The Blue Brazil
Journeyman save, tons of leagues loaded, maximum database. Irish American coach Red Rackham is hired in July to coach Cowdenbeath, semi pro Scottish League 2 squad. I’ve got a Sunday League background with a National C License. (note: in this fictional universe, I’ve made some database edits, wrecking the finances of most of the major european squads, changing the youth ratings of a number of nations, and a few other miscellaneous things that tickle my fancy.)
I’m hired 2 days prior to the beginning of competitive football — Scottish League Cup, 4 matches in the next two weeks:
7/15/17 @ Alloa
7/19/17 vs Morton
7/22/17 @ Montrose
7/26/17 vs Motherwell
Shooting for 4 or more points from this group, but all of these games will be tough. The Board expectation is to “be competitive”, but I suspect that nobody really cares all that much about this cup. I’ll be using the group matches to test out a tactic, and see what the squad looks like on the pitch.
Main tactic will be a 4–5–1 that looks like this:
Pretty simple. In different game situations some of the roles might be changed, and mentality can be bumped up or down. I’m the kind of manager who’d rather win 1–0 than 4–2, so it’s a pretty defensive setup. No TIs or PIs yet; we’ll see how they do as they grow familiar with the basic plan.
And as for the players:
Goalkeepers:
I think I prefer the veteran McGurn over McGovern, but it’s pretty close. There’s also an intriguing 16 year old, Walker, who will only feature in the first team in an emergency.
Defenders:
Syme is maybe my best player. I’m planning to use him as DC(r), but he’s also likely to provide cover DR and even DM.
Ovenstone doubles as my Assistant Manager. Classic veteran center back, quick as a sloth but good mentals and heading ability. I’ll use him as my DC(l) to start, we’ll see how he does.
My staff likes McManus’ potential, and he’s good enough to figure in the depth chart already.
Rumsby is a giant (6'6") and he seems like he could do a job, but he’ll be down the depth chart for now.
Not totally sure what to do with Smith; he stacks up well as a midfielder, but I’m considering using him as a FB(r), as his speed and agility will come in handy there.
It’s probably between Rutherford and Hornby for the FB(l) spot. Hornby is the better defender, Rutherford the better crosser.
Reilly is another candidate for both FB(r) and DM positions.
Miller will be used at DM initially; he’s got great work rate, stamina, and teamwork attributes, plus solid first touch and passing, which I value from the DM spot.
Midfielders:
Cox will likely be the first choice on the left wing.
Buchanan is likely first choice on the right wing.
#2 at left wing, which is a thin position.
Adamson is a very intriguing prospect who will see time at both MR and MC positions.
Brad Smith will see times at both MC positions, and also probably left wing.
Aiden Malone is being retrained for the CM(a) role; he doesn’t quite have the aerial ability I want from a forward, but he should be able to do a job in the midfield.
Muirhead is another forward being retrained to CM.
Forwards:
Garden seems a good all around first choice for starting center forward. Some room to improve per staff.
There’s a number of generic forwards on the team, but Dall seems to have some potential. Shame about the personality; will see if I can find a tutor for him.
