One of my all-time favourite games is Championship Manager, and I have to be honest: most times the teams I manage don't really get to see much success (I usually manage teams in the lower divisions, and in obscure leagues such as S-League. I've gone from managing Balestier Khalsa to the group stages of the AFC Champions League, to being sacked at the beginning of the 2008/09 season after saving Leicester City from relegation to League One in my current game using CM2008.
After over a month in the managerial wilderness applying for every vacancy I could, I was fortunate enough to be given a chance to save Brighton & Hove Albion from relegation to League Two. With the assistance of reinforcements, 26 of them to be exact, and a clear out of 9 incumbents, the team managed to place 16th in 2008/09, and claimed top spot in League One pipping Luton on the final day of the season.
Among those who shone in the title-winning season were strikers De Paula (Ponferradina, Spain lower leagues), Nacho Novo (Rangers), Junior Agogo (Nottingham Forest), and Ahn Jun-Hwan (Suwon Bluewings) , who contributed 48 goals between them. Incidentally all of them were acquired for free.
The midfield was also outstanding, particularly Lloyd Dyer in delivering corners (incumbent), captain Lee Peacock (Swindon, 50k) and consistent Ravid Gazal (Israel, free transfer) pulling their weight.
In defence, Ferdinando Coppola (Milan, free transfer) put Sam Russell (Rochdale, 100k) in the shade, while Adam Virgo (Celtic, free transfer) and Danny Swailes (MK Dons, $20k) worked well together with incumbents Adam Hinshelwood and Tommy Elphick to form a relatively stable backline.
There was still time for the team to capitulate 0-7 to Bolton in the League Cup two weeks into my tenure, but on hindsight once that loss was out of the lads' systems, they got down to work, cumulating in an impressive 16-match unbeaten run all the way to the final day of the season. Additionally, the club's finances were dealt a massive boost with Hugo Rodallega (Colombia free transfer) sold to Championship side Hull for 500k in the mid-season due to a minimum fee release clause. The sale of Rodallega may yet come back to haunt me as he is currently on a hot streak in the Championship, let's see what next season brings, so watch this space.
The Board has been rather realistic in expecting the team to battle bravely against relegation, but i can assure you their manager isn't resting on his laurels. The 2010/11 season would probably see another overhaul, with another 10 players arriving, 6 of them on a free transfer. Jason Jarrett (Preston) moved from Doncaster for 40k, and is already looking like a capable midfield leader when Peacock is rested. Free transfers Juanfran (Zaragoza) and Cuno Torres (Valencia) bring a Spanish element to the defence, while Tony Criag (ex-Millwall) finally completed his transfer from Premiership side Crystal Palace) for $100k plus 48-month instalments. Also knocking on the doors of the first team are South Korean forwards Lee Dong-Gook (released from Middlesborough), Kyung Ho Chung and Choi Tae-Wook (free transfer) to add a little more pace and variety into the play. Perhaps Christian Roberts (Swindon, free transfer) will make a decent showing this time after seeing his colleagues Peacock and Michael Pook participate in the club's in some measure the past season.
Thankfully the Board has been kind in agreeing to an additional 850k war chest, not that I am in dire need of funds, but just in case suitable players become available, the team will be prepared to take them in. Conversely, the club will consider all offers for some players should these be forthcoming. In the event that players wish to leave the club despite the success it has achieved thus far, I wouldn't stand in their way. Things are looking up for Brighton in 2010/11, and I can't wait to share more of what happens at the end of the season.
