Slaying The Dragons -- The English Youth Academy

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Please???

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One more time...​

I knew that getting back into the routine of things would be difficult, but as I lay in bed, I couldn't help thinking that I'd love to be back in my Lisbon villa, sunbathing by the pool with a margherita in my hand, and bronzen skin.​

But it was back to business now, and the papers spread upon my lap were of a serious matter. Gary Partridge, 17 year old, had just been called up to the England U21 squad. This was a serious setback in my bid to lure the lad to St. George's Park and his price would now shoot up. But this kid has real talent.​

Pre-season was going to be different. I was really not sure what formation to use. The trouble was Charlie Austin's incredible loan spell last season, it really couldn't be ignored. A 4-1-2-1-2 was very tempting, but the 4-2-3-1 had served me well over the past two seasons.​

I decided over four pieces of heavily marmited toast that I would try both out and see how each went. The only real worry is the lack of depth at the back. With the departures of both Mancienne and Tomkins, we needed to strengthen. Partridge at left back would be another option, but a centre back would be nice.​

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Not a paricularly tough month by any means, and we don't need to do any travelling as all the games are at home. The fixture against Valencia is always going to be tricky, but we really should glide through the rest.​

I've had more thoughts about the possible formations for the new season, but I'm still no closer to making a real desicion. Tom Cleverley has been fantastic on the wing for yonks, and changing formation would force him into the middle of the park or onto the bench.​

Meanwhile, I had been contacted by David Moyes and Chris Hughton over Scott Loach, which I was delighted about. Declan Rudd had just come back from a very convincing loan spell at Tranmere and was more than ready to step into the role of #2 and a £1.8m offer for Scott was very tempting indeed.​

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In the end, it was a very convincing month. Big wins in all except the toughie against a strong Valencian side. I'd tried a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 and the old 4-2-3-1 and both brought success. Maybe the 5-man midfield will be handy in Europe, and we can use it then? Decisions, decisions.​

Meanwhile, transfers were being made left right and centre. And along with club record signing Gary Partridge, we'd signed a young kid who is tipped to become the new Michael Owen. His name is Jay Mace, and he's been looked at by all of my most trusted scouts who believe he has the potential to be a leading star in the Premier League.​

Of course, he wasn't going to be able to get a slot in the first team this year, so part of the idea of signing him was to loan him out as quickly as possible, and that's where the majority of the transfers went this Summer. Away; on loan.​

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doing quite good enjoying reading it lol:P
 
****! I was halfway through an update and accidently pressed backspace to go back on my internet...

Here we go again:

1. Great Update Ed, except that decisions is spelt with a 'c' and that soundbathing isn't and, as far as i'm aware has never been a word... ;) :S

2. Update

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Joss Bennett gave his first interview of the new season, looking back at how he felt pre-season went for the players, and where he and the manager were at in terms of squad selection. Bennett also talked about the club's new players, and those who have left the club, either on loan, or permanently. The assistant manager gave his thoughts on what would be different this year, and how the young players would react to playing in four competitions, including his targets for the new season, and priorities, competition wise, as the newly created club [as of two years ago] prepare for what promises to be a thoroughly interesting season with a European competition to play for as well as a new league, and the FA cup to be taken more seriously.​

Sophie Grigg - Telegraph:
You've played pre-season now. How do you think it went? You must be pretty pleased with four wins from five games, with the fifth being a tough fixture against a strong Valencia side, used to playing in the top tier of European football...

Joss Bennett, SGFC:
It was exactly what i wanted, and expected from it. Most of the signings we have made, were sorted before we started playing any games this season, so new players were introduced to more familiar ones, and had a chance to gel into the team, and prove to the manager that they are worth the money, as well as looking to give regulars a run for their money. It's always nice to win these games, but i think that it is more about performance, and fitness, we must be detached from the results. I will say one more thing, which is that the game against Valencia proved that our team is already up for the new challenge of European football, without wanting to give false hopes and expectations.

David Hytner, the Guardian:
At the end of last season, you weren't sure who was going to start next season as first choice in respective areas of the field, in particular Charlie Austin whose loan spell at Watford in the Championship seemed to be causing a few selection headaches. What can you say about that now, having played pre-season and tried some new things?...

Bennett: Well, i think that Charlie has had a solid pre-season, he looked sharp and impressed both the gaffer and i in a new 4-1-2-1-2 formation we were trying out. I had a talk with Trevor [Brooking] while we were on holiday, discussing options in terms of formation, and selection. We came up with two options, those being either stick with last years hugely successful 4-2-3-1 for another year or try something new, in a 4-1-2-1-2, which accommodates Charlie Austin, we're still not sure which to go for to be honest, so wer'e not much further than we were at the end of last season, when i last spoke to you.

Amy Lacey, Times:
This season presents a whole new challenge. Two actually, how do you think your players will fare going into a season, with everybody expecting so much, and with so many games being played, as well as the danger of the 'continental hangover' if the team is going away in Europe, especially if they go far?...

Bennett:
Obviously, this is the biggest test we've faced so far, but i think it's wrong for people to expect too much from these players. I don't mean any offence to any of the other clubs, or leagues, but i honestly feel that the Championship is about the right level for us, now - two promotions, two league titles, and a League Cup show that we are capable of going the way, and keeping concentration. I think for this season, it is important to have a good run in the FA cup, and the League Cup, but our main focus should be the championship, to establish a foothold in the league. Anything else is a bonus for me, i believe we can reach the premiership this year, and being in Europe is going to be exciting, and interesting. The players confidence levels are still sky high, and that's right, because they've done extremely well and are excited and confident of another good year, as well as playing with their new team mates, it will be a long season, i'm sure of that, and we are working very hard to make sure the players are fit enough for every game.


END OF PRESS CONFERENCE
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Good updates from you both. Aberdeen look like they could quite easily be renamed 'St George FC Reserves'!
 
I was like :O when I saw the incoming transfer fees...they'd better do the business! Great updates as ever guys.
 
lovin it! could you please post screen shots of the new signings, or just the ones that look the most promising?
 
****** ****. Honestly mate, well done. This is quite possibly the best idea/story/master-class (call it what you will) I've read in... well ever. Seriously, top notch. You've heard it before surely, but if you ever feel discouraged or at some point (when **** freezes over) that people aren't reading your story, just know that I always will be. Keep it up mate, top shelf/drawer/notch/bosom.
 
As usual great stuff Eds,really this is only one of those few stories I bother following
 
Story is still going really well, keep it up lads! Also, anyone interested in following my story? Ed is ;)


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Looking good guys.
Ed, if your taking a break how long will it be?
And I'll follow Ross
 
Should be getting back to this on Wednesday; currently in the Isle of Man. Thanks for the support. :)
 
Eds mate,totally off-topic here but how has your judging been going on those EWC Databases,have you finalized the marks and stuff yet??
 
Ive just spent about 2 hours reading through all this, and I've enjoyed every minute of it.
Absolutely brilliant story, thanks for writing it and I can't wait for the next update!! :D
 
When's the next update???

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CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR A COACH!
APPLICATIONS ARE IN THE STORY!!
APPLY BY 10PM TONIGHT!!​
 
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