Haden

Yeh Euro 2016 time for a new league sounds good gives everyone a break if needed. I will check back in around then, Peeps is my Steam buddy if I am needed sooner

I don't really have time to run it but would be happy to do an opening post and the odd report. Well done on winning the league very well deserved after all your seasons of toil!

Have been keeping an eye on the thread. Like Fergie going to all the Man Utd games watching over lol. I always had in my mind coming back for a bit on Season 40, the other thing I was thinking might be interesting would be to reboot the league. May be a way to renew interest and get some old school players back? This is Peeps decision but I am just thinking out loud. Anyway I will go back to the shadows from whence I came.

Tremendous first post well done

Just wanted to do a proper sign off I am afraid I won't be returning I know it is a bind for you guys and I probably should not have started this season. I have had a great collection of seasons but fatigue and life has finally caught up! I just want to say thanks for the memories, even though I never met any of you guys except for the Therfield crew! Xpert was for a long time (from 2007!) quite a regular part of my life every Tuesday and Friday along with the new threads for each season. There have been many laughs and some moments of anger but it has all been great and I will look back in fondness. I hope the league carries on and continues to be a success (I will not miss PMing like a million people before each season... ) My personal highlight was winning my first league, the last league I won with Haden United and the perfect team, creating some damn good opening posts if I dont say so myself (Season 24 and the Henry V one being personal faves) Roostophe crying, Charlie vs Ell, NWO vs Nexus, Zells remarkable final day league win, Champions League and winning the recent Cup with the Legends. Peeps is a great Admin and I am sure you will make a success of it. Anyway if you make it to Season 50 maybe I will come back. Until then, thanks NE Xpert goodbye and good luck

I think my time will be up sooner rather than later 7 years straight every Tuesday and Friday is a long time to play the same game! It is starting to become a bit of a chore if I am honest, having said that the league is brilliant now.

Damn man the way my sorry ass team is playing atm I could put a 2 mil bonus on and you would still be delivering this to me. Austin being Ramos, Rock being Conden haha. Was a good game against @RogerFederer thought I would edge it playing a 4-4-2 but sadly was not to be. No way am I winning against Inter away so it may be a long wait for my first win! Peeps was thinking today it might be interesting to merge spotlight and BetPeeps somehow? Eg if you win spotlight you get more betting points.

All the time with my large midfield, sometimes I find it works quite nicely to throw people off expected tactics and is great to have backup to stop any other positions suffering during a suspension or injury crisis. I will have a cheeky 1 PP bet on Isler scoring :P

What odds can I get on isler to score in his next match? After missing two penalties he must have a goal in him! If he would have scored hose two penalties aquli1a would be top with 6 points and a plus 5 Gd!

Gonna be a long season! Felt I got enough tactics right not to suffer a 3-0 defeat but I wouldn't be complaining if I was on the other end of that score Line! On the plus side bets went well I am on track to finish in the top three of the betting mini game if not the league

Betting 2 on Dedede to concede less than 15 this season Betting 2 on them to score more than 40 Betting 5 on Russian Revolution winning tomorrow.

haha nice one man your next game you are against Dedede who are probably the best team in the league so don't be disheartened if you lose. A formation like 4-5-1 may help you dominate the midfield battle which in turn will give you more chances and possession. Also part of this game that is hard to pick up at the start is its all about the future, your younger players such as Mallow in midfield need to be starting to get their exp up so they might progress next season. Someone like Trott who is low skilled and old (which is a very bad combo in Xpert) should not be playing games and taking up spaces your youths could be filling. I would dump Trott quicker than I would ban that racist guy who comes into your store from time to time. The same goes for Terrar. Don't forget to train your players as well. (There is a lot to take in but after a few games it will make sense. But well done you are still unbeaten!

Week 1: Top League Report No Winners, No Losers. Like a school sports day in the top league there were no winners and losers this week just 10 equal teams who got a point each. What does this tell us about the top league in Season 33? Well for one I think it shows just how competitive the league is, AC Elites held out away to Silverdale and at times looked the better side. Aqui1a and RFC while both being at home scored and then had a 1-1 draw against two of the best sides in NE history. Lylat and Inter now look to be equals rather than the game being an expected Inter win and Legends and Baggies well this one was an expected draw after last season. While we may have wanted to see some wins this makes this season feel like a long chess game, every result, every tactic and every injury will be significant. It is going to be exciting even if it doesn't feel like it yet. The goal scorers and what they tell us about their team. With only 6 goals scored it may be interesting to have a look at who scored them and how this reflects on the club. Roy Accrington: Lylat Wanderers After just 3 minutes on the opening day Accrington set the Lylat fans into a frenzy with a shot after a corner. Accrington is one of the most valuable players in the league and looks set to be one of the hottest midfield talents in seasons to come. He is a creative player and highlights the strength in midfield that Lylat brings to the game. He has formerly not been a prolific scorer with only 3 previous goals however he has 12 assists in his club life. If this season he could bring goals and assists to the table he may help Lylat make a title push a reality. Gandalf Grey: Intergalactico Stars The man who cancelled out Accringtons goal is a real veteran who is in his 11th season with 37 goals now under his belt. He scored a poachers shot in combination with Scabos but then minutes later had to be taken off with a brutal looking knee injury that will see him out for most of the month. This is a big loss for Inter, they have the depth to cope without Grey but he brings a consistent amount of goals and assists every season and is a brilliant taker of free kicks. However the team is full of talent and they should be able to see this period through until he returns. Helio Prado: Atletico Aqui1a Over in the Aqui1a game it was Prado who scored via a breakaway to give his side the lead. Aqui1a it must be said have the weakest attack of any top league side (as evidenced by a missed penalty from Isler). Prado is now 32 but has a strikers instinct and heading ability that mean he is a real danger when Aqui1a push forward. In fact a lot of the teams midfield are a real aerial threat and corners are a nightmare to mark against Aqui1a. Severin Granas: Eights United When all looked lost for United it was Granas that scored a close range goal with class that levelled the game and earner them a point. Granas was playing his 262nd game which is a remarkable achievement and this was his 122nd goal. He is long been one of the best players in the top league. You would imagine he will not be around for to much longer but he has been at the heart of so much success for United he is a real fan favourite. At the moment United only have one quality striker and a youth striker who picked up an injury in this game. It will be up to Granas and Beck and the others in a brilliant midfield to help score some goals in light of this. Richardo Falcao: Yellow Submarine If United have Granas one of the heroes for Yellow Submarine must be Falcao. He is such an adaptable player, who sums up Yellow Submarines creative style. He can track back, intercept as well as create and is a huge aerial threat. He scored 6 last season but also created 5 and is already off to a good start after a goal against RFC. He played with two partner strikers in the course of the game and is an excellent role model for them to learn from, he will need to have another prolific season for Submarine to retain their title. Tage Normqvist: Roger Federer Crew Heading a 3 man attack Normqvist struck back for RFC to give them a valuable point at home in the opening game. Normqvist is coming up to his 100th game with the club and sums up their style. He is not known for many star qualities but always puts in a good shift, in the last three seasons he has assisted 11 goals and scored 12. The last time RFC came to the top league ended in disaster but with some interesting formations they could really make a splash this season. They will endure some losses but could surprise teams that play 4-5-1 or 3-5-2 each week. Thank you for reading, next week we will go back to a more usual format but with only one game day to examine it was nice to look at some players in depth. Team of the Week: AC Elites: The Elites looked creative and solid in defence and in the end were the team more likely to break the deadlock, a well earned away point.

This is probably way to late but you had a nice 3-0 away win against French Riviere Not sure if you saw this or not @Animal but well done for your draw in the first game

I saw Leeds scored after 6 minutes and was loving life could not believe it when I saw that sob McCoy letting me down. Cmon peeps you have to do some more high end bets so we can catch up. I am good for it man! I have a car I can use to use as collateral... Also are the guys with 0 screwed now lol you should let them have one more bet with the potential that the go into owing you money. This bet peeps is more exciting than xpert

Wow at the top league lol

@Happenstance, @Animal don't forget new season starts tomorrow! Also someone else make a bet! :P

OK HERE WE GO! My first BET Peeps bet is to bet one of my coins on LEEDS M.O.T to score the first goal of the season! Cmonn!!!! Just for reference not laughing at the chances of Leeds doing it, they are getting the job done! I am just so excited

I am so winning this, need to have a real think about my bets will make a couple of long term ones then stick it in the weekly market.

1 and 2 please loving the bet idea! If I am betting round to round can I bet my winnings on the next round? Imagine betting all 15 points on madpool to score the first goal of the season then that legend hales gets one in the first minute. That would be a 750 point payout? I would then bet it all on ell to score under 10 goals in he season. I would be a millionaire before you know it Rodney

Xpert 11 Season 33 This thing of ours Inactivity is tactics turned inwards. His tricks they are organized tricks. Xpert. What makes you think you are so special VIP is all a big nothing. Believe what you want Ell. I have given my life to this thing. I want Eights tactics on my screen. You let me play 4-5-1! This thing of ours. When NE opened the playground and let all of us in they did it because they needed us to get more visitors and make more threads and make them richer. And some of us wanted to make an identity. And those Nintendo threads were crooks as well but they were good for business the NE way. But some of didn't want to swarm around this site and lose who we were we wanted to stay tacticians and preserve the things that meant something to us like management and leadership and loyalty. This game becomes before everything else, before PS4 and Xbox 1, before Wii U and even Valve Games, it's a thing of honor. Are you out of your mind playing offensive against me! I am at home! I think my manager has committed dirty tricks. That's the game Peeps that's the game I am losing my job for, Xpert. No risk no reward. What is it about 4-5-1 that meant so much to you? Sometimes we feel pity for ourselves but we are privileged to play this game. You eat and you play Xpert and you pretend there is not a massive recruitment crisis hanging over this game every minute of every day. We are managers. Your probably don't even hear it when you are inactivated. Managers don't go to hell. Previous Champions Yellow Submarine 32 Intergalactico Stars 31 Intergalactico Stars 30*(CL winner) Eights United 29 Yellow Submarine 28 Yellow Submarine 27 Eights United 26 Eights United 25 Intergalactico Stars 24 Intergalactico Stars 23 Silverdale Hotpot 22 Haden United 21 Essex Elites 20 Essex Elites 19 Mcoys Sons 18 Essex Elites 17 Dysonian Wanderers 16 Haden United 15 Dysonian Wanderers 14 Essex Elites 13 Roostophe Rovers 12 Haden United 11 Roostophe Rovers 10 Oddy 5-9 Haden United 4 Bayern Bru 3 Oddy 2 Happenstance FC 1 Cup Winners Inter, Inter, Silverdale, Eights, Eights, Yellow Submarine, DuDs Baggies, AC Elites, Hadens Rangers, (Dedede) Mexico, Lylat Wanderers. Bosses Yellow Submarine By winning the league last season Yellow Submarine added to their trophy cabinet for the first time since season 28. This was achieved through a brilliant second half to the season including the now famous 4-3 victory against Eights United, that in effect won Submarine the title. Looking at their squad they look like a team ready for both the here and now and seasons in advance. Delipiano and Ataisik may be ageing but the intelligent Cates will surely fit into this team as a natural heir to their style of play-maker midfielder. The defence looks brilliant this season with Kirkby fresh from scoring the goal that won the league leading out a defence that has depth and strength. Falcao is a machine that is to much to handle for some teams, witness his seven goals against the 64s in the cup! However when he wasn't played in a later round against Lylat Yellow Submarine were knocked out and it must be said at the moment he is by far their best attacker. Status: Yellow Submarine are a part of the Elite Four but surprised many by overturning their arch rivals Eights Untied last season. This has increased their stature in the game, to cement it would require them to win this season. Their diverse range of formations and positive intelligent football combined with a very balanced team age wise could see them achieve this goal. 3/1 Eights United It was another season for Eights were they were great but did not quite have enough to win the league. A crucial double loss to Lylat along with the 4-3 defeat to Yellow Submarine meant for yet another season United failed to claim the top spot in Xpert. However they will go into next season yet again at the top of everyones list of teams they do not wish to face. The manager has convinced veterans such as Hapnes, Granas and Beck to stay on for another season while youths like Kvistad and Berger are being primed to replace them in the future. It is in midfield that United should be most feared with 5 midfielders who when they play together will strike terror into any team. However the team is not without its weaknesses, selling Marvin Capwell the teams best striker last season was a controversial move and with only one veteran striker in the team it is one that reduces both the options and striking power of the side. The defence of United while impressive could be vulnerable if affected by injuries. This is an interesting time for the side you feel they need a title win to retain their status. Status: Despite the mentioned problems United are without a doubt a legendary side, their historical record is formidable but they are also a behemoth of a side in the present day. They are consistent performers and supremely powerful in midfield, do not ever doubt this team. 3/1 Lylat Wanderers What a season it has been for this team, they have gone from a side that was to good for the Middle League but always in doubt of their Top League status to a very serious title threat. Aside from a tricky period against Yellow Submarine and Inter they were brilliant last season defying all expectations with the highlight being the masterfully engineered double against Eights United that nearly saw them earning the title in the last game of the season. In the end it was not meant to be but they did win the Xpert Cup this season which is a fantastic achievement. Looking at their side it is one that has come to fruition, Pilgrim is still the teams best midfielder but is no longer stands out in a midfield that overflows with current or potential talent. Lilywhite is a great tactician at the back providing an overview for the entire team while Dowell and Gray are starting a good partnership up front. They may not have reached quite the level of play of say Eights United but with their famed 4-5-1 formation and hard working players they are going to be a formidable side to play this season. Status: It has been over 10 seasons since a team outside the traditional Elite Four of Eights United, Inter, Yellow and Silverdale have won the top league. Lylat could very easily be the side to break this stranglehold over the top position. This season is a real opportunity to do that. 4/1 Intergalactico Stars Mysterious messages and uncharacteristic home losses derailed any chance of a title push last season but conversely Inter easily avoided having any part of the relegation struggle. Whatever the issues last season one look at their team will give pause to managers in any league. With depth in every part of the team Inter look set for a great season ahead, Kirk should provide goals while Skywalker is proving to be an adept apprentice, indeed expect to see other youths such as Kent and Casillas will be given a chance this season. The talent the Inter manager has for subbing players in to either turn a game or gain some experience is something any new manager should learn from. The best part of Inter last season was their rock solid defence, with Ramos, Carlos, Miavia and Tee at the back expect their forward players to run amok without worrying about counter attacks. Status: I would never count Inter out and had them backed as the first side to win three top titles in a row in the modern era. That was not meant to be but I think they will come out firing this season and would back them as favourites to claim the title despite remarks to the contrary by their manager. 2/1 Hadens Legends Their first foray into the top league proved a success with their status secured with a few games to go and a cup run that saw them getting to the final. What will have pleased the Legends manager was their fantastic defensive record but their lack of goals was a worry that saw them amass a large amount of draws. This season perhaps sees the highpoint of their midfield development with an almost problematic array of treasures in this department that looks like a Wenger side without the injuries. The Legends will hope that the renewed partnership of Ciobotaru and Castanheira can remain fit and free firing this season and their success may define their season. At the back they have lost the captain Palmer but Zabel takes over heading a defence that needs some development but is the strongest the side has ever had. Status: In finishing 5th last season the manager could have been seen to have overachieved and will be content to finish again in the top 5. The side are not really ready for a serious title push but will want to be much more ruthless in winning games while keeping their solidity at the back. Expect them to cause some waves but not challenge for the title 7/1 Silverdale Salmon What looked like being a season that would bring their top flight stay to an end finished on a high note after some inspired wins against Inter, Legends and Winston saw them finish 6th. Their team has some outstanding players such as Housham who is probably the best goalie in the league at the moment, Orellana can create magic out of nothing and Guiterrez is a tireless rock in defence. In attack Salmon are not the strongest in the league and while they have some promising youths they really need to avoid injuries and suspensions with a small team. They like to play 4-5-1 and will be hard to beat, this season however they will want to start well to really make an impact. Status: Of all the Elite Four Silverdale are the team who many say do not deserve that accolade. Having said that they always seem to do enough to ensure they do not follow a team like Madpool into obscurity but their fans want more from them, they want a title challenge. It will be a lot to ask but keep your eye on them. 10/1 DuDs Baggies After some strong showings in previous seasons last season was somewhat of a disappointment that was saved by the collapse of Winston Garden from turning into relegation. Losing 7-3 to Eights United as well as 3-1 at home to Silverdale seemed bizarre to Baggies fans who were used to witnessing one of the best defences in the league in seasons past. Their defence is older but still fantastic, their attack is still headed by Shearer and Izon while their midfield is being rebuilt with youths like Delgado. They are a compact side of only 15 players but they often surprise other teams with the sheer number of formations that they play. Status: From player above their potential previously last season was a disappointment so it is hard now to see what should be expected from them? Will they go on to crack the top 3 again or be in relegation trouble amid a strong line up of promoted teams from the Middle League. Will be intriguing to watch this team cope. 12/1 Atlelico Aquila Quietly cruised to the Middle League title last season proving formidable at the back and much more impressive up front than previous seasons. 4-1 away wins against RFC and Leeds were particular highlights in a brilliant season for Aquila. Looking at the team there are a couple of worries in the form of a goalie and pair of strikers who are not quite up to top league standard. However a veteran defence (that may need a youth) and midfield full of talents that are strong in the air and ground can help to patch over this deficit. Aquila seemed to have renewed belief last season but they need to play smartly in the top league treating every game with care if they want to survive. Status: Aquila have restored their reputation from the failings of before with a great season 32. However they have yet to prove themselves on the biggest stage and need to go through the same baptism of fire that Lylat went. Many still doubt them and this season will be incredibly important for them. 22/1 RFC Another team who have it all to prove in the top league is RFC. This season will have been cleansing for them after the tribulations of the past. Some brilliant victories including a double against AC Elites proved RFC are not past their prime. Indeed they are another side with a small team but are very well balanced able to play a 4-4-2 formation with top league players in every position. While they have no superstars their players have a brilliant team dynamic, youths are also being prepared in every position in a team that reflects well on its manager. Status: RFC like Aquila had a very hard season in the top league but have bounced back and are looking eager to prove themselves this season. They look solid if unspectacular in all areas and what will be key is both their home form and exploiting other teams who treat them with a soft touch. 20/1 AC Elites Just like their promoted comrades the Elites also have unfinished business in the top league. Their promotion was not so assured but a good final give games with 3 wins and 2 draws ensured they took the last promotion spot available. Of the new teams they have the largest set of reserves by far with 18 players. Bull, Zell and Tinkle stand out as game changers while new players like Stockfeldt strengthen the midfield and youths like Shang give hope for the future. Ell likes to play 4-4-2 but may find predictably is his enemy in a league where most teams will use 5 man midfields to dominate his side. This manager is a former top league winner and will need all his wits to stay in the league this season. Status: Of all the promoted sides, despite coming 3rd I would give the Elites the largest change of staying up with a manager who has top league experience and a squad that has a lot of depth. However they need to play more open football and be more diverse in their formations if they are to stand a chance. 19/1 Captains Winston Garden Lions It was a tragedy when the Lions fell from their perch of challenging for the title to gaining 3 points from a potential 30 in the 2nd half of the season to go down in circumstances that bordered on farcical. With Roger Federer being drafted in to the players form going down the drain no-one knows what happened in those last 10 games. It was enough to ensure Tobin handed in his notice making this his last season for the team. What is clear though is they have a team that while ageing is in fantastic shape and should easily dispose of anything place in front of them in the Middle League. Status: When they meet Madpool it will be interesting to say the least, both clubs have gone from title contenders to trying to rediscover a winning formula. For Mapool this took the course of a year or two in Winstons case it was less than a month. ¼ Coloccini FC Making it to the top league was a great achievement, staying there was a step too far. However this team should be proud of what they achieved and have a team that reflects their growing ambition. With talents like Costa and Mallo a season away from being true top tier talents to Ungari and Fogaru who will be fearsome players for seasons to come Coloccini are a team on the long term rise. They often play diverse tactics and are not afraid to attack any side, they will thrive this season and are sure to be promoted. Status: Relegation for Coloccini will be a blip that will allow them to come back even stronger. Doubt the rise of this side at your peril. 2/1 Rossers Rovers Rovers rise has been against all the odds and it was last season when they came back down to earth. However I think when the manager took over the club he knew it would be a long road ahead and this season will be one where we see what Rovers are really made of. With long term planning in mind the team is full of youths especially in attack but have the partnership of Bulatov and Wohlfarth at the back that give them a great amount of stability. Again another side that can suprise and are not afraid to play 3-5-2 away from home even, they will be one to watch this season. Status: This team has a lot of balls, they play themselves down but do not think you can play youths against them. The manager is a student of the game and they will settle in well to the Middle League and really develop as a strong side. 8/1 Russian Revolution The Revolution has been gathering momentum for a while now and with some big wins such as a 4-2 victory against AC Elites and 5-1 rout of Madpool it is clear any revolution will not be temporary. Some of their side is ageing as demonstrated by two retirements of leaders in attack and midfield but looking at both these areas they have some fantastic youths such as Valuev and Bastos. In defence they are developing well with Chekalin giving outlets for a counter attacking game. They favour 4-4-2 and are still in development, these are the only two things holding back a team that will sooner or later be heading to the top league. Status: It is only a matter of time for the Revolution to hit the top league, while they are still tinkering with a few areas every day they are getting stronger. 6/1 The Famila FC What looked like a successful promotion campaign fell apart in the last three games as they suffered a hat-trick of 2-0 defeats in a row. Their team has gone through a few changes as of late but it retains a defence and goalkeeper that are very strong with a midfield that has gone from a liability to one that has some leaders such as Waltehrs and Pedersen who with his shooting ability can turn a game around. Up front Auffret still leaders the line but new player Thomsen hopes to add some much needed depth up front. The team is often quite experimental and is trying to shift their over defensive tactical mindset to a more open game. Will be wanting to challenge for a promotion spot. Status: Having had experience in the top league they want to get back there however their rate of growth has been somewhat slower than other teams and they would now be a direct rival rather than a superior team to Russian Revolution, this season will see who has the upper hand. 6/1 Leeds M.O.T Much to everyone’s joy Leeds M.O.T are very much back in the swing of things in the league. Looking at their season they had few draws and either won games with authority like their 4-1 victory over Madpool or lost in style like indeed their 4-3 loss again to Madpool. They are a side that needs some real work with players like Largo and Garner very lucky to be earning a pay cheque but also full of real talent such as Howson, Pispek and Olaberriaga. What is exciting about this team is the multi talented individuals such as Burchell that it seems to spawn. Truly amazing attacking players that belong at this unique team. Status: This side is almost too unique too fragile to enter the top league. They can attack with such force but could also crumble under the play of a boring tactician. With development maybe Leeds could bring beauty and efficiency to Xpert 11. 14/1 Madpool After a shaky start Madpool really hit their stride with some huge wins against lesser teams to secure Middle League status in what many were calling a do or die season for this once grand club. With remnants of their past departing such as Gerrard at the end of this season it really is all about the future for this team. Hales is of course a freak of nature of a player but it is good to see Leiva and Coutinho carrying on the Madpool midfield tradition, up front and defence are on the managers mind with youths being drafted in but it must be said these two areas need a lot of work, with Newell being the only top tier player in either area. The Middle League is a good place for Madpool who play exciting football with youth development and have a manager with a sound tactical mind. Status: The decline has officially been halted now the long game will take effect. The manager needs to look around him and strengthen his side at a greater rate than others. It will take a long time but the midfield of this team is already showing the fruits of his labour. Once the rest of the team catches up they will be back in the top league in no time. 12/1 Recall United Another team that is back on the rise is Recall, who with a brilliant season won the Lower League in style with 6 wins on the trot in their final set of matches. With their large side of 20 players they will never be caught in an injury crisis but they may want to think of trimming some of their older players especially in midfield. Their team are solid if unspectacular with only McAteer standing out from this team-mates to provide a real leader in midfield. Playing 4-5-1 United seek to dominate then beat their opponents. This is a tactic that may well have some success in a Middle League that have some rather unbalanced teams. Status: A team many had forgotten about are back with a vengeance after a morale boosting 1st place finish in the Lower League. They will be able to grind out a lot of results in the Middle League. 11/1 Lord of Hydra A side that has stayed the course and now finds itself in the Middle League they have enjoyed some glorious moments as of late including a 6-0 win against the historic 64s. Maybe a sign of their legacy as a lower league side they have a team of 22 players. Some such as Bellenger do not need to be in their side while others such as Lowry are a huge asset. At the moment most of their team are untapped potential but the manager has a good sense of valuable players with Juanmi being an insightful signing who can give intelligent play to any position. They are not afraid to try new formations such as 5-3-2 and are a team that should be watched as a future prospect. Status: Still unproven beyond the lower league however the manager is starting to show insight beyond his years. 20/1 French Riviere A name change and a new attitude come from the death of Fedex. With a blistering 4 wins out of 4 in their concluding lower league matches Riviere marched up to the Middle League. Their team has a lot of experience and in their defence they have some great players such as Rooke and good potential in youths like Kaer. However the midfield is in a horrendous state of affairs... four players with one retiring is embarrassing to say the least. Having five forwards again seems slightly odd, however this pundit lambasted Riviere last season and they have got promoted so what do we know? Status: A slightly senile oddity that refuses to disappear and the game is all the more rich for their continual participation. 30/1 Soldiers AFC Dedede A side that is beyond their peers in the Lower League Dedede have been adept at coming to grips with the game and were unlucky to enter such a strong Middle League last season. Their team is brimming with talent with players that some top league sides would be envious of, Willoughby is a treasure of a defender while Ainsworth will rip defences apart in his forward role. This side will be fine, the only advice could be to use this season to earn a lower league title and train youth. Status: A team that are on the rise, their current peers need to look and learn at this well formed side. 1/10 bob Sadly their future is in major doubt after their much loved manager has decided to distance himself from future commitments to the club. They have a wealth of talent in bob another cameroonian at the back and Onifang in midfield. Their attacking tactics are legendary and woeful at the same time, costing them over 100 goals last season. Xpert would go on without bob but it would be a less colourful place. Status: The eccentric character who turns up makes everyone laugh and then disappears into the mist. 90/1 Kippen FC Again sadly a manager who seems to be AWOL over a brilliant side that could almost compete in the top league. If Charlie followed Salmond into retirement after the death of Scottish Independence will never be known but Xpert is Better Together (cough). Anyway Charlie has a fantastic side and is a great manager who has previously won the top league and would be a success if he came back. Status: 90/1 The 64s For the only team left after season 1 the 64s should be congratulated for their persistence. Their team is a mesh of 19 players who are all around the same ability with many strong runners and flexible team players among them. The team favours 3-4-3 which is very unusual in xpert but may yield results in the lower league which has weaker defences. We can only hope the 64s can rediscover some of their old form and build a side ready to escape the lower league. Status: The 64s are the old legends that can tell many a story of the old days, are they asked? That is another story. 9/1 Gibbs Probies Gibbs had a good season last time around with some impressive wins including a double against the 64s. Probies have a team that is heavily focused on youth with some good talent among them. In Samuel and Mbaebie they have speed and stamina in defence while Longton is the obvious highlight of their midfield. Collis rather than Carr should be pursued as an attacking option. Their greatest asset lies in two talented goalies that will help them keep some clean sheets in the lower league. Status: Rather unknown at the moment but with a good youth set-up and commitment to the game they will be able to step into the void left by other managers. 14/1 The Great Mcoy After a fantastic start Mcoy faded away slightly and seemed to lose a bit of heart in his team. This is a shame as he has some absolutely fantastic players such as Batty, Serra and Easton at his disposal who are beyond the usual sphere of the Lower League. With a strong midfield his team are equipped for attack and this is reflected in Mcoys preference for 3-5-2 as a formation of choice, could be a team to watch if he has faith. Status: An Old timer who knows how to play the system and can make it work if he believes in himself. Blue Rogues After a hard season it will be a relief for the Rogues to start a new season if they choose to carry on. They have a good side although it is lacking in youth options. Narberth is a good leader at the back with Lambston being a multi talented striker up front. The side almost only plays 3-4-3 which may explain their lack of success. Hopefully I will be writing about this team next season although it seems unlikely. Status: 50/1 Dazzle United A new side with a new manager! They have a side that has some players that need to be booted out without a second though such as Trott and Terrar but also some great talent such as William sand Alvhall. Lets see what happens best of luck Dazzle! Status: A new contender anything could happen! 40/1 Cubic County One of this columnists favourite managers comes back for another shot at the big time. He has landed himself with quite a good side with some brilliant youth talents in defence with the duo of Lougher and Crosby who will provide value beyond their years. Midfield and up front are a bit more of a middling point but can be solved in time with the knowledge of this manager. Status: Watch out for this team with this manager to shoot straight up with a good defence behind their push to the top. 15/1 Happenstance FC The first ever, first ever top league champions are back! Looking at their team they have a stronger side than Cube but one that is not as blessed for the future with some wise investment needed and hang ons like Abdon and Segar to be dumped without a second thought. We look forward to having this legendary manager back with us. Status: A legend from the past returns once more. Alliances Peeps can clarify what alliances we are having this time around? Spotlight Guess results and other variables in matches and win prizes! Spotlight will come when the season starts. Predictions Competition This season we will attempt to bring back the predictions competition. Please visit the forum (discussions tab, forum) and predict the following: Elite league winner Elite league demoted teams Middle league winner & promoted teams Middle league demoted teams Lower league winner & promoted teams It will be run on a points system, ie , 5 for Correct placing, 3 for one place out and 1 for two places out. Only counting the top 3 teams (so you get 1 point if your first place choice comes third, but not if your third place choice comes 5th). Jobs Edit this as appropriate. Top League Reporter: Middle League Reporter: Lower League Reporter: Interviewer: Can someone update the below for me, I will if I have time. AC Elites: @dan\-likes\-trees Yellow Submarine: @Zell --- Atlético Aqui1a: @Aqui1a Coloccini FC: @MilaGi Fedex United: (not on forum) Hadens Legends: @Haden Kippen FC: @Charlie Leeds M.O.T: @Lucas3693 Rossers Rovers: (not on forum) Russian Revolution: (not on forum) The Familia FC: (not on forum) --- AFC Dedede: @Dedede bob: @bob Gibbs Probies: @Agent Gibbs LiVeRpOoL: (not on forum) Lords of Hydra: @Esequiel Madpool: @MadDog Recall United: @Jimbob Spurs: @dazzybee The Sixty-Fourthers: @gaggle64 Good luck and enjoy your season!

Na man I think you were, you had quite a rough season recently but I think you are doing well. What maybe let you down sometimes was knowing when to go full on attack mode and when to play it safe and get an away draw against a stronger side. I think you have a lot of potential to go far in this game.

Ah damn man bad times your attacking madness is the stuff of legends! I think you were starting to get really good at the game as well