Football Manager 2012

[MDK]

I managed the New Zealand under 23 squad. It didn't go to well.

[Gazz]

Went with Basingstoke. Highest population of the BlueSquare teams, plus they're called The Dragons, so yeah. My first order of business was to find myself a new assistant manager, and I went with the supremely porn star sounding Dalton Steel.

That would be former A'erbin assistant manager Dalton Steele to you.

[stokeriño]

Postal service permitting, I should get the game today. I've narrowed my first game down to:

- Arsenal (for the typical 'big' team game)

- Bayern Munich (as above, and I love my some Bayern)

- Anzhi Makalalkakakakakaka (for the potential to build a big club, hopefully)

- Mansfield Town (for the Blue Square to Prem. challenge; and I went to a Mansfield match once. Ten years ago.)

- GB Olympic team (that's on, right?) for the novelty of it.

Yes, I do use the term 'narrowed down' loosely.

The GB Olympic team option becomes available for you to apply to towards the end of the 2011-12 season. If you're of English nationality and managing a big club you'll probably get the job.

[MDK]

I got interested in that Basingstoke challenge, so I started up a game... AND THEY HAVE ASHLEY BAYES IN GOAL

Sunday, Monday, Ashley Bayes!

Tuesday, Wednesday, Ashley Bayes!

Thursday, Friday, Ashley Bayes!

[stokeriño]

Ashley Bayes is alright. I had a stunning (in relative terms) GK called Adam Street on trial but couldn't sign him because his Canadian-ness denied him a work permit.

I appear to have started a trend. ALL ABOARD THE BASINGSTOKE BUS

[MDK]

Ashley Bayes was 'keeper for Orient for a couple of season. He holds a special place in my heart because he had a habit of making spectacular saves when not needed.

[stokeriño]

What I like about this division is that I get to go and beat teams from shitholes like Woking and Weston-Super-Mare. I shall endeavour to prove that Basingstoke is the greatest shithole of them all.

[MDK]

Like pissing into an ocean of piss.

[MDK]

I've signed 4 players and my wage bill hasn't even changed. These guys are playing for nothing

[stokeriño]

Except for the £200+ appearance fees, right?

[MDK]

Err... I didn't check that, but they are all on non-contract. So hopefully they can play in the league. If not, at least I didn't piss away money like I normally do.

[stokeriño]

Yeah 'non contract' players are fine - it's semi-pro after all.

I like my players that are on contracts, but only for £5 a week.

[MDK]

I do feel a bit like a slave owner at the moment.

However, I did sign ex-Chelsea and Esbjerg fB II star striker Phil Younghusband! His brother wouldn't sign tho, wanker.

[Dingle]

I avoid PPA contracts like I'd avoid a plague. Anyone who wants bonuses either gives them up or doesn't play for me.

Will a semi-pro club eventually become professional if they get promoted into League 2? Because otherwise I might take the Aldershot job in League 2.

[MDK]

You can bitch at your board to get them to change the professional status.

[stokeriño]

£4,500 for winning in the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round (against fellow BSS side Maidenhead)

Money! Precious, wonderful money!

Won't stop the club slipping into the red next month though. Lost £24,000 in September, only £14,000 left in the bank.

[MDK]

Friendly matches against Derby and Newcastle before the new season will help keep some money in the kitty.

[stokeriño]

Really annoyed by Sills. He's the club's top earner at £400 per week and I never play him (so at least save £50 appearance fee), but I can't get rid of the fucker. Because he's only "just arrived" at the club, he doesn't want to leave, no one will loan him and terminating his contract would cost £16,000. Bastard.

[MDK]

He scored on his debut for me. Pity we lost 4-3, so it was all for nothing.

[Dingle]

Just dominated Histon in the FA Trophy 3rd Round, 5-1, Ethan Mannion really coming alive with 3 goals. Thankfully, because I'm considering selling Counago at the end of the season (despite his 14 goals in 16 games this season) and don't have anyone (besides new signing Michael O'Hallaran) to take his place as leading goalscorer. Graeme Armstrong is too shit and he's going as soon as I can get a bid for him or his contract runs out.