:S a couple of poor performances there mate. Sure you can right the ship though.
Lets hope so!!
The Ballad of Charlie McGhee – 2nd Stanza
- Thread starter Yeti01
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Lets hope so!!
And fast!!
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26 December 2016 - Looking for some Christmas cheer...
"It can't hurt can it?" McGhee didn't sound so sure of himself, he had called his friend and former Peterhead boss Jim McInally seeking advice.
"Nah mate, go for it. Until Peterhead go professional you're fighting with one arm tied behind your back!" McInally was in agreement.
Unfortunately the Board weren't...
View attachment 205903
On the field this week McGhee had a little more luck. Despite his team not scoring they also manage to not concede for the first time in a while and Peterhead were able to pick up their first point for December!!
View attachment 205902
26 December 2016 - Looking for some Christmas cheer...
"It can't hurt can it?" McGhee didn't sound so sure of himself, he had called his friend and former Peterhead boss Jim McInally seeking advice.
"Nah mate, go for it. Until Peterhead go professional you're fighting with one arm tied behind your back!" McInally was in agreement.
Unfortunately the Board weren't...
View attachment 205903
On the field this week McGhee had a little more luck. Despite his team not scoring they also manage to not concede for the first time in a while and Peterhead were able to pick up their first point for December!!
View attachment 205902
View attachment 205621
31 December 2016 - New Year same result...
Charlie figured his player's minds must have been on their upcoming festivities because they certainly weren't on this game!! Over 60% possession and a 3 to 1 shot ratio yet they'd been handily beaten... McManus put Fife ahead on 9 minutes when he got in behind Moffat.
View attachment 205620
Peterhead managed to drag themselves even minutes later when McGowan headed in from close range.
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McManus scored his and Fife's 2nd on 37 minutes beating Caraux at his near post.
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Fife's final dagger came courtesy of a wonderful Pettigrew free kick that Caraux had no chance with!
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"Consistency, consistency, consistency!!" McGhee rammed home the message in the post match press conference when asked what he thought was the issue currently with his side...
View attachment 205616
31 December 2016 - New Year same result...
Charlie figured his player's minds must have been on their upcoming festivities because they certainly weren't on this game!! Over 60% possession and a 3 to 1 shot ratio yet they'd been handily beaten... McManus put Fife ahead on 9 minutes when he got in behind Moffat.
View attachment 205620
Peterhead managed to drag themselves even minutes later when McGowan headed in from close range.
View attachment 205619
McManus scored his and Fife's 2nd on 37 minutes beating Caraux at his near post.
View attachment 205618
Fife's final dagger came courtesy of a wonderful Pettigrew free kick that Caraux had no chance with!
View attachment 205617
"Consistency, consistency, consistency!!" McGhee rammed home the message in the post match press conference when asked what he thought was the issue currently with his side...
View attachment 205616
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4 January 2017 - Groundhog day!!
Again!!! Despite having a 3 to 1 shot ratio and the bulk of possession McGhee had just watched his side get done again... He was pulling his hair out trying to figure out a style that would resonate with this squad but it seemed as though all the chopping and changing was now being counter productive...
Callum Robertson had scored the goal for Airdrie when, even with multiple defenders around, he had managed to squirm away a shot that evaded Caraux.
View attachment 205614
Charlie was enduring sleepless nights trying to figure out this conundrum. In the end he decided to focus on one style, perfect it and worry about getting the right chess pieces in for next season. The current squad just weren't up to scratch...
View attachment 205613
4 January 2017 - Groundhog day!!
Again!!! Despite having a 3 to 1 shot ratio and the bulk of possession McGhee had just watched his side get done again... He was pulling his hair out trying to figure out a style that would resonate with this squad but it seemed as though all the chopping and changing was now being counter productive...
Callum Robertson had scored the goal for Airdrie when, even with multiple defenders around, he had managed to squirm away a shot that evaded Caraux.
View attachment 205614
Charlie was enduring sleepless nights trying to figure out this conundrum. In the end he decided to focus on one style, perfect it and worry about getting the right chess pieces in for next season. The current squad just weren't up to scratch...
View attachment 205613
View attachment 205612
21 January 2017 - The "A's" week
To finish the week Peterhead took on Alloa. It what was an even tussle The Blue Toon's defence decided not to have any brain explosions for a change and managed to keep a clean sheet - the only issue? Well the attack decided that it would keep things fair and not score either...
View attachment 205611
Earlier, Peterhead had played Annan. Despite being every bit Annan's match in terms of possession, shots, shots on target and clear cut chances created they contrived to lose again 2 nil. Charlie figured at least the squad was finding some consistency, even if it wasn't the consistency he wanted...
View attachment 205610
21 January 2017 - The "A's" week
To finish the week Peterhead took on Alloa. It what was an even tussle The Blue Toon's defence decided not to have any brain explosions for a change and managed to keep a clean sheet - the only issue? Well the attack decided that it would keep things fair and not score either...
View attachment 205611
Earlier, Peterhead had played Annan. Despite being every bit Annan's match in terms of possession, shots, shots on target and clear cut chances created they contrived to lose again 2 nil. Charlie figured at least the squad was finding some consistency, even if it wasn't the consistency he wanted...
View attachment 205610
I wish mate!! I've been doing quite a bit of reading around what I'm trying to create and everything should be solid - I'm convinced the squad isn't there. I guess there is a reason they were languishing at the foot when Charlie took over. I'm not so sure this is going to be a quick turnaround...
PatrickLFC
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Tough times, just can't seem to get any luck right now!
I'm a firm believer in that you make your own luck so there's got to be something 'out' with my tactic - its just a matter of figuring it out I guess! XD
All in all though I don't mind a bit of adversity - time for Charlie's character to really shine through!!
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February 2017 Roundup
Prior to the first game this month Charlie got word that the previous draw had in fact been Peterhead 8 matches without a win. Not good enough!
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They immediately set about changing that. The first match this month was against Stenhousmuir who, like Peterhead, have really struggled for consistency this season. Thankfully an early red card turned this game into a bit of a procession as goals to Centre Half Moffat and McAllister sealed a much needed three points.
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The turnaround continued in the next fixture against Airdrie. A solid one-nil victory with the goal coming from Michael McGowan towards the end of the first half. Most pleasing here was the solid nature of the victory, particularly as Peterhead were the away team.
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Up next Brechin traveled to Balmoor Stadium for a game that, despite Peterhead picking up another valuable point, will be one that Charlie will look back on with some angst as they should have picked up all 3 points here.
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Peterhead were playing much better football, having picked up 7 from a possible 9 points to this juncture, and welcomed runaway league leaders Dunfermline for the final match of the month. Sometimes things just don't go your way though and despite this being a very even game on the balance of play Dunfermline were just that bit more ruthless, particularly in front of goal and ran away with a 3-nil win.
View attachment 205556
Does anyone have a preference for how I post? I went to a monthly update here because I felt the previous 4 to 5 game summaries were very, very similar and that, unless you are around a window in the middle of the season not much is happening. Anyway let me know what you'd prefer to see.
February 2017 Roundup
Prior to the first game this month Charlie got word that the previous draw had in fact been Peterhead 8 matches without a win. Not good enough!
View attachment 205562
They immediately set about changing that. The first match this month was against Stenhousmuir who, like Peterhead, have really struggled for consistency this season. Thankfully an early red card turned this game into a bit of a procession as goals to Centre Half Moffat and McAllister sealed a much needed three points.
View attachment 205561
The turnaround continued in the next fixture against Airdrie. A solid one-nil victory with the goal coming from Michael McGowan towards the end of the first half. Most pleasing here was the solid nature of the victory, particularly as Peterhead were the away team.
View attachment 205558
Up next Brechin traveled to Balmoor Stadium for a game that, despite Peterhead picking up another valuable point, will be one that Charlie will look back on with some angst as they should have picked up all 3 points here.
View attachment 205557
Peterhead were playing much better football, having picked up 7 from a possible 9 points to this juncture, and welcomed runaway league leaders Dunfermline for the final match of the month. Sometimes things just don't go your way though and despite this being a very even game on the balance of play Dunfermline were just that bit more ruthless, particularly in front of goal and ran away with a 3-nil win.
View attachment 205556
Does anyone have a preference for how I post? I went to a monthly update here because I felt the previous 4 to 5 game summaries were very, very similar and that, unless you are around a window in the middle of the season not much is happening. Anyway let me know what you'd prefer to see.
View attachment 205158
March 2017 - Planning for the future…
“Not gonna lie mate I really don’t agree with what you’re saying,” McGhee was forthright in his opinion around Rory McAlister’s contract demands. The Peterhead legend had been telling Charlie how he didn’t feel that Peterhead were playing at a level that matched his ambitions - a bit rich considering the Blue Toon grabbed him off the scrapheap when they were in League 2 and have helped build him up to what he is today.
“Still, I want to test myself at a higher level Gaff. Come on, you should realize what I’m getting at! I’m 29, I’ve got maybe 3 or 4 good years left in me – I don’t want to retire thinking what if.” The all-time leading Peterhead scorer was adamant that he wouldn’t be re-signing.
“Ah, you’re right mate. I do know better and I wish you all the best in your future. If you struggle to get a contract at a higher level though remember you are always welcome here.” McGhee sighed with resignation, he had been in similar situations and knew that as you’re career wears on you do feel father time ticking. ‘Dammit, we are going to struggle to replace him next season!’ McGhee thought to himself as his mind turned to the upcoming Livingston match.
View attachment 205157
As the match with Lvingston rolled around Charlie made the somewhat controversial decision to leave McAllister on the bench. He respected the club legend’s right to make his decision to move on but now he had to act in the best interests of the club and chose to start young Anton Brady, who will likely assume the main striking duties next season.
Despite dominating possession at the Tony Macaroni Arena Peterhead found Lvingston far more cutting with what ball they had. They skipped out to a two goal lead thanks to a wonderful free kick from Lewis Kidd and a goal from former Peterhead man Jordan Moore that owed much to a mix up in the Peterhead box following a corner.
Sensing the game slipping away McGhee sent McAllister on for Brady and the wantaway striker showed his suitors exactly what they are bidding for when he headed home from close range with 15 to go. Unfortunately that was it in the way of scoring and the result mean Peterhead slid down into 7th.
View attachment 205156
Following that match Charlie was advised of the new intake of youth players. Obviously at this level there are hardly going to be any world beaters but there definitely seems to be a number of players with the potential to be important players in the club’s future.
View attachment 205155
The final match this month was at home to Forfar. Again Charlie was left bemoaning a defensive lapse that allowed Craig Smith to score right on half time. It’s these results that are really hurting any chance Peterhead have of pressing for the playoffs – they can lose to the Dunfermline’s and Livingston’s of the world but need to be winning these games, particularly at home.
View attachment 205154
March 2017 - Planning for the future…
“Not gonna lie mate I really don’t agree with what you’re saying,” McGhee was forthright in his opinion around Rory McAlister’s contract demands. The Peterhead legend had been telling Charlie how he didn’t feel that Peterhead were playing at a level that matched his ambitions - a bit rich considering the Blue Toon grabbed him off the scrapheap when they were in League 2 and have helped build him up to what he is today.
“Still, I want to test myself at a higher level Gaff. Come on, you should realize what I’m getting at! I’m 29, I’ve got maybe 3 or 4 good years left in me – I don’t want to retire thinking what if.” The all-time leading Peterhead scorer was adamant that he wouldn’t be re-signing.
“Ah, you’re right mate. I do know better and I wish you all the best in your future. If you struggle to get a contract at a higher level though remember you are always welcome here.” McGhee sighed with resignation, he had been in similar situations and knew that as you’re career wears on you do feel father time ticking. ‘Dammit, we are going to struggle to replace him next season!’ McGhee thought to himself as his mind turned to the upcoming Livingston match.
View attachment 205157
As the match with Lvingston rolled around Charlie made the somewhat controversial decision to leave McAllister on the bench. He respected the club legend’s right to make his decision to move on but now he had to act in the best interests of the club and chose to start young Anton Brady, who will likely assume the main striking duties next season.
Despite dominating possession at the Tony Macaroni Arena Peterhead found Lvingston far more cutting with what ball they had. They skipped out to a two goal lead thanks to a wonderful free kick from Lewis Kidd and a goal from former Peterhead man Jordan Moore that owed much to a mix up in the Peterhead box following a corner.
Sensing the game slipping away McGhee sent McAllister on for Brady and the wantaway striker showed his suitors exactly what they are bidding for when he headed home from close range with 15 to go. Unfortunately that was it in the way of scoring and the result mean Peterhead slid down into 7th.
View attachment 205156
Following that match Charlie was advised of the new intake of youth players. Obviously at this level there are hardly going to be any world beaters but there definitely seems to be a number of players with the potential to be important players in the club’s future.
View attachment 205155
The final match this month was at home to Forfar. Again Charlie was left bemoaning a defensive lapse that allowed Craig Smith to score right on half time. It’s these results that are really hurting any chance Peterhead have of pressing for the playoffs – they can lose to the Dunfermline’s and Livingston’s of the world but need to be winning these games, particularly at home.
View attachment 205154
View attachment 205153
April 2017 – 2 steps forward, 1 step back
April fools day rolled around but this was no joke, rather a straight right to the gut! Rory McAllister had been drafted back into the starting lineup for the match against East Fife and scored halfway through the second half. One minute from time and Charlie was frantically rearranging his defence to survive the Fife onslaught when Austin evaded Loanee Dougan’s attempts to mark him and he scored from close in. A point that would have seemed like an ok result at the start of the day’s play but seeing how the game unfolded this felt like more 2 points dropped…
View attachment 205152
Given the Fife result essentially put pay to any chance of making the playoffs Charlie reverted to using Anton Brady up front for the final few matches and boy did that decision pay off in the 2nd match of April. Brady picked himself up a hatrick en route to a 4-2 victory for the Blue Toon. Much, much better.
View attachment 205151
Alloa was 3rd up in April. There was still a very slim chance that Peterhead could make the playoffs, equally so there was a slim chance that Peterhead could, in fact, be relegated such was the way the Ladbrokes League 1 had panned out this season. Still trying to perfect his counter attack system Peterhead started off conceding possession but having by the far the better of the opportunities, unfortunately they couldn’t take full advantage. Layne and Nuttal were the scorers for Alloa whereas Peterhead could only muster the single goal through Ryan Strachan and lost 2-1.
View attachment 205150
The final game of April and then season was the visit of Stenhousemuir to Balmoor stadium. Both teams had very little to play with both having avoided relegation and also incapable of making the playoffs and the game played out that way. In an attempted hit and run Stenhousemuir scored early through Mulhall and then tried to sit and counter but Peterhead, to the pleasure of McGhee, fought to the very end and equalized in the 82nd minute through Brady who has shown there might not be all that much drop off from McAllister to him next season.
View attachment 205149
April 2017 – 2 steps forward, 1 step back
April fools day rolled around but this was no joke, rather a straight right to the gut! Rory McAllister had been drafted back into the starting lineup for the match against East Fife and scored halfway through the second half. One minute from time and Charlie was frantically rearranging his defence to survive the Fife onslaught when Austin evaded Loanee Dougan’s attempts to mark him and he scored from close in. A point that would have seemed like an ok result at the start of the day’s play but seeing how the game unfolded this felt like more 2 points dropped…
View attachment 205152
Given the Fife result essentially put pay to any chance of making the playoffs Charlie reverted to using Anton Brady up front for the final few matches and boy did that decision pay off in the 2nd match of April. Brady picked himself up a hatrick en route to a 4-2 victory for the Blue Toon. Much, much better.
View attachment 205151
Alloa was 3rd up in April. There was still a very slim chance that Peterhead could make the playoffs, equally so there was a slim chance that Peterhead could, in fact, be relegated such was the way the Ladbrokes League 1 had panned out this season. Still trying to perfect his counter attack system Peterhead started off conceding possession but having by the far the better of the opportunities, unfortunately they couldn’t take full advantage. Layne and Nuttal were the scorers for Alloa whereas Peterhead could only muster the single goal through Ryan Strachan and lost 2-1.
View attachment 205150
The final game of April and then season was the visit of Stenhousemuir to Balmoor stadium. Both teams had very little to play with both having avoided relegation and also incapable of making the playoffs and the game played out that way. In an attempted hit and run Stenhousemuir scored early through Mulhall and then tried to sit and counter but Peterhead, to the pleasure of McGhee, fought to the very end and equalized in the 82nd minute through Brady who has shown there might not be all that much drop off from McAllister to him next season.
View attachment 205149
SeanKeaney
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It's been a roller-coaster at Peterhead to say the least! It would be a massive blow to lose Rory McAllister, big shoes to fill
View attachment 205144
May 2017 – Could this be the end at Peterhead?
Pouring over the dossier in front of him that he’d had Assistant Manager Craig Johnstone create on the long-haul flight back to Australia it really hit home that maybe his time with Peterhead was up. The season had been far from a complete disaster with Peterhead finishing 6th. The pessimist might point out that the side had only avoided relegation by 4 points whereas the optimist would instead focus on the fact that they had only missed the playoffs by 5 points. Irrespective of the lens you chose to view it thought McGhee had still been feeling disappointed they hadn’t done better since the season’s end.
View attachment 205143
Given a bit of time alone to reflect though he realised that perhaps it wasn’t as bad a result as it first seemed. To begin with the Board was giving him nothing to work with, in fact, the wage budget had been slashed from last season and was looking like it was going to have to be cut again next year despite Charlie’s efforts in keeping the actual bill to around 75% of budget. Secondly the team had been predicted to finish in the relegation zone and the Board’s only objective this season had been to avoid ‘automatic’ relegation – hardly the aims of a Board wanting to grow quickly and they had achieved that result easily.
No, it hadn’t been the worst of seasons. But, like early in his playing career, Charlie was starting to get that niggling feeling that perhaps his ambitions for his managerial career weren’t ever going to be matched by Peterhead. It didn’t help though that, despite signing a new deal keeping him in charge for another season, he was already being linked with some high profile jobs in the media. Scottish Premiership side Dundee United, fresh of a season that saw them finish 6th had fired manager Mixu Paatelainen and the bookies had instilled Charlie as a 6 to 4 favorite for the job. Crazily, the next best favorites are both 100 to 1!!!
View attachment 205142
Casting his mind back to the end of season awards night he was proud to see that the player of the season ended up being one of his new signings. Kyle Wilkie ended up with the most key passes in the Ladbrokes League 1 competition and the pressure will now be on 3rd place getter in the fan poll Anton Brady to convert more of those chances. In dropping the 442 wide diamond in favour of a structurally deeper 4-1-4-1 McGhee also felt the results improved overall towards the end of the season after a horror stretch through January and as such this would be his base formation for the next season.
View attachment 205141
That is, it will be if McGhee is still around at Peterhead. Although the bookies had made him favorite for the role nothing really eventuated with Dundee United. He had recently though received 2 interview offers. The first came from Tours FC from the French Ligue 2. Obviously still well known in France from his time with Olympic Marseille and SC Bastia Charlie’s recent foray into management appears to have opened some eyes over there. Having said that Charlie didn’t hold any desire to move to France just yet and went a local reporter from Peterhead had phoned to talk about the move with him as he was booking his flight home he had told him so.
View attachment 205137
View attachment 205136
The second interview was a completely different story. Although professionally his time at Leeds had been a bit up and down for a young boy from Australia playing professionally in England is something he had dreamed about for a long time. He had also found the culture very similar to that which he enjoyed back in Australia. So when Swindon Town, who had finished mid table in League 1, came offering an interview he really couldn’t say no and drove down the next day to meet with the Board. The team is fully professional and represent a logical step up career wise from Peterhead. Charlie reflected on the interview as he reclined in his business class seat and felt it had gone well – now it was just a matter of waiting to hear the result of it, although if the Swindon Board decide on someone other than him, he would be happy to spend another season with Peterhead. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and breathe, life really wasn’t that bad for Charlie.
View attachment 205135
May 2017 – Could this be the end at Peterhead?
Pouring over the dossier in front of him that he’d had Assistant Manager Craig Johnstone create on the long-haul flight back to Australia it really hit home that maybe his time with Peterhead was up. The season had been far from a complete disaster with Peterhead finishing 6th. The pessimist might point out that the side had only avoided relegation by 4 points whereas the optimist would instead focus on the fact that they had only missed the playoffs by 5 points. Irrespective of the lens you chose to view it thought McGhee had still been feeling disappointed they hadn’t done better since the season’s end.
View attachment 205143
Given a bit of time alone to reflect though he realised that perhaps it wasn’t as bad a result as it first seemed. To begin with the Board was giving him nothing to work with, in fact, the wage budget had been slashed from last season and was looking like it was going to have to be cut again next year despite Charlie’s efforts in keeping the actual bill to around 75% of budget. Secondly the team had been predicted to finish in the relegation zone and the Board’s only objective this season had been to avoid ‘automatic’ relegation – hardly the aims of a Board wanting to grow quickly and they had achieved that result easily.
No, it hadn’t been the worst of seasons. But, like early in his playing career, Charlie was starting to get that niggling feeling that perhaps his ambitions for his managerial career weren’t ever going to be matched by Peterhead. It didn’t help though that, despite signing a new deal keeping him in charge for another season, he was already being linked with some high profile jobs in the media. Scottish Premiership side Dundee United, fresh of a season that saw them finish 6th had fired manager Mixu Paatelainen and the bookies had instilled Charlie as a 6 to 4 favorite for the job. Crazily, the next best favorites are both 100 to 1!!!
View attachment 205142
Casting his mind back to the end of season awards night he was proud to see that the player of the season ended up being one of his new signings. Kyle Wilkie ended up with the most key passes in the Ladbrokes League 1 competition and the pressure will now be on 3rd place getter in the fan poll Anton Brady to convert more of those chances. In dropping the 442 wide diamond in favour of a structurally deeper 4-1-4-1 McGhee also felt the results improved overall towards the end of the season after a horror stretch through January and as such this would be his base formation for the next season.
View attachment 205141
That is, it will be if McGhee is still around at Peterhead. Although the bookies had made him favorite for the role nothing really eventuated with Dundee United. He had recently though received 2 interview offers. The first came from Tours FC from the French Ligue 2. Obviously still well known in France from his time with Olympic Marseille and SC Bastia Charlie’s recent foray into management appears to have opened some eyes over there. Having said that Charlie didn’t hold any desire to move to France just yet and went a local reporter from Peterhead had phoned to talk about the move with him as he was booking his flight home he had told him so.
View attachment 205137
View attachment 205136
The second interview was a completely different story. Although professionally his time at Leeds had been a bit up and down for a young boy from Australia playing professionally in England is something he had dreamed about for a long time. He had also found the culture very similar to that which he enjoyed back in Australia. So when Swindon Town, who had finished mid table in League 1, came offering an interview he really couldn’t say no and drove down the next day to meet with the Board. The team is fully professional and represent a logical step up career wise from Peterhead. Charlie reflected on the interview as he reclined in his business class seat and felt it had gone well – now it was just a matter of waiting to hear the result of it, although if the Swindon Board decide on someone other than him, he would be happy to spend another season with Peterhead. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and breathe, life really wasn’t that bad for Charlie.
View attachment 205135
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I was thinking the same way but we didn't play so bad when I benched him so it will be interesting to see how it plays out!
PatrickLFC
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Whatever style suits you best mate, it's a great read either way. Will be interesting to see if you stick it out with Peterhead for a bit longer or jump ship
. Interesting decision in any case.Hah, what a finish to the season!
Considering that avoiding relegation was the goal last season, a mid-table finish is a move in the right direction. While I liked detailed match reports, your idea of making monthly reports showcased the roller coaster ride much better.
Considering that avoiding relegation was the goal last season, a mid-table finish is a move in the right direction. While I liked detailed match reports, your idea of making monthly reports showcased the roller coaster ride much better.