Hello folks and welcome to another episode of our Football Manager 2011 Community Story! As you remember we had a tremendous run in January 2011, we recorded four straight wins that consolidated our position at the top of the Championship table. And those wins were quite comfortable as well: 6-0, 8-0, 5-1 and 7-1! With those scores in mind I assumed that we would win our first game in February even with some lads from the reserves in the first team so I gave the chance to shine to some of you. The outcome? Read on to find out.
Our first game of the month was at home against 21st placed QPR, a perfect opportunity to test some players. Things didn’t start well though, we conceded after just five minutes but fortunately we made it all square on 23 minutes when a good cross from Skip led to a debut goal for Pilgrim. Our joy was short-lived though as QPR scored just three minutes later by taking advantage of a gaffe from Von Karma on a corner kick. Our first half performance was quite poor to be honest and Vaibhav, our brave goalie, did well to keep the score as it was. The second half was equally poor, QPR doubled the lead and we could only reply through an injury time goal scored by Darren Smith who headed home a good cross from Pilgrim. I guess this game proved that some of our players are not ready for first team football yet… (click here to watch the highlights)
The next game was away at 7th placed promotion contenders Cardiff so I decided to field the best possible eleven both in terms of fitness and abilities. Things didn’t seem to go well though as Cardiff took the lead on 10 minutes thanks to a great goal from 25 yards. Our reply was immediate, Pepper robbed a defender just one minute later and powered into the roof of the net and then Dami gave us the lead on 15 minutes with a great free kick goal. We enjoyed a great spell of dominance but could only score one more goal before the break, Pepper made it 3-1 with a delightful injury time lob. The second half was an onslaught, our lads gave Cardiff the runaround! Darren Smith made it 4-1 with a typical powerful finish after receiving an assist from Bushy, then Bushy himself managed to get his first goal for the club after displaying some nice dribbling skills and scored again nine minutes later from a Hazza assist. We were home and dry at the hour mark but Cardiff decided to switch to a 4-2-4 tactic in an attempt to cut back the deficit. Big mistake, that gave us even more space to exploit and we bagged another four goals: three from star striker Darren Smith and the first goal for the club for Hazza. We had 11 clear cut chances in that game, not bad at all! :) (click here to watch the highlights)
The next game was at home against 11th placed Millwall, I was keen on winning this one after the disappointing home result against QPR. We were quite unlucky this time though, the first half ended goalless with Smith hitting the post and squandering a couple of very good chances. We finally took the lead on 53 minutes when G played a perfect 40-yard ball for Pepper who fired in off the post. Then we missed another couple of good opportunities and we seemed totally out of luck on 61 minutes when Judast scored an own goal. We restored the lead four minutes later when Smith played a good through ball for Pepper‘s second goal of the game and we grabbed the three points. We had only six clear cut chances this time :) (click here to watch the highlights)
We were back on track but the next game was going to be a very tough test since we were meeting 3rd placed Nottingham Forest away from home. The game started well this time and we took the lead after just 8 minutes when Darren Smith displayed some good work on the left flank before passing to Dami who scored with a thunderous drive from 20 yards. Unf0rtunately Forest pegged us back after just five minutes, there was some very poor marking in our defense on that occasion… We bounced back in front in the 23rd minute when a corner kick cross from Dezmo found Dully at the near post and the centre back hammered it home. We were pretty much in control of the game and we made that count on the score board after the interval when a good long ball from Jagginman found Rodrigo who passed to Dami who applied the finish. Forest did manage a late goal but the three points were safely in our bag. (click here to watch the highlights)
Next up, another tricky away game at a promotion contender: 6th placed Leicester. The home side dominated the first half, we were outplayed for most of the opening 45 minutes but our defense was quite solid and we managed to hit them twice on counter attacks with Darren Smith finding the target on both occasions (it’s worth noting that Adam Johnson played an awesome pass on the second goal). The second half was a lot more quiet, we controlled the game and managed to walk away with the precious three points. (click here to watch the highlights)
The last game of the month was the most important too since we were meeting 2nd placed Ipswich who were 10 points behind us before that match. We had to win it and we made our ambitions clear right from the start as Pepper hit the post after just 30 seconds. He repeated that finish nine minutes later and that time it went slightly better as he found the bottom corner of the net to give us the lead. That goal unleashed the team and we made it 2-0 four minutes later when Dami played a brilliant through pass for Rodrigo who slotted home. Three minutes later Rodrigo scored again but this time it was Adam Johnson who served him well with a perfect ball 0ver the top. Ipswich started to play a bit better after that third goal and they even came close on a few occasions but there was no way past Vaibhav on that day, he was absolutely great! That said, we resumed the scoring after the break with Rodrigo completing his hat-trick by tucking in a good low cross from Pepper who then scored one himself after being on the receiving end of a cross from Jon Crosby. A fine move then led to Rodrigo‘s fourth goal of the game and McLean wrapped things up by scoring on the rebound after Dami‘s shot had been parried. A glorious result for the team and one that puts us firmly in the driving seat. (click here to watch the highlights)
The league table looks quite nice, we’re 11 points clear of Burnley and only an universal catastrophe could take the title away from us at this point.
In fact, we will meet Burnley at the end of next month and that game could really hand us the title if we manage to get the three points.
Don’t go away just yet, the reserves and under 18s games are coming up in the next page but you’ll also find some interesting news about our players there ;)
Go to the next page to read the rest of the story.
Srujun Gupta
29 июня, 2011 at 11:53
Nice update! Wins guaranteed for all the FMS teams. And its nice to see so many of us in our national teams, especially Vaibhavc who has been selected for the England national team!
As for my performance, one appearance in the first team against Q.P.R. which we lost. And another for the reserves coming on as a sub. Decent February for me, hope I’ll improve.
And how is my training for improved concentration going?
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 13:30
Thanks mate. Your concentration is 8, not sure if there’s any progress there.
vaibhavc
29 июня, 2011 at 16:50
Thanks mate!
Srujun Gupta
1 июля, 2011 at 12:26
I hope I’m on a regime to improve upon that as I had asked.
Johnny Karp
1 июля, 2011 at 12:58
I don’t think that there is a regime for that but I will check.
Rich Wiltshire
29 июня, 2011 at 12:07
Oooh wonder how my lad will get on for England U19’s.
Any chance of a Beasty update on how I’m getting on at my loan club?
Cheers as always
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 13:33
I assume that your lad is Beast, correct me if I’m wrong. Currently on loan at Chesterfield, 31 apps, 2 goals, 4 assists, 4 man of the match, average rating 7.34 in the league. 3 youth caps at the moment.
Rich Wiltshire
29 июня, 2011 at 14:07
Nice one! Yeah Beast is my guy. Looks like he’s doing alright down in League 2. Chesterfield won the league in real life any idea how the team is doing in this save?
It’ll be nice to see if Beast can push his way into the Patriots 1st team when he comes back (hopefully with some improved physical stats) from loan.
Cheers Johnny, you’re a diamond!
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 14:57
Chesterfield are currently 13th in League 2, 10 points away from the last playoff spot.
JeanPaul Borg
29 июня, 2011 at 13:31
Unfortunately… the coach doesn’t seem to be giving me too much chances and I might have to leave…
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 13:37
Unfortunately your lad is not nearly as good as the first team regulars but the potential is there. Quote from the assistant manager report: «Tony considers Borg to be the 9th best right back in the squad» but his «potential could lead to him becoming a good Premier League right back in he future».
JeanPaul Borg
1 июля, 2011 at 10:30
Maybe I’ll come in more useful next season. I’ll see how I do in the remaining months of this season, maybe I’ll move on loan, we’ll see. Thanks for the assistant report.. Didn’t think I was that bad to be honest!
Johnny Karp
1 июля, 2011 at 11:08
I think a loan move should be good for next season, we’ll evaluate the situation then.
Sammy
29 июня, 2011 at 15:08
It’s nice to see me (Samlar) getting a run of games in the reserves. If we get promoted (I’m quietly confident :P ) then i would like to go out on loan as there doesn’t seem to be many first team oppurtunities around the corner
Cheers
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 15:24
Cheers Sam, I guess we’ll evaluate the situation at the end of the season. Maybe Jake will be back by then :)
vaibhavc
29 июня, 2011 at 16:48
YES! I actually got called up to the proper England team. I don’t think I will start but I am happy as a back-up.
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 17:04
You didn’t get an appearance on that call up, it will be tough to get Joe Hart’s place in the first team. But just being called up is great!
Desmo Wenning
29 июня, 2011 at 17:03
Very good results and I played well for us! Good to see I’m in Holland’s -21 squad!
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 17:05
You did play well indeed :)
Nick
29 июня, 2011 at 18:10
Once again great results! Sorry to keep asking about this but how is my loan spell at Huddersfield doing? Thanks :-D
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 18:59
No problem mate: you currently have 35 apps, 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 man of the match, average rating 7.31. You were called up to England Under 19s for the latest match but you didn’t get the chance to appear in the game.
Desmo Wenning
29 июня, 2011 at 19:49
Did I play for the Holland -21 squad?
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 20:32
Yes, you came in as a substitute on 61 minutes. You have 3 youth caps now.
bigbaz
29 июня, 2011 at 19:23
great read. well done to all you guys
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 20:27
Thanks.
Skip
29 июня, 2011 at 19:29
Just like to say thanks for giving me some first team action, however am disapointed I was substitued at half time gaffer?
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 20:28
You had fitness problems at half time so I had to take you off.
George Dobson
29 июня, 2011 at 19:35
well done everyone
Johnny Karp
29 июня, 2011 at 20:28
Thanks George.
liam101
29 июня, 2011 at 20:58
another great update. glad to see we all winning everything. good to see i won the game for the reserves and got a nz call-up.
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 09:58
Thanks mate.
Ross Gilchrist
29 июня, 2011 at 23:13
It doesn’t look like i’m breaking into the 1st team, even dropped to the U18’s. How am I progressing?
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 10:04
You were not dropped to the Under18s, I tried to give some of the reserves the opportunity to play for the Under18s team as well. The competition for the first team spots is fierce and in my view you are the 5th best left winger in the squad so you might get a chance sooner or later because the potential is good.
nielsneutron
30 июня, 2011 at 08:13
So how is Niller doing? Did he play in the danish U21 squad and how is my toon doing in Bolton?
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 10:06
Niller has 6 apps for Bolton at the moment, two assists and one man of the match! The average rating is 7.23 and you did play in the last Denmark Under21s game, for the whole 90 minutes. You have 5 youth caps now.
nielsneutron
30 июня, 2011 at 13:22
I guess that really shows the strength of FMS patriots that a guy which barely can break into the first team can play so good in Bolton. At what place is Bolton at the moment in the EPL?
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 13:32
Err… Bolton are currently last in the Premier League :)
nielsneutron
30 июня, 2011 at 16:48
Ok then not so much. However I seen to play good at least. I’ll break into the first team after this season I’m sure of it.
Sibo
30 июня, 2011 at 10:59
«Nice to see I got a game for the 1st XI boss, thanks for the call up! Did I play in the Scotland U-21 squad?»
:D
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 11:11
You did play in the Scotland U21 but not only that, you scored two goals against mighty Luxembourg! Both goals were from the penalty spot though :) But you also have three caps for the senior Scotland team!
Darren Smith
30 июня, 2011 at 11:30
Wow simply incredible Johnny, FMS Patriuots are dominsting England highest lower league. I reckon we’ll take the EPL by storm next year. Just come back from the pool where I’ve been reading Football tactics books and sunbathing, was a lovely surprise to see ‘Darren Smith’ scoring for fun :)
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 12:51
Jake will be taking the EPL by storm, I’ll leave that pleasure to him :)
CsAtlantis
30 июня, 2011 at 12:23
Fancy giving the reserves another chance anytime soon Johnny? Anyway looks like the team is very much prepared to get up into the Premier League
How am I doing at St.Andrews?
And………..how many players does Fergie like anyway in the team? :P
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 12:54
The reserves will get more chances only after we secure promotion. You’re still in the reserves at Birmingham, still listed for loan. You did have two apps as a sub in the first team and one in the first eleven in a cup competition. The average rating is not too good though, just 6.23 overall. So far Fergie seems to like quite a few but he only expressed that about some.
Sears
30 июня, 2011 at 13:51
I seem to be playing consistently well.. What’s my average rating?
And wow, were taking the league by storm. 104 goals in just 35 games!
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 14:05
7.51! I thouhgt you would be more enthusiastic about the Ireland debut :)
Sears
1 июля, 2011 at 00:40
I forgot about that…. :-D How did I manage?
Johnny Karp
1 июля, 2011 at 11:09
It doesn’t matter, you made your debut! :) Just kidding, I’ll give you the details when I get back because I’m at work now.
Johnny Karp
2 июля, 2011 at 11:52
You came in at half time and had an average rating of 6.8.
judast
30 июня, 2011 at 14:44
sorry boss i lost my concentration when the corners come and make an own goal :(
and thanks for your confidence on me to give me some experience on the 1st team.
:D
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 14:56
No problem lad, that was just an unlucky moment. You deserved an opportunity and I think you will have more of those next month.
Sam Pettitt
30 июня, 2011 at 15:11
am i in it?:)
also, well played ;D
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 21:31
I think it’s too late to join now, you should wait until Jake gets back and ask him.
plobdork
30 июня, 2011 at 17:52
hey johnny just wondering if my strenght has improved from 3 hope it has cos thats rediculous and when are the new profiles up and great results 10 nil got to be a record
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 21:36
The updated profiles will be posted at the end of the season. Your strength is now double: 6! :)
footballfan2991
30 июня, 2011 at 19:54
Hi Johnny,
I personally think that the whole story is just great. The team looks pretty good and I have the utmost belief that next season you will be easily fighting for a Europa League position. Your result against Cardiff is just great, I personally never managed throughout my whole «FM career» that started before 3 years, to score such an amount of goals, not even in friendly matches against much weaker opponents. Needless to say, you are definetely going to conquer the league. Maybe you will even make a record in the amount of points that the team will get at the finale. Looking forward to the next post.
Johnny Karp
30 июня, 2011 at 21:37
Thanks mate, I don’t think we’ll break any records for points but we might break a record for goals scored ;)
Erick Wolf
1 июля, 2011 at 23:48
Great month, and I’m glad to be in the first team!
Good to be in the U-21s too.
Any interest from the Mexican national team?
Wilfred Von Karma
3 июля, 2011 at 07:39
Looking forward to becoming a regular, boss. Although I haven’t featured once ever since that blunder I made, i hope I can break into the first team asap. I know I can make less silly mistakes but it’s crazy knowing how much I have played this season. I dare say I’ve played less than 10 matches. I just hope to see some playing time soon enough. Thanks very much boss.
Wilfred Von Karma
3 июля, 2011 at 07:44
Did I play for Germany U-21? How did I play if I did? Good to see that the fake German players for the national team thing was fixed n the game so I can appear for Germany and see some international football.
Johnny Karp
3 июля, 2011 at 11:07
You did play, came in as a substitute on 76 minutes. It was a forgettable game for Germany though, lost 4-1 to Portugal :(
Johnny Karp
3 июля, 2011 at 11:06
Look, you are the 8th best centre back in the squad according to the assistant manager (and I agree with him). The potential is there but it might take a while…