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Dave Mackay, DC/DMC achieved 6* recognition following tonight's CL match. Let's hope this accolade doesn't unsettle him as it has others in the last few days.
Goram, Hansen and Dalglish should follow him soon as Buffs Mad steps up the training sessions on Cup-free days.
Transfer News
Lets hope it doesn't prove to be a mistake but Buffs Mad has started clearing out some of the idle squad members. With 3 moving on the squad is getting a bit light. Keep Calm, Carry On.
Breaking Training News
After having bought a Scout last week (stupid I know ;) ) - just to have done it, he achieved 7* after last nights training. He still waddles across the park like a useless bag of.....but at least he does so with another shiny star. :D
Lets see if he gets a 5 rating in today's game. >.<
League:
It was one-way traffic in Turkey as Buffs took the game to the opposition. The home manager was not present but Buffs Mad recognised the squeals of a visitor "cheering for the...." host team. Although the first half was goal-less much of the play took place in the home sides half. It had been a valiant defensive display with the hosts throwing themselves at everything and using every part of their bodies to keep Buffs out. Unfortunately for 1 brave defender who got in the way of a Mackay pile-driver that meant 5 mins out with the magic sponge down his shorts. (Later Buffs Mad, kind soul that he is, passed the player the business card of a good fertility clinic).
The second half started as the home manager appeared. The Buffs pitched tents in the opposition penalty area and were rewarded for their possession in 51 mins as Mackay pounced on a poor clearance and rifled home. 1-0
The home side made a change, to force play down the left, when the ball was out for a Buffs corner. But he had no time to make any impact as Caesar crossed and Jinky headed home. 2-0
Time for some hard-ball tactics as Souness was chopped down outside the box with the home side determined to send a message to the marauding Buffs. It proved to be an expensive message as Mackay took the free kick and sent a rocket into the top corner. 3-0
It had been brave defending by the homeside with the occasional break but 3 goals in 6 minutes seemed like a just reward for the Buffs endeavour.
The home side stepped up 1 last gear and pressed and made another substitution. 10 minutes of midfield dueling began but with only a few long range shots from the home team carrying any threat. Mackay's heel was playing a blinder, like the slimiest politician........it deflected everything.
Souness decided to step in and make his mark on this midfield battle - but instead made his mark (not deliberately ofc) on the young Turkish MC - Yellow for Souness. The action slowly drifted further and further into the home side's territory once more until the pressure was relentless. The script repeated itself. Foul on the edge of the box, Mackay places the ball, *whoosh* and keeper picks it out of the net. The remaining 8 mins were played out in midfield with both sides drained.
Banana skin avoided but the real test for the Buffs will come in the next round of matches which will see them host the league leaders and, after a minimum rest period, travel to Brazil for the 1st leg of the CL tie.
Congrats on the win, and good luck tomorrow :)
Thank you David.
Following little Celtic Rangers 3-1 win in the Cup Q-final we offer them a little highlight here, with the key moments and stats from the match.
http://i59.tinypic.com/mrbm3b.jpg http://i58.tinypic.com/2d3rev.jpg
Although the Squad is under pressure now and Midas McGonnigal might need to dip into the transfer market to secure an MR and perhaps DR too.
http://i57.tinypic.com/j60jue.jpg
....and.....back to Buffs FC.
Buffs Mad is pursuing a high risk strategy having made cuts to the playing staff, but, as the players on the periphery of the squad were not up to the job it was decided to cut them loose and fill the transfer pot.
Current Squad is:
http://i61.tinypic.com/4pxlib.jpg
Opposition
It has to be said that Buffs are very much the outsiders in the title race - 5 pts adrift of the sole leaders following the now second placed teams slip in drawing with the same side that held Buffs yesterday.
It has been a competitive S2 league with at least 8 very active players. As far as quality is concerned it would not be fair to compare numbers given Buffs 'trimmed' squad raising its ave. Q (and it'd make my managerial skills look really bad ;) ) but the leaders currently boast 4xScouts and 5x29Q players; 2nd has 2xScouts and 5x29Q; and Buffs as above with 1xWC, 3xScouts and 2x29Q.
Stop copying me man :P Just put 4 players on the sales market in prep for next season, sadly all 2* so they are next to useless next season :)
Haha, well it is the sincerest form of flattery. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by David Malone
But now you have drawn me back in here :D I notice that the auto-sub was quick with replacements today in Celtic Rangers match, particularly the 2nd one.
How do you have two teams? Is it separate facebook accounts or what? :)
Yes separate accounts. I actually have 3 teams because when I was setting up a referral team (to see if there are any worthwhile benefits) I then forgot to invite the account before I took a team! O.o XD So I had to do it again.Quote:
Originally Posted by David Malone
Thankfully Celtic Rangers lost in the CL knockout tie or they'd have been set to troll Buffs FC in the semis >.<
Lol! "And my team beat my team in an awesome 2-0 win! My team fought well, but it was my team that came out on top". I can just see it now! :)
Since I'm off out and probably won't make it back for the Buffs crunch ties against the league leaders and in the CL........good luck my little pixel pixies!;)
"Steady the Buffs!"
Buffs FC lose 3-2 at home to the leaders, ending any remaining (slim) hope of challenging for the title.
A game of 2 halves - u betcha. The first half passed without incident, no goals no cards no injuries. The second half exploded in the Buffs face. Hansen was red-carded on 46 minutes and the visitors scored from the penalty spot. In 62 mins it was 2-0 and 5 mins later it was 3. Goals from the Buffs' Baxter and Dalglish in 69 and 74 minutes respectively proved to be a false dawn as the visitors held on.
http://i57.tinypic.com/2lkte7m.jpghttp://i57.tinypic.com/2ue4u83.jpg
Buffs travelled to Brazil for the Champions League QF 1st leg on the back of a sore loss in the league.
There was, on paper, a large advantage to Buffs FC in quality terms. With the home manager having viewed Buffs games recently, they emerged in 4-3-3. Buffs switched things round opting for a 4-1-3W-2, with a little experimental shift to
4-3W-3 for the last 20 or so minutes.
The following happened.
http://i60.tinypic.com/2ngdk45.jpghttp://i59.tinypic.com/am63hi.jpg
Following a late training session yesterday - for the coaching staff to capture training data - 'The Goalie', Andy Goram achieved 6* recognition. In the post-match training session today, after making his 1st team debut, Michael Mols achieved 6* recognition too. (see below)
Squad
In a deviation from normal policy, which restricted squad members to weell kent Scottish player names, the club are proud to welcome Michael Mols.
Editor's Note: I've had a soft spot for Michael Mols since his arrival in Glasgow, for Rangers, where he made such a promising start in the league and CL. His career was cruelly hampered when landing awkwardly after a collision in a Champions League match. The team he played in boasted several key Dutch players, including van Bronkhurst, Numan, and Ronald de Boer.
His name just popped into my head this morning and now he's in the team. ;)
http://i59.tinypic.com/16by9lj.jpghttp://i59.tinypic.com/2m4vr5h.jpg
That's awsome :) !Quote:
Originally Posted by Buffs Mad
oh crap, i thought you won it :( my bad.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommy Vernersson
hehe, although I couldn't watch the match, when I checked the fixture I thought that too. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommy Vernersson
Gives me a bit of a chance to experiment with formations in the league now. :D
Great thread about your team!
I really enjoy reading it ;)
Good luck for the rest of the season!!
Thank you Mr Marco. I've liked popping onto yours too and I'll be back regularly. ;).
Buffs FC knew they were in for a tough battle today when the opposition lined up. They almost literally lined up from GK to our keeper with 3 DCs, DMC, 2Mcs, AMC and 2 ST.....with a single lone flanking MR on the right. Easy, right! Right? Well seems like there is a trade off from 80% posession and today that was a broken foot for Dalglish in the 3 min. Hmm, injuries in the first 5 mins, that NEVER happens. /sarcasm
So Buffs convert the penalty and with the refereee throwing cards around like confetti Buffs FC were 5 up after 39 mins. The TV commentator present today must've kicked the plug out the socket because the commentary stopped until the 75th minute when he announced goal for Tankers, goal for Buffs and Match Ended in quick succession.
Strange day.
An updated League table? :) Agree with mr Marco, it's fun to read a "blog" if you will from another football fan :) btw, why no Alan Mlcleish? LEGEND. :p
In a post match training session Alan Hansen attained 6* recognition. Hansen, 22, and one of the original Buffs defensive line, has played 30 matches already this season and it would've been higher if it wasn't for the serious injury he picked early on this season.
While the hard training sessions have benefited some, reserve goalkeeper Campbell was not one of them after breaking down in training. Fortunately the medics have assessed it and do not expect the Grade 1 Hamstring Strain to keep him out for long.
With 2 out injured, 2 suspended in the league, 3 more on bookings and only a 17 man squad Buffs Mad was asked if he would be recruiting cover.
"Well, with an 8 goal lead in the CL and us out of the running in the league I think we'll take our chances," before adding "but perhaps I better bring along my boots and gloves just in case."
Previously we shone the spotlight on Celtic Rangers' triumph in the Cup QF. Today we look at the reason behind Celtic Rangers' consistency, so far.
An exit in the 1st knockout round of the CL has left Celtic Rangers fighting for the double. Bringing home any trophy will still be a challenge given a lack of resounrces but the one thing we know is CR will fight.
Season to date:
http://i59.tinypic.com/fwuj9k.jpg
At the end of Season 1 the playing staff was cut back to fund an early acquisition in Season 2 - with a striker identified as a priority. The only other new recruit to CR was to provide cover in midfield for injuries. (Regrettably he has had 2 injuries since joining the club.)
Celtic Rangers' are almost totally reliant on 2 players: ever-present DC Alan Higgins and the Season 2 acquired ST Sosha Ebrahimpour. At first there was some friction between the 2 with new boy Ebrahimpour stealing the spotlight and the Champagne (after a run of successive MoMs). But a mutual respect for each others performance has seen a more harmonious relationship develop.
http://i58.tinypic.com/20qyo1t.jpg
http://i57.tinypic.com/2m3mdms.jpg
Having lost a tight encounter in the league to their main rivals towards mid-season, Celtic Rangers hold a slender 3 pt lead as well as a 13 goal advantage. However the current suspension of Higgins and the 4 players under treatment will test their mettle. The forthcoming Cup Semi will see CR at a slight Quality disadvantage (2pts) but hopes remain high if the can field a healthy team with sufficient cover.
The second leg of the Champions League Quarter Final looked to be a formality. But with Buffs FC maintaining a small squad with 2 League suspensions outstanding, 2 injured and several yellows in the team - the real test was to manage the situation.
Buffs Mad opted for a flat 4-4-2 to try to just get through the tie with no drama. A Bremner header from a Dave Mackay free-kick in the opening 10 mins put the Buffs ahead. Valiant defending by the visitors kept the deficit to 1 throughout the rest of the half. At half-time Buffs rested a central midfielder and MR, switching to a hex as the only replacement for the later was an AMR. Goals in the 56th and 83rd minutes gave Johnstone a double. An 11-0 aggregate victory does however mask the fine defensive qualities exhibited by the visitors and the breakaway threat.
Buffs now must move onto league business with only 2 subs on the bench - carrying 2 injuries and 2 1 match suspensions - unless it is decided that intensive treatment is required to aid the injured's recoveries.
Match Stats
http://i58.tinypic.com/2njzxaw.jpg
I cross my fingers that you bring home the Cup :) That would be something!
From what I've seen, the league is more or less over for you? But you had a 1-1 draw in the Cup semi 1st leg and are in CL semi?
Yeah, other team (Celtic Rangers) drew in the Cup. Buffs CL Semi 1st leg is tomorrow.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommy Vernersson
Its not about winning just now tho - just need to keep progressing a couple of levels and adding to the squad. I did come back in the league to within 2 pts but had already started experimenting and cut back the squad before losing today - those above will lose more games because there are 4 good quality sides at the top and 2 others that keep punishing a front-runner now and then. But I'm already looking to next season.:cool:
Yea I am just stupid. I haven't noticed that you got 2 teams until now. Buffs FC and Celtic Rangers are 2 different teams. Sometimes I have bad luck when I'm thinking ^^Quote:
Originally Posted by Buffs Mad
Don't worry about it - sometimes when I type a result I type the wrong name. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommy Vernersson
(I've actually got 3 teams >.< , both Celtic Rangers FC and Shangalang FC are top of their leagues but both are running out of kits as they are 35T teams.)
There are probably 2 main things I've learned from this season with Buffs FC.
1. When things are competitive, you really do need Squad rotation; and
2. When you hit the front, don't start fiddling around(/changing things) trying to protect a lead, stick to what got you there. ;)
What server is Shangalang FC on? Because i think i've seen it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Buffs Mad
112, managed by Malcolm Smith, which is me. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Tommy Vernersson
EDIT: wait, that can't be right.....need to check again. >.<
Server 190 for Shangalang FC
Academy Update
Towards the beginning of the season I bought my 1st Token Academy player, At 12 tokens he trained pretty well (although I could've trained him harder) but he was an average player and got lots of bookings. Sold him yesterday and got 1.9m for him. So, although I don't buy cash for tokens, at least (if my math is OK) I got more from the sale than I would've got for the equivalent bank loan.
PS: I'd love to say he moved on with our best wishes but he was actually blindfolded, bundled into the back of a van and thrown out at a secret location where the transaction was completed. Poor young footballers - they have it so hard.
Who won the man of the match? :D
Outstanding performance from Ebrahimpour... u should keep him no matter what level.. That must be some kind of record.
He rated 9 but had the ball so much everyone else in the team got 7, including the guy with 3 assists. O.o
Regrettably Buffs Mad's urgent psychiatric counselling sessions have interrupted match reports. Yesterday Buffs were humiliated 4-1 away in the league. It has been a dramatic slump in fortunes in the second half of the league campaign, with 3 heavy wins, 3 heavy losses and a draw. There are some reasonable factors that can be considered: a greater propensity in the big games for the opposition to counter-attack (and the lack of Buffs Mad's experience in responding); the reality that, to an extent, all the tp clubs have experienced this flux in fortunes; and latterly, at least, it was decided to experiment with other formations at the start and half-time. However, there is another possibility - **** happens. >.<
Nevertheless there is a need to steady the ship or risk losing out on Champions League qualification as the teams begin to concertina.
The Board has given Buffs Mad their 100% backing. O.o
Buffs FC scrape a 2-2 draw at home.
PS. I actually feel sorry for the opposition. To see my team post ratings of 5 (4 players) and 6 (2 players) and only 1 rating 8 yet come away with a draw against their 7, 8 & 9 performers must be sickening. :rolleyes:
Know those feels Buff's mate! My own team has slumped drastically in the last 2-3 days, scraping wins where it was previously demolishing teams! had a player get a rating of 3 in a match, 3?! I mean, what was he doing, just handing the ball to the opposing team! :P As you say, crap happens, I'm sure once you get into the new season, it will balance out and we both will be hammering Div 3 teams :PQuote:
Originally Posted by Buffs Mad
Buffs narrowly beat Castilla FC away from home in the league.
A fine tackle in 49 minutes from Graeme Souness marked his return to form - the home side's midfielder was unable to continue but, after protesting his innocence, Souness escaped with just a yellow. Alan Hansen took advantage in 54 minutes when he strode from the back through the midfield and unleashed a strike for the only goal of the match.
This leaves Buffs in 3rd fighting (not much of that shown recently) to claw back the 2nd place side while fending off the pack, breathing down their neck, to secure CL qualification.
In the 2nd leg of the Champions League semi-final at home, Buffs ran out 5-0 winners to go forward to the final 10-0 on aggregate. Dalglish suffered from injury yet again, limpimg off with an ankle strain after only 4 minutes. Mols replaced Dalglish just as Baxter swung in a corner for Hansen to head home on the 10th minute mark. Solo efforts from Jim Baxter and Jimmy Johnstone saw Buffs go into the break 3 goals to the good. Billy Bremner hand a hand, or rather foot, in both the fourth and fifth goals with passes for Hansen and Souness to convert in the 56th and 79th minutes respectively.
Not a difficult test for the Buffs and whether they are performing consistently enough to do themselves justice on the big stage remains to be seen.
Feeder Club News
Big game for Celtic Rangers coming up in the league (tomorrow evening - real time), as they host Chelsea FC.
Chelsea currently sit in second, 6 points behind, and are the only team CR has dropped league points to this season having beaten CR 3-2.
CR still have a 3 injuries and a suspension to contend with, but not to key players and it will be down to those 4 key players step up once more.
Key Player League Performance
GK Agung Nur Nosid - 21 matches, 8 goals conceded, 0 MoM;
DC Alan Higgins - 22 matches, 12 goals, 15 assists, 12 MoM = League Top Passer and Top Rated player;
ST Sosha Ebrahimpour - 20 matches, 19 goals, 11 assists, 4 MoM = League top scorer and 2nd best Passer;
ST Gaston Lucero - 4 matches, 5 goals, 3 assists, 0 MoM = replaced 12 goal Daniel Morris (multiple injuries) who remains the 5th Top Rated player.
Celtic Rangers have scored 150 goals in all competitions this season but require 11 more in the remaining 3 fixtures to achieve 100 league goals.