Aardvark Abacus 1 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
Bassett Allsorts 2 v 5 Claymore Athletic FC
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 3 v 1 San Dimas High School
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 4 v 0 The Fabulous Artisans
Real Muppets 3 v 3 York’s Returning Glory
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 2 The Dead Parrots
Trusted By Millions 2 v 1 Athletico Phoenix
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 1 Mega Buck Bandits
A big win for Nil Satis sees Paul lead the league into 2010.
Wednesday 30 December 2009
Monday 28 December 2009
PCMT Final - Match Report
Aardvark Abacus 0
Vs (3)
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 1
Bent 17
Wembley Stadium, Att: 90,000
Teams:
Aardvark: Cech; Carvalho, Gallas, Cuellar, Hutchinson; Modric, M.Davies, Scholes, Aquilani; Adebayor, Carew. Subs: Kirkland; Hughes; Riise; Kuyt
Boston Rock: Robinson; King, Richards,Terry, G.Johnson; Milner, Wilshere, Jenas, Lampard; Defoe, D.Bent. Subs: Fielding; Smalling; Stanislas; Jerome
Despite the ice and snow there was a full house at Wembley for the traditional WSFFL Boxing Day showpiece, the Paul Cartmell Memorial Trophy Final. Boston Rock were attempting to with the Trophy for the third year in a row and they were up against old rivals and the team they defeated 12 months ago, Aardvark Abacus.
Ady's team have been right out of form in recent weeks and they started slowly again today. Darren Bent had already gone close with a header but he made no mistake on 17 minutes when he timed his run to perfection to power Sheriff's team ahead. It was Bent's tenth goal in all competitions this season and follows on from his strike in last season's FA Cup Final. A man for the big occasion indeed.
The game wasn't a classic by any means with chances at a premium. William Gallas came closest to levelling the match on the hour but couldn't force the ball past a determined 'Sky Heroes' defence from close range. Sheriff's team held firm with few alarms after that and the final whistle confirmed his team as the first to win any WSFFL Trophy three years in succession.
Vs (3)
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 1
Bent 17
Wembley Stadium, Att: 90,000
Teams:
Aardvark: Cech; Carvalho, Gallas, Cuellar, Hutchinson; Modric, M.Davies, Scholes, Aquilani; Adebayor, Carew. Subs: Kirkland; Hughes; Riise; Kuyt
Boston Rock: Robinson; King, Richards,Terry, G.Johnson; Milner, Wilshere, Jenas, Lampard; Defoe, D.Bent. Subs: Fielding; Smalling; Stanislas; Jerome
Despite the ice and snow there was a full house at Wembley for the traditional WSFFL Boxing Day showpiece, the Paul Cartmell Memorial Trophy Final. Boston Rock were attempting to with the Trophy for the third year in a row and they were up against old rivals and the team they defeated 12 months ago, Aardvark Abacus.
Ady's team have been right out of form in recent weeks and they started slowly again today. Darren Bent had already gone close with a header but he made no mistake on 17 minutes when he timed his run to perfection to power Sheriff's team ahead. It was Bent's tenth goal in all competitions this season and follows on from his strike in last season's FA Cup Final. A man for the big occasion indeed.
The game wasn't a classic by any means with chances at a premium. William Gallas came closest to levelling the match on the hour but couldn't force the ball past a determined 'Sky Heroes' defence from close range. Sheriff's team held firm with few alarms after that and the final whistle confirmed his team as the first to win any WSFFL Trophy three years in succession.
Thursday 24 December 2009
PCMT Final - The Contenders
Aardvark Abacus
Current League Position: 3rd
Route to the Final;
1st Round - 4-2 v Final Fantasy
Quarter-Final - 2-1 v Dead Parrots (after 1-1 draw)
Semi-Final - 2-0 v The Cow-Faced Juniors
Recent Results;
Week 14 - 3-3 v York's Returning Glory
Week 13 - 0-1 v Athletico Phoenix
Week 12 - 0-3 v The Fabulous Artisans
Week 11 - 6-2 v San Dimas High School
You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Current League Position: 5th
Route to the Final;
1st Round - 3-0 v Fred West LG XI
Quarter-Final - 4-0 v Real Muppets
Semi-Final - 3-0 v Trusted By Millions
Recent Results;
Week 14 - 1-4 v Dead Parrots
Week 13 - 4-0 v Final Fantasy
Week 12 - 3-2 v York's Returning Glory
Week 11 - 2-1 v Athletico Phoenix
Recent meetings between the teams;
2009/10 Week 2 - Aardvark Abacus 2 Boston Rock 2
2008/9 Week 19 - Aardvark Abacus 2 Boston Rock 1
2008/9 PCMT Final - Aardvark Abacus 2 Boston Rock 3
2008/9 Week 3 - Boston Rock 4 Aardvark Abacus 5
2007/8 Week 20 - Aardvark Abacus 2 Boston Rock 2
2007/8 FAC R1 - Boston Rock 3 Aardvark Abacus 1
2007/8 Week 4 - Boston Rock 0 Aardvark Abacus 1
Only victories for Boston Rock in the last couple of years have been in the Cups. Interesting.
Good luck to both managers.
Current League Position: 3rd
Route to the Final;
1st Round - 4-2 v Final Fantasy
Quarter-Final - 2-1 v Dead Parrots (after 1-1 draw)
Semi-Final - 2-0 v The Cow-Faced Juniors
Recent Results;
Week 14 - 3-3 v York's Returning Glory
Week 13 - 0-1 v Athletico Phoenix
Week 12 - 0-3 v The Fabulous Artisans
Week 11 - 6-2 v San Dimas High School
You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Current League Position: 5th
Route to the Final;
1st Round - 3-0 v Fred West LG XI
Quarter-Final - 4-0 v Real Muppets
Semi-Final - 3-0 v Trusted By Millions
Recent Results;
Week 14 - 1-4 v Dead Parrots
Week 13 - 4-0 v Final Fantasy
Week 12 - 3-2 v York's Returning Glory
Week 11 - 2-1 v Athletico Phoenix
Recent meetings between the teams;
2009/10 Week 2 - Aardvark Abacus 2 Boston Rock 2
2008/9 Week 19 - Aardvark Abacus 2 Boston Rock 1
2008/9 PCMT Final - Aardvark Abacus 2 Boston Rock 3
2008/9 Week 3 - Boston Rock 4 Aardvark Abacus 5
2007/8 Week 20 - Aardvark Abacus 2 Boston Rock 2
2007/8 FAC R1 - Boston Rock 3 Aardvark Abacus 1
2007/8 Week 4 - Boston Rock 0 Aardvark Abacus 1
Only victories for Boston Rock in the last couple of years have been in the Cups. Interesting.
Good luck to both managers.
Wednesday 23 December 2009
Clive Joins MENSA...no, hang on, that's not right...
...Mensah joins Clive! I knew it was one or the other.
Claymore Athletic manager Clive Fenwick has snapped up Sunderland defender John Mensah to join his WSFFL strugglers.
Mensah signs for £500,000 and Clive will hope that the Ghanaian's presence will boost a side who have lost seven of their last nine matches.
Claymore Athletic manager Clive Fenwick has snapped up Sunderland defender John Mensah to join his WSFFL strugglers.
Mensah signs for £500,000 and Clive will hope that the Ghanaian's presence will boost a side who have lost seven of their last nine matches.
Tuesday 22 December 2009
Halfway House Report - Boston Rock
Sheriff sums up his season so far...
I'm going with Barack Obama and giving myself a B+ for my first half of the season, although I'm getting slightly concerned about my ability to keep up my momentum (as evidenced by my weekend crushing defeat to The Dead Parrots, admittedly one of my bogey teams, but still...)
As you know I've been a little disillusioned with the league turning into a hegemony of three or four teams taking all the plaques away, even if I'm one of them. So at the start of this season I decided to impose the following rules on myself;
1. English players only (which was something I'd been working toward anyway, and which my close-season trade of the Da Silva brothers plus cash for John Terry enabled me to adopt)
2. Squad shape to remain 3 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 9 midfielders and 6 strikers throughout the season
3. Continue to bring on young players in each position, rather than pack my squad with first teamers
This has led to some challenging situations, particularly recently, when I've had only 2 playing defenders (King, both Ferdinands and Davies all injured, Johnson "rested", Richards dropped and Smalling a young player not in the first team picture), but I've stuck to it rather than bring in a non-English playing defender to help out my squad (for example, I considered buying Hull's Paul McShane out of the pool, but he's Irish!).
In those circumstances, I believe Boston Rock has risen to the challenges and done pretty well. One could argue that with adding John Terry to a first team mix which finished second last year and won both cups, plus with Defoe and Bent guaranteed first teamers for the whole this season, I should damn well be doing well, but I think I overachieved last year, so I'm in better shape this year for a successful season.
The likes of Terry, Bent, Defoe and Lampard are performing as I'd expect them to, so I'd say my star of the season thus far (edging David Dunn into a close second) is James Milner. He's popped up with some vital goals and superb performances too, and looks to be a shoe-in for the England World Cup squad for South Africa. Go on my son!
I'm going with Barack Obama and giving myself a B+ for my first half of the season, although I'm getting slightly concerned about my ability to keep up my momentum (as evidenced by my weekend crushing defeat to The Dead Parrots, admittedly one of my bogey teams, but still...)
As you know I've been a little disillusioned with the league turning into a hegemony of three or four teams taking all the plaques away, even if I'm one of them. So at the start of this season I decided to impose the following rules on myself;
1. English players only (which was something I'd been working toward anyway, and which my close-season trade of the Da Silva brothers plus cash for John Terry enabled me to adopt)
2. Squad shape to remain 3 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 9 midfielders and 6 strikers throughout the season
3. Continue to bring on young players in each position, rather than pack my squad with first teamers
This has led to some challenging situations, particularly recently, when I've had only 2 playing defenders (King, both Ferdinands and Davies all injured, Johnson "rested", Richards dropped and Smalling a young player not in the first team picture), but I've stuck to it rather than bring in a non-English playing defender to help out my squad (for example, I considered buying Hull's Paul McShane out of the pool, but he's Irish!).
In those circumstances, I believe Boston Rock has risen to the challenges and done pretty well. One could argue that with adding John Terry to a first team mix which finished second last year and won both cups, plus with Defoe and Bent guaranteed first teamers for the whole this season, I should damn well be doing well, but I think I overachieved last year, so I'm in better shape this year for a successful season.
The likes of Terry, Bent, Defoe and Lampard are performing as I'd expect them to, so I'd say my star of the season thus far (edging David Dunn into a close second) is James Milner. He's popped up with some vital goals and superb performances too, and looks to be a shoe-in for the England World Cup squad for South Africa. Go on my son!
Monday 21 December 2009
Week 14 Results
Athletico Phoenix 1 v 1 Real Muppets
Claymore Athletic FC 1 v 2 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Final Fantasy XI 0 v 3 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 2 Bassett Allsorts
San Dimas High School 3 v 3 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
The Dead Parrots 4 v 1 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 2 Trusted By Millions
York’s Returning Glory 3 v 3 Aardvark Abacus
Top of the table compressed still further after this set of results. Nil Satis are on top of the pile on goal difference going into Christmas.
Claymore Athletic FC 1 v 2 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Final Fantasy XI 0 v 3 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 2 Bassett Allsorts
San Dimas High School 3 v 3 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
The Dead Parrots 4 v 1 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 2 Trusted By Millions
York’s Returning Glory 3 v 3 Aardvark Abacus
Top of the table compressed still further after this set of results. Nil Satis are on top of the pile on goal difference going into Christmas.
Sunday 20 December 2009
Artisans Dump Record Signing
The league-topping Fabulous Artisans have sensationally released record signing Johan Elmander.
Artisans manager Ben Warr paid £11.5m for the Swede but injuries and lack of form restricted the striker to five goals last season and he has yet to hit the target this term.
Whether this has been done by Ben to exert his authority and reduce complacency in his table-toppers or simply to reduce wage bill and increase buying power in January remains to be seen.
Elmander is looking for a new WSFFL side and there could be a few suitors.
Artisans manager Ben Warr paid £11.5m for the Swede but injuries and lack of form restricted the striker to five goals last season and he has yet to hit the target this term.
Whether this has been done by Ben to exert his authority and reduce complacency in his table-toppers or simply to reduce wage bill and increase buying power in January remains to be seen.
Elmander is looking for a new WSFFL side and there could be a few suitors.
Wednesday 16 December 2009
Week 13 Results
Aardvark Abacus 0 v 1 Athletico Phoenix
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 0 Bassett Allsorts
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum v Claymore Athletic FC (postponed)
Real Muppets 0 v 1 The Fabulous Artisans
The Cow-Faced Juniors 3 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
The Dead Parrots 0 v 3 Mega Buck Bandits
Trusted By Millions 6 v 0 San Dimas High School
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 4 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
We have new leaders. It's a fabulous night for the Artisans.
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 0 Bassett Allsorts
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum v Claymore Athletic FC (postponed)
Real Muppets 0 v 1 The Fabulous Artisans
The Cow-Faced Juniors 3 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
The Dead Parrots 0 v 3 Mega Buck Bandits
Trusted By Millions 6 v 0 San Dimas High School
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 4 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
We have new leaders. It's a fabulous night for the Artisans.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Week 12 Results
Athletico Phoenix 1 v 1 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Bassett Allsorts 1v 2 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Claymore Athletic FC 0 v 1 Trusted By Millions
Final Fantasy XI 3 v 0 The Dead Parrots
Mega Buck Bandits 3 v 3 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
San Dimas High School 3 v 3 Real Muppets
The Fabulous Artisans 3 v 0 Aardvark Abacus
York’s Returning Glory 2 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Artisans turn over the Abacus and we have a title race. Nil Satis are sticking in there and Boston Rock now only four points off the summit.
Bassett Allsorts 1v 2 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Claymore Athletic FC 0 v 1 Trusted By Millions
Final Fantasy XI 3 v 0 The Dead Parrots
Mega Buck Bandits 3 v 3 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
San Dimas High School 3 v 3 Real Muppets
The Fabulous Artisans 3 v 0 Aardvark Abacus
York’s Returning Glory 2 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Artisans turn over the Abacus and we have a title race. Nil Satis are sticking in there and Boston Rock now only four points off the summit.
Saturday 12 December 2009
FA Cup 1st Round Draw
The first round draw for the WSFFL FA Cup was held during a littering ceremony* at the Savoy in London** last night.
The co-ordinators KMLC cohorts Messrs Kibble and Gould drew the home and away teams respectively. The names came out of the yellow bag as follows...
Aardvark Abacus v Fred West LG XI
Athletico Phoenix v York's Returning Glory
Bassett Allsorts v Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Mega Buck Bandits v The Fabulous Artisans
Real Muppets v San Dimas High School
The Cow-Faced Juniors v Final Fantasy XI
The Dead Parrots v You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Trusted By Millions v Claymore Athletic.
A long trip down under for holders Boston Rock, last year's runners-up the CFJs face improving Final Fantasy while Aardvark v Fred appears to be the pick of the ties.
Ties to be played over the weekend of 2/3 January.
*This is not true
** I meant the Savoy in Swindon, easy mistake to make!
The co-ordinators KMLC cohorts Messrs Kibble and Gould drew the home and away teams respectively. The names came out of the yellow bag as follows...
Aardvark Abacus v Fred West LG XI
Athletico Phoenix v York's Returning Glory
Bassett Allsorts v Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Mega Buck Bandits v The Fabulous Artisans
Real Muppets v San Dimas High School
The Cow-Faced Juniors v Final Fantasy XI
The Dead Parrots v You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Trusted By Millions v Claymore Athletic.
A long trip down under for holders Boston Rock, last year's runners-up the CFJs face improving Final Fantasy while Aardvark v Fred appears to be the pick of the ties.
Ties to be played over the weekend of 2/3 January.
*This is not true
** I meant the Savoy in Swindon, easy mistake to make!
Sunday 6 December 2009
Week 11 Results
Aardvark Abacus 6 v 2 San Dimas High School
Final Fantasy XI 3 v 4 Mega Buck Bandits
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 4 v 2 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Real Muppets 2 v 3 Claymore Athletic FC (revised from 2-2)
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 2 The Fabulous Artisans
The Dead Parrots 1 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
Trusted By Millions 2 v 0 Bassett Allsorts
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 1 Athletico Phoenix
Aardvark still have a five-point cushion. Artisans now the closest pursuers. Guess who are playing each other next week...
Final Fantasy XI 3 v 4 Mega Buck Bandits
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 4 v 2 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Real Muppets 2 v 3 Claymore Athletic FC (revised from 2-2)
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 2 The Fabulous Artisans
The Dead Parrots 1 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
Trusted By Millions 2 v 0 Bassett Allsorts
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 1 Athletico Phoenix
Aardvark still have a five-point cushion. Artisans now the closest pursuers. Guess who are playing each other next week...
Sunday 29 November 2009
PCMT Semi-final Results
The Cow-Faced Juniors 0 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 3 v 0 Trusted By Millions
The league's two behemoths come through their semi-finals in comfortable style and set up a repeat of last year's final.
Holders Boston Rock cruised past a Trusted side with manager Beef undoubtedly cursing his team selection. Junior Stanislas gave Sheriff's team the lead just a minute after coming on as a sub for the injured David Dunn. The youngster squeezing the ball in at the second attempt. Shaun Wright-Phillips doubled the advantage right on half-time with a deflected effort. Trusted coudn't find a way back and John Terry rounded things off with a clean sheet.
This time last year Aardvark Abacus brushed aside the CFJs 6-1 (if I remember rightly) but it was much closer this time. Chris had his eyes on a replay but with ten minutes left Dirk Kuyt poked into an unguarded goal to give Ady the lead. Chris found no response and Ricardo Carvalho notched a clean to finish matters.
The two sides meet at Wembley on Boxing Day with Sheriff going for an unprecedented hat-trick of trophies.
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 3 v 0 Trusted By Millions
The league's two behemoths come through their semi-finals in comfortable style and set up a repeat of last year's final.
Holders Boston Rock cruised past a Trusted side with manager Beef undoubtedly cursing his team selection. Junior Stanislas gave Sheriff's team the lead just a minute after coming on as a sub for the injured David Dunn. The youngster squeezing the ball in at the second attempt. Shaun Wright-Phillips doubled the advantage right on half-time with a deflected effort. Trusted coudn't find a way back and John Terry rounded things off with a clean sheet.
This time last year Aardvark Abacus brushed aside the CFJs 6-1 (if I remember rightly) but it was much closer this time. Chris had his eyes on a replay but with ten minutes left Dirk Kuyt poked into an unguarded goal to give Ady the lead. Chris found no response and Ricardo Carvalho notched a clean to finish matters.
The two sides meet at Wembley on Boxing Day with Sheriff going for an unprecedented hat-trick of trophies.
Sunday 22 November 2009
Week 10 Results
Athletico Phoenix 1 v 1 The Dead Parrots
Bassett Allsorts 2 v 5 Real Muppets
Claymore Athletic FC 1 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 1 v 2 Trusted By Millions
Mega Buck Bandits 1 v 0 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School 3 v 2 The Cow-Faced Juniors
The Fabulous Artisans 4 v 7 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
York’s Returning Glory 3 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
The champs open a five-point gap. Ominous.
Bassett Allsorts 2 v 5 Real Muppets
Claymore Athletic FC 1 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 1 v 2 Trusted By Millions
Mega Buck Bandits 1 v 0 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School 3 v 2 The Cow-Faced Juniors
The Fabulous Artisans 4 v 7 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
York’s Returning Glory 3 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
The champs open a five-point gap. Ominous.
Monday 9 November 2009
Week 9 Results
Aardvark Abacus 2 v 1 22-Legged Groove Machine
Final Fantasy XI 1 v 0 Athletico Phoenix
Real Muppets 1 v 0 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
The Cow-Faced Juniors 3 v 2 Claymore Athletic FC
The Dead Parrots 1 v 2 The Fabulous Artisans
Trusted By Millions 2 v 2 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum*
York’s Returning Glory 1 v 5 Mega Buck Bandits
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 6 v 0 San Dimas High School
Aardvark back on top.
*revised from 2-3
Final Fantasy XI 1 v 0 Athletico Phoenix
Real Muppets 1 v 0 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
The Cow-Faced Juniors 3 v 2 Claymore Athletic FC
The Dead Parrots 1 v 2 The Fabulous Artisans
Trusted By Millions 2 v 2 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum*
York’s Returning Glory 1 v 5 Mega Buck Bandits
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 6 v 0 San Dimas High School
Aardvark back on top.
*revised from 2-3
Monday 2 November 2009
Week 8 Results
22-Legged Groove Machine 0 v 5 The Cow-Faced Juniors*
Athletico Phoenix 4 v 1 York’s Returning Glory
Claymore Athletic FC 4 v 1 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 5 v 0 Aardvark Abacus
Mega Buck Bandits 5 v 1 Trusted By Millions
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 1 Real Muppets
San Dimas High School 2 v 0 The Dead Parrots
The Fabulous Artisans 0 v 2 Final Fantasy XI
*revised from original 0-6
Fred back on top after giving the Abacus one of their worst ever beatings.
Athletico Phoenix 4 v 1 York’s Returning Glory
Claymore Athletic FC 4 v 1 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 5 v 0 Aardvark Abacus
Mega Buck Bandits 5 v 1 Trusted By Millions
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 1 Real Muppets
San Dimas High School 2 v 0 The Dead Parrots
The Fabulous Artisans 0 v 2 Final Fantasy XI
*revised from original 0-6
Fred back on top after giving the Abacus one of their worst ever beatings.
Wednesday 28 October 2009
PCMT Semi-final draw
Last year's top four make up this season's final four in the Paul Cartmell Memorial Trophy. here's how they will line up on 28 November.
The Cow-Faced Juniors v Aardvark Abacus
You Know Your Boston Rock FC v Trusted By Millions
So last year's finalists (Aardvark and Boston) have avoided each other, CFJs v Aardvark is a repeat of last year's semi (Ady won 6-1) and if my memory serves Trusted were the last team to beat Boston Rock in this competition three years ago.
The Cow-Faced Juniors v Aardvark Abacus
You Know Your Boston Rock FC v Trusted By Millions
So last year's finalists (Aardvark and Boston) have avoided each other, CFJs v Aardvark is a repeat of last year's semi (Ady won 6-1) and if my memory serves Trusted were the last team to beat Boston Rock in this competition three years ago.
Monday 26 October 2009
Week 7 (and PCMT QF Replay result)
Aardvark Abacus 3 v 1 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Athletico Phoenix 4 v 2 Mega Buck Bandits
Final Fantasy XI 5 v 1 San Dimas High School
Real Muppets 2 v 2 Trusted By Millions
The Cow-Faced Juniors 3 v 1 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
The Dead Parrots 1 v 0 Claymore Athletic FC
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 2 The Fabulous Artisans
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 2 22-Legged Groove Machine
Paul Cartmell Memorial Cup Quarter Final Replay
The Dead Parrots 1 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
The Abacus hit the top.
Athletico Phoenix 4 v 2 Mega Buck Bandits
Final Fantasy XI 5 v 1 San Dimas High School
Real Muppets 2 v 2 Trusted By Millions
The Cow-Faced Juniors 3 v 1 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
The Dead Parrots 1 v 0 Claymore Athletic FC
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 2 The Fabulous Artisans
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 2 22-Legged Groove Machine
Paul Cartmell Memorial Cup Quarter Final Replay
The Dead Parrots 1 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
The Abacus hit the top.
Wednesday 21 October 2009
PCMT Quarter-final Results
Aardvark Abacus 1 v 1 The Dead Parrots
San Dimas High School 0 v 1 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Trusted By Millions 4 v 1 The Fabulous Artisans
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 4 v 0 Real Muppets
The holders go rolling on in the competition they're making their own. Boston Rock slammed the Muppets who never really recovered after going behind on five minutes to Darren Bent's beach ball-deflected effort. Sheriff's team were four up at the break and closed the game out comfortably.
Not such an easy time for last season's beaten finalists though. Aardvark being held to a draw by the lowly Parrots, Phil Bardsley grabbing the equalising clean in a POTW-winning performance for Dean.
The CFJs made it successive semi-finals in this competition after edging past San Dimas, Martin Petrov getting the decisive goal for Chris.
Trusted are back in the last four of a Cup competition for the first time in three years. That was when they became the last team other than Boston Rock to win the PCMT. Easy win for Beef in the end over a 'concentrating on the league' Artisan performance.
Semi-finals are set for the weekend of 28 November. I'll do the draw when we have the final four.
San Dimas High School 0 v 1 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Trusted By Millions 4 v 1 The Fabulous Artisans
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 4 v 0 Real Muppets
The holders go rolling on in the competition they're making their own. Boston Rock slammed the Muppets who never really recovered after going behind on five minutes to Darren Bent's beach ball-deflected effort. Sheriff's team were four up at the break and closed the game out comfortably.
Not such an easy time for last season's beaten finalists though. Aardvark being held to a draw by the lowly Parrots, Phil Bardsley grabbing the equalising clean in a POTW-winning performance for Dean.
The CFJs made it successive semi-finals in this competition after edging past San Dimas, Martin Petrov getting the decisive goal for Chris.
Trusted are back in the last four of a Cup competition for the first time in three years. That was when they became the last team other than Boston Rock to win the PCMT. Easy win for Beef in the end over a 'concentrating on the league' Artisan performance.
Semi-finals are set for the weekend of 28 November. I'll do the draw when we have the final four.
Friday 16 October 2009
Trumpet Voluntary - The latest from the Artisans camp
Ben Warr, manager of the Fabulous Artisans, provides an early season report.
It's ok, read on, I'm not going to start blowing my own trumpet again. In fact, having blown it the team went on to lose its next game against Athletico Phoenix, whose manager, new to the league Brian Woolford, wasted no time in sticking the knife in...."A famous victory over the cocky Warr. Sending me his team and then virtually picking another one with all the dodges. But even with two teams he could not pull off a victory."
There's a lesson in there somewhere - I've seen it a hundred times before but never taken heed, it's worth getting egg on your face for the banter factor alone. I looked for an appropriate picture on the internet to sum up how I felt - I found a poster which said 'Welcome to Loserville - population you!'
On a serious note, the team has started the season brilliantly led by a resurgent Craig Bellamy (I remember with fondness our co-ordinator's disbelief when I retained Bellamy rather than take the cash when he was transferred to City) and Hugo Rodallega who is turning out to be quite a steal at £7.5M.
I fear for Johan Elmander, my misfiring record signing (£11.5M) at the beginning of last season - what with Craig and Hugo on fire, plus another 6 promising strikers just itching for their opportunity in the starting line-up....anyone fancy a regularly playing Bolton striker and preapred to pay more than £5.75M? You never know, he may just turn the corner and I get left with egg on my face again!
Anyway, I'm feeling pretty good about my position in the league at the moment, and I'm still in the Cup (against Trusted this weekend), so I can take the odd mishap. Now then, did someone mention something about a big four?!?!..........
It's ok, read on, I'm not going to start blowing my own trumpet again. In fact, having blown it the team went on to lose its next game against Athletico Phoenix, whose manager, new to the league Brian Woolford, wasted no time in sticking the knife in...."A famous victory over the cocky Warr. Sending me his team and then virtually picking another one with all the dodges. But even with two teams he could not pull off a victory."
There's a lesson in there somewhere - I've seen it a hundred times before but never taken heed, it's worth getting egg on your face for the banter factor alone. I looked for an appropriate picture on the internet to sum up how I felt - I found a poster which said 'Welcome to Loserville - population you!'
On a serious note, the team has started the season brilliantly led by a resurgent Craig Bellamy (I remember with fondness our co-ordinator's disbelief when I retained Bellamy rather than take the cash when he was transferred to City) and Hugo Rodallega who is turning out to be quite a steal at £7.5M.
I fear for Johan Elmander, my misfiring record signing (£11.5M) at the beginning of last season - what with Craig and Hugo on fire, plus another 6 promising strikers just itching for their opportunity in the starting line-up....anyone fancy a regularly playing Bolton striker and preapred to pay more than £5.75M? You never know, he may just turn the corner and I get left with egg on my face again!
Anyway, I'm feeling pretty good about my position in the league at the moment, and I'm still in the Cup (against Trusted this weekend), so I can take the odd mishap. Now then, did someone mention something about a big four?!?!..........
Saturday 10 October 2009
Week 6 Results
22-Legged Groove Machine 2 v 1 The Dead Parrots
Claymore Athletic FC 1 v 3 Final Fantasy XI
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 1 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Mega Buck Bandits 1 v 3 Real Muppets
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 0 v 1 The Cow-Faced Juniors
San Dimas High School 1 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
The Fabulous Artisans 2 v 3 Athletico Phoenix
Trusted By Millions 0 v 1 Aardvark Abacus
Fred and Paul's 100% records go by the wayside.
Claymore Athletic FC 1 v 3 Final Fantasy XI
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 1 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Mega Buck Bandits 1 v 3 Real Muppets
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 0 v 1 The Cow-Faced Juniors
San Dimas High School 1 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
The Fabulous Artisans 2 v 3 Athletico Phoenix
Trusted By Millions 0 v 1 Aardvark Abacus
Fred and Paul's 100% records go by the wayside.
Thursday 1 October 2009
Final Keeper for Ceri?
The pool is now closed for ten days or so but there was enough time for Ceri to sign Vito Mannone.
Mannone is one of many goalkeepers who have been through Ceri's books this season. Anti Niemi, Marcus Hahnemann and Boaz Myhill have all joined, Kaspar Schmeichel, Niemi and Hahnemann have left.
Looking back through the old transfers keepers seem to have given Ceri a headache for some seasons. Fabien Barthez and Tim Howard have both been sold for £5m and upwards in the past and £5m was also shelled out for Kostas Chalkias.
The Greek turned out to be a huge flop, fingers crossed for Ceri that Mannone continues his recent good form he's shown at Arsenal when he makes his debut for 'the Robins' this weekend.
Mannone is one of many goalkeepers who have been through Ceri's books this season. Anti Niemi, Marcus Hahnemann and Boaz Myhill have all joined, Kaspar Schmeichel, Niemi and Hahnemann have left.
Looking back through the old transfers keepers seem to have given Ceri a headache for some seasons. Fabien Barthez and Tim Howard have both been sold for £5m and upwards in the past and £5m was also shelled out for Kostas Chalkias.
The Greek turned out to be a huge flop, fingers crossed for Ceri that Mannone continues his recent good form he's shown at Arsenal when he makes his debut for 'the Robins' this weekend.
WSFFL Rulebook - The Dodge
The Dodge (or Bevan Dodge, named after Ady Bevan, its' originator) is a sneaky but legitimate way to maximising your WSFFL scoring opportunities.
Put simply the players you choose as your substitutes play in the earlier game(s) of a Premier League weekend. That gives you time to assess their performance before making any team changes.
If your subs then score or keep a clean sheet you have the opportunity to replace one
of your starting players whose team has yet to play, with someone whose team has also yet
to play. You can then select a player that you know won't play so your substitute counts towards your team score.
Put simply the players you choose as your substitutes play in the earlier game(s) of a Premier League weekend. That gives you time to assess their performance before making any team changes.
If your subs then score or keep a clean sheet you have the opportunity to replace one
of your starting players whose team has yet to play, with someone whose team has also yet
to play. You can then select a player that you know won't play so your substitute counts towards your team score.
NB: If you have a player in your squad not registered to a Premier League club you can't use him for a dodge. If he is on loan to a club outside of the Prem then that is fine but if he is a free agent or plying his trade outside the league then you can't dodge him in.
Tuesday 29 September 2009
WSFFL Rulebook - How the Bank Balance changes
Transfer business will affect your balance of course.
There is also gate money paid (based on actual Premiership gates, with £10 per head, the "home" WSFFL team taking 75% and the "away" team taking 25%. Therefore, a home WSFFL team with a gate of 40,000 would earn £300,000 gate money). The split is 50/50 for Cup matches.
A wage bill is deducted from your balance after every match your team plays. The wage bill is calculated on the value of your squad - the more expensive the squad, the higher the wage bill. (The current wage bill is .015% of your squad value).
There are smaller awards for the co-ordinator's choice of Performance of the Week (£500k) and Manager of the Month (250k). At the end of each season there are some merit awards. Money wil be added depending on how far you get in the Cup competitions and you'll earn £100,000 for every league point you win.
There is also gate money paid (based on actual Premiership gates, with £10 per head, the "home" WSFFL team taking 75% and the "away" team taking 25%. Therefore, a home WSFFL team with a gate of 40,000 would earn £300,000 gate money). The split is 50/50 for Cup matches.
A wage bill is deducted from your balance after every match your team plays. The wage bill is calculated on the value of your squad - the more expensive the squad, the higher the wage bill. (The current wage bill is .015% of your squad value).
There are smaller awards for the co-ordinator's choice of Performance of the Week (£500k) and Manager of the Month (250k). At the end of each season there are some merit awards. Money wil be added depending on how far you get in the Cup competitions and you'll earn £100,000 for every league point you win.
WSFFL Rulebook - Making Signings
If you want some new players in your squad you can...
1) Bid for them at one of our auctions held in August, September and February (generally!) These will mostly be new players coming into the league during the transfer windows, or full promoted teams during the August AGM/Auction.
1) Bid for them at one of our auctions held in August, September and February (generally!) These will mostly be new players coming into the league during the transfer windows, or full promoted teams during the August AGM/Auction.
The promoted teams' players will come from the 'first team' page of the official club website. Any players with the club's age-restricted or development teams will not be auctioned and will be freely available from the pool. The auction takes long enough as it is!
2) You can approach another manager and make an offer for one of their players (sometimes works but people can have an inflated idea of value).
3) Or you can buy players out of the pool*. Each one will cost you £500,000**. (Lists of everybody's squads and the pool can be found at http://wsffl.blogspot.com or by contacting the co-ordinator).
The pool spreadsheet is not exhaustive. If there are any players not in the pool but not in anyone's squad either, then the chances are they're available to buy (this is particularly the case with young players, e.g. Arsenal's Carling Cup team). Just ask the co-ordinator in such instances. He'll have to check that the player in question isn't a recent signing and will need to be offered to the full membership of the league under the 'new player availability' rule. (Same as the 'pool cooling down' rule but with a different name.)
2) You can approach another manager and make an offer for one of their players (sometimes works but people can have an inflated idea of value).
3) Or you can buy players out of the pool*. Each one will cost you £500,000**. (Lists of everybody's squads and the pool can be found at http://wsffl.blogspot.com or by contacting the co-ordinator).
The pool spreadsheet is not exhaustive. If there are any players not in the pool but not in anyone's squad either, then the chances are they're available to buy (this is particularly the case with young players, e.g. Arsenal's Carling Cup team). Just ask the co-ordinator in such instances. He'll have to check that the player in question isn't a recent signing and will need to be offered to the full membership of the league under the 'new player availability' rule. (Same as the 'pool cooling down' rule but with a different name.)
*If you drop a player into the pool and want to buy him back you can do, but you will have to pay at least the amount you received in compensation. He will also be restored in your squad at his previous value. (This stops people pulling a fast one with their wage bill). These previous fee details are deleted at the end of each season.
There's a weird auction loophole that's probably worth noting here. If you sell a player then you can't buy him back at the auction unless you pay the amount that you received for the player. However, if the player is unsold at the auction he drops into the pool and becomes freely available at the usual 500k fee. This is the 'Danny Drinkwater auction loophole'.
** It's not real money
WSFFL Rulebook - 'Real Life' Transfers
If one of your players gets transferred in 'real life'...
You'll be given the option of whether to retain that player or whether to accept the amount of money paid in 'real life'*. If it's an undisclosed fee you'll be offered half the player's WSFFL value.
If you believe that the undisclosed fee disadvantages you, you can appeal that verdict by providing evidence of a true fee from a reputable website.
If they return after a loan, go on a free or come to the end of their contract you could lose them for nothing so you'll need to be on your toes.
If you sell a player who, due to timings, then becomes available at any of our auctions you cannot buy him back for less than the amount you were paid. If however no one buys that player at the auction he will go into the pool and be available for £500k, including to the manager who originally sold him.
*Currently transfermarkt.com is the source for fees. WSFFL doesn't pay add-ons.
You'll be given the option of whether to retain that player or whether to accept the amount of money paid in 'real life'*. If it's an undisclosed fee you'll be offered half the player's WSFFL value.
If you believe that the undisclosed fee disadvantages you, you can appeal that verdict by providing evidence of a true fee from a reputable website.
If they return after a loan, go on a free or come to the end of their contract you could lose them for nothing so you'll need to be on your toes.
If you sell a player who, due to timings, then becomes available at any of our auctions you cannot buy him back for less than the amount you were paid. If however no one buys that player at the auction he will go into the pool and be available for £500k, including to the manager who originally sold him.
*Currently transfermarkt.com is the source for fees. WSFFL doesn't pay add-ons.
In the event of a ‘real life’ transfer going to tribunal to decide a fee, the WSFFL manager can:
1) Retain the player in their squad in the normal way or,
2) Release the player and be paid the compensation when known.
The manager’s decision needs to be made at the time of the transfer and can’t be reversed.
Monday 28 September 2009
Week 5 Results
Aardvark Abacus 4 v 4 Real Muppets
Athletico Phoenix 2 v 1 San Dimas High School
Final Fantasy XI 0 v 3 22-Legged Groove Machine
The Cow-Faced Juniors 4 v 5 Trusted By Millions
The Dead Parrots 0 v 7 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
The Fabulous Artisans 2 v 0 Mega Buck Bandits
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 3 Claymore Athletic FC
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 4 v 5 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Fred takes over at the top on goal difference from Nil Satis. Artisans are three points back.
Athletico Phoenix 2 v 1 San Dimas High School
Final Fantasy XI 0 v 3 22-Legged Groove Machine
The Cow-Faced Juniors 4 v 5 Trusted By Millions
The Dead Parrots 0 v 7 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
The Fabulous Artisans 2 v 0 Mega Buck Bandits
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 3 Claymore Athletic FC
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 4 v 5 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Fred takes over at the top on goal difference from Nil Satis. Artisans are three points back.
Sunday 20 September 2009
Week 4 (and PCMT 2nd Replay) Results
League Week 4
22-Legged Groove Machine 0 v 1 York’s Returning Glory
Claymore Athletic FC 5 v 0 Athletico Phoenix
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 4 v 3 Final Fantasy XI
Mega Buck Bandits 2 v 5 Aardvark Abacus
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 4 v 1 The Dead Parrots
Real Muppets 8 v 1 The Cow-Faced Juniors
San Dimas High School 0 v 4 The Fabulous Artisans
Trusted By Millions 3 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Paul Cartmell Memorial Trophy 1st Round 2nd Replay
The Dead Parrots 2 v 0 22-Legged Groove Machine
Paul and Fred continue to blaze a trail.
22-Legged Groove Machine 0 v 1 York’s Returning Glory
Claymore Athletic FC 5 v 0 Athletico Phoenix
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 4 v 3 Final Fantasy XI
Mega Buck Bandits 2 v 5 Aardvark Abacus
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 4 v 1 The Dead Parrots
Real Muppets 8 v 1 The Cow-Faced Juniors
San Dimas High School 0 v 4 The Fabulous Artisans
Trusted By Millions 3 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Paul Cartmell Memorial Trophy 1st Round 2nd Replay
The Dead Parrots 2 v 0 22-Legged Groove Machine
Paul and Fred continue to blaze a trail.
Saturday 19 September 2009
WSFFL Rulebook - Removing Players from your Squad
There are various ways to do this.
1) You could advertise that you have a player (or players) for sale and ask a price and see if any manager is willing to take the bait. Don't be surprised if no one does though, there isn't very much movement between clubs.
2) The other main way will be to dump the player(s) concerned into the pool. The pool is essentially Premier League players who are not in a WSFFL team. You will get back £500k should you choose to dump a player. If your player cost more than £500k it should be noted that if you choose to buy him back he will be reinstated in your squad at that original fee for wage bill purposes.*
The pool is however not necessarily exhaustive; if there are any players not in the pool but not in anyone's squad either, then the chances are they're available to buy (this is particularly the case with young players, e.g. Arsenal's League Cup team). Just ask the co-ordinator in such instances.
2) The other main way will be to dump the player(s) concerned into the pool. The pool is essentially Premier League players who are not in a WSFFL team. You will get back £500k should you choose to dump a player. If your player cost more than £500k it should be noted that if you choose to buy him back he will be reinstated in your squad at that original fee for wage bill purposes.*
The pool is however not necessarily exhaustive; if there are any players not in the pool but not in anyone's squad either, then the chances are they're available to buy (this is particularly the case with young players, e.g. Arsenal's League Cup team). Just ask the co-ordinator in such instances.
3) Your player may be relegated from the PL at the end of the season. If you choose to let him go you will be given half of what you paid for him (minimum 500k) and be given 'first refusal' if he is re-signed by a different PL club. The WSFFL manager will repay that reimbursement and the player will be reinstated in the squad at the same value for wage bill purposes.
While letting a relegated player go will free up a space in your squad for a new signing it will mean that you won't be offered any fee if that player is transferred 'in real life'.
The 'first refusal' expires at the end of the first transfer window following relegation as does the manager's right to claim the fee if the player is transferred in real life. A manager can retain the player in case they come back to the PL in future but will continue to pay their wages and not be able to use them in a match day squad.
*The record of those fees is wiped at the end of each season.
*The record of those fees is wiped at the end of each season.
WSFFL Rulebook - How the score is worked out
The important things in this game are goals and clean sheets (a goalkeeper saving a penalty will also count as a goal providing the ensuing passage of play doesn't result in a goal). Assists are worthless. That's something to think about when you're looking at players, defensive midfielders have little value in WSFFL. A player needs to play at least 15 minutes to qualify for a clean sheet. No limping off after five minutes or coming on in injury time to nab one!
(In the case of a substitute, the player needs to be introduced before the 76th minute and remain in play for a minimum of 15 minutes.)
The co-ordinator will then compare each team's performance against one another. Goals will always count, clean sheets will be cancelled against each other to provide the final score (i.e. if team A has 3 cleans and their opponents team B have 2, then 2 are cancelled off team A and the remaining clean is converted to a "goal" for team A's tally).
If any of your non-playing players have scored or kept cleans, or if indeed any of your subs have scored whilst not counting for you, they don't count towards your score. Only the players you've selected from your squad of 27 to be in your team of 11 for that weekend count (plus subs, if they're "in play" as detailed in the article on 'The Team'). You must therefore use your skill and judgement to select the 11 players from your squad of 27 which you feel have the best chance to score/keep clean sheets that particular Premier League weekend.
(In the event of a player being sent off any goal scored or penalty saved will still count but a defender or goalkeeper will not be able to claim a clean sheet)
The co-ordinator will then compare each team's performance against one another. Goals will always count, clean sheets will be cancelled against each other to provide the final score (i.e. if team A has 3 cleans and their opponents team B have 2, then 2 are cancelled off team A and the remaining clean is converted to a "goal" for team A's tally).
If any of your non-playing players have scored or kept cleans, or if indeed any of your subs have scored whilst not counting for you, they don't count towards your score. Only the players you've selected from your squad of 27 to be in your team of 11 for that weekend count (plus subs, if they're "in play" as detailed in the article on 'The Team'). You must therefore use your skill and judgement to select the 11 players from your squad of 27 which you feel have the best chance to score/keep clean sheets that particular Premier League weekend.
(In the event of a player being sent off any goal scored or penalty saved will still count but a defender or goalkeeper will not be able to claim a clean sheet)
WSFFL Rulebook - The Team
For each match you will need to name a 4-4-2, 3-5-2, 5-4-1 or a 4-5-1 line-up and a sub for each position (no alternatives or 'in the event of' options). You can't switch formations during a game.
If you don't send a team through the co-ordinator will use the last one you sent to calculate your team score.
If one of your named starters doesn't play or is substituted then the sub in that position will come on for them, and will count from the time your starting player is withdrawn (e.g. if your first midfield player to be substituted is taken off in the 60th minute, your sub midfielder is "in play" for you from minutes 61-90 of his game. If he's scored after 57 minutes of his game, tough luck).
You can make changes over a Premier League weekend as long as neither the player you're dropping or the player you're bringing in teams have already played. (This can lead to something called the 'Bevan Dodge' which will be the subject of a future post).
If you don't send a team through the co-ordinator will use the last one you sent to calculate your team score.
If one of your named starters doesn't play or is substituted then the sub in that position will come on for them, and will count from the time your starting player is withdrawn (e.g. if your first midfield player to be substituted is taken off in the 60th minute, your sub midfielder is "in play" for you from minutes 61-90 of his game. If he's scored after 57 minutes of his game, tough luck).
You can make changes over a Premier League weekend as long as neither the player you're dropping or the player you're bringing in teams have already played. (This can lead to something called the 'Bevan Dodge' which will be the subject of a future post).
WSFFL Rulebook - The Squad
Maximum squad size is 27.
The only other restrictions are you must have 2 goalkeepers, 5 defenders, 5 midfielders and 3 attackers (this is so you can field a substitute in each position).
How else you make up your squad is up to you.
The only other restrictions are you must have 2 goalkeepers, 5 defenders, 5 midfielders and 3 attackers (this is so you can field a substitute in each position).
How else you make up your squad is up to you.
WSFFL Rulebook - Introduction to the Game
The WSFFL is a 16-team matchplay Fantasy League based on the English Premier League.
Managers have a squad of players and select a team from that squad each Premiership weekend to play against another manager. Only one manager owns each Premier League player; squads have been built up and developed over the duration of the League (the game launched in 1994).
Each manager plays the other 15 teams twice, home and away, and collects points based on actual football points (3 for a win, one for a draw, nothing for a defeat) following each match.
In addition to the League competition, there are three knockout tournaments; a "League Cup" (called the Paul Cartmell Memorial Trophy, in memory of one of our former WSFFL manager colleagues), a Charity Shield (teams knocked out in the first round of the League Cup enter this) and an "FA Cup" which runs from January to late April, interspersed with the League fixtures.
Managers have a squad of players and select a team from that squad each Premiership weekend to play against another manager. Only one manager owns each Premier League player; squads have been built up and developed over the duration of the League (the game launched in 1994).
Each manager plays the other 15 teams twice, home and away, and collects points based on actual football points (3 for a win, one for a draw, nothing for a defeat) following each match.
In addition to the League competition, there are three knockout tournaments; a "League Cup" (called the Paul Cartmell Memorial Trophy, in memory of one of our former WSFFL manager colleagues), a Charity Shield (teams knocked out in the first round of the League Cup enter this) and an "FA Cup" which runs from January to late April, interspersed with the League fixtures.
PS - It's not real money.
Sunday 13 September 2009
Week 3 (and PCMT Replay) Results
Paul Cartmell Memorial Trophy 1st Round Replays
Claymore Athletic FC 1 v 2 San Dimas High School
22-Legged Groove Machine 4 v 4 The Dead Parrots
League Week 3
Athletico Phoenix 4 v 4 22-Legged Groove Machine
Final Fantasy XI 0 v 2 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School 1 v 0 Mega Buck Bandits
The Cow-Faced Juniors 0 v 1 Aardvark Abacus
The Dead Parrots 2 v 1 Trusted By Millions
The Fabulous Artisans 5 v 1 Claymore Athletic FC
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 4 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 5 v 4 Real Muppets
Fred and Nil Satis still with 100% records.
Claymore Athletic FC 1 v 2 San Dimas High School
22-Legged Groove Machine 4 v 4 The Dead Parrots
League Week 3
Athletico Phoenix 4 v 4 22-Legged Groove Machine
Final Fantasy XI 0 v 2 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School 1 v 0 Mega Buck Bandits
The Cow-Faced Juniors 0 v 1 Aardvark Abacus
The Dead Parrots 2 v 1 Trusted By Millions
The Fabulous Artisans 5 v 1 Claymore Athletic FC
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 4 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 5 v 4 Real Muppets
Fred and Nil Satis still with 100% records.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Welcome to Athletico Phoenix
New WSFFL manager Brian Woolford has revealed his team name.
The new boss said: "I think looking at my position and the manner in which the old manager departed the name should be Athletico Phoenix. Another name could have been 'road kill' looking at the squad.
"A managerial escape act similar to Roy Hodgson at Fulham is required. However the fightback starts now. "
The co-ordinator will update the relevant WSFFL documents with the new name when he gets the chance.
The new boss said: "I think looking at my position and the manner in which the old manager departed the name should be Athletico Phoenix. Another name could have been 'road kill' looking at the squad.
"A managerial escape act similar to Roy Hodgson at Fulham is required. However the fightback starts now. "
The co-ordinator will update the relevant WSFFL documents with the new name when he gets the chance.
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Transfer Latest
You Know Your Boston Rock FC have made Anton Ferdinand available for transfer. Sheriff is looking for a straight cash deal or a player swap (English players only of course!)
Final Fantasy XI won the race for Hull keeper Boaz Myhill. Actually, it wasn't much of a race as Ceri's was the only team in it but you get my drift. Daniel de Ridder exits Final Fantasy and heads for the auction list.
Boston Rock have brought young midfielder Danny Rose in from Tottenham and let Ben Watson go. Watson will be up for auction when we get together in September if you're looking for a midfielder who's on loan at QPR.
Another team making a change is the Fabulous Artisans. Ben has signed Blackburn Rovers academy graduate David Hoilett. He's a striker and takes the place of James Vaughan who will be auctioned off in September
Final Fantasy XI won the race for Hull keeper Boaz Myhill. Actually, it wasn't much of a race as Ceri's was the only team in it but you get my drift. Daniel de Ridder exits Final Fantasy and heads for the auction list.
Boston Rock have brought young midfielder Danny Rose in from Tottenham and let Ben Watson go. Watson will be up for auction when we get together in September if you're looking for a midfielder who's on loan at QPR.
Another team making a change is the Fabulous Artisans. Ben has signed Blackburn Rovers academy graduate David Hoilett. He's a striker and takes the place of James Vaughan who will be auctioned off in September
Monday 31 August 2009
Player Profile - Joleon Lescott
Former Nil Satis defender will be available at the September auction after leaving the club following a bust-up with manager Paul Saleh.
What do we know about Lescott and what is not quite true?
In the 2007/08 season Lescott scored seven goals and recorded 14 clean sheets.
In 2008/09 he scored four times and recorded 13 cleans.
In both seasons he featured in the WSFFL Team of the Season and the all-English Team of the Season.
That mark on his head? He got hit by a car and dragged down the road by it when he was five. He's lucky to be alive.
His mum and dad ran the West Midlands branch of the Dolly Parton fan club. They wanted a girl.
What do we know about Lescott and what is not quite true?
In the 2007/08 season Lescott scored seven goals and recorded 14 clean sheets.
In 2008/09 he scored four times and recorded 13 cleans.
In both seasons he featured in the WSFFL Team of the Season and the all-English Team of the Season.
That mark on his head? He got hit by a car and dragged down the road by it when he was five. He's lucky to be alive.
His mum and dad ran the West Midlands branch of the Dolly Parton fan club. They wanted a girl.
Sunday 30 August 2009
PCMT Round 1 Results
Dynamo Kev 0 v 3 The Fabulous Artisans
Final Fantasy XI 2 v 4 Aardvark Abacus
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 0 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 3 Trusted By Millions
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 2 Real Muppets
San Dimas High School 1 v 1 Claymore Athletic FC
The Dead Parrots 1 v 1 22-Legged Groove Machine
York's Returning Glory 2 v 3 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Our Cup holders are safely through.
Final Fantasy XI 2 v 4 Aardvark Abacus
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 0 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 3 Trusted By Millions
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 2 Real Muppets
San Dimas High School 1 v 1 Claymore Athletic FC
The Dead Parrots 1 v 1 22-Legged Groove Machine
York's Returning Glory 2 v 3 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Our Cup holders are safely through.
Monday 24 August 2009
Week 2 Results
22-Legged Groove Machine 0 v 3 The Fabulous Artisans
Aardvark Abacus 2 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Claymore Athletic FC 6 v 0 San Dimas High School
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 5 v 3 Dynamo Kev
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 2 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Real Muppets 0 v 3 The Dead Parrots
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 2 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
Trusted By Millions 1 v 3 Final Fantasy XI
Only Nil Satis and Fred West have 100% records after this week.
Aardvark Abacus 2 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Claymore Athletic FC 6 v 0 San Dimas High School
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 5 v 3 Dynamo Kev
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 2 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Real Muppets 0 v 3 The Dead Parrots
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 2 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
Trusted By Millions 1 v 3 Final Fantasy XI
Only Nil Satis and Fred West have 100% records after this week.
Friday 21 August 2009
More Transfers
More early season transfer business...
Jonathan Greening heads back to York's under the 'first refusal' rule
Craig Fagan is now with Final Fantasy
Daniel Ayala has joined Aardvark Abacus
Garry O'Connor and Sam Vokes have moved to Claymore
Vladimir Weiss has signed for the Dead Parrots.
Claudio Pizarro has left Fred West LG XI to join Werder Bremen for £500k.
Find out who is available under the pool cooling down rule in next week's round-up...
Jonathan Greening heads back to York's under the 'first refusal' rule
Craig Fagan is now with Final Fantasy
Daniel Ayala has joined Aardvark Abacus
Garry O'Connor and Sam Vokes have moved to Claymore
Vladimir Weiss has signed for the Dead Parrots.
Claudio Pizarro has left Fred West LG XI to join Werder Bremen for £500k.
Find out who is available under the pool cooling down rule in next week's round-up...
Monday 17 August 2009
Week 1 Results
Claymore Athletic FC 2 v 2 Mega Buck Bandits
Dynamo Kev 0 v 6 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Final Fantasy XI 0 v 2 Real Muppets
San Dimas High School 2 v 2 22-Legged Groove Machine
The Dead Parrots 1 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
The Fabulous Artisans 2 v 3 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 5 Trusted By Millions
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 1 v 1 The Cow-Faced Juniors
We're off and running. (Some quicker than others!)
A show of intent from our reigning champs with Emmanuel Adebayor scoring the first goal of the WSFFL season for Aardvark Abacus after just three minutes. Ady needed the insurance of a second-half Matthew Upson strike to see off the late Parrots fightback and open his bid for a third straight title with a win. If I'd done a table it would show Nil Satis proudly on top. A flukey Bobby Zamora deflection had Paul ahead at half-time but then a Dynamo Kev collapse dealt their boss the biggest opening day defeat since, well, last year when Dynamo sunk 8-2 to the Muppets.
Another team who did plenty of business at the transfer auction were York's. Like Kev, Julian's players failed to gel and they slumped 5-0 at home to Trusted. Ryan Shawcross has been a great find for Beef and opened his account for the season with a goal and a clean. Steven Gerrard was on the mark too from the penalty spot. The Muppets would show as third in the table after beating Final Fantasy. Ceri's team undone by two headers in five first-half minutes. Steven Jordan glancing past his own keeper at the near post before £20m Thomas Vermaelen arrived at the far stick to power home number two.
Our Cup Final repeat finished all square. As in last April's match Darren Bent opened the scoring for Boston Rock but Sheriff's team couldn't finish the job this time and conceded a clean sheet equaliser to the CFJs' Wayne Bridge. Any hopes Clive may have had last season were undone by him not winning any of his first eight matches, five of them being drawn 2-2. History repeated itself with that scoreline for Claymore against Mega Bucks, Clive needing a clean sheet from Jonny Evans to level a Cesc Fabregas brace for Dave after Wayne Rooney had opened the scoring.
San Dimas and the Groovers also played out a 2-2 draw. Rich had seemed in command through well-taken goals by Denilson and Bassong but I found a couple of clean sheets to open my account for the season. Hardest fought match of the day was probably at the Goddard Ground where the Artisans were beaten 3-2 by Fred West. Mark Noble's opener for Ben had been cancelled out by Didier Drogba then Stephen Ireland and Drogba exchanged injury time goals before Patrice Evra sewed the game up for Fred with a clean.
Dynamo Kev 0 v 6 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Final Fantasy XI 0 v 2 Real Muppets
San Dimas High School 2 v 2 22-Legged Groove Machine
The Dead Parrots 1 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
The Fabulous Artisans 2 v 3 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 5 Trusted By Millions
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 1 v 1 The Cow-Faced Juniors
We're off and running. (Some quicker than others!)
A show of intent from our reigning champs with Emmanuel Adebayor scoring the first goal of the WSFFL season for Aardvark Abacus after just three minutes. Ady needed the insurance of a second-half Matthew Upson strike to see off the late Parrots fightback and open his bid for a third straight title with a win. If I'd done a table it would show Nil Satis proudly on top. A flukey Bobby Zamora deflection had Paul ahead at half-time but then a Dynamo Kev collapse dealt their boss the biggest opening day defeat since, well, last year when Dynamo sunk 8-2 to the Muppets.
Another team who did plenty of business at the transfer auction were York's. Like Kev, Julian's players failed to gel and they slumped 5-0 at home to Trusted. Ryan Shawcross has been a great find for Beef and opened his account for the season with a goal and a clean. Steven Gerrard was on the mark too from the penalty spot. The Muppets would show as third in the table after beating Final Fantasy. Ceri's team undone by two headers in five first-half minutes. Steven Jordan glancing past his own keeper at the near post before £20m Thomas Vermaelen arrived at the far stick to power home number two.
Our Cup Final repeat finished all square. As in last April's match Darren Bent opened the scoring for Boston Rock but Sheriff's team couldn't finish the job this time and conceded a clean sheet equaliser to the CFJs' Wayne Bridge. Any hopes Clive may have had last season were undone by him not winning any of his first eight matches, five of them being drawn 2-2. History repeated itself with that scoreline for Claymore against Mega Bucks, Clive needing a clean sheet from Jonny Evans to level a Cesc Fabregas brace for Dave after Wayne Rooney had opened the scoring.
San Dimas and the Groovers also played out a 2-2 draw. Rich had seemed in command through well-taken goals by Denilson and Bassong but I found a couple of clean sheets to open my account for the season. Hardest fought match of the day was probably at the Goddard Ground where the Artisans were beaten 3-2 by Fred West. Mark Noble's opener for Ben had been cancelled out by Didier Drogba then Stephen Ireland and Drogba exchanged injury time goals before Patrice Evra sewed the game up for Fred with a clean.
Sunday 16 August 2009
Mystery 'Swine-Flu' virus hits Dynamo!!
Confusion surrounds the Covingham Park club this morning, as a succession of absentees have ruled themselves out of the home clash with Paul Saleh's 'Nil Satis'.
The club Doctor was called away from his weekly trip to ASDA, to investigate the mystery illness that has afflicted the club prior to the commencement of the 2009/2010 WSFFL season.
"It is a strain of Swine-Flu known as "Knee-Monia" said the Club Medic following his preliminary investigations. Gareth 'Straw' Bale, 'Fabulous' Aurelio,and new signing Steve Finnan were all struck-down overnight with the debilitating virus. "I just can't understand it Boss" said a gutted Finnan. " I was all set to make my debut for my new club, when I felt a twinge in my knee after I had made myself some supper last night. Perhaps the crackers were too high in the kitchen cupboard ?".
The three unfortunates have joined the ever-increasing injury list which has hit Dynamo Kev badly. 'Tommy-Gun' Rosicky has had his club debut postponed yet again with a hamstring injury, and Abu Diaby has had a groin problem over the summer recess. When challenged about his injury, Diaby became embarrassed, and developed a nervous 'Dreyfuss-like' twitch.
This morning's news has dulled the feeling of optimism around the club following last weekend's auction. "I believe that we have a squad capable of moving away from the bottom third of the table" said Club-Captain Brad Friedel. "For the first time in many seasons, we have a genuine strike-force that will score regularly". This was echoed by Club Supremo Big Kev: "I believe Brad Friedel is correct when he says that 'For the first time in many seasons, we have a genuine strike-force that will score regularly'."
Of the ten players who joined the 'Dynamos' this week, six will make their debut against the 'Blues'. Cristian Benitez misses-out due to match fitness issues, and Kanu and Dos Santos are aware that they have probably only been purchased for their transfer-value, rather than their abilities on the field.
The club Doctor was called away from his weekly trip to ASDA, to investigate the mystery illness that has afflicted the club prior to the commencement of the 2009/2010 WSFFL season.
"It is a strain of Swine-Flu known as "Knee-Monia" said the Club Medic following his preliminary investigations. Gareth 'Straw' Bale, 'Fabulous' Aurelio,and new signing Steve Finnan were all struck-down overnight with the debilitating virus. "I just can't understand it Boss" said a gutted Finnan. " I was all set to make my debut for my new club, when I felt a twinge in my knee after I had made myself some supper last night. Perhaps the crackers were too high in the kitchen cupboard ?".
The three unfortunates have joined the ever-increasing injury list which has hit Dynamo Kev badly. 'Tommy-Gun' Rosicky has had his club debut postponed yet again with a hamstring injury, and Abu Diaby has had a groin problem over the summer recess. When challenged about his injury, Diaby became embarrassed, and developed a nervous 'Dreyfuss-like' twitch.
This morning's news has dulled the feeling of optimism around the club following last weekend's auction. "I believe that we have a squad capable of moving away from the bottom third of the table" said Club-Captain Brad Friedel. "For the first time in many seasons, we have a genuine strike-force that will score regularly". This was echoed by Club Supremo Big Kev: "I believe Brad Friedel is correct when he says that 'For the first time in many seasons, we have a genuine strike-force that will score regularly'."
Of the ten players who joined the 'Dynamos' this week, six will make their debut against the 'Blues'. Cristian Benitez misses-out due to match fitness issues, and Kanu and Dos Santos are aware that they have probably only been purchased for their transfer-value, rather than their abilities on the field.
Bentley Apologises After Crash
You Know Your Boston Rock midfielder David Bentley has apologised to his manager and the club's fans after being charged with drink driving.
Bentley's car was in collision with a lamp post in Northaw, Herts at 3am on Friday.
In his statement Bentley said: "This has been a wake-up call for me both personally and professionally."
The co-ordinator wants to know why couldn't he use an alarm clock like everybody else?
Bentley's car was in collision with a lamp post in Northaw, Herts at 3am on Friday.
In his statement Bentley said: "This has been a wake-up call for me both personally and professionally."
The co-ordinator wants to know why couldn't he use an alarm clock like everybody else?
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Player Profile - Fabian Delph
Among Sunday night's hurly-burly I failed to notice that York's had broken their transfer record with the £8.5m signing of Fabian Delph. That's £1.5m more than Julian's previous biggest signings, Diomansy Kamara, Rolando Bianchi and Giles Barnes.
So, what do we know about Delph and what have I made up?
He was born in Bradford and started his youth career with that club until Leeds signed him at the age of 11. He scored six times in 44 games for the Elland Road club last season and was the Football League's Young Player of the Year.
He lives in Tadcaster which is twinned with Saint Chely d'Apcher. The southern French town has a Museum of Butterflies containing more than 2,700 species.
He is currently serving an 18-month ban from driving after pleading guilty to driving whilst over the limit.
He is an accomplished bassoon player and is equally at home with both the Heckel-system and Buffet-system instrument.
So, what do we know about Delph and what have I made up?
He was born in Bradford and started his youth career with that club until Leeds signed him at the age of 11. He scored six times in 44 games for the Elland Road club last season and was the Football League's Young Player of the Year.
He lives in Tadcaster which is twinned with Saint Chely d'Apcher. The southern French town has a Museum of Butterflies containing more than 2,700 species.
He is currently serving an 18-month ban from driving after pleading guilty to driving whilst over the limit.
He is an accomplished bassoon player and is equally at home with both the Heckel-system and Buffet-system instrument.
Tuesday 11 August 2009
PCMT First Round Draw
Dynamo Kev v The Fabulous Artisans
Final Fantasy XI v Aardvark Abacus
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI v You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Mega Buck Bandits v Trusted By Millions
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum v Real Muppets
San Dimas High School v Claymore Athletic FC
The Dead Parrots v 22-Legged Groove Machine
York's Returning Glory v The Cow-Faced Juniors
Tough opener for the holders. Can Fred have two rotten seasons in a row?
Games to be played w/e commencing 29 August
Final Fantasy XI v Aardvark Abacus
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI v You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Mega Buck Bandits v Trusted By Millions
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum v Real Muppets
San Dimas High School v Claymore Athletic FC
The Dead Parrots v 22-Legged Groove Machine
York's Returning Glory v The Cow-Faced Juniors
Tough opener for the holders. Can Fred have two rotten seasons in a row?
Games to be played w/e commencing 29 August
Monday 10 August 2009
Player Profile - Thomas Vermaelen
Thomas Vermaelen became the league's first £20m player for three years at Sunday's auction. But what do we know about the Muppets' new defender...
He's 23 and shares a birthday with former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
He was the captain of Ajax but has also spent time at RKC Waalwijk on loan.
He was born in Kapellen which is also home to Dirk van Mechelen, Flemish minister of Finance and Budget and Town and Country Planning.
He has played 21 times for Belgium - that's four more than Branko Strupar!
His favourite cheese is Roquefort*
*This bit is made up. It could be true I suppose but then it's equally possible he doesn't like cheese at all.
He's 23 and shares a birthday with former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
He was the captain of Ajax but has also spent time at RKC Waalwijk on loan.
He was born in Kapellen which is also home to Dirk van Mechelen, Flemish minister of Finance and Budget and Town and Country Planning.
He has played 21 times for Belgium - that's four more than Branko Strupar!
His favourite cheese is Roquefort*
*This bit is made up. It could be true I suppose but then it's equally possible he doesn't like cheese at all.
Saturday 8 August 2009
AGM Auction List Finalised
Please use the link on the right to get the list of players going 'under the hammer' at Sunday's auction.
Anyone signed from now will have to wait until the September auction before they can fulfil their ambition of playing for a WSFFL team.
It's not the best 'Top Ten' you've ever seen but the proof of the pudding will be in the spending I guess...
Anyone signed from now will have to wait until the September auction before they can fulfil their ambition of playing for a WSFFL team.
It's not the best 'Top Ten' you've ever seen but the proof of the pudding will be in the spending I guess...
Tuesday 28 July 2009
Top Two clash in Week Two
The 2009/10 WSFFL fixture list is released today and last season's top two, Aardvark Abacus and Boston Rock, have been pitched together as early as the second week.
That's the highlight of an extremely tough opening for both of last year's trophy winners.
Sheriff's 'Sky Heroes' play four members of last season's top six in the first four weeks and meet the Groovers in week seven.
Ady's champions have a little more respite but will also play the Muppets, Trusted and the CFJs in the first six weeks of the campaign before meeting Rich's side in week nine.
Both managers will need their squads in tip-top shape and will not want to give any ground to the other contenders too early in the season.
That's the highlight of an extremely tough opening for both of last year's trophy winners.
Sheriff's 'Sky Heroes' play four members of last season's top six in the first four weeks and meet the Groovers in week seven.
Ady's champions have a little more respite but will also play the Muppets, Trusted and the CFJs in the first six weeks of the campaign before meeting Rich's side in week nine.
Both managers will need their squads in tip-top shape and will not want to give any ground to the other contenders too early in the season.
Sunday 26 July 2009
Fact Corner with Rafael Benitez - Auctions
Hello to all managers except Alex Ferguson.
Fact - The co-ordinator is busy finalising the fixture list.
Fact - He's asked me to take some time off from worrying about whether Liverpool will have a midfield next season to write a blog post for him.
Fact - So I thought I'd write one about facts. Here are the headline auction details from the last couple of seasons.
2007/8
August 2007
New Players for auction - 134
New Players purchased - 66
Straight to pool - 68
Purchased for £10m plus - 10 players
Purchased for £500k - 23 players
Most Expensive - David Nugent £18m to Boston Rock
September 2007
(Wage bill rule introduced before this auction)
New Players for auction - 37
New Players purchased - 19
Straight to pool - 18
Purchased for £10m plus - 3 players
Purchased for £500k - 9 players
Most Expensive - Kenwyne Jones £15m to The Dead Parrots
February 2008
New Players for auction - 48
New Players purchased - 27
Straight to pool - 21
Purchased for £10m plus - 3 players
Purchased for £500k - 9 players
Most Expensive - Afonso Alves £13m to Claymore Athletic
2008/9
August 2008
New Players for auction - 116
New Players purchased - 52
Straight to pool - 64
Purchased for £10m plus - 5 players
Purchased for £500k - 21 players
Most Expensive - Jose Bosingwa £18m to Claymore Athletic
September 2008
New Players for auction - 40
New Players purchased - 20
Straight to pool - 20
Purchased for £10m plus - 4 players
Purchased for £500k - 7 players
Most Expensive - Robinho £16m to Trusted and Roman Pavlyuchenko £16m to the Groove Machine (although Boston Rock did pay £17m for summer dump Shaun Wright-Phillips)
February 2009
New Players for auction - 26
New Players purchased - 15
Straight to pool - 11
Purchased for £10m plus - 1 player
Purchased for £500k - 2 players
Most Expensive - Andrei Arshavin £13m to Final Fantasy
So 16 players sold for £10m plus in 2007/8 but only 10 last season. Is interesting, must be conspiracy between FA and Scotsman.
Your friend in facts.
Rafa
Fact - The co-ordinator is busy finalising the fixture list.
Fact - He's asked me to take some time off from worrying about whether Liverpool will have a midfield next season to write a blog post for him.
Fact - So I thought I'd write one about facts. Here are the headline auction details from the last couple of seasons.
2007/8
August 2007
New Players for auction - 134
New Players purchased - 66
Straight to pool - 68
Purchased for £10m plus - 10 players
Purchased for £500k - 23 players
Most Expensive - David Nugent £18m to Boston Rock
September 2007
(Wage bill rule introduced before this auction)
New Players for auction - 37
New Players purchased - 19
Straight to pool - 18
Purchased for £10m plus - 3 players
Purchased for £500k - 9 players
Most Expensive - Kenwyne Jones £15m to The Dead Parrots
February 2008
New Players for auction - 48
New Players purchased - 27
Straight to pool - 21
Purchased for £10m plus - 3 players
Purchased for £500k - 9 players
Most Expensive - Afonso Alves £13m to Claymore Athletic
2008/9
August 2008
New Players for auction - 116
New Players purchased - 52
Straight to pool - 64
Purchased for £10m plus - 5 players
Purchased for £500k - 21 players
Most Expensive - Jose Bosingwa £18m to Claymore Athletic
September 2008
New Players for auction - 40
New Players purchased - 20
Straight to pool - 20
Purchased for £10m plus - 4 players
Purchased for £500k - 7 players
Most Expensive - Robinho £16m to Trusted and Roman Pavlyuchenko £16m to the Groove Machine (although Boston Rock did pay £17m for summer dump Shaun Wright-Phillips)
February 2009
New Players for auction - 26
New Players purchased - 15
Straight to pool - 11
Purchased for £10m plus - 1 player
Purchased for £500k - 2 players
Most Expensive - Andrei Arshavin £13m to Final Fantasy
So 16 players sold for £10m plus in 2007/8 but only 10 last season. Is interesting, must be conspiracy between FA and Scotsman.
Your friend in facts.
Rafa
Saturday 11 July 2009
Sheriff's Full English
Boston Rock have released reserve keeper Jason Brown to the summer pool.
Not a huge deal you might think, the Welshman joining from Claymore last August for £2m and not making an impression, but it now means that Sheriff has his long-awaited all-English WSFFL squad.
I think we know where he may be focusing his efforts in the transfer market ahead of the new season!
And one question...Does the Boston in You Know Your Boston Rock FC now mean Boston in Lincolnshire?
Not a huge deal you might think, the Welshman joining from Claymore last August for £2m and not making an impression, but it now means that Sheriff has his long-awaited all-English WSFFL squad.
I think we know where he may be focusing his efforts in the transfer market ahead of the new season!
And one question...Does the Boston in You Know Your Boston Rock FC now mean Boston in Lincolnshire?
Thursday 9 July 2009
Fixture List Update
Bah! Another one of my best laid plans going agley!
No sooner had I started work on the fixture list than I discover that three matches in the first midweek of the season have been postponed. (Darn European football.)
It seems daft putting one of our fixture weeks on when three games including the likes of Arsenal, Man City, Villa and Everton aren't being played is only going to lead to postponements so we'll knock that on the head and ry and play on FA Cup quarter-final weekend (6 March) instead.
To whet your appetite though the fixture computer has coughed up these opening day games...
Claymore Athletic FC v Mega Buck Bandits
Dynamo Kev v Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Final Fantasy XI v Real Muppets
San Dimas High School v 22-Legged Groove Machine
The Dead Parrots v Aardvark Abacus
The Fabulous Artisans v Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
York’s Returning Glory v Trusted By Millions
You Know Your Boston Rock FC v The Cow-Faced Juniors
The champs have a long trip down under to face the Parrots while runners-up Boston Rock face a repeat of last season's Cup Final.
No sooner had I started work on the fixture list than I discover that three matches in the first midweek of the season have been postponed. (Darn European football.)
It seems daft putting one of our fixture weeks on when three games including the likes of Arsenal, Man City, Villa and Everton aren't being played is only going to lead to postponements so we'll knock that on the head and ry and play on FA Cup quarter-final weekend (6 March) instead.
To whet your appetite though the fixture computer has coughed up these opening day games...
Claymore Athletic FC v Mega Buck Bandits
Dynamo Kev v Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Final Fantasy XI v Real Muppets
San Dimas High School v 22-Legged Groove Machine
The Dead Parrots v Aardvark Abacus
The Fabulous Artisans v Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
York’s Returning Glory v Trusted By Millions
You Know Your Boston Rock FC v The Cow-Faced Juniors
The champs have a long trip down under to face the Parrots while runners-up Boston Rock face a repeat of last season's Cup Final.
Saturday 27 June 2009
San Dimas Sensation!
Major transfer happenings at San Dimas High School this weekend.
First, long-serving defender John Terry left the club to join Boston Rock. The England skipper leaves after ten years with 'The Saints'. The Da Silva brothers have joined San Dimas as part of the deal with Sheriff's outfit also paying £5m.
The deal helps the co-ordinator look to the future after his lowly finish and aids Sheriff's quest for an all-English squad.
Then with the ink barely dry on that deal San Dimas lured Roque Santa Cruz from Dynamo Kev. The fee, a San Dimas record £18m. (It may be a record deal between WSFFL clubs too).
It gives the co-ordinator another attacking threat for the forthcoming season and erases the memory of Mateja Kezman being his pevious record signing. For Kev, much needed funds for his rebuilding of the Covingham Park side.
First, long-serving defender John Terry left the club to join Boston Rock. The England skipper leaves after ten years with 'The Saints'. The Da Silva brothers have joined San Dimas as part of the deal with Sheriff's outfit also paying £5m.
The deal helps the co-ordinator look to the future after his lowly finish and aids Sheriff's quest for an all-English squad.
Then with the ink barely dry on that deal San Dimas lured Roque Santa Cruz from Dynamo Kev. The fee, a San Dimas record £18m. (It may be a record deal between WSFFL clubs too).
It gives the co-ordinator another attacking threat for the forthcoming season and erases the memory of Mateja Kezman being his pevious record signing. For Kev, much needed funds for his rebuilding of the Covingham Park side.
Wednesday 17 June 2009
2009/10 Provisional WSFFL Fixture Dates
It seems desperately early to put a fixture list out, so I won't do that for a month or so but in the meantime here is the provisional list of WSFFL dates for next season.
2009
15 August - Week 1
18/19 August - Week 2
22 August - Week 3
29 August - PCMT Round 1
12 September - Week 4
19 September - Week 5
26 September - Week 6
3 October - Week 7
17 October - PCMT QF
24 October - Week 8
31 October - Week 9
7 November - Week 10
21 November - Week 11
28 November - PCMT SF
5 December - Week 12
12 December - Week 13
15/16 December - Week 14
19 December - Week 15
26 December - PCMT Final
28 December - Week 16
2010
2 January - FA Cup Round 1
9 January - Week 17
16 January - Week 18
26/27 January - Week 19
30 January - Week 20
6 February - Week 21
9/10 February - FA Cup QF
20 February - Week 22
27 February - Week 23
13 March - FA Cup SF
20 March - Week 24
27 March - Week 25
3 April - Week 26
10 April - Week 27
17 April - FA Cup Final
24 April - Week 28
1 May - Week 29
9 May - Week 30
A pretty packed calendar I'm sure you'll agree! At present there is only one occasion when the Premier League is in action (6 March - Real FA Cup Quarter-Final weekend) when we are not. We'll be playing then too if I get round to proposing a change to the PCMT (drop me a line if you want to know my thinking on that one) which is accepted at the AGM.
The above is, of course, subject to change, particularly if me and Mrs Co-ordinator go on holiday during the season.
2009
15 August - Week 1
18/19 August - Week 2
22 August - Week 3
29 August - PCMT Round 1
12 September - Week 4
19 September - Week 5
26 September - Week 6
3 October - Week 7
17 October - PCMT QF
24 October - Week 8
31 October - Week 9
7 November - Week 10
21 November - Week 11
28 November - PCMT SF
5 December - Week 12
12 December - Week 13
15/16 December - Week 14
19 December - Week 15
26 December - PCMT Final
28 December - Week 16
2010
2 January - FA Cup Round 1
9 January - Week 17
16 January - Week 18
26/27 January - Week 19
30 January - Week 20
6 February - Week 21
9/10 February - FA Cup QF
20 February - Week 22
27 February - Week 23
13 March - FA Cup SF
20 March - Week 24
27 March - Week 25
3 April - Week 26
10 April - Week 27
17 April - FA Cup Final
24 April - Week 28
1 May - Week 29
9 May - Week 30
A pretty packed calendar I'm sure you'll agree! At present there is only one occasion when the Premier League is in action (6 March - Real FA Cup Quarter-Final weekend) when we are not. We'll be playing then too if I get round to proposing a change to the PCMT (drop me a line if you want to know my thinking on that one) which is accepted at the AGM.
The above is, of course, subject to change, particularly if me and Mrs Co-ordinator go on holiday during the season.
Saturday 6 June 2009
Co-ordinator Awards - £500k Team of the Season
More of the same but the players getting a Guernsey* on this list were all bought for the knockdown price of 500,000 Fantasy Pounds.
GK - Thomas Sorensen (Artisans)
DEF - John Terry (San Dimas), Jamie Carragher (Trusted), Vedran Corluka (CFJs), John O'Shea (Nil Satis)
MID - Steven Gerrard (Trusted), Leon Osman (Claymore), Stephen Ireland (Artisans), Chris Brunt (Artisans)
ATT - Gabriel Agbonlahor (Muppets), Kevin Davies (Parrots)
Subs - Shay Given (Fred West), Phil Neville (Mega Bucks), Danny Murphy (Parrots), Jermain Defoe (Boston Rock)
How does that fare with last year's line-up...
Howard (Keller, Robinson)
A.Cole, Carragher, Barry, Johnson (Terry)
Gerrard, Downing, Bentley, Hunt (J.Cole)
Rooney, Defoe (Kitson, Owen)
*Thanks to Dean for putting me on to this Australian phrase which appears to mean featuring, gaining recognition or succeeding. But you can find out more at Dagree's Great Aussie Slang.
GK - Thomas Sorensen (Artisans)
DEF - John Terry (San Dimas), Jamie Carragher (Trusted), Vedran Corluka (CFJs), John O'Shea (Nil Satis)
MID - Steven Gerrard (Trusted), Leon Osman (Claymore), Stephen Ireland (Artisans), Chris Brunt (Artisans)
ATT - Gabriel Agbonlahor (Muppets), Kevin Davies (Parrots)
Subs - Shay Given (Fred West), Phil Neville (Mega Bucks), Danny Murphy (Parrots), Jermain Defoe (Boston Rock)
How does that fare with last year's line-up...
Howard (Keller, Robinson)
A.Cole, Carragher, Barry, Johnson (Terry)
Gerrard, Downing, Bentley, Hunt (J.Cole)
Rooney, Defoe (Kitson, Owen)
*Thanks to Dean for putting me on to this Australian phrase which appears to mean featuring, gaining recognition or succeeding. But you can find out more at Dagree's Great Aussie Slang.
Thursday 4 June 2009
Co-ordinator Awards - English Team of the Season
Same rules as before but for the England-qualified WSFFL stars...
GK - Paul Robinson (Boston Rock)
DEF - Joleon Lescott (Nil Satis), John Terry (San Dimas), Jamie Carragher (Trusted), Phil Neville (Mega Bucks)
MID - Steven Gerrard (Trusted), Frank Lampard (Boston Rock), Leon Osman (Claymore), Matt Taylor (Fred West)
ATT - Darren Bent (Boston Rock), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Muppets)
Subs - David James (Parrots), Rio Ferdinand (Boston Rock), Ashley Young (Artisans) , Kevin Davies (Parrots)
Last season's line-up was as follows:
James (Green)
R.Ferdinand, Lescott, Brown, A.Cole (Carragher)
Lampard, Gerrard, Downing, Bentley (J.Cole)
Rooney, Defoe (Kitson and Owen)
GK - Paul Robinson (Boston Rock)
DEF - Joleon Lescott (Nil Satis), John Terry (San Dimas), Jamie Carragher (Trusted), Phil Neville (Mega Bucks)
MID - Steven Gerrard (Trusted), Frank Lampard (Boston Rock), Leon Osman (Claymore), Matt Taylor (Fred West)
ATT - Darren Bent (Boston Rock), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Muppets)
Subs - David James (Parrots), Rio Ferdinand (Boston Rock), Ashley Young (Artisans) , Kevin Davies (Parrots)
Last season's line-up was as follows:
James (Green)
R.Ferdinand, Lescott, Brown, A.Cole (Carragher)
Lampard, Gerrard, Downing, Bentley (J.Cole)
Rooney, Defoe (Kitson and Owen)
Wednesday 3 June 2009
Co-ordinator Awards - Team of the Season
(All awards are made on basis of contributions in all WSFFL competitions. Where there is a tie, contributions in league matches take precedence. Then I'll try and separate them by goals scored. Then perhaps alphabetical order or best haircut. Where you see two or more names as subs I still couldn't split them.)
GK - Edwin van der Sar (CFJs)
DEF - Nemanja Vidic (Fred), Joleon Lescott (Nil Satis), John Terry (San Dimas), Alvaro Arbeloa (Groovers)
MID - Steven Gerrard (Trusted), Frank Lampard (Boston Rock), Cristiano Ronaldo (Muppets), Marouane Fellaini (Groovers)
ATT - Nicolas Anelka (CFJs), Darren Bent (Boston Rock)
Subs - Jose Reina (Muppets), Jamie Carragher (Trusted), Geovanni (Groovers), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Muppets)
For the second season running the champions don't get a representative into the team of the season. For the record the 2007/8 team was...
Reina (van der Sar)
R.Ferdinand, Lescott, Evra, Vidic (Brown)
Ronaldo, Lampard, Gerrard, Downing (Bentley)
Torres, Yakubu (Berbatov)
GK - Edwin van der Sar (CFJs)
DEF - Nemanja Vidic (Fred), Joleon Lescott (Nil Satis), John Terry (San Dimas), Alvaro Arbeloa (Groovers)
MID - Steven Gerrard (Trusted), Frank Lampard (Boston Rock), Cristiano Ronaldo (Muppets), Marouane Fellaini (Groovers)
ATT - Nicolas Anelka (CFJs), Darren Bent (Boston Rock)
Subs - Jose Reina (Muppets), Jamie Carragher (Trusted), Geovanni (Groovers), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Muppets)
For the second season running the champions don't get a representative into the team of the season. For the record the 2007/8 team was...
Reina (van der Sar)
R.Ferdinand, Lescott, Evra, Vidic (Brown)
Ronaldo, Lampard, Gerrard, Downing (Bentley)
Torres, Yakubu (Berbatov)
Co-ordinator Awards - Players of the Season
Awards are made on basis of contributions in all WSFFL competitions. Where there is a tie, contributions in league matches take precedence.
Player of the Season: Nemanja Vidic - Fred West LG XI (three goals, 19 cleans)
2007/8: Cristiano Ronaldo
Golden Boot: Nicolas Anelka - The Cow-Faced Juniors (18 goals)
2007/8: Cristiano Ronaldo
Golden Gloves: Edwin van der Sar - The Cow-Faced Juniors (21 cleans)
2007/8: Jose Reina
Golden Shinpads: Nemanja Vidic - Fred West LG XI (three goals, 19 cleans)
2007/8: Rio Ferdinand
Golden Box to Box: Steven Gerrard - Trusted By Millions (15 goals)
2007/8: Cristiano Ronaldo
Young Players of the Season: Gael Clichy - Claymore Athletic and Vedran Corluka (The Cow-Faced Juniors) (both one goal, 14 cleans)
2007/8: Cristiano Ronaldo
Player of the Season: Nemanja Vidic - Fred West LG XI (three goals, 19 cleans)
2007/8: Cristiano Ronaldo
Golden Boot: Nicolas Anelka - The Cow-Faced Juniors (18 goals)
2007/8: Cristiano Ronaldo
Golden Gloves: Edwin van der Sar - The Cow-Faced Juniors (21 cleans)
2007/8: Jose Reina
Golden Shinpads: Nemanja Vidic - Fred West LG XI (three goals, 19 cleans)
2007/8: Rio Ferdinand
Golden Box to Box: Steven Gerrard - Trusted By Millions (15 goals)
2007/8: Cristiano Ronaldo
Young Players of the Season: Gael Clichy - Claymore Athletic and Vedran Corluka (The Cow-Faced Juniors) (both one goal, 14 cleans)
2007/8: Cristiano Ronaldo
Tuesday 2 June 2009
Co-Ord Round-up Part Four - 1st-4th
1st Aardvark Abacus (same position as 2007/8)
Champions again and an astonishing 27 weeks in the top spot. Ady has an incredible knack of picking the right team on the right day leading to eleven of his wins being by a single goal and the best defensive record in the league. Showed some vulnerability late on losing three out of the last four briefly raising hopes for Boston Rock this season and perhaps all of us for next season. We can hope!
Star Player: Alex (2 goals, 13 clean sheets)
2nd You Know Your Boston Rock FC (up three)
There's no Manager of the Year award but if there was Sheriff would get my vote. The Cup specialists became the first team to snare both of them in the same season and had an outside chance of the treble before a late stumble. I actually think the 'Sky Heroes' have overachieved slightly and they could be real challengers next season. Ferdinand, Lampard, Bent, Richards, Robinson and Johnson all hit double figure contributions for the season so another striker and a fit SWP could be enough to put Sheriff back on top.
Star Player: Rio Ferdinand (one goal, 13 clean sheets)
3rd Trusted By Millions (up three)
No team has scored more goals (88) than Trusted did this season yet failed to win the title. Six times Beef's side scored five or more but a spell of four defeats in five in November and December dealt any Trusted title challenge a fatal blow long before the business end of the season. If Gerrard and Torres had played more games then that might have made the difference but it will be no surprise to see Beef beef up a leaky defence in the summer window.
Star Player: Jamie Carragher (16 clean sheets)
4th The Cow-Faced Juniors (down one)
A second consecutive top four finish for Chris. No title challenge this time but a Cup runners-up trophy is a good return for Chris's first two seasons. Nicolas Anelka and Edwin van der Sar were outstanding again and Chris manouevred his defence to good effect. The CFJs will have to get busy in the transfer window with question marks over the futures of Cisse, Zaki and King and a midfield without much of a goal threat.
Star Player: Edwin van der Sar (21 clean sheets)
Champions again and an astonishing 27 weeks in the top spot. Ady has an incredible knack of picking the right team on the right day leading to eleven of his wins being by a single goal and the best defensive record in the league. Showed some vulnerability late on losing three out of the last four briefly raising hopes for Boston Rock this season and perhaps all of us for next season. We can hope!
Star Player: Alex (2 goals, 13 clean sheets)
2nd You Know Your Boston Rock FC (up three)
There's no Manager of the Year award but if there was Sheriff would get my vote. The Cup specialists became the first team to snare both of them in the same season and had an outside chance of the treble before a late stumble. I actually think the 'Sky Heroes' have overachieved slightly and they could be real challengers next season. Ferdinand, Lampard, Bent, Richards, Robinson and Johnson all hit double figure contributions for the season so another striker and a fit SWP could be enough to put Sheriff back on top.
Star Player: Rio Ferdinand (one goal, 13 clean sheets)
3rd Trusted By Millions (up three)
No team has scored more goals (88) than Trusted did this season yet failed to win the title. Six times Beef's side scored five or more but a spell of four defeats in five in November and December dealt any Trusted title challenge a fatal blow long before the business end of the season. If Gerrard and Torres had played more games then that might have made the difference but it will be no surprise to see Beef beef up a leaky defence in the summer window.
Star Player: Jamie Carragher (16 clean sheets)
4th The Cow-Faced Juniors (down one)
A second consecutive top four finish for Chris. No title challenge this time but a Cup runners-up trophy is a good return for Chris's first two seasons. Nicolas Anelka and Edwin van der Sar were outstanding again and Chris manouevred his defence to good effect. The CFJs will have to get busy in the transfer window with question marks over the futures of Cisse, Zaki and King and a midfield without much of a goal threat.
Star Player: Edwin van der Sar (21 clean sheets)
Monday 1 June 2009
Co-Ord Round-up Part Three - 5th-8th
5th - 22 Legged Groove Machine (up six places on 2007/8)
Rich's best season since we went to a 16-team league. The Groovers were unbeaten in their first 12 league matches and topped the table at that point. That was as good as it got for the Big Man though as his team lost ten of their last 18. The Groovers' defence was strong in the early part of the season but he'll want more from record signing Roman Pavlyuchenko at the other end. Will Rich kick on in 2009/10 or will he be back to signing crazy-named players?
Star Player: Alvaro Arbeloa (one goal, 15 clean sheets in all competitions)
6th - Real Muppets (down two places)
The early leaders slipped away after winning just three of their last 13 games. Gaby Agbonlahor was firing on all cylinders but when his goals dried up Ryan couldn't get enough out of the likes of Carlos Tevez and Florent Malouda. The Frenchman only looking a £14m player in the last month of the season. Injuries to Ronaldo and Joe Cole damaged Ryan's chances of regaining the title he grabbed at the death two seasons ago.
Star Player: Jose Reina (18 clean sheets)
7th - The Fabulous Artisans (up six places)
Ben definitely made an impression in his first season in a WSFFL hotseat lifting the abandoned ex-Marmosets into the top half. a run of six draws in eight matches in February and March stopped the season becoming even better for the Artisans. Hugo Rodallega looks one for the future but £11.5m for Johan Elmander is the blot on Ben's copybook. Not difficult to see Ben doing a CFJ's and getting a good league and/or Cup run together in the near future.
Star Players: Phil Jagielka (10 clean sheets) and Leighton Baines (one goal, nine cleans)
8th - Claymore Athletic (up one place)
Clive's team are back in the top half after two seasons outside but I get the feeling he may be disappointed with his showing. Claymore didn't win their first game until week 10 after a whole host of draws. Clive's started planning for next season with a mini-clear out and £13m flop Afonso Alves is one of the first victims. With question marks over Michael Owen's future there's little doubt where Clive will be focusing his scouting efforts over the summer.
Star Players: Jose Bosingwa (two goals, 13 clean sheets) and Gael Clichy (one goal, 14 clean sheets)
Rich's best season since we went to a 16-team league. The Groovers were unbeaten in their first 12 league matches and topped the table at that point. That was as good as it got for the Big Man though as his team lost ten of their last 18. The Groovers' defence was strong in the early part of the season but he'll want more from record signing Roman Pavlyuchenko at the other end. Will Rich kick on in 2009/10 or will he be back to signing crazy-named players?
Star Player: Alvaro Arbeloa (one goal, 15 clean sheets in all competitions)
6th - Real Muppets (down two places)
The early leaders slipped away after winning just three of their last 13 games. Gaby Agbonlahor was firing on all cylinders but when his goals dried up Ryan couldn't get enough out of the likes of Carlos Tevez and Florent Malouda. The Frenchman only looking a £14m player in the last month of the season. Injuries to Ronaldo and Joe Cole damaged Ryan's chances of regaining the title he grabbed at the death two seasons ago.
Star Player: Jose Reina (18 clean sheets)
7th - The Fabulous Artisans (up six places)
Ben definitely made an impression in his first season in a WSFFL hotseat lifting the abandoned ex-Marmosets into the top half. a run of six draws in eight matches in February and March stopped the season becoming even better for the Artisans. Hugo Rodallega looks one for the future but £11.5m for Johan Elmander is the blot on Ben's copybook. Not difficult to see Ben doing a CFJ's and getting a good league and/or Cup run together in the near future.
Star Players: Phil Jagielka (10 clean sheets) and Leighton Baines (one goal, nine cleans)
8th - Claymore Athletic (up one place)
Clive's team are back in the top half after two seasons outside but I get the feeling he may be disappointed with his showing. Claymore didn't win their first game until week 10 after a whole host of draws. Clive's started planning for next season with a mini-clear out and £13m flop Afonso Alves is one of the first victims. With question marks over Michael Owen's future there's little doubt where Clive will be focusing his scouting efforts over the summer.
Star Players: Jose Bosingwa (two goals, 13 clean sheets) and Gael Clichy (one goal, 14 clean sheets)
Sunday 31 May 2009
Co-Ord Round-up Part Two - 9th-12th
9th The Dead Parrots (up one place on 2007/8)
Definite signs of life for the Parrots who had their best season in four years. Only the top five won more matches than Dean's team whose assault on the top half fell short by virtue of losing more than only the bottom four. The Parrots strike force of Kevin Davies and Kenwyne Jones looked extremely useful but need back up from the rest of the squad if the progression is to continue.
Star Player: Paul Konchesky (one goal, 11 clean sheets)
10th Fred West Landscape Gardening XI (down eight places)
Another team whose big players (with the notable exception of Nemanja Vidic) failed to perform. Fred's team won half as many matches as last season when they came close to claiming the title. Fingers must be pointed at the strike pairing of Didier Drogba and Dimitar Berbatov who notched only eight between them compared to 23 the season before but Fred clearly needs more strength in depth.
Star Player: Nemanja Vidic (three goals, 19 clean sheets)
11th Nil Satis Nisi Optimum (up three places)
Not a lot I can say about Paul's team really apart from his 'hands off' management style wouldn't suit everyone! The other thing is if Everton do well Nil Satis will generally do well and if Everton don't perform... well, you get the picture. Only the Champions conceded fewer goals but Paul's team missed Saha, Eduardo and Anichebe for much of the season which put too much pressure on Bobby Zamora at the sharp end.
Star Player: Joleon Lescott (four goals, 13 clean sheets)
12th York's Returning Glory (up four places)
Like the Parrots this was YRG's best performance in four seasons. Unlike the Parrots Julian's success was built on a rock-solid (for him) defence. Julian's team returned its joint lowest goals conceded tally since we went to a 16-team league and the clean sheets boosted a goal tally that was their best since that 10th place in 2004/5. Wil need to find better support for Peter Crouch if this season is not to be a 'flash in the pan' though.
Star Player: Manuel Almunia (14 clean sheets, two saved penalties)
Definite signs of life for the Parrots who had their best season in four years. Only the top five won more matches than Dean's team whose assault on the top half fell short by virtue of losing more than only the bottom four. The Parrots strike force of Kevin Davies and Kenwyne Jones looked extremely useful but need back up from the rest of the squad if the progression is to continue.
Star Player: Paul Konchesky (one goal, 11 clean sheets)
10th Fred West Landscape Gardening XI (down eight places)
Another team whose big players (with the notable exception of Nemanja Vidic) failed to perform. Fred's team won half as many matches as last season when they came close to claiming the title. Fingers must be pointed at the strike pairing of Didier Drogba and Dimitar Berbatov who notched only eight between them compared to 23 the season before but Fred clearly needs more strength in depth.
Star Player: Nemanja Vidic (three goals, 19 clean sheets)
11th Nil Satis Nisi Optimum (up three places)
Not a lot I can say about Paul's team really apart from his 'hands off' management style wouldn't suit everyone! The other thing is if Everton do well Nil Satis will generally do well and if Everton don't perform... well, you get the picture. Only the Champions conceded fewer goals but Paul's team missed Saha, Eduardo and Anichebe for much of the season which put too much pressure on Bobby Zamora at the sharp end.
Star Player: Joleon Lescott (four goals, 13 clean sheets)
12th York's Returning Glory (up four places)
Like the Parrots this was YRG's best performance in four seasons. Unlike the Parrots Julian's success was built on a rock-solid (for him) defence. Julian's team returned its joint lowest goals conceded tally since we went to a 16-team league and the clean sheets boosted a goal tally that was their best since that 10th place in 2004/5. Wil need to find better support for Peter Crouch if this season is not to be a 'flash in the pan' though.
Star Player: Manuel Almunia (14 clean sheets, two saved penalties)
Saturday 30 May 2009
Co-Ord Round-up Part One - 13th-16th
13th Dynamo Kev (down one place on 2007/8)
There may be shake-ups in Dynamo's scouting network this summer as the excellent signing of Santa Cruz in 2007/8 was followed this season by those of Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez. Kev failed to progress on his first season and rumours coming out of Covingham Park suggest that Santa Cruz could be offloaded if the price is right to fund a rebuilding campaign.
Star Player: Brad Friedel (14 clean sheets in all competitions)
14th San Dimas High School (down seven)
Yikes! Lengthy injuries to key players Yakubu, Ashton, Essien and Walcott left a big hole in my team that the reserves failed to fill. The midfield suddenly looked defensive and big summer signing Deco wasn't up to it. Worst finishing place for six seasons. Don't let it happen again me!
Star Player: John Terry (one goal, 15 clean sheets)
15th Mega Buck Bandits (down seven)
Dave was another huge faller and posted his lowest points total and finish in the 16-team era. Mega Bucks didn't live up to their name running from a squad of 22 and one of the lowest wage bills. Big money signings Alan Hutton and David Healy hardly featured, the Bandits need a bit of an overhaul if they're to bounce back.
Star Player: Phil Neville (14 clean sheets)
16th Final Fantasy XI (down one)
Ceri was understandably distracted at the start of the season and was unable to strengthen before the campaign started. Final Fantasy were only off the bottom of the table for four weeks of the season but performances did improve after the turn of the year. The signing of Andrei Arshavin has many other managers looking on enviously and could be a springboard for a better campaign next time.
Star Player: Danny Collins (one goal, seven clean sheets)
There may be shake-ups in Dynamo's scouting network this summer as the excellent signing of Santa Cruz in 2007/8 was followed this season by those of Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez. Kev failed to progress on his first season and rumours coming out of Covingham Park suggest that Santa Cruz could be offloaded if the price is right to fund a rebuilding campaign.
Star Player: Brad Friedel (14 clean sheets in all competitions)
14th San Dimas High School (down seven)
Yikes! Lengthy injuries to key players Yakubu, Ashton, Essien and Walcott left a big hole in my team that the reserves failed to fill. The midfield suddenly looked defensive and big summer signing Deco wasn't up to it. Worst finishing place for six seasons. Don't let it happen again me!
Star Player: John Terry (one goal, 15 clean sheets)
15th Mega Buck Bandits (down seven)
Dave was another huge faller and posted his lowest points total and finish in the 16-team era. Mega Bucks didn't live up to their name running from a squad of 22 and one of the lowest wage bills. Big money signings Alan Hutton and David Healy hardly featured, the Bandits need a bit of an overhaul if they're to bounce back.
Star Player: Phil Neville (14 clean sheets)
16th Final Fantasy XI (down one)
Ceri was understandably distracted at the start of the season and was unable to strengthen before the campaign started. Final Fantasy were only off the bottom of the table for four weeks of the season but performances did improve after the turn of the year. The signing of Andrei Arshavin has many other managers looking on enviously and could be a springboard for a better campaign next time.
Star Player: Danny Collins (one goal, seven clean sheets)
Sunday 24 May 2009
Week 30 Results
Aardvark Abacus 2 v 1 Real Muppets
Dynamo Kev 3 v 4 The Fabulous Artisans
Final Fantasy XI 2 v 5 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 1 The Dead Parrots
Mega Buck Bandits 2 v 3 Claymore Athletic FC
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 3 v 2 Trusted By Millions
The Cow-Faced Juniors 5 v 2 22 Legged Groove Machine
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 0 San Dimas High School
Sheriff hangs on to second, the CFJs nick fourth, the Artisans and Claymore finish in the top half.
Dynamo Kev 3 v 4 The Fabulous Artisans
Final Fantasy XI 2 v 5 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 1 The Dead Parrots
Mega Buck Bandits 2 v 3 Claymore Athletic FC
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 3 v 2 Trusted By Millions
The Cow-Faced Juniors 5 v 2 22 Legged Groove Machine
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 0 San Dimas High School
Sheriff hangs on to second, the CFJs nick fourth, the Artisans and Claymore finish in the top half.
Saturday 23 May 2009
Not to be Trusted
Ricardo Quaresma has left Trusted By Millions after a three-month spell with the club.
The Portuguese international, winner of the 'Golden Bin' award for the worst player in Serie A in December 2008, was a speculative £500k signing for Trusted manager Andy Perfitt in February but has failed to impress.
Trusted moved swiftly to replace Quaresma in the squad with young defender Richard Eckersley from Manchester United.
The Portuguese international, winner of the 'Golden Bin' award for the worst player in Serie A in December 2008, was a speculative £500k signing for Trusted manager Andy Perfitt in February but has failed to impress.
Trusted moved swiftly to replace Quaresma in the squad with young defender Richard Eckersley from Manchester United.
New cast for the Muppet Show
Real Muppets boss Ryan Moore hasn't been resting ahead of the season finale week 30 matches even though he's missed out on the honours this season.
Defender Jack Hobbs has left the club for Leicester City (who will play in something called The Championship) for £500,000.
Ryan invested the Hobbs money in England under-19 skipper Ciaran Clark. The central defender joins from Aston Villa where he has earned rave reviews for his performances in the Villains reserves.
Defender Jack Hobbs has left the club for Leicester City (who will play in something called The Championship) for £500,000.
Ryan invested the Hobbs money in England under-19 skipper Ciaran Clark. The central defender joins from Aston Villa where he has earned rave reviews for his performances in the Villains reserves.
Dates for your Diary
If you delete your mails a bit too vigorously, here's my 'belt and braces' backup for you...
As soon as possible - Those of you that haven't got back to me yet please let me know if you're playing next season.
23 May - Cut-off for votes on the possible new re-cat process
24 May - 4pm, pool closes for new signings (and does not open until after transfer window auction)
24 May - 4pm, Week 30 matches kick off
24 May - later on, results published
24/25 May - final round-up of the season published
W/c 25 May - I'll add your season's prize money during the week. If you want to know your balance drop me a line but I'll let you know as transfers are made and before the auction
1 June - deadline for you to tell me if you wish to retain any relegated players
Sometime between mid-June and mid-July - re-cat exercise (you'll have a couple of weeks for any appeals)
1 July - my player dump 'amnesty' ends - be on your guard!
12 July - last date for new rule submissions
late July - New season provisional fixtures published
early August (9th/10th?)- transfer auction and AGM
15th August - 2009/10 season begins
As soon as possible - Those of you that haven't got back to me yet please let me know if you're playing next season.
23 May - Cut-off for votes on the possible new re-cat process
24 May - 4pm, pool closes for new signings (and does not open until after transfer window auction)
24 May - 4pm, Week 30 matches kick off
24 May - later on, results published
24/25 May - final round-up of the season published
W/c 25 May - I'll add your season's prize money during the week. If you want to know your balance drop me a line but I'll let you know as transfers are made and before the auction
1 June - deadline for you to tell me if you wish to retain any relegated players
Sometime between mid-June and mid-July - re-cat exercise (you'll have a couple of weeks for any appeals)
1 July - my player dump 'amnesty' ends - be on your guard!
12 July - last date for new rule submissions
late July - New season provisional fixtures published
early August (9th/10th?)- transfer auction and AGM
15th August - 2009/10 season begins
Thursday 21 May 2009
WSFFL - Close Season Transfer Procedures
This seems a good a place as any to post this sort of thing if we lose our e-mails...
Relegated Players
You have until 1 June to tell me if you would like to retain any of your relegated players. After this date I will remove them from your squads and credit your bank balances with half their value. If by some miracle they are picked up by a Premier League club over the summer the manager in question will be given first refusal to take that player back for the amount of compensation they received. Their value in the game will be as it was before relegation.
If you think the player concerned may be in for a big money move you may want to retain him. I can't think of many other reasons for doing so.
This system is much easier for me to employ than any sort of piecemeal dumping through the summer. If you are thinking of hanging on in case they come back please think again. There is a reason why they've been relegated.
The Pool
Purchases - The pool will shut for purchases when the last games of the season kick-off. It will not re-open until after the pre-season auction.
Dumps - The pool stays open for you to dump players. Once again I will give you a player dump 'amnesty' until 30 June. This will give you time to work out whether any of your players are retiring, leaving on frees, returning after loan etc. and give you the opportunity to cash in. After this date, if I contact you before you get in touch with me you could lose players in this situation for nothing. Sorry, but them's the rules! If you dump any players from non-relegated teams (contract expired, loanees, that sort of thing) you won't be offered them under the 'first refusal' rule. They'll go into the 'summer pool' and under the hammer at the August auction.
Undisclosed Fees
As usual SoccerNet will be the source for transfer fees throughout the close season. In the situation of an 'Undisclosed' fee being recorded you will be offered what you paid for the player. If you would like to query an undisclosed fee please send me links to two reputable websites transfer centres or news stories which agree on a fee. I will not accept newspaper cuttings, fan sites or collaboration sites such as Wikipedia that can be easily altered.
Private Deals
In the rare event that you want to transfer between clubs please get on with it and let me know.
Relegated Players
You have until 1 June to tell me if you would like to retain any of your relegated players. After this date I will remove them from your squads and credit your bank balances with half their value. If by some miracle they are picked up by a Premier League club over the summer the manager in question will be given first refusal to take that player back for the amount of compensation they received. Their value in the game will be as it was before relegation.
If you think the player concerned may be in for a big money move you may want to retain him. I can't think of many other reasons for doing so.
This system is much easier for me to employ than any sort of piecemeal dumping through the summer. If you are thinking of hanging on in case they come back please think again. There is a reason why they've been relegated.
The Pool
Purchases - The pool will shut for purchases when the last games of the season kick-off. It will not re-open until after the pre-season auction.
Dumps - The pool stays open for you to dump players. Once again I will give you a player dump 'amnesty' until 30 June. This will give you time to work out whether any of your players are retiring, leaving on frees, returning after loan etc. and give you the opportunity to cash in. After this date, if I contact you before you get in touch with me you could lose players in this situation for nothing. Sorry, but them's the rules! If you dump any players from non-relegated teams (contract expired, loanees, that sort of thing) you won't be offered them under the 'first refusal' rule. They'll go into the 'summer pool' and under the hammer at the August auction.
Undisclosed Fees
As usual SoccerNet will be the source for transfer fees throughout the close season. In the situation of an 'Undisclosed' fee being recorded you will be offered what you paid for the player. If you would like to query an undisclosed fee please send me links to two reputable websites transfer centres or news stories which agree on a fee. I will not accept newspaper cuttings, fan sites or collaboration sites such as Wikipedia that can be easily altered.
Private Deals
In the rare event that you want to transfer between clubs please get on with it and let me know.
Wednesday 20 May 2009
What's in a (nick)name!
The stories behind those Dynamo Kev player nicknames from the man himself...
'Commissioner' Craig Gordon - An obvious reference to the Batman character recently portrayed on the big screen by Gary Oldman
'Pinky' Bendtner - Nicklas has worn ludicrously fashioned pink boots on the games that he has played this season
'Rocket' Santa Cruz - Coined when Roque was the hottest striker for Melwood FC. Since the change of club name his form has been pants
'Fabulous' Aurelio - Fabio has been one of Dynamo Kev's most consistent performers this season and is renowned for his 'Fabulous' free-kicks
Michael 'Marius' Ball - A little known fact. Michael was in the original cast of 'Les Miserables' and has a singing career outside of football
'Kashmir' Coloccini - His Robert Palmer locks draw an obvious parallel with the Led Zeppelin frontman
'Big Noz' Nosworthy - Allegedly drawn from his early days in the changing room. I am assuming it's because of his big nose.......
'Bayleaf' Gardner - The dreadlocked midfielder often works from early morn, you'll find him sweeping up the leaves and tidying the lawn
'Tommy-Gun' Rosicky - Tomas likes to bring his 'Inside Soap' into training and is infamous for his constant 'sniping' and gossip-mongering!
'Hilarious' Hilario - Only with the club for less than a week but has already become the joker of the team. Has already put jam in the 'Gaffer's' shoe
'Commissioner' Craig Gordon - An obvious reference to the Batman character recently portrayed on the big screen by Gary Oldman
'Pinky' Bendtner - Nicklas has worn ludicrously fashioned pink boots on the games that he has played this season
'Rocket' Santa Cruz - Coined when Roque was the hottest striker for Melwood FC. Since the change of club name his form has been pants
'Fabulous' Aurelio - Fabio has been one of Dynamo Kev's most consistent performers this season and is renowned for his 'Fabulous' free-kicks
Michael 'Marius' Ball - A little known fact. Michael was in the original cast of 'Les Miserables' and has a singing career outside of football
'Kashmir' Coloccini - His Robert Palmer locks draw an obvious parallel with the Led Zeppelin frontman
'Big Noz' Nosworthy - Allegedly drawn from his early days in the changing room. I am assuming it's because of his big nose.......
'Bayleaf' Gardner - The dreadlocked midfielder often works from early morn, you'll find him sweeping up the leaves and tidying the lawn
'Tommy-Gun' Rosicky - Tomas likes to bring his 'Inside Soap' into training and is infamous for his constant 'sniping' and gossip-mongering!
'Hilarious' Hilario - Only with the club for less than a week but has already become the joker of the team. Has already put jam in the 'Gaffer's' shoe
Monday 18 May 2009
Week 29 Results
22 Legged Groove Machine 2 v 0 Mega Buck Bandits
Claymore Athletic FC 5 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Dynamo Kev 0 v 4 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 3 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
Real Muppets 2 v 0 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
San Dimas High School 2 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 2 York’s Returning Glory
Trusted By Millions 5 v 1 The Dead Parrots
Aardvark Abacus are the 2008/9 WSFFL Champions.
Claymore Athletic FC 5 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Dynamo Kev 0 v 4 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 3 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
Real Muppets 2 v 0 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
San Dimas High School 2 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 2 York’s Returning Glory
Trusted By Millions 5 v 1 The Dead Parrots
Aardvark Abacus are the 2008/9 WSFFL Champions.
Tuesday 12 May 2009
Kev Wields the Axe
Times - they are a changin' at Dynamo Kev.
Kev has reviewed his squad's performance and has ejected seven players who have failed to impress. They are;
Mamady Sidibe, Michael Ball, Nick Barmby, Brett Emerton, Amaury Bischoff, Stuart Taylor and Gilberto.
Rather than wait until next season the Covingham Park supremo has brought in six to replace them. The lucky half-dozen rescued from the pool are;
Diego Tristan, Alan Smith, Jay Spearing, Erik Nevland, Jonathan Spector and Henrique Hilario.
Kev has reviewed his squad's performance and has ejected seven players who have failed to impress. They are;
Mamady Sidibe, Michael Ball, Nick Barmby, Brett Emerton, Amaury Bischoff, Stuart Taylor and Gilberto.
Rather than wait until next season the Covingham Park supremo has brought in six to replace them. The lucky half-dozen rescued from the pool are;
Diego Tristan, Alan Smith, Jay Spearing, Erik Nevland, Jonathan Spector and Henrique Hilario.
Monday 11 May 2009
Week 28 Results
22 Legged Groove Machine 1 v 5 The Fabulous Artisans
Claymore Athletic FC 0 v 3 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Final Fantasy XI 2 v 4 Mega Buck Bandits
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 1 v 2 Trusted By Millions
Real Muppets 3 v 3 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School 0 v 4 Dynamo Kev
The Dead Parrots 3 v 1 Aardvark Abacus
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 0 v 3 York’s Returning Glory
Despite their defeat Aardvark are on the verge of defending their crown after Boston Rock slip up.
Claymore Athletic FC 0 v 3 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Final Fantasy XI 2 v 4 Mega Buck Bandits
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 1 v 2 Trusted By Millions
Real Muppets 3 v 3 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School 0 v 4 Dynamo Kev
The Dead Parrots 3 v 1 Aardvark Abacus
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 0 v 3 York’s Returning Glory
Despite their defeat Aardvark are on the verge of defending their crown after Boston Rock slip up.
Friday 8 May 2009
Shuffling Deckchairs
On the good ship San Dimas High School which is listing badly but hopefully staying afloat!
Keith Andrews has left Blackburn Rovers to sign with the struggling High School team. The 28-yr-old Republic of Ireland international may well make his debut against Dynamo Kev this weekend.
Mustapha Riga has left the 'Saints' after failing to score in his eight-month stint with the club.
Keith Andrews has left Blackburn Rovers to sign with the struggling High School team. The 28-yr-old Republic of Ireland international may well make his debut against Dynamo Kev this weekend.
Mustapha Riga has left the 'Saints' after failing to score in his eight-month stint with the club.
Battle at the Bottom
We looked at the race for the title a few weeks ago but how about life in the lower reaches?
Three games to go and mathematically six teams could prop the table up.
11. Nil Satis 30 points
12. Dynamo Kev 28
13. York's 28
14. San Dimas 25
15. Mega Bucks 25
16. Final Fantasy 23
I think Nil Satis have just about done enough so how do the run-ins for the bottom five look?
Dynamo Kev
Still have San Dimas, the CFJs and the Artisans to play. Three points from these games should be enough for Kev.
York's Returning Glory
Tough matches against Boston Rock and the Artisans before finishing against San Dimas. That last match could be important.
San Dimas High School
I hope will find enough against fellow stragglers Dynamo, Final Fantasy and York's to avoid my worst season ever.
Mega Buck Bandits
May need to get something in the crucial game against Final Fantasy this week as it's followed by the Groovers and Claymore.
Final Fantasy XI
If April's Manager of the Month can get her team to find that form against Mega Bucks and San Dimas, Ceri has a great chance of climbing off the bottom before a tough finish against Boston Rock.
Three games to go and mathematically six teams could prop the table up.
11. Nil Satis 30 points
12. Dynamo Kev 28
13. York's 28
14. San Dimas 25
15. Mega Bucks 25
16. Final Fantasy 23
I think Nil Satis have just about done enough so how do the run-ins for the bottom five look?
Dynamo Kev
Still have San Dimas, the CFJs and the Artisans to play. Three points from these games should be enough for Kev.
York's Returning Glory
Tough matches against Boston Rock and the Artisans before finishing against San Dimas. That last match could be important.
San Dimas High School
I hope will find enough against fellow stragglers Dynamo, Final Fantasy and York's to avoid my worst season ever.
Mega Buck Bandits
May need to get something in the crucial game against Final Fantasy this week as it's followed by the Groovers and Claymore.
Final Fantasy XI
If April's Manager of the Month can get her team to find that form against Mega Bucks and San Dimas, Ceri has a great chance of climbing off the bottom before a tough finish against Boston Rock.
Monday 4 May 2009
Week 27 Results
Aardvark Abacus 1 v 2 Claymore Athletic FC
Dynamo Kev 4 v 1 Real Muppets
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 6 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 2 22 Legged Groove Machine
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 3 San Dimas High School
Trusted By Millions 2 v 0 The Fabulous Artisans
York’s Returning Glory 3 v 0 The Dead Parrots
Only a fourth league defeat for Aardvark, the door is still ajar.
Dynamo Kev 4 v 1 Real Muppets
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 6 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 2 22 Legged Groove Machine
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 3 San Dimas High School
Trusted By Millions 2 v 0 The Fabulous Artisans
York’s Returning Glory 3 v 0 The Dead Parrots
Only a fourth league defeat for Aardvark, the door is still ajar.
Monday 27 April 2009
FA Cup Final Report
The Cow-Faced Juniors 0
v (2)
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2
Bent 29
Johnson (c)
Wembley Stadium Att: 90,000
Sheriff is celebrating a Cup double tonight after his Boston Rock side saw off the CFJs in the WSFFL FA Cup Final. It was a disappointing game for the neutral with the pitch cutting up badly and preventing both teams from playing their natural free-flowing game. Darren Bent, who has taken more than his fair share of stick this season opened the scoring on 29 minutes. He was quickest to react when a cross from the right caught the CFJs defence in two minds and lashed the ball past Edwin Van der Sar. Sheriff couldn't contain his delight, vindicated by his continued faith in the striker.
The Boston Rock rearguard did the rest from there. Paul Robinson displayed the sort of form that made him England's first choice and Curtis Davies, on as a sub for an under-par Rafael, also gained the plaudits of the 90,000 crowd. It was former Boston Rock player Chris Samba who came closest to an equaliser but his looping header dropped wide. Glen Johnson finished off the CFJs challenge with his clean sheet. Congratulations Sheriff, more silverware to the Whitby Grove Enormodome, unlucky Chris, a good effort getting to a final in just your second season.
v (2)
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2
Bent 29
Johnson (c)
Wembley Stadium Att: 90,000
Sheriff is celebrating a Cup double tonight after his Boston Rock side saw off the CFJs in the WSFFL FA Cup Final. It was a disappointing game for the neutral with the pitch cutting up badly and preventing both teams from playing their natural free-flowing game. Darren Bent, who has taken more than his fair share of stick this season opened the scoring on 29 minutes. He was quickest to react when a cross from the right caught the CFJs defence in two minds and lashed the ball past Edwin Van der Sar. Sheriff couldn't contain his delight, vindicated by his continued faith in the striker.
The Boston Rock rearguard did the rest from there. Paul Robinson displayed the sort of form that made him England's first choice and Curtis Davies, on as a sub for an under-par Rafael, also gained the plaudits of the 90,000 crowd. It was former Boston Rock player Chris Samba who came closest to an equaliser but his looping header dropped wide. Glen Johnson finished off the CFJs challenge with his clean sheet. Congratulations Sheriff, more silverware to the Whitby Grove Enormodome, unlucky Chris, a good effort getting to a final in just your second season.
Saturday 25 April 2009
FA Cup Final Teams
In case you want to watch the game unfold yourselves, here are the teams...
The Cow-Faced Juniors
Gk - Van der Sar Sub - Stech
Def - Pantsil, Shorey, Onuoha, Samba Sub - Guthrie
Mid - Lennon, Song, Dempsey, Etherington Sub - Petrov
Att - Cisse, Anelka Sub - Zaki
You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Gk - Robinson Sub - Brown
Def - Rafael, Johnson, Ferdinand R, Ferdinand A Sub - Davies
Mid - Jenas, Lampard, Milner, Watson Sub - Stanislas
Att - Bent, Carroll Sub - Sears
Changes will be made if and when I am advised of any.
The Cow-Faced Juniors
Gk - Van der Sar Sub - Stech
Def - Pantsil, Shorey, Onuoha, Samba Sub - Guthrie
Mid - Lennon, Song, Dempsey, Etherington Sub - Petrov
Att - Cisse, Anelka Sub - Zaki
You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Gk - Robinson Sub - Brown
Def - Rafael, Johnson, Ferdinand R, Ferdinand A Sub - Davies
Mid - Jenas, Lampard, Milner, Watson Sub - Stanislas
Att - Bent, Carroll Sub - Sears
Changes will be made if and when I am advised of any.
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Week 26 Results
22 Legged Groove Machine 0 v 1 The Dead Parrots
Aardvark Abacus 5 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
Dynamo Kev 1 v 3 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 3 v 4 Final Fantasy XI
Real Muppets 1 v 1 Claymore Athletic FC
The Cow-Faced Juniors 2 v 1 Mega Buck Bandits
The Fabulous Artisans 2 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Trusted By Millions 4 v 0 San Dimas High School
Looks like the final blow in the title race may have been struck.
Final Fantasy off the bottom. Can't say who's replaced them!
Aardvark Abacus 5 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
Dynamo Kev 1 v 3 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 3 v 4 Final Fantasy XI
Real Muppets 1 v 1 Claymore Athletic FC
The Cow-Faced Juniors 2 v 1 Mega Buck Bandits
The Fabulous Artisans 2 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Trusted By Millions 4 v 0 San Dimas High School
Looks like the final blow in the title race may have been struck.
Final Fantasy off the bottom. Can't say who's replaced them!
Monday 20 April 2009
FA Cup Final - The Contenders
The Cow-Faced Juniors
Current League Position: 7th
Route to the Final;
1st Round - Dynamo Kev 3-2
Quarter-Final - Final Fantasy XI 2-1
Semi-Final - Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 2-1
Recent Results;
Week 25 - 5-4 v Fred West LG XI
Week 24 - 0-1 v Final Fantasy XI
Week 23 - 0-3 v Boston Rock
Week 22 - 1-7 v Aardvark Abacus
You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Current League Position: 2nd
Route to the Final;
1st Round - Trusted By Millions 3-2
Quarter-Final - The Fabulous Artisans 5-1
Semi-Final - 22 Legged Groove Machine 2-1 (after 2-2 and 3-3 draws)
Recent Results;
Week 25 - 2-1 v Nil Satis
Week 24 - 3-1 v Dynamo Kev
Week 23 - 3-0 v CFJs
Week 22 - 3-2 v Real Muppets
Recent meetings between the teams;
2008/9 Week 23 - Boston Rock 3 CFJs 0
2008/9 Week 4 - CFJs 1 Boston Rock 1
2007/8 Week 18 - Boston Rock 1 Eleven Imaginary Boys 3
2007/8 Week 5 - Eleven Imaginary Boys 3 Boston Rock 0
Good luck to both managers.
Current League Position: 7th
Route to the Final;
1st Round - Dynamo Kev 3-2
Quarter-Final - Final Fantasy XI 2-1
Semi-Final - Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 2-1
Recent Results;
Week 25 - 5-4 v Fred West LG XI
Week 24 - 0-1 v Final Fantasy XI
Week 23 - 0-3 v Boston Rock
Week 22 - 1-7 v Aardvark Abacus
You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Current League Position: 2nd
Route to the Final;
1st Round - Trusted By Millions 3-2
Quarter-Final - The Fabulous Artisans 5-1
Semi-Final - 22 Legged Groove Machine 2-1 (after 2-2 and 3-3 draws)
Recent Results;
Week 25 - 2-1 v Nil Satis
Week 24 - 3-1 v Dynamo Kev
Week 23 - 3-0 v CFJs
Week 22 - 3-2 v Real Muppets
Recent meetings between the teams;
2008/9 Week 23 - Boston Rock 3 CFJs 0
2008/9 Week 4 - CFJs 1 Boston Rock 1
2007/8 Week 18 - Boston Rock 1 Eleven Imaginary Boys 3
2007/8 Week 5 - Eleven Imaginary Boys 3 Boston Rock 0
Good luck to both managers.
Saturday 18 April 2009
Week 26 Counting Fixtures
To remind me as much as you...
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Aston Villa v West Ham, 15:00
Middlesbrough v Fulham, 15:00
Portsmouth v Bolton, 15:00
Stoke v Blackburn, 15:00
Sunderland v Hull, 15:00
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Man City v West Brom, 15:00
Tottenham v Newcastle, 13:30
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Liverpool v Arsenal, 20:00
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Chelsea v Everton, 20:00
Man Utd v (Portsmouth) 20:00
Man Utd's goals and cleans against Portsmouth will count but not the other way round (except to wipe out any United clean sheets). Wigan are the team with no game this week.
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Aston Villa v West Ham, 15:00
Middlesbrough v Fulham, 15:00
Portsmouth v Bolton, 15:00
Stoke v Blackburn, 15:00
Sunderland v Hull, 15:00
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Man City v West Brom, 15:00
Tottenham v Newcastle, 13:30
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Liverpool v Arsenal, 20:00
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
Chelsea v Everton, 20:00
Man Utd v (Portsmouth) 20:00
Man Utd's goals and cleans against Portsmouth will count but not the other way round (except to wipe out any United clean sheets). Wigan are the team with no game this week.
Monday 13 April 2009
The Ones That Got Away - Week 25
Another big batch of goals went begging in Week 25. Here's who missed out...
Andy Carroll (Boston Rock)
Chris Basham (pool)
Daniel Agger (Muppets)
David Ngog (Mega Bucks)
Dickson Etuhu (pool)
'Kiko' Macheda (Artisans)
Manucho (Aardvark)
Matthew Bates (pool)
Mido (Trusted)
Younes Kaboul (pool)
Andy Carroll (Boston Rock)
Chris Basham (pool)
Daniel Agger (Muppets)
David Ngog (Mega Bucks)
Dickson Etuhu (pool)
'Kiko' Macheda (Artisans)
Manucho (Aardvark)
Matthew Bates (pool)
Mido (Trusted)
Younes Kaboul (pool)
Sunday 12 April 2009
Week 25 Results
Claymore Athletic FC 1 v 2 22 Legged Groove Machine
Final Fantasy XI 2 v 0 Dynamo Kev
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 4 v 4 The Cow-Faced Juniors (revised from 4-5)
Mega Buck Bandits 1 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
San Dimas High School 2 v 2 Real Muppets
The Dead Parrots 1 v 2 The Fabulous Artisans
York’s Returning Glory 2 v 5 Trusted By Millions
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 1 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Top two both win again. Time running out for Boston Rock now.
Final Fantasy XI 2 v 0 Dynamo Kev
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 4 v 4 The Cow-Faced Juniors (revised from 4-5)
Mega Buck Bandits 1 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
San Dimas High School 2 v 2 Real Muppets
The Dead Parrots 1 v 2 The Fabulous Artisans
York’s Returning Glory 2 v 5 Trusted By Millions
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 1 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Top two both win again. Time running out for Boston Rock now.
Sunday 5 April 2009
Week 24 Results
22 Legged Groove Machine 3 v 0 San Dimas High School
Aardvark Abacus 7 v 1 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Dynamo Kev 1 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 0 v 1 The Dead Parrots
The Cow-Faced Juniors 0 v 1 Final Fantasy XI
The Fabulous Artisans 2 v 2 Claymore Athletic FC
Trusted By Millions 3 v 4 Real Muppets
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 2 Mega Buck Bandits
The top two continue on their merciless way.
Final Fantasy close the gap at the bottom.
Aardvark Abacus 7 v 1 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Dynamo Kev 1 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 0 v 1 The Dead Parrots
The Cow-Faced Juniors 0 v 1 Final Fantasy XI
The Fabulous Artisans 2 v 2 Claymore Athletic FC
Trusted By Millions 3 v 4 Real Muppets
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 2 Mega Buck Bandits
The top two continue on their merciless way.
Final Fantasy close the gap at the bottom.
Wednesday 1 April 2009
WSFFL Title Race - The Run-in (part two)
Aardvark Abacus are certainly in the title race driving seat. Even if Boston Rock win their last seven matches all Ady needs from these games is sixteen points.
The Earth-Pigs play...
Week 24 - Fred West Landscape Gardening XI (11th)
Week 25 - Mega Buck Bandits (14th)
Week 26 - York's Returning Glory (12th)
Week 27 - Claymore Athletic FC (8th)
Week 28 - The Dead Parrots (9th)
Week 29 - Nil Satis Nisi Optimum (10th)
Week 30 - Real Muppets (4th)
Like Sheriff, not too many opponents from the sharp end of the table. And also like Sheriff games against Nil Satis, Mega Bucks, York's and Claymore who all have roles as potential 'kingmakers'.
The Dead Parrots have had an excellent run of results and will be a handful but it's the first and last matches in the list that may tax Aardvark the most.
Fred has had a rotten season but has the players to do some damage. The Muppets' own title challenge has faded in recent weeks but Ady will not want to play Ryan's team needing a win for the title.
Will it be over by then though? We'll have to wait and see.
The Earth-Pigs play...
Week 24 - Fred West Landscape Gardening XI (11th)
Week 25 - Mega Buck Bandits (14th)
Week 26 - York's Returning Glory (12th)
Week 27 - Claymore Athletic FC (8th)
Week 28 - The Dead Parrots (9th)
Week 29 - Nil Satis Nisi Optimum (10th)
Week 30 - Real Muppets (4th)
Like Sheriff, not too many opponents from the sharp end of the table. And also like Sheriff games against Nil Satis, Mega Bucks, York's and Claymore who all have roles as potential 'kingmakers'.
The Dead Parrots have had an excellent run of results and will be a handful but it's the first and last matches in the list that may tax Aardvark the most.
Fred has had a rotten season but has the players to do some damage. The Muppets' own title challenge has faded in recent weeks but Ady will not want to play Ryan's team needing a win for the title.
Will it be over by then though? We'll have to wait and see.
Saturday 28 March 2009
WSFFL Title Race - The Run-in (part one)
With respect to the teams that can mathematically take the title I think we're down to a two-horse race. Boston Rock may have to win every game to have a chance to overcome current leaders Aardvark Abacus.
Can Sheriff's team do it? Here's what they face...
(current league position in brackets)
Week 24 - Dynamo Kev (13th)
Week 25 - Nil Satis Nisi Optimum (10th)
Week 26 - The Fabulous Artisans (7th)
Week 27 - Mega Buck Bandits (14th)
Week 28 - York's Returning Glory (12th)
Week 29 - Claymore Athletic FC (8th)
Week 30 - Final Fantasy XI (16th)
On the surface, it doesn't look too bad with no team from the current top six between now and the end of the season. However, Dynamo and York's are capable of turning in great performances against top teams. Nil Satis, the Artisans and Claymore have all been tough to beat.
The 'Sky Heroes' are looking to do the double over all their remaining opponents with the exception of Claymore who notched a 3-2 victory in week 11.
If Sheriff can take 17 points from these games then Ady will need to win four of his last seven to come out on top.
It'll be a tall order for Boston Rock to turn this round but you don't count Sheriff out until the maths are against him. And Ady's run-in? I'll tell you next time.
Can Sheriff's team do it? Here's what they face...
(current league position in brackets)
Week 24 - Dynamo Kev (13th)
Week 25 - Nil Satis Nisi Optimum (10th)
Week 26 - The Fabulous Artisans (7th)
Week 27 - Mega Buck Bandits (14th)
Week 28 - York's Returning Glory (12th)
Week 29 - Claymore Athletic FC (8th)
Week 30 - Final Fantasy XI (16th)
On the surface, it doesn't look too bad with no team from the current top six between now and the end of the season. However, Dynamo and York's are capable of turning in great performances against top teams. Nil Satis, the Artisans and Claymore have all been tough to beat.
The 'Sky Heroes' are looking to do the double over all their remaining opponents with the exception of Claymore who notched a 3-2 victory in week 11.
If Sheriff can take 17 points from these games then Ady will need to win four of his last seven to come out on top.
It'll be a tall order for Boston Rock to turn this round but you don't count Sheriff out until the maths are against him. And Ady's run-in? I'll tell you next time.
Sunday 22 March 2009
Week 23 and Cup SF 2nd replay Results
Cup Semi-final 2nd replay
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 1 22 Legged Groove Machine
Sheriff finally sees off Rich and will face the CFJs in the Cup Final.
League Week 23
Claymore Athletic FC 0 v 1 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Final Fantasy XI 0 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 4 York’s Returning Glory
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 8 Trusted By Millions
Real Muppets 0 v 1 22 Legged Groove Machine
San Dimas High School 1 v 2 The Fabulous Artisans
The Dead Parrots 1 v 2 Dynamo Kev
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 3 v 0 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Aardvark and Boston Rock are turning the title race into a private duel.
Trusted run riot against Mega Bucks.
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 1 22 Legged Groove Machine
Sheriff finally sees off Rich and will face the CFJs in the Cup Final.
League Week 23
Claymore Athletic FC 0 v 1 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Final Fantasy XI 0 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 4 York’s Returning Glory
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 8 Trusted By Millions
Real Muppets 0 v 1 22 Legged Groove Machine
San Dimas High School 1 v 2 The Fabulous Artisans
The Dead Parrots 1 v 2 Dynamo Kev
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 3 v 0 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Aardvark and Boston Rock are turning the title race into a private duel.
Trusted run riot against Mega Bucks.
Monday 16 March 2009
Week 22 and Cup semi-final replay results
FA Cup Semi-final replay
22 Legged Groove Machine 3 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
League Week 22
22 Legged Groove Machine 3 v 2 Final Fantasy XI
Dynamo Kev 1 v 2 York’s Returning Glory
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 1 Mega Buck Bandits
Real Muppets 2 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
San Dimas High School 1 v 2 The Dead Parrots
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 7 Aardvark Abacus
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 1 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Trusted By Millions 4 v 4 Claymore Athletic FC
It looks like only Boston Rock can halt Ady's title charge now.
Rich still holding up Sheriff's bid for another Cup final.
22 Legged Groove Machine 3 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
League Week 22
22 Legged Groove Machine 3 v 2 Final Fantasy XI
Dynamo Kev 1 v 2 York’s Returning Glory
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 1 Mega Buck Bandits
Real Muppets 2 v 3 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
San Dimas High School 1 v 2 The Dead Parrots
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 7 Aardvark Abacus
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 1 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Trusted By Millions 4 v 4 Claymore Athletic FC
It looks like only Boston Rock can halt Ady's title charge now.
Rich still holding up Sheriff's bid for another Cup final.
Thursday 5 March 2009
WSFFL FA Cup Semi-final Results
The Cow-Faced Juniors 2 v 0 Nil Satis Nisi Optimium (revised from 2-1)
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 2 22 Legged Groove Machine
A first final for Chris, Sheriff held up in his bid for a Cup double.
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 2 22 Legged Groove Machine
A first final for Chris, Sheriff held up in his bid for a Cup double.
Sunday 1 March 2009
Week 21 Results
Aardvark Abacus 1 v 1 Trusted By Millions
Claymore Athletic FC 4 v 3 San Dimas High School
Final Fantasy XI 1 v 1 The Fabulous Artisans
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 0 v 4 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Mega Buck Bandits 2 v 0 Dynamo Kev
The Dead Parrots 3 v 0 Real Muppets
York’s Returning Glory 3 v 0 The Cow-Faced Juniors
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 0 22 Legged Groove Machine
Boston Rock win the Cup semi-final rehearsal and trim Aardvark's lead to six.
The teams from the lower reaches make their mark this week.
Claymore Athletic FC 4 v 3 San Dimas High School
Final Fantasy XI 1 v 1 The Fabulous Artisans
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 0 v 4 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Mega Buck Bandits 2 v 0 Dynamo Kev
The Dead Parrots 3 v 0 Real Muppets
York’s Returning Glory 3 v 0 The Cow-Faced Juniors
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 2 v 0 22 Legged Groove Machine
Boston Rock win the Cup semi-final rehearsal and trim Aardvark's lead to six.
The teams from the lower reaches make their mark this week.
Thursday 26 February 2009
The many moves of Jermaine Pennant (updated Oct 2012)
Jermaine Pennant's a much-travelled player isn't he?
In light of his recent move to Claymore Athletic I thought I'd look back at his WSFFL transfers. I'm starting at July 2006 where the bank balance records start...
30.7.06 - Left Nil Satis to join Boston Rock for £2.2m
5.8.07 - Moved to Trusted for £2.1m
3.11.07 - Dumped to the pool by Beef (after less than three months!)
10.11.07 - Back to Boston Rock, out of the pool for 500k
12.2.09 - Returned to the pool by Sheriff
25.2.09 - Joins Claymore from the pool
15.7.09 - Moves to Real Zaragoza on a free
8.9.10 - Joins the CFJs at the September auction for 500k
5.8.11 - Moves to the Fabulous Artisans in a swap deal for Richard Dunne
21.10.12 - Dumped to the pool by Ben.
Now I could read every newsletter since the turn of the century to find out what's gone before but it alternatively you could write and let me know if he's ever been on your books.
In light of his recent move to Claymore Athletic I thought I'd look back at his WSFFL transfers. I'm starting at July 2006 where the bank balance records start...
30.7.06 - Left Nil Satis to join Boston Rock for £2.2m
5.8.07 - Moved to Trusted for £2.1m
3.11.07 - Dumped to the pool by Beef (after less than three months!)
10.11.07 - Back to Boston Rock, out of the pool for 500k
12.2.09 - Returned to the pool by Sheriff
25.2.09 - Joins Claymore from the pool
15.7.09 - Moves to Real Zaragoza on a free
8.9.10 - Joins the CFJs at the September auction for 500k
5.8.11 - Moves to the Fabulous Artisans in a swap deal for Richard Dunne
21.10.12 - Dumped to the pool by Ben.
Now I could read every newsletter since the turn of the century to find out what's gone before but it alternatively you could write and let me know if he's ever been on your books.
Monday 23 February 2009
Week 19 Results
22 Legged Groove Machine 1 v 1 Dynamo Kev
Claymore Athletic FC 4 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
Real Muppets 1 v 2 The Cow-Faced Juniors
San Dimas High School 0 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
The Dead Parrots 4 v 0 Mega Buck Bandits
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 1 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Trusted By Millions 3 v 1 Final Fantasy XI
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 3 v 2 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Aardvark's lead is eight points with just 10 games remaining.
Boston Rock now the closest challengers.
Claymore Athletic FC 4 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
Real Muppets 1 v 2 The Cow-Faced Juniors
San Dimas High School 0 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
The Dead Parrots 4 v 0 Mega Buck Bandits
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 1 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Trusted By Millions 3 v 1 Final Fantasy XI
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 3 v 2 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Aardvark's lead is eight points with just 10 games remaining.
Boston Rock now the closest challengers.
Wednesday 18 February 2009
Clean Sheet Question Clarified
Another brief talking point at the get-together was around clean sheets and how long it should be before a player can earn one. Beef has had a long-standing bee in his bonnet about the 15 minute rule and would like to see that increased.
I suggested that most clean sheets in our game are for the full 90 minutes and with some spare time I've been able to back up my thinking. Here are the details of the counting* clean sheets over the last three weeks.
Week 17 - 20 clean sheets, 18 of those were full match cleans
Week 18 - 34 clean sheets, 31 of those were full match cleans
Week 19 - 46 clean sheets, 42 of those were full match cleans
I don't know what counts as a full statistical sample but 100 clean sheets and 10% of the season is as far as I'm going.
So 91 out of the last 100 counting clean sheets were achieved over the whole match. I think a result in excess of 90% is pretty clear.
Of those that weren't 90 minutes they were timed at 26, 36, 44, 45 (x2), 56, 78, 82 and 87.
I think that firmly suggests that nothing is wrong with the rule as it stands and there's nothing to be gained from tinkering with it. Release the bee Beef, release the bee.
*There were a few sub cleans that didn't count as the player didn't get on the WSFFL pitch.
I suggested that most clean sheets in our game are for the full 90 minutes and with some spare time I've been able to back up my thinking. Here are the details of the counting* clean sheets over the last three weeks.
Week 17 - 20 clean sheets, 18 of those were full match cleans
Week 18 - 34 clean sheets, 31 of those were full match cleans
Week 19 - 46 clean sheets, 42 of those were full match cleans
I don't know what counts as a full statistical sample but 100 clean sheets and 10% of the season is as far as I'm going.
So 91 out of the last 100 counting clean sheets were achieved over the whole match. I think a result in excess of 90% is pretty clear.
Of those that weren't 90 minutes they were timed at 26, 36, 44, 45 (x2), 56, 78, 82 and 87.
I think that firmly suggests that nothing is wrong with the rule as it stands and there's nothing to be gained from tinkering with it. Release the bee Beef, release the bee.
*There were a few sub cleans that didn't count as the player didn't get on the WSFFL pitch.
Monday 16 February 2009
The Story So Far - Top Performers
With a break in the action at the moment I thought I'd take a look at the league's top performers so far.
The totals listed for each player include goals and (where applicable) scoring cleans, cancelled cleans and saved penalties and include every competition.
18 - Edwin van der Sar (CFJs)
17 - Nemanja Vidic (Fred West)
16 - own goals!
13 - Nicolas Anelka (CFJs)
13 - Rio Ferdinand (Boston Rock)
12 - Jose Bosingwa (Claymore)
12 - Jose Reina (Muppets)
11 - Manuel Almunia (York's)
11 - John Terry (San Dimas)
11 - Gael Clichy (Claymore)
11 - John O'Shea (Nil Satis)
10 - Gabriel Agbonlahor (Muppets)
10 - Alex (Aardvark)
10 - Jamie Carragher (Trusted)
10 - Frank Lampard (Boston Rock)
WSFFL Player of the season and golden boot very much up for grabs but the Muppets' Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have work to do if he's to retain those trophies.
The totals listed for each player include goals and (where applicable) scoring cleans, cancelled cleans and saved penalties and include every competition.
18 - Edwin van der Sar (CFJs)
17 - Nemanja Vidic (Fred West)
16 - own goals!
13 - Nicolas Anelka (CFJs)
13 - Rio Ferdinand (Boston Rock)
12 - Jose Bosingwa (Claymore)
12 - Jose Reina (Muppets)
11 - Manuel Almunia (York's)
11 - John Terry (San Dimas)
11 - Gael Clichy (Claymore)
11 - John O'Shea (Nil Satis)
10 - Gabriel Agbonlahor (Muppets)
10 - Alex (Aardvark)
10 - Jamie Carragher (Trusted)
10 - Frank Lampard (Boston Rock)
WSFFL Player of the season and golden boot very much up for grabs but the Muppets' Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have work to do if he's to retain those trophies.
Saturday 14 February 2009
The Big Four?
Among the discussions at the get-together on Monday was a brief reference to WSFFL's 'Big Four'. They weren't named which got me thinking, is there a big four and if so who are they?
I've been through the WSFFL archives since we went to a 16 team league in 2001. I've awarded four points for a league win, three for second place, two for third and a point for fourth. On top of that there's two points for a Cup win and a point for runner-up.
Here's how the points totted up...
31- Aardvark Abacus
19 - You Know Your Boston Rock FC
12 - Real Muppets
12 - Trusted By Millions
11 - San Dimas High School
10 - Claymore Athletic FC
10 - The Cow-Faced Juniors*
4 - Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
3 - The Fabulous Artisans**
1 - Final Fantasy XI
1 - Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
1 - York's Returning Glory
* eight points as Kylie Bumcheeks, two as Eleven Imaginary Boys
** points earned under the Prettier Than You banner
So my reading is, Big Two definitely - Big Four I don't think so. If you have any opinions on who you think the WSFFL Big Four might be and why then please get in touch and we'll continue the debate.
I've been through the WSFFL archives since we went to a 16 team league in 2001. I've awarded four points for a league win, three for second place, two for third and a point for fourth. On top of that there's two points for a Cup win and a point for runner-up.
Here's how the points totted up...
31- Aardvark Abacus
19 - You Know Your Boston Rock FC
12 - Real Muppets
12 - Trusted By Millions
11 - San Dimas High School
10 - Claymore Athletic FC
10 - The Cow-Faced Juniors*
4 - Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
3 - The Fabulous Artisans**
1 - Final Fantasy XI
1 - Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
1 - York's Returning Glory
* eight points as Kylie Bumcheeks, two as Eleven Imaginary Boys
** points earned under the Prettier Than You banner
So my reading is, Big Two definitely - Big Four I don't think so. If you have any opinions on who you think the WSFFL Big Four might be and why then please get in touch and we'll continue the debate.
Sunday 8 February 2009
Week 19 Results
Aardvark Abacus 2 v 1 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Dynamo Kev 1 v 0 Claymore Athletic FC
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 2 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 0 San Dimas High School
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 2 The Dead Parrots
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 1 Real Muppets
Trusted By Millions 3 v 0 22 Legged Groove Machine
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
Ady gets some PCMT revenge and stretches his lead to six points.
Dynamo Kev 1 v 0 Claymore Athletic FC
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 2 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 0 San Dimas High School
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 2 The Dead Parrots
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 1 Real Muppets
Trusted By Millions 3 v 0 22 Legged Groove Machine
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 0 Final Fantasy XI
Ady gets some PCMT revenge and stretches his lead to six points.
Sunday 1 February 2009
Week 18 Results
Aardvark Abacus 1 v 0 Dynamo Kev
Final Fantasy XI 1 v 4 Real Muppets
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 1 v 0 22 Legged Groove Machine
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 6 The Fabulous Artisans
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 2 Trusted By Millions
The Dead Parrots 2 v 0 Claymore Athletic FC
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 0 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 4 v 0 San Dimas High School
The top three keep on winning...
Final Fantasy XI 1 v 4 Real Muppets
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 1 v 0 22 Legged Groove Machine
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 6 The Fabulous Artisans
The Cow-Faced Juniors 1 v 2 Trusted By Millions
The Dead Parrots 2 v 0 Claymore Athletic FC
York’s Returning Glory 0 v 0 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 4 v 0 San Dimas High School
The top three keep on winning...
Thursday 29 January 2009
FA Cup Quarter-final results
Claymore Athletic FC 1 v 2 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School 1 v 3 22 Legged Groove Machine
The Cow-Faced Juniors 2 v 1 Final Fantasy XI
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 5 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Semi-final draw to be held at the transfer window get-together.
San Dimas High School 1 v 3 22 Legged Groove Machine
The Cow-Faced Juniors 2 v 1 Final Fantasy XI
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 5 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Semi-final draw to be held at the transfer window get-together.
Thursday 22 January 2009
Bellamy stays with Artisans
Fabulous Artisans manager Ben Warr has rebuffed a £14m offer from Manchester City for his Welsh international striker Craig Bellamy.
The City offer represented a £5m+ profit and would have comfortably been a record sale for the Artisans but Ben gave the moneybags Mancunian outfit short shrift.
Bellamy has only bagged three WSFFL goals since the beginning of the 2007/8 season but the Artisans manager told the co-ordinator: "He's a top class striker, I'm not in the business of selling my best players."
The City offer represented a £5m+ profit and would have comfortably been a record sale for the Artisans but Ben gave the moneybags Mancunian outfit short shrift.
Bellamy has only bagged three WSFFL goals since the beginning of the 2007/8 season but the Artisans manager told the co-ordinator: "He's a top class striker, I'm not in the business of selling my best players."
Monday 19 January 2009
Week 17 Results
Week 16 rearranged match
The Cow-Faced Juniors 3 v 1 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Week 17
22 Legged Groove Machine 0 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
Claymore Athletic FC 0 v 2 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 2 Dynamo Kev
Real Muppets 2 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
San Dimas High School 0 v 4 Mega Buck Bandits
The Dead Parrots 1 v 3 Final Fantasy XI (revised from 2-3)
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 4 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Trusted By Millions 2 v 6 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
The Cow-Faced Juniors 3 v 1 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Week 17
22 Legged Groove Machine 0 v 2 Aardvark Abacus
Claymore Athletic FC 0 v 2 Fred West Landscape Gardening XI
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum 1 v 2 Dynamo Kev
Real Muppets 2 v 0 York’s Returning Glory
San Dimas High School 0 v 4 Mega Buck Bandits
The Dead Parrots 1 v 3 Final Fantasy XI (revised from 2-3)
The Fabulous Artisans 1 v 4 The Cow-Faced Juniors
Trusted By Millions 2 v 6 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
Saturday 17 January 2009
WSFFL FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw
The Fabulous Artisans v You Know Your Boston Rock FC
The Cow-Faced Juniors v Final Fantasy XI
Claymore Athletic FC v Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School v 22 Legged Groove Machine
Matches to be played midweek 27/28 January.
The Cow-Faced Juniors v Final Fantasy XI
Claymore Athletic FC v Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School v 22 Legged Groove Machine
Matches to be played midweek 27/28 January.
Wednesday 14 January 2009
Transfer Window Latest - Real Madrid take pity on Fred
Ailing Fred West Landscape Gardening XI have been given a shot in the arm after selling defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid for £20m.
It's not the first time Madrid have opened their cheque book for one of Fred's players. The Spanish giants paid £24m for Arjen Robben around 18 months ago. The fee remains a record sale for the league.
The Diarra deal is the third biggest outgoing transfer (to my knowledge) in the league's history with second place going to Aardvark Abacus' £21.5m sale of Nicolas Anelka to, yes, Real Madrid.
It's been a quiet start to the month with the only other outgoings being Heidar Helguson from York's Returning Glory to QPR for £1.5m and Mega Buck Bandits releasing Paul Stalteri.
You can see the incoming players for auction in the document in the WSFFL docs section.
It's not the first time Madrid have opened their cheque book for one of Fred's players. The Spanish giants paid £24m for Arjen Robben around 18 months ago. The fee remains a record sale for the league.
The Diarra deal is the third biggest outgoing transfer (to my knowledge) in the league's history with second place going to Aardvark Abacus' £21.5m sale of Nicolas Anelka to, yes, Real Madrid.
It's been a quiet start to the month with the only other outgoings being Heidar Helguson from York's Returning Glory to QPR for £1.5m and Mega Buck Bandits releasing Paul Stalteri.
You can see the incoming players for auction in the document in the WSFFL docs section.
Sunday 11 January 2009
Week 16 Results
Aardvark Abacus 0 v 3 The Fabulous Artisans
Dynamo Kev 1 v 2 Trusted By Millions
Final Fantasy XI 1 v 6 Claymore Athletic FC
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 2 San Dimas High School
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 1 Real Muppets
The Cow-Faced Juniors v Nil Satis Nisi Optimum POSTPONED
York’s Returning Glory 1 v 1 22 Legged Groove Machine
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 1 v 2 The Dead Parrots
Muppets cut Aardvark's lead to four points.
Boston Rock and Groovers fail to take advantage of another Ady defeat.
Dynamo Kev 1 v 2 Trusted By Millions
Final Fantasy XI 1 v 6 Claymore Athletic FC
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 2 San Dimas High School
Mega Buck Bandits 0 v 1 Real Muppets
The Cow-Faced Juniors v Nil Satis Nisi Optimum POSTPONED
York’s Returning Glory 1 v 1 22 Legged Groove Machine
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 1 v 2 The Dead Parrots
Muppets cut Aardvark's lead to four points.
Boston Rock and Groovers fail to take advantage of another Ady defeat.
Monday 5 January 2009
WSFFL FA Cup 1st Round Results
22 Legged Groove Machine 3 v 0 York's Returning Glory
Aardvark Abacus 1 v 3 The Fabulous Artisans
Final Fantasy XI 4 v 0 Mega Buck Bandits
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 3 Claymore Athletic FC
Real Muppets 0 v 2 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School 2 v 1 The Dead Parrots
The Cow-Faced Juniors 3 v 2 Dynamo Kev
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 3 v 2 Trusted By Millions
Crash! Holders go out to in-form Nil Satis.
Bang! League leaders are beaten by the Artisans, again.
Wallop! Fred's season gets worse.
Aardvark Abacus 1 v 3 The Fabulous Artisans
Final Fantasy XI 4 v 0 Mega Buck Bandits
Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 3 Claymore Athletic FC
Real Muppets 0 v 2 Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
San Dimas High School 2 v 1 The Dead Parrots
The Cow-Faced Juniors 3 v 2 Dynamo Kev
You Know Your Boston Rock FC 3 v 2 Trusted By Millions
Crash! Holders go out to in-form Nil Satis.
Bang! League leaders are beaten by the Artisans, again.
Wallop! Fred's season gets worse.
Sunday 4 January 2009
Half-Term Report - The Fabulous Artisans
After a slow start the team has performed well in the last couple of months to reach mid-table respectability.
The undoubted star of the team is Ashley Young who has been the subject of an unsolicited (hostile!) bid from a rival manager. But 3 mediocre players for one world-class just isn't enough Sheriff. Although I'm new to this management lark I wasn't born yesterday!
I had two holidays during the first half of the season. On reflection it was a mistake to try to pick, coach and manage the team from France and Mauritius. The team lost all 4 games while I was out of the country.
My signings have been successful by and large. Johan Elmander took a while to get going but is now moving nicely. Nadir Belhadj has been a success but Robert Koren didn't work out at all. No goals in half a season at a cost of £5M is just not good enough so he's been moved on (dumped!). I'm quite excited about two youngsters I've picked up from the pool. I've loaned Jay Simpson out to West Brom (Tony Mowbray's an old friend) where I'm hoping he will get some valuable first-team experience (and a few goals!), and Adam Johnson has been the subject of some interest from Real Madrid no less. I'm after a first-team goalkeeper to strengthen the squad, so if anyone has a decent one surplus to requirements please let me know. I'm willing to pay
some money!
Injuries haven't been kind to the team. Bellamy, Elmander, Skrtel and Barton have all had lengthy spells out although 3 of those 4 should be back in action in January.
All in all it's been an enjoyable start to my managerial career. The team has done ok and we are well placed for further steady improvements.
The undoubted star of the team is Ashley Young who has been the subject of an unsolicited (hostile!) bid from a rival manager. But 3 mediocre players for one world-class just isn't enough Sheriff. Although I'm new to this management lark I wasn't born yesterday!
I had two holidays during the first half of the season. On reflection it was a mistake to try to pick, coach and manage the team from France and Mauritius. The team lost all 4 games while I was out of the country.
My signings have been successful by and large. Johan Elmander took a while to get going but is now moving nicely. Nadir Belhadj has been a success but Robert Koren didn't work out at all. No goals in half a season at a cost of £5M is just not good enough so he's been moved on (dumped!). I'm quite excited about two youngsters I've picked up from the pool. I've loaned Jay Simpson out to West Brom (Tony Mowbray's an old friend) where I'm hoping he will get some valuable first-team experience (and a few goals!), and Adam Johnson has been the subject of some interest from Real Madrid no less. I'm after a first-team goalkeeper to strengthen the squad, so if anyone has a decent one surplus to requirements please let me know. I'm willing to pay
some money!
Injuries haven't been kind to the team. Bellamy, Elmander, Skrtel and Barton have all had lengthy spells out although 3 of those 4 should be back in action in January.
All in all it's been an enjoyable start to my managerial career. The team has done ok and we are well placed for further steady improvements.
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