threw everything at the relegation-threatened Gillingham. We grabbed a second before Gillingham ended up having a shot that probably should have been a goal but it wasn't to be thankfully.
Half time arrived and we were all over them, as aforementioned and a few players were looking good. Davies was looking very good up top while the ex-Manchester United duo Lawrence and Tunnicliffe both look good too.
The second half had us dominate again but Gillingham grabbed a goal with 20 to go through a big header after a dangerous ball missed the head of Tootle. Gillingham had another very solid effort after another dangerous cross fell down off the post but no one from the Gills was there for a finish. Unfortunately the pressure kept coming and they grabbed an equaliser and an instant Nolan rocket smashed off the bar before being cleared with only moments to go. It was 2-2 and they didn't deserve anything and we only got a point from my first game at home.
Disappointing start.
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I'd thrown out a similar line up that had played the majority of the game. Tom Lawrence would play despite only four starts but apart from that nothing that throws any curve balls.
We took the lead early through a Lawrence free kick and from there we just threw everything at the relegation-threatened Gillingham. We grabbed a second before Gillingham ended up having a shot that probably should have been a goal but it wasn't to be thankfully.
Half time arrived and we were all over them, as aforementioned and a few players were looking good. Davies was looking very good up top while the ex-Manchester United duo Lawrence and Tunnicliffe both look good too.
The second half had us dominate again but Gillingham grabbed a goal with 20 to go through a big header after a dangerous ball missed the head of Tootle. Gillingham had another very solid effort after another dangerous cross fell down off the post but no one from the Gills was there for a finish. Unfortunately the pressure kept coming and they grabbed an equaliser and an instant Nolan rocket smashed off the bar before being cleared with only moments to go. It was 2-2 and they didn't deserve anything and we only got a point from my first game at home.
Disappointing start.
Safc-mad-scotty
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Nice move to England mate with an interesting club choice, looking forward to seeing how you get on.
PatrickLFC
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Such a great story, keep it up!! Looking forward to the promotion! 
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Such a great story, keep it up!! Looking forward to the promotion!
Looks like it's either promotion or leave the site!!
Should have beat Gillingham because I have a few tougher games coming up. D:
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Honeymoon Period or nah?
I got to experience my first ever FA Cup tie, always been something special about the FA Cup especially if we can make it into some rounds against the big dogs and imagine an upset! We had Chelmsford to play and they were down in the Conference South so really was confident.
No bother!
After the game I got a call in from Roche, the Shamrock Rovers chairman, to confirm that he was disappointed I was trying to ****** Kavanagh but at the same time the club needed the money and Greg would have a great chance to develop at the club.
We would then have to set up for our tie against Peterborough and they were pushing for the play-offs and had sacked their manager - we got complacent and their keeper put in the performance of his life!
How on Earth - will 30 shots on goal - did 1 not go in? Or even 2?! Sone Aluko gambled on a long clearance and found himself one on one with the keeper. Easy finish.
I didn't know what this squad needed but I looked around and fielded a few calls for possible loan options. Terry Davies then called. He was the agent of Scott Sinclair and his 'client' was desperate to get game time to get his career back on track after seasons of injuries and no real football. He'd be available on loan till January where things could be re-assessed.
Pace, presence, flair. Could be a gamechanger. £70,000 for the 3 months.
I got to experience my first ever FA Cup tie, always been something special about the FA Cup especially if we can make it into some rounds against the big dogs and imagine an upset! We had Chelmsford to play and they were down in the Conference South so really was confident.
No bother!
After the game I got a call in from Roche, the Shamrock Rovers chairman, to confirm that he was disappointed I was trying to ****** Kavanagh but at the same time the club needed the money and Greg would have a great chance to develop at the club.
We would then have to set up for our tie against Peterborough and they were pushing for the play-offs and had sacked their manager - we got complacent and their keeper put in the performance of his life!
How on Earth - will 30 shots on goal - did 1 not go in? Or even 2?! Sone Aluko gambled on a long clearance and found himself one on one with the keeper. Easy finish.
I didn't know what this squad needed but I looked around and fielded a few calls for possible loan options. Terry Davies then called. He was the agent of Scott Sinclair and his 'client' was desperate to get game time to get his career back on track after seasons of injuries and no real football. He'd be available on loan till January where things could be re-assessed.
Pace, presence, flair. Could be a gamechanger. £70,000 for the 3 months.
PatrickLFC
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Great signing there!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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After the Peterborough defeat it was becoming more evident that scoring for us was hard - and that we needed to start picking up real points as a few losses could leave us down in mid-table and honestly I am not wanting some stupid scrap for a top 6 finish.
We'd travel to the Ricoh to take on a struggling Coventry, I'd have liked 3 points but again we failed to take our chances in front of goal.
They grabbed their goal from a corner in the 91st minute. Lovely really. The first corner was a bad one to giveaway, A Conor Thomas header bounced off the underside of the bar and a scrap saw us clear it out for another and Haynes drove to the font post and the ball slipped past our man stood there. Would have been a big 3 points. Leaves me with 2 points out of a possible 9 so far.
Poor in front of goal.
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Next up was a tough trip to Brighton, an almost personal tie after they threw out words a while back saying I'd never get close to their Managerial position. I brought out a new tactic that would hopefully see us through the game.
Our defense held firm and we were able to see ourselves through the tie, the vision from Sinclair allowed Tunnicliffe to get behind the defense and place it past the Brighton keeper.
Strong defensive performance and we hit the target once with a goal.
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We would then find ourselves playing in an FA Cup second round tie against Bromley, same division as Chelmsford and it would hopefully be a chance for a few goals..
Solid performance, did our job as Forde grabs two. Sinclair was the target of a few tough challenges and came off - missing for 6 days - Colkett scored a great 25 yarder to make the game look a little easier.
Testing out a different sort of tactic but players still wasted chances, thankfully we had no issues from them.
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As Premier League side Burnley made moves for our young keeper, Fry, and he wanted to go we cashed in and would bring experienced Boaz Myhill in as our #2.
Overall fee of £600,000. Played a few this year when our first team keeper was out injured. Could have been decent but we will let Burnley develop him into what they want.
The ex-WBA, Hull and Liverpool keeper adds a lot of experience and may even challenge for the #1 shirt, he will also be working with our 18's Squad.
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We return to League action with a tie against Rochdale, one of the many clubs in running for the play-offs. It would be another away day.
Another strong defensive display, a goal from a corner and a Davies breakaway gave us another big away victory against another side pushing the play-offs. Kind of beginning to like this counter attacking tactic, strong defensively and a few goals!
Not too shabby, Rochdale couldn't convert and we held well.
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Christmas run! Some tough games. Birmingham are fighting to pull away from Swindon in the automatics while chasing Plymouth for the championship, Southend are rock-bottom and desperate for points along with Wolves and Barnsley are doing their best to pull away from a relegation scrap. 9 points would be needed really. But 4 wins is possible?
DESIRABLE
BIRMINGHAM HOME - WIN
SOUTHEND HOME - WIN
WOLVES AWAY - WIN
BARNSLEY AWAY - WIN
We'd travel to the Ricoh to take on a struggling Coventry, I'd have liked 3 points but again we failed to take our chances in front of goal.
They grabbed their goal from a corner in the 91st minute. Lovely really. The first corner was a bad one to giveaway, A Conor Thomas header bounced off the underside of the bar and a scrap saw us clear it out for another and Haynes drove to the font post and the ball slipped past our man stood there. Would have been a big 3 points. Leaves me with 2 points out of a possible 9 so far.
Poor in front of goal.
_____________________________________________________________________
Next up was a tough trip to Brighton, an almost personal tie after they threw out words a while back saying I'd never get close to their Managerial position. I brought out a new tactic that would hopefully see us through the game.
Our defense held firm and we were able to see ourselves through the tie, the vision from Sinclair allowed Tunnicliffe to get behind the defense and place it past the Brighton keeper.
Strong defensive performance and we hit the target once with a goal.
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We would then find ourselves playing in an FA Cup second round tie against Bromley, same division as Chelmsford and it would hopefully be a chance for a few goals..
Solid performance, did our job as Forde grabs two. Sinclair was the target of a few tough challenges and came off - missing for 6 days - Colkett scored a great 25 yarder to make the game look a little easier.
Testing out a different sort of tactic but players still wasted chances, thankfully we had no issues from them.
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As Premier League side Burnley made moves for our young keeper, Fry, and he wanted to go we cashed in and would bring experienced Boaz Myhill in as our #2.
Overall fee of £600,000. Played a few this year when our first team keeper was out injured. Could have been decent but we will let Burnley develop him into what they want.
The ex-WBA, Hull and Liverpool keeper adds a lot of experience and may even challenge for the #1 shirt, he will also be working with our 18's Squad.
_____________________________________________________________________
We return to League action with a tie against Rochdale, one of the many clubs in running for the play-offs. It would be another away day.
Another strong defensive display, a goal from a corner and a Davies breakaway gave us another big away victory against another side pushing the play-offs. Kind of beginning to like this counter attacking tactic, strong defensively and a few goals!
Not too shabby, Rochdale couldn't convert and we held well.
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Christmas run! Some tough games. Birmingham are fighting to pull away from Swindon in the automatics while chasing Plymouth for the championship, Southend are rock-bottom and desperate for points along with Wolves and Barnsley are doing their best to pull away from a relegation scrap. 9 points would be needed really. But 4 wins is possible?
DESIRABLE
BIRMINGHAM HOME - WIN
SOUTHEND HOME - WIN
WOLVES AWAY - WIN
BARNSLEY AWAY - WIN
AndySams10
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Brilliant signing in Sinclair, how's he been doing? Good luck with your run in over Christmas mate.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Quiet, only played 3 games. One off the bench while another was cut short by a crunching challenge!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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We wish you a Merry Christmas..
It was Christmas time and none of us had any real time off as we had some massive ties coming up, the first would be Birmingham on the 20th. They were in the top two and in-form. I'd take a point, but ultimately with our last 2 I'd be after the 3 points at home.
It was stupidly tight around the play-offs so we had to continue to win otherwise we would drop spots fast and we can't let that happen as we edge towards the midway point.
Boom! Davies hits 2 for the second game in a row while Sinclair grabs his first for the club. Tunnicliffe was unbelievable in the middle, winning many balls and setting up a goal. We were strong and Birmingham could not get going at all. We are so good at the back at the minute!
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Up next for us is bottom Southend at home, has to be 3 points and we have to perform. Scared complacency becomes an issue but the right words from myself and the right preparation should be enough to see us through. And with Davies in his form then anything is possible!
We somehow didn't pick up the 3 points. Southend were diabolical but as we go for goals we fail to get them! Very disappointing, had a goal disallowed too which was a little bit close.
Had shots upon shots but no goals! Sinclair's goal was an individual masterclass though!
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We would travel to relegation scrappers Wolves and I'd like to return to winning ways to make up for the draw against bottom Southend. A very small gap was beginning to form between 7th and 8th so hopefully we could find ourselves looking almost safe for the play offs with continued form. Needed another good performance from the likes of Sinclair and Davies. Need my central midfielders to really stand out though. Being consistently average doesn't help.
Two penalties were Wolves' only goals, neither fouls were necessary so disappointing. Davies managed two goals again but couldn't see the game out as he picked up a knock. Tunnicliffe scored a typical midfielders drive from the edge of the 18 yard box while Samuel scored after a Brown shot from 40 yards was pushed onto the bar and Samuel followed it up.
Happy with the 3 points - we had to fight for them and I am also, again, happy that we didn't concede from open play. Just stupid penalties.
It is beginning to dawn on me that League One is stupidly close!
It was then I received a call from a Mr Knibbs. He was the agent of Baillie, our young right back who became my number one choice there and had grown to like him. He was quiet, got his head down and played well but I wasn't prepared to give in to an agent and have another 4 bark at me asking for new contracts for their clients. So I rejected his request, Baillie was sent to me by his agent to complain and of course my inexperience may have messed up - or he's just got some serious problems. I told him I would wait till the years end, he said he refused to wait and I just reiterated I wouldn't just hand out a deal then he just stormed off saying the team and media would hear about it. Woops!
However, New Years Day dropped and we had a few new faces! Myhill and Kavanagh join as Fry leaves.
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One more game to go in what I see as our Crimbo Run. It would be Barnsley who were on a strong run of form as they try to get in with the play-off runners. We'd be away but our away form was looking good and I was confident, especially since we had finally hit some goals with 4 at Wolves.
Gutted we couldn't get 3 points, it had been a tight game and it was always going to be tough. Billy Sharp caused us boat loads of issues and was always a threat. Davies missed 2 sitters and Brown had a great chance but skied it.
Close game, nothing really happened either way Sharp was a problem. Griffin was quality at the back and that helped us keep Sharp away from scoring more.
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Some gaps opening as we edge towards the 20 games to go mark. Currently 4 clear of 7th and 5 of the top. Consistency will be key, bookies had us finishing 14th at the start of the season and I came into the job sat 5th. I have maintained it and would like to say the opening 15 games may have been luck and honestly 15 games in the Football League means nothing at the start..
Player of Note
Craig Davies has been unbelievable. Scoring goals for fun as finds his feet and has found himself back on the top goalscorers chart in the league. His contract is up in 6 months and we are still undecided if he will be renewed. He's the top earner by a long shot but promotion will guarantee him a contract. Just trying to wait a little while without letting any clubs become interest and upping his demands.
It was Christmas time and none of us had any real time off as we had some massive ties coming up, the first would be Birmingham on the 20th. They were in the top two and in-form. I'd take a point, but ultimately with our last 2 I'd be after the 3 points at home.
It was stupidly tight around the play-offs so we had to continue to win otherwise we would drop spots fast and we can't let that happen as we edge towards the midway point.
Boom! Davies hits 2 for the second game in a row while Sinclair grabs his first for the club. Tunnicliffe was unbelievable in the middle, winning many balls and setting up a goal. We were strong and Birmingham could not get going at all. We are so good at the back at the minute!
_______________________________________________________________________
Up next for us is bottom Southend at home, has to be 3 points and we have to perform. Scared complacency becomes an issue but the right words from myself and the right preparation should be enough to see us through. And with Davies in his form then anything is possible!
We somehow didn't pick up the 3 points. Southend were diabolical but as we go for goals we fail to get them! Very disappointing, had a goal disallowed too which was a little bit close.
Had shots upon shots but no goals! Sinclair's goal was an individual masterclass though!
_______________________________________________________________________
We would travel to relegation scrappers Wolves and I'd like to return to winning ways to make up for the draw against bottom Southend. A very small gap was beginning to form between 7th and 8th so hopefully we could find ourselves looking almost safe for the play offs with continued form. Needed another good performance from the likes of Sinclair and Davies. Need my central midfielders to really stand out though. Being consistently average doesn't help.
Two penalties were Wolves' only goals, neither fouls were necessary so disappointing. Davies managed two goals again but couldn't see the game out as he picked up a knock. Tunnicliffe scored a typical midfielders drive from the edge of the 18 yard box while Samuel scored after a Brown shot from 40 yards was pushed onto the bar and Samuel followed it up.
Happy with the 3 points - we had to fight for them and I am also, again, happy that we didn't concede from open play. Just stupid penalties.
It is beginning to dawn on me that League One is stupidly close!
It was then I received a call from a Mr Knibbs. He was the agent of Baillie, our young right back who became my number one choice there and had grown to like him. He was quiet, got his head down and played well but I wasn't prepared to give in to an agent and have another 4 bark at me asking for new contracts for their clients. So I rejected his request, Baillie was sent to me by his agent to complain and of course my inexperience may have messed up - or he's just got some serious problems. I told him I would wait till the years end, he said he refused to wait and I just reiterated I wouldn't just hand out a deal then he just stormed off saying the team and media would hear about it. Woops!
However, New Years Day dropped and we had a few new faces! Myhill and Kavanagh join as Fry leaves.
_______________________________________________________________________
One more game to go in what I see as our Crimbo Run. It would be Barnsley who were on a strong run of form as they try to get in with the play-off runners. We'd be away but our away form was looking good and I was confident, especially since we had finally hit some goals with 4 at Wolves.
Gutted we couldn't get 3 points, it had been a tight game and it was always going to be tough. Billy Sharp caused us boat loads of issues and was always a threat. Davies missed 2 sitters and Brown had a great chance but skied it.
Close game, nothing really happened either way Sharp was a problem. Griffin was quality at the back and that helped us keep Sharp away from scoring more.
_______________________________________________________________________
Some gaps opening as we edge towards the 20 games to go mark. Currently 4 clear of 7th and 5 of the top. Consistency will be key, bookies had us finishing 14th at the start of the season and I came into the job sat 5th. I have maintained it and would like to say the opening 15 games may have been luck and honestly 15 games in the Football League means nothing at the start..
Player of Note
Craig Davies has been unbelievable. Scoring goals for fun as finds his feet and has found himself back on the top goalscorers chart in the league. His contract is up in 6 months and we are still undecided if he will be renewed. He's the top earner by a long shot but promotion will guarantee him a contract. Just trying to wait a little while without letting any clubs become interest and upping his demands.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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January business begins. Pugh is setting up to leave as he is ageing, rarely playing and on the second-most amount of money at the club. I mean I've not really experienced MANaging yet. In South Africa, I was settling and if players had to leave it would come to the coaches to talk and in Ireland I took what was given to me or had my experienced assistant talk about ending contracts if a player would have a spat with me. But hear I am in England. Experienced hard-hitting agents, the media pressures and all the rest. I like Marc, I do. Loved him at Bournemouth and always rated him, what now we just can't have him.
"Alright, Dean? I'm wanting a strong central midfielder. What have you got?" I said as I entered the office of my scouts. Usually occupied by Dean White, the chief scout as he ordered the other 2 head scouts about while working with my head of youth about bringing new boys through.
"Pwhoa, urm, yeah. Well, we don't have that much to play with and Harry Arter and that Fulham lad weren't up for the move. Emyr Huws, the Welsh lad, is available for £100,000. I have a few reports, videos. Decent work in the middle of the park."
"Sure, throw a call to his agent. I'll take these and if i don't like anything we can pull out, right?" I said, leaning for the reports and asked for the video file to be emailed.
"Of course it can be done, gaffer." he replied, glaring at me. I was still learning and needed some staff to realise that. Confidence wasn't always there, despite what I portrayed towards the players.
"Good, good. I need that extended report on Leicester for the FA Cup tie too, bud. If you can."
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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January is a big month, mid way stage of the season, FA Cup gets exciting and of course transfers. I was new to the FA Cup magic, awful English agents and sulky players so it was all very exciting.
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We would open the fixtures of January in a home game against Championship Leicester, who had a stupidly good looking squad. From Schmeichel in goals, to Bojan playing up front with Quagliarella. There was Aaron Lennon, an in-form Drinkwater and just generally some strong players. We'd need to be quite physical to keeper Bojan and Quag off their best but really it came down to the players wanting to progress in the Cup.
Yes! Another top defensive display, plus Scott Sinclair showing his quality at this level gave us the victory. Not even joking, Sinclair was sheer quality. He had a few chances he should have finished but he opened Leicester every time he got on the ball and finally grabbed a goal and then great vision gave him an assist.
Some big saves from Garrat kept us going, while Tunnicliffe was unbelievable in the middle of the park. Winning every ball or fighting for the second. He found space well and kept the ball for us a fair amount. Very pleased.
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FA Cup is great for a number of reasons and none other than the cash provided for clubs like us.
The Fourth Round draw was live on Sky too, we all gathered around the TV in the canteen. We were either after United at Old Trafford or an easy tie against someone around us to hope for the Fifth Round..
Instead we welcome Premier League, relegation-threatened Burnley. Upsets happen!
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After the game against Leicester I got on the phone with Malky Mackay to ask if we could extend Sinclair's loan at the club until the seasons end rather than February, he was happy to give the attacking midfielder the rest of the season at the club and now it was down to see if Scott himself was up for it. And he was. However, Wigans Huws wanted too much from us so we wouldn't have him joining the club.
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8th placed Leyton Orient, away, was next for us. We were on a high with our FA Cup victory and our away form was still pretty solid so I was confident going into the tie. However, like Barnsley, who we drew 1-1 with they were looking strong and had players like Jay Simpson, Dean *** and Vincelot who would try cause us issues.
We were an absolute mess in the first 45. The first goal was a well placed shot from *** after Simpson held the ball up well and then we just didn't know what to do with Corie Andrews! He was unbelievable. Sinclair pulled one back and then Fosu did the same, it was 4-2 when Ray scored after a corner. He then smashed the post shortly afterwards. Davies had a poor game and was replaced by Samuel who grabbed a goal from a brace in the 92nd minute!
We were poor at the back and needed some real class to get a point out the game, Tunnicliffe despite being one of our better central midfielders was poor this time out and just ran into trouble and had a lot of misplaced passes in the opening half.
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Top half Portsmouth were next for us. We'd be at home and be after the 3 points as we aim to chase second and breakaway from anyone trying to come for the play-offs. I'd also like to note that my captain and other full back refused to tutor my new-signing Greg Kavanagh!? Leading by example, so I decided Greg would start ahead of the captain for the Portsmouth tie but he had just come out a Under 21s game against Arsenal, so he would remain on the bench.
Fosu has been after a new contract and a few top performances now may mean he gets one. Two great goals as he linked with Sinclair, Tunnicliffe and even Baillie pretty well throughout. Again, Sinclair was causing so many problems, just not so clinical. Solid defensive display that deserved a clean sheet but a late lapse in concentration gave Avidor a goal.
Tunnicliffe picked it up again after a poor game against Leyton Orient, Kavanagh got 20 minutes on his debut and Davies had another poor game. Inconsistent.
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Mid way through January with 4 games still to go this month. Solid, consistent form in the league has made us fall into 3rd.
It is important now just to keep our form up, a few losses would mean slipping towards the chasing pact and I don't wanna!
January's remaining ties see us face off against Stevenage, Notts County, Burnley and Plymouth. Stevenage will be at home, while they lurk mid table, Notts County is a huge fixture in our race for automatic promotion. The same goes for Plymouth. Burnley is in the cup and I would love an upset!
DESIRABLE
Stevenage - HOME - WIN
Notts Co - AWAY - DRAW
Plymouth - HOME - WIN
Burnley - HOME - WIN
Player of Note
Tarique Fosu has been really quite solid on the left, he scored the Portsmouth goals and grabbed one against Leicester. Has kept Anthony Forde out the team or at least on his toes!
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We would open the fixtures of January in a home game against Championship Leicester, who had a stupidly good looking squad. From Schmeichel in goals, to Bojan playing up front with Quagliarella. There was Aaron Lennon, an in-form Drinkwater and just generally some strong players. We'd need to be quite physical to keeper Bojan and Quag off their best but really it came down to the players wanting to progress in the Cup.
Yes! Another top defensive display, plus Scott Sinclair showing his quality at this level gave us the victory. Not even joking, Sinclair was sheer quality. He had a few chances he should have finished but he opened Leicester every time he got on the ball and finally grabbed a goal and then great vision gave him an assist.
Some big saves from Garrat kept us going, while Tunnicliffe was unbelievable in the middle of the park. Winning every ball or fighting for the second. He found space well and kept the ball for us a fair amount. Very pleased.
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FA Cup is great for a number of reasons and none other than the cash provided for clubs like us.
The Fourth Round draw was live on Sky too, we all gathered around the TV in the canteen. We were either after United at Old Trafford or an easy tie against someone around us to hope for the Fifth Round..
Instead we welcome Premier League, relegation-threatened Burnley. Upsets happen!
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After the game against Leicester I got on the phone with Malky Mackay to ask if we could extend Sinclair's loan at the club until the seasons end rather than February, he was happy to give the attacking midfielder the rest of the season at the club and now it was down to see if Scott himself was up for it. And he was. However, Wigans Huws wanted too much from us so we wouldn't have him joining the club.
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8th placed Leyton Orient, away, was next for us. We were on a high with our FA Cup victory and our away form was still pretty solid so I was confident going into the tie. However, like Barnsley, who we drew 1-1 with they were looking strong and had players like Jay Simpson, Dean *** and Vincelot who would try cause us issues.
We were an absolute mess in the first 45. The first goal was a well placed shot from *** after Simpson held the ball up well and then we just didn't know what to do with Corie Andrews! He was unbelievable. Sinclair pulled one back and then Fosu did the same, it was 4-2 when Ray scored after a corner. He then smashed the post shortly afterwards. Davies had a poor game and was replaced by Samuel who grabbed a goal from a brace in the 92nd minute!
We were poor at the back and needed some real class to get a point out the game, Tunnicliffe despite being one of our better central midfielders was poor this time out and just ran into trouble and had a lot of misplaced passes in the opening half.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Top half Portsmouth were next for us. We'd be at home and be after the 3 points as we aim to chase second and breakaway from anyone trying to come for the play-offs. I'd also like to note that my captain and other full back refused to tutor my new-signing Greg Kavanagh!? Leading by example, so I decided Greg would start ahead of the captain for the Portsmouth tie but he had just come out a Under 21s game against Arsenal, so he would remain on the bench.
Fosu has been after a new contract and a few top performances now may mean he gets one. Two great goals as he linked with Sinclair, Tunnicliffe and even Baillie pretty well throughout. Again, Sinclair was causing so many problems, just not so clinical. Solid defensive display that deserved a clean sheet but a late lapse in concentration gave Avidor a goal.
Tunnicliffe picked it up again after a poor game against Leyton Orient, Kavanagh got 20 minutes on his debut and Davies had another poor game. Inconsistent.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Mid way through January with 4 games still to go this month. Solid, consistent form in the league has made us fall into 3rd.
It is important now just to keep our form up, a few losses would mean slipping towards the chasing pact and I don't wanna!
January's remaining ties see us face off against Stevenage, Notts County, Burnley and Plymouth. Stevenage will be at home, while they lurk mid table, Notts County is a huge fixture in our race for automatic promotion. The same goes for Plymouth. Burnley is in the cup and I would love an upset!
DESIRABLE
Stevenage - HOME - WIN
Notts Co - AWAY - DRAW
Plymouth - HOME - WIN
Burnley - HOME - WIN
Player of Note
Tarique Fosu has been really quite solid on the left, he scored the Portsmouth goals and grabbed one against Leicester. Has kept Anthony Forde out the team or at least on his toes!
PatrickLFC
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Sounds like a great captain...
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
Member
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I know! Would remove it from him but don't want to disrupt the squads harmony. Will have a new captain for the next season for sure though. Can't be captain of Crewe then refuse to work with a newly-signed youngster from Ireland!