Journey of a genius Part 1 - An FM07 Story

[sammiller]

Phew. I'm home. Thank the lord. Today has been a wonderfully frustrating day. Tired, I slump into my armchair and flick the television on. ?Sam Miller, new Aston Villa manager?. Like I didn't already know that! Well, that was my day. After O'Leary's summer departure, the managerial post was open. I had previous experience as Assistant at West Brom, but it wasn't my CV but my knowledge that landed me the dream job. I spoke of my ambition, and Randy Lerner displayed his extravagant behaviour as we spoke. He was passionate, telling me he wanted a manager who could echoe what he wanted. I had that. I wasn't your typical 'Wear a suit and spend years on tactics manager'. I am a 'Enjoy it, but enjoyment is winning' sort of manager. Losing isn't fun, but neither is wasted hours telling a winger which blade of grass he much run to with precise tactical analysis. I wanted my boys to cover every blade of grass, chasing and harassing their lot, yet mainly attacking them with flair. Some call me old fashioned, I call myself a determined bugger. Losing is crap. I will wear to training what I want, and nobody will tell me different. Rant over, matters were serious at Villa. Underachievement was always a forgone conclusion by December, and I wanted my boys to be in the mix at the end of season still doing well. Well, tomorrows the interview, see you there...


Interviewer- Congratulations Mr Miller, are you happy to get this job?

Me - (No, I'm Sad... ) Yes, course I am. Thankyou for your well wishes, and I can't wait to get going.

Interviewer - What do you aim to inject into the Villa team?

Me - (I don't do innoculation....) I aim to inject passion, flair and a winning mentality. Winning is the key in my eyes, I have big ambitions for this place.

Interviewer- What are these ambitions?

Me - Step by step, I want to eventually get into Europe and have a decent cup run. I will need time, as me and the boys need to get to know each other. Hopefully it goes smoothly and we do well first season.

Interviewer- Anyone you plan on buying?

Me - I haven't even had time for a brew today, but as seen as you ask i want Ronaldinho and Zidane back in his heyday...oooh and add Pele! In all seriousness, I can't tell you that mate.

Interviewer- Good luck with the new job, and again congratulations.

Me - Thanks.


Glad to be out, I go home, flick the kettle on and ponder my future. Who should I buy? Who should I sell? What for tea? Tired, I lie down and get some rest, watching myself on TV, with my head gleaming with sweat so much you can see the interviewers reflection on my forehead....Well, nearly.

After a few days of wheeling and dealing, I finally capture my targets. Transfers are like London buses. You wait too long for one to come, then two come at once. This is the same in my case. At a joint press conference, I released my two new men to the media, who were flashing more than a cop chase. First up...

Theo Janssen joined, from Vitesse, for a hefty ?5million, but with a left foot sweeter then the Queens tea. He was delighted to join, and I took minutes in persuading him to arrive. His press conference, in slightly broken English, read:

?I am...very pleased to join Aston Villa. They are ... good team and they have...er....good manager. I cannot wait to play for them... in their big (hand gesturing) stadium....?




Billy Sharp was the other, joining from Scunthorp for ?3.8 Million. Many questioned my move, but I see talent and hunger in the boy....If it fails then I'm to blame.. but I am convinced in this kid.

?I can't wait to meet up with the lads and play for such a pretigious club as Villa. They have an amazing fan base, and I am in awe of the talent they have. Sam Miller showed he wanted me, and I have every faith in him as a manager and individual.?



Three weeks of failed business followed, with deals for Daniel Sturridge, Paul Scharner and Anthony Vanden Borre going down the toilet. Then, I got a gem. Curtis Davies, Albion defender, flickered in my mind. I remembered his potential, and immediately splashed out ?6,500,000 on the lad. He instantly accepted, and was my next signing. I was delighted to have a defender on board.

? I am delighted to sign for my good friend Sam Miller, and hope to repay his faith in me with shutting out Premeirship strikers this coming season. I am sorry to the angry Albion fans, but it was a choice I had to make - the Premiership is the peak of any players ambition.?



The fans had held a protest earlier, some vowing revenge and engaging in violent acts.


Angry fan being arrested

 

[PhilD123]

Great start, a bit of humour, Loving that. Sharp and Davies are usually ace on FM.

Keep it up Mule.

 

[treva]

Nice start, loving the humour and good luck with the job

 

[sammiller]

yh

The first game of the eagily anticipated season was at home, to Sheffield United and their excited army of travelling supports, roaring their team on. They were having an effect as well, with United starting much superior to my wearily looking Villa side. The first half was all Blades, with them slicing me open like me with my cake the previous day. However, the first half was scoreless, with my team looking estatic to get back into the dressing room. I didn't rollock them, I instead motivated them, roaring instructions enthusiastically. I replaced my winger Shaun Maloney with Luke Moore, who went up front, swapping positionally with debutant Ashley Young. The effects were extraordinary. A penalty and a tap in for Moore sealed a two goal win, with the Blades offering a blunt response. 2-0, and a delighted team trudged off the pitch, some displaying relief. 'Phew!'




The next game was the journey to Ewood Park to play a Blackburn Rovers side who had beaten Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in their previous game with a last minute McCarthy goal. I sensed a difficult match, and started the side that ended the United match. We took an early lead, Billy Sharp drilling in a low shot to get off the mark in a Villa shirt. The away fans were jubilant, but 7 minutes later, Nonda scored for Rovers with a simple tap in from a well worked move. Another 7 minutes passed, and he was at it again, this time scoring a more difficult one on one, perfectly placing the ball past Sorenson. We needed a response....and got it. Five minutes before the interval, Moore raced away to convert a decent opportunity, illustrating his worth to the team. However, after the break, Blackburn came out a different proposition, with Steven Reid curling in from 25 yards to wrap the points up for Rovers. We were poor, and were accepting of a disappointing scoreline.



The next game was at home, where Geordies descended on Villa Park, drinking their way through the turnstiles. We started off excellently, creating numerous opportunities but not scoring. Then, on 16 minutes, Steven Taylor cynically hacked down Moore, and the referee pointed to the spot. Billy Sharp stepped up, but his saved penalty was well saved, and Given was in raptures over his excellent save. We continued our onslaught against ten men, and on 40 minutes, Luke Moores powerful header beat Given, who cough only watch as the ball evaded his fingertips to slide past his outstretched arms. In the second period, Newcastle piled on slightly more pressure, but were hit on the break everytime, and we dismantled them, however only converting the one goal, again Luke Moore with a poachers finish to double the advantage. 2-0 it finished, and a wonderful result.



The next game, showed to the television cameras, was at Reading. I expected an angry response to their poor start, but we were the better side early doors, and on just four minutes Billy Sharp gently tapped the ball home to silence the excuberant Reading crowd. We shackled them well for the rest of the half, and could have increased the advantage, but it wasn't to be. They came full flight at us second half, but a combination of excellent defending and Ade Akinbiyi esque finishing granted us a well earned one goal win, and top spot in the league.



Next in line was the visit of Wigan, who had started slightly poorly, playing the big guns early. We attacked at them early, and a Villa dominated first half was only echoed by the one goal, scored by the young prodigy that was Luke Moore, tapping home from an excellent team move. We should have pushed on from there, but Wigan roared back defiantly, missing some guilt edged chances in front of their small band of travelling supporters. We then went in for the kill, but they defended defiantly, hitting us on the break at every opportunity. Then, in added time, they got a lifeline. Ashley Young was harshly adjudged to have brought down Kilbane, and the referee silenced the home fans with a loud blow of his whistle. Theo Janssen couldn't believe it, as couldn't the rest of the team, however me and the crowd couldn't see the controversial incident. Danny Landzaat scored the resultant penalty, and the Latics celebrated as if they had won the League, with their whole team nearly jumping on an estatic Landzaat. But that wasn't the end. We pushed for a winner, and after a long spell of pressure, we scored, with Curtis Davies scoring a driven shot, normally associated with a centre forward but scored by my chief defender. Cries of offside came from Wigan, and Paul Scharner completely lost it, kicking the ball in frustration, and gesturing to the officials. Our team went crazy, with Davies running in circles in celebration, being mobbed by my team and by me, who he ran to inc elebration. Paul Jewell wasn't happy with the goal nor my joy, despite his over enthusiastic celebration minutes earlier. We exchanged harsh words, before the final whistle blew, to the delight of the Villa team and staff.



We were in the League Cup next, playing away at Hull. I rested a lot of my star men for this encounter, a calculated risk which paid off, with Maloney and a brace from Carew ensuring a trip into the next round to play Ipswich at home. I was pleased with the win, but completely focused on the forthcoming encounter with Arsenal at the Emirates.



The Emirates was my main figure of FM dismay, as PhilD123 would tell you, as I have countlessly told him of my inability to hold a lead there, always blowing a first half advantage of one, two or three goals. It didn't matter, this ground always reaped fear for me. And when a Billy Sharp double gave me a two goal lead with Fifty minutes, I couldn't settle. The game was evently matched until then, but after that they went gung ho on my side and created a host of opportunties, thwarted by the heroid Curtic Davies in defense. But, in the last 20 minutes, we collapsed. Thierry Henry scrambled two goals, one with four minutes remaining, to ensure a share of the spoils and dismay amongst the Villa contingent. I'd have taken this scoreline at the start, but we blew a lead that looked safe.


Days later, Billy Sharp was ruled out for between 1-2 months, prompting serious concerns at Villa Park. How important was he?

:crying :crying


The next game was eagily anticipated, but a poor performance reaped a terrible scoreline. Two goals in a minute from Kuyt and Crouch granted Liverpool a comfortable two goal victory at Villa Park. We were poor, and lacked the required spark needed for a win or draw.




We were at Stamford Bridge next, Chelsea the hosts and clear favourites. We played well, and started the game on top, wasting some decent chances yet none clear cut. We held out until 9 minutes after the restart. when Kalou volleyed home from close range to give Chelsea the lead, and ultimately, a three points they just about deserved, despite a brave effort from my team.

 

[PhilD123]

Those were a very tricky last 3 games there, but generally a great start to the season. Still got the humour in there, with the 'Blades' pun. Unlucky with Sharp, he'd been scoring a lot of goals for you.

Keep it up Donkey.

 

[sammiller]

The responses are overwheling

Thanks Phil

 

[rabeta]

Yea a tricky last three games, to only come out with 1 point is a bit of a disappointment, but Villa looked good the first 5 or so games, so that is a positive.

Very good story sam....keep it up

 

[sammiller]

Sorry for the lack of screenshots guys

Agbonlahor was the hero in the next game, scoring two goals in the defeat of Ipswich Town, ensuring a passage into the next round to play United at Old Trafford. Exciting? No. Where was there a League 2 side to play when you needed one?

We visited Vicarage Road next, aiming to improve on our recent league form, which involved us facing all the big boys. It started perfectly, when agter numerous chances we got the breakthrough, John Carew heading home well, on 13 minutes....unlucky for some, this time Watford. They hit back, minutes before half time when Barry Robson slotted in following an almightly goalmouth scramble. I was disheartened...we deserved to be well ahead but found ourselves level. We went all guns blazing in the second period, and close to the hour mark, a corner fell to Olof Mellberg, who blazed the ball into the top corner from close range to send the Villa fans delirious. We deserved it, and I was delighted. However, there was another twist. A cross in on the counter attack fell to Svensson, who duly applied the finish to leave us shattered, and dismayed with a 2-2 draw, which we should have won, even creating a host of chances in the last ten minutes.

We were on television next, visiting The Valley to face an underachieving Charlton side. We played fantastically first half, dominating proceedings without taking full advantage. We came out for the second half as we finished the first, attacking with pace, this time scoring. Theo Janssen curled in a 25 yarder to send the fans crazy, and seemingly to a deserved win. We pushed for a second goal, only for Andy Reid to punish us with a well taken finish, giving The Addicks a point which, in all fairness, they didn't deserve. An El Karkourri red card didn't set the platform for a deserved winner, and we again settled for a draw.

We were at Man United next, in the League Cup, where we were unfortunate to lose. A 3-2 defeat was painful, and our boys trudged off the pitch, facing the back of a short lived League Cup run.

Middlesbrough were the visitors next, visiting Villa Park on the back of a poor run in the Premiership. They showed that against us, as Petrov and a Carew penalty condemned them to defeat in the first half, which we never built on unfortunately. I was delighted to get that winning feeling though.

We visited Upton Park with 8 first team players injured, fielding a weakened side against a team up there at the top of the league. We were suitably punished, when Lee Bowyers goal was added to by a goal from Zamora 8 minutes from time. Even a last minute Maloney goal couldn't raise my spirits, as we fell to a crushing defeat.

We played Pompey next, still raged by injury. We plucked up courage, and deservedly won 2-0 thanks to Agbonlahor and Maloney's goals in the First Period. We played well, and this meant in the 2nd half we could take our foot off the pedal slightly to ease to victory.

Bolton, a team challenging for a top 3 spot surprisingly, were our next opponents at The Reebok Stadium, where we left with a hard earned point in a bore 0-0 draw. I was delighted with such a tight defensive display against a team who were playing to their maximum potential.

Spurs visited us next, and within 52 minutes they were 3-0 up, with Defoes goal being added to by two Berbatov penalties, both courtesy of fouls from the clumsy Olof Mellberg. A wonder goal from Steven Davis and a Carew goal narroed the deficit, but Spurs proved too strong for our weary side.


We fell 3-1 at Goodison Park next, after Billy Sharps opener was swiftly responded to by three Everton goals. A late sending off for Petrov didn't improve anything, and capped off an infuriating days football. Good point: Sharp is back. Bad point: The rest.

Phew. An injury plauged side somehow managed to beat Fulham 2-0 at Villa Park, and we were grateful to goals at the end of either half from Angel and Sharp. We played well and warranted our two goal cushion.

The following two away games defined the word 'Infurtiating.' A defeat at City, caused by Mcann's early dismissal, was painful, falling 3-1 to a rampant City side who eased past my excuse of a side. Next up Sheffield United beat us 2-0 with goals from Shelton and Stead, a game we played poorly in but still should have won. Some say 'Thats just football'. I say its 'Just Crap'.

Next up was a journey up to the North East to play Newcastle. Newcastle, now managed by Sven, were in disarray, in terrible league form and a laughing stock. We were swiftly 2-0 up, thanks to the heroic Billy Sharp. Them, our good pal Steven Taylor again got himself sent off, proving his divided loyalty . As he departed, Sharp landed himself with a hat-trick scored before half time. It stayed at 3-0 despite more Villa pressure, and Emre added himself to the 'I got sent off for Newcastle vs Villa club' with a random assault. Bramble tried himself to add himself to this club, but was only booked for an off the ball incident with Sharp.

We drew 2-2 with Southend next, with our weakened side giving a good account of themselves, twice blowing the leads we acclaimed through Agbonolahor and Moore. 'The replay should be simple' was my emphasis, and I tried to brush the minor blow aside.

Next up, Blackburn visited the hallowed turf of Villa Park, in red hot form and occupying fifth spot. Within four minutes, we were ahead, thanks to Carew's lovely finish from a Billy Sharp lay off. We then made it far more difficult for ourselves. An innocuous red card for Davies followed, the referee deeming he had performed a professional foul. Who could say we lacked professionalism now? Two minutes later, we brushed our man deficit aside with Janssens sweet finish from a cut back doubling our lead. We continued to pressurise their defense, however our three man defense looked increasingly vulnerable, and we were exposed on 58 minutes by Nonda's headed effort at the far post, halfing the deficit. Rovers pushed on, and looked like they may snatch an equalised, but we kept them out. Steven Davis, our man of the match, appeared to have sealed the points with ten minutes remaining, drilling home from the edge of the box to send the fans into delerium. Reid set up a grandstand finish with a well worked goal, but we held on, to win 3-2, evening the deficit we endured at Ewood earlier in the season.

Reading were next, and we played well and were good value for our 1-0 win, which came after Doyle was sent off. The resulting free kick was headed in by Steven Davis, compounding Steve Coppell's misery.

The replay vs Southend was simple, with a Sharp hat trick and a solitary Carew strike putting us 4-0 up within 20 minutes. It finished that way, and ensured a place in the next round away at Everton.

We went to the JJB next, where I had chance to renew my feud with Paul Jewell, who had been slagging me off in the press. We twice lead in the first half, through Petrov and Davis, but a Wigan side on top of the game twice equalised, Agahowa and Skoko doing the damage. After Kilbanes 69th minute goal put them in the lead, I had to act. Mellberg was sacrificed for the striker Moore. He came on amd score 3 goals in 17 minutes to win us the game and earn himself a hat-trick. 5-3 was the final score and Jewell ended the battle by shaking my hand, with me happy to do the double over him!

We crashed out of the FA Cup at Goodison Park, undeservedly losing 2-1 despite Carew giving us an early advantage. We dominated the game and felt the scoreline to be unjust.

The next game was at home to Arsenal, whom we were outclassed by, losing 3-2, despite leading twice through Carew and Sharp.

 

[PhilD123]

Not too bad results in that update, although a few loses, which you shouldn't be too worried about. Carew and Sharp are still doing the business for you.

Keep it up.

 

[Jaztheman]

Ended badly with last 2 losses out of 2 but you can easily bounce back.