Ryan Ferguson: The Unorthodox Approach (Page 5)

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mgriffin2012

Great start to the finals and a real shock to see Chile doing so poorly! Knockout stages are where it gets difficult though and you're going to need to hope England's abysmal record in the KO rounds doesn't come back to haunt you!

Justice

7 years • Edited

England Coast Past Ivorian Challenge

England Were Comfortable In Second Round Victory Over Ivory Coast

28/06/2026

Ryan Ferguson: Drawn against one of the minnows of the competition, Ivory Coast, in the second round had given us the perfect opportunity to progress to the quarter finals, and we certainly obliged in doing so. We scored three times, conceding none, as we put the African side to the sword.

It was worth noting the work rate and the intent of our opposition, who put in an incredible shift throughout the ninety minutes, but we played with coolness and composure, and made little-to-no errors throughout the ninety minutes. It was, in some sense, the perfect performance - scoring three goals and conceding zero. We may have been able to score more, but we were more than happy with a confidence-boosting victory in the knockout rounds of the World Cup.

3-0 Win vs Ivory Coast (Second Round) - 28/06/2026

Kingsley Osagie Opened The Scoring In The Third Minute Of The Game

The scoreline was not a true reflection of the efforts made by both teams to win. In fact, a look at the match statistics would point out that it was a very even game. However, the difference was made in the organisation of the teams, and the composure to deliver the correct action at the correct moment.

Such was made evident in the third minute of the game, as Ivory Coast were cut open for the first time. Stand-in striker Josh Pilkington, who replaced Harry Kane in the starting eleven, played a key part in the move. Calum Chambers' floated cross came to the centre forward, who cushioned a header in to the path of Kingsley Osagie, and the Whitehawk attacker made no mistake in powering a low volley in the back of the net. Advantage England.

Pilkington looked lively in possession, and once again looked to threaten Ivory Coast's goal midway through the first half. A quick counter attacking move by the Three Lions saw Luke Shaw feed Pilkington in to space thirty yards from goal. The latter spun on the spot, swiveled away from his marker, and fired a curling long-range effort which landed just wide of the right-hand post.

Pilkington wasn't done there, and he came back to haunt Ivory Coast in the second half. The Ivorians failed to deal with England's relentless pressure in the final third, as the European outfit looked to grind out another opportunity to score. That opportunity fell to Pilkington, as Osagie teed him up on the edge of the box, and the striker made no mistake in unleashing an unstoppable drive in to the top corner. England were well and truly on top.

Just moments later, Ivory Coast found themselves very fortunate to have not conceded a third. After squandering possession from kick-off, Kingsley Osagie was allowed to run at their back line at pace. The attacker fed Pilkington in to the area, but his low effort was tipped on to the post by goalkeeper Ahmed Traoré.

Pilkington wasn't done there, and he did eventually grab a second goal. Kingsley Osagie was once again the provider, playing the ball in to the feet of the striker on the edge of the area. The striker had much to do, with his back to goal, but he spun away from defenders in true Harry Kane-fashion, before unleashing a low curling effort which found the back of the net, securing England's passage to the next round.

Josh Pilkington (England) 9.2/10

FIFA World Cup Second Round Results

Switzerland Stunned Brazil In Second Round Victory

France, Germany, Italy and Argentina were among the favourites to win the competition, and they all joined us in progressing to the quarter finals of the competition. Other victors included Japan, Croatia and even Switzerland, who defeated Brazil in the second round of the competition.

Our opponents for the quarter final would prove to be France. Les Bleus were a phenomenally strong outfit, with creative stars such as Thomas Lemar, Ousmane Dembélé and Paul Pogba dotting their team. We knew we were up against a very stern opposition, but we were certainly excited about the prospect of competing against them in the latter rounds of the competition.

Ryan Ferguson's Message

Ryan Ferguson:
"It was a fantastic victory for us. We proved more than competent enough to dispatch of our opponents. While Ivory Coast certainly put up a fight, our players showed great composure and intelligence to subdue anything they threw at us, and cut them apart when the opportunity arose.

We face a very strong France team next, and we understand just how difficult they could prove to be. They have a lot of talent in their ranks, which cannot be underestimated, but so do we. We've played well so far, and there is no reason why we cannot progress even further."

Comment Section

ScottT, yes, Reiss Nelson is certainly a player who has come to the fore of the English national team in recent seasons! As you can see, we did take our chances very well against a resilient Ivory Coast side, and we are now one step closer to the final!

mgriffin2012, the curse of the English is not one to take lightly! If only they had the luck of a certain cross-Irish Sea neighbour

(I'm just kidding, it is all too amusing to see them continue to struggle competition-after-competition in real life!)

Previous Update: #17 - England Achieve World Cup Progression
Next Update: #19 - England Triumph Over Les Bleus

MJK46

7 years

Nice win!! Looks like England is strong enough to get back to back titles!

ScottT

7 years

Good win for you there, Japan still left in the competition so that would most likely be the favoured tie. It'll be difficult to go the whole distance, as it looks like Argentina are capable of scoring goals, still.

Justice

7 years • Edited

England Triumph Over Les Bleus

England Recorded A 2-0 Victory Over France In World Cup Quarter Final

03/07/2026

Ryan Ferguson: Our fixture against France in the World Cup quarter finals was expected to be a thrilling match, and the twenty-two players on the pitch did disappoint. The quality of football produced captivated the world for ninety minutes as we clashed horns with Les Bleus.

2-0 Win vs France (Quarter Final) - 03/07/2026

Raheem Sterling Smashed In England's First Goal Of The Quarter Final

A number of changes were made to England's starting eleven, with captain Harry Kane and John Stones among those brought in to face those in the blue of France. France manager Rémi Garde opted for an attacking line-up, with captain Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot, Kingsley Coman and Thomas Lemar lining up in midfield, behind an attack of Anthony Martial and Kylian Mbappé.

France started the brighter of the two, and probably should have found the back of the net, had Anthony Martial not missed his opportunity. France left-back Benjamin Mendy read the game well to intercept a diagonal pass by Harry Kane. The Monaco defender dinked a tremendous ball over the top for Anthony Martial to race on to. The striker out-muscled England's Steve Hussey, before racing on to a one-on-one opportunity against Jack Butland. England's goalkeeper denied Martial, however, tipping away Martial's goal-bound effort.

Martial's guilt-edged miss would go on to cost France, as England broke the deadlock with ten minutes remaining in the first half. The Three Lions had France against the ropes with a succession of attacking moves, and winger Reiss Nelson was at the heart of the English attack. Nelson saw a number of his low crosses blocked and parried, before eventually directing one in to the penalty area, where Raheem Sterling was on hand to send a powerful drive beyond Alban Lafont in the France goal. England had one foot in the semi finals.

Seven minutes in to the second half, and England were a matter of inches away from doubling their advantage. Reiss Nelson was once again the creator of the chance, as his floated free-kick evaded the flapping Alban Lafont, gifting Tim Skinner with a free header at goal. However, the Manchester United attacker could only find the crossbar with his effort, saving the blushes of the French 'keeper.

With twelve minutes remaining, France should have leveled the score. A loose ball in midfield fell to Thomas Lemar, who produced the most magical of long-range first-time passes to release Stéphane Brun on goal. The winger had only Butland to beat, but the English 'keeper produced another fantastic reaction save to deny France a way back.

It was not proving to be France's day, and their fate had been sealed by the electric Reiss Nelson in the ninetieth minute. Dele Alli and Tim Skinner had found some space in the final third to move around with the ball, and the latter slid Nelson in down the right-hand channel. The winger took one glance at the goalkeeper before keeping his shot low, and beyond the reach of Lafont, closing the door on any hope of a French comeback.

Reiss Nelson's goal capped a sensational performance by the English winger, as he almost single-handedly, along with Jack Butland to the 'keeper's credit, knocked France out of the World Cup.

Reiss Nelson (England) 8.5/10

FIFA World Cup Quarter Final Results

Germany Were Felled By An Impressive Italy While Argentina Progressed

In what has been an impressive campaign for Heinz Mosser, his Switzerland side had progressed to the semi finals of the competition, following victory over Japan. Italy defeated 2014 champions Germany to progress, while 2018 champions Argentina progressed beyond a stern Croatian challenge.

Italy would face Switzerland in one semi final, meaning we would face our nemesis of old, Argentina, in the other. Keen to make up for past heartbreaks against La Albiceleste, we had plenty to play for.

Ryan Ferguson's Message

Ryan Ferguson:
"Fantastic, absolutely fantastic (the performance against France). We played against a top top team, and we absolutely deserved our victory. We were brilliant in attack and worked hard in defence. We needed some brilliant saves from Jack Butland to deny the opposition at times, but we showed the cutting edge required to win.

Next up is a huge game against Argentina. Everybody knows of the history we have against them, and nobody is more determined to win than I. We will be prepared and ready to battle for a place in the final. We have the ability, we have the confidence. Now, we just have to prove our capabilities."

Comment Section

MJK46, thank you! Although, England weren't the reigning champions at that stage, Spain had lifted the trophy in 2022

ScottT, yeah, it was a shock to see Japan progressing in to the latter stages, and Argentina were certainly capable of scoring plenty of goals!

Previous Update: #18 - England Coast Past Ivorian Challenge
Next Update: #20 - England Break Argentina In ET Thriller

mgriffin2012

7 years

A tough quartet in the Semi Finals, meeting Switzerland would be a god send but youre looking more than capable of beating any of them!

Justice

7 years • Edited

England Break Argentina In ET Thriller

England Scored Three Times In Extra Time To Secure Place In Final

07/07/2026

Ryan Ferguson: It was crazy. Possibly the most insane fixture I've ever been involved in. It was a seven goal thriller between two nations which absolutely hated each other, and it was all to settle who would take their place in the World Cup final. Only one team could prevail.

5-2 AET Win vs Argentina (Semi Final) - 07/07/2026

Harry Kane Scored Twice In Extra Time To Book England's Place In WC Final

One hundred and twenty minutes of football. Two teams, seven goals. It was hectic, it was aggressive, and it was exciting. It had everything anybody could ask for in a World Cup semi final, and was even worthy to be a final itself. Late goals, extra time, penalty drama, and even a red card, all made the game one of the most memorable in World Cup history.

The opening twenty seven minutes of the game was tightly contested, with neither side providing any sort of opportunity for the other. However, in the twenty eighth minute, this all changed. A Kingsley Osagie foul on Argentina's Rodolfo Urquiza inside the box had given Argentina a penalty at an important stage of the game.

Up stepped Facundo Colidio with the chance to put Argentina in the lead. He gave Jack Butland the eyes as he ran up, before powering a shot down the middle. However, the English 'keeper read the intentions of the taker, and parried the ball away. England had survived their first real scare of the game, with their goalkeeper to thank.

It did not take much longer than three minutes for the deadlock to be broken, and it was England who took the lead. Argentina had conceded a free-kick just twenty yards from their own goal, and James Ward-Prowse took full advantage. The midfielder's dead ball effort took a deflection off the wall before finding itself heading for the far corner of the goal. Argentina stopper Juan Sebastian Quintana had been deceived by the deflection, allowing England to take the lead in the semi final.

Two minutes in to the second half, and the score was level once more. Argentina had begun to apply overwhelming pressure, and England failed to cope. Rodolfo Urquiza spun away from England's Danny Wickenden on the left, before picking out Matías Sarue with a near post cross. Sarue beat James Ward-Prowse in the air to head in Argentina's deserved equaliser. The game was truly on.

The second half continued to play in to Argentina's hands, as the South American team applied increasing pressure on England. They would go on to take the lead on the hour mark, in similar fashion to their equaliser. England's Calum Chambers could not keep up with Luciano Escudero, who played in a near post cross for Brian Hereñú to power in to the back of the net. Argentina had turned the game on its head, and were leading with thirty minutes to go.

England became frantic and unorthodox in their approach to finding an equaliser, looking to carve out opportunities through the weakness Argentina faced in diagonal passes. In an attempt to stop such a diagonal pass by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Argentina's Maximiliano Ceballos tackled the Englishman from behind, but failed to connect with any of the ball. It was deemed as a very dangerous challenge by the referee, and Argentina were reduced to ten men as a result.

England continued to apply pressure, but could not find a way past a stubborn Argentina defence. Argentina had every man parked in and around their penalty area as England looked to unlock a sturdy defence. On came captain Harry Kane to try make a difference, but even he did not have the answers.

Argentina held England off in to the very depths of stoppage time. That was until true magic happened. With just seconds of the four minutes added on remaining, England threw together one last attack. Marcus Rashford played a one-two with Harry Kane, before curling an effort at goal. It was parried, but only in to the path of the onrushing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who bundled in an unlikely, but certainly timely, equaliser for England. It was a stoppage time goal which would bring the game in to extra time!

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's goal had opened the flood gates for England in stoppage time, and a mentally broken Argentina defence could not hold out. A quick counter attack saw Marcus Rashford tee up Harry Kane to put England in front, eight minutes in to extra time, and Kane obliged to his second goal as he redirected a Brendan Galloway cross in to the far corner just minutes later.

England had completely turned the game on its head, and Argentina had one more goal to concede. Marcus Rashford compounded Argentina's misery with an incredible goal in the final minute of extra time, as he found the top left corner of the net with an audacious outside-of-the-boot curler from range. England had booked their place in the final, in the most extraordinary of ways!

Marcus Rashford (England) - 8.9/10

FIFA World Cup Semi Final Results

Italy Booked Their Place In The Final Where They Would Face England

A hard-fought 2-1 victory for Italy over Switzerland meant we would play against the Azzurri in the final in Toronto. It was a challenge we certainly looked forward to facing, and we were very optimistic of our chances.

Ryan Ferguson's Message

Ryan Ferguson:
"Wow - just wow! I think has to go down as the greatest game I have ever managed! It had everything, and was a true rollercoaster of a game! We took the lead well, but Argentina were absolutely relentless and deservedly went ahead. But, that did not unsettle us, and we came back in fantastic style. Extra time did not even prove to be nervous for us, as we had the confidence that we would go on to take the lead again, and we did.

We can't afford to start celebrating this result just yet, there is still one more important game left to play. It will be my final game as England manager, but that is not important now. What is important is that we are fully prepared and ready for this challenge. We must, and we will, be ready to take on Italy in five days time."

Comment Section

mgriffin2012, indeed it was a very strong set of semi final outfits, but so it should be in the World Cup of all competitions! As you can see, Switzerland put up a very tough fight for Italy in the other semi final, and I don't want to imagine what the Swiss could have done to us, given the chance!

Previous Update: #19 - England Triumph Over Les Bleus
Next Update: #21 - England Crowned World Champions

MJK46

7 years

Game of the century?????? Good luck in the final.

ScottT

7 years

Two brilliant results for you, congratulations on getting to the final. Italy beating Switzerland at this stage must be gutting for the Swiss, but it sets up for a fantastic final and a very difficult one for you. Good luck, bring football home.

Justice

7 years • Edited

England Crowned World Champions

Harry Kane Lifted England's First World Cup Trophy In Sixty Years

12/07/2026

Ryan Ferguson: This was it. All our hard work and dedication to qualify, and to compete in, the World Cup brought us to one final hurdle. Everything we had worked for boiled down to just ninety minutes - ninety minuted to decide who would be crowned World Cup champions

It was England versus Italy. Ryan Ferguson versus Roberto Mancini. Captain Harry Kane versus captain Gianluigi Donnarumma. Only one team could lift the trophy, only one team could rule the world. Who was it to be, The Three Lions or the Azzuri?

2-0 Win vs Italy (Final) - 12/07/2026

Reiss Nelson's Goal Just After Half Time Secured The World Cup Title

Buoyed by their dramatic comeback victory against Argentina in the semi finals, England looked confident in their approach to the opening stage of the game. Harry Kane led England's attack in pursuit of penetrating a defence starring Alessio Romagnoli and Alessandro Bastoni.

It took ten minutes for England to really trouble Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Italy goal. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli was proving to be a live wire in the middle of the pitch, and came close to opening the scoring. The Milton Keynes-born superstar surged past Filippo Melegoni to find space on the edge of the area. Alli then saw his low rasping effort tipped away by Donnarumma, signalling England's attacking intent.

There was worry for John Stones midway through the first half as the full back suffered a fairly serious hip injury following a collision in the box. The Manchester City full back was forced off the field of play to be replaced by Calum Chambers.

The injury did little to upset the balance of play, and England continued to press for their first goal of the game. The goal came five minutes before half time, and it was the skipper who scored it. Tim Skinner fed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain down the right hand channel, and the Arsenal attacker broke towards the goal line. The Ox fired a low cross in to the six yard box, and Harry Kane was on hand to scoop the ball beyond Donnarumma in the Italy goal, giving England the lead just before half time.

A one goal cushion was never going to be comfortable in a World Cup final, but England found a precious second just minutes in to the second half. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain claimed the assist once more, as his whipped cross caused absolute havoc in the Italy box. Tim Skinner allowed the ball to fly through his legs in to the path of Reiss Nelson, and the Arsenal wide attacker made no mistake in rolling the ball beyond Donnarumma to give England a crucial two goal lead.

Conceding two goals appeared to motivate Italy to begin playing with purpose, and they were presented with a glorious chance to cut the deficit ten minutes in to the second half. Filippo Melegoni played a defence-splitting pass over the top of the English defenders to pick out Walter Ronzitti, but the striker scooped his shot very far wide when one-on-one.

Moise Kean was next to come close for Italy. The tricky attacker wriggled away from Dele Alli and Eric Dier and fired a speculative shot from thirty yards. The ball swerved in the air and almost soared beyond Jack Butland, but the England 'keeper did enough to deflect the ball over the bar.

Italy's best, and final, chance of the game came with eight minutes remaining. Alessandro Florenzi robbed Stephen Lacy deep in England's half, and teed up Walter Ronzitti to tap in to open goal, but the latter could only find the post with his miscued effort. The miss summed up Italy's performance on the day, and handed England the World Cup title.

Reiss Nelson (England) - 7.8/10

Ryan Ferguson's Message

Ryan Ferguson:
"We did it! Sixty long years since our last World Cup win, and now we have our second. There is a great sense of relief that the wait is finally over, but more importantly there is a sense of rejoice and delight that we have achieved something incredible. We are the champion of the world, we are the best in the world.

This was my last game in charge of England, as I never had the intention of staying beyond the World Cup. It was a wonderful tournament filled with amazing memories, and hopefully the team can go on to win more competitions in the future. It has been a pleasure, and a privilege, to be the manager of such a wonderful group of players, and I know there is more success for them in the future."

Comment Section

MJK46, thank you!

ScottT, indeed it was a difficult final! Unfortunately for Switzerland, they went on to lose the third-place play-off, but a semi final appearance is fantastic for a nation of their footballing stature!

Previous Update: #20 - England Break Argentina In ET Thriller
Next Update: #22 - World Cup 2026 Awards Ceremony

mgriffin2012

7 years

The words of three lions need to be rewritten! A huge achievement man, congratulations! Champions of the world!

Justice

7 years • Edited

World Cup 2026 Awards Ceremony

Six England Players Were Included In The World Cup Dream Team

13/07/2026

Ryan Ferguson: A party atmosphere had descended on Canada following the culmination of the World Cup. It was one of the most entertaining World Cup competitions in the last few decades, providing games full of excitement and drama, from beginning to end. It was a competition where children fell in love with the game, while glued to their television screens.

It was a competition to remember for us English. We had successfully navigated our way to the final, and came out on top against Italy. It was the Italians' second consecutive defeat in World Cup finals, following their defeat to Spain in the 2022 edition. Third place was secured by Argentina, who defeated Switzerland in the play-off.

FIFA World Cup Awards

Italy's Walter Ronzitti Starred In Canada As His Side Reached The Final

Italian striker Walter Ronzitti was the star player of the tournament, as voted for by the FIFA panel. The Chelsea hitman scored four and assisted twice in seven appearances throughout the competition, leading his team in to battle well. Second and third place for the award went to Argentina's Matías Sarue and Switzerland's Stephan Griesser, respectively.

The best young player was England's Kingsley Osagie. The Whitehawk star was instrumental in the country's success, scoring once and assisting three times in five appearances throughout the competition. Reiss Nelson's five goal tally saw him finish runner-up to Portugal's António (six) in the running for the golden boot, while Jack Butland's six clean sheets saw him named as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Six English players were included in the World Cup Dream Team, including goalkeeper Jack Butland, defenders John Stones and Luke Shaw, and midfielders Kingsley Osagie, Will Hughes and Reiss Nelson. Italy's Daniele Rugani and Walter Ronzitti were also included, along with Switzerland's Silvan Widmer and Germany's Leroy Sané.

Comment Section

mgriffin2012, yes! Thank you!

Previous Update: #21 - England Crowned World Champions
Next Update: #23 - Season Eleven: Season Review

MJK46

7 years

Congrats on both the victory and getting this story to the Story of the Month voting in its first try!!

ScottT

7 years

Brilliant! Absolutely fantastic for a little island

Also well done on being nominated for Story of the Month.

Justice

7 years • Edited

Season Eleven: Season Review

An Overview Of Whitehawk FC In Season 2026/2027

Ryan Ferguson: Our reputation as a football club had continued to soar in the previous year. Despite slipping up in the league and conceding defeat in the title chase in the final few weeks, we claimed our second UEFA Champions League title, and we were looking to win our third. We were targeting challenges on every single front, and we were determined to win our league title back.

Transfers

Whitehawk Spent Over £100M In Massive Squad Overhaul

A number of players were sold on raise finances and create squad space for incoming players. Cian O'Connor (ST) and Conor Coady (MC) left to Heart of Midlothian for a combined fee of £4.65M, while the sales of Tyrone Mings (DL), Ville Paananen (AML) and Andri Steingrímsson (ST) earned £8.5M. Thomas Delaney (MC) and Neal Maupay (ST) left for £500K and £5M respectively, and Luciano Cabral (AMC) cost Bologna £700K.

There were a number of notable sales, most notably as club captain Andrea Punzi (DC) decided it was time to move on and left to Rotherham United for £4.7M. Club hero Jermie Boga (AMR/C) departed for £5.5M, and former first team regular Jamaal Lascelles (DC) brought the club £850K. The largest sales were that of Jeff Reine-Adelaide (AMR/L) and Jeisson Vargas (AMR/L), who left for Everton (£19M) and SL Benfica (£30M) respectively.

The squad required a number of players who would compete for starting positions, or provide very good cover. Lewis Cook (MC), Brahim Díaz (AMR/L/C) and Sergi Samper (MC) were brought in from Premier League sides for a combined fee of £20.5M, potentially rising to £23.75M. Riccardo Mansueto (DC), João Félix (AMR/L/C) and Jérôme Onguéné (DC) came in from ACF Fiorentina, Olympique Lyonnais and SL Benfica for a combined £43.25M.

A high number of youth players were signed for the future, but there was one other major signing. Norwegian superstar Martin Ødegaard (AMR/L/C) arrived from Real Madrid for an initial fee of £37.5M, potentially rising to £40M. The attacking midfielder was set to play a major part in Whitehawk's season.

I was very happy with the business made by the football club. while the vast majority of players brought in were not top class players, there was certainly enough quality brought in to enhance our chances of winning silverware.

UEFA Super Cup

Whitehawk Came Out On Top In Five Goal Thriller

It was a very frantic final, as both teams played out of their skin to win. We took the lead early on as Jason Coffey scored a deft finish. Sergej Milinkovic Savic equalised for Chelsea minutes later, but we scored twice in the second half to assert our position in the game. Chelsea could only muster one more goal, as we claimed the UEFA Super Cup for a third consecutive season.

FIFA Club World Cup

Whitehawk Proved Too Strong As They Retained Club World Cup Title

We used two completely different starting elevens in both games as we marched to 2-0 victories on both occasions. Neither of our opponents could muster a challenging attack on us, as our defensive prowess shone. We took our chances in attack, and deservedly won the trophy.

Premier League

Whitehawk Remained Unbeaten Throughout The Entire League Season

It was, by far, our best league campaign yet. We were completely unbeatable, as seen by our record, and we triumphed over every single team at some stage throughout the season. A grand total of thirty wins was almost as impressive as our zero defeats.

We conceded just seven goals throughout the entire league campaign, twenty-three goals less than our closest challenger, Manchester United. Our goal scoring was not overly great, however, as we recorded just the sixth best goal scoring record (63).

Our biggest victory of the season came in a 6-1 thumping of Aston Villa in March, while we recorded a league double against José Mourinho's Manchester United (3-1 & 2-0).

League Table

Whitehawk Earned A Premier League Record 98 Points

Manchester City and Manchester United finished second and third respectively. Arsenal narrowly claimed fourth spot, and the final Champions League spot, while West Ham and Stoke claimed fifth and sixth, earning passage to the Europa League. Cardiff City, Aston Villa and West Brom were all relegated to the Championship.

UEFA Champions League

Whitehawk Remained Unbeaten In Third Consecutive CL Campaign

We were handed a group which contained RSC Anderlecht of Belgium, France's Olympique Lyonnais, and Spanish giants Real Madrid. We won five of our games in this group, drawing the other against Real Madrid.

The second round saw us face German side Schalke. A Jason Coffey hat trick inspired a 4-1 away win, and a 3-1 victory at home in the second leg saw us progress. Away goals divided us and Barcelona in the quarter final, and it took away goals for us to claim victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the semi final.

FC Bayern Munich would stand in our way in the final at the Stade Orange Vélodrome, and they proved stern opposition. Die Bayern took the lead in the fifteenth minute through Lautaro Martínez, forcing us to chase the game for the remainder. With twenty minutes to go, Gradimir Lucic and Anton Nyman both scored within a minute for us to take the lead in dramatic fashion, and we held out to claim the title.

FA Cup

Whitehawk Defeated Manchester City On Penalties In The Final

We faced much lesser opposition in the opening rounds in the form of Tranmere Rovers and Crewe Alexandra. Neither Newcastle United or Sunderland could deny us passage to the semi final, where Cardiff City were surprise opponents. In a hard-fought game, we just scraped through to the final.

The final against Manchester City was hard-fought. It ground out in to a penalty shootout, where we were eventually victors.

EFL Cup

Whitehawk Claimed Their First Ever EFL Cup Title

Leicester City were no match for us in the third round, while Wrexham suffered at the hands of our second-string team. Crystal Palace proved no competition in the quarter final. We suffered defeat in the first leg of the semi final against Manchester City, but we claimed victory courtesy of a strong second leg.

We would face José Mourinho's Manchester United in the final. Manchester United twice took the lead, but we fought back to equalise on two occasions, drawing the game out to extra time. Substitute Juan Antonio Fernández scored the winning goal of the game to help us claim our first ever EFL Cup title.

Whitehawk Football Club

Whitehawk's Defenders Were On Top Form Throughout The Season

Stephen Lacy was, once again, the star of the season for us. Following Andrea Punzi's departure in the summer, Lacy was appointed as the new captain of Whitehawk Football Club, and he fulfilled his duties with aplomb over the course of the season. He was tremendous in a back line which held strong throughout the season, leading us to title glory on many fronts.

World Football

Arsenal Claimed Their Third UEFA Europa League Title

It was a competition to remember for Arsenal, as Slaven Bilic's side marched to Europa League success. The victory meant they would gain automatic qualification to the group stages of the next season's UEFA Champions League.

FC Bayern Munich's Reinhold Stoll was the winner of both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards. Manchester United's Facundo Colidio and Manchester City's Damir Sipus settled for second and third in the awards, respectively.

Ryan Ferguson's Message

Ryan Ferguson:
"We can be very proud of what we achieved this season. Champions of England, Europe and the world, now that's what I call amazing! We were victorious in every single competition we played in, and that's all anybody could possibly ask for.

It will be difficult, but we hope to complete a similar feat next season. There will be a few new signings to watch out for, and we hope they can make as great an impact as the signings of this season."

Comment Section

MJK46, thank you very much!

ScottT, now I'm no geologist, but England is no island

Previous Update: #22 - World Cup 2026 Awards Ceremony
Next Update: #24 - The Beginning of the End

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