Next up, a home game against 9th placed Bristol City. We had to grab the three points and it was Iulian Marin who put us on course with a great free kick shot around the half hour mark. We missed a few chances before Craig Carlisle headed in a Christian Stuani cross to kill off the game and keep us in the title race. Unfortunately Tottenham were not slipping up, they recorded a solid 3-0 home win over Sunderland. There was just one more game to play and Tottenham only needed a draw since they were two points clear and their goal difference was much better, +42 compared to our +37…
Our last game was away at bottom of the table Q.P.R., a team that was already relegated, while Tottenham were playing away at Bristol City, the team that we had just beaten during the previous weekend. We had to grab our three points and hope that Tottenham would slip up but the initial minutes of our game showed that we were not really up to it, QPR were playing better than us and deservedly took the lead on 28 minutes. That was a wake-up call for my lads and Christian Stuani canceled the hosts’ lead just five minutes later with a magical solo effort. The first half ended all square but we were told that Tottenham were leading 1-0 at Bristol City… Anyway, we had to do our part and Craig Carlisle put us ahead three minutes into the second half with a good powerful shot from the edge of the area. Unfortunately we couldn’t celebrate that goal, Tottenham had just scored one themselves and were leading 2-0 at Bristol City… We added another couple of goals to make sure of the three points but at the end it was a sad day as Tottenham held on to the two goal lead and won the title.
We finished second, we qualified for the Champions League but there still is a bitter taste to it, we were so close…
We had the chance to grab some silverware though, the FA Cup final was coming up and we had to forget the Premier League disappointment and beat Arsenal. The team was looking good, we were dominating the game and Arsenal were unable to create anything upfront. We failed to score during the first half though and it went even worse as Arsenal took the lead on the stroke of half time thanks to a rather dubious penalty kick. Here’s what happened: a free kick from out wide saw the ball being crossed towards the box, it was poorly taken and the ball seemed to be going out for a throw. Everything looked fine but the referee saw something and pointed to the spot… My team appeared to be down on confidence after the break, Arsenal were controlling the game without too much difficulty and doubled the lead thanks to a stunning strike from Nasri. It was all over, my lads were unable to react and Arsenal lifted the trophy we were dreaming of…
We had a good season overall, scored loads of goals but our defense let in a few too many and I guess that’s what made the difference between success and failure.
The story is over, I’m a bit sad that we were unable to pull off a memorable achievement during this last season. Here are my manager stats for those who are curious enough to analyze them :)
That’s how it ends folks, thanks a lot for following this story for seven seasons that saw us coming from Blue Square South to almost reaching the top of the Premier League. I would also like to thank the 497 people that have voted on the poll until now, that is a fabulous response and I’m extremely grateful for it. You can still vote until tomorrow and choose a career for me in Football Manager 2011!
Jack
4 ноября, 2010 at 18:56
Well done Johnny thats a great achievement to nearly win the title in your second season. You don’t need me to tell you this but those draws cost you dear. One question, if you were to carry on with this for one more season what areas of the squad do you think you would improve on? And as for the vote, it looks like you’re going to be doing the same story all over again.
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 07:19
I know Jack, too many draws… Thanks for your kind words, I hope you will find the FM 2011 story interesting enough ;)
Darren Smith
4 ноября, 2010 at 20:44
Well done Johnny, that is such an amazing achievement and a great end to your FM10 journey. Such a shame you fell short in the final and only just missed out on the title though. Cant wait for your new story on the new game mate, well done again!!!
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 07:19
Thanks Darren, I wish there was a better ending but there’s nothing I can do about it :)
ravenie
4 ноября, 2010 at 22:10
I think I could cry.
Genius.
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 06:59
Why should you cry Ravenie? It’s just a game :)
Kevin
4 ноября, 2010 at 23:18
Hello Johnny
Although you didn’t collect any silverware in the end you can still be proud of what you have achieved with a West Country team like Dorchester. This has been a superb story to follow and your 497 votes just goes to show what an amazing player and contributor you are to the FM Community. I’m sure I speak for everyone who visits here whether you win or lose your story telling is truely exciting and gripping stuff. Looking forward to more of the same with FM 2011 and thankyou for making this past 12 months so entertaining.
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 06:59
Thanks a lot Kevin, I’m happy that you enjoyed the story even though it wasn’t as glorious as the last ones.
paine
4 ноября, 2010 at 23:53
Hi Johnny, I just had a quick read of your last season recap and I have to say you did extremely well in only seven season.
I voted in your poll (choosing Scotland) and I’m going to come back in the FM community, thinking that FM 11 could have been the right occasion to do that.
I’m dowloading the game from Steam at the moment, only ten minutes left…..
See you soon.
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 06:58
Hi Paine, nice to see you back! I hope you’ll enjoy FM 2011 as I’m surely going to enjoy having you back in the FM Community.
java
5 ноября, 2010 at 01:04
hello johnny,
it was a fantastic journey for dorchester.
with only 7 season you brought them to the top of the nation.
i’m looking forward to your next story on fm2011
btw, can i download you dorchester game?
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 06:57
Thanks Java. I can put the game for download, no problem. I will post the link in a comment here soon.
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 16:57
Here you go, you can download the last saved game from here: http://www.mediafire.com/file/iowpuuzwam010vu/dorchester.zip
dami
5 ноября, 2010 at 03:56
Great career even though you missed out on the two final trophies…hopefully you’ll pick up where you left off in fm 2011…
Looking forward to the new story…
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 06:56
Thanks for your support Dami.
Lye
5 ноября, 2010 at 04:47
Hi Johnny,
You are so close to the title. It has been a great career for you and Dorchester. It’s your last season else i think you will win the title next season. See you in FM11 mate.
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 06:56
Thanks Lye, I hope to have better luck in the next story.
Mariano
5 ноября, 2010 at 07:20
Though the bitterness is understandable, you managed to get and amazing achievement.
I´ve been following your Notts co story and this one side by side with my Crewe Alexandra game and already in the year 2017 i could only get an Fa cup and a Champions semifinal lost, i use your tactic, compare the players u got with mine, and still can get consistency to win the premier, always European position.
So, though you were close to win, i really congratulate you and highly appreciate your blog because it helped me A LOT to increase my manager abilities.
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 08:03
Thanks Mariano, I’m very happy that you found the blog helpful. You did well with Crewe, an FA Cup and a Champions semi final is a very good achievement.
bigbaz
5 ноября, 2010 at 12:15
really loved this story! cant believe what you acheived. looking forward to your new adventure on fm 2011. good luck
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 16:57
Thanks for the good wishes Bigbaz.
hils
5 ноября, 2010 at 16:41
Well done Johnny,unlucky on not winning the title! One of the best stories i have seen!!!!! Good luck with fm 11!!!
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 16:57
Thanks for the kind words Hils.
Sears
5 ноября, 2010 at 19:46
Hi Johnny,
thanks for such a wonderful story. I know that you’ll have similar success on FM11, looks like your gonna be beginning your journey as the weakest team in England. Thanks again.
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 20:35
Thanks Sears, I think I will have an even tougher task in FM 2011.
Chris @ Chester
5 ноября, 2010 at 20:21
I don’t remember you finishing a season off of the top spot before. Too many draws I think. Remarkable career all the same, well done mate.
You know, people have actually been given real life coaching jobs based on their results on this game. Ever thought about applying for a coaching job Johnny?
Johnny Karp
5 ноября, 2010 at 20:36
Thanks Chris, we did finish 6th last season :) I know of people who have applied for a real job based on their in-game achievements but I never heard of anybody actually getting a job. There are a few people that told me to apply for a real coaching job but I guess they were just joking :)
Arjuna Kankipati
5 ноября, 2010 at 23:40
Hey Johnny,
You did really well to get Dorchester to such a high spot. A wonderful career. I’m really looking forward to following your FM 11 story
Arjuna
storiesfootballmanager.blogspot.com
Arjuna Kankipati
6 ноября, 2010 at 01:34
Sorry, i put my address wrong, it is managerstoriesfootball.blogspot.com
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 10:42
Thanks Arjuna, the new FM 2011 story will be starting… today!
Tom and Gary
20 января, 2012 at 13:35
Getting fed up of your cheating now johnny!!!
Johnny Karp
20 января, 2012 at 14:14
Yeah, I’m getting fed up of your stupidity as well but I guess I’ll have to live with that.
Darren Smith
21 января, 2012 at 08:40
Ban him Johnny, we’ll see what a smart ass he is when he doesn’t have access to all the guides, tactics and general tips.
Johnny Karp
21 января, 2012 at 09:42
I will at some point, don’t worry.