Hello friends and welcome back to my Plymouth Football Manager Story which ended last time with The Pilgrims just avoiding the drop to the Championship in their inaugural season in the EPL. We pick up the story once more in June 2015 as preparations begin to consolidate and improve on last season’s performance.
June 2015
It was a slow and agonizingly painful start to the off-season but when things did begin to pick up for potential transfer targets a pattern began to unfold. Contract offered – Contract accepted – Work permit denied. Transfer bid – club triples the price of the player or the player wanted 4 times his current salary. I made one sweet bid for an Argentinean but his agent wanted close to £1million!!! Naturally then, lots of deals fell through.
Financially though things were going well as once again we were handed an exorbitant amount of money in TV rights which of course made the board and the bank extremely happy.
Speaking of the board I chose “avoid relegation” in my meeting with them simply because my quest to strengthen the squad was going so badly though this did cut my transfer budget by almost £7million from the initial one the previous month.
If June hadn’t been frustrating enough already with the British Government interfering with my transfer plans they really stuck in to me when Yu Hai, my only 7 + rated player last season was refused a work permit and so he will be leaving on a free even though he had accepted a new contract.
July 2015:
As the clock ticked past midnight to signal the start of July some familiar names over the last several seasons departed Home Park leaving my squad somewhat depleted to say the least.
With so many players leaving that created a lot of additional cash in my salary budget.
Finally some good news as things started to click in terms of rebuilding the team which I wanted to do from the back line through to the forward line. In all I brought in an astonishing 12 new players though 2 of which will be sent to my feeder club Brighton to being with.
I must admit I went back to old habits and over spent which is something I’ve managed to control over the past several seasons but hopefully you’ll agree it was money well spent when you see the players even though my financial report as of the end of July made terrible reading.
Well on to the squad, which this season will be lining up in a 4-1-2-3 formation with 1 striker and two out wide as inside forwards.
Goalkeepers:
I currently have four, but I’m looking to off-load Aaron McCarey which will leave me with Loris Karius whose been with Plymouth for a few season now, back up Ronald Plat (yth) and new signing Vladislav Stoyanov who has made 3 international appearances for Bulgaria and will most likely start as my preferred goalkeeper.
Central Defence:
Ryan Shotton ( Long Throws 17) and William Ekong are still major candidates in this position but needed better support and are joined by Kyle Bartley who was released by Arsenal and Mali international Mahamadou Sissoko.
Full Backs:
On the left side no change with Bruno Bertucci and Jamie Richards filling that role and on the right side Colin Watson will now become the back up after the arrival of Johan Kappelhof from FC Gronigen. Kappelhof has much better pace and will hopefully solve a problem area from last season.
Defensive Midfield:
Club captain Conor Coady owns this slot but will be supported by Jermaine Jenas who was very much a surprise signing for me as we got him on a free and for a relatively low salary. I was quite shocked that he would come to Plymouth. He’s more of a central midfielder but I feel he can re-train into that DMC role.
Central Midfield:
This area is made up of a Central midfielder and Advanced Playmaker though I feel that both the incumbents and the new players can switch between both if necessary. Still with the team are Brazilian Jaguare, James Wallace and Jake Livermore but have been joined by Mauricio from Atletico Mineiro and another coup for the club, Jonjo Shelvey who was realised by Liverpool. Both these players I’m thrilled to have at Plymouth.
Inside Forwards:
With the departure of Yu Hai, Marc Pelosi along with Shane Ferguson from Newcastle will fill the left side of the field whilst over the right there’s Javi Lopez and IIyas Zeytulaev. At 30 years old Zeytulaev could move on after this season so I signed Kostas Fortunis from Kaiserslautern who should do nicely for the next several years.
Strikers:
Chris McLaughlin and Iosif Baesu are both young and have been shown more than a passing interest by major European clubs and the offers are getting bigger each time so I’m not sure how long I can keep them. Federico Rodriguez will be my number 4 striker as new signing Fatos Beciraj will rotate in at number 3. I really want to showcase my two youngsters up front so Beciraj’s international experience with Montenegro will come in handy if things go south in the 18 yard box.
Feeder Club: Brighton
Here are a couple of players that I may send off to Brighton. The first a very promising defender, Marcao from Sao Paulo who could in all honesty go straight into our first team. The second, Jure Cucek will benefit from a season in the lower leagues and should do well even though he’s only 16.
Transfer Summary In’s :
Pre- Season Results:
The first three games were not that impressive and after the trip north to Morecambe ended in a 0-0 draw I felt a change was needed and sure enough that paid dividends with two impressive wins against European sides and poor old Yeovil were on the wrong end of an inspirational performance by Jaguare.
Premier League Fixtures:
On paper at least we may well be able to pick up some points as our opponents are teams that we could beat or even get a draw from so I’m optimistic about the beginning of the season.
Well that completes this pre-season report and I’m very excited by the talent I’ve been able to acquire based on the budget available which hopefully will lead to higher numbers in the win column over the months ahead.
Before I finish, this may be my last season at Plymouth no matter how the season plays out and I just wanted to alert readers in advance rather than at the end of the season. I’m feeling it’s time to try out something different and may return to the MLS as in FM2011 my Toronto FC game was killed off by my Dell PC right after winning the MLS Cup. Ana’s magical New York save got me thinking about that again and of course the MLS pre-season will begin soon over here in North America.
My main idea though is in fact to go “Down Under” to a team called Gold Coast United in the Australian A-League. I came across them by pure chance and the name has been stuck in my head since – I don’t know why? They have a terrific stadium and a cool looking club logo. Both idea’s I’m stewing over on the subway ride each day.
For now though I’ll be concentrating on Plymouth and look forward to your comments. Thanks for taking the time to read this update.
rhysbrown
23 января, 2012 at 09:27
its a shame your leaving plymouth but your leaving them in a good position
some good signings there, shelvey and jenas will improve your side
it will be close but i think you can stay up
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 12:40
Hi rhysbrown
Thanks for your comment. I was happy to get both Jenas and Shelvey, I think they will both be good additions to the team. I haven’t fully made my mind up about leaving Plymouth :)
Johnny Karp
23 января, 2012 at 09:30
I think you have done very well on a tight budget, Mauricio and Shelvey will probably boost the quality of your football. I believe that you will be far away from relegation this season which will make a good moment for a farewell before the exciting adventure down under or maybe up North ;)
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 12:44
Thanks Johnny
I was very excited to sign both those players you mentioned, in particular Mauricio. I hope your prediction is right about the league position!
Sam Soma
23 января, 2012 at 09:40
It would be good to see you do The A-league in Australia :)
funny u mention a great staduim there owner puts caps on the crowd and some weeks they only get 1/2k fans in real life
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 12:54
Hi Sam Soma
Thanks for leaving a comment and I’m glad you like my A-League idea. I read an article about low crowds at the stadium which partly contributed to my interest in doing a story.
Darren Smith
23 января, 2012 at 12:02
Excellent work mate, you did wonders with a small budget and your latest signings could propel Plymouth into mid-table or higher depending on luck. The two Brazilian regens are a quality find while Shelvey is a class act too…I personally would like to read an A-League story as its original but you should do which ever one draws your attention the most.
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 13:10
Hi Darren
After all the work permit hassle I had (which you know about) I was quite surprised these Brazilians joined Plymouth! Capturing Shelvey was also just out of the blue — I happened to spot his name on the expired contract list. As for Australia I’m glad you like the idea :)
TheZiggy
23 января, 2012 at 12:34
Looks like you’ve improved the strength in the squad, so it should be a much more comfortable season ahead. Good luck in your last season with Plymouth.
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 13:12
Hi Ziggy
Yes, I was very happy with all tghe signings though I dod get a bit carried away with the amount of them.
Dino Ozbolt
23 января, 2012 at 12:55
Good luck Kevin, hope you can player without so much pressure this season :)
u psent much money, I hope it’ll return to you on the pitch.
What media predicted if I may ask?
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 13:15
Hi Dino
Yeah, last season was just awful battling out at the botton of the table so hopefully this year won’t be so hard. I forgot to take a media screenshot but we were predicted to go down at the end of the season.
Alex
23 января, 2012 at 13:07
Impressive signings there Kevin. I think you’ll finish much higher this season. I am slightly surprised you’re bringing your Plymouth career to an end after this season as you’ve bult the club up very successfully however I look forward to reading your new story which sounds interesting. Will you be starting a new save for you new story or continuing this one but resigning as Plymouth and looking for a new club in your desired location?
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 13:18
Hi Alex
Thanks for your very kind comment about improving the club, that’s much appreciated and I’m happy that you like this seasons new intakes!
If I do finish with Plymouth then the Australia story will be brand new and not a continuation of the Plymouth save.
Martin - F.M.J.S
23 января, 2012 at 13:33
Some good signings Kevin. Im sure you will have a better season this season with Plymouth. As for the new story it has to be the A League. I’m not a Gold coast fan more Melbourne Victory as my mate Lived out there for a bit and he brought back a Victory shirt for me. :)
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 17:01
Hi Martin
Glad you like my new players which as you say will hopefully improve our stature. Thanks for your support on the A-League idea
Pltjag
23 января, 2012 at 14:44
Good signings you made and will have set you up well for your final season. regarding your a-league idea, as an avid follower of the mighty Sydney FC (only cause i live here) i can tell you that Gold Coast are truly the most rubbish team in the league and that it sounds like a good idea. the only problem is that it is a terrible league and really easy to dominate and can get boring quite quickly because there isn’t that much to achieve there accept the league and the Asian Champions League.
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 17:04
Hey Pltjag
I was really happy with those players based on what I had to work with financially. I had noticed that the A-League is pretty much one dimensional but after always playing in the English set up I wanted to do something totally out in left field. I read somewhere that there may be an Australian Cup compettion so i was thinking of adding one with the editor if I can figure that out?
Laxeyman
23 января, 2012 at 16:11
Good signings there Kevin, you’ve certainly strengthened the squad, and I’m sure you’ll stay up this season. You might even be able to break into the top 10, and I certainly wouldn’t put it past you :) Good luck!
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 17:12
Hi Laxeyman
I certainly am hoping for a more positive outcome this season with those new players and I don’t relish the thought of being entrenched in another relegation battle that’s for sure.
Woody
23 января, 2012 at 17:04
some great talent coming in this pre-season
i think you’ll probarbly avoid relegation this season
and i agree gold coast would be quite a cool place to manage
anyway good luck
Kevin
23 января, 2012 at 17:14
Hi Woody
Thanks for your support mate and the Gold Coast does look cool for sure!
nielsneutron
23 января, 2012 at 18:36
A down under tour sounds interesting Kevin.
Hopefully you can play Plymouth the best that it can be. It is some nice signings you have done so I am really interesting in who you had missed…
Kevin
24 января, 2012 at 00:04
Hi nielsneutron
Glad you like the signings. All of the player missed were regens so you may not have them in your game. I’m pleased you like the Australia idea :)
denson
23 января, 2012 at 20:40
Hi Kevin!
I always follow your stories just never comment
I think this season will definitely be an improvement from last season!
Good luck! btw i dont no who to be on my next save any reccomendations ??
Kevin
24 января, 2012 at 00:07
Hey Denson
Greetings from Canada and thanks a lot for making an effort to leave a comment. It’s much appreciated and I hope to improve on last season as well :)
Reccomedations: Derby, Ipswich, Monaco, Grasshoppers!
I played the Swiss league one time in the old Championship Manager — pretty good too!
denson
24 января, 2012 at 15:20
Thanks for the reccomendations ;)
Bhargav
23 января, 2012 at 23:21
That is a crazy squad overhaul! I hope you can get them to gel quickly so that results start flowing in. Based off of the stats that you posted, I think a top-half finish could be on the books. What do you think?
Kevin
24 января, 2012 at 00:09
Hi Bhargav
I think the squad upgrade was needed and I feel the team is synchronizing quite nicely. I’d be happy with the number 10 spot by the end of the season.
Luke M
24 января, 2012 at 01:20
Hi Kevin, im an Aussie and have just ditched my Liverpool save to start one with Sydney FC. Once you get around player restrictions and lack of good staff around its ok. I am halfway through season 1 and its the most even comp ive done on FM. Any team can beat anyone. I am 3 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses and sit 5th, however if i had won my last game instead of conceding a late equalizer we would be first, yet we are still only 4 ahead of your Gold Coast who are last.
Good luck and i will be most interested if you take the Australia route, as i have never seen a good story for the A League.
Kevin
24 января, 2012 at 19:40
Hi Luke
Many thanks for your comment and good luck with Sydney FC. I’ll make a decsion about Gold Coast once this season is dome with Plymouth.
CsAtlantis
24 января, 2012 at 01:44
Some good signings there Kevin, Jenas is a bit old but will be decent backup in all the central midfield positions, Jonjo Shelvey looks really good and should be a great playmaker for the team
Sissoko and Bartley look good too, as is your new keeper Stoyanov
Good luck for the new season Kevin
Kevin
24 января, 2012 at 19:43
Hi CsAtlantis
Good point about Jenas and I got him purely as back up and he was free of course :)
Delighted with Stoyanov and hopefully Shelvey can turn on some style which we were lacking last year in midfield.
John Martin
24 января, 2012 at 07:04
Another good pre season kevin, you’ve bought in a mix of experience and youth, well done!
Just a question, seen as though this is your last season could you posssibly upload the save in your next post?
Kevin
24 января, 2012 at 19:45
Hi John
Thanks a lot and happy that you like my new players. I’ll see waht I can do about uploading for you as I don’t have a file share account.
Stu
24 января, 2012 at 21:30
Superb read Kevin. Have quietly followed this story since you started, but decided to comment on it. Very well done for leading Plymouth to the EPL, no mean feat in itself.
Some astute signings, Jenas will certainly give you strength in midfield. Can’t wait for the next update, and hope you decide to stay with Plymouth.
Kevin
26 января, 2012 at 00:09
Hi Stu
Greetings from Canada and I’m delighted that you have made the next step in leaving a comment. Thanks very much for those kind words and I hope to keep bringing you an entertaining story!
Malhar Bhadbhade
25 января, 2012 at 03:11
hey kevin,
i cant pretend im not disappointed to end your plymouth story at the end of this season. would have liked to see you take plymouth to europe and win the epl, as im sure you would have done over time, i live in sydney, so i know all about the gold coast :) the rules are very complicated in the a-league however, and im not sure how much you’ll enjoy it. anyway, its all your decision. i personally would like to see you take this story all the way. anyway, good luck for whatever you choose.
cheers!
Kevin
26 января, 2012 at 00:04
Heelo Malhar
Thanks very much for your feedback. I have very low expectations in my «gaming ability» so i’m not sure evn if I could take Plymouth into Europe but I’lll wait and see how things play out. Interesting that you live in Australia and thanks a lot for the A-League insights :)
Alex
25 января, 2012 at 12:59
Kevin, I just happened to stumble across this article today and thought it might interest you.
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/oddballs/888305-aleksandr-geynrikh-tops-the-thierry-henry-robert-pires-penalty-routine#ixzz1kOhoDOuU
I’m sure you must have experienced something similar.
Kevin
26 января, 2012 at 00:31
Hi Alex
That was hilarious…thanks for sharing!
Sears
29 января, 2012 at 14:56
Sorry for the delay, I was in Liverpool for the past few days.
Brilliant signings and best of luck for the season ahead! And the new story looks very interesting as well