Season 13/14 - Derby County
It's been awhile...and maybe noone cares...but I figured I'd continue.
Took the cash from selling our striker and shored up the midfield. Also signed an England international striker (backup) to replace the star.
The new signings took a while to gel and after losing the Community Shield to Villa 3-2 we started out 3-3-3 through 9 games and rested in 9th position. Not only was I disappointed but 8 of my players became unhappy because 'we weren't topping the table'. It took me until the last week of the season to satisfy the buggers. An 18 game unbeaten streak righted the ship and we yo-yo'd with Chelsea for first from about March. We thrashed Villa 4-1 on the final day to win our second straight title with 83 points. The lads were thrilled as was the board...blah blah blah...we all ate cheese and the peasants rejoiced.
The Champions League was what we all looked forward to. The lads didn't disappoint. We drew Juventus, Porto, and Basel in Group B. Welcome to the Ch. League Derby...0-4 away to Juventus in our first game. Fortunately, the other 2 teams were average this year and we finished 2nd in the group comfortably (3-2-1). The 1st round of knockout we drew Barcelona. This was about the most unrealistic I've seen this game. The first leg at home we won 6-0 (not a misprint). I was shocked. Of course, we went to Barca...and had to stop a 90th minute penalty to lose 0-5 and sneak through on aggregate. We beat FC Kobenhavn 4-2 on aggregate and then drew Juventus in the semis. We didn't score on them in group play (0-4; 0-0) and the semi-final legs were no different. Knocked out by Juventus 2-0 on aggregate (0-1 both legs). I was thrilled. The extra cash and the stature brought to the club has been great. A few players who were keen to leave before the season have acknowledged their devotion and renewed contracts.
Domestic cups sucked arse. Knocked out by Arsenal in both cups. FA 4th round away 1-2 and LC Qtrs. 2-5 away.
We look to have the Premier division handled ok. It would be wrong to think we'll win every year but we've proven that we belong. I was amazed at our champions league effort. Hoping for more.
It was also nice to see that this season a home grown product was runner up for both the Player's Player of the Year and English Footballer of the Year. The 23 yr. old F/AMC has been capped by his country as well. He was keen to leave last season but I'm proud to say he has decided to stay and is happy.
Silverware:
Premier: Derby EC: Fulham L1: Sheff Utd.
L2: Colchester Conference: Bath
FA: Aston Villa League Cup: Arsenal
Champions League: Roma UEFA: Chelsea
World Cup: Columbia 2 Czech Rep 0
Good news...As expected, the US sacked their manager and although England offered this yank the job (and hell froze over) the US accepted my application and I took the job. It was a proud day.
A little long...I apologise.
Regards from America (it was 87 degrees for my men's league game on Sunday!)
Go Rams!!
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