retired_Kemp

"Thanks master Terk. It's nice when plans are slightly ahead of schedule.

OK, so we're about to take on 2nd Division, and it will not be an easy task. Fortunately our academy managed to produce some decent youngsters, and we'll include some in the extended 1st team squad to speed up their education. The squad looks like this:

Goalkeepers:

Neil Hall, GK, English, 19: He had a decent season, but he couldn't keep up with the performances of Roberts, so he'll be a backup this season.

Rob Roberts, GK, English, 20: He's looking better every season, and he seems ready the claim the title as first choice keeper.


Defenders:

Adrian Bradley, D/DM RC, English, 16: Product of this summers youth programme. Good physical skills for his age. Could make a few appearances due to his versatility.

Robert Gilbert, D/DM RC, English, 29: While he wasn't brilliant last season, he still got the job done. He'll see plenty of action, but may have to watch from the bench at times.

Peter Morris, D RC, English, 32: Certain starter when fit. Had he possessed anything resembling influence he would be a certain captain.

Chris Parker, D RLC, English, 21: He actually saw a lot of action last season and did surprisingly well. Still a backup though.

John O'Donnell, D LC, Irish, 29: He had a reasonable season, but I have my doubts about how he'll do at this level.

John Parsons, D L, English, 27: Did ok last season, but he'll also find life harder at this level.

Ben Platt, D L, English, 16: Product of this summers youth programme. Could be a player for the future, as he has a great physique combined with decent mental skills.

Steve Ball, D C, English, 27: Hardcore defender, who'll certainly make the lineup. Wonder why none of the bigger clubs have tried to snatch our captain yet.

Michael Green, D C, English, 15: Another youngster from this summers academy. He might have what it takes to make the cut.


Midfielders:

Kevin Taylor, D/DM RC, Scottish, 32: The old faithful is still with us, and he be a certain starter.

Carl Collins, DM C, English, 28: He struggled with a series of groin injuries last season and only made 9 appearances, where he did pretty well.

Alan Hudson, M R, English, 21: Still underperforming, so this season he's a backup.

Simon Kamara, M R, English, 27: He earned himself a place in starting lineup after his performances last season.

Paul Kavanagh, M RLC, Irish, 30: He was one of our best players last season, and he even got a cap for Ireland. It shouldn't be hard to find a place in the lineup for him.

Simon Mitchell, M C, English, 18: Didn't see much action, but his skills are coming along pretty reasonably.

Ian Foster, AM/F RL, English, 19: Another player who didn't play much last season, but I think that's about to change. But I wish he was faster.

Simon Cooper, AM L, English, 18: He was on an uneventful loan spell last season, and it's still to early to tell if he could go anywhere.


Attackers:

Michael Webster, F LC, English, 28: With 26 goals in 47 appearances last season, he was a key player for our success. I hope he can keep them coming.

Robert Boyd, S C, Northern Irish, 31: His scoring total was a bit disappointing, so this season he'll appear on rotation.

Gary Cooper, S C, English, 16: He got a taste of action, but failed to impress. But he's still very young.

Paul Jones, S C, English, 19: With 3 goals in 8 sub-appearances I think he's a keeper for now.

Simon White, S C, English, 28: He had a superb season with 32 goals in 47 matches. Definately a starter.


"So how will we do with this squad? Probably a midtable finish which would be satisfactory. The most important thing this season is to find out which of the young players are cut out for a future in the higher divisions.!

retired_lbherrera

Walks in , puts lembas on his table , sees everyne stare at him , stares back.
Not late am i Professer?

retired_Kemp

"If you're late? Depends on your ancestry, master readingfanman, if you're lucky enough to have elfs as parents, then 20 seasons can hardly be called late. If not, I suggest your start reading up. But welcome anyway.

OK, time to take a look at the results from our first season in 2nd Division:"

Results:

Dag & Red-Halesowen Town 4-1 (Webster)
Halesowen Town-Notts Co 1-0 (Webster), League Cup 1st round
Leyton Orient-Halesowen Town 4-2 (Hudson, Webster)
Halesowen Town-Charlton 0-0
Halesowen Town-Swindon 2-0 (White(2))
Gillingham-Halesowen Town 2-0
Halesowen Town-Sheff Utd 0-0
[b]Halesowen Townv-Crewe 1-0 (Webster)
Mansfield-Halesowen Town 1-0
Leyton Orient-Halesowen Town 1-2 (Webster, Kavanagh), League Cup 2nd round
Halesowen Town-Bristol Rovers 1-1 (Boyd)
Port Vale-Halesowen Town 2-0
Watford-Halesowen Town 0-0
Halesowen Town-Brighton 5-0 (Kavanagh(2), White(3))
Northwich Vics-Halesowen Town 0-1 (White)
Southport-Halesowen Town 2-3 (Mitchell(2), Boyd), Vans Trophy N 1st round
Halesowen Town-Bournemouth 4-0 (Collins, Boyd(2), Webster)
Halesowen Town-Burnley 1-0 (Kamara), League Cup 3rd round
Halesowen Town-Rotherham 2-0 (White, Boyd)
Norwich-Halesowen Town 1-1 (White)
Halesowen Town-Huddersfield 1-2 (White), FA Cup 1st round
Halesowen Town-Northwich Vics 1-2 (Collins), Vans Trophy N 2nd round
Halesowen Town-Lincoln 3-0 (White(2), Boyd)
Rushden-Halesowen Town 2-1 (Foster)
Halesowen Town-Cambridge 1-1 (Foster)
Walsall-Halesowen Town 2-1 (White)
Halesowen Town-Bristol City 1-0 (White)
Halesowen Town-Man Utd 0-1, League Cup 4th round
Luton-Halesowen Town 3-1 (Boyd)
Halesowen Town-Nottm Forest 1-1 (Hudson)
Halesowen Town-Dag & Red 1-0 (Hudson)
Charlton-Halesowen Town 0-1 (G. Cooper)
Halesowen Town-Leyton Orient 1-0 (Jones)
Swindon-Halesowen Town 1-0
Sheff Utd-Halesowen Town 1-0
Halesowen Town-[b]Port Valev 0-1
Halesowen Town-Gillingham 2-1 (May, Boyd)
Halesowen Town-Mansfield 3-0 (Ball, Boyd(2))
Crewe-Halesowen Town 0-0
Halesowen Town-Watford 1-0 (Taylor)
Brighton-Halesowen Town 2-2 (White(2))
Bristol Rovers-Halesowen Town 1-0
Halesowen Town-Northwich Vics 2-3 (Boyd(2))
Bournemouth-Halesowen Town 3-0
Halesowen Town-Rushden 0-0
Rotherham-Halesowen Town 2-3 (Foster, Taylor, Webster)
Halesowen Town-Norwich 3-0 (Kavanagh, White, Webster)
Lincoln-Halesowen Town 1-2 (White(2))
Cambridge-Halesowen Town 1-0
Halesowen Town-Walsall 4-1 (Foster, Mitchell, Boyd, Collins)
Bristol City-Halesowen Town 4-3 (Hudson, Boyd(2))
[b]Halesowen Townv-Luton 4-0 (Kavanagh, White, Mitchell, Boyd)
Nottm Forest-Halesowen Town 0-3 (Kavanagh(2), Boyd)
Dag & Red-Halesowen Town 3-0, Playoff Semi Final Leg 1
Halesowen Town-Dag & Red 0-0, Playoff Semi Final Leg 2

"A great season where we managed to finish 5th. We didn't succeed in the playoffs, but the result bodes well for the future. What's even better is the fact, that some of the kids like Mitchell and Foster are turning out pretty well. And maybe we'll get some new prospects again this summer."

retired_Kemp

"Plenty of candidates came through the academy, but very few seem fit to make the first team squad, which looks like this:"

Goalkeepers:

Neil Hall, GK, English, 20: He's about to start his 4th season for us. He didn't play much last season, but he did very well when called upon.

Rob Roberts, GK, English, 21: Our first choice keeper is improving every season. Bigger clubs are starting to pay attention, which I see as a sign of him having a bright future for us.


Defenders:

Adrian Bradley, D/DM RC, English, 17: Product of last summers youth programme. Still needs to improve a lot, but he could become a regular in time.

Robert Gilbert, D/DM RC, English, 30: He did well last season, and appear as right back on rotation.

Peter Morris, D RC, English, 33: He remains an important player for us, but it may be time to determine who should replace him.

Chris Parker, D RLC, English, 22: He's the kind of player who looks unimpressive, but he always delivers on the pitch. Rotation for him this season as a reward.

John Parsons, D L, English, 28: As I just sold O'Donnell, Parsons will be a regular starter this season.

Ben Platt, D L, English, 17: Product of last summers youth programme. He'll provide backup on the left, while his skills mature.

Steve Ball, D C, English, 28: Our captain is the foundation of our defense, and he has the physoque to last a full season, if he avoids injuries.

Steve Cole, D C, English, 18: He came from our academy some years ago, but his 4th season will be the first in the first team. If he improves, he may be candidate to replace Morris.

Michael Green, D C, English, 16: Youngster from last summers academy. In the long run he may be a more likely replacement for Morris.


Midfielders:

Kevin Taylor, D/DM RC, Scottish, 33: He's ready for another season, while we look for replacements.

Carl Collins, DM C, English, 29: I gave him more playing time last season, only to find that he probably isn't the replacement for Taylor, that we've been looking for.

Mark Edwards, DM C, English, 15: Youngster from this summers academy. He has great skills for a 15 year old, so he'll get a baptism of fire right away.

Phil May, M R, English, 24: As Hudson still underperformed, I desided to promote this guy from the reserves. He has made a few guest appearances on the team to cover for injuries. Hopefully he'll be determined to show his worth.

Simon Kamara, M R, English, 28: Certain starter on the right wing. He has improved alot under our supervision.

Paul Kavanagh, M RLC, Irish, 31: This guy raises the bar for the term 'stability'. He'll remain a certain starter on our midfield.

Simon Mitchell, M C, English, 19: This kid is coming along nicely, and he could become a regular when Kavanagh retires.

Ian Foster, AM/F RL, English, 20: Ready to start his 4th season, and this time he's close to taking a permanent place in the lineup on the left wing.

Simon Cooper, AM L, English, 19: Promising backup on the left wing. Needs to work on his crossing though.


Attackers:

Michael Webster, F LC, English, 29: He remains an exceptional player for us, but his scoring faded last season. He'll still start most games when fit.

Robert Boyd, S C, Northern Irish, 32: Made many appearances last season due to injuries, and he managed to bag 18 goals. Great backup up front.

Gary Cooper, S C, English, 17: About to start his 3rd season, and I still haven't got a clue, if he'll eventually become a regular.

Paul Jones, S C, English, 20: He's starting his 4th season, and he already looks like a decent backup striker.

Simon White, S C, English, 29: 20 goals last season despite a lot of injuries. No wonder he's so popular with the fans. But his temper doesn't go too well with some of younger players.


"I'm hoping to follow up on our success from last season, so my personal goal is to at least make the playoffs again. Unfortunately we don't own our stadium, so currently we have no hope of drawing more than 5000 spectators for our home games. Oh well, it does have it's own charm to play on a filled stadium."

retired_Kemp

"OK, class, while we are ng the next season, you can try to answer this question:

How do you figure out which youth players to gamble on, when you know that you can't buy players for several seasons to come?

Anyone?"

retired_bbcarr

you pick the ones that can supply the best lembas, sir

retired_lbherrera

you have 3 options sir , you could use magic to make a 2nd roman abromavich , then we wold not need youngsters.
OR
we ask the coaches opioion on each of the players and see who they think can make the grade.
OR
play them in Crap cup and see who plays well.

retired_Kemp

"Master Terk, that answer was below your usual standard. You better stay on your toes, if you want a good grade. Just look at master readingfanman. He has barely walked through the door, and he's already providing answers, no all good answers but at least one is right. To evaluate youngsters you ask your coaches for opinions. But you also need to look at the kids skills. Don't worry about the technical skills, as they'll improve over time. But his physical skills should at least be decent as they don't change much. Finally some of the mental skills such as determination should be in the upper half of the scale.

OK, after that exercise it's time to take a look at the next season:"

Results:

Halesowen Town-Oldham 1-0 (Kavanagh)
Barnsley-Halesowen Town 1-3 (Parsons, Morris, Mitchell), League Cup 1st round
Halesowen Town-Hartlepool 3-0 (Kavanagh, White, Edwards)
Sunderland-Halesowen Town 2-0
Yeovil-Halesowen Town 0-4 (White(2), Mitchell, Boyd)
Halesowen Town-Nottm Forest 0-0
Rotherham-Halesowen Town 2-2 (White, Mitchell)
Halesowen Town-Chester 2-0 (Mitchell, White)
Norwich-Halesowen Town 0-0
Halesowen Town-Tranmere 0-1, League Cup 2nd round
Bristol City-Halesowen Town 2-1 (Webster)
Halesowen Town-Millwall 1-0 (White)
Halesowen Town-Rushden 4-0 (Edwards(2), White, Jones)
Brighton-Halesowen Town 1-1 (White)
Halesowen Town-Mansfield 0-0
Halesowen Town-Shrewsbury 2-0 (White, Jones), Vans Trophy N 1st round
Northwich Vics-Halesowen Town 4-2 (White, Edwards)
Halesowen Town-Dag & Red 5-0 (Mitchell, White, Edwards, Jones(2))
Leyton Orient-Halesowen Town 1-3 (White(2), Jones)
Halesowen Town-Torquay 4-0 (Mitchell, G. cooper, Webster, Edwards), FA Cup 1st round
Halesowen Town-Mansfield 1-0 (Jones), Vans Trophy N 2nd round
Halesowen Town-Kidderminster 1-0 (Webster)
Port Vale-Halesowen Town 1-5 (Foster, Mitchell(4))
Luton-Halesowen Town 1-4 (Mitchell, White, Webster, Edwards)
Halesowen Town-Gillingham 2-0 (Webster, Edwards)
Northwich Vics-Halesowen Town 3-1 (Webster), FA Cup 2nd round
Southport-Halesowen Town 3-2 (Edwards, Jones), Vans Trophy N Quarter Final
Halesowen Town-Bristol Rovers 5-1 (Boyd, Webster(3), own goal)
Cambridge-Halesowen Town 1-6 (Mitchell, White(2), Webster(2), Collins)
Oldham-Halesowen Town 1-0
Halesowen Town-Yeovil 5-0 (Mitchell(3), Webster(2))
Halesowen Town-Sunderland 1-1 (Jones)
Hartlepool-Halesowen Town 3-3 (Mitchell(2), Boyd)
Nottm Forest-Halesowen Town 4-2 (Mitchell, Collins)
Halesowen Town-Rotherham 3-0 (Mitchell, White, Jones)
Chester-Halesowen Town 1-2 (G. Cooper, Webster)
Charlton-Halesowen Town 0-4 (Kavanagh, White(2), Boyd)
Millwall-Halesowen Town 3-4 (Mitchell(4))
Halesowen Town-Bristol City 1-0 (Webster)
Halesowen Town-Norwich 1-1 (Kavanagh)
Rushden-Halesowen Town 0-3 (Mitchell(3))
Halesowen Town-Brighton 3-1 (White, Webster, Boyd)
Mansfield-Halesowen Town 1-1 (White)
Halesowen Town-Northwich Vics 0-2
Dag & Red-Halesowen Town 4-2 (Boyd(2))
Halesowen Town-Leyton Orient 4-1 (Kamara, Kavanagh, White, Boyd)
Kidderminster-Halesowen Town 0-1 (Kavanagh)
Gillingham-Halesowen Town 2-2 (Mitchell, G. Cooper)
Halesowen Town-Port Vale 1-0 (Boyd)
Halesowen Town-Luton 2-1 (Kavanagh, Mitchell)
Halesowen Town-Charlton 4-0 (Mitchell(2), Webster, Boyd)
Bristol Rovers-Halesowen Town 0-2 (Mitchell, Jones)
Halesowen Town-Cambridge 4-0 (S. Cooper, Mitchell, G. Cooper, Jones)

"What a great season which took us to 2nd place after Northwich Vics, who surprisingly were the team to beat this season. Simon Mitchell became the first of our youngsters to make it really big in the team with 32 goals during the season. Quite impressive for the 19 year old midfielder. Unfortunately we had to sell one of the other promising talents. Ian Foster went to Hull for £500K, which we really needed. It does leave us a bit thin on the left midfield, but hopefully the youth academy will solve that during the summer. It's unlikely that Peter Morris, Robert Boyd and Robert Gilbert will get extensions to their contracts, so this may be the last time you hear about them."

retired_lbherrera

laughs at terk , lembas? last week , trupos are the new thing