So i finally made it to the end of my first season (thank you 'sub bug'). I finished 9th, and crashed out of the cup in the semi-finals. However, i reckon i've qualified for the Uefa cup, as all other cup finalits are in the top six of the league.
The off-season has brought a glimpse of realism, in that some of my top players are being signed by bigger clubs. I'm still in the off-season and thus far, Jovanovic (Panathinaikos) and Defour (Udinese) have left. Will Onyewu be next?
My two loans left and i allowed some others to leave too, so i've been very short on players. It's a bit of a rebuild.
I was unimpressed by Espinoza in goal last season, so i didn't renew his contract. Instead, i have brought in Vandenbussche.
Defender Mikulic was also allowed to leave and i replaced him with Grenoble's Rendulic.
Lorient came in with a swap deal for my young French defender Phibel, offering me Namouchi in return. I accepted, but am yet to decide whether i require the ex-Glasgow Ranger.
Defour's replacement is a familiar face. Lacen (Santander) played under me at Alavés (PES5) and was eager to work with me again.
Being very thin in the midfield, i raided relegated side FC Volendam for two of their players, Bakens and De Lange. I think i'll be looking to employ Bakens in some sort of holding midfield role. A weak point last season.
My highest profile signing is upfront though. With the departure of wideman Jovanovic, i may dismantle last season's 4-3-3 in favour of a 4-5-1, with a lone front man. I swooped for Hull City's Caleb Folan, who wasn't featuring much for 'the Tigers.' I'm hoping he'll offer a different tactical presence to Mbokani upfront.
Despite all the comings and goings, i still only have a 22 man squad and i aim to field a starting XI made up of the majority of players from last season. However, i do plan to watch some of my new signings in a pre-season friendly, against CFR Cluj.