2017
Winshill Green U9 Comeback on a Par with 1999 ?
Whilst most of the Winshill Green team were born 10 years AFTER that famous night in the Nou Camp many of their hardcore fans and management team still take inspiration from that momentous night and in particular those 3 minutes which will leave long in to the memory of every football fan! (better than that comeback in Istanbul by some other football team). Today saw Winshill Green take inspiration from that famous night in an amazing comeback.
[youtube=www.youtube.com/watch
Following a couple of difficult defeats (1-9 v Newhall Lions) (0-5 v Albert Village Harriers) today marked a new beginning as the BJFL - who play non-competitive football - reallocate the leagues every 5 weeks - with top teams getting promoted and bottom teams relegated etc.
This meant that for the first time Winshill Green FC today were facing Doveridge in a league game for the first time - a side they had beaten in pre-season.
The starting line-up was Jakub, Dejaun, Zuzza, Maiciej, Natan, Persephone (c), Ben, Archie.
Winshill Green FC started brightly with Maiciej having a shot cleared of the line (goal-line technology would clearly have said in), Persephone coming close from an angle with the keeper making the save. Natan was brilliant on the right with awesome football and Zuzza (arguably our most improved player) solid at the back, she reads the game incredibly well and her positioning is excellent with very little getting passed her.
However despite largely dominating possession and Doveridge took the lead 1-0. Despite continued pressure from Winshill they couldn’t breakthrough and half-time 1-0 to Doveridge.
Winshill have by and large played some fantastic football in recent weeks but have struggled to convert chances into goal - but they did just after the break - a lovely through ball from Dejaun found Persephone who took on her marker and put the ball beyond the goalkeeper for her 3rd goal of the season.
1-1.
THEN disaster - one of the frustrating thing about managing a junior football team is that they “sometimes” don’t do what we practice in training and despite having 100 chances to clear the ball they kept trying to pass the ball clear in our own penalty area and disaster struck Doveridge took advantage and made it 2-1.
Persephone then struck the opposite post direct from a corner and it seemed like it just wasn’t going to be Winshill’s day! Then a speculative shot from Doveridge went in. :(
3-1 Doveridge.
Winshill though never give up and Jakub scored a great goal from a Persephone pass to make it 3-2 - then like in the Nou Camp Beddows (Ferguson) and Watson (Mclaren) used their last throw of the dice and brought Ben back on the pitch and pushed Dejaun further forward - 6 mins to go!
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| Beddows (left) and Watson (right) |
What happened next will live long in the memory of every Winshill Green fan as a long throw in from Persephone found Jakub to put it beyond the keeper for a late winner... and like the commentator in 1999 said... "and Jakub has won it!!!"
A hat-trick in 6 minutes isnt too bad for our 1st choice goalkeeper! :)
With Jakub being our goalkeeper the management team have some decisions to make next week.
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| Winshill Green U9 (left to right) Ben, Persephone (c), Dejaun, Natan, Zuzza, Archie, Jakub, Maiciej |
Player of the Match today was Maiciej for never giving up - always running and generally excellent hard work - he has improved massively over the last 4/5 weeks and is a proper team player now and the first player for sure on the teamsheet week in and week out.
Moment of the match went to Jakub for his finish for the winner - calm under pressure - makings of great winger!
From a managers perspective it was brilliant seeing the kids hugging each other at the end and jumping up and down like they'd won the European Cup! Dejaun and Natan made up a new celebration apparently and their smiles made it worth the while.
We will have our new kit "very soon" I'm led to believe and the "jackets" are to follow.
On a separate note the authorities are apparently not going to take any action against Winshill assistant Watson, who when Winshill were down 3-1 used several expletives about the man in charge and the fact that we should be winning this game :)
Safe to saw he was smiling at the end!
THE FORGOTTEN ONE
SM News have heard from a source close to Mr. Hirst that Schot Bruin may find himself back in a job should one come available.
INTER - NO MORE 'TINKERMAN'
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After 5 games without a win the tinkering ends. McLean knew the jib was up after a fan threw a Primark bag towards the dugout after the latest defeat at home to Sampdoria. Upon inspection he found a still steaming mound of foul smelling faeces, atop of which was a hastily scrawled note that said plainly 'Abbiamo dovuto ingoiarlo, ora è il tuo turno' (basically 'eat shit'). A change of action was immediately required. It was bad enough to have such a mutinous act from a die hard, but to then be ridiculed by his opposite number across the city - well that was too much to bear. Consequently we have gone back to basics. The tinkering is over. We will maintain our favourite shape of 4231B, but our assignments will be set in stone. At least for the next 10 games anyway, and then we will revisit the changes. As it stands, on the eve of our 14th league match, it is not all bad. the division is a tight affair and Inter are but 4 points from 2nd. Yet, conversely, we are 3pts from a relegation spot. The squad is the strongest, in terms of depth, since my 1st season in charge. Age remains an issue, but my hands are tied somewhat by walking the fine line of remaining competitive, having depth and waiting for ratings increases for players on the peripheral end. All in I believe I've done good work here at Inter, and if the City job indeed becomes available and I am asked to step in, it will be somewhat of a wrench to leave an unfinished project with bags of potential. Carrick, Pepe, Aduriz, Prieto, Ba and Kaka will need to be moved on sooner rather than later, although Ba and Kaka remain useful subs. That still leaves 4 1st team players to replace of high rating. Can anyone replace them? I've brought in Vela, Brahimi, Semedo and Dzagoev, alongside Wendt and Garcia. They all look very solid for retaining their current ratings, and of course Semedo is a real jewel ready for further ratings increases and a handy player to trade. What of my other stock? Let's have a look :-  JURGEN LOCADIA - The PSV hitman is finding his way back to resurgence after a period of injury. PSV sit atop the Eredivisie and look to be making a real go of it this season. With 5 in 7 Locadia looks well placed to earn a rise, and at just 23 he has plenty of years ahead.  ARNAUD SOUQUET - Solid as you like for Nice. First choice RB and due a plus 2 at least. A useful replacement for Semedo if Semedo gets traded for a replacement for Pepe or Carrick. After that rise of course.  LUCAS LIMA - The diminutive but brawly Lima had a solid but unspectacular season last out. He is very highly rated in France for his defensive duties, but also for his crossing ability. With Ranieri now at the helm at Nantes, and with them performing very well early doors, especially defensively, Lima looks to add to his plus 2 from May. Solid as a rock.  MIGUEL ALMIRON - People may think I have Paraguayan blood in me such is my recruitment of them. The fact is the players I have are all internationals and playing regularly for their teams. And scoring goals. Almiron, at 23, has had a marvellous 1st season at Atlanta. With 9 goals and 8 assists he has taken MLS by storm. the kid with a permanent smile on his face is a riser.  JOSEF MARTINEZ - He's only played in slightly over half of Atlanta's games BUT HE'S SCORED 18 FUCKING GOALS. 18 PLAYED, 18 SCORED! They adore him in Georgia. He's a loon, but he's my loon!  MARVELOUS NAKAMBA - Need a steady till in central midfield? Marvelous the name, Marvelous by nature. The former Vitesse man was the rock on which Lewis Baker built his goals from. An elegant, unfussy passer of the ball. Pass, pass, pass again. Now with Brugge, and Brugge looking to run away with the FDA Nakamba will be highly sought after. A certain riser, a handy left-footer and only 23. Marvelous!  MATHEW LECKIE - We picked up the Ozzy speedster with a face longer than a Black Friday queue at Currys as soon as he was off to Hertha. Which was early doors in the market (kudos me!). He hasn't disappointed. With 4 in 7 he looks for a solid season. Hertha look a good mid table side and are of the back of a 2-2 home draw against rudderless Bayern. I think he's up for a rise. Do you? NOTABLE MENTIONS ------------------------------- BRUNO VALDEZ - The Club America and Paraguay international has been solid at club form but let down at international level by either his defensive partner, his midfield cover or poor management - or a combination of those. I believe, with the recruitment of Columbian Uribe (Our player) that America have the potential to win Liga MX. They are but 4 pts behind undefeated Monterrey and have a great squad. I have held onto him because he can play with both feet and at RB and CB. He scores goals as well at club level. At just 24 he is a riser being that he plays regularly in his position at a top club in his league. CECILIO DOMINGUEZ - Yet another Paraguayan and team-mate to Valdez, Dominguez, as I knew he would, has been a revelation and become a superstar in Mexico for his goals and performances. 3 in 10 doesn't sound much, but 3 of those games were off the bench. It's more 3 in 7, and the winger bagged 19 goals for Cerro in the year they pushed for Copa Libertadores glory. Much more to come from the man and still just 23 and criminally underrated. CYLE LARIN - Orlando have been poor this year and are well out of the play-offs. The only shining light is Larin who has continued to bag goals despite an underperforming team. A move away seems likely and then we will really see what he is made of. JUNIOR ALONSO - The last of my Paraguayan's, Alonso has graduated to International level and was part of the Cerro team that surprised in the Copa. Now at Lille, playing regularly, albeit at CB instead of LB, he is at a club where much was expected with the new manager (Bielsa) and he is yet to deliver. I believe, unless there is a sudden turnaround, that Bielsa is headed for the sack. Where that will leave Alonso is up for debate, but I do feel I am not alone in thinking he is playing out of position at CB and should be playing LB. In terms of minutes he is due a rise, but at just 24 I feel the best is yet to come. FOR THE FUTURE .................................. PONTUS DAHLBERG - Our youth keeper is no.1 at Gothenburg is highly rated. Nuff said. A riser. PHIL FODEN - A superstar in the making. A sublime midfielder with vision and a great eye for a goal. NAHITAN NANDEZ - Finally loose from Penarol, the youngster is now playing at no less a club than Boca - and is starting to get games. The kid is a bundle of energy, strong in the tackle, determined, scores goals, box to box. The future is his - I just hope he doesn't burn out early, because Christ that kid can run for miles! MARCUS EDWARDS - A legend in the making or an overhyped donkey. Many feel it is the former and we're glad to have him. The question is, when will he finally get a game for Spurs? Plenty of time but the fans are waiting. ERDAL RAKIP - We were lucky to get Rakip early doors in a bidding war. He has played regularly for runaway Allsvenskan league leaders Malmo. Certain to get a rise after his 8 goals, but 1 assist is poor. Got 10 yrs of football in front of him to improve though, so not an issue as long as the goals keep coming. GIL DIAS - Jardim went for Rony Lopez over Diaz, and in truth, his hemming and hawing has much to do with the fact there is not much between them. A solitary goal in 8 appearances apiece tells you that. But Dias is playing in Italy. A superior league to Ligue 1, and he's playing for Fiorentina, a pretty solid outfit in Serie A. And he's already bagged a goal. A riser. A FINAL WORD ............................. If anyone believes I lack dedication to TOP 100 they should watch the video attached. I think it tells you all you need to know about how 'hard core' I am about this game. [youtube=[www.youtube.com/watch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx6AfUwLbxg&w=320&h=266])
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D3 School Report
Following on from Dan’s review of D1 after 13 games, here’s my take on D3, and which managers are top of the class, who is having a fag behind the bike sheds, and who is going to get expelled by the end of the term if they carry on like this.
I thought it might be interesting to look at how teams are doing compared to Malcolm’s predictions to help me with this. Do bear in mind, however, that those predictions are for the season as a whole, so lots can change between now and then, still.
Starting at the top, as Malcolm pointed out, there’s ‘a wild variation in performance vs stats in D3 you could look down as far as Saint-Etienne for the eventual winners.’ Well, Josh McMillan is certainly the class swot so far, top of the class with 26 points, including just one defeat, and scoring 29 goals.
ASSE’s star man is undoubtedly their Hungarian forward Balázs DZSUDZSÁK, who is continuing his excellent overall record in Top 100 again this season, averaging one assist per game! Josh’s use of counter-attacking wingbacks clearly is paying dividends. They’ve had a little wobble recently and will hope that’s all it is as they aim to build on their playoff finish last season.
A* for Josh and ASSE - keep it up!
Newcastle are currently second in the table, 3 points behind Saint-Etienne, but with just 16 goals scored (and only 4 at St James’s Park!). Greg Bilboa’s side are clearly relying on their strength in defence this season with the second best defensive record in the division, conceding only 9 goals. In contrast, lone front man Andy Carroll has failed to score at all. Not the classic Geordie no. 9!
B for Greg and Newcastle - some good work, but capable of even better!
Celtic are behind Newcastle by virtue of having conceded one more goal, otherwise their record is identical. Similarly, the Bhoys under Sir Kevin Wallace are providing very little of what might be termed entertainment, although at least they possess a striker in Shane Long. ‘Injury free Celtic could also challenge for the top spot,’ said Malcolm. They will hope he stays fit.
B for Sir Kevin and Celtic - sitting next to Bilboa, almost identical work….
‘Sevilla have the most attacking options, but Sevilla have a weakness between the sticks’, prophesied Malcolm. Sounds like a problem familiar to many men over the age of 40. Perhaps that is why David Senior is relying on his star winger to do the business and get his side back up to D2 at the first attempt?
Machín VITOLO is giving ASSE’s DZSUDZSÁK a good run for his money so far as the division’s most valuable player, with 10 assists. As Malcolm put it, ‘arguably, Sevilla can put out the strongest starting 11’ and Senior’s team didn’t disappoint with a great start to life in D3, but have struggled to keep it up recently.
B for David and Sevilla - a good start, but must stay up longer at the top of the table!
In complete contrast, Swansea had a terrible start to life back in D3, but have totally turned their season around in the last couple of weeks, drawing level with Sevilla on 22 points. As Malcolm pointed out, ‘the adjusted stats show that Swansea may be more likely to drop, which is backed up by the first couple of games.’
A for Lee and Swansea - keep it up with Senior!
Three teams on 20 points sit in 6-8th places - Hoffenheim (with the best overall defence, and worst attack away from home), AZ (with the best away attack), and Hamburger (only ASSE have scored more at home).
Hoffenheim have a couple of early candidates for young player of the season in Nadiem AMIRI and Sebastián DRIUSSI, while Hamburger’s Vincent ABOUBAKAR leads the goalscoring charts.
B+ for Miguel and Hoffenheim
B for Béla and AZ
B+ for David and Hamburger
‘At the relegation end Chievo, Galatasaray and Cruzeiro look set for the drop. Galatasaray and Cruzeiro have a weak keeper, lack depth, Chievo are desperately weak up top and could find reinforcements in the open market.’ Along with Besiktas, who Malcolm felt had an outside chance at a playoff spot and fancied them for a good cup run, these teams take up 9-12th places, with only a point between them.
Cruzeiro have only lost two games, but have yet to win away from home, and have drawn more times than anyone. Chievo have won only once at home, while Besiktas have the best away defence. Gala winger Emiliano RIGONI is another like DZSUDZSÁK and VITOLO, producing a large number of assists.
A for Oran and Cruzeiro.
A for Gav and Chievo.
B- for Jamie and Besiktas - out of both cups!
B+ for RJ and Galatasaray.
‘Arguably Sevilla can put out the strongest starting 11, with Lyon not far behind.’
‘With a wild variation in performance vs stats in D3 you could look down as far as Saint-Etienne or even Marseille for the eventual winners.’
While Sevilla and Saint-Etienne are doing what was expected of them and more, the two Olympique sides are doing much worse, as are Shakhtar who are sandwiched between them in the table.
Marseille have the second worst defence, and while they’ve only lost one game at home, they’ve also only won one. Lyon have managed 3 of their 5 wins in the last four games, so there is some hope of an improvement there, and similarly, 2 of Shakhtar’s 3 wins have come in their last four games.
C- for Niall and Lyon - must try harder!
C- for Ashley and Shakhtar.
C for Walter and Marseille.
‘PSV and arguably Sevilla can put out the strongest starting 11.’
‘PSV would be challenging for a play off space [in D2], so this should be a relative doddle for them.’
‘Villa could be dark horses for a playoff run.’
‘The regular stats put Spartak in the 4th drop spot.’
At the back of the class we have the two Moscow teams Lokomotiv and Spartak, plus PSV and Villa, all separated by just one point.
Loko have the worst away defence in the league, closely followed by Spartak, who also have the joint worst home attack. PSV’s and Villa’s ineptitude is more evenly spread.
C- for Jay and Loko.
D for Garry and PSV - although breaking his back can’t have helped, and we all wish him a full recovery.
C- for Nick and Villa.
C- for Jason and Spartak.
Last, and least, are Verona. Lost all their home games, and gained just 4 points out of a possible 39. A sorry excuse of a team that finished a whisker away from automatic promotion last season. New boss Golden Bear has succeeded only in turning fine wine into vinegary piss, Hellas into Hell, and Verona into his old team Monaco.
E for GB - expect to be expelled!
Remember this is just a bit of fun, so please don’t take anything good or bad too personally. There’s still almost two thirds of the season to go!
Season 6 So Far - Division 1
As we’re now around 1/3 of the way through Season 6, I think it’s time for some reflection on the campaign so far. Starting with D1 & hopefully others can find time to recap their divisions for everyone on the news feed before we perhaps gather all posts as a collective for the blog.
A quick recap of the history in D1 of Winners; Bayern S5, Bayern S4, Barca S3, Barca S2, Man Utd S1 & Top 5 finishes; United x2, Real x5, Bayern x5, Barca x5, Juventus x4, FC Porto x1, Liverpool x1, SSC Napoli, Chelsea.
So now S6 in Division 1 after 12/13 games, things has gone as expected at the top within reason as the top 5 spots are contested by squads whom have all finished within the top 5 previously whilst also being first team squads that look to be somewhat a level above the rest of the division.
Chelsea are of noticeable improvement in recent seasons having for the first time in S5 finished in the Top 5. The Chelsea squad saw some major changes over the Post/Pre season between S5 & S6 as James Mckenzie appeared to take a similar approach to challenging the top spots to that of brother Scott.
Both Chelsea & Barca squads are now immensely strong in regards to major ratings however both are somewhat small on the side of depth at first team level with CFC having fourteen 88+ players, whilst Barca, notorious for their small but dominant squad have thirteen 88+ players.
Current back-to-back Champions, Bayern, under new management this season after the departure of Gursimran to Anderlecht & appointment of Ruts, have started well in their push to become the first team to win D1 on not only 3 occasions but back-to-back-to-back occasions & along with Scott’ Barca side are one of only 2 unbeaten teams remaining in the ever competitive D1.
Ironically these two ever competitive sides are not only both back-to-back winners in the past & joint record winners of D1 but additionally occupy #1 & #2 spots in the division currently. Bayern in contrast to Barca have seventeen 88+ players in their squad of which Ruts’ one major transfer came in the form of veteran Thiago Silva arriving whilst Kostas Manolas departed in a 3 rating CB swing.
In a final interesting comparison between these two title contenders, both were recently knocked out in the 2nd round of the T100 Shield as both appear to once again arguably be suffering from squad depth or debatably focussed D1 intentions.
D1s nearly-men, Real Madrid are once again flying high in D1, the 3rd & final team to have always finished within the Top 5 D1 spots every season thus far. Roy Keane’ side, who often fight on all fronts for glory, have as ever been competitive & active within the transfer market, seeing no less than 30 total transfers in & out of the club, most notably being arrivals of Bonucci & Muller whilst Ronaldo, Aguero & Modric have all departed.
Madrid’ eighteen 88+ players once again show intentions to challenge on all fronts & remain in all T100 competitions at this time. T100’s current Shield & Cup holders & debatably consistent league underachievers in eyes of some, Juventus, have the biggest number of 88+ players within the Top 5 in D1 this season with twenty-two.
Unsurprisingly, of the current Top 5 teams, the two squads with the biggest number of 88+ players are the only 2 teams to still be challenging on all fronts this season, however they additionally occupy 4th & 5th spots, Madrid some 5 points off of 1st placed Barca, who of course have the smallest 88+ squad, whilst Juventus actually look to be out of contention already at the 1/3 mark having amassed a 10 point gap.
The Top 5 spots, ever competitive & often seeing newcomers for 5th, season in, season out, are once again headed down that path. Arsenal, Spurs, Porto & Atletico are all currently just 1 point behind 5th placed Juventus in the battle for what already at this early stage looks to be challenge for 5th due to the gap opened up between those clubs in 4th & 5th spots.
Of the 4 on the heels of 5th spot, only Porto have ever finished in the Top 5 previously whilst previous Top 5 finishers; Liverpool, Manchester United & SSC Napoli find themselves having average seasons so far, all sitting within the 11-16th placed bracket in D1, SSC Napoli the debatably biggest underachievers so far having only achieved 11 points so far in Season 6.
Of the contenders for a Top 5 finish there is a vast difference in managerial approaches to the transfer market which as ever provides little concrete information as to the best approach within Top 100/SM.
At Arsenal, Michael Bowes as ever remains busy in the market. The one time, managerial stipulation failure is edging closer to a completely Premier League based first team which has seen 7 recent arrivals all within the domain. It’s with no surprise that Arsenal are contesting such a position within the league currently with their squad of twenty-one 88+ players. Perhaps we can expect to see Arsenal finishing within the Top 5 in the near future.
Spurs, under the management of David ‘The Fox’ Piero remain ever quiet, steady as ever & almost forgotten. Spurs, a contrast to their transfer happy North London rivals, have not yet stepped into the transfer market this season, neither buying nor selling any players from the squad. Spurs with a good eighteen 88+ players are another whom will not surprise too many to be in contention of a Top 5 finish at this stage.
The slightly more busy, André & his consistently well placed, FC Porto, are once again on the heels of the Top 5. An evidently content manager, André has yet to make any major changes to the first team squad this season, a squad which as ever is competitive with seventeen 88+ players.
The first surprise challenger to the Top 5 & last within a point at this stage is Doc’ Atletico side whom are now on mass moving towards peak ages within their careers in regards to making it as established world renowned players. The youth project at Atleti has seen both positive & negative remarks over the season having won the first ever Youth Cup in T100, been relegated to D2 & since returned to the big time.
Doc’ squad is now looking healthy as challengers to the Top 5 with a total of fifteen 88+ players. Quiet in the market since the early advances for ‘hot prospects’ Doc has seen one major deal completed in Madrid in S6 so far & that was the departure of Dele Alli to Barca, whilst Thomas Lemar & Aymeric Laporte arrived to provide good depth & continuously valued youth in the squad.
Overachievers to be competing for the Top 5 at this stage however debatably expected Top half competitors with a squad which has been treated well in ratings changes over the past 12 months in which they have been to D2 & back. Ever busy in the market, Paddy D fills the last of the Top 10 spots & still remains within just one fixture of a potential Top 5 finish in D1.
Manchester City have started the season in good goalscoring form, taking a +7 goal difference at this stage however have drawn too many games at this stage, the 3rd most in the division in fact with 5. Liverpool, on joint points with City & the last remaining side within one games results of a Top 5 place are under new management this season after Gordon departed, feeling he had achieved all he could with the side, including of course a previous Top 5 finish.
Wayne Bullough has looked to make changes to the side to make them his own & completed a major deal with AS Roma early in the season which saw the arrivals of De Rossi & Szczesny whilst Keylor Navas departed for the Italian capital. In no doubt what will be a middle of the row season for Liverpool & their squad of seventeen 88+ players, it’s early doors for Wayne & his task of putting Liverpool in contention at the top.
As the quantity of 88+ players seems to start dropping once more, Manchester United sit in a below par 12th position with their fifteen 88+ player squad which however contains five 93+ players, perhaps evidence for their believed below par positioning at this stage of S6. Rahul made plenty of changes in his time at United & put them back in contention in S5 by securing only their 2nd Top 5 finish.
United of course have been consistently poor by their reputable standards over seasons in Top 100 having actually won D1 in S1. Greg Owen now in charge has just this game week made his first major move in the market by sending top GK, De Gea, on his way to PSG whilst potential riser Areola comes into fill his spot between the sticks along with Angel Di Maria.
A side to keep an eye on in the 2nd third of the season, perhaps further moves in the market are in store as well as an improvement in league position. Fourteen 88+ players lineup within the newly promoted Wolfsburg squad in S6. Heath Brown, in this season after his time at PSV, actually replaces Greg whom departed for United.
Heath has clearly decided the squad has more than enough to stay up this season & nobody could argue with his perceptions so far as Wolfsburg sit in 13th. Debatably however there’s trouble afoot as the German outfit are actually only 1 point ahead of relegation spots in what’s as ever a tough fought battle towards the bottom of the table.
Arguably it’s time to make moves for Heath as with the likes of Roma, PSG & Napoli all sitting below Wolfsburg currently but expected to climb the table, things could soon be headed south. Speaking of Napoli, they sit in 14th currently, underachieving compared to Rob Ryan’ usual strong campaigns in Naples.
Rob has made moves this season, bringing in Walcott, Milner & Feghouli whilst departing players of weaker ratings would have suggested improved results. That however has evidently not been the case so far however it’s predicted that Napoli will soon climb into more familiar positions in the league, sixteen 88+ players in their ranks.
The forever climbing Villarreal have now summated the Top 100 pyramid having started in D5. Andrew has never been one for getting too involved, especially in the transfer market & now has thirteen 88+ players within his ranks. Sitting safe in 15th but only on goal difference, it’ll be interesting to see if those values might change over the season or into next season should Villarreal escape the drop or even sacking positions this season.
Michael H’ Dutch giants, Ajax, are another to have veered away from transfers between S5/S6 despite their flirting with relegation throughout the last campaign & it looks like they’re planning on fighting their way out again this season. Their seventeen 88+ player squad puts them in a healthy position statistically but with nothing changed from the last season, you wouldn’t be betting on the being safe currently.
Roma have changed hands a couple of times recently but are now under the stewardship of Beddows 2.0, otherwise known as Ryan Chisholm. Evidently what these two have in common is they don’t do well in D1 as Roma sit on the fence of relegation at this stage. Their 4 92+ players & star man Diego Costa will need to hit top form to rescue the otherwise small quantity of thirteen 88+ players from the abyss.
With a fairly good core squad a belief amongst many that Roma had underachieved last season by narrowly avoiding the drop, the pressure might well soon be on for Ryan to prove otherwise before Roma start to be accustomed with the reputation of fighting relegation within D1 season in, season out.
Feargal has taken charge of surprise D1 side Sunderland this season after the achievements of Wayne Bullough last season. The squad is contested by a surprising seventeen 88+ players which puts them in a strong position to be able to compete for points week in week out but may be short of 90+ players to take advantage in close contested fixtures.
The strength of having 2/3 of their 89+ players in forward positions could well see them score enough to survive this season but at this stage of the season with some big names still below them & presumably likely climbers, the task will remain a tough one & everyone will be surprised to see them survive despite the credentials of gaffer Mr. Hickey.
The divisions biggest underachievers thus far, PSG, have managed managed to attain only 6 points after 12 games with just the one win. A squad with fifteen 88+ players & plenty of 90+ talent would suggest that anything below a Top 10 finish even with the start they have had would be a poor season for Gary’ lads.
It would appear that Gary has identified the issue to be between the sticks & has decided to part with 2 players to bring in De Gea to stop the rot. The presence of Higuain & Reus whom provided 94 ratings in the final third will have no doubt harmed the team at the other end of the pitch however in Lukaku they have a strong forward to rely on.
A team that many have expected to push for a Top 5 finish in recent seasons is in transition currently but will Gary do as many expect & turn things around to see PSG claim the expected Top 10 finish? The -19 goal difference being fixed in the acquisition of De Gea could be a step in the right direction.
Propping up the table are Valencia, now under the management of once relegated from D1, Malcolm. Malcolm has made moves to strengthen the side at the back by acquiring the sturdy Ghoulam from Anderlecht whilst allowing Koziello & Mina to depart. The loss of midfield strength was quickly accounted for as the experienced Hutchinson arrived for cash in a very smart move.
The Spanish side however might well be missing the influence of one senior in particular as David Senior’ previous side whom are accustomed to middle of the table finishes are now some 6 points off of getting out of the relegation zone, let alone finishing mid table. With the Valencia side looking strong in attack but still a little weak at the back an intriguing decision on transfers might well be looming.
Winshill Green Under 9 Match Report
After having a rest last weekend following on from the opening day 6-2 defeat Winshill Green were back in action today facing Stretton Eagles Black in a 9am kick off.
Beddows and Watson were keen to get their first win under their belts and with an amazing plethora of talent under their tutelage it was surely only a matter of time before that inevitable would happen.
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| Watson putting the team through their pre-match warm up |
Winshill starting extremely brightly, Lucas bombing down the left wing, Persephone putting in a beautiful cross early on. Winshill then won a dubious free kick for pulling by Stretton - Persephone struck it but it went wide.
Stretton then arguably against the run of play took the lead, but Winshill struck back after a clearance by Stretton fell to Persephone just outside the penalty area who struck it first time and in went over the keeper's head 1-1!
The rest of the first half was largely dominated by Winshill. Maciej moved back to CM and came close, Archie should have perhaps scored Persephone put him through one on one with the keeper but he put it just wide.
In defence Zuzza and Ben were very effective making crucial interceptions as the half wore on and Jakub made an important stop late in the half to keep it at 1-1.
At half-time Beddows and Watson were full of praise for the kids - what an excellent effort from all of them. Lucas went in goal 2nd half with Jakub moving out to the wing.
Within 1 minute of the second half Stretton got through and made it 2-1! Could Winshill come back again?
The answer was yes, Dejaun intercepting in midfield and feeding the ball to Persephone who drove past the defender and only had the keeper to beat and she did! 2-2. Could she get a hat-trick something which has alluded her in her entire 3 season Winshill career?
Could Winshill win? Stretton were then massively unlucky as they hit the crossbar... then Persephone hit the post, Jakub came close, Maiciej tested their keeper who made a good save - but then... GOAL! Maciej picked up a loose ball from a Stretton player and drove at the Stretton goal and blasted it past the keeper! 3-2!
The last 5 minutes were tight with Stretton pressing for an equaliser but they couldn't break through the Zuzza and Dejaun brick wall - however Lucas in goals did have to make 2 brilliant stops late in the game to give Winshill the 3 points!
First 3 points for Winshill! :)
Player of the Match: Persephone - 2 great goals, great use of the ball when she had either driving down the wing or picking out a pass and was unlucky not to get a hat-trick.
Moment of the Match: Maciej - great individual goal for the winner - 1st of the season and 1st of many I imagine.
Player Ratings:
Jakub (9), Zuzza (9), Ben (9), Dejaun (9), Persephone (10), Lucas (9) Maciej (10), Archie (9)
Division 5 season 6 stats and facts
Division 5 Season 6 stats and fact , still the only way is up.
Monaco should go up, West Brom are rebuilding, what does the future hold for the foundation of the Top 100.
Monaco Twente and Espanyol sit head and shoulders above the opposition.
The presence of Cech obviously biases the stats of Twente somewhat. The alternative system takes account of this, and sees them as 5th overall.
However it will be hard for most teams to get past such a high rated keeper. Torino and Udinese have potent enough attacks, and that could be key in a division with weaker than average keepers if you exclude Cech.
The variation show maybe any team down to West Ham could get auto promotion , with Dnipro or Flamengo having a playoff chance.
With little to worry about other than the sack race lower down. West Brom are an unknown quantity, if they can rebuild then fine but can they give other teams a 9 ,12, or 15 point headstart, Augsburg potential the next weakest have had a decent start. 6 points in the bag is a premium in this league.
You need 87.2 average to survive D4 so that could be a target for the West Brom boss. 10 or more clubs have this , so any could aim for promotion.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | Pr | ETOT | Epr | ||
| AS Monaco | 88.0 | 88.3 | 90.3 | 90.0 | 86.0 | 88.50 | 1.0 | 227.20 | 1.0 | |
| RCD Espanyol | 88.0 | 88.8 | 89.5 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.45 | 2.0 | 226.67 | 2.0 | |
| FC Twente | 92.0 | 87.3 | 88.0 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 88.25 | 3.0 | 224.42 | 5.0 | |
| Torino | 89.0 | 87.8 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.70 | 4.0 | 223.87 | 7.0 | |
| River Plate | 88.0 | 88.8 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.50 | 5.0 | 224.63 | 3.0 | |
| Udinese Calcio | 87.0 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 88.5 | 86.0 | 87.45 | 6.0 | 224.12 | 6.0 | |
| West Ham United | 88.0 | 88.3 | 89.0 | 87.5 | 84.0 | 87.35 | 7.0 | 224.51 | 4.0 | |
| Lille OSC | 89.0 | 87.0 | 87.5 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.30 | 8.0 | 222.83 | 12.0 | |
| Cologne | 87.0 | 87.5 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.25 | 9.0 | 223.38 | 9.0 | |
| Club Brugge KV | 88.0 | 87.3 | 88.0 | 87.5 | 85.0 | 87.15 | 10.0 | 222.97 | 11.0 | |
| Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk | 88.0 | 87.0 | 87.3 | 87.5 | 86.0 | 87.15 | 11.0 | 222.34 | 15.0 | |
| Independiente | 87.0 | 88.0 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.15 | 12.0 | 223.76 | 8.0 | |
| Flamengo | 87.0 | 87.8 | 87.8 | 87.0 | 86.0 | 87.10 | 13.0 | 222.98 | 10.0 | |
| RSC Anderlecht | 86.0 | 87.5 | 87.8 | 87.5 | 85.0 | 86.75 | 14.0 | 222.81 | 13.0 | |
| Rubin Kazan | 88.0 | 86.8 | 87.0 | 87.0 | 85.0 | 86.75 | 15.0 | 221.48 | 17.0 | |
| Montpellier HSC | 86.0 | 87.0 | 87.0 | 88.5 | 85.0 | 86.70 | 16.0 | 222.47 | 14.0 | |
| Bremen | 87.0 | 87.0 | 87.0 | 87.5 | 85.0 | 86.70 | 17.0 | 221.94 | 16.0 | |
| Santos FC | 87.0 | 86.0 | 87.8 | 87.0 | 85.0 | 86.55 | 18.0 | 221.11 | 18.0 | |
| Augsburg | 88.0 | 85.5 | 87.5 | 87.0 | 82.0 | 86.00 | 19.0 | 220.20 | 19.0 | |
| West Bromwich Albion | 87.0 | 83.0 | 84.0 | 87.0 | 77.0 | 83.60 | 20.0 | 214.67 | 20.0 |
Division 4 Season 6 stats and facts
Division 4 Season 6 stats and facts. Twice a win a away from Division 2, will Leicester bounce back or do Celta Vigo have a cunning plan?
89 Keeper , 89 front line, should be enough to push Leicester back from where they came, and early season form backs that up. Basel have much the same arrangement, but with a bit less depth , not such a good start for them , which they can't really afford as they may fade. Lowest placed team Liege should finish 3rd on the main rankings, although the alternate prediction system sees Olympiacos placing higher which is backed up early doors.
Looking up one division , you need around 87.3 to survive D3, which bodes well for the majority of teams , showing the gap between D4 an D3 is perhaps not that large. The deviation shows any team down to Crystal Palace has a realistic play off shout.
Celta Vigo have a midfield heavy side, this pushes them higher up in the alternative ranking system, although it isn't helping much at the moment.
At the trap door end despite a good keeper, Zagreb are the weakest team in the league statistically. Dynamo Moscow and Bordeaux have some strength in depth, which could help them as the season goes on. Again the huge deviations in this division see any team up to Atalanta at threat of relegation, and with only half a point average difference between teams from Sau Paulo to Atalanta it is too tight to call.
Malaga could be the type of team to put together a good cup run , should they wish, without changing their prospects in the league much.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | Pr | ETOT | Epr | ||
| Leicester City | 89.0 | 88.3 | 88.3 | 89.5 | 86.0 | 88.20 | 1.0 | 225.67 | 1.0 | |
| FC Basel | 89.0 | 88.5 | 88.5 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 88.00 | 2.0 | 225.64 | 2.0 | |
| Standard Liège | 88.0 | 87.3 | 88.3 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 87.90 | 3.0 | 224.35 | 5.0 | |
| Boca Juniors | 88.0 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 87.0 | 87.80 | 4.0 | 224.28 | 8.0 | |
| Olympiacos | 89.0 | 88.0 | 88.3 | 88.5 | 85.0 | 87.75 | 5.0 | 224.65 | 3.0 | |
| FK Partizan | 88.0 | 88.3 | 88.3 | 87.0 | 87.0 | 87.70 | 6.0 | 224.05 | 9.0 | |
| H. Berlin | 88.0 | 87.5 | 88.0 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 87.70 | 7.0 | 224.31 | 7.0 | |
| Atalanta BC | 88.0 | 87.3 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.45 | 8.0 | 223.41 | 12.0 | |
| Stoke City | 88.0 | 87.3 | 89.0 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.45 | 9.0 | 223.95 | 11.0 | |
| Celta Vigo | 87.0 | 87.5 | 89.3 | 88.5 | 85.0 | 87.45 | 10.0 | 224.57 | 4.0 | |
| Crystal Palace | 87.0 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.40 | 11.0 | 224.04 | 10.0 | |
| Feyenoord | 88.0 | 87.5 | 87.8 | 87.5 | 86.0 | 87.35 | 12.0 | 223.17 | 15.0 | |
| Málaga CF | 87.0 | 88.0 | 87.3 | 87.5 | 87.0 | 87.35 | 13.0 | 223.34 | 14.0 | |
| Levante UD | 87.0 | 88.3 | 88.3 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.30 | 14.0 | 224.34 | 6.0 | |
| Dynamo Kyiv | 87.0 | 88.0 | 88.5 | 86.5 | 86.0 | 87.20 | 15.0 | 223.40 | 13.0 | |
| Stuttgart | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.0 | 87.5 | 85.0 | 87.10 | 16.0 | 222.72 | 17.0 | |
| São Paulo FC | 88.0 | 87.3 | 87.3 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.10 | 17.0 | 222.80 | 16.0 | |
| Dynamo Moskva | 87.0 | 87.0 | 87.8 | 87.5 | 86.0 | 87.05 | 18.0 | 222.55 | 18.0 | |
| Girondins Bordeaux | 87.0 | 87.0 | 87.3 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.05 | 19.0 | 222.55 | 19.0 | |
| Dinamo Zagreb | 88.0 | 87.0 | 87.5 | 87.0 | 85.0 | 86.90 | 20.0 | 222.06 | 20.0 |
Winshill Green Under 9's MATCH REPORT
Winshill Green's Under 9's took to the field today for their 2nd pre-season friendly - following on from their 6-3 win in their debut match on Thursday.
Today in the lovely Horninglow sunshine their opponents were another who will be in their same division next season, Outwoods Hawks.
The team was: Jakub, Dejaun, Maciej, Archie, Hassan, Natan, Lucas, Harvey (borrowed from the golds)
Outwoods Hawks was a step up for the team - as they are an established team unlike their last opponents and on a smaller pitch which hadn't been cut recently both teams found it difficult.
The game ended as it started - 0-0 - With Winshill's best chances falling to Dejaun (from his own half), Lucas, Natan and a couple for Maciej - who could have won it with the last kick of the game - but a great performance against an established team.
Jakub made one super stop in the 1st third, Lucas likewise when he went in goal. Harvey was at his brilliant best breaking up play and putting passes together - Natan - again excellent - his work rate is second to none and was so unlucky at the end not to win it. Archie made some encouraging runs and did well when asked to play in the unfamiliar role of defence.
Next match is the Charity Cup on Sunday 3rd September.
Season 6 Division 3 stats and facts
The mad world of Division 3, stats and facts season 6.
Will PSV live up to expectations this season ?
PSV and argueably Sevilla can put out the strongest starting 11, with Olympic Lyon not far behind. Again looking up 1 division PSV would be challenging for a play off space , so this should be a relative doddle for them.
Lyon and Sevilla have the most attacking options, but Sevilla have a weakness between the sticks, which never helps long term.
Injury free Celtic could also challenge for the top spot. With a wild variation in performance vs stats in D3 you could look down as far as St Etienne or even Marseille for the eventual winners or even to Besitkas or Villa for a playoff spot.
The experimental ranking system indeed shows that Marseille or Villa could be dark horses for a play off run.
To survive in D2 you need around 88.10 which would put the cut off between Newcastle and Celtic , lower than that and you will be rejoining your long lost friends.
At the relegation end Chievo , Galatasary and Cruziero look set for the drop. Galatasary and Cruziero have a weak keeper, lack depth, Chievo are desperately weak up top and could find reinforcements in the open market.
While the regular stats put Spatak in the 4th drop spot, the adjusted stats show that Swansea may be more likely to drop, which is backed up by the first couple of games.
I fancy Besitkas for a good cup run, if that is what takes their fancy.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | Pr | ETOT | Epr | ||
| PSV | 90.0 | 89.0 | 90.0 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 89.00 | 1.0 | 227.49 | 2.0 | |
| Hellas Verona | 89.0 | 88.3 | 89.3 | 89.5 | 87.0 | 88.60 | 2.0 | 226.45 | 5.0 | |
| Olympique Lyonnais | 90.0 | 88.5 | 89.0 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 88.50 | 3.0 | 226.74 | 3.0 | |
| Sevilla | 88.0 | 89.5 | 90.0 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 88.50 | 4.0 | 228.16 | 1.0 | |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | 90.0 | 88.0 | 88.3 | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.25 | 5.0 | 224.69 | 8.0 | |
| Newcastle United | 88.0 | 88.8 | 88.8 | 88.5 | 87.0 | 88.20 | 6.0 | 225.85 | 6.0 | |
| Celtic | 88.0 | 89.0 | 89.3 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 88.05 | 7.0 | 226.52 | 4.0 | |
| AS Saint-Etienne | 89.0 | 87.5 | 88.0 | 88.5 | 86.0 | 87.80 | 8.0 | 224.11 | 10.0 | |
| Olympique Marseille | 87.0 | 88.3 | 89.0 | 88.5 | 86.0 | 87.75 | 9.0 | 225.28 | 7.0 | |
| AZ Alkmaar | 89.0 | 87.3 | 87.5 | 88.5 | 86.0 | 87.65 | 10.0 | 223.53 | 16.0 | |
| Beşiktaş JK | 87.0 | 87.0 | 88.8 | 88.5 | 87.0 | 87.65 | 11.0 | 223.98 | 11.0 | |
| Aston Villa | 88.0 | 88.3 | 88.3 | 87.5 | 86.0 | 87.60 | 12.0 | 224.25 | 9.0 | |
| Swansea City | 88.0 | 86.5 | 88.3 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 87.55 | 13.0 | 223.48 | 17.0 | |
| Hoffenheim | 88.0 | 87.5 | 88.5 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.40 | 14.0 | 223.87 | 12.0 | |
| Lokomotiv Moskva | 88.0 | 87.5 | 87.3 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.35 | 15.0 | 223.70 | 14.0 | |
| Hamburg | 88.0 | 88.3 | 87.8 | 87.5 | 85.0 | 87.30 | 16.0 | 223.80 | 13.0 | |
| Spartak Moskva | 87.0 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.15 | 17.0 | 223.67 | 15.0 | |
| Chievo Verona | 88.0 | 87.3 | 88.8 | 86.0 | 85.0 | 87.00 | 18.0 | 222.49 | 19.0 | |
| Galatasaray SK | 87.0 | 87.3 | 87.5 | 88.5 | 84.0 | 86.85 | 19.0 | 223.05 | 18.0 | |
| Cruzeiro | 87.0 | 86.7 | 87.0 | 87.0 | 85.0 | 86.54 | 20.0 | 221.31 | 20.0 |