The_FM_Maestro

So I started the season, disecting both my first & reserve teams, deciding on my 22 man squad I was going to keep in-line with my Mourinho-like '2 man per position' policy. First thing I did was promote Jay Boothroyd from the reserves to give me a rather strong looking strikeforce in-line with Freddy Eastwood, Andrew Keogh & Stephen Elliot.

I identified my first major problem position as left midfield, as Matt Jarvis (a free summer signing from Gillingham) started the game on the shelf for 2-3 months, with only the inexperience of Irish under 21 international Stephen Gleeson as a natural winger as a viable option. After failing in an attempt to capture Sheff UTD's Stephen Quinn, I opted for Oldham's promising Chris Taylor for 400k, with him shunning interest from Watford.

The starting 2-3 month absence to Wolves brilliant young goal-keeper Matt Murray would concern a lot of prospective managers, but there's already a gem in the making in young Welsh international Wayne Hennesy, with loanee Graham Stack as an acceptable back-up alternative.

In terms of outgoings, I decided to let the once somewhat promising Lewis Gobern leave the club, with Jamie Clapham being the only other noticeable mover.

Season started with primary 22 man squad as the following..

GK


Murray (Best goal-keeper in the division)

Hennessy (Very promising young Welsh international)

Stack(bck up)


DR


Rob Edwards (somewhat seasoned Welsh international)

Kevin Foley (somewhat promising Irish U-21 player)


DL


Charlie Mulgrew (somewhat promising un-capped Scotish player, attracts a lot of interest from lower-tier Premiership sides)

Michael Gray (very experienced player with an abundance of games in both of England's top two divisions)


DC


Gary Breen (seasoned Irish international with top-flight experience, considered as indispensible to the club.)

Darren Ward (vast experience at Championship level with Crystal Palace before joining Wolves this summer)

Neil Collins (somewhat promising young un-capped Scotish player signed from Sunderland during the summer)

Jody Craddock (vast experience at Championship level with Wolves, has also had past stints in the Premier league with both Wolves & Sunderland. Starts the game in the reserves.)


MR


Michael Kightly (extremely promising England U-21 international, made a big impression last season & more than likely would turn into a good Premier League player in FM)

***no viable back-up in this position, option for a loanee or signing***


ML


Matt Jarvis (Bosman capture in the summer from Gillingham, was named in the League One team of the year.)

*SIGNED* Chris Taylor


MC


Seyi Olifinjana (somewhat touted IRL by some lower-tier Premiership clubs, regular for Wolves who has recovered from a dissapointing start since signing)

Darren Potter (A once very promising Liverpool youngster, has played for Rep. of Ireland, and there's still enough to sugest may become a decent lower-tier Premiership player)

Mark Davies (Touted as being the next 'big' thing at Wolves since Robbie Keane & Joleon Lescott. His stats on the game are impressive for a 19 year-old at this level)

Karl Henry (made a good impression last season with his defensive displays in midfield, played mainly at Championship level with Stoke previously)


FW


Freddy Eastwood (arguably the star player, prolific goal-scorer who's got enough to become a good mid-tier Premiership goal-scorer)

Stephen Elliot (somewhat promising former Ireland U-21 player, had a very good goal-scoring season when Sunderland went up under McCarthy)

Andrew Keogh (somewhat promising Irish U-21 player who catches the eye with his work-ethic & creativity, not a natural goal-scorer however)

Jay Boothroyd (an enigma of somesort, well traveled player, showed lots of ability & the occasional flash of brilliance).


Season so far.....

Opened the season with a frustrating 1-0 loss at home to Colchester, a result they scarecly deserved. Vented frustrations at the team post-match talk. Hit back with a home league cup win against some lower-league side, followed by a good 3 points away at Stoke. However, injuries begin to hit, taking away Michael Gray, Chris Taylor, Darren Potter, Stephen Elliot, in addition to the already crocked Matt Murray & Matt Jarvis. THREE defeats followed, going out of the league cup at Luton & yet another poor home defeat to Sheff Weds.

Five games in have seen me routed to 22nd with 3 points & out of the league cup. Dismal start, but am hoping things will be ok once the injuries have cleared up.

Cereal_Dave

Ive just made it to January and im sitting top of the league by one point. Managed to get some consistency going and saw the rest of the teams slip away.

In the end, i didnt buy anyone in the summer transfer window cus people kept rejecting me, mainly my ML targets. I tried loaning Lee Martin, Adam Johnson, Chris Eagles and a few others i cant think of right now. Once Jarvis came back for me, I went on a big winning streak. I finally had some pace in the team, and despite his poor passing he would always cause danger and scare teams with his direct running.

Craddock is really disappointing in game, and Darren Ward just doesnt do it for me. For me Rob Edwards and Gary Breen are the best DC pairing for their all round abilities. Collins is good backup but he doesnt have the mental stats for a regular first team place for me. As for DR, ive recently promoted Mark Little and his pace is a huge asset for me. He's got one of the highest average ratings despite a lot of poor stats.

The DL position needs to be better too but i suppose you could get by for now. Michael Gray just about cuts it but his physical stats are on the decrease. Charlie Mulgrew just isnt good enough, simple as. All he can do is cross the ball, whereas the rest of his stats are poor.

The team has enough to get promotion, but you really need to be preparing for the future with a bit of flair and quality in the side.