retired_hollieo

EPL Challenge (The Ultimate Premier League Experience) Game Thread

Welcome to the Update thread for EPL Challenge.

Once again EPL Challenge's group of ambitious, enthusiastic and skillful managers are going head to head in the latest installment of our series of games in Football Manager 2005.

In this game there will be guaranteed thrills and spills, banter and slagging, trophies galore and sackings aplenty, in-depth manager interviews and of course some literally brilliant nights of virtual football all from the comfort of your chair in front of the PC.

A quality game has been provided by SI and now is the time to enjoy it to the full over the coming winter months.

The important information:

The Game:

The arena is the English Premiership. All current European Champions League Clubs are disqualified at the outset of the game.


The Game Times:

Tuesday 7 - 11pm; Thursday 7 - 11pm; Sunday 7 - 11pm

The Rules (A Must Read):

www.eplchallenge.co.uk/rules.php

The Application Form:

www.eplchallenge.co.uk/apply.php

Tips For Online Beginners:

http://www.eplchallenge.co.uk/tips.php

EPL Challenge Gaffers FM2005

Mark Smallwood - Aston Villa
Richard Liggins - Middlesbrough
Andy Nilsen - Portsmouth
David Pagi - Bolton
Niall Murphy - Everton
Jay DaCosta - Newcastle United
Sam Bouchard - Tottenham Hotspur
Chris Oestrich - Birmingham City
Rick Boult - Blackburn Rovers
Leo Hardy - Manchester City
Chris Morris - West Bromwich Albion
Matt Tully - Southampton

Although this game is based in the English Premier League, I can assure you there is one subtle difference between the English Premiership and EPL Challenge.

In our case, you can certainly believe the hype.

retired_hollieo

Shock appointment at Goodison Park as the 2004/05 English Football Season Approaches.

Distraught supporters of English Premier League side, Everton, rushed to their local newspaper stands this morning attempting to uncover the full story behind the news leaked from Goodison Park last night, which completely stunned the blue half of the city of Liverpool and will undoubtedly cause shockwaves and panic throughout the English Premiership.

David Moyes, the young, bright and ambitious Scottish manager who had been at the helm for two full seasons unexpectedly resigned his position - in protest at the recent sale of young England star, Wayne Rooney, to FA Cup holders Manchester United. The not so small matter of a huge transfer fee as compensation wasn't enough to placate Moyes, who considered the sale a further chapter in a long story of underachievement, lack of ambition and financial hardship.

Disaffection amongst Everton fans is currently at its highest levels for some considerable time at the club who were last crowned English Football Champions nineteen years ago, in 1985. To put this into perspective, the last time Everton were the top team in England, the brilliant Back To The Future was the main flick in the cinemas, long running soap nonsense Neighbours had just begun to premiere in Australia, Madonna was number one in the charts with the ludicrous "Like A Virgin", and Mickey Mouse took a trip to China for the first time.

This disaffection was not eased in the slightest when at 5pm today, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright announced live on Sky Sports News that Moyes' successor would be young Irish manager, Niall Murphy, untested and unproven at any level of football. "Murphy who, eh, eh?" was the common theme amongst supporters at the ground this afternoon.

Indeed, the Everton supporters club offered the following statement just after the shock announcement.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Although we wish Murphy every success at Goodison Park and will give him our full support for however long he is in charge of the club, we would not be being honest if we didn't say that we are very disappointed with this appointment. The question we ask is, what exactly does Murphy know about football? He probably should have cut his teeth in management at a lower level, rather than taking on what is one of the hardest jobs in the Premiership here at Everton. We remain to be convinced that this move is in the best interests of the club and will be seeking an immediate meeting with Bill Kenwright to make him aware of the view of the supporters. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

As for Murphy himself, well naturally he was thrilled and upbeat at the news and is looking forward to getting stuck into the job.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Obviously, my appointment came as a shock to the Everton supporters. I have to admit that I was surprised myself to be chosen ahead of a raft of other candidates who some feel are better suited to the challenge than me. But come on, what has Hoddle or Strachan ever won?

I have a message for all the doubters and indeed the rest of the managers in the English Premiership. Murphy is here and Murphy is here to stay. I'm here for only one reason and that is to bring the glory days back to Everton Football Club. This club is a sleeping giant and it is time it woke up and smelt the sweet smell of success once again.

From day one, my sole ambition will be to improve all levels of the squad, to use the money that is made available to me to buy the best players we can afford and finally, make Europe aware that the only club in Liverpool worth talking about is Everton and not that mob that play in red down the road. Mark my words, under my tenure we will get used to silverware once again and I'm not talking about the cutlery in the canteen. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

And off Murphy went to assess his squad. With the likes of Gravesen, Yobo and Kilbane already available to the manager, then who is to say that Everton won't make an immediate impression on this years league campaign. Watch this space.

retired_fastfoods42

Birmingham Appoint Some Welsh Bloke - Has Brady Gone mad?

Birmingham City today announced that Chris Oestrich will take control of team affairs from Steve Bruce with immediate effect. The decision comes as something as a shock on 2 counts as Bruce is regarded as a young, up and coming football manager - well respected in the world game and with a good track record, and Oestrich is a Risk Manager from Cardiff.

In a press release, Karen Brady explained:-

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Steve has done a fantastic job getting this club into the premiership but we feel that he has taken us as far as we can go. At an emergency board meeting last week we were discussing new radical approaches to achieve success and we have decided to try something new.

The theory we have been working on is known as the 'Winning Attribute No Knowledge' approach which involves taking someone with no experience in one subject, but who has success in another, and getting them to apply their winning attributes to the subject to which they no nothing. This facilitates an open approach to a task with no pre-conceptions or barriers to new methods of success. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Police are believed to have found large quantities of Canabis in the St Andrews plumbing system which may explain some of the bizarre decisions the board have been making of late.

Oestrich is believed to be very pleased with his new role and understands that it will take a lot to win the fans around. he said:-

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I am very pleased with his new role and understands that it will take a lot to win the fans around. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

He also stated :-

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I've had a chance to asses the squad and I can see where we need to strengthen. We have a decent squad of defenders but I'll be looking for a strong centre half to complement Upson and Cunningham. The midfield area is quite strong and combative but may require some flair. There are only 6 strikers in the club at all levels so I'll also be looking to add some quality and depth here. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

retired_kimberlysmith

Bouchard Swaps A Mop For The Hotseat

Jacques Santini was sensationally sacked last night after assaulting a cleaner at White Hart Lane. Santini was spotted by Spurs Sporting Director Frank Arnesen inside the main entrance to the club's ground as he swung at the club's head cleaner Sam Bouchard. Santini was hauled back by security guards after Arnesen caught the former French national boss attacking Bouchard.

Frank Arnesen had this to say on the shock news:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>As from 2 hours ago, Jacques Santini was released of his duties as Tottenham Hotspur Manager. He assaulted a man who was just minding his own business doing his job, and this simply isn't acceptable. We as a club need to move forward from last season and with Santini at the helm I thought we had the man to take us there, but I have been proved wrong. Whilst nterviewing Mr. Bouchard about the incident I got to know him, and I am glad to say that I’ve already found our new manager. This will come as a complete shock to our supporters and to the football world, but I have appointed Mr. Bouchard as Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

After hearing the shock announcement surrounding the incident, many believe that Spurs were forced into appointing Bouchard as boss, in fear of him suing the club for millions. Bouchard, who's a 50% owner in the company Claims Direct, has taken the post in agreement to overlook any court case. This has saved Spurs a hell of a lot of money and could well work out in the long run.

Bouchard, who had a 3 year stint as Lincoln City manager, had gone back to his main passion in life that is cleaning. He's worth millions due to his part in Claims Direct, and he's earnt his fair share from the game through a spell at managerial level and an injury cut short playing career, but he still wants more from life. Bouchard took up the job as head cleaner at Spurs in the summer of 2002, with no thoughts of ever becoming the manager. But this afternoon his unforeseen dream has been realised.

Bouchard has the following to say on the matter:-

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>All I ever wanted from this job was to make a bit of money and to unwind from the stress and strain of my life in years gone by, and I achieved that. This unfortunate incident has rewarded me with something that I’d never expected, but that I’m greatly looking forward to. I love football, and to get the chance to manage at this high a level is marvelous. I must thank Tottenham's Board for acting so quickly on the matter, and I hope we can put this all behind us and bring a bright and hopeful future to White Hart Lane. I too would like to use Chris Oestrich's theory, ****, in our approach to the game. On a final note I’d like to thank supporters for their concern with their cards and flowers, but I’m on the road to recovery,
and now that I’m in charge at Spurs, so are they. Thank you <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

retired_kdanclair

Manchester City shock the country with appointment of new manager.

Manchester City have appointed unknown manager, Leo Hardy, to take control of the team in an ambitious attempt to turn the clubs fortunes around and make a top-half finish within two to three seasons. Hardy has big plans for the team. In a press conference in the City of Manchester Stadium, Leo Hardy said:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I have mixed feelings about getting this job. Of course I'm excited and delighted to get the job, but I'm also feeling very cautious and nervous about talking on such a big club.

I have big plans for this club as I hope to give the blue half of Manchester the taste of some cup glory for the first time since winning the League Cup in 1976. I also hope to get the team in Europe within a couple of seasons. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Some people may think that this young, unheard of manager is a bit over-ambitious and unrealistic, but some fans are happy with the appointment, thinking his ambition will drive the team to glory. However, this decision to appoint Hardy hasn't gone down too well with most City fans who feel massively let down by the board and Chairman, John Wardle.

When the final question was put to Hardy, asking what he thought of his current squad and what he was looking to do with it, he replied:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I’ve had a little time to assess my squad and I think it shows great potential. I have a decent goalkeeper selection in David James and Ronald Waterreus, a good, solid defence which will be lead by Distin, a very good midfield which includes Claudio Reyna, Sinclair, Bosvelt, Wright-Phillips and McManaman. I will be looking to strengthen this area further. The strikers are good, but there certainly isn’t enough of them, I will definitely need to add to this area. Anelka should be a real threat. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

After this response from Hardy, it looks like Man City could cause an upset or two and are a team to look out for.

retired_sweetfitchic

WBA: New Guy In Town!

West Brom today proudly announced the man who will supposable do the impossible and keep WBA in the premier league. Its the job no one wanted to touch: "they have no money", "they have rubbish players" people cried, but one brave man has decided to ignore such opinions and tackle these issues head on!
Literally tens of fans flocked outside the Hawthorns to see who this mystery figure actually is. Names were being whispered throughout the crowd and a group of fans began chanting the name of Radio One funny man Chris Moyles. They felt a bit silly to say the least when it was discovered the new managers name is actually Chris Morris.

Little is known about this young attractive man, his professional career was cruelly cut short at the age of 12, but he has extensive knowledge of management from playing championship manager. He is also infamous for being tight, and has many ways to avoid buying a round. This careful money management will prove extremely useful whist taking charge of such a poor, poor club. But will this be enough? will he succeed or fail? or will he regret being stupid and not going someone else? only time will tell.....

retired_teresa assis

Mclaren replaced by rookie

Steve McLaren sensationally resigned as Middlesboro boss today, after a local newspaper reported that he was a whining, dull ginger bas*ard. Even more sensational was the appointment of his successor, rookie Richard Liggins, plucked from playing non-league football at a very poor level to being asked to lead a club with huge potential. Boro fans were understandably annoyed by the appointment, but Liggins had the following to say to ease their worries:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Don't worry <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

He added:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> The club is in good shape, and I'm confident that I can help Boro build on the success and progress of recent years. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Time will tell

retired_hollieo

Some quality introductions here so far lads. Well done. Especially liked that dig at Smallwood on the WBA job Chris, that's what we want to see. Down with the Villa. Nice Midlands rivalry building here.

I'm going to put an, overdue, latest clan news page on the website over the weekend, as judging by my inbox you are all wondering about a start date.

Latest news on the GQ forum is that SI are definitely releasing a patch but apparently are not going to rush one out this time. In other words no date has been announced on the patch.

As not everybody has the game yet there is no immediate rush. I'm hoping the patch will be out soon (next week) and if so we'll KO on the first clan night after the patch.

Until then, keep checking the website for news and we look forward to Pagi, Mark, Goat, Tully, Rick and Jay finally giving us an introduction to their new teams.

Slainte

Niall

BLiND

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by EmmYouEffSee:

_Bouchard Swaps A Mop For The Hotseat_

Jacques Santini was sensationally sacked last night after assaulting a cleaner at White Hart Lane. Santini was spotted by Spurs Sporting Director Frank Arnesen inside the main entrance to the club's ground as he swung at the club's head cleaner Sam Bouchard. Santini was hauled back by security guards after Arnesen caught the former French national boss attacking Bouchard.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Now with recent news you have to wonder how far off the truth that news actually was

BLiND

Deadly Doug strikes again

Doug Ellis has announced that in recent Aston Villa tradition they are to sack David O’Leary even though he has done nothing wrong bar ask for a new contract.

Aston Villa fans are said to be distraught with no managers available, except Houllier and Hoddle but they are sh*te. Other managers to drop via names into the hat were Niall Muprhy and Andy Nilsen before they joined Everton and Portsmouth respectively.

The board announced have announced the following
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
We have cast our net far and wide and eventually decided to go with Mark Smallwood who in previous lifetimes has taken Newcastle back to the top. With a reputation as someone who invests in cheap youth players the Aston Villa board are glad to have someone of this calibre aboard to increase the board’s wages, sorry we mean to bring success and good quality players to Aston Villa. We expect to have be placed in the top half of the table with more money in our back pocket, sorry scrap the last bit.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

On hearing the news the fans weren’t too happy

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
Who is he? He better do a good job otherwise he’ll be out of here after about 15 games like Paul Sturrock. Where do I want AV to be after 15 games? Top of the table and top of the champions league. ….. Yes I know they aren’t in the CL but I still expect them to win it. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The new manager was unconcerned, stating that he would try and generate some more income for the board’s mistresses and that the fans should have realistic expectations.