The Scottish Revival

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The Scottish Revival - Saving Scotland's Game

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THE BEGINNING:

​
I have always had an affinity to the Scottish game. The passion of the fans is rivaled with any country on earth and they are the first to admit that the level of Scottish football has dropped significantly in recent years.
For a small country who have always hidden in the shadow of English football, Scotland have had their fair share of success in Europe.

View attachment 217795Celtic
European Cup: Winners 1967 & Runner ups 1970

Uefa Cup: Runner Up 2003

View attachment 217796Aberdeen
Cup Winners Cup: Winners 1983

View attachment 217797Rangers
Europa League: Runner Up 2008

Cup Winners Cup: Winners 1972 & Runner Up 1961, 1967

View attachment 217798Dundee Utd
Uefa Cup: Runner Up 1987

JUST CALL ME THE SCOTTISH SAVIOUR:

View attachment 217794

The current state of the Scottish game is borderline a joke. For a country who have for a long time produced very strong European cup participants, the recent years have been very poor.
My role will be to lead the change of Scottish football, and to take it back to the top of Europe and if I can, even further than it once was. After reading stonecold’s Saving the Scottish Game from FM14, I’ve been inspired to start my own Scottish journey in FM16.

I will be going on somewhat of a Journeyman save, only managing teams in the SPL. I will be building teams from the ground up and turning them into clubs that can rival the Barcelona’s and Bayern Munich’s of this world. Some clubs may take several years to improve, so this will be a long term save and will only finish once I’m happy with the state of Scottish Football.

“It is up to us, to everyone in Scotland, to build up our own legends. We don’t want to live with history, to be compared with legends from the past. We must make new legends.” – A quote first heard from legendary Celtic manager, Jock Stein, which I have changed to fit my own Scottish tale.

CURRENT SITUATION

LEAGUE STANDINGS:

View attachment 217799
The SPL is 23rd​ but weirdly one spot below the Championship who rank in 24th. Quite odd, but to even be close to the Championship is woeful.

NATIONAL CLUB COEFFICIENT
​
View attachment 214396
Scotland sit at a pitiful 23rd​.

INDEX

I'd just like to thank you all for reading the initial chapter of my story. After a few failed stories in FM15 due to time constraints and lack of persistence, I've really been inspired to improve the Scottish game in Football Manager even if it's not looking likely in real life. I will be trying my best with every update of this story but the frequency may vary due to other commitments. Overall I hope that all of you enjoy the story as much as I do.

HISTORY

[TABLE="width: 750, align: center"]
[TR]
[TD]Season[/TD]
[TD]Team[/TD]
[TD]League[/TD]
[TD]Scottish Cup[/TD]
[TD]League Cup[/TD]
[TD]Europe[/TD]
[TD]SPL Standing[/TD]
[TD]Club Coefficient Place[/TD]
[TD]Club Coefficient Points[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2014/15[/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD]23rd[/TD]
[TD]23rd[/TD]
[TD]15.300[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2015/16[/TD]
[TD]View attachment 199433Dundee[/TD]
[TD]1st[/TD]
[TD]Semi-Final[/TD]
[TD]Semi-Final[/TD]
[TD]N/A[/TD]
[TD]19th[/TD]
[TD]19th[/TD]
[TD]16.925[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2016/17[/TD]
[TD]View attachment 199433Dundee[/TD]
[TD]1st[/TD]
[TD]Quarter-Final[/TD]
[TD]Winner[/TD]
[TD]Group Stages[/TD]
[TD]16th[/TD]
[TD]17th[/TD]
[TD]23.175[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2017/18[/TD]
[TD]View attachment 199433Dundee[/TD]
[TD]1st[/TD]
[TD]Winner[/TD]
[TD]Winner[/TD]
[TD]Europa Last 16[/TD]
[TD]14th[/TD]
[TD]14th[/TD]
[TD]29.250[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2018/19[/TD]
[TD]View attachment 199433Dundee[/TD]
[TD]1st[/TD]
[TD]Runner Up[/TD]
[TD]Winner[/TD]
[TD]CL Quarter Final[/TD]
[TD]11th[/TD]
[TD]10th[/TD]
[TD]39.000[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2019/20[/TD]
[TD]View attachment 217796Aberdeen[/TD]
[TD]7th[/TD]
[TD]Semi-Final[/TD]
[TD]Third Round[/TD]
[TD]CL Playoffs[/TD]
[TD]10th[/TD]
[TD]9th[/TD]
[TD]42.000[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2020/21[/TD]
[TD]View attachment 217796Aberdeen[/TD]
[TD]3rd[/TD]
[TD]Runner Up[/TD]
[TD]Runner Up[/TD]
[TD]N/A[/TD]
[TD]9th[/TD]
[TD]9th[/TD]
[TD]40.125[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2021/22[/TD]
[TD]View attachment 217796Aberdeen[/TD]
[TD]1st[/TD]
[TD]Semi-Final[/TD]
[TD]Winner[/TD]
[TD]EL Champions[/TD]
[TD]9th[/TD]
[TD]9th[/TD]
[TD]41.275[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

MAJOR TROPHIES AND EVENTS

View attachment 217796Aberdeen - Europa League Winner 2021/22​
 
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DUNDEE FC

So after careful consideration and a lot of research, I have chosen to begin this journey with Dundee Football Club.

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Dundee FC, founded in 1893 are based in the city of Dundee. Nicknamed ‘The Dees,’ the club play home matches at Dens Park, an 11,506 all-seater stadium. Dundee are one of two Scottish Premiership clubs who are based in the city, the other being fierce rivals, Dundee United.

The rivalry between the two clubs is very much area based, as they both compete for the name of the city in ‘The Dundee Derby.’ Dundee FC is the older of the two clubs, having been founded in 1983 compared to United who were founded in 1909 after Dundee Harp went out of business. Dundee Harp were a club founded by Irish Immigrants in 1879, so while United’s origins come from Irish Immigrants the rivalry in Dundee is not religious in the way the Old Firm is.

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Dundee were for a long period of time the more successful club, competing in the top flight for more seasons that their rivals and winning the league, Scottish cup and league cup before United had ever experience lifting a major trophy. However since the 1970’s under Jim Mclean, the tide has turned in the city of Dundee. United would go onto be a major force in Scottish football in the 1980s, winning the 1983 league title and their rivalry with Aberdeen being phrased the New Firm.

The two grounds are the closest League grounds in not only Scotland but also Britain and with it has led a unique rivalry, though one often deemed more friendly than most, similar to the Merseyside derby.
The two clubs even had a combined hooligan 'firm', known as the Dundee Utility, which was formed to stand up to the larger firms of the Old Firm and Edinburgh clubs.

View attachment 217766
I have chosen to take control of the club as I will be living in Dundee for a period of time next year and what better way to get to know the city than to manage the club that is living in the shadow of their closest rivals.

THE SQUAD

View attachment 217765
With the Media predicting a very competitive 6th place in the league, I was expecting to have a very capable side that with a few changes could be in the running for European places. With three current first team players out on loan to gain valuable first team experience and two currently loaned in to help with cover, I am very happy with where the squad is at.

GOALKEEPERS

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David Mitchell, Scott Bain, Kyle Gourlay

I’m fairly content with the goalkeeper situation at the club. Scott Bain is the clear number one and at 23 years of age still have many years between the sticks at Dundee. David Mitchell is a solid backup for now and will be a valuable back up if Bain were to be sidelined.

FULLBACKS

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Gary Irvine, Paul McGinn, Kevin Holt, Riccardo Calder

I have a mixture of youth and experience at either fullback positions. Veteran Gary Irvine will begin pre-season as my starting right back. With solid starts he will hopefully both a rock at the back and an attacking outlet going forward. On the other side, Kevin Holt will be played as the starting left back. A very solid player and at only 21 years-of-age still has some valuable years of improvement. Paul McGinn and the on-loan Riccardo Calder will act as cover for either position and if developed properly could potentially become starters later in the year.

CENTER BACKS

View attachment 217761
James McPake, Kostadin Gadzhalov, Julen Etxabeguren, Daryll Meggatt, Thomas Konrad

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With five very solid options I don’t believe I will need to strengthen this position at all. I will take Pre-season to confirm my starting centre halves, but I’m quite happy with Julen Etxabeguren as one of my starting two. The only slight issue I have is the potential in all of these players. With only one play under the age of 24, I may look to add youth either from our own academy or if possible from other clubs in Scotland. This is obviously a minor issue for now and can be improved later down the track as we stabilise ourselves in the league.

MIDFIELDERS

View attachment 217759

Nicky Low, Nick Ross, Paul McGowan, Gary Harkins, Luke Thomson

I really lack width within the team with only Nicky Low being able to play on the left of midfield. With some very solid options in central midfield, I may either look to implement a narrow formation or bring in suitable side option. This is also something I will keep my eye on in pre-season. Club captain, Luke Thompson, and new recruit, Nick Ross, could prove to be a nice combination of youth and experience in the middle of the park.

FORWARDS

View attachment 217756
Rory Loy, Rhys Healey, Kane Hemmings, Greg Stewart

We are blessed with some very solid goal scoring options. Greg Stewart will be key to our attacking play throughout the year and will most likely occupy the starting forward role. He can also play on either wing, so if I were to look into playing a wide formation he could become a vital cog on the flanks possibly as a Raumdeuter or Inside Forward. The further three options will fight it out for that second forward position with all of them having the ability to score plenty of goals.

PROSPECTS

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Jesse Curran, Craig Wighton, Cammy Kerr

Both Craig Wighton and Cammy Kerr are currently out on loan at Raith and Peterhead respectively. Craig Wighton is one of the main reasons I took over here at Dundee, the kid looks absolute class and with sufficient game time this year at Raith, he should definitely be a contender for the first team next year. Jesse Curran will be used mainly as a backup central midfielder this year, playing in cup games that may not be as important.

INDEX

The next update will be scheduled at the end of pre-season. I'm planning on doing pre-season, mid-season and end-of-season updates so that I don't get burnt out early in the save trying to write monthly updates.

Hope you enjoyed!
​
 
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Good luck mate, stonecold's story was one of the best ones I've ever read, I hope you stick with this :)
 
Looking forward to reading this being a Dundee fan. You failed to mention we made it to the Uefa Cup Final in 1963! You're also missing 's' off of the 'Dees' & 'Dens'. :) Good luck.
 
I hope you can improve the standard of Scottish football, as it has gotten so much worse in the last 5-7 years.
 
View attachment 217466
SEASON 1: PRESEASON

View attachment 217465

PRE-SEASON TARGETS

SPL: Europa League Spots.
SCOTTISH CUP: Final of either cup.
SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP: Final of either cup.
EUROPE: N/A


RESULTS

View attachment 217455
The results of pre-season were quite mixed. We traveled to Denmark for our pre-season came and took on a team from each division of the Danish Football Pyramid. I'm still sitting on the fence after these results, as the squad are still learning the tactic but hopefully the two wins can lead us into the season on a good note.

TRANSFERS

View attachment 217464

With only a £150k transfer budget, I was only able to bring in one player that will slide straight into the starting eleven. Liam Kelly also came in as added depth in the attacking midfield position, but was sidelined for five months after injuring his Achilles tendon late in his first match for the Dees. I terminated his loan and he will return to Reading prematurely. So far no one has left the club, but Bournemouth have been sniffing around for Greg Stewart. Now I am desperate him, but money talks especially for a team like Dundee.

View attachment 217461
Cummings is our only permanent signing of the window and really adds a cutting edge to our attacking play. Throughout pre-season I found that our forwards really lacked a finish product and movement off the ball. Cummings strengths are obviously his ability to finish as well as his movement off the ball and work rate. He’s the exact player the squad needed, and hopefully he can lead the line for The Dees.

TACTICS

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I will be starting the year with a 4-3-1-2/4-1-2-1-2 Narrow formation. Due to my lack of wingers, I’ve had to stray away from packing the wings and exploiting the flanks. This tactic is very much possession based going by the saying “If the opposition don’t have the ball, then they can’t score.” The main players within the tactic are the attacking midfielder and the wingbacks. Many of the attacks will be played through the advanced playmaker, and playing with quick agile strikers will hopefully be able to play the ball through the defence and into dangerous positions. The wingbacks will obviously provide width, bombing up the flanks getting crosses in. This may obviously result in a weakness defending wider areas but by playing a holding midfielder this should negate the effect.

KEY PLAYER

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RORY LOY

A very surprising player that has really impressed throughout pre-season. Scoring two goals in the last match of pre-season, Loy has been a pest in the final third, especially pressing and putting pressure on defenders in possession. Loy will begin the season up front next to new signing, Jason Cummings, hopefully combining to become a deadly strike partnership.

OTHER NEWS

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Although Craig is out on loan, I am still keeping a keen eye on his development. He’s one the better Scottish Wonderkids, and I’ve made sure that he will be around the club till at least 2018.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

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We begin the Scottish Premier League season away at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock and from there we have quite a few tricky fixtures, with obviously the Dundee Derby the standout match. It's a must win match.​
 
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PatrickLFC said:
Good luck mate, stonecold's story was one of the best ones I've ever read, I hope you stick with this :)
Click to expand...

ICYUNVME said:
Looking forward to reading this being a Dundee fan. You failed to mention we made it to the Uefa Cup Final in 1963! You're also missing 's' off of the 'Dees' & 'Dens'. :) Good luck.
Click to expand...

FunAsylum said:
I hope you can improve the standard of Scottish football, as it has gotten so much worse in the last 5-7 years.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all your kind words!

about the 's' it's a genuine mistake, my keyboard keys have been prone to get sticky at times, but UP THE DEES!
 
Great start to this, Enjoy a good Scottish save myself so be following closely!
 
View attachment 216506
SEASON 1: AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

View attachment 216504
LEAGUE NEWS

Many clubs rely on loan deals from the Premier League.

No massive loses in terms of talent or potential in the Transfer Window.

Dundee United languishing at the bottom of the table.

We are the massive sellers of the window, losing three starting eleven calibre players.

TRANSFERS

View attachment 216503
We start off with the transfer outgoings. Three players leave the club, all for positive fees. The obvious downfall of this transfer window is the loss of Greg Stewart. As you will see Stewart started the season really well before making his last appearance for the club in the Dundee Derby. He came to me asking to leave, and how could I say no to let him compete in the Premier League. £1.1mil isn’t an astronomical amount of money and was probably a little less than I was expecting to receive for such a quality player.
Both Thomas Konrad and Scott Bain leave to Lech and Watford respectively, with both clubs spending a well over the player’s value.

View attachment 216501
As a few key players left quite late in the window, I had to move to find replacements and fast. Jerome Sinclair and Vanja Milinkovic Savic both come in on loan both aiding the first team and Abdul Razak comes in on a free to help add youth and energy to quite an aging midfield. Obviously loaning young players in from England isn’t helping improve the Scottish game, but it was very late in the window and I just needed to sign a few players and fast.

View attachment 216499
After losing arguably our most important player, Greg Stewart, I decided that instead of going out and trying to bring in a playing to fill the void, I’d give the starting position to Jason Cummings my other news striking acquisition. Sinclair will be another rotation option up front and being only 18 year-old hopefully improve throughout the year.

View attachment 216498
Becomes my first choice goalkeeper after the departure of Scott Bain, I’d love to have him here for multiple seasons, but if he continues to develop he’ll be competing for the first team at Manchester United quite soon.

View attachment 216497
After playing for five teams in three different countries in two years, this guy just needs to find a home and hopefully Dundee is it. He has some really solid stats and still has time to develop. He will add as cover for the first team initially, but will hopefully become my starting holding midfielder before the end of the year.

RESULTS

View attachment 216491
We started the season on a four game unbeaten run, but have struggled with consistency of late. The stand out performance would have to the Hearts game, but as you can see Greg Stewart was our start performer in that one. I’m still trying out new things tactically, but am really struggling to find anything that works consistently.

SPL TABLE

View attachment 216486

Its still quite early in the season, so the Table is still quite close. Surprising to see Dundee hovering just above the relegation zone. They've had some injuries to some of there better player, so I'm expecting them to pick up point and close the gab on the European places relatively quickly.

PLAYER OF THE UPDATE

View attachment 216488

RORY LOY

Loy has continued his great pre-season leading our goal tally for the start of the season. Loy has had to carry the burden of a goal shy Jason Cummings so far, but hopefully given time both will start to bang in the goals for Dundee.

OTHER NEWS

View attachment 216485
Surprisingly we were the only massive sellers of the window, loosing three players. Anthony Stokes found a new home at Craven Cottage and was quite a big lose for the Parkhead club. Personally, I think it benefits the youngsters coming through at Celtic and gives them a much better chance of first team football.
​
 
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SEASON 1: MIDSEASON

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LEAGUE NEWS

No less than four clubs sack their current managers.

Dundee United sack Mixu Paatelainen. Currently still in search for replacement.

Aberdeen sack Derek McInnes and appoint Bill Starks, assistant at Albion Rovers.

Partick Thistle continue their great run of form, sitting in 4th​.

No other massive transfers out of the league. Hearts loose Alim Ozturk to Hull for £700k, which is bad business. Easily worth more than a mil especially to an English club.

TRANSFERS

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We have brought in two Norwegien youngster in the January transfer window and a pre-contract signing from Spain all on permanent deals. After changing the tactic to a wider formation, our main weakness that needed strengthening was our flanks, in particular our right wing. We had Nicky Low on the left hand side who was doing a serviceable job but really lacked production from the right. So we brought in three players to help fill the void and improve the squad. We also brought in a permanent starting keeper that is just as good, if not better than our on-loan prospect, Vanja Milinkovic Savic.

View attachment 216078
After recieveing a scouting report from Norway, I was instantly informed that Sondre Rossbach was available to sign on a pre-contract and would be able to play for us as soon as the year ticked over. He has some really special stats and being only 19 year-old will hopefully be our man in between the sticks for many years to come.

View attachment 216079
After bring in a bit of money in the previous window, I decided to take a punt on Kasper Skaanes, a Norwegian youngster from Brann. We really lacked players that suited the right wing, and I believe that Skaanes fits the bill. Obviously a bit of a stumbling block is the fact that he doesn’t actually play the position comfortably yet. He has plenty of time to develop and with the help from our coaching staff will pick up the position of right wing very quickly.

View attachment 216080View attachment 216077
McEvoy and Hedges have been loaned in from Tottenham and Swansea respectively to provide the squad with cover in the wide area. Both players are relatively quick in comparison to some wingers in the league and will hopefully be able to provide assists as well as goals from the flanks.

View attachment 216083

Only one player goes out of the club in January. Rory Loy really impressed during the early parts of the season but as soon as we changed our tactic from a two to a one striker formation, Loy became service to requirements surplus to requirements. It was basically a straight swap with Hibernian, Rory Loy for Jason Cummings and I’m fairly sure we got the better end of the deal.

RESULTS

View attachment 216081
We’ve really been able to put together long periods of good form, demonstrated by our five consecutive wins later on. Beating Celtic during this run really highlights the talent we have in the team and shows that we can win the league. The period was ended by being eliminated by Aberdeen in the League Cup Semi Final. They were the better side on the day, but to get to the Semi Final is still not a bad effort for my first year in charge.

SPL TABLE

View attachment 216082
We push up the table to second, nine points behind league leaders Celtic. Partick Thistle have been the surprise package this year lead by Alan Archibald, they sit a tidy 4th​ spot and really don’t look like stopping this good run of form. It also gets worse and worse for our cross-town rivals, Dundee United. They have been depleted by injury especially early on in the year but still are unable to grab points from anyone.


KEY PLAYER

View attachment 216076

JASON CUMMINGS

Jason Cummings came in from Hibernian at the start of the year to become our number one striking option. After a less than convincing for part of the season, Cummings has come to life scoring 16 goals in 22 appearances. He currently leads the league in scoring and has also picked up a very solid 5 assists, showing not just a goal scoring threat.​
 
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This is a very, very good idea. Will definitely be following this. Good to see the main man JC banging in the goals for you!
 
View attachment 215348
SEASON 1: THE RUN IN

View attachment 215347
LEAGUE NEWS

Malky Mackay takes over at Dundee United, who are still in a hole.

Aberdeen win second Scottish League Cup in three years.

Alan Archibald’s Partick Thistle cap of a great seaon.

Ross County appoint Billy Davies after 10 years out of management, to steady the ship.

RESULTS

View attachment 215346
We had a great run of wins to start of the period, only conceding one goal in five games and toping the run off with an amazing 4-3 goal fest against Celtic at Parkhead. Obviously the Quarter Final replay lost to Livingston meant that we were unable to make the final of either cup, I was quite happy with how the boys competed over all fronts this season.

SPL TABLE

View attachment 215345
So its official, we’ve won the league after a horror run from Celtic which saw them go seven matches without a win. I personally don’t believe we won the league, I see it as Celtic losing the league. We were able to stay consistent throughout the whole season and as they say “Slow and steady wins the race.”

BEST ELEVEN

View attachment 215344
Obviously after such a great year there are going to be some very good performances from players. Kasper Skaanes finishes the year with our highest average rating, and Cummings finished as the clubs top goalscorer. The squad as a whole is starting to age so I believe this summer transfer window is key to bringing in some youthful talent to help improve and start a new era at the club.

KEY PLAYER

View attachment 215343

KASPER SKAANES

Our newest signing, Norwegian youngster Kasper Skaanes has been on fire for us in the period after Christmas. He’s has a wonderful start to life at Dens park scoring six times and assisting seven in only sixteen matches. He’s been a true revolution after moving from Brann in January.

OTHER NEWS

View attachment 215297
Obviously to improve Scottish Football, clubs infrastructure is a massive component of developing better players and providing better ways of developing the players currently playing. This is just a small step for Dundee, but the more money we earn the better we will become as a club and then as a country.​
 
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SEASON 1 REVIEW

View attachment 215198
The 2015/16 season has official concluded, so it's time to look back on who shone, who surprised and who failed in this season. After 228 matches and countless transfers over 9 months, let see who excelled and who failed under the pressure of Scottish Football.

PRE-SEASON TARGETS

SPL: Europa League Spots.
SCOTTISH CUP: Final of either cup.
SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP: Final of either cup.
EUROPE: N/A

Great effort from the lads, obviously we out did our expectations in the League but fell short in the cups. I will be targeting a cup win next, especially if Celtic do as poorly as they did.

SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP WINNER
View attachment 215193
Aberdeen win their second League Cup in three years after they beat Hibernian 1-0. They were truly deserved of the cup after beating Celtic on penalties in the quarter finals and Dundee FC 3-2 in the semi final.

SCOTTISH CUP WINNER
View attachment 215192
Hibernian had a very successful cup campaign making the final of both the League Cup and Scottish Cup. They were beaten by Aberdeen in the League Cup but came up trumps against Hearts in the final of the Scottish Cup 1-0.

CHAMPIONS
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It was newly appointed Th3 King's Dundee FC who have taken the title for the first time since 1961/62. Celtic looked like having it all wrapped up at the end of January, but a late patch of good form from Dundee and a seven game winless streak for Celtic saw the Dens win by six points. Jason Cummings and Kasper Skaanes, two new players brought in by the new manager set the league a light firing the Dundee club to glory.

EUROPA LEAGUE QUALIFICATION
View attachment 215124View attachment 215122View attachment 215192
Celtic and Inverness finish second and third and will both go into the qualification stages of the Europa League. To join them will be championship side, Hibernian, who qualified after winning the Scottish Cup. Inverness and Hibs will have their work cut out having to go through all three qualification stages, where as Celtic will only need two. Celtic will be favourites to make the group stages.

RELEGATED
View attachment 215121View attachment 215120
There was quite a surprise in the relegation zone. Dundee United, who haven’t finished outside of the top six for the past eight years have officially been relegated after losing the playoff to 1-0 on aggregate to Rangers. The other club relegated were Kilmarnock, which was not at all a surprise, finishing on a poor 23 points.

FULL TABLE
View attachment 215125
Apart from the continental clubs, there were some other good performances around the league. Partick Thistle, a club expected to finish in the relegation places prior to the seasons commence finished in a solid 4th​ place and Hamilton Academical finished just behind in 5th​ place, improving on last year’s 7th​.

SPL REVIEW

View attachment 215131
CELTIC – 6/10 Celtic finished the year without silverware which is excusable for the so called champions of Scotland. They had the league all but won at the end of January but after a run of only one win from seven matches through March and April, leaving the door wide open for us. Knockout in the quarters of both cups, it was a very average year at Parkhead.

DUNDEE FC – 9/10 we’ve had a great year in the league finishing ahead of Celtic who absolutely crumbled late. We were unable to take home either cup, so I’ve given us a less than perfect score on that basis.

DUNDEE UTD - 3/10 our cross-town rivals were nowhere near it this year, they really struggled with injuries to key player and were relegated to the championship, the first time since the 1995/96 season. It will be interesting to see how many players leave the club and how quickly they’ll be able to gain promotion.

ABERDEEN - 6/10 Aberdeen were consistently average never really pushing for the title, but winning the Scottish League Cup. Relying on strikers, Adam Rooney and Niall McGinn, the Dons should really look to push for top three next year.

INVERNESS CT – 8/10 a really solid year from Inverness finishing 3rd​ and securing a Europa league position. Lead by midfielder, Greg Tansey, and on-loan striking duo, Ryan Christie and Ryan Seager, they’ll be look to replicate a similar league position next year.

MOTHERWELL - 4/10 a club who will just be happy to stay up. They were less than convincing throughout the year, they were just lucky there were worse teams in the league than them. There number one target for next year will be a striker who can actually put the ball in the back of the net.

ST JOHNSTONE - 5/10 were top of the bottom half and can only wonder what if they had kept Stevie May. A decent squad that lacked the lead striker that may have taken them to the top half.

ROSS COUNTY - 4/10 a team that sat in the relegation zone for quite a substantial period of time but pulled it all together later in the season and survived quite easily. They a long way from competing with anyone half decent in this league. You could say they were the best of a bad bunch.

PARTICK THISTLE - 8/10 the standout club of the year behind us. They played some really nice, flowing, attacking football lead by young up and coming manager, Alan Archibald. It’ll be interesting to see how they improve the squad for next year.
KILMARNOCK - 1/10 Kilmarnock had the worst defence in the league and the second worse goal scoring record in the league, they never really stood a chance. Kris Boyd was unable to keep them up, so hopefully ex-Dundee manager, Paul Hartley, can help them gain promotion next year.

HEARTS - 5/10 Hearts were again another mediocre team who look to be safe in the Premiership, but look a long way off European football.

RANGERS - 6/10 Rangers get a mention since as they’ll be back in the SPL for next season. They were able to hold onto all of their star players, relying heavily on their defence that features the likes of Lee Wallace and Danny Wilson.

TOP GOALSCORER

View attachment 215127

After a less than convincing start from Jason Cummings has been crowned The Ladbrokes Premiership Top Goalscorer. He began the year with only one goal from eight league appearances but ended the year on fire, highlighted by a derby day hatrick against Dundee. No one came close to Cummings who finished with twenty-eight goals for the year. In the end the second leading scorer Partick Thistle’s Kris Doolan finishing with nineteen goals and Celtic’s Carlton Cole with fifteen rounded off the top three.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

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Jason was award with POTY to go along with the Top Goalscorer Award. He was miles ahead of anyone in the goal tally and thoroughly deserved the award after a stellar season with Dundee leading them to their first title since 1961/62.

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR

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Celtic loanee, Ryan Christie, finished off a great season picking up YPOTY after an impressive campaign in which he contributed 10 goals and 4 assists in 38 games. Christie, 21, will now look to break into Celtics first team on his return to the Glasgow club.

SPL TEAM OF THE YEAR

View attachment 215117
Three of our back four featured in the team of the year which showed just how solid our defense was throughout the season.

INDEX

So there you have it, the first season is done and dusted. Next year is going to be a season of transition especially within the squad. With European football on the agenda and an ageing squad needing to more youth and exuberance, next year will be a crucial one.

Tune in next time!​
 
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The way this story is laid out, it is so easy and fun to read. I'd have thought you'd need pictures, but because its so neatly set out, it works very well. Like the story as well, get Scottish football up to where it should be in that coefficients ranking!!
 
JustaJim said:
The way this story is laid out, it is so easy and fun to read. I'd have thought you'd need pictures, but because its so neatly set out, it works very well. Like the story as well, get Scottish football up to where it should be in that coefficients ranking!!
Click to expand...

JustaJim said:
Pictures didnt load initially, looks even better now :)
Click to expand...

thanks mate, happy to hear you like the layout. I'm always on Photoshop messing around, so hopefully some of the graphics just add to the layout.

Thanks, again!
 
View attachment 214750
SEASON 2: PRESEASON

View attachment 214749
LEAGUE NEWS

Dundee sack Mackay and bring in Ray McKinnon to lead the revival.

Ronny Deila stays in charge of Celtic despite a trophy-less season.

Rangers’ David Weir steps down as Caretaker, Ricardo Moniz appointed.

Falkirk’s Peter Houston takes Motherwell job.

2016/17 KIT LAUNCH

View attachment 214729
I’ve always had an affinity with designing kits, so for this story I will be designing kits for my team for every season. As I will be playing with multiple different Scottish clubs, hopefully I can come up with some pretty unique kit designs.

As the club have recently signed a new kit sponsorship for the new three seasons, Calor have jumped ship after the relegation of Dundee United and will be Dundee FC’s kit sponsor for the foreseeable future.

PRE-SEASON TARGETS

SPL: Challenge for the Title.
SCOTTISH CUP: Final of either cup.
SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP: Final of either cup.
EUROPE: Champions’ League Group stages.

TACTICS

View attachment 214732
So after a midseason swap from our narrow 4-3-1-2 to a traditional 4-2-3-1, I’ve decided to keep faith and build the squad around what pushed us into the position to win the league title last year.

TRANSFERS

View attachment 214739
Nick Ross leaves to Sheffield United for £400k. Now normally I’d be fine with this, but he approached me after my I turned down their first offer of £150k. He voiced his displeasure and pointed out the massive pay rise he would enjoy if the deal were to go through. I asked him if there was any chance of him saying maybe for a pay rise. He scoffed at the remark and couldn’t believe how shallow I thought he could be, and stated that it wasn’t about the money.

View attachment 214738
I just took the £400k and helped him pack his bags.

View attachment 214737
So I was given a £3mil transfer kitty to splash in the summer, which was a considerable improvement from the £100k I was given to begin last season. I feel like I’ve really improved both the quality and the depth of the first team squad as well as decreasing the average age in the process.

View attachment 214730
Our first signing was youngster Barry Conway who we were able to poach from rivals, Dundee United. Still quite a raw prospect but has some nice stats in key areas. Obviously that 15 finishing is the highlight of his ability. He will continue to develop in our 20’s and will probably get exposure to the first team throughout the season.

View attachment 214731
Anther youthful Norwegian added to the squad. John Hou Saeter processes a bunch of key attributes that could help him become a complete midfielder in the future. Although he may not be as good as some other midfielders in the squad, Saeter will receive priority in the first team as he has such a high ceiling of growth.

View attachment 214733
Jorge was our most expensive transfer of the window coming in for just under £1million pounds but could rise to £1.5millian in the future. Another player that will come into the first eleven to partner fellow Spaniard, Julen Etxabeguren, that is full of youth and potential. Obviously he’s not the finish product, but I believe he’ll be worth every penny in the future.

View attachment 214734
Just brought in as he was cheap and had potential. He was at first going to stay in the first team as cover for the wings but as other players were signed, he was sent to St. Johnstone for some vital first team experience.
View attachment 214735
Now this transfer must be a kick in the teeth for Dundee United supporters. Arguably your most exciting prospect has jumped ship to your rivals. Everyone should know John Souttar, and for £775k I don’t think you can go wrong.

View attachment 214736
When I found out Vadillo was available for free, I was quickly trying to find space in the wage budget to bring him in. Processing great stats for a winger, I’ll expect him to be a key player in our attacking movement this year.

View attachment 214740
Both Sheyi Ojo and Jeremie Boga come in to add valuable depth to the first team squad. They are both very quality player and to have guys like this coming into to back up the first team, I really can’t complain.

RESULTS

FRIENDLIES

View attachment 214745
I saw the pre-season period as a way of acquiring well needed funds to help cover the transfers and general cost around the club. Surprisingly were we able to come out with two win against both Manchester clubs, which should give the squad a bit of confidence especially going into the champions league qualifiers.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFIERS

View attachment 214746
So after finishing top of the league last year and earning qualification for the Champions League, we’ll be featuring in the group stages of the competition. We played some really nice, attacking football throughout the whole qualification stages winning all but one match.

KEY PLAYER

View attachment 214748

JEREMIE BOGA

The Chelsea youth star was on fire for the Champions League Qualifers scoring four goals and providing three assist with an 8.46 average rating. I’ll really look for him to provide significant minutes especially in this competition and in the league.

OTHER NEWS

LEAGUE TRANSFERS
View attachment 214743
After the most recent transfer window, I was pleasantly surprised to see no one had sold any massive assets. Now, I could see this in two way, the clubs realise they need to hold onto the player they have or the player are just that bad no one wants them.

LEAGUE STANDING

View attachment 214747
Surprisingly we move up four places to 19th. Still a long way to got to break the top 10. Our Nation Club Coefficient is also 19th, on 16.925​
 
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View attachment 214286
SEASON 2: AUGUST & SEPTEMBER

View attachment 214285
LEAGUE NEWS

No manager movement, but Billy Davies job at Ross County is very insecure.

Top Three teams break away from the pack.

Celtic sit on top of their Europa League group.

Hibs and Inverness knocked-out in second qualifier of the Europa League.

TRANSFERS

View attachment 214281
View attachment 214280
I was quite happy with my business for the window and was ready to watch an extravagant transfer deadline day go by with all the business done, but as the hours ticked past Celtic’s Ryan Christie became available and after winning the league’s young player of the year. Christie become one of my best players and has the potential to play at a much higher level than the SPL, I’m really happy snap him up for a touch over £1mil

RESULTS

View attachment 214284
We begin the season in great form again, only losing two matches in our first eleven. The loss to Celtic could come back to bite us later in the season, but overall it’s a start I can’t really complain about.

View attachment 214283
I don’t have much to say about the Champions League. When we were initially drawn this group I was obviously pessimistic. Madrid had just won La Liga, Inter had just fallen agonisingly close to winning the Serie A and Arsenal had just placed 3rd​ in the Premier League. This rude wakeup call just shows how far we have to come from to improve the Scottish footballing standard.

View attachment 214282

SPL TABLE

View attachment 214279
We sit at the top of the league drawn on points with Celtic who have strengthen extensively over the summer break and look to be pushing for the title this year. Hearts round up the European places and sit four points for 4th​. I can definitely see this gap widening with the teams below looking a step down from the top three.

KEY PLAYER

View attachment 214278

PAUL MCGINN

A real unsung hero of the Dundee team, McGinn has been a first team regular throughout my rein at the club providing assist from the right fullback spot. He’s barely missed a game and looks to still be improving by being capped by Scotland on two occasions recently.



​
 
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View attachment 214268
SEASON 2: MIDSEASON

View attachment 214267
LEAGUE NEWS

Motherwell are the first to sack manager. Peter Houston lasting only 27 matches.

Motherwell hire ex-Aston Villa and Norwich manager, Paul Lambert.

Ronny Deila finally sacked, replaced by Hearts manager, Robbie Nielson. Hearts currently sit 4 points ahead of Celtic in 2nd​ place.

Hearts hire Steve McClaren after failing miserably at Newcastle.

TRANSFERS

View attachment 214263
Only three out to tell you about, Craig Wighton has been sent out on loan for the second year in a row. He will be fighting relegation with St. Mirren and will hopefully play regular first team football, something he wasn’t going to get here at Dundee.

Gary Harkins and Daryll Meggatt, two mainstays in the first team during our title winning season have been shipped off to Bolton and Aberdeen respectively. They both were struggling to get first team minutes this year and I decided to get some money from them while I could.

RESULTS

View attachment 214264
Not much to say about the Champions League this year, we were just out of our depth especially in a group like the one we were drawn. The draw against Inter was our only highlight, but considering we dominated the match we should’ve taken all three points from the Italian giants.

View attachment 214260
It’s the complete opposite for Dundee though in the league, where we went on a fifteen game unbeaten run, where we won fourteen matches. Through the period our only loss came to Motherwell at home, but other than that stutter we dominated each and every opponent.

After beating Inverness in the last game of the period, we will be playing in the League Cup final which was a pre-season target of mine.

SPL TABLE

View attachment 214265
We sit comfortably at the top of the league eight points from second with a very healthy goal difference. Hopefully we don’t crumble and choke like Celtic this time last year.

KEY PLAYER

View attachment 214266

JASON CUMMINGS

After another slow start to the season, Cummings again leads the league in goal scoring with a record of twenty-two goals in twenty-six matches. He’s a little bit down on his assists tally compared to last year but again is in fine form in the league and scored our only goal from open play in the Champions League against Arsenal.

OTHER NEWS

View attachment 214259
Since the transfers for this season have finished, it nice to see Celtic bring in some players to improve their squad. Obviously losing Nir Biton isn’t ideal, but he never really performed at Parkhead during last year and the start of this year.

Motherwell also improved by signing young Swedish winger, David Moberg-Karlsson from Brentford, which is a huge coup for them. Although, they probably did overpay.

View attachment 214258
After signing another contract extension with the club, the board promised to improve the facilities of the club for the second time in a year. Great news for the future of the club, next move is hopefully buying the stadium outright or building a new one.

​
 
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