Welcome to my FM story: I hope that you enjoy it.
So today it was announced that Roberto Martinez has resigned with immediate effect from the Wigan job. After a lot of discussions the Wigan board have decided to put their trust in me. The last trophy that Wigan have won was the Npower 1 back in 2003. From then on the the Wigan have been playing in the Priemer League for the past 7 seasons.
I proudly entered my new working place in Wigan. I had just signed a 2 year contract. My objective for this season was to avoid relegation. The board have given my 5m. I will try to sell some of the players, instead i want to use my money to invest in the squad by bringing a few potential youngsters as my youth are not good enough and try to buy players that can help me avoid relegation and to move forward as a club.
Pre-season: I was very happy with my pre-season results, my players got some match practice, well i was pleased about the fact that alot of the players played well. Also scored a lot of goals. That was the end of the pre-season, i fill that my team has gelled together.
So far i have sold Thomas, Salmon and Gohouri for 2m, 600k & 2.1m respectfully. I have both in Vass and Andersen for 800k each. I have signed Soukoune on a free transfer. I also managed to sell Boyce for 1.2m.
Breaking news coming from DW stadium that hot prospect Marco Verrati has passed his medical and will sign a 5 year cotract. On the same day it has announced that Ivorian Wilfried has just signed with Wigan for 3m. I am also hoping to sign Guti.
I will be posting another part later on today, when i start the league. I will also update you about the transfer market as the window is still open.
I hope that you enjoy reading my story, i would like to thank all of you for reading.
Today is the opening day of the Premier league. I will be having a tough afternoon, at DW stadium Wigan are going to face Bolton. It will be quiet a tough match. According to the bookies we are favourite because we are playing at home. I must tell you that I have just signed Guti. I think that he will be a very valuable player for us. I am looking at the possibility of signing Sol Campbell. I will be playing against Bury in the League Cup 2nd round. Approaching this match i will be without Diame, Caldwell and long term injured Kirkland. I currently lack a back up defender.
League game: Bolton H
Finally the start of the season.
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Al Habsi, Stam, Piscu, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Vass, McCarthy (Guti), Gomez, Moses (Rodallega), Beausejour (Crusat), Wilfried
The game started and we were already behind from a goal scored by Bolton’s captain Davies. We started dominating the match, creating an attacking chance after another, and finally in the 34th minute through Wilfried we took the lead. Soon after we were winning thanks to Wilfried’s second goal. With a 3rd goal coming from substitute Crusat in 74th minute with the assist coming from Rodallega. I great win today with debut goals frorm Wilfried and Crusat. Also Wilfried was awarded the Man of the Match award with a rating of 9.10. In this match we had 27 shots with 11 on target.
Wilfried was selected in the team of the week. And in breaking news it has just been confirmed that veteran Sol Campbell signed for Wigan. My next opponent is Arsenal. This will be a very difficult encounter away from home. Arsenal is favourites to win. I only have Kirkland on the sidelines.
League game: Arsenal A
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Al Habsi, Stam, Piscu (Caldwell), Alcaraz, Figueroa, Vass, McCarthy, Gomez(Guti), Moses (Rodallega), Beausejour, Wilfried
Wigan took the lead in the 15th minute through a goal from winger Beausejour. Misery soon followed as 2 minutes later Alcarez put the ball inside his own net. Then fellow Arsenal substitute Park Young scored the final goal in the 83th minute. I can surely take lots of positives from this match, for the fact that we controlled the game and still did our best to score. Figueroa and Stam were booked.
Do not mind to tell me what you think and thanks a lot.
Our next game will be against Bury in the league cup, the side from League 1. An easy win is predicted.
League cup: Bury H
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Al Habsi, Stam, Piscu,Campbell(Alcaraz) , Caldwell, McArthur (Vass), Diame, Jones (Watson), Soukouna, Crust, Di Santo
Wigan played a very high tempo match, were they ended up winning 2-0. With goals coming from DI Santo and an 84th minute goal from Diame. Wigan dominated the match with more than 20 shots and 63% possession. Diame was also chosen as the Man of the Match.
We will again turn our attention to the Premier League match against Norwich. A team that is at the bottom of the table and has not even scored yet. So i will be hoping that Al Habsi could keep a clean sheet. In other news Wigan will face Stoke in the league cup.
League game: Norwich H
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Al Habsi, Stam, Piscu, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Vass, Diame, Gomez (Verratti), Rodallega, Beausejour (Crusat), Wilfried (Di Santo)
In the 11th minute Rodallega scores with a neat finish. The second goal of the game came again from Rodallega when he scored a diving header with the assist coming from Gomez. Again a freekick from Gomez with Piscu heading the ball in the back of the net. That is his first goal for Wigan. The Man of the Match award was awarded to brace hero Rodallega.
Doing well so far made , where are you in the table? Good luck for the rest of the season
1
It is being reported that Udinese’s defender Ferronetti was spotted at DW stadium with speculation that he will sign for loan. Later it was confirmed that he has signed on loan with the possiblity to sign the player at the end of the season for 500k. Kirkland resumes full training. Four of my players have been included in the Priemer League team of the Week. These are: Piscu, Figueroa, Gomez and Rodallega.
Our next opponent in QPR. They have a good squad and even though they have not won a game, I will not underestimate them. I will be playing away from home.
League game: QPR A
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Al Habsi, Stam, Piscu, Alcaraz (Caldwell), Figueroa, Vass, McCarthy, Gomez (Guti) ,Rodallega, Beausejour (Moses), Wilfried
Vass scores with a thunder shot from outside the box. Thats his 1st goal in a Wigan shirt. An assist by James McCarthy. Piscu and Figueroa are booked. Stam is awarded Man of the Match.
Our next match will see us entertain Chelsea. It will be a very difficult encounter for us, for the fact that Chelsea have a stronger squad.
League game: Chelsea H
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Al Habsi, Stam, Piscu (Caldwell), Alcaraz, Figueroa, Vass, McCarthy, Gomez (Guti), Rodallega (Moses), Beausejour, Wilfried
My earned a draw from this important match. I feel that we more than earned our point. Mata scored a double for Chelsea while at the other end Wilfried also scored a brace to keep Wigan in with a point. We had 60% possesion with more then 20 shots. I fill that if we keep playing like this we can surely exceed our expectations for the season. Wlifried was again included in the Team of the week.
Our next match is in the League Cup, were we are all set to host Stoke. I have decided to make some changes from the squad that drew Chelsea for the fact that i will play Newcastle next at St James Park. I am especting a tough match from Stoke.
League Cup: Stoke H
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Kirkland, Stam (Ferronetti), Piscu, Alcaraz (Campbell), Caldwell, Vass, Diame, Guti (Gomez), Soukoana, Crusat, Wilfried
Wigan quickly took the lead through an own goal by Upson, but soon after Piscu pushed Jones in the penalty area. At that moment the referee stopped the game and awarded a penalty to Stoke in which Wilson scored. In the 40 minute Soukoana scored after a brilliant pass by Wilfried. Caldwell and Wilfried were booked. Kirkland was awarded Man of the Match with a rating of 8.3.
In the League cup 4 round we will be playing against Mancester United away from home.
League game: Newcastle A
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Kirkland, Stam, Piscu, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Vass, McCarthy, Gomez (Guti), Rodallega (McManaman), Beausejour (Moses), Wilfried
On the 7 minute Wilfried shot a powerful shot that ended up beating Krul, to give the lead to Wigan. Soon after Newcastle equilised through Ba. McCarthy is send of after a viscious foul on Cabaye. Ba extended Newcastle’s lead. Ten men Wigan continued fighting to find the equaliser, which was scored by centre back Alcaraz after a corner from Rodallega. On the 65 minute Wilfried got his second and Wigan’s third to give the lead back to Wigan. On the 70 minute a fast counter attack surprised Newcastle and so wilfried finish the attack when he scored his third goal and Wigan’s fourth. Newcastle fought hard to score and on the 74 minute Ba also scored his hat-trick. Beausejour was taken off injured and with already 3 substitutes used we ended up with 9 players on the field. With minutes left Newcastle substitute Marveaux. The match ended with a very exciting 4-4 draw. I am very proud that Wilfried scored his first hat-trick for the club.
Wilfried was chosen to partner Demba Ba in the Team of the Week. This was my first player the win the player of the month. Our next opponents are Aston Villa at home. I am very happy that in these 2 months i have made some profit, around 500k in each month.
League game: Aston Villa H
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Kirkland, Stam, Piscu, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Vass, Diame, Gomez, Rodallega, Beausejour, Wilfried ( Di Santo)
The only change was Diame instead of the suspended McCarthy. What a game it was from the DW Stadium. Vass opened the score on the 10th minute, with a powerful effort from the edge of the area. In the second half Vass scored his second of the game with another screamer outside the box. He really showed his class in this game. Later Vass again passed a perfect ball to Wilfried who scored a truly wonderful goal with a tidy finish. Of course the Man of the Match award was awarded to Vass for his memorable performance.
Spanish defender Piscu and Vass were included in the Team of the Week. Just received news that Campbell while be out for 10 days, while McCarthy is suspended for a further 2 matches. Our next opponents are Everton away. It will be a very tough match as Everton are currently 4th.
League game: Everton A
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Kirkland, Stam, Piscu, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Vass, Diame, Gomez (Verratti), Rodallega, Beausejour (Moses), Wilfried (Di Santo)
I have opted to start with the same formation that won against Aston Villa. I could not open up Everton. Could not score, but still ended up winning with a dramatic win. Two goals from substitute Di Santo with an assist from Diame and Verratti. This win was very important. We are currently 3rd. Alcaraz, Rodallega and Beausejour are all booked.
Later on Kirkland, Piscu and Di Santo were included in the Team of the Week. Our next opponents are Wolves who are in second place. I am also looking to sign a left back. We will again be playing away from home.
League game: Wolves A
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Kirkland, Stam, Piscu, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Vass, Diame, Gomez, Rodallega, Beausejour, Wilfried
I decided to start with the same starting 11 that won against Everton. On the 4 minute Wilfried scored with a very neat finish. About 5 minutes later Wilfried scored his second of the game. We controlled the game but unfortanetly before half time Stam put the ball at the back of his own net, to open the game again, but in we controlled the game had a couple of chances to close the game. It was a very important victory for the fact that now we are 1st, one point clear of 2nd place Arsenal.
Again Wilfried was selected for the Team of the Week after another brace against Wolves. Our next match is from the league cup were we are set to travel to Manchester to face Manchester United. I decided to make some changes for this game as in 3 days we will be playing against Manchester City in the league. McCarthy returns to the squad and is in line to start from the begining, after missing the last 3 games through suspension.
League cup: Man United A
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Al Habsi, Stam, Piscu, Alcaraz, Caldwell , Vass, McCarthy (Diame), Verratti (Guti), Moses, Beausejour, Di Santo
Great opportunity for Moses but misses by inches. We could not score, but were controlling the game in terms of possession and shots. After the interval one of United’s player was send of, and in the 91 minute we took the victory thanks to a goal from Moses with the provider Beausejour.
A surprising victory for me!
It was decided that we will be playing Barnsley in the league cup quater final. I now that they are a team from the second division in England but i will not be under-estimating them for the fact that they are 7th in the Championship and in the previous League Cup round they eliminated Man City.
League game: Man City H
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Kirkland, Stam, Piscu, Alcaraz, Figueroa (Ferronetti), Vass, McCarthy, Gomez (Verratti), Soukoana, Moses (Crusat), Wilfried
From the DW stadium, Wilfried opened the score line with a powerful finish in the 23 minute. In the 83 minute substitute Verrati got injured and had to be taken off. Gomez got injured as well. Verrati while be out for about a month while Gomez should be available in a week’s time.
Defender Piscu has won the October Priemer league Player of the Month award. Winger Moses came 3rd in the Young Player of the Month, while I won the Manager of the Month award. This month we made a profit of 1.08m.
League game: Tottenham A
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Kirkland, Stam, Piscu, Caldwell, Figueroa, Vass, McCarthy, Gomez (Guti), Rodellega, Moses (Beausejour), Wilfried (Di Santo)
Stam is booked early in the game. Spurs take the advantage with a goal from Van Der Vaart. Soon after they double with a goal from Gallas. Piscu is also shown a yellow card. Caldwell finds the back of the net with a perfect taken freekick on 68 minute. The freekick was taken into a top corner. Adebayour ends the game with another goal on the 83 minute. Soon after Adebayour scores his 2nd goal to end the game. It was game over. It was very disappointing to lose like.
League game: Swansea H
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Al Habsi, Stam, Piscu, Caldwell, Figueroa, Vass, McCarthy, Gomez (Guti), Moses(Andersen), Beausejour(McManaman), Wilfried
A really good game from Captain Caldwell as he scored two goals, one came when he headed a corner and the other in the dying stages of the game through a penalty. Piscu, McCarthy and Figueroa were all booked. Caldwell was chosen as Man of the Match. Figueroa will match the next match against Blackburn through suspension.
Later on Caldwell was also selected to be part of the Team of the Week.
League game: Blackburn A
My formation (4-3-2-1): Al Habsi, Stam, Piscu (Campbell), Alcaraz, Caldwell, Vass, McCarty, Gomez, Moses(Soukoana ), Beausejour (Guti), Wilfried
Pisc u opens the score when he headed a perfect header from a corner given by McCarty. Caldwell recieves a yellow card. After half time Piscu is also booked. Moses had to be substituded because of an injury. Beausejour is also taken of injured so Guti takes his place. McCarthy scores his 1st goal of the season. Hoillet scores. McCarthy scores his second goal of the game after receiving a perfect pass from Soukoana with seconds to go. Soon after Blackburn got back into the game with a shot from N’Zonzi, in the end it was only a consolation goal. McCarthy was chosen Man of the Match after having scored 2 goals and made an assist. He got a rating of 9.30.
It has been confirmed that Moses will be out of our next game against Barnsley in the League cup quarter finals. He will only miss that game. While team mate Beausejour’s injury will keep him out of the squad for 6 weeks. I have also signed Zezinho a young Brazilian winger on free. Piscu and McCarthy were chosen for the Team of the Week.
League cup: Barnsley A
My formation: (4-3-2-1) Kirkland, Ferronetti, Piscu, Alcaraz (Campbell), Figueroa, Vass, McCarthy (Diame), Guti, Soukoana (Rodallega), Crusat, Wilfried
I have decided to change some of my players. Wilfried is shown a yellow card. Later he hits the post. Crusat corner is meet with Spanish centre back Piscu. 3 minutes later Vass scores from the rebound, after Wilfried shot is saved by the opposing keeper. An own goal by Luke Steele. Ferronetti is booked. Soon after Barnsley hit back and score through Butterfield. With 30 minutes to go can Barnsley win the game? Will just have to wait and see. Wilfried scores on the 68 minute. I really can’t see Barnsley pulling one back. Figueroa gives away a penalty in which Doyle scores. Crusat also found the back of the net after a perfect counter attack started by Rodallega. Crusat was chosen as Man of the Match after 2 assists and a goal. With a rating of 9.20.
We are in the semi final.
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