MVP: DlD

Team DPs: 184

FAL are rivals to 5 teams.

A Russian billionaire or Arab oil baron.

Season 57 update July 2024

Maybe our best season to date. A great run in the Cecil cup to the semifinals and then to follow this up with a quarterfinal place in the SESL cup. It's going to be difficult to beat this and looking at the squad now, definitely not this season. Our league form suffered due to the cup runs and we ended up in the playoffs but did win to stay in division 2. I think our main goal this season is to avoid relegation and this may be a tough ask. Not that much cash to spend and an ageing squad. Still think positive and over achieve. 

Season 56 update March 2024

Well we managed to finish fourth and win promotion thanks to a run of four wins at the end of the season. Fantastic. We had a great run in the Cecil cup making round three and got out of the SESL group yet again before being knocked out. The squad doesn't look to bad but the defence needs improvement. Happy with the keeper and forward players and we have some cash to play with. Our goal this season is to stay up and continue our cup success. i.e. don't get knocked out straight away. 

Season 55 update November 2023

Tenth season in charge and an improvement on the previous few seasons. We finished eighth and managed to get to the second round Cecil cup and got out of the SESL group stage but fell at the first knockout stage. We had a lot of mixed results and got a bit unlucky in the run in. We go into the new season again on a positive note. We did get the superstar player last season so have a great player to work with the next couple of seasons. We also have a decent keeper this season. We have some cash to play with and decent resources. Can we challenge for promotion is the big question.

Season 54 update June 2023

Ninth season in charge and we seem to be getting worse, finishing fourteenth. We also fell early in both cup competitions, first round of Cecil cup after being the better team and then the SESL group stage but we did give it a good go and were a bit unlucky. A lot of poor results and it's difficult to change with poor morale. Again we go into the new season on a positive note. Setting up a few players last season and having four decent youth players to build up. We need a decent first choice keeper definitely and another defender but otherwise good to go. I plan to make the top half at least, otherwise it could be the sack and a change of clubs. For cash purposes a decent cup run, make the second round !

Season 53 update January 2023

Eighth season in charge and we finished thirteen, not great. We made the third round of the Cecil cup and got out of the SESL group stage but went out in the first knockout stage. It was definitely an up and down season with very mixed results. It was a tough season but at least we set up for this season with some decent youth players. We go into the new season with 35CP and a bit of cash left. Looking at the squad we need a new goalkeeper and a decent defender. Our goals for this season. Make the second round in each of the cups and finish in the top half of the league. We need to continue to develop the squad, with decent youth players. That's the plan.

Season 52 update September 2022

Seventh season in charge and what a disaster.  We finished fifteen and got relegated to division 3. This was mainly down to drawing a lot of early games and therefore not picking up enough points early on. We did finish well but to little to late. We again got though to round three of the CECIL cup for the second season running and for the first time in three seasons got out of the SESL cup group, which was quite a tough group and made the knockout stages even if we fell at the first hurdle. We again start this season with only 25CP and desperately need a decent defender, our main priority. The squad though doesn't look to bad. So our goals for the new season, promotion, round two in the Cecil cup at least and make the SESL knockout stages again. 

Season 51 update April 2022.

Sixth season in charge and we finished tenth in division 2 and didn't need to stay up though the playoffs. A plus, even though just a small one. We got though to round 3 in the CECIL cup which I was happy about but again didn't get out of the group in the SESL cup. Yet another failure. Looking at the current squad a decent starting eleven but not much support after that. With only 25CP to start with, it could again be a long and hard season. We do start the season with four age 1 players so we did something right last season. Looking forward to this season. Buy a couple of apprentices again. Would be happy not to get relegated and get out of the SESL group into round two. Easier said than done. One other thing, beat Dundee United in round one of the CECIL cup.

Season 50 update December 2021.
 

Well our fifth season in charge wasn't awful but did end in relegation. Finishing in eleventh position was about as good as we could have hoped for and a playoff match. The playoff itself ended in penalties and defeat. So we are now in division 2. Again not great in the cup competitions but we did again win a Cecil cup match. Looking at our current squad, we have a decent eleven but not much in reserve. I think we must continue with loading up early on CP but we haven't got loads to play with. Only one apprentice last season but this season we will go for at least two. Already have a new youth keeper Rough and enough oldies to buy another after match ten. Looking forward to this season. A top half finish, no relegation issues and a cup run which is well overdue.

Season 49 update July 2021.

Fourth season in charge and maybe our most successful to date. Finishing in eighth place was a great success and a huge surprise. The cups were again a disappointment, though we did make the second round of the CECIL cup. A change of tactics were used, which a lot of other managers use. Which was to load up early on CP which paid off with Johnston scoring quite a few early on. We only managed to land one apprentice last season and our squad is looking a bit on the old side. Will cash in the oldies for hopefully two new apprentices. Resources and cash are okay going into the new season but would have liked a bit more. Looking forward it looking like a relegation battle for sure. That cup run is another season on, so well overdue. Maybe we can surprise everyone again, including myself.

Season 48 update March 2021.

Third season in charge and we won promotion back to division one. A third place finish was a great effort and very unexpected to be honest. The cups were a disaster going out early in both. We used the new home bonus rule to our advantage and our home results kept us in the top half all season and then helped with a great run in. We ended up with three youth players, one of which is our keeper Leighton who should be our number one for the foreseeable. We have decent resources and a bit of cash left over for that all important first auction. Our season goals are, number one. Don't finish last. I would have said avoid relegation but that's a huge ask. Number two. Have a decent cup run. We are well overdue one. If we end up being a yo-yo club, then at least it will be interesting.

Season 47 update October 2020.

My second season in charge and you guessed it, got relegated. Done it in style, losing the playoffs against Arbroath. A game we should have won and somehow lost. A lack of home bonus or not pressing from an earlier time, as some managers pointed out, may have helped towards our downfall but it was just bad luck as usual. My saving grace was at least I've now got a few decent youth players to work with this season. My season goal. Promotion back to division 1 and a cup run at least into round 2. My other teams Ye Olde Spurs and San Jose Earthquakes are also out of the top flight but at least fighting for a possible promotion.

Season 46 Update May 2020.

My first season in charge ended with a seventh place finish. I think sixth would have been the best I could have hoped for, so not bad for an opening effort. This season though it's all down to me due to my decisions made last season. I made my normal mistake by overspending and not being that wise in general with the auctions. This year my main goal is avoiding relegation and having a decent cup run.

I still manage Ye Olde Spurs and San Jose Earthquakes in SFLSL & OASL with very limited success I may add. 
Season 45 Update:  January 2020:

Andy Shaw takes the helm after an absence from SESL. Formerly the boss at Nairn County this will be a big challenge taking over a top flight club. But I've taken over a club in a very strong position, 5th in T-11 with plenty of resources and a bit of cash to spend. There have been a few early losses this season as I trained up the youth keeper, but we'll soon be a match for anyone in this league.  As a season goal I'd like to see the Bairns competing for silverware in the cups whilst consolidating a decent league position.

Season 44:  August 2019:  mid table in Div 2 needs be minimum expectations, but a top 6 promotion playoff spot the aim in season 44.

Sesl cup top 8 place ONCE in last 25 seasons, so that has to improve, while not taking eye off the ball for league play.
Cecil cup already dumped out in prelim round by FOR, d'oh.
 

Season 43: 'Back down where we belong'. Those were the words of encouragement that Brisenden offered to his men upon securing demotion to Div. 2. And with legend Sherry Debinns retired and now enjoying her latter years hosting a carp fishing show for BBC Ayrshire, Brisenden finds himself trying to blood some youngsters whilst handing the massive egos of the distincly average elders still at the club. Will his famously brash and unempathic mannerisms be up for the task? Or will he end up with egg on his face? Only souffle class has the ans...sorry, season 43, has the answer...
 

Season 57 update July 2024.

Let's start with England. My personal opinion is we aren't as good as everyone makes out, so getting to the final was an achievement. Could we do better, yes obviously but are we as good as Spain, France, Portugal or Germany, no. Onto Chelsea. Pochettino has gone and in comes Maresca. The jury is out but I do hope they at least give him the time he needs to sort the team out. A possible sacking by Christmas. My retirement continues but I have been looking for a new job the last few weeeks. A few interviews but nothing as yet. Keep on trying. Labour won the election which was no surprise due to the Conservatives being so unpopular. Trump was almost assassinated and Biden steps down. We await what happens next. Looking forward to the football getting underway again next month and the Paris Olympics the end of this week. 

Season 56 update March 2024.

Chelsea managed to get to the EFL cup final only to lose to Liverpool's kids. A big disappointment. The team continue to be unpredictable. Pochettino may be very well out of a job unless at least an FA cup appearance. Retirement is now in month ten and I have got used to it but I will sign on and look for work later this month. The Ukraine war enters year three and no cease fire yet in Gaza. Hopefully these things will change sooner rather than later. We await the budget for a Tory giveaway with the election later this year. 

Season 55 update November 2023.

The new season is underway and Chelsea have pretty much started the same way as last season, unpredictable. Pochettino needs to get everyone fit and then decide his best team and stick with it. I have been retired for 5 months now and still getting used to it. I will probably start looking for a new job next spring. The Ukraine war goes on and now the Gaza war has erupted. We don't seem to learn from our previous mistakes. Let's hope both sides come to their senses sooner rather than later.

Season 54 update June 2023.

Let's start with the treble and Manchester City. Well deserved and they play excellent attacking football. Pep will take some stopping. Chelsea have again got a new manager, yes I know not a surprise two or three a season is the norm. I think Pochettino will do quite well but needs to be given the time to sort out the current mess. I have now retired from the civil service on the 31st May after 37 years of service. Feet now up. The striking continues but some have had a settlement, hopefully everyone will get a fair pay rise this year. The war in Ukraine goes on, with no end in sight. Both sides don't seem to want to talk peace at the moment. 

Season 53 update January 2023.

Start with the World Cup and England. We fell at our first main test against France with Kane missing the all important penalty. At least we no longer look out of our depth. So maybe Germany 2024 and football will come home. I have applied for possible retirement. A voluntary exit scheme at work which I am awaiting the outcome for but no guarantee of acceptance. I will find out the middle of February with a leaving date at the end of May 2023. We now have our third PM in charge and we have gone into the new year with strikes being called left, right and centre. We, the civil service are on strike this Wednesday. Can't blame anyone though with the cost of living shooting up. Chelsea seem to be currently buying a new team, not sure if any plan is in place though.

Season 52 update September 2022
 

Only one place to start at. The death of Queen Elizabeth II two days ago came quite suddenly. Now we have a new King Charles III to go with our new PM Liz Truss. I am glad to see the back of Boris. We now have an energy crisis, with the government stepping in to cap the fuel bills. Don't agree with the fuel companies still making huge profits on peoples hardships. This of course as all come about due to the Ukraine war, sanctions and Putin cutting off the gas supply to Europe. It looks like who will fold first. Chelsea or should I say Boehly sacked Tuchel and brought in Potter. I wish Potter well but not sure he can step up. Hopefully he's magic. Potter, magic get it. We seem to just go round and round in circles making the same mistakes time after time. 

Season 51 update April 2022

Covid first again. It officially over if you believe the government. It's now been downgraded to a cold! Saying that, when you think things can't get an worse we have Putin invading Ukraine. Didn't WWII start off in similar fashion. We need this land because some of our speaking brothers and sisters live there. I think I prefer COVID. Work are now telling me I have to go back in, just when I'm now settled at home and looking forward to the summer. How dare they. Chelsea have fell further behind city and Liverpool and at this point don't have an owner. Maybe this time don't just take the guy with the must money, even though it does help quite a bit. Going to Liverpool this weekend for a bit of culture, I've heard all the pubs have a long history and I intend to visit as many as possible. 

Season 50 update December 2021

Covid first. We are now up to Omicron and the booster jabs are going well. Since the summer I have been into work twice, the second time for a team meeting were nine people caught Covid. Maybe just continue to stay away until next Spring if I'm allowed to do so. Five a side is up and running again and my only exercise other than walking the dog. Chelsea have started the season quite well and may give Liverpool and City a run for their money but I still fancy one of them finishing top. Well it's that time again and the pub is calling. More important things to spend my time and money on. 

Season 49 update July 2021

Here we are, everything open and lockdown finished for good. Covid-19 numbers are on the increase and I get that sinking feeling we may be starting all over again very shortly. Hopefully not though. Started five a side again and the first couple of weeks I had aches and pains in muscles I didn't know existed. We can now go back into the office but I think I will play safe for now and stay at home, unless told to return. Chelsea won the champions league for the second time. Tuchel has started off in great fashion, maybe the only way is down. England got to the Euro final and lost on penalties, as usual. Everyone is up in arms about it. They have very short memories. Five years ago we lost to Iceland. I would take losing in the final every tournament! Looking forward to watching the Olympics, even though it will be behind closed doors. Keep well and safe.

Season 48 update March 2021

Here we are at the start of the end of lockdown number 3. Schools have reopened but what about pubs for my mental health. My bank balance is in great shape but my fitness is non existent and I may be starting playing five a side again (outdoors) soon, which will take its toll physically. Been working from home since March last year so almost one year. Used to it now but still miss going into the office. My team Chelsea have sacked Frank and Thomas Tuchel is now in charge. He's started off in great fashion and we now look like finishing top four. With the vaccine rollout going so well and hopefully continuing to do so, we might end up with the Euros this summer, if the Europeans don't gang up on us. Keep safe and well.

Season 47 update October 2020

Been working from home for the past 6 months due to Covid and I must admit that I prefer working in the office. Maybe it's due to not knowing my new job that well but it's a bit like Groundhog Day. No break from work. The new job at the department for Education is also taking a little bit of getting used to but that's to be expected working for the DWP for 30 years previously. My team Chelsea have again brought in several new players since last season. Lampard now has no excuses having spent heavily and must deliver something this season. Let's hope the fans can return soon to matches, the games have been either terrible or very strange result wise.

Season 46 Update: May 2020

Andy Shaw returns to SESL.
ex-NAI boss Andy Shaw (Seasons 26-34)

I worked in the local benefit office in Stockton and have worked in the civil service for 30 years now. But as of Monday I start a new job in Darlington. It will be a big change but one for the better I hope.  I enjoy online football games which use tactics rather than skill, but still end up with the same outcome. I am big Chelsea fan and have supported them since the 70's and not just the last few successful years. Chelsea under Lampard are going with the home grown talent option, which is good for day to day matches but over a league campaign top international players are needed to compete with City and Liverpool.

I support Chelsea but I live in Middlesbrough (feel free to add my details on the front page) and whilst we can only wonder at what Man City can do scoring goals for fun, let's dial back 9 years before the money was poured in to 11th May 2008. City visited Middlesbrough and were thrashed 8-1 in Sven Goran Eriksen's last game in charge.

Just changed jobs after 30 years working for DWP and now working for department for education. Just like everything else Covid 19 is effecting my job. As well as all school closures, all the DfE offices are closed until further notice and I am working from home which is all new to me and it takes a lot of getting used to.