retired_cool_sks

Season 2005/06 - Carlos Santos - Carshalton Manager

After last year success commanding the troops at Carshalton, i went on vacations to Portugal, my homeland. Portugal is a sunny, easy going, fun country, where one can rest at easy. I also sent all my players for a well deserved vacations of at least one month, after last season excellent performance.

Meanwhile i received news that Chris Batt was voted by fans, the Player of the Year. Before going on vacations, i sent my 3 scouts around the country into a search for youngsters in need of a contract that had some quality, latent or developed.

I returned to England on the first of July to be confronted by my chairman Steve Friend:

SF: Welcome back Santos, i hope you rested well.
CS: Thank you sir, its good to be back to work.
SF: We are trying to get a new sponsor deal, and i want you to sign some big name so we can have some leverage in the negotiations. For that i will allow you a transfer budget of 4k.
CS: That is great news. (So much money :-( what a joke!)
SF: I also want you to be carefull with the wage budget. Last year your performance in this area was very bad.
CS: I will try my best Sir.
SF: This year i want us to fight bravely to retain our team at the Conference Nationals. A slip in this objective and i offer you a job in the docks, fishing ...
CS: I have full confidence in our players. After last year hard work they don't want to get back there so soon.


Our finances were in bad shape, but my main concern for this year was to get together a good bunch of youngsters and add some additional streng to our squad. I will worry with finances later, after i put together at least the main team plus some U-18 team.

After that i meet with my new Assistant Manager Gunnar Gerish. Gunnar is a 61 years old guy, that is very tehcnique oriented. Hes tactic knowledge will be a good asset to us.

CS: Hallo Herr Gunnar. Did we get any youngster from the academy?
GG: Guten morgen Mr. Santos. Die Umdrehung der Akademie didn't aus irgendeinem Knaben.
CS: Pardon??
GG: I am sorrry. It slipped my mind. No Herr Santos, no knabe frrrom the academy.
CS: I presume knabe is the same as youngster.. Nevermind. How are the players reacting to the start of the season and the pre-season trainning schemes?
GG: ...
CS: So?
GG: Suchen nach wörtern. All worrking harrd.
CS: Great, thank you Herr Gunnar.


After that enlightning conversation i head into my office to browse my scout's reports. As i sit i noticed a huge pile of paper on the right side of my desk. I pick some sheets and start browsing it. Loads and loads of scout reports for me to analyse. Oh well, lets get on with it.

After spending 2 full days reading thru that pile of paper, i went on a signing spree, getting as much youngsters as i could to sign for us. I needed to setup a U-18 team or else our future is compromised. I pick up the list and start sending proposals out of the door. The day after, the boys started to arrive at the War Memorial grounds for tests and for signing contracts:

Tom Upson, 19 years, GK - Great scout discovery. This boy is serious competition to Stuart Searle.
Inderjeet Aujla, 17 years, DC - Young central defender for our U-18 team
James Smith, 19 year, SW/DC - Backup player for the center of our defense
Anthony Warriner, 18 years, MC - Another player for our U-18 team that already shows good accelaration and passing.
Paul Parle, 17 years, AML - Young promising winger with good speed, pace and crossing. Also boasts a good flair (15).
David Beharall, 26 years, D LC - David played at the high level for 4 years at Newcastle. He brings experience and security to our defense. He is not a fast one, but with excellent heading and balance, coupled with good marking and tackling, he can play both at the left side, and in the center along with Burkwood.
Michael Bardle, 17 years, SW/D RC - Another promising player for our U-18 team.
Michael Blackwood, 25 years, F LC - Another experienced player with 3 years at Aston Villa, that will be backup to both Batt and Flanagan.
Michael Coghlan, 20 years, MC - Penalty specialist central midfielder to add some streng to our midfield.
Josh Dutton-Black, 17 years, AM RL - Versatil winger that can play on both sides of the field. Fast and with good pace will play for our U-18, but i will have my eyes on him.
Paul Edwards, 25 years, AM L - Good seasoon last year at Blackpool, with 26 games played, 4 assists and one MoM, that we got on the free transfer market. I am expecting some good things from him.
Matt Bloomer, 26 years, D RC - More then 100 games for Grimsby, Hull and Lincoln where he played last season, with 30 games, 1 goal and 2 assists. A good signing to put some pressure in our defenders.
Osei Sankofa, 20 years, D RC - Good prospect from Chalton schools. Will be a backup for our DC and DR positions.
Jon Parker, 23 years, D/S C - Strange player that plays both in defense and as striker. He is very strong and fast. Lets see if he can show some quality.
David Bampton, 22 years, DMC - We payed 2k to Tamworth (League Two) for this solid player. I hope he can secure a place in our midfiled.
Michael Fox, 19 years, F RLC - Promising backup player for our attack.
Andrew Ottley, 17 years, MC - One more youngster for our U-18 team. Shows already good speed and pace.
Danny Howe, 19 years, MC - Strong player and tipped by my scouts as a hot prospect.
Alistair John, 17 years, AM RL - Another U-18 player with huge speed and great flair.
Andrew Wills, 19 years, GK - Backup keeper, probably 3rd keeper at the main team.
Scott Gardner, 17 years, DC - Good prospect for the future to our U-18 team.
Levi Porter, 18 years, AM RC - Another good prospect for our U-18 team with already alot of pace and speed.
Ashley Stott, 18 years, SC - This guy has 18 finishing, speed and pace, and decent heading. Will compete with Flanagan for the first team striker.

You may say i am crazy to try to sign so many players, but with a squad of 20 or so odd players and no U-18 team (also no youngsters from the club), i had to do something like this. I already know that i am in deep sh***** to cover for the wage bill, but i have a plan.. or at least i think i have.
From last year season we got the same players:

Goalkeepers

Stuart Searle, 26 years, GK - In its 4th season at Carshalton he played a major role last season to get us to the Nationals.
Marc Shackleton, 21 years, GK - Good backup with some promising stats.

I will get one more keeper to maintain a nice competition between them. Only hope that Searle is up to the Conference National task.

Defenders

Colin Hartburn, 20 years, DR - Young backup player for the right side.
Aaron Cole-Bolt, 20 years, DL - In my opinion, he is a crap defender that i will try to get rid off and bring in some replacement.
John Burwood, 20 years, DC - One of our star players and very promising. Unbeatable in the air, he lacks a little speed and pace, but was a major piece in last year promotion.
Lewis Tozer, 20 years, DC - Last years backup for Simek and Burwood, still needs a couple more years to show some value. Will be a backup again this year.
Peter Wood, 31 years, D/M L - In its 5th season at Carshalton, this experienced player gives our defense the experience that Burwood and Tozer miss.
John Hamsher, 27 years, D/M R - Another experient player and a penalty specialist. Can run all day around the field with a fitness few can match. Several clubs want to sign him, so i don't expect him to last to much in our team this season.

Our defense is not bad, but it needs more options to cover for any injury, more in the center then anywhere else.

Midfielders

Wayne Cort, 18 years, DMR - Fast winger the requested to be put on the transfer list. Will not count with him.
Tim Murdoch, 20 years, DMC - Good passing and tacling coupled with great determination, make up for hes lack of speed and pace. Some creativity also helps him. He is mainly a backup player.
Gavin skelton, 25 years, MC - Free kick specialist with huge team work and creative ability. He plays mainly as the last guy in front our defense.
Danny Carrol, 29 years, M RC - Experience is hes trade mark. Brave, with great concentration and determination, can run all day and hes teamwork and work rate are unmatched.
Adam Gillespie, 17 years, ML - Will play for our U-18 this year and i expect him to be a good player in a couple of years.
Neil Le Bihan, 29 years, M LC - With more then 150 games in lower leagues, he brings more experience to our excellent midfield.
Phillip Gilder, 17 years, AM RL - Another promising youngster that will play in our U-18 team.
Yohance Lewis, 18 years, AM L - Another left winger in the team. This one will go to our U-18, and will wait there for an opportunity.
Matty Warner, 20 years, AM L - Promising player that has an injury for the next 4 months.
Chris Batt, 24 years, AM LC - Our shinning star player (injured for two weeks). Besides being MoM last year then any other player, and also winning the Fans Player of the Year, this 24 years star is fast, creative and has a huge work rate.
Chris Payne, 17 years, AM LC - Promising youngster in the line of Chris Batt. He will play for our U-18 team this year, and will get some chances at the main team for sure.
Jermaine Brown, 22 years, AM/F RC - Nice all around player that playes well both in midfield and forward.

Our strong point by far. Here we have experience, speed, young promises, old veterans. For this area i will get mainly youngsters.

Strikers

Kevin Cooper, 30 years, SC - Last years backup player, still has some fire in him, and will continue hes role this year.
Callum Flanagan, 19 years, SC - Prolific scorer, fast and with excellent heading capabilities. Our main striker again for this season.

We are not weak in attack, but we lack options and a real backup for our star striker.

Burkwood, Batt and Flanagan are our team's skeleton. They are the stars we can afford to have, and i only hope we can secure them against the other clubs bids for them.

With the new signings we now have 3 good goalkeepers, a good bunch of defenders, solid midfield and fast attack. I hope this is enough to secure us a mid-table position.

Gunnar had already scheduled some frendlies. We were set to tour the Wales country side, playing against Aberystwyth (wonder how to spell that), Barry, Cwmbran and Llanelli. But first we had to face AFC Winbledon in our home. This is the presentation match for the new season.


Thu, 21 July 2005

Its presentation day with a huge croud of... 87 fans :-( I think the faith in our team has dropped a little. In a sunny day with 22'C, we go out to win with easy.

Carshalton 2 vs 0 AFC Wimbledon
Flanagan (27, 39)

After this opening frendly we got on the Wales tour.

The press put us as Relegation Battlers with 25-1 odds. Tipped for promotion are Carlisle, Barnet, Accrington and Exeter.

Meanwhile Arsenal beat Leicester in the English Community Shield 3-0. First title of the season goes to the Gunners...

We then go on into our Wales tour beating Aberystwyth (3-1), Barry (3-1), Cwmbran (2-1) and Llanelli (3-1). Our last frendly is played against our U-18 team and we beet them 3-0. To many wins, and i am wondering if we really did any sigficant test. So much wins give good indication about our team, but the quality of the opponents tells me not everything is roses!

After those frendly, comes the first real important match away against Morecambe.


Sat, 13 August 2005

Morecambe vs Carshalton
Attendance: 1368
Wheather: Dry 23'C
Referee: Joe Taylor

We travel to the Christie Park in Morecambe to face the local team in our first match of the season. For this game i bet on last year players and i field the following team:

Searle, Hamsher, Wood, Burkwood and Sankofa, Carrol, Brown, Murdoch, Bampton and Bihan, Flanagan.

As you may noticed i have gone from a defensive 4-4-1-1 to an even more defensive 4-1-4-1.

The players are very nervous and not really confident in our performance. An early (2") goal by Morecambe is a prelude to disgrace. Morecambe scored again (31") but we managed to come back (34") right after with a goal from Flanagan, ending the first half on a 2-1 flattering result tu us. We aren't creating any chances and have to withstand heavy pressure from Morecambe. Second half see us playing a little better, but we suffer another goal (65") and answer right back by Brown (68"). Until the end we are not abble to turn things around.

Morecambe 3 vs 2 Carshalton
Flanagan (34"), Brown (68")


Sat, 20 August 2005

Carshalton vs Worksop
Attendance: 433
Wheather: Dry 12'C
Referee: Peter Hardy

We return home with our morale a little low. Our next challenge come from Worksop. Again we started too nervous and received an early goal (1"). I don't stop screaming to the players to hold their positions and to pass the ball around. Finally after much fight and a well deserved measure of luck, we manage to get a draw with a dramatic late equalizer by.. who else? Flanagan!!. uff... With so much screaming i have lost my voice. I have seven days to find it again!

Carshalton 1 vs 1 Worksop
Flanagan (90")


Sat, 27 August 2005

Dag & Red vs Carshalton
Attendance: 1174
Wheather: Dry 14'C
Referee: Peter Hardy

This time we go to the Glyn Hopkin Stadium, at Dagenham (if you can call that a stadium), to face Dagenham and Redbridge. For the third time i present exactly the same team. Call me stuborm, a guy with fixed ideas, but my team had played well last season with almost those eleven, so i had to trust in them. Maybe we were facing much better teams.

For the first time this season we are first to score (13") by Flanagan. Lady luck smiled at us and Dag & Red were playing with 10 with only 31" into the game. In the second half the Flanagan show continue with two more goals (69" and 85") and a final strike by Batt (87"). The second red card of the game for Dag & Red (82") also helped to make the score so high for us. This was the morale boost we needed. On the way home players were chanting and patting each other on the back after such a nice game.

Dag & Red 0 vs 4 Carshalton
Callum Flanagan (13", 69", 90"), Chris Batt (87")


After this last result i finally decided to change things a little. Morale was high again and it was time for changes. So i put Searle away to be replaced by the new guy Tom Upson. In the center of defense i decided to try James Smith in the place of Sankofa. Paul Edwards (AML) replaces Bihan on the left wing. Some time had passed and by trainning together most players must know each other by now.

After this great result we got two draws (0-0) with Gravesend (H) and Halifax (A) and then trashed Woking at home to a croud of 1200 fans by 4-0 (Flanagan with another Hat-Trick). From 11 goals scored, Flanagan is responsible for 8. I don't even want to think what will happen if Flanagan picks any injury.

After trashing Woking, we go on, into a victory road, beating Leigh RMI (2-1), York (2-1) and Burton (3-0). Not big teams but important victories to secure us some points. From those 7 goals, 5 more are added to Flanagan's account. But our luck wouldn't last long...


Sat, 18 October 2005

Carshalton vs Rochdale
Attendance: 2222
Wheather: Dry 8'C
Referee: Peter Hardy


Fans are behind us 100%, and showed up today in great numbers (2200) to see us face promotion contenders Rochdale.

In the transfer market we managed to loan Sebastian Larsson (20 years, Sweden, MC) from Arsenal.

This morning before the game i had a visit from my friend Friend, our dear and beloved chairman. I knew already what he was up to, but this time i had a good answer for him:

SF: Good morning Mr Santos.
CS: Good morning Sir.
SF: I just noticed something that got me very worried. Our wage bill is now around 34k, and that is just away out of proportion. I want an explanation. Better, i want a solution!!
CS: Err.. its a little high, yes. But...
SF: A little high? A LITTLE HIGH? It was supposed to be around 14k! Its more then double its original intended size.
CS: But Sir, i have a solution!
SF: I bet you have.
CS: Yes Sir. You see, all our signings were made on the free market, and that means we can capitalize our investments by selling a few players and in that way compensate for this extra large size wage bill. And also, Sir, you wanted to impress the investors and sponsors and in this way we have two teams playing. Seniors and Under 18.
SF: Meanwhile we are running out of cash. What are we suppose to use to pay all your players? stones? beans?
CS: I see the problem Sir, and i promise i will get some cash in the clubs coffers by the end of this month by selling a couple of our most valued players.
SF: See it done then. And don't dare disappoint me! Have a nice day Mr Santos.
CS: Nice day to you to Sir...

Yikes! I need to sell some players to offset the huge dent that our wage bill is doing in the club bank account. I go right way and look at the players list and any inquires we had for them. First target was our righ defender Hamsher. Our penalty specialist is on Swindow and Stockport shortlist. I send a offer to them for him right away. Another player already shortlisted by some major clubs is Chris Batt, but this one is to important to us. As Bihan requested to be transfer listed i decide to offer him also to clubs. Since he wants to get out, i will make it fast! I value Hamsher at 250k and Bihan at 90k. That will be enough to offset our debt of 160k and get a coupled of months rest until perhaps January.

On to the game. We started this one on the right foot with an early goal (18") by Burwood after a corner. Second half and after another corner Burwood makes it 2-0 (62"). Two late goals by Rochdale (82" and 87") leave a bitter taste in my mouth. We were so close to bag this one for us, and allowed two late goals.

Carshalton 2 vs 2 Rochdale
John Burwood (18", 62")

After this game we are now 5th with 19 points. Accrington leads with 22, followed by Morecambe, Rochdale and Hereford. Carlisle follows our team one point behind.

I receive two offers for Hamsher, each at 250k, but none for Bihan. I decided to lower Bihan value to 50k and try again. Stockport ended up with Hamsher, but when we got there to collect, they didn't had the cash to pay for him, so he is back at Carshalton, and the bank account is lower and lower....

The two last games of October saw us beating away Canvey Island 4-3 (Batt 36", Flanagan 45" and 62", Alistair John 81"), and then home with Dag & Red we beat them 3-1 (Burwood 4", Paul Edwards 74" and 85") with a croud of 4450 fans, that also saw Flanagan sent off (33") and both Chris Batt and Jermaine Brown injured. Things are looking dark for the next couple of games.

Anyway, the first games went more then well. I am so happy our players were up to the task. Morale is very high around here, and the points we already secured are precious for the later battles.

This is but a resume of the first months of play in the Conference National after last years success. The diary will continue now in almost the same format of last season with monthly updates. Next month i will cruise our finances and will get a little more detail about the games, tables and other info about sacks for example.

Cheers,

Carlos Santos, Carshalton Manager

retired_cool_sks

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jimbokav71:
I've just the read whole thing so far :thup:.

Congratulations on thr promotion and the Story of the week award. Both very well deserved.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thank you Jimbo. I have been reading some stories made by you, and i must say they are quite good IMO.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
I also liked the depth of the story. Gicing details on who you are scouting is very detailed and helps us know your plans.

The cut down league tables are a good idea, but must be a real pain with the no printing malarkey and I also liked the way you arranged the tactics post. Nice touch :thup:.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

How i miss the printing system... Its a real pain to make the tables, but, its not the "end of the world", so i will keep making them.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
As for your English, it's better than some of the English on here.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thank you.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
On the down side, I ran up against _Neil Le Bihan_ in my old Barnet story. He dived to get a penalty and also got my keeper sent off . It brought to an end my longest ever unbeaten sequence in Championship Manager. He is **** and you should get rid of him :eek:. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Eheheheh! He was quite good running the midfield, but now in Conference National, i noticed i have better options, and i need the cash!

PS: I the other message you posted is not for me right?

Cheers,

Santo

retired_cool_sks

November, Season 2005/2006

In the league we are doing better then even my expectations were at the beginning of the season. But our finances are in a ugly state:

Income: 67,855
Expenses: 56,882
Profit/Loss: + 10,973
Balance: - 143,776

Wage budget: 14,000 per month
Current Wage: 34,332 per month
Transfer Budget: 2,462 (35%)

Sponsor Deal: 2 years 10k per season ends 2005

By the end of the year we should get a new sponsor deal, and that will bring some needed cash into the bank account. All my free signings are now being reflected in the huge wage bill we have to support. The only good news in this is the Bihan just got a proposal of 40k that i accepted, and that will bring some cash into our accounts. Also i think Hamsher will go this month for at least 200k.

My profile now looks like this:

Pressure: 9
Ambition: 10
Loyalty: 12
Media: 20
Professionalism: 13
Temperament: 9
Reputation: Local

Meanwhile we got Hereford in the English FA Cup First Round at home. This means more cash.

One thing i noticed is that several of my free transfer signings are real "prima-donas". Osei Sankofa is unhappy at being substituted, Michael Fox, Paul Parle and Ashley Stott want further clarification of their roles, Wayne Cort requested to be put on transfer list. Also i face another problem with the arrival of the end of 2005, and that is the renewal of more the 15 contracts.

But, beside all those problems, moral is high, our league position is confortable and our players are performing very well.


5 November 2005

Carshalton vs Exeter
Attendance: 2303
Wheather: Dry 9'C
Referee: Andy Perlejewski

With my two star players, Chris Batt (injury) and Callum Flanagan (suspension), out of the game, our task to beat Exeter (our next game) just got more difficult. A nice crowd got together to see us. Fans are starting to get behind our team once again, and that for me means also more cash coming in.

Both team linups:

Carshalton with a 4-1-4-1: Upson, Hamsher, Beharall, Smith and Burwood, Murdoch, Skelton, Edwards, Carroll and Larsson, Stott.

Exeter with a 4-4-2: Bittner, O'Sullivan, Moxey, Todd and Santos Gaia, Clay, Afful, Oatway and Sheldon, Holmes and Hunt.

Game Starts with Exeter full on the attack.
16" Holmes fires a shot and hits the bar.
20" Hamsher gets a yellow for holding.
21" Beherall with a long pass down the left to Edwards, he runs with the ball, turns to goal, enters the area, shot coming in, great save by Bittner. Corner.
28" Sheldon gets a loose ball outside our area and shots, Upson saves it to corner.
Half time. I have to take Stott out with a minor injury and i bring Michael Fox in.
74" Bihan comes in to replace the tired Larsson and Skelton performing a little low is replaced by Alistair John.
Game over. Very dull second half.

With both teams only with 6 shots the game was pretty boring.
Matt Beer (our Physio) told me that Tom Upson, my new goalkeeper got a sprained wrist and faces a one week injury.

Carshalton 0 vs 0 Exeter
MoM: Tom Upson (8)


6 November 2005

Northwich sacks Steve Burr. Burscough sack Frank Parr.

Just installed the English Superpack and some manager face pack. Game just turned more realistic with almost all my players now having faces.


7 November 2005

Peter Wood twisted a knee today in trainning. Gunnar (Ast Man) informed me that Ashley Stott was absent from trainning today. I sent him a warning about unprofessional behavior. (was tempted to give him 2 weeks fine ... would save some cash!).

Arséne Wenger was bashed today by Fancesc Fabregas that stated he wants regular first team football, or else...


8 November 2005

Carlisle vs Carshalton
Attendance: 2303
Wheather: Dry 3'C
Referee: Andy Hogg

Cold day at the Brunton Park in Carlisle. Good news for us, as Chris Batt returns from injury. I take out Murdoch, push Skelton from MR to DMC, Carroll slides from MC to MR and Batt takes the more attacking MC role. Now i only need an attacker like Flanagan (or close) to score some goals. Upson still injured from last game is replaced by last years goalkeeper Stuart Searle.

Carlisle presents us with a very attacking 4-4-2 that turns into a 4-2-4 on attack.

Game Starts.
6" Edwards takes a yellow card for tripping.
25" Edwards comes into the left side of the area and dribbles the last defender, putting an excellent cross to Stott into the 6 yard box. Stott shot to score... 3 rugby points! Ball hits one cloud :-(
33" Edwards picks the ball in our left flank and turns on the turbo, running along the line and dribbling a midfielder, continues to run and enters the area from the left side after offering a set of wheels to a defender, looks up and crosses long to the right side of the area where Carroll has time to stop the ball and make a crossed shot at goal scoring our first of the game.
Half Time. I take Stott out (missing to many chances) and i bring Jon Parker in. Jon is a versatile player that can plays both as central defender and striker. Although his stats are mostly crap, lets see how he turns out.
64" Smith misses an interception inside the area and the Carlisle striker takes the offer to score the equalizer.
69" Long cross coming into our area from the left side to the right where Carlisle winger with no one marking him shots to score. 2-1 for Carlisle.
70" Larsson and Edwards out, Murdoch and John in. I have to make changes. maybe some fresh legs will do the trick.
89" Corner by Batt to the six yard box where Carroll stpes up on the first floor to head the ball into the goal! Great header and a dramatic equalizer.
91" Long shot from 35 yards from Carlisle midfielder that hits the bar.
92" Direct free kick in our area line. Shot comes in, deflection... just over the bar...
Game Over. The last minutes of the game were... heart breaking and breath taken. they hit us with everything but the kitchen sink. It was a close call.

This is our 13th game unbeaten and a new record at that. We are now 4th place in the league.

Carlisle 2 vs 2 Carshalton
Goals: Carroll (33", 89")
MoM: Chris Batt (9)


11 November 2005

Hamsher out with a trainning injury. Beer told me he has a calf strain and will be sidelined two weeks. Gunnar calls me and tells me that Bihan was absent from trainning today. I sent Bihan a warning for unprofessional behavior. Warner resumes full trainning after a long term injury.


12 November 2005

Carshalton vs Hereford
FA Cup 1st round
Attendance: 2007
Wheather: Dry 9'C
Referee: Darren Parker


Bihan accepts Boston Utd's contract and he is gone for 40k. Hurray, now i only need to sell another player for about 150k to have my finances out of the red.

Upson, Wood, Hamsher and Brown all with injurys. Good news is the return from suspension from Flanagan. Sankofa replaces Hamsher on our defense's right side. Flanagan sits in the bench because i want to test another striker, and the since the games is in teory easy, i will give a chance to Michael Fox.

Heresford with a normal 4-4-2

Game starts
11" Batt intercepts a ball in the left side of midfield, passes fast to the midlle to Skelton, he turns and sends the ball to the line at the area where Fox controls it, two steps forward and unleashes a shot to the top right corner of goal scoring our first of the afternoon.
27" Second yellow card to Hereford right defender. Things just got easier.
Half time. Even playing against 10 men we are not making enough chances.
65" time for some changes. Flanagan returns to the team to replace Fox. Fox had a good game and even got on the score sheet, but he is tired and i need more fire power. Larsson is also replaced by John. Carroll drifts to the middle and John will play as right winger.
75" Batt takes the corner, big confusion in the area, and Heresford defender heads the ball in for an own goal. Carroll was there to put the pressure.
78" Carroll gets a yellow card for tripping
89" Edwards gets a yellow card for holding
Game over.

Not a good game for us. Even playing against only 10 men in the second half we were not abble to score more goals. Edwards reaches yellow card limit and gets a 1 game suspension. We get a further 12k in our coffers as prize money. Thats 52k plus gate receipts in one day. Not bad, and we now have 16k for transfer budget!! I think i am going to search for a striker that can play as Flanagan backup, with good finishing and speed.

We go to FA Cup 2nd round.

Carshalton 2 vs 0 Heresford
Goals: Michael Fox (11"), Danny Williams (75" o.g.)
MoM: Chris Batt (9)


14 November 2005

FA Cup 2nd round draw has us receiving English League One Doncaster. They are 9th in League One. This should bring a good gate receipt, even if we don't get through to the next round.


19 November 2005

Carshalton vs Forest Green
Attendance: 1869
Wheather: Dry 14'C
Referee: Steve Curtis

Edwards (suspended) is replaced by Warner on the left side. Flanagan is finally in the team and Fox sits on the bench. Brown is out of the injury and also sits in the bench. Wood also out of injury is not fit to play yet. My team is getting to full force once again. Goalkeeper Tom Upson returns from injury to replace Searle.

Game starts.
30" Larsson gets a yellow card for pushing.
Half time. Very unenventfull first half with only a couple of chances. I replace Carroll (5) with Brown.
56" Larsson with the cross from the right, Flanagan with a first timer, but the ball hits the post and goes out. Great chance.
64" Larsson tired comes out to be replaced by John.
67" Great mistake in defense. Beherall with a back pass to Burwood, he tried to pass back to Beherall but the Forest Green striker intercepted the ball and shot to score. We can't make this kind of mistakes. I switch to a more attacking mentality by asking my players to up the tempo, get the defense line up and play more narrow.
76" Goal kick from Upson. Ball comes in behind the defense where Batt shows up at full speed, bores down on the goalkeeper, goes past him and shots inside the 6 yard box to score the equalizer.
90" Sankofa with a long pass down the right where John runs up and picks it, goes to the line and crosses to the 6 yard box where Flanagan on the run shots, but the keeper saves it. Great chance we missed.
Game over.

Another draw, but this one tastes like a defeat. We were the better team on the field and a silly mistake costed us one goal.

Carshalton 1 vs 1 Forest Green
Goals: Chris Batt (76")
MoM: Dean Willians (Forest Green goalkeeper) (8)


20 November 2005

Leeds finally sack Mark McGhee after several ultimatums and a draw with Wigan (2-2). Leeds sits in 12th place in the Championship. Southhampton sack Steve Wigley due to supporter pressure. Kevin Dillon takes the Northwich manager seat.


26 November 2005

Accrington vs Carshalton
Attendance: 4332
Wheather: Dry 14'C
Referee: Gary Stott

This is a serious and difficult match. We are playing 1st place in Conference National. They have the best defense with only 10 goals suffered in 14 games and the second best attack with 27 goals. I bring Brown in to take control of our right side, and also Edwards to do the left one. Warner and Carroll sit in the bench.

Accrington will play a flat 3-5-2 formation.

Game starts
10" Long ball from Beherall, in our defense, down the left side to the edge of the area where Flanagan shows up in at Mach 3 to take control. He turns inside the are and runs on goal striking it from the edge of the six yard box to make it 1 up for us. Great counter attack goal. This is the 50th goal from Flanagan for Carshalton.
15" Another counter attack with Batt in midfield picking up the ball and passing it along the left line where Edwards collects it alone. Edwards continues its run inside the area and unleashes a great shot just from the edge of the 6 yard box to score our second. Shot from the same place as our first by Flanagan. Our counter attack is deadly! Accrington with only 3 defenders is having a nightmare to stop my wingers. They found themselves with plenty of space down the wings.
Half time. Accrington playing with a flat 5 in the mid and a flat 3 central defenders at the back is having a nightmare trying to secure the wings where our wingers run havoc with them. When the defenders try to come to the wings to cover, my striker finds himself in a ono-on-one with the last defender causing alot of embarass to Accrington.
63" Flanagan picks up a minory injury and i decide to spare him and bring in Fox to replace him. We are still causing problems to Accrington with our counters down the wings. I set my formation to play even wider, trying to explore this.
68" Brown with a minor injury is replaced by Hamsher.
77" Long range effort by one of Accrington's midfielders and goal. 1-2 now.
Game over. Last minutes of the game saw Accrington in an all out assault on our goal.

Without Flanagan (very fast striker) our counter attack is very poor. I must find a decent backup for this guy very fast.

Accrington 1 vs 2 Carshalton
Goals: Callum Flanagan (10"), Paul Edwards (15")
MoM: Chris Batt (9)


28 November 2005

I manage to get 3 further months on Larsson's (Arsenal) loan contract. I get two offers for Hamsher. Maybe this time i can cash on him. Stockport and Swindon both make bids over 200k.


29 November 2005

Carshalton vs Newport
Attendance: 1813
Wheather: Dry 8'C
Referee: Tony Green

Brown is extremely unfit and in need of games and very intensive trainning. He is replaced by Alistair John on the right wing.

Today we are facing a fellow team from Conference South, that achieved promotion in the playoffs, Newport Co. They are now sitting in 15th place in a battle for relegation.

Newport uses standard 4-4-2.

Game starts
Half time arrives with the score and opportunities at 0-0.
48" Our defense sends a ball upfield to get the pressure out, Flanagan heads the ball back to Batt and he makes a long pass to the right side where Alistair John is running alone in full speed. He continues to run until he reaches the area and unleashes a powerfull strike at goal making it 1-0 for my team! Another counter attack goal.
65" Skelton wins a tackle in midfield and looks up and sends a lovely pass in the middle of the central defenders where Flanagan collects the ball, puts the ball over the defender, gets it on the other side already deep inside the area and shots for a great goal! 2-0
68" Corner from Batt into the edge of the six yard box where Alistair John goes on the first floor and heads it to goal to make the score 3-0. Second goal from John, justifying his call to the first team.
69" Carroll comes in to replace the tired Larsson.
88" Bizarre goal from Flanagan. Keeper is taken an indirect free kick in the middle of Newport's midfield. He shoots, ball hits Flanagan in the midfield line, goes up and stright on goal. Its a 45 yards goal!!! LOL!(i saved this game PKM, if anybody wants to check this goal out!)
93" Batt picks up Edwards on the left flank, he comes into the line on the left flank, centers to the second post where John heads it across the goal for hes hat-trick. 5-0 now and a powerfull play from my team.
Game over.

What a game, mainly the second half. We really trashed Newport. Batt runs our midfield so well while Edwards on the left and John on the right keep feeding Flanagan in the center and even scoring themselves. I give the players a day off and congratulate them on the superb performance. We are now 16 games without losing.

Carshalton 5 vs 0 Newport
Goals: Callum Flanagan (10"), Paul Edwards (15")
MoM: Paul Edwards (10)


30 November 2005

Once again Stockport is choosen by Hamsher and once again Stockport has no funds to cover for the offer they made for him. Darn. I offer Hamsher to Swindow right away to see if i can get him out and the 250k in!

The end of the month is here and this month saw us put a mighty performance to secure us the 2nd place in the league and a place in the FA Cup 2nd round. Here it is the league table:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Team | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | Accrington | 16 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 30 | 12 | +18 | 33 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | Carshalton | 16 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 34 | 15 | +19 | 31 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | Morecambe | 16 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 34 | 20 | +14 | 29 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | Carlisle | 16 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 25 | 14 | +11 | 28 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | Rochdale | 15 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 21 | 14 | +7 | 27 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | Hereford | 16 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 19 | +6 | 27 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | Barnet | 16 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 25 | 22 | +3 | 24 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| (...)then Dag & Red, Woking, Scarborough, Mansfield, Forest Green, Stevenage, Halifax, Worksop and Canvey Island(...)| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | Exeter | 16 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 10 | 16 | -6 | 17 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | Burton | 16 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 20 | 29 | -9 | 17 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | Newport Co | 16 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 17 | 26 | -9 | 17 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | York | 15 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 18 | 24 | -6 | 15 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21th | Gravesend | 15 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 20 | -4 | 13 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22th | Leigh RMI | 15 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 12 | 29 | -17 | 8 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

Between 1st and 6th there are only 6 points difference. Alot can happen next month, and if we can't concentrate on our play we can go down prety badly to the middle of the table. One or two slips is enough to go down the ladder. We have already 5 league games schedule for next month and the FA Cup 2nd round.

Team is performing very well, and is defending quite nice (only 15 goals suffered), We collected a nice amount of draws so far (7), almost half of our games. Anyway, i am very happy with the performance and also with some of the new players i got this season. The only thing that worries me is our finance situation... that improved a little.

Until next month, be well and play FM!

Cheers,

Carlos Santos, Carshalton Manager

retired_ajbrittney

Still going well Santo

From what I have noticed of this game, if teams come in for players of their own accord, they will accept almost any demand you make. I have heard of some sellers doubling their money. Maybe that'll help your cashflow problem.

Also IRL I think Cole-Bolt is a AMC.

retired_cool_sks

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lord Crumb:
Still going well Santo
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

More then well. Never expected to be 2nd this far into the season. With almost the same players as last season i was expecting to get a nice mid table position and then get to cash in on the actual U-18 team to build next seasons challenge to promotion. Anyway, we will see if i get there.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>From what I have noticed of this game, if teams come in for players of their own accord, they will accept almost any demand you make. I have heard of some sellers doubling their money. Maybe that'll help your cashflow problem.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nice tip. Until the end of the season i will probably will need to sell another good player to pay for the wages and get some transfer money.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Also IRL I think Cole-Bolt is a AMC. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't follow the lower leagues in England, since not enough news arrive here in Portugal about it.

Tomorrow i will post another month, that i just finished playing....

Cheers,

Santo

retired_cool_sks

1 December 2005

December, last month of this year is here. With that come also the renewall of contracts set to end in this season. Players in last year of contract are:

Gavin Skelton, 25, M RLC - Regular in our first eleven without really excelling, nonetheless he is our last man before defense and partly responsible for our good defensive performance so far. New contract sent.
Wayne Cort, 18, DM R - He requested to be transfered so i will let him on trasfer list and will not renew his contract. He is rated at 1k.
Aaron Cole-Bolt, 21, D L - He plays for our reserves and he is not a great player yet. I think he has some potential and he is still young. New contract sent.
Stuart Searle, 26, GK - Our backup keeper this year is stil dear to us and plays well when called upon. New contract sent.
Kevin Lock, 23, SC - Plays in reserves and i don't believe he is worth. Gunnar also thinks he is crap. I will try to sell him for about 5k.
Danny Carroll, 29, M RC - Plays in and out of the first eleven, and he is important both as backup in our midfield and when playing regular. Also he wants less money then he is earning at the momment. New contract sent.
Chris Payne, 17, AM LC - Good promise for the future, playing now in our U-18 team. New contract sent.
Matty Warner, 20, AM L - Another good promise for the future and a regular backup of our team. New contract sent.
Marc Shackleton, 21, GK - Our keeper number 3. He is developing quite well and maybe next year he can replace Searle in our number 2 spot. New contract sent.
Phillip Gilder, 18, AM RL - Young winger promise with good crossing and decent speed. New contract sent.
Kevin Cooper, 30, SC - Getting old and not a first, even second, striker choice. I will try to sell him or letting him go. Value is only 2k.
Tim Murdoch, 20, DMC - Great promise for our defensive midfield backup. I will try to keep him at the club. New contract sent.
Adam Gillespie, 18, ML - Still young and undeveloped. I will keep him for one or two more years and see if he turns out any good. New contract sent.
Colin Hartburn, 20, D R - My assistante considers him a part of first team, but i have my doubts. Hes stats are pure crap, but i will keep him at the clube for one or two more years. Maybe Gunnar is right. New Contract sent.

This ends the list of contracts set to expire in the next 6 months.

After talking about contracts, is only just to get a look at our finances:

Income: 105,409
Expenses: 42,770
Profit/Loss: + 62,639
Balance: - 81,137

Wage budget: 22,000 per month
Current Wage: 34,168 per month
Transfer Budget: 16,462 (35%)

Sponsor Deal: 2 years 10k per season ends 2005

Aren't things looking good? Oh yes they are. We managed to recover almost half of our debt, and we are now only 12k above the wage budget (still the main concern for Friend, our chairman).

If i manage to sell Hamsher this month, i will be able to contract a decent striker to backup Flanagan and even a midfielder to replace Larsson (on loan from Arsenal). I am one of those managers that prefers to develop in house talent instead of getting players on loan.

I have sent my scouts out about two months ago and i am now selecting targets for our backup striker. The following players were selected by me and Gunnar, after reading our scouts reports:

Tony Adu-Nyarko, 22, AM/F RC, Sweden - Tony plays for Large/Angereds IF and he is valued at 3k. Very fast (16) and with decent finishing (14) he is lacking in teamwork and heading.
Fabio Valenti, 27, AM/F C, England - Fabio plays at Harrow Boro. He is very aggressive and has decent speed. Not the best of strikers, but a cheap one for sure. He is valued at 18k.
Robert Claridge, 25, D/S C, England - Robert plays with Brislington and boasts a good long shots, determination, workrate, jumping, stamina and streng (15 to 18) and decent speed, teamwork and agression (12-14). His price tag is only 2k and it should be easy to get him.
Alvin Bubb, 25, SC, England - Alvin plays at the Aylesbury reserves. The only thing that i like in him is the speed and pace (18). The rest is crap (10 or below).
Stuart Noble, 22, SC, Scotland - Stuart plays in the Fulham reserves. Some experience and decent all around stats make him my target. He is valued at 350k but Fulham is asking only 65k for him.
David Graham, 27, FC, Scotland - This guy is transfer listed by Wigan with a 40k price tag, but he is gold for my team. Gunnar tells me he will not sign a contract with us, but i will try to get him anyway. Decent to good stats all around.
Dean Morgan, 22, AM/F C, England - Another decent/good player. He is a backup at Aldershot. Also a no-no by Gunnar. Will try him anyway.

Thats all on our transfer targets for january. I am sending further scouts to evaluate those guys and make any conclusions.


3 December 2005

Carshalton vs Doncaster
FA Cup 2nd round
Attendance: 3281
Wheather: Dry 10'C
Referee: Joe Ross

Big day at the War Memorial ground, with League One team Doncaster up for a nice little visit, to play us for the FA Cup 2nd round. A huge croud gathered around to support us.

We have no main injurys this time, and are well into full force. the team's linups are:

Carshalton playing a 4-1-4-1: Tom Upson, Osei Sankofa, David Beherall, John Burwood and James Smith, Gavin Skelton, Alistair John, Paul Edwards, Sebastian Larsson and Chris Batt, Callum Flanagan.

Doncaster playing a 4-4-2: Warringhton, Priet, Marples, Foster and Allbrighton, McIndoe, Mulligan, Ravenhill and Green, Lee and McSporran.

My scouts tell me they are very good and fast. Lets hope we can surprise them.

Game starts
8" Throw in by Sankofa on the right side to John, he turns around and passes to the edge of the area where Flanaganis faster then one defender to reach the ball. He then dribbles Allbrighton inside the area and fires a half volley across the goal to score the first of the afternoon. Great start for my team.
14" Throw in by Edwards on the left side, in to Batt, turns around and crosses to the six yard box where Flanagan heads it down to goal, but Warrington saves it in extremis. Corner. Batt takes the corner, header by Burwood just over the bar.
25" Counter attack by Flanagan and Edwards against 2 defenders, Flanagan plays the ball upfield between the defenders where Edwards picks it up, runs in, shots, but keeper saves it.
30" Long cross from the middle right side of midfield catches Lee alone in the area but he shots over the bar. My defense was trying to get him offside but failed.
31" Edwards gets a yellow for elbowing Marples.
40" Direct free kick on the area line right in front of goal. Batt steps up to take, fires a shot, deflection on the wall and keeper saves it, the defenders put ball out of there before Flanagan arrives.
Half time. 1-0 tastes as a poor result compared with our 7 shots, 5 of them on target. Doncaster goalkeeper is putting a very good performance. I decide to take Larsson out (6) and bring a pair of fresh legs into our midfield. Carroll comes in.
59" John runs alone from our midfield to the final line and crosses to the penalty marker where Flanagan shots, but keeper saves it. Flanagan should have done better.
65" McIndoe dribbles Sankofa and gets inside the aream plays a short ball to Marples, he shots, but wide of goal. Good chance for Doncaster.
69" John goes out very tired and Jemaine Brown comes in to replace him.
80" Doncaster counter attack by McIntoe, Sankofa tries to tackle him, but he passes up field on the right side to Fenton (where Sankofa should have been), he runs with the ball and shots, hiting the side net. Doncaster with a 4-2-4 formation now.
82" Corner form Batt to the area where Allbrighton upends Burwood, the referee points to the spot
83" Batt to take the penalty. He steps up and blasts the ball right through the middle. Its now 2-0 and 3rd round is getting near.
86" McSporran goes to the line and centers to outside the area where Fenton unleashes a nice shot, but wide of goal.
Game over and we are through to the 3rd round!!! Great game!

The press are all over us with titles like "Underdogs make kebah out of Doncaster" and "Doncaster take a crash course with Carshalton... and ohhh how they crashed".

Gate receipts amounted to a further 18k and we got 15k more in prize money. A good day in all fields.

Carshalton 2 vs 0 Doncaster
Goals: Callum Flanagan (8"), Chris Batt (pen 83")
MoM: Chris Batt (8)


6 December 2005

Excellent news on the financial war front. Swindon have signed John Hamsher for 250k. John Hamsher, age 27 is a D/M R that played regulary for my team. The main thing about him is penalty taking (19), composure (20), determination (18), natural fitness (19) and stamina (16). The rest is pretty low (10 or below). He is classifiend as a full back, but lacks tackling (9), marking (7), acceleration (9) and both teamwork and workrate (both 9). I am really happy by this, even if i miss him on our right side. Our right side is now protected by Sankofa and Colin Hartburn.

We are now out of the red with a positive balance in excess of 180k and i have a transfer budget of near 100k. Now lets go hunting for some nice players, mainly the striker i need so badly.

7 December 2005

This morning i got a call from our chairman Steve Friend:

SF: Good morning Mr. Santos
CS: Good morning Sir.
SF: I am calling you to let you know how happy i am that you solved our little financial problem.
CS: Its good to know that you liked it.
SF: But... don't get cocky again and start signing every misfit you see. The wage budget is still to high for a team like us. I expect further solutions in two or three months time.
CS: Yes Sir. I don't plan to sign anyone else besides a backup striker for our star Flanagan.
SF: Make it so Mr Santos. Have a nice day.
CS: Same to you Sir.

It seems i am out of the frying pan for the time being.

Meanwhile Southampton appoints Alan Shearer as the new manager.


10 December 2005

Scarborough vs Carshalton
Attendance: 925
Wheather: Dry 3'C
Referee: Neil Yates

No changes on the team since they are performing well above my expectations.

Scarborough plays a attacking 4-4-2/4-2-4 formation.

Game starts
17" John takes a yellow card for tripping.
37" Indirect free kick for Scarborough, ball in our area, great confusion and goal for Scarborough. We are 1 down. Burwood scored an own goal.
Half time. We dominated first half with 11 shots. Scarborough made only one shot.
55" Larsson gets out, Carroll comes in.
61" Free kick from close the mid line in our midfield. Beherall takes it and shots a long pass to center edge of the area where Flanagan powered a header and scored. What a powerfull header that was. 1-1
78" Scarborough midfielder gets the ball on the back of our defense in the right wing where the winger centers for the striker to shot on goal. Ball takes a deflection and ends up inside. 2-1. We are again one goal behind.
81" Brown comes in to replace John on the right wing. Warner replaces Edwards on the left wing. A litte more speed and fresh legs on the wings for the final push.
91" Burwood takes a free kick in the midfield line. He plays a long ball to the center just a little out of the area, where Flanagan gets it, turns around and shots from between both central defenders to the top left corner of goal scoring a late and dramatic equalizer.
Game Over

Nice and balanced game, mostly in second half.

Scarborough 2 vs 2 Carshalton
Goals: Callum Flanagan (61", 91")
MoM: Chris Batt (9)


10 December 2005

Mansfield sack Keith Haslam.

None of the strikers i bid want to play in a lower division, even when they get no play at their clubs. Transfer window will open in 20 days or so, and i most have a backup player for Flanagan.

St. Albans want my reserve keeper Andrew Wills (19 years) on loan. I agree to loan him out.

13 December 2005

Andrew Wills joins St. Albans on loan. Burscough hires Mark Walker as manager.

I Offer a contract to Sam Winston.
Sam Winston, 27 years, SC - Great acceleration, pace, strengh and determination (15-17) will probably offset the low finishing (11) he has. I think it will be a good backup for Flanagan. If he signs a contract with us i will transfer list all our crap strikers right away.

15 December 2005

Today at the weekly press conference i announced the signing of 27 years experienced striker Sam Winston. In the last 8 years Winston played more then 140 games and scored 38 goals. His experience will bring Carshalton more options in the attack.

Also in the same press conference i announce the arrival of Lee Barnard from Tottenham on loan till the end of the season.
Lee Barnard, 21 years, SC - He played some games at the Totteham reserves and in some loans. Young and well balanced player has decent stats all around for a striker, except in teamwork and workrate, both very low. He is not costing me anything so i will try him sometimes.

I now have three good attacking options, or so i hope.

Gavin Johnson takes charge as new Mansfield Town manager.


17 December 2005

Carshalton vs Hereford
Attendance: 2229
Wheather: Dry 10'C
Referee: Tony Green

We are back at the War Memorial Sports Ground (Arena!!) at Carshalton to face 6th place Hereford. They are only 4 points away from us, and that should be a good incentive for them to play well. I sent out a media message stating that they've got no chances at promotion. That gave me four players into high morale due to the press release.

Meanwhile at the team, Alistair John is suspended, so, Jermaine Brown will take charge of our right flank. The rest stays the same. Another new thing is Sam Winston sitting on the bench ready to be a valid alternative to Flanagan (me hoping!)

Game starts
21" Indirect free kick just outside the area. Batt puts the ball into the area and Flanagan scores with a diving header just on the edge of the six yard box.
24" Smith intercepts a center and heads the ball upfield. Lady luck was watching because the ball goes right to Flanagan on the midfield line, he takes it, turns around and charges at the two defenders stationed there to cover him. Flanagan dribbles one, then the other and steps on the freeway towards goal. As he reaches the edge of the right side of the area he unleashes a "torpedo" to the top left side of goal, scoring a fantastic goal on the counter attack.
Half time. Flanagan picked a minor injury and Brown is playing like crap. I get both out. Winston debuts in Flanagan's place and Carroll takes Bron's place.
65" Corner for Hereford, into the six yard box where central defender Tom Smith heads it to score.
72" Hereford switch to a 3-4-3 formation
79" Edwards is very tired and missing alot of balls on the left side. I take him out and bring Warner in.
83" Yellow card for Winston for diving.
85" Smith takes a yellow card for words.
86" Hereford now into a 2-3-5 formation. Its all or nothing for them.
Game over. We managed to defend our advantage.

Another nice game and 3 more points in our favor. The team played well. Our physio Green told me at the end of the game that Flanagan's injury would keep him out for two days.

Meanwhile Southport sacks Roger Ashby and West Brom sacks Gary Megson.

Carshalton 2 vs 1 Hereford
Goals: Callum Flanagan (21", 24")
MoM: Jake Cole (Hereford goalkeeper) (9)


20 December 2005

Carshalton vs Stevenage
Attendance: 2257
Wheather: Dry 8'C
Referee: Des Morrinson

Alistair John gets back into the team after the 1 game suspension, and Brown goes to the bench. Winston will start this game in Flanagan's place.

Stevenage uses a 4-4-2 standard formation.

Game starts.
5" Larsson comes out with a minor injury and is replaced by Carroll.
Half time. Prety boring first half. Winston got 3 chances on goal, ono-on-one with the keeper but the three shots were straight at the keeper. He is very fast, but i am afraid he will not be able to be a good replacement for Flanagan.
55" Winston is fast and steals the ball from a defender, runs in, shot, over the bar.
56" Flanagan in for Winston and Murdoch in for the underperforming Skelton (5).
74" Stevenage change to a 3-5-2 formation
75" Yellow card for Flanagan for diving
87" John gets a yellow card for tripping
Game over.

Boring match. My team is able to put a fantastic performance one day and a poor one the next. Overall i am very happy with all the results we have, but i need to bring out more from the players, because otherwise they get overconfident.

Carshalton 0 vs 0 Hereford
MoM: Andy Woodman (Stevenage goalkeeper) (9)


25 December 2005

Leeds appoint Steve McClaren as their new manager.

26 December 2005

Barnet vs Carshalton
Attendance: 2014
Wheather: Wet 4'C
Referee: Brian Parry

Flanagan is suspended (yellow cards) so Winston gets another shot. Lee Barnard sits on the bench ready for his debut. In midfield i take Larsson out and bring Carroll in. With 6 days rest my whole team is back to 100% condition.

Barnet is using a very attacking 4-4-2.

Game starts.
2" Long range effort from Barnet to score the first of the game. Not a good start for us.
32" Carroll is injured and has to come out. Larsson goes in to replace him.
Half time. Winston got some chances but he seems to be unable to hit the target. I bring Barnard in to replace him.
78" Warner in for the tired (58%) Edwards.
85" Batt gets a yellow for tripping.
Game over.

We have been overpowered. Barnet dominated the whole game and we were unable to turn things around.

Barnet 1 vs 0 Carshalton
MoM: Chris Batt (8)


27 December 2005

Tranmere sack Brian Little. West Brom hires Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore. Ruud van Nistelrooy wants improved contract if he is to stay with Manchester United.

We are going to play Stevenage in the FA Trophy 3rd round away. In the FA Cup 3rd round we are going to visit premier team Birmingham next month.

Juventus won the Club World Championship Final by beating Once Caldas 3-0.

Bierofka (Aston Villa) brokes a leg and gets a 6 month injury.
Mourinho (ex-Chelsea) now with Benfica is targeting Kallstron.

28 December 2005

Carshalton vs Mansfield
Attendance: 2053
Wheather: Dry 8'C
Referee: Wayne Marsh

I have two casualties in my center midfield. Carroll is out with injury and Batt got a one game suspension (5 yellow cards). Flanagan is back. In midfield i put Skelton and Larsson, Murdoch will plays as DMC.

Game starts
4" Mansfield score from a direct free kick. Another bad start..
26" Larsson with a short pass left to Skelton. He looks around and passes further left to Edwards. He adavances with the ball cuting inside and sending the ball to the right near the edge of the area where Flanagan picks it and shots a low strike to score the equalizer.
32" Larsson passes short to the middle to Flanagan. He turns around and dribbles past one, puts the ball over the second, gets into the area, shot coming in and Goal! 2-1
34" Center from the right to the six yard box where the two Mansfield strikers are unmarked. Header and goal. 2-2.
Half time. Murdoch is playing like crap as DMC. I bring him out, Skelton gets back to DMC and Brown in to Skelton's position.
79" Corner on the right taken by James Smith (DC), header in by Burwood (DC) for the 3-2!
82" Corner on the right taken by Larsson, Burwood again with the header, keeper saves but Smith on the rebound scores.
83" Edwards, tired, comes out, Warner comes in. Winston replaces Flanagan.
Game over. Nice come back!

My two central defenders come up in the end to make a difference and compensate for the errors in the second Mansfield goal.

My team took some time to get its act together.

Jermaine Brown has a demage foot and is out for one week.

I receive a call from our chairman congratulating me and the team for the excellent result.

Carshalton 4 vs 2 Mansfield
Goals: Callum Flanagan (26", 32"), John Burwood (79"), James Smith (82")
MoM: Paul Edwards (9)


30 December 2005

Paul Groves takes the hot seat at Southport.

Albertini, van der Saar, Lizarazu, Figo, Rivaldo, Naybet, Rui Costa, Toldo, Dhorasoo, Worns, Jeremies, Cocu, Thuram, Totti, Beinlich, Lehmann, Claudio Lopez, Juninho, Zé roberto, Jeffers, Sorensen, Karagounis, Jankulovski, Ewerthon, Rochemback, Charisteas, Sorin, Salas, Poborsky, Beattie, Kieron Dyer, Robbie Fowler, McManaman, Chris Sutton, Solskjaer, Emre, Tugay, Peter Madsen, Marko Rehmer, Deisler, Kehl, Weidenfeller, Harbuzi and some other less famous but good players are all with their contracts in the last six months and open to proposals. So many good players ready to move... and none wants to come to Carshalton :-(

Tranmere approaches me with an offer to manage them. 250k transfer funds available and a wage bill of 100k. Tranmere is 20th in League One. I reject the offer of course. Glory to Carshalton!

Sheffield Utd sack Neil Warnock. St. Albans sack Gary Crosby.

Ruud van Nistelrooy gets the World Footballer and Player of the Year award. Gigs gets the European Footballer of the Year award. Buffon is Goalkeeper, Zambrotta Defender and Midfielder and Adriano is Striker of the Year in Europe. Callum Flanagan is the Conference National Young Player of the Month.

Another nice month with 2 victories, 2 draws and 1 defeat, maintaining us at 2nd place in the Conference National, now one point away from Morecambe. Our finances are well out of the red and i still have 59k of transfer budget to spend.

The Conference National league table now looks like this:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Team | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | Morecambe | 21 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 44 | 25 | +19 | 40 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | Carshalton | 21 | 10 | 9 | 2 | 42 | 21 | +21 | 39 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | Rochdale | 21 | 11 | 5 | 5 | 29 | 18 | +11 | 38 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | Accrington | 21 | 11 | 3 | 7 | 33 | 20 | +13 | 36 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | Barnet | 21 | 11 | 3 | 7 | 37 | 25 | +12 | 36 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | Carlisle | 21 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 31 | 24 | +7 | 32 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | Hereford | 21 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 33 | 28 | +5 | 32 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| (...)then Mansfield, Dag & Red, Halifax, Worksop, Canvey Island, Scarborough, Stevenage, Exeter(...)| -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | York | 21 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 27 | 31 | -4 | 25 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | Forest Gree| 21 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 23 | 31 | -8 | 24 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | Burton | 21 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 24 | 34 | -10 | 23 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | Gravesend | 21 | 5 | 6 | 10 | 25 | 28 | -3 | 21 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21th | Newport Co | 21 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 22 | 37 | -15 | 20 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22th | Leigh RMI | 21 | 2 | 6 | 13 | 16 | 37 | -21 | 12 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

Great performance this month by Morecambe to reach 1st and Rochdale at 3rd. Accrington dropped to 4th place from last month 1st, proving what i said about getting some bad results and dropping several places. Our performance was very positive and our second place proves just that. We only need to maitain this form.

Next month will see us face Morecambe for the League on 1st January then we travel to Birmingham to face the local team for the FA Cup. We then receive Dag & Red and after go play Stevenage away for the FA Trophy. Gravensen, Halifax, Worksop, Woking and Leight RMI close our schedule for next month. 9 games in 31 days is away to much for my team, but we will try to cope with it.

Until next month, be well and play FM!

Cheers,

Carlos Santos, Carshalton Manager.

retired_ajbrittney

I was amused to see that you signed

retired_ajbrittney

Oops.

Yeah Sammy Winston. He used to play for Kingstonian and Sutton United and he came to be regarded as a bit of a joke. He got out of condition and showed a lack of application. If FM05 is accurate to real life, he will prove very disappointing. He does have potential but always shoots himself in the foot.

retired_cool_sks

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lord Crumb:
Oops.

Yeah Sammy Winston. He used to play for Kingstonian and Sutton United and he came to be regarded as a bit of a joke. He got out of condition and showed a lack of application. If FM05 is accurate to real life, he will prove very disappointing. He does have potential but always shoots himself in the foot. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

ROFL! Now you tell me! Hes been crap so far. Oh well, time to hunt another forward.. sniff..

Cheers,

Santo

retired_jgirl87

Just back from holidays and have caught up with your story - it is still top quality. KUTGW :cool: