(Disclaimer: This is largely written «in-character» and may or may not reflect my personal views on some matters and football clubs.)
So I realize I probably have some explaining to do, given the relatively short-lived nature of my tenure at Afan Lido. In case you missed the fiery finale, it had nothing to do with the difficulty of the challenge or me «giving up» at such an early juncture. No, this story has turned personal. After being burned by a digital entity whom I can barely interact with, my pride was irreparably wounded. No, I needed revenge justice, but I couldn’t be too overt about it. Destroying the team from within would be too simple; I needed time.
Shortly after my resignation, a desperate English team came calling. They were deep in the relegation zone, were burdened with grotesque salaries for mediocre players, and needed a miracle if they hoped to stay in the Blue Square North for another year. They were looking to me to be that miracle.
This mission would be too great for the likes of mere Jeff Goldblum. No, no man who finds the comfort of a woman on the beach during Easter could possibly hope to achieve that kind of victory. Destiny dictates a character of stronger moral fiber, a character who will not, CAN not be intimidated by any foe. FC United of Manchester needed…
The Bear
With his leadership questioned by none, The Bear set forth on his mission. Unfortunately, things were not going well. The first several results did not go well, and the emergency signings were not living up to their potential. With 12 games to play, FC United found itself in dire straights:
Not good. Justice cannot be achieved if you fail at the first hurdle. With morale at rock bottom, and team’s outlook grim, I sat the squad down for a «come to Jesus» meeting. Quite simply, I told them to man up and play, or I’d personally see to it that every single one of them would be without a football team come next season. Being smart lads, they didn’t question The Bear, and rallied around their fiery (and curiously hungry) boss.
Twelve games later?
By the skin on the delicious berries on my desk, we survived. The final position of 18th is deceptive, and it was only though a mix of luck and determination that we managed to crawl, scratch, and devour climb our way out of the relegation zone. By dropping our final two games and still surviving, we proved that fate is behind us.
Our fixtures, with the red line marking my arrival:
I almost certainly couldn’t have duplicated that nine game unbeaten streak even if I’d tried, but despite dropping 3 of our last 4, we managed to do just enough to survive. How we could go from scoring 5 goals in one game, to zero in the next, I have no idea, but one quickly learns not to question destiny. And if our survival wasn’t enough, we’ve also managed to achieve a glorious bit of history:
Oh yes, that’s right, a new record. With such an illustrious achievement to fill our sails, there is no telling how far we’ll go next year. And if that wasn’t enough, our board has decided the time was ripe for another bit of FC United history:
I’ve never been filled with such joy and such rage at one moment in time. Our previous stadium arrangement was a 50k per year sharing agreement with Bury F.C. at Gigg Lane. In order to be a proper football club, we naturally had to build our own stadium, and it’s a move I whole-heartily support. The name however, is about the least creative, and least Bearish thing it could possibly be! There is no way I can stand idly by while such a travesty is committed.
No, I must venture into the seedy underbelly of the Football Manager world, and procure myself a save-game editor. If we are to achieve our full destiny, we must have a home ground with proper name. As such, I will be taking suggestions on a suitably epic name for our new stadium. The current leader is «The Bear’s Den».
Now for a little segment I’ve decided to dub «Bear Talk«. In today’s edition, we’re going to discuss our plans for the future:
As I mentioned earlier, with my assumption of the manager’s role at FC United of Manchester, this story has taken an unexpected, yet eventful turn. While I still plan on seeking justice against Afan Lido, our destiny is greater than that now. You see, FC United was founded on a dream. A dream that fans can own their club, and have full say over it’s running without fear of a hostile take over by a crotchety old American (Unrelated — that’s the biggest fault with my fellow countryman, we can’t laugh at ourselves).
The «proper» Manchester United fans scoffed at these mavericks — called them traitors, attention-seekers, and fools. They banished them from the hallowed halls of Old Trafford, and bid them never to return. They had turned their backs on the true fans of Manchester United football. The ones not content to sit idly by as their beloved club accumulated hundreds of millions of pounds of debt at the hand of a foreigner. These revolutionaries took matters into their own hands and founded the noble and humble club of FC United of Manchester.
Now, the time for their vengeance has come. The ones who turned their backs on us must be shown their folly. Manchester United must fall. Call us traitors, call us fools, hell, call us whatever name pleases you. Just know this: We’re the Red Rebels, and we’re on the move.
Bhargav
10 ноября, 2011 at 03:39
Quite an impassioned speech in the end. I am really glad you’ve decided to take this team to the top. I’ve always had a soft spot for them being a Man Utd fan. One question though, I thought FC United were on division below the Blue Square North?
nielsneutron
10 ноября, 2011 at 06:53
You have to bear in mind that he started in Afan Lido and has been for two seasons. FC United must have gained a promotion.
Bhargav
10 ноября, 2011 at 09:23
Ah, that is a good point that I failed to realize.
ri916
10 ноября, 2011 at 07:00
they got promoted in his game
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 14:58
Looks like you guys fairly well covered this one. :)
nielsneutron
10 ноября, 2011 at 07:24
As long the name of stadium, The Bear Cave.
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 15:27
I could handle «The Bear Cave».
Joelance
10 ноября, 2011 at 09:44
Can’t help but laugh at your ending speech. If you wish to destroy Man Utd, i’ll do all i can to help. Rescuing your team fron relegation was great. All the best!
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 15:30
Thanks Joe, hopefully we won’t let you down. ;)
Ian T Evans
10 ноября, 2011 at 11:26
Stadium should be called the Bear Pit
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 15:33
That almost sounds like a bear trap. :(
Vinners
10 ноября, 2011 at 14:00
Haha such a good speech at the end! I think you should get FC United to be the dominate footballing force in Manchester! And definately The Bear’s Den
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 15:31
It’s a tall order, but I’ll do my best!
Johnny Karp
10 ноября, 2011 at 14:02
I’d go with «The Bear Cave» as Niels suggested. I think that you have the foundations for an awesome story here, taking Manchester United down is a goal that might start some controversy but I guess Liverpool and Man City fans will love you :) Good luck!
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 15:34
Haha, yeeahhh, I might earn a few enemies from the Red Devil faithful, but it’s a risk I have to take.
paine
10 ноября, 2011 at 14:30
The Bear Cavern would be my choice.
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 16:06
Not a bad one at all.
TheZiggy
10 ноября, 2011 at 14:44
Nice way to save a club from almost certain relegation. The bear did his job well.
As for a stadium name, it’s a tough one. I did like the ring of «The Bear Pit» mentioned above, but it does make me think of a mosh pit too. It’s either that or The Bear Cave, for me.
As for the Manchester United thing, well best not get me started on that. ;) While I admire the achievements that Sir Alex has brought them, and much deserved too, there is one thing that makes me hate them. There is an air of arrogance that permeates from their direction, which translates to some of the fans seeming to think they have a divine right to be the best. I proper fan of the club is good to talk to, because they understand why so many dislike them, for both the success and the arrogance. The real fans remember that they were struggling badly at one time, and remain humble. Remember the banner they used to have at Old Trafford about how long it had been since City had won anything, and that explains so much of what I dislike.
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 16:17
Whilst I can’t claim to have ever met a true Manchester United fan in person, your description certainly describes what I’ve witnessed on TV and elsewhere. I agree with you on the names. :)
vaibhavc
10 ноября, 2011 at 18:09
I can’t compete with the Bear’s pit. I find that too good of a name. Very well done on avoiding relegation, that was a pretty good job.
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 23:35
The more I think about it ,the more «The Bear Pit» is growing on me…will have to think on it.
Laxeyman
10 ноября, 2011 at 21:04
As a Liverpool fan, I loved the bit about destroying Man Utd (scum). You did amazingly to turn it round Stromson, and hopefully you can build on that next season :) Good luck!
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 23:43
Haha, I won’t reveal my personal opinion on them, but it’ll be fun trying to dethrone them. :)
Ana Garcia
10 ноября, 2011 at 21:23
Great post!!
Just to confirm that this team was formed by Manchester Utd fans after their club was taken over by a foreign owner? Am not a massive fan of English football so just trying to understand.
Cant believe you got a new stadium!! I can only dream of getting one in South Africa will the debt not hurt you though? Or do you get money from Manchester Utd like a feeder club would get?
Anyways congratulations on a fantastic end of season run looked quite worrying after all those defeats but you managed to get them winning so well done you!
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 23:51
Thanks Ana!
You more or less have it accurately. Back in 2005 (I think it was), the Glazer family (American business folk) completed a hostile takeover of Manchester United, mostly by securing loans against the club. This took Man U from no debt to over £800 million practically overnight. A sizable portion of highly disgruntled fans broke away to make FC United in response.
The club isn’t actually affiliated with Man U in any way, and the club’s finances are pretty healthy. The stadium was financed by a grant, a partial loan, and some community contribution.
Luke M
10 ноября, 2011 at 23:12
LOLZ were you high Stromson?
Stromson
10 ноября, 2011 at 23:52
Of course not, was just having fun.
Lye
11 ноября, 2011 at 00:36
Great job in rescuing the club out of relegation. It will take years to topple Man Utd but i will be very happy when managed that.
Stromson
14 ноября, 2011 at 03:07
Man U or bust!
Kevin
11 ноября, 2011 at 00:43
Hey Stromson
With that kind of talk you should run for GOP leader and probably do much better than Mitt Romney…LOL
Back to FM and as a 40 year Man United Fan I’m looking forward to seeing where this story will go..hopefully to League Two and quickly :) Come on my southern brother!!!
Oh, thanks for chosing a Canadian bear :)
Stromson
14 ноября, 2011 at 03:06
*shudder* I try to avoid contact with the GOP (and the Democrats) as much as possible. Will do my best to get them up there quickly. :)
Martin Pickard
11 ноября, 2011 at 10:48
Nice post Stromson. I’m a massive Manchester United fan and will be looking forward to seeing how you do with these…Hopefully you can get them into the premiership with Manchester United soon. I’ve tried managing FC United of Manchester before (om FM10 i think) and I was pretty poor at managing them lol. Nice to see you were able to keep them in the league and i’m sure you’ll be able to kick on, a new stadium will also be nice for you’s….what’s it capacity going to be? Looking forward to your next post.
Stromson
14 ноября, 2011 at 03:05
Glad you don’t hate me too much for trying to dethrone your club. ;-) New stadium will have a capacity of 4600ish, which is a fair step down from Gigg Lane, but at least we’ll own it.
bigbaz
11 ноября, 2011 at 13:49
Bear Dome
Bear Arena
Bear Ground
Big Bear Metrodome
Stromson
14 ноября, 2011 at 03:07
Bear Ground…I can work with that…
CsAtlantis
13 ноября, 2011 at 13:23
Theatre of Bears? Never mind, I think there are plenty of good ideas already
That was a very interesting and witty post, especially liked the part where you devoured/mauled your way out of the relegation zone
How much money do you have? Most BSN clubs do not have anywhere near the amount of money it takes to build a 4.5 million pound stadium
Good luck next season, I think you will do well since you can get some new signings in! Promotion from BSN shouldn’t be too hard anyway :D
Stromson
14 ноября, 2011 at 03:04
We have about 200k in the bank, but we’re 3.something million in debt, so our finances are «insecure». I have no idea where the board got the money, but we’re the best supported club in the BSN by a fair margin, and the real life FC United are looking to build a stadium in Molston.
LLPaulJ
16 ноября, 2011 at 13:23
Forget the ursine obsession: the stadium should be called NEW TRAFFORD. That should upset the big boys.