JamesScott2908
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Congrats on success from Ireland and looking forward to seeing how this seasons progresses! KIU!
Road to Glory : The Manager
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CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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"Hello, James. Ignore the headlines, I want to talk to you." the suited chairman said, welcoming me into the reception.
"Ignore the headlines.. Right, okay. I have training shortly, when do you want me?" I replied, trying to hide the headline under my arm. It had some big story about Mr John Bowler having an affair, but not only that, he was also in an abusive marriage. The club were being slated and Stacey, my bud from the clubs PR was really under it - mainly because Bowler refused any comments.
It was weird, because Bowler was so respected among footballing fans, pundits, experts, agents.. Whatever it was. He was patient and could run a club, his love for the Youth was great too but recently he had just gone mad.
"Now, James. Right now." He replied, running back up the stairs. I followed and found myself sat in his office. I mean, it couldn't have been about the story as I was told to ignore it.
"You lack experience, don't you? Wages, finances. We need a Director of Football!"
"What? I've forever been at clubs as a 'cheap option' and done great. Helping financially too with the wage bill? What are you talking about?" I replied, getting to my feet. I had great strength with money funnily enough. I was everything he'd want? Cheap, money-wise, Youth experience.
"No, I know. Okay sure. But you are new to England. We have a bit of money. You care about getting us promoted, I have a few candidates for everything else." Bowler replied. What on Earth was this?! I love being so hands-on and all my duties was going in the hands of a Director of Football?
"Who is going to be our Director of Football then.. Mr Bowler?" I shouted across the desk.
"Jim Leishman is in talks with us." He replied. I knew Jim, from Scotland, at the peak of my work I would spend a lot of time with people like himself. He'd been with Dunfermline for years and years but we were friends. This could only be a good thing? And then Leishman entered.
"Nice to see you again, James." He said, shaking my hand. He passed me some papers and told me he'd catch me later as I was ushered out the room.
What?
I went down to my office and looked over what was on these documents. The Director of Football would be the man behind: Making bids for potential players, selling players, discussing terms with future and current staff. I'd be in control of training, man management and matches. This was bull! Why on Earth did this come up today when Bowler had a media **** storm on his way and why has old boy Jim turned into a right..
//
Wish I had my own JC, not Jim Leishman!
"Ignore the headlines.. Right, okay. I have training shortly, when do you want me?" I replied, trying to hide the headline under my arm. It had some big story about Mr John Bowler having an affair, but not only that, he was also in an abusive marriage. The club were being slated and Stacey, my bud from the clubs PR was really under it - mainly because Bowler refused any comments.
It was weird, because Bowler was so respected among footballing fans, pundits, experts, agents.. Whatever it was. He was patient and could run a club, his love for the Youth was great too but recently he had just gone mad.
"Now, James. Right now." He replied, running back up the stairs. I followed and found myself sat in his office. I mean, it couldn't have been about the story as I was told to ignore it.
"You lack experience, don't you? Wages, finances. We need a Director of Football!"
"What? I've forever been at clubs as a 'cheap option' and done great. Helping financially too with the wage bill? What are you talking about?" I replied, getting to my feet. I had great strength with money funnily enough. I was everything he'd want? Cheap, money-wise, Youth experience.
"No, I know. Okay sure. But you are new to England. We have a bit of money. You care about getting us promoted, I have a few candidates for everything else." Bowler replied. What on Earth was this?! I love being so hands-on and all my duties was going in the hands of a Director of Football?
"Who is going to be our Director of Football then.. Mr Bowler?" I shouted across the desk.
"Jim Leishman is in talks with us." He replied. I knew Jim, from Scotland, at the peak of my work I would spend a lot of time with people like himself. He'd been with Dunfermline for years and years but we were friends. This could only be a good thing? And then Leishman entered.
"Nice to see you again, James." He said, shaking my hand. He passed me some papers and told me he'd catch me later as I was ushered out the room.
What?
I went down to my office and looked over what was on these documents. The Director of Football would be the man behind: Making bids for potential players, selling players, discussing terms with future and current staff. I'd be in control of training, man management and matches. This was bull! Why on Earth did this come up today when Bowler had a media **** storm on his way and why has old boy Jim turned into a right..
//
Wish I had my own JC, not Jim Leishman!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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"Alright then lads, you've all seen the headlines big bad 78 year old Bowler is in an affair while beating his wife, nice isn't it? Anyway, any journo's call it is the same 'no comment' as every other time anything club related.. or something like that. Whatever PR briefed you on earlier. Anyway, we have to focus on Stevenage. Oh and Jim Leishman, Director of Football now. Very hands on, wasn't my call but I will do my best to keep you all happy."
I was so angry but Stevenage and results have to come first. Just as we got going, club secretary Jamie gave me a quick call confirming Odelusi was gone for £450,000 - ultimately meaning the club was brought back into the red for a player I hadn't played.
And I can't do finances!
And then Brown approached me at the end of the day, his agent told him Wigan had made a bid and he'd love the move to the Championship as they push for the Premier League.
[THEN THE GAME ONLY LET ME SAVE GIVE ME A YEAR - WE ARE GOING UP FOR SURE THIS YEAR FFS NICE ONE SI]
We fell out over it and if they cough up he goes. What a day to be at Crewe!
I got back into my office and emails suggested I had a press conference at 3.. "Director of Football and Press Release regarding chairman media fallout". Nice one.
"We'd first like to welcome you to the stadium, and thank you for coming at short notice. The club have decided that Bowler will not remain at the forefront of Crewe practices as of right now due to the recent allegations coming out and that is all to be said about that situation. However, we would like to announce that Jim Leishman will be coming in as a Director of Football to take over the role of anything football at the club to work with manager James McKenzie and club secretary Jamie Lloyd."
And then a barrage of questions and slander hit Mr Bowler, I sat back. Leishman failed to control the press before Lucy had to step up to quieten them down.
Nice one lads!
Jim approached me before I left to say that he was excited to work with Crewe but that there would really be no discussions on what he wanted to do with the squad, but I would be given notice.
So, win promotion and then demand the fans back me in removing the Director of Football.. Works, right?
//
Thought I'd spice it up and see what it was like with a DoF!!
I was so angry but Stevenage and results have to come first. Just as we got going, club secretary Jamie gave me a quick call confirming Odelusi was gone for £450,000 - ultimately meaning the club was brought back into the red for a player I hadn't played.
And I can't do finances!
And then Brown approached me at the end of the day, his agent told him Wigan had made a bid and he'd love the move to the Championship as they push for the Premier League.
[THEN THE GAME ONLY LET ME SAVE GIVE ME A YEAR - WE ARE GOING UP FOR SURE THIS YEAR FFS NICE ONE SI]
We fell out over it and if they cough up he goes. What a day to be at Crewe!
I got back into my office and emails suggested I had a press conference at 3.. "Director of Football and Press Release regarding chairman media fallout". Nice one.
"We'd first like to welcome you to the stadium, and thank you for coming at short notice. The club have decided that Bowler will not remain at the forefront of Crewe practices as of right now due to the recent allegations coming out and that is all to be said about that situation. However, we would like to announce that Jim Leishman will be coming in as a Director of Football to take over the role of anything football at the club to work with manager James McKenzie and club secretary Jamie Lloyd."
And then a barrage of questions and slander hit Mr Bowler, I sat back. Leishman failed to control the press before Lucy had to step up to quieten them down.
Nice one lads!
Jim approached me before I left to say that he was excited to work with Crewe but that there would really be no discussions on what he wanted to do with the squad, but I would be given notice.
So, win promotion and then demand the fans back me in removing the Director of Football.. Works, right?
//
Thought I'd spice it up and see what it was like with a DoF!!
PatrickLFC
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What do you mean by this?
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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So, Stevenage at home with big Jim sat up in the directors box - watch him go and sell Brown for peanuts then offer 32 year old Davies a new deal.. Davies starts again despite an awful run of form and nothing else changes.
Just over the line as Davies has another shocker in front of goal, 2 late goals makes it look comfortable while Sinclair continued to look so strong out wide! Brown scores just to reiterate the interest in him from Premier League chasers Wigan.
Close game really, red card definitely cost them as we broke their barriers later on in the game through Sinclair genius. Good win, poor performances from most.
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Up next is a tough tie away to Notts County as we both fight for our play off spot and for the second automatic promotion spot. We had to remain focused on football while Leishman did whatever he did and Bowler and the club continued to get hit with awful news and derogatory terms.
Our away form was pretty solid, as mentioned many a times before and it would be a warm-up before welcoming Burnley in the Cup! Davies is dropped while Fosu and Colkett get rested.
Gutting, really. Dominated the first half but couldn't score. Came out fighting and had the 3 points before a defensive lapse in concentration saw Doyle with a open goal to aim at.
Brown scored again, while Samuels played well having a goal called offside. Centre back partnership were poor today. May happen when they don't have Colkett in front of them.
______________________________________________________
Next up was Burnley in the cup and on TV and the BBC wanted to do a quick interview with me talking about my route to Crewe..
Gary Linekar: So tell us, where were you before your time in South Africa?
"I was up in Scotland, doing youth developmental work. Something I forced myself into after throwing away any football career at the age of 17!"
Gary: How'd you throw away your football career?
"Crashed the old mans car with my brother in it, had no license or anything. Got dropped from everything and worked with fish for a bit."
Gary: And going to South Africa. Why?
"I wanted to manage a football club and here the only chance of that is at an amateur level and I may as well have kept my full time job working with youngsters. Which would have been fine but I got a shot at a club in South Africa and I was on similar money with a bit more responsibility and enjoyment. "
Gary: A promotion, then safety. Why did you leave?
"Money was tight despite my best efforts and I was having talks with a few clubs from back here and that really interested me, obviously nothing came of it and I ended up getting a shot in Ireland"
Gary: You did, and you did the double after a horrendous season where the club didn't even finish in the European spots. How'd you feel about your time in Ireland?
"Yeah, it was a great experience. I was closer to home while managing one of the biggest Irish sides. Even better in the way we won the league on the final day after a huge fight back and the League Cup was a nice medal for my house back in Scotland too."
Gary: And now we are here, fighting for a place in the FA Cup Fifth Round and promotion to the Championship?! How far can you and Crewe go?
"All the way to the top, sure. Why not? I want promotion this year, a win against Burnley and a tie against United would be nice ha. But yeah, promotion and who knows what may come after that!"
______________________________________________________
Steve Bruce meets James McKenzie! Strongest possible line-up, fingers crossed for complacency..
Or just a quality performance?! Sinclair dominated but couldn't finish, created goal numbero 1 with Baillie while Baillie set Davies up for a goal.. FINALLY.
What else is there to say? Time to get on it!!!
______________________________________________________
Draw for the prestigious Fifth Round, winners make the final 8 and again, I guess I'd like someone of a similar stature or a trip to one of the top sides for a nice trip.. For myself more than anyone. Never been to Anfield!
Meh, home tie against average and struggling Championship sides. Could we be into the Quarter Finals. Could we be off to Wemberleeeeey? if we beat these lads then some others in the quarters then why not? Free trip into Europe if I decide to win it!! Or am I still a little drunk from the Burnley win..
______________________________________________________
Anyway, thoughts are back on the league as we face off against promotion hopefuls Plymouth. Nothing transfer wise has been happening, through names at my new DoF but nothing of note has returned, yet.
//
Anyway, transfer deadline day and Plymouth next update. Ended up watching a film and may as well throw this up as I hop into bed. Also if anyone wanted to do me a little graphic for James McKenzie and his #RoadtoGlory then drop it in my inbox xo
Just over the line as Davies has another shocker in front of goal, 2 late goals makes it look comfortable while Sinclair continued to look so strong out wide! Brown scores just to reiterate the interest in him from Premier League chasers Wigan.
Close game really, red card definitely cost them as we broke their barriers later on in the game through Sinclair genius. Good win, poor performances from most.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Up next is a tough tie away to Notts County as we both fight for our play off spot and for the second automatic promotion spot. We had to remain focused on football while Leishman did whatever he did and Bowler and the club continued to get hit with awful news and derogatory terms.
Our away form was pretty solid, as mentioned many a times before and it would be a warm-up before welcoming Burnley in the Cup! Davies is dropped while Fosu and Colkett get rested.
Gutting, really. Dominated the first half but couldn't score. Came out fighting and had the 3 points before a defensive lapse in concentration saw Doyle with a open goal to aim at.
Brown scored again, while Samuels played well having a goal called offside. Centre back partnership were poor today. May happen when they don't have Colkett in front of them.
______________________________________________________
Next up was Burnley in the cup and on TV and the BBC wanted to do a quick interview with me talking about my route to Crewe..
Gary Linekar: So tell us, where were you before your time in South Africa?
"I was up in Scotland, doing youth developmental work. Something I forced myself into after throwing away any football career at the age of 17!"
Gary: How'd you throw away your football career?
"Crashed the old mans car with my brother in it, had no license or anything. Got dropped from everything and worked with fish for a bit."
Gary: And going to South Africa. Why?
"I wanted to manage a football club and here the only chance of that is at an amateur level and I may as well have kept my full time job working with youngsters. Which would have been fine but I got a shot at a club in South Africa and I was on similar money with a bit more responsibility and enjoyment. "
Gary: A promotion, then safety. Why did you leave?
"Money was tight despite my best efforts and I was having talks with a few clubs from back here and that really interested me, obviously nothing came of it and I ended up getting a shot in Ireland"
Gary: You did, and you did the double after a horrendous season where the club didn't even finish in the European spots. How'd you feel about your time in Ireland?
"Yeah, it was a great experience. I was closer to home while managing one of the biggest Irish sides. Even better in the way we won the league on the final day after a huge fight back and the League Cup was a nice medal for my house back in Scotland too."
Gary: And now we are here, fighting for a place in the FA Cup Fifth Round and promotion to the Championship?! How far can you and Crewe go?
"All the way to the top, sure. Why not? I want promotion this year, a win against Burnley and a tie against United would be nice ha. But yeah, promotion and who knows what may come after that!"
______________________________________________________
Steve Bruce meets James McKenzie! Strongest possible line-up, fingers crossed for complacency..
Or just a quality performance?! Sinclair dominated but couldn't finish, created goal numbero 1 with Baillie while Baillie set Davies up for a goal.. FINALLY.
What else is there to say? Time to get on it!!!
______________________________________________________
Draw for the prestigious Fifth Round, winners make the final 8 and again, I guess I'd like someone of a similar stature or a trip to one of the top sides for a nice trip.. For myself more than anyone. Never been to Anfield!
Meh, home tie against average and struggling Championship sides. Could we be into the Quarter Finals. Could we be off to Wemberleeeeey? if we beat these lads then some others in the quarters then why not? Free trip into Europe if I decide to win it!! Or am I still a little drunk from the Burnley win..
______________________________________________________
Anyway, thoughts are back on the league as we face off against promotion hopefuls Plymouth. Nothing transfer wise has been happening, through names at my new DoF but nothing of note has returned, yet.
//
Anyway, transfer deadline day and Plymouth next update. Ended up watching a film and may as well throw this up as I hop into bed. Also if anyone wanted to do me a little graphic for James McKenzie and his #RoadtoGlory then drop it in my inbox xo
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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LET ME SAY***
I would say we would be promoted this season as thats the aim. But would only say "not for a while" or "next season". Which just upset the player. I am sure hed have stayed 5 more months. Was angry with SI at the time and enjoy venting anger on forums, my bad!
JamesScott2908
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Wemberleyyy wemberleyyyyy
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Plymouth would meet us on a very quiet deadline day as both Tunnicliffe and Brown are also out for a few days meaning we had a complete reshuffle in the middle of the park, with Jamie Jones and Liam Nolan both coming in to join Colkett. Davies remained up top after a goal against Burnley but he knows Samuels is ready and vying for his spot up top. 3 Points would be really nice but I'd accept a point since we are missing our 2 middle men.
We got off to a dreadful start at Plymouth went a goal to the good within seconds. It would take us to the second half to give a response through a mazey Sinclair run followed by the finish.
We continued to press and Davies gave us the lead as they poorly defended a corner! He's maybe found his shooting boots.. or the right hat as he scores 2 headers in 2 games.
A double save from Garrat keeps our leads with only moments to go!!
Good win since we had a new midfield duo joining Colkett.
Not too shabby, few draws in there though!
Happy with second, incredibly tight as we are still chasing Birmingham while Peterborough and Swindon are pretty much with us!
February will also be congested, while we will have an FA Cup tie against either Bolton or Huddersfield in either late February or March.
DESIRABLE:
Colchester (8th) - AWAY - Win
Doncaster (18th) - HOME - Win
Tranmere (23rd) - AWAY - Win
Morecamble (19th) - AWAY - Win
Brentford (16th) - HOME - Win
15 points in 28 days and 5 games? I'd take it, I want it. 13 points would also be fine, slip-ups, complacency etc can happen but a relatively easy run with would take us very close to the ten games to go point and it would put us in good standing in the top 2.
Player of Note
Scott Sinclair has been unbelievable, he's so great on the ball and honestly have no idea what the 28 year old is doing with us in League 1, I do not want to let him go at the end of the season!!
We got off to a dreadful start at Plymouth went a goal to the good within seconds. It would take us to the second half to give a response through a mazey Sinclair run followed by the finish.
We continued to press and Davies gave us the lead as they poorly defended a corner! He's maybe found his shooting boots.. or the right hat as he scores 2 headers in 2 games.
A double save from Garrat keeps our leads with only moments to go!!
Good win since we had a new midfield duo joining Colkett.
Not too shabby, few draws in there though!
Happy with second, incredibly tight as we are still chasing Birmingham while Peterborough and Swindon are pretty much with us!
February will also be congested, while we will have an FA Cup tie against either Bolton or Huddersfield in either late February or March.
DESIRABLE:
Colchester (8th) - AWAY - Win
Doncaster (18th) - HOME - Win
Tranmere (23rd) - AWAY - Win
Morecamble (19th) - AWAY - Win
Brentford (16th) - HOME - Win
15 points in 28 days and 5 games? I'd take it, I want it. 13 points would also be fine, slip-ups, complacency etc can happen but a relatively easy run with would take us very close to the ten games to go point and it would put us in good standing in the top 2.
Player of Note
Scott Sinclair has been unbelievable, he's so great on the ball and honestly have no idea what the 28 year old is doing with us in League 1, I do not want to let him go at the end of the season!!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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We would start the month 3 days after the Plymouth tie against Colchester. Still a makeshift midfield.
Set pieces man..
3 SET PIECES AND IT IS 3-0? Donaldson walked through Griffin for the fourth.
Absolute shocker. Sinclair was solid but no one else could do a thing, Davies turned his man well for his 3rd in 3.
____________________________________
Key man at right back links well with Sinclair, will shift captain Tootle into right back and give Kavanagh a run at centre back! His report from our club looks decent, so he surely has a little more that Irish football in him and I rate him highly and only my opinion matters despite what Jim may say.
He was my Irish Bale over at Shamrock Rovers but he can't cross a ball according to my assistant, Neil!
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[for story sakes I would try not post actual attributes, but so much easier for regens and lesser known players plus his actual report wasn't too great despite my love for him]
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Set pieces man..
3 SET PIECES AND IT IS 3-0? Donaldson walked through Griffin for the fourth.
Absolute shocker. Sinclair was solid but no one else could do a thing, Davies turned his man well for his 3rd in 3.
____________________________________
Key man at right back links well with Sinclair, will shift captain Tootle into right back and give Kavanagh a run at centre back! His report from our club looks decent, so he surely has a little more that Irish football in him and I rate him highly and only my opinion matters despite what Jim may say.
He was my Irish Bale over at Shamrock Rovers but he can't cross a ball according to my assistant, Neil!
____________________________________
[for story sakes I would try not post actual attributes, but so much easier for regens and lesser known players plus his actual report wasn't too great despite my love for him]
____________________________________
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Same, promotion this year would be huge. Championship after only like 5 years ago good old James McKenzie was coaching kids in Scotland!! Would make my good record thus far, very good!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Update later hopefully, had a bit on over the past few days but will get some games played today! Including the big FA Cup Fifth Round tie against Huddersfield!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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It was vitally important we picked ourselves up after the Colchester drubbing and a home tie against Doncaster is a great chance to do it. Kavanagh comes in to start his first, while Brown and Tunnicliffe both return for the first time in a few weeks. No Baillie or Sinclair through injury.
Urgh, we were not good enough at all. 2 early goals hit us hard and being 2 down at half time made things hard. We controlled the second half but didn't create enough chances. 2 bad performances in the trot as our defence seems to stop working. Bitterly disappointing, I was after 6 points from these 2 games, not 0. The loss also means we can't touch the top 2.
____________________________
Nice to know, but still frustrated at our last 2 ties.
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The big game against Huddersfield was next, it was a big game. It was the FA Cup Fifth Round, it was set to bring us a capacity crowd, cash and a shot at a struggling Championship side for the FA Cup Quarter Finals.
Only 5 years ago was I telling a 6 year old how to do a stepover at a creative players work shop on the Western Isles, or teaching the Under 14 Aberdeen side all about spacial awareness because they had seemed to forget. Now I was literally 2 steps away from Wembley with a League 1 side. Wembley.
With our counter attacking 4-5-1 line up seemingly coming undone, I had a real look over some of their past line-ups. They would usually try a diamond out, they were a poor passing side and dangerous on the left. I half contemplated going 4-4-2 myself, but at the same time, I wanted a more attacking '4-5-1' and opted for the 4-2-3-1.
Captain Tootle would come over to left back, while Davies came in for the first time in a while at right back. Kavanagh was still having issues bedding into the squad. Ray and Griffin kept their defensive partnership at centre back. Tunnicliffe and Brown remain through the middle, while Fosu, Forde and Lawrence line up just behind Davies.
I mean, Huddersfield have lost like 1 in their last 7, but only won 2 and somehow drawn the rest. Still finding themselves struggling and only just above the relegation zone. We can easily do this. We just need some spirit. Passion. Brilliance. Anything that can grab us the win. There is only 9 or so spots that separate us in the Football League. Nothing was stopping us from winning this.
The players knew this. I knew this. And we were underway..
We got off to a fiery start, working Huddersfield's #1 a few times from the off, forcing 2 saves right from kick off before a big one only moments after.
Huddersfield hit the net first, a Conor Coady head found the back of the net from a deep free kick.. Offside! Interesting call but I couldn't really tell what had happened from the dugout.. Simon Grayson was livid though! After 8 minutes they did hit the net again, a Garrat save lead to a scrap in the box and they got the final toe on the ball. 1-0.
We had the next big chance, a few passes found Fosu through but he couldn't convert! HOW?!
DAVIES!!! Moments before the whistle went to signal the end of the first 45 a long ball Griffin met the weak foot of Anthony Gerrard, leaving the ball in the wake of Davies to smash home.
It was one-each at the break. Sloppy opening half but we were still on fighting terms.
Again, we have the first huge chance. A Brown thunderstrike is met by the stinging palms of Smithies, Davies follows up but the pressure from the defenders put him off and it is a poor strike giving Smithies a double-save to be proud about.
Tunnicliffe was booked and playing poor so as we replaced him with Colkett, goal scorer Davies also picked up an injury and was replaced by reliable Samuel. Half an hour to be played.
Samuel had his first chance in the game as a long ball down the line from Tootle found Samuel, good dribbling found himself in a bit of space but the shot was poor and an arriving Forde was incredibly upset at the lack of a pass or finish. 20 to go as the nerves begin to show.
The full time whistle was moments away and the final effort came from Lawrence who fired just wide from about 40 yards. A replay and away tie awaited us after a tight 1-1 draw.
Congests our fixtures a little more but if we win I do not care!
____________________________
The 6th round draw was next.. the last 8.. the Quarter Finals whatever you wanted to name it. We had taken in around £250,000 for that game against Huddersfield. Two hundred and fifty thousand.. That's a lot of cash for a League 1 side who had just come out the red. I was desperate for making it to Wembley, **** I wanted to win the FA Cup this year and I know the players wanted a fairy tale story here too. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and the likes of Newcastle and Middlesbrough were still in. I couldn't tell if I wanted a trip to the big dogs yet or not but at this stage no game is easy. Liverpool came out first against either Man United or Newcastle so that meant Chelsea were the only one to fear.. and we drew Wolves! The last third tier side in the draw alongside ourselves. We had to beat Huddersfield. Wolves is a game we could win any day of the week! We could have a fairy tale story here!
____________________________
Relegation contenders Moracambe awaited us in the league next, we were desperate for the three points with our last 2 league games going against us and we had to keep away from 7th while pushing the top 2. We were excited by the FA Cup prospects but had to keep our heads on the game at head, at the end of the day the league was also very important.
Kavanagh would come in for Davies who was feeling tired after an U21 game between this and the FA Cup tie and honestly was happy to bring Kavanagh in for another game. The 4-2-3-1 remained.
We were playing ****** awful and I had to make a tactical switch and substitution in the first 30 minutes. But no, our third loss in a row in the league this time against ****** Morecambe!
We dropped to 6th and 7th was brushing shoulders with us. 0 points this month out of our aim of 9. Wow.
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Mid-table Brentford would come to our home next, we needed the 3 points otherwise 2nd was completely out of the picture and it would then be a complete scrap for a top 6.
Changes were made as we returned to our counter attacking selves.
Oh my. I have no words. I don't get how we keep getting edged out?! Drop to 7th. 0 points from 12 this month.
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The FA Cup returned as we set up for the replay against Huddersfield, honestly this may have been playing on the players minds but at the same time we are talking about fighting for promotion. Maybe we were just poor and unlucky. We had to win here otherwise there was some serious thinking to do as we set up for our final 12 in the league to fix our form before it is too late.
We had been really good at the back until late, so that was a focus going into the game. Do not concede, make the most of set pieces and don't do anything stupid. I called another team meeting to keep the lads' heads strong. Simply telling them that despite our recent slips we can easily kick on and still achieve greatness this year, everyone rallied and experienced Myhill helped boost the lads too.
I honestly felt that if we beat Huddersfield here we just had to keep our heads against Wolves then we would be at Wembley for the semi-final. Apart from Burnley, who're in a mess up in the Premier League, we hadn't met anyone big or tough and if all went well we would have had such an easy run to the Semi Finals. Let's just beat Huddersfield though.. hopefully.
21,000 tickets were sold prior to the day and we really were the underdogs now. Recent form pushed us back a bit and things didn't look too good.
Pundits and Huddersfield fans saw this as a comfortable win now and maybe that was the case? Maybe this recent form would be what killed our season.
We sent out a similar side again, Ray remained in the side despite a poor show against Brentford. Colkett had to play very well in order for us to have any chance.
The players knew what they had to do and I pushed them to play long balls. We are a direct side but I feel Davies could cause them issues, especially with the support and pace of Forde and Fosu. Hopefully we can play as I know we can, form doesn't matter here - hopefully.
And we were off..
Wow! Awful defending and indecisive keeping see's Bunn through to score. Missed header from Colkett who didn't exactly see the ball let Bunn in behind and Garrat was left stuck as Bunn attacked the ball and scored within 60 seconds. Lovely.
Penalty! Blackett plows through the back of Davies, instant chance at bringing in equal. Fosu looks way too nervous. There's a stoppage as Smithies plays mindgames, needing his glove straps sorted. Saved down the middle, rebound? Double-save! My my.
Slow build-up here, weird to see my side do such a thing. Kavanagh and Forde link well as Kavanagh spots Brown in acres of space in the middle of the park. He hits one.. GOAL!? What a goal! 30 yards from Mr Brown.
Blackett goal, big header edges over the line from a corner. 2-1 within 9 minutes.
Oh what a wonderful 1-2 and overlap from Tootle as he links with Fosu, what a delivery towards the front post, Davies is there! It's another goal, it's an equaliser! 2-2! 20 minutes gone!
No way could that tempo have been kept up. The half comes to a close at 2-2. What a opening 20 minutes, the players have to keep their heads. We can take this game.
Early pressure from Huddersfield see's Bunn take on two players well before forcing a Garrat save! Heart is in my mouth, can't cope with this!
A few half chances come and go as the 90 minutes is seen out. Extra time awaits. Fosu has already been replaced by Pugh but a few tiring legs and thoughts of penalties have to be considered. Colkett is having a poor game and will be replaced by James Jones.
One chance at either end could be the winner. We had to keep it slow and maybe break. But penalties would do.
Tootle again links great with Pugh down the right with a quick one-two. He can cross again. He does Davies is there. ITS A GOAL! Davies scores as Tootle continues to be great down the right. 13 minutes played.
Huddersfield are going for it. Hesketh finds Lolley who forces an acrobatic save from Garrat. Half time in extra time.
"Kill this game lads, keep it slow. Sit deep and don't push onto players. Hold your positions. Time to be wasted? Waste it!"
And the full time whistle was music to our ears! We had beaten Huddersfield at their ground! Despite our form, the critics, and whoever!
Roche decided to travel despite not showing up since his media incident and there no sign of Leishman which was new. Interesting one but who cares! Wolves, here we come!
Unbelievable game and I was just a tactical guru in the latter stages of the tie.
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"James, hang on a second!" words rang from behind me, it was Roche. I turned and glanced as we came jogging over. The man was ancient and I don't think the running is too good for him.
"This run and a few of your deals has actually brought us into a decent financial standing for this league, promotion would be even bigger.. and if you can, just, make it to the final you'll be a hero!" he added. Catching his breath, it was a new Roche. Not so angry, dismissive.
"One game at a time, I think. I mean, the final would be great but honestly making Wembley would be good enough for me." I laughed back at his excitement and weird expectations of me.
"What about Leishman?" I added, as I turned to continue walking down the corridor. He followed.
"He's still working with us, but I have some news hitting the front pages tomorrow that will clear me up a bit."
"What?" I asked, interested.
"My wife and I are redoing our vows! No one will think I hit her if she has agree'd to that!"
I just glanced back at him, the man was off his rocket. Promotion and a cup final for us would be massive though, not only in the way that we hadn't touched the Championship in years and an FA Cup final for anyone is massive but the fact that Roche is getting old and someone may want to takeover. Money and all that. Both Ray and Davies have been watched a few times by Coleman, of Wales, too. Exciting times.
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12 games to go, 4 losses on the trot in the league has put us in a tough position. No Sinclair or Baillie for another few weeks but if we win our game in hand and this Huddersfield result is a turning point in our form then we can easily still push for a top 2 but the play-offs will have to do.
No players really performed well this month. Tootle and Davies were great in the FA Cup ties.
Another incredibly long month ahead of us. 21 points available, I want around 15. At least. I mean, I want like 18, but with this last month I would take 15. Some tough games and congestion.
Urgh, we were not good enough at all. 2 early goals hit us hard and being 2 down at half time made things hard. We controlled the second half but didn't create enough chances. 2 bad performances in the trot as our defence seems to stop working. Bitterly disappointing, I was after 6 points from these 2 games, not 0. The loss also means we can't touch the top 2.
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Nice to know, but still frustrated at our last 2 ties.
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The big game against Huddersfield was next, it was a big game. It was the FA Cup Fifth Round, it was set to bring us a capacity crowd, cash and a shot at a struggling Championship side for the FA Cup Quarter Finals.
Only 5 years ago was I telling a 6 year old how to do a stepover at a creative players work shop on the Western Isles, or teaching the Under 14 Aberdeen side all about spacial awareness because they had seemed to forget. Now I was literally 2 steps away from Wembley with a League 1 side. Wembley.
With our counter attacking 4-5-1 line up seemingly coming undone, I had a real look over some of their past line-ups. They would usually try a diamond out, they were a poor passing side and dangerous on the left. I half contemplated going 4-4-2 myself, but at the same time, I wanted a more attacking '4-5-1' and opted for the 4-2-3-1.
Captain Tootle would come over to left back, while Davies came in for the first time in a while at right back. Kavanagh was still having issues bedding into the squad. Ray and Griffin kept their defensive partnership at centre back. Tunnicliffe and Brown remain through the middle, while Fosu, Forde and Lawrence line up just behind Davies.
I mean, Huddersfield have lost like 1 in their last 7, but only won 2 and somehow drawn the rest. Still finding themselves struggling and only just above the relegation zone. We can easily do this. We just need some spirit. Passion. Brilliance. Anything that can grab us the win. There is only 9 or so spots that separate us in the Football League. Nothing was stopping us from winning this.
The players knew this. I knew this. And we were underway..
We got off to a fiery start, working Huddersfield's #1 a few times from the off, forcing 2 saves right from kick off before a big one only moments after.
Huddersfield hit the net first, a Conor Coady head found the back of the net from a deep free kick.. Offside! Interesting call but I couldn't really tell what had happened from the dugout.. Simon Grayson was livid though! After 8 minutes they did hit the net again, a Garrat save lead to a scrap in the box and they got the final toe on the ball. 1-0.
We had the next big chance, a few passes found Fosu through but he couldn't convert! HOW?!
DAVIES!!! Moments before the whistle went to signal the end of the first 45 a long ball Griffin met the weak foot of Anthony Gerrard, leaving the ball in the wake of Davies to smash home.
It was one-each at the break. Sloppy opening half but we were still on fighting terms.
Again, we have the first huge chance. A Brown thunderstrike is met by the stinging palms of Smithies, Davies follows up but the pressure from the defenders put him off and it is a poor strike giving Smithies a double-save to be proud about.
Tunnicliffe was booked and playing poor so as we replaced him with Colkett, goal scorer Davies also picked up an injury and was replaced by reliable Samuel. Half an hour to be played.
Samuel had his first chance in the game as a long ball down the line from Tootle found Samuel, good dribbling found himself in a bit of space but the shot was poor and an arriving Forde was incredibly upset at the lack of a pass or finish. 20 to go as the nerves begin to show.
The full time whistle was moments away and the final effort came from Lawrence who fired just wide from about 40 yards. A replay and away tie awaited us after a tight 1-1 draw.
Congests our fixtures a little more but if we win I do not care!
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The 6th round draw was next.. the last 8.. the Quarter Finals whatever you wanted to name it. We had taken in around £250,000 for that game against Huddersfield. Two hundred and fifty thousand.. That's a lot of cash for a League 1 side who had just come out the red. I was desperate for making it to Wembley, **** I wanted to win the FA Cup this year and I know the players wanted a fairy tale story here too. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and the likes of Newcastle and Middlesbrough were still in. I couldn't tell if I wanted a trip to the big dogs yet or not but at this stage no game is easy. Liverpool came out first against either Man United or Newcastle so that meant Chelsea were the only one to fear.. and we drew Wolves! The last third tier side in the draw alongside ourselves. We had to beat Huddersfield. Wolves is a game we could win any day of the week! We could have a fairy tale story here!
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Relegation contenders Moracambe awaited us in the league next, we were desperate for the three points with our last 2 league games going against us and we had to keep away from 7th while pushing the top 2. We were excited by the FA Cup prospects but had to keep our heads on the game at head, at the end of the day the league was also very important.
Kavanagh would come in for Davies who was feeling tired after an U21 game between this and the FA Cup tie and honestly was happy to bring Kavanagh in for another game. The 4-2-3-1 remained.
We were playing ****** awful and I had to make a tactical switch and substitution in the first 30 minutes. But no, our third loss in a row in the league this time against ****** Morecambe!
We dropped to 6th and 7th was brushing shoulders with us. 0 points this month out of our aim of 9. Wow.
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Mid-table Brentford would come to our home next, we needed the 3 points otherwise 2nd was completely out of the picture and it would then be a complete scrap for a top 6.
Changes were made as we returned to our counter attacking selves.
Oh my. I have no words. I don't get how we keep getting edged out?! Drop to 7th. 0 points from 12 this month.
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The FA Cup returned as we set up for the replay against Huddersfield, honestly this may have been playing on the players minds but at the same time we are talking about fighting for promotion. Maybe we were just poor and unlucky. We had to win here otherwise there was some serious thinking to do as we set up for our final 12 in the league to fix our form before it is too late.
We had been really good at the back until late, so that was a focus going into the game. Do not concede, make the most of set pieces and don't do anything stupid. I called another team meeting to keep the lads' heads strong. Simply telling them that despite our recent slips we can easily kick on and still achieve greatness this year, everyone rallied and experienced Myhill helped boost the lads too.
I honestly felt that if we beat Huddersfield here we just had to keep our heads against Wolves then we would be at Wembley for the semi-final. Apart from Burnley, who're in a mess up in the Premier League, we hadn't met anyone big or tough and if all went well we would have had such an easy run to the Semi Finals. Let's just beat Huddersfield though.. hopefully.
21,000 tickets were sold prior to the day and we really were the underdogs now. Recent form pushed us back a bit and things didn't look too good.
Pundits and Huddersfield fans saw this as a comfortable win now and maybe that was the case? Maybe this recent form would be what killed our season.
We sent out a similar side again, Ray remained in the side despite a poor show against Brentford. Colkett had to play very well in order for us to have any chance.
The players knew what they had to do and I pushed them to play long balls. We are a direct side but I feel Davies could cause them issues, especially with the support and pace of Forde and Fosu. Hopefully we can play as I know we can, form doesn't matter here - hopefully.
And we were off..
Wow! Awful defending and indecisive keeping see's Bunn through to score. Missed header from Colkett who didn't exactly see the ball let Bunn in behind and Garrat was left stuck as Bunn attacked the ball and scored within 60 seconds. Lovely.
Penalty! Blackett plows through the back of Davies, instant chance at bringing in equal. Fosu looks way too nervous. There's a stoppage as Smithies plays mindgames, needing his glove straps sorted. Saved down the middle, rebound? Double-save! My my.
Slow build-up here, weird to see my side do such a thing. Kavanagh and Forde link well as Kavanagh spots Brown in acres of space in the middle of the park. He hits one.. GOAL!? What a goal! 30 yards from Mr Brown.
Blackett goal, big header edges over the line from a corner. 2-1 within 9 minutes.
Oh what a wonderful 1-2 and overlap from Tootle as he links with Fosu, what a delivery towards the front post, Davies is there! It's another goal, it's an equaliser! 2-2! 20 minutes gone!
No way could that tempo have been kept up. The half comes to a close at 2-2. What a opening 20 minutes, the players have to keep their heads. We can take this game.
Early pressure from Huddersfield see's Bunn take on two players well before forcing a Garrat save! Heart is in my mouth, can't cope with this!
A few half chances come and go as the 90 minutes is seen out. Extra time awaits. Fosu has already been replaced by Pugh but a few tiring legs and thoughts of penalties have to be considered. Colkett is having a poor game and will be replaced by James Jones.
One chance at either end could be the winner. We had to keep it slow and maybe break. But penalties would do.
Tootle again links great with Pugh down the right with a quick one-two. He can cross again. He does Davies is there. ITS A GOAL! Davies scores as Tootle continues to be great down the right. 13 minutes played.
Huddersfield are going for it. Hesketh finds Lolley who forces an acrobatic save from Garrat. Half time in extra time.
"Kill this game lads, keep it slow. Sit deep and don't push onto players. Hold your positions. Time to be wasted? Waste it!"
And the full time whistle was music to our ears! We had beaten Huddersfield at their ground! Despite our form, the critics, and whoever!
Roche decided to travel despite not showing up since his media incident and there no sign of Leishman which was new. Interesting one but who cares! Wolves, here we come!
Unbelievable game and I was just a tactical guru in the latter stages of the tie.
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"James, hang on a second!" words rang from behind me, it was Roche. I turned and glanced as we came jogging over. The man was ancient and I don't think the running is too good for him.
"This run and a few of your deals has actually brought us into a decent financial standing for this league, promotion would be even bigger.. and if you can, just, make it to the final you'll be a hero!" he added. Catching his breath, it was a new Roche. Not so angry, dismissive.
"One game at a time, I think. I mean, the final would be great but honestly making Wembley would be good enough for me." I laughed back at his excitement and weird expectations of me.
"What about Leishman?" I added, as I turned to continue walking down the corridor. He followed.
"He's still working with us, but I have some news hitting the front pages tomorrow that will clear me up a bit."
"What?" I asked, interested.
"My wife and I are redoing our vows! No one will think I hit her if she has agree'd to that!"
I just glanced back at him, the man was off his rocket. Promotion and a cup final for us would be massive though, not only in the way that we hadn't touched the Championship in years and an FA Cup final for anyone is massive but the fact that Roche is getting old and someone may want to takeover. Money and all that. Both Ray and Davies have been watched a few times by Coleman, of Wales, too. Exciting times.
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12 games to go, 4 losses on the trot in the league has put us in a tough position. No Sinclair or Baillie for another few weeks but if we win our game in hand and this Huddersfield result is a turning point in our form then we can easily still push for a top 2 but the play-offs will have to do.
No players really performed well this month. Tootle and Davies were great in the FA Cup ties.
Another incredibly long month ahead of us. 21 points available, I want around 15. At least. I mean, I want like 18, but with this last month I would take 15. Some tough games and congestion.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Despite the excitement at the 6th round of the FA Cup v Wolves looming, we had to focus on getting back to winning ways in the League, and that had to start with a home game against mid-table Scunthorpe. Quite a few tiring legs after the 120 minutes against Huddersfield though, which would only get worse with 8 games to be played this month.
Davies, Ray, Colkett and Tunnicliffe were all brought to the bench for a rest, while everyone else remained. Scunthorpe also play a very wild 3-5-2 that congests the midfield, something we hadn't dealt with too much. The closest was a 1-0 defeat at Morecambe.
Lucky not to lose, Healey was too good for us and I didn't know what to do with their line-up. No real surprise, tired legs, new faces, still without Sinclair and Baillie.
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Up next is our last game before Wolves in the Cup - rock-bottom Tranmere Rovers. They have a similar last 5 results to us to be fair but this has to be a win. We are without a win in our last 5 league games and this has to put a stop to such, so we can power on and find ourselves in the promotion places. The 4 day break allowed a bit of freshness to return to a few players, but it is still not a full-strength squad. James Baillie must await another week before returning to training and Scott Sinclair is closer to 2 weeks. We would also rest a few with Wolves sat around the corner!
Didn't even feel the pressure until now.. And then Garrat picked up a injury which has him out for 4 weeks. Step up ex-Hull, West Brom and Liverpool man Boaz Myhill!
We did return to the usual back four though (with Kavanagh, though, instead of missing Baillie). Colkett also came in after missing the previous tie. Brown was rested as Tunnicliffe also returns with Davies up top. Also worth noting this is our game in hand, a win see's us return to the top 6 and Tranmere have pulled out some mad 3-5-2 themselves..
Professional job. Davies was very strong, second half was just keeping it slow. Fosu did manage to pick up an injury though, hopefully nothing too serious. It gave McLeary his first game back in the side since injury under me too.
Clean sheet for Myhill and one, easy save on his debut for Crewe. Davies scored his 20th goal of the season, and his 100th in his career league wise.
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The FA Cup 6th round! The last stop before we could be at Wembley in the Semi Finals of the FA Cup.. Wembley. FA Cup. How exciting! I wanted this. Prior to game day a massive 29,000 tickets were sold for the game at the Molineux with the final thousand set to be sold at the gates. It would be their second sell-out of their FA Cup campaign thus far. It would be some atmosphere as both of us chase a spot at Wembley.
Myhill remained at the back, with the same defensive 4 that played Tranmere just ahead of him. Colkett wasn't in the best of ways but I'd try get him through 60 minutes. Brown and Tunnicliffe were reunited in the middle of the park, with Forde playing wide with Lawrence in place of struggling Fosu.
Never thought I'd say it but the Molineux was intimidating today.
It was a quiet first half, Colkett came off injured so James Jones came on. Stanislas was causing Tootle issues down the right while Ismael found himself a lot of room due to his movement from the left. Myhill was called into action a few times but only one save was a real big one where he stretched across to tip one around the post.
Half time arrived with scores level.
Tunnicliffe was replaced by defensive minded Nolan, due to a booking and a few silly fouls leaving him on the brink of a second yellow.
Brown works the keeper.. Oh my what an effort! Tipped into the bar by a worried Henderson. Brown likes to hit them, first effort in a while as Wolves continue to dominate.
We won ourselves a free kick in a semi-dangerous position. A good ball into the box from Kavanagh could cause a few issues. Headed out wide though by Carroll.. Forde chases, quick bit of skill finds himself with space to cross. Davies at the front post!!! Goalasoooooooooooooo! 1-0 with ten to go!!
Wolves looks broken as Forde and Kavanagh easily link on the left, Jones is free in the box for a hard driven shot from close range! Too much for Henderson! It's 2-0!
Greg Kavanagh - the man who doesn't have too many buddies at the club - manages to grab himself a man of the match award too! That's his first in English football and well-deserved too. He has stepped up well in place of Baillie.
Most efforts of ours came from range but we somehow got the win. It shouldn't have been this hard but the players fought on. Nevermind the poor form or the Wolves' home support! We did it!
We go into the Semi-Final draw alongside holders, and Premier League leaders Chelsea, chasers Liverpool and relegation contenders Everton! If we got Everton we could make the final and that would mean European football with both Chelsea and Liverpool set for a top 4 finish!? Dreams!
The win at the Molineux provided us with almost £400,000!
I'd love Everton in the Semi's as we knocked out Burnley who were in a similar predicament earlier in the season. At the same time though, Chelsea would mean playing against Jose Mourinho - the man that inspires me with his lack of playing experience - yet he is seen as the Worlds Best.
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"Hello, James. Meeting at 11:30 today." Jim Leishman called through from the reception as I spoke to the fanzine ahead of the Semi Final draw. I wasn't aware of any meetings but sure.
...
"What's the story then Jim?" I asked, joining him and our Head of Youth Shaun Barker in the cramped office.
"New players for our 18's side, some coming from our younger sides. A few from around the country" Shaun replied, as they both pushed a few papers towards me.
"Graham Dalton, English, local and enjoyed his time with our 16s squad. Probably the pick of the bunch." Leishman said, as I opened the first document up.
"Plays behind the striker, very decent. In the developmental league, which has obviously just finished, he grabbed 18 goals and 15 assists in 30 games. Mainly against lads from amateur clubs but the likes of Rotherham and Stoke were in there too." Barker added.
"Liam Warren is another. He plays in the middle of the park, but is more like a Colkett or Nolan." Barker continued as I went to the next one.
"And then Ben Pell is the other we feel might be a stand out." Leishman said as I looked on.
"There is about 15 lads. Most are decent but probably won't make it to the top. These three can." Barker added, we went on to discuss the others but really Dalton is the one I am most excited about. Looks very direct and could hurt a team with his running.
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Require a crazy performance and upset in order to advance, if we were to advance it would be a win-win really too. Chelsea would mean Europa League football while Everton would suggest a chance at winning the Cup! But first we have Liverpool. 9 league games before that, though!
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Second-placed Swindon were next for us, at home, in the league and it would be incredibly tough. No Tunnicliffe through suspension and Colkett also had to sit on the bench due to the knock he had picked up in the FA Cup.
Sinclair and Baillie would be on the verge of a return but not for this tie. Jones would start, with Nolan ahead of the 2 other midfielders. No other changes from the Wolves game.
Shocking. We somehow missed two clear cut chances in one to give fon Williams a double-save to brag about and they got a penalty for nothing. Argh!
We are going to throw away any shot at promotion. I don't get how we can't play football properly.
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Fleetwood away was next, Baillie would find himself on the bench after resuming full training, Fosu would play ahead of a tiring Forde.
Disappointing to say the least. Davies scores another, Baillie got half an hour but nothing happened for us. We had our chances just couldn't convert.
Myhill was great in the sticks, might be hard for Garrat to return to the side.
Anyway, midway point in a hectic March.
9 games to go. Last season, 73 points was needed for a 6th placed finish. That's 16 points away out of a possible 27. Not sure if we will need more than that, but I guess that's the aim. Either way I want 6th. Game at a time.
Must beat Shrewsbury, Peterborough and all of them to be honest. Look forward to the FA Cup Semi Final.
Davies, Ray, Colkett and Tunnicliffe were all brought to the bench for a rest, while everyone else remained. Scunthorpe also play a very wild 3-5-2 that congests the midfield, something we hadn't dealt with too much. The closest was a 1-0 defeat at Morecambe.
Lucky not to lose, Healey was too good for us and I didn't know what to do with their line-up. No real surprise, tired legs, new faces, still without Sinclair and Baillie.
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Up next is our last game before Wolves in the Cup - rock-bottom Tranmere Rovers. They have a similar last 5 results to us to be fair but this has to be a win. We are without a win in our last 5 league games and this has to put a stop to such, so we can power on and find ourselves in the promotion places. The 4 day break allowed a bit of freshness to return to a few players, but it is still not a full-strength squad. James Baillie must await another week before returning to training and Scott Sinclair is closer to 2 weeks. We would also rest a few with Wolves sat around the corner!
Didn't even feel the pressure until now.. And then Garrat picked up a injury which has him out for 4 weeks. Step up ex-Hull, West Brom and Liverpool man Boaz Myhill!
We did return to the usual back four though (with Kavanagh, though, instead of missing Baillie). Colkett also came in after missing the previous tie. Brown was rested as Tunnicliffe also returns with Davies up top. Also worth noting this is our game in hand, a win see's us return to the top 6 and Tranmere have pulled out some mad 3-5-2 themselves..
Professional job. Davies was very strong, second half was just keeping it slow. Fosu did manage to pick up an injury though, hopefully nothing too serious. It gave McLeary his first game back in the side since injury under me too.
Clean sheet for Myhill and one, easy save on his debut for Crewe. Davies scored his 20th goal of the season, and his 100th in his career league wise.
_______________________________
The FA Cup 6th round! The last stop before we could be at Wembley in the Semi Finals of the FA Cup.. Wembley. FA Cup. How exciting! I wanted this. Prior to game day a massive 29,000 tickets were sold for the game at the Molineux with the final thousand set to be sold at the gates. It would be their second sell-out of their FA Cup campaign thus far. It would be some atmosphere as both of us chase a spot at Wembley.
Myhill remained at the back, with the same defensive 4 that played Tranmere just ahead of him. Colkett wasn't in the best of ways but I'd try get him through 60 minutes. Brown and Tunnicliffe were reunited in the middle of the park, with Forde playing wide with Lawrence in place of struggling Fosu.
Never thought I'd say it but the Molineux was intimidating today.
It was a quiet first half, Colkett came off injured so James Jones came on. Stanislas was causing Tootle issues down the right while Ismael found himself a lot of room due to his movement from the left. Myhill was called into action a few times but only one save was a real big one where he stretched across to tip one around the post.
Half time arrived with scores level.
Tunnicliffe was replaced by defensive minded Nolan, due to a booking and a few silly fouls leaving him on the brink of a second yellow.
Brown works the keeper.. Oh my what an effort! Tipped into the bar by a worried Henderson. Brown likes to hit them, first effort in a while as Wolves continue to dominate.
We won ourselves a free kick in a semi-dangerous position. A good ball into the box from Kavanagh could cause a few issues. Headed out wide though by Carroll.. Forde chases, quick bit of skill finds himself with space to cross. Davies at the front post!!! Goalasoooooooooooooo! 1-0 with ten to go!!
Wolves looks broken as Forde and Kavanagh easily link on the left, Jones is free in the box for a hard driven shot from close range! Too much for Henderson! It's 2-0!
Greg Kavanagh - the man who doesn't have too many buddies at the club - manages to grab himself a man of the match award too! That's his first in English football and well-deserved too. He has stepped up well in place of Baillie.
Most efforts of ours came from range but we somehow got the win. It shouldn't have been this hard but the players fought on. Nevermind the poor form or the Wolves' home support! We did it!
We go into the Semi-Final draw alongside holders, and Premier League leaders Chelsea, chasers Liverpool and relegation contenders Everton! If we got Everton we could make the final and that would mean European football with both Chelsea and Liverpool set for a top 4 finish!? Dreams!
The win at the Molineux provided us with almost £400,000!
I'd love Everton in the Semi's as we knocked out Burnley who were in a similar predicament earlier in the season. At the same time though, Chelsea would mean playing against Jose Mourinho - the man that inspires me with his lack of playing experience - yet he is seen as the Worlds Best.
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"Hello, James. Meeting at 11:30 today." Jim Leishman called through from the reception as I spoke to the fanzine ahead of the Semi Final draw. I wasn't aware of any meetings but sure.
...
"What's the story then Jim?" I asked, joining him and our Head of Youth Shaun Barker in the cramped office.
"New players for our 18's side, some coming from our younger sides. A few from around the country" Shaun replied, as they both pushed a few papers towards me.
"Graham Dalton, English, local and enjoyed his time with our 16s squad. Probably the pick of the bunch." Leishman said, as I opened the first document up.
"Plays behind the striker, very decent. In the developmental league, which has obviously just finished, he grabbed 18 goals and 15 assists in 30 games. Mainly against lads from amateur clubs but the likes of Rotherham and Stoke were in there too." Barker added.
"Liam Warren is another. He plays in the middle of the park, but is more like a Colkett or Nolan." Barker continued as I went to the next one.
"And then Ben Pell is the other we feel might be a stand out." Leishman said as I looked on.
"There is about 15 lads. Most are decent but probably won't make it to the top. These three can." Barker added, we went on to discuss the others but really Dalton is the one I am most excited about. Looks very direct and could hurt a team with his running.
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Require a crazy performance and upset in order to advance, if we were to advance it would be a win-win really too. Chelsea would mean Europa League football while Everton would suggest a chance at winning the Cup! But first we have Liverpool. 9 league games before that, though!
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Second-placed Swindon were next for us, at home, in the league and it would be incredibly tough. No Tunnicliffe through suspension and Colkett also had to sit on the bench due to the knock he had picked up in the FA Cup.
Sinclair and Baillie would be on the verge of a return but not for this tie. Jones would start, with Nolan ahead of the 2 other midfielders. No other changes from the Wolves game.
Shocking. We somehow missed two clear cut chances in one to give fon Williams a double-save to brag about and they got a penalty for nothing. Argh!
We are going to throw away any shot at promotion. I don't get how we can't play football properly.
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Fleetwood away was next, Baillie would find himself on the bench after resuming full training, Fosu would play ahead of a tiring Forde.
Disappointing to say the least. Davies scores another, Baillie got half an hour but nothing happened for us. We had our chances just couldn't convert.
Myhill was great in the sticks, might be hard for Garrat to return to the side.
Anyway, midway point in a hectic March.
9 games to go. Last season, 73 points was needed for a 6th placed finish. That's 16 points away out of a possible 27. Not sure if we will need more than that, but I guess that's the aim. Either way I want 6th. Game at a time.
Must beat Shrewsbury, Peterborough and all of them to be honest. Look forward to the FA Cup Semi Final.
FA Cup Semi-Final & still in the hunt for the playoffs, not a bad year by any stretch but lets hope you can push on & secure that playoff spot & from there you never know!
How crazy was that Huddersfield game!? 4 goals & a missed penalty in the first 20 minutes then added time to find a winner, must of been a heart stopper!
How crazy was that Huddersfield game!? 4 goals & a missed penalty in the first 20 minutes then added time to find a winner, must of been a heart stopper!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Updates will be shorterish from now // last two were pretty long!
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March would continue with the huge tie against Shrewsbury! Big because we had to start winning, apparently there was pressure on me now - and I mean there is. Roche is weird, but isn't a huge fan of me and Leishman has Roche in his back pocket and isn't a fan of me.
When I was hired I was a cheap option as the club was financially a mess. The club leaked money and were £500,000 in the red. Nothing traumatic but a little mess nonetheless. I have sold, cut wages and brought in cash prizes. We are now £2,500,000 in the opposite direction and I have no praise for that. Leishman has done nothing but speak to a few clubs and takes home his £55,000 per year salary. A little less than me and I talk contracts, train, tactics, fundraisers, interviews, workshops, soccer school appearances, the lot! I lead teams to FA Cup Semi Finals and I will lead this side to promotion yet I have no praise for it.
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Anyway. Football matters, not the politics behind it. Shrewsbury was an important tie because it was our game in hand, and they were trying to push us and the top 6. A win would see us back in the top 6 with 8 league games remaining. Baillie would have his first start in a while with Tootle picking up a ten day knock. Sinclair claims a spot on the bench, Tunnicliffe remains on the bench due to Jones' performances keeping him out and Colkett gets a return after a few games recovering from the congestion of fixtures.
Finally! A nice looking scoreboard, wasn't as easy as it looked though. We started well, grabbed ourselves a goal and held for a while. We had more shots and efforts and were the better side despite periods of pressure form Shrewsbury. Late on, great play and work from Kavanagh found the ball in the box and Sinclair grabbed himself a goal on his return! Shrewsbury slumped but we pressed again giving Davies another to continue his run of form!
Kavanagh picked up another POM from left back and he is really working for that place now, I don't think Tootle or Baillie could keep him out the side despite them being seen as the best 2 full backs at the club! Keep it up young Kavanagh, I guess!
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Relegation contenders Gillingham were next as we aimed for another three points. Sinclair gets his first start since returning from injury, Colkett gets rested again with Jones. Tunnicliffe and Nolan both come in to the side.
McLeary is missing on International duty with Jamaica, while Garratt and Tootle are both still injured.
Ah! Should have been 3 points. Davies was lethal but we were so quiet in the second half, Griffin's poor positioning gave them the equaliser. Sinclair had a goal called offside, we ended up playing like 7 extra minutes due to 3 players picking up knocks and needing treatment before Brown ended up needing to come off. Gillingham completely shut up shop and started mowing players down.
Incredibly tight on players, we had the real chances though. They never really worked Myhill as shots and chances came from range and poor angles. Will be very happy for the week off before our next game. Big one too - Peterborough!
March would continue with the huge tie against Shrewsbury! Big because we had to start winning, apparently there was pressure on me now - and I mean there is. Roche is weird, but isn't a huge fan of me and Leishman has Roche in his back pocket and isn't a fan of me.
When I was hired I was a cheap option as the club was financially a mess. The club leaked money and were £500,000 in the red. Nothing traumatic but a little mess nonetheless. I have sold, cut wages and brought in cash prizes. We are now £2,500,000 in the opposite direction and I have no praise for that. Leishman has done nothing but speak to a few clubs and takes home his £55,000 per year salary. A little less than me and I talk contracts, train, tactics, fundraisers, interviews, workshops, soccer school appearances, the lot! I lead teams to FA Cup Semi Finals and I will lead this side to promotion yet I have no praise for it.
______________________________________________
Anyway. Football matters, not the politics behind it. Shrewsbury was an important tie because it was our game in hand, and they were trying to push us and the top 6. A win would see us back in the top 6 with 8 league games remaining. Baillie would have his first start in a while with Tootle picking up a ten day knock. Sinclair claims a spot on the bench, Tunnicliffe remains on the bench due to Jones' performances keeping him out and Colkett gets a return after a few games recovering from the congestion of fixtures.
Finally! A nice looking scoreboard, wasn't as easy as it looked though. We started well, grabbed ourselves a goal and held for a while. We had more shots and efforts and were the better side despite periods of pressure form Shrewsbury. Late on, great play and work from Kavanagh found the ball in the box and Sinclair grabbed himself a goal on his return! Shrewsbury slumped but we pressed again giving Davies another to continue his run of form!
Kavanagh picked up another POM from left back and he is really working for that place now, I don't think Tootle or Baillie could keep him out the side despite them being seen as the best 2 full backs at the club! Keep it up young Kavanagh, I guess!
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Relegation contenders Gillingham were next as we aimed for another three points. Sinclair gets his first start since returning from injury, Colkett gets rested again with Jones. Tunnicliffe and Nolan both come in to the side.
McLeary is missing on International duty with Jamaica, while Garratt and Tootle are both still injured.
Ah! Should have been 3 points. Davies was lethal but we were so quiet in the second half, Griffin's poor positioning gave them the equaliser. Sinclair had a goal called offside, we ended up playing like 7 extra minutes due to 3 players picking up knocks and needing treatment before Brown ended up needing to come off. Gillingham completely shut up shop and started mowing players down.
Incredibly tight on players, we had the real chances though. They never really worked Myhill as shots and chances came from range and poor angles. Will be very happy for the week off before our next game. Big one too - Peterborough!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Cheers, need to fix our form up a wee bit.
Huddersfield game was crazy! Felt if we could advance then we could take Wolves (which was another nervy affair!). After the first 20 I really thought we'd collapse and get smashed but both of us slowed the game down a bit and threw myself in the air when we scored! Think our luck will come to an end at Liverpool though, first real test in the FA Cup.