IntroductionAfter a period of absence, due to the withdrawal of support for international football by the (as it was then known) GWFA, and the political strife surrounding the nation, Flavovespia finally returns to the international football scene. The Flavovespia Football Association, henceforth known as FFA, have spent the last 2 years preparing the nation and club teams for this moment. The nation will no doubt find it's first few tournaments tough, but the FFA are hopeful progression beyond the qualifiers will come sooner rather than later.
KitFlavovespia have gone with a relatively simple design that is reflective of the nations colour and new flag. The double V is incorporated as a design element across the top of the shirt. Predictably the home shirt is yellow, and the FFA have gone for a black away shirt with a white 3rd kit. The goalkeeper's kit (unpictured) is green with the double V as well, and the goalkeeper will use one of the 2 change kits in case of a clash.
Both home and away kits are registered with black shorts and socks, with a small amount of yellow trim on the cuffs. A reverse set, yellow with a little bit of black trim are registered as alternatives in case of a shorts and socks clash, thus the home and away shirt can be paired off with the default black or alternative yellow shorts and socks. The white 3rd kit will be with white shorts and socks, and is the choice if there is a clash with both the home and away kits, or Flavovespia has a kit clash with the home side and is playing in a hot climate.
National StadiaCurrently the FFA have not yet announced where the specific qualifying games for the national team will be heard. The five venues can be found in full detail in this
Flavovespia Football Daily report. The 5 venues selected are:
Hornet's NestLocation: Waldster
Club team: Waldster FC
Capacity: 75000
Opened: 0U
Open/Closed Roof: Covered seating, retractable roof
Highland RoadLocation: Hadford Hill
Club team: Hadford Hill FC
Capacity: 69518
Opened: 79BU
Open/Closed Roof: Open seating and field
Saints ParkLocation: St Aston's
Club team: St Aston's City FC
Capacity: 60000
Opened: 30BU
Open/Closed Roof: Covered seating, open field
City ArenaLocation: Marthorpe
Club team: Marthorpe City FC
Capacity: 60000
Opened: 9BU
Open/Closed Roof: Closed roof
Rovers ArenaLocation: Loxthorpe
Club team: Loxthorpe Rovers FC
Capacity: 55000
Opened: 23AU
Open/Closed Roof: Covered seating, open field
The national factbook of Flavovespia gives the locations of these cities
RosterThe announcement of Nick Cole’s squad for the first ever international matches for Flavovespia has brought a lot of discussion from fans, pundits and other commentators across the nation. Defending Super League champions Stanmorn have 5 players in the 23-man squad, with Waldster and Marthorpe City responsible for another 3 each. With the line-up announced, we take a look at the 23 players who have made it in.
Name Age Position Number ClubDavid Meehan 28 GK 1 BavingtorPretty much considered the undisputed top goalkeeper in Flavovespia currently. He signed for Bavingtor in 24AU, having been back-up at Waldster FC. He then stunned everyone with a string of amazing performances which took Bavingtor to a Super League title as a newly promoted team, an achievement never before seen.
Meehan is a great shot stopper, but that in itself isn’t why he’s considered Flavovespia’s number one. His distribution both from dead ball situations and live play is second to none, and many a counter attack were started by Meehan keeping his head up and spotting an outfield player in space to launch a devastating attack. With Flavovespia making their debut internationally, expect his danger to start a counter attack to appear against stronger opposition.
Ronald Maddox 27 DEF 2 Marthorpe City Signed from Kings Lunsel in 23AU, Maddox rewarded his new side with some strong games to help them win their most recent league title in the same year. The left-sided left-footed defender has been a cornerstone of the Marthorpe City defence for a fair few years now, and no doubt hopes to help them return to their past glories, or at the very least international club football.
Typically Maddox is deployed as a left wing-back at club level, using his pace to cover off wingers and to get the ball downfield when in possession. Selected to be part of a 4 at the back squad, he will be taking a more defensive role in some games for Flavovespia. At the age of 27, Maddox will hope to use his peak years to try and lock down the #2 jersey for himself.
John Calvert 35 DEF 3 Apsbrooke The oldest outfield player in the national team, but called up into the starting XI anyway. Calvert left Hadford Hill on a free transfer after many years as a tough rock in the defence. Many wondered if the centre back would call it a day there, but he went to Apsbrooke and showed just what he was made of, propelling the small town side to an impressive 5th in the Super League, and showing he still has at least another year at the top of his game.
Calvert is very much an old school centre-back. He isn’t one for fancy play at the back, his aim is to get the ball and get it away, and that he does very well. A commanding figure of significant strength and experience, he will use every part of that he can muster as he steps up for what could be his one and only international call-up.
Neil Wright 23 DEF 4 StanmornFrom the Stanmorn academy ranks, Neil Wright has played a big part in the title-winning squad of Stanmorn. As an academy player, there is no greater feeling than lifting a trophy with a team that awarded a player their first professional contract.
Lining up usually in the centre of a 5-3-2 setup at Stanmorn, Wright will need to use his natural talent to deal with the change of setup he’ll experience. Wright is a strong defender, make no mistake about that, but also shows an unusual tenacity at the back in playing with the ball at feet, often linking up with the midfield in Stanmorn, and isn’t known to be a hoofball merchant. It will be interesting to see how with Meehan in goal and alongside Calvert how Wright will perform.
Stephen Shepherd 25 DEF 5 WaldsterA Waldster youth academy player, he broke into the first team at the age of 20, and was one of the regulars who made up the unbelievable Waldster squad of the early 20’s, managed by Nick Cole. Waldster haven’t quite hit the same heights in the last few years, but they are still a very formidable side, not least with the likes of Shepherd on the team.
Shepherd plays as a right-back or right wing-back at club level. During Nick Cole’s time, he’s played a more defensively minded right-back role, although the last 2 seasons under new management he’s been asked to overlap out wide. It’s likely he’ll be deployed defensively for Flavovespia, and his good positioning and intelligence, something younger defenders don’t always pick up should help him avoid shipping too many goals.
Henrik Jensen 31 MID 6 Langmere Green RoversJensen has been at Langmere Green Rovers since 19AU, signing from a relegated Capton Club. Since then he’s been a key player for the solid Super League outfit, seeing the team win a few Gold Cups in recent years. The midfielder will look to try and use these years to cement a place in the squad at least for a few more tournaments.
Jensen was once described as “a centre-back who happens to play as a midfielder”. Often deployed in a defensive midfielder role, Jensen is always itching to chase down and tackle playmakers and creators of opposing sides, a key disruptor for his opponents. His main skill is in the tackling and stamina department, and expect to see him drop deeper if there are defenders making a move forward.
James King 28 MID 7 Stanmorn (vice-captain)A one club player, King came through the Stanmorn youth setup, and it was a joyous moment when he lifted their first Super League trophy last year. Captain of Stanmorn, he has been given the vice-captain role of the national side, and has shown in the last few years why he is one of Flavovespia’s top midfielders.
King is a classic playmaker, his best attributes are in having the vision to spot the right pass and the technique to execute. King is very much one of the wiser heads both on and off the pitch, he plays with a delicate and mature touch that has served Stanmorn very well. He is set to play a slightly deeper regista role for Cole’s setup, one that he should be able to adapt to.
Jonathan Feld 24 MID 8 Marthorpe CitySigned from Loxthorpe Rovers as a teenager, Feld helped lead Marthorpe to the 23AU Super League title. Having shown that his potential could be realised into true talent, Feld has become one of the most well known midfielders of Flavovespia, and will be pleased to be in the first 11 at just 24 years old.
Feld can play on the left or on the centre, typically in a more attacking midfield role. He is strongest on his left foot but still has a good right foot. Cole’s system will most likely see him deployed on the left of an attacking front 3 behind a lone striker. Feld will be on the left flank with club teammate Maddox, and the attacking setup of the team should make defending tough with multiple attacking outlets.
Andrew Mason 27 ATT 9 StanmornOne half of Stanmorn’s brilliant attack that won the most recent Super League, Andrew Mason has been a staple of the Stanmorn attack since signing from Bavingtor in 23AU. Mason has played in a variety of attacking setups over the years, but is most often deployed at the front of the line, looking to get his head to balls in the box, and also to be a physical presence.
Mason’s best attributes are a fiercely accurate finishing from his head and foot. Not a striker who’s keen on mazy dribbles or fancy footwork, he is the stereotype of a poacher. Often posing a physical threat to the defence, expect him to be the target in a high ball approach, and look for him to lay off through balls in a ground attack.
Ramon Martin 29 ATT 10 Langmere Green RoversA long serving player for Langmere Green Rovers, signing in 18AU having not made it through the Waldster youth system to a professional contract with them, he’s become a popular player at the club. Martin’s thick facial hair and steely expression makes him look like a tough centre-back or a strong forward, but his looks are deceptive, he’s a quick striker, who can use pace as a way to break down the defence.
Martin is set to be deployed as more of an attacking midfielder than a true striker in Cole’s setup. The pace he possesses could pose a risk to the defenders, and he also has the vision to keep the play alive in the box, rather than rush the opportunity. With a lot of competition for places up front in the squad and the whole nation, he’ll be fighting hard to get the #10 jersey.
Steven Hall 25 MID 11 Hadford Hill (captain)Captain of Hadford Hill, having joined from their youth ranks, and now captain of the national side, Steven Hall is undisputedly one of the best players in the entire nation. He’s turned down big money to stay at his childhood club, and is considered a great personality, on and off the field, perfect leadership material.
Hall perfectly plays the “Raumdeuter” role. A player with a brilliant right foot and a strong left foot, he drifts out wide on the right, just looking for the space. Then he tries to break clear to get in a shot or a cross, and his impressive goals and assists record is a testament to his ability to do both. Hall will hopefully play a pivotal role for the Flavovespian side in the next decade.
Conor Harrington 36 GK 12 Apsbrooke When he left Waldster on a free transfer at the end of 24AU, it looked his career was in a swansong, even when Apsbrooke took a punt of him. Now, after some brilliant performances in 26AU, he’s been called up to the national side despite being 36 years old. He’s claimed he can go until he’s at least 40, although to do so in the national team is a big ask.
A very old school goalkeeper, don’t expect to see Harrington play out with the ball at his feet. He’s much more of a launch it down field type of keeper, focusing more on effective shot stopping and positioning, with his experience also giving the back line confidence when he’s on the pitch. He will also pair up with fellow veteran Calvert of Apsbrooke as well, the pair bringing a maturity that’ll help the younger players of the squad.
Patrick Cannon 33 DEF 13 Hadford HillA Hadford Hill defender for 6 seasons now since signing from Binclestead Wood, Cannon is a real defensive rock. A veteran player now, despite age taking toll on his pace, his positioning and strength can more than make up for that, and he’s always willing to get stuck in against the wingers of the opposition.
Cannon plays left-back, but is not at all attacking, and can slot in to the centre-back spot. Strength and tackling are his key attributes, and expect him to be brought on or used in games where Flavovespia are more content to sit back and try and defend instead of playing with attack from the back.
Mark James 29 DEF 14 Marthorpe CityA recognisable face in Super League football with his long hair and headband, Mark James has had an interesting career. A Marthorpe City youth player, he joined Waldster at the age of 23, but then rejoined Marthorpe City 3 years later. Since then he’s been one of the key defenders for Marthorpe, and has done well to get a national team call up.
A centre-back, James is a tall and strong defender. Not one for fancy footwork or dribbling, he employs a no-nonsense approach that Cole seems to favour. Team mate to Maddox and Feld, it will be interesting to see how they play in a setup that isn’t that similar to that of their club side.
Tony Gardner 23 DEF 15 Kings LunselComing from the youth ranks of Kings Lunsel, Gardner is recognisable with his distinctive ginger hair, and played an instrumental part of their title win in 25AU. One of the youngest players to be called up, Gardner will be happy to make the squad, and has potential to do so for many more years if he hits his peak.
A central defender officially, he can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder. Whilst his age doesn’t give him the experience and defensive skills of some of the team, he has relatively good skills on the ball for a defender. He could well be utilised in any game where Flavovespia look for more playing out of the back than aggressively launching long balls.
Stephen Moore 26 DEF 16 Loxthorpe RoversSigned 2 seasons ago from Rumlington Rovers, Moore has stepped up very well in the Super League and has been rewarded with a call up to the national team. With experience in a back 4, and playing as a more attacking right-back in that formation, Moore fits the bill of the squad setup, even if some may suggest he got somewhat fortunate to be called up.
Moore strongest attribute is probably his acceleration and pace. Outright tackling and crossing isn’t his forte, but he knows he can deal with those if he can outpace and opponent. Loxthorpe Rovers deploy a 4 at the back with defensive midfielders setup, so positional issues won’t be a problem for Moore. An interesting call-up certainly, this tournament could be make or break for his international career.
Simon Davison 27 MID 17 WaldsterSigned in 26AU from Vale by Waldster, Davison was a key player in the centre midfield of Waldster, as they narrowly fell short of a title. A Vale supporter, it was especially tough for Davison to see rivals Stanmorn lift the trophy. Nevertheless the midfielder will be pleased to be recognised as a talented player deserving of a call up to the national side.
Playing in the centre, distribution, passing and vision have been the key attributes of Davison’s talent. Not quite on the same level as King, Davison will still want to prove to be an effective substitute option, and could also feature in a change of formation for Flavovespia. In the prime of his career, Davison needs to prove himself to get as many caps as he can.
Jordaan Wolfson 31 MID 18 Kings LunselNicknamed “Moustache Maestro” by his club, Wolfson has been a part of Kings Lunsel since being a youth player, experiencing the success of the last decade and a bit with the side as a professional player and as a fan of the club he plays for. A tenacious midfielder, it pleased many to see him get a call up to the national team.
Another central midfielder, albeit more defensively minded than attackingly minded, Wolfson has good positioning and awareness to try and control the midfield battle. Jensen got the nod for the #6 jersey, but Wolfson is almost a like for like replacement, and expect him to come in at least a few times if rotation is a key part of the qualifying game plan.
Charles Winward 25 MID 19 StanmornWinward was part of the title winning Stanmorn squad, a new signing from Butterfield Rovers FC. Starting almost all games, he made many key appearances, however some critics feel like his call up was more of a reflection on the success of Stanmorn than his talent, although others view that as a cynical verdict.
A left-winger, Winward would most likely slot in to the attacking midfield left position for the national team, but could be the first choice for a conventional left midfield position if a change in formation happens. Reasonably pacey, he’s good at getting in a cross and playing through balls, although unlike some midfielders nowadays, finishing is not his forte.
Thomas McDonald 34 ATT 20 WaldsterStriker for over a decade at Waldster, signing from Stanmorn in 16AU, part of the legendary 22AU triple winning side with almost a 1 goal per game ratio, McDonald is one of the most famous Flavovespian players of the last decade. Maybe he isn’t quite the top player he was now he’s reached 34 years old, but a call up for him was well respected by many.
McDonald always tends to play at the top either as a lone striker or in a pair. He’s not a massive creator, and is no longer particularly pacey, but his shooting technique is still second to none, and if given too much time on the ball, will absolutely punish the opposition defence. Expect him to receive some caps as a reliable experienced striker.
Guoliang Fu 29 ATT 21 St Astons CityFu is definitely one of the most journeyed players of the national team, the only one to play not just in the 3 professional tiers, but the 2 semi-pro tiers, working his way up as a part-timer in his teens to signing for St Astons in 22AU from Sporting Towerhaite. Fu was a bright spark in St Astons disappointing season last year, and it will be interesting to see if he’s got the talent to stay in the national side.
Listed as an attacker, Fu is just as much as a winger than a striker. His favoured position is out wide on the left, such that he can cut in and drill the ball with his right foot. Likely to be an option in the 3 behind the striker for Cole’s setup, Fu could prove to be somewhat enigmatic for the national team.
Scott Coleman 22 ATT 22 StanmornColeman was once known for his long hair and photogenic looks, but winning the title for his beloved Stanmorn, where he came through the youth system was a dream come true for Coleman, only matched by a national team call up. The young striker has always been linked to other sides, but it remains to be seen it that ever comes to fruition.
Coleman is one of the fastest strikers in Flavovespia. His technique is slightly raw at the moment, but when he can create many one-on-ones, that doesn’t hinder his goalscoring record. He played alongside Mason in a front 2 for Stanmorn, but for the national side without a change of formation he’d probably drop into any of the 4 attacking options, albeit with a preference to play in the centre or the right hand side.
Nicholas Dobson 24 GK 23 Loxthorpe RoversStanding at 2 metres and 100kg, Dobson is a seriously imposing figure as a goalkeeper. Some have suggested his goalkeeping skills are simply down to being so large it’s hard to find a place to put the ball past him. The 3rd choice goalkeeper position was always going to be hard to fill, with as many as 8 of the starting 16 Super League keepers linked to a national team spot, but Dobson makes it in.
Unsurprisingly not agile, Dobson makes up for that with good positional skills, and a long throw and clearance. As 3rd choice keeper he is unlikely to start, but at 24 may still make the national team for future appearances.
Default lineupLineup (as of MD3-MD6)Lineup (as of MD7 onwards)Lineup (as of MD12)Squad PhotoPlayers in rows 1-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-20, 20-23 + Manager
OOC Info- Code: Select all
Flavovespia was formally known as Greater Watford internationally, but Greater Waldster internally. Referring to Flavovespia as a continuation of it's former name is acceptable, but all statistics kept by me, such as caps and goals are starting afresh for Flavovespia.
Flavovespia's current year is roughly somewhere in the 2020's in terms of technology, so things like 5G, autonomous transport and more integrated automation and AI is present, but other than that is largely similar to modern day Earth. The team of Flavovespia and the population are all human. In terms of national culture, it is most similar to the United Kingdom, with the native language of Flavovespia being English.
The current year in Flavovespia is 27AU (27 After Unification), with BU (Before Unification) used for years before 0U. In terms of timescale, 0U is roughly analogous to 2000 in the real world, with 27AU around 2027 then in terms of technology.
Style Modifier: 0- Code: Select all
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes (but I reserve permission to determine a suitable length)
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes (See above, no permanent death/career ending injuries)
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes