PatrickLFC
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Great stuff, playing so well in the cup but league form might need to be picked up a bit! 
Road to Glory : The Manager
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CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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"Hey, gaffer. Not sure if my agent has been in touch with that Director of Football - or who I am even supposed to talk to - but what's the deal with a new contract?" Davies caught up with me as I wandered towards my new car, well it was second hand and all but it was some machine. I liked the bigger cars so went for the Range Rover Evoque. But that doesn't matter - what matters is I had a player asking about a contract. I turned towards him, keys in one hand and a load of paper and documents about Peterborough and insurance in the other.
"No word from either so far, I'd prefer all players came to me. Jim Leishman would say otherwise." I responded. Craig Davies, despite a poor run here or there, had scored a lot of goals. He was leading that charts in the league. He had 23 in 30 starts. 28 in 38 overall. He had just turned 32 and was our highest earner.
"It's just, everyone else who had a deal coming to an end did get new ones. You never spoke to me, and I never thought about it. But I have only heard of interest from other clubs. I want us to go up and I think I might want another good year with Crewe before my legs go." he pleaded. I never said no, I was going to continue on.
"Well, it would be stupid and unethical to not give you a new deal. But we are only in a good position financially right now because of the Cup Runs, few sales here and there and players taking cuts. You would want a raise, right?" I, again, responded and began walking back towards the reception and my office. Ushering him to follow.
"I think at this point I am supposed to call in my agent, gaffer." he said, pulling out his phone.
"Aye, I get that. Who's your agent anyway?" I asked back, shifting into my squeaky chair and laying the documents to the floor besides me. The office was awful and I wanted it redone but Roche always mentioned finances. I would probably put my own money into it soon to be honest.
"Joe Hughes" Craig said, glancing back up at me as his phone touched his ear.
Joe Hughes had no friends in the business. He had spats with some of the biggest coaches, I only knew him from post-game wine with managers and other agents. He didn't have many clients, but made his money on the likes of Rafael, of United, and even Callum McManaman and Robert Huth. He lived well apparently.
Davies spoke on the phone before Hughes wanted to have a conversation now, before talking proper terms. He was brought up on my laptop via Hangouts and here we were.
"What do you want to offer my client then?" he barked, as soon as a connection was made.
"We would keep everything similar, just another year on the deal. An extension could be made." I replied. Davies nodded in agreement.
"Well, I was prepared for this deal to come through and with my client playing so well. We would probably say £5,200 per week. That's an extra £1k. Also an extra £100 on bonuses like appearances, goals, unused sub. I also had an idea for £20,000 if we hit 25 goals - where he is now - plus promotion wage rises and the sorts."
"What? No. Come in some day and talk it over."
He came in the very next day and things didn't go well. While he demanded Davies was a highest earner at the club and would receive a wage rise of pretty much 50% if we went up this year it just wasn't what I was after.
Planning ahead I don't want Davies meeting the same wage as everyone I may bring in if there's a promotion or such. I definitely don't want to see him on money like £6500 if we went up. It isn't much for a footballer sure, but no point being silly with money. Will talk nearer the seasons end.
In saying this, however, I could hear Davies' loud echoing voice as they left our 'meeting room'. He never returned to my office, and I didn't ask about it in training that day until I saw something a little later on Twitter and a few Crewe fan sites.
I was in the right and was not beaten by an agent! Didn't even ask him to sack him.
James McKenzie 1 - 0 Sneaky Agents
"No word from either so far, I'd prefer all players came to me. Jim Leishman would say otherwise." I responded. Craig Davies, despite a poor run here or there, had scored a lot of goals. He was leading that charts in the league. He had 23 in 30 starts. 28 in 38 overall. He had just turned 32 and was our highest earner.
"It's just, everyone else who had a deal coming to an end did get new ones. You never spoke to me, and I never thought about it. But I have only heard of interest from other clubs. I want us to go up and I think I might want another good year with Crewe before my legs go." he pleaded. I never said no, I was going to continue on.
"Well, it would be stupid and unethical to not give you a new deal. But we are only in a good position financially right now because of the Cup Runs, few sales here and there and players taking cuts. You would want a raise, right?" I, again, responded and began walking back towards the reception and my office. Ushering him to follow.
"I think at this point I am supposed to call in my agent, gaffer." he said, pulling out his phone.
"Aye, I get that. Who's your agent anyway?" I asked back, shifting into my squeaky chair and laying the documents to the floor besides me. The office was awful and I wanted it redone but Roche always mentioned finances. I would probably put my own money into it soon to be honest.
"Joe Hughes" Craig said, glancing back up at me as his phone touched his ear.
Joe Hughes had no friends in the business. He had spats with some of the biggest coaches, I only knew him from post-game wine with managers and other agents. He didn't have many clients, but made his money on the likes of Rafael, of United, and even Callum McManaman and Robert Huth. He lived well apparently.
Davies spoke on the phone before Hughes wanted to have a conversation now, before talking proper terms. He was brought up on my laptop via Hangouts and here we were.
"What do you want to offer my client then?" he barked, as soon as a connection was made.
"We would keep everything similar, just another year on the deal. An extension could be made." I replied. Davies nodded in agreement.
"Well, I was prepared for this deal to come through and with my client playing so well. We would probably say £5,200 per week. That's an extra £1k. Also an extra £100 on bonuses like appearances, goals, unused sub. I also had an idea for £20,000 if we hit 25 goals - where he is now - plus promotion wage rises and the sorts."
"What? No. Come in some day and talk it over."
He came in the very next day and things didn't go well. While he demanded Davies was a highest earner at the club and would receive a wage rise of pretty much 50% if we went up this year it just wasn't what I was after.
Planning ahead I don't want Davies meeting the same wage as everyone I may bring in if there's a promotion or such. I definitely don't want to see him on money like £6500 if we went up. It isn't much for a footballer sure, but no point being silly with money. Will talk nearer the seasons end.
In saying this, however, I could hear Davies' loud echoing voice as they left our 'meeting room'. He never returned to my office, and I didn't ask about it in training that day until I saw something a little later on Twitter and a few Crewe fan sites.
I was in the right and was not beaten by an agent! Didn't even ask him to sack him.
James McKenzie 1 - 0 Sneaky Agents
PatrickLFC
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What a legend!! If you want to keep him then offer him a contract before he gets a new agent
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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I woke up early, rolled over and checked my phone. A few texts, as always but one from Neil Baker. My assistant manager at Crewe.
'Marcs finally gone then gaffer? didnt know there was interest.'
I didn't know either. I went into the club and went towards Jim's office.
"What's the crack with Marc Pugh?" I asked, pushing through the door. I mean, we were looking at getting rid of him anyway. One of our highest earners and all that but why hadn't I been told.
"Yeah, he's off at the end of the season. Wasn't that what you wanted?" he replied, putting down his coffee. His office, notably, was proper and nice.
"Aye, but why didn't you give me a shout about it?" I asked.
"No need. Just a small deal, you know?"
I turned, left and slammed the door! Marc Pugh was off for £98,000. Which is fine, but I'd have liked to have been told.
While at the same time I was working on Colkett, he's on loan from Leicester with his deal there running out shortly we'd hope he'd be more interested by a move to us permanently.
'Marcs finally gone then gaffer? didnt know there was interest.'
I didn't know either. I went into the club and went towards Jim's office.
"What's the crack with Marc Pugh?" I asked, pushing through the door. I mean, we were looking at getting rid of him anyway. One of our highest earners and all that but why hadn't I been told.
"Yeah, he's off at the end of the season. Wasn't that what you wanted?" he replied, putting down his coffee. His office, notably, was proper and nice.
"Aye, but why didn't you give me a shout about it?" I asked.
"No need. Just a small deal, you know?"
I turned, left and slammed the door! Marc Pugh was off for £98,000. Which is fine, but I'd have liked to have been told.
While at the same time I was working on Colkett, he's on loan from Leicester with his deal there running out shortly we'd hope he'd be more interested by a move to us permanently.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Despite contracts and transfers going on we did have the league to worry about as we set up to play Peterborough who are now in strong contention for a top 2 finish. It was a big game for the 2 of us they had a stronger side, better form and were at home while we had to travel.
Tootle made the bench, while Colkett also sat there struggling to keep fitness with the sheer amount of games. Ray would also miss out for a breather.
Expected really, they were too strong and it probably should of been 2 or 3. But then again, it wasn't and a ball in from Davies found Forde free in the box who should have finished with the last kick of the ball. Disappointing. No real performances, any game where we fail to score is disappointing too! Leading goalscorer, plus the likes of Sinclair in the side.
Many scraps in front of our goal, Myhill performed well as did the makeshift 2 at the back. Oh well.
_____________________________________________________________
It was now time to really think about the 'Run-in' as we aim for the play-offs with SIX games to go. I still couldn't believe what was happening, I complain about Leishman then remember that only years ago I'd approach people like him and those lesser than him with good players from young amateur sides across Scotland and I should never be in such a position. Anyway, who is in our run-in?
COVENTRY - HOME
They are struggling, needing a few more points to guarantee their safety and will be trying their hardest for that. They have only won 4 games away from home thus far this season, but at the same time our home record is nothing special, only winning 8 and failing to win 11.
AIM - 3 Points.
BRIGHTON - HOME
Brighton on the other hand, aren't pulling away from that red zone. They are right in the midst of it and will be chasing those like Coventry or anyone in order to save the club from League 2. Jason Goodliffe has been there only a few days and has 6 games to save them from the drop, he got off to winning ways with a 1-0 win at Morecambe. Brighton's away record is pretty solid, if the league was decided on it they'd be comfortable mid table. It won't be easy but the aim has to be all points, but it may be a point.
AIM - 3 Points
BIRMINGHAM - AWAY
Birmingham are the big dogs, they are chasing that top 2 spot and have put everything into. They have the biggest wage bill of the league with almost £7,000,000 going towards players per year. They've put £800,000 towards transfer fees, and also have the likes of ***** Caballero on their side. They are all around a good team, but we'd be third if we were playing away games only but in saying that they have only lost 2 at home. Not going to be easy at all. May be a loss.
AIM - 1 Point
ROCHDALE - HOME
Rochdale have poorly this year, despite being destined for a play-off push they are sat mid-table and are probably getting set for their Summer Holidays with their feet up watching the World Cup. And who can blame them? Hopefully they don't want to play for any pride at our ground.
AIM - 3 Points.
Liverpool - NEUTRAL
FA Cup, not quite a league run-in but the Semi Final will definitely have an impact, the Rochdale tie may be tough with players' minds being on the Wembley trip. No aims for this game. A win would be lovely as I'd love 3 trips to Wembley to be honest with you, but great to make it to this stage.
SOUTHEND - AWAY
Southend, as it stands are in a relegation scrap and it doesn't look good for them. Hopefully by this stage their fate is set but they may pick up and we fighting for survival here. Could be a tough trip, at the same time we may be on a high from a win at Wembley? Complacency - or confidence. At the same time we may be recovering from a hiding.
AIM - 3 Points
The final game of the season will see us play Wolves, they'll have nothing to play for but revenge after us knocking them out and denying them a spot at Wembley - they may be aiming to do the same here depending on the closeness of the chase for the play-offs. I hope the 12 or so points by this point will be enough, otherwise we play for what we need.
Tootle made the bench, while Colkett also sat there struggling to keep fitness with the sheer amount of games. Ray would also miss out for a breather.
Expected really, they were too strong and it probably should of been 2 or 3. But then again, it wasn't and a ball in from Davies found Forde free in the box who should have finished with the last kick of the ball. Disappointing. No real performances, any game where we fail to score is disappointing too! Leading goalscorer, plus the likes of Sinclair in the side.
Many scraps in front of our goal, Myhill performed well as did the makeshift 2 at the back. Oh well.
_____________________________________________________________
It was now time to really think about the 'Run-in' as we aim for the play-offs with SIX games to go. I still couldn't believe what was happening, I complain about Leishman then remember that only years ago I'd approach people like him and those lesser than him with good players from young amateur sides across Scotland and I should never be in such a position. Anyway, who is in our run-in?
COVENTRY - HOME
They are struggling, needing a few more points to guarantee their safety and will be trying their hardest for that. They have only won 4 games away from home thus far this season, but at the same time our home record is nothing special, only winning 8 and failing to win 11.
AIM - 3 Points.
BRIGHTON - HOME
Brighton on the other hand, aren't pulling away from that red zone. They are right in the midst of it and will be chasing those like Coventry or anyone in order to save the club from League 2. Jason Goodliffe has been there only a few days and has 6 games to save them from the drop, he got off to winning ways with a 1-0 win at Morecambe. Brighton's away record is pretty solid, if the league was decided on it they'd be comfortable mid table. It won't be easy but the aim has to be all points, but it may be a point.
AIM - 3 Points
BIRMINGHAM - AWAY
Birmingham are the big dogs, they are chasing that top 2 spot and have put everything into. They have the biggest wage bill of the league with almost £7,000,000 going towards players per year. They've put £800,000 towards transfer fees, and also have the likes of ***** Caballero on their side. They are all around a good team, but we'd be third if we were playing away games only but in saying that they have only lost 2 at home. Not going to be easy at all. May be a loss.
AIM - 1 Point
ROCHDALE - HOME
Rochdale have poorly this year, despite being destined for a play-off push they are sat mid-table and are probably getting set for their Summer Holidays with their feet up watching the World Cup. And who can blame them? Hopefully they don't want to play for any pride at our ground.
AIM - 3 Points.
Liverpool - NEUTRAL
FA Cup, not quite a league run-in but the Semi Final will definitely have an impact, the Rochdale tie may be tough with players' minds being on the Wembley trip. No aims for this game. A win would be lovely as I'd love 3 trips to Wembley to be honest with you, but great to make it to this stage.
SOUTHEND - AWAY
Southend, as it stands are in a relegation scrap and it doesn't look good for them. Hopefully by this stage their fate is set but they may pick up and we fighting for survival here. Could be a tough trip, at the same time we may be on a high from a win at Wembley? Complacency - or confidence. At the same time we may be recovering from a hiding.
AIM - 3 Points
The final game of the season will see us play Wolves, they'll have nothing to play for but revenge after us knocking them out and denying them a spot at Wembley - they may be aiming to do the same here depending on the closeness of the chase for the play-offs. I hope the 12 or so points by this point will be enough, otherwise we play for what we need.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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I would say! 4 teams for 5th and 6th and the top 4 seem to be vying for a top 2 too.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Coventry awaited us then. 3 points was a must as it began to dawn on me the realities here - we had 4 teams fighting for 2 spots. We couldn't afford to slip up. In saying that, Sinclair, Kavanagh and Colkett all got a rest.
Coventry lined up with a 4-4-2, which shouldn't be too tough to work against but we had to play well, take our chances and all should be nifty.
Tough one to take, early goal gave us a bit of confidence but Coventry took the game by the scruff of the neck and Eaves started and ended a good Coventry move. We continued to press but a frustrated Davies failed to find the net again, 2 in a row now. Miss his goals.
Better side, wasted chances. Hopefully return to a full strength squad very soon.
_________________________________
Up next is Brighton & Hove Albion! They were actually doing alright, 4 points out of a possible 6 under their new manager so it wouldn't be easy as they fight to get out of the bottom 3. We needed to pick up three here, anything less would probably have us really scrapping with a few tough games coming up.
Myhill remained in the side despite Garratt returning from injury. Baillie, Ray, Griffin and Tootle were across the back with Colkett returning to play in the middle with Jones - Nolan playing just behind them. Tunnicliffe is rested as Brown is out for a few days. Sinclair plays with Fosu out wide and Davies gets dropped for Samuel, who wants some football.
Poor first half left us having to fight back in the second half through two set pieces. A nice Jones free kick and a header from Griffin after a corner. Still very gutting not to pick up the 3 points, keeping their new mans no loss record. Pulling closer to safety as we thankfully have results going our way.
Similar story to Coventry. Nothing too say.
_________________________________
Goal difference and points total thus far is what keeps us away from 7th and 8th! Had we won our two games, with our extra 4 points we'd be safe and really looking strong for the play offs. Birmingham away next and that was supposed to be the game I'd lose! Notts County look pretty strong with their game in hand so really it comes down to Plymouth and Colchester.
Coventry lined up with a 4-4-2, which shouldn't be too tough to work against but we had to play well, take our chances and all should be nifty.
Tough one to take, early goal gave us a bit of confidence but Coventry took the game by the scruff of the neck and Eaves started and ended a good Coventry move. We continued to press but a frustrated Davies failed to find the net again, 2 in a row now. Miss his goals.
Better side, wasted chances. Hopefully return to a full strength squad very soon.
_________________________________
Up next is Brighton & Hove Albion! They were actually doing alright, 4 points out of a possible 6 under their new manager so it wouldn't be easy as they fight to get out of the bottom 3. We needed to pick up three here, anything less would probably have us really scrapping with a few tough games coming up.
Myhill remained in the side despite Garratt returning from injury. Baillie, Ray, Griffin and Tootle were across the back with Colkett returning to play in the middle with Jones - Nolan playing just behind them. Tunnicliffe is rested as Brown is out for a few days. Sinclair plays with Fosu out wide and Davies gets dropped for Samuel, who wants some football.
Poor first half left us having to fight back in the second half through two set pieces. A nice Jones free kick and a header from Griffin after a corner. Still very gutting not to pick up the 3 points, keeping their new mans no loss record. Pulling closer to safety as we thankfully have results going our way.
Similar story to Coventry. Nothing too say.
_________________________________
Goal difference and points total thus far is what keeps us away from 7th and 8th! Had we won our two games, with our extra 4 points we'd be safe and really looking strong for the play offs. Birmingham away next and that was supposed to be the game I'd lose! Notts County look pretty strong with their game in hand so really it comes down to Plymouth and Colchester.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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The month continued with Marvin Andrews and myself being thrown on a coaching course. Marvin Andrews is aiming for his UEFA A license, while I push for the UEFA C License. Exciting. Marvin Andrews was one of the few coaches I'd keep when I redo all the staff at the end of the season. Promotion or no promotion.
Notts County also lost out to Wolves in their game in hand, meaning they were still fighting it out with all of us for the Play-offs.
Birmingham away though, not going to be easy as they pursue a automatic promotion spot! Strong squad sent out, no Brown, Kavanagh plays as does the likes of Colkett.
And we got absolutely opened and gutted in the first half.
Disappointing, 2 screamers and we couldn't get out of our half.
Our first shot came in the 44th minute and we were just so poor. Not much to really say.
Where on Earth did Wolves come from? We found ourselves still clinging onto 6th somehow, with 3 games to go. Honestly, I don't know how we will manage to keep hold of it. Wolves are on-fire.
Notts County also lost out to Wolves in their game in hand, meaning they were still fighting it out with all of us for the Play-offs.
Birmingham away though, not going to be easy as they pursue a automatic promotion spot! Strong squad sent out, no Brown, Kavanagh plays as does the likes of Colkett.
And we got absolutely opened and gutted in the first half.
Disappointing, 2 screamers and we couldn't get out of our half.
Our first shot came in the 44th minute and we were just so poor. Not much to really say.
Where on Earth did Wolves come from? We found ourselves still clinging onto 6th somehow, with 3 games to go. Honestly, I don't know how we will manage to keep hold of it. Wolves are on-fire.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Fingers crossed. Have Rochdale before the FA Cup Semi and then eventually Wolves on final day! Might be a big one.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Rochdale, set for mid-table, and we had to get 3 points. It was so important now, we also had Liverpool in 3 days. Garratt returned. Strong squad overall, Sinclair also gets rested.
Apart from that though, it was a very strong squad.
Wow! Having to fight for a draw against Rochdale. We were just poor in front of goal and there's really nothing I can say. Stupid penalty to giveaway.
Same story, different game. Bombarded them but only the 1 point. It was our rescheduled game too, meaning the rest would surely capitalise on this missed 3 points.
Poor show. Very very poor show. We could drop to 8th after our FA Cup Semi Final.
Recent form is shocking, same thing happened earlier in the season but came to an end with a win at Huddersfield in the Cup. Can history repeat itself?
Liverpool awaits us at Wemberrleeeeey!
Apart from that though, it was a very strong squad.
Wow! Having to fight for a draw against Rochdale. We were just poor in front of goal and there's really nothing I can say. Stupid penalty to giveaway.
Same story, different game. Bombarded them but only the 1 point. It was our rescheduled game too, meaning the rest would surely capitalise on this missed 3 points.
Poor show. Very very poor show. We could drop to 8th after our FA Cup Semi Final.
Recent form is shocking, same thing happened earlier in the season but came to an end with a win at Huddersfield in the Cup. Can history repeat itself?
Liverpool awaits us at Wemberrleeeeey!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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"Right lads, get yourselves changed. What a day, eh?" I said as we entered the dressing rooms. We had come to London the day before and had our look around the place then. Today was gameday, not tour day. No time for selfies or anything. Focus on the game, not the occasion. Simple.
"Wembley is a special place. I mean I am Scottish and it is quite amazing. The vibes and all that you know?" I joked walking around the changing room. Which was massive.
I was quickly called out for an interview with Gary Linekar, I had to wear some mad earphones but sure. Whatever.
GARY
"Welcome to Wembley, James. Some achievement bringing Crewe here. How do you feel?"
JAMES
"Honestly, excited. There's no pressure on us, so we just need to enjoy it. We aren't coming into this game in the best of form but anythings possible in the FA Cup. You know? Who knows, in 10, 20.. 50 years this could be one of the big moments to look back on as third tier Crewe make it to the final of the FA Cup."
GARY
"Yes, yes. All very possible. Liverpool are still chasing first in the league, but have been knocked out of the Champions League. Does any of that change anything?"
JAMES
"Well, yeah. Weeks ago they were on for the Quadruple, weren't they? League Cup, League, Europe, this. But very quickly it looks like Chelsea have the league, while Manchester United knocked them out of Europe. They'll want something more than the League Cup to add to this season, but like I said form or previous competitions mean nothing now."
GARY
"And how realistic do you feel your chances are today?"
JAMES
"On paper, we are supposed to lose 4 or 5 goals to nil today. However, the same was said when we played Burnley, Huddersfield. Anything can happen."
GARY
"Thanks, James."
"Wembley is a special place. I mean I am Scottish and it is quite amazing. The vibes and all that you know?" I joked walking around the changing room. Which was massive.
I was quickly called out for an interview with Gary Linekar, I had to wear some mad earphones but sure. Whatever.
GARY
"Welcome to Wembley, James. Some achievement bringing Crewe here. How do you feel?"
JAMES
"Honestly, excited. There's no pressure on us, so we just need to enjoy it. We aren't coming into this game in the best of form but anythings possible in the FA Cup. You know? Who knows, in 10, 20.. 50 years this could be one of the big moments to look back on as third tier Crewe make it to the final of the FA Cup."
GARY
"Yes, yes. All very possible. Liverpool are still chasing first in the league, but have been knocked out of the Champions League. Does any of that change anything?"
JAMES
"Well, yeah. Weeks ago they were on for the Quadruple, weren't they? League Cup, League, Europe, this. But very quickly it looks like Chelsea have the league, while Manchester United knocked them out of Europe. They'll want something more than the League Cup to add to this season, but like I said form or previous competitions mean nothing now."
GARY
"And how realistic do you feel your chances are today?"
JAMES
"On paper, we are supposed to lose 4 or 5 goals to nil today. However, the same was said when we played Burnley, Huddersfield. Anything can happen."
GARY
"Thanks, James."
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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"You all know what I expect of you playing wise today, we have been over it countless times and we have played the same way many times this year. It's simple. You know the team too." I said, as the players gathered before their warm-up on the pitch.
Myhill is in the sticks, Garratt is gutted to miss out but hasn't had a lot of time to gel back into the side since his injury and Myhill was decent, and now had a shot against the team that brought him in as a 32 year old back up.
James Baillie would hold down his spot at Right Back. He had been solid all season and that wasn't going to stop now was it? Andre Schurrle can't cause him any problems!
George Ray and Shane Griffin were the 2 centre backs all day long. They had played over 100 games for us this season as a pair, 52 starts for Griffin with Ray set to make his 50th against Liverpool. Do wish Griffin was a bit more physical though. Sturridge, Kane or Benteke - who ever played up top - could cause him some serious issues.
Captain Tootle picks up left back. Kavanagh had been very solid, but a big game like this needs the head of Tootle. I can't really see him having much luck against Sterling though.
Liam Nolan would play as the man in front of the back four, a crucial role as he aims to keep the likes of Coutinho quiet.
Brown would be joined by Jones in the middle of the park. Tunnicliffe's inconsistency wasn't too pleasant and Jones had began to really show off his talent recently. Product of the Crewe academy too.
Scott Sinclair would obviously play wide. It was a big game for him, he had been cast out of Aston Villa, City and the likes - he had to show the world he was quality and what a way to do it with a big performance against Liverpool?
Fosu, despite his critics, would play wide on the right. I liked his pace and when he wanted to he'd perform.
Davies was the first name on the team sheet and plays up front.
Myhill is in the sticks, Garratt is gutted to miss out but hasn't had a lot of time to gel back into the side since his injury and Myhill was decent, and now had a shot against the team that brought him in as a 32 year old back up.
James Baillie would hold down his spot at Right Back. He had been solid all season and that wasn't going to stop now was it? Andre Schurrle can't cause him any problems!
George Ray and Shane Griffin were the 2 centre backs all day long. They had played over 100 games for us this season as a pair, 52 starts for Griffin with Ray set to make his 50th against Liverpool. Do wish Griffin was a bit more physical though. Sturridge, Kane or Benteke - who ever played up top - could cause him some serious issues.
Captain Tootle picks up left back. Kavanagh had been very solid, but a big game like this needs the head of Tootle. I can't really see him having much luck against Sterling though.
Liam Nolan would play as the man in front of the back four, a crucial role as he aims to keep the likes of Coutinho quiet.
Brown would be joined by Jones in the middle of the park. Tunnicliffe's inconsistency wasn't too pleasant and Jones had began to really show off his talent recently. Product of the Crewe academy too.
Scott Sinclair would obviously play wide. It was a big game for him, he had been cast out of Aston Villa, City and the likes - he had to show the world he was quality and what a way to do it with a big performance against Liverpool?
Fosu, despite his critics, would play wide on the right. I liked his pace and when he wanted to he'd perform.
Davies was the first name on the team sheet and plays up front.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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I still couldn't quite believe I was where I was. I mean, I'm sure I almost just asked Raheem Sterling for his autograph. But I didn't, I had grown to hate Liverpool in the past few days. We were so ready for them, their mind games, Brendan Rodgers' ego.
I mean, we literally faced the impossible. Liverpool were 10/1 odds on - meaning the bookies thought they could not lose while Rodgers continued to say this was an easy win for his club and they would have no problems.
I prayed for complacency but expected a professional job.
Could we? Could this be the biggest story of an underdog in FA Cup history?
I decided I'd be completely 'cool' in anything press related. It gives us a few extra fans and maybe a few chairmen of clubs like Barcelona or United would give me a sniff. Or even Stoke. Stoke would be fine.
The lads gathered in the dressing room moments before kick off.
"You know what to do. It's simple. It's only Liverpool. It's only another game of football at a local park. Just chill out and play as you know you can, anything else is a bonus!"
What I didn't expect was the Liverpool line up. An unhappy Benteke was up top, Coutinho and Sterling were also playing through the middle. The pace of Ibe was introduced out wide. Bentaleb also replaced Jordan Henderson. Hmm..
Anyway. Kick off, Wembley, FA Cup, Liverpool!
It's also worth noting, I wore a suit for the first time in my managerial career.
It was an incredibly nervy opening 60 seconds, Benteke pushed our defence about and found Bentaleb who called Myhill into action early on. It very quickly occurred to me how good these players were. You see them playing against the likes of Chelsea and they are good. But here, they are really good. They were all over us, reading every ball, creating space and all sorts and we were only 7 minutes in!
And a ****** scrappy corner on ten minutes found its way into our net! How gutting. 1-0 Liverpool.
It didn't take long before they found a second, from another corner.
Half time arrived, we were 2-0 down and there goes our shot at the final. But it was as expected, right? There was no way the likes of Brown or Nolan could propel us past a side of Emre Can's, Sterlings and the sort.
They smashed home another through Coutinho in a well-worked goal down the left to open the second half. I don't know why I thought we had a chance, but it was still some feat reaching this stage.
Full time arrived. We had lost 3-0. But what can be expected?
_________________________________________________________
"Unlucky today, James. Always going to happen though, wasn't it? Good run, I hope to see you about soon." Brendan Rodgers tapped me as I went to shake his hand. I was gutted, and thoroughly angry at his comments. I always thought he was cool and down to Earth but oh well! I went off to shake a few hands of the Liverpool players, praised the Crewe support and returned for a few interviews.
GARY
"Unlucky, all good things must come to an end. Did you expect such?"
JAMES
"Honestly, yeah. I mean, when you spend almost £200,000 in 3 years and have players on £200,000 per week then surely you should be able to knock a few goals past a League 1 side. The class difference certainly showed today, I mean - on another day maybe. But today wasn't to be."
GARY
"Shots fired? You're attention is now on earning a play-off spot. How has this run impacted that?"
JAMES
"It has had an effect on us for sure, but while it may congest our fixtures we have brought good money to the club. Hopefully to be reinvested in Championship players, ha!"
GARY
"And Brendan has praised your squads passion. What's your immediate thoughts on him and Liverpool?"
JAMES
"Liverpool are a great club with a huge amount of history, but I don't like how Brendan came across to the media prior to the game today. But yeah, players fought for it today. Shame we couldn't score but Everton also managed to beat Chelsea 3-0 in extra time today. So we can't be that bad."
After the interview I was met by a tired looking Brown who had his phone out, stripped to his thermal shorts with his socks still on.
"Ey Boss, you seen ee'se results ta day?" he said, between breaths, waving his phone in my face.
"No, hold still mate!"
Oh my! Wolves lost to Brentford. Colchester and Plymouth still struggle as we cling on to 6th for dear life! Southend next, who MUST win to stand any chance of safety before Wolves on the final day. My my.. I wanted another shot at Wembley.
I mean, we literally faced the impossible. Liverpool were 10/1 odds on - meaning the bookies thought they could not lose while Rodgers continued to say this was an easy win for his club and they would have no problems.
I prayed for complacency but expected a professional job.
Could we? Could this be the biggest story of an underdog in FA Cup history?
I decided I'd be completely 'cool' in anything press related. It gives us a few extra fans and maybe a few chairmen of clubs like Barcelona or United would give me a sniff. Or even Stoke. Stoke would be fine.
The lads gathered in the dressing room moments before kick off.
"You know what to do. It's simple. It's only Liverpool. It's only another game of football at a local park. Just chill out and play as you know you can, anything else is a bonus!"
What I didn't expect was the Liverpool line up. An unhappy Benteke was up top, Coutinho and Sterling were also playing through the middle. The pace of Ibe was introduced out wide. Bentaleb also replaced Jordan Henderson. Hmm..
Anyway. Kick off, Wembley, FA Cup, Liverpool!
It's also worth noting, I wore a suit for the first time in my managerial career.
It was an incredibly nervy opening 60 seconds, Benteke pushed our defence about and found Bentaleb who called Myhill into action early on. It very quickly occurred to me how good these players were. You see them playing against the likes of Chelsea and they are good. But here, they are really good. They were all over us, reading every ball, creating space and all sorts and we were only 7 minutes in!
And a ****** scrappy corner on ten minutes found its way into our net! How gutting. 1-0 Liverpool.
It didn't take long before they found a second, from another corner.
Half time arrived, we were 2-0 down and there goes our shot at the final. But it was as expected, right? There was no way the likes of Brown or Nolan could propel us past a side of Emre Can's, Sterlings and the sort.
They smashed home another through Coutinho in a well-worked goal down the left to open the second half. I don't know why I thought we had a chance, but it was still some feat reaching this stage.
Full time arrived. We had lost 3-0. But what can be expected?
_________________________________________________________
"Unlucky today, James. Always going to happen though, wasn't it? Good run, I hope to see you about soon." Brendan Rodgers tapped me as I went to shake his hand. I was gutted, and thoroughly angry at his comments. I always thought he was cool and down to Earth but oh well! I went off to shake a few hands of the Liverpool players, praised the Crewe support and returned for a few interviews.
GARY
"Unlucky, all good things must come to an end. Did you expect such?"
JAMES
"Honestly, yeah. I mean, when you spend almost £200,000 in 3 years and have players on £200,000 per week then surely you should be able to knock a few goals past a League 1 side. The class difference certainly showed today, I mean - on another day maybe. But today wasn't to be."
GARY
"Shots fired? You're attention is now on earning a play-off spot. How has this run impacted that?"
JAMES
"It has had an effect on us for sure, but while it may congest our fixtures we have brought good money to the club. Hopefully to be reinvested in Championship players, ha!"
GARY
"And Brendan has praised your squads passion. What's your immediate thoughts on him and Liverpool?"
JAMES
"Liverpool are a great club with a huge amount of history, but I don't like how Brendan came across to the media prior to the game today. But yeah, players fought for it today. Shame we couldn't score but Everton also managed to beat Chelsea 3-0 in extra time today. So we can't be that bad."
After the interview I was met by a tired looking Brown who had his phone out, stripped to his thermal shorts with his socks still on.
"Ey Boss, you seen ee'se results ta day?" he said, between breaths, waving his phone in my face.
"No, hold still mate!"
Oh my! Wolves lost to Brentford. Colchester and Plymouth still struggle as we cling on to 6th for dear life! Southend next, who MUST win to stand any chance of safety before Wolves on the final day. My my.. I wanted another shot at Wembley.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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"Alright, Craig." I said, weak and sore the following morning. Craig Davies had got himself another agent, and was ready to talk terms again. This is the same agent who had Nicklas Bendtner. Fun times.
However, again I was quickly backed into a corner by the agent. He wouldn't let me say no to Davies being a highest earner. So I sent him on his way, went out to the training ground and Davies was surprised I had no good news for him.
Lovely.
We will give it a few weeks.
Southend then, away. A must-win in an attempt to claim 6th spot. Similar side that lost to Liverpool at Wembley, Colkett and Tunnicliffe come into the first 11.
Yes! Let's go! Good bye Southend, down to the top 4th tier of English football. Sinclair was quality again, Davies didn't score. Kept a clean sheet.
Closer game, despite winning. Different than us dominating and not winning.
Anyway, what's the story with the league?
Swindon are up, as champions. Brighton are on the verge of joining Southend and Tranmere - but play Gillingham, where a win saves them.
But more importantly, we play Wolves. A win guarantees us the play offs while a Wolves win doesnt even guarantee them promotion. They are simply playing for FA Cup revenge.
However, again I was quickly backed into a corner by the agent. He wouldn't let me say no to Davies being a highest earner. So I sent him on his way, went out to the training ground and Davies was surprised I had no good news for him.
Lovely.
We will give it a few weeks.
Southend then, away. A must-win in an attempt to claim 6th spot. Similar side that lost to Liverpool at Wembley, Colkett and Tunnicliffe come into the first 11.
Yes! Let's go! Good bye Southend, down to the top 4th tier of English football. Sinclair was quality again, Davies didn't score. Kept a clean sheet.
Closer game, despite winning. Different than us dominating and not winning.
Anyway, what's the story with the league?
Swindon are up, as champions. Brighton are on the verge of joining Southend and Tranmere - but play Gillingham, where a win saves them.
But more importantly, we play Wolves. A win guarantees us the play offs while a Wolves win doesnt even guarantee them promotion. They are simply playing for FA Cup revenge.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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I have had final day drama before but here we go. A shot at the Football League Play Offs. League 1, aiming for the Championship. The English Championship! We had to win. We had to beat Wolves, who I was scared of. They had such a strong squad and would be desperate for revenge - plus they had a shot at the play-offs depending on other results.
In the build-up to the game, the big news was the pitch of ours getting a bit of bad word for the state of it. Whoops!
Anyway.. Davies, Sinclair, Tootle, Baillie, Brown step-up!
Big game.
And things got off to a tragic start as Hoilett's shot from the edge of the box wrong-footed the keeper and they were in the lead. Minutes and chances passed before a poorly headed clearance found Colkett!! Screamerrrrr! 25 yards!
Half-time! 1-1.
"Nothing stupid lads, still have a job to do here. A draw means we look elsewhere. Lets just try win here."
Chances came and go, a few half chances from Wolves.
A long ball forward bounces awkwardly on our pitch, Iorfa misses the ball.. Davies is through?! Finish! 2-1!
Oh ho ho.. Iorfa is having a day of it! Baillie drives one across the box and he slices it past his keeper! 3-1
Outstanding link up play and Jones is through after a quick one-two with Tunnicliffe! 4-1. Wolves had collapsed.
Three of us on 70 points, while Brentford and Plymouth would be 1 win from overtaking us! Phew, however unfortunately the 3 goals besides ourselves and Notts County means we have to play Birmingham in the semi-finals instead of Leyton Orient.
In the build-up to the game, the big news was the pitch of ours getting a bit of bad word for the state of it. Whoops!
Anyway.. Davies, Sinclair, Tootle, Baillie, Brown step-up!
Big game.
And things got off to a tragic start as Hoilett's shot from the edge of the box wrong-footed the keeper and they were in the lead. Minutes and chances passed before a poorly headed clearance found Colkett!! Screamerrrrr! 25 yards!
Half-time! 1-1.
"Nothing stupid lads, still have a job to do here. A draw means we look elsewhere. Lets just try win here."
Chances came and go, a few half chances from Wolves.
A long ball forward bounces awkwardly on our pitch, Iorfa misses the ball.. Davies is through?! Finish! 2-1!
Oh ho ho.. Iorfa is having a day of it! Baillie drives one across the box and he slices it past his keeper! 3-1
Outstanding link up play and Jones is through after a quick one-two with Tunnicliffe! 4-1. Wolves had collapsed.
Three of us on 70 points, while Brentford and Plymouth would be 1 win from overtaking us! Phew, however unfortunately the 3 goals besides ourselves and Notts County means we have to play Birmingham in the semi-finals instead of Leyton Orient.