Road to Glory : The Manager
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CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Relegation awaits apparently.. That is the aim, but with the quality in my side I am confident in a mid-table finish.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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"Right, so Bolton in 6 days. We have done some decent business. Probably not finished, but good opportunity to talk through what we have." I said, as the coaches and non-playing staff worked their way into our cramped meeting room. My office was worse space wise and we had hired around 8 new people over the Summer so it was getting worse.
"Mr Bobby Geddes, you've been here a short while but surely can quickly give me your thoughts on our keepers here?" I asked, looking up from my squad list at the Scotsman. He'd been out the game playing wise almost 10 years and was spending time at his favourite club, Dundee before we would pry him across the border.
"Yeah, boss. First team wise we will definitely have that Finish lad, Jesse Joronen. Looked like he had a good season last year and his pre-season has been decent. One issue is he may become complacent due to competition. Boaz Myhill was really pressing him and taking games off him but David is young - decent nonetheless - but Jesse may feel he is safe. Then there's that other lad, the one from Trinidad and Tobago? Shaun and Marvin talk highly of him."
GOALKEEPERS
#1 Jesse Joronen, 26 year old from Finland.
#18 Davide Seminati, 19 year old from Italy. He was released by AC Milan.
"Definitely not afraid to drop him, make him aware that Dave can easily play. Could be a decent wee acquisition."
__________________________________________________________
"Mr Nicky Eaden! Been here for a year now and our defence hasn't changed too much. Thoughts?" I asked, as I glanced over names and reports.
"Yeah, well. You're right. Same defensive set up, which is fine as we were relatively solid last season. George Ray has to reduce the number of red cards he see's though. Mattias can continue to mix it up, as I assume George will be our number one centre back along with Rhys Bennett? Shane Griffin has also come along quite well, better in the air too now. No changes to full back either, Jordan Clarke is here permanently but his broken leg means he will only have a return next year. Kavanagh is still looking promising."
DEFENDERS
#12 Matt Tootle, in his prime at 28, the ex-captain hasn't experienced life outside of Crewe. Very versatile.
#19 Jordan Clarke, impressed me on his loan last season. Broken leg means January return.
#2 Rhys Bennett, signed as a right back but showed us he is capable of playing very well at centre back. 26.
#3 Greg Kavanagh, my young Irish buddy hit the big 20 over the Summer and can continue to feature.
#4 Shane Griffin, the 24 year old was almost out the club before I decided I wanted him to stay, been decent.
#13 Mathias Bossaerts, the 23 year old Manchester City reject was solid throughout his first year here and continue to develop here.
#5 George Ray, loves to see red. Little slow but usually very solid.
#24 Liam Nolan, young Northern Irishman has almost left on a few occasions. Decent squad player.
"And no changes are required though? All very solid, Jesse is reliable behind them too. Will be a Bennett and Ray/Bossaerts/Griffin partnership. Not really decided. Kavanagh/Griffin at left back. We'll be fine."
__________________________________________________________
"And Fletch, central midfielders. Thoughts?" I shifted my attention over to Carl Fletcher as he quickly played around with his notes.
"We were relatively decent with this area of the park last season. We were obviously playing a nice game last term and Wayne Brown was very good. James Jones also came on a lot which gave a bit of competition to the positions on the park. We have added with Jordan Rossiter too, who's vice captain now too? Has a Henderson at Liverpool feel way back when he was under Stevie G. Good competition. Defensively minded, but we should be solid."
#6 Tom Hateley, 29, was the Colkett replacement and has been good but lost out to Jones. Will struggle to find time this season.
#15 Jordan Rossiter, the Liverpool boy couldn't breakthrough in Merseyside. Excited by what he can do.
#7 Wayne Brown, last year most likely here at 30. 4th season here and captain. Important.
#8 James Jones, 23, managed to find himself really in the side last season and was featuring with Scotland U21 at the European Championships.
"Yeah, I am happy with what's going on there. Jordan looks good, excited by James Jones too. Could easy be a young pairing in the middle of the park with Wayne getting on a bit."
__________________________________________________________
"Now, Shaun. You've been here a few weeks but you have seen clips and training. What's your thoughts on the attacking minded players here?" Shaun Maloney had a bit of coaching experience at Livingston and hope he can help our attacking minded players to really advance their games.
"Yeah, gaffe. Fair bit of talent. Fosu and Forde were unbelievable last season in aiding Tony Watt. Uhh, Rafael Van Der Vaart is Rafael Van Der Vaart. Experienced and technical.. " He glanced over to Rafael[who was there as 18s manager] awkwardly smiling.. "Maybe put on a few but can still do a job for us. Tom Lawrence is also technically gifted and can work well in the side. Don't know much about Graham Dalton? Shaun or someone else can shed some light there.."
ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS
#11 Anthony Forde, 25, is quality. 15 goals and the same number of assists in the league last season. Consistent and quality.
#10 Tarique Fosu, 23, plays on the opposite wing and is every bit as good and better. Pace and a real drive.
#23 Rafael Van Der Vaart, 36, managed to feature over 30 times last season despite 18s and drinking commitments!
#14 Graham Dalton, 17, has come along slowly. Decent and direct, I liked him when he played. Managed 24 games in League One.
#17 Tom Lawrence, the 25 year old is very solid and featured 38 games last season in and around the same position as Rafael Van Der Vaart.
"Solid, excited by Anthony and Tarique. Think we should be fine, still contemplating a new player to play behind our striker so can you scouts get working on that?"
__________________________________________________________
"Dean, strikers?"
"Interesting, Tony Watt was ready to leave but signed a new deal. He's quality and his numbers last season were plastered across social media and Sky Sports. But then again, that lad from Real Madrid has something about him. Neither want to move away from that top striker spot though. Also have a William Dempster down here, but don't know much about him."
STRIKERS
#9 Raul De Tomas, 24 and an absolute coup. He's performed for Real Madrid and we have hunted him for a long while with his future being in doubt there. Can be incredible.
#32 Tony Watt, 25, his numbers last season were incredible but he was set to leave for Forest. Got a new deal but there's no guarantee he will get games as we play with 1 up top and Raul has had a good pre-season.
#27 William Dempster, 18 and from Northern Ireland. Youth prospect who can find himself playing some football as our third striker.
"Mr Bobby Geddes, you've been here a short while but surely can quickly give me your thoughts on our keepers here?" I asked, looking up from my squad list at the Scotsman. He'd been out the game playing wise almost 10 years and was spending time at his favourite club, Dundee before we would pry him across the border.
"Yeah, boss. First team wise we will definitely have that Finish lad, Jesse Joronen. Looked like he had a good season last year and his pre-season has been decent. One issue is he may become complacent due to competition. Boaz Myhill was really pressing him and taking games off him but David is young - decent nonetheless - but Jesse may feel he is safe. Then there's that other lad, the one from Trinidad and Tobago? Shaun and Marvin talk highly of him."
GOALKEEPERS
#1 Jesse Joronen, 26 year old from Finland.
#18 Davide Seminati, 19 year old from Italy. He was released by AC Milan.
"Definitely not afraid to drop him, make him aware that Dave can easily play. Could be a decent wee acquisition."
__________________________________________________________
"Mr Nicky Eaden! Been here for a year now and our defence hasn't changed too much. Thoughts?" I asked, as I glanced over names and reports.
"Yeah, well. You're right. Same defensive set up, which is fine as we were relatively solid last season. George Ray has to reduce the number of red cards he see's though. Mattias can continue to mix it up, as I assume George will be our number one centre back along with Rhys Bennett? Shane Griffin has also come along quite well, better in the air too now. No changes to full back either, Jordan Clarke is here permanently but his broken leg means he will only have a return next year. Kavanagh is still looking promising."
DEFENDERS
#12 Matt Tootle, in his prime at 28, the ex-captain hasn't experienced life outside of Crewe. Very versatile.
#19 Jordan Clarke, impressed me on his loan last season. Broken leg means January return.
#2 Rhys Bennett, signed as a right back but showed us he is capable of playing very well at centre back. 26.
#3 Greg Kavanagh, my young Irish buddy hit the big 20 over the Summer and can continue to feature.
#4 Shane Griffin, the 24 year old was almost out the club before I decided I wanted him to stay, been decent.
#13 Mathias Bossaerts, the 23 year old Manchester City reject was solid throughout his first year here and continue to develop here.
#5 George Ray, loves to see red. Little slow but usually very solid.
#24 Liam Nolan, young Northern Irishman has almost left on a few occasions. Decent squad player.
"And no changes are required though? All very solid, Jesse is reliable behind them too. Will be a Bennett and Ray/Bossaerts/Griffin partnership. Not really decided. Kavanagh/Griffin at left back. We'll be fine."
__________________________________________________________
"And Fletch, central midfielders. Thoughts?" I shifted my attention over to Carl Fletcher as he quickly played around with his notes.
"We were relatively decent with this area of the park last season. We were obviously playing a nice game last term and Wayne Brown was very good. James Jones also came on a lot which gave a bit of competition to the positions on the park. We have added with Jordan Rossiter too, who's vice captain now too? Has a Henderson at Liverpool feel way back when he was under Stevie G. Good competition. Defensively minded, but we should be solid."
#6 Tom Hateley, 29, was the Colkett replacement and has been good but lost out to Jones. Will struggle to find time this season.
#15 Jordan Rossiter, the Liverpool boy couldn't breakthrough in Merseyside. Excited by what he can do.
#7 Wayne Brown, last year most likely here at 30. 4th season here and captain. Important.
#8 James Jones, 23, managed to find himself really in the side last season and was featuring with Scotland U21 at the European Championships.
"Yeah, I am happy with what's going on there. Jordan looks good, excited by James Jones too. Could easy be a young pairing in the middle of the park with Wayne getting on a bit."
__________________________________________________________
"Now, Shaun. You've been here a few weeks but you have seen clips and training. What's your thoughts on the attacking minded players here?" Shaun Maloney had a bit of coaching experience at Livingston and hope he can help our attacking minded players to really advance their games.
"Yeah, gaffe. Fair bit of talent. Fosu and Forde were unbelievable last season in aiding Tony Watt. Uhh, Rafael Van Der Vaart is Rafael Van Der Vaart. Experienced and technical.. " He glanced over to Rafael[who was there as 18s manager] awkwardly smiling.. "Maybe put on a few but can still do a job for us. Tom Lawrence is also technically gifted and can work well in the side. Don't know much about Graham Dalton? Shaun or someone else can shed some light there.."
ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS
#11 Anthony Forde, 25, is quality. 15 goals and the same number of assists in the league last season. Consistent and quality.
#10 Tarique Fosu, 23, plays on the opposite wing and is every bit as good and better. Pace and a real drive.
#23 Rafael Van Der Vaart, 36, managed to feature over 30 times last season despite 18s and drinking commitments!
#14 Graham Dalton, 17, has come along slowly. Decent and direct, I liked him when he played. Managed 24 games in League One.
#17 Tom Lawrence, the 25 year old is very solid and featured 38 games last season in and around the same position as Rafael Van Der Vaart.
"Solid, excited by Anthony and Tarique. Think we should be fine, still contemplating a new player to play behind our striker so can you scouts get working on that?"
__________________________________________________________
"Dean, strikers?"
"Interesting, Tony Watt was ready to leave but signed a new deal. He's quality and his numbers last season were plastered across social media and Sky Sports. But then again, that lad from Real Madrid has something about him. Neither want to move away from that top striker spot though. Also have a William Dempster down here, but don't know much about him."
STRIKERS
#9 Raul De Tomas, 24 and an absolute coup. He's performed for Real Madrid and we have hunted him for a long while with his future being in doubt there. Can be incredible.
#32 Tony Watt, 25, his numbers last season were incredible but he was set to leave for Forest. Got a new deal but there's no guarantee he will get games as we play with 1 up top and Raul has had a good pre-season.
#27 William Dempster, 18 and from Northern Ireland. Youth prospect who can find himself playing some football as our third striker.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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I'm hopeful, safety is most important but anything can happen in the Championship. Realistically very confident of not going down though. Who knows!?
JamesScott2908
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Congrats on winning league 1! I think you could be pushing for play offs, De Tomas looks likes a steal!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Finding our feet
A lot of moves were happening but we had to focus on our next game, we had League 2 side Yeovil in the Capital One Cup. Rotated the squad a bit to give a few players a run out, Raul De Tomas got a rest and Tony Watt was given a shot. I told him I expected goals since it was against a League 2 side and he had just squeezed a contract out of us despite his attitude. Was really putting him in a shop window as clubs are still sniffing.
The game was also set to be live on Sky, meaning there was a bit of focus on myself at the club after a recent promotion. Nothing too special was spoken about.
Unfortunately we conceded two, however we did see a great Lawrence performance, and screamer. Tony Watt also worked hard, missed a fair few chances but constantly worried the Yeovil back 4 and grabbed 2 for himself. Hateley saw yellow early for showing studs and going high for a 50/50 in the first half. Shane Griffin will be missing for a few weeks through injury.
We would then need to set up for our first away game of the campaign, Sheffield United at the 32,000 seat Bramall Lane. We'd return to what I saw as our strongest with what was available. Raul De Tomas returned up top despite the 2 goals from Watt. Ray and Bennett were at the back with Rossiter, Brown, Forde and Fosu all featuring.
Poor. We kept up with them throughout but they took their chances. Forde and Fosu were really decent out wide and Raul De Tomas had a few decent chances he worked for himself, he was constantly involved and did everything but score. The early goal hit us hard and then we started the second half poorly and our late surge was too little too late.
Nothing means anything yet, Wolves have really stugged. Failing to score in their first 2 while Watford haven't conceded.
During the FL league show, with moves and teams almost looking final they looked at some more interesting stats and it really showed the contrast in the league financially. We pay less than £7,000,000 per year on wages while Wolves pay less than £5m after a mass exodus over the Summer. Then, in the top half we see a huge jump towards the 20's and 30's being spent on wages. Some teams almost spending £40,000,000 on trying to get out of the Championship. Definitely got our work cut out!
A lot of moves were happening but we had to focus on our next game, we had League 2 side Yeovil in the Capital One Cup. Rotated the squad a bit to give a few players a run out, Raul De Tomas got a rest and Tony Watt was given a shot. I told him I expected goals since it was against a League 2 side and he had just squeezed a contract out of us despite his attitude. Was really putting him in a shop window as clubs are still sniffing.
The game was also set to be live on Sky, meaning there was a bit of focus on myself at the club after a recent promotion. Nothing too special was spoken about.
Unfortunately we conceded two, however we did see a great Lawrence performance, and screamer. Tony Watt also worked hard, missed a fair few chances but constantly worried the Yeovil back 4 and grabbed 2 for himself. Hateley saw yellow early for showing studs and going high for a 50/50 in the first half. Shane Griffin will be missing for a few weeks through injury.
We would then need to set up for our first away game of the campaign, Sheffield United at the 32,000 seat Bramall Lane. We'd return to what I saw as our strongest with what was available. Raul De Tomas returned up top despite the 2 goals from Watt. Ray and Bennett were at the back with Rossiter, Brown, Forde and Fosu all featuring.
Poor. We kept up with them throughout but they took their chances. Forde and Fosu were really decent out wide and Raul De Tomas had a few decent chances he worked for himself, he was constantly involved and did everything but score. The early goal hit us hard and then we started the second half poorly and our late surge was too little too late.
Nothing means anything yet, Wolves have really stugged. Failing to score in their first 2 while Watford haven't conceded.
During the FL league show, with moves and teams almost looking final they looked at some more interesting stats and it really showed the contrast in the league financially. We pay less than £7,000,000 per year on wages while Wolves pay less than £5m after a mass exodus over the Summer. Then, in the top half we see a huge jump towards the 20's and 30's being spent on wages. Some teams almost spending £40,000,000 on trying to get out of the Championship. Definitely got our work cut out!
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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JAMES MCKENZIE
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CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Made a mistake thinking had thrown an update up for the start of the season, was a long-winded won too 
Anyway, season started off against Bolton at home. They are expected to sit about mid table.
Anyway, season started off against Bolton at home. They are expected to sit about mid table.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Crewe: McKenzie continues to swoop Spanish Talent
Carles Gil is the latest Spaniard to join Crewe, joining Bicho (on loan from Deportivo) and ex-Real Madrid striker Raul De Tomas this Summer as they set up for the Championship. Carles Gil was once of Valencia, where he struggled to break in to the first team despite a strong performance in the top tier at Elche on loan. This could be down to his injuries, however, he still got a move out of it. To England, and Premier League side Aston Villa for almost £4m.
Since then however, he has failed to impress he returned to Elche on loan and played 25 times in the top tier, scoring once. From there, he had one last chance to impress Aston Villa manager Malky Mackay who loaned him to Ipswich in the Championship. However, it looked like his consistency wasn't enough and he was released by the club only making a handful of appearances.
He would join loanee Bicho and Raul De Tomas. Bicho joined from Deportivo on loan. He had spent his short footballing life at Deportivo thus far. Spending some time on loan at the Barcelona B team and Recreativo in the third tier before only just breaking into the Deportivo team that just missed out on the La Liga last season, making 29 league appearances.
Raul De Tomas was the first to join, Crewe boss James McKenzie had been chasing for months before finally managing to complete a move after promotion to the Championship. Raul De Tomas has spent time under greats like current Lyon boss Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti. He has been a very good, and consistent performance for their Castilla side before getting a run in the side last year. Playing 4 and scoring the 1 for the senior Galactico side, and scoring 20 in 36 in the third tier for Castilla. The overall fee for the 3 Spanish talents, who were all once destined for greatness was a measly £40,000.
James McKenzie received some criticism for buying foreign, like most managers these days, when he supposedly has a wide range of youth talent at the club. His response was simple "We do have a lot of youth coming through, we have a history of buying youth as well but we have lost some of the better ones and the Championship is too competitive - and if I wanted to buy a young Englishman I'd be spending millions, potentially just on wages. Look at our own Liam Warren for example. He went for over 2 Million just in a hope he turns into something special. Which I am sure he will - if he was foreign he'd cost less than a million!"
Ryan Kent, of Liverpool FC, also joined on loan. Bolstering the options available to the Championship boss.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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26 year old attacking midfielder Carles Gil
23 year old attacking midfielder Bicho
22 year old attacking midfielder, striker Ryan Kent
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/foot...tball-manager-base-story-awards-2015-a-6.html
The voting for multiple awards will be live throughout the day / night now - Lippo is Australian! So be sure to vote - this story may even surface!
The voting for multiple awards will be live throughout the day / night now - Lippo is Australian! So be sure to vote - this story may even surface!
xJamieWilliams
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Just voted this for best writing, I'm a bit of a silent reader on this 
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Thanks a lot, man! Some of the articles take a bit of time but I enjoy it, happy someone else does tooJust voted this for best writing, I'm a bit of a silent reader on this
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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Alexandra Stadium is hardly a fortress..
After our poor result against Sheffield United, and ultimately poor performance, we had a chance to redeem ourselves as we set up to play at home. It wouldn't be an easy task however, as it was recently relegated Burnley who we had faced off twice already in my stint at the club. We had beaten them before in our famous FA Cup run but last season we also got smashed 4-1 in the Capital One Cup. Unfortunately though, George Ray would have another shocker and give away an early penalty. Stupidly. We dominated the opening ten minutes with 2 decent efforts and almost all the ball but Jay Rodriguez' darting run was met by a decent pass from Laamari Sellimi and Ray stuck out a foot and down went Jay. He converted.
We were a goal down early against the favourites but I fancied us at home. We pressed well nonetheless but failing to score before half time meant it was a poor first half, we had a goal called offside after Fosu got played through and knocked it on for Forde. We kept trying for an equaliser though and did find one through Fosu after a long ball to the back post from Forde. The game lumbered on and came to a close.
"About 2 weeks each, I think, Gaffer!" Davey Galley said, looking up as I entered the 'Doctors Room' after the game. This will leave us so short at the back, Raven may need a call.. Grier too. Maybe even Cummins. All players who hadn't touched the first team squad - not even training wise yet. Raven did get a call for the England 21s though and was doing alright in the U21 Developmental league. Grier was loved by Shaun Barker, the Head of Youth Development at the club and Cummins was also a favourite of my assistant manager.
I'd give them all a call the following day, and hope they'd be able to make time to talk. I couldn't really guarantee either of them football but Raven would be needed.
20 year old left back Greg Raven
16 year old right back Ross Cummins
18 year old centre back Reuben Grier
/
Millwall, at home, this was an important tie. While Millwall were aiming for brighter pastures it was more than likely they'd get dragged into a relegation battle and it was incredibly important we found ourselves on the better side of such a battle by beating them at our place. However, we immediately saw a repeat of the Burnley tie. We were the better side for the opening 20, they hadn't even spotted our goal when a quick turn of place followed by a flop to the floor saw Millwall with a penalty. Ray was apparently the culprit but that was a clear dive, even I could see that? Pardew got involved in my complaints with stupid, seedy comments about me not knowing the game and surely needing to return to Scotland's youth. Shaun Williams had no problems scoring.
Half time eventually arrived, tensions were high as I was held back of Pardew - thankfully there was no cameras just a few officials and players. Ray had to be replaced, I didn't want to risk a Grier / Nolan partnership. One was an inexperienced 18 year old and the other was a squad player who rarely got put into the side. Bennett, our usual centre back, moved in from right back and Cummins got a shot at full back instead.
We started the second half off well, Forde picked the ball up wide and managed to bring it inside. A quick one-two with Rossiter saw him through and he placed it comfortably behind the keeper. We continued to look good until late on, Raul De Tomas hit the woodwork and a panicked clearance saw the ball loop over Cummins' head, this opened space wide for Ed Upson, he was eventually caught by Cummins after he slowed up but Cummins was quickly outdone. The ball was worked out of the box before Nouble was found behind our defensive line, Cummins hadn't got up with the line and Nouble wasn't offside. 2-1, ten to go. What a ****** debut from the kid. Pardew danced in my face before I slouched back towards our seats.
Decent numbers are showing up, but Raul De Tomas just can't score. He's taking a bit of heat for it and it's going to his head. He has already spoken to Van Der Vaart about disliking the media here but is still looking forward to a future here. Rossiter is continuing to impress, Watt may need a shot up top though.
From here we could have a little chill and think about the Capital One Cup, we had Scunthorpe and a frustrated me, who was having a poor day, ended up firing shots at the club and manager by mistake. They all of a sudden became a small club to Crewe and we would have no issues going on, I was then seen as arrogant. Oh well. I let Raul De Tomas remain up front, Scunthorpe would provide a side he could grab 2 against maybe and rebuild his confidence. Dalton would come in, as would a returning Hateley - this time to right back, while Greg Raven was given a second game at left back.
Graham Dalton! Take a bow, the kid was playing well and then Rossiter spots him pull of his man wide left. He cuts inside, a quick bit of skill see's him in space and he just hits it! It curls into the side netting from 25 yards, great goal from the kid - out for a week though. Rossiter had another cracker. Nice win, shut up Redfearn too.
Should be doing better, honestly. Millwall should have been a win, as should Burnley have been. Didn't lose 1 at home last year but already dropped a lot of points and a loss there! Raul De Tomas hasn't lit any fireworks yet, Forde has been unbelievable and finally gets a call to the senior national team for Republic of Ireland while Tony Watt gets a call now hes in the Championship - not played too much though. Gonna change soon.
After our poor result against Sheffield United, and ultimately poor performance, we had a chance to redeem ourselves as we set up to play at home. It wouldn't be an easy task however, as it was recently relegated Burnley who we had faced off twice already in my stint at the club. We had beaten them before in our famous FA Cup run but last season we also got smashed 4-1 in the Capital One Cup. Unfortunately though, George Ray would have another shocker and give away an early penalty. Stupidly. We dominated the opening ten minutes with 2 decent efforts and almost all the ball but Jay Rodriguez' darting run was met by a decent pass from Laamari Sellimi and Ray stuck out a foot and down went Jay. He converted.
We were a goal down early against the favourites but I fancied us at home. We pressed well nonetheless but failing to score before half time meant it was a poor first half, we had a goal called offside after Fosu got played through and knocked it on for Forde. We kept trying for an equaliser though and did find one through Fosu after a long ball to the back post from Forde. The game lumbered on and came to a close.
"About 2 weeks each, I think, Gaffer!" Davey Galley said, looking up as I entered the 'Doctors Room' after the game. This will leave us so short at the back, Raven may need a call.. Grier too. Maybe even Cummins. All players who hadn't touched the first team squad - not even training wise yet. Raven did get a call for the England 21s though and was doing alright in the U21 Developmental league. Grier was loved by Shaun Barker, the Head of Youth Development at the club and Cummins was also a favourite of my assistant manager.
I'd give them all a call the following day, and hope they'd be able to make time to talk. I couldn't really guarantee either of them football but Raven would be needed.
20 year old left back Greg Raven
16 year old right back Ross Cummins
18 year old centre back Reuben Grier
/
Millwall, at home, this was an important tie. While Millwall were aiming for brighter pastures it was more than likely they'd get dragged into a relegation battle and it was incredibly important we found ourselves on the better side of such a battle by beating them at our place. However, we immediately saw a repeat of the Burnley tie. We were the better side for the opening 20, they hadn't even spotted our goal when a quick turn of place followed by a flop to the floor saw Millwall with a penalty. Ray was apparently the culprit but that was a clear dive, even I could see that? Pardew got involved in my complaints with stupid, seedy comments about me not knowing the game and surely needing to return to Scotland's youth. Shaun Williams had no problems scoring.
Half time eventually arrived, tensions were high as I was held back of Pardew - thankfully there was no cameras just a few officials and players. Ray had to be replaced, I didn't want to risk a Grier / Nolan partnership. One was an inexperienced 18 year old and the other was a squad player who rarely got put into the side. Bennett, our usual centre back, moved in from right back and Cummins got a shot at full back instead.
We started the second half off well, Forde picked the ball up wide and managed to bring it inside. A quick one-two with Rossiter saw him through and he placed it comfortably behind the keeper. We continued to look good until late on, Raul De Tomas hit the woodwork and a panicked clearance saw the ball loop over Cummins' head, this opened space wide for Ed Upson, he was eventually caught by Cummins after he slowed up but Cummins was quickly outdone. The ball was worked out of the box before Nouble was found behind our defensive line, Cummins hadn't got up with the line and Nouble wasn't offside. 2-1, ten to go. What a ****** debut from the kid. Pardew danced in my face before I slouched back towards our seats.
Decent numbers are showing up, but Raul De Tomas just can't score. He's taking a bit of heat for it and it's going to his head. He has already spoken to Van Der Vaart about disliking the media here but is still looking forward to a future here. Rossiter is continuing to impress, Watt may need a shot up top though.
From here we could have a little chill and think about the Capital One Cup, we had Scunthorpe and a frustrated me, who was having a poor day, ended up firing shots at the club and manager by mistake. They all of a sudden became a small club to Crewe and we would have no issues going on, I was then seen as arrogant. Oh well. I let Raul De Tomas remain up front, Scunthorpe would provide a side he could grab 2 against maybe and rebuild his confidence. Dalton would come in, as would a returning Hateley - this time to right back, while Greg Raven was given a second game at left back.
Graham Dalton! Take a bow, the kid was playing well and then Rossiter spots him pull of his man wide left. He cuts inside, a quick bit of skill see's him in space and he just hits it! It curls into the side netting from 25 yards, great goal from the kid - out for a week though. Rossiter had another cracker. Nice win, shut up Redfearn too.
Should be doing better, honestly. Millwall should have been a win, as should Burnley have been. Didn't lose 1 at home last year but already dropped a lot of points and a loss there! Raul De Tomas hasn't lit any fireworks yet, Forde has been unbelievable and finally gets a call to the senior national team for Republic of Ireland while Tony Watt gets a call now hes in the Championship - not played too much though. Gonna change soon.
CantGetEnoughOfJelavic
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