retired_lizm5285

Ok this is the first time i've actually ever done a challenge so here goes. I'm running FM 2006 6.0.2 no changes with all England leagues loaded and all players from Ireland Scotland and Wales loaded

"We have to reach 88 mph!!!!!"

"We're not gonna make it doc!!!!"

"Yes we are. YES WE ARE"

"No we're not, the cops are telling us to pull over."

"Damn it, why does it have to take so long to drive from Preston to Leeds anyway?"

The date was July 10th 1985....... i mean 2005. The time 5am. Just 4 hours ago we were sat at home watching Marty Mcfly battling evil in his DeLorean with its top speed of 88 mph. 2 hours later and i was offered the job at Leeds United Football Club.

And 10 mins ago i was giving my name to the police for speading down to M62. its times like these i think to myself. I hate time travel.

retired_lizm5285

Leeds United Football Club. They were born in 1904 after replacing the bankrupt Leeds City, and nearly died the same way 100 years later.

But in those 100 years they'd seen some great players. Rio Ferdinand, Gary McAllister, Vinnie Jones. Oh and not forgetting one Eric Cantona. Nowerdays they spend their time in the championship stealing players from my beloved Preston North End.

But hey, Loyalty doesn't pay the bills, Ken Bates does. And lets face it, £5,000 isn't exactly money trouble now is it.

Oh by the way, the names McFly, Martin McFly.

So lets have a look at the team.

First the guys between the sticks

Neil Sullivan GK Sco 35 Years old. Formerly Scotlands #1 now Leeds #1 I think i can get another year out of him

Ian Bennet GK Eng 33 Years old. Good 2nd keeper but a reminder that the squad we have is getting on.

and the men incharge of guarding the goals.

Gary Kelly DR Irl 31. Right back and probually our longest serving player.

Rui Marques DRC Ang 27. A new recruit to Ellen Road, i'll have to see how he does in pre-season

Paul Butler DC Irl 32. Strong defender, will hopefully keep the back 4 together

Dan Harding [i]D/ML Eng 21. Young defender i expect him to make a few runs down the wings.

Defence may need a bit of investment. Normually Gregan would stick in defence but being a North End man, i desided to keep him where he belongs in....

Midfielders

Sean Gregan DC/DM Eng 31 Years old. Hopefully he'll be the heart of the Diamond for me

Frazer Richardson D/WB/MR Eng 22 Years old First of our young midfiend, hopefully he'll be able to cover a wide range of area's if needed

Danny Pugh D/WB/AML Eng 22 Years old. He should be able to keep the pressure on Eddie Lewis

Shaun Derry DM Eng 27 Years old. Should do a good job at replacing Sean if he gets tired

Jermain Wright MRLC Eng 29 Years old. Another player to keep the first teamers looking behind their backs

Jonathan Douglas MRLC Irl 23 Years old. Our main man on the right wing, on loan from Blackburn for the year

Eddie Lewis AML USA 31 Years old. Ah the 2nd player fomerly of P.N.E Eddie will be incharge of the left flank

Gulfi Eianarsoson AMC Isl 26 Years old. Incharge of supporting the front 2 will be the head of the diamond

And finnaly, the men incharge of bringing in the goals.

David Healy ST NIR 25 Years old. Great striker who will probually me most remembered for a certain goal against England in 2005.

Richard Cresswell ST Eng 25 Years old. When he and Healy worked together at Preston they were a destructive force. Hopefully they'll do the same here

Rob Hurse ST Eng 25 Years old. Good striker but will miss the start of the season through injury

Robbie Blake AMRC,FC 29 Years old. Hopefully he'll be the star of the show.

so with 250k to spend hopefully all that needs to be fixed is the back 4 before we're ready to challenge for a return to the Premiership

retired_lizm5285

My search for a defender began right away. At the moment i only saw 1 player i wanted. Pablo Rotchen, although 31 he has played for Espanyol and is available on a free transfer.

at the same time the Chairman gave me a list of our friendlys

16.07 Away to Peterhead
20.07 Away to Queen of the South
23.07 Away to MK Dons
28.07 Home to Frankfurt
31.07 Home to Parma

before our first match of the season

6.08 Away to Crewe

Thursday 14th

"Hello is this Mr McFly?"

"Indeed it is"

"Its Ronnie, i got a wee bit of bad news for ya about Rotchen"

"Whats that?"

"Well he's desided to go to Atlas instead"

"Atlas??? who the heck are Atlas?"

"Only a Mexican team with a 65,000 seater stadium"

"Well thanks for the help, even if you got us nowhere" I slamed down the phone in anger.

I really need to find a defender and he was our best lead. I sat down to look at the paper till something caught my eye.

"Maybe he'll do"

Saturday 16th

Today was set to be my first match incharge of Leeds, but unfortunatly i was busy wrapping up some business so i let Sam Ellis take over.

At 6pm i got a phone call from Sam

"Hey Sam how did the match go?"

"Quite good. We wond 3-0, Lewis, Healy and Derry scored alothough Kelly picked up a knock and will be out for a week, how's things on your side?"

"Well i can't complain, we'll talk about it more at the press conference tomorrow"

"Press conference?? For what?"

Sunday 17th

"Ladies and Gentlemen, memeber of the press, i would like to introduce you all to Mikkel Bischoff, Who has joined us on a season long loan from Man City"

"Hopefully he'll be the answer to the lack of defence we have at the moment"

"Mr McFly, will he be the only addition to your squad?"

"Difficult to say, the squad should be fine but i am looking at other possiblitys. Anyway Mikkel will now be available for any pictures you want."

Wednesday 20th

"Sorry Sam i ditched you again, how did the match go?"

"Another 3-0 Win, this time Blake, Crainey and Derry. Osman lead a no go?"

"To right, Moyes wouldn't let me near him, i have one more player in mind, if he fails we're stuck with what we got."

Saturday 23rd

"Well guess its time to take the boys out against the Dons"

"How did your player search go?"

"No good and Preston are sniffing around about Richardson"

"What did you say?"

"If they want him they gotta pay up. Anyway lets get this game on the road"

8,405 fans came to see us take on MK Dons, and i planed to reward the Leeds faithful with another big win like Sam did

We started off good Creswell making a few runs and Einarsson having a header go just wide though the defend did let Platt through making Sullivan make a terrific save. And in the 29th minute Smalls shot just whistled past the far post giving us quite a scare. 35 mins and Lewis' cross found Cresswell right infront of goal but the defender just clipped it away from him. But Cresswell won the goal kick and a great pass found Blake on the halfway line who ran into the box and put it away at the far post 1-0. 40 mins in and a Gregan freekick found Einarsson but his header just bounced off the woodwork but luckly to the feet of Blake who made it 2-0.

Halftime and it was swap around as i used up my 9 subs. The 2nd team had a great start as Kellys long ball found Wright who's shot was saved but deflected to Blake to make it 3-0 and his Hattrick. I decided to go defencive at that point and the Dons just had no answer

MK Dons 0 - 3 Leeds United

"Well done Blake my boy, that was some great football there. If we can play liek that each week we'll have no problem going back up"

"Thanks alot gaffer, i just hope i can keep putting them away"

retired_lizm5285

Sunday 24th

I was sat at my desk making notes for the match against frankfurt when my phone started to buzz

"Yes Karen what is it?"

Karen is my personal advisor, not bad looking either, bit of a workaholic though.

"Hi Martin, i've got Alan Pardew on the phone for you"

"The West Ham manager?? ok put him through"

"Hello there Martin, congratulations on your new position"

"Thanks alot Alan, how can i help you"

"I was just enquiering on about the services of Danny Pugh."

"ohhh sorry Alan but i'm afraid we're a bit stuck at the back at them moment. not even 500k would be enought to let him go."

"Ah well. Thanks anyway, good luck with the premiership hunt"

"I'm sure we'll be playing u there next year."

Why do all the big clubs always chase after championship players and never play them.

Tuesday 26th

"Alright Frazer, hows it going?"

"I'm alright gaffer, what can i do for you?"

"Well its like this, Preston have made a bid for you, and i'm not the one who's going to take away your choices, I've a taxi waiting for you outside, so feel free to go discuss terms with them."

"You sure? thanks alot boss"

Thursday 28th

"Hey sam hows the team sheet looking?"

"Good, no new injuries"

"Well cross off Richardson, he's gone to Preston"

"How much for?"

"300k, we should have some cash to spend atlast, guess i'll have a look after the match."

Frankfurt are no small team so when Blakes ball found Einarsson, and the 26 year old struck from 30 yards out i was shocked. But none more so than when i saw it cross the line, after 30 seconds. What a start. 28 mins and a great dummy by Blake found Lewis on the wing who made a great run and cross to Einarsson but the defender just did enough to put him off. Then just before half time, Blake ran into the box but his shot was saved, it rebounded to Creswell who's shot was blocked aswell. As for Frankfurt, we'll i've seen League two sides more threatening.

Time for the half time swap around. Even my 2nd team had no problem with the Frankfurt 1st and 65 mins Moore made a stunning 40 yard cross to the head of an unmarked Einarsson for him to score his 2nd 2-0. The match stats said it all 15 shots to 2, 8 on target to none. I think the real Frankfurt team loss thier passports on the way and are still at the airport

Leeds United 2 - 0 Frankfurt
"Great game Einarrson, specially that 30 yarder, i guess you'll be on Soccer AM this week."

"Thanks alot gaffer, definatly a 1 in a million"

retired_lizm5285

Sunday 31st

It was time for our final match of the preseason. Home to Parma

time to get the show on the road.

The game started off very fast paced, back and forth, The world famous Rivaldo came closest as his 28 min free kick found the head of Simplicio who headed just wide. Meanwhile Einarsson had a good chance for us, beating the back 4 but just putting the ball into the side of the post. Most chances seemed to be comming from clearence and set pieces and Rivaldo's 38th min corner nearly gave Stranzi a chance to make it 1-0 but for Neil Sullivans great save. Rivaldo then had a freekick 2 mins later, which went sailing to the top corner but somehow once again Sullivan saved the day. Half time went and it has to be said Parma are looking best for the win.

2 mins into the 2nd half and a great punch by Sullivan found its way to Cresswell, who got a great ball to Blake who was unmarked and made it 1-0 against the run of play. And 5 mins after that Blake set up a header to Einarsson Which was just saved by Bucci and cleared by the defence. The Subs came on for both teams but after only 10 mins on Healy was injured by Rivaldo. I hope the lads ok.

Leeds United 1 - 0 Parma

"Great job guys, not only did we beat Parma, we've won ever friendly and not conceeded one goal."

"Think we'll go up gaffer?"

"I'm pretty sure we will."

"What about Dave? is he ok?"

"I'm afraid he sprained his ankle in that challenge, the physio says he'll be out for 1-2 months so Rob will probually be back before him. Anyway lads remember next weekend, the real fun begins, lets show Crewe what we can do."

August

Friday 5th

"Martin, we just got a fax from the FA"

"Whats it say Karen?"

"Looks like the Carling Cup draw, we're at home to Barnsley."

"Sounds like a fun game

Saturday 6th

"Ok lads, i'll be honest with u, i want a win. and i want a big win, nothing says premiership side better than a 1st day massacre, so lets go get them

The Match Crewe vs Leeds United

A convinsing 2-0 win over Crewe infront of 9258 fans showed how big of a chance we had this year

[i]We made a great start, 18 secs in and Creswell had a shot that just hit the post before 5 mins into the game Douglas found a forward ball to the unmarked Creswell to stike it under the keeper and make it 1-0 to us. Jones came close to an instant reply but put it narrowly over the top bar. 25 mins in and another Douglas run found the head of Cresswell to make it 2-0. Just befor half time Cresswell once again got into the box but keeper Ben Williams denied his hattrick not once, but twice in a row.

2nd half and 15 mins in a dangerous ball nearly found Cresswell but Cochrane got the slightest of touches to put it out and once again denying Cresswell his hattrick. Jones came close to getting one back in injury time but we held on to make it a good day for us.

[b]Crewe 0 - 2 Leeds United

"Fantastic job Cressie, how u didn't get your hattrick i don't know. Keep this up and the skys the limits.

retired_lizm5285

Tuesday 9th

"hmmmmmm this is not good"

"whats wrong Martin?"

"Rui just phoned me from the airport, he's on international duty"

"call him back?"

"In Angola"

"ah thats not so easy then"

"so that means we have no spare defenders for todays match. Hope they keep it clean out there."

The Match - QPR Vs Leeds United

A good 3-1 win infront of 13042 fans showed how good we were up front but the back 4 still have their moments.

QPR started the matrch off best, gaining a freekick and putting the defence under alot of pressure untill the 37th minute when Einarrson found a ball through to Blake to make it 1-0. Apart from that it was a quite first half.

Furlong equalised after 50 mins when a long ball from defence found Gallen who crossed it in to make it 1 a piece. Soon as i made some subs Eddie Lewis flew down the wing delivering a cross to Einarrson to header in and make it 2-1. 74 mins in and Wright played a great ball into Blake who struck it into the far corner and made it 3-1

QPR 1 - 3 Leeds United

Saturday 13th

"Sorry i'm late Sam"

"where the heck were you, i thought you were going to miss the match"

"Just solving our defence problem"

"Really how so?"

"By going down to London and bringing this guy with me, Sam meet Calum Davenport, he's joining us from Tottenham on loan for a year"

"Nice to meet you, but Martin this is a TV match you best tidy yourself up before the TV crew ask you for an interview."

The Match - Leeds United Vs Hull City

Unfortuantly despite rushing the loan deal through Calum is still injured so won't be playing for us tonight infront of the 22739 home fans.

we thought we had a great start from the lads as Harding played a stormer of a ball from the halfway line to the head of Cresswell to header into the net, but the linesman had other idea's And judging from the new Sky Sports sky cam i shall have a few words with the lineman. That really hurt our confidence as bar Cresswells injury time header neither team got past the others back 4.

We needs to turn around what was becoming a boring match in the 2nd half. Despite telling the players to attack more the 2nd half the match stayed a stale mate with only Douglas comming close in the 67th min with a header. Time for some subs. And right away with our 2nd corner the changes did the trick. A dangerour corner from the new sub Wright nearly found Bischoft but it was punched away, but Harding intercepted and played a clean ball to Einarsson who yet again scores for us 1-0. But McPhee jumped onto a through ball from Elliot and unmarked made it 1-1 suddenly in the last 10 mins the match had come to life. A long Cresswell shot just clipped the top bar and a Harding header just went wide. But we just couldn't score and i feel that should of been our match

Leeds United 1 - 1 Hull City

"So Martin, your first home game and TV game of the year, how do you feel?"

"Well i feel we should of won it. We had the chances but thats football, Getting chances is one thing taking them is another."

"Well your team currently lie in 2nd, are you going up this year?"

"I hope we have a good chance, we have a few injuries but they're comming back, so if we're this good without our full strenght i can only see us going higher."

retired_lizm5285

Thanks to internationals we had a much needed break.

England Drew 1-1 with Denmark in a friendly match and we were busy training for a personal big match. Preston North End, my former club.

As for injuries. Well Rob Hulse was still expected out for 2 weeks and Healy for a month. But Davenport was fit and ready to make his debute for us.

Saturday 20th

The Match - Leeds United Vs Preston North End

2 Changes. Davenport comes on for his debute and Derry starts in DM instead of Gregan.

Cresswell starts us off well, heading a long ball from Harding at goal which Ward punches over the top bar. But 12 mins in Ex leeds player Richardson hits a long ball to Danny Dichio who heads it in to make it 1-0 North End. As the match goes on Dichio and Nugent get closer and closer to goal while we get further and further into our own half and 36 mins in Nugent convert Alexanders freekick and makes it 2-0. We need to get forward. Just before Half time Nugent left Davenport for dead and lucky for us just shot wide of a goal that should of made it 3-0.

2nd half nad it was quiet until the the 56th minute when we had no less that 3 shots that were defelected withing 30 secs. Cresswell, Blake and Lewis just couldn't find a way past the walls of defenders. Our chance for a comeback came after 64 mins as Alexander pushed down Blake in the box and Robbie converted the penelty to make it 2-1. Then with 10 mins to go, Ian Moore found Kellys through ball and slid it in to make it 2-2. So that was the final score.

Leeds United 2 - 2 Preston North End

"Well what can i say lads, The first half was a disaster, but you came though and salvaged a point. I can't say i'm pleased with the result, but i am please with the way we got back from 2 goals down. Go get clean, i'll see ya at training tomorrow." As the lads walked off i pulled Jermaine Wright over. "Jermaine, great match again since u came off the bench. Next week i want you to start off on the right wing"

"Really gaffer? thanks alot"

"You've earned it son, now go shower off."

Tuesday 23rd

Our 2nd TV match of the year and our first round of the cup. We face former premeirship boys Barnsley at Ellen Road.

The Match - Leeds United Vs Barnsley - Carling Cup Rd 1

Great start to the match, could be a candidate for what happens next. Goalkeeper Colgan ran out of his box to clear a long ball but missed his kick amd Robbie Blake just walked the ball into the unguarded net 1-0. Then 10 mins in Cresswell found a ball from Einarrson on the edge of the box and Vollyed it into the back of the net 2-0. 5 mins later and Colgan did it again, picking up the loose ball outside the box he let Cresswell nip the ball from him and make it 3-0. 24 mins in and Derrys corner was cleared from Cresswell but found Einarrson who chiped in across to Davenport to score his first for the club. So 4-0 up at half time i thought i may as well make my subs now and give some players a run out. Including giving young Simon Walton a run out.

2nd half and Wright was having a good time on the wing, but as he tried to cross a ball to Cresswell it hit the defender Kay and bounced all the way into to the goal to make it 5-0. I personally feel that should of been Wright goal. 56 mins in and Cresswell continued to try for his hattrick and was brough down. Blake too the resulting pen and made it 6-0. So thats 2 players after a hattrick now. Unfortuantly it didn't come but the 18036 fans got too see plenty of goals atleast.

Leeds United 6 - 0 Barsley

retired_lizm5285

Saturday 27th

Sticking with Lancashire Clubs today we face Burnley at Turf Moor. Before the match though we find out we have league one oppersition in the Carling Cup again, this time against Tramere.

An injury to Dan Harding means that Stephen Crainey will make his first start at left back of the season

The Match - Burnley Vs Leeds United

A very quiet start where the match didn't start untill the 28th minute When Einarsson's 30 yard shot was just saved by Coyne. Then on the 39th min Bischoff's freekick found the head of Cresswell who just put it wide of the post. Then just before halftime, Graham snuck a ball into our box and Noel-Williams slid it in to make it 1-0

2nd half and Blakes shot was saved by the keeper but the rebound found Cresswell who hit it right at the keeper again. But 51 mins in and some great buildup play found Lewis with a pinpoint ball to Blake to make it 1-1. 69 mins and Blake recived a loose ball from a Burnley corner and played a 45 yard ball to Moore who was 1 on 1 with the keeper and make it 2-1 to us. 80 mins and Burnley hit back with a counter attack of their own leaving Graham to chip Sullivan and make it 2-2. So a 2-2 draw in the end and a match i felt we threw away.

Burnley 2 - 2 Leeds United.

The good news now is i have a bit of a break before our next match and should get a full team by then.

In other News England beat Wales 1-0 with a 90th minute gal from Darius Vassell, and Prestons Dave Jones and Dave Nugent won the player and young player of the month awards.

Healy and Hurse are back to full training infact Hurse put 2 past Everton in a reserves match.

And in Englands 2nd match they beat N. Ireland 2-0 with goals from Rooney and Owen.

Sunday 11th September

For the first time this year i have choices up front. Ian Moore is dropped and Hulse and Healy return all be i on the bench, and Dan Harding returns on left back

The Match - Cardiff City Vs Leeds United

Good start from us Blake recived a long ball down the wing and crossed it to Einarrson who put it away and made it 1-0. 29 mins and Ardly missed a 1 on 1 and hit the ball just wide.

2nd half and 50 mins in and Ardly hit a good shot and made it 1-1. Blake returned the favour right away to bring it to 2-1. 74 mins and we were down to 10 men as Einarsson pick up and injury after using all 3 subs. And it got worse as 3 mins later we were down to 9 with Sullivan injured, leaving Gregan in nets. Naturally Cox found it easy to put it past him and make it 2-2. Thankfully i took a point from the game, and trust me it was a big relief.

Cardiff 2 - 2 Leeds United

Unfortuantly Einarrson and Sullivan will both be out for 2 weeks.

retired_lizm5285

Tuesday 13th

My first local derby. Leeds vs Sheffield Utd. This was the big one, lose and the fans will be on my back for weeks to come, win and i'm like a hero to them

With Einarrson and Sullivan injured I moved Holt up front with Blake supporting him and Cresswell and Ian Bennentt came in for Sullivan

The Match - Leeds United Cs Sheffield United

First chance of the game came from Sheff Utd after Alan Quinns long shot went wide of the goal. 28 mins and my nightmare of last week came to haunt me again

Bennett was injured and we had no sub keeper. On came Sean Gregan in nets. Sure enough 34 mins in and Alan Quinn scored to make it 1-0. And before halftime Kozluks run from down the wing found shippley he headed into the far post and 2-0 down.

10 mins into the 2nd half and a glimmer of hope shone as Cresswells volley found the net to make it 2-1. Then Harding got injured. I'm dreading to see the teamsheet for next week.

72 mins and we equalised through a great freekick from Derry and 2 mins later Cresswell hit again with a great header to make it 3-2. 82 mins and Gregan made a great save from Wright to keep it 3-2. Not bad for a part time keeper.

Full time and it was a brilliant comeback, the defence was solid in the 2nd half and the only save Gregan needed to make was a classic. Surprisingly for the match there wasn't a single card either.

Leeds United 3 - 2 Sheffield United

retired_perilousfaith

Looking great so far! Keep up the good work, Nadessico! :thup: