It was just before five when it rang. My phone of course. Cursing, I left the couch and my cup of tea and got up to answer it. BIG MISTAKE. I don’t remember the exact conversation but it went something like this.
“Good afternoon,”
“Afternoon Matt, its Nicola Cortese” ... Nicole Cortese, that name rings a bell. Hmm. Oh I know. Nicola Cortese.
“Yes Nicola?”
“Matthew, Nigel Adkins has been sacked.”
“And I need to know about this why?”
“Because if you can get yourself to St. Mary's by six, the job is yours.”
And that was when I made my second big mistake of the day. I grabbed my car keys.
Goalkeepers:
First choice: Kelvin Davis; since joining the club from Sunderland in 2006, Kelvin has been a mainstay in goal. Due to his age however, he may not be with us for much longer. Until then however, he will be our number one.
Backup: Bartosz Bialkowski (listed); Listed and only a backup for a reason. Hasn’t done anything of note since coming through the academy. I will be look to send him off and get in someone better.
Third Choice: Jamal Blackman; recently joined for 30k from Chelsea, only young (17) and will most likely be loaned out for 6 months. Good prospect for the future.
Defenders:
Starting RB: Frasier Richardson; at 28 years of age he has time ahead of him. Will be our first choice right back for this season
Starting DCL: Jose Fonte; At only 27 he is hitting his peak and will be leading this defensive line for years to come.
Starting DCR: Jos Hoiveld; Ideal partner for Jose Fonte. At 28 he has plenty of time ahead of him.
Starting LB: Danny Fox (listed); listed but may not sell, I may however look for someone stronger and use him as a backup.
Next Update: Squad Report; Midfielders and Forwards.
squad report (cont.)
Midfielders:
Starting MR: Jason Puncheon; an absolute beast. Will be one to watch out for as the season progresses.
Starting MCR: Jack Cork; signed from Chelsea and is an absolutely brilliant young footballer. Will play in the more attacking MC role.
Starting MCL: Morgan Schneiderlin; at 23 he is young, French and absolutely brilliant for this team. Will take the more defensive MC role.
Starting ML: Adam Lallana; like Schneiderlin, Lallana is only 23. A genius down the left wing and a future captain of this side.
Forwards:
Starting STC (T): Rickie Lambert; A top goal scorer and inspirational leader for this side for the last few seasons. Will lead from the front this season.
Starting STC (P): Apostolos Vellios/ Billie Sharp; either one of these two guys could take this role to be his own. I am looking to sign Vellios permanently as he is currently on loan.
Rotation STC: Tadanari Lee; rotation option mainly because of his versatility. He can be brilliant for this side either as a poacher or a trequartista.
Next Update: Transfer Targets
Transfer Targets
Goalkeeper:
Luis Guilherme/ Jack Butland/ Stephen Henderson.
WHY: With Bialkowski being useless and hopefully leaving, we will need a new backup keeper and these three all fit the bill. Will come down to cost and availability.
Defenders:
Luke Garbutt/ Kurt Zouma/ Sean Cunningham
WHY: We need to strengthen our defense and these three players would fit the bill perfectly.
Midfield:
Oscar Hiljemark
WHY: He is young and will strengthen my midfield.
Forwards:
Carlos Fierro/ Apostolos Vellios
WHY: They are both young and brilliant forwards and would add great depth to this team.
Next Update: Tactics.
WILL AMOS BE THE ONE?
There are reports that a formal enquiry has been made by Southampton Fc for Manchester United's out of favour young goalkeeper Ben Amos. With Bartosz Bialkowski on the way out, the side from Southampton are on the search for a backup with bids being rejected for Luis Guilherme and Jack Butland. Another goalkeeper reportedly on the saints radar is Portsmouth's Stephen Henderson, but with an asking price of 750 thousand pounds, it could be to soon to make a call.
Aryvidas Novikovas,
Sky Sports News
Hey guys,
Just out of curiosity, before I get to far with this story and in above my head, is there any interest/ readers out there for this story.
thanks,
edu1878
p.s. with my recent return to school after the holidays, my fm playing and writing time is limited so updates may take a while to be released
