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Post by coffers on Feb 18, 2006 20:55:52 GMT
July 2007 Part 3: A Mixed Bag:Youth player Gargle Or Bust, strains his calf, getting out of bed, he will be out for 4 weeks. Notional Anthem will be also out for 4 weeks with a chest strain. IA want Jammy Forefinger for £36k, I don't think so, make it £1M plus 30% and you might be on. Our next opponents in the league are KR we're at home and they are 4-6 favourites to win the game. Cyborg resumes training, but it's not in time for the next game. The Euro squad is submitted with one surprise inclusion, free loafer is included as we needed him to make up the numbers of home trained players. Fjolnir vs KR, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Extreme Santa, DL: Used Crash Dummy, DC's: Hide Away & Entebbe Raider (Keep Left 70), DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: c & Ingenious Variable (Sky Train 70) AMR: Charmed Existence, AML: Foghorn (Free Loafer 70), ST: BMX Flyer. 04/07/2006 H. KR (Icelandic Premier League) - This was game where we held sway for long periods but struggled to make an impact where it mattered. Thankfully we had BMX Flyer in our side and when Jammy Forefinger's' through ball found him charging down on goal there was only one outcome, it was enough to give us a one goal half time lead. The second half followed the same pattern as the first, we dominated possession but struggled to score. With seven minutes to go Free Loafer was fouled in the area, KR were reduced to 10 men and BMX Flyer made no mistake from the spot. Three minutes into injury time Hide Away gave away a penalty to make the last minute or so a bit anxious, KR scored it but didn't deserve to end the game with so close a scoreline. Won 2-1. Attendance 2406. Weather: Dry 71°f. MOM Jammy Forefinger (9). Darned Critter will be out for another 2 weeks, this time with a bruised head. KR are brushed aside say the press, they also say we deserved to win by more. Old Boss Hogg retires leaving a slight hole in the training schedules. We're made evens favourites for our home clash with Fram. Fjolnir vs Fram (ISL), Staring Line-up: GK: Snooker Loopys, DR: Cyborg, DL: Used Crash Dummy, DC's: Hide Away & Severe Singlet, DMC: Jammy Forefinger, MC's: Sky Train & Squiffy Skull Cap AMR: Charmed Existence, AML: Foghorn (Free Loafer 70), ST: BMX Flyer. 07/07/2006 H. Fram (ISL) (Icelandic Premier League) - Mid-season malaise has struck, we dominated totally and failed to take our just deserts, too much fannying about instead of shooting. The deadlock was broken on 78, BMX Flyer toe-poking past the keeper after Sky Train had flicked on. The lead lasted all of 4 minutes, Fram broke quickly down our left, centred and scored with their only on target shot, I was livid and the lads were told in no uncertain terms at the end of the game that the result was nothing short of an embarrassment. I want to see better than this in our next game when we take our first steps into Europe. Drew 1-1. Attendance 2003. Weather: Dry 73°f. MOM Used Crash Dummy (8). Squiffy Skull Cap out for 4 weeks with a groin strain. Extreme Santa let slip to the press that I was apoplectic following the recent shocking performance against Fram and took no prisoners in the dressing room. Fjolnir's EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP DEBUTNeftci vs Fjolnir, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Cyborg, DL: Used Crash Dummy (Free Loafer 56), DC's: Hide Away & Extreme Santa, DMC: Severe Singlet, MC's: Sky Train & Ingenious Variable AMR: Charmed Existence, AML: Foghorn (Famous Nick 56), ST: BMX Flyer (Storm In A Teacup 56). 11/07/2006 A. Neftci (AZR) (European Champions Cup 1st Qualifying Round, 1st Leg) - Perhaps the outburst after the Fram game had a bearing on what happened next, perhaps not. Anyway we got off to a belting start, from kick-off the ball went to Foghorn on the left, he cut inside and played it forward to Ingenious Variable who curled a beautiful 25 yard shot inside the right and post, it hit the back of the net with only 13 seconds showing on the clock. It knocked the stuffing out of Neftci and they hardly sniffed the ball for the rest of the game. It took until the 22nd minute for the second goal to come, Charmed Existence's shot from the corner of the area was parried out and BMX Flyer held his fist aloft as he converted the loose ball into a goal. On 29, Ingenious Variable hit a 30 yard curler and it hit the same spot as his first goal. Foghorn got in on the act minutes before the break, Ingenious Variable had got him free on the left, he cut inside and hit a scorcher across the face of the goal, it went in off the right hand post, to give us a 4-0 lead at the break. The second half saw a complete capitulation by Neftci. On 47, Sky Train headed in a Hide Away cross from a free-kick. On 53 Charmed Existence thumped a 25 yard free kick into the left corner of the net. BMX Flyer latched onto a loose ball on 56 and made headway towards the goal, drawing the keeper and then blasting the ball in as the keeper started to set himself, just that bit too late. With the game won I sent on the subs, giving Famous Nick his debut. They didn't disappoint but neither did we continue with the goal flood. The game ended on a high with Ingenious Variable completing his hat-trick from the spot 2 minutes into injury time, after Sky Train had been pushed over. There was only just enough time for Neftci to kick off and then the whistle blew for the last time. Won 8-0. Attendance 1629. Weather: Dry 84°f. MOM Ingenious Variable (10). Severe Singlet will be out for a month with a twisted ankle, he directors were delighted with the dominant win and Sky Train's 11 assists this season is a new club record. Even the Neftci supporters were effusive in their praise. I think a scoreline like that will give u the chance to play some of the fringe players in the 2nd leg as I don't think there is anyway we can lose an 8 goal lead. Our next opponents Grindavik sit in 3rd place in the Premier League and are made 4-5 favourites, our 3-1 odds are extremely tempting for a money making endeavour. Grindavik vs Fjolnir, Staring Line-up: GK: Snooker Loopys, DR: Entebbe Raider, DL: Magnified Eye, DC's: Hide Away & Extreme Santa, DMC: Jammy Forefinger, MC's: Ingenious Variable & Boris (Sky Train 45) AMR: Sha La La La Lee Yeah, AML: Carrot Strips (Free Loafer 45), ST: Storm In A Teacup (Menage A Trois 67). 14/07/2006 A. Grindavik (Icelandic Premier League) - Overall I thought the game was fairly even, even though it was almost over not long after it had begun. A first half hat-trick of Ingenious Variable headers from 3 Hide Away corners, on 2, 11 and 26 had killed the game off by the break. Storm In A Teacup completed the scoring n 48, robbing their keeper outside the area and rifling into an empty net. The new signings who were given a chance to show what they could do, did well enough even if they did tire fairly quickly. Won 4-0. Attendance 574. Weather: Dry 71°f. MOM Ingenious Variable (10). Ingenious Variable was delighted with the praised I heaped on in in the post match chat, Extreme Santa has bruised ribs and will be out for 2 weeks, The media described the defeat of Grindavik as heavy and one-sided. The board are delighted with the win and approached to comment on Sha La La La Lee Yeah's debut, I say that I was happy with his performance and believe he will get better once he gets used to the way we play. Sha La La La Lee Yeah is in a buoyant mood following my comments to the press and wants to repay my faith in him. Half Through The Season And The Premier Division Looks Like This:![](http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/9493/fjolnir20075ro.jpg) We're currently negotiating the sale of Raffia Pudding to HK and Exhausted Pipe to IBV. For the second leg of the Champions Cup I decide to go with a relatively inexperienced side, it will give the main players a break, and the youngsters a chance to show what they can do against relatively inferior opposition. Fjolnir vs Neftci, Staring Line-up: GK: Bridge Hag, DR: Really Dim, DL: Used Crash Dummy, DC's: Hide Away & Jammy Forefinger, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Sky Train (Foghorn 62) & Stolen Vehicle (Ingenious variable 45) AMR: Charmed Existence, AML: Almost A Munster, ST: Burnt Vegetarian (BMX Flyer 45). 18/07/2006 H. Neftci (AZR) (European Champions Cup 1st Qualifying Round, 2nd Leg) - Well we didn't get served up the feast we had in the last game, but considering the side I put out we did well enough. The first half was goalless, but it wasn't for the want of trying, the biggest problem we seemed to have was Burnt Vegetarian's positioning sense, h seemed to go in the opposite direction to where the ball was heading in the penalty area, he was OK but we needed a sharp striker. Changes at the break made a difference. Two minutes into the 2nd period BMX Flyer knocked a short ball back to Sky Train on the edge of the area, his shot took a deflection and looped over the advancing keeper to put us one up. On 52 Hide Away's long ball found BMX Flyer on the edge of the area he turned nd smashed an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net. A minute later the Neftci keeper mis-controlled a long ball from Darned Critter outside his area, BMX Flyer needed no second invitation to nip in and double his tally. We just eased our way to victory and for the rest of the game Neftci defended frantically. Won 3-0 (11-0 on aggregate). Attendance 750. Weather: Dry 66°f. MOM BMX Flyer (10). If I'd sent out a full strength side I have no doubts that we would have slaughtered Neftci, but I more than happy that We've set up a date with Brondby, which I expect to be a much tougher proposition. We'll be at home for the first leg which will be played on 25th July, this causes our quarter Final Icelandic cup game to be re-arranged which also knocks in to a league game. Charmed Existence will be out for 2 weeks with bruised ribs.
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Post by Sonic on Feb 19, 2006 22:48:59 GMT
I don't get how you can sign all these nationalities to Iceland, where as I struggle to get anyone to Poland even if my club is ranked in the top 50 clubs in the world. Some very nice wins there, and a good first round pick in the LAC. The second is a little worse, but wait until the third one ![](http://www.geocities.com/jacquesdebohun/smilies/checkit.gif) The Austria adventure is now complete, and what a trip it was! I'd previously said that I'd progressed through the group stages, then beat Ireland 1-0, and was set to play Turkey. I somehow escaped with a 2-0 win which wasn't deserved. I then drew Cameroon, who'd knocked out Sweden 4-0 or 2-1, I can't remember. I ended up beating them 1-0, but was hanging on grimmly in the last 10 when I lost a man. That put me into the final, and surprisingly enough, I was more confident in this game than I was playing Turkey or Zambia or Costa Rica. This team seems to step up for the big games and teams. So what happens, a boring first half wiht not much happening at all and I'm surprised when the half-time team talk screen comes up. I send them out saying they need one more goal, and a minute and a half later, they duely deliver. Surprisingly, Holland barely puts any pressure on us, I make adjustments to close out the game and we're the winners of the World Cup. I was looking at the confidence screens and during the tournament, the fans expectations kept rising, saying, expecting to maket the Quarters, Semi's and the Final. That can't be right. I thought it was funny how my Piast fans are in awe of my managerial skills ![](http://www.geocities.com/jacquesdebohun/smilies/checkit.gif) I've quit Austria and am open to offers. The other thing is my next Ronaldo, I sold him to Hamburg(I think) for £2M + £7M + £1M after 10 league games + 50% of next transfer fee. He turned down Milan for them. The fans were extactic, as they think he is going to be a star of the future even though not much media about him has been writen.
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Post by coffers on Feb 20, 2006 8:40:23 GMT
I don't get how you can sign all these nationalities to Iceland, where as I struggle to get anyone to Poland even if my club is ranked in the top 50 clubs in the world To be honest I don't know why anyone would come to Iceland. It has to be said that the players I am signing are coming from rubbish team and one or two apart, don't seem to be up to much themselves. I#m placing all my trust on the scouts judgements. ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) What I really don't get is why any French, Portuguese or Albanian players would want to go to Iceland, Scandilanders I can understand to some extent.
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Post by coffers on Feb 20, 2006 8:43:02 GMT
Some very nice wins there, and a good first round pick in the LAC. The second is a little worse, but wait until the third one ![](http://www.geocities.com/jacquesdebohun/smilies/checkit.gif) I've seen who I'll get in the 3rd round if I should somehow fluke my way past Brondby, it isn't nice and there is no absolutely no way that we'll make the Group stages. I have a feeling that ship Jumping is imminent.
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Post by coffers on Feb 20, 2006 13:15:17 GMT
July 2007 Part 4: League and Euro Action:
Raffia Pudding leaves the club for HK, a fee of £1,000 is payable, plus some extra cash when they sell him on. Valur, our next opponents are 5-4 favourites to beat us. Exhausted Pipe has agreed terms with IBV and signs on, we get £1,000 plus 10% of any future transfer.
Fjolnir vs Valur, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Entebbe Raider, DL: Magnified Eye, DC's: Hide Away & Ragnarok Replay, DMC: Jammy Forefinger, MC's: Stolen Vehicle & Almost A Munster (Carrot Strips 69) AMR: Sha La La La Lee Yeah (Burnt Vegetarian 69), AML: Famous Nick (Free Loafer 69), ST: Storm In A Teacup.
21/07/2006 H. Valur (Icelandic Premier League) - Our next game is against Brondby so I decided to rest most of the best players in the hope of getting a good result, I expected the stand-ins to struggle a bit but was proved wrong. As early as 57 seconds, Storm In A Teacup had won us a penalty, but Magnified Eye hit it straight at the keeper, I had feelings at that point that things may not go well, but was wrong again. In the third minute Stolen Vehicle split the defence with a neat pass and Storm In A Teacup latched on and flashed the ball in from 18 yards. I expected a backlash it didn't happen, on 18 Famous Nick hit a cross in to the 6 yard box, Storm In A Teacup got up unmarked and powered a header into the right corner. On 25 Entebbe Raiders long ball towards the penalty spot was met by Storm In A Teacup to register his hat-trick as the keeper moved towards where he thought the ball might have been going. The stand-ins started to tire towards the end of the first period so our attacking play dropped off. The second half was a bit more laboured but the lads battled well considering that many lacked match fitness. Two minutes from time Magnified Eye hot a near post cross and Storm In A Teacup glanced his header in off the far post. Won 4-0. Attendance 1973. Weather: Dry 86°f. MOM Storm In A Teacup (10).
The win was dominant and the board were delighted that we had smashed our rivals pitiful resistance, we now had preparations to make for the biggest match of the clubs entire existence so far. The home grown player rule hits me in the next round of the Champions Cup, I need 3 club trained players, but only have 2, so as a result can only submit a squad of 24 players instead of the maximum 25 normally allowed.
Fjolnir vs Brondby, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Cyborg, DL: Used Crash Dummy, DC's: Hide Away & Extreme Santa, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Ingenious Variable & Jammy Forefinger AMR: Sky Train, AML: Foghorn, ST: BMX Flyer.
25/07/2006 H. Brondby (DEN) (European Champions Cup 2nd Qualifying Round, 1st Leg) - This was one probably the hardest game we have ever had, in competitive terms. Brondby started well but we battled to hold them at bay and got the upper hand in the first half. Unfortunately BMX Flyer was having an off day and couldn't win a raffle. The second period saw Brondby gain the upper hand but fail to score. The scoreline effectively summed up the game. Hard fought but overall it was boring and we have it all to do in the away leg. Drew 0-0. Attendance 3054. Weather: Dry 62°f. MOM One of their mid-fielders (7).
The draw surprised a few of the experts in the media as they fully expected Brondby to win. Hopefully, in the second leg, we can spring another surprise as I expect Brondby to play a more open game. The 2nd leg is going to be televised. Notional Anthem resumes training along with Gargle Or Bust. If we do manage to get through to the next round of the LAC we will meet Real Betis, so I think hopes of making the Group Stages will be pretty slim. In the hope of doing something in the away leg, I decide that fielding a weakened team for our next league game is probably the best way to go, but Menage A Trois will not be considered as he has a thigh strain and will be out for 4 weeks, also missing will be Keep Left who could be out 2 weeks with a bruised shin.
A look down the job centre finds a vacant managers post at Papua New Guinea, no sooner have I applied for it than letters fall on the floor with job offers for no less than 3 national teams, Benin, Venezuela and Honduras. I'm spoiled for choice and I'm really not sure which would be the best one to take. Venezuela are currently 10th in the World Cup South American qualifying section, but as no games have been played yet, that's purely due to the alphabet, their first two games of the WC qualifying stages are against Argentina and Brazil which could be challenging. Benin are second in their group of the African Cup Of Nations, with 2 games to play they are 4 points behind the leaders Tunisia, who we play in one of the final games. One win for Tunisia and it's all over. As for Honduras, they don't seem to have anything to play for yet. All things considered I decide to say yes to Venezuela, that should increase my profile somewhat. The Venezuelan FA want me to be competitive in the forthcoming World Cup Qualifying stages, but I need to keep my eye on developing talent for the future.
IA (4-5 favourites) vs Fjolnir, Staring Line-up: GK: Snooker Loopy, DR: Entebbe Raider, DL: Magnified Eye, DC's: Hide Away & Ragnarok Replay, DMC: Notional Anthem (Almost A Munster 45), MC's: Ingenious variable & Jammy Forefinger, AMR: Sha La La La Lee Yeah (Free Loafer 45), AML: Famous Nick (BMX Flyer 62), ST: Storm In A Teacup.
29/07/2006 A. IA (Icelandic Premier League) - Well one thing is for certain, weakened sides are not really up to the weekly task of winning league games if the first half is anything to go by. Mundane isn't the word. It was awful, still we were level at the break and a couple of changes were made. It made no difference to the second period either until BMX Flyer was introduced just after the hour mark. Things started livening up then he had the ball in the net 2 minutes after his introduction, but it was ruled out for offside. IA were visibly panicking every time he got the ball. Finally on 72 with the ball pinging around the IA area, Ingenious Variable's shot was deflected and BMX Flyer banged the ball in from 6 yards. On 81 Hide Away chipped a cross towards the penalty spot and the unlikely Free Loafer jumped up to power a header in just under the bar. IA looked deflated, I didn't care we'd just picked up another 3 points on our march to our second title. Won 2-0. Attendance 766. Weather: Dry 69°f. MOM Magnified Eye (9).
As usual the board were delighted that we had outplayed our opponents, and the press claimed we deserved our win. We are now looking forward to the second leg of our LAC tie against Brondby, we don't expect to win, but I'd like to see us go down fighting. Squiffy Skull Cap resumed full training.
At last the month of July is over it felt like one long slog. The board are delighted with progress and the profit of £79.067 made during the month will no doubt be a helping factor. The income for this month amounts to near enough a third of the seasons income so far.
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Post by Sonic on Feb 20, 2006 22:32:15 GMT
Nice draw against Brondby there, and I've found it much easier to get results away from home in the LAC mostly as you said, they play more of an open game. All you've got to do is keep it as tight as the first game and you've got a chance of nicking a goal on the counter. Well done on the weakened win too ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png)
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Post by coffers on Feb 21, 2006 10:11:00 GMT
August 2007 Part 1: Euro & Icelandic Cup Action:
Brondby vs Fjolnir, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Cyborg, DL: Used Crash Dummy (Free Loafer 45), DC's: Hide Away & Jammy Forefinger (Extreme Santa 66), DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Ingenious Variable & Sky Train AMR: Charmed Existence (Storm In A Teacup 56), AML: Foghorn, ST: BMX Flyer.
01/08/2006 A. Brondby (DEN) (European Champions Cup 2nd Qualifying Round, 2nd Leg) - As expected Brondby battered us from the start, we were in danger of sinking fast so various instructions went out to the team until we seemed to settle the nerves. We slowly got some composure back and even had a few chances of our own. Shouting At Wolves in goal was playing out of his skin repelling everything the defence let through. The deadlock was broken on 32 when Used Crash Dummy spotted Sky Train unmarked in the middle, his pinpoint cross was volleyed by Sky Train straight at the keeper who parried but Sky Train was on his game and smashed the rebound into the goal. That was enough to give us a lead at the break, even if Brondby continued their onslaught. At the break I told the lads to keep up the good work, Foghorn was told to sort his game out or he'd be off. Used Crash Dummy was carrying an injury and was replaced. The second half continued as the first did, with Brondby battering us senseless but they could not break down our resistance, we managed a break on 56 and won a corner, Hide Away swung it in, it was partially cleared and a scramble ensued around the penalty area, the ball broke free and Ingenious Variable unleashed a savage shot which somehow found it's way though a pack of players an past the unsighted keeper. Our traveling fans went wild as did I on the bench, unbelievable scenes were being played out in front of my eyes. But straight from kick-off Brondby walked though our still celebrating defence, Darned Critter won the ball, he immediately gave it away and before we knew it Brondby were back in the game, we had 32 minutes left to hold out. How we survived I'll never know, but Hide Away and Shouting At Wolves were performing heroics at the back and in goal. We then got a major slice of luck 6 minutes from normal time, Brondby took a throw-in an attempt to play it up the wing saw the ball charged down by Sky Train, the ball bounced to BMX Flyer who quickly made strides towards the goal, Aggar the last man unceremoniously hacked him down and paid the price with a red card. It didn't stop Brondby throwing everything at us but it did mean that we had holes that we could exploit when their attacks broke down. As it was there were no more goals and we had against the odds and run of play won a place in the 3rd Qualifying round. Won 2-1 (Won on Agg 2-1). Attendance 16,549. Weather: Dry 57°f. MOM Hide Away (9).
After the game I checked out the stats and found that it wasn't as one sided as I'd thought. It appeared that we had most of the ball on midfield and their final third. The shot count was slightly in their favour 13/10 as opposed to 10/7 for us, I just cannot remember us having that much of the play. The board were delighted with the result, who wouldn't be, but we really did have a tough task facing us in the next round, Real Betis would be an entirely different kettle of fish, but for now my tenure at Fjolnir is extended a little bit longer, just as I'd been eying up the vacant post at Scottish First Division club, Hibernians. A vacant post at Premiership West Brom has already gone by the wayside.
The Icelandic transfer deadline has now passed, so we're now stuck with the squad we currently have for the rest of the year.
As Roasted Rasta resumes full training, Cyborg twists his ankle and will be out of action for up to 2 months. First Division KA are made 6-4 favourites to beat us in the Icelandic cup quarter final, even though we are at home. Whoever created the odds calculation routine in this program, wants their heads looking at. The game against Real Betis will be televised. We've only played one game this month and we have already take £183k in income, it's the most we have ever taken in a month, £173k of that is gate receipts from the Brondby game, the rest is from TV money. The bank manager is going to be pleased.
Fjolnir vs KA, Staring Line-up: GK: Snooker Loopy, DR: Really Dim, DL: Magnified Eye, DC's: Ragnarok Replay (Almost A Munster 71) & Extreme Santa, DMC: Notional Anthem, MC's: Stolen Vehicle & Squiffy Skull Cap (Jammy Forefinger 45) AMR: Sha La La La Lee yeah, AML: Famous Nick (Free Loafer 76), ST: Storm In A Teacup.
27/06/2006 H. KA (Icelandic Cup QF) - KA started the game well against our makeshift side, they actually looked as if they were favourites for th first 15 minutes and then we started to settle into the game. It took a poor 30th minute back pass to Fjolnir old boy, Framed For Posterity to set the game alight though, Storm In A Teacup nipped in and too the ball off Framed 's foot and finished coolly under the KA Keeper. A minute later and a headed pass to Framed fell short again, Storm In A teacup was on hand again to nick the ball and round the keeper for his second. KA were sinking without trace. Worse was to come for our old boy, 5 minutes before the break, Famous Nick made a run down the left and centred from deep, Storm In A Teacup got a ahead of the defence and was setting himself for a free header when Framed For Posterity made a desperate lunge, the ball hit his head and spun past his own keeper. We'd dominated the half and a old boy had played his part. The second half was played at a lower tempo with neither side threatening greatly, we'd done enough as has Framed For Posterity. Won 3-0. Attendance 238. Weather: Dry 77°f. MOM Storm In A Teacup (9).
So we are through to the Icelandic Cup Semi Finals where we will be away to premiership IA. As expected the board are pleased with the win in which superior finishing told on the day. Back in England Chelsea continue to rack up the trophies by beating Arsenal on penalties in the Community Shield.
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Post by coffers on Feb 21, 2006 16:37:55 GMT
August 2007 Part 2: Euro & Icelandic League & Cup Action:
Fjolnir vs Real Betis, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Extreme Santa (Sha La La La Lee Yeah 86), DL: Used Crash Dummy, DC's: Hide Away & Jammy Forefinger, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Ingenious Variable & Sky Train AMR: Charmed Existence, AML: Foghorn (Free Loafer 86), ST: BMX Flyer (Storm In A Teacup 86).
08/08/2006 H. Real Betis (ESP) (European Champions Cup 3rd Qualifying Round, 1st Leg) - After enduring an expected opening salvo from Betis we eased ourselves into the game nicely but nobody quite expected what happened in the 10th minute, a clearance by Betis to the halfway line was headed to the right by Darned Critter, Sky Train picked up the ball and turned his marker, taking one touch he then unleashed a wonderful curling shot from 30 yards, that beat the keeper all ends up. The fans went wild, I went wild and the players celebrated as if they had won the cup. Unfortunately that just woke a sleeping tiger, Betis came back at us with a vengeance, but the defence held firm and played their part in what was to turn out to be a great game. Of course the barriers broke on 33 minutes when Xisco got away down our right, his cross was met by Parada and the ball flew inside our left hand post. I had been operating a little more defensively at that point but switched back to our normal tactics as we were giving Betis too much respect. That stemmed the flow a little. With halftime fast approaching Ingenious Variable held off a challenge and slipped a short pass to Sky Train on the right, his first time pass into the area found BMX Flyer on the 6 yard line, he turned and shot in one movement and totally outfoxed the keeper, it was his 30th of the season and it looked at if we were going in at the break with a lead. As far as my watch was concerned the 45 minutes were up, but there was injury time to be played, and did I become thankful for that; With just over two minutes of injury time gone, Sky Train lost the ball in a challenge but regained it immediately, he slipped it inside to Ingenious Variable, he hit a 25 yard curler and it nearly broke the net, it was his 20th goal of the season. What a way to end the half. As expected Betis pressured us for most of the second half but couldn't break our resistance and when they did, Shouting At Wolves stood in their way. We relied on quick breaks but there were no goals to add in the second period. Everyone played their part in what is probably the greatest night in Fjolnir's history so far. We stand one game away from the Champions League Group Stages. Won 3-1. Attendance: 3070. Weather: Dry 71°f. MOM Shouting At Wolves (9).
The directors are delighted with the win as media pundits claim that quality of possession and better tactics comfortably won the game for Fjolnir. I'm happy with that, Betis may have had more of the ball but they didn't use it very well. I expect we'll have a much harder game in the return leg in 2 weeks time. Foghorn is being tracked by Molde, even though I have a £2M price tag on his head. For our next league game we travel to relegation battlers Keflavik, who are made evens favourites to win the game. Notional Anthem goes whinging to the press about not getting enough first team football, he's told to shut up and ask for a transfer if he doesn't like it, after all I pick the team, not him or anyone else for that matter. Landskrona are watching Jammy Forefinger.
Keflavik vs Fjolnir, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Extreme Santa, DL: Used Crash Dummy, DC's: Hide Away & Entebbe Raider, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Jammy Forefinger & Boris (Ingenious variable 45) AMR: Charmed Existence (Storm In A Teacup 65), AML: Famous Nick (Roasted Rasta 45), ST: BMX Flyer.
11/08/2006 A. Keflavik (Icelandic Premier Division) - What a pitiful performance this was after such a great result earlier in the week. We started well enough, Charmed Existence headed on Shouting With Wolves 4th minute goal kick, putting BMX Flyer in the clear to round the keeper and slam in his 100th club goal. That was it, Keflavik waltz through us in the 10th minute and equalised. We looked a shambles for most of the game after that and I don't understand how we got a point out of it, we only had one more shot in the entire game. Keflavik will be disappointed not to have won at a canter. Drew 1-1. Attendance 655. Weather: Dry 75°f. MOM One of their strikers (8).
The least said about the last game the better. IA our next opponents are made 4-5 favourites to progress to the Icelandic Cup Final.
IA vs Fjolnir, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Extreme Santa, DL: Used Crash Dummy (Entebbe Raider 66), DC's: Hide Away & Keep Left, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Sky Train & Ingenious variable AMR: Charmed Existence (Famous Nick 66), AML: Foghorn, ST: BMX Flyer (Storm In A Teacup 66).
14/08/2006 N. IA (Icelandic Cup SF) - It has to be said that IA had the better of a poor goalless first half. We looked jaded to say the least. I told the team I was disappointed with everything about their play at the break and sent them out telling them we needed more effort. Of course five minutes into the second half and IA planted a 25 yard free kick into our net. It made little difference to the way we played until Sky Train got up and headed in the equaliser from a Hide Away corner on 61. We still looked lethargic, on 66 fresh faces livened things up, but the game looked to be heading towards extra time when Entebbe Raider sent a cross over towards the far side of the penalty area, IA thought it was going out for a goal kick until Sky Train headed the ball back across goal and Storm In A Teacup headed it in at the near post. Four minute slater Keep Left hit a long pass through the middle to Storm In A Teacup, he ran right taking the keeper with him, then cut the ball back to the left for his second goal of the game. IA were dead in the water and we had another date with a Cup final where we would meet FH or KR. Won 3-1. Attendance 479. Weather: Dry 71°f. MOM Hide Away (8).
Quality of possession once again won us the game and the directors are pleased. FH win the other semi-final on penalties a day later. We now have an away day in the league a Fylkir who are rated at 4-5 favourites to win, this is becoming monotonous. Severe Singlet resumes training.
Fylkir vs Fjolnir, Staring Line-up: GK: Snooker Loopy, DR: Entebbe Raider, DL: Free Loafer, DC's: Ragnarok Replay & Notional Anthem, DMC: Jammy Forefinger (Keep Left 72), MC's: Squiffy Skull Cap & Ingenious variable (Sky Train 72) AMR:Sha La La La Lee Yeah, AML Famous Nick (Roasted Rasta 72), ST: Storm In A Teacup.
18/08/2006 A. Fylkir (Icelandic Premier Division) - Fylkir were lively to start with and I had to slow them down by adjusting so tactical settings, closing down faster, upping our tempo and constricting the play a bit more. It worked quite well but they still saw more of the ball than we did. Catching them on the break seemed to be the key, we did just that on 18, from a cleared corner, Storm In A Teacup picked up the ball in his own half and ran directly towards goal, the keeper broke his nerve first, Storm shot and the ball hit the back of the net. Nine minutes later, Famous Nick put a ball over the top, Storm In A Teacup go behind the defence and lobbed the advancing keeper, 2-0 and we'd hardly had a sniff of the ball. Two minutes before the break and Ingenious Variable is challenged 30 yards out, the ball broke through,Storm In A Teacup was on it and before Fylkir knew what was happening he had his hat-trick. The second half was pretty poor but just before the hour mark, Notional Anthem added a fourth goal from the penalty spot. Won 4-0. Attendance 1108. Weather: Dry 57°f. MOM Storm In A Teacup (10).
The board were delighted with emphatic victory over Fylkir, we have now gone 32 games undefeated since 18th February and it's a new club record.
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Post by Sonic on Feb 21, 2006 22:41:37 GMT
Nice victory against Betis, though it is an away leg. I've found that success is much easier when they are coming at you. Well done sir :thumb:
One more game to go to find out how good the team really is, and to bring in more money than an Icelandic club has ever seen. Has an Icelandic club ever been seen in the group stages of the LAC?
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Post by coffers on Feb 22, 2006 1:22:14 GMT
August 2007 Part 3: Euro & Icelandic League Action Plus a Cup Final:
Unfortunately Sky Train has twisted his knee ligaments and will be out for 2 months, not a good start to the run up to our LAC second leg game against Real Betis who are 1-10 favourites to win, we are 15-1. Ingenious variable is tipped to be in the running for the Icelandic Player of The Year Award. Menage A Trois resumes full training. The pre-match view of the pundits is that we are going to struggle to contain Betis, a view I probably concur with, if I'm honest.
This Could Be The Start Of Something Big:
Real Betis vs Fjolnir, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, WBR: Free Loader, WBL: Roasted Rasta, DC's: Hide Away, Jammy Forefinger & Extreme Santa, MC's: Darned Critter, Ingenious Variable (Used Crash Dummy 65) & Boris (Severe Singlet 45) ST's: Storm In A Teacup & BMX Flyer (Burnt Vegetarian 45).
22/08/2006 A. Real Betis (ESP) (European Champions Cup 3rd Qualifying Round, 2nd Leg) - This was in truth a very poor match, I'd changed tactics to a very defensive 5-3-2 line up hoping to catch Betis on the break, we caught nothing as we only had one shot during the entire game and it went a mile wide. But we did get one big break as early as the 6th minute, when their centre half Lembo aimed a kick at BMX Flyer and saw red for it. Betis tried everything to break us down but Shouting At Wolves was on top form, he couldn't hold anything but he got in the way of everything. I think progression to the Group stages is probably one for the Icelandic record books. Drew 0-0 (Won 3-1 on Aggregate). Attendance: 33,932. Weather: Dry 89°f. MOM Shouting At Wolves (8).
There is no comment from the board regarding our progression the the next stages of the Champions League, but we're drawn in Group F of the Group Stages along with defending champions Arsenal, Sporting CP and Olympiakos. I don't really care as the £2.7M we have earned for just getting there is a big boost for the club. It's rather buggered up my plans to leave the club though. I immediately ask for improvements in the training facilities and the board agree to my request. One thing that I have noticed is that BMX Flyer tends to go missing in the European Competition games, perhaps he's not a big game player, despite his impressive stats.
In the European Suer Cup Arsenal stroll to a 4-0 victory over Werder Bremman. Once again our next opponents are made 4-5 favourites to beat us, this time it's Grindavik.
Fjolnir vs Grindavik, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Entebbe Raider, DL: Magnified Eye, DC's: Ragnarok Replay & Keep Left, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Ingenious variable (Sha La La La Lee Yeah 45) & Squiffy Skull Cap AMR: Charmed Existence, AML: Foghorn (Famous Nick 65), ST: BMX Flyer (Free Loafer 45).
25/08/2006 H. Grindavik (Icelandic Premier Division) - It's back to the bread and butter for this game and after a slow start we got back into the grove. Ingenious Variable opened with a powerful header on 11, after a great cross from Foghorn. Ten minutes on and Magnified Eye hit a low ball into the area, BMX Flyer swiveled and hit a low left foot shot in for number two. Despite a fair amount of pressure we had to wait until six minutes before the break for number three, a foghorn cross was met by BMX Flyer, the keeper couldn't hold his shot and BMX Flyer pounced on the rebound to register his 50th Fjolnir league goal. The second period was a little more subdued but on 71, Charmed Existence set up Famous Nick for a run on goal, the Cypriot slotted neatly inside the left post to ensure we had a resounding win over Grindavik. Won 4-0. Attendance 1334. Weather: Dry 60°f. MOM Charmed Existence (10).
Foghorn will be out for a month after pulling a hamstring during the last game. As one can expect the directors were delighted with the hammering we dished out to Grindavik. FH are 1-2 favourites to win the Icelandic Cup. Hide Away and BMX Flyer have both been called up to their national team squads for the forthcoming World Cup Qualifying game between Iceland ans Sweden.
The Icelandic Cup Final Is Upon Us:
Fjolnir vs FH, Staring Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Extreme Santa, DL: Used Crash Dummy (Entebbe Raider 77), DC's: Hide Away & Severe Singlet, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Ingenious variable & Jammy Forefinger AMR: Charmed Existence (Sha La La La Lee Yeah 77), AML: Famous Nick (Storm In A Teacup 54), ST: BMX Flyer (Sent off 54).
29/08/2006 N. FH (Icelandic Cup Final) - We started brightly and did everything but score in this one-sided encounter. FH were barely in the game but managed to make the break on level terms. I told the players that we only needed one goal and it would come if we stayed focused. What I didn't expect to come was the sending off of BMX Flyer in the 54th minute for a 2nd yellow card. A quick switch to get an experience striker on the pitch and we stayed with out tactics. FH started to make the extra man tell but we were still dangerous on the break. Finally on 68 the deadlock was broken Storm In A teacup put the FH defence under pressure and one of their DC's passed back to the keeper, but he wasn't there. That turned out to be the only goal of the game. FH pushed frantically for an equaliser in the last 10 minutes but it didn't come. Won 1-0. Attendance 2792. Weather: Dry 59°f. MOM Ingenious Variable (8).
We are awarded £12k for winning the cup, the fans are ecstatic that the team has been taken to unparalleled heights, the board are surprised but delighted. The performance is described as tremendous and BMX Flyer is banned for one match and gets a warning from me, he accepts the warning was justified.
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Post by Sonic on Feb 22, 2006 5:31:06 GMT
Congrats on progression. All you have to do now is do the European jaunt, finish up the league to hte nearest finish point and then piss off as you've got a nation to fall back on. Easy :humb:
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Post by coffers on Feb 22, 2006 22:51:05 GMT
September 2007 Part 1: Internationals, League and Euro Groups Etc. Etc.....:
Once again the board think that winning the Icelandic Cup will be of great significance for the club, they are delighted with progress and we mad £3.54M profit in the month of August. As the most profit we had made in a season previously was £248k, that should keep us going forever or something.
In my first international in charge of Venezuela I witnessed a gutless team go down whimpering, We did well in the first half keeping the scores level at 0-0, but we were humped by 3 second half goals, as Argentina ran riot. Even worse we had our left back sent off for a professional foul which resulted directly resulted in their third goal. A home game against Brazil in 4 days time fills me with dread.
On the home front Sha La La La Lee Yeah has a virus and is sent home to recover for up to 3 weeks. Ass-man Mock Tennis is removed from the payroll at a cost of nothing as he'll leave at the end of the month anyway, his place is taken by 36yo Georgian coach Road To Hell. All training categories are now rated at 4 stars.
For our next league game, at home, FH who are 9 points behind us in the league are made 4-7 favourites, with only 4 games left of the league season a win will guarantee us the title a draw will be good enough as our goal difference is +40 whereas FH have a mere +8.
Fjolnir vs FH, Starting Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Extreme Santa (Roasted Rasta 68), DL: Used Crash Dummy, DC's: Hide Away & Severe Singlet (Free Loafer 61), DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Stolen Vehicle (Almost A Munster 45) & Jammy Forefinger, AMR: Ingenious Variable, AML Famous Nick, ST's: Storm In A Teacup.
05/09/2006 H. FH (Icelandic Premier Division) - The game exploded into life early doors with 2 goals in the first 12 minutes. The first came after th FH keeper could only parry a 25 yard blockbuster from Jammy Forefinger, Storm In A Teacup was first to the ball and passed it into the empty net. On 12 minutes Ingenious Variable controlled a cross from Used Crash Dummy, played it short inside and Jammy Forefinger drove low and hard to record his first goal of the season. We controlled the rest of the half without breaking sweat. Seven minutes into the second half Hide Away headed a long clearance towards the halfway line, Storm In A teacup rose to head on and Ingenious Variable picked up the ball and ran goal-wards, as he drew the keeper out of position he drove a low shot inside the right post. FH finally woke up and started to play a bit, they got a goal back on 68 following poor defensive play by Free Loafer and poor marking at the back post by others. It was too little too late for the only team that stood a chance of stopping our relentless march to the title. Won 3-1. Attendance: 1,443. Weather: Dry 48°f. MOM Hide Away (9).
We got a bit of luck on the international scene when the Brazilian keeper was sent off after only 7 minutes, we scored from the spot. Unfortunately Kaka equalised for Brazil 10 minutes later but we held on magnificently for the rest of the game to get our first qualifying points. I had changed the tactics for the game after my normal Fjolnir ones had failed spectacularly against Argentina.
Meanwhile on the domestic front following the FH match, the media claimed that we were a force to be reckoned with and showed ourselves to be a class apart against FH. The board and fans are ecstatic that we have won the title for the second year running. Ingenious Variable ensures his place in the team by saying he thought my leadership qualities were the catalyst for our success and in turn gets praise from me about his part in the teams achievements. Despite winning the league with 3 games to go KR are still made favourites to beat us, they rate 4-6.
KR vs Fjolnir, Starting Line-up: GK: Snooker Loopy, DR: Really Dim, DL: Magnified Eye, DC's: Ragnarok Replay & Keep Left, DMC: Notional Anthem, MC's: Eye Of A Dalek (Boris 58) & Squiffy Skull Cap, AMR: Charmed Existence (Jammy Forefinger 50), AML Almost A Munster (Free Loafer 50), ST's: Storm In A Teacup.
09/09/2006 A. KR (Icelandic Premier Division) - After the initial KR storm broke we started to play, a couple of breaks amounted to nothing but on 16 Eye Of A Dalek fed the ball through four defenders and Storm In A Teacup basted a rising shot into the net from 16 yards. We dominated for most of the rest of the half but slack marking at a corner a minute before the break allowed KR to equalise. I was miffed. but just offered encouragement at the break. We laboured early in the second half so changes were made, nothing happened so another change was made. At that point the game seemed to become very open and we started getting breaks. On 67 Storm In A Teacup got on the end of a Free Loafer cross, ahead of the keeper and the ball went were we all hoped it would go. KR came back at us but it was end to end stuff and it was anybodies game. With 3 minutes left KR won a corner, their keeper came up for it but it was cleared, Strom IN A Teacup picked the ball up on the right wing took it to the half way line, looked up and hit the shot towards the empty net, a 65 yard effort and he had his hat-trick. With a minute of normal time to go, Snooker Loopy launched a long ball, Stir In A Teacup headed on, Jammy Forefinger raced after it, drew the keeper and played a ball across the box for Free Loafer to tap into the unguarded goal. Game Over. Won 4-1. Attendance: 2,244. Weather: Wet 46°f. MOM Squiffy Skull Cap (10).
The media described it as a comfortable win, there was not a peep from the directors this week. Scouts are sniffing around three of our players; Extreme Santa is wanted by Tromso, Famous Nick is being tracked by Grazer AK and Severe Singlet is a target for OB of Denmark and Orgryte of Sweden. The asking price goes up on all three of them. The Champions League odds are published today and we have to laugh, we are set at 5000-1 against winning, it's got to be worth a tenner each way even if we all know we have no chance. In the near future though we have odds of 10-1 to beat Sporting, they are 1-6 favourites.
The European Champions Cup Group Stages Begin
Fjolnir vs Sporting CP, Starting Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Extreme Santa, DL: Used Crash Dummy, DC's: Hide Away & Severe Singlet, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Ingenious Variable & Jammy Forefinger, AMR: Charmed Existence (Free Loafer 63), AML Famous Nick (Almost A Munster 63), ST's: BMX Flyer (Storm In A Teacup 83).
12/09/2006 H. Sporting CP (POR) (European Champions League Group F) - IN the first half we started well and gave as good as we got, I think it surprised Sporting that we were willing to match them. In 21 a long goal kick from Shouting With Wolves was headed forward by Ingenious Variable, who looked really up for the game, Famous Nick git behind the defence to control the ball, hold off two defenders before shooting low and hard inside the left post. It was a great strike and the fans enjoyed it. We just about held our own for the remainder of the half. Sporting came at us hard after the break, it was obvious that they had been fired up during the break, but we held on bravely. Just as I was trying to organise some marking instructions on 62, Sporting broke and one of the danger men that I wanted marked git up behind Extreme Santa to head in beyond Shouting At Wolves reach. Following the goal we closed down well and had one or two chances to win the game, but our finishing was wayward, still A draw is a good result against such illustrious opponents. Drew 1-1. Attendance: 3,071. Weather: Dry 46°f. MOM Famous Nick (8).
The media described Sporting as the dominant team, I won't argue with that, but it wouldn't have done any harm to give the lads a bit of credit for their hards work. The gate receipts of £65k are a record high as is the attendance of 3071. Arsenal and Olimpiakos also play out a 1-1 draw so for the moment every team in our group is still on a level playing field. Used Crash Dummy will be out of action with a damaged foot for 4 weeks. For once we are made favourites to win a game, the odds of 4-6 indicate that the bookies think we will beat Fram (ISL).
Fram (ISL) vs Fjolnir, Starting Line-up: GK: Bridge Hag, DR: Really Dim (Entebbe Raider 57), DL: Magnified Eye, DC's: Ragnarok Replay & Keep Left, DMC: Notional Anthem, MC's: Eye Of A Dalek (Charmed Existence 57) & Squiffy Skull Cap, AMR: Ingenious Variable, AML Carrot Strips (Free Loafer 57), ST's: Storm In A Teacup.
15/09/2006 A. Fram (ISL) (Icelandic Premier Division) - This was an absolute embarrassment of a game, we were shocking in both halves. A 7th minute penalty, given away by Really Dim, saw us go a goal behind. Then a defensive shambles on 57 allowed the 2nd Fram goal to be scored. From start to finish we didn't look interested. The team were told in no uncertain terms at the break and at the end of the game that they were a disgrace. Lost 2-0. Attendance: 1,242. Weather: Dry 42°f. MOM One of their strikers (9).
A loss , Moo will be ecstatic! The media claimed that Fram used their possession better than we did ours, something I wouldn't disagree with. The only good thing to come out of today is the return of Cyborg to training. One league game left now, then it's on to Champions League action exclusively, with a bit if International stuff thrown in.
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Post by Sonic on Feb 23, 2006 1:30:36 GMT
A loss, it's been a while. Funny how it was after a LAC game. The loss didn't look that important, except for team morale. TIme to have a bit of a go with the youngsters. Wait, that's what your using now isn't it.
Nice result against Sporting too.
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Post by coffers on Feb 23, 2006 8:31:01 GMT
A loss, it's been a while. Funny how it was after a LAC game. The loss didn't look that important, except for team morale. TIme to have a bit of a go with the youngsters. Wait, that's what your using now isn't it. Nice result against Sporting too. Once a league is won my teams always seem to play like a bag of shoite. It's like they just think they've done enough and it's time for a rest, even when I put out the best players. I found that happens in all the versions I've played.
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Post by coffers on Feb 23, 2006 13:30:15 GMT
September 2007 Part 2: The League Season Ends And Is Followed By Euro Action:With the league season all but over we are made 4-5 fvourites for what will be a none entity match, we are already champions and Þróttur are already relegated. Fjolnir vs Þróttur, Starting Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, DR: Extreme Santa (Magnified Eye 61), DL: Free Loafer, DC's: Hide Away & Severe Singlet, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Ingenious Variable & Jammy Forefinger (Boris 61), AMR: Charmed Existence, AML Famous Nick (Roasted Rasta 61), ST's: BMX FLyer. 18/09/2006 H. Þróttur (Icelandic Premier Division) - It was hardly exciting, neither side had anything much to prove, but both had a modicum of pride to uphold, so we did that. Around the 16th minute of the game a number of shots were attempted at the Þróttur goal a number wre deflected, as the ball pinged about Charmed Existence smashed one of the defelctions in to open the scoring.Þróttur were reduced to 10 men in the 19th minute and we went on to dominate the entire game but the next goal didn't come until the 73rd minute when Darned Critter launched one over the top, BMX Flyer ran onto the ball, rounded the keeper and tapped in. On 82 Boris headed in a near post Magnified Eye free-kick. Now we're down to the last few LAC group games and then it's bye-bye Fjolnir. Won 3-0. Attendance: 380. Weather: Dry 51°f. MOM: Free Loafer (9) The performance was described as polished, but there is not a peep out of the board this week. We are granted £12,000 prize money for finishing top of the dvision, BMX Flyer's 19 league goals is a new club record. BMX Flyer is awarded 1st place in the Icelandic Footballer of the year competition, Ingenious Variable is second. I manage to win the Manager of the year award. Storm In A Teacup wins the Young Player Of The Year trophy, Charmed Existence gains second place. BMX Flyer wins the Icelandic Golden Boot Award, Storm In A Teacup comes in second place. Sky Train's curling 25 yard shot against Keflavik on 30th May wins the goal of the season award, Storm In A Teacup's run from the halfway line and subsequent goal in August against Fylkir is awarded 3rd place. For our next trick we face an very tough away trip to Arsenal, I'm not expecting a lot out of this game. In the meantime IA have approached me with an offer of £5,250 per month to keep them form getting relegate dthis season, as they have already survived I can only presume their board have had one drink too many. They also offer me a transfer budget of £300k and nogotiating rights over the salary cap. As I'm looking to get out of Iceland in the near future there can only be one answer. NO, they seemed disappointed, but took it on the chin. EPL relegation battlers, Southampton, sack their manager, Harry Redknapp. Sha La La La Lee Yeah and Foghorn resume training. As expected Arsenal are made 1-10 favourites for our forthcoming game, anyone mad enough to put a bet on us will get 15-1 or 5-1 for a draw. The BBC's TV pundit fully expects Arsenal to score a bagful in tonights tie. Arsenal vs Fjolnir, Starting Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, WBR: Free Loader, WBL: Squiffy Skull Cap (Cyborg 18), DC's: Hide Away, Severe Singlet & Extreme Santa, MC's: Ingenious Variable, Almost A Munster (Darned Critter 63) & Jammy Forefinger ST's: Storm In A Teacup (Charmed Existence 63) & BMX Flyer. 25/09/2006 A. Arsenal (ENG) (European Champions League Group F) - There were no surprises here today, we were well and truely humped, we spent the afternoon chasing shadows, even after they left the pitch we were still chasing them. Two goals by Jermaine Defoe on 4 and 62, two by Anelka on 21 and 24, one by Jean-Marie Bernard on 9 and an own goal by Extreme Santa on 69 ensured that this will go down as our worst day in the history of the club since I've been here. Lost 6-0. Attendance: 58,276. Weather: Dry 71°f. MOM Anelka (10).I suppose I aught to be grateful we kept it to six, but I now know that the quality in the team is really not good enough to compete with the big guns in Europe. Squiffy Skull Cap will be out for a week with a dead-leg. The defeat is a new club record loss, the board are disappointed with the way we capitulated and expect me to get the team back on form. Jesus, they're bloody lucky to have got this far, the morons. Only last month they though I was the bees knees. We now have a 3 week break before we line up against Olimpiakos at home. So a friendly is probably in order sometime around a week before the game. With a number of contracts due to be running out this time next year the negotiation rounds are in full swing, a few big names are refusing to sign, namely SKy Train, I'm trying to tie up BMX Flyer to a longer term contract even though he has 2 years left on his current one, but he's not having any of it. Ragnarok Replay is been huffy over his as he claims he should be a regular first team player. At the end of the month the directors report a £1.38M profit, which can't be bad, they are still in a delighted frame of mind. Roasted Rasta and BMX Flyer are both sidelined by groin strains, the injuries could keep them both out for up to 4 weeks. For the record the final Icelandic Premier Division league table looks like this: Our current standing in the Champions League Group F doesn't look too healthy:![](http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/2005/fjolnirlacsept20077ud.jpg)
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Post by Sonic on Feb 23, 2006 22:26:13 GMT
That Arsenal game was like the first time I played in Europe, except I drew Inter instead. Adriano tore me another pantfish. Chelsea did the same and Defoe came off the bench and did the same thing as well.
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Post by coffers on Feb 24, 2006 8:29:16 GMT
October 2007 Part 1: Friendlies & Euro Action:
A friendly is arranged against Aab for 9th October. Snooker Loopy is out for 2 weeks with a facial injury, Notional Anthem joins him for 2 weeks with a strained neck. In the meantime scout Nameless Grinch is allowed to go his merry way as his contract expires. Used Crash Dummy resumes full training.
The friendly against Aab was strange game, We scored after only 3 minutes, Burnt Vegetarian taking his second bite at the cherry, but Aab equalised within a minute. Aab Then went on to take the lead on 13 and we were looking awful. On 32 Boris smashed in a loose ball from 6 yards to equalise and square the game for the break. The second period was dead as a spectacle. Our winner came 29 seconds into injury time, Extreme Santa's long cross being smashed in by Famous Nick. So we escape with a 3-2 win, 3025 turned up to watch, which will help the ever increasing finances, but more importantly the game keeps the players fit and boosts confidence.
Sky Train resumes training as does Snooker Loopy. 19yo Swedish DRLC, Tattoo Me, joins us from Mjallby for £20k. Our odds of beating Olympiakos are rated as 9-1, they are probably our best chance of winning a game in this group and that's a reach.
Fjolnir vs Olympiakos, Starting Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, RB: Cyborg (Extreme Santa 30), LB: Used Crash Dummy (Boris 76), DC's: Hide Away, & Severe Singlet, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Ingenious Variable & Jammy Forefinger, AMR: Charmed Existence (Sky Train 76), AML: Famous Nick, ST: Storm In A Teacup.
16/10/2006 H. Olympiakos (GRE) (European Champions League Group F) - We started badly, giving Olympiakos too much space and paid the price after only 11 minutes, Olympiakos broke down their left, got the cross in and Jimenez got in at the back post. Within a minute we were level again, Ingenious Variable broke up an attack and sent a ball through the middle, Storm in A Teacup was through one-on-one with the keeper and slotted in from 12 yards. What we could do the Greeks could do just as well on 15 they walked through our defence as if it wasn't there, Ivan Alonso finished the move from 6 yards out. We were defending terribly so a few adjustments were made, it stemmed the flow and on 27 Jammy Forefinger put Famous Nick clear on the left of the area, he cut in and blasted under the keeper to equalise. We lost Cyborg to injury on 30 and Olympiakos lost there left winger Clint Dempsey to a red card on 36., but Olympiakos still looked dangerous right up to the break, We were thankful to go in level. I thought long and hard about what to say and as soon as the dressing room door was closed I let rip and blasted every damned one of them. It worked as the team looked a different class in the second period and gave the 10 man Olympiakos a hard time. The winner came on 62, the ball was worked across the front of the area by 4 players from right to left, Jammy Forefinger took it to the byline and crossed, the keeper fumbled and Storm In A Teacup pounced for his second. At last for the first time since we won the league we'd shown some fight. Won 3-2. Attendance: 3076. Weather: Wet 50°f. MOM Jammy Forefinger (9).
Cyborg will be out of action for 5 months with a torn calf muscle. It was reported that we cruised to a deserved victory, which delighted the directors. The win also lifted us to second place in the Group table, we have the same points as Olympiakos, but a much inferior goal difference, but we have beaten them. I suspect we'll enjoy those lofty heights whilst we can. The return game is in 2 weeks time. The attendance record was broken as was the gate receipts record.
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Post by coffers on Feb 24, 2006 14:01:33 GMT
October 2007 Part 2: Olympiakos The Return Leg:
Boris will be out for a month after pulling his hamstring whilst attempting a sprint during training. Notional Anthem returns to full training. Famous Nick has a strained wrist and will be missing from action for up to 2 weeks. Sky Train and Ragnarok Replay are the only players stalling on new contracts now. I'll probably end up selling Ragnarok as he's moaning about lack of first team football anyway. Roasted Rasta and BMX Flyer are back in training a week before the trip to Greece.
21yo Venezuelan striker, Soused Sausage joins as a hot prospect on a part-time contract, after impressing the coaching staff whilst on trial, he's a freebie. Jammy Forefinger and Free Loafer sign new full time contracts, so I would hope their stats will improve by next season, by which time I would hope to have moved on. Once again Olympiakos are made 1-6 favourites. The media expect to see a comfortable victory for Olympiakos.
Olympiakos vs Fjolnir, Starting Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, RB:Extreme Santa, LB: Used Crash Dummy (Boris 76), DC's: Hide Away, & Severe Singlet, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Ingenious Variable & Sky Train, AMR: Charmed Existence, AML: Foghorn, ST: Storm In A Teacup.
31/10/2006 A. Olympiakos (GRE) (European Champions League Group F) - Another match to forget, on the bright side we held them to a 0-0 draw in the first half, don't ask me how as we were poor. Anger rose in the half time team talk, it didn't work this time as we went out in the second half and were worse. Foghorn headed the ball in his own net on the hour mark and was promptly subbed, Castillo killed us off with 12 minutes to go. That drops us to 3rd place in the group table, we're 3 points ahead of Sporting Lisbon, who we play next away, they lost 3-1 at Arsenal today. Lost 2-0. Attendance: 24,669. Weather: Dry 46°f. MOM Their DMC (9).
The board have given me £2.7M to spend on transfers, there's nearly £6M in the bank, They're still delighted and we made a profit of £523k in October. All this money is all very well, but who the hell, who is decent, wants to come to compete in Iceland?
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Post by coffers on Feb 24, 2006 14:03:33 GMT
That Arsenal game was like the first time I played in Europe, except I drew Inter instead. Adriano tore me another pantfish. Chelsea did the same and Defoe came off the bench and did the same thing as well. It's not a nice feeling watching your team being torn apart and knowing there isn't much you can do about it. The worse thing is that it looks as if your own Dot$ are playing like idiots, especially when they run away from the ball, or don't mark who they are supposed to be marking. :humb:
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Post by Sonic on Feb 27, 2006 3:28:35 GMT
All this money is all very well, but who the hell, who is decent, wants to come to compete in Iceland? Just think what you'd do with £20M+ as a transfer kitty. That's what I've got, and I've not spent more than a million, though I've got an AMR who's costing me £1.2M. I'm having trouble trying to get ahold of a decent forward as I'm losing one at the end of this season, and another's starting to moan though he is still decentish. The only problem with buying Polish players, is that they are usually snapped up by the big clubs in Poland, before my scouts can spot them for me. I've had some success with scouts, but not with forwards. My team has LAC action, and I'm now seeded so I go into the 3rd round, and then I'm a second seed for the group stage. I've been turned down because the player wanted to play in Europe, but not in the LAC, the WAFA one. ![???](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/huh.png)
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Post by Sonic on Feb 27, 2006 3:30:47 GMT
It's not a nice feeling watching your team being torn apart and knowing there isn't much you can do about it. The worse thing is that it looks as if your own Dot$ are playing like idiots, especially when they run away from the ball, or don't mark who they are supposed to be marking. :humb: THe best one's are the ones who clear the ball across the field when they're on the sideline. The GK kicking it upfield to the short striker too is another beauty that I've not figured out how to stop.
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Post by coffers on Feb 27, 2006 8:31:53 GMT
It's not a nice feeling watching your team being torn apart and knowing there isn't much you can do about it. The worse thing is that it looks as if your own Dot$ are playing like idiots, especially when they run away from the ball, or don't mark who they are supposed to be marking. :humb: THe best one's are the ones who clear the ball across the field when they're on the sideline. The GK kicking it upfield to the short striker too is another beauty that I've not figured out how to stop. Or the pass back, when not under any pressure whatsoever, behind the last defender, to the attacker who is in an offside position with only the goalie to beat. That one kills me.
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Post by coffers on Feb 27, 2006 8:35:37 GMT
November 2007: Of Friendlies and the Sporting Return Leg:
Famous Nick has resumed training and IA have made a £2000 bid for Ragnarok Replay.
On the international scene a 3-1 home win against Puerto Rico, gives the Venezuelan fans something to cheer about, but it was only a friendly. Andreas Moreno,the scorer of one of Venezuela's goals publicly thanked me for giving him a chance to show what he can do for his country. Sky Train gets himself another groin strain and will be out of action for 4 weeks.
A 3-2 loss against Toulouse in a friendly does nothing for morale, first half goals by Menage A Trois and Darned Critter should have been enough to seal a win, but a shocking second half performance found a few player out. Ragnarok Replay will be out for 2 weeks with a gashed head.
Back to International matter and a 4-0 hammering of Canada puts me in good spirits, it did help that Canada were reduced to 10 men 20 minutes into the first half, but even then the team were showing signs of been able to play the system I was trying out. Two of the players publicly thanked for for giving them their chance to show what they could do at international level, which was nice. One of them even scored a goal.
Preston come in and offer me a tempting contract, but with the next Champions League clash soon to be played I ask for time to think about the offer. I was given a week, which should just about take me past the clash with Sporting Lisbon. They are currently 11th in the English Championship with 18 games played, so they certainly have a good chance of making the play-offs at the very least. It's something to think about, but if I get a good result against Sporting the decision will be that bit harder.
Meanwhile Boris returns to full training and I've got a World Cup Qualifier away to Uruguay to ponder. I didn't have to ponder long, we were humped 3-0 leaving us rock solid bottom of the Qualifying Group: Played 3, Drawn 1, Lost 2. Bolivia and Ecuador share the same number of points as us but have better goal differences.
Magnified Eye has a groin strain and will be on the injury list for up to 4 weeks. Used Crash Dummy damages his heel in training and for once I plump for him to take a course of injections so that he's available for the Sporting game. So after the game he could be out for 3 weeks instead of 2. Sporting are 1-8 favourites to win the next game. Unfortunately Used Crash Dummy hasn't regained a decent level of fitness to play in the game anyway so the injections were a waste of time. The team is depleted by injuries, we weren't expecting to do a lot anyway, but I'm expecting even less now.
Sporting CP vs Fjolnir, Starting Line-up: GK: Shouting At Wolves, RB: Tattoo Me, LB: Free Loader, DC's: Hide Away, & Severe Singlet, DMC: Darned Critter, MC's: Ingenious Variable & Squiffy Skull Cap (Almost A Munster 78), AMR: Foghorn (Eye of A Dalek 78), AML: Famous Nick, ST: BMX Flyer (Storm In A Teacup 67).
20/11/2006 A. Sporting CP (POR) (European Champions League Group F) - This was a real disappointment I thought we did more than enough to deserve a draw but ultimately a shocking pass lost is the match in the second half. Sporting took the lead on 13 when Custodio headed in a deep cross from the right. Sporting had most of the ball in the first period but we battled hard and easily kept them at bay, BMX Flyer stroked home the equaliser on 38 minutes after Ingenious Variable sent Famous Nick scampering down the left, Nick's cross found BMX unmarked with the goal at his mercy. I thought we had most of the ball in the second half but a shocking pass on 67, by Famous Nick left Liedson with a clear run on goal, he rounded our keeper and gleefully smashed the ball into the net. We battled hard for an equaliser but it just wasn't our day. Lost 2-1. Attendance: 44,856. Weather: Dry 66°f. MOM Their LB (8).
That result has all but condemned us to bottom spot in our Group, short of a miracle, ie. beating Arsenal, we're out of Europe. It's also made my mind up about what to do when Preston com calling back. But, before that, Venezuela have a home game against Chile to contemplate.
Our physio informs me that Used Crash Dummy will be out for up to 2 weeks now.
At last Venezuela get a win in the World Cup Qualifying stages, it's a 3-2 home win against Chile, we had held a 3-0 lead at one stage but Chile launched an all out assault late in the second half and clawed 2 goals back, we just managed to hold out by going ultra defensive.
Preston contact me, immediately on my return from Venezuela, and ask me to make a decision. The haggling starts regarding the contract, they start with an offer of £6.250 per month for a 2 year contract, I ask for £10k and a 5 year contract, after numerous rounds of offer and counter offer we settle for £8,000 per month over 4 years. The monthly wage bill will be capped at £210k and I'll have a transfer budget of £875k.
So on the 24th November 2007 my association with Fjolnir is ended and I leave Iceland in a much more elegant fashion than I arrived, I'll have some fond memories of how Fjolnir were lifted from obscurity to compete against some big European names, but the time was right to leave, I think I had taken the team as far as I could and was beginning to tire of the long Icelandic winters.
Here Endeth The Tale.
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Post by coffers on Feb 27, 2006 8:37:17 GMT
All this money is all very well, but who the hell, who is decent, wants to come to compete in Iceland? Just think what you'd do with £20M+ as a transfer kitty. I did and then just thought I'm bored with Iceland anyway, and couldn't face the prospect of more never ending months of friendlies.
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Post by Moo on Feb 27, 2006 9:55:30 GMT
Fantastic work, sir! I certainly would have done the same thing as you in the situation, you seemed to be waning a bit a season or so ago. To get those lot into the LAC groups is a hell of an achievement, many applause to you. And I wasn't delighted you had lost in the league, but I did say "Ha!" oiut loud! ![:D](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/grin.png) GL in Preston, are you going to keep us informed of progress, not a story like this one, just a "Played a season, did ok" type progress? KUTGW! :thumb:
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