Taking Morecambe to the top!

lol thanks man its a deal.

Season 2 - October update - 02/10/11

A very impressive start to the season for Morecambe, 10 games in and we sit in 6th place and have achieved some good results. A bad result against Blackpool knocked us out of the League Cup. Hopefully we can maintain our league form and immediately establish ourselves as one of the better League 1 teams.

http://img258.imageshack.us/i/fixture.jpg/

http://img195.imageshack.us/i/tableor.jpg/

Managers Player of the Month
August - Davide Petrucci - AMFC - Outstanding start to his Morecambe career, hat-trick on his debut and is League 1 top scorer at the moment. Won August Young Player of the Month.
http://img214.imageshack.us/i/petrucci.jpg/

http://img529.imageshack.us/i/ypotm.jpg/

September - Morten Koch - DC - Signed in the summer as 4th choice CB. Injuries in defence gave him chance to shine and he looks like a good defender.http://img94.imageshack.us/i/kochk.jpg/

Recently downloaded and added the metallic logos and cut-out faces megapack to my game. I was shocked by the sheer amount of faces included and have to say what a great job people involved with these downloads have done.

Season 2 - December update - 02/12/11

Good form through October has ensured our blip in November has kept us just outside the play-offs.

http://img593.imageshack.us/i/resultsu.jpg/

http://img338.imageshack.us/i/tabletl.jpg/

Come-backs
Despite our downturn in form in November I have to give full credit to the team for two superb come backs in our last two games.

FA Cup 2nd round 3-1 down at half-time against Oldham and pulled it back to 3-3 for a replay.
Johnstone’s Paint Trophy North semi-final 3-0 down at half-time against Stockport after some abysmal defending in the first half. 3-3 at full-time including a last minute equalizer and we went on to win on penalties!
http://img508.imageshack.us/i/69287440.jpg/

http://img98.imageshack.us/i/penalties.jpg/

Managers Player of the Month
October - Will Haining - CB - Our captain has adapted well to playing in League 1 and has looked like our best centre-back this season.
http://img252.imageshack.us/i/haining.jpg/

November - Vincent Le Goff - AML - Great month for the young winger, his first Morecambe goal plus 4 assists and 2 MOM awards in November. Has replaced Lekaj well.
http://img337.imageshack.us/i/legoff.jpg/

Overview
Morecambe have looked good in League 1 so far and we’ve met the challenge of playing in a higher league well. I’m particularly impressed with the way we’ve come back in games and this underlines the determination that runs through-out the team.

I’m hoping to beat Oldham in the FA Cup to reach the 3rd round, we’d be facing Millwall which would likely result in our first stadium sell-out since I joined the club. Were in the last four of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and after proving we are capable of beating any team at this level I think we have a reasonable chance of winning this competition.

Average attendances have almost doubled since last season, up to 5000. Wages have also doubled and the club seems to be leaking quite a lot of money. I’ll likely be selling some first teamers in January to try and keep the finances okay, hopefully I’ll be seeing some interest in my players towards the end of December.http://img168.imageshack.us/i/finances.jpg/

Season 2 - February Update - 02/02/12

A great December followed by a blip in form in the new year, better form since then sees us on a league games win streak of 4. We sit just inside the play-offs and only 7 points of 1st place.

http://img231.imageshack.us/i/resultsi.jpg/

http://img87.imageshack.us/i/tableu.jpg/

A terrible 5-0 loss against 10 men Millwall ruined our FA Cup run, the result angered me especially after gaining a considerable advantage after only 10 minutes. We have a chance of overturning the 1-0 defeat against Bradford in the Johnstones Paint trophy in our home leg and I’m hopeful of reaching the national final.

Managers Player of the Month
December - Oliver Norwood - MC - Good performances in the last 2 months for him and has really become a creative force in our midfield, his corners have also created many goals for us this season.
http://img571.imageshack.us/i/norwood.jpg/

January - Angelis Charalabous - DRC - Has become the key figure in our defence this season and has connected with many of Norwood’s corners picking up 5 goals so far this season.
http://img801.imageshack.us/i/charalabous.jpg/

Transfers
Many players left to ease finances and reduce the wage bill. Almost all outgoing players were signed as free transfers and these sales represent good business by the club and the opportunity we present players with to kick start their careers.
http://img87.imageshack.us/i/transferse.jpg/

Jan Sebek - GK - Released by Chelsea in the summer. In direct competition with Gorgelin for the no.1 spot following the sale of Kouakbi, similar ability, potential and personality but holds the advantage due to being trained in England.
http://img526.imageshack.us/i/sebek.jpg/

Magnus Eikrem - AMC - Released by Man Utd in the summer, his excellent passing and creativity makes him a great replacement for outgoing playmakers Baur and Ademi.
http://img140.imageshack.us/i/eikrem.jpg/

League Overview
Only a third of the season remaining and our league position is remarkable for a newly promoted team. Only 7 points off 1st and we have a surprisingly good chance of achieving consecutive promotions. This possibility excites me greatly and I’m hopeful we can really put up a strong challenge.

Season 2 - Johnstone‘s Paint Trophy Final - 01/04/12

With just 6 league games to go Morecambe hold onto a play-off spot despite some poor form in March, despite this, morale is still good throughout the squad. We beat Bradford in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy North Final with a 5-0 win in the second leg, a brilliant result that has put us through to the national final.

http://img600.imageshack.us/i/results.jpg/

http://img301.imageshack.us/i/tabletz.jpg/

Managers Player of the Month
February - Samir Carruthers - DMC converting to MR - Really impressed in February and has become first choice on the right of midfield.
http://img100.imageshack.us/i/carruthers.jpg/

March - David Petrucci - AMFC - A good couple of months for my poacher as he scored 10 goals in February and March, he’s starting to climb the league top scorers table after his 2 month injury before Christmas.
http://img177.imageshack.us/i/petrucci.jpg/

Cup Final
http://img257.imageshack.us/i/prematch.jpg/

http://img13.imageshack.us/i/firstfinal.jpg/

I think we have a great chance of beating Northampton for what would be our first ever cup win while I’ve been in charge. I’m surprised we’ve got this far and have to admit the players have done a great job on reaching this final. Northampton are 15th in League 2 and have really done well to reach the final, I need to be careful my players don’t get complacent and that they realise the threat Northampton could pose.

Oliver Norwood misses out on the squad against Northampton because he isn’t fully recovered from injury yet, GK Gorgelin is also cup tied but other than that we have a fully fit squad for the upcoming match.
http://img44.imageshack.us/i/playersk.jpg/

http://img708.imageshack.us/i/winfm.jpg/

An outstanding achievement for the team, not only have we proven we are good enough to beat any team at this level but we’ve also shown were capable of holding our nerve and getting results when it counts most.

The game itself was fairly even sided with Morecambe creating more clear cut chances. Northampton opened the scoring early then Huna equalized before half-time, on 72 minutes Michael Woods hit the back of the net with a 30 yarder and sealed the cup win for Morecambe!

http://img209.imageshack.us/i/80067954.jpg/

Season 2 - End of Season - 28/05/12

An unfortunately anti-climax to the season as Morecambe drop out of the play-offs on the last day. After spending 20 straight games in the play-offs its a little disappointing to drop out right at he end.

http://img580.imageshack.us/i/resultsv.jpg/

http://img842.imageshack.us/i/tablea.jpg/

Overall I'm proud with the teams achievements this season, our League 1 performance has exceeded even my own expectations and we have a good platform to build on for next season. The fantastic Johnstone’s Paint Trophy win was the highlight of the season and its great that Morecambe have picked up their first trophy in 14 years.

http://img192.imageshack.us/i/squadf.jpg/

Managers Players of the Season
1st - David Petrucci - AMFC - Outstanding season for Petrucci and he has been the star of League 1. Top goalscorer, most MOM awards and highest average rating as well as joint highest pass completion. He clearly has the ability to play at a higher level and I hope he wants to stay to help the club progress.
http://img219.imageshack.us/i/petrucci.jpg/

http://img534.imageshack.us/i/petruccipom.jpg/

http://img687.imageshack.us/i/petrucciscorer.jpg/

http://img696.imageshack.us/i/league1stats.jpg/

2nd - Oliver Norwood - MC - Consistent all season, has provided many assists and been an important part of the midfield.
http://img242.imageshack.us/i/norwood.jpg/

3rd - Angelis Charalabous - DRC - Became first choice centre-back almost straight away and has impressed all season, has contributed with a high number of goals for a centre-back.
http://img593.imageshack.us/i/charalabous.jpg/

Finances and Transfers
Finances are looking insecure and this is worrying, again like last season players will have to be sold and replaced with free transfers for the club to regain a healthy bank balance.
http://img442.imageshack.us/i/finances.jpg/

England Season Overview
Premiership winners - Chelsea
Champions league, Euro league winners - Chelsea, Tottenham
Champs League qualifiers - Man Utd, Man City, Tottenham
FA Cup, League Cup - Chelsea, Sunderland
Relegated from Prem - West Ham, Wigan, Burnley
Promoted to Prem - Wolves, Forest, Reading

Season 3 - New Season - 11/08/12

Pre-season is over and our first game is at home against Bradford. This season Morecambe are predicted to finish 13th, the board expects a mid-table finish and I told them I aim for a top-finish. This season I hope we can challenge for promotion. The board also gave me a new 2 year contract on £2,000 pw.

http://img517.imageshack.us/i/fixturesc.jpg/

http://img254.imageshack.us/i/infop.jpg/

Friendlies were disappointing with 3 wins and 6 losses but the squad looks fit and strong for the new season and morale is high. Steve Irwin has been named new Captain following my decision not to renew Hainings contract and Conor Clifford named as Vice Captain.

Transfers
Many transfers going in and out, I’m pleased that we didn’t have to sell any of our key players in order to balance the clubs finances. Plenty of young players with potential have come in and the club has really set itself up as one committed to bringing through youth and one whos squad will continue to grow stronger from within over the next few years.

http://img151.imageshack.us/i/transferss.jpg/

Key new signings
Florian Maier - DC - Good centre defender who will replace Haining this season.
http://img690.imageshack.us/i/maier.jpg/

Alex Smith - ML retraining as DL - Good all round player with better defensive abilities and will make a good left back.
http://img502.imageshack.us/i/smith.jpg/

Conor Clifford - DMC - Influential DMC who will become first choice ball-winning midfielder.
http://img690.imageshack.us/i/clifforde.jpg/

Andrea Romano - MC - Determined promising midfielder who will be back-up to Clifford.
http://img258.imageshack.us/i/romano.jpg/

Guy Gnabouyou - Decent striker who will fill the void left by the departure of Huna and Saizar.
http://img408.imageshack.us/i/gnabouyou.jpg/

Training
With the board now allowing me to have 10 coaches I’ve been able to specialize each training category. I’m pleased that training quality is now up to a level I consider very good for a league 1 club and I expect this will go a long way towards helping our players reach their potential. Our training facilities are still poor though and I hope we can soon raise enough funds to be able to improve them.
http://img594.imageshack.us/i/trainingz.jpg/

Squad and Expectations
Following the success of last season and the more stable status of the squad I think we can put up a strong challenge for promotion this year. I now feel I have a base of players who will remain at the club for a while and that I can build my team around over the coming seasons. Fans player of the year Petrucci, Norwood, Clifford, Charalabous and new captain Irwin are the core of the team, we can build around the strength of these players who are still young and will continue to progress as the club does.

http://img823.imageshack.us/i/squade.jpg/

With the strength, potential and depth of the squad along with great training, scouting knowledge and the momentum we’ve built up, I’m very confident that we can achieve my aim of promotion to the Championship within 2 years and continue to grow.

Season 3 - End of Transfer Window - 02/09/12

The transfer deadline has gone and I’m pleased with the business we’ve done over the summer. Theres lots of strength in depth, perhaps too much. The season has started well, we remain unbeaten with 2 wins 2 draws. Unfortunately we got knocked out of the League Cup after a 2nd round loss against Blackburn... struggling to take advantage of Pedersens red card in the 10th minute we eventually lost 2-1.

http://img689.imageshack.us/i/resultskq.jpg/

http://img687.imageshack.us/i/tablepq.jpg/

Managers Player of the Month
Oliver Norwood - MC - Another impressive month for him, he really has become an integral part of the team.
http://img191.imageshack.us/i/potm.jpg/

August Transfers

http://img94.imageshack.us/i/transferszd.jpg/

Krzysztof Pilarz - GK - Good all round keeper who will bring valuable experience to the team.
http://img264.imageshack.us/i/pilarz.jpg/

Michalis Bakakis - DR - Talented right back, will provide strong back-up for Irwin.
http://img688.imageshack.us/i/bakakis.jpg/

Dugary - AMR - Very quick winger who will add some pace to the team.
http://img529.imageshack.us/i/dugary.jpg/

Robbie Brady - AML - Determined winger formerly of Man Utd, Direct replacement for Le Goff.
http://img25.imageshack.us/i/bradyz.jpg/

Janko Pacar - ST - Good striker who will strengthen our forward line.
http://img580.imageshack.us/i/pacar.jpg/

What a bad luck at the end of 2nd season, anyway that doesn't make the campaing lose the title of a great campaing! You will make it dude! Sooner or later!

Season 3 - November Update - 02/11/13

An impressive start to the season has seen us come out as one of the top teams, we sat on top of the league for 3 games in October. We still look strong in third place and have the best goal difference in the league.

http://img717.imageshack.us/i/resultsyb.jpg/

http://img502.imageshack.us/i/tabled.jpg/

Beating the League Favourites
Great result against shock relegation West Brom, the early red card seemed to inspire our players to work much harder.
http://img230.imageshack.us/i/71677371.jpg/

Thrashing Second Favourites
Derby didn't put up any resistance today and our strikers were in fine form.
http://img534.imageshack.us/i/49557587.jpg/

Managers Player of the Month
September - Oliver Norwood - MC - More good form from our play-maker, he has earned himself the right of first name on the team sheet.
http://img264.imageshack.us/i/norwood.jpg/

October - Steve Irwin - DR - Our Captain has stood out in defence this month and put in some influential performances.
http://img201.imageshack.us/i/irwin.jpg/

End of Story

With much regret I have decided to end my Morecambe story due to FM crashes every other match. I reckon too many leagues and players loaded along with 1000s of scout reports has raised the memory requirements too high. Overall a good career with Morecambe, 1 promotion, 1 trophy and a great season in league 1.

Thank you to everyone who followed my story and I hope you will follow my next story where I will be starting unemployed!

Good story mate.

Nice going mate, will be following your next story as well

It's unfortunate that FM11 seems to crash more than its predecessor. Let's hope SI will release a new patch soon to address those issues. So far it's sad to admit I miss FM09.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

One piece of advise regarding your story. Try to use image thumbnails instead of full images and have the full image load on demand. This will minimize loading times.

For example, instead of
[ img ] http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1421/norwood.jpg [ /img ]

Use this
[ img = http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1421/norwood.jpg ] http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1421/norwood.th.jpg [ /img ]

Without the spaces of course.
The path to the thumbnail for imageshack is exactly the same as the full image, with the addition of .th at the end before the .jpg extension.

The result:

I tried to do thumbnails before but whenever you clicked on the picture the window opened but the picture didn't get any bigger, stayed thumbnail size. Pretty sure I get it now though.