[FM14] Liverpool FC: Winning With Kids

MARCH 21ST, WEMBLEY
FA TROPHY FINAL, ATT. 90,000

Liverpool Expects. Make Us Dream. In Gerrard We Trust. Sinclair Is Our King

All around Wembley, swarms of Liverpool fans were cranking the noise higher and higher, brandishing banners both old and new, as their new generation of Heroes stepped onto the hallowed turf for the second time in two seasons. Cameramen were like vultures, documenting every step, every nervous smile, every handshake. John Flanagan, again wearing the captain's armband, looked focused. Much better than the league-winning game. His eyes flickered over to the trophy as the Dagenham players made their way down our line, but as quickly as the flicker of anticipation had arrived, it was gone again - replaced by a steely determination.

We kicked off, and kept the ball patiently. My midfield duo of Rossiter and Coady were at the heart of everything: feeding the ball to the attacking quartet of Suso, Luis Alberto, Harry Wilson and - of course - Jerome Sinclair.

But patience was key. Tire the Dagenham midfield, make the fans see that we can play high-class football, and the goals would follow later. It was working. Already, Saunders, the defensive midfielder who was protecting Dagenham's back four was looking irritated, annoyed that his side weren't getting a sniff of the ball. He pulled Luis down on the edge of their area, and the winger punished him for it, whipping the free kick straight into the top corner. 1-0.

The sea of red in the stands was roaring, drowning out any noise from the pitch, as Dagenham, stung into action, swarmed forwards, desperate for any half-chance that presented itself. But Tiago Illori, playing only his 22nd game this season, was a rock in the heart of our defence. His pace and precision in the tackle made him impossible to pass. Next to him, Andre Wisdom mopped up any loose balls, and Coady was always available to him, recycling the ball so we could start another attack.

Composure had been one of my keywords before the game, but John was showing a distinct lack of it, picking up a booking 40 minutes in for a stupid challenge, but Devante was more than equal to the free kick. A long throw found Harry Wilson on the half-way line, and the Welshman piled forward, taking 3 defenders with him. An intelligent 1-2 with Suso saw him break free in the box, and he made no mistake, doubling our lead just before half time.

Dagenham fans looked like they'd wished they had stayed at home. I was only going to make that worse for them. I gave my boys license to roam in the second half, and they didn't disappoint. Two goals in eight minutes from Tiago Illori sealed the deal, and as they danced in the center circle, my chest swelled with pride: we'd retained the FA Trophy, and we were back in the Football Leagues proper.

Onwards and Upwards, as they say.

MAY 27TH, 2015. WEMBLEY STADIUM
ENGLISH LEAGUE SEASON AWARDS

I sat silently at our table, applauding politely as various winners of awards were announced - noting down key players, key managers, and runs of form which were of interest to us. STarting with the Premier League, the awards ceremony ran through all of England's leagues, naming Champions, Manager of the year, and Player/Young Player of the Year awards.

Barclay's Premier League

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Champions: Manchester United
Manager Of The Year: David Moyes (Manchester United)
Player Of The Year: Robin Van Persie (Manchester United)
Young Player Of The Year: Christian Erkisen (Tottenham)
Top Goalscorer: Robin Van Persie (17)

Sky Bet Championship

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Champions: Leeds
Manager Of The Year: Brian McDermott (Leeds)
Player Of The Year: Jon Williams (Crystal Palace)
Young Player Of The Year: Sam Byram (Leeds)
Top Goalscorer: Leonardo Ulloa (25)

Sky Bet League One

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Champions: Ipswich
Manager Of The Year: Alex McLeish (Ipswich)
Player Of The Year: Jose Baxter (Sheffield United)
Top Goalscorer: Tom Pope (22)

Sky Bet League Two

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Champions: Swindon
Manager Of The Year: David Flitcroft (Bury)
Player Of The Year: Sam Hird (Bury)
Top Goalscorer: Paddy Madden (19)

...And then it was our turn.

"Congratulations to Liverpool, who continued their march towards top-flight football by topping the Skrill Premier this season. Another incredible season from a group of young men who have proven time and again that they will do anything to play in the proud red of the club.

Despite this though, our Manager of the Year for 2014/15 is...Mikey Harris of Salisbury!"

I applauded along with everyone else. Mikey certianly deserved his award - Salisbury had been relegation candidates at the start of the season, but he had guided them to second place; an incredible feat.

As the applause subsided, Sir Alex Ferguson continued with his analysis of the season. "Of course, Liverpool's incredible season cannot be ignored, and for that reason, I have two awards to give to one incredible young man. Mr Jerome Sinclair! Both this season's Player of the Year, and the league's Top Scorer, netting an incredible 54 goals in 36 appearances! Congratulations young man!"

The room erupted, and I rose to my feet, applauding the man who was, undoubtedly, our best asset. As I looked around, there were several managers watching him keenly - Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho, Manuel Pellegrini...They could think more than once about getting their hands on my boy.

Great updates as always, such a high standard of writing throughout. Good luck keeping hold of Sinclair, i hope he goes to Leeds... who were champions!!! (sorry had to mention it )

Sinclair da beast, 54 goals! what a season

Good luck for the season ahead, the midfield should be far more efficient and happy now

AUGUST 1ST, RODNEY PARADE, NEWPORT
SKY BET LEAGUE 2, OPENING DAY

For the first time in two years of league competition, we were touted in some areas as underdogs... Opening day of the League 2 season, and we'd travelled to Newport, looking to get some points on the board, kick-start our campaign...But Newport were a strong side: their passing was quick and precise, and their midfield looked dangerous right from kick-off.

When Nathan Bredbury, our young right-back, limped off after ten minutes, I realised Newport had come to play dirty..."John, you're on. Don't let the boys rise to this" My captain nodded; he would let Jordan keep the armband, but he knew exactly what his job was tonight.

We were coasting, slightly: passing well, keeping Newport off the ball. It all looked like half-time was going to roll round at 0-0, until John rolled a beautiful pass into Sheyi Ojo, who lifted the ball over the Newport defence to Luis Alberto. Rather than shoot, the Spaniard cushioned a header into the path of the onrushing Jerome Sinclair, and my 60-goal striker was off the mark - making no mistake with his volley into the far corner.

Newport came right back at us straight from kick off, and only some assured goalkeeping from Duerden kept us ahead, as he mopped up a long pass from midfield, and then leapt to take a dangerous cross which came in low and hard from the left wing. The whistle blew for half time.

Jerome added a second after 50 minutes, converting a beautiful cross from Jack Robinson, and wheeled away in delight, clutching onto his provider with glee, telling the fans how much he appreciated them. I sat back in my seat, considering what I was seeing...we were still looking exposed at the back, and as the younger boys started to tire, gaps were going to start appearing in that defence...

And then, Jerome went down injured, and my decision was made for me. "Aidan, Jose, get warmed up, you're on" As one, my attacking players let out a sigh: Sam Speed was looking tired at Attacking midfield, but I had a lead to protect: Aidan replaced Sinclair, playing at the center of defence, and Jose would replace Jack Robinson, who'd picked up a booking, and looked frustrated.

Half an hour to go. My defence was holding strong, and Jerome's injury didn't look quite as bad as we first thought...although, it's probably cursed now. I leant back in my seat, as we surged forward yet again, but young Sam Speed could only force the keeper into a sprawling save from his snapshot. The referee blew for full time. Our first points in League Two were on the board.

NEWPORT CO. 1-4 LIVERPOOL ATT:7799

AUGUST 12TH, ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL
SKY BET LEAGUE 2

Sam Speed. What a boy. As he wheeled away in delight after just 7 minutes of play, I considered just how far he'd come. Playing a bit-part in the Under 18s in 2013, he'd really got his head down and worked hard last season, landing himself 10 first-team starts in the Skrill Premier, scoring twice and racking up four assists.

And here he was now, 17 years old and very quickly becoming a fan favourite. His passing was outstanding, as he proved by laying a beautiful ball through the defence for new boy Marcos Lopes to slam home after half an hour.

I watched my young midfield closely during this game. I'd rested several players for this game, so my 4 midfielders were Pedro Chirivella, who was in the holding role, with Danny Baldwin (another academy graduate) and Marcos Lopes ahead of him, and then Sam Speed playing 'in the hole' as they call it. It was working very well.

Tiago Illori saw a penalty saved after an hour, as I turned to the bench to make some changes. Sergi Canos replaced Jerome Sinclair at the head of the attack, and Brad Smith replaced Jose Galindo at left back for the last half hour, with the Spaniard seemingly struggling with a knock.

With 10 minutes remaining, Sam threaded a gorgeous ball through the Morecambe defence, and Scottish striker Euan Smith lifted the ball past the 'keeper to make it 3-0 to us, and keep us seated at the top of the league. I sat back, proud of my young midfield. Jordan reached over and tapped my arm..."They're good players boss: Sam especially."

I nodded...these boys give their all for the shirt. I'm happy to have this many options in my squad to give me the depth we're going to need as we continue to climb the leagues.

LIVERPOOL 3-0 MORECAMBE
ATT. 42338

great win, Speed was brilliant

AUGUST 26TH, ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL
CAPITAL ONE CUP, 2ND ROUND: HALF-TIME

"What in god's name are you lot playing at?" My voice was deadly, penetrating the silence in the dressing room like a sniper's bullet. "What i just saw from you was nothing short of terrible. Wigan are not the best side. We could, and should, be ahead by now."

I turned away from my side. Plotting how we would come back from this one-goal deficit.

"Ok. we're going 4-1-2-1-2. Luis, up top, Harry, in behind him and Jerome. Jordan, Sheyi, central midfield, Pedro, hold it together. The 11 of you have 15 minutes to make an impact out there. Go and do it."

Wigan kicked off, and immediately I could see more hunger in the 11 boys on the pitch. But still not enough. We had half an hour, and something had to give sooner or later. I brought off Sinclair, Wilson and Robinson, exchanging them for the fresh legs of Euan Smith, Sam Speed and Aidan McIlduff...hopefully it would be enough.

Our one good chance came from a deep cross from Findlay, but Alberto lacked the pace to meet it, and, for the third season in a row, we crashed out of the Capital One Cup. I couldn't even speak in the dressing room afterwards. I just looked around at them. Silently.

LIVERPOOL 0-1 WIGAN

not the best result

100 replies!!!!!

Congrats mate!

Unlucky to lose vs Wigan!

Great start to the season, firing in 7 to letting in 1 shows great promise. Screw the cup, plenty of time for winning that cheap bit of tat (hehehe TaT... get it...) when you are back in the top flight

OCTOBER 3RD, CRESSING ROAD STADIUM, BRAINTREE
SKY BET LEAGUE TWO, MATCH 12
"Right boys. We're sitting pretty at the top of the league, 11 games played and 8 points clear. But we can't sit back now. Go out there and take the game to Braintree."

I looked around at the 11 players who were going to be taking to the pitch. Two years ago, it's not the side I would have imagined...six new youth academy players, and only two who were there when I took over.

Liverpool Starting XI: Devante Duerden, Nathan Bredbury, Stuart Findlay, Aidan McIlduff, Jose Manuel Galindo, Jordan Rossiter (c), Marcos Lopes, Danny Baldwin, Sam Speed, Jerome Sinclair, Ryan Hardie

I grinned. It was a strong line-up, and with some games under their belts, they could all grow to be a serious force in years to come. We're still 3 promotions away from the Premier League, but there was some real potential heading out onto that field.

It wasn't long before they made their mark. Baldwin picked the ball up on the centre circle, and laid it off beautifuly to new boy Lopes, who played a supreme 1-2 with Sam Speed, before lifting the ball over to defence for Right back Nathan Bredbury to smash the ball home.

The rest of the half was pretty uneventful; our passing and movement were good, but we weren't creating that many chances - we got to half time at 1-0, and I was chuffed. I gathered the boys at half time, and told them that I wanted to see more from them. There were nods all around the room, and Jordan got to his feet.

"Guys. We all know what's expected of us when we pull this jersey on...and although we were good out there...I know we can do better. We're gonna go back out there, and we're gonna tear them apart!"

I smiled to myself. Jordan was certainly growing into that Captain's armband...and quickly too. With much shouting and cheering, the boys who would be men trotted back out onto the pitch, ready for the second half.

Almost immediately, Sam Speed made it 2-0: Jerome Sinclair started the move with a quick free-kick on the half way line, and Marcos held the ball up while everyone flooded forward - and played a cheeky backheel to Nathan Bredbury out on the right flank. The youngster squared the ball, and Sam met it with venom.

The third came from Jerome Sinclair: some great play outside the box from Lopes and Hardie saw Sinclair clean through on goal, and he made no mistake, rattling the far post as he crashed the ball into the net.


Jerome doubled his tally after 66 minutes, sliding in to convert a Galindo cross past the despairing goalkeeper. The Braintree fans were silent as they filed out of the stadium, cursing their team for a lacklustre display. Their team pulled one back with 10 minutes to go , Sam Griffiths converting from a corner. It was a stupid goal to concede, but it couldn't detract from how the boys had played.

BRAINTREE 1-4 LIVERPOOL
ATT: 3122

#FIFA12commentary- game after game, goal after goal. so profilic, so reliable

Sinclair you legend!