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Post by Sonic on Nov 14, 2006 2:24:32 GMT
Very nice Boony, and a great position to have so late in the season. I'd say a goal scoring midfielder then is the priority if that is what you feel is missing. That or you defense scores more :thumb:
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Post by Boony on Nov 14, 2006 10:11:01 GMT
March 2006We began March needing 16 points to secure a playoff spot, and 19 to win the league, with ten games left. However, we knew that the teams below us were all more than capable of dropping points, so it probably wouldn't be anything like this amount in reality. And, as it turned out, that was definitely a good thing, as we become the punter's pick on the pools coupon this month. 5 games played, four of them draws. We started at home against Hyde, and stormed out to a two goal lead in just 18 minutes. The first goal was an absolute cracker - Eagle passed on to Earl, who thundered in a 30 yard screamer, with bags of curl. I did my Keanu Reeves "Woah" impression when I saw that one. Briscoe netted a more sedate second, and we looked comfortable. Comfortable, that is, until Hyde pounced on some loose defending to halve the lead. We rounded off the half with a disallowed goal from Briscoe for offside. We were under the kosh for most of the second half, and the pressure showed when Hyde gained the equaliser on the hour. With ten minutes left, our reserve defensive midfielder Navarro hit the bar, and that was that. One point closer to our destiny... We then went away, to Altrincham, and let them score from a freekick in the first ten minutes. Things go from bad to worse when Briscoe decides to headbutt an opposing player, and gets his marching orders. On the stroke of half time, James Earl cracks in a fine freekick from about 40 yards (or so it looked, they didn't actually tell me), but it wasn't enough to stop me ranting and raving at the players in the teamtalk at the half. We went out and struggled - Earl missed a fine one-on-one chance, but mainly Altrincham dominated and really went all out for the winner. We had a couple of chances near the end, but at the final whistle I was more than happy to take the single point. Some of the lads were a bit disgruntled after this game, and when I looked into why, it seems they're a bit unhappy with my teamtalks at the moment - they think I'm being a little harsh on the team. This might be a fair criticism, to be honest - in that last game we were drawing, away from home, and I went ballistic. I'll try and hold back over the next few games. As it turns out, there's no need for mental team talks at all in the next game - at home against Marine, we run out comfortable 2-0 winners. An Earl freekick finds Hutchison to take the lead on 30 mins, and then early in the second half, a Taylor cross finds Earl, who knocks it on to Moore to apply the finish. News comes from the FA - they've banned Briscoe for a further five games for his headbutt against Altrincham. Ouch! He really hasn't done much during the second half of the season. After a fine start, he's had injuries and suspensions, and this one almost takes us to the end of the season. It's down to the backup boys up front now, for sure. We visit Worksop for our 36th league game of the season, and showed the complete lack of firepower we have up front by drawing 0-0. We were literally all over them, but just could not get the ball in the back of the net. The last game of the month is a home fixture against lowly Alfreton. We start briskly, with a 2nd minute goal for Panther, heading in an Earl corner. Alfreton score a flukey equaliser, though, as a long ball into the area seems to bounce off an attacking midfielder's head, loop over White, and limp over the line. Bah! During the rest of the game, Alfreton have many chances to score the winner, but their man up front is absolutely shite, and I'm happy enough with the draw. Again. There's some good news at the end of March, as the board offer me a new contract. Three years, no payrise (still £130 per week), and I had a choice of budgets. I went for the smallest kitty, largest wage budget, naturally, which gives me £6k in transfers and £5.3k in wages per week. League Record: P5 W1 D4 L0 F6 A4 Pts 7
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Post by Moo on Nov 14, 2006 10:18:12 GMT
Excellent work there, non-defeats are the way forward at this stage, I don't think you have anything to panic about here, I think you're pretty much up now.
Bummer about the ban though, that's him almost out for the season, btu it means some experience to some other numpties, i suppose.
Just keep getting those draws, bay-bee!
:thumb:
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Post by coffers on Nov 14, 2006 10:20:58 GMT
Five games left with a 10 point gap, it's in the bag. Oh when the board offer me a 3 year contract for shoit money, I always re-negotiate, especially if we look certainties for promotion. You should have asked for a 1 year contract (2 years at most), then you'd get a pay rise next year when they try to re-negotiate again. KUTNLW! :thumb: (Non Losing)
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Post by Boony on Nov 14, 2006 10:26:23 GMT
Coffers - yeah, you're probably right, to be honest. I should have renegotiated. How am I going to live on £130 a week for the next three years? I might have to start sleeping in my office.
Metaphorically.
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Post by Moo on Nov 14, 2006 10:29:40 GMT
I wonder if the manager's wages are linked to Ambition and Loyalty?
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Post by Boony on Nov 14, 2006 10:37:55 GMT
Ahh, very possibly.
I took a quick look at my manager stats the other day - they're all up at 12 or 13, apart from loyalty, which is down to 7 or 8, I think. I'm not sure how to get that one up, really. Maybe it will after signing this contract.
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Post by Mr Bismarck's Electric Donkey on Nov 14, 2006 11:02:40 GMT
That loyalty rating is a loyalty to club and players. If you've brought in a lot of new players then your loyalty rating will go down. Once you get a more stable squad, (something that isn't going to happen while you're being promoted) then the rating will go up.
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Post by coffers on Nov 14, 2006 12:06:47 GMT
I suspect it's also linked to refusing/accepting job offers from elsewhere.
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Post by Mr Bismarck's Electric Donkey on Nov 14, 2006 13:42:13 GMT
Yes it is, but I think the old loyalty rating was just about that, but now it specifically states player loyalty as well. So you can turn down jobs and that will raise your loyalty, but also keeping players on your team for a while helps it too.
That's something that doesn't work too well at GR level.
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Post by Sonic on Nov 15, 2006 6:24:09 GMT
Yes, I can see that too. Generally after promotion, I've had a new team. That would mean my loyalty would be shot to pieces player wise. In CM3 days, I'd get annoyed when they'd start saying htat they didn't think the move was good for them in the long term.
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Post by coffers on Nov 15, 2006 8:31:36 GMT
In CM3 days, I'd get annoyed when they'd start saying htat they didn't think the move was good for them in the long term. They obviously lacked vision, so you were better off without them.
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Post by Boony on Nov 15, 2006 9:46:49 GMT
April 2009When we left this story, Gateshead were ten points clear at the top of the league with five games left. Playoffs had already been achieved, and six more points were required to clinch the Conference North title. However, form had been ropey recently, with just seven points coming from our last six games. The good news was that the clubs below us were cacking themselves, and weren't putting any kind of pressure on our team at all. Our first game of the month was away at Hucknall, sitting 15th in the league. Once again, a piece of sloppy defending, this time from defensive midfielder Emmanuel Panther, let Hucknall take the lead. Even after the goal, we didn't look very good. In fact, we were rubbish - Hucknall had far too many chances, and we kept losing it in midfield. Half time came and went, and it was time to push for this elusive goal. We switched to 2 up front, in an attacking 4-1-3-2 formation, and in the 92nd minute it finally worked. Earl whipped in a corner for The Hutch to bang in the net. I'm happy with the poin... but what's this? Glass has a chance to win - go on son! Ah, bugger, he put it wide. Yeah, as I was saying, happy with the point. It's one less to get later on. There's more good news from the other matches, though, as the teams below me once again fail to capitalise on us dropping points. As it turns out, we now only need two points to clinch the title. Looking at the fixture list, our next game is against Nuneaton. I believe, having another look at the table, that if we draw this, we've won the league. We switch to a 4-4-2 for this game, as we've looked just awful recently, and I think we need some more support at the business end of the pitch. Things start well, we took the lead on 22 minutes. Luke Moore turned in a Taylor pass, and we're now in a very strong position. At halftime, I tell the lads I'm thrilled. A Nuneaton player is sent off, we change to 4-1-4-1, Nuneaton go down to 9 men, and then the final whistle blows! We've won the league! Did you hear that? We won the league! All the usual press plaudits came my way, I was asked how it felt to prove Hansen wrong and win the title with an average age of 23.5 in the first team, and I bluffed and blundered my way through the press conferences. I told some people that these kids would only get better as they got older, and I told another lot that we may have to do some strengthening over the summer. To be honest, the true answer sits somewhere between the two. Anyway, there's three more games to play before I can worry about scouting for next season. Vauxhall come to town, and are stuffed 4-0. That's more like it! I think the pressure's off now, and we can go about winning games properly. Glass, our reserve striker, scored a first half hattrick, and Taylor headed in the fourth. Then Stalybridge visited, and we sent them packing 3-0. We'd switched back to a 4-1-2-2-1 as we were back down to just one fit striker. Glass, for it was he, scored the first, and forced an own goal for the second. Predictably, he goes down injured, and a partially-fit Briscoe has to come on at halftime. Dutton scored the third, from 25 yards, and it was another comfortable win. The last game of the season was away at Harrogate, and I put a few reserves in the team. Striker Nicholson lasted all of three minutes before coming off injured, paving the way for Briscoe to come on, and the lad celebrates by scoring a hattrick in just 33 minutes. Dutton heads in a fourth before halftime, and we're cantering once again. Harrogate went down to 10 men on 69 minutes, and reserve keeper Tierney made a blunder on 88 to make it 4-1, but it's another caning at the end of the season. League Record: P5 W4 D1 F13 A2 Pts 13
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Post by Moo on Nov 15, 2006 10:22:30 GMT
A mightily impressive looking table there, Boo. Congrats on the title! Here's hoping your Bedford form returns next season.
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Post by coffers on Nov 15, 2006 11:42:42 GMT
That's a fantastic table and well done on the Title.
Now the work starts to improve the squad for next season.
KUTTWW! :thumb: (Title Winning)
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Post by Boony on Nov 15, 2006 11:45:41 GMT
End of season roundup
A highly successful campaign, and another improvement on last year's results. I was pleased by the way our new signings adapted to life at Gateshead very quickly, and provided a firm platform for us to advance to the league title. Once again, I've seen an improvement in my management - the players have got used to a number of different formations and tactics, and we've got good depth in the team now - we managed to cope with lots of injuries and suspensions admirably, in my view, during the middle/end of the season.
Anyway, time for the traditional annual squad rundown.
Starting at the back, as always, we had another good season out of Jason White (50 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 MotM, 6.88 average rating) between the sticks. He's a solid keeper, if nothing special, and he might well struggle in the higher division next year. He was a part of the league's best defensive record, but I don't think he was a key part - our defenders played magnificently as a group. Backup was in the hands of Barry Tierney (2-0-0-0-7.00) once again, who didn't get much of a chance to show what he can do. I think it's about time we looked for new talent at this position, though - something I haven't had to do yet since I arrived back in summer 2007.
At rightback, we've been lucky with two strong candidates. Gavin Donoghue (21-0-1-2-7.14), a summer signing, made the position his own at the start of the season with some sterling performances - his 4.17 tackles a game is easily the best at the club. He was unlucky, however, with a 5 month injury scare half way through the season. To cover, we pulled across Matt Somner (51-2-0-2-7.00) who'd been playing at centreback, and he showed his versatility by playing just as well at right back. Considering he'd been at defensive midfield last season, he really is quite a talent in the defensive part of the pitch. Last year's incumbent Peter Cavanagh (0(1)-0-0-0-6.00) didn't get much of a go, as he made some horrendous errors last season. He's one for the scrap heap.
Leftback was much the same story, as it goes. Shaun Gray (30-0-2-2-7.27) had a wonderful season, but a mid-season injury gave Martyn Giles (22-0-1-1-7.09) a chance to show what he could do. He played well, but not quite as good as Gray, who won his place back towards the end of the season. Having such quality at fullback was a real bonus, and definitely helped our defensive record.
In the middle, we started off with Somner and Rob Clare (27(3)-0-1-0-6.77), but Stuart Wall (26-2-0-1-6.96) took over once Somner moved over to the right, and played solidly. An injury to Clare let in our loanee from our parent club Newcastle United, Chris Shanks (30-0-0-2-7.00) who really looked the part. We'll miss him next season, if we don't get him back. Brought along for the ride this year was Joe Dolan (1-0-0-0-8.00) who played in just the last game of the season. We've got a solid, flexible defensive unit at the moment - everyone has height, pace, decent defensive technique and good positional sense. It's hard to pick a first choice back four - injuries did that for me this year, but we've got good strength in depth. A replacement for Shanks may need to be sought after over the summer, but that should be about it.
Defensive midfield comes next, and here we find another summer signing, Emmanuel Panther (46(2)-4-4-2-7.00), who had a fine season. He really blossomed in this role, which was very good news for me as it meant I could keep Somner in the back line all season. He's a tigerish player, very good physically, and his technical stats were improving all the time. I reckon he'll cope with Conference football next year. His backup was another new signing, Alan Navarro (4(5)-0-1-0-6.78) who looked steady in the role. We could possibly recruit some depth in this position, although Somner provides some of that if we wish to weaken our back line.
In central midfield, we never really had a fixed partnership, but rotated due to injuries and form, and I think this worked quite well, as it let four of the lads get some decent time on the pitch. Brian Dutton (27(4)-5-4-4-7.32) had a fantastic season, really improving on his form last season, and was probably the pick of the bunch, despite not getting much time until the second half of the season. The mainstay in the middle of the park was new signing Lee Blackburn (48-0-5-4-7.17) who was steady all season long. He never really hit the headlines, but his distribution was fantastic and he played an important part. Then there was last season's hero, Don Hutchison (24(10)-4-3-1-6.91) who never really hit the heights, and it looks like he might be fading. He is 38, after all. And finally, Andy Proctor (6(10)-0-2-0-6.63) took much more of a backup role than he did last year, and played like it too. He couldn't grab his place back from Blackburn after an early season injury.
Out on the wings, new signing James Earl (42(6)-12-16-6-7.02) probably took the rookie of the year title. He could play on either wing, and has fantastic set piece attributes. His 16 assists were easily the most of anyone at the club, this year or last year. Last season's sensation, Daryl Taylor (31(2)-3-5-2-7.00), had an average season this time out - he was injured for some of it, and he wasn't quite as productive, but he still showed a good burst of pace when he had the ball out on the right. He performs an important role, when he's playing, on defensive set pieces - he sits on the half way line and runs, very quickly, after any rebounds coming anywhere near him. Robert Eagle (20(16)-0-5-1-6.81) had a relatively quiet season this year, but is a very useful squad player as he can play on either wing, or in midfield at a push. He's a young lad who may improve, but he might find first team opportunities limited in the future. Our other winger, Francis Quarm (9(5)-2-2-1-6.64), had a quiet season too, but filled in admirably when required. We've got good depth out wide, but there is no real standout talent, Earl's set pieces and Taylor's pace apart. A good, all-round winger would be a boon for the squad, if I can get hold of one in the summer.
Up front, we were blessed with the form of Louis Briscoe (29(4)-22-5-6-7.21) during the first half of the season, before his injury. He came back well at the end, with a hattrick in the last game, but the support in this position really wasn't good enough. Luke Moore (14(18)-5-4-0-6.59) tried his heart out, but I don't think he'll make the grade, while Matt Glass (11(7)-7-2-1-6.94) looked like he'd leapfrogged Moore as first backup by the end of the season, helped out by a hattrick of his own late on. Youngster Tony Nicholson (1-0-0-0-6.00) had just one game and was injured within three minutes. We might have to get some more depth for next season, especially if we'll be switching between one and two up front, which is how I envisage things going.
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Post by Moo on Nov 15, 2006 12:25:39 GMT
Great rundown, Boony. :thumb:
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Post by coffers on Nov 15, 2006 12:30:19 GMT
What Moo said! :thumb:
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Post by Moo on Nov 15, 2006 12:49:05 GMT
Change the title too, you're not Eagles anymore. Call it "When Javelins Attack!"
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Post by Boony on Nov 15, 2006 12:50:05 GMT
Since we're in the conference now, it might be time for a new thread, aye... I'll think on...
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Post by Moo on Nov 15, 2006 12:51:30 GMT
Oh and in case you're interested, the Gateshead Senators yankeeball team play there too.
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Post by Boony on Nov 16, 2006 10:56:29 GMT
Summer 2009
Bright blue skies, green grass, and a yellow, burning hot sun. The sound of leather on willow, the feel of sticky fingers as your half-eaten Mr Whippy melts down the cone. A time for play, a time for holiday. I love the English summer, I wouldn't swap it for anything in the world. As manager of Gateshead, however, I could take none of this in. There was far too much work to be done. We needed players, and soon. Having gone through the traditional end-of-season squad roundup, I'd noticed there were several positions which needed strengthening. I knew it was going to be hard work to pull in the kind of players I wanted - hard working, strong, technically sound with that one attribute to raise them above mediocrity. With this in mind, I ploughed diligently through reams and reams of scout reports, and I checked out dozens and dozens of triallists, all keen to sign up for our newly promoted club. Sometimes a player would be swiped from under our noses. Sometimes I'd be linked with a player I'd considered briefly, weeks before. Sometimes, I'd spot a player who made me say "ah-ha!" Then he'd stop with the Paul Daniels Impression Enforcer™, and I'd tell him to go away. Eventually, my gruelling summer came to an end, and we'd somehow managed to pick up six new players:
Billy Bingham (MC, 18) - A good prospect who will join the oversubscribed ranks of central midfielders in the reserve team. For some reason we have four in this position now. Pruning required. Michael Cummins (MC, 31) - A first team challenger, straight out of the box. Has the potential to take over from The Hutch in the experienced midfielder role. Dean Oliver (ST, 21) - A sharp striker, good backup for Briscoe. John Shaw (ST, 25) - Another sharp striker, more backup for Briscoe. I had my eye on many strikers, but these two showed the right mix between striking ability, pace, height and strength. I need good depth here, as we may well spend large chunks of the season with two up front. Alex Rhodes (AML/ST, 27) - The only definite starter signed during the summer. Very quick, good crossing, dribbling, and finishing skills. Perfect to play on the left in our 4-1-2-2-1 tactics. Michael Townsend (DC, 23) - A young defender signed with backup in mind, as last year's loanee Chris Shanks is not going to re-sign for us.
The club's administrators had also been working hard during the summer. The club turned professional, with our entrance into the Conference National given as the primary reason. This would require our few remaining part time contracts to be upgraded. To help me out, our wage budget was bumped up to £6.8k per week. More financial news came my way, the transfer budget was up to a still-useless £12k, while I was told that we'd be receiving £100k in television money over the coming season.
Then there was the small matter of a handful of friendlies to be played, before the new season kicked off in earnest.
Hull: 0-1 Doncaster: 1-1 Newcastle Reserves: 0-1
Not a stunning set of results, but I felt we played well against some strong opposition. Finally, the bookmakers made us 16/1 to gain promotion. I get the feeling that this might be a long, hard season.
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Post by coffers on Nov 16, 2006 11:01:05 GMT
16/1 isn't bad it looks as if they think you have a chance of staying up. Barrow are 40/1 to win promotion, every season I've been there. I hope the signing do a good job for you. There's nothing worse than signing someone and wishing you hadn't. I do that a lot. KUTGW! :thumb:
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Post by Moo on Nov 16, 2006 11:06:50 GMT
16/1 is an outside chance of playoffs, Boo. What is the media prediction on your info screen? That's generall a decent idea of your level, but then you get the random factors upsetting it, like how pants your players react to you.
A bit of squad depth never hurt anyone and if you now have a reserve team, you can throw them in there for a bit.
Nice! :thumb:
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Post by Sonic on Nov 16, 2006 23:53:40 GMT
Well done on promotion there Boo, and a good end of season too.
There was also a good squad run down and some recruitment. Congrats on going Prof.
:thumb:
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