Ultimate Football (Soccer) Thread 2014-15

[Eastfield Lodge]

<.<
>.>
Nothing to see here.

From memory, wasn't Pardew's contract actually a 2 year deal with a roll-on up to a maximum of 8?

Let's be honest, if Ashley had his way, Pardew would probably have spent the rest of his life doing the job.

[Yellow Yellow Red]

(Image)

...why is anyone (even Sherwood himself) happy with this decision? How is he in any way an improvement on Paul Lambert?

This is a guy who threw his players under the bus when they underperformed, effectively saying things will work out better if they try harder, while choosing to play Kyle Walker in the centre of midfield.

This is a guy who is tactically inept and will actively damage player confidence at a critical juncture. Just what a team low on confidence and (apparently) in need of tactical overhaul needs.

I don't care how good he was with Tottenham's youth academy. Aston Villa is not Tottenham's youth academy.
Words do not have the capacity to express my bewilderment and fury right now.

I seriously pray I'm completely wrong and he does well.

Dat 59% win percentage doe.

Honestly I think Villa have just hired Sherwood so they can amuse the rest of the league whilst they get relegated.

Ha, you might be on to something.

"Erm... well at least the media will be talking about how wildly unprofessional his pressers are rather than the performances on the field! It works for Jose, it'll work for Tim!"

Additionally it could be a boon to the Birmingham economy. Maybe a currently empty factor can be reopened to make gilets for him? Could start a new craze!

[The greater Vakolicci Haven]

And Liverpool do that annoying trick of coming back to win in the last moments.

Manchester wants its trademark back. Liverpool shouldn't steal it.

[DesAnges]

And Liverpool do that annoying trick of coming back to win in the last moments.

Manchester wants its trademark back. Liverpool shouldn't steal it.

I wouldn't call the 58th minute last minute.

[Osarius]

Additionally it could be a boon to the Birmingham economy. Maybe a currently empty factor can be reopened to make gilets for him? Could start a new craze!

It has begun

[Dumb Ideologies]

To be fair, Sherwood could be an inspired choice. He's good at bringing young players on, tactically he keeps it simple so there won't be a big period of adjustment. As for his time with Spurs, he didn't do very well against the big teams and tailed off at the end but considering the difficulties of everyone knowing he was the "supply teacher" and the high expectations that come with the Spurs job - well I don't think he did that poorly at all.

I think he'll surprise some people and pick up enough points to do the job.

[Osarius]

He's good at bringing young players on

As head of youth development he was "good at bringing young players on". Though long term this is a likely benefit, it's irrelevant if we get relegated. If you're referring to how he put Spurs' young players in the first team, consider that he knew them (better than any other coach, really) and trusted them. Why wouldn't he use them? Who in the Villa squad does he know? Who in the Villa squad can he trust? It's not the same.

tactically he keeps it simple so there won't be a big period of adjustment.

But Villa need a tactical shake up, otherwise it's basically just the same guys doing the same shit that got them into the position they're in. Basically, Sherwood's tactical preferences are... Kevin Keegan. And considering Villa don't exactly pack much punch going forward, this doesn't sound promising.

Sure, it could work out. He might fix the goal problem, and if he does, it's more likely Villa stay up. But it's still a big gamble. I don't see how trusting the club's Premier League status (and thus, financial stability and marketability) to an inexperienced manager is a good idea. I like to think Villa are good enough to stay up anyway, but better teams have been relegated.

I hope I'm wrong. I really do. But I really think he's not the right choice for Villa right now. Though I'm hearing he wants Hoddle as his assistant. I'd be happy with that pairing, if Sherwood's man-management is as good as people seem to think it is.

[Dumb Ideologies]

He's good at bringing young players on

As head of youth development he was "good at bringing young players on". Though long term this is a likely benefit, it's irrelevant if we get relegated. If you're referring to how he put Spurs' young players in the first team, consider that he knew them (better than any other coach, really) and trusted them. Why wouldn't he use them? Who in the Villa squad does he know? Who in the Villa squad can he trust? It's not the same.

tactically he keeps it simple so there won't be a big period of adjustment.

But Villa need a tactical shake up, otherwise it's basically just the same guys doing the same shit that got them into the position they're in. Basically, Sherwood's tactical preferences are... Kevin Keegan. And considering Villa don't exactly pack much punch going forward, this doesn't sound promising.

Sure, it could work out. He might fix the goal problem, and if he does, it's more likely Villa stay up. But it's still a big gamble. I don't see how trusting the club's Premier League status (and thus, financial stability and marketability) to an inexperienced manager is a good idea. I like to think Villa are good enough to stay up anyway, but better teams have been relegated.

I hope I'm wrong. I really do. But I really think he's not the right choice for Villa right now. Though I'm hearing he wants Hoddle as his assistant. I'd be happy with that pairing, if Sherwood's man-management is as good as people seem to think it is.

Fucking hell, if so that's a managerial team sent by the Gods themselves.

[Osarius]

I'm hearing he wants Hoddle as his assistant. I'd be happy with that pairing, if Sherwood's man-management is as good as people seem to think it is.

Fucking hell, if so that's a managerial team sent by the Gods themselves.

I know, right? But by himself, I'm not sure it's a wise appointment, you know?

[DesAnges]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/yo ... es-8653561

SAKHO! SAKHO! SAKHO!

[Yellow Yellow Red]

I'm a little concerned about what the draw for the quarterfinals will be. I'm afraid Man United will thrash Preston, get drawn with Bradford at Old Trafford and beat them by something like five goals, while Arsenal will get Reading and beat them handily. I'd just be a little disappointed if the final ends up Arsenal v Man United. Or Liverpool v Arsenal.

[Apox]

I'm a little concerned about what the draw for the quarterfinals will be. I'm afraid Man United will thrash Preston, get drawn with Bradford at Old Trafford and beat them by something like five goals, while Arsenal will get Reading and beat them handily. I'd just be a little disappointed if the final ends up Arsenal v Man United. Or Liverpool v Arsenal.

Not if Reading play against Arsenal similarly to how they did in the league Cup a couple of years ago (7-5 to Arsenal AET I believe), although we somehow managed to let a 4-0 lead evaporate.

[Dei Terrare]

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/young-liverpool-fc-fan-goes-8653561

SAKHO! SAKHO! SAKHO!

Footballers are acting nice to their fans these days. Another example would be Yaya Toure.

[Liventia]

FA Cup Sixth Round draw:
LIVERPOOL v Blackburn Rovers
Bradford City v Reading
Preston North End or MANCHESTER UNITED v ARSENAL
ASTON VILLA v WEST BROMWICH ALBION

[Eastfield Lodge]

FA Cup Sixth Round draw:
LIVERPOOL v Blackburn Rovers
Bradford City v Reading
Preston North End or MANCHESTER UNITED v ARSENAL
ASTON VILLA v WEST BROMWICH ALBION

So, we just have to worry about a Liverpool v Man U/Arsenal final.

[Liventia]

FA Cup Sixth Round draw:
LIVERPOOL v Blackburn Rovers
Bradford City v Reading
Preston North End or MANCHESTER UNITED v ARSENAL
ASTON VILLA v WEST BROMWICH ALBION

So, we just have to worry about a Liverpool v Man U/Arsenal final.

Unless they get drawn together in the semi…

[Eastfield Lodge]

So, we just have to worry about a Liverpool v Man U/Arsenal final.

Unless they get drawn together in the semi…

Preston v Bradford would be the final that best sums up this year's cup, don't you think?

[New Stephania]

How United are third in the league is an utter mystery.

[Dei Terrare]

How United are third in the league is an utter mystery.

More of a mystery is Southampton

[DesAnges]

How United are third in the league is an utter mystery.

More of a mystery is Southampton

Not really, Southampton have actually played quite well this year.

[New Stephania]

How United are third in the league is an utter mystery.

More of a mystery is Southampton

Southampton are playing well, the match I just watched between PNE and United made me feel embarrassed for United.

[Uitbregen]

OK, someone who's more familiar with Football Manager than me, can you explain this to me?

I'm Arsenal manager, it's March 2018 and I've been in charge since the beginning of the game (July 2014). I've been pretty decent - I won the title in 2015/16 & the FA cup in 16/17. The club is on sound financial footing, and I've generally been a hero. I've made decent signings: Schurrle (who's been brilliant) for £25 mil, Khedira for £20, plus Alvarez Balanta (the guy who always gets good) for a good deal, as well as other good young guys who are going to turn out good. I've reached the semi-finals of the CL last season, and my job security is billed as 'untouchable' at the last Board Confidence Update. I recently caned Juventus (featuring a now world's best Paul Pogba) 5-0 in the CL Ro16. The only problem I've had is me being a muppet with players in regards to promising playing time: Santi Cazorla and Chris Smalling both got angry at me and wanted to force their way out, then all of a sudden the entire team was pissed off with me. Then, a day before the Capital One Cup final against Liverpool, the board sack me. WTF.

How important is team harmony to my job, and does anyone know a short-term fix to keep me my job (I've got a save about a week beforehand). It's really irritating as I've tried reloading twice and I get sacked both times, and this is the game where I want to take Arsenal as far as possible (i.e. the whole game)

[Osarius]

my job security is billed as 'untouchable' at the last Board Confidence Update [...] a day before the Capital One Cup final against Liverpool, the board sack me. WTF.

increased realism. you got the dreaded vote of confidence. either that or they realised you signed chris smalling.

seems like you lost the dressing room though. comments to the media to get influential/popular players to like you again might help. not really sure how it works now, havent played FM since 2011.

[Dei Terrare]

OK, someone who's more familiar with Football Manager than me, can you explain this to me?

I'm Arsenal manager, it's March 2018 and I've been in charge since the beginning of the game (July 2014). I've been pretty decent - I won the title in 2015/16 & the FA cup in 16/17. The club is on sound financial footing, and I've generally been a hero. I've made decent signings: Schurrle (who's been brilliant) for £25 mil, Khedira for £20, plus Alvarez Balanta (the guy who always gets good) for a good deal, as well as other good young guys who are going to turn out good. I've reached the semi-finals of the CL last season, and my job security is billed as 'untouchable' at the last Board Confidence Update. I recently caned Juventus (featuring a now world's best Paul Pogba) 5-0 in the CL Ro16. The only problem I've had is me being a muppet with players in regards to promising playing time: Santi Cazorla and Chris Smalling both got angry at me and wanted to force their way out, then all of a sudden the entire team was pissed off with me. Then, a day before the Capital One Cup final against Liverpool, the board sack me. WTF.

How important is team harmony to my job, and does anyone know a short-term fix to keep me my job (I've got a save about a week beforehand). It's really irritating as I've tried reloading twice and I get sacked both times, and this is the game where I want to take Arsenal as far as possible (i.e. the whole game)

Don't have all world class players. They will be pissed at you if you don't play them all the time. I'm not a Football Manager guy, but I play a lot of FIFA Career mode. Have players that are in the middle/late 70s in their overall. Like Jan Kirchoff, or Jese Rodriguez.

[Yellow Yellow Red]

OK, someone who's more familiar with Football Manager than me, can you explain this to me?

I'm Arsenal manager, it's March 2018 and I've been in charge since the beginning of the game (July 2014). I've been pretty decent - I won the title in 2015/16 & the FA cup in 16/17. The club is on sound financial footing, and I've generally been a hero. I've made decent signings: Schurrle (who's been brilliant) for £25 mil, Khedira for £20, plus Alvarez Balanta (the guy who always gets good) for a good deal, as well as other good young guys who are going to turn out good. I've reached the semi-finals of the CL last season, and my job security is billed as 'untouchable' at the last Board Confidence Update. I recently caned Juventus (featuring a now world's best Paul Pogba) 5-0 in the CL Ro16. The only problem I've had is me being a muppet with players in regards to promising playing time: Santi Cazorla and Chris Smalling both got angry at me and wanted to force their way out, then all of a sudden the entire team was pissed off with me. Then, a day before the Capital One Cup final against Liverpool, the board sack me. WTF.

How important is team harmony to my job, and does anyone know a short-term fix to keep me my job (I've got a save about a week beforehand). It's really irritating as I've tried reloading twice and I get sacked both times, and this is the game where I want to take Arsenal as far as possible (i.e. the whole game)

Squad dissatisfaction is a huge risk to job security, even if it doesn't show that way on the job security bar. I make a point to regularly (after every presser) check the "squad harmony" bar just to make sure things are okay. When players want playing time (or want to move) you'd better do it quick before they become cancers in the locker room (although lol at Cazorla being that guy).

Sometimes it's better just to loan them out on short term loans while you try to get a longer term deal in place. It's annoying if you're still paying their wages (or a fraction of them) during the loan but at least they'll be out of the locker room.

Individual man management and conversations with players seem to have become more important with each new FM game that comes out. It's especially important that your players respect your captain, because if you ask your captain to talk to an unsettled or unhappy player it can be way more beneficial than if you do it yourself, especially if your relationship with said player is already a little shaky.