retired_seabess

Yeah, we've gone a little afield! I can guarantee an update later on, as I'm continuing to work on exams while playing the offseason and watching Depor-Porto.

Good thing I don't have too much schoolwork to do, I guess...

retired_nekh_20

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Cobbler:
Erm, Mr Bauer, you may want to post another update at this point, the thread appears to be skewing alarmingly off course!

I was in Porthcawl on Sunday, lovely view of the Port Talbot steelworks to the North....<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ah yes, but the greatest thing is, this will swing straight back on topic, like most threads here usually do.

retired_seabess

Ok, to satiate the salivating dogs among you...an update!

Season 03/04, Preseason
It has been an interesting off/preseason...

Signings:
I managed to sign two players on free, one defender and a winger. Neither will set the world on fire, but I'll settle for a good showing in the LoW.

Unfortunately, Aston Villa swept in and signed one of my youngsters (winger) in mid-July after he had a nice run in the Inter-Toto Cup. Not the first, nor I expect the last, time that I get excited about some young prospect only to have some major club come buy him out from under me the moment he shows promise. The good thing is, I'm out of debt for the moment.

Inter-Toto Cup:
The main highlight of the summer has been, without a doubt, the Inter-Toto Cup. (how often can you expect to hear *that* phrase uttered?!?).

First round, as I mentioned before, was against Valletta, and the boys did their faithful proud, taking home a 4-0 aggregate win. A taste of glamour was in the air, as Pierluigi Collina wore the black for the first leg.

The second round had our boys heading to Banik Ostrava (Czech Republic). It was a wild tie, as within the first 15 minutes of the first leg, 5 goals had been scored. Eventually, we took a 5-2 aggregate lead back home for the second leg, where the manager's decision to bloody some youngsters nearly cost Talbot advancement, but we manage to make it through on away goals.

The third round was the big one, however, as we drew Manchester City. The boys were welcomed to the City of Manchester Stadium by 27,000 screaming fans...and rose the occasion magnificently. Our 18 year-old GK played a blinder (think celtic at nou camp), and we managed a 1-1 draw after pulling back a late goal against the run of play. Far and away the best performance of the last year... Unfortunately, we were absolutely slaughtered in the return leg, but we have much to be proud of.

Season Outlook and Goals:
Given the influx of cash due to European play, a massive crowd at Manchester City, and the compensation for Villa's signing of one player, we're well into the black and are looking to start building the squad. Ideally, we will sign one player now or in the January transfer window.

We've been given 3-1 odds to win the title this season, recognition of our success last year when we were put at 80-1 odds.

After our performance in Europe, confidence abounds and we're ready for the LoW. Hopefully, our dreadfully erratic away form will become more consistent (though we hope not consistently dreadful!).

Given our success last season, our first taste of Europe, and a fantastic away result against a English Premiership side, much is expected of the boys in blue this season.

Thus, we're aiming for the following:
-Top 5 finish, at the very least, in the LoW.
-One 'major' transfer at the outset or in the January transfer window. We're seeking a first-teamer, no backups.
-Re-qualify for some European competition
-Bring home at least 1 trophy, from any competition (3 cups in play, 1 league)

Other Highlights/Notables:
-RTB Ebbw Vale and Rhayader promoted into the LoW
-Wales' UEFA Co-efficient: 1.83 (40th), behind such notables as Cyprus, Malta, Moldova, and Macedonia.

retired_kswansonwoolf

Yep, these shock results are great. It's funny though, how you ALWAYS get slaughtered in the second leg . KUTGW!!

retired_clintcooke

the inter-toto cup was the wrecking of my team, i had to blame something for my demise, be warned about this competition!!

won't bore you with details but simply got relegated the year i was in the inter-toto cup (got to the final of it and played Valencia!!) and was easily beaten, and then subsequently reasigned before i got the boot the following season.

retired_seabess

I had a hunch that second leg was going to be rough...you simply can't play even with a side that much stronger than you for any significant period of time, even if your keeper is brilliant...

Mugsy - I'm beginning to think the same - details in the next update.