Well, I am going to start with Union Berlin , but before I do...would just like to say that I am completely new at managing German clubs and have not managed much clubs in the lower division. Most importantly though, I am joining this to have fun.

Cheers, and I'll keep you updated on my progress and post the required screenshots.

Josh

Here are the required screenshots:

Save Game Screen

The Start Of A New Era

I arrived at the Berlin International Airport, in the afternoon, and was completely naive of my surroundings and the sheer scale of the task that was ahead of me, - managing Union Berlin Fc whose only respectable achivement seemed to be second place in the German Cup this year.

It was my first ever management job in Germany, and I knew I would be in for several "surprises". My agent, Mr Kloz, as he often likes to be refered to, accompanied me to the Stadion Alte Forsterei. As I entered the ground, I noticed that the players were having a training session with Ivan Tishanski, the assistant manager of the club.

He gave a me a warm welcome and made a promise that my life here at Union Berlin would be an enriching and rewarding one. He showed me around the stadium grounds and it was adequately equipped with the minimal facilities- no sauna or heated pool as I had envisioned before arriving, but nevertheless the conditions were suitable for me to carry out my job efficiently.

I now had the task of interacting with my players and pulling together a first-team eleven, for our first game of the season against Reutlingen...

To be continued . . .

The War Drums Are Sounding . . .

Reutlingen outclassed us in the first game, and we lost that by 2 classic goals. It was at this point that I realized the enourmity of the task at hand. These players were carrying with themselves an attitude that embodied an aimless sole with no confidence. This season will not be a ride in the park, and Promotion to the first division, would not be destined, if we put up half-hearted performances like what we did against Reutlingen.

After the match, as my dejected players walked in to the dressing rooms, I informed them that I would be doing an intensive re-shuffling of the entire squad and tactics. I decided to adopt a much needed attacking approach to Union Berlin's gameplan - an element sorely lacking in Saturday's game.


My words were received with little questioning and alot mixed reactions, which either meant they did not comprehend what I said in my less than fluent German or they were a little unacustomed to my tough and outgoing style of management.


However, my advice seem to have been heeded and my strategy working after they produced what I personally feel a, tremendous fight-back from being 0-1 down against Armenia Bielefeld to snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with 2 superbly taken goals from Rustic, in the 88th and 89th minutes. It was a enthralling feeling winning my first ever game in a league which I knew so little about.


A pattern soon began to develop as we reached half-way through the season. We only managed 1 victory in all our away outings, and we bacame almost unbeatable at home. The Stadion Alte Forsterei was nicknamed the "Fortress Of Berlin" affectionately by our fans. The Union Berlin Board of directors were pleased that we were not fighting for our Division 2 status at the bottom but we were quite safetly secured in mid-table.


We were knocked out of the German Fa Cup, in the first round after putting up a resolute performance against Schalke 04. The loss was really heart breaking for Sven Beuckert, our first choice keeper who gave away a penalty in the dying seconds of the game, and unfortunately for him and the rest fo the team, that proved to be the deciding goal. The second round of the UEFA cup was our last as I lined up a squad of second stringers against a motivated Torpedo Moscow side. We lost on a close 2-1 aggregate. No disrespect to the Uefa Cup, but at the moment, Union Berlin's European ventures, in all frankness will not progress, and my main ( and the Board of Directors) concern is to survive in Divison 2 and push for a place in the top 3 towards the closing of the season. Our elimination from the Uefa Cup will hopefully be a blessing in disguise, as our players can divert their attentions towards winning league games and most importantly not dropping too many points, needlessly away.



The next half of the season will ultimately be crucial for us, and would ditermine if we are a side of enough quality to move up to the glamour of the Bundasliga. At the moment though, it is back to gaining valuable points!

--------------------------------------
To be contunued . . . .
Screenshots coming up soon . . .

Our League Standings as of now . . .

A Durkovic Hatrick

A Thin Line Beteween Success And Failure . . .


New signings were not ordinary or frequent for a club like Union Berlin, thriving upon limited funds. I was forced to stick with my current squad of players, and this did really raise the irritation level, but I needed the job and kept a low profile for the next few games.


The most memorable performance would have to be our away (ironically) match against Saarbrucken. We went in to half-time all level at 3-3, and I was briefing my team to attack more and decided to slot Georg Frosese to a more advanced attacking position, in the hope that we could niche a late winner without conceding. Unfortunately for us, Kremonliev was red-carded in the second half for shirt tugging and his subsequent denial. It was a dubious decision, but I had to make quick changes. I reverted the formation, to resemble a more conservative 4-3-2, and it worked wonders. Chifon, Froese and Durkovic produced a swashbuckling performance and more importantly 3 blinding goals late in to the second half, to produce an unprecedented 6-3 win. The word "Promotion" or "Wir werden gefördert" if I remember correctly were ringing around the stadium, but I chose to ignore it.

After the match at the press conference, I was asked to comment on my sides chances of promotion, and not wanting swollen heads in my team, I played down the talk of the media and claimed that there was still a winding road ahead of us to conquer. Unfortunately, I was proved right, Union Berlin fell in to what was one of its worst string of defeats. We lost 3 games straight and only scored 1 in all 3. It was completely amazing, how my side could so easily produce "Jackyle and Hyde" performances, depending on their moral and mood. The Board's concern was expressed through Ivon Zolvech a major share-holder of the club, the next afternoon during training, after he informed me that while the board is delighted with my general performance as manager, but very concerned with our current performace.


We were in reality only 5 points away from a possible promotion spot, but with 10 games to go and 4 very good and tough sides ahead of us in goal difference and points to a promotion spot, it looked a distant dream. Several of my first team players refused to extend their respective contracts- another sign of the lack of confidence in our promotion chase this season.

Every remaining game would be a World Cup game for us, if we were to stand any chance of being in the First division next season.

Great Report So Far

Love the Nickname of your Home Stadia "The Fortress of Berlin"
I Hope Things Turn Out Better, At The Least, That You Avoid Relegation

Cya

Keep Up the GreT Work

Originally posted by ImmUniTy
Great Report So Far

Love the Nickname of your Home Stadia "The Fortress of Berlin"
I Hope Things Turn Out Better, At The Least, That You Avoid Relegation

Cya

Keep Up the GreT Work

Thanks mate.
We avoided relegation, but it wasan't a very good performance.

Cheers.

Josh

When Things Don't Go Your Way . . .

We did not achieve promotion this season. It was a terrible dissapointment to all Union Berlin fans who expected us to win honours this season. The situation was made worst after we lost several games towards the end of the season and lost vital points. The players did not smell victory for 7 games in the running Our position slipped from 7th to 12th.

Just a day after the season ended, I was called up to the Union Berlin headquarters office where I was told the board wanted an urgent meeting to be called. I expected and feared the worst. I felt a sack was on the cards. Fortunately, they were understanding and instead asked me to inspire the squad next season for a promotion spot. They refered to our highest league position which was 5th, and told me that the squad had true potential which could be unlocked by my continued ditermination and persistance at the helm.

Bozo Durkovic was given special recognition by the press for being the top hitman and was voted as Fan's player of the month.

I feel that the Union Berlin fans deserve more than what we achieved this season, and I am sure that this current squad will bring us promotion if they stay. My pre-season plans for next season are in the process of being finalized. My first ever attempt at managing a team in Germany and bringing it to promotion has started off with the bitter pill of defeat.
Nvertheless, as contradictory as it may seem, defeat makes victory a heightened reality.

A fight-back is definitely on the list.

Doing pretty cool so far (H)
Just gotta find some good players by the look of it min :p
good luck

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. :)

Pre-Season- All Hype & Expectation

We went on a tour across Switzerland- not to marvel at the Swiss Alps or sample Swiss chocolate, but for chance to play with one of the best Swiss sides, Fc Zurich. Unfortunately, Zurich proved too strong for us and we fell to a 2-0 defeat. However, that did not bother me the least, as my main aim of bringing the players over was to have a good workout before the season starts again next week.

After Germany's dismal showing at the World Cup, loosing to Argentina in the Semi-Finals, it seemed quite natural that most German fans would now turn their attention towards Club soccer. My team was in high spirits, and it is just a few more days before we start the season proper.

A Historic Start

Our first game against SVW Mannheim, eneded in a 2-0 defeat, but our fans and the team realised that it was one fo those days where everything that can go wrong did go wrong, despite us creating a whopping 12 attempts on goal and hitting the woodwork a total of 4 times. The signs were apparent that Union Berlin were going to make probabably one of the most convincing and ditermined starts we have ever made.

My judgement was correct after we managed 6 victories straight, and the most sweet of them all would have to be our 3-1 win over rivals Unterhaching. We had a couple of draws, and won our 10th league game against Reutlingen, 2-0. It was a great feeling to be top of Division 2 even at this early stage and it was soon made official that Union Berlin had made it's best start to a season in 30 years!

After the last game in the afternoon, I brought the team over to a local sports bar to chill out and catch a live game beteween Bochum and Ahlen. It was important that my players knew Bochum's style of play and strategy if they are going to get anything from next week's German cup meet against them.

My right-hand man, Ivan Tishanski, recomended some very useful budget signings to our team, including Oliver Babji and teen sensation, Sergio Marclay from Quilmes. They would prove vital players in the later part of the season.

It was also a tremendous record to remain unbeaten at home for the past 7 games we played, inclusive of the fixtures last season. Now, the only question on mind is - Can they last the pace?

Praise for Union Berlin

Half-Season Standings

18-Games Unbeaten- What More Could I Ask?



I have to admit at this juncture, that I greatly underestimated Union Berlin's true potential. My team have surprised me with their performances so far this season and no, I am not drunk. Going 18 games unbeaten is no ordinary feat, and staying 6 points clear at the top is simply amazing, for a club like us trying to stay clear of the relegation boys below. The Board is impressed with my management and have even proposed that I see out my managerial ambition with Union Berlin for another 5 years!

Among my team of players, Tom Persich, Kostadin Vidolov and Dukov proved to be the stars of the team. Kostadin Vidolov received an extraordinary bid by our standards from Borussia Dortmund which he rejected without hasitation. His loyalty clearly expressed for the club. From being a bunch of lower divisions scums, last season, we have now put up a brave showing- a display that truly deserves a place in next season's Bundesliga Division 1.

I'd never thought I say this, but as I was discussing matters with my coach Kristien Putov yesterday over training, we came to the conclusion that Union Berlin have a decent chance of actually winning the Division 1 title. Promotion however is foremost on my mind. If we keep up our attacking shape and continue our superb defensive structure, we might just see some silverwear this season. We have only conceeded 18 goals this season, a tremendous and spectacular improvement as compared to the season before where we let 42 goals pass us.

I would also like to add that the entire board of coaching staff have been excellent as our team now seems to adjust towards the new tactical scheme we have implemented. With several new cheap but promising signings, my players no that complacency doesn't stand in this team- one slip up and they will loose their first team place.

I hope to see the Stadion Alte Forsterei erupt with joy when we play the last game of the season, and that can only be achieved with consistancy.

The ball is round, and anything can happen- but I am confident of achieving something this season.

Union Berlin, Division 2 Champions !!!

Stadion Alte Forsterei was in raptures, as news came around the stadium that Cottabus had drawn their game thus guranteeing us a promotion spot. The players were thrilled before their game against Reutilingen. It was hard to believe that a side who finished 12th last season with 19 defeats, now have finished the season as Division 2 winners on the 28th of March, with a whopping 13 or so point differential from the second spot. That was it...we were now with the big boys, at the Premier division, where the stakes are even higher.

As my team of subsitutes and our coaches ran out on the pitch to congratulate the players, I remained seated on the bench, trying to soak up the whole atmosphere. It was indeed very emotional for me. If you re-call, I did mention at a stage that we did not have the quality as yet to win the Division, but now I have been proved wrong. It must have been on of the greatest ever achievements of the club, and if we make comparison to last season's performance, nobody in the world or any football expert would have pipped us for championship glory.


Most notebly were some of our outstanding players, namely Ferdinand Chifon who put up a spirited performance in every game he played and had the uncanny ability of scoring important goals. He is now our most valuable player at 2.5 million pounds and had recently received a call-up from the Cameroonian national team. Chibuike Okeke also proved his loyalty to the club by putting up classy displays in the heart of defence and his wonderful through balls never failed to pick out attackers upfront. Unfortunately though, he has signalled his intentions to join Mgladbach, though no proper reason has been given for his transfer.


We finished with the best defence in the league letting in only 20 goals or so, an astonishing statistic, looking back at last season where we conceeded an amazing 42 goals. I had never dreamed of such drastic improvements, and Union Berlin have made me believe that with ditermination, the right spirit and the willpower, anything is achieveable. Every member of Union Berlin today, is regarded as a hero by their fans.

Our main aim now, is to stay in the top-flight among the footballing aristocrats, and who knows what we might achieve?
---------------------
Screenshots to come . . .

Confirmation of our promotion . . .

The fans are happy and so am I . . .

and finally the overall standings . . .

Great story. min. I actually wouldn't mind seeing more detail cos I like your writing. Good luck in D1 and KUTGW!

Yea Dude, Great Work Min :)

Keep it Up Min

Thanks guys for your comments. More will be coming shortly.
Cheers.

Josh

Pre-Season Activity . . .

As the days draw closer to our opening Division game against Warder Bremen, my Assistant Manager and I have been meeting up on a regular basis to draw our aims and plan our strategy this season in the Bundesliga. The Board of directors have already given me ample notice of the potential tough and grueling season that we have ahead. It will probably be the most pressurizing and demanding stage espescially for our young players who have been promoted up the ranks through our Berlin Youth Academy system.

Probably the most delightful news since last season's victory, would be the board's willingness to expand our stadium and improve the training facilities that we currently have. I must add that they have been very obliging so far, throughout my managerial stint with them. With the extra funds received from Tv Premier rights and the prize money, I have managed several new young promising signings that will definitely feature in our club's success. (see screenshot below) Leyder Preciado is our most expansive signing to date, at 6 million pounds, from Villarreal. My scouts have seen him play in the Spanish League and they were inpressed with his agility and the level at which he reads the game. Christian Weber, a youngster from Saarbrucken will also feature in the first team as we take on Warder Bremen. He is a great tackler and will inject more pace in to our game. A perfect addition to our already firm defensive structure.

On a more personal note, I have been awarded Manger of the Year for my team's Division 2 exploits last season. I was only enlightened about the news yesterday, by one of my scouts, Repuertz Martin over lunch. It's been a pleasure managing this club so far, such an award would only inspire me to elevate the squad's playing style and their consistancy to a higher level.

Ferdinand Chfion has been in the news lately. Several German newspapers have been reporting that he will be joining Dortmund this season. However, I would like clarify that he is remaining with us as of the current moment. He has also expressed interest in continuing his football with us until the season is over.

Union Berlin's pre-season plans have been very modest, as I scheduled only one friendly game against English Division 1 side Walsall, for the players to improve on their match fitness, towards the first day of the season. I believe the players would be better off gaining some rest and spending sometime with their families- a luxury they have been greatly denied last season due to our drive for promotion.

In all frankness, I am not expecting a win for my side in this week's fixture against Warder Bramen, as they look a stronger outfit than us and have much more experience in their squad. If we can fight the drop, it would be a fantastic achievement.

Drum Roll please....
and the Manager Of The Year Award goes to .. .

The Shopping List . . .;)

There's Something About Preciado

Well, I am speechless. Preciado has raised several eyebrows across Europe, after his excellent showing in the first quarter of the season. He was prolific in our opening draw against a very sharp Werder Bremen side. Our form in the top division has been better than I had intially expected. Our heaviest defeat fell against Kaiserslautan, where we were romped 5-1, but after that fixture my players seem to realise that consistancy is an important winning ingrediant. The most painful defeat for the players and fans, would be our derby loss to championship favourites, Herta Berlin. In that game, we created all the chances, but Herta Berlin seem to be scoring with the few opportunities they got. It was demoralizing espscially for Ferdinand Chifon, who played a brilliant playmakers role in midfield.

Back to our subject of discussion, Leyder Preciado is an amazing player, I watched him carefully in training this morning as I put the team through their usual drills. He was always focused and tried his best to play a brand of football that would harmonise with the play of his team mates. He is currently the top-scorer in the First Division with 10 goals.

We were knocked out of the German Cup by Division 2 side, Braunschwig through penalties. It was nice to be re-accquainted with them, but defeat was not on the cards, and definitely bitter.

Now on to the most sweetest part, our 4-2 victory against Championship holders Borrusia Dortmund. It was a cold and wet night at Stadion Alte Forsterei, as my players took to the field against Dortmund. The fans were singing their hearts out, but beneath all that joy, I could sense a strong tinge of anxiety. It was 1-1 at half-time as Fernando Chifon's goal in the 16th minute was cancelled out by a dubious penalty decision that Ricken capitalised upon .

During the half-time team talk, I told my players to continue their good display and refrained from making any subsitutes. The same 11 took the pitch for the second half and produced what I would call a performance of a life time. Preciado got a hatrick that night after he managed 3 perfectly timed headers to 3 fantastic crosses. Standing at 1.89 m, it is no surprise that most of his goals have come from headers.

The Union Berlin fans were joyfully crying out, "Hail the new Berlin of Germany".

We are now 7th in the table, and it is a comfortable position to be in. We need to keep our calm and give 100 % in every game we play.

Borrusia Dortmund humbled . . .

Very comfy . . .

A Bright Season That Went Flat

Unmotivated, dull and a total lack of dedication, are some of the terms that many Union Berlin supporters have been "affectionately" crying out at us when we play matches, both home and away. We finished 10th this season, a far cry from our expectaions and target which was to finish 6th and earn a UEFA Cup position. The board of Directors at Union Berlin are past their tolerance levels, and they did threaten to take action against me if such dissapointing results continued.

We did pretty well for the first half of the season, but completely lost it towards the end. Ferdinand Chifon, one of our influntial players moved to HSV, after a severe bust up with Koilov during a training session. The most embarassing defeat would have to be our 7-1 away mauling to rivals Hertha Berlin. I still remember that day vividly after we were 4-0 down at half-time, and the disaster continued after half-time after Ebbe Sand produced a hatrick of goals in the second half. My players had to be escorted out of the pitch after several fans hurled missles in their direction. The supporters had protested outside our training ground the next day for answers to our horrible performance that day. It was one of my greatest defeats through out my managerial life.


Our main problem lay in defence where there was a total lack of coordination and communication. The only positive spark that can be extracted from our otherwise torrid defensive displays, would be our new signing from the far east, Gang Chen, the first Chinese International to play in the German first division. He was lively and alert in the back, but one probable setback was the fact that he can't speak a word of German nor English, thus making communication among his fellow team mates a very difficult matter.

Our attacking shape did pretty much do it's job throughout the season, and Preciado, last season's summer signing received the Top Scorers, accolade, which was a great achievement for him. I took a very bold step by dismissing Ivan Tishanski, the Assistant Manager from his duties after I found his management style to be ineffective, and a hinderance to my plans. On hindsight, his departure might have been an immediate and perhaps hesitant reaction to Union Berlin's string of bad results towards the end of the season.

Fc Koln were unprecedented champions of the Division 1 title, their first since 1978. In general, we were less than impressive in our first ever season of top-flight football considering the quality of new signings brought in and I would be expecting much more from my players next season.

A lowly 10th

Star of the team . . . :read:

sorry..I forgot to attach the screen.
It will be in my next post.

There ya go...