retired_jgirl87

Good start, Galakev. :thup:

Best of luck sorting out the playing situation and getting the team into a safe position.

retired_RICKZONE

I have got problems with the game dates. The date is now saying Thursday 20/7/4, but the next fixtures is Sat 24/7/4. I have lost 2 days somewhere?

Take a look, any ideas

Dates all messed up

retired_RICKZONE

Cancel what I said. The load latest game did not load the latest.

retired_ivonta

im enjoying this so far, look forward to seeing how you get on

retired_RICKZONE

Friday 23rd July 2004

At least the dates are back working :thup:

I am starting to feel well out of my depth at the moment. Everyone at the club feels, I should somehow wave a magic wand and the club will be okay. I am starting to scoff at the idea of ever getting to the top of Portaguse Leagues. I would be lucky to qualify for the islands equivalent of the Hampshire Senior Cup.

Some serious news today, Alexandria, alias Alex has been ruled out for a couple of days with a strained wrist. "I called him a complete wimp", "Get a girlfriend", I shouted "You would mot have a dodgy wrist, if you had". I also explained "If the ball hits your hand, you have not got an idea about playing footie, its handball old chap". My assistant manager translated this into Portaguese and he shrugged his shoulders, something must have got lost in translation.

So here I am on the eve of my first fixture in charge of Lustiania without a recognised central midfielder, I am likley to have to play a more defensive 5-3-2 or even worse 6-2-2 if that does not work tomorrow. I will have to move one of my right midfielders to the center. I will not be even able to make a sub unless a its a defender. I will also be taking half the laddies from the U19's The hole I'm digging is getting deeper, should have stuck to Balance Sheets and Profit & losses at least I understand that. I am starting to feel very homesick at the moment, but at least I can lay by the pool between training.

On the transfer front I contacted, Portosantense manager, Vitor Santos regarding purchasing his central midfielder Armindo Silver. Armindo is valued at 4k euros, I offered 75% 3k, but offered 50% of any future transfer, I feel confident about the 50% as he is 32 years old. If i can get him to prop up my midfield for 1 season, it will help. I gave Victor 24 hours to respond as i need a quick fix before transfer deadlines come down, but I have left it open for negotiation.

Failling that my scout is pretty slow of the mark. I will have to start looking at loan players until the end of the season. One player down and the team is already very shaky, more shaky than 24 hours ago (ps I am on masked attributes)

The one thing I did not think of is Charter flights to most away matches. Here I am sat at the local airport of Friday night awaiting a flight to Lisbon. Then about an hour drive north of Lisbon to Caldas da Rainha. I was only expecting flights for matches in Euro competitions.

Louise and my wee lad are comming out on Sunday for a holiday to see if they like the lovely Azores, fingers crossed, as I could do with a friend.

I stopped in the bar before the flight and Genesis, Land of Confusion was playing, how apt. Especially 'Superman where are you now'. This is the land of confusion, with no superman.

Match report tomorrow.

retired_embartl

ah you got the job then, good luck! Luis Paulo's a decent player too :thup:

retired_RICKZONE

Saturday 24th July 2004

Caranguejeira 2 Lusitania 0
Att:89

A truly dismal performance by Lusitania this afternoon against non-league opposition Caranguejeira. In a game where the non-league opposition dominated the game, the 2-0 scoreline somewhat flattered the away team.

Lusitania kicked off the first half. As early as tenth minutes into the game the home side had the ball in the back of the net, but Ricardo had the goal dissallowed for a a foul on the Lusitania keeper. Four minutes later and Caranguejiera nearly got the goal tehy deserved. A series of delightful moves and several corners, cumilating in Sergio hitting the post and the ball going out to play.

On 33 mins another chance when begging for the hosts when Paulo turned and passed to Sergio on the edge of the sear, but his shot just went over the bar.

HT 0-0

Three minutes into the second half Andre found Jorge in acres of space and Jorge will kick himself for putting the ball wide when scoring would have been easier.

The home side finally broke the deadlock after 54 minutes, Sergio crossed the ball from the right Luis Paulo rose above Mario to head out, Claverherio rose above Sergio to clear the ball from the area but only to the feet of Nuno, who swivelled and scored a lovely shot past the keeper from all of 20 yards out.

On the 63rd minute victory was completed when Helder scored an easy goal.

FT 2-0

In the after match interview GalaKev, praised the non-leagues team determination. He also added that "Lusitania must play a lot better in future". He also added that a place in the team is not a devine right, We mised Alex as we had no central midfielder and that certainly did not help". He sighed "there is no excuse today, I will be in the transfer market to try and stengthen the team, we must learn after todays result"

retired_RICKZONE

Saturday 24th July 2004

Vitoria have made an offer for Luis Paulo. They have offered 0 Euros, with a guarenteed friendly and 25% of the next transfer.

You can imagine my answer "São tendo uma risada. Por que ria vendo-o para um amigável. Penso que você terá que repensaá-lo oferecer" (Good this translation programe of mine).

He is valued at 8k, but as my star player, as Brian would agree. It would have to be substantial offer to let me part with him.

retired_RICKZONE

Saturday 24th July 2004

Portosantense have responded to my offer for their midfielder Armindo, they want 5k. I will ofer 4k, the value and see what happens.

retired_RICKZONE

Sunday 25th July 2004

S*!t, S*!t, S*!t, S*!t

Arderito has been injured for two weeks. I have now lost another Midfielder, at least Alex should be back for next Sundays game. Campus back out to right Midfield and Alex down the centre. I was hoping to revert tyo a 4-4-2 for Saturday, but its not looking good at the moment.

I honestly felt after yesterdays defeat that we lacked in the centre of the park to take control. It was defend then long balls to the forward line. I am happier now that one game is under my belt (albiet a defeat).

Ze To has signed a new contract to keep him at the club until June 2006, in a deal worked out by the previous manager. Although he is not far different from my No 1, he will have to prove himself to change my mind. I might just start him on Sunday

My God, my wife is landing today. Must phone for a taxi, I only have half an hour to get to the airport. Funny game is football, makes you forget your family.