smithaldo

Hi guys and gals.

Inspired by the many FM stories on the site I decided to start writing one myself.

Bit of information regarding the game I'm currently playing.

I'm using the default Database with both the Spanish League and the English Leagues activated. I'm also using a medium database.

So, here goes at my first attempt at my FM Story, hope you enjoy the read.

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Ashley Smith stood in the “self made” office he had made for himself out of the spare room in his flat.

He looked up at the wall where his newly framed Honours Degree Certificate in Football Management was hung. At the age of 22 he had decided to take the 3 year course at BCUC as he had never been able to play football at a professional level due to an road traffic accident when he was 9 which had resulted in the lower part of his left leg having to be amputated.

He sat down in the chair and switched on the small television on the desk.

“ Breaking news here on Sky Sports” advised the presenter. “Real Madrid have announced tonight the termination of the contract of Fabio Cappello with immediate effect”

He listened carefully as the news presenter continued.

“As yet no information has been given regarding the departure of the former Juventus manger and Real Madrid have not indicated who will be taking his place at the Bernabue”.

At that moment his pocket started to vibrate as his mobile phone rang. He wondered who would be calling this late at night so he answered

“Hi Ash” , it was his agent Charlotte. “You’re never going to believe what I’m about to tell you” she said.
Mandy, if it’s the whole thing about Dog’s not being able to look up I’ve already told you, it was only a quote from a film” He replied.
“No, it’s not about that Ash, I’ve just had a call from Spain“ … He interrupted “well, I hope it was from a landline and you don’t have to pay for the call, you know it’s sneaky how they catch you like that”
“Just listen to me for a minute” she said, I’ve just had a call from an official at Real Madrid. They want to meet up tomorrow afternoon to discuss a job opportunity with you” .
“What” He replied, “what sort of opportunity” .
“They didn’t give me the details, they just advised that we were to meet with the tomorrow and then they would advise us more once we were there”. “They’ve paid for the flights and will arrange transfer from the Airport to the Stadium” she advised him.
“What time’s the flight?” He asked her.
“1pm, so I’ll pick you up around 10 so make sure your ready” she told him and with that she hung up.

A job opportunity he thought to himself. He wondered what it could be. He immediately ruled out the vacant managers position that had just been announced as he didn’t have anywhere near enough experience Whilst on his course he had been to several lower league clubs in England for experience and had enjoyed the time spent at the various clubs.

He thought to himself that maybe they wanted him on some youth team level. He looked up at his certificate again and decided to call it a night.

smithaldo

The Trip To Madrid

The alarm clock went off, Ash looked at the time. It read 9am. Sh!t, he though to himself. He climbed out of his bed and headed for the shower, getting himself ready for the arrival of his agent and the trip out to Madrid.

As the digital numbers on the clock changed to show 10:00 there was a ring on the buzzer. Always exactly on time he thought to himself.

“I’ll be right down” he told her through the speakerphone. He grabbed his case and headed down stairs to the waiting car.

“Anymore information to give me on this yet?” he asked Charlotte as he got into the Taxi.
“No, they called to confirm we were still coming and also to advise of the travel arrangements, but that’s all at the moment” Charlotte replied.
“And they didn’t give you any indication on what they wanted me to do out there” he said
She shook her head, “No, nothing, but even if it’s something minor then at least we’ve got a free trip to Madrid out of it”. And you didn’t have anything else planned for today did you” she said.
Well, I was quite looking forward to sitting down and watching Dog The Bounty Hunter this afternoon, but the Sky Plus is set to record that so I’m sure I can miss it for this” he replied

The flight to Madrid was a short one and when they arrived and walked through the arrivals lounge they were greeted by a short smartly dressed man holding a sign up with his name on it. He led them out to the car park where a Mercedes was parked. He could help notice that the driver looked a little like Manuel from Fawlty Towers and joked to Charlotte if she thought he needed a booster seat to drive the car.

As they drove through the streets of Madrid the two of them talked about the possibly jobs that he would be offered, still having no idea why he was here. He also joked to Charlotte about what Spanish Firemen called their children, but the joke didn’t appear to impress her.

As they pulled up to the Stadium she looked at Ashley and said “Jose A and Jose B, I get it. Very good” . He laughed at her and with a grin said “Took your time with that one didn’t you” .

The door to the car was opened by a smartly dressed man.

smithaldo

“Welcome Mr Smith, I hope both your plane journey and the ride from the Airport were pleasant” he said. Ashley nodded as they shook hands.

“Very” he said, “I’ve never travelled first class”.
“My name is Carlos Bucero , General Manager here at Real Madrid, please, come with me, the rest of the board are awaiting you inside”.

He led them inside the Stadium. Ashley had never been here before and was taken back by how impressive the inside of the Stadium was. They were led to a huge room where, sat at an oval table were 5 smartly dressed men.

“Please, take a seat” Carlos said.
Both him and Charlotte sat at the table.

Welcome Mr Smith, we thank you for joining us at such short notice. I am Ramon Calderon, President here at Real Madrid

Ashley recognised him from TV. He had been present at every major signing that Madrid had made since being elected President.

"As you are aware, we have recently terminated the contract of Mr Cappello. The reasons for this matter not. But what does matter is the future of Real Madrid and we would like you to play a part in that future"

"Sounds interesting" said Ashley, nodding. I would be very interested in working with youth of Madrid, I believe it's very important to get a good youth structure at any club, especially one as prestiges as Madrid"

I couldn't agree more Mr Smith, however, we have something a bit more higher up the scale here in mind for you.

Ashley looked on with interest. If it wasn'r working with the youth then what else could it be he thought.

We would like to offer you the vacant managerial postion here at Real, starting with immediate effect continued Calderon.

Ashley looked at Charlotte with an expression of shock on his face
Errmm, your having a laugh arent you. I mean, April fools day has passed he said.

No Mr Smith, we are very serious. We want to introduce a new era here at Real. We haven't won the league here in Spain since 2003 and would like you to take the position here for the forthcoming season. We are aware that you have no managerial experience but we believe that you have the ability and determination to do the job.

Ashley was still in shock. He looked over to Charlotte who gave him and approving nod.

Of course I would be iterested in taking the postion he thought to himself. This is one of the biggest jobs in the World, who wouldn't be.

Mr Calderon, it would be a pleasure to manage Real Madrid and of course, I accept the offer he said.

Ramon Calderon smiled This is good news, we shall arrange the press conference for Wednesday where you shall be introduced as the new manager here at Real. Of course, the details of your contract shall be drawn up and perhaps we can meet tomorrow to go over it.

Ashley nodded again.

Now please, let me show you our magnificent Stadium here at Madrid he said.

They all got up and shook hands. Then left the board room and Ashley and Charlotte were taken out pitch side and given a tour of where he would be managing for the forthcoming season. They were taken to the clubs trophy room and Ashley started to feel some sort of pressure regarding the task he had been given. He knew the Madrid fans would be expectant of him to challenge Barcelona for his seasons title and knew that if he didn’t deliver he would be subject to even greater pressure by the hardcore fans.

At the end of the tour both Ashley and Charlotte were taken back to the waiting Mercedes.

We have arranged rooms at the club hotel a short distance from here. Rest up and we shall see you tomorrow. Ramon advised.

As he got into the car the two of them shook hands.

Well that was a turn up for the books now wasn't it Ashley said to Charlotte. I'm quite looking forward to this he said.

With that the Mercedes drove them to the hotel where they would stay until the following day.

Spav

Promising start, smithaldo. :thup:

chesterfan2

After you, Spav, old buddy (continuation of sad FMS regulars in-joke)

But having said that this IS a good story so far, good luck with it and keep it up.

smithaldo

Thanks for the comments guys. Hope to keep you suitably entertained. And compliments/criticisms always welcome.

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The Next Day

After a relaxing night at the 5 star accommodation both Ashley and Charlotte were taken back to the Bernabue to sort out the details of his contract.

They were both led to the clubs board room again where 24 hours earlier he had been told he was to manage one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Mr Calderon welcomed him and introduced him to the clubs lawyers.

“Here are the conditions of your contract that we have come up with” Ramon advised as he passed the file to Ashley and Charlotte.

The two of them looked at the file. It outlined the details of the contract and what was expected for the forthcoming season. Being that this was the first contract that he had been offered in club management. The terms seemed fair.

“This seems fair enough” stated Charlotte. Ashley agreed.

However” Mr Calderon added, “due to your lack of experience in management, and the previous actions of managers before you we have decided to limit your spending in the transfer market this year. Of course, if you sell anyone this will also be added to you budget.2.

“That seems fair” Ashley replied.

After a few hours of sorting out the minor details of the contract Ashley singed the document and shook hands with the Chairman. He was now the official manager of Real Madrid.

“We will arrange a press conference to unveil you as the official manager of Real Madrid for tomorrow, along with some details of your appointment”.

Manager of Real Madrid he thought to himself. It still hadn’t sunk in. Who would have thought that someone as inexperienced as himself would be put in such a position of high prestige.

“Now, let us visit the training ground to introduce you to your squad” Mr Calderon said.

They walked through the corridors of the Bernabeu, walking past pictures of the greats that had been at the club in the past. Pictures of squads from different eras. Ashley imagined a picture of himself there with his squad, holding a trophy high in the air.

They got down to the training ground where the group of players he would be working with for the forthcoming season were gathered.

Ashley was nervous, he wondered how the players would take to such an inexperienced manager giving out orders. About the person telling them what to do being younger than them.

After the initial introduction he stood in front of the players who were all sat on the ground.

“Ok, this season is an important one for us here at Madrid. I expect 100% from each and every one of you.”.
“Everyone will get their chance this season and I hope we can all form a partnership that will see this club succeed”.

The players nodded in agreement with him.

“Now please, don’t let me keep you from your training session. I will at some point be speaking to each of you individually to advise you of what I expect this season”.

The players returned to their training session and Ashley and Charlotte were taken to the managers office where he would be conduction his business for the season ahead.

“I shall leave you now for you to get used to your surroundings” Mr Calderon said “Again, welcome to Real Madrid. If you have any problems and queries then please do not hesitate to come and see me”

With that he left the two of them in the plush office.

Ashley went and sat in the high back chair behind “his” desk.

“Manager of Real Madrid” he said to Charlotte.
“This is certainly and excellent opportunity for you” she replied, “I’m sure you’ll do fine”.
“I hope so, the Spanish fans can certainly make you feel unwelcome if things don’t go right with the results here”
“I’m going to go back to England this afternoon” Charlotte advised him. “I’ll go to your flat and pick you up some clothes and arrange all the details with the relevant people whilst your away”.

Ashley nodded. Not only was Charlotte his agent but she was also a good friend to him. They had know each other for a few years now, even before Ashley became her first client.

“Lets go get some lunch” he said to her.

The walked to the clubs restaurant and whilst eating discussed the conditions of the contract he had just signed.
“You’ll have to learn Spanish now of course” she told him.
Ashley groaned, he had never been one that took well to foreign languages. He was under the impression that everyone should be made to speak English.

After lunch they were driven to the Airport where Charlotte boarded a plane back to England.

“See you tomorrow” she said.
“Sure will” he replied.

Once he had watched her disappear through the departures gate he walked back outside the waiting Merc and was driven to the hotel.

He relaxed in his room whilst looking over the detail of his appointment, nervous about the proceedings that were to take place the next day.

smithaldo

The Unveiling Of The New Boss


“Welcome everybody” Ramon Calderon addressed the gathered press.
“Today we are here to unveil the new manager here at Real Madrid, you may be surprised by our appointment but we have every confidence that our new manager is the right person to take us forward”

With that Ashley walked out and say in front of the table where Ramon was sat. He looked out in the crowd at the faces of press, seeing the look of surprise on their faces.

After the questions and answering session had passed the details of the his contract were announced

“Ashley has been appointment on a one season contract with a view to increasing dependent on the success for the new season” Mr Calderon announced.
“His transfer budget will be £7 million pounds with the possibility of increase also dependent on success on the field”

A member of the Spanish press then shouted out “Any news on the why Fabio Cappellos contract was cut short after only one season here”

“At this time we are not disclosing why Mr Cappello left the club, these details will be released at a more appropriate time. And this is not the time”.

With that the two of them stood up and Mr Calderon held up a Madrid shirt, he handed it to Ashley who held it up. On the back of the shirt was his surname. He stood there for the press to take their photos, then walked out with Ramon.

smithaldo

The Squad


“I have left a document with the squad details for you to look at in your office” he told Ashley. “If you have any questions then please come see me”.

Ashley was taken to his office where a document lay on his desk. He opened it to see the squad he had to work with for the following season ahead. It outlined all the players, their contract details and injuries.

Goalkeepers

Iker Casillas - The 25 year old keeper had been at Madrid all of his career, making 239 appearances to date. Ashley knew this would be his first choice keeper for the season
Diego Lopez - The 24 year old Spaniard had been second choice keeper.Ashley looked at his training reports from the previous season. With a transfer budget of only 7 million he felt that Lopez would be adequate cover.

Defenders

Michel Salgado - 30 year old defender that had been at the club since 1999. He had made 27 first team appearances last season and had looked reliable as a right back
Sergio Ramos - 19 year old central defender that could also fill in as a defensive midfielder. He had arrived at the club the season before for a price tag of £19 million
Raul Bravo - 25 year as that was adept at playing in the center or the left of defence. Looking at his stats it seemed that from his 15 appearances last season he was very much a backup player.
Fabio Cannavaro - World Cup winning Italian defender that had recently joined from Juventus for £8 million. Some had said that he was the best central defender in the World. Ashley hoped he could live up to this tag
Alvaro Mejia - Another backup player is appeared from his stats last season. The 24 year old played in the center of defence. Ashley thought to himself that perhaps he could offload him to raise some more funds for his transfer budget as he appeared to have enough cover for the central defender position.
Francisco Pavon - 26 year old central defender that had been at the club since 1999. Had been on loan to a lower league club during his time at the club and again Ashley thought that he could be backup to his central defenders.
Ivan Helguera - 31 year old central defender who could also play as a defensive midfielder. He looked reliable and a safe player.
Cicinho - A Brazilian who had joined the club in 2005 from Sao Paolo. He looked like a pacy player from his stats and Ashley thought that maybe he could use this pace on the right side of defence.
Roberto Carlos - Another Brazilian. A World Cup winner and had been at Real since 1996. 35 appearances in the league last season with 5 goals. Ashley knew of Roberto’s pace but was worried about him being caught up the field if possession was lost.

Ashley had decided he had more than enough cover in the center of defence but was worried about lack of depth for the wide positions. He thought himself that perhaps he could try and look for cover for the left and right sides.

Midfielders

Mahamadou Diarra - Another new addition the Real side having joined from Lyon in the summer. He looked capable at playing as a defensive midfielder whilst also possibly playing on the right side.
Emerson - Another or the Brazilian contingent at Real. Had joined from Juventus that summer for nearly £10 million and was a defensive midfielder
David Beckham - The 31 year old had joined Real Madrid for £25 in the summer of 2004 from Manchester United. Ashley thought that he could still provide a threat on the right side of the pitch with his lethal crosses and also from his free kicks
Antonio Cassano - 23 year old Italian that was adept at playing on the left side of midfield as he was up front. Having made 12 first team appearances and scoring 1 goal last season Ashley hoped that he would improve on his goal scoring ability
Jose Antonio Reyes - 22 year old Spaniard that had been plying his trade in England for Arsenal until the summer. He was on a season long loan and Ashley hope that he could utilize him for the forthcoming season either on the left side of midfield or up front.
Guti - 29 year old attacking midfielder that had been at Real all of his career. With 4 goals from 33 appearances last season Ashley hoped he could find goal scoring form this season so that he wasn’t totally dependent on his strike force.

Attackers

Raul - The 29 year old Spaniard was also another player that had been at Real all of his career. With 99 Spanish caps to his name Ashley hoped he could get him scoring regularly. Ashley was also aware that Raul was the voice of the team.
Robinho - 22 year old Brazilian that had arrived at Real for £17 million in 2005 under high expectations. Ashley hoped that he could live up to the expectations and cause teams trouble in front of goal this season.
Ronaldo - The second Brazilian striker in the team. With 14 goals in 23 appearances last season Ashley hoped he could get the best out of the 31 year old. Unfortunalty he would have to wait as he was currently injured with a damage to his kneecap and would be unavailable for the next 2 months.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy - The 29 year old Dutchman had joined the club that summer for £10 million. Ashley thought that this as a steal for the club as his reputation throughout Europe was second to none.


Ashley had concluded that the squad he had could do the job. All he needed to do was to get them to play as a team as opposed to playing individuals. It looked promising for the new season if he could do this. He’s also noted that although he had players that could fill in for positions there were a few that he was light on players in, notably the left and right side of midfield. But with a transfer budget of only 7 million he was going to have to be shrewd in the transfer market.


After looking over the squad he turned his attention to the list of pre-season fixtures.

smithaldo

Monday 17th July - D.C United (A)
Thursday 20th July - Los Angeles Galaxy (A)
Sunday 23rd July - American All Stars East (A)
Saturday 29th July - AZ Almaar (Dutch)(A)
Friday 4th August - Torino (Italy)(H)


He was looking forward to the trip out to America. It gave him the opportunity to try out new tactics and getting the squad used to playing together under him. It would also give him the chance to see the new signings in action.

With the file under his arm he left the Bernabeu and headed to the hotel. The press were still gathered outside the stadium, scores of photographers snapping away as the car drove to the hotel. It had been a long day and he was tired. Tomorrow he would take charge of his first training sessions with his squad.

He switched on the telly where announcements of his appointment as manager were still being shown. I looked terrible on TV he thought to himself as he put his head down to get some sleep. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

The next day he arrived at his office to find a fax had come through. It was headed with the crest of Lazio. They had put in an offer for Ivan Helguera for 650,000 for the services and provided a deadline of the 6th July for a decision. Ashley immediately asked his club appointed personal assistant to reply with a refusal of the offer. They were trying to get Ivan on the cheap as the clubs valuation of the player was a lot higher than what they were offering.

On his desk were a stack of the days papers. He wasn’t able to read Spanish so his assistant relayed some of the stories of his appointment to him. The overall opinion was that Real were taking a huge risk in signing an unknown to manage them. The clubs official supporters group were also unhappy about an unknown being appointed manager. Ashley hoped that good results on the pitch would this.

Also in the headlines was a story the Barcelona were interested in signing Thiery Henry from Arsenal. Ashley though to himself that with the players that had already signing the goal scoring Frenchman would only add the their chances of retaining both the league and European cup that they had won last season.

Also amongst the stories was that Chelsea had signed David Villa for £45 million. He thought how nice it would be to have such funds available to him.

He headed out of his office and down to the training ground to conduct his first training session. It went well although some of the players seemed to find it difficult understanding exactly what he wanted them to do. The language barrier could cause a problem he had thought to himself so he decided that an interpreter was needed.

The rest of the weeks training sessions went well. The players were slowly regaining their fitness after the short break that they’d had since returning back from World Cup duty. It wasn’t long before they would be heading out to America for their pre-season friendlys. The board had decided to tour the US in hope of gaining a foothold in the commercial market out there.

smithaldo

Pre-season

The team had arrived in America with high expectations to do well. And they didn’t disappoint. Winning all three matches and not letting in a single goal Ashley was happy that his defence looked solid and his attackers were scoring the goals. He was also pleased that David Beckham had been in top form, providing the assists for the majority of goals that had been scored.

D.C. United 0 - 4 Real Madrid Raul (53,60,83), V.Nistelrooy (67)
Los Angeles 0 - 3 Real Madrid V.Nistelrooy (18), Beckham(44), Robinho(54)
American All Stars East 0 - 4 Real Madrid Raul(3), Cassano(24, 35), Cicinho(67)

The team had then flown to Holland to face AZ Alkmaar where they let in the only goal of the pre-season matches

Whilst in America he had been made aware of a young Columbian right winger Sherman Cardenas. He was a 16 year old that had yet to sign a professional contract with his club side Bucaramanga. His scouts had seen him in a pre-season friendly and the reports were he was a promising young player. After meeting up with his representatives the youngster had agreed to sign with Madrid and would join up with the Squad on their return to Madrid.

AZ Alkmaar 1 - 2 Real Madrid V.Nistelrooy (1), Beckham (pen 78)
Meerdink(84)

On their return back the Madrid they played host to the Italian side Torino who they demolished in a satisfying 6-0 rout.

Real Madrid 6 - 0 Torino
V.Nistelrooy (23,43)
Cassano (34)
Beckham (53,70)
Robinho (66)

Ashley was pleased with the pre-season results and although realising that his side would be facing much tougher opponents that those they had already faced he hoped the winning form would continue into the season ahead.

Ashley had also been keeping tabs on a few other players that had been highlighted by his scouts and hoped within the coming weeks to have a few new faces at the Bernabue.

Whilst he had been away the upcoming seasons fixture list had been compiled and Madrid’s first match would be at home to Athlectic Club Bilbao who were considered to be one of Reals rivals. He was confident that on the form his team had shown during pre-season they had enough to get the win.

At that moment the phone in the office rang

“Hello”
“Hello Mr Smith, I have Roberto Mancini on line one for you” said his assistant, “shall I put him through
“Please do Pedro” he replied
He waited for the Inter Milan manager to be put through but the line went dead.
“Ah, I sorry Mr Ashaaley, I seemed to have cut him off” explained Pedro
“Get him back on the line”

The line rang and Ashley awaited an answer.
“Hello” said an Italian voice
“Hello, is that Roberto” Ashley asked
“Yes, this is him, who is this” replied the Italian.
“It’s Ashley Smith here, I believe you called, I’m afraid my assistant cut you off trying to pass you through to me, I apologise”
“Tis not a problem, I have had it on many occasion for myself” Mancini replied in good spirit
[i]“How can I help Roberto”[/] Ashley asked
“Well, firstly let me congratulate you on your appointment as manager there at Real, I hope you do not let the pressure get to you there” Mancini said “I would like to ask if Casillas is available for transfer and how much you would be willing to let him go for”
“There’s about as much chance of me letting Iker go as there is Italy retaining the next World Cup” Ashley replied
“Ah, so for how much then” he replied in a serious tone
“I’m afraid there’s no chance he’ll be leaving here in the near future Roberto, although thanks for the interest”
“I understand Mr Smith, I thank you for entertaining my call, and if I were you I’d teach your assistant how to use the telephone”
"I’ll do that” replied Ashley, and with that the conversation was over.