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.
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