Hello everyone!!
So here is my second season in my challenge and if you remember we sealed a fantastic promotion from league 1 in South Africa to the premier league and will play the biggest teams we can.
With financial problems and most of my best players at the wrong end of 30 I was slightly worried going into the season. Throw into the mix the fact I couldnt sign any of my first choice transfer targets it had me very concerned.
So here we go my first season in the premier league so lets see how it went.
Managerial C.V
— Black Aces (June 2011 — Present)
First Division : 2012
———————————————
So the season began with a new contract, well the same wage just an extra year so I must be doing something right at least!
Hmmmm 2000-1, I guess that rules us out of winning the title but the fact I set our season target as survival I would say they are correct in their assumption of our season.
Its going to be a long season I fear but to help our finances I set up a parent club and was hoping for Barcelona or Ac Milan but instead I got…….
Burnley! So admittedly it wasnt my first choice but I guess £42k per year isnt too bad considering we only have that in the bank at the moment. Plus any extra money is welcomed and I will try to add more parent clubs every season to help boost our finances.
Transfers In And Out
So as you can see my biggest fears came true! I just couldn’t sign anyone so had to rely on loans and even some of them are not that great.
I tried everything but with the finances we have it was impossible to stretch our wages at all. My only new player was a goalkeeper and I think he is pretty good, but considering what we had its not much of a statement!
I let one player go for money but that didnt boost our finances at all.
Tshepo Motsoeneng
So is a little old but he is a goalkeeper so he wont need that much pace. He is valued at £130k so is defiantly one of my most valuable players and with my defence I think he will be kept quite busy this season!
Tactic For The Season
Like I said before I reverted back to the classic version as I confuse myself when trying to build tactic with the newer style!
Bold? Maybe but what have I too lose, two of my back four are 35 and Sheller is a poor right back on loan as I have nothing else.
Hopefully attack will be the best form of defence as Zuke in midfield isnt too bad Dlamini wide right still has good stats Songwiqi on loan at wide left has a bit of pace and Shongwe is a decent goalscorer so who knows how it will go.
Just read on and find out. :)
Results and Table Halfway Point.
So pretty good in my opinion, as we are currently 10th through 15 games. We are eight points clear of Chippa Utd and Shongwe our forward has done really well.
At the back were are hopeless, I know my tactic isnt the most defensive but still we concede poor goals far too often, but my attack isnt too bad and we do look a threat going forward in every game.
I was fairly confident going into the second half of the season when this came through…..
OMG! I cant state how important he is to my team think Messi at Barca our Rooney at Manchester Utd its that big.
He suffered a broken leg so thats it, as he wont play again due to injury, at 32 he wasnt the youngest but he defiantly still had a few years left in him and now we are in trouble.
He scored goals but he also created goals and lots of them, and losing him may just crush my season. I asked him to re-consider but failed and sadly our record goalscorer will never play for the Black Aces again.
No surprise there was no transfers in or out so I was stuck with the same squad, minus my best player.
Results And Table End Of Season
I told you! I blame Shongwe for retiring and almost costing me a relegation. That said we did survive but more thanks to the bottom two having the worst seasons imaginable and we did enough in the first half to stay in the division.
I can draw on very few positives but we survived and thats the main thing! We had the worst defence in the league but the third best attack but we only won two games out of fifteen in the second half.
Final Player Ratings
Note I did make a few January signings but for some reason I never took a picture so for that I apologise.
Cele was brought in as a promising right back but struggled in our hopeless defence and Monama was another free transfer and did pretty well in midfield.
The real highlight to come from this season was Songwiqi as I made his loan move permanent also on a free transfer. Gumede is a very decent center back but I can really say too much more a big clear out in the summer, but hopefully we can attract some better players.
Star Man — Sandile Zuke
Finances, Save Game Status And Round-Up
Am pretty pleased with that, we made a good turnover of nearly £2.5 million and in the end with deductions ended with £250k so made a very good profit from last year.
I knew that my finances would be my biggest fight but so far am very pleased with how they look and if we can make a similar amount next season I would delighted!
Round — Up
I guess I should be pleased as I wanted to survive and I did, but it feels more good luck then good management.
With my best player Shongwe gone he left a void bigger than I could imagine, so I must do everything to find a replacement. It wont be easy though so have hired an extra scout to look for anyone good enough to replace him.
My attacking formation worked well at times and if I managed games better and played more defensively when we had the lead I feel we could have won more games, but I just didnt trust my defence so will have to address that next season.
Losing games is never easy but we did play pretty well all season, without a natural goalscorer in the second half we struggled to take chances but my central defenders did chip in with a few goals and we were a huge threat from set plays.
All in all am content, plenty of problems to address for next season but am fairly optimistic as we have the financial side working very well.
Again thanks for reading and will get my next season up as soon as I can. :)
Kevin
13 ноября, 2011 at 22:15
Hola Ana
Losing you best player like that realy hit you hard though well done in surviving your first season in the South African top flight division.Hopefully your finances will improve at some point to build up your squad.
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 16:32
Hola!
Agreed and it came from no-where also!
I guess I had to survive and I did so that was my aim and we did achieve it, just need to build a whole new team for next season. :)
Luke Robinson
13 ноября, 2011 at 22:25
Well done for surviving without your best player, sad to see the Swallows to be relegated after the success you had last year with them :(
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 16:34
Thanks Luke,
I know! Was so surprised to see them relegated but even if they offered me the job I would have declined as I want to try and steer clear of teams I managed last time.
Had a fun time managing them though. :)
paine
13 ноября, 2011 at 22:58
A good season, you avoided relegation but you conceded too much (75!), firstly I’d look for a better keeper, his rushing out and reflexes are not that great.
Good luck.
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 16:37
I agree!
75 sounds bad but the more I think about it the worse it gets!
I would love to find a new GK but believe me he is the best I can get infact he is one of the better keepers in the entire premier league.
I know for next season to try to manage games changing my tactic when I need to, and hopefully reduce our goals against!!
Alex
13 ноября, 2011 at 23:19
Congratulations on avoiding relegation. It looked like a tough campaign but the finances are pretty sound and with a few additions in defence I think you’ll be in the top 5/6 next season.
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 16:39
Thanks Alex,
It was tough but I did expect it, we just collapsed when Shongwe left us.
Am very pleased to be making money as its half the battle so hopefully I can increase my wage budget and finally sign some players! :)
Lye
14 ноября, 2011 at 00:45
Hi Ana,
With all the financial and transfer problems added with the retirement of your best player, you did pretty well to survive in the first division. The financial situation is turning better and hopefully you can sign some better players next season.
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 16:42
Hi Lye,
Thanks, it was a struggle this season.
Shongwe leaving was far worse than even than I imagined almost cost me a relegation and he will be hard to re-place.
I agree, at least I have the financial side working well and can hopefully sign some players for next season!
TheZiggy
14 ноября, 2011 at 00:57
That was a real struggle, especially after losing your best player.
The main thing is, you survived, and your finances look a lot better, which should allow you to hopefully do better next season, if you can bring in a few good players. Attracting good players to the team seems quite hard though. Good luck with the next season.
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 16:45
Thanks!
Agreed, a long season as they say!
Replacing Shongwe will be hard but I need a brand new defence really, which I needed anyway!
So now I need at least two new front men and its just getting them to join. Will be difficult but at least I can negotiate with players now and try to lure them to the Black Aces! :)
CsAtlantis
14 ноября, 2011 at 04:13
Wow, retiring at 32, was he reported as injury prone? By the way is Dingaan Metsi available somewhere? He was really good in fm2011
You finances look nice so you should be able to push on, shore the defense and get a new striker, conceding less goals should lead your team onwards to higher places, good luck!
CsAtlantis
14 ноября, 2011 at 04:15
Oh yeah Ana could you let me have a look at Songwiqi’s profile? He seems to scored quite a few goals
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 16:51
Thanks!
To be honest this was his first injury I can remember him having! But it was a broken leg so I guess he didnt want to risk anything!
Not sure, will check him out but if he is quite well know I probably wont get him!
Agreed! Just need a new defence a new striker and maybe a new AMR have my scouts out hunting so fingers crossed!
Sure thing! He was my real star last season so was delighted to sign him full time so will get a pic of him in my next post. :)
Joelance
14 ноября, 2011 at 09:13
Its great you survived. Solve your defence problems and you’ll be a top 5/6 team next season. Tough luck with your striker, i don’t know why he quit so early. All the best next season.
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 16:54
Thanks!
I released a lot of players so have freed up a lot of my wage budget so I should be able to finally sign some players rather than getting just loans.
I am not sure why either! Its pretty annoying but I guess thats what make the game more interesting and unique how you cope losing your best player.
Thanks for the luck I feel I will need it again for next season. :)
Johnny Karp
14 ноября, 2011 at 09:22
I congratulate you on using such an attacking tactic, that takes courage and you surely have plenty of it! Shongwe’s retirement was a shock indeed and it surely affected the team but things are looking good in my view, the financial situation is not bad and you will surely be able to do better next season. Good luck!
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 16:58
Ha! Thanks Johnny I really did just go for it. :)
I guess I should have been a bit more cautious especially after Shongwe’s shock retirement/injury.
But I never expected it to affect us that much as in winning twice in 15 games….
Thanks for the luck! I will need it as I need to build almost a whole new team. :)
Darren Smith
14 ноября, 2011 at 11:58
Such a shame to see your star retire Ana, he really did ruin the season a bit, but you staved off relegation which is the main thing and can hopefully start building for next season. Good luck.
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 17:01
Thanks Darren,
I agree but I guess you cant blame him for breaking his leg!
Even he hadn’t retired we wouldn’t have had him it just means I have to replace him and its not going well at the moment….
Am struggling to find a decent striker so am already concerned about the new season.
vaibhavc
14 ноября, 2011 at 14:27
It will be hard to find someone to replace him. He almost cost your team relegation. I like your tactic, all you need to do now is to find some good defenders.
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 17:04
Thanks!
Am very pleased with my formation at the moment and in pre-season when we take a 2-0 lead I drop my AML and AMR back to ML and MR then play on the counter and am very pleased with how its working.
Hopefully I can apply it to the premier league with equal success!!
plobdork
14 ноября, 2011 at 16:05
«Burnley! So admittedly it wasnt my first choice but I guess £42k per year isnt too bad considering we only have that in the bank at the moment. Plus any extra money is welcomed and I will try to add more parent clubs every season to help boost our finances.»
as a long time burnley fan i lold at this comment esecially since we cant even afford 42k per year so good luck ana… :D
Ana Garcia
14 ноября, 2011 at 17:08
Well am not complaining I need the money!! :)
Was just hoping for a bit more so I will try and get more parent clubs every season.
Laxeyman
14 ноября, 2011 at 20:03
The important thing is that you stayed up Ana, which was the main goal this season, so well done :) Your finances are shocking and the loss of Shongwe was a massive blow :( Hopefully you can improve next season, good luck!
Ana Garcia
15 ноября, 2011 at 23:42
Your right!!
I set a target of survival and we got it so am very pleased with that, my finances are not too bad I think at least we are making money but we will need more if I am to survive again.
Am working of improving my squad by buying a whole new one! :)
Martin Pickard
14 ноября, 2011 at 20:22
Nice post Ana…and congrats on staying up! I wouldn’t be too hard on yourself, like you said you achieved your goal.
Unlucky on losing your star striker…its never easy replacing so one of that caliber when you such a small club, but with a few additions you could find yourself climbing the table and you could make a name for yourself and who knows…find yourself at a top South African team.
Good luck for next season and I cant wait to read it…I love your pentagon challenge saves :)
Ana Garcia
15 ноября, 2011 at 23:47
Thanks Martin. :)
You are right but we need to improve and fast! So I let go of a lot of players and brought in a few so am more confident at the moment but replacing Shongwe has been a nightmare.
Am surprised how good his stats are and I cant find anyone close to take his place, my main concern this season is oddly scoring goals!
It took me nine years last time to land a top job but I did change clubs a few times so am hoping that I can get one a little faster but my reputation is still quite low it seems.
Stromson
15 ноября, 2011 at 15:37
Not a bad season Ana, survival is everything in that first year! Congrats on staying up!
Ana Garcia
15 ноября, 2011 at 23:48
Thanks! :)
Rod
15 ноября, 2011 at 19:38
Well, it’s pretty good that you could manage to stay in the division without any signings. Pero la gran noticia es la mejora económica para enfrentar la nueva temporada, esperemos que vengan buenos refuerzos para que este equipo no sólo tenga buen aspecto contigo y la presidenta :). Looking forward to the next season!
Ana Garcia
15 ноября, 2011 at 23:53
Gracias Rod!
Was delighted to stay in the league even with that defence!
I will answer in English! But am happy we are making money next step is to try and get a stadium but I cant see that happening any time soon but the extra revenue would be amazing for us!
Next season will be another difficult season, I have bought well in my opinion so am not sure what to expect!
Wesley
17 ноября, 2011 at 08:56
Hey nice post. Can you please send me a link on where you found that nice PSL logo’s
Ana Garcia
17 ноября, 2011 at 22:06
Thanks!
The links are both on site for you!
For logos I used this one :
https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/2011/10/download-mega-logos-pack-for-football-manager-2012/
For faces this one :
https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/2011/10/download-mega-facepack-for-football-manager-2012/
James Harrison
26 ноября, 2011 at 17:26
Ana , Firstly massive achievment in staying up big respect there, those long games when ure winning that you end losing make you think about whether your at the right club or not ! lol.
Try signing Marlon Harewood from fuli in China get him on loan for season and you may have filled your viod.!!!
Keep up stunning work !!
James
Ana Garcia
26 ноября, 2011 at 19:04
Thanks James!
Ha! Yeah but I guess its all part of the game, I dont mind losing games provided we play as well as we can.
Can get annoying we you lose late goals and drop points but its all about trying to learn from those mistakes.
Never heard of him! But I will take a look but I fear he may on too much money to lure him to South Africa. :)