Cambridge United: Into 2012

Hello Everyone,

Greetings from Toronto where winter has finally disappeared, snow shovels and boots put away to be replaced by lawnmowers, shorts, the smell of cut grass and sunshine. Hurray!!!!

It’s been a while since my last post as I’m doing my story in 2 month blocks for now so it will take a little time for me to get through playing that much. Anyway lets see how Cambridge have performed with an exciting end to this update. No scrolling down now :)

We started the month off with another top of the table clash though this time against Southend away from home. I sent what was arguably my best eleven out on the field who then proceeded to get ripped apart in the second half by a far more motivated home side. Two goals in the space of 15 minutes ensured that Southend earned all three points and closed the gap to just two points between us and them.

Following that disappointing defeat it was back to The Abbey Stadium for our second round FA Cup replay with Northampton. A change of tactic, the first since taking over the club, a bit of soul searching and a totally different performance. N’goma put us ahead after 3 minutes picking up on a through ball by Williams which was followed by two additional goals before the interval from DC Shimmin and a fabulous free kick by the Portuguese youngster Kaby. Walcott hit a splendid low drive to add a fourth early in the second half and we continued to dish out the punishment with a further 3 goals in an unbelievable 7-0 thrashing.

It was back to the league and a trip to third place Barnet was on the cards. After the excitement on the 7-0 win in our last game this game was far more even and was entrenched in a midfield battle. It wasn’t until the 85^th minute that Will Keane gave us the lead and was enough to secure a very tight victory. We were quite fortunate in our 2-1 win over Port Vale as they were reduced to 10 men just before half time. After falling behind Karl Moore ran 70 yards with the ball before striking home the equalizer and Spaniard Joan Angel Roman scored what was to be the winning goal in the second half with a magnificent effort from just outside the box.

Next up was a thrilling encounter, at least for the fans as travelled the Stevenage for this League 2 game. Three goals from headers off set pieces by us and three goals all from thirty yards by the home side looked like this was heading for a draw before a great run by Walcott down the right flank produced a telling cross that Karl Moore came sliding into the box and met with his left foot for the winning goal in an exciting 4-3 victory.

Our Boxing Day fixture saw us stay away from home but we continued our winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 win over Mansfield. Two days later and it was another away game, this time at Prenton Park to face Tranmere Rovers. Dorian N’Goma broke the deadlock after 23 minutes by heading into his own net to give Tranmere the lead but 12 minutes later young Frenchman Tony Diagne (DC) headed in the equalizer from a corner. A superb through ball by Joan Angel Roman allowed MR David McDermott to fire in the go ahead goal and soon after the interval McDermott added his second in similar fashion. A strike from distance allowed Tranmere to close the gap on us but we maintained possession, closed down their attacks and came out victors as a nice Xmas present for our travelling fans.

The final game of the year was back home at The Abbey Stadium. We struggled with fatigue for much of the game after being on the road for our last three matches and could only come up with a draw against Burton Albion. Still, the result did not affect the standings and we remained top of the table as 2011 closes out.

December Results Summary

However I was rocked by the news that Ivorian striker Ismael Fofana who appeared to have picked up a minor knock against Burton in fact tore his hamstring and will be gone the rest of the season.

2012 started off with a chance to change the seasons expectations which I did from consolidate to top half finish. I didn’t select win title as it didn’t net me any further money so why stick my neck on the chopping block! My transfer budget has increased to £60,000 and salaries up £3,000 to £26K

A frustrating start to the New Year saw us draw our opening game 1-1 against Lincoln City. We conceded yet another goal from a set piece, despite training, and at the other end had so many chances but the ball just wouldn’t cross the line.

It was time for our FA Cup Third Round match and we’d been drawn away to….Lincoln City!!  This time though it was less annoying as we scored two goals within the space of ten minutes from wingers Walcott and McDermott. Scott Wootten then headed in a third before half time to give us a commanding lead. Lincoln did get on the score board with an unfortunate own goal by LB Berchiche but we had already done enough to progress to the next round.

Following that FA Cup win speculation began to mount in the press that I would be leaving at the end of the season. If the right club came along I may consider it. No sooner had this news hit the internet I was approached by Cardiff City. They weren’t the right club for me and I turned them down. My heart is still with Wrexham when it comes to Welsh clubs you see.

In between the two Lincoln games I had been negotiating contracts with several first team members but last season’s prolific goal scorer Dorian N’Goma will be leaving at the end of the season to Airdrie United of all teams. To be honest this league seemed to be a step above him so in some ways I’m not too upset, only that I didn’t get money for him.

The draw for the FA Cup fourth round was made and we find ouselves travelling to Anfield to meet the mighty Liverpool. This will be an imense challenge for us and will be a great day out for the supporters.

Following our FA Cup victory we then played two games away from home which we undeservedly won 2-1 at Exeter and 3-2 against Acrrington as both the home teams played far better than us. we then put in a terible performance at home to Aldershot and deserevd to lose that one but evn worse was to come with a heavy 3-1 loss to Shrewsbury.

Janaury League Table

I brought 5 new players in during the Janauary transfer window but Andy Weimann who you will see in this screen shot was an impulse loan and has already been sent back to Aston Villa.

Below our two players that my scout piecked out in France and both his suggestions were seconded by Assistant Manager Warren Neill. Michel Sanchez is quite versatile I can play in the middle of upfront and meanwhile Polishman Matuesz Szczpaniak will start on the right side of midfield and has already 16 youth caps, scoring nine goals.

It was time for the last game of the month and the highly anticipated game against Liverpool in the fourth round of The FA Cup. The game was being beamed live across the globe as the game kicked off at 12:30pm local time. Liverpool went immediately on the attack but former Liverpool keeper Martin Hansen was equal to the task pulling off a series of fine saves. I’d gone with a 4-5-1 formation and used Rigid/Counter approach which had been successful in crushing Northampton 7-0. Liverpool were definitely not Northampton and soon had shots hitting the woodwork and sheer bravery by CB Dominic Shimmin cleared two efforts off the line.

We had been somewhat attacking ourselves but nothing threating until just before half time when Szczpaniak and Frimpong linked up and found space for striker Will Keane whose shot had too much pace for the Liverpool keeper and it was 1-0. During the interval I told the team they had nothing to lose but maintain discipline and early in the second half and unassuming cross by LB Darren Lough found Szczpaniak completely unmarked in the box and he headed it home to double our lead. Liverpool could not find the intestinal fortitude to fight back and we started to control the game and were unlucky not to add a third and so we ended the game a comfortable 2-0 winner producing one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history.

So that complete this update and that Liverpool game has to go down as one of my most satisfying results in the whole series of Football Manager. At his point I’m just over the moon and I’m off outside to enjoy the sunshine and savour the victory!

Thanks for reading and have a great Sunday.