retired_workingmom77

Thanks a lot vitamincmos, and Page 3!\o/

February 2009

The shock defeat to Joinville had meant that Tuburao had raced into 1st place, ahead of us on a 100% record. However we visited their ground next, hoping to destroy their winning start. For a side that had won 4 from 4, they didn't put up much resistance. Having said that, it took us until the second half to open the scoring. A great cross from Ale was converted by Diego Morais, a scissor kick in off the upright for 1-0. We soon added to the lead, this time Leonardo the provider as Wellington headed home at the back post. Ale and Diego Morais would link up again as the right winger provided a cross for the in form striker to head in and wrap up a 3-0 victory. It meant that we were back at the top of the group.

We the claimed an easy three points away to Prospera. Joao Paulo, who is already a huge fan favourite since arriving at the club was on the scoresheet. As well as Wellington as we secured a comfortable 2-0 win, the semi finals now in sight. However our aspirations were almost dealt a severe blow when we visited Criciuma. Our close rivals are always among the favourites to gain promotion from the Third Division, but they never seem to do it. In this competetition however, they have a very good record and had won it last year. It was something I often forgot, whilst worrying about drawing Avai and Figueirense I had forgotten that last year's winners and beaten finalists were in my group. Away to Criciuma we had to come from a goal down to earn a point. Biro's early goal eventually cancelled out by Wellington as we claimed a 1-1 draw against the reigning champions.

After that it was finally time to grab some revenge against Joinville. After today they would no longer be a bogey side for us as they were put to the sword in a 4-0 demolition. CAHA veteran and one of the few survivors of the 2006 season, Tiago opened the scoring. A Diego Morais brace followed, and the victory was finished off by a magnificent solo effort from Wellington. A win against Caxias in our next match would ensure progress to the Semi Finals for the first time under my management. Diego Morais and Wellington didn't disappoint as a 2-0 win was enough to see us through, probably to face Avai.

Results
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************************************Tubarao 3-0 A Santa Catarina Diego Morais(2), WellingtonProspera 2-0 A Santa Catarina Joao Paulo, WellingtonCriciuma 1-1 A Santa Catarina WellingtonJoinville 4-0 H Santa Catarina Tiago, Diego Morais(2), WellingtonCaxias 2-0 H Santa Catarina Diego Morais, Wellington**************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** </pre>

retired_toad72

Good results:thup:

retired_workingmom77

Thanks LSTB, hopefully the good results will continue into the league campaign

March 2009

The group phase of the Santa Catarina state championship had flown by and we were now looking forward to aiming for our first final in 4 years, due to be the first under my management. But first we had to complete the formalities of the group stage and whilst we had qualified, there was still a lot to play for as far as our next opponents were concerned. Tubarao were in with a shot of making the Semi Final, but realistically they had to beat us in order to fend off Joinville. Loan striker Ricardinho made his debut in this game and he got off to a flyer after a slow start he opened the scoring midway through the second half. Tubarao valiantly tried to mount a comeback but any hopes they had evaporated when Ronaldinho was sent off just 15 minutes from the end. Luciano struck the final blow with a well placed drive 5 minutes from time, not before Tuburao were reduced to 9 men as Lele received his marching orders.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ================================================== =================================================B razilian Santa Catarina State Championship Group 1 ================================================== =================================================P os. Team P W D L F A G.D Pts. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Q Hermann Aichinger 10 8 1 1 23 5 +18 25 2. Q Joinville 10 6 2 2 19 13 +6 20---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. Tubarao 10 4 4 2 14 10 +4 164. Criciuma 10 3 4 3 18 12 +6 135. Caxias (SC) 10 1 2 7 4 21 -17 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6. R Prospera 10 1 1 8 5 22 -17 4================================================= ================================================== </pre>

Semi Final Draw
Joinville vs. Figueirense
Hermann Aichinger vs. Avai

The first leg of the Semi Final was at home and both sides were clearly very nervy as chances were few and far between. On the whole Avai were probably the better side, 34 year old veteran Fabio Oliveira still leading from the front as ever. The first leg finished goalless despite one or two golden oppurtunities from both sides.

The second leg was a more upbeat affair, we planned to hit Avai hard from the word go. Veteran forward Jair certainly did that as he put us 1-0 up in the both the match and the tie on 16 minutes. From then on, Avai went on to dominate proceedings as they desperately searched for an equaliser. Eventually we took advantage of the heavy pressure near the end of the game as Wellington broke free on a counter attack. With just minutes remaining he could have held the ball up but instead he went for goal. He probably would have scored had Edson Santos not brought him down, earning himself an early bath and presenting us with a penalty which Clecio duly slotted home as we won 2-0 on the night and on aggregate.

Final
Hermann Aichinger vs. Figueirense

Two 1-0 victories had helped Figueirense see off Joinville in their Semi Final, now it was the two Second Division sides facing off for the bragging rights in Santa Catarina. The first leg would be played at home but it wouldn't be the bore draw that fans had witnessed against Avai. As early as the first minute Ricardinho played Wellington into space, who after beating a defender dragged the ball back for Joao Paulo to thump home. Barely two minutes played and we were 1-0 to the good. However the pandemonium was short lived as just five minutes later, Rafael Carioca latched onto a beautiful through chip and slotted home a neat finish for 1-1. It was to get better for the visitors as on 17 minutes, Dedimar smashed home a thunderous header from a corner. All of a sudden we were 2-1 down. It just got worse as barely 5 minutes after their second goal, Rafael Carioca added a third, his second of the evening. It took us until 15 minutes from time to mount a real comeback, as Jair converted a Juliano cross for 3-2. With the team buoyant after a second goal, hope turned to elation as Wellington was provided with an absolute gift by goalkeeper Edson Bastos. He duly tucked in the interception to end the game 3-3 and with all to play for in the second leg.

21,000 fans packed the Orlando Scarpelli to see the second leg of the final be played out. We were confident but were all too aware of Figueirense's prowess on their home soil. We made a fairly bright start, however we couldnt stop Jadilson burying a close range shot just before the break to put them 4-3 up on aggregate. For the rest of the game we tried to equalise but time just seemed to fly and before we knew it we were in stoppage time. We needed a bit of luck and thankfully we got as a horrendous missed clearance from Guilherme put Wellington through and he poked the ball past the keeper to level the tie and send the game to penalties.

I couldn't look, I knew things were not going to go our way when Clecio blazed our first penalty over the bar. Amazingly though, Paulo managed to save Dedimar's spotkick and we were level at 0-0 still. Ale and Joao Paulo made no mistake, neither did Rafael Carioca or Arivelton. Veteran left back Denio's kick pinged off the upright but once again Paulo Cerqueira got us out of jail by saving a penalty from Chiquinho. Jair then scored as did Marquinhos, thus enetering us into sudden death at 3-3. Right back Paulo Roberto delicately and cheekily chipped the ball past the keeper for 4-3 and then the moment we had all been waiting for. Paulo palmed Fernandes' spotkick onto the crossbar and out. We had done it. If there was one thing for sure, Heinrich would probably be having a coronary in the stands as the technical staff, the subs and myself raced onto the pitch to congratulate the players.

Results
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************************************Tubarao 2-0 H Santa Catarina RicardinhoAvai 0-0 TV H Santa Catarina Semi Leg 1Avai 2-0 TV A Santa Catarina Semi Leg 2 Jair, ClecioFigueirense 3-3 TV H Santa Catarina Final Leg 1 Joao Paulo, Jair, WellingtonFigueirense 1-1 (4-3 pens.) TV A Santa Catarina Final Leg 2 Wellington**************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** </pre>

retired_workingmom77

An open-top bus parade through the streets of Ibirama was quickly organised to celebrate our victory. Not only was it the first trophy in our history, but it also signalled a return to the Brazilian Cup. It was a competetion I had only led CAHA in once, in my first season where we were dumped out by Bahia. That was in the Third Division days and now with a better squad, everyones was looking forward to taking a shot at the big teams.

Thousands turned up to cheer the team on, the streets were blinded by red and white ticker tape as the bus rolled through the main street. Wellington and Diego Morais held the trophy aloft at the front of the bus as myself, Heinrich and Wolfgang looked on at the players celebrating. The crowd noise was deafening and the champagne flowed, I even spotted one or two German flags flying in the crowd. The parade was hardly the best place for meeting with the chairman, but Heinrich was never known for picking the right moment. He had to raise his voice over the celebrations as he suddenly addressed me.

"Congratulations Sam!"

"Thank you Mr. Wolfenstein, lets hope this is the start of things to come. I just wanted to thank you, I've loved every minute here so far."

It was half true, on the pitch at least I'd loved my time at the club. It was odd, Heinrich certainly knew about everything that had been going on and most definately my small involvement. Yet it wasn't mentioned, and there was an underlying awkwardness amongst all the pleasantries.

"We have enjoyed having you here, I have always admired the English as a race. Now we focus on promotion."

"Well I think its acheiveable very soon but I'm not sure this season is the right time to be pushing for promotion. I'd like to aim for a top 10 finish, I don't think we would be ready for First Division football as early as next season."

"Next season is within your five year target, but if we don't get promotion either this season or the next then I'm afraid we will have to talk."

"I understand, the lads are ready"

retired_workingmom77

April 2009

In preparation for the upcoming league season, I arranged a friendly game with the Hermann Youth. Partly to allow the new signings to settle in and partly to have a look at any talent the Hermann Youth had to offer. An 11-0 win followed, as expected. On loan striker Ricardinho bagged a hat trick along with new boy Joao Paulo contributing with two sweet strikes. Diego Morais also got a hat-trick, Ale got a brace and Juliano rounded off the day's scoring in a comfortable preparation match. 16 year old sweeper, Silva was one of the few youngsters to have a decent game.

We kicked off the 2009 season with a televised away trip to Guarani. Guarani had had another good season last year and finished 5th. Our record was poor against them and it would be a difficult opener. However the trip to face the Sao Paulo side would prove to be a classic, alongside the likes of last year's 12 goal thriller against Paysandu. It started on a sour note as after 6 minutes, Guarani forward Wander opened the scoring. However the jubilation for Guarani was shortlived as Ricardinho hit back just seconds later. Guarani always looked vulnerable at the back and were prised apart by Ricardinho who set up Wellington to give us a 2-1 lead. Guarani came back even stronger and 2 minutes later equalised through Lico. 2-2 after 10 minutes promised a cracking game and it didn't disappoint as we once again re-took the lead on 24 minutes, Joao Paulo with a great strike. We increased the lead on 38 minutes as in form winger Ale headed home to leave the score 4-2 at half time. We thought the game was wrapped up on 50 minutes when Wellington got his second of the game but a late charge from Guarani left us nervy towards the end. With 9 minutes remaining Lico got his second and 6 minutes later Fabio Costa reduced the defecit to 5-4. But we hung on and claimed a great opening win.

Results
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************************************Hermann Youth 11-0 H Friendly Ricardinho(3), Diego Morais(3), Ale(2), Joao Paulo(2), JulianoGuarani 5-4 A TV Second Division Ricardinho, Wellington(2), Ale, Joao Paulo********************************************* ************************************************** ********************************************* </pre>

retired_workingmom77

retired_workingmom77

May 2009

The news of the investment had been a surprise to me, although according to Wolfgang it been in the pipeline for a while now. It was the first step in Heinrich's money-making scheme, it would certainly set up a bright financial future for the club as well as one on the pitch. After the fantastic game against Guarani, we looked to continue our positive opening to the season away to Fortaleza. However our defensive performances were still a cause for concern. Fortaleza had struggled last season since their relegation from the First Division and had slumped to 13th position at the end. Despite some disappointing results for them, they were still a very dangerous side. Fortaleza were late comeback specialists and we found out, Ricardinho and Maycon had put us 2-1 in front in spite of a Negreiros goal. But in the 89th minute Negreiros netted his second as we had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Next up we faced Treze who had only just survived last season. Despite this, they had won their first two games and were looking strong this season. Diego Morais returned to the side and was soon on the scoresheet as we went 1-0 in front. Felipe equalised for Treze but Diego Morais put us back in front soon after and we went in at the break 2-1 up. Ale increased the lead to 3-1 before Vinicius grabbed a late consolation for Treze. A good 3-2 win for us. Next was the biggest game of my career so far. Our home match against Vasco was our first televised game of the season and it promised to be a great match against the former giants. We got off to a dream start as Maycon netted early after some great pressure put on the Vasco defence. However our joy was short-lived as Anderson equalised with a delicate finish to make it 1-1. We continued to go forward and were rewarded on the stroke of half time as Ale scored with a diving header at the back post for 2-1. Vasco had an awful start to the second half and Ricardinho capitalised to make it 3-1 as our unbelievable afternoon continued. With three minutes remaining Vasco set up a nervy finish as Rubens headed home for 3-2. Vasco piled forward and it worked in our favour as loyal fan favourite Jair broke on the counter and lobbed the keeper to make it 4-2. This wasnt before Anderson got his second in the 93rd minute to end an incredible last 5 minutes as we wrapped up a historic 4-3 victory.

Our final game of May was away to Americano, the team that defied all odds and escaped relegation. But of course we knew all about battling against such relegation and winning. Americano had added some real quality loan signings to their squad, most notably striker Lenny and would be a more dangerous side to play. Our run of high scoring games would unbelievably continue as Ale, Wellington, Clecio and Juliano were all on target in a 4-2 win that left us in 2nd place at the end of May.

Results
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************************************Fortaleza 2-2 A Second Division Maycon, RicardinhoTreze 3-2 H Second Division Ale, Diego Morais(2)Vasco 4-3 TV H Second Division Maycon, Ale, Ricardinho, JairAmericano 4-2 A Second Division Ale, Clecio, Wellington, Juliano******************************************* ************************************************** ***********************************************</pre>

retired_workingmom77

Summer was now in full swing and despite having lived in Brazil for four years now, Sam still could not get used to the swealtering heat. He was spending his weekend off at his Ilha de Santa Catarina apartment. However his afternoon of peace and quiet was soon to be disturbed by an unannounced arrival. There was a knock at the door and Sam opened to find an unfamiliar face at the door. He was quite clearly foreign, immaculately dressed with an altogether aggressive demeanour. He introduced himself as Helmut, he didn't give a surname.

"I am with the NPD, your new investors. I apologise for turning up without notice"

His English was heavily accented with German, but it was a softly spoken Bavarian accent.

"You best come in then"

"Thank you, I will not stay long. I just came to inform you of our expectations"

"Hang on a second, I thought you were supposed to be staying out of board decisions. I only take orders from Heinrich, no-one else"

"Of course, but there were conditions to our investment. We want immediate promotion for the club by the end of this season. Remember for us Hermann Aichinger is a stepping stone to greater things. We are not concerned about great footballing acheivements, of course we want to win trophies but only for the profit they bring. Should you want to stay at this club, then you must reach the targets we set you. When the time is right we will sell the club and along with its profits we will buy a club in Europe. But of course from what Heinrich has told me you are aware of our intentions. Things are going to get a lot harder in the future and your managerial qualities will be tested to the extreme. Reach your targets and you stay, if not then I suggest you return to England or if you still care for Brazil find a job at another club. We start with promotion this season, I'll see myself out"

"Right........"

Helmut got up and walked out without bothering to close the door. Things were indeed going to get much harder and Sam wondered whether his life was once again in danger. He needed to put in a phonecall to someone who up until a few months ago had seemed an enemy but now without him Sam would feel stranded in this situation. He just hoped his cover wouldn't be blown any time soon. He picked up his mobile and dialled Wolfgang's number.

retired_alexbino

Intense story, I love all the mini novels there are here, it really gets me fired up to go on FM, and maybe write one of my own in future.

Good Stuff, Keep Going, and down with Heinrich!

retired_workingmom77

Thank you very much Lord Stig, I hope you continue to enjoy the story

June 2009

In spite of the demands made of my side, we were currently meeting all of our targets, although there was a long way to go. Our next game was at home to title challengers Santo Andre, our third televised encounter of the year so far. Santo Andre had just missed out on promotion last season and were among the favourites to finally acheive promotion this season and they had had a positive start so far. I was wondering how long our run of good form would last and the signs didn't look good 25 minutes into this game. A goal from Everton and two from Rodrigao had put Santo Andre 3-0 up half way through the first half. Ale managed to grab a goal on the stroke of half time to make it 3-1 at the break. On the hour mark Ricardinho gave us some hope by making it 3-2 but two late goals from Santo Andre made the final score 5-2. In additon Wellington picked up an injury and central defender Matheus who has been linked with a 625k move to Santo Andre received a red card. Not a great afternoon for the team.

However we had the chance to bounce back against Nautico. Ale, who has been in sensational form grabbed the only goal in a 1-0 win. Another huge game against Santa Cruz followed and in the absence of Wellington, Hevandro scored his first goal since his return. Ricardinho added to the scoring but Santa Cruz striker Rodrigo Silva set up a nervy finish as he made it 2-1 with just minutes remaining. We held on for the three points and moved back into second place in the table. Our final game of June was against Paysandu, a team that we had conceded 12 goals against last season, thanks to the famous 6-6 draw and the infamous 6-0 defeat. Hernanes got an early goal for Paysandu but we capitalised on central defender Paulao being sent off and Maycon, Ale and Ricardinho were all on the scoresheet in a 3-1 victory, consolidating our position in 2nd.

Results
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************************************Santo Andre 2-5 H TV Second Division Ale, RicardinhoNautico 1-0 A Second Division AleSanta Cruz 2-1 H Second Division Hevandro, RicardinhoPaysandu 3-1 A Second Division Maycon, Ale, Ricardinho**************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** </pre>