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 Topic: Linfield / Irish League Guide and Discussion
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 stereo441Resident Neo
   total posts: 3227 since: Nov 2004 |
 Nov 09, 09 at 10:54am |
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LINFIELD  BRIEF HISTORY Linfield F.C are a semi-professional football side based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. "The Blues" as they are more affectionately known, where founded all the way back in 1886 and currently play out of Windsor Park, which happens to be Northern Irelands home ground as well. Linfield are the world most successful club (I m not comparing them to Man Utd or Real Madrid) based on the number of honours won, a figure totalling a remarkable 211, including 48 league titles and 39 Irish Cup successes, and have been by far the most dominant team in Ireland. Obviously this success is purely domestic, with a European Cup QF in 1966 the highlight of their European endeavours, part of what makes managing them a real challenge. The Irish league itself in terms of standard is on a par with perhaps League 2/BSP and is slightly worse off than the Southern alternative the LOI. All clubs play on a semi-professional basis some of which employ a small number of full-time players. Linfield at present and in the game boast a total of 10 full time players, providing a solid base for moving the club forward. REALISTIC GOALS With that in mind you have to be very realistic with your goals should you choose to manage them. Firstly it will be a number of years before Champs League qualification is any more than a pipe dream. First off, with the current crop of players the League title is a very much within your grasps as well as all National Cups, the main challenge coming from Portadown and Glentoran, and to a lesser extent Ballymena and Cliftonville. In terms of building finances the All-Ireland cup can be very lucrative at this level, and a good showing (Knock-out stages) should see over £100k bolstering your bank account. The Southern Irish teams are largely professional and will pose a real challenge but with some luck and good tactics there is no reason why you cannot emulate the 2005 team by winning the cup. Europe at this stage is too much, and progressing through one or two qualifying rounds would be a good achievement, again adding decent money to the coffers. First season: --> Irish League --> Irish Cup --> Knock-out stages of All-Ireland Cup --> 2nd/3rd Qualifying Round of Euro Cup --> County Antrim Shield and League Cup are also obtainable but should not be your main priority. <-- KEYS TO SUCCESS In order to turn Linfield into a competitive side (Well the remnants of), building up finances is crucial. In order to progress the team needs to turn Full-Time as quickly as possible. I recommend signing players on full-time contracts anyway, gets the ball rolling. There are 3 ways to make money, progress in Europe (every round makes a difference), a good showing in the All-Ireland Cup, and players sales. I managed to sell Stephen Douglas for £650k, although this was extremely surprising. Once you have made a couple of million the team should turn full-time the next season and the balls rolling. With that comes an increase in reputation and some craft in the transfer market is now the key. I advise signing for free to replace players sold for money. Needless to say qualification for Champs League groups would sort all problems out immediately but that’s unrealistic or requires a lot of luck, so in the meantime player sales will be the big money maker! The next target is the youth facilities. The quicker you can improve these the quicker good youngsters come into the team, which is the foundation for any progress, as this provides potentially decent players for free, with the potential to sell on for big money in the future or build the team around. Finally you should look at training facilities, but only when Youth has been maxed! The Stadium is a decent size, with 14,500 seats, although the first few seasons will see little more than 2/2500 attending. As the team improves so will the reputation and the attendances. THE TEAM The squad itself is probably capable of doing the business in the Irish league as it stands, with a number of good players in each position, but if you are to progress at all and make an impact on Europe and the All-Ireland Cup a few players will be required: GK This is probably the weakest area of the team in honesty and one that probably needs a new face. Alan Mannus had been the stand in for Linfield for some time, but after moving on in the summer Linfield have struggled replace him. Alan Blayney - Blayney is a decent keeper and probably the best in the league but is by no means a long term keeper. With decent shot stopping and reflexes Blayney will do a job, but he is not great in the air leaving the team suspect under the cross. I would advise selling Blayney, but only when a replacement has been signed. Sub keeper Stuart Addis is poor to say the least. I managed to get £80k for Blayney in January which is a decent sum! DEFENDERS Defence particularly in the middle is an area that again needs some additions. The defence you start with is more than good eough for most Irish league sides, but will really be found wanting in Europe and the All-Ireland cup. RB: Stephen Douglas - Stephen is a solid player at either Right Back or Centre back and will prove a consistent and steady performer. The defender is probably better suited to full back due to his poor concentration and with pace and long throws can be dangerous going forward. Jim Ervin provide terrific cover for Douglas. Jim is a hard worker and consistent performer and is more than capable of standing in when required. LB: J.P. Gallacher - J.P. should be your first choice at left back and is another consistent performer. Gallacher is a strong and composed Full back who loves getting forward and can swing a decent cross into the back as well as laying the ball off for the midfield. A decent back-up player is required with very little cover at present should J.P. get an injury. CB: Michael Gault - The centre back position is one that needs immediate attention, given the age of William Murphy and Noel Bailie, both of whom despite being stalwarts I recommend getting off the wage bill. That reduces the options dramatically, but one player who can be used is Gaulty. Despite primarily being a DMC, Gault is a useful player in the centre, particularly as a ball playing defender. Despite having no real stand out stats, he is a reliable and hard working performer, who chips in with the odd goal. In honesty there isn’t anyone else in the side ready to fill the CB role. The old heads will do a job but get caught out in Europe, and in my opinion freeing up some wages is more important at this stage. MIDFIELDERS Linfield’s midfield is easily their strongest area, and is without doubt the best in the league, but there is always room for improvement. LW: Aidan O'Kane - Aidan is getting on a bit at 30, but is a very useful player on the left wing. Despite not having a lot of pace, he is a good crosser of the ball and very dangerous with set piece delivery, particularly corners. Aidan is a consistent performer but may need replacing. He can provide cover at full back but this is not an ideal position due to his poor tackling and concentration DMC: Robbie Garrett - * Star Player * - Robbie is the rock in centre of midfield. The youngster is a tenacious in the tackle, a hard worker, which combined with bravery and pace make him easily the league’s best player. Garrett provides fantastic cover for back four, and despite his age makes a great club captain. With all his defensive strength there has to be something sacrificed and that is in going forward. AMC: Phillip Lowry - Phillip is a young attacking midfielder brought in during the summer from Premiership rivals Institute. With good pace, creativity and technique and decent passing, he has the potential to turn into a key playmaker in the midfield, and is a contender from the off. AMC: Jamie Mulgrew - Jamie is a rapid player with blistering pace and acceleration, and terrific stamina meaning he can go all day. Mulgrew is decent on the ball and has good technique, and can quickly be trained to play on the left wing and provide some competition for O'Kane. RW: Michael Carvill - Carvill doesn't look the best but is a very dangerous player on the right. Michael has good mental attributes and applies himself well, and loves getting to the by-line and whipping in a cross. Carvill can also play up front but his finishing is low and can be wasteful in front of goal. Jamie Tomelty provides a decent back-up for both wings, but I would advise adding some more strength on both flanks. STRIKERS SC: Curtis Allen - Allen is a young and vibrant forward with good pace and an eye for goal. Curtis is best played as a poacher although his pace easily gets him behind most of the Irish League defences. I have found Allen to be particularly good from distance and can easily get you 1 goal every other game. SC: Paul Munster - Paul is a decent player with pace and flair, and is not bad in front of goal. The former Slavia Prague front man is probably the 3rd choice striker and makes for a great back-up player. Having said that if played properly Munster would make and ideal starter for the side. SC: Mark McAllister - Although not the best on paper, Mark is determined and fit, and if given the chance can become a great player. He is surprisingly good in front of goal for his stats, and despite being the teams highest paid player on £1k per week, he is worth holding onto. It may be tempting to cash in on Mark and in honesty it might be the best idea as he is a few years away from his best. YOUTH DL: Aaron Burns - Aaron is a young player, who is probably already a decent back up for the left full back but has the potential to stake his claim for the position in the future. You could look at loaning Burns out for the season, but it may be worth holding onto him for now. WHO TO SELL As money is of the essence there are a number of players I would recommend selling. A number of them will need replacing prior to selling but there are equally as good if not better players available on the free: Alan Blayney Paul Munster Kevin McHugh Mark Miskimmin Jamie Tomelty Jonathan Harkness William Murphy Noel Bailey Damien Curran RECOMMENDED SIGNINGS Transfer Budget: £48k Wage budget: £7750 pw To assist in your quest for players I recommend loading the English, Scottish, Welsh and Republic of Ireland Leagues as well as all players from the UK. With the limited transfer budget, without selling players you are going to have to dip into the free transfer market. Suffice to say there are numerous players that will add to the squad available straight away, so I have compiled the following list to assist: SC: Branimir Kostadinov - Unattached ~ The former Hearts youngster, became an instant hit for me in the Irish League. Branimir is fast and has a terrific eye for goal, and is capable of terrorising Irish League defences. GK: Lars Stubhaug - Unattached ~ Lars is a former Everton keeper and despite his youth is already on a par with current best stopper Blayney, but with much more potential. Stubhaug could be a regular in nets for several seasons. DR: Jason Beardsley - Unattached ~ DC: Buba - Unattached ~ DC: Mark McChrystal - Unattached ~ DMC: Sylvan Legwinski - Free Transfer -> St. Noets ~ DMC: Gary Holt - Unattached ~ DMC: Pablo Paz - Unattached ~ AMC: Nicolas Mazzina - Unattached ~ ML: Sean Doherty - Unattached ~ SC: Michael Bridges - Unattached ~ TACTICS  Tactically I would advise using a standard 4-4-2 formation with very little in the way of tweaks. One forward should be set up as a poacher and the other as the Trequartista, linking the midfield. I would strongly advise some tweaks to the individual instructions in defence, setting the two centre backs to Ultra Defensive due to lack of pace. The midfield duo should have split roles, one defensive sitting in front of the back 2 whilst the other provides support to the front men and wingers. This message was edited by stereo441 on Nov 17 2009. ------------------- | |
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stereo441 Resident Neo
total posts: 3227 since: Nov 2004 |
Nov 09, 09 at 10:54am |
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HERE IS HOW IM GETTING ON
As per usual I have started me one and only save as the mighty Linfield, trying to lead them to Europe and turn around the Irish League. THE LEAGUE Thus far I am going along nicely in the league, after a ropey draw strewn start. I am comfortably sitting top of the league and in recent weeks have opened up a sufficient gap in my eyes to go on and finish the job, although of late I have been finding it increasingly difficult to score! I have just lost my second match after taking that screenshot.  THE CUPS I have had a good cup run so far this season, having successfully won the County Antrim Shield (The least of my priorities), and beating Coleraine in the final of the League Cup. The Irish Cup was not so kind, with a surprise 4-2 defeat to Ballymena dumping me out at the Quarter Final stage, ah well there is always next year! In a tough All-Ireland Cup group I managed to top it thanks to a last day away win at Cork, and now face St. Pats whom I got the better of in the groups, in a two legged semi final. The better I do here is crucial given the prize money on offer. EUROPE I had a decent run in Europe, doing much better than I had expected eventually succumbing to Guingamp in the Fourth Qualifying round, but bringing in a few hundred thousands of prize money along the way:  TRANSFERS  As you can see I have been pretty busy in the transfer market. My aim to sell for cash and replace for free!! Its tough going in the Irish League and improving facilities and youth as well as turning full time are key, and the only way to do this is to turn Full Time. I was well chuffed and shocked when Watford stumped up the money (£650k) they did for the little more than average Stephen Douglas. Star Signing: Has to be Former Hearts youngster Branimir Kostadinov, who came in for free at the start of the season and has started to regularly find the net. He is sure to be a big player for the future and may help boost the bank accounts! Other useful signings have been defenders Jason Beardsley & Buba and keeper Lars Stubhaug, all of whom have proved real rocks at the back. The teams stills needs a lot of building to help move them onto the next level, with defence and midfield the positions I will be focusing most of my attention on. TACTICS Tactically I use a standard 4-4-2 formation with very little in the way of tweaks. One forward is set up as a poacher and the other as the Trequartista, linking the midfield. I have tweaked some of the individual instructions in defence, setting the two centre backs to Ultra Defensive due to their lack of pace. The midfield duo have split roles, one defensive sitting in front of the back 2 whilst the other provides support to the front men and wingers. GIVE IT A GO... So that's how I am getting on. Has anyone else taken on the Irish League, if so how are you getting on? As you can see above I plan to gradually unleash a guide, starting with Linfield. Hopefully this has inspired people to give the Irish league a shout and will help a few people along! USE THIS THREAD FOR ANY IRISH LEAGUE DISCUSSION. This message was edited by stereo441 on Nov 13 2009. ------------------- | |
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stereo441 Resident Neo
total posts: 3227 since: Nov 2004 |
Nov 09, 09 at 4:31pm |
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First post has been updated with start of guide for anyone interested. It is very much work in progress with badge, tactics squad and recommended sigings to come.
I will be focusing on Linfield, but if anyone is managing any other Irish teams feel free to add to the guide. I may even open it up to the LOI competitors. ------------------- | |
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 BenrolloHeads will roll.
Hooked on Neo   total posts: 4532 since: Mar 2007 |
Nov 09, 09 at 5:13pm |
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I had a great game with Glentoran in Northern Ireland on '09 (it's almost ROI
 ) so I'm looking forward to seeing this guide progress. Looking great so far!  ------------------- Hips like cinderella,
Must be having a good shame, Talking sweet about nothing, Cookie I think you're tame. | |
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stereo441 Resident Neo
total posts: 3227 since: Nov 2004 |
Nov 09, 09 at 5:17pm |
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Your in the right spot anyway Benrollo, the Irish League is the Northern Irish League, the Southern Irish is the League of Ireland, but I do hate Glentoran!!
Im doing little bits in work, hence why its all texty stuff at the minute! ------------------- | |
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Nolars Neophyte
total posts: 25 since: Oct 2009 |
Nov 09, 09 at 6:07pm |
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Ah tought this was the "irish league" but its not its a british league
 Anyone know if theirs any irish league guides here(Rep. of ireland) | |
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stereo441 Resident Neo
total posts: 3227 since: Nov 2004 |
Nov 09, 09 at 6:15pm |
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It is "THE" Irish league, you know, the more financially stable fo the two!!
Haven't seen any LOI ones yet mate! ------------------- | |
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constantplanck This season is a nightmare
Hooked on Neo  since: Nov 2008 |
Nov 09, 09 at 6:27pm |
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Nice work, stereo, I have added you to the Wiki.
May have a go in the Irish League this year after I am done in the very bottom of English football.  -------------------  | |
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stereo441 Resident Neo
total posts: 3227 since: Nov 2004 |
Nov 10, 09 at 1:10pm |
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I have added some more the the guide, still missing a bit of meat but getting there. Its in a position now where people should be able to pick up and start a career with the mighty Blues.
On another note, in my game I managed to win the leauge with a few gaems to spare, still only lost 2 games but am drawing shed loads!! I haev also reached the All-Ireland Cup final put I play Bohemians's who have been splashing the cash so will be togh, although Il be happy with 2nd! ------------------- | |
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UnitedBoi Fergie (L)
member: postin' posse  since: Sep 2009 |
Nov 10, 09 at 1:23pm |
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I like this guide,very interesting!
may have to start an Irish game soon ------------------- Currently managing: CRF Cluj Year: 2011/2012 Currently managing: Ipswich Town Year: 2013/2014 | |
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macleanal newseeker
total posts: 16 since: Apr 2008 |
Nov 10, 09 at 1:56pm |
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nice work! very tempted to start a game! always fancied the challenge of getting a smaller club into the champions league!
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anfieldred starting to like it
total posts: 51 since: Apr 2007 |
Nov 10, 09 at 2:20pm |
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As a Linfield supporter myself I've started a game and am now in Jan first season I didn't sell anyone but Dougie and Ballie have signed pre contracts with other teams because quite simply I couldn't meet Dougies wage demands. I Signed Wayne Buchanan from The Whites and he has impressed me first choice centre back alongside Kris Lindsay.
In the fullback areas I have Jimbo Ervin very good for me all season consistant rock solid for me. On the other side I normally go for Jp Gallagher or Aaron Burns both really consistant for me no problems with them. Although when the season ends im going to have to strenghten the centre back area with Winky Murphy departing to get him off the wage bill hes done anyway. In the midfield my midfield at the moment is pretty strong with rotation used between Garrett/Gault/Lowry/Mulgrew for the two centre Midfield spots. On the wings I have Carvill on the right and the left Tomelty or Damien Curran both steady on the left Curran was given a start against The Whites and bagged the winner in a 1-0 Win. Gonna Strengthen the wings In the summer tho. In terms of strikers I have a large selection and immense competition to my suprise recently McHugh and Munster have been doing the buisness ahead of Allen and McAllister and I signed Michael Proctor on a free ex Sunderland not done well tho and contract is approaching the end. In terms off my season I've won the County Antrim Shield easilly and am in the final of the Cis Cup and im in the Quaters off the Irish cup and am sitting top of my All Ireland group with 3 games too go.Top off the league by 7 points so in terms im running away with it still to play the Glens who are my closest challenge with Institute closely followed. | |
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stereo441 Resident Neo
total posts: 3227 since: Nov 2004 |
Nov 10, 09 at 7:26pm |
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Thats pretty good going Anfieldred.I haev to admit it pains me to get rid of Winky, but I dont like old people in my teams. You have stuck to the original team pretty well and seem to have went with the opposite strikers to me. They are all good but again it came down to favouritism for me, and the fact Mcallister is paid £1k per week!!
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ruairi92 member: postin' posse
total posts: 514 since: Aug 2006 |
Nov 10, 09 at 7:41pm |
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I started a game with Cliftonville last week and finished the first season.
I came first in the league, Chris Scannell = God Semi Finals of the Irish Cup Won the League Cup Semi finals of the Setanta Cup, put out to eventual winners Glentoran Won the County Antrim Shield but I played my reserves and beat Lisburn in the final My game got boring so I started the lower league tier in England and once I am finished in that game I will be starting up a new Cliftonville game. | |
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stereo441 Resident Neo
total posts: 3227 since: Nov 2004 |
Nov 10, 09 at 8:30pm |
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I have noticed Scannell is pretty good, he always gives me bother. Good going anyway that Ruari as much as it pains me to admit!!
Feel free to add to the guide with a bit on Cliftonville if you'd like! ------------------- | |
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