retired_acivin

Aaarrrggghhh...schoolboy error! What a blunder!
Well pointed out Damien. Such a silly mistake. You are right. The story is indeed set in 2024. I cant believe I have been writing as if it was 2007.

I apologize to everyone reading this. Seems I have messed up the dates big time. But it is 2024 now.

I will continue with proper dates! Hope my blunder is forgiven.

retired_acivin

Just a quick note to everyone who’s reading this: I apologise for the incorrect year in the updates above. It is indeed year 2024 and not 2007 as has been incorrectly mentioned above. I didn’t realise I was using the wrong year. Hope that it doesn’t put you of this story.


1st Feb, 2024
I get the usual training report. This is what Carlos says:
- Pena, Gonzales have been performing well in training. Although Smirnoff is slacking off a bit. I assume that it is because he is not heavily involved in first team duties.
- Lea won the January’s player of the month, and Stevens comes second. This is what Carlos had to say about Lea:

“Decisive centre back Mark Lea has firmly established himself as a good first team player and feels he will feature heavily in the Don Domination. The central defender has enjoyed some good form this season, and his recent performances have been solid. ”

- Stevens also wins the goal of the month for his beautiful curling shot from the edge of the area against Watford.

Another signing was made by the Dons today, a 21 year old Russian left winger – Vladimir Sofranov. This player was brought to my attention by Scott Walker, my scout. Scott had found a fair few players in Russia; players, who could meet the premiership level. Although Vladmir does not have a work permit yet, he should soon. Another player who goes to Polkowice, in Poland, in order to avoid the work permit issue. That makes 10 players in line for first team squad.

Newspapers have been going on about how bad at man-management Raj Sachdeva is. They don’t understand, they would never know. Taking a team to new heights is not an easy task, and there are sacrifices.

I battle my demon as I see these players working day in day out towards a better future. Are these just lambs and nothing else? To me, do they not mean anything more?. I try to find the answers, but there are none. None what-so-ever.

retired_sachin_g006

really enjoying the story, dont worry about the date thing we have done it sometime.

retired_acivin

Mark and Noptje, Thanks a lot. Really appreciate the kind words. And Mark, yea, I will try and keep up with the date now. And thanks for reading!



3rd Feb, 2024
The Swindon first team arrives for the clash against the Dons. They look arrogant, Why though? I ask myself!

Swindon lie in 20th position, smack bottom of the table. They could certainly have nothing to win today! Then it hit me. They have nothing to lose!

When a tiny ant faces a big elephant; the elephant can simply crush the ant. Survival of the fittest. But I try to remember what my mother once told me. “The ant” she said “is small, but can enrage and defeat even the mightiest of the elephants.” I always remembered that, mostly for its aesthetic value. But now I see her point. I am the elephant. I can’t be too careless.

Favored 1-20 to win, I send in Smirnoff and De La Cruz. They haven’t been given much chance this season, and to keep them happy, it’s the least I can do!

I tell my team to win the game for the supporters. Perez seems low on morale, but the team should perform. Fatigue worries me, but these are top-class athletes, they should get through.

The match begins:

Its raining. I did not expect that. This requires change in tactics. I look in to my book, and see what can be done. I am too late.

Luckily though, fortunes favored us. By the 8th minute, a counter attack sees Smirnoff’s shot deflected onto the £12M Julio Carvajal. And a beautiful strike sees him score his 4th goal of the season. I might stick with this for now!

Smirnoff shoots at goals twice, but the opposition keeper blocks it both times. 31st minute, and we are still 1-0 up, and piling on the pressure. Vieira’s dangerous free kicks are stopped. For how long I wonder. Smirnoff proves himself again, scoring on the break. This takes Dons to 2-0 in the 45th minute. Perez scores another. 3-0. Dons look unstoppable. At least that’s what the commentators say.

In the dressing room, Perez comes up to me:
“Hey Chief, I am injured, don’t think I can continue anymore.” I am now talking to world class players. With each win, they inch towards more arrogance, more pay rise. I hope Perez is not one of them. I send King on the right wing.

The second half:

Soon after, Smirnoff heads a ball over the goal. He is not good in the air, still, worth the money. By 61st minute, nothing has changed, but the very next minute, an own goal by Swindon sees us going up 4-0. I am bored already.

Swindon try their luck, but fail, time and again. Its too late, or maybe not. Lea scores an own goal. This is not good! Carlos tells me that I should discipline him for recent performances. Carlos, the assistant told me that Lea was invaluable member to the team. I let it slip and simply substitute Lea.

Alex Singh, my backup defender has performed well in all the games. That’s 8M worth spent, I think to myself. The corner set pieces of the Dons have been deplorable today. Something that I will have to remedy soon.

More intercepted crosses sees us through to 88th minute. Nothing would change from now, I knew that. Another corner and another miss. Atleast the score is 4-1, I think to myself. Bo worries.

But lo and behold, in the 92nd minute, Smirnoff scores a sitter to take the score to 5-1. Dominguez the architect again! This kid is amazing, Carlos tells. I nod. Happily.

We dominate, with 61% possession. A convincing win, the media says. Smirnoff walks away with the Mom. Truly memorable performance.

Maybe he deserves a place after all.

Final Score:
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> --------------------------------------------------------- AFC Wimbledon 5-1 Swindon --------------------------------------------------------- Carvajal (7)|Lea (og 67) Smirnoff (45, 90)| Perez (45)| Lusinga (og 62)| --------------------------------------------------------- </pre>

retired_acivin

6th Feb, 2024
Friedel came to me today. Bringing with him a report of a 19 year old Italian player, called Giusti. This player should be a definite purchase, his report said.
However, there is a stumbling block. He is owned by Inter, and I doubt they will let him go for cheap.

In other news, the under-achieving Man City appointed the ex-Chelsea manager P Furlong as their new manager. Furlong was previously sacked following a string of bad results.

Carlos brings in the latest international report:
20 of our players played across 7 different matches today. Barragan in particular was exceptional. This boy is simply unstoppable.
Moreover, Amauri played his first match for Poland.

I was happy. After 3 long years, Amauri, the little Brazilian kid I picked from Racing had played his first international game. And earned a MOM too. Daley, my chairman had once told me, “You know Raj, this is a sound investment. One for the future.” I couldn’t agree more.


11th Feb, 2024
Dominguez must be stopped

This is what the Plymouth manager says. Dominguez has been on fire recently. Although Gary Sadler, my head physio tells me, “Dominguez is suffering from flu, so he needs to be sent home.” And so I did. It’s a perfect platform for Amauri to show his skills.

We are visiting Plymouth today. The match should be exciting. This is their 6th consecutive season in the top tier, and performing well within the expectations. 13th, Carlos tells me. This should again be an easy win, but I have been wrong before.

Amauri is the center of attention today. His moral is fine. I try to tell him that there is no pressure on him today, he should go and enjoy the game. I think he turns a deaf year to my advice. “He is an ambitious fella”, Emerton had warned me. I paid no heed. I guess what goes around comes around.

The match begins:

Plymouth start with their traditional 3-5-2. We are playing with a wide 4-2-1-3. It’s a gut-check, playing wide away from home is suicidal. But I am hoping for the best. Smirnoff gives me a win, so as to confirm that he will work hard today, score a few more.

11th minute sees Lea score from an indirect free-kick, Being 6’4” tall, I didn’t expect anything else. Alex Singh whispers in my ear “Hopefully he won’t go to the other end and score another own goal today”. Lea has managed to score 2 own goals in the past 3 games. I look at Alex nervously. “I hope not”, I say. 1-0 nevertheless.

Plymouth counter with a beautifully executed move, but Dillon, the dependable, easily saves the simple lob.

Talk about curses. Dillon gets on the other end of the stick by giving away an own goal. Mr. Dependable is not so dependable after all. This makes the score line 1-1 and my heart sink.

Its half-time, and Dillon comes into the dressing room feeling great! I didn’t like it one bit. “A silly error must not cost a team points. Even if it does, it should make you feel responsible, and not happy”. Perhaps I was too harsh. But he promised to perform better. Amauri hadn’t lived up to the hype either. Hopefully things will change.

Second half:

52nd minute sees Amauri trying to score off a beautiful pass by Perez. The keeper blocks, and the usual corner is given. Arthur disappoints with a loose ball, which is easily driven away.

By the 68th minute, I am feeling tense. The midfield seems to be under performing. Substitutions seems to be the only way we could change the tide of the game towards us. I was wrong.

Perez makes some beautiful runs down the right wing, but they are futile. The plan just isn’t working. I give up home. “I guess a draw would have to do today”, I tell Baudry, who is on the bench, angry that he is not being given a chance.

The Dons try one last time, but cannot change the course of the game. We draw 1-1. I see it as a failure, and the commentators agree.

Final Score:
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> --------------------------------------------------------- Plymouth 1-1 AFC Wimbledon --------------------------------------------------------- Dillon (og 40)|Lea (11) --------------------------------------------------------- </pre>


I take the rest of the day off to reflect on the match. That should have been a good day. It could have been a good day.

retired_acivin

12th Feb, 2024

A new day.
Underachieving Charlton hire Mike Newell as their manager. It makes me think. Think about how much time I have spent building this club. More than 6000 days. Enough time to call it a home. Will I ever quit? I don’t know! This is something I don’t like to think about.

“Dominguez is still a threat”, Spurs boss says. Spurs haven’t won a game in the past 10 matches, since the boxing day. Carlos tells me that they are still better placed than expected, at 11th position.

I watch in the stands as Newcastle, currently leading the premiership, draw their second game in a row.
I smile.
I know that at this rate, the title would be close. As long as we don’t stumble. But as a great author once said: What goes up must come down. I hope he was wrong.



14th Feb, 2024

The visit to ‘White Hart lane’ does not take too long. I am worried. Second consecutive game away, against the over performing Spurs. The only stat that stands against them is their run, which has seen no win in the past 10 games.

I let Pena keep today. I am certainly disappointed by Dillon’s previous performance. I can only hope that Pena, who hasn’t let a goal through in the past 4 games would stand his ground!

Cesar also sees the crowd, as he is given his first game after being out for a month. I go in with a rather complicated 3-3-3-1. It has worked well in away games. Hopefully it should again.

The match begins:

It’s a rain-stricken day, and Spurs come out all guns blazing.
But what goes up, must come down.
Spurs are made to track back, and Stevens, playing ‘in the hole’ scores on the rebound. This happens in the second minute, I am surprised. 1-0 and counting.

The build up of play remains good, and Cesar, the poacher as I like to call him, grabs a goal off rebound. Stevens, the creator. I can see the clouds parting soon, proverbially.

20th minute sees a brief rush of Spurs towards the Dons’ goal. But the defenders stand their ground. In the 30th minute, the Spurs keeper somehow manages to stop forceful shots from Barragan and Fabbrini. Those were some world class saves. The score could easily have ticked further.

Spurs fan watch their team shoot in vain. But no shot is close enough to change the course of the match. And on the other end, Perez struggles. Tottenham eventually score, in the 45th minute. Some beautiful passing sees their striker dribble past Vieira and score. “He stuck that with real venom”, the commentators say. Pena had no chance.

End of first half. Score is 2-1 to Dons.

In the dressing room, Cesar is struggling. He hasn’t fully recuperated from his injury. I have to bring Carvajal on.


Second half:
The current situation worries me. 2-1 up, playing away from home. Should I stick to the current plan, or should I go defensive? I can’t make up my mind.

I let it slip, stick with my gut-check. If Spurs still attack, I will alter the plan, else not.
By 70th minute, nothing has changed. Shots fly everywhere, free-kicks are wasted. But then in the 72nd minute, Tottenham attack. With 6 men against 4, Dillon can only divert the ball away to prevent a goal.

They score. I did not see it coming, but the score on the break. Spurs draw level at 2-2, 10 minutes before the full time. I can only watch as we almost concede another win. Shouts of offside can be heard from the Dons’ part of the ground. The referee doesn’t listen.

I change to a 4-2-4, in hope for a goal. This match could not go either way, it’s on a tether. In the last 10 minutes, we try 3 more time, but the keeper blocks. No one believes that we have lost this. 2-0 up, and a superb fightback from Spurs sees us take only a point back home.

Carlos runs up to tell me that Carvajal didn’t perform up to standards. “I don’t really care at the moment”, I say. I wasn’t happy.


Final Score:
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> --------------------------------------------------------- Tottenham 2-2 AFC Wimbledon --------------------------------------------------------- Johnson (45)|Stevens (2) Lillis (80)|Cesar (5) --------------------------------------------------------- </pre>

retired_venomm

Nice story you have got going here! It's interesting to see what's going on so far into the future.

Hopefully your team will bounce back, your last couple of results have been harsh what with an own goal and drawing from 2-0 up

KUTGW with the story :thup:

retired_acivin

Thanks Paul, really appreciate it. I will try to keep more general stuff into perspective, so that readers can see as to how the league is shaping up. Results have been a bit iffy, but hopefully, they should be turned around soon.
btw..I'd also appreciate if anyone could give some feedback as to what they might like to read about, or change the way information is presented, or any other way which could make both reading and writing this piece enjoyable. Cheers



17th Feb, 2024

In my profession, I had learned one thing. Never read the sports section of a newspaper, or a sports magazine, or watch a sports channel. Media criticize you, the other managers loathe you.

This morning, I got a call from Carlos:
“Hey Raj, did you read the newspaper this today?”
“No, I am still in bed.”
“Well wake up, smell the coffee and read the sports section of today’s Times.”
“Carlos, you know that I don’t like to read those silly sections.”
“Well yea? Look what Mike Newell has said about you”. I could hear Carlos’ loud voice booming down the phone.

“Who? Mike..Mike Newell? The new Charlton manager? Carlos I don’t care what he said!” Early mornings is not the best time of my day. And Carlos knows that. It must be something important, I think.

“Well, Mike says that he is going to dent your hopes of winning the title this season. He is going to beat Dons at home today”.
“Can you hear me?” He continues.
“Yes Carlos, yes”.
“Well, do you want me to respond to the comments?” he inquires.
“No….no. Let it slip. We’ll let the match decide the outcome.”

“Fine then”. Carlos sounds more angry than I should be. “Another thing, the media has found out about Bayle and King.”
“I am sorry…say that again”

“Well, you know how you once asked King to tutor Bayle? And Bayle did not appreciate that. The rift between them is growing concerns. And now the media has found out about it. You have to do something about it soon! Are you still listening?”

“Yes..yes, I am. I will be there shortly.”


I was now more worried than ever. Never at Kingsmead before had players made their argument public. This was different. I wonder if the day could get any worse.

I get to the stadium just in the time for team selection. I have stopped hoping for good result now. Past 2 games have not quite gone the Dons’ way. No expectations mean no harm done.

Smirnoff is getting more unhappy now. This could trouble the side. He is a good striker, and definitely deserves a place. But I have loads of options. I still let him play in today’s game against Charlton.

The match begins:
With a strong side out on the field, I tell the players that I expect them to win. Not too much to ask, seeing their recent performance.

Vieira troubles the Charlton keeper with his free-kicks. But the scores are still level at 20th minute.

Three consecutive attempts in the penalty area see Dons score their first goal of the game in the 22nd minute. Smirnoff the scorer. His 10th goal of the game in 14 games. This way, he certainly deserves a place.

The clock ticks past the 30th minute as The Dons keep dominating in Charlton’s area. With 10 men behind the ball, Charlton hold their fort to keep the Dons restricted at 1-0. We hit the post a couple of times, but the scores remain unchanged. A good 1st half. But I know better. This is football. Things can turn around in a matter of minutes!


Second half:
Seeing everyone perform at par, I don’t see a need to make substitutions, and send the same squad out. Although Carlos tells me that my own mood is affecting the team talks, and I am not being motivational enough. He is right. I tell him that he might be better off covering team-talks for the next few games.

Charlton turn to the dreaded 4-1-4-1. I hope that I won’t be caught out.

In the 66th minute, Pena sees a very powerfully struck shot go past him, only to hit the post. “We got very lucky there”, Dillon tells me. Dillon wasn’t enjoying his day on the bench. That’s for sure.

Vieira still keeps sending free-kicks over. He also earns a yellow just outside the penalty area, which is converted into a goal through a direct free kick. Score: 1-1 to Dons. 70th minute. I hope for a miracle.

Baudry duly delivers. Sent onto lead a more attacking formation, he makes it worthwhile coming off the bench, scoring an exquisite chip in the 85th minute to make the score 2-1.

This should do, for today!

Final Score:
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> --------------------------------------------------------- AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Charlton --------------------------------------------------------- Smirnoff (22)|Hudson (70) Baudry (85)| --------------------------------------------------------- </pre>

retired_acivin

18th Feb, 2024
It is Sunday today. I am in the office because there is a lot of paper work to be completed. I hear a rapid knock on the door.

“Come in”, I shout.
“Hey Raj, just came in to give you some important information”. It was Carlos.
“Go on Carlos. What is it?”
“Well, Amauri is getting a bit restless. He’d rather be playing first team football now.”
“Ah, ok!”, I say, “Well, he has just come back from the feeder club. He should be a bit patient, no?”
“Yes. I told him that. But his unprofessional behaviour has been causing some trouble recently.”. Carlos replied.
“Fine. I might be able to give him a few 1st team games in the next few days.”


20th Feb, 2024

Today we travel to Parken, Copenhagen; to face FC Kobenhaven in the Champions league QF away clash. The media is divided about the outcome of the match. Most of them predict a draw. I am hoping to get an away advantage.

Carlos reports: FC Kobenhaven are a tough side. They have only given away 2 goals in their past 4 home Champion League encounter, scoring 8 within the same period.
I still feel ok. Somehow, I know that today we can secure a win.

The match begins:

Dons do the usual today.
They score in the 2nd minute, with Baudry heading in a decent cross from Dominguez. Baudry was given a full match after he managed to salvage a win in the last game. He deserved it. 1-0 to us.

In the 19th minute however, FC Kobenhaven takes the ball off De La Cruz, who was playing in the attacking midfield instead of Stevens. This tackle sees Kobenhaven scoring on counter. De la Cruz’s performance goes down from this point on. The scores are still level by the 30th minute. No need to panic yet, I say to myself. 1-1

34th minute sees Fabbrini convert a simple rebound. This takes the score up to 2-1 for us. But by this time, De la Cruz was really having a torrid time, and so, I had to substitute Stevens for him. He won’t mind, I say to myself. He needs some introspection.

In the 45th minute, Baudry surprises everyone by scoring from a long range effort. The ball bounces off the Kobenhaven keeper, but is still given as Baudry’s goal. Rightly so. 3-1 to us and it could not be more comfortable.

Second half:
Something unexpected happens. Kobenhaven come out all guns blazing. They attack and a beautiful move sees their striker converting in the 47th minute. I felt like I swallowed a bug. We were still winning 3-2, but at this rate, winning would be difficult.

A change in formation sees Dons dominating possession. However, the conversion rate is low and by the 79th minute, the score stays the same. Kobenhaven players try their luck too, but all is in vain as neither of the team finds the net.

It’s the 90th minute, and the score is still 3-2, to us! With this added away goal advantage, we will be playing Kobenhaven at home next, on the 5th of March. The result pleases me though. However, “the leaking goals could be a bit of a concern”, Baudry tells me. He is right.

Final Score:
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> --------------------------------------------------------- FC Kobenhaven 2-3 AFC Wimbledon --------------------------------------------------------- Susic (19)|Baudry (2. 45) Rahn (47)|Fabbrini (34) --------------------------------------------------------- </pre>



Coming up, the League cup final

retired_acivin

25th Feb, 2024

The phone was ringing off the hook. It could be the same tomorrow.
It was my 1000th game in charge. I could hardly see any space in my room as there were bouquets everywhere. Wild lilies and roses combined their powerful smell, and I thought I was in heaven. I had been in charge of this club for 18 years now. And completing 1000 games was no child’s play.

The phone rang again.

“Hey Raj, How are you doing?” It was Dale.
“Hey Dale, I am fine. Just caught up in the buzz word! ”
“Well, I just wanted to congratulate you on your 1000th game today,”
“Well, thanks Dale. Means a lot.” I replied.

“Oh and another thing: The League cup final against Manchester United today. Do you reckon you can win it? I mean it would be the 3rd league cup in a row.”
“I dunno Dale. I am hoping it would be a convincing win. But Man Utd is a good side. We will try our best, that’s for sure.”

I wasn’t really sure of the outcome today. It was quite an even match. During their decline in 2017-20, Man United squad had built on buying Dons’ players. At that time, the Dons were not–so-rich, and so, we had to sell some of our very talented youngsters for cheap. We had created out own nemesis. Our own enemy.

I go to meet the team. I tell them that we need to do this for the supporters. We go out with the usual plan, making only with a couple of changes. Returning from injury, the keeper Davenport takes on the field. Smirnoff, due to his recent good performances also gets to open.



The match begins:

And the magic begins.

Smirnoff scores from a brilliant move which sees Dons passing the ball fluently between 6 players before hitting the net. “A beautiful Wimbledon move”, the commentators say. 1-0 to Dons. This tirade of early goals in the past few games has seen Wimbledon growing in confidence each time.

Of the 16 players that are representing Man Utd. in this League cup final, 5 of them have been young Dons’ players. Danny Flynn, is one of them.

Flynn is a highly talented 23 year old striker, who has already scored 2 goals on his debut for his country. He is the only sale that I regret the most. And every time he has played against the Dons, he has played with Venom, with an unspoken vengeance. He tries his luck again in the 11th minute, but Davenport parries it away.

Attack and counter attack sees the clock tick past 20th minute. Nothing has changed excepted for wayward shots and wasted chances. But Flynn has plans up his sleeves; in the 22nd minute, he goes one-on-one with Davenport and scores. Score now 1-1. The most I can do now is heavily man-mark Flynn, hoping to boot him out of the game.
The half-time sees the score line remain at 1-1. Although Man United have been performing much better.


Second half:

“This would be my perfect gift. Perfect gift for the commitment I have shown to the club.” I tell the Dons players. My 1000th game would feel like so much more if we win the trophy. Cesar looks unsure and nervous, so I have to substitute him. Baudry comes on instead, making it 2 fast strikers on the field.

47th minute, and Samaras, another ex-Wimbledon player scores from the corner. 1-2, the score line reads! This is really not going well.
I hope a change in tactics would get us a goal. Hidaka tries his luck from far, but 79th minute sees us still losing.

Ohhhhhh myyyyyyyy godddddddd!
A dramatic equalizer sees Smirnoff score off the rebound from Baudry’s shot in the 86th minute! I can hardly hold my emotions, and same is the case with players on the bench. Now this game can be taken into extra time…2-2.

Man Utd try crossing the ball through the wings, but crosses are intercepted, and by the injury time in the second half, the score remains the same.


The game moves onto extra time....TBC