International Points
Over recent weeks I am hearing from a lot of managers about international points and b internationals. Most of the comments come in relation to skill 5 players with 10-14 IPs. There seems to be a general consensus that players like this can be considered as future skill 6 players with a lot of certainty and many deals are being submitted under this assumption.
As a general point this is something I disagree with almost without exception – there are always exceptions! Sure a players on 14 IPs can get to 20 IPs and rise in skill through B International selection, but in reality this will take 2 full seasons even if they get selected for every B International. Some players may be lucky and get 6 games in a season, but how anyone can say this is likely is beyond me as every B side is even compared to another.
When you factor in the age increase for close to 2 seasons, the possibility of missing a game being pretty high through suspensions, injuries, poor form or just poor selection planning; it is a very risky strategy to accept a player like this will rise in skill through IPs.
Recently, I have rejected a number of deals where players such as this are included in a deal for a higher skill player. The justification that this skill 5 will go up seems to be the thinking behind the deal (many of you choose not to just the text comments section to help clarify your thinking on complex deals). When dealing risk is a factor, but you must have a good chance of coming out on top somehow – many deals are at best even over 2 seasons with one team relying on masses of luck just to get there.
While I do not want to discourage dealing, I do need make sure that deals are fair, with both sides able to get some sort of benefit which is tangible rather than fantasy.
Posted in Games Tips | 4 Comments »
Team Submissions
When a side finds themselves unable to submit a team due to injuries or suspensions to key players then it is strongly advised you sort the problem yourself by dealing, buying a Sammy Bull agent player or introducing a new player.
In recent weeks a few sides have found themselves in this situation and rather than do something they just fail to submit either of their teams. Not only will you fail to receive the weekly 2 Youth Point bonus, but I will also sort the problem out for you. This could mean me using you valuable youth points or maybe even retiring a player in order to get enough youth points to sort the problem out. Not only will my actions cost you youth points and players, you will unlikely to get the sort of new player you really want.
Also, if I submit your team, I will not check internationals, players coming back from injury and suspension, so your best team is unlikely to play either.
It really is a lose lose situation doing nothing. You have been warned.
Posted in Games Tips | 13 Comments »
Week 12: Game of the Week
Corton Wanderers v Ditton Shooters (Division Two)
After their win last week, Ditton Shooters travelled to the Mills Recreational Ground hoping to continue their revival against a struggling Corton Wanderers side who had lost their two league games. Nikki Wigg gave defensive debuts to new signings Jaden Caldicott and Cromwell Denny as Wanderers beefed up their side, while Korey Weissmeyer and Stig Zettesberg moved up to the starting Shooters eleven from the bench last week.
After a slow start with both sides miss placing passes and wild long balls, the game burst into life when Zane Rivers picked up a loose pass from Korey Weissmeyer. The Aussie international played the ball sharply to Maurice Hooqadew who controlled the bouncing pass quickly before playing a neat ball between two defenders for Rivers to run on and coolly slot the ball past a stationary Alvares Adriano. The goal was a real shock for the visitors who struggled to come to terms with the home sides new found confidence. Adriano in goal, made a couple of smart saves from the lively Rivers as the Australian could have had a hat-trick inside the first fifteen minutes with a bit more composure in front of goal.
Finally Shooters started to make headway and secured their first corner when Noble Yanti did well to block a dipping 25 year effort from Boris Gnaehrich. Looking to level the scores, the defenders pushed forward for the corner. Zeljko Trebarjevo’s dead ball was well directed, but as Finn Rosenzweig jumped, he looked to be blocked off by Shensuke Miura. The ball skimmed off the tall defender’s forehead and all the attacking players appealed as one for a penalty. Malaysian official Oei Poh Hwa waved away their claims and play continued. Adriano threw the ball long to the waiting Rivers, who sped off down the left wing. He cut inside Baltazar Fyodorov and as everyone expected him to shott he cleverly squared the ball for Lodewijk Bartholomeus who had sprinted the length of the field to tap the ball home and double the lead.
A furious Mr Price was warned to calm down by the ref and the taunting of Rivers to the travelling fans did not help his mood one bit. Soon after the restart Rivers got himself needlessly booked as he clipped Rosenzweig’s with a stray arm as he tried to shake off the defender’s attentions. The away fans were screaming for a red card, but again the officials did not heed to their calls.
With a two goal deficit, Gnaehrich was pushed forward and started to find space behind the strikers. His mere presence seemed to ruffle the home side’s defensive plans and on 27 minutes a pull back to the edge of the box was smashed home by the German midfielder with a shot so hard the net nearly burst. The celebrations were prolonged and Baltazar Fyodorov was cautioned for taking them just a bit too far as he leapt into the travelling supporters section.
Things were getting heated now as both sides seemed more intent on embarrassing each other than securing victory. Jaden Caldicott and Bartholomeus were both booked for wild tackles before the interval. However, between the two cautions was another goal for Rivers, his jinking run finished with a shot curled low past Adriano.
Half Time: 3-1
The second half needed a big improvement from Ditton Shooters and whatever Mr Price said in the dressing room worked wonders. Right from the kick-off, they looked to reduce the deficit and after hitting the bar on 47 minutes, Jerrell Kubasch struck a goal of typical quality. The young Australian sensation somehow managing to curl the ball in from a tight angle when it looked impossible to score.
Little did we know that this would be the end of the scoring for the day. Ditton had some very good chances to get the equaliser and a share of the spoils, but either shot wide, high or straight at keeper Yanti. Altough the scoring was over we were treated to a virtuoso performance from the little Malaysian in black. A fifteen minute period after the second Shooters goal saw some of the most mysterious decisions made on a football pitch in a short time. Weissmeyer was booked for a trip on Bartholomeus when the Dutch striker clearly dived. Zettesberg then saw the yellow card for a wild lunge that could well have been red on another day. His victim Cuthbeorht Hansard also booked for his reaction as he left the field for treatment. Finally in this spell of madness, Mohinder Jalion was cautioned for the third time this season presumably for something he said, but no one was quite sure.
The last highlight of the game… is highlight the right word?… came in the 77th minute. Baltazar Fyodorov went up for a corner as Shooters looked to level things up. The usual jostling in the area got more heated than usual and the Russian’s attempts to get some space were thwarted by Bartholomeus. The referee whistled and gave both players a lecture before trying to take the corner again. A repeat of the pushing and pulling between the two quickly re-started and a shrill blast on the whistle, saw both cautioned for a second time. Comically the referee dealt with each player separately, Fyodorov dismissed to the delight of the home crowd only to be followed by his “shadow” once he was clear of the pitch. Another strange performance and inconsistent by Oei Poh Hwa, who continues to be the referee all managers dread seeing in charge of their match.
Full Time 3-2
Posted in Game of the Week | 6 Comments »
Morale Changes
After a bit of discussion, I have decided on the draft proposal for changes to Morale in order to a) make it mean something and b) give people a chance to compete especially in away games and against opposition who on the face of it are much better skill points wise.
Currently morale has only a minor effect on game calculations and with most teams sat happily on 15-20 morale it makes is almost pointless. Only when a side has changed their captain does it really have any effect.
Now, I propose the following changes, to take effect from the start of next season:
1. Possible morale maximum to be increased to 30. Giving a new range of 1 (lowest) to 30 (highest).
2. More variation of morale based on things that effect your club – results, transfers, performances, wages, etc.
3. The in-game code will take morale into account a lot more, so having a good morale level in comparison to your opponent will give more of an advantage than currently.
Also, with the larger range, the potential for more advantages and disadvantages is greater. Managers will need to consider morale as an integral part of the game rather than the cosmetic thing it is now.
The “loophole” of giving player pay-rises will remain, but their will be potential penalties imposed on those managers who give frequent and/or excessive pay rises to lesser players just to try and increase morale.
EVENTS THAT WOULD HAVE A POSITIVE EFFECT ON MORALE:
- Winning league games
- Any victory +2 morale.
- Beating a side above you in the league would be worth an extra 2 morale.
- Winning cup games
- Any cup victory +2 morale.
- Drawing with teams above you in the league.
- A draw against a side higher in the league would be worth 2 morale points.
- A draw against a side lower in the league would be worth 1 morale point.v
- Not losing away games.
- Staying unbeaten in an away fixture increases morale by 1 point.
- Players performing well.
- Each player getting a 9 rating increases morale by 1 point.
- Getting Player of the Week is worth 2 morale points.
- Giving Players Pay Rises
- Potential 1 morale point increase per game week.
EVENTS THAT WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON MORALE:
- Changing Captain
- Loss of 5 morale points.
- Losing league games
- A loss to a team higher in the league results in a 1 morale point drop.
- A loss to a team lower in the league sees a 2 point deduction.
- Losing cup games
- Being knocked out of the EFA Cup sees a 2 morale point drop.
- Not winning at home.
- Drawing at home loses 1 morale point.
- Losing at home will see a 2 point morale drop.
- Numerous team or squad changes.
- Making 6 or more changes to your starting 11 reduces morale by 1 point.
- Players performing badly.
- Each player getting a 5 rating sees morale decrease by 1 point.
- Cautions/Players Sent-off
- Any player sent off reduces morale by 1 point.
- Four or more yellow cards in a game reduces morale by 1 point.
- Injuries
- High skill player injured below 5 fitness reduces morale by 1 point.
- Giving Players Pay Rises
- Potential 1 morale point decrease as players become disgruntled with other being paid high wages relating to their comparative worth to the team.
END OF SEASON EVENTS
- Divisional Champions = +5 morale
- Promotion = +3 morale
- Relegation = -3 morale
Posted in Game Rules | 5 Comments »
EFA Third Round Draw
The draw for the third round of this season’s EFA Cup has been made. Games will be played on Friday February 5th.
The full draw is as follows:
Nighthawks v Warmington Bukigura
Rael Nerrad v Redroc Rovers
Black Star Olympic v Winchmore Radiation
Dixieland Deliverance v SVC07
Gainsborough Town v Kenkai Veleno
ELA Elementals v Kenkai Bambino
Yellowknife Industries v Achillean Druids
Bongosboyz v Tormenta Advertencia
All sides not still in the EFA Cup have their own friendly challenge games to play.
Posted in Einnek News | 2 Comments »
Week 9: Game of the Week
Littleton Rovers v Oakland Park Angels (Division Three)
David Jeffery took his Oakland Park Angels side to Moss Road hoping to continue their recent fine form. With three wins and a draw in their last five games, Mr Jeffery was keen to push for a promotion spot. Meanwhile, Allan Moss was looking for a much needed victory from his side after only taking goal scoring bonus points recently.
German keeper Jens Janusk was again the only non-South African in the LittletonRovers team. His command of Afrikaans is improving every week and slowly the side is getting a more solid look with defenders able to communicate with the talk German international. OPA made one change to their starting eleven with Jhersson Zea replacing the now retired American stalwart Josh Heartland.
Playing in cold, wet conditions, the game started quietly. With both sides looking very tentative, the early action was dominated by the respective defences who managed easily with all the long balls played towards their penalty areas. The 36,000 crowd were beginning to get restless has the half hour mark approached when the most lively player on the field, Moses Karoo literally took off his gloves and started to play. One second he tossed his woolen gloves into the crowd, the next he won an beautiful sliding tackle before hitting a long range drive which beat Diego Lopez Garcia only to crash off the post before being cleared by Aztec Escondido.
Following the example of Karoo, Rovers started a period of lengthy pressure which as OPA penned back for the remainder of the first half. Dante Kruger missed two relatively simple chances to open the scoring in the space of five minutes. While, Cedric Ba saw a looping header from a corner cleared off the line by the impressive Cristian Lucà. The half ended with Lucà making a last ditch challenge to stop Karoo breaking through after a clever chip pass from Gabriel Ba. The crowd were convinced the young Italian committed a foul and while both players received treatment the pressure was firmly on referee Youssef Mohammed. His decision to award OPA a free-kick was met with almost silence, the Egyptian official indicating Karoo deliberately handled the ball as he fell. Half-time TV replays proved him 100% correct.
Half Time: 0-0
The second half started in driving rain and this coupled with the break seemed to take the edge off the Littleton game plan. Slowly, Washington Beagle & Alexandr Voinov started to take control of the game and a succession of half chances fell to OPA’s attackers. Finally, the possession advantage for Oakland produced the opening goal. Voinov latched onto a clever through ball from Lucà and using his strength to hold off the challenge of Kopano Thandiwe, he calmly slotted the ball into the far corner.
With the lead, Angels continued to have the majority of the ball. Not wanting to risk conceding an equaliser, they were content to try pot shots from long range which caused the Littleton defence no real problems. Showing their frustration at the lack of possession, the Littleton players were on three occasions lucky not to see yellow for clumsy tackles.
The game was meandering to an end when Man of the Match Karoo managed to beat two players before being up-ended on the edge of the area. The resulting free-kick taken by Karoo appeared to be harmless but Lee Peterson’s wild clearance went straight up in the air. As the ball was coming down to earth, Peterson in his haste to made amends clearly blocked off Marty Kearns and the ref pointed to the spot. To make matters worse, the experienced Swede was booked. It was no real surprise that Karoo stepped up blast the ball past Garcia to level the scores.
A lengthy goal celebration followed with the referee pointing to his watch clearly indicating he was adding the time on. As the Littleton payers jogged back to their own half a scuffle broke out as sand sub Kites Hardwick was suddenly on the ground clutching his face. Replays showed he clearly said something to Peterson as the two players passed each other, exactly what could not be made out, but the resulting shove from the Swedish forward was enough to see him earn a red card.
Littleton saw their chance to press for an unlikely winner in the final few minutes and probably deserved to get their goal. Karoo again hit the woodwork from 20 yards with a stunning drive and Garcia made three smart saves to earn the visitors of draw.
Full Time 1-1
Posted in Game of the Week | 8 Comments »
Statement from the Brazilian EFA
The Brazilian EFA have today announced that Purisco Mercurilaca has been re-confirmed as captain of Brazil for this season.
A formal review was required after Mercurilaca’s transfer from Rael Nerrad to West Leigh Warriors on 9th November. A brief statement issued by the Brazilian EFA stated that “Purisco Mercurilaca was still the right choice to lead the Brazil team and the whole country is right behind him and his team as they attempt to record a victory against bitter rivals Argentina and get their World Cup campaign back on track.”
Posted in Einnek News | 1 Comment »
Morale Discussions
The Pay Rises & Their Effect on Morale post back on November 11 has generated a lot of discussion and I thought it time I revisited the issue. It seems many of you are less then happy with my original suggestion. Surprisingly the consensus is that morale needs to mean much more in the game and I am happy to take things forward on that basis.
At the moment, morale has a minimal effect on game play. This is mainly because the vast majority of managers see 18 as a low morale and therefore in a game the effects of morale become negligible. Morale is a range from 1 to 20, not 16 or 17 to 20 and any changes will need to get things back on an even keel in order to be effective.
Rather than suggest some changes, I would like to take the next couple of weeks to throw around some options here and on the Forum to see what people would like to see. Personally I would love to see morale mean much more and also for the higher morale levels to be something teams aspire to rather than a minimum level.
Things that I think could have a positive effect on morale are:
- Winning games.
- Drawing with teams above you in the league.
- Not losing away games.
- Buying good players.
- Players performing well.
While negatives could possibly be:
- Losing games.
- Not winning at home.
- Numerous team or squad changes.
- Selling good players.
- Players performing badly.
- Sendings-off.
The lists are a quick set of thoughts and their relative impacts need to be expanded, but I would be interested on your thoughts.
Posted in Game Rules | 7 Comments »
EFA Cup Second Round Draw
The draw for the second round of this season’s EFA Cup has been made. Games will be played on Friday January 8th.
The full draw is as follows:
Dixieland Deliverance v AFC Kennington
Calico Lawbreakers v ELA Elementals
Rael Nerrad v Celtic Hearts
Warmington Bukigura v Heavitree Athletic
Black Star Olympic v Black Widows
Kenkai Eselsparks v Kenkai Bambino
Elland Mythicals v Redroc Rovers
Achillean Druids v Eastville Rovers
Coruscant Star v Tormenta Advertencia
AC Legacy v Winchmore Radiation
SVC07 v Plaistow Exocets
Bongosboyz v Darwin Disciples
Kenkai Veleno v Gorgie Hearts
Oakland Park Angels v Yellowknife Industries
Nighthawks v Farmers Inn United
Olde Seven Stars v Gainsborough Town
All sides not still in the EFA Cup have their own friendly challenge games to play.
Posted in Einnek News | No Comments »
EFA Cup First Round Draw
The draw for the first round of this season’s EFA Cup has been made. Games will be played on Friday December 4th.
The full draw is as follows:
Chesterman United v Kenkai Veleno
Dixieland Deliverance v Tombstone Trojans
Kenkai Eselsparks v West Leigh Warriors
AC Legacy v Tiddlecombe Tangents
Redroc Rovers v Southern Cross Prophets
ELA Elementals v FC Leithen
AFC Kennington v Sirocco Whitecaps
Oakland Park Angels v Stoneleigh Baybears
Achillean Druids v Littleton Rovers
Eastville Rovers v Corton Wanderers
Whitechapel Rovers v Black Widows
Black Star Olympic v Walmington Rovers
Heavitree Athletic v North Bank Guns
Gainsborough Town v IKB Pirates
SVC07 v FC Cosmos
Ditton Shooters v Winchmore Radiation
Meanwhile those sides given byes into round two will be playing in the first round of Friendly Challenges.
Posted in Einnek News | 1 Comment »
