La Leyenda Roja - Real Oviedo

Welcome everyone to my new Football Manager story! I had some amazing feedback from my work with Lazio which was my first ever FM story. 'I Biancocelesti' will come to a close shortly and I wanted to start a new story to see us through to the release of FM15. I tinkered with a Platini-Juventus story but feel that is one I may attempt when the new game comes out.

So for now enjoy my new story where I will take Real Oviedo as far as I can in the next three months before FM15's release!

Good start, I'm definitely following! Nice banner btw

The Real Madrid legend has been handed a one year deal and is tasked with the challenge of bringing Oviedo back to prominence following their relegation from La Liga in 2000.

The Asturias based club only has 10 first team players on it's books right now and has suffered another relegation and struggled financially since it fall from the top division, but the club now look to bounce back after obtaining financial security and appointing a new manager who Chairman Jorge Menendez Vallina says has big plans: 'Everyone in Spain knows Fernando and we are honoured that he has accepted our offer. Senor Hierro has great ideas for our club and we agree that we must know push forward and make this club great again. Hopefully he will use his popularity wisely and call in some favours from Madrid!'

Equally at ease as a central defender or defensive midfielder, Fierro had the ability, at his peak, to combine solid defensive play with a near-unlimited passing range and surprising goalscoring talent, which made him one of the world's most sought-after players. The Real Madrid captain won five La Liga and three UEFA Champions League trophies over the course of nearly 15 years. Fierro ended his career with a year in Qatar with Al Rayyan Sports Club before ending his career with Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League.

Hierro was capped 89 times for Spain and scored 29 goals, being only surpassed by Raúl González (who also took over his captain armband in June 2002, when he retired), David Villa and Fernando Torres. He made his debut on 20 September 1989 – freshly signed by Madrid – in a 1–0 friendly win with Poland in A Coruña, and appeared for the nation in the 1990 (although only as a squad member), 1994, 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups, as well as UEFA Euro 1996 (where he missed a penalty as Spain crashed out to hosts England in a shootout) and 2000.

One of Hierro's most important goals came during the 1994 World Cup qualification, as he headed the winning goal against Denmark that allowed ten-men Spain to qualify for the final tournament in the United States. In the finals, he netted on an individual play against Switzerland in the round-of-16, before his team was eliminated by Italy in the quarterfinals. He retired from international football after the 2002 FIFA World Cup, as Spain's then all-time top scorer.

Although he had already been in charge for a few weeks, Hierro was officially presented as sporting director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation in late September 2007. He remained four years in the position.

Hierro will give his first interview as Oviedo manager tomorrow at 9:00am, whilst his first competitive game in charge will be against Coruxo on the opening day of the Segunda Division B1 on September 1st.

Official transcript - Spanish media press conference, Fernando Hierro unveiling.
Nuevo Carlos Tartiere, Oviedo - 9:00am Wednesday 19th July, 2013

Reporter: Welcome to Real Oviedo Senor Hierro. What made you decide to leave Madrid and take the job here?

Hierro: Thank you, it is great to be here and i'm looking forward to getting started properly. It's true life with Madrid was perfect, I got to work at Carlo's [Ancelotti] side and travel the world with the team but I felt that this was an opportunity to good to turn down. The club has fallen on some hard times lately but now we believe we can push on and gain promotion this year.

Reporter: You've just answered my next question! Do you believe that promotion in your first year is a reasonable target considering you only have 10 first team players at your disposal?

Hierro: I already have a long list of names I would like to bring in; staff and players. Of course the club does not possess an unlimited source of wealth but we have enough in the budget to bring in some names. However I will use the free agent market to bulk up our squad depth in preparation for the new season.

Reporter: Are there any names you can give us?

Hierro: Right now i'm going to play my cards close to my chest, however in the next few days hopefully we will have the wheels turning.

Reporter: There are rumours that Real Madrid wanted you to take the job so that you could return to the Bernabeu one day as manager, is there any truth in that?

Hierro: I feel as though the media are looking into these things to much. I came here to broaden my own horizons, plus Madrid have sent Zinedine [Zidane] to the Castilla to give him some experience, so you can say that if that was their plan they would have sent me. I am honoured to be here and thank the chairman and the club for taking me on.

Reporter: Will you be looking to use your contacts at Madrid to bring players in?

Hierro: Yes Ronaldo is on his way here right now... (laughs) no in all seriousness I don't think it is necessary to do but it is a nice option to have. I have a list of targets and off the top of my head I don't think any of them are Madrid players, however only time will tell.

Reporter: What message do you want to send to the Oviedo fans ahead of the new season?

Hierro: I promise I will put my all into this club, just as I have done all of my career. The fans deserve the best and that is what I will give them, I will lead this team and offer all of my knowledge and experience to my players so that our fans can enjoy La Liga football again in the near future!

Real Oviedo Press Officer: Thank you members of the media, there will be no further questions to Senor Hierro.

Love LLM, good luck with Oviedo!

Former Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy joins Hierro's coaching team as an attacking tutor.

Fernando Hierro has brought in six new members of staff with five being former Real Madrid players.

The Real Madrid legend has checked his rolodex to bring a number of elite former La Liga players onto his staff including Real Madrid icon and Hierro's former teammate Manuel Sanchis. Sanchis has joined the club as assistant manager whilst eight year Madrista Ivan Helguera has joined as Head of Youth Development. Sanchis played for Madrid from 1983 to 2001 and forged a close relationship with the newly appointed Oviedo manager.

Ten year Madrid recruit Michel Saldago has also joined as Head of Defensive coaching whilst Dutch legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy is recruited as Head of Attack. Hierro's final former Madrid appointment comes in the shape of Santiago Canizares as First Team goalkeeper coach, the Valencia legend spent four years at the Bernabeu before moving to Los Ches and cementing himself as one of the greatest Spanish goalkeepers of all time.

The only new member of staff without a Madrid history is newly appointed scout Jesus Maria Zamora who made 468 appearance for Real Sociedad between 1974 and 1989.

There have not been any reported movements for new players but it is believed that Oviedo will announce new names in the coming week.

Zed: Thanks mate, a genius made it
Walt: Thank you mate! LLM is such a rewarding challenge!

Former Atletico Madrid captain Pablo Ibanez joins on a free transfer after being released by Birmingham City.

38 times capped ex-Valencia hero Vicente joins alongside fellow former Brighton free agents Inigo Calderon and Andrea Orlandi.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia joins following his release from Watford after the London club sign Gomes from Tottenham.

Former Wigan defender Adrian Lopez joins on a free transfer after a spell with Canadian MLS team Montreal Impact.

Midfield engine Angel Martinez also joins on a free transfer following his release by Blackpool Football Club.

After announcing his new coaching team yesterday, Real Oviedo coach Fernando Hierro has made his first moves in the transfer window as he looks to put a 25 man squad together for the upcoming Segunda Division B1 season.

The club has announced that they have secured the signings of seven free agents and that there will be more names to follow in the coming weeks. All seven of the players are Spanish and have played professionally in Spain in their careers.

The club released the following statement from manager Fernando Hierro: 'I am delighted to welcome Pablo, Vicente, Andrea, Angel, Inigo, Manuel and Adrian to the club. All seven players were available on free transfers and have all signed two year deals, excluding Almunia who has signed a 12 month deal with the option of an extra year. I know our fans will be extremely happy to see quality players pulling on the Oviedo jersey again and share my eagerness to see them perform.'

Hierro went on to tease the fans that they can expect to see more players through the door during pre-season: 'I am happy we got these deals done early as I want the team to gel ahead of our pre-season matches. However we do have other targets and will hopefully have more news in the next few weeks.'

Of the seven new signings, two of them have been capped by the Spain international side. Pablo Ibanez made his international debut against England in 2004 and had a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in La Liga during his time with Atletico Madrid. However a change in management led to Ibanez being dropped and eventually released, leaving him to pursue a career in England with West Bromwich Albion. Inconsistent form and a handful of injuries harmed his gametime which saw him drop a division to join WBA's rivals Birmingham City. Ibanez only managed to play 19 times for the Midlands club as injuries plagued his four year stay in Britain.

Vicente's fortunes were a little better than his compatriots during his time in England as he enjoyed a two year spell on the coast with Brighton. The former Valencia favourite made 29 appearances and scored 5 goals as the seaside team competed in the Championship playoffs in two successive seasons.

Manuel Almunia was released after patchy form with Arsenal when taking the number 1 jersey from Jens Lehmann in 2008 but was released in 2012 following the emergence of young Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. Almunia looked set for a move to Italian Serie A side Cagliari but rejected the transfer in favour of a return to his homeland after a 12th hour offer from Hierro and Real Oviedo.

The Spaniard has La Liga experience with Celta Vigo, Recreativo and Albacete and played 75 minutes as a substitute in Arsenal's 2006 Champions League Final loss to Barcelona.

Another Spanish player released after new arrivals in their position is Montreal Impact's Adrian Lopez. The 26 year old former Wigan player spent nine years at Deportivo before moving to England, however the new Oviedo centre back has only had one season (2006) where he has recorded over 17 appearances.

Following Alessandro Nesta's retirement the Impact moved to sign free agent Lopez only for him to tear his ACL two weeks into training. This forced the MLS club to bring in Mexican defender Manuel Mariaca who quickly became a starter meaning Lopez only managed 16 appearances following his recovery from injury, leading for the defender to be dropped from the roster during the next Major League Soccer draft.

With Orlandi travelling to Blackpool to agree personal terms on a two year deal, the transfer was called off as the coastal side announced that they did not have the funds to complete the move and would be entering preseason with only 7 players. Hierro saw his chance and quickly put the playmaker on a plane to his home country, only for Orlandi to be sat next to his teammate of two years Inigo Calderon.

29 year old Orlandi moved to Welsh side Swansea City in 2007 from Liga Adelante side Alaves. The Spanish midfielder has Liga BBVA experience with Barcelona, where he spent the 2005 season on loan. Orlandi will be happy to play with longtime teammate Inigo Calderon again at Oviedo after the two spent most of their careers together.

Both were part of FC Alaves with Calderon joining in 2001 and Orlandi in 2003. Calderon skipped the journey to South Wales and joined Brighton from the Spanish side in 2009 and went on to be a firm fan favourite making 120 appearances in four seasons and also chipping in with 12 goals from right back.

Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is furious as 17 year old La Masia product Alex Grimaldo leaves the Nou Camp to sign for Real Oviedo on a free transfer.

The Barcelona hierarchy have reportedly been left angered by the fact that the young left back has left the Catalan powerhouse for free as he accepted a contract offer from Spanish Second Division B1 side Oviedo.

Grimaldo, touted as possibly the next Jordi Alba was available on a free transfer due to him not yet signing professional terms with the La Liga giants, which meant Oviedo boss Fernando Hierro took the opportunity to offer the youth player a contract. Barcelona however felt that he would not accept the offer And Enrique admits he did not attempt to negotiate a professional deal with the Valencia born youngster. However the move has backfired, leaving the Barca boss red-faced as Grimaldo ended his four year stay with Barca to sign a three year deal with Hierro's team.

Enrique told MARCA today that he was disgusted by Hierro's actions: 'Hierro has acted pathetically and it is disgusting to see him poaching our young players who would be better suited to develop with us. I expected Alex to sign a new contract with Barcelona in the coming months but he has chosen Oviedo and it is to late to change his mind. I do not like that other teams can just come and manipulate our youth products and the rules must be changed so that players can have a consistent development.'

Real Madrid legend and current Real Oviedo boss Fernando Hierro did not have much to say on the matter but dismissed the issue quickly, fitting in a small snipe at his former club's rivals: 'It's all a bit over the top, we did nothing wrong. We didn't manipulate him with money or gifts as we do not possess that financial power to do so. Alex was available and we're delighted he accepted our offer of first team football. If I had spent 15 years with Barcelona rather than Madrid, i'm sure they wouldn't care that i'd signed one of their players.'

Grimaldo has appeared once for Spain's U21 side and is expected to be a key player for Oviedo's upcoming campaign.

Good story , im following definitly

SC BASTIA 4-0 REAL OVIEDO (Friendly)

REAL OVIEDO 1-0 MURCIA (Friendly)
Steven (79)

REAL OVIEDO 0-0 RECREATIVO (Friendly)

REAL OVIEDO 1-2 EIBAR (Friendly)
Sene (45)

BARAKALDO 0-0 REAL OVIEDO (Friendly)

REAL UNION 1-3 REAL OVIEDO (Friendly)
Garcia (25)
Vicente (58)
Cervero (59)

GERNIKA 0-3 REAL OVIEDO (Friendly)
Vicente (63)
Cervero (71, 77)

The Manager's View

'It was a preseason of mixed fortunes but I am unfazed about the results we posted, much more am I concerned about the fitness levels of my squad and the bonding of the team ahead of the league campaign. We started to look sharp at the end of our run of friendly games and this fills me with confidence ahead of our opening against Coruxo next week, a team which will give us a good test.'

'Right now the new signings look to have integrated well and the whole squad seem united. The entire first team are Spanish nationals and I feel that was a huge factor in the players bonding so quickly. Now we look ahead to the new season and look to gain promotion at the first time of asking.'


Fernando Ruiz Hierro - Real Oviedo S.A.D.

Fernando Hierro has submitted his completed roster for the 2013/14 season after making some last minute moves on deadline day.

The Spanish Second Division B1 regulations state that a team must register a maximum of 22 players for the upcoming season, however the league's giverning body has stated that Hierro has only confirmed 18 players for his first team squad this year.

The Oviedo manager brought in a handful of new signings during the last couple of days of the transfer window and has also made the decision to terminate the contracts of Nestor Susaeta, Orlando Quintana and Eneko.

Transfer Round-up

IN
£0 Pablo Ibanez (Free agent)
£0 Vicente (Free agent)
£0 Adrian Lopez (Free agent)
£0 Manuel Almunia (Free agent)
£0 Inigo Calderon (Free agent)
£0 Andrea Orlandi (Free agent)
£0 Angel Martinez (Free agent)
£0 Nacho Novo (Free agent)
£0 Alex Grimaldo (FC Barcelona)
£120k Miguel Banuz (Villarreal) [Fee potentially rising to £300k]

OUT
£0 Eneko (Released)
£0 Orlando Quintana (Released)
£0 Nestor Susaeta (Released)

Real Oviedo First Team Squad - 2013/14

Goalkeepers
Manuel Almunia - 36 years old - GK #1 (Vice-captain #3)
Miguel Banuz - 20 years old - GK #13

Defenders
Inigo Calderon - 31 years old - RB #2 (Vice-captain #2)
Alex Grimaldo - 18 years old - LB #3
Pablo Ibanez - 32 years old - CB #5 (Vice-captain)
Adrian Lopez - 26 years old - CB #6
David Fernandez - 28 years old - RB/CB/DM #14
Javi Hernandez - 30 years old - CB #18

Midfielders
Angel Martinez - 27 years old - CM/DM #4
Xavier Annunziata - 26 years old - LW/RW/CAM #7
Andrea Orlandi - 29 years old - CM/CAM/LW #10
Vicente - 32 years old - LW/CAM/RW #11
Jon Erice - 27 years old - DM/CM #15
Sergio Garcia - 24 years old - RW #16
Josep Sene - 21 years old - CAM/CM #21
Hector Simon - 29 years old - CM #22

Forwards
Diego Cervero - 30 years old - ST #9 (Captain)
Nacho Novo - 34 years old - ST #19

Damn, they are some quality signings! Especially Angel! (I'm a Blackpool fan )

Saola: Thanks mate, I appreciate the support!
Walt: Thanks mate! I really had to do some serious negotiation on wages in order to not stretch the wage budget but I think it paid off! Angel is quality, i'm 3 months in and he is key!

Hierro guides his new team to six straight Segunda Division B1 wins.

Oviedo also win their first two Copa Del Rey games to advance to the 3rd round.

Grimaldo and Novo score in the final 10 minutes of Hierro's 1st game to secure debut win.

Results

REAL OVIEDO 3-2 CORUXO (SDB1)
Fernando OG (53)
Grimaldo (81)
Novo (85)

REAL OVIEDO 3-0 SAN FERNANDO C.D. (Copa Del Rey 1st Round)
Cervero (10)
Vicente (42, 49)

ZAMORA 0-2 REAL OVIEDO (SDB1)
Vicente (70)
Annunziata (71)

HOSPITALET 0-2 REAL OVIEDO (Copa Del Rey 2nd Round)
Novo (71)
Cervero (85, pen)

REAL OVIEDO 6-2 CULTURAL LEONESA (SDB1)
Annunzieta (21, 57)
Grimaldo (53)
Orlandi (62, 81)
Gongora OG (76)

FERROL 1-4 REAL OVIEDO (SDB1)
Portilla OG (21)
Annunzieta (24)
Cervero (46)
Vicente (67)

REAL OVIEDO 3-0 GUIJUELO (SDB1)
Pablo (6)
Vicente (86)
Angel (90+2)

S.D. Logrones 0-2 REAL OVIEDO (SDB1)
Lopez (51)
Vicente (85)

Spanish Division B1 Table

Player Of The Month - Vicente

32 year old veteran winger Vicente excited the crowds this month with his performances as the Valencia hero chipped in with 6 goals in 8 appearances. The 38 times capped trickster was released by Brighton after issues with his fitness but Vicente has showed his problems are behind him as he recorded 90 minutes in 7 of the games he played.

The Manager's View

'What a fantastic start to my career as a manager... Our first game against Coruxo looked set to end in defeat as we trailed 2-1 with ten minutes remaining, but luckily we rallied and since our close escape we haven't looked back.'

'The team have gelled excellently and have all shared the burden of goalscoring with all players stepping up to be counted for as we sit 3 points clear at the top of the table with a 100% record. In the Copa Del Rey our league form has followed us as we breezed into the 3rd round of the competition as we look to put together a solid cup run so that we can solidify our financial security.'

'I hope next month is as successful as my first. I know there is a 'honeymoon period' for some lucky managers and I know they do not last forever, but I will make sure my players play to the pinnacle of their ability to maintain our place in the table.'


Fernando Ruiz Hierro - Real Oviedo S.A.D.