Here we go folks, a bit later than I would have wanted but the new update to the Dorchester Town FM 2010 story is finally here! As you know our impressive form continued in January 2015 and we were proudly sitting 6th in the Premier League table at the end of the month with high hopes of hanging on to that place. However, there were bad news as well: my best player, defender Petre Micu signed a contract with Hoffenheim a few hours before the transfer deadline so we had to get by without him.
The first match in February was away at 10th placed Sunderland, a solid team that beat us 1-0 in September. There’s not much to say about the game, it was our worst performance of the season up to that point and I really couldn’t understand why the team played so badly. The two goals were conceded following errors from Vasile Popa, the man who I chose to replace Micu, but apart from that I was unable to figure out why our passing game was not going anywhere near what it was in the previous months. We even had a one man advantage for more than half an hour in the second half but my players were unrecognizable, Sunderland were in control of the matters throughout the game. And as if things were not too bad already winger Laszlo Tamasi got injured and was going to be out for three weeks.
Next up, the FA Cup fifth round game against Birmingham, one of our rivals for the European spot in the league. The first half was almost an exact replica of the Sunderland game, we were uninspired upfront and way too shaky in defense. Brimingham were deservedly leading 1-0 at the break but my lads started to play a bit better after the interval. We missed a pair of chances though and Birmingham sealed the game with one of the many good counter attacks they had in the second half. There were quite a few errors in our defense again and also lots of passes straight to the opponents in midfield, I was beginning to worry…
The next game was away at Aston Villa, a team that was having a disappointing season as they were lying in the relegation zone. Their form was showing good signs of improvement though and they were on a three straight wins run before the game. I was a bit worried by their pace upfront with Delfouneso in the middle and Milner and Young on the flanks so I chose to start with the strategy set to «counter» in order not to leave too much space behind the defense for them to exploit. That choice seemed to be the right one, our defending was much better although we didn’t enjoy too much ball possession. And we had some luck this time, centre back Arturo Bahamondes gave us the lead with a powerful corner kick header and we were much more optimistic at half time. Aston Villa came out of the dressing room with much more determination though and they missed two good chances early in the second half. We managed to hang in until the hour mark when a poorly taken corner kick turned into a counter attack for Aston Villa and they drew level. I was hoping to hold on to that point as we defended pretty well until four minutes from time when a corner kick cross found Warnock unmarked right in the middle of our penalty area and that was that, we lost our third game in a row!
The last game of the month was at home with 10th placed Everton, a very difficult game considering our dismal run. I tried to encourage the players and told them that I believed they could win the match although I really wasn’t feeling too confident about it. The team was looking a bit better though, we enjoyed a good start to the match and took the lead on 20 minutes when Dacian Varga rounded off a good team move with a well placed finish. The score was level again only nine minutes later, a corner kick header and Everton were back on track. My boys were playing well though and it took us only two minutes to get back in the lead, an excellent team move brought the ball inside the box to Iulian Marin and the midfielder smashed home. Unfortunately he had to be stretchered off the pitch a few minutes later but I was happy to be in the lead at half time. We continued to show a fairly solid display after the break but there were no more clear chances for us. Everton were not having chances either but my defenders decided to gift a goal again 12 minutes from time… The team tried to react but our best chance was denied by a great save from Tim Howard so we ended the month without a win and with only one point out of three league games.
Bad news were piling on: Omar Koroma‘s injury was quite serious and he’s going to be out for the rest of the season as it will take three to four months to recover. Sean Scannell was fit again but he was struggling to find the type of form that he showed early in the season before being ruled out by a similar injury. Anyway, luckily we were still sitting 6th because Birmingham were not in great shape either…
We had three games to play in March, at home with fifth placed Man City, then away at high-flying Tottenham and at relegation-threatened Burnley. Not the easiest schedule by any means but I was hoping to put an end to the poor run. Go to the next page to see how we did in March.
Go to the next page to read the rest of the story.
hils
5 октября, 2010 at 18:59
Probably the worst month you have had on fm 2010 ]:
On a positive note[: you are in contention for a europa league and you got a win! Good luck on FM 2010 and soon FM 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Johnny Karp
5 октября, 2010 at 19:42
Thanks Hils, these were the worst couple of months I’ve ever had in FM 10. I did have even worse in previous games though :)
Laxeyman
5 октября, 2010 at 19:35
A bad couple of months Johnny, that’s the worst run I’ve seen for one of your teams. At least you got that win at the end, and hopefully your side can pick up the form again and cling on to that Europa League place. Good luck!
Johnny Karp
5 октября, 2010 at 19:44
Thanks for the good wishes Laxeyman. I’m pleased with that win but in the end you have to think that we barely beat Burnley so it might be pretty difficult to get any points against Chelsea or others if we keep playing like that.
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2010 at 19:51
Hey Johnny, that was a tough few months. Dont worry though as Im sure you’ll find your feet again and finish in the top six. Will be looking forward to seeing if you finish in a Europa League spot. Goodluck mate
Johnny Karp
5 октября, 2010 at 22:10
Thanks for the confidence Darren, I’m not that optimistic but as long as there is still hope anything is possible.
Kevin
6 октября, 2010 at 10:32
Hello Johnny
The selling of Micu has seemed to have a devastating effect on the team. To echo other comments I don’t ever recall such a bad run by any of your teams in the year I’ve known you. At least though you have held on to 6th place and maybe that win against Burnley will change your fortunes though too bad you have to play Chelsea next. Good luck!
Johnny Karp
6 октября, 2010 at 11:42
Thanks Kevin. I really didn’t expect that sale to have such a big impact on the team but I guess there are other factors as well, the whole team seems to be a little low on confidence and fitness.
Jean Paul Borg
6 октября, 2010 at 12:58
Hello Johnny
I couldn’t believe what I was reading to be honest, even less impressive were the results, hope you don’t follow Hodgson’s steps! I can’t believe how much that Micu sale affected your team. Nonetheless I wish you luck and I hope to see some posts including Europa League next season, love your blog, keep it up!
Would love to see you manage Pro Patria, Pro Vercelli, Brindisi or Cantazaro if they’ll be available.
Johnny Karp
6 октября, 2010 at 14:20
Thanks for the good wishes Jean Paul. As I said, it might not have been just because of the sale but I guess having a weak defense does make a big difference on both ends of the pitch.
Lye
6 октября, 2010 at 13:12
Hi Johnny,
That’s the worst month you had mate. The players are clearly affected by the sale of Micu. But the good thing is you are still holding on to a Europa place. Next month will be crucial but i believe things will turn for the better for you. Good luck.
Johnny Karp
6 октября, 2010 at 14:21
Thanks Lye, I hope we will hold on to that 6th spot although it could prove to be quite difficult.
Ana Garcia
7 октября, 2010 at 11:38
I can only really echo whats been said, but am sure that you can steady the ship and push for a top 6 finish.
It will be tough but 5 of your last 7 games are at home so fingers crossed!!
:)
Johnny Karp
7 октября, 2010 at 12:31
Thanks Ana. I have already played those games, the update might be published later today if I will feel better (currently struggling with a cold).