Subject: »[NT] Update

That would be appreciated. :)

Thank you all for the great support last two season. It has been fun and I enjoyed every minute. There has been some good matches some not that good but all in all it has been successful after all. When I took the NT we have been ranked #18 with 1879.96 points, now we are #20 with 2062.64 points, we might even finish on rank #19 after saturday game.
My goal was if you all remember to get the rank #16 so to be second seed for the WC draw. Anyway with all the new countries added, now for the second seed enough is to be rank #26 and we are #20 so I did my goal heheheeee

Short summary:
My first game as a NT
Croatia – Canada 2-2
Tactic I used has been effective against Croatia then #6 ranked team. We almost beat them.

For the game vs New Zealand I chose to play only with Amado as striker. It wasn’t a good move and we lost 4-2. With a better tactic and some luck we beat New Zealand 4-1 in the second match.

World Cup game vs Germany was a wild one, Germany lose 3 players with red cards. We won the game 3-0.

Very next game we lose to Argentina 7-1. Early in the game we lose Fichaud-red card – crucial point but still wouldn’t save us losing the game but margin wouldn’t be that high.

With that lose we still qualified past the group stage for the first time in Canada history but went out very next game.

After the WC we participate in the Copa America and finished 3rd beating New Zealand 4-0.

Thank you for your effort.

Congratulations on a great season. The NT is better for your efforts.

Indeed. You've shown good dedication to the job. I really liked some things you did, wasn't so fond of a few others. :) Your reversal of Canada's World Cup fortunes have set a new high water mark for the squad. Well done. :)

One of Lithuania's defender's is transfer ad'ed - Mikolajus Miškys - not bad. :)

Got through yesterday healthy - which was a good omen. :)

Parker's form is a key concern heading into qualifications. Seems to have bounced off his bottom - hopefully can hold and improve.

Giacomi another whose form is a real issue. Would help striker depth immensely if he got back on track.

The roster is a little unwieldy at the moment. Plan to chop it down (likely this time next week). Will list those likely to be axed later in the day.

Adriano Cochran is on the TL.

Not sure how he fits in to the striker scheme. He's not pushing Amado, Giacomi or Wang. Biron has better stats (except for stamina and defending) and is two seasons younger.

I don't expect Cochran will be high on the depth chart.

Roster is a little unwieldy at the moment. Will be looking to cut down. The following are those most likely to be cut loose. If their stat updates impress, they could be spared. Otherwise they will be set adrift this time next week (give their owners a chance to sell them as NT players if they choose).

List includes most of our 22 year olds. With the maturity of the game, it's difficult for players to walk from the junior side to the senior team. Several of these players have bright futures and will very likely be recalled at some point.

List also includes the Apocalypse boys. If it appears Apocalypse will be relegated, then they will be re-added towards the end of the season (to keep them in circulation).

Orlando Aceves
Rex Barry
Manny Broussard
Alvin Broussard
Francesco Clayden
Vincent Diplacido
Kirk Fortner
Mansor Hitschfeld
Charles-Antoine Holden
Kareem Laforest
Domingo Lamo
Rogelio Lindley
Idi Mahoney
Jarome Moreau
Arron Neil
Georges Placentino
Jesse Tait

Have a couple of friendlies lined up.

Week 4 - USA (?)
Week 8 - Scotland (U21)

I'm hoping to run a couple of little contests during the season. These are intended to boost interest in the NT and forum participation.

I'm hoping I'll have both posted before the cup games this evening. Though managers can join the contests anytime, they stand a better chance of winning if they are in from the start. So please check out the contests when posted.

If by some chance I don't get them posted before the cup match tonight, please check back before Canada's NT match this weekend. :)

Something like you did for NZ NT?

I thought I'd do one like that. Also had another idea ... but I'm not sure it will work. :P

Not a great form update. Some marginal gainers - more losers. Parker, Caron, Iginla amoung those to shed form. Giacomi remains a bottom-dweller.

Got one contest up - going to start the second contest next week - still tweaking a few of it's rules. :)

Btw - Cochrane went for 10 million. More then I expected.

Friendly for Week 1 - Slovensko.