Xpert 11 Season 20: The Ascent into History

[Haden]

Season 20 is here it is time to ascend into the history books.

 

 

 

 

Xpert Awards

 

Important: Rovers, Mad, Bru, Bru, Rovers, Silver, Elites, Elites, Elites, Bru, Haden, Elites, Bru, Inter, Silver, Dyson, Elites, Bru, Elites, Odwinica, Odwinica, Silver.

 

Elites 6

Bru 5

Silver 3

Odwinica 2

Rovers 2

Mad

Haden

Inter

Dyson

 

This award is dominated by two teams, Elites and Bru. They were for most of the season the only two teams that really looked like they could step up and win the title. Elites eventually won with only 3 losses and doubles against 3 teams in the league along with crucial away wins against Bru and Dyson. They were in incredible from, Bru themselves have nothing to be ashamed of with 3 doubles as well and an away win against the Elites but 6 losses eventually meant Elites were the clear winners. Silverdale should also be mentioned for doing enough to stay up in the top league for the first time this season.

 

Stylish: Mad, Elites, Mcoy, Rovers, Odwinica, Rovers, Bru, Inter, Haden, Odwinica, Dyson, Mad, Dyson, Haden, Silver, Bru, Dyson, Mad, Silver, Bru, Dyson, Silver

Dyson 4

Silver 3

Mad 3

Bru 3

Haden 2

Rovers 2

Odwinica 2

Elites

Mcoy

Inter

 

Stylish play was seen all over the league this season with 100s of goals making for an exciting season. Bru Mad and Silver all looked dangerous with Bru and Madpool being the only side to have their goal tally in the 40s. However Dyson gave Rovers, 64s and Madpool 4 goal thumping’s and looked primed and dangerous in every game they played. The award is theirs and they will want to capitalize on this reputation in Season 20.

 

Player: MacCalman, Bru, Gay, Mad, Heckingbottom, Mcoy, Dennis Mortimer, Roostophe Rovers, Kevin Nash, Intergalatigo Stars, Dennis Mortimer, Roostophe Rovers, Archie Gay, Madpool, Mark Undertaker, Intergalatigo Stars, Roman Durov, Haden United, Amer Hizo Diz, The 64s, Qader Bashur, The 64s, Gareth Coles, Battlestar Odwinica, Lucian Sandford, Dysonian Wanderers, Eddie Guerrero, Intergalatigo Stars, David Beckham, Intergalatigo Stars, Fico Mozzini, Haden United, Digby, Rovers, Helder, Bru, Kamal, 64s, Zanetti, Bru, Sandford, Dyson, Calderwood, Silver,

 

Inter 4

Rovers 3

64s 3

Bru 3

Mad 2

Dyson 2

Haden 2

Mcoy

Odwinica

Silver

 

It was a season that saw some teams fall apart even with individual effort from players such as the 64s. Brus players effort nearly got them the title and Rovers players banded together to finish 3rd however it is a team that got relegated that wins this award! Inter pick up the award as their players battle to stay in the league was valiant but just fell short. Nash in his last season was a towering presence up front. Beckham will play his last season this year and with 6 goals and 3 assists this season will be missed. Undertaker and Guerrero show there is life after Beckham as Inter will hope to bounce straight back up to the top league.

 

Team Reports:

 

Top League:

 

 

Essex Elites (2/1 fav):

 

The 3 time Top League winners have been on startling form recently, they have finished 1st, 2nd, 1st in the last 3 seasons and have to be considered the team to beat in season 20. Their squad is an aging one with an average age of 28 but is one that has strength in every part of the pitch. Brammer and Fakaj form the backbone of the team and a traditional 4-4-2 is their usual set up. Brammer is the star of the team earning 17 Xpert 11 appearances last season. Fakaj and Sharpe are the creative forces that are the nightmares of other teams with 9 points each. After a strong showing last season that also saw them win the alliance competition they are almost dead certs to be in the running for another title this time around.

 

Bayern Bru (4/1):

 

Season 20 will mark 17 seasons since they made it to the top of the summit in NE X11. After a great start last season many people thought it would be their year this time but bitter rivals Essex Elites beat them to it. They have a squad of both youth and experience with an average age of 25, everywhere is well covered but their core strength seems to now be their defense rather than the midfield. Dahlin and Darbyshire keep things secure at the back while Heinze, Helder and Testini keep up the legacy of the great midfielders before them. Lindpere has been a consistent performer for Bru up front. The team has recently varied between a usual 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 for other occasions. Darbyshire was the star this season with 6 Xpert 11 appearances, while Lindpere justified his reputation as the prime striker with 14 points. It was oh so close last season but with up and down form in recent years will Bru be able to regather themselves to have another crack at the title?

 

Roostophe Rovers (3/1):

 

Two timer winner of the top league Rovers have been a regular feature of the top flight since season 6. They finished 3rd this season and seemed to grow in confidence, amazingly this was their first top 3 finish since season 12 when they won the league! A squad that used to be old now has an average age of 26 all areas seem to have both strong players and youth in most positions. Laurensen and 25 and 12 skill is a huge asset in defense, Mortimer and Digby keep midfield secure while Mazzoleni and Agbonlahor show the past and future of Rovers attack. 3-4-3 is the teams most used set up with 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 just behind. Goalie Bruijn and defender McGrath got 5 Xpert 11 appearances a piece last season helping to keep Rovers rise up the table. Digby with 12 points was the creative force that gave Rovers side their bite. Last season was a huge confidence boost for Rovers with a strong top 3 performance this season they will need to confront Elites and score points with regularity against weaker sides to have a crack at the title.

 

Dysonian Wanderers (6/1):

 

Wanderers finished 4th this season returning to some of the form that saw their third top league championship in Season 16. The side is very old with an average age of 30 there is superb players in every area but a slight cause of concern for the depth of quality and future youth in some areas. Sandford and Twigg continue to be the stand out players in midfield and attack. The team plays an aggressive 4-3-3 most of the time occasionally switching to 3-4-3 or 4-4-2. Twigg was the start player last season with 12 X11appearances, he also was top of the points board with 12. After a dodgy couple of seasons they seem to be back ready to challenge the top teams again, however depth issues may hurt their chances.

 

Madpool (6/1):

 

After returning to the top league a couple of seasons back they have had impressive 3rd and 5th finishes solidifying themselves as a top tier side. They have a youthful looking side with an average age of 24, they have a squad that is strong and also developing, their defense is very solid, their midfield has tonnes of potential for growth, up front needs a couple more seasons to develop perhaps, Trainer and the amazing Hiles show the strength now and in the future of this squad. They mainly play a 3-5-2 formation sometimes going for 4-5-1 or 4-4-2. Hiles and the goalie Broom scored 3 X11 appearances between them last season but it was Gay who was the standout star with 19 points for Madpool! They are still a young side but they have a great manager and should have another great season.

Haden United (5/1):

 

United have faded slightly from the upper realms of the top league recently finishing 6th the last two seasons after winning the league in season 15. They have an average age of 26 with their squad being generally strong all across the board with some youth coming up through the ranks, Avallone, Mozzini and Marconossi are the backbone of the side. They mainly play a 4-4-2 with occasional dips into 4-3-3 and 3-5-2. Avallone was on amazing form last season with 18 appearances in the X11 lineup, Marconossi and Durov were the creative force to be reckoned with as they chalked up 11 points each. Last season was a disappointment and this is a team that should be looking to go further up the table, will be wanting to spoil Elites party next season.

Silverdale Hotpot (9/1):

 

Silverdale fought to survive in the top league this season ending a yo yo sequence that saw them go in and out of the top and middle league several times. With an average age of 27 it seems the squad has really come to fruition, their squad looks very strong with a good balance of youth and veterans their midfield and attack look particularly good with Jerome and Sidwell in his last season standing out. They play a variety of formations with 4-4-2 being the main one along with 4-3-3, 3-5-2 and 5-3-2. The midfielders Jerome and Hope got 3 X11 appearances between them but Sidwell was the real star with 12 points last season. Last season was a breakthrough for Silverdale now they will want to build on it and aim for a strong league placing, a top 3 finish would would be an achievable target that would thrill the fans.

 

Battlestar Odwinica (8/1):

 

After a couple of 2nd places in the top league Odwinica have been on a downward trajectory as of late finishing 8th this season just above relegation. However they have a young squad with an average age of 24, their main strength is defense and are a team that are notoriously hard to score against, they have strength in midfield and up front but the youth still need to develop, Howarth is a huge player for Odwinica being a powerhouse in defense and up front with his superb free kicks. The team mainly uses 4-4-2 sometimes going to 5-3-2 or 4-3-3, Howarth got 8 X11 awards last season and also gained 9 points along with Bello. A team that is very hard to beat but may need to be more creative to get back to the top places in the league, with a few newcomers being promoted this season maybe Odwinica will take a few more risks and see what happens.

 

Recall United (30/1):

 

After several seasons in the middle league Recall made a breakthrough this season by winning the middle league and are now preparing for their first time in the top league. They have a mature squad at 28 years old who are strongest in defense, Whiteside and Hollingdale are their key players that will need to play well this season. 5-3-2 and 5-4-1 are the teams favorite formations highlighting their strong defense, Whiteside earned 13 X11 appearances last season highlighting his place as Uniteds MVP, Streep and Hollingdale earned 12 points each propelling United to the top of the league. Recall finally broke through last season and this will be a big test for them, they excel in defense but sometimes look like they lack a bite up front, survival would be a job well done.

 

Leeds M.O.T (50/1):

 

Leeds M.O.T have had an upward journey of success since they joined 4 season ago, their elevation to the top league already has taken many people by surprise. Their team is full of a good mix of veterans and young talent with an average age of 25, Townshend and Howson show the great youth at this club while O Neill is the stand out top league player entering his final season with the club, defense is the greatest strength of this club. 4-4-2 is their main formation along with 4-5-1 and 3-5-2, O Neill got a superb 13 X11 awards last season, Berger and the youth Howson got 10 points each last season showing why Leeds went up. This will be a very tough season for them and all but the most optimistic fan would expect them to go down, however they have defied the odds before could they do it again?

 

Eights United (33/1):

 

This will be Eights Uniteds second foray into the top league after a first attempt two seasons ago. They have a youthful squad with an average age of 24, it is a compact one of only 16 players and is talented across the board, Fjellbekk and Hapnes are two indicators of the quality and ambition of this side. 4-4-2 is mainly used with 3-5-2 occasionally coming in as a back up formation, Fjellbekk was the clear star last season with 12 X11awards, Yusri and Hilmo combined well to gain 12 points each. United are the only promoted side with any experience of the top league and will want to make it show. They are a compact youthful side but do they have the depth for such a long tough season?

 

 

 

Middle League:

 

 

Intergalatigo Stars (6/1): shot to the top league pretty quickly getting promoted to there in their 3rd season. While just surviving last season this time around they weren't so lucky, their team is a mix of ages with an average age of 27. They are a hard side to pin down using 4-3-3, 4-4-2 and 5-3-2 to mix things up against their opponents. Defence is their strong point with Michaels standing out as the main man in that area, their forwards are going through a transition after the retirement of Nash and it may be a weak area this season. While gaining none this season Michaels has 28 X11 appearances in his career, the most dangerous player is clearly Beckham with 9 points, who is retiring at the end of this season and will leave a big gap. The Stars look strong and should enjoy this season and may well re-enter the top league with a stronger side.

 

Mcoys Sons (2/1 fav):

 

The Sons like Inter are a team that rose to the top fast and last season won their first top league title in their 9th season. However like many teams before them they seemed to be struck by a champions curse and finished a miserable 9th this season. They have a youthful side who have an average age of 25, they mainly play a 4-4-2 with the occasional use of 3-5-2. They have stars all across the pitch and youth players like Rawle the striker show that the club has huge potential for growth. Heckinbottom is a natural leader in midfield and earned 7 X11 appearances this season, Heckinbottom along with the striker Jevons scored 7 points each showing the range of places goals come from. They will face tough competition but they must be favorites to come back to the top league as middle league champions.

 

The 64s (3/1):

 

The 64s have been in and out of the middle league in recent seasons and return there this time around after finishing 11th in the top league. They have a squad that is maturing with an average age of 27, they usually play 4-4-2 but also like to mix it up with 3-5-2 occasionally. The team has key strengths in midfield and defence while the forwards are also good but not quite of the same standard. Rikabi and Bashur stand out as the key men that make a difference in that squad, Baralla stepped up to earn 3 X11 places last season while the forward Kamal provided a valuable asset even at 32 years old with 8 points. They should be going straight for promotion back up but may face competition from sides newer and hungrier than them.

AFC Rez Rabies (6/1):

 

A club that has been in a slight decline in recent seasons just survived staying in the middle league after being promoted back to there the season before. They do have youth on their side with an average age of 25 years old, they unusually play either 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 trying to outscore opponents. Midfield is their teams strength but they have a history of a strong attack and have lots of young forwards wanting to make a mark, Hallerstrom, Alm and Fjallstrom can cause chaos when they combine using Rabies aggressive formations. Hallerstrom was definitely a key man last season earning 8 X11s, Fjallstrom also caused mayhem with 13 points. They have a strong side with a lot of scope to grow, their hell bent approach to score as many goals as possible is sometimes their greatest weakness and greatest strength, if they focus they could well be a dark horse to get a top 3 finish.

 

Aqui1a All Stars (40/1):

 

The All stars are a very new team with their début last season and immediately being promoted to the middle league in 2nd place. Their side is a relatively young one with an average age of 25 years old, their favoured formation is 4-5-1 with the occasional switch to 4-4-2. Their squad is still one of lower league standard but has notably developed quite well in defence with potential for growth in all areas. The form of Bissett, Pirsa and Page will be crucial to their survival. Bissett and Page earned 9 X11s each last season and Page earned a magnificent 30 points in the lower league in one season! For the All Stars it is clear survival and youth development are their only goals this season, they have a good manager and even if they go down this will be a team that will be seen a lot in seasons to come.

 

Bubbles FC (35/1):

 

Again another newish team Bubbles achieved promotion last season in their 2nd season in the league. They have a healthy average age of 25 years old and vary between many formations mainly 4-4-2 and 5-3-2. They have a squad that is still developing but have some very good leaders all over the park, Cambell is a bright prospect and their goalie Azizpoot is top league quality. Last season the defender Sundholm earned 12 X11s in his first season with the club, the youth striker Forde got a magnificent 18 points in the lower league last season. Bubbles have the youth and talent to cause a few upsets and if they can grind out a few unexpected wins at home could make the Middle League their home for more than just one season.

 

Happenstance FC (4/1):

 

The first ever top league winners are now more accustomed to spending time is all 3 leagues as they strive to return on a more permanent basis to the upper league. They have a squad that is maturing with an average age of 27, they mainly use 4-4-2 while occasionally going for a more aggressive 4-3-3. They have a strong team that is impressive in defense and attack, The newly purchased Pascoe is the best player in the side with Dibbler being a great sign of the future of Happenstance. Gregor performed very well last season gaining 9 X11 places, Unsowrth and Gregor with 9 points each gave Happenstance their bite last season. Happenstance are a very strong team and will be wanting to mix it up against the recently demoted sides from the top league.

 

Real Peeps (43/1):

 

Much like Bubbles they joined two seasons ago and got promotion on the 2nd attempt by winning the league. They have an average age of 26, they use a variety of formations such as 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 5-3-2 and 5-4-1. They have a balanced team that is still looking for strength and identity, Biggins the goalie and Collett a striker for the Peeps are good omens for the team. Dewell was a superstar last season with 9 X11 awards, Frampton was on fire with 17 points helping Peeps to top position. Peeps won the lower league last season but may have the hardest time in the top league, the creativity of Frampton and safe hands of Biggins will be crucial for them to make a good impression.

 

Rising Phoenix (7/1):

 

Rising Phoenix have now been regulars in the middle league for 4 seasons, coming close to promotion but never quite making it. They have a team that is reaching its prime at 26 years old, they are a mix of ages and have always been able to win midfield battles and keep their defense secure, they have experimented with lots of formations but usually come back to 4-4-2 or 5-3-2. Candelas and Jerimo show how this team now has youth and strength in some players, Hendry came into his own this season with 6 X11 while Candelas and Parsons did very well with 8 points each. Phoenix now have a team that is good enough to challenge the highest peaks of this league and should be looked upon to make this season their breakout year.

 

Seahawks FC (30/1):

 

Entering their 3rd season in the middle league after a couple of years as the underdogs of the league they will want to show everyone this season they can more than hold their own. Their team has grown up and is now 26 years old on average, they don't really shine anywhere but they also don't have any huge weak points to exploit. They use other formations a bit but mainly stay with 4-4-2, Carracosa and Aragon show a manager who has a strong eye for future talent. Saez did his team proud with 2 X11 appearances in a difficult season while Grisard and Aragon bagged 9 points each. Seahawks are still a team in growth but after a tough season this time around things look better this year, they should have the advantage of the newly promoted teams and may cause a stir with some veteran sides, a year for them to establish themselves.

 

Lower League:

 

 

New Sides!

 

Besaid Aurochs (55/1): Welcome to the Aurochs! Starting their first season they look to establish themselves and already seem to have a leader in the guise of 10 skill midfielder Connor.

Dragooooo (55/1): Fierce Link is finally here! A handy looking set of forwards mean Dragooooo could be a side that have potential.

DuDs Baggies (42/1): Welcome back to the Baggies! The legendary manager has come back and is already making this new side his own with two big name defensive signings!

MIA

 

Ganja Farmers

Zimmertron FC

 

These managers have gone missing like Mario someone find them!

 

Cubic County (2/1 fav):

 

A club with a long history has been one who have recently been in decline being relegated to the lower league last season, on the bright side they won the first ever Tea Cup this season! A side with a healthy age of 25 years old they really shine in midfield but have highlights all over the pitch. They mainly vary between 4-4-2 and 4-5-1, Maupas has been a long time hero for County but Patton is also becoming a legend at the club. Woozley shone last year with 9 X11 appearances with 15 points he also put on a hell of a show for the fans. County have got to be a favorite to go up this season as they look set to tussle with the Blades for who will be champion.

 

Emo Blades (3/1):

 

After a long period in the middle league the Blades find themselves back again in the lower league and will be looking to head straight back up. A team that has a good mix of players with an average age of 26 embarks on this campaign, they seem to be strongest in midfield but are decent all over. They use a few formations but mainly go for 4-4-2, Rothwell and Bruce really shine for the Blades and still have a good amount of seasons in them. Packham the goalie got 11 X11 appearances last season with Sheene bagging 9 points for the Blades. They should see themselves go straight back up and will consider it an aim to beat County for the honour of the lower league title.

FedEx United (38/1):

 

FedEx joined the league last season and came a respectable 5th in their debut. They have an average age of 25 and are a team that is definitely still in an early stage of development. They overwhelmingly favor 4-4-2 with occasional use of 4-3-3, Platt and Blackburn are two of a multitude of youths who have good potential at this club. Margerson is the only player who gained any X11 awards with 7, Patton did himself proud in United first season earning 9 points. They are still a very new team and another top 5 finish will be to their credit as they seek to carry on from where they left off.

 

Hammerboys FC (6/1):

 

Hammerboys have been dipping between the middle and lower leagues and find themselves again in the lower. They have an average age of 26 and are a large team who have a very strong defense. They go for midfield centric formations with 4-4-2 and 4-5-1 top of the list, Tait and Ruffer at the back and McCall up front give Hammerboys the feel of a counter attacking side. In a tough season Tait gained the most X11awards with 4 while Henrikson garnered 4 points to be the top creative force. They may not be as complete a package as Blades or County but can play great counter attacking football and should be a strong side for this league.

 

The Comrade Co-op (11/1):

The Co-op after a brief period in the middle league enjoyed a good season in the lower league and may be looking to push out again. They have an average age of 26 and have a well rounded team that do well in defense and midfield. They usually play 4-4-2 but keep 4-3-3 as an option for confident days, Bulatov and Sreznevsky show youth and talent combine in this team. Trubnikov trumped his teammates with 13 X11 appearances, while Miloradovich earned a wondrous 18 points. They are turning into a strong side and are the most likely to disrupt the recently relegated trios ascent back to the middle league.

 

 

 

Journalists! Confirm you are still up for this guys.

 

Top League Reporters: Haden (I do need help!), Roostophe,

Middle League Reporters: Peeps.

Lower League Reporters: Tales

Interviewers: Tales

 

Lucky Dip will be sorted out later but here it is the new thread!

 

 

Alliances! Join now! Will update this tommorow

Edited September 26, 2011 by Haden

[Fierce_LiNk]

I've sorted out my tactics and am ready to FIGHT.

 

You are all enemies to me.

 

DRAGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Ellmeister]

Great write-up. Personally even as current champions I would put Haden and Rovers as potential favourites with their current squads.

[The Peeps]

Amazing post, nice writing Haden!

[MadDog]

I really need to win a title soon, although i think i'll have my best chance in about 3 seasons. I've had enough solid 3rd, 4ths and 5ths. Need to make the final step.

[jayseven]

Awesome post, Haden. A lot of effort went into that. Fab stuff

 

And spot on, too - I only care about beating Cube this season :P

[Haden]

Thanks guys took ages but nice to have the thread up!

 

Glad to get a point against Silverdale they are a much improved side from last season (and I didn't beat them then!)

 

Guys Alliances! You have until Sunday to make them don't miss out they are so fun and it makes me sad that we have only 3 at the moment, if you have never done it before it literally is as simple as banding up with 2 other non allied teams in any league and seeing if your alliance has the most points combined at the end of the season, use this thread to recruit see who you can get!

 

[Tales]

Won my first match of the season but playing hard left me with one of my better defenders out for 20 days or 5 matches and a current form of 1....

 

Also my midfielder Smerud is out the next match and doesn't exactly have world class form either. He has played ALL 151 official matches my team has ever played. Don't want to break the combo but I think his health should come first.

Edited September 27, 2011 by Tales

[The Peeps]

Is it normal for a player to lose 8 dv points after missing out just one game? I didn't start taking notice of it until late last season. I lost the first game so I was expecting a drop but I'm going to have a very hard time getting anyone back up at this rate =\

[Tales]

No, because it wouldn't happen. Or are you talking about current form? A player with very high form(rubber effect) or one who got injured can drop in form sharply.

[heroicjanitor]

Vicious game there between myself and Nikos... He injured my awesome goalkeeper, referenced in Haden's awesome write-up. I responded by putting his most promising striker out for 2 weeks. And Steve Austin out for a few days. Damn late equalisers! My good goalie would have saved a long range shot :p

 

The funny thing is I had one chance and one goal :p The chance wasn't even on target lol. No idea how it went in.

Edit: Ah, free kicks don't count as chances.

Edited September 27, 2011 by heroicjanitor

[Ellmeister]

Good work Heroic!

[The Peeps]

No, because it wouldn't happen. Or are you talking about current form? A player with very high form(rubber effect) or one who got injured can drop in form sharply.

 

It's someone that didn't play. I'm talking about development value; it was 10 and now it's 2

[Tales]

Everyone had 10 in dv in the off season after the change report and before the start of the new season. That was never their actual dv. I don't why they are given 10 in the off season but it doesn't mean anything. Your supposed to start off from scratch, from 0.

Edited September 27, 2011 by Tales

[Ellmeister]

Actually, usually player starts off with a little, usually 2 or 3. Apart from that, Tales is correct, the 10 was the previous season and it went down once the new season matches were scheduled

[The Peeps]

I see, thanks :p how silly

[Haden]

Lucky Dip!

 

 

Entrants,

 

Award Winners

Elites 1

Dyson 4

Inter 7

Alliance Winners

Elites 3

J7 2

Bubbles 6

Cup Winner

Cube 5

 

Pick a number between or 1-7. Ell has two goes. I have PMd the correct number to Gaggle.

 

Alliances!

 

 

Legacy: 22

Haden 7

Inter 6

Co-op 9

 

Hurricanes: 17

Elites 5

Bubbles 5

Blades 7

 

Chartreuse Trio: 5

Madpool 2

Rez 2

Peeps 1

 

Only 3 alliances atm so get making them guys! They are great fun and if your team wins you all get a free lucky dip go at the end of the season.

Edited September 28, 2011 by Haden

[heroicjanitor]

I pick 6.

 

Also ouch for the trio :p You used to be massive. (Jk I'm sure it will pick up)

[Tales]

I assume the Final 3 is still together. Cube wants, I don't mind either way, and I don't know what Odwin wants.

[Brian Mcoy]

Mcoy will leave a message here to see If Dyson and a lower league team want to team up.

[Fierce_LiNk]

Gah, lost 2-1. Conceded 2 goals in the 91st and 93rd minute. Gutted.

 

Team did ok up until then, maybe a few too many yellow cards.

 

I'm happy that we scored. And that we didn't get hammered.

[Jimbob]

2-1 defeat to Dyson today.

 

Still, got a new midfielder today, a 19-4 to replace a 32-3 i had.

[Mr_Odwin]

I assume the Final 3 is still together. Cube wants, I don't mind either way, and I don't know what Odwin wants.

 

I'm happy to stick with the Final 3.

 

Even more happy about a fantastic win today. Bit gutted at a red card, but the rest of my team played well.

 

Gah, lost 2-1. Conceded 2 goals in the 91st and 93rd minute. Gutted.

 

Team did ok up until then, maybe a few too many yellow cards.

 

I'm happy that we scored. And that we didn't get hammered.

 

Just had a quick glance through your team and noticed some stuff (feel free to ignore anything I say!).

This game is all about long term development (today's 18 4 could easily be a 26 10 in eight seasons time, if they maintain high form and play lots of games). Your team needs more youth (you'll lose a lot at first, but long term you'll compete):

 

GKs:

Rik Maakay: 28 6 - Okay, but a bit old. Probably will never be more than a 6.

Peter Dorland: 18 3 - Okay, but 18 4s are cheap so you'd be better picking up one of those from the market. You could get an 18 4 with cool as ice for less than 250k.

 

I'd play Maakey for most of the time interspersed with your new 18 4 that you buy. Make sure you try and get the 18 4s dev value up to 16 at least. Do that for a couple of seasons and the 18 4 will take over as your main keeper as a 21 7.

 

Defenders:

Oscar Loeben: 29 7 - Okay for now. Good to keep your age balance up.

Theo Golt: 29 3 - Dross, never play him. Sack as soon as you can. Unlikely to sell.

Melvin Matthijs: 26 4 - Dross never play him. Sack as soon as you can. Unlikely to sell.

Wim Dijk: 26 8 - Good. Play him every game.

Marcel van Galen: 26 5 - Average. I wouldn't bother.

Milan Zoetebier: 21 5 - Could be okay long term.

 

You need to get yourself an 18 4 (or two) (I say 18 4 because they are relatively cheap but long term they can turn into good players) that you play as much as possible. With a back four I'd play Loeben, Dijk, Zoetebier and a new youth that you need to buy.

 

 

Midfielders:

Tim Hol: 28 7 - Decent and good for average age.

Remco Janssen: 25 5 - Dross, never play him. Sack as soon as you can. Unlikely to sell.

Daan Wielink: 24 8 - Great player. Nice special qualities too. Set him as your free kick taker until you can grow a decent one.

Stijn van Velzen: 24 5 - Dross, never play him. Sack as soon as you can. Unlikely to sell.

Leonard van Brakel: 23 6 - Average.

Allan van N´wenhuyzen: 21 5 - Could be okay long term especially with his special quality.

 

Buy an 18 4 (or two!). Play Hol, Wielink, van N´wenhuyzen and a new youth that you need to buy.

 

 

Forwards:

Thijs Feskens: 26 8 - Good player

Ruud Stuy: 25 4 - Rubbish

Marc Hermans: 24 6 - Okay

Patric Barculo: 20 6 - Good player

 

The outlook is good here because you have a good 26 8 and a good 20 6. They should be your front 2 nearly every game. You could buy a youth (16 2/17 3/18 4) that has goal instincts as a special quality. It makes a massive difference.

 

Overall:

One of the youths you buy (any position) should be a specialist freekick taker - it makes a difference.

If you have the money buy a young forward with freekicks and goal instincts - it is an unholy combination.

 

Think I've rambled enough. :p

Edited September 27, 2011 by Mr_Odwin
Automerged Doublepost

[Aqui1a]

Well played McCoy. I'm a bit gutted that I lost that game.. pretty much guessed all of your tactics! lol I'm happy to have scored 2 and only conceded 4 against the league 19 top division winner, though! :P Good game.

[Nikos9]

I choose number 7 please!