retired_ivonta

had to get in a love story didnt you?

retired_tonytranbg79

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by gonch19:
had to get in a love story didnt you? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

lol yeah, it gives me opportunities to branch things out, it may not happen or it may, who knows

retired_tonytranbg79

Now in the back end of February Peterson had a clear idea where his team would finish up. They had been running hot and cold all season and had shipped too many goals for his liking. Consistency and stability was what he needed. They were going to end up a couple of spots from a playoff place, which would be frustrating. Peterson was in muse mode as he waltzed his way round the training ground, there was still a bite about the air. His team was currently running lukewarm at the moment, he could see it in training despite the chilly air there was a smile on all their faces and they were sharing a joke or two, but when they got on the pitch there were nerves and that showed in results. He wrapped up training for the day and decided to go and see Anna.

Ever since that night in November he had feelings for her, he thought she had feelings for him. Both of them were too shy to make the first move. They had done things together as friends like going out for meals etc, yet that was all it was as friends as neither made the first move. He was gearing himself up for it, he had always been a bit withdrawn when it comes to women ever since his divorce. Today was going to be the day, he felt like a teenager again. As she opened the door he could see suitcases in the hallway, funny time of year to be going on holiday. That’s when she hit him with it, she was leaving town, she decided it was never too late to follow your dreams and she was going to train to become a professional chef. Of all the things Peterson had thought would happen this season Anna leaving to become a chef had never entered his mind. Once again he had been burned and it would seem he would stay womenless forever.

It was funny he thought walking through his front door, he had just realised he thought of his life as seasons. Hand in hand with the football season was his life, for him there wasn’t 12 months in a year but 11 (1 month pre season and 10 season long). The other month was just a void in his diary. As he slumped back in his chair he thought it was a good thing for her to do but why must she do it away from Southport, she was his release from football as she didn’t much care for it. Everyone needs some sort of release, a way of unplugging yourself from the game that is football. Realising he was getting to philosophical he decided to wallow in what can only be described as self pity he decided to get inebriated.

As he opened his eyes all he could see was water, contained in some sort of container. Then as his head told him he was most definitely alive, and in some pain, he realised he had been praying to the porcelain god. Trying to stand up he stumbled back and fell into the wall. Finding his phone he rang Ivor (his assistant) telling him he was taking the day off. He had to pull himself together, what was all this about? This is what you get for doing things outside of football he told himself. He needed the day to clear his head and get back into football and to concentrate 110% on that.

retired_tonytranbg79

The season so far was by no stretch of the imagination a failure, they just wanted to stay up. It was the fact that they had been getting so close to a playoff place and then crumbling and sliding towards the relegation zone. They had shown they can do well and do enough to get out of this league. The flip side was that they had also shown they should be in the bottom three. As it was they were

They had been involved in some entertaining games, not all of them good. Firstly surrendering a two goal lead over bottom side Welling to come away with a 3-3 draw. That was followed by his most entertaining game as manager by far. The replay of the FA Cup 1st round tie against Bristol Rovers, it was a classic game, a game that will be remembered for years to come. The first leg was tense Southport scoring a 90th minute penalty to force the replay after dominating the game. This game was monumental, Rovers firing into the lead through Savage, Ryan equalising 10 minutes later. No sooner had he done that Agogo converting a controversial penalty. Then Ryan again squaring things up 5 minutes later, all this in the last 20 minutes of the game. Into extra time and with 10 mins gone Edwards firing in forcing Southport to attack. Then with 3 minutes of the game to go Bardsley the on loan right back found himself in the area scoring a late equaliser. Southport were knocked out after a tense penalty shootout.

That was followed by a run of four games where they couldn’t buy a win. That was ended with an amazing game against fellow promoted side Hornchurch. Southport dominated the game up until Pickford was sent from the field for a second bookable offence. They were 3-0 up by this time and cruising, then they crumbled Hornchurch managed to pull back a 3-0 lead. It was all settled by a 90th minute penalty to Southport, a win they deserved. They then went on a mixed patch where they won drew and lost games. In that period they beat Shepshed 4-0 in a morale boosting win in the 3rd round of the FA Trophy. Then another game where they were 3-0 up and pegged back to 3-3, this time by Forest Green, luckily though they did sneak another winner. The game away at Aldershot was a big disaster they might as well not have turned up, the game ended up as a 6-0 defeat and Davis and Pickford got themselves sent off. Peterson was furious at the two and gave them official warnings about future sendings off, it was both of theirs second of the season. They didn’t like the warnings and thought they were unfair. It was days like these that made Peterson wonder if staying with Southport was worth it, whether he should take a league job and a fresh start.

A couple of players had come in also, David Fox from Man U, a good source of players. Also Steve Davis of Aston Villa, subsequently Steven Cooke was sent back to Villa as he wasn’t being used at all. The two new faces were on short term loan and were both central midfield players, Fox slightly more defensibe minded. Players had surprised him this season, Collett who had wanted to leave just after joining was now happy and wanted to stay. Fitzhenry and Watson weren’t playing at all well. Most surprisingly was that Terry Fearns had come in and done a great job scoring goals. It was an odd season, he would have to make a decision at the end of the season whether to further his career or stick it out at Southport. He had turned down another two jobs, he had managerial offers from Bradford City and Raith Rovers. Post season 05/06 will be an important one for Gary Peterson.

retired_tonytranbg79

At one point for Peterson the end of the season couldn’t have come too soon, in the end it came that little too soon. The last ten games of the season saw Southport go on an amazing run dropping just four points, taking 26 of a possible 30. His prediction of finishing a couple of places from the playoff spot wasn’t far off. They were in fact kept out of the final playoff place by 1 goal, Scarborough beat them to it on a single goal goal difference. This sickened everyone connected to the club, despite wildly exceeding pre season expectations it was disappointing to miss out on the chance of consecutive promotions.

Also all the players were happy and content and most of all respected Peterson. It was this late surge and promise from his team that persuaded him to stay on. However Peterson was getting annoyed with his chairman Charlie Clapham for not upgrading the training facilities and youth system. Clapham had told Peterson every time he asked that money wasn’t available. That, Peterson knew, was not the case. The facilities, in Peterson’s opinion, were the future of the club and if they weren’t improved it would decide his future also. Despite once again receiving job offers he really wanted to do his best for Southport, but if it was going to be a case of money lining the pockets of the board he will not be apart of that.

This season would be a fresh start for the team, some 13 players contracts were not renewed. One of which was in form striker Terry Fearns whose goals at the end of the season helped propel them up the league. Because of this Fearns wanted a ridiculous wage. This mass exodus left a squad of 15, three of which were on loan. The services of Fox, Dyer and Davis had been retained, much to the relief of Peterson. He had to get a lot of players in, and most of them would have to be young and be part of the future.

Young players he did get in, by the first game of the new season, at home to Shrewsbury, Peterson had enlisted the help of 7 new faces. Shaun Clohessy is a product of the Arsenal youth system, a 19 year old right back with pace and aggression and a decent tackle. He was bought for £1k from Gravesend, Shaun Came also cost £1k from Northwhich. A 23 year old central defender with a good head and good tackle but is also slow. Danial Lunan is an aggressive centre back with a good tackle and firm header. The 22 year old was signed from Grays for £1k. Ryan Rutherford is a right back who can play on the left if necessary. The 23 year old is quick with a strong tackle.

20 year old Jason Taylor was signed from Oldham for £1k, the versatile midfielder can play anywhere in the centre of the park. Michael Landers is a talented 22 year old is an attacking midfield player who can play up front, his passing and long range shooting ability are an asset. 23 year old forward Richard Bryne is a fast aggressive forward with a decent shot and good crossing ability. Bryne, Landers and Rutherford were all picked up on a free. These new faces will provide a pleasant headache for the Southport boss. It wasn’t just playing staff Peterson brought in, talented German coach Ralf Schmitt and eagle eyed Spanish scout Julen Guerrero have been added to the backroom team. These would be the people that will try and justify the bookies odds of 2-1 to be promoted.

retired_tonytranbg79

The start to the season was shaky to say the least, a couple of early victories then a draw and a run of four defeats before they found form again. It was a new, young, fresh faced team so Peterson didn’t expect miracles but he did think they could do better than this. After all they had expectations to live up to, they were currently hovering in and around the playoff places. This was simply not good enough they should be flirting with the automatic promotion spot.

Going in to mid November and it wasn’t looking good, they had been a on a poor run of form and had dropped to mid table. Fans had been voicing concerns, not at Peterson as they held him in high esteem. The board however were asking questions of Peterson, this was the last straw for him. The poorly performing team and a board that refused to back him forced his hand, he resigned from Southport. He knew there would be a number of clubs lining up to get his signature. He wasn’t going to make a decision until after new year, a break would do him good and he could consider his position.

After enjoying the festive period with his family and recharging his batteries Peterson set about a new club. He had been offered a number of managerial positions, only one made sense. They weren’t the highest placed team, or the best prospect but it was a place he wanted to be. Gary Peterson was now the new manager of Bristol Rovers, the team Southport had that classic FA Cup game with. Peterson had spent a number of his adolescent years in Bristol and during that time grew fond of Rovers rather than City. An extra incentive as if he needed one was the fact that Bristol was where Anna had ended up. They had kept in touch, if not often, enough so that he knew what she was up to.

Rovers were currently 2nd bottom of League Two and in the relegation places. However a good run would quickly see them rise up the table. The squad was half decent, but for the his first game in charge a lot of first teamers were out one way or another. This would be a tough first game at home to Barnet, if they could get through this it would put them in good stead. Peterson brought with him Doble and Field, Doble would only be a coach as current assistant Kevin Broadhurst knew the players and had a good reputation. Assessing the squad and bringing in new players on a permanent basis would have to wait until the summer. Peterson did table bids for players to come in on loan.

retired_tonytranbg79

This will be on a backburner for a while as I have a hell of a lot of work for uni to do.

retired_shala

only just read through this, impressive amount of detail, one of the few stories i've read where you feel like you could steal tactics from it.
hope you get back round to it.

retired_tonytranbg79

Thanks for that, however the game is no more so any mod that reads this can close the thread. Thanks to all those that read it.