National Football Team of SchottiaWorld Cup 80 Starblaydia & The Equestrian States ------------------------------
Manager: Lionel Mah 58
Assistant: Colin Donaldson 47
First Team Coach: David Chettwell 76
First Team Coach: Judy Scott 70
First Team Coach: Conner Watts 59
Gk Coach: Peter Acheson 58
Physio: Claire Hanson-Conavacio 40
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This current managerial team are now going into the fourth cycle together, having utterly transformed Schottia's fortunes over the last six years. Quebecois boss, Lionel Mah, was totally untested at international level when he took over from Jane Gullie, and while his appointment might have been a little controversial, he has now well and truly won the nation over. Mah's ability to motivate, man-manage, and get the most out of a limited playing pool appears to be second to none, and the 58-year-old has got the entire team pulling in the same direction. Former team captain, Colin Donaldson, joined as Mah's assistant after he cut his managerial teeth as interim manager at Handon United. The 47-year-old knows the Schottic game, and has strengths in the areas Mah lacks, making him an influential voice on the training pitch. David Chettwell is part of the furniture now at Harbour Hill, having worked under three Schottia managers to date. He knows the players, knows the culture, and 'Davy' - as the players call him - is a good go-between for the management and playing staff. Judy Scott and Conner Watts were both brought in on Donaldson's recommendation, and the pair of them have lots of front-line coaching experience. Peter Acheson is a member of the side who survived the post- Jane Gullie era cull, and he has worked with the goalkeeping staff for a long time. Physio, Claire Hanson-Conavacio - yes, she is the wife of the Quebecois legend - is perhaps one of the more controversial members of the team, having been previously sacked for allegations of assaulting a player. The charges were later dropped, paving the way for this world-class sports scientist (now living in the Equestrian States) to re-enter the fold.
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Team historyBarry Gorman eraNot so much a tale of ups and downs, Schottia's history in the World Cup competitions has been one of very slow progress. Since Barry Gorman took over a side ranked outside the world's top 300, which had just finished WC68 with a grand total of 0-points, the Auks have seen their fortunes steadily improve. The small nation of six-and-a-half-million gave a very good account of themselves under his stewardship and it was in this era that we saw them first adopt their now familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Schottia finished sixth of eight in their group as they tried to reach the finals of WC69 in his first year in charge, qualifying for the Cup of Harmony, where they recorded a surprise win over Mizuyuki. The subsequent rise up the world rankings saw them finish third, fourth, third in WC70, 71, and 72 respectively, as they established themselves as one of the world's mid-ranked sides. Schottia put in some plucky performance over the years, and there was little doubt that it was Gorman who had made the difference, seemingly able to dig deep and get something extra out of the country's small pool of players. It was also during this period (immediately prior to WC70) that Schottia won the Di Bradini Cup, and that golden generation of youngsters has slowly began to make their mark on the senior squad.
Despite being the one to galvanise the team, Barry Gorman's position as manager became more and more difficult. After a series of wild promises and statements of overconfidence, he constantly succeeded in building up the fans' expectations, and creating a rod for his own back. In the end it was no doubt this bravado, coupled with a lacklustre qualification campaign in WC72, which saw the SFA decline to offer him a new contract. He did go on to lead the side to the knockout stages of the Cup of Harmony for the first time, however it wasn't enough, and as the side limped out after a heavy defeat to Nova Anglicana, it was to be the 47-year-old's last act in charge.
Jane Gullie eraAfter their Cup of Harmony exit, Schottia was standing at a bit of a crossroads. Managerless, and despite reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time, it was abundantly clear that they were a million miles off the pace. From a shortlist of five candidates, Jane Gullie emerged as the most suitable option, and was handed the job over the likes of caretaker Grant Nean, and Schottic DBC hero Jock Sonny. Gullie had made a name for herself after lifting the SPL title with New Belfast Warriors, and was commended for her style of man-management and balanced tactics, which the board thought conducive to the Schottic style of play. It is easy to forget when looking back with rosé tinted glasses, but Gullie's reign was not an overnight success and indeed, she came very close to being sacked only five matches into the World Cup 73 Qualifiers. Results picked up however, the turning point being a win at home to Krytenia - a massive achievement for a nation who traditionally struggle against the top sides. The result seemed to give Schottia a new found confidence, and with the cracks glossed over with a little self belief, they eventually went on to top their group. Further wins over Mertagne, and the completion of the double over Krytenia in the final group game meant that Schottia were able to avoid the play-off lottery and move straight into the World Cup final draw.
In spite of all the excitement surrounding the nation's qualification, there was no hiding the enormity of the task they faced. Drawn in a difficult group consisting of San Jose San Jose Guayabal, Farfadillis, and the Polar Islandstates, Schottia finished in fourth place picking up a single point against Farfadillis.
Schottia then entered the World Cup 74 qualification as second seeds in their group, and while this made for a potentially easier draw - being placed alongside The Holy Empire, Bears Armed, and New Gelderland saw pay to that. After a huge struggle, Schottia eventually came out on top for a second cycle running. In reflection the home and away wins over New Gelderland, were probably pivotal in a group where all the sides dropped points. By this point Gullie was starting to get the players she wanted around her, and this was marked by the emergence of individuals such as Johannas Ünterhausen, Bella Thompson, and Herron Crew, who all made valuable contributions.
The finals themselves were once again a bridge too far for Schottia, and where they seem to have gotten qualification down to a T, the finals are another story all together. This time Schottia were draw alongside Nova Anglicana, Vilita, and the familiar faces of Farfadillis. It was to be the same story as last time however, and with zero wins, Schottia limped out once again at the group stage.
After topping their qualification group the two previous campaigns there was a lot of pressure on Jane Gullie to do the same going into WC75. However, despite a strong start, the Schottians fell by the wayside, with a seemingly inconceivable collapse at the halfway stage, finishing third behind Devonta and Eura.
Lionel Mah EraSchottia's first World Cup qualifying campaign under the very highly rated Quebecois Lionel Mah can simply be summed up by the word - frustration. In many ways, they did so much right, but during the critical games against Eshan and Turori, they couldn't come up with the goods. The Schottic support seemed to be divided right down the middle, as to whether or not the manager should be given a second chance. However, and perhaps most crucially, the players had been generally in favour of the then 50-year-old. In the end, the Schottic FA decided not to make a final decision on Mah's fate until after the Cup of Harmony, which would prove to be astute move.
Optimism was desperately low as Schottia headed into their first ever Cup of Harmony on home soil, with overseas territory Port Christopher qualifying for the World Cup making it all the more painful. However, Schottia managed to dig deep, and pull out the results they needed, as they made their way to the final. They suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the final, losing in the dying minutes to a very impressive Bonesea side. Despite the obvious disappointment, there were several positives to take away. The run to the final, which included a 4-0 win over the higher ranked Super-Llamaland, undoubtedly meant that Schottia went into the Independents Cup the following year full of confidence.
Schottia marched to a somewhat surprise victory at the inaugural tournament, which pitted associations playing out with the Mulitiverse's three main sporting regions against one another. Defeating Veldgouwen in the final, Lionel Mah's side were able to atone for letting the Cup of Harmony slip through their fingers on home solid, and add a first senior trophy to the Harbour Hill cabinet.
Going into the qualifiers for World Cup 77, national confidence was at an all time high. Despite what on paper looked like a difficult draw, there was a feeling that Mah and Donaldson were the management team who knew how to get results. Along with heavyweights, Starblaydia and the Sarian, Schottia were also pitted against emerging superpower, Ceni. While Arrowsword, Koromin, and Co proved to be a bridge too far for the Schottians, they swept all others aside with some gutsy performances, to finish second in the group.
After securing a return to the world stage, Schottia found themselves in nosebleed territory after topping their group with nine points. A 2-1 win over Nephara will no doubt be the highlight of what turned out to be their breakthrough cycle. An extra time victory over fellow rising stars, Anglatia, in the round of sixteen, meant that Schottia were in uncharted waters as they progressed to the quarterfinals. It wouldn't be a World Cup if it didn't involve facing Farfadillis, and it was at the hands of the AO side, that Schottia eventually made their exit.
Mah and his team went on to prove that their exploits in SJG were no fluke, as they marched to the finals of the second IAC hosted in Schottia. Despite some good performances along the way, there was a horrible feeling of deja vu, as the Auks lost out to a young Bonesea side in the final.
There can surely have been no Schottic manager ever, who was under the same weight of expectation as Lionel Mah, as he went into World Cup-78. The unprecedented success he had brought to the team over the last four years looked, on paper, to be an impossible act to follow. They were sorted into a qualifying group alongside familiar opponents in the form of Super-Llamaland and Kaboomlandia, with the Schottic fans expecting nothing other than qualification; especially with two sides going through automatically. Mah didn't only deliver qualification; he went through the entire campaign with a 100% record, moving Schottia up into the World's top-ten for the first time.
Despite huffing and puffing through the group stage, Schottia made it to the knockouts for the second year running at the World Cup finals. A bizarre 5-1 win over Pasarga, and a workman like 3-2 victory over hosts Cosumar, saw them though to the semi-final and within ninety minutes of the World Cup final. They face off against two times former champions, Eura, in what was an epic contest. However there was to be heartbreak at the end, as Schottia went out 4-3 on penalty kicks. The side did bounce back however, defeating the Holy Empire in the third place play off, to somehow top the world rankings.
Heading into their third Independents Cup, Mah selected a youthful squad, hell-bent on winning their title back from those pesky sailors! Despite leaving out several top players, Schottia's future squad put in a series of very gutsy performances, as they made their way to the final for the third year running. After a very close fought battle with our former co-hosts, Mercedini, Schottia ran out 2-1 winners, giving the next generation a first taste of silverware. A few months later the team were back in action, entering the Eagle's Cup with a more established squad of players. After some mixed results in the group stage, Schottia's results improved with impressive victories over Nephara and Valanora. However, defeat to Cosumar for the second time in the tournament, saw them beaten in the final.
Schottia capped off what will go down as the nation's golden ear in world football, lifting the World Cup in Drawkland. There was a fair bit of pressure on the Auks going into the 79th WC, but after a shaky start to qualifying, they progressed undefeated to the finals. There were some heart in mouth moments, but Lionel Mah's boys and girls made their way through to the final with six wins from six, to take on old enemies, Bonesea at Drawkland's Seven Stars Stadium. After a nail-biting encounter, Corinne Martel-Burns scored the winning goal in stoppage time to win the match 3-2.
Squad informationThe pressure Lionel Mah faces this cycle is trying to maintain the same standard, while at the same time trying to gradually replace some of his aging stars. While it has most certainly been bolstered in recent years, the Schottia playing squad has traditionally been a thin one, and there's no doubt that previous managers have felt the sting from injuries and suspensions in past campaigns. The World Cup title saw a raft of international retirements, and to be fair, there is something to be said for going out on a high. Notably, Larry Watt, Jenny McDonald, Jeremy McNott, and Eoin Killanen have all called it a day; with Chloe Rudden also deciding to take more time to focus on other projects. Sabrefell Athletic Star, Rudden, is the least-expected blow, and at thirty-two, Mah might have hoped for one last cycle out of her. The inclusion of four former Port Christopher internationals will help palliate this exodus, and while Maeve Bronte and Michael Campbell have already been blooded during the Independents Cup, Rian Corrello and Rachel Del Arro will also be keen to make their mark. Mah has also handed first time call-ups to Pirates' enforcer, Seyda Artîn, and young strikers, Jack Avelione, Lara Wedderburn, and John Fife. Artîn has been on top form with her Christopheran club over the last twenty-four months, and should most certainly bring some steel to the centre of the pitch following Jenny McDonald hanging up her boots. The strike trio, from Bastion, Ramosuk United, and Cornellians respectively, are no doubt called up in a bid to ease Schottia's striker problems; with the majority of their current crop either too old, too insane, or not tested at the highest level.
The defence picks itself at the moment, with Cornellians keeper, Harry Gould, starting behind a standard back four of, Louis Hordern, Paul Doig, Mark Ünterhausen, and Gareth Souter. All four play at the very top level domestically, and with the likes of Molly Killanen, Grant Carlin, and Stephen Paul waiting in the wings, there is depth there too. This doesn't mean to say there are no problems whatsoever, and injury to Handon United man, Hordern, would force Mah to look to untested players such as Treason's Rain Corrello, or Warriors' Simon Johnson. Former Christopheran international, Mike Campbell is another stout centre-back in reserve; and plying his trade in Audioslavia, Matthew Ingold, is solid cover at left-back. Competition for places means there is no room for Leichhardt hardman, Michael Koller, or highly rated Pelethas United star, Craig Mallman.
The central midfield has been the area of the pitch, which has really driven Schottia forward in recent cycles, and that's easy enough to see why. With Evelyn Conjure, Line Stenberg, and Dilon Bánach all competing for the two starting places, Lionel Mah has one of those "good" headaches you often hear about. Brinemouth girl, Conjure, is the driving force behind the team, and with this high-energy grafter in the engine room, Schottia can just about compete with anyone in this department. The debate as to whether it should be Bánach or Stenberg that accompanies her in the centre is one that has been raging on fan forums for the past few years. At the moment, however, it seems that Mah favours pace of former the former Kingsgrove midfielder, meaning that Schottia's most expensive player has to be content for a place on the bench. Johannas Ünterhausen, Maeve Bronte, Krista Morham, and Natalie Adams are also good options to have, and will undoubtedly have a role to play. Morham and Ünterhausen are players of a similar mould, while Bronte and Adams offer defensive and attacking options respectively.
Schottia field an attacking midfield of three, with can fluctuate between a winger system and a more come compact central unit. Skipper, Kim Coultan will almost certainly start on the right side, where her ability to deliver the killer ball has been used to great effect in recent years. Occupying the number-ten spot is the highly underrated Camila Soria Luna, who secretly makes the team tick. The attacking midfielder, now at Mâ Âlâmëómë, might now get some of the recognition her performances for Marine Coast in the V-League have merited. With Chloe Rudden's early retirement, Steven Rexmont should theoretically be all clear to fill his boots on the left. The Chenoworth Harriers winger is perhaps even better suited to the role than his predecessor, and can cause a lot of problems rampaging down the line or through the middle. Lionel Mah has the option to bring on Alexander Alan on the right, push Soria Luna further forward, and go with more of a 4-4-2 system. Former Christopheran, Rachel Del Arro can also play in the wide areas or through the middle, while young attackers Isaiah Vaught and Jack Avelione are another two can operate on either wing. Mars Alexandersson and Elizabeth Addison are both doing well at Lammerton and Lhor respectively, but it's going to be a tall ask for either woman to get much game time, with the likes of Adams and Morham capable for moving up to attack.
Schottia are frighteningly reliant on the goals of the volatile Corinne Martel-Burns. The Tihon Tide striker can most certainly put them away, but her inability to stay on the park has caused problems for Schottia in previous cycles. Ross Renshaw would be the obvious back up, but the big Cednia Beach striker has never really scored enough goals in the big matches to make him a viable replacement. Hondo striker, Lucy Curren, was very effective throughout the last cycle, and given that she seems to have her scoring-boots on right now, the 31-year-old will probably get a fair amount of game time once again. The forward area is a department where Schottia have had problems, and as we look further down the pecking order, you can easily see how a few injuries could land the team in hot water. Jessica Lennox comes in with a good scoring record from the Chromatik League, and while she is very much Mah's type of player, she did taste relegation in Nephara last season. Waiting in reserve, Lara Wedderburn is untested at senior level, but there may be opportunity for them to step up to the plate.
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KitsHome--Reverse--Away
The kits for this World Cup cycle are designed by Schottsport of Schottia ----------------------------
Full Squad Listed first are the most likely starting eleven, so if in doubt assume those players will be starting. However, if you are RPing, please feel free to read through the other players' descriptions and make a few inclusions. -- All information is accurate to the start of qualifying. 1. GK. Harry Gould, 31 | Cornellians | Height:188cm Weight:81kg | Caps: 75 Goals: 0
As Schottia's one top keeper still in his prime, Harry Gould has been racking up the caps over the past four years. The move to Cornellians has been good for him, and the former Soessch and Port Sebastian number one has clearly benefited from playing at a higher level. Gould isn't the kind of keeper who is going to pull of the wonder-saves, or produce jaw-dropping athleticism. Instead he is steady, composed, and an excellent communicator, who organises the defence well. With no real area's of weakness in his game, Gould is player who brings some consistency and reliability to a position where both qualities are sorely needed.2. RB Louis Hordern, 24 Handon United | Height: 182cm. Weight: 88kg | Caps: 32 Goals: 1
Hordern has been one of the SPL's most consistent players over the past few seasons, driving Handon United forward from the back. The 24-year-old was a big player for Schottia during the World Cup winning campaign, and reenergised the right right-back position, filling in for aging vice-captain, Larry Watt. Hordern is like a steam train going forward down the right flank, and with his ability to overlap the midfield and deliver that killer ball, Lionel Mah has a strong and versatile player in that position. Despite being linked to Celtic Noviodunum towards the end of the transfer window, United's golden-boy stayed put, helping his side to a third SPL title in four years, as well as the Champions' Cup semis.3. LB. Paul Doig, 34 | Port Sebastian | Height:180cm Weight:71kg | Caps: 82 Goals: 0
The fact that a player of Paul Doig's somewhat-limited ability has notched up 82 caps for his country is very impressive; and a testament to his maturity, and perseverance. The Port Sebastian left-back is solid rather than world-class, with more of a focus on doing the simple stuff right. Don't expect to see Doig hammering down the flank, his priority is always on defence and covering his lines. Despite a few shortcomings, Doig his become central to Lionel Mah's plans with his long-throw ability helping him keep the likes of James Robertson and Molly Killanen out of the first team. If you focus on what he can do, then he is one of the best left-back around right now, if you focus on his weaknesses, then he could even be considered a chink in the Schottia armour. 4. CB. Mark Ünterhausen, 27 | Spartangrad | Height:186cm Weight:79kg | Caps: 61 Goals: 3
Mark Ünterhausen has successfully negotiated a very important phase in his career, making the step up from Semarlandic club, Jansberg, to Nepharim heavy-weights, Sabrefell Moths. Arguably the most successful member of Ünterhausen footballing dynasty, Mark is now first choice for Schottia at centre-back, slotting in alongside the more experienced Gareth Souter. Ünterhausen is not the biggest, most powerful defender in the side, but he a cool and composed head at the back. He has a bit of pace about him, and rarely loses out in a footrace, having played right-back a number of times in his youth. Ünterhausen has captained the side before, and is one of a number of influential players Schottia have at the back. 5. CB. Gareth Souter, 33 | 1860 Azoth | Height: 189cm. Weight: 86kg | Caps: 118 Goals: 9
Now one of the senior statesmen in this side, Gareth Souter sailed past the 100-cap mark during the last cycle. Since he broke into Handon United first team as a teenager, it's been obvious this energetic centre-half was distained for big things. Souter's career grew alongside Cenian football, and he certainly benefited from moving to the Rushmori nation, back when the Ceni-League was one of the multiverse's rising associations. After a decade with Sporting Cenial, his time with the club came to an end as they were relegated three years ago, with Souter moving to then Champions' Cup winners, 1860 Azoth. The former DBC winner has been a mainstay of the Schottia squad for while now, and alongside Ünterhausen, the Auks seem to have a settled pairing. 6. CM/AMC/WL. Line Stenberg, 24 | Handon United | Height:168cm Weight:63kg | Caps: 22 Goals: 8
Stenberg's risk of quitting the Regional Development Side early would appear to have paid off, as a more hands on method of learning seems to have fast tracked her to the top. After ditching her academy scholarship, along with her maths and physics degree, Stenberg headed for A-League side, Kingsgrove, where she quickly established herself in the senior squad. In a period where the Brenecian side dominated the domestic scene, Stenberg was one of the standout performers, eventually earning a ten million move to Handon United last season. The girl of Nordkreusen parentage has proven herself to be a valuable player for Schottia over the last cycle, racking up twenty-two caps as she emerged as the preferred option alongside Evelyn Conjure in the centre. Stenberg is a dynamic and versatile player, who can operate in the wide position. 8. CM. Evelyn Conjure, 28 | Brinemouth | Height: 170cm. Weight: 67kg | Caps: 77 Goals: 14
Conjure has really become the poster girl for this Schottia team, since she was named Galacticos Runner-up three years ago. The Brinemouth midfielder is absolutely central to the way Schottia play, and is a calm, creative, and controlling presence in the centre of the park. She originally made a name for her self in Port Christopher, where she was part of Jan Markus Hellensen's highly successful Blue Coast side. While Conjure normally plays centre-midfield for Schottia, she made her name a utility player, and indeed, seems to play in a slightly more advanced role for the Nepharim champions. The current Premiership player of the year is going to be very important to Lionel Mah's plans once again, and her crisp, intelligent passing is the beating heart of this team. 11. A/CM FC. Kim Coultan, 32 | Crawford City | Height:160cm Weight:53kg | Caps: 135 Goals: 39
CSchottia's World Cup winning skipper would have been assured to legend status no matter what happened two years ago, but this honour is the icing on what has been an incredible career. Coultan is the first woman to pull on a Schottia jersey, the first Schottian to play abroad, and has picked up the DBC, IAC, and World Cup 79 en route to reaching a total of 135 caps. The only thing that seemed to elude the former Jottnar and Dundee girl was domestic success, however with Crawford City's recent upturn in fortunes, that appears to have rectified itself. Coultan has received a second wind since Amethyst Fegelein took charge at the Elephants, and just as it looked as if the attacker was winding down, she has arguably hit her best form. While the skipper lacks much in the way of physical presence, she more than compensates with her accurate one-touch-passing, and penchant for playing those killer passes. 7. ST/AMRLC. Jack Avelione, 19 | Bastion | Height:188cm Weight:79kg | Caps: 0 Goals: 0
Avelione has a big name to live up to, but early indications show that he might be up to the task. The 19-year-old son of Jago, and nephew of Gaston, comes into this cycle fresh from a good DBC, where he scored four in four en route to the last sixteen. Currently contracted to Euran side, Bastion, he spent a spell on loan at Marionville a year ago, where his goals were crucial in helping the newly promoted side to fourth. Avelione is tall, quick, and with his ability to play anywhere in attack, you would imagine he has all the makings of one of the country's top stars. It will be interesting to see how much he features over the course to the World Cup qualifiers, as Lionel Mah may be reluctant to put too much pressure on him too young. 10. AMC. Camila Soria Luna, 24 | Mâ Âlâmëómë | Height:177cm Weight:65kg | Caps: 63 Goals: 21
It's one of Multiverse football's best-kept secrets: it was Camila Soria Luna who won Schottia the U15-World Cup, not Corinne Martel-Burns. She might not command the same amount of column inches, but the Port Christopher born playmaker is arguably more important to this team. Luna has courted a fair bit of controversy herself, most notably when she opted to play for Schottia instead of Port Christopher, just when the latter were getting off the ground. Having spent time with the national academy set-up and Project +90, Luna was one of the top prospects around at the time, and her rejection was a blow to the Sea Lions. The 24-year-old spent five successful seasons with Marine Coast United in the V-League, but upon relegation opted for a fresh start with Farf side, Mâ Âlâmëómë. One the park, Luna is an athletic and intelligent attacker, who plays with her head up, and is never wasteful in possession. 13. FC. Corinne Martel-Burns, 26 | Directus | Height:173cm Weight:64kg | Caps: 93 Goals: 75
Crazily good, or just crazy? Probably not until we are able to look back on her career in ten years time will we be able to really answer that question. Never has there been a Schottic player who has courted more controversy or commanded more column inches than Connie "CMB" Martel-Burns. The term 'loose cannon' really doesn't do the player justice, who first hit the headlines aged fourteen, after being kicked out of the Handon United academy. Her senior career has been every bit as turbulent, spending a season with Kirk Preston in the First Division before a move to St Johns Arsenal, which did nothing for her mental state. Despite scoring a shit-ton of goals in Quebec, the atmosphere seemed only to play-up her idiosyncrasies, ending with her missing the IAC-II while facing charges for assaulting a fan. After moving Cenian side, Polaris, in a fifteen million deal, Martel-Burns experience mixed fortunes, and due to her own mental decline, was unable to replicate the kind of form she produced for Schottia and Arsenal. The 26-year-old broke the Schottic transfer record twelve months ago when she signed for Chromatik champions, Tihon, in a 33-million move. Substitutes & Reserves23. GK. Jim Black, 32 | FC Soessch | Height: 184cm Weight:75kg | Caps: 4 Goals: 0
Jim Black is back in the fold for the first time since World Cup 76, and the 32-year-old will be desperate to add to his four caps he earned while at Lammerton. Black has been an outstanding keeper at SPL level, but it has always been said that he lacks composure in the big matches. This has undoubtedly hindered the small, athletic keeper, who has struggled to stake much of a claim for the Schottia No.1 jersey. Now at FC Soessch he has been putting in some steady performances once again, and this call-up is probably his last chance. 12. GK. Ed Lorrey, 21 | Mliona-Lpaka AFC [/b] | Height:188cm Weight:77kg | Caps: 0 Goals: 0
Wonderkid is a tag you don't here attached to goalkeepers very often, but Lorrey certainly fits that mould. He started for Schottia en route to the semi-final of the DBC three years ago, having made his first league appearance for Dundee aged sixteen. Lorrey was manager Johnny Smith's big money signing following his move to Lammerton, as he clearly saw enough in the player to bring him with him. While he might lack the experience to be thrown in at the deep end, the youngster has all the attributes needed to succeed, should he be called upon. He recently completed a move to Turorian heavyweights, Mliona-Lpaka AFC , in a move rumoured to be in the region of $7 million. 19. RB. Rian Corrello, 26 | AFC Treason, | Height: 176cm. Weight: 66kg | Caps: 0 Goals: 0
This highly ambitious, brutally competitive right-back was one of the first Christopheran internationals to pledge their allegiance to Schottia after the team went belly up. The Treason defender missed out on a call up to the IAC, but following the retirement of Larry Watt, her performances in the Nepharim Premeirship have been enough to merit her inclusion. Corrello has a ruthless attitude and haircut to prove it; she doesn't take any prisoners and leaves nothing behind in the tackle. The former Pirates and Christopheran Porty player is likely a player Lionel Mah will want to take a look at over the course of the qualifiers. 14. LB. Matthew Ingold, 30 | Cazadores Cathair | Height:188cm Weight:75kg | Caps: 4 Goals: 0
Something of a late bloomer, Ingold won his first cap at the Independent Cup last year, where the then 29-year-old found himself thrown into the starting eleven. Anyone remember him playing for Stalker Bay? No..? Well he did - as an ill disciplined youngster - and it's fair to say he's come a long way since then. Now in the starting line up for Cazadores Cathair, the 30-year-old is looking much more composed and keen to make up for lost time in the Schottia set up. There is already stiff competition at left-back, and Ingold's performances at the IAC-4 will have given Lionel Mah a big headache ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers.21. CB. Grant Carlin, 25 | 1860 Azoth | Height:189cm Weight:80kg | Caps: 11 Goals: 0
Grant Carlin is right on the cusp of the starting eleven at the moment, as his performance at the Independents Cup would suggest. He is a big, heavy-weight centre-half, who can move with a surprising nimbleness and speed when he is required to do so. Carlin was captain of New Island at the age of twenty, and that should tell you a lot about him. A real leader, he has also skippered his country at U21 and U18 levels. The Azoth man is currently one of only two Schottian's to have lifted the Champions' Cup alongside Larry Watt, and he will be keen to establish himself in the Schottia team at some point in the next two years. 15. RM. Alexander Alan, 28 | Port Sebastian | Height:181cm Weight: 71kg | Caps: 17 Goals: 4
What a season Alexander Alan has had in his first taste of Schottic football. This mild-mannered, gentleman of the game has been around a bit; starting his career in Semarland with the Copenbrok Klub youth team, before spending a season in The Red Vale. On his return to Schottia - first with Kirk Preston, then Port Sebastian - he had left-backs running scared the length and breadth of the country, with his old-fashioned flying winger routine. What Alan does is straightforward: run like fuck, and deliver a good cross - it's not flashy but it seems to work. The 28-year-old almost dragged the Holy Men into the Globe Cup spots two seasons ago, and this was enough to catch the eye of Porty boss Nicolas Lars who forked out $4 million on him. He is probably the best right-winger in the current squad, and since that position seems to feature in Lionel Mah's plan-B, it's likely we'll see a fair bit of him over the course of the qualifiers. 17. L/CM. Rachel Del Arro, 29 | Samaj FC | Height:173cm Weight:57kg | Caps: 0 Goals: 0
The former Port Christopher international has emerged out of nowhere as a real contender to start on the left side of midfield. Rumour has it that Lionel Mah asked the 29-year-old, directly, to declare her allegiance for Schottia, to plug a gap filled by the retiring Chloe Rudden. The former Handon United kid has improved beyond measure since her move to the Harlighet ten years ago, and can certainly bring something new to the table. Del Arro is very good with the ball at her feet, and either down the left flank or through the middle of the pitch, this little attacker takes some stopping.22. DM. Maeve Bronte, 27 | Crisisbless | Height:175cm Weight:65kg | Caps: 5 Goals: 0
The former Pirates captain proved all her doubters wrong, after making the switch to the Premiership. Two seasons with Crisisbless have shown that she can do more than just break up play, as she seemes to have risen to challenge. Bronte is a defensive midfielder first and foremost; don't expect any great playmaking ability from her, because it won't happen. However, when it comes to doing the simply stuff, she does it perfectly, and puts in 100% for the full 90 minutes. The former Port Christopher skipper allegedly had her reservations about making herself available for Schottia, but did so nonetheless. Of all the players to have made the switch, Bronte is the one who offers something Schottia don't already have.16. CM. Dilon Bánach, 24 | Lonngeylin Coast | Height: 171cm. Weight: 62kg | Caps: 40 Goals: 7
Schottia's most expensive player off all time might need to be content not to start every match this cycle, with Lionel Mah seeming to prefer the central two of Conjure and Stenberg. Big attempts have been made to incorporate all three of them into the system, but it never appears to yield the optimal result. The striker turned central midfielder has been the golden-girl at Handon United for a number of years now, and was synonymous with their recent rise. However, Bánach has decided (no doubt with the NS dollar signs flashing in her eyes) that it was time to spread her wings with a move to V-League champions Lonngeylin Coast. Bánach is a strong, athletic little midfielder, who works hard to win the ball back, and uses it intelligently when she gets it. 20. AMC. Mars Alexandersson, 27 | Lammerton | Height:180cm Weight:67kg | Caps: 2 Goals: 0
The second naturalised Sunrise in the squad, given Alexandersson's form for Lammerton over the past few seasons, the call-up is hardly a surprise. This all-action attacker plays in the blurred lines between a forward and a midfielder, and performs best when given a fair amount of freedom. Alexandersson has done well in the two appearances she has made for Schottia, but her lack of game-time perhaps points to the fact that she is not immediately in Lionel Mah's first team plans. She has been a huge fans' favourite at Lammerton since joining them as a teenager, and the season they have had can only do wonders for her chances of making an impact here.9. FC. Lucy Curren, 31 | Hondo FC | Height:178cm Weight: 69kg | Caps: 27 Goals: 14
Three years ago Lucy Curren was counting down the days till retirement, after finally tasting relegation with Maximum Rovers. The fiery haired centre-forward had been a squad player in the Nepharim Premiership for twelve years, battling away for a mid-table table spot, picking up a couple of Schottia caps along the way. It all changed, however, after she signed for Valanoran side, Hondo FC, picking up the golden-boot along with the league title in her first season with the club. Curren was thrust into the forefront of Lionel Mah's thoughts, and became a key player in Schottia's World Cup winning side, quickly taking her goal tally into double figures. Curren is a goal scorer first and foremost; with a good turn of pace, and a fighting attitude. 18. FC. Ross Renshaw, 24 | Cednia Beach AFC | Height:180cm Weight:73kg | Caps: 27 Goals: 10
Ross Renshaw was thrust into the lime light a couple of years back, while part of the very successful Schottia DBC team that reached the semi-finals. He then followed it up with league, UICA and CEdC success with his club Blue Coast 1981. Renshaw is a quiet, and reasonably humble character, which can be both his strength and his weakness. He is a very good team player, but for a natural goal scorer, one might prefer him to be a little more selfish. Lionel Mah clearly likes him - as did Cednia Beach it seems, who forked out a seven figure sum for him - and it's impossible not be impressed by his work rate and professionalism. If he is going to become a world-class player, however, he is going to need to score more goals at the top level. Other Players Used During QualifyingRB. Simon Johnson, 28 New Belfast Warriors Height: 179cm. Weight: 70kg | Caps: 2 Goals: 0
LB. Molly Killanen, 30 | Foxchester Raiders | Height:174cm Weight:64kg | Caps: 24 Goals: 0
CB. Stephen Paul, 32 | Falourr | Height:182cm Weight:85kg | Caps: 61 Goals: 2
CB. Michael Campbell, 29 | Sabrefell Athletic | Height:186cm Weight:82kg | Caps: 2 Goals: 0
DM/CM. Johannas Ünterhausen, 29 | Cornellians | Height: 186cm. Weight: 79kg | Caps: 73 Goals: 10
CM. Natalie Adams, 26 | Handon United| Height:175cm Weight: 65kg | Caps: 12 Goals: 2
CM. Krista Morham, 26 | AFC Corvistone | Height:176cm Weight:66kg | Caps: 8 Goals: 2
CM. John Ferry, 28 | Baskita | Height:189cm Weight:79kg | Caps: 3 Goals: 0
CM. Ava Rose Donaldson, 19 | Northampton| Height:179cm Weight: 63kg | Caps: 3 Goals: 0
ACM/DM. Lizzy Addison, 28 | Lhor Orcas | Height:176cm Weight:66kg | Caps: 3 Goals: 0
28. CM. Seyda Artîn, 21 | Willox Street Pirates | Height:180cm Weight:71kg | Caps: 0 Goals: 0
WL/ST. Isaiah Vaught, 21 | Tir Snake Strike | Height:188cm Weight:81kg | Caps: 7 Goals: 2
FC. Jessica Lennox, 25 | Morningstar | Height:178cm Weight: 69kg | Caps: 3 Goals: 2
ST. Lara Wedderburn, 23| Ramusok United | Height:179cm Weight: 70kg | Caps: 0 Goals: 0
ST. Kara Ciogach, 20| Sothern Star | Height:166cm Weight: 63kg | Caps: 0 Goals: 0
Formation and tacticsMost likely too...The following categories operate a depth chart system, taking into account the probability that the player will be on the pitch.
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Harbour Hill StadiumLocation: Handon, South Schottia
Capacity: 55,000. Including some safe standing sections.
SchottiaSituated in the middle of the Bara Sea, Schottia is a small diverse country of 6.6 million people. Throughout the world, Schottia is best known for its progressive social policies, far left politics, and whisky distilleries. The southern Schottic landscape is largely characterised by arable farmland, pine forests, and windswept pebble beaches. The North Island, by contrast, is almost entirely made up of rugged mountain ranges and bleak scree-slopes, where the towns and cities, for the most part, hug the narrow bands of flat land around the coast.
Schottia was once the easternmost part of an Ossorian Empire, the remnants of which still stretch around most of what are now the region of Tyran. Schottia broke away from the Ossorians in 1867, following internal unrests, which saw the small fledgling nation take the first steps down the road towards becoming a republic. Schottia as we know it today was constituted in 1922, following a workers' uprising, out of which the country's socialist politics was born.
Today, Schottia is a small, peaceful nation; with thriving fishing, tourism, and drinks industries. Most people living in South Schottia are ethnically Schottic or Ossorian, although particularly in the bigger cities, you will meet a range of people from all over the region, who have at one point fled major conflicts, or simply chosen to study or settle. The North Island of Schottia is similar, however it also has a large Shalumite-German population, as well as pockets of French speaking communities.
HandonThe most international of all Schottia's cities is its capital Handon. The diverse population of 1.1 million includes over 200,000 students who attend the city's four universities and five technical colleges. The harbour city is a unique blend of the old and the new, with modern buildings slotted into gap sites around 17th and 18th century architecture. Of all Schottia's towns and cities Handon is by far the most vibrant, with award winning restaurants, clubs, and bars; as well as no shortage of excellent hotels and apartments. For most people, Handon is synonymous with Schottia, and it is often the case that visitors rarely take time to see some of the more remote, rural communities. Built on a peninsula, the south of the city is what many would consider to be the 'city centre.' As well as being the location of Harbour Hill Stadium, it is also home to all of the main administrative buildings, and the more affluent parts of the city.
TravelGetting to Schottia is reasonably straight forward, if not a little time consuming. Despite the fact that the country consists of five islands, it is unlikely that many visitors will arrive by sea, due to the distances involved. Almost everyone arriving in the country, either fans or players, will fly into Handon International Airport. H.I.A handles almost all of the nation's incoming flights, as well as being a main stop off northwest in or out of the region. Anyone arriving by sea will most likely dock at the ferry terminal in Granton, just to the north of Handon.
Travel within Schottia is usually pretty painless. Public transport it well funded, and free bus and tram services make getting around the cities cheap, and stress free. For longer distances, all major towns and cities are connected by a high-speed rail service. Schottic citizens pay high levels of tax, but one of the plus sides is that they have a public transport system that works.
LanguagesThe official languages of Schottia are Scots, English, German, and French, however, English is the one most likely to be heard in the streets. Most people living in Schottia are multilingual, speaking combinations of the four national languages, depending on the area they were born. In addition to this, there is a heavy emphasis on languages in schools from the age of five onwards, meaning that it is not unusual for Schottians to speak up to four or five of the main regional languages with some degree of fluency.
WeatherMost of Schottia has a temperate maritime climate, with warm summers typically around 25°C, and cool snowy winters ranging from -8 to +8°C. Whatever time of the year you're fans and players are visiting Schottia, it is likely to be wet, and it's perhaps best to bring an umbrella.
Currency and ShoppingThe currency in Schottia is the Schottic Pound. The current exchange rate is just under two NS dollars to the pound, meaning that certain luxury goods might seem expensive. On the flip side of this, food in the supermarkets is available at cost price, as is clothing in government stores - the same can also be said for most non-luxury items. Schottia isn't exactly one of the world's main shopping centres, and strict rules on advertising can often mean that the High Streets can seem a little drab to those more used to eye-catching posters, and flashy billboards. That said, the larger more international cities of Soessch and Handon have their fair share of fashion outlets, and foreign eateries. While these regulations might have limited the expansion of international businesses, the gap in the market has been filled up small independent clothing boutiques, family-run bars, and restaurants.
FansSchottic fans are generally peaceful, and are solely there to have a good time. Apart from the fact that your city's bars will be ram packed before and after the matches you shouldn’t expect any trouble from them. They are prone to picking out the opposition's foibles with their catchy (and not particularly witty) chants, but is always meant in good humour.
Permissions
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Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events Y*
Roleplay injuries to my players Y (I will decide how long.)
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out red cards to my players N (Y with TG)
Godmod other events Y*
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*I'm very open to any interesting ideas on or of the pitch, so feel free to send me a TG. However, I've always RPed Schottia in a more or less realistic way, so please keep that in mind. The main thing is don't kill anyone or end their career.
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