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Authors Note - My main reason for beginning this story in comparison to my previous effort is two fold. Firstly, I felt I'd stalled a bit in terms of motivation and direction. Secondly, I wanted to make more progress through the game whilst trimming down on my lengthy monthly reports. We'll see how it compares.
Settings
Leagues:
South Africa - Prem only
South Korea - K League only
Mexico - Primera only
Austria - 1st League and above
Belgium - Div 2 and above
Bulgaria - B and above
Czech Rep - 2 League and above
Denmark - 2nd Div and above
England - League 2 and above
France - National and above
Germany - 2nd and above
Italy - C1 and above
Holland - Div 2 and above
Portugal - Div 2 and above
Russia - Div 1 and above
Spain - Segunda and above
Turkey - Div 2 and above
Ukraine - Div 2 and above
Australia - A league
Argentina - Div 2 and above
Brazil - Serie B and above
Version - 7.02
Database - 7.02 (unedited other than Beckham transfer)
I have started this game with the intention of creating a monstrous career game. We will follow Luka Storburg, the Austro-German and his exploits. I hope you enjoy it.
Every managerial career has to start somewhere, and it was evident that Luka Storburg did not expect to start at Sturm Graz. As far as shocks went, the Graz fans had seen it all now. An unheard of manager taking the increasingly heavy reigns at a club that had been in a very real danger for the last few years. Managers with no playing experience begin at the bottom rung on the lowest ladder. That was the accepted rule in the football world. The majority of these newbies usually fade away into the managerial abyss. Then there are the more fortunate ones, the ones that achieve some degree of success and are poached by the bigger clubs to see if they can step up to the next level. Then there are men like Luka Storburg who are just born lucky.
Luka Storburg was unlike normal men, he was the kind of man that would win lotteries. The kind of man that would survive a 100mph crash with no seatbelt on. His appointment was the footballing equivalant.
Luka had always supported Sturm Graz they were his hometown club. He'd even played football for the U19's about twenty years ago. However his talent as a defender had a limit and he was discarded before his 19th birthday. However Luka did not turn his back on football, he chose to embrace it. For the 20 years up to now, he has been following Sturm Graz religiously through the good times and the more recent tough times. He also coached a local mens team every sunday - so he had some feel for how clubs were run. But this was a much larger task. How did he get the job you ask? Allow me to explain.
Luka knew people. He was like that, he'd met the chairman Hans Rinner many times and they'd forged a friendship. Luka was also fortunate to know many of the same friends of outgoing manager Franco Foda. Fortune and luck combined one night as Luka found himself in the same nightclub as Foda and his friends. It was this evening that Luka saw the true Foda - the drug abusing, alcohol guzzling 'manager' that had failed twice already at Graz. Storburg reported this to Rinner the next day and that was the reason Foda had his contract terminated.
It was this kind of 'snitch' attitude that Luka loved about himself. Whilst others saw it as a vice, to Luka it was one of his many virtues. It got him places, and this was certainly an example where he'd benefit ultimately. The chairman appreciated this kind of assistance and that is how I can best explain why Luka Storburg is sitting in Franco Foda's office as we speak. Rinner gave Luka a 1 year contract as a kind of 'thank you' and despite the outrage shown by the fans at the appointment, Rinner did his best to explain that this would be the man to alleviate their fortunes. Rinner had no idea how right he'd be. Now I'm not a betting man but if I had to put money on the whereabouts of Storburg in 10 years - it would certainly not be in Graz. He was ambitious and disloyal. He was a man with many vices - all used in a self serving manner. Luka was gonna make it.
Sturm Graz Club Information
Founded: 1909
Rivals: GAK, Rapid Wien, Austria Wien
Club Valus: £2.7m
Stadium: Graz-Liebenau (formally the Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium)
Capacity: 15400 all seater with under-soil heating
Media Prediction: 7th (out of 10)
Balance: £3.7m
Transfer Funds: £1m
Wage Budget: £35,585
Current Total: £21,974
Sturm Graz had fallen on hard times lately. The club had been battling relegation for 3 years now after enjoying their most successful period in the late 90s. They won back to back titles in 1998 and 1999 for the first time ever under manager Ivica Osim, and subsequently played in the UEFA Champions League for 2 seasons. Match squad and backroom staff analysis to come.
Christian Gratzei - GK, Austrian, 24 y/o
Been at the club for 5 years and has largely avoided playing time. Backup keeper at best. Not agile and erratic.
Grzegorz Szamotulski - GK, Polish, 30 y/o
First choice keeper but we could definitely get better. Imposing figure at 6'2 and entering his second season here. Getting a new keeper could be Lukas first assignment.
Uwe Kropfhofer - GK, Austrian, 20 y/o
3rd choice keeper and relatively average. Is young so we'll see how he develops over the course of the year. Luka didn't hold much hope.
Defenders
Mitja Morec - SW,DRC, Slovenia, 23 y/o
Looks fairly solid but not entirely sure how much he will feature. He has never appeared regularly in all the 4 years that he's been at the club.
Frank Verlaat - SW,DC, Dutch, 38 y/o
Very well rounded defender and a true veteran of the game. This will be his twentieth season in the game and he could still be a big part of the Graz first team.
Jakob Karl - DRC, Austrian, 19 y/o
Barely worth a mention. Awful defender with very little going for him. Won't last long.
Markus Prettenthaler - DL, Austrian, 23 y/o
Fairly reliable left back. Will feature this season, but not entirely sure yet whether he will be a permanent fixture in the side. Very influential.
Gernot Suppan - D LC, DM, Austrian, 20 y/o
An average backup defender. He is a product of the youth system but will be unlikely to make much impression on first team matters this year. A versatile backup counts in his favor.
Thomas Friess - DC, Austrian, 21 y/o
The assistant manager told Luka that he could be part of the defence this season, however Storburg could tell he'd play little part. He needed to find a new centre back to either provide better cover or partner Verlaat.
Thomas Krammer - D,WB,MR, Austrian, 23 y/o
Former Austrian under 21 player. Was he a full back? Was he a winger? Was he even any good? Not really. But he would almost certainly play some part on the right flank this year.
Sandro Lindschinger - D,WB,ML, Austrian, 20 y/o
Another full back-come-winger. Other than being determined and possessing a long throw, there was little else he'd offer Storburg's team.
Alen Djukic - DLC,DM, Slovenian, 20 y/o
Very bad defender. In the reserves, up for loan - highly likely he'll be up for transfer too.
Midfielders
Jurgen Saumel - DM,MLC, Austrian, 21 y/o
A full Austrian international and full of talent. Unfortunately he is out for 8 months with....a back strain! Shocking. That will rule him out for almost the entire season.
Dragan Sarac - D,WB,AML, Serbian, 30 y/o
Definitely more of a winger than a full back. Possesses a good cross but a lack of dribbling ability lets him down. Despite this, he should still play a strong role on the left.
Adam Ledwon - DM, Polish, 32 y/o
A solid and reliable defensive midfielder. In his second season here, should make plenty of appearances, his experience will help if nothing else.
Gerald Saumel - DM, Austrian, 20 y/o
The younger brother of injured Jurgen. He is a product of the youth system and will look to rotate with his soon to be mentor Ledwon. Has potential, but needs work on his physical attributes.
Cedric Kinzumbi Tsimba - AMRC,FC, Swiss, 21 y/o
Best name of the squad so far. He is a young Swiss under 21 player who still hasn't found his best position. He is very raw at the moment. Born to Democratic Republic of Congoese parents.
Christoph Leitgeb - AMLC, Austrian, 21 y/o
A good all round midfielder. His strongest position is to be played in an advanced central midfield position but can also fill in on the left flank. Will be a big part of Luka's plans.
Mario Kienzl - AMC, Austrian, 22 y/o
A not too talented attacking midfielder and will definitely remain backup to Lietgeb.
Bojan Filipovic - AM,FC, Serbian, 30 y/o
A very talented attacking midfielder, could end up forcing Leitgeb to play on the left wing as he does not have the killer instinct to play up front.
Klaus Salmutter - AMRLC,FC, Austrian, 22 y/o
Versatile midfielder who is more comfotable on the left wing. Likely to be a backup all season. Could be sold.
Herbert Rauter - AMR, ST, Austrian, 24 y/o
For some reason he holds the number 8 shirt. He is not talented in the slightest, and yet has been a regular these last 2 years - could explain Sturm Graz's recent decline. Bad footballer.
Daniel Beichler - AMLC,FC, Austrian, 17 y/o
Talented youngster who has clearly attracted interest lately. Will spend this year at Reggina looking to earn a contract. He will hopeully return to us next year.
Strikers
Polo Nzuzi - AMR,SC, Democratic Rep of Congoese, 25 y/o
A very talented attacker, naturally fit and full of pace. Not so sure about his finishing but will definately start.
Diego Rottensteiner - SC, Austrian, 22 y/o
Not particularly talented forward, and yet somehow he managed to find the net 9 times in 10 games last season. Likely to provide cover this year.
Amadou Dangadji Rabihou - SC, Cameroonian, 21 y/o
Completes the African contingent at the club. Offers an average return in terms of goals. Is a large forward who has been here for 4 years. Looking for him to press on and improve this season.
Analysis:
It would seem Luka has a lot of work to do. There aren't any outstanding individuals so he will have to forge something in the way of team spirit - if such a thing existed in Austrian football? The transfer market would have to be used wisely, but with £1million to spend, Luka would have to make it go a long way. This year's ambitions revolve around what it expected - aim to stay clear of relegation. The league table informs us that we have had 3 points deducted already for financial irregularities from the 2005/06 season. Excellent news. There are 36 games to be played - as everyone plays everyone 4 times. The bottom team is relegated and the top 2 make the Champions league. 3rd is UEFA cup and 4th is Inter Toto, depending on the winner of the Hallen Cup. Squads are allowed no more than 7 non EU players. As Nzuzi is half Belgian, the current squad contains 3 non EU players - the two Serbs and the Cameroonian. In the youth squad there are 2 more, whether or not they are counted, we will find out soon.
Martin Latka - DC, Czech, 21 y/o
My first signing was a pleasing one. I hope Martin is here to stay for years to come - at least as long as I'm here. Based on my scout reports, he is destined to be a lynchpin of my defence this year. He will compliment Verlaat well.
Juan Jose Velazquez - DC,DM, Peruvian, 35 y/o
Juan has been brought in to add experience to the squad as well as give some vital competition in defence. He can also play in central midfield which is helpful.
Alexandre Mendy - SC, French, 22 y/o
Hailed by the players as a great signing, Mendy had it all - he was a good finisher, good in the air, was composed and had youth on his side. I was eagerly anticipating seeing him in action.
I was also very pleased with the additions I made in the backroom. If we were going to succeed I needed a reliable and talented set of scouts and coaches. I was pleased that I'd gone some way to achieving this.
Friendlies
Our first friendly was away at Vaduz. After a solid game we led 1-0 through a Rabihou goal but conceded late on to leave Switzerland with a slightly unfortunate draw. Our second friendly against Parndorf saw the debuts of Latka, Mendy and Velazquez. A first half hattrick from Mendy confirmed what the players knew - I'd signed a gem here. Leitgeb wrapped things up for a resounding 4-0 win and everyone flew home happy. Throughout the friendlies I'd adopted a fairly standard 4-4-2 with the intention of creating a hard working, swift passing team. Our third and final friendly confirmed that this 4-4-2 also provided a solid defensive foundation. Latka was looking good alongside Verlaat, and Mendy bagged another goal. Rabihou sealed the win and our unbeaten pre season stood us in good stead for the opener away to archrivals Austria Wien.
The first news since the pre-season friendlies was the sale of Jakob Karl on a free to Koflach. He was immediately put on the transfer list as soon as I saw him in training - a vast waste of space I think my thoughts were.
Overall I was pleased with the signings I'd made, but still slightly disappointed that I didn't find a new keeper. After the friendlies and seeing the lads in training I was also slightly concerned about my wingers. Although I'd decided to start the season with a flat 4-4-2, there was a very real possibility that I could switch to a 4-3-1-2 if things didn't work. Anyway the Austrian season began on the 18th July with our away clash with Austria Wien.
My starting line up was going to be:
GK: Szamoutulski
DR: Krammer
DL: Lindschinger
DC: Verlaat (C)
DC: Latka
MR: Salmutter
ML: Sarac
MC: Leitgeb
MC: Ledwon
FC: Nzuzi
FC: Mendy
Austria Wien, Away, Bundesliga - 18.7.06
Fantastic start by Sturm Graz and the honour of first goal of the season fell to our right winger Klaus Salmutter. It was an excellent strike on his right foot as he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box. However despite this alarmingly great start, the superior Austria Wien bounced back right before half time. A superb strike from Vaclav Sverkos levelled things, and frustratingly. the final kick of the first half saw them go 2-1 ahead through Sidinei. Despite early pressure in the second half, we were subdued by Banovic who slotted to make it 3-1. Shockingly weak defending and we'd been undone. A minor injury to Mendy compounded our problems as we failed to find a route back into the match. 3-1 to the rivals.
MOM - Vaclav Sverkos
Never being one to hide from criticism I responded to Hans Krankl's comments by declaring that I was happy with my players efforts. The so and so had just tipped us for the drop. Cheeky....
The Austria Wien match made me fully understand the enormity of the task ahead of me. The wealth of talent available to some of the sides in this division could blow us away. Austria Wien had Sverkos as well as Milenko Acimovic and Ivica Banovic. Rapid Wien had Czech legend Radek Bejbl and the newly owned Salzburg Red Bulls had incredible depth. Alexander Zickler, Vratislav Lokvenc, Johan Vonlanthen, Niko Kovac, Christian Tiffert, Thomas Linke to name but a few. I felt they would win the title come May.
Altach, Away, Bundesliga - 22.7.06
Altach were predicted to go down this year so it was always going to be interesting to see how we'd fare against them. A bland first half did nothing to quell the doubters of either side. There really was very little to talk about. Second half saw no changes but did see us take the lead early into it. After the Mendy injury, Rabihou came in for his first start and he rewarded me with the tap in to make it 1-0. Minutes later our resolve was tested and much like last week it failed. It was 1-1 and we were looking worryingly soft at the back. Another confirmation arrived 20 minutes later after a Verlaat mistake led to an easy tap in for the Altach striker. We were 2-1 down to the worst team in the league. Uh oh. It stayed that way, and the season had begun dreadfully. We were still stuck on -3 points!
First round draw of the T-Mobile Hallen Cup saw us pitted against FC Gratkorn away. They are currently lying midtable in the 2nd division.
I Travelled for the away game against Graz when Rangers played them a few years back in the CL. I hadn't realised things had got quite so bad since then. Shame, great wee club with a great support and were very good to us - bring the glory years back to them!!
Thank you RingMaster - I myself had little idea of their recent plight until I had a look around on Wikipedia. Hopefully I can turn it all around. Hope you continue enjoying the ride. :thup:
August 2006
Wacker Tirol, Home, Bundesliga - 5.8.06
Mendy returns to the team to complete the only change from last weeks shambles. The first half was relatively pleasing as we mainly controlled the possession. Plenty of half chances fell for Mendy and Rabihou but we went in at the break level and scoreless. A mass scramble after the break so nearly resulted in Mendy's first league goal but it was bravely cleared by the keeper. This turned out to be the closest we would come to scoring, and seeing as Wacker Tirol offered nothing in the way of chances the game ended in stalemate.
MOM - Tarik Oulida (Tirol)
Rabihou was injured late and will be out for 2 weeks with a bruised thigh.
Ried, Home, Bundesliga - 12.8.06
Nzuzi came in for the injured Rabihou. After a fairly painful first half, there were once again few chances to shout about. Mendy looked tired and was taken off for Filipovic at half time. I hoped someone would produce some sort of inspiration in the second half. Amazingly my prayers were answered as Sarac played a delicious through to Salmutter who finished calmly. We were 1 up and closing in on our first victory. I should have known better however as they opened us up in a very similar manner as we did to them. It was an equally good finish and once again we'd head back to the dressing room still stuck on negative points.
MOM - Sarac
Bad midweek news as I was informed by my physio Gerhard Wallner that keeper Szamotulski would be out for up to a month wth a calf strain. This looked ominous based on the quality of his backup. Rabihou returned to full training days later
GAK, Away, Bundesliga - 19.8.06
This was the big Graz derby. The stadium was the same, the only difference would be the number of GAK fans compared to our Sturm fans. My only change was to bring in keeper Gratzei. Despite being the 'away' team we went out there with a great attitude and the boys did me proud. We dominated proceedings and were unlucky not to see Lietgeb give us the lead. I only hoped they'd maintain this performance in the second half - after all, managers careers were shaped on the outcome of derbys like these. As expected, GAK came out with an improved attitude and we were fortunate to see their goal ruled out for offside. Minutes later we had a chance of our own, only to be foiled by their keeper. Lietgeb so nearly gave us the victory minutes later with a header that just went wide and with 10 minutes remaining it was time to make some changes. We defended solidly for these final minutes and earned a very credible draw. We were now on 0 points! A cause for celebration I reckon.
MOM - Sarac
More bad news as Mendy was reported to be out for up to a month with a pulled hamstring. It may be time to scout around the loan market.
Salzburg, Home, Bundesliga - 27.8.06
Arguably the best team in the division, Salzburg arrived with a confident swagger. We were bottom they were top. But we were unbeaten at home! How long would it last? I was guessing 90 minutes. Rabihou came back in for the injured Mendy as our only change. The game started poorly, and we were once again thanking the linesman for ruling out another goal! Despite the battering we took in the first half, we nearly went in at the break 1 up were it not for a good save from Lietgeb's shot. Verlaat was leading for example and I was hoping we'd come out for the second half without the cobwebs that usually accompanied us. Thankfully we were more focussed and nearly made the breakthrough with a Lietgeb free kick. Amazingly on the 65th minute, a fortunate ricochet saw the ball land at Nzuzi's feet and he made no mistake from 10 yards. We were 1 up - could we hold on? 5 minutes later and I had my answer - Yes! Unbelievably a Rabihou header beat the keeper at the near post and we had a 2-0 lead to defend for 15 minutes. It was time for a defensive tactical switch. Velazquez came on in the midfield to offer some solidity there as we adopted a more counter attacking formation. It worked and a memorable victory had been achieved over Giovanni Trapettoni's Salzburg.
MOM - Rabihou
The morale on the training ground for the following week was sky high and we were now unbeaten in 4 games. Maybe the honeymoon period had just arrived a little later than expected. In other news, I secured the transfer of former Rapid Wien forward Roman Kienast from Ham Kam in Norway for 110k. I had another couple of potential loan signings in the pipe line but as it turned out, they all didn't fancy a move to Graz. It was disappointing but life would go on.
Roman Kienast - SC, Austrian, 22 y/o
A very talented all round forward who could be compared to Alexandre Mendy. He will provide good competition up front as I now feel as if we have 4 decent forwards to pick from.
Overall a very pleasing month, it looks as if this season will be a little less stressful than I first anticipated. Hopefully we can maintain this momentum into September.
Authors note - Thanks BobBev, it was certainly something I had aimed to improve as I found my first story to be too detailed. It ended up being slightly too overwhelming as a read and consequently I opted for something more simple here. Glad you're enjoying it.
Good news arrived at the start of the month as my first team keeper Szamotulski resumed full training. Suprise of the season so far was to see Altach sitting in 2nd spot. They were predicted to come bottom and yet, they were flying high.
Mattersburg, Home, Bundesliga - 10.9.06
The new man Kienast came straight in as Nzuzi was on international duty. Our home fans witnessed arguably the fastest injury in Sturm Graz history - the ever improving Sarac was stretchered off after just 17 seconds. The first half was a scrappy affair between two teams stuck at the wrong end of the table. Mattersburg largely sat back and soaked up our sporadic use of possession. The second half was infuriating. We had the ball in the net on the 80th minute through a Salmutter header which was inexplicably chalked off for offside. I was livid minutes later as a lucky long ball caught Latka out and we found ourselves 1 down with minutes remaining. Thankfully the last kick of the game gave me the last laugh as Salmutter claimed his deserved goal with a nice finish. We were still unbeaten at home. Fortress Schwarzenegger I had dubbed it.
MOM - Miroslav Holenak (Mattersburg)
Sarac has a bruised shin, and the fears that he may have broken his leg have been quashed. He should be back in a week.
Gratkorn, Away, Hallen Cup - 13.9.06
This potential banana skin was averted in the first half after a demoralising combination by our two forwards to take us into the break 2-0 up. Kienast and Rabihou with the goals, both taken clinically. Our lower league opponents failed to test over the course of the matech and Rabihou made it 3-0 with a good header from a corner. However Gratkorn did burst into life at this point, and a curling free kick pulled a goal back. Surely just a consolation I thought? Apparently not as Wemmer banged a rasping 20 yard strike into the top corner. This was getting worrying and my concernes were confirmed in the 92nd minute as Wemmer created a chance for Panagiotopoulos who made it 3-3. What the hell had happened to my defence!? This was one flimsy performance to many and I pointed the finger at the geriatric Verlaat. He was hauled off for the only slightly younger Velazquez as this game entered extra time. My words of anger had some effect as immediately we found that 4th goal. Kienast rose and flicked the ball into the path of Filipovic who proceeded to lift the ball over the onrushing Heinz Weber. The final minutes saw us wrap up the tie - Rabihou was so unlucky not to complete his hattrick but the keepers parry fell to Kienast who smashed it in off the defender - counting as an own goal. Not a great defensive performance, but we looked great going forward.
MOM - Kienast
We've been handed a tricky draw away at Wacker Tirol in the 2nd round. In injury news, Alexandre Mendy is back in full training.
Pasching, Away, Bundesliga - 17.9.06
This was a clash between 8th and 10th and meant a lot. We kept a similar team to that of last week, only seeing Filipovic come in for Kienzl. We had the majority of chances in the first half, and recent hotshot Kienast got on the end of an excellent Salmutter cross to make it 1-0. This lead did not last long however, as we were pegged back by a similar finish from Agic. I had a half time dilemma though, as Kienast had a small injury. I decided to keep him on until the 60th minute and make a change then. It paid off as Kienast set up Filipovic for our 2nd goal. Nzuzi took the place of Kienast for the final 30 minutes. I'm happy to say we closed the game out well and took home 3 valuable points. Pleasing times indeed.
Post match news saw Kienast ruled out for 3 weeks with a damaged elbow. Bad news, although the return of Mendy would go some way to appeasing me.
Rapid Wien, Away, Bundesliga - 24.9.06
Our third rivals Rapid Wien would be our next challenge to avoid. This was going to be our hardest match in a while, the reward would see us leap off the bottom of the league. We were under pressure for the majority of the match but it wasn't until the 60th minute that we finally fell behind. It took a massive slice of luck for Kincl to slide the ball into the net as the parry from our keeper Gratzei couldn't have landed in a nicer position for him. As we pushed for the goal, I was disappointed to see Gratzei beaten by an incredibly weak strike from 20 yards - this would certainly signal the end of his intermission as number 1 keeper. This woeful performance was completed as he conceded another soft goal to Kincl - his hattrick - and the end of a miserable day for us. The run had come to an end and we were still at the foot of the table.
MOM - Marek Kincl (Rapid Wien)
Midweek brought some tough news to take - Velazquez had twisted sharply in training - he was going to be out for around 2 months. This meant, "Flimsy" Frank Verlaat would have to step back into the defence.
Altach, Home, Bundesliga - 30.9.06
The first half was relatively scrappy, but lit up after a great through ball from Filipovic. Rabihou steamed onto it and tucked his chance away to give us a 1-0 lead at the break. However in the dressing room I was informed that Rabihou had a small injury and it would be best to take him off. So Mendy made another substitute appearance for us as he continued his road to match fitness. I was pleased to see Szamotulski back in goal particularly after an athletic save right after half time. As the 70th minute approached Alexandre Mendy produced the sublime, turning his marker and slotting cooly past Tomas Grigar to give us an almost unassailable lead. Final score 2-0 - a great result against high flying Altach.
MOM - Frank Verlaat
Another pleasing month bar the Rapid Wien match. We've finally risen off the bottom off the league and I hope our ascension continues. The way in which we're going I could see a top half of the table finish. Long way yet though!
Where in the world is Herr Luka Storburg? 
Linear Mode
