If you register for free, you will be able to post threads, vote on polls and lots more. If you have problems with the registration or logging in, please contact the administrator.
It had been a long, tiring and hot day out at Belmore Oval. Too hot for a day at the begining of the Winter Season. My Sydney Olympic squad had been training hard allafternoon, and now that it was 5:30 i told the lads to go in for a shower and rest and i'll see them back here on Wednesday.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ My name is Antonios Kinnas. I was born in Wollongong Australia, and am of a Greek background. I have lived in Sydney for the last 10 years of my life. Now at the age of 25, i was the head manager of Sydney Olympic in the NSW State League. I would have been playing for them still if it hadn't been for a career threatening knee injury i sustained two years ago. When i recovered from the injury, after 6 months of sitting on my couch at home, i decided to get my coaching badges, and when i got them, Olympic ask if i'd like the head managers position there, and how could i refuse.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I walked into the office building next to the ground and made my way to my office. As i approached my office door, my secretary got up from her desk and informed me that Mr. Nick Politis, the Chairman was in my office waiting for me.
As i went in to my office, sure enough there he was, sitting in my chair on my side of the desk. I decided to sit on the other side of the desk and asked mr. Politis, to what i owed him this pleasure.
"Tony, about two hours ago i got off the phone with Mr. Walter Bugno."
"Sydney FC chairman Walter Bugno?"
"Unless there is another Walter Bugno who was pulling my leg then yes Sydney FC chairman Walter Bugno. He has asked me to terminate your contract here at Olymic."
"Why would he ask that? What's going on Nick?"
"Well...the Sydney FC board wold like to offer you the position of first team manager, as Pierre Littbarski resigned two days ago due to undisclosed reasons."
"But...the season hadn't even started yet."
"So do you want it or not?"
"You and Olympic have done so much for me, i would hate to..."
I was cut off but Nick Politis.
"Tony, let me say one thing." he paused and started again. "Its your turn to write history. Now go. Mr. Bugno is expecting to see you at 19:00 to discuss the terms of your contract and when you will start."
"But...I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything. Just don't forget us when you create history."
As i arrived at the Sydney Football Stadium i looked around, and was amazed by the sight. Although i had been to the stadium on many occasions, I had never really looked at it as i did then. It felt different to the times that I had been there as a spectator, but there was no time to stand around staring at the sights. I had a meeting with Mr Walter Bugno.
I made my way into the office buiding and found my way to Mr. Bugno's secretary's desk.
"Um...hello my name is Antonios Kinnas. I have an appointment with Mr Bugno."
"Yes. Antonios. He won't be long. By the way i'm Veronica. Mr Bugno's secretary."
"Well...nice to meet you."
I hadn't even put my backside on the seat, and Mr Bugno was out here greeting me and ushering me into his office. He offered me a seat and i sat as he did, in his chair.
"Antonios..."
"Please Mr Bugno call me Tony."
"And likewise, Tony please call me Walter."
"Ok...Thank you."
"Tony...you obviously know why you are here. So let me skip the formalities. We would like to hire you as the first team manager."
"I must say when Mr Politis told me, it came as quite a shock. But i have to accept. There is no way i can pass up an opportunity like this."
"Thats great. Oh and right on time."
There was a knock on Mr Bugno's door as he finished his sentence. A young woman looking about 23 years of age came in holding some papers.
"Here are the papers you requested Walter."
"Oh...thank you Jamie. Oh...Jamie, I would like ou to meet your new boss. Antonios Kinnas the first team manager. Tony this is Jamie Theodorakakos, your personal assisstant. You need anthing, she will deliver it to you."
"Wow...thank you. A personal assisstant. I never expected that."
"Jamie please stay. Now Tony I have here a contract that i had drawn up for you. Please look through it to see if you like it."
As anyone would do, i looked straight at my wage. $12,500 per week. That was awsome. I was only getting $1000 per week with Sydney Olympic. It was only for an initial one year, with the option by the club for extension. I was happy with it so i had no hesitation in signing. After i signed the contract, Walter said:
"I would now like to officially welcome you to the club, i hope your time with us is a fruitful and excting one."
"Thank you Walter."
"Oh...Antonios...before you go, please take these with you. They are copiess of coaches reports, physio reports and a copy of the financials."
"We will officially announce you on Saturday. Until then unless you need things done to the team consider yourself on a paid vacation. See you on Saturday"
Thanks chesterfan2, but i don't think Melbourne will pose too much of a problem for me, i mean i am managing Sydney FC. Not New Zealand Knights.
Thanks anyway and by the way i have been really enjoing both your Melbourne Victory game and your pp-70 game. good luck with them can't wait to read more on them.
Authors Note:Using FM2006 version 6.0.2 and running the following leagues:
* Argentina - Premier Division only
* Australia - A-League only
* Brazil - First Division only
* England - English Conference North/South and above
* France - First League only
* Germany - Second Division and above
* Greece - National B Division and above
* Holland - First Division and above
* Ireland - First Division and above
* Italy - Serie C2 and above
* Portugal - League only
* Scotland - Third Division and above
* Spain - Second Division B and above
* Sweden - First Division Elite and above
* Switzerland - Super League only
* Turkey - Superleague only
* USA - MLS only
Huge database was used and no extra countries were loaded
First things to do were to look over the financials and the coachs' and physios' reports and to fix up my squad.
First though were the finance reports. I needed to know where I stood financially. When I had read through the financial statements I was quite pleased. We had $1.65 million in the bank, $599,998 of which had been allocated to me for transfers. I had also been given a wage budget of $51.92k p/w, of which I was already using $34,846, and that was with 4 roster spots left to fill, which gave me plenty of room to manouver in. I was also pleased to see that we had a sponsorship deal in place until the end of the 2007/08 season, offering us $48.04k per season.
Next up on the agenda was to look at the coaches' and physios' reports on the players. After reading through these, I came up with my own reports incorporating my extensive knowledge on the players, to help in my decision making process.
Goalkeepers
Clint Bolton - 29yrs - 3 caps for Australia - a very consistent keeper, who holds good communication skills which will assist him greatly in the organisation of his backline during matches, along with his extensive experience. Rarely makes a mistake. Will satrt as No ! keeper, although due to his age, will have to work hard to hold his place as there are many great young keepers coming through the ranks.
Justin Pasfield - 20 yrs - good young keeper, will be looking to establish himself as a future no 1 keeper for the club. Currently in the running for a spot as keeper for the Australian Under 21's squad.
With two good keepers on the books, all that is needed in this department is a third keeper for back up.
Defenders
Matthew Bingley - D RC, DM, M R - 33 years - 14 caps for Australia with 5 international goals - Holds lots of experience in the Australian football scene. Will have to fight for a starting role on the right with Mark Milligan but will definitely give great strength at the back mentally off the field as well as on the field.
Iain Fyfe - D C - 23 yrs - Former Hamilton Academical defender. Is an average player who would not become more than just a fringe player at the club. Will ask to have him offloaded on a free transfer as he does not really have a place in my squad.
Wade Oostendorp - D C - 17yrs - currently playing for the Australian Joeys (under 19s). Has a bright future ahead of him. Will feature in a few matches off the bench but will not play a major role for this season at least.
Mark Rudan - D C - 29 yrs - Another of the more experienced players in the squad, who will provide great strength in the centre of defence.
Jacob Timpano - D C - 19 yrs - Another product of the Wollongong Wolves youth regime, as was Pasfield. Will look to establish himself in the centre of defence this season, helping his international selection along, as he is in the running of being chosen in the Australian young socceroos (under 21s).
Mark Milligan - D/WB R - 19 yrs - another player in the running for a young socceroos spot, and also in the running for the starting right back role for me. Will have to fight off the competition of the experienced Matthew Bingley though. Milligan holds youth and pace in his favour in that endevour.
Alvin Ceccoli - D/WB L - 30 yrs - 4 caps for Australia with 1 international goal - Our only experienced left defender and even if another is signed, Ceccoli, or Mr consistent as he is known will still hold into the left back position unless his competitor really brings it on.
Will look to bring in two central defenders and one left sided defender to strengthen up the back line.
Midfielders
Andrew Packer - M RL - 24 yrs - A talented young midfielder who can play on both flanks. Made a name for himself playing for Sydney Olympic for the season leading up to and including the one where Olympic won in the now defunked NSL. Will also be looking to establish himself as a first team regular, in order to push for a socceroos spot.
Terry McFlynn - M C - 24 yrs - 19 caps for N.Ireland under 21s with 2 goals - A talented young central midfielder who will feature greatly throughout the season.
Ufuk Talay - M C - 29 yrs - Heralded by socceroo Josip Skoko as the best Australian footballer never to represent Australia. He will be an unstoppable force this season and will hopefully help bring the inaugural A-League cup to Sydneys hands by the end of the season. Holds extensive experience, both in Australia and overseas.
David Carney - AM RL - 21 yrs - another player in the running for a young socceroos spot. Carney recently returned to Australia to play for Sydney in this inaugural A-League premiership and brings with him valuable overseas experience.
Robbie Middleby - AM L - 29 yrs - 5 caps for Australia - a very experienced player who plays on the left hand side of midfield. Will be very usefull especially when it comes to the business end of the season.
Steve Corica - AM C - 32 yrs - 31 caps for Australia with 5 international goals - Probably the most experrienced player in the squad after Dwight Yorke. Nearing the end of his playing days Corica will not feature as often as maybe McFlnn and Talay, but will come in handy come the business end of the season.
Alejandro Salazar - AM/F C - 21 yrs - The American youngster will look to establish himself as a future star for Sydney FC. This season however will feature only on rare occassions.
Will look to bring in one midfielder player, preferably one who plays in the centre of midfield.
Attackers
John Buonavoglia - ST - 29yrs - An average player who is no longer at his prime. Another player who i will request is released on a free transfer.
Sasho Petrovski - ST - 30 yrs - 1 cap for Australia - has been unfortunate not to represent his country on many more occassions. Will be a starting striker, along with Yorke and will look to hold that position when Zdrilic returns from injury.
Dwight Yorke - ST - 33 yrs - 55 caps for Trinidad and Tobago with 23 international goals - The former Manchester United and Birmingham City front man brings with him character, class and experience. Will lead my Sydney squad through the inaugural A-League premiership as captain.
David Zdrilic - ST - 31 yrs - 29 caps for Australia with 18 international goals - A very experienced player to say the least, but nearing the end of his time as injuries begin to take their toll. Will be starting off the season on the sidelines as he recovers from a back strain for 2 months.
With Buonavoglia being released, i will look to bring in one striker.
To my luck it didn't take long to find my midfield player. I picked up that weeks cop of Australian and British Soccer Week, that i had bought that morning and began to read through it, only to get as far as page three when i saw an article about Crystal Palace's young Australian midfielder Anthony Danze. The article read:
"Australian Anthony Danze's place at Crystal palace is in doubt after the player refused to sign a new contract on Friday. Danze's current contract runs out on Saturday 11th June 2005..."
I picked up the phone and quickly called the office.
"Good afternoon. Mr Bugno's office. Veronica speaking, how may i help you?"
"Veronica, its Antonios. I need to speak with Walter. Is he free?"
"Yes he is. Won't be a second Tony."
"..."
"Tony what can i do for you?"
"Walter i would like to ask for two players to be released on free transfers first of all because they just won't feature in my plans."
"You know best in that department, so who are they?"
"Iain Fyfe and John Buonavoglia."
"If that what you want then consider it done. Anything else?"
"Yeah two more things. Did you happen to read today's ccopy of Australian and British Soccer Week?"
"No. Why what's in there?"
"Well Anthony Danze isn't coming to terms with Palace for a new contract and his current one runs out on saturday. I was hoping that you could organise for someone to offer him a contract he would be a great addition for my squad."
"Anthony Danze. I don't know if he would move back to here from England, but i will try. I'll let you know when i have any progress. What else did you need? You said you had two more things you needed."
"Oh yes. Well last September i remember watching Zimbabwe play Nigeria, well there was a great young central defender playing for Nigeria, he is only 18 now, and holds 4 caps for the Nigerian first team. I was wondering if you could organise a contract for him too?"
"Well you have obviously seen him. You really think he would fit in well with your plans?"
"Walter he would be perfect."
"Ok who does he play for at the moment?"
"He is with Port-Harcourt Sharks FC in Nigeria."
"Ok I'll see what i can do. If there is anyone else you want me to offer for let me know. Ok. I want you to get your squad to where you want it no before the season starts, because I don't want any rush transfers later on."
"Ok Walter. I will have four more names tomorrow to fill the last of our roster spots i just want to do a little more research before i give anymore names."
"That's good to hear. I'll talk to you tomorrow then. Ok bye."
It was 11:30 when the phone rang.
"Tony. It's Walter. How are you this morning?"
"Fine thanks Walter. To what do i owe this pleasure?"
"Tony, remember that player you asked me to look into? i found the one you were talking about. Oremi Oruambo."
"Yeah that's the one. So can we offer him a contract?"
"Well, normally i would say yes, but after i spoke to a friend of mine who is with the FFA, it was brought to my attention that we wouldn't be able to get a work permit for him. I'm really sorry."
"That's okay Walter. I have those other four names. Would you like them now?"
"Yes. That way i can get right onto them. Oh and before i forget we just released Fyfe and Buonavoglia as you requested. I hope you know what you are doing."
"I'm very sure of what i am doing Walter. The players i would like to put offers through for are Adam van Dommele from Adelaide United. For him i was thinking $70,000?"
"That's doable."
"Franco Parisi from Newcastle Jets. He is a fantastic striker. I played with him as a youth team member of Sydney Olympic. He has a lot of potential. Offer $120,000 for him. Also Brett Studman from Newcastle, a central defender. Offer $60,000 for him, and Diego Barcena from Uragyuan outfit CA Cerro. Offer $90,000 for him."
"I can do that. I'll have them in from sunday to sign contracts trust me, if they are the ones you want."
"They are. Thanks Walter."
"I'll call you if i have any problems. Bye."
With the transfer of Oremi not going through that still left one roster spot open. I decided i would leave it open for now to use in the case of an emergency.
"Not too bad. I just got off the phone with the CA Cerro chairman, they won't let Barcena go for less than $130,000. If you think this a good investment then i'm willing to go along with it."
"Well...he is a really good keeper, actually he is better than our current number 2 Pasfield."
"Ok i'll call them back now and confirm."
"Walter, i have an outline of what i want for our pre season preperations."
"Oh good. What do you need? Do you need me to make any calls to other clubs?"
"Yes if you don't mind. Actually i want to start our pre season preparations next week if we could. I would like a home friendly organised with Adelaide City on Friday 17th, followed by a home game against Bonnyrigg White Eagles on Tuesday 21st June, followed by a hoe game against the Wollongong Wolves on Saturday 25th June. I don't want the boys travelling to play away friendlies, it would wear them out too much. After that i want to set up a friendly competition, a friendly cup, that i want to run every year. I would like to call it the Sydney FC Invitational. This year i would like o have former NSL heavyweights Heidleberg United, and Sydney Olympic in there and also current State league big boys Bankstown City. I'll call Sydney Olympic, but if you could organise the rest. I want the competition to run over the nights of Sunday the 3rd July and Monday the 4th July. Then i want to finish off with a friendly against Sydney United. Offer to play that one at their ground. Does that sound ok to you Walter?"
"It sounds great! 'The Sydney FC Invitational'. Ingenious. I love it. I'll get Jamie to organise it all for you. Consider it done. Oh and before i forget. Saturday's press conference is at 11:30. I'll see you there."
Nice start, u_f Always been tempted to take a shot at managing in Australia but never got round to it. And I have fond memories of Steve Corica from a game I played with Wolves on CM01/02 so I'll be tracking his progress.
"It's your turn to write history." 
Always been tempted to take a shot at managing in Australia but never got round to it. And I have fond memories of Steve Corica from a game I played with Wolves on CM01/02 so I'll be tracking his progress.
Linear Mode
