kamini20

Nice Work! KUTGW :thup:

retired_aldo chella

Thanks Suma...Glad you are enjoying it

Diary Entry – August 23rd, 2005

One week until our final tune up. Just for curiosity’s sake, I decided to check in at the stadium to see how ticket sales were going. Zero…zip…zilch…nada. This sucks. Yeah it’s the Under-19’s, but this is also the future of the club, and nobody has any inclination to attend. Frustrating to say the least. We need to create a stir in this town and get the people behind us.

We’ve added a physio to our staff. Blomqvist has accepted the offer, and will arrive tomorrow. If nothing else, he’ll just be an extra helping hand, of which I don’t think anyone here will complain of having.

Things are still pretty quiet on all the other fronts. Every once and awhile I get a fax in from my scouts, with players to take a look at, but there hasn’t been anything overly worthwhile. I’m really trying to focus on people out of contract, but the quality out there isn’t enough to build up the squad. I have taken a closer look at Marafona, and I am definitely interested. I think I am going to initiate contact with him to see what his wage demands are, and we’ll go from there.

Still no assistant manager. I’ve given Micael Jansson the task of running the Under-19’s during matches, but I really think that is the job of an assistant, so I’m hoping to find someone very soon.

Diary Entry – August 26th, 2005

Some great news, and some not so great. First of all, I think I have found us an assistant manager. 54 year old Jose Alberto Rossi has sent in an application, and it looks pretty decent. He’s from Ecuador, and doesn’t have a lot of experience in this role, but he has done a lot of work with youth players. This is exactly what I’m looking for in someone to run the Under-19’s. The best part of this is that his wage demands are within my budget. The formal offer has been sent, and I hope to hear back with an acceptance in the next few days...

…And the not so great. I have started discussions with the keeper we’ve been looking at, Marafona. It doesn’t look like he’s going to come cheaply. He wants to be assured his opportunity to play game in, game out. While it is likely that he will, I still won’t hesitate to use Sousa if he falters. He wants 1K/month, but that is steep for us as that won’t leave us with much space left under our wage budget. I’m going to negotiate with him and see if we can’t come to an agreement for a lesser amount.

Geez this time is crawling. You can see it in the players and staff that they want to get this season started. I couldn’t agree more. This down time has been incredibly slow, and it has given me too much time to think. There definitely hasn’t been much a buzz around the town for this team, and I don’t really understand it. The board has expectations of relegation this season, which is disheartening. I would hope they would have a little more optimism for this season. That being said, the chairman and the board seem rather uninterested in the club. I can walk on the streets and still get the looks of that of a foreigner. I’ve been here a month, yet nobody recognizes me. This wasn’t what I expected of the life of a football manager, yet, it gives me a little extra incentive to make this season a successful one. If we can start of strong, that might create the interest needed to open up a few more funds from the board to sign some bigger names. But the key to that is getting people out to the games.

Checked in at the stadium again for ticket sales…37. Brutal.

retired_kpr

Portuguese lower leagues are incredibly hard, a housemate of mine was Aliados Lordelo and couldn't sign any players at all, gave up about halfway through the season. He drew Porto away in the Cup and lost 13-0 :*)

Good story.

retired_aldo chella

Thanks Ned...Don't like to see the news about the cup. Let's just hope I don't draw Porto away

Pampilhosa vs. Pampilhosa (U-19) - August 30, 2005

We came out of the locker rooms to a raucous crowd of maybe 100. Right away, I could see the disappointment of the players. I tried to ignore the empty stands and gave my pre-game pep talk and we were off and running. I went with the lineup that I envisioned for the start of the league campaign, and hoped they would deliver.

As expected we dominated early. Possession was fantastic, as was the ball movement, but the Under-19’s were falling back and playing very defensively. To their credit, they held in very well, thanks to some solid goalkeeping by Carlos. But it was just a matter of time, and in the 42nd, the pressure was too great as Corvilha sent a great ball through to Paulo who was fouled in the area. Miguel Tomas put the ball on spot and pounded it through for a 1-0 lead. We kept the pressure coming right after the kickoff, as this time Tomas was the playmaker, and fed a great pass through to David. David was in the clear and buried it to make it 2-0 on the 44th. We were unlucky not to come away with one more during injury time, but Carlos kept the bleeding at a minimum to send us into the half up by two goals.

The second half saw us lose a bit of an edge, and we were quite sloppy. Sousa was forced to make a couple big saves, but poor positioning on an ensuing corner kick got the Under-19’s on the board. Pedro converted a great corner kick to make it 2-1 in the 55th minutes. That was all the motivation we needed to get back on track, and we went back to the solid pressuring that worked so well in the 1st half. Carlos again bailed out the youngsters with some fine goalkeeping. It wasn’t until the late in the 2nd when we added to the scoreline, and in rather bizarre fashion. Vinagre made a fine run down the right side, and crossed to the 18 yard box, but the ball was a floater, and straightened out back toward the goal catching Carlos off guard, and it looped in the net for a 3-1 lead in the 85th minute. We continued the pressure the rest of the way, and after major scrambles in front of the U-19’s net, we managed to pot one more in injury time. Luis Miguel played a great cross to the middle, and it was knocked home by Correia in the 90th minute for a 4-1 lead. The final whistle went, and we could be happy about a dominant performance, but I was not happy about something, and I was going to make it known.

retired_aldo chella

Pampilhosa Press Conference – August 31, 2005

“Welcome everyone, and thank you for coming. I have a couple announcements to make today, so lets get started. First of all, I would like to introduce you all to our new assistant manager, Jose Alberto Rossi. Rossi comes from Ecuador and has a strong history of working with youth players. His primary focus will be on working with our Under-19 squad, and effective today, he will be in control of that squad. I look forward to seeing him develop these young players, and instill a winning attitude into the future of our club.”

“My second announcement is one in which I feel must be made. We are one week from the opening of league play, and I feel that this club has not been given recognition by you, the media. We have concluded pre-season play with 6 games, 5 of which were wins, the other a draw, and nothing has been mentioned in the papers or on the news. We have a group of players who are giving their all in training and games to be successful, and they don’t get recognition for what they are doing. Not only that, we had 95 people attend our last match, which featured the present of this club versus the future.”

“This is a good club. Expectations are that of failure for this club, but you haven’t got a clue. This team can compete with any other team in this division, and they will. I have decided to issue a guarantee for our club. If we do not win our division this season, I will step down as manager of the club.”

Chairman Duarte quickly stepped in to take over the press conference, and hastily ended it before any questions could be asked.

What Are You Doing? - Late August 2005

Duarte: “Do you realize what you have just said? What you are risking?

Chomos: “Since I’ve been here, I haven’t seen you nor the board members, unless I come to you with a player I wish to sign, and if his wages are within your budget. You don’t have any idea how this club has been looking so far, and I’m not even really sure you are that interested anyway.”

D: “We told you we were happy with staying clear of relegation though. Why would you go and make a guarantee that you likely won’t follow through on?

C: “Why do think we will struggle this season? Because the bookies expect that? They probably know as much about this division as Alex Ferguson. When we came out to play our last match, you know how many people were there? Ninety-five. That’s it. That’s pathetic. Paychecks don’t inspire our players, the fans do. People cheering on their hometown team. And they aren’t there. This team has potential, there’s no question of that, but unless we get the support from everyone around here, they won’t fulfill that potential. This was the only way I knew of to stir up some excitement about the club, and besides that, I stand by my comment 100%. I know this club can do it.”

D: “Well, it is your grave. You still have our support, and I wish you the best, but be aware that should you fail, and choose to resign, you will be in breach of our contract, and we will be suing for damages.”

C: “That’s fine. Thanks for all your support. Glad to know I can count on you guys.”

retired_marnett

I've got friends in BC Canada who are youth soccer coaches so following this story everyday and enjoy reading it.

As for the poor attendances your getting it's no real surprise as even some clubs in the top division in Portugal INR hardly get more than 400 people in home league games..

95 people in a friendly in Portugal aint bad!

retired_aldo chella

Thanks pauli...glad you are enjoying it!

As far as the poor attendances, as I work my way through the season, I am realizing that less than a couple hundred is quite common. Oh well...at least I have something to motivate me to win the division now

Setting Things Straight - Early September 2005

I knew the squad was going to be up in arms about my announcement, and I felt it was a good idea to address this immediately, so I held a team meeting. Surprisingly, the players came in with smiles on their faces, and a little fire in their eyes. When they were all seated, I told them what I had told the media, although I already knew they heard it.

Rossi came into the meeting with a newspaper, and he held up the headline on the front page for all to see: “Winners in the Making?” This was exactly what I had hoped to do. The media had stirred things up, and it looked as though we might just have some people to play for after all.

Marco Bras stood up and spoke on behalf of the team. He wanted to let me know how the entire squad appreciated what I said to the media, and how they weren’t going to let me down. I thanked the squad, and told them to head out to the pitch for the training session. They went out with a spring in their step, and I couldn’t have been happier.

Diary Entry – September 1st, 2006

It’s been a busy couple days hasn’t it? I’m pretty ****ed off with the reaction I got from the chairman. I get the feeling that he’s more against me than he is for me, and the threat of the lawsuit if I do resign is a joke. Would’ve been nice if he backed me up, but I guess I’ll have to do this without immediate support from the board.

Do I really think we have a chance? Of course I do. I have to believe that this pre-season was a very positive one, and I think we can build from that. My whole intent was to ignite a fire about this team within the town, but I never really considered the effect it would have on the players. I’m very impressed in how they have responded, and I’m sure that will equate to positive results on the pitch.

The staff is all on board with me too. They feel that we can get the job done, and have reaffirmed their commitment to the club. I’m happy with the staff I have assembled now, and my main focus now will be to continue the search for depth additions to the squad.

Negotiations continue with Marafona. He is being very difficult at this stage, and he must be aware that we only have a loan keeper because he is currently holding firm at his original offer. I will continue to negotiate with him in the hopes that we can still save a few bucks.

retired_elizabethlacey

Im loving this story, It is very good and well written KUTGW

retired_aldo chella

Business is Slow - Early September 2005

With the days winding down to the start of the league campaign, I was hoping to bolster the squad with a few signings, but things were moving slowly. Negotiations continued with Marafona, but I was feeling like it was either all or nothing. He continued to refuse to back down on his initial offer, and I had pretty much exhausted all other contract options. If nothing can be worked out by the first league match, I’ll likely buckle and offer what he is asking.

As far as other positions go, nothing has really developed. The scouts continue to look for players, but many of their suggestions are for players that have recently signed with another club, so they are not going to be given up not having played a league game for their respective team.

Around town, there seems to be a little stir to the start of the season. We are starting our campaign on the road, but a good results might get some fan interest for the first home game of the season. In any case, its nice to see some talk about the team.

Totalbet.com has put out their odds to win the division, and they bring us in as a major underdog at 50-1. Their oddsmakers obviously didn’t hear my little press conference. Either that, or they dismissed it altogether. That does act as one more motivational piece though for the team.

Meeting of the Minds - Early September 2005

I hadn’t really had an opportunity to sit down with Rossi and discuss the club, so I took some time out to see what he thought.

Rossi: “I see the potential here, but right now, this is not a team that can compete for the title. Unless you have some tactical bit of genius up your sleeve, I don’t see these guys finishing any higher than mid-table.”

Chomos: “How do the Under-19’s look? Anybody we can consider for a call up this season?”

Rossi: “Well, a week isn’t a lot of time to assess these guys, but from what I can tell, there isn’t anyone who is ready to make an immediate splash. We have the U-19 league to play in, as well as the cup, so they will at least get some match practice to work on their skills. I won’t hesitate to point someone out if I feel they are ready for a call up though.”

Chomos: “So where do you think we need to strengthen the squad?”

Rossi: “Truthfully, all positions could use another player or two. Obviously, the keeper spot needs to be addressed immediately. I know you are working on Marafona, but just give in and offer him what he wants. If Sousa ever goes down to injury, or gets suspended, we are in a lot of trouble. Beyond that, the left side of the midfield is the biggest weakness. Pazito is solid, but he won’t be able to play every game, and we don’t have anyone to spell him off, so getting a backup for him is a necessity. Any other additions will be nice just from a depth perspective.”

Chomos: “I’m working on it. Getting people to come to this team is harder than I thought it would be, but I’m confident we will sort it out.”

Diary Entry – September 10th, 2005

Had a good chat with Jose today. I’m glad that he’s honest and doesn’t hold anything back. He confirmed what I already knew that this squad as it stands is likely not going to deliver on my guarantee. I need to strengthen a few positions if I want these players to last the season. Fitness could become an issue as the season wears on, and if injuries set in, I don’t know if we have the replacements. I was really hoping that I Jose would tell me of a couple starlets down in the Under-19’s that are ready to step up, but nothing yet.

I elected not to bother waiting until after the game to offer the contract that Marafona wants. I sent out a final offer to him, and it basically gives him what he’s asking for. Jose made me realize just how desperate we are to sign a keeper, and he’s the best available option that I’m aware of, so I decided to make the deal. It will put a pretty big dent in the wage bill, but I can still make it work.

League starts tomorrow. I’m cautiously optimistic about the game, but I’m having a tough time staying focused on the game at hand. I can’t help but think ahead to later in the season and wonder if this team is going to be in the thick of it all. For now, I have to focus on things one game at a time, and let the results speak for themselves.

Well, better get some sleep. Tomorrow is a big day.

retired_aldo chella

Thanks millwallrules - finally, we get to the league games, and lets hope they boys can follow through on my little guarantee!

Penalva Castelo vs. Pampilhosa (Second Division – Group C) - September 11, 2005

All the hard work and preparation was going to show itself today. The first league tie of the season. I was employing the familiar 4-4-2 tactic we had used through most of the pre-season with the following starting lineup:

GK – Bruno Sousa
DR – Vinagre
DL – Ricardo Correia
DC – Luis Miguel
DC – Marco Bras
MR – Bebe
ML – Pazito I
MC – Carlos Miguel
MC – Vitor Corvilha
ST – Toninho
ST – Miguel Tomas

We came out firing to start the game, and had two great chances in the opening minutes, but saw both get stopped by Festas. The 9th minute was one of my lesser happy moments, as Bebe was accused of taking a dive a received a yellow for his poor sportsmanship. We continued to pressure Penalva Castelo, and had another great opportunity in the 18th minute, only to see it pushed away again by Festas. We were made to pay a short time later, as Luis Miguel tripped Zeninho in the 18 yard box, and Penalva Castelo were awarded the penalty. Rogerio stepped up and drilled it past Sousa for a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute. That goal seemed to shake our players, and we suddenly lacked any forward momentum. We were forced back to defend, and couldn’t generate any movement out of our zone. That proved costly, as the pressure led to another goal. Marco Bras was outjumped on a long ball, and it lead to a touch pass to Jeferson, and he made no mistake, going top corner on Sousa. We were down 2-0 after 40 minutes. We were shaken, no question, but the team managed to hang on until the half. We had some work to do.

The second half saw Penalva Castelo drop back into a more defensive style, and we attacked immediately. Excellent ball movement and possession saw us with the bulk of the chances early on, but again, Festas was up to the task, turning chance after chance away. Finally, after a corner kick was cleared out, Hugo Paulo collected the ball, drove into the 18 yard box, and flicked a little cross to Vitor Corvilha. He headed the ball in from 6 yards out, and we were back in the match, down 2-1 through 74 minutes. We kept the pressure on after the goal, and forced the issue. After defending a corner, we broke out on the counter attack, and strung together some nice passing, culminating with a great cross Correia to Tomas. Rogerio came in with his foot high, and the referee didn’t hesitate to call the penalty. Luis Miguel stepped up and buried it to even things at 2-2 in the 88th minute. We had done well to fight back from 2-0 down, and I was proud of the boys. Unfortunately, the players quit pressuring the play, and dropped back to defend the tie. Penalva Castelo pushed forward and really took the game to us. In injury time Ricardo Correia was guilty of holding back Zeninho in the box, and disappointingly, the referee had no choice but to point to the spot. Rogerio stepped up again, and knocked in his 2nd of the game, to put them up 3-2. Just seconds after, the referee blew the whistle to call the game, and we walked off the pitch a heartbroken bunch.

We had shown great fight to battle back from 2-0 down, but the team just faced the harsh realization that a game must be played for a full 90 minutes, and if you let your guard down for any of it, you will pay.

Penalva Castelo – 3 (Rogerio pen 26, pen 90, Jeferson 40)
Pampilhosa – 2 (Corvilha 74, Luis Miguel pen 88)
MOM – Jeferson (Penalva Castelo)
Attendance - 162

Diary Entry – September 11, 2005

Having time to digest the result, that was a very entertaining game. Nerves were a big factor early on in this one, and played a major role in the outcome. The back four have to play better than that though. Giving up two penalties is unacceptable. We definitely outchanced them today, and that I can be happy about, but our finishing was not very good again. There were definitely positives to draw from, and I am anxious to return home and work on the things that failed us this game.

I wonder what kind of reception we will get when returning home. Nothing like losing the first game after making a guarantee like I did. Oh well. I know we can do better, and I would expect nothing less next game.

Time to head back home and see if any progress was made on the player front.