retired_Doitforyou4

I’ve always preferred managing at a lower league level but I’ve never managed under LLM rules. Anyway here is my first attempt! Please be gentle I’ve seen how you lot deal with noobs around here.

I spoke with Frank as you do, and he sent me to Notodden in Norway

2006
Board Expectation – Mid-table Finish

Transfers In - Although given a decent transfer budget I was severely limited to what I could offer in terms of salary (£50p/w) The club was severely over the wage structure when I took over. I got two signings adding £100 to the wage budget before the board blocked future transfers; A versatile left-back who had not played for sometime and a young centre back showing incredible potential.

Transfers Out – NONE! I had 4-6 ageing players on huge wages, long contracts on average earning 23 times more than the squads best player. Nobody would take them off my hands.

My first season was dominated by inconsistency and arrogance. I would often concede an early goal and start on the back foot, especially against ‘poorer teams.’ However I stayed within touching distance of the leaders, only to lose against them from a late unlucky goal. The team completely lost the plot after this game and gave up on the season and slumped to a final 5th position.

2007

Board Expectation – Mid-table Finish

Transfers In – Transfers in we’re blocked due to the high weekly wages so I brought in a talented left winger on loan and a centre midfielder on loan

Transfers Out – Managed to shift a few players but none of my high earners and nothing to have real effect on the financial situation.

My team had matured a little over the pre-season but was still guilty of some of the same problems of the first season. Once again I kept within touching distance of the leaders again until I played them, and lost, again. This sent my team into their end of season slump like last season and I slumped down to 8th place. However I was able to rescue some credibility this time and secured a 2nd place finish miles behind the runaway leaders.

2008

Board Expectation – Mid-table Finish

Transfers In – I tried to bring in the same players on loan for a second season however only the central midfielder was interested, I signed him on another season long-loan and signed another left winger who wasn’t quite up to the standard of last seasons but still showed potential none the less.

Transfers Out – Halfway through the season I would be able to release all my big earners as their contracts would expire, this would eliminate £30k per week off my wages and leave me £16k per week under my wage budget allowing me to bring in players once this happened.

This would become my WORST season at this club yet. I had an injury crises way beyond imagination. At one point I had both first team centre backs injured (one on a long-term injury) 4 out of my 4 first team midfielders on long-term injuries and my only striker to show any soert of form this season was also hit by a series of injuries. My inner midfielder on loan was constantly hit by injuries preventing him from hitting the previous seasons form. The left winger was good in part but very inconsistent. I slumped further down the league waiting for my annual run of form to hit in, it never really happened. I was looking like I may be sacked sooner rather than later which was disappointing as I knew I could turn it around with a few free transfers in the pre-season break. (My big earners had been released) Instead I brought in a few of my under-19’s to cover gaps and they surprised me sending my team up a couple of places to 9th where I finished.

I decided to give Notodden one more season, if the same happened I would move on. Next season I would also have the freedom to bring in free transfers.

To be continued….

KingsbayYHPE

"Noobs" has nothing to do with it, Paul.

New Users are welcomed and brought into the fold as long as they show some inclination towards the LLM way.

Idiots aren't.

Noob â‰* Idiot.

retired_lohse55

I certainly enjoyed your update and I hope it's a taste of more to come.

KUTGW and I hope you've got a little more luck next season

retired_sandra

I couldn't have put it any better than the esteemed Jaffa.

Emm

Noob you may be.

Idiot it appears not.

KUTGW :thup:!

retired_Doitforyou4

Wow those magical 5 letters which i've alway assumed mean some kind of acceptance to this LLM group. What does 'KUTGW' actually mean? My 4th season is done and i'll type it up when i have more than a couple of minutes

retired_mrsjb

Keep Up The Good Work.

And what the JockModBloke said.

retired_ironmaden

Good one :thup:

I think having very few or no players at the start is better than having over-age useless mammoths in the squad, with ridiculous wages - as your example show.

KUTGW!

retired_mss_lori101

KUTGW, games are always more interesting when things go slightly wrong.

needsometlc

Good work in Norway, Paul Atherton.
KUTGW!

The problem with the norwegian league is that when you start to do good, all your players wants to leave.