Hello everyone,
The title says it all, am off on holiday! :)
Well am leaving on Wednesday with my partner but with all the packing and sorting out to do I wont be around at all to check the stories and read the forums etc so I thought I would write up a new chapter of my story before I left but fear not I will return on Friday the 27th with hopefully a bit of sun to cheer me up after all the rain in England recently!
So a week or so in Spain staying with my Auntie should hopefully recharge the batteries a little after a hectic few weeks.
So enough of real life stuff! Onto my new update and last time we lost in the promotion playoff after having a brilliant season and as such remain a division one team desperately looking to gain promotion into the top tier of Belorussian football.
But am nothing if not determined so I took the playoff defeat (which is inevitable with me!) and went into the new season full of optimism and looking to hopefully gain a promotion I felt we deserved last season.
Did I achieve it? Well lets find out! :)
——————————
Club Information and Start of Season Finances
So club wise a few changes with Maxim Khlebnikov becoming the first icon in Livadia history! Joining the favoured personnel was two forward players in Pavel Evseenko and Vladimir Tyurin who had been fantastic last season. We gained a mighty six new season ticket holders! Plus the price of a ticket soared by 10 pence to a whopping 60 pence a game. :)
Club value increased by £10k but our finances has been slowly dwindling and we are now at a fairly worrying £23k, not crisis just yet but we did lose a lot of money last season which hindered my transfers in this season as I don’t want a repeat.
Transfers In and Out — First Window
Told you!
I made only two new additions and both were more squad additions rather than first team players, Alexandr Novik was the first signing a good promising central defender to help provide some cover in that area if we need it. The second signing was Igor Kubarev another promising forward player who can play wide left or as a forward he again will provide cover for my strikers if need be.
Results and Table — First Half of the Season
So as expected a really strong opening first half to the season, and despite scoring more goals than the top team Dinamo Brest we are trailing them five points we didnt help our cause by losing three goals to one at home against them but they are the best team in this division so unfortunate really.
Evseenko continues to shine in the taking of chances and I forgot to add that I did change my formation slightly to have him as lone forward and am very happy with the results of it so far long may it continue I say! :)
Transfers In and Out — Second Window (Disaster Strikes!)
So this transfer was not the disaster I was talking about! It was one I had prepared for and in essence I would be losing one goalkeeper and signing another as Igor Volkov is leaving for Naftan for £60k which is a really nice amount of money. I had a few choices for signings but plumped for Alexandr Rud mostly as he was young and a good talent for the future.
The true disaster is as follows!
Cant believe it!
So I lost my super talented front man but in all honesty I wasn’t that surprised and even though the chairman accepted the price I don’t blame him as that is just so much money for this club. If I use it well that could last six or seven seasons and he was a cut above the league he was playing in so good luck to him I say!
The problem is that Pavel Evseenko was such a good front man it was almost impossible to find a like for like replacement, so I stuck to my golden rule of lower league management and found someone with lots of pace with a decent finishing stat so please welcome Pavel Tischenko to the club!
Results and Table With Three Games Left to Play
Title race!!
So this is the state of the league with only three games left to play as you can see its very tight at the top, three points separate the top three and we must play Dnepr Mogliev away so all to play for I say!
We have it in our own hands which is always nice as we are relying ourselves to get over the final hurdle and into the top flight of Belarus football!
An incredible run of results and we haven’t missed Evseenko as much as I feared and back to the 4-4-2 we have settled back well with promotion in our sights.
Vs Rudensk Promotion Chase!
Talk about a nervy performance!
We wasted chance after chance early on then we under lots of pressure from Rudensk who were unfortunate not to lead by half time. Second half followed a similar pattern as we struggled to regain control of the match and had our goalkeeper to thank for a string of fine saves.
Then on 64 minutes the pace of Tischenko allowed him to finish well against the run of play I may add to keep Livadia at the top with only two games left to play.
Vs Dnepr Mogliev Promotion Chase!
Noooo!
We were beaten by a good Dnepr team and we probably deserved a least a point in my opinion but that result had dire consequences as now Dnepr are back into the race for top spot! Dinamo Brest also won with only a game left to play!
At least its simple for Livadia, win and we are champions due to our very strong goal difference however fail to win and things become more complicated!
Smorgon stand in our way but its a home game and we have been very good at home all season, so will we be celebrating?! ;)
Vs Smorgon Promotion Chase!
Honestly I just cant believe that….
I mean I am used to hard luck stories but this is just one too far for even me to take!
Three zero up by half time and in absolute control Smorgon barley got into our half never mind work our goalkeeper, then a collapse from no where!
The timing of the goals was really hard to take but the 92nd minute winning goal was the icing on the cake as they say, and as such we lost top spot a place we had occupied all season practically to finish in the playoff place again.
Will my playoff curse strike again or will finally the law of averages work with me to allow a victory?
Lets just see! ;)
Promotion Playoff Final vs SKVICh — First Leg
Please not again. :(
The result was such a poor reflection of the game we were in control for the most of it and the goals gave away were just of a really low standard and we did create chances and lots of them but again its just not meant to be.
However I will remain positive we do have a second leg to play and we are as good as this team so lets just see what happens shall we. :)
Promotion Playoff Final vs SKVICh — Second Leg
Heartbreak, absolute heartbreak.
Sometimes I just cant believe this game I mean seriously nobody can be that unlucky?
It drives me mad at times generally I take the game as a game but sometimes it just winds me up!! This was one of those times and losing top spot with two to play then lose a playoff final was doubly hard to take, I cant even right any wrongs as I wont be playing this game for the next week or so which just might be the ideal thing.
Its not I am tired of the game or writing my story its this bad luck curse I have and I can deal with it knowing that you will read my story regardless and provide encouragement which is always appreciated! ;)
As a player though it can be so disappointing, if its a playoff I lose no matter what I try and that can be quite hard to take at times I know its just a game but this game can make you feel weird at times I find!
So a mini break away from this save may just provide me with spark I am missing, after this loss I didn’t really want to continue I know that sounds extreme but its just so infuriating at times to be there and lose it all, however I tend to look at real life situation that teams like this find themselves in and say it isn’t that bad.
Losing is part of the game which I can deal with, after all its just a game and I try to take the positives where I can its just at times this game can drive you a bit crazy after that playoff defeat I even had a little argument with my boyfriend! Stupid I know, so when a game can creep into your real life its definitely time for a break from it! :)
Final Player Ratings of the Season
So a look at the ratings and am more than happy with almost my whole squad, Tischenko showed lots of promise in Evseenko’s absence scoring eleven times and once again Khlebnikov stood out at the back deserving his icon status.
Tyurin was exceptional is goal creation with twenty four assists and scoring fourteen goals and looked a really good player this season, Fastov remains brilliant in the center of midfield an the bottom names on our squad will be leaving Livadia as I try to reshape the team for next season.
Star Man of the Season — Vladimir Turin
End Of Season Finances and Season Round -Up
So the financial situation look like this as you would expect with the money gained from the Evseenko transfer has pushed the club onto a very strong financial footing as it were, we had a few players in the team of the year which I was happy with as I felt they deserved it and Khlebnikov continues to win the fans admiration winning the fans player of the year for the fourth time in a row.
So that’s it!
Another that ends in disappointment, real life argument, and a curse I cant shake! Just to note that this was the only disagreement I have ever had with my boyfriend over this game its not like a constant thing am not that sad (yet! ;))!!
So in a way am glad to be taking a little break from this save, just to clarify I am not leaving this save and I will continue to write this story in fact I have a personal grudge with it at the moment!
To say again I will be away until next Friday, the 27th on holiday so I wont be able to read or respond to any of your stories either on the main site or on the forums but I will catch up with them all when I get back, I promise. :)
Hope you are all well and always I look forward to all your comments and thoughts and I will respond to them all when I get back so until then I hope you all have a great time and see you in a week or so!
Ana. xxx
Ivo Knežević
15 июля, 2012 at 22:12
I have never seen a person losing that many playoffs, but seriously Ana.
In the 2 pentagon challenges, and now here.
You’re right you should take a break of the game for a while as it’s not healthy to continue playing if that happens all the time.
And don’t let it go into your personal life, I took a break for a while because of school and now
I entered the gimnasium (top high school) and am enjoying the game in peace.
I wish you a good time in Spain with your familiy there and your boyfriend.
Good luck in the next season.
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 21:44
Thanks Ivo!!
Had brilliant time thanks just what was needed! It was just a one off argument that had been coming for a while in truth but all is fine now men tend to take a little more time to admit they are wrong! ;)
I shudder to think how many I have lost, as a percentage I would estimate at least over 70% but that’s how it goes will just have to win the league I guess! :)
Syemo
15 июля, 2012 at 23:00
Heart ache, i know how much a 92 minute goal can turn a game. Playoffs are just cruel, mainly like Penalties not always the best team wins, but it defiantly does make it an interesting read.
Have a great holiday and will look forward to reading the next update without the playoff curse of course.
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 21:47
Thanks Syemo. :)
Am really glad you are enjoying my story, I tend to agree some of the results in playoffs we have actually played quite well. Then a set play or a mistake and before I know it we have a huge uphill task.
But those set backs wont stop me, am back with even more determination!!
David Wiggins
15 июля, 2012 at 23:39
Ouch. I feel physically sick for you! Should never have been in the play-offs in the first place! Would have been interesting to see how you would’ve done if you had kept Evseenko!
Keep going mate, I have every faith in you!
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 21:49
Thanks David!
Agreed! We had an amazing season and deserved promotion in my eyes, its a fair point Esveenko ended up as the league’s top scorer despite missing the final games so with him we just might have made it but that’s life I guess! :)
I will continue, it will need more than this playoff curse to stop me from reaching my main goal!
Ronan Patrick Donovan
16 июля, 2012 at 00:15
ouch!! That is so bad!! Very unlucky….this game can really suck at times. I know how you feel to some extent. But I guess you can be proud of a great season. It’s a pity you didn’t get the promotion you deserved but sometimes it just doesn’t happen in this game :(
But well done on your management and I hope you can go up next season!
Good luck on your holiday and I look forward to your next story already!
-Ronan
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 21:55
Thanks Ronan!
Agreed, I too felt we deserved to gain promotion and as champions but just not meant to be I guess! Will be looking to go up next season and with a few new signings and a little clear out I believe its possible.
Next post will be a while away as haven’t even started it yet! But I will get it done as soon as I can, I promise! ;)
Kevin
16 июля, 2012 at 02:11
Hi Ana
Is this for real. How much bad luck can one person have??? I nice little vacation is probably what you need after such another frustrating end to a season. Good for you though for not giving up and I still have faith in you to make this team a success. You really are an excellent manager and have the track record to prove it!!
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 21:58
Thanks Kevin!
Ha! Yeah am not going to give up that’s just not the person I am! ;)
Holiday was great thanks nice to be back in a funny way even though it was pouring down with rain as usual!
Vincent
16 июля, 2012 at 03:16
Hey Ana
First of all, I understand how hard and frustrating it is to find your star players being sold off just for that sum of money and lose the chance for the title win. That playoff is really a bad curse, how many times have they stopped you from progressing on and at many a time, winning that cup or league title. All I can say is good move to take a break, as real as they may be, they’re not so better not let them take so much out of your life.
It seems your players buckle under pressure though. Maybe it could be that they’re mentality is not yet champion material?Just a thought..I could be wrong.Haha..However, every season comes and go, a dynasty wont be build in one season, for one, you might need to keep going for 10,20 seasons before you will achieve that.
Do rest assured you will have a lot of people supporting you all the way!Have a good holiday boss!=)
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:05
Hi and thanks Vincent.:)
Losing Esveenko was annoying as I felt with him he would have been able to score the goals we would have needed but in our financial position I can understand why the decision to sell him was made.
I have lost way above 50% of playoff games maybe close to 70% it can be so infuriating especially from the position we were in, well we have a young squad so maybe they lack belief, am not sure.
Very true, I knew this would be a 20+ season adventure and like you said a dynasty wont be built overnight so a few setbacks should be expected.
Thanks for the support! It gives me even more encouragement to continue this save and the holiday was brilliant thanks! :)
Tegar Triemanudigdo
16 июля, 2012 at 06:29
Ouch, another playoff heart break there. Kinda frustrating there, but I know you can handle it in the next year or so. Keep up the good work.
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:06
Thanks Tegar! :)
vaibhavc
16 июля, 2012 at 07:25
Wow, thats just incredibly annoying! This game sometimes can be annoying, For instance, with my old Milan team, I used to have 20 shots, 6 or 7 on target, and 1 or 2 goals. And my strikers were Pato and RVP. Take a well deserved break, and come back and win your division!
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:09
Thanks!!
I guess dealing with the frustration of the game is a major factor in trying to gain success, I tend to learn more about my team from defeats than watching them win so I try to take positives out of every situation!
Dan
16 июля, 2012 at 13:03
Hey Ana,
I don’t normally believe in curses but…well…your FM games are starting to make me believe! ;) You were so unlucky again! To be honest though I think play-offs are something everyone struggles with, I’ve only ever been in them 3 times, but never won…
I can relate with the game making you angry, it’s annoying when you put so much effort into something to watch it collapse right in front of you. It’s like the game starts to make you care for it or something! Which is weird…
Anyway, next season I’m sure you’ll be promoted, you can’t possibly get any closer without being promoted surely! :)
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:13
Thanks Dan!
I also don’t believe is curses but I have no other word to describe my luck in playoff games!
Agreed, I guess you can get involved more with the game especially if you are writing a story about it as it feels you have a community waiting in expectation for success and when you cant deliver it it almost feels like a failure in a weird way.
But losing is a part of the game and am used to it now! :)
Fergus
16 июля, 2012 at 13:09
Personally I can’t stomach stories where people win all the big games. Which is why I like your stories Ana, they give encouragement to play what is ultimately a very frustrating game a lot of the time. Stick with it but don’t win the league to quickly, it’ll happen when the time is right.
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:17
Thanks Fergus. :)
Am really glad you can draw encouragement from my stories, I have always said I play the game with honesty win, lose or draw is how you see it in my stories and I don’t mind losing so am not afraid to show it in my posts.
Agreed, I can take a huge positive that we haven’t been promoted too quickly so I can build a better squad that if we can make it we will stand a much better chance of surviving.
TheZiggy
16 июля, 2012 at 14:05
I really thought you would get that promotion this time. That really is the ultimate frustration, to lose out in those circumstances.
The nearest I’ve had to that final league loss, was against Arsenal in the Carling Cup final. Had a 2-0 lead, and we should have made it 3, but the penalty was missed. In the second half we just fell apart, to go into extra time at 2 each. Thought we could do this as Arsenal had a player sent off right before extra time, but we then conceded a stupid goal, and that was it. It’s such a horrible way to lose out, when things looked so comfortable.
I think your holiday has come at the right time, to take a break. Surely next season you’ll do it.
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:21
Thanks Ziggy. :)
We probably should have won promotion but maybe it just wasn’t our time, I agree but losing is a part of the game that we have to deal with I guess, its not easy and it can drive you mad but that why we keep playing it!
Holiday was fantastic thanks! Lots of sun shine and lots of red wine. ;)
pedro roriz
16 июля, 2012 at 16:27
i.. i just can’t believe… heartbreaking…. really.. i’m speechless after reading your story. after loosing 4×3 in the playoffs, i must wonder if the players you selected have lower determination, concentration and workrate than you opponent’s.. maybe it is a psycological thing… and as you are attacking minded, if they aren’t concentrated and determined to win even under stress and pressure, they leave gaps that can be exploited by opposition. does that make sense to you?
well, i’m sure you got us all wanting to see you being promoted, i certainly do expect it next season. maybe you can capitalize on those failures: you are getting increasingly stronger; when you do manage to get a promotion, you won’t be set for relegation on the top division.
wel.. best of luck next season. and enjoy spain!
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:24
Thanks Pedro! :)
It makes perfect sense! I wish I could put my finger on it also I would have said that player for player we were better in all positions and I do try to counter specific threats I guess there is something I am doing badly wrong but am trying to learn from my mistakes!
Very good point, these disappointments are allowing more time to build a better squad so that if we can win promotion we stand a better chance of staying up.
Thanks! I did and had a really great time! :)
saltwater
16 июля, 2012 at 17:11
Forget the play-off curse for a second (which has struck more times than countable), to concede 4 goals in the last 13 minutes of a game let alone the last game of the season that decides whether you stay in the league or not, is just ridicolous!! When I saw the 3-4 scorline I thought «Unlucky, second or third place isn’t too bad» but when I saw the times you conceded the goals at, WOW! 3-0 is no longer a safe scoreline! :)
But honestly these stories are becoming more entertaining every time and it’s one of those stories that you don’t know whether you’re gonna break down in tears or begin laughing, on this occasion both! By the way great managment in bringing in Evseenko’s replacement, and I’m 100% sure next season will be the time! Enjoy your holiday, don’t be too surprised when you land back in England to see it’s still raining… :D
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:30
Thanks!! :)
Agreed! Imagine watching that game when we in absolute control and looking to press to score even more goals it was just so infuriating at the final whistle!
I am really pleased you are enjoying my story, little comments like that do give me a huge boost of confidence to carry on playing and writing so thanks. :)
Tischenko defiantly looked a very good player, mostly down to his amazing speed which allows him to break through time and time again, a very different player to the departed Esveenko.
Holiday was great thanks! When we got of the plane we were met with huge downpour I guess somethings never change! ;)
Darren Smith
16 июля, 2012 at 20:03
So, so unfortunate Ana! This game really has it in for you…I honestly think that SI sell you a duff copy of the game just to piss you off and you still manage to beat it eventually :) I think we all get down with the game at times, and to be honest with your luck I can’t believe it doesn’t happen more often. But I think you’ll come back from your holiday full of optimism and the usual addiction to beat those play-offs :) Hope you have a nice time in Spain and get the rest you need.
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:35
Thanks Darren. :)
Perhaps they have a vendetta against me!
I think it was just a one off moment, a lot of things were going on in our lives so I think it was just a mixture of that and my playoff defeat was that one thing that sparked the argument that had been hanging around for a while, but all problems are sorted now! :)
Holiday was fantastic thanks! Just what was needed now have to get back into my old routine!
Darren Smith
29 июля, 2012 at 09:18
Well I’m glad the holiday did you well, I often find that going away is the only solution to keeping me away from FM when I need a break :)
Ana Garcia
30 июля, 2012 at 19:06
Its a good excuse we have to go on holidays! :)
silva
16 июля, 2012 at 20:28
Unlucky you are truly unlucky you will get over your curse good luck next season
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:35
Thanks Silva. :)
Malhar Bhadbhade
18 июля, 2012 at 14:03
hey Ana,
that was just plain rubbish luck. you were really very close this time and i can’t help but think you will win it by a comfortable margin next season. As always, I admire your resilience and your determination, I definitely would have quite if the game had treated me so harshly :D :D But as you said, learning to lose in FM12 is more important than learning to win :D I’m absolutely loving this story, and I can’t wait for the next episode! have an awesome holiday in Spain!
p.s. — What does your boyfriend think about Oscar moving to Chelsea? And the link with Cavani and Maicon? :D
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:39
Hi Malhar and thanks! :)
Two words than sum me up pretty well in resilience and determination so thanks! Also thanks so much for your kind words am really glad you are enjoying my story.
I think he is very happy with what is happening at Chelsea so far, and is really looking forward to the start of the season!
Johnny Karp
18 июля, 2012 at 20:29
Oh noooo, not the playoffs again… Damn, you are one unlucky manager! But you will get that promotion, don’t worry. And have a great holiday ;)
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:41
Thanks Johnny! :)
Playoffs again. :(
Had a great holiday thanks, was nice to see some of my family and it makes we really want to move abroad I hope one day in the future that it will happen! :)
CsAtlantis
20 июля, 2012 at 00:56
I am sorry to hear about the playoff final defeat Ana, maybe next time I will play it for you ;), anyway shame you lost Evseenko, the money was great but promotion would have been great too
Next season I know you will be promoted, no one can be that unlucky surely…….
You sold Gearsimovich aka Mr Set Pieces? He will be sorely missed :P
Have a great holiday Ana
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:44
Thanks! :)
Hmmm, I may just take you up on that offer! ;)
Agreed, will be interesting too see how much revenue we would have made from promotion and if it was worth selling Evseenko over trying to gain promotion.
I had to release him! He wanted far too much money for his ability and I just have a better standard of player now but he played his part! :)
Ryan Daly
23 июля, 2012 at 23:22
I truly cant believe this :( ….. i mean seriously how can someone be this unlucky. I thought for sure that you would see out the league and when i seen that final day result, i must say i was gutted.
Lets not get too down though and look forward to next season, and maybe, finally that will be the season :)
Have a good holiday :)
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:46
Thanks Ryan. :)
I felt we should have won promotion having re-read my own post I still cant believe we threw it away!
I guess it past of the game and I will be back again next time with a even better squad and looking to rightthe wrongs of this season! :)
Gaurav Chaddah
25 июля, 2012 at 23:30
And I thought I was unlcuky! Honestly, everytime! I think SI have something against you which you are going to have to sort out for next year! ;) Apart from that a really good season, hope you have a good holiday!
Ana Garcia
28 июля, 2012 at 22:47
Thanks Gaurav!!
Maybe I should send them an email to ban playoffs for next year’s game! ;)
Had a great holiday thanks, just what I needed!
Rod
29 июля, 2012 at 08:25
Ana! Hi, how did holidays treat you? It’s interesting, i had a two weeks break too, i went to Spain and Italy, and now i feel pumped, con muchas ganas de sacarle humo al FM.
Having such a bad luck hurts, i know it by first hand, you are not the only one, your curse is the playoffs, but i have mine too, que me hagan goles en el minuto 90. I’m desperate to fix that, and i always try to find players with high concentration and that, but i just cannot correct it, i always think that FM has something against me, i get frustrated, impotent, and of course, i close the game, and try again the next day, with same results.
But it’s just a condiment to make FM a more realistic game, and we have to live with that, and enjoy it too :), your season was very good anyways, and i am absolutely sure that next season your will be celebrating the promotiong.
Saludos Ana, un gusto leerte como siempre, a pesar de que a veces la historia no siga el camino del éxito sin trabas (lo que la hace más real y más entretenida), un abrazo!
Ana Garcia
30 июля, 2012 at 19:33
Gracias Rod. :)
Holiday was fantastic thanks! I guess good minds think a like. ;)
Agreed! We all have set backs than can cause huge frustrations sometimes I want to destruir mi PC! but I can accept that this game is difficult and we cant always have it our own way.
Muchas gracias por sus amables palabras, estoy tan feliz que está disfrutando de ella. Siempre intento jugar justo y honesto, que siempre pienso que hace las mejores historias estoy mirando emocionado para tu próximo post también! :)
Next post should hopefully be up very soon, have played a hour or so and am a quarter through my new season!