Career mcandrew003 Presents The Journey, An FMM Story

[mcandrew003]

Teaser for update 7

And here is the updated youth team, as requested by @S4NCH0

Spoiler

 

[S4NCH0]

Thanks! Umut Gönūl is amazing

[mcandrew003]

He has got some very decent stats for his age, I agree pal. Although, his potential is only 3 stars, so that's a bit dissapointing! @S4NCH0

[mcandrew003]

Update 7A

Hello Vibers! Welcome to the 7th installment of The Journey. Sorry for the extremely long delay, the reason for it is basically just being busy and having other stuff to take care of. However, I'm back up to speed and have lots of things to look forward to on the website, so let's begin, shall we? Oh, and I forgot to mention, because of said business over the last few days, this is a half season update. Sorry if that dissapointed anybody, will try to put as much detail as possible in it!

I sat there, deep in thought. How did a normal man with a love for football manage to become one of the most well respected managers in Australia, and now Turkey? The thoughts raced through my head, and I found myself smiling. Who cares. Who cares how I came to be what I am now. All that matters is that I seize the opportunity, and that was what I planned to do....

Transfers

Ins

Whoa. Where to begin, eh? Zivkovic was a massive steal at 2.5 Million, and has already paid back his price tag. Maitland-Niles came in as the first choice CM, but a few poor performances have seen him settle for a place on the bench. 2 new centre backs were welcomed in Posch and Corchia, whilst Romeo and Ives, who we had on our books a few years ago if you remember, fill the bench. The rest of the players were youngsters to add to our ever growing youth programme.

A look at the recruits....

Spoiler

Delighted with some of these, Zivkovic and Corchia in particular. A few players, like Romeo and Maitland-Niles have suffered injury recently, hence their poor attributes.

Out's

It was an awfully hard decision to let Guardiola leave, his record for the club was incredible. He will go down as a legend. Other first teamers from last year, like Madrid and Deng leave for healthy fee's, overall a very positive window.

Finance

A new section being introduced to The Journey is the finance section, where I will just show you how and what we are doing with our money.

As you can see, a very healthy budget there. If I put it up all the way, I will get a transfer fund of around 8 Million, so nice to see the club building a mini war chest to unleash on the market one day.

Spoiler

The sun sizzled my skin as I stood on the training pitch, analysing a tactical board whilst the lads were stretching and passing the ball around. Suddenly, my assistant came over and handed me a file. "Bank files, Mr McAndrew" he whispered, before scuttling off. I turned my attention to the front page, where the club finances where recorded. I smiled as I saw the green marks in all areas, and my mind immediately wandered to the endless possibilities of players I could buy. "Not yet" I told myself, before continuing the analysis.

Competitions

Turkish Cup

Absolutely dominant in the TC, beating all opposition put in front of us. As this is exactly half way through the League Campaign, we still have 1 game left to play. No bother though, we were through a long time ago,

Europa League

Now isn't that a pretty sight? We destroy the group, conceding just 2 in the process. Our GD is fantastic, and all round a good finish for a club fighting relegation just three years ago....

League Campiagn (17 games in)

Last season was rather....underwhelming in terms of league performances, finishing 4th again. This year, the goal was simple. Win the league. Well....

We sit 8 points off the top as Fernebache and Galatasary race out of the starting blocks. Losing to both teams was a major blow, but I still have faith of rebuilding our title push in the remainder of the season. A positive is that only 13 goals have been conceded so far.

League positions, home and away

Spoiler

Away

Home

Player Statistics

Goals

36 between my front 2 already, very pleased with that. A few more goals coming from midfield and out wide.

Assists

Again, the strikers top the list. It seems I have found 2 players who complement each other's strengths perfectly. Mhadebi, the strong Target Man, doing the dirty work, whilst Zivkovic, the poacher, finishes it off or lays off a Winger or Mhadebi himself.

Average Rating

López steals the show from Left Back, having a great year so far.

Fixtures

Below are the fixtures so far this year

Spoiler

Other

Below is the board confidence, aswell as a few youth squad graduates brought into the first team either this year of in the past few years....

Spoiler

YSG (Youth Squad Graduates)

These are the lads who stepped up last year or any other year after impressive B-Team performances.

To Finish....

I looked at the league table. Many emotion so flowed through me as I started and studied, and I realised something. I have already made this club a trophy contender. Anything else is a bonus. But I couldn't help but feel dissapointed at how the club is losing ground with every game. We will push on though. We. Will. Win.

Thanks for reading guys! I think this was a bit long, but not sure, so please leave feedback on the update, how you think the season is going or where it is headed, or anything else really. Cheers!

[Brenty92]

Your front 2 are running the show pal! Great update keep it up

[mcandrew003]

Very much so mate, they are the dream team so far! Who need Van Persie and Rooney when you have Mhadebi and Zivkovic 

Cheers bud @Brenty92

[BatiGoal]

Doing pretty good, mate. Walking both Cups and still very much competing in the league. Finances look good, loads of youngsters out on loan, you definitely upped the club's standards since your arrival.

[mcandrew003]

Cheers mate! Cups have been a good morale booster for the lads, the Europa League especially. Although, I've got Marseille next, so that will be tough!

I'd like to think I have developed the club, really pleased with the Finances and Youth squad, hopefully we can push for a trophy now! 

@BatiGoal

[Scratch]

Looking good! I like the look of Zivkovic in particular. Got a feeling you're going to win something this year!

Found it quite funny that you'd been delayed in posting - I've been delayed in reading and was feeling guilty as I came over to catchup, only to find I hadn't really missed anything at all!  

[mcandrew003]

Cheers bud! His stats are incredible for 2.5 Million, thanks for the prediction! Hope I can get something too....

Been massively delayed to be fair mate, seems we've all been busy! @scratch99

[mcandrew003]

Sneak Peak

Club watch - Melbourne Victory

After our departure from Australia 4 long years ago, the club from Melbourne have had plenty of time to establish themselves as the top dogs in Oz. Let's see how they are doing....

MInimal additions to the squad I left the club, although nice to see fan favourites Zongo and Ansell still going strong.

Player Watch

Brought him in for 2K back in my time at the club, he has developed nicely into a fantastic striker.

Current League Campaign 

Oh dear. The manager who took my place has guided the club in the wrong direction, and they sit bottom of the division.

Since my 2 league titles, the club have failed to achieve another win. Their drastic drop is shocking to look at.

ACL

In the season I left, they managed to win the Asian Champions League. Since then however, they have gotten nowhere near the competition.

Many of the records still stand from my time at the club, they have failed to move forward.

What do you think of the sudden downfall guys? The full update of season 6 will be out soon. Cheers!

[Scratch]

Hmm, I think maybe you better go back... Although I don't mind the Roar being on top if the table, so on second thoughts, it's all good!

[mcandrew003]

Was thinking at the end I might go back for one last hurrah, there drop had been dreadful.

Ill check for you, but don't think Roar have won it yet, maybe this is the year! Cheers mate. @scratch99

[mcandrew003]

Seems I was slightly wrong.... @scratch99

Spoiler

 

[Scratch]

The Roar are my local team, but I don't really follow the A-League. I'd be happy for them to win it though! Historically I've supported the Melbourne Knights (not in the A-League though) and when I was a lad Newcastle KB United (long defunct)... So I guess I am a Brisbane Roar fan after all!!

[Scratch]

Oh cool, they win in a couple of years time. I'll have to remember to take my kids along to that! ;D

 

[mcandrew003]

I came across Melbourne Knights a few times either this year or last year, I think they wear blue, but I might be wrong. I'm not a big follower of the A-League, but found myself popping back there a few times to check the progress of Victory. @scratch99

[nujawuja]

Could You post yr 4-4-2 with Player Roles And instructions ?

Tks in advance 

Cheers

[mcandrew003]

Hi mate

I've currently switched tactics to a 4-1-2-2-1, but here is the tactic....

Basically just move the CDM to ST

think this was it....

Right. Here, switch the IF's to Wingers, and have the 2 centre mids as BBM Andy BWM. Strikers were P and TM.

Hope this helps, cheers mate. @nujawuja

 

[Scratch]

21 hours ago, mcandrew003 said:

I came across Melbourne Knights a few times either this year or last year, I think they wear blue, but I might be wrong. I'm not a big follower of the A-League, but found myself popping back there a few times to check the progress of Victory. @scratch99

Yeah, Australian football has a pretty messy history. Many of the teams were formed on an ethnic basis (including the Knights) and there used to be a bit of violence. I think all the old established clubs were left out when the NSL disbanded and the A-League was formed. I was never a full on Knights supporter, but a young Mark Viduka played for them and Peter Beardsley guested for a couple of games and that was enough to make me a fan.

Of the new Melbourne teams, I like the Victory, because they aren't owned by a big franchise! But I probably should be support my local Brisbane team now... Maybe I have to play FMM in Australia to start appreciating the game here a little more...

[mcandrew003]

Oh right, may have to have a look at the Australian footballing history when I have time. Viduka played for Knights? Quality stuff there mate.

I prefer Victory just because Melbourne City have ties to Man City, and I can't have myself managing them, can I?  @scratch99

[Scratch]

1 minute ago, mcandrew003 said:

Oh right, may have to have a look at the Australian footballing history when I have time. Viduka played for Knights? Quality stuff there mate.

I prefer Victory just because Melbourne City have ties to Man City, and I can't have myself managing them, can I?  @scratch99

It's messy! Oh, of course you couldn't manage Melbourne City. I don't like the fact they are owned by City, but you must *hate* it!!

[mcandrew003]

 Yes mate, no way that's happening willingly. Hate is a better word actually 

@scratch99

The next update is about to be started, so keep an eye out for that.

[mcandrew003]

Update 7B?

Hello and welcome to update 7 of The Journey! This update will cover the remainder of season 6, where we are battling it out on 3 fronts. Before he actual update, you might remember the cliffhanger I left you all on in the last update, where we asked the Chairman (can't remember his name ) for an upgrade to facilities. Let's see what he said....

4 months before the events of update 7A...

"Well....Ethan. Your work here has been admirable, and I feel that you have taken this club to new heights. We understand that we need to make that transition with you, and therefore, I agree we should do something to Up our level of development. I'll call the constructors in the morning." And with that, he swiftly turned and walked out of the room. And relax.....

Yesssss. As you can see, the Training and Youth facilities are both up to Average, meaning we have heavily improved from what we had when I joined. 

January Transfers

Seeing as we already covered the Summer Transfers in the last update, I thought we would just cover the transfers we made in the January transfer window. 

We bring in this young Ivorian to cover the wing and striker positions. You'll see why we brought him in later on.

Staff

The interviews were long. Actually no, that was an understatement. The interviews were gruellingly long. A bit better. We interviewed 62 people in the end, asking each about 12 questions, until we found the perfect candidate. His name was Ben Cahn, and he had experience working in Australia. I briefly remember shaking his hand in an A-League match many years ago. He is a young lad, but up for the job, no doubt about it. He was going to be a BIG part, of what this club wants to achieve.

Competitions

So the bit you are all here for really, to see if I FINALLY managed to win a trophy. Wel....

Turkish Cup

Spoiler

After our dominant progression through the group stages, we were drawn some easy games up to our run to the Semi's....

Ah. Our downfall. Going into this game, we had been having tactical....issues I think we'll call them. This meant basically we had lost form and were spiralling out of control, hence the result. I wanted to cry, I can assure you 

The lads walked in. Heads down, dejected, lost. "You guys aren't like this, you are warriors. We let them fans down today, we really did. Letting a lead like that go is unacceptable. You have let down the fans, me and yourselves." They all nodded, knowing exactly what I meant and agreeing with it. "It's time to grow up. It's time to achieve the success you all want." And then, I ushered them all to the door.

Europa League

As you saw, we breezed thorough the group stages with ease, and met Marseille in the next round.

An fortunate loss against a superior team. We outplayed them in the second leg, but the damage was already done unfortunately.

League Campaign

So, eliminated from 2 competitions with just 1 left. I was confident of catching the league leaders Galatasaray, but then disaster struck. 

Noooooo! He was on 26 goals and on red hot form, but got brutally injured. I quickly headed to the market, finding my 1 choice of replacement. But when I checked his profile aswell....

OH COME ON! This left me without a second main striker for most of the season, before the emergence of Dao. With all this is mind, how did we fare in the Turkish Super League?

3rd. An improvement from last year, but still utterly disappointing, and the club is stalling in development. The thought of moving has crossed my mind many times during the last part of the season, and is again now....

Player Statistics

Appearances 

RB Rowling played the most for us this year, followed by Leali, who joins level.

Goals

Super Sami stepped up during Zivkovic's injury period, sticking 29 in the net. The strikers have contributed to 75 goals this term in all competitions, an incredible record.

Assists

Despite his injury, Richairo still leads the way!

Average Rating

Richairo again! He had a great season, so unfortunate with the injury. 

Seasonal Fixtures

Below are the fixtures from this season....

Spoiler

Isn't it crazy how we pick up form after the cup defeat 

Player Awards

Sami and Richairo taking the 1 and 2 spots

Tomas had a great year again, quality player and a second place finish.

I come runner up after a decent season.

Unsung Hero

A new award I'm going to include is the unsung hero award. This year, it goes too....

Jaime Antunes! He has been a lynchpin in my midfield for 2 years now, he has some incredible stats and a real asset to have in the side.

2 Quality seasons at the club.

I walked into the club bar to see Jaime sitting there with Nacho and Sami. He looked happy, sipping away at the cold Pepsi in his hand. "Jaime" I called, and he came striding over. "You have been a quality member of our side for 2 seasons now, I think you deserve a reward. I handed him a thin envelope, and he took it and smiled. "Thanks boss, this means a lot." They invited me over, and we sat there long into the night, drinking and laughing any worries away.

Manager Profile/Confidence

Profile looking good!

Seems they like me!

To finish....

I still remember, you know. I still remember my house in England, my possessions, my friends and family. Of course, I keep in contact, but they have no idea what I actually do. As I looked at the club trophy cabinet, I wondered to myself. 'Am I the man to fill this? Do I have the skill to bring this club success? We'll soon find out I guess, eh? 

Thanks for reading! A question for you guys, do you want to see me move to Poland, or achieve success with Balikesirspor, as I feel this is stalling a bit with the lack of success. Please do let me know, along with any other comments or feedback. Cheers! 

 

 

[mcandrew003]

Comments and thoughts appreciated lads, would love to know your thoughts on the season and the future.

[Scratch]

Another great season and unlucky to lose Zivkovic for so long. You are inching towards success and it's only a matter of time until you reach it - but I guess the question is how long? I can understand your desire to move on. Personally I'd like to see you stay another season - maybe give it one more fling and then move on either way. 

Although, I think you should probably have a strong word with the Chairman and get him to change the drinks sponsor from Pepsi to Coke. That's grounds for moving on right there!

[mcandrew003]

Cheers mate! Losing Zivkovic was awful, I remember just shouting 'NOOOO' when I saw it  Hopefully I can achieve something soon for the good of the career, will happily stay mate. 

Mate, might have to disagree there. Pepsi beats Coke all day long in my books 

Cheers pal @scratch99

[Brenty92]

Couldn't agree more with @scratch99, although this may be frustrating for you, it's a thoroughly enjoyable read! Would love to see some silverware at Balikesirspor before you leave!

[mcandrew003]

Cheers mate, not frustrating at all to be fair, just a bit worried that the lack of silverware will lead to a lack of interest, but glad you are still enjoying it! @Brenty92

[BatiGoal]

Success in the form of silverware or in leaving the board and fans behind with a quality squad? Everyone wants trophies of course but I think consistent European Spot finishes is pretty successful too -not trying to sound like Wenger- lol 

I'll be following either way.