Hi there!
Welcome to the January update for Hull City AFC. Last time I left you we had finally opened a gap between ourselves and Burnley (the division super-team) and I was quite content to be sitting at the top of the standings come the Winter transfer market. Now, as we all know these markets can make or break a club’s season, we can play it wise and strengthen where needed like teams such as Chelsea or Manchester United do, or we can blow it like Arsenal and Cardiff do (every single year).
So without further ado let’s see who moved on from Hull:
Transfers Out
Some surprising and some not so surprising. Belaid’s transfer was agreed in November after me and him had a falling out, in true Dan style I immediately shoved him in the reserves and offered him to clubs, luckily for me I managed to get £500k for this petulant turd. The next 2 players, Stewart and Fagan were not on my list of players to sell but Reading came knocking with a £600k bid and although Fagan was playing okay he was earning £10k a week and in the last year of a contract I wasn’t going to renew. Stewart was young, full of promise, and lightning quick, the problem was he was a right winger and I don’t play wingers in any of my formations so when Villa offered £300k I gladly accepted. Cooper was farmed out to Kilmarnock since Davenport had pushed him down the pecking order, and Cullen returned from smashing in the goals for Colchester, to then be loaned to MK Dons, to their delight. Cullen is now dubbed the new Michael Owen!
Now onto the bid you guys find most interesting, the players coming into East Yorkshire, so here they are:
Transfers In
Before you say anything, I know, this is severely disappointing. I only managed to bring in 2 players due to reasons such as failed work permits, bigger clubs snatching players from me, players demanding too much money, or players having their heads too far up their backside to even consider Hull. Anyway, let’s take a look at who I brought in…
Mehdi Abeid — £1.5million — Attacking Midfielder (Centre)/Striker
Okay more one for the future than the present but he has 4 star potential and will most likely have a higher resale value so I couldn’t turn him down. Although his work rate, team work, and finishing are a little shy he’ll compete with Fryatt for the trequartista position, mostly from the bench though. His physical stats have great potential if managed right.
Kevin McDonald — £1.9million — Midfielder (Centre)
I needed a ball winning midfielder and I think I found one that can also play an advanced role if need be. We’ll work on his marking but McDonald is quality now, if he can turn a couple of those 14s into 15s then he’ll be amazing. Will compete with Evans and Horava for a central midfield spot (Cairney is untouchable at the minute).
You may recall that I was also after a right back, well his work permit got turned down and I also nearly signed Taufic Guarch only for his work permit to be turned down too, apparently he would have got one on appeal but we ran out of time and the window slammed shut on us.
Now onto results which include our first game of February, I put it there by accident…
January Results
January Scorers
We started the month well, picking up where we left off in December by thumping Leicester, Horava and Simpson netting the goals there. After that it was back to our place for 2 weeks where we registered a disappointing draw against Millwall before beating Leicester in the FA Cup, this time Fryatt the only scorer. With that win it meant I’d completed my season goal in that competition so I wanted out so that I could focus on the league. After cup success we visited Portman Road where Ipswich held their own (somehow) against our relentless assault on their goal line before we moved on to Swansea who were much less equipped at defending. After Swansea we had a big match at Ewood Park in the FA Cup, a chance to test ourselves against what will hopefully be next seasons opposition, it didn’t go too well…
This time it was our turn to do some hopeless defending. Blackburn aren’t exactly a gifted attacking side and yet we found ourselves at odds with Morten Gamst Pedersen. We went 4-0 down before trying to rescue some pride and grabbing 2 goals back thanks to Fryatt and McShane but it wasn’t enough, out of the cup we go.
After that embarrassment I was hoping to restore some confidence against Bristol City but it wasn’t to be and we ended up drawing because of a last minute Bristol City goal. I seems that the inconsistencies of October are back and maybe the tactic needs tweaking again, I don’t know but I’ll figure it out.
Mark Cullen has shot to the top of the rankings after playing just 2 games for MK Dons. Next comes Simpson, no surprise there and Devitt is continuing his good form since renewing his loan at Crewe. Fryatt and McShane follow suit with Cairney, McLean, Dawson, and Chester all doing well. Horava has also finally broken the 7 barrier thanks to recent impressive performances in front of goal. Most disappointing have been Harper and Koren, both will be shown the door at the end of the season.
Player of the Post
This guy has scored some key goals this month as well as his work rate and assists. It was between Fryatt and Simpson and since the latter has already won one of these honourable awards ;) I thought it would be nice to share the joy a little. So, Matty Fryatt, take a bow because you’re player of the post!
So here’s how the league stands come February. Our gap has shrunk to 3 points but we have a better goal difference than Burnley just about. The other worrying thing is the pace at which Doncaster are gaining on us! They’re only 5 points away from Burnley even though they don’t seem to score many. Leicester have now joined QPR outside the play-off places and Sheff Utd have moved up into them along with Cardiff and Nottingham Forest. At the other end Leeds are showing improvements and could soon be out of trouble while Derby and Barnsley are being dragged right into it. The other surprise package is Scunthorpe (who gave us Geordies a right scare last night) who are 16th and have a nice gap between them and the bottom.
Well that’s all for now! I was going to put in a finances screenshot, but you know how it goes, the bank balance decreases a little each month with a number highlighted in red above it. I can say one thing about or finance graph though, it would make one hell of a slide! :D
One more thing before I go, I’m not sure if people recognised it but I’m using the FMCrowd skin. It got me thinking why don’t we have an FMStories skin? I mean I couldn’t make one because I’m useless at that kind of stuff :) but I think it would be a nice touch to the website, I was just wondering what other people thought of the idea, especially Darren and Johnny. If you don’t like the idea then just tell me to shut up :) but I just thought I’d throw the idea out there.
Thanks for reading!
Darren Smith
26 августа, 2011 at 21:16
Well done Dan, you enjoyed some good form and despite those pesky work permit made good use of the January transfer window. I especially like McDonald who looks brilliant for the Championship. The title should be yours bar a bad run and I wish you luck.
As for the FM Stories skin, well myself and Johnny want one for sure, but its a case of finding someone willing to make one of a high quality. If you know someone we are more than happy to listen. :)
Dan
26 августа, 2011 at 21:46
Hey Darren I ended up getting really frustrated at times with the transfer market but I like the players I brought in, McDonald adds quality and Abeid adds depth.
About the skin, I don’t know anyone personally but maybe if you asked Vitaly on FMCrowd then he might know who made the FMCrowd skin, they did a pretty good job and might make one for youand Johnny. :)
Laxeyman
26 августа, 2011 at 21:19
Good form again Dan, well done :) And good, young signings too, they are already good players with great potential. You’re certainly looking good for promotion now, and hopefully you can maintain the good form. Good luck!
Dan
26 августа, 2011 at 21:48
Hey Laxeyman,
I decided to go for youth in the transfer market since I think they add more energy to the squad. Next season though I’ll need a couple of seasoned veterans, I’m considering Alan Smith if he’ll slash his £50k a week wages down to around £20k, I think he’d make a good captain.
George Dobson
26 августа, 2011 at 21:27
I like the idea of a fm stories skin it would be good your form was good but you beaten by a class team in blackburn :D in the cup I say that because I support Blackburn championship form was good I hope you win the league !!!
Dan
26 августа, 2011 at 21:52
Hey George,
Glad you like the idea of a skin, I’d never heard anyone mention an FMS skin so I just thought I’d throw it out there in case someone knew a ‘skin maker’ (not sure if that’s the term). I hope I win the league too and you’re right I did get beaten by a class team, higher class than we were anyway! I’ll not go so easy on Blackburn next season though ;)
vaibhavc
26 августа, 2011 at 21:54
Hey Dan
I like the idea of a FMStories skin, but who would make it? I guess you could ask Vitaliy from True FM. Anyways, you are doing pretty good, even though the gap has gone down.
Dan
26 августа, 2011 at 22:16
Hey vaibhavc,
Seems a lot of people like the idea of a skin, I think it would just be a nice thing for people to be able to download off the website :) I think we’re still doing well but nothing is certain, the way Hull and Burnley’s form goes up and down Doncaster could end up winning the league for all I know!
Johnny Karp
26 августа, 2011 at 23:18
Looking good there mate, decent form and a very good signing in McDonald. Darren has already given you the answer about the skin but now I’m starting to think about making one myself, I don’t know how but I’m hope I can learn :)
Johnny Karp
26 августа, 2011 at 23:36
Here’s a first attempt (just the start screen): https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/wp-content/uploads/pics/2011/08/skin.png
Dan
27 августа, 2011 at 13:19
Hey Johnny,
For a first attempt at a skin I’ve got to say it looks pretty nice :) even if it is just the start screen. You should do a poll or something to see what people want from a skin and then you can make one around peoples opinions.
It would be great if you could make it yourself but if it’s too much work I’m sure there are plenty of people who already do that kind of thing and they might be willing to help you too, you should ask around on forums and stuff. :)
Johnny Karp
27 августа, 2011 at 13:32
You are right, I think it’s better to ask for help because I’ve had a closer look today and a totally original skin would be extremely complicated to make. However, I might just tweak the original skin and add some FMS flavour to it :)
Dan
27 августа, 2011 at 14:32
Sounds good, just slap some FMS logos around the place and change some colours on the white skin to blue and black and you’ll have a basic FMS skin I suppose :)
Johnny Karp
27 августа, 2011 at 16:25
Sounds easy :)
CsAtlantis
27 августа, 2011 at 06:45
For a right back you can take a look at Nathaniel Clyne, he’s not really expensive and is a good right back with potential, odd that Robert Koren isn’t performing, he looks like a Premier League level player, good job staying on top of the rest, you should be able to get promoted this season Dan, keep it up!
Dan
27 августа, 2011 at 13:20
Hey Atlantis,
Koren is the biggest frustration for me! I just know that if I sell him he’ll become a world beater or something like that so I’m going to make sure I get a nice hefty fee for him. I never even thought of Clyne, I’ll have to check him out. :)
Nicholas Phipps
27 августа, 2011 at 08:44
Another good month and your team really are motoring. Abeid is a great young prospect and signing and your team definitely look like they will win promotion if not the league! :) Good luck for the ret of the month :)
Dan
27 августа, 2011 at 13:21
Thanks Nicholas,
I need to persuade the board to upgrade the training facilities so that Abeid can fulfil his potential and hopefully help us to the Championship title!
vikingmarius
27 августа, 2011 at 13:02
Looking very good mate and your still doing very well after a bit of a anti-climatic transfer period, but you are still doing fantastically
Dan
27 августа, 2011 at 13:23
Hey Marius,
You don’t have to tell me that the transfer market was anti-climatic, I was so angry at times, it was like teams just waited for us to enter contract negotiations then offered the player a better deal and stole him from under our noses! We’re still going strong though and hopefully we’ll see out the season :)
Kevin
28 августа, 2011 at 00:42
Hi Dan
Like the idea about a skin but maybe someone can perfect one for the FM2012 launch?
Anyway, holding onto top spot so well done. I sympathize with you in trying to bring in players as I’m having the same problem. Good luck as you close out the season and i’m sure you will be Champions!
Dan
7 сентября, 2011 at 12:00
Hey Kevin,
I’m apologizing to everyone for not being around so sorry for the late reply. Maybe we should wait until FM12 since I guess that makes more sense than having an FM11 skin for a couple of months.
I sympathize with you too! The Championship is not the best league for attracting top talent and I fear our reputation could get in the way of survival next season.
cak
28 августа, 2011 at 19:18
hey dan
the skin was an awesome idea!! you’ve got some good players so hopefully you can continue to challenge for the title, kevin mcdonald looks an awesome player. good luck with the rest of the season
Dan
7 сентября, 2011 at 12:01
Thanks cak,
I think Kevin is right though, we should aim for a FM12 skin since it wouldn’t be worth someone’s effort making an FM11 skin now. As for the league I want more than a title challenge, I want the trophy! The best thing about signing Kevin McDonald is that it’s weakened Burnley’s squad and strengthened mine :)
Sears
28 августа, 2011 at 23:03
Good work mate, KIU!
Dan
7 сентября, 2011 at 12:02
Thanks Sears,
Again, sorry for the late reply :)
celticman
29 августа, 2011 at 22:08
Well done again. Kevin McDonald is a fantastic signing and Scottish too which automatically makes him even better ;)
I’m pleased my other countryman Tom Cairney is doing well for you. I’d look at him for my Celtic game but he’s currently on loan at Rangers which makes him untouchable for me.
Dan
7 сентября, 2011 at 12:05
Hey celticman,
McDonald is quality and I’m sure he’s inadvertently helped us by weakening Burnley’s title push! Tom Cairney has really turned a corner since I threatened to drop him for being crap in October so hopefully he keeps it up and nobody capitalises on his £7million release clause (he wouldn’t sign a contract extension unless it was there :( )
footballfan2991
4 сентября, 2011 at 18:55
Have you stopped writing?
It was an interesting story up so far.
Dan
7 сентября, 2011 at 11:58
I haven’t stopped writing I’ve just had some unexpected computer problems, so no worries I’ll get my next post out ASAP ;)