Pettigrew joins Cloughite staff

Garry Pettigrew, editor of the WCA News has today joined the Cloughite's staff and will be bringing the latest news from the Weekend Casual Association direct to the Cloughite from now on.

The Cloughite is always looking to recruit new writers -- if you're involved in an association specific newspaper and would like to become an editor at the Cloughite please get in touch, with your help we can make the Cloughite even stronger; something that all UFFA members can be proud of.

WCA Season 6 Preview

UFFA Qualifiers
- Gold Cup: LetsTalkAboutCesc & Matosinhos SC
- Silver Cup: Davos Utd, Euclydian Dynamo & Crimson Fists
- Cup Winners Cup: Grantchester Utd, Band of Brothers & Team Extreme
- Youth: LetsTalkAboutCesc & Crimson Fists

As always the WCA News wishes all the participants the best of luck as they try to bring some glory to the WCA.

Player of the Year Awards
The results of the 2nd annual WCA Managers Player of the Year awards are in.

The Premiership Player of the Year Award was won by LetsTalkAboutCesc's Marek Matusiak with 63% of the vote. Marek also won the Young Player of the Year for the 2nd year running with 50% of the vote.

The Championship Player of the Year was won by Brayzil's Matt Derbyshire with a massive 80% of the vote.

Thanks to all who took the time to vote.


WCA League & Cup News

WCA News Victory Shield: Thats right folks. A brand spanking new competition sponsored by the WCA News. With the low numbers in the WCA (although we are up to 35 now) it was decided that a new FA competition was in order. So - no prize money, no UFFA spot, simply for prestige. A Champions League Style competition starting with 8 groups with the winners progressing to the quarter finals. Good luck with it next season.

WCA Leagues: Currently looking at a Premier League of 16 and a Championship of 19 with 3 up and down for next season. The promotions from the Championship may increase depending on the number of WCA members next season.


Transfer News

Championship Major Transfers: In the Championship only Bushby Babes have been active signing Kakha Kaladze (250k) and Fernando Ance (450k) as they look to gain promotion back to the Premiership.

Premiership Major Transfers: Band of Brothers have been active with Yossi Benayoun leaving for 350k and Davis Curiale joining in a wage auction for a fee of 250k. Scottish fullback Mark Wilson was also signed for 200k in a transfer auction. Euclydian Dynamo spent 525k on Charles Kaboe and a further 220k on Rafael Dida. Last years runners up Matosinhos SC have yet to strengthen their squad but have let Rene Mihelic leave for a fee of 600k.


So that's it. Will anyone challenge LetsTalkAboutCesc? With 5 new members in the WCA will we see a first timer gain promotion to the Premiership?

Here's to another great season.

Toni enters Hall of Fame

Nominations for the Cloughite Hall of Fame have closed. With 62% of the vote Luca Toni becomes the first player to enter the Hall of Fame. Clarence Seedorf finished second in the voting with 27% of the vote and Mauro Camoranesi took the remaining 10.8% of the 37 votes.

During the course of his career Toni racked up a staggering £36.6m in transfer fees over 12 seperate transfer deals, back in season 3 Toni turned out for no less than six different teams over the course of the season, including a return to one of his previous clubs -- David Grant's Rumford Rangers -- on loan.

1. Luca Toni, retired age 35 (ITA) S (62%)
- Rockanje (14 apps)
- Team Awesome FC (122 apps)
- Rumford Rangers (39 apps)
- FC Alpha (632 apps)
- FC Evolution (48 apps)
- Yeti FC (6 apps)
- KS Piast Nowa Ruda (17 apps)
- Kavchester City (285 apps)
- Wizardos (63 apps)
- Fiasco da Gama (11 apps)
- Rumford Rangers (29 apps)
- Banjo's Badgers (53 apps)
- Garibaldi Reds (65 apps)

Total transfer fees paid: £36.6m



2. Clarence Seedorf, retired aged 36 (NED) AM RLC (27%)
- Aston United (187 apps)
- FC Jardines Del Rey (165 apps)
- FC Goodwood (223 apps)

Total transfer fees paid: £1.5m



3. Mauro Camoranesi, retired age 36 (ITA) M C + AM R (11%)
- AFC London (88 apps)
- Wroxall Rovers (342 apps)
- AFC Wardle Dynamos 08 (92 apps)
- Anti-Football FC (79 apps)

Total transfer fees: £5.9m

The Cloughite's Ten To Watch: Under 19s

Ten of the most promising young players Under 19s in the world today, as chosen by Cloughite editor Dave Parker:

10. Sebastiano Prisco (19, Strawberry Fields F.C.) M LC -- Manager Craig MacLean pulled off one of the bargains of the season when he signed Prisco from Southampton Saints FC at the end of season 4. Prisco has already established himself in the senior side at Pepperlands and looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

9. Rene Eckstein (19, Wymondham FC) AM RL -- A regular feature in Wymondham's senior team for the best part of 2 seasons since his arrival from Barnageera at the end of season 3, Eckstein looks certain to become one of the worlds' top wingers and has firmly established himself as superstar at the tender age of 19.

8. Ramon Ribeiro (19, London Town) AM LC -- One of the best crossers of the ball in world football, blessed with technique, pace and a growing reputation as a free kick specialist, Ribeiro is destined for greatness, having been brought through from the London Town academy, manager Mark Lockie will be hoping to hold onto this talent for a long time to come.

7. Craig Davies (16, Donut Town) AM L -- Joe Strummer beat off plenty of competition for the signing of Welshman Davies, already dubbed the "next Ryan Giggs". As one of the highest paid teenagers in world football Davies' has a lot of expectation on his young shouders', but when judging by the standard of his performances this season you wouldn't know it.

6. Edimar Teixeira (18, Relegation Fodder) AM RLC -- Equally comfortable in the middle of the park and on either flank. Edimar has the potential to be one of world football's true greats, currently battling fellow Brazilian Caio for a regular place in the Relegation Fodder starting eleven.

5. Gabriele Perrotta (19, Chester Rats) D LC -- Jamie Cook secured the deal for Perrotta on the back of a huge offer for the commanding defender in one of the most fiercely contested wage auctions in memory. Equally at home on the left or in the centre of defense he has been likened to former AC Milan and Italy captain Paulo Maldini.

4. Mamadou Aubry (18, Wymondham FC) AM R + FC -- nearly a goal a game for Wymondham's youth team, the young Frenchman has blistering pace, a sublime first touch and a clinical finish. A complete striker already.

3. Alexandre Fernandes (19, Relegation Fodder) D C -- "Fernandes is the prefect centre back" -- high praise indeed from his manager. A product of the club's youth academy Fernandes has already made over 1000 appearances since breaking into the first team at the age of 16.

2. Marek Matusiak (19, LetsTalkAboutCesc) S -- Signed as a 17 year old from Athletico Pathetico in season 3 Matusiak has averaged nearly a goal a game for Cesc's senior side since his arrival at the club. Great technique coupled with incredible strength and pace to burn make Matusiak a defender's nightmare.

1. Lee Phillips (19, Legless Ends FC) AM C -- Labelled the most gifted Englishman of his generation, and with good reason. After a brief trial with Real Garda Claudia, Phillips signed for Legless Ends FC in season 1 and has been a fixture in their senior side ever since.

Tycoons hold Nerve to claim Silver Cup penalty shootout

Tycoons Gunners caused an upset against Nerve Palace to claim the Silver Cup in a tense final eventually decided by a penalty shootout.

In a match with few clear cut chances, it was Palace who constantly threatened the Tycoon goal throughout, with star striker and man of the match Tuncay looking lively for Sir Evren's side. By contrast, Coach Tycoon's players put up a determined resistance, with goalkeeper David Marshall on hand to deny the opposition with a string of fine saves.

The Gunner's star player Walter failed to live up to his billing, and was eventually substituted in extra time before the match went to penalties.

Both teams scored their first two penalties, before Jacques Faty blazed over the bar for Palace after Tycoons scored their third. Tiago Rodrigues then converted for the Gunners, before Tuncay was given the unenviable task of keeping the Nerves in the hunt for the Cup. The Turk proceeded to strike it straight at Marshall to ensure heartbreak for his teammates, while the Tycoons revelled in a professional and a hard-fought victory.

Sir Evren was understandably deflated after the match:

It was a cup final. Anyone could have won and in the end it was decided on pens so of course the tycoons were worthy winners. I guess my players did not match our team name... they did not display iron nerves in the shootout. But Sergio [Ramos] has become our marquee signing...we wanted a household name in our team considering that we want to challenge for the Gold Cup next season.

The Big Interview: Liam Spence

... with Liam Spence, manager of Harlow Town FC. Without having much of a reputation before, except for being "the team that has Amelia", Liam are now gunning for the XEFA Prem. We're checking up what's happened, as well as getting the full story about Liam's baby, the XEFA Lobby Cup!


Dennis Moberg: Hi Liam. Looks like you're getting promoted to the Prem! Is this all according to your masterplan?
Liam Spence: Hmm Masterplan ... does loaning Dawson for 21 days and relying on him to keep the sheets clean for the first half of the season, and then struggle in the second half a plan as such? If so, I guess that was it!

Dennis Moberg: Or maybe you have Renato to thank? He's your by far best avaraging player in the Champs, avaraging 7.28 so far.
Liam Spence: Couldn't have done anywhere near as good without Renato, can't believe how well he has performed, and to be honest, I didnt want him originally -- owner wanted a trade for Jurado at the time, and I was a bit sceptical -- now he has come on bounds and leaps and performed like that (Don't tell him I said that).

Dennis Moberg: The Cloughite will surely make sure that message gets through! (Those damned tabloids...) Do you feel your team would be up for Prem football? It's got to be one of the toughest leagues in the world.
Liam Spence: Definately, but I am the Fulham of the XEFA, struggle against those lower in the league, but can beat quite a few people in the Prem. Take the Non-Prem Cup, struggled my way through that and thanks to some luck and dodgy organization got there finally... then play Daniel, Andrew and other greats and can beat them ... Wierd sometimes!

Dennis Moberg: You also do some work in our fine community. You've been running the XEFA Lobby Cup, for people active in the XEFA Lobby, since the first season, and it's now entering its 10th season. Where did you get the idea from?
Liam Spence: There was something set up when I first joined Clough from the very beginning for those who originally spoke in the Lobby, Chatroom League -- I won it even with Mihai in it. And then decided that a good community in the fed is needed and just went from there, first season was about 8 teams I think, and now up to 32. Couldn't have done it without those who actually speak in there thoough, so thanks all.

Dennis Moberg: This cup has got some influence now, and you've run it well. Are you waiting for James (XEFA Mod) to promote you to a real org soon?
Liam Spence: Hah, I could only dream of something like that, I'm nowhere near responsible enough and everyone who knows me knows that. And with so many others in the XEFA who could easily fill an organizer role I can't see myself ever becoming something like that with the "competition" I have.

Dennis Moberg: Last one - you got Construction level 5. Did you have a reason for this or did you think like me when learning Physio level 5 - "I want to be special..."?
Liam Spence: Bit of both really, to have Construction 5 is pretty special and I THINK I'm the only person in world to have it, as well as the other higher skills in the GW. Was originally gonna go to 4 and just leave it there, but then realised how much it could save me, even if it is an extra 5%, in the long term it should work out great! If only I had the money to go with it.

Dennis Moberg: Alright - thanks for your time Liam!
Liam Spence: Cheers, enjoyed doing it.

Tactics Corner with Dr P Wigwam

...with Dr P Wigwam, XEFA Organiser and manager of Compit FC. Doc's a real yo-yo team, going up and down between the Prem and Champs, and he likes to be creative when creating his tactics.

Dennis Moberg: What is your tactical philosophy in FML?
Dr P Wigwam: I try to favour the beautiful game, with exciting players and nice pass and move. It never quite comes off for me, but that's my theory.

Dennis Moberg: You've been trying out some odd ideas in the past, most noteably the tactic where you didn't use any strikers - but a FR and FL. Do you like to experiment?
Dr P Wigwam: Yeah, I like to try things that most people shy away from as their not the norm. I'm hoping to put together a 3 man defence for next season, with 2 up front. we'll see. It might be suicide.

Dennis Moberg: Well, you got decent results last time! Do you feel that managers overall are to stuck with a tactical idea, and that it might hinder their teams progress in some cases?
Dr P Wigwam: It seems some guys have a tactic that they feel is right, and always get players to fit it. I find that restraining and am often looking to adapt my tactic to suit my players. I cant say it will hinder them, most of the top teams do it. It's just not my way.

Dennis Moberg: You're selling off your team right now, to build a new one. What will you be looking for mostly in the players? Different for each position or do you have a few attributes you feel are essential?
Dr P Wigwam: I'm pretty torn to be honest. I wanted to set up a decent youth academy, competing in 3 age ranges, but I feel now I've looked at the players available, that's gonna be really tough. I honestly dont know what I'm gonna do next, but I needed a fresh challenge, so I have no regrets.

Dennis Moberg: You've learnt the "Goalkeeper Distribution To" Skill. It's usually overlooked by many, do you think it's a must have to set up a proper tactic?
Dr P Wigwam: I realised that my keeper was too often just hoofing the ball straight to the opposition defence, and they were just attacking again. It was originally designed to stop that, then I tried using it to counter by getting it to my quick winger. I dunno how much difference it made, but I like to try different things.

Dennis Moberg: Alright Doc - cheers for your time!

XEFA Championship Update

Hello everyone! Season is soon over, and that means we have to speed these Updates up. Today, we bring you the Champs!

STANDINGS
Current Top 3:
1. El-Bombers - 67 Games, 79 GD, 156 Pts
2. Harlow Town FC - 65 Games, 33 GD, 123 Pts
3. Faversham Town - 65 Games, 53 GD, 121 Pts

Projected Top 3:
1. El-Bombers - 176 Projected Pts
2. Harlow Town FC - 143 Projected Pts
3. Faversham Town - 141 Projected Pts

Current Bottom 4:
17. Russian Circles - 62 Games, -18 GD, 67 Pts
18. Derby County AFC - 63 Games, -16 GD, 63 Pts
19. Cowderys Lilywhites - 62 Games, -30 GD, 61 Pts
20. Bump N Grind - 64 Games, -32 GD, 59 Pts

Projected Bottom 4:
17. Bellshill Utd - 77 Projected Pts
18. Derby County AFC - 76 Projected Pts
19. Cowderys Lilywhites - 74 Projected Pts
20. Bump N Grind - 70 Projected Pts


TEAM STATS
Top 3 Goals Scored:
1. El-Bombers - 67 Games / 145 Goals
2. Faversham Town - 65 / 130
3. Kriss Kross FC - 66 / 95

Most Fouls Committed:
Ann Arbor RecEd - 899

Most Offside Runs:
Smaley's Rams - 299

Top 3 Least Goals Conceded:
1. Harlow Town FC - 65 Games / 54 Conceded
2. Alcoholic - 67 / 61
3. Droitwich FC - 59 / 63

Most Penalty Goals:
Harlow Town FC - 7

Most Goals from Corners:
El-Bombers - 47

Most Goals from Indirect Freekicks:
Kriss Kross FC - 14

Most Goals from Direct Freekicks:
Faversham Town - 6
Harlow Town FC - 6

Top 3 Highest Team Avarage Rating:
1. El-Bombers - 7.05
2. Droitwich - 7.0
3. Faversham Town - 6.94
3. Harlow Town FC - 6.94


PLAYER STATS
Top 3 Goals Scored:
1. David N'Gog - 65 Games / 57 Goals
2. Giorgios Samaras - 64 / 39
3. Jermain Defoe - 66 / 39

Most Dribbles per Game:
Amaral - 9.62

Most Clean Sheets:
Marco Amelia - 33

Top 3 Most Assists:
1. Olexiy Godin - 67 Games / 55 Assists
2. Yoon Bit-Garam - 63 / 42
3. Renato - 63 / 27

Most Fouls Recieved:
Thanasis Papazoglou - 156

Most Red Cards:
Dede - 4

Top 3 Most Man of the Match:
1. Per Martesacker - 18
2. David N'Gog - 14
3. Giorgios Samaras - 13

Most Yellow Cards:
Sebastian Dubarbier - 31

Most Penalties Scored:
David N'Gog - 6

Top 3 Highest Avarage Rating:
1. Olexiy Godin - 7.48
2. Per Martesacker - 7.44
3. Yoann Gourcuff - 7.32

In tomorrow's last edition we'll be giving you all the latest from the exciting End of Season drama in the XEFA Prem! Mata ne!

The Big Interview: Adrian Harvey

...with Adrian Harvey, manager of Centresbrough. A big fan of Middlesbrough in real life, as well as new members in the XEFA, having joined us from our natural rivals XFA this season. He's also a community man, and he's in charge of the "Theme of the Week" vote since Damian Allen left our GW. Oh, and if you haven't noticed, this weeks theme is "Musical Legends".

Dennis Moberg: Alright Adrian, let's start by letting you tell our readers a little about yourself.
Adrian Harvey: Well I'm an ancient 37 year old computer engineer from a small town in Europe called Middlesbrough, some readers may have heard of it. I got married last year and with a 12 year old son, it's all go! Enjoy most sports, and even participate in one or two, darts mostly, though whether that's down to the social side more than the sporting side, I'm not 100% sure!

Dennis Moberg: This is your first season in the XEFA, and you're currently at 10th place in the Division 1. Are you happy with this start?
Adrian Harvey: So-so ... I'd hoped to be a bit higher up the league, but I got off to a pretty awful start. From now I'm hoping to finish inside the top 10, I think promotion is out of the question, although my league form does seemed to have picked up from what it was.

Dennis Moberg: Reputation-wise, your squad of players should - on paper - be able to handle Premiership football. Is making it there a goal for you - and if it is, in the short or long term?
Adrian Harvey: Yes, though they need some additions. It's more of a long term goal though, I'm aiming for the Championship next season, and I'll probably be there for a couple of seasons if I manage it. Plus by that time my squad will have aged a few years and probably need adding to then. I made a few mistakes early on with my player purchases back when prices were crazy, and the stadiums didn't help with trying to rectify those mistakes. so as with everyone else, it's a slow process to build a squad of players up to where you want them.

Dennis Moberg: You've conceded the 2nd most goals in the Div1 - have you neglected your defence in your team building?
Adrian Harvey: Yes I think I probably have. I've one solid DC in Leandro Rinaudo, my record signing, but the other DC is a problem, Grigorjev's come in and done a job this season but hasn't been as good as I hoped. Thiago Carleto's been pretty solid at left back but right back is another problem area. I guess the problem with playing an attacking formation such as my 4-3-3 is that it can leave you a bit short on the counter attack.

Dennis Moberg: Cleyton is your best averaging player, with an avarage of 7.15 in 45 games. Do you feel you've been a part of getting this much out of him?
Adrian Harvey: Yeah I'd like to think so. He was part of my original squad when the GW kicked off and I really liked him then, but got a £2m offer and at the time it was a tough one to refuse. When he became available again I snapped him up and he's gone from strength to strength and is performing as well as he has done in his career - I just wish he was 5 years younger!

Dennis Moberg: You joined us this season from the XFA - are you happy with this decision so far?
Adrian Harvey: It's been a good move for me really. I enjoyed the XFA but the social side was a bit quiet to be honest, and as I spend far too much time online it became clear to me that I needed a more chatty environment - other than the lobby of course! It's very rare that the XEFA room isnt talkative so I've no regrets about my switch.

Dennis Moberg: Good to hear Adrian - we're happy to have you onboard! Good luck with the end of season
Adrian Harvey: Cheers Dennis, and to you and all your readers!

Tactics Corner with Scott Davidson

...with Scott Davidson, manager of MK City FC, who joined the XEFA from the EEFA this season. He's currently on his way to reach his first XEFA trophy by winning the Division 1.

Dennis Moberg: What is your tactical philosophy in FML?
Scott Davidson: Its not much of a philosophy but I like to keep the centre of midfield packed with players. This season I've created 3 or 4 different formations to try and combat different situations. However, almost all of them has 3 CM's

Dennis Moberg: You've scored the most goals by far in your division - 98 so far. Is this down to you leaning towards attacking tactics, or are you simply blessed with more attacking brilliance than other teams?
Scott Davidson: This season I moved to a 5-3-2 but a very attacking version of it. I found that my 4-4-2 Diamond was ok but I never scored enough goals (I'd rather win 5-4 than 1-0). I also wanted a new formation which the bigger teams weren't used to playing so I could surprise them a little. At the start of the season some of my players were on fire so goals were easier to come by. In the last week my form has changed quite a bit so I've had to play a slightly different way

Dennis Moberg: What do you look for in your MC's, attribute-wise?
Scott Davidson: Just the usual really, Passing, Creativity, Off the Ball, First Touch for the attacking ones. As they're centre midfielders I don't usually bother with pace and acceleration which does help me pick up some bargains.

Dennis Moberg: To continue on with the MC's - do you give each on of them a special duty to perform, or are they part of different "groups" in your tactic?
Scott Davidson: To be honest my midfielders do have special duties. I have one guy who is very defensive and another who is very attacking. He's the real creative one who is supposed to make things happen. The 3rd midfielder changes round quite a bit ... I have one strong guy who is a bit defensive but is good at passing and keeping the ball moving, and I have another who is more attacking. If my form is good then I'll go for the more attacking 3rd man in midfield, however at the minute the defensive player is getting the nod!

Dennis Moberg: What tactics do you feel you get an advantage and disadvantage of with your current set-up with the 3 MC's?
Scott Davidson: I think playing 3 MC's gives you more protection, particularly when you don't have the ball. Obviously with such a narrow formation you can't play as expansive as when using wingers. I've tried to combat this by getting in two good full backs who can go forward when needed. Another disadvantage may be that constantly playing narrow could be easy to counter over time. I'm trying to build a squad which can easily go to 4-5-1 mid-game so that if I do need to play wide I can do.

Dennis Moberg: Thanks for your time Scott.

XEFA Division 1 Update

Hello everyone, now it's time to take a look at Division 1.

STANDINGS
Current Top 3:
1. MK City FC - 52 Games, 40 GD, 105 Pts
2. Motherwell Synthonia - 49 Games, 28 GD, 95 Pts
3. FC Chin Up - 49 Games, 27 GD, 91 Pts

Projected Top 3:
1. MK City - 153 Projected Pts
2. Motherwell Synthonia - 147 Projected Pts
3. FC Chin Up - 141 Projected Pts

Current Bottom 4:
17. Balls of Steel - 47 Games, -30 GD, 40 Pts
18. Tricky Trees FC - 46 Games, -26 GD, 38 Pts
19. Bus Shelter FC - 47 Games, -29 GD, 38 Pts
20. Sudden Death Warriors - 47 Games, -39 GD, 31 Pts

Projected Bottom 4:
17. Tricky Trees FC - 62 Projected Pts
18. Bus Shelter FC - 61 Projected Pts
19. Brighon and Hove Albion FC - 61 Projected Pts
20. Sudden Death Warriors - 50 Projected Pts

TEAM STATS
Top 3 Goals Scored
1. MK City - 52 Games/ 100 Goals
2. FC Evolution - 51 / 90
3. Barnsley Tykes - 54 / 78

Most Fouls Committed:
Jossys-Giants - 725

Most Offside Runs:
SELHURST STARS - 262

Top 3 Least Goals Conceded:
1. FC Chin Up - 49 Games / 40 Goals
2. Motherwell Synthonia - 49 / 41
3. Excelsiour - 47 / 46

Most Penalty Goals:
Excelsiour - 5
FC Evolution - 5

Most Goals from Corners:
MK City FC - 29

Most Goals from Indirect Freekicks:
MK City FC - 11

Most Goals from Direct Freekicks:
FC Evolution - 7

Top 3 Highest Team Avarage Rating:
1. FC Evolution - 7.0
2. FC Chin Up - 6.95
3. Excelsiour - 6.94
3. MK City FC - 6.94

PLAYER STATS
Top 3 Goals Scored:
1. Demba Ba - 49 Games / 35 Goals
2. Johan Elmander - 52 / 30
3. Ricardo Oliveira - 50 / 29

Most Dribbles per Game:
Simone Pepe - 7.93

Most Clean Sheets:
Fabian Carini - 20

Top 3 Most Assists:
1. Julio Alvarez - 51 Games / 35 Assists
2. Tranquillo Barnetta - 48 / 20
3. Christophe Greogorie - 50 / 18

Most Fouls Recieved:
Leonardo Ulloa - 144

Most Red Cards:
Olof Mellberg - 3
Betao - 3

Top 3 Most Man of the Match:
1. Demba Ba - 14
2. Christian Maggio - 10
3. Scott Carson - 10

Most Yellow Cards:
Fernando Tobio - 20
Fernando Navarro - 20

Most Penalties Scored:
Alessandro Rosina - 5

Top 3 Highest Avarage Rating:
1. Hamit Altintop - 32 Games / 7.39
2. Tranquillo Barnetta - 48 / 7.34
3. Alessandro Rosina - 51 / 7.29

Rearguard action provides memorable Gold Cup victory for Avenellonians

Two goals from set pieces gave Old Avellonians a 2-0 victory over Shaolin Avengers in a keenly contested Gold Cup final. Star defender Federico Fazzio was the hero for Daniel Smith's winning team, opening the scoring in the 17th minute by heading home from a pinpoint Selcuk Inan delivery. He then ensured it was game, set and match by turning in Craig Gardner's corner in the dying seconds of the game.

By comparison, although Matt Booth's much-lauded Avengers side tried very hard to penetrate the Avellonian defence, their players were pretty much banging their heads against a brick wall. Much credit must be given to the American's opposite number Smith, the Englishman demonstrating tactical astuteness throughout 90 minutes of compelling play.

Football purists may complain that Avellonians' performance had the air of negativity about it. But let's not forget that this side has scored no less than 11 goals since the quarter finals. Smith's team also knocked out that advocate of attractive attacking play and defending champions King Krimson in the last eight.

Booth was gracious in defeat:

We went out with an attacking mentality and I feel no shame in that. Rather, I give full credit to Old Avenellonians. Daniel's team played great defensively and, truth be told, we hardly threatened his goal. I am, if anything, a bit disappointed in my defense, who gave up 2 set piece goals to a centreback that was marked. But that's football... now we have to concentrate on finishing in the top 3 this season, before any thoughts of next season's Gold Cup.

Smith played down his side's chances of defending the Cup while paying tribute to the Avengers:

The Gold Cup final was quite an even contest and neither team was clearly superior on the balance of play. I think what gave me the edge was that my defence were able to win a lot of balls around the box and retain possession, while the Avengers seemed to concede a lot of corners and other set peices when I attacked. My team are very strong from set pieces and this was crucial.

I very much doubt that I can defend the cup next season. There are too many good teams competing for it and in the knockout stages you cannot afford even a single bad result.

The Big Interview: Christian Michel

..with Christian Michel, one of the new members to the XEFA this season and a total beginner to the world of FML. Still, he's sitting with a chance of promotion to Division 1.

Dennis Moberg: Christian, you're new to Clough and the XEFA this season. How has your experience been so far?
Christian Michel: Pretty Good so far. I might have made some mistakes, but I think I can manage to survive them. XEFA is pretty cool though, lots of helpful people. (You have to mention that im new to FML, too )

Dennis Moberg: Has your FML experience been satisfactory so far?
Christian Michel: Lets call it overwhelming. Never played a "game" lilke this. It rocks

Dennis Moberg: About your team name. Me and a few others followed you when you put german after german in your initial squad - but then you stopped. What happened, did you give up?
Christian Michel: I figured that its very hard to play a "theme team" if you are a complete newb to a game like this. So I did not give up, I put it on hold till I made some money. There are only a few real good Germans out there, & I cant afford them atm. But beware, we are coming. But to bring some light to my team's name, it's actually based on a movie called 12 angry men from 195x. Look it up in IMDB and try to watch it, the movie is great! But I try to get as may players who play in the Bundesliga as I can. My complete offence is playing there atm (Grafite - Wolfsburg Sestak - Bochum and Petric - Hamburg).

Dennis Moberg: How do you feel your season has gone so far, are you happy with your current position of 4th?
Christian Michel: I wish I could turn back the time and play my first 10-15 games again, I made some horrible choices. I hope I can achive top 3, because I'm not good in cups and playoffs, never have been, so I hope I can avoid this. But if you asked me 15 days ago, I would've taken 4th immediately, and I hope you correct my typos by the way.

Dennis Moberg: Nope, I wont [but the Cloughite will] - you've got quite the striker Partnership up front. Mladen Petric and Grafite. They avarage at 32.5 years of age, but still score a lot for you. Think they'll last a couple of more seasons?
Christian Michel: Experience is priceless. They know what to do. I hope I can [reduce] their wages by any chance, but I think I will keep both, because as you said they have a pretty good scoring ratio. But to be honest, in some games I want to kill both, but I think they still have a few good games in them.

Dennis Moberg: How do you feel about the fact you are 3 divisions away from the top flight? Do you feel that it would be better if we had a Pyramid Tier with two Division 1's? It makes us unique and I must say, it looks like the teams in Div 2 have been of the same quality this season.
Christian Michel: Not at all. We use the Same system here in Germay, and I think we have maybe the best second division in Europe because if you are in Div 2, you are Top 36, and it's the same here. If you have 40+ Players in a 2 Division League there are 20 teams wo are just cannon fodder to 20 others. It makes the higher leagues "better".

Dennis Moberg: If you do get promoted - do you feel your team could achieve successive promotions? And what areas do you feel you need to strengthen?
Christian Michel: I can't tell. I think with my fresh achieved knowledge I can manage to build a good team. I'm pretty happy with my team at the moment, I need a stronger defence, maybe a playmaker -- and I have to thin out my squad. I have 22 players under contract atm, and I already fired 4 and sold 3. I want to end up with 16-18 players. Maybe 20.

Dennis Moberg: Last question - are you planning in staying with us for a while in GW Clough? We're hoping so at least.
Christian Michel: Yes of course. I did not put so much effort in my team just to abandon it or to leave the UFFA, and -- by the way -- 12 Angry Germans - Senior Squad - ALMOST EVERYBODY IS FOR SALE!! If you are interested in anyone, just let me know!!

Dennis Moberg: Alright, a bit of shameless advertising here, but I'm nice this time and won't remove it -- good luck with the remainder of your season!
Christian Michel: Thank you.

Tactics Corner with Bobby Desilets

..with Bobby Desilets, our new American friend that is one of this season's surprise packages in XEFA Division 2.

Dennis Moberg: What is your tactical philosophy in FML?
Bobby Desilets: I like to try to play an attacking 4-5-1, but really concentrate on my marking strategies based on the tactic I'm playing against. This sometimes meaning I have my outside backs man mark outside midfielders.

Dennis Moberg: You're a new side in the GW, and you've got one of the youngest teams in the whole FA, but you're still projected to finish 2nd in your league. What's your secret?
Bobby Desilets: A lot of the other teams in the division have older veterans teams, which might mean success in the short term, but they soon will need to replace those players, my goals is to grow my players and keep them in the first team for a while, or be able to sell them later for profit, which you can't do with older players, as they will retire, the players I added on from my original squad were all under 28 and class players which should start for me for 3 or more years such as Hugo, Wellington and Antonio Falvio.

Dennis Moberg: You've learnt a few Tactical Skills, which are the most important to learn do you feel?
Bobby Desilets: I actually feel that training skills are the most important, and I am level 5 in a lot of that, right now I am finishing up finance 5, because starting out the more money you get the better off you will be in order to finance your stadium later, I'm predicted to be tied for first now!! But ahead on GD.

Dennis Moberg: Yeah, I'm learning Finance 5 too right now. But I was mainly thinking about what particular Tactical Skills you think are most important?
Bobby Desilets: Oh right, since I play with only one striker, target man skills were important along with crossing instructions, and counterattack as I will change that from home and away.

Dennis Moberg: Do you have many different pre-made tactics, or just one for home games and one for away games?
Bobby Desilets: I use a 4-5-1 for most of my games, home and away, I also have a 4-3-3 to use when I am behind by a lot or down towards the end of the game, I also have a 4-4-2 I have had to use because of injuries, I have had some long term injuries to my best players this season, just starting off in the UFFA it has been tough

Dennis Moberg: Alright Bobby, cheers for the interview. Got a message for your competitiors in the Div2 before we end?
Bobby Desilets: Humph, how about your veterans will want to retire after losing to a bunch of youngsters?

Dennis Moberg: Good luck for the remainder of the season!
Bobby Desilets: Thanks dennis, you too

XEFA Division 2 Update

STANDINGS

Current Top 3:
1. Bowdoin FC - 42 Games, 25 GD, 77 Points
2. Dynamo Dynasty - 41 Games, 23 GD, 76 Points
3. Makaveli The Don - 46 Games, 15 GD, 76 Points

Projected Top 3:
1. Dynamo Dynasty - 133 Projected Points
2. Bowdoin FC - 132 Projected Points
3. Makaveli The Don - 118 Projected Points


TEAM STATS

Top 3 Most Goals Scored:
1. Bowdoin FC - 42 Games / 72 Goals
2. 12 Angry Germans - 47 / 70
3. Rosyth Thistle - 49 / 65

Most Offside Runs:
Terrysmith Rovers - 185

Most Dribbles per Game:
Dynamo Dynasty - 26.56 / Game

Most Red Cards:
Bowdoin FC - 4
Dynamo Dynasty - 4
Terrysmith Rovers - 4

Most Penalties Recieved:
Rosyth Thistle - 5
Adrian Monk FC - 5

Most Goals From Corners:
Bowdoin FC - 22

Most Goals From Indirect Free Kicks:
Rosyth Thistle - 9

Most Goals From Direct Free Kicks:
Bowdoin FC - 5

Top 3 Highest Team Avarage Rating:
1. Dynamo Dynasty - 6.97
2. morley city - 6.96
3. Makaveli The Don - 6.92


PLAYER STATS

Top 3 Most Goals Scored:
1. Lionel Messi - 45 Games / 23 Goals
2. Michael Owen - 30 / 20
3. Hugo - 35 / 18

Most Goals Conceded:
Anton Amelchenko - 71

Most Dribbles:
Juan Carlo Mensegues - 9.53 / Game

Top 3 Most Assists:
1. Vitaly Denisov - 41 Games / 14 Assists
2. Gilles Yapi Yapo - 46 / 14
3. Hugo - 35 / 12

Most Commited Fouls:
Bruno Rafael - 100

Most Yellow Cards:
Francisco Molinero - 18

Top 3 Most Man of the Match:
1. Lionel Messi - 45 Games / 12
1. Aleksandar Mladenov - 45 / 12
3. Tavares - 34 / 8

Most Red Cards:
Mauro Minelli - 2
Ezequiel Carboni - 2
Tiago Silva - 2

Most Clean Sheets:
Jose Rafael Alamo - 17
Nicolas Puydebois - 17

Top 3 Highest Avarage Rating:
1. Lionel Messi - 45 Games / 7.37
2. Marti Crespi - 29 / 7.29
3. Marcus Vinicius - 36 / 7.27

Montolivo Completes Switch to Honka

Italian midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has left Waukesha 1834 after four seasons and over 400 appearances for the MLFA outfit. A fee of £875'000 was enough to secure his transfer to Andreas Panayi's Honka, where he is expected to form a formidable midfield partnership with Levan Kenia and Luigi Bruins.

The player, 28, has agreed a 2 season contract worth an estimated £1'680'000.

The Big Interview: Tommy Kelpo

I'm a Newbie in Clough, Get Me Outta Here!

The community continues to chop and change as the months fly by. Established managers leave for pastures new, yet the UFFA is continuing to see a steady influx of fresh new talent, wanting to make their mark in their respective FAs.

Some of the difficulties they will no doubt face is the stiff competition when signing players and the need to exercise substantial financial restraint; and of course the competition, which will 90 per cent of the time be more established and stronger.

To gain an insight into the life of a newbie manager, The Cloughite caught up with Bluebirds gaffer Tommy Kelpo, who is currently cutting his teeth in the XEFA Championship, having been promoted from the lower divisions -- not bad for a rookie.

During our interview, Tommy demonstrated an unwilting sense of optimism, both for his team and the UFFA in general. This is how it all went down:

*Note: This interview was conducted last season when Tommy was still cutting his teeth in the lower divisions.


The Cloughite: So you're a newbie in FML, how are you finding it so far?
Tommy Kelpo: I have got to say, on the whole...I'm loving it!

The Cloughite: Did you initially find it daunting? Considering you were around 3 seasons behind everyone else?
Tommy Kelpo: Very daunting! I signed up on a whim and at first I thought I was way out of my depth. But because I had paid the money up front I thought I'd better give it a serious shot. After chatting to some good blokes and getting a bit of info here and there, I ironed out my initial mistakes and things began to look up.

The Cloughite: Now you're sitting 5th in division 2, comfortably on course for a play-off place. The secret of your success appears to be a certain superstar Brazilian.
Tommy Kelpo: Ah my buck toothed maestro! He has been the real heart so far. I was very,very lucky to be playing against his owner during one of my first matches and mentioned how lucky he was to have him in his side. After some good natured chat he kindly offered him to me on loan. It took all of 0.0001 of a second to decide. He has been great though I am not foolish enough to rely purely on him...I do have players who can slot in to his place when I finally wave goodbye.

The Cloughite: Tommy, no doubt you'll have heard all the whinging about the stadiums coming into effect. How has it affected you as financially you seem to be quite sound.
Tommy Kelpo: Up until now I have been concentrating on the playing side of things, but I have now begun a construction programme in order to stay in line with the supporters' needs. From what I can gather if you are careful enough, expanding slowly when required, you should be OK. Financially...I have been very careful as far as transactions are concerned. I have made great use of the filter and bought players for a certain amount at the lowest possible wages, looking all the time for the attributes I needed. There are some great bargains to be had for those who are patient I feel.

The Cloughite: Does the mass exodus of managers from Clough bother you at all?
Tommy Kelpo: To be perfectly honest, not too much. Simply because, personally, I am dealing with what I have found and have right now. I am a newbie and don`t have anything to compare it with. I don't know how the Clough UFFA was before, only now and currently there is plenty for me to deal with.
Of course if it continues then questions must be asked and addressed. What are the real reasons behind this exodus? What are the major differences between UFFA's that managers find important?

The Cloughite: Have you made any friends on Clough? How have you found the general interaction?
Tommy Kelpo: There are quite a few people that I have had some regular chat and banter with. It can be a real good laugh with the action taking a back seat to the conversation at times. Of course some managers just prefer the game and keep the chat to a minimum and that's OK too. I do get the impression that the community here on Clough is quite a strong one and there are many good examples for people to follow. I learnt a long time ago it's nice to be nice, and even more nice when people are nice!

The Cloughite: Finally, what does the future hold for Bluebirds?
Tommy Kelpo: Well, I want to win as much as possible of course! But more importantly compete with everyone I play......it took me a while to combat the 4-5-1 formation and was very frustrating at times. I am slowly coming to terms with how to compete against it without actually becoming another 4-5-1 devotee. That's been the real challenge so far.

State of the Economy: Season 5

UFFA representative Rob Cooper presented his "State of the Economy" report earlier today, this was the first report of it's kind to go into such depth about the state of the economy so we have little to compare the figures with.

However, we do know that the UFFA reported deflation at 58% as of mid-February, today's numbers show that this figure has risen over 20% in the 2-3 weeks since.

Inflation (28 days)	-81.86%
Player Price Index	£2,186,780
Size of Economy	£285,539,936
Average Balance	£578,016

- Source (The figures above are from March 9^th )

Friendly Focus: XEFA Lobby Cup

Friendly Focus is a new feature at the Cloughite where we will take a look at some of the best run friendly competitions in the world.

First up is the XEFA Lobby Cup, hosted by Liam Spence's Harlow Town FC at Barrows Farm. Recently completing it's 9th season the XELC is one of the longest running friendly competitions in the world. It is a private competition for members of the Xtreme Evening Football Association who participate in the federations' lobby area.

This season's final saw Ryan Clamp's Nottingham Forest 1865 take on RockSteady FC, managed by Paul Stead, in a closely fought encounter which saw Forest claim the XELC trophy for the first time with a 2-1 victory, denying Paul Stead the opportunity to reclaim the trophy his club previously won in season 7.


Past Winners:

• Wigan Rangers (2 times)
• Strawberry Fields F.C. (2 times)
• ScunthorpeSeraphim
• Rapid Pitesti
• RockSteady FC
• ZenEagles
• Nottingham Forest 1865

Records:

• Biggest Win: Wigan Rangers 5-0 Smithson Town FC
• Highest Scoring Match: Spaghetti Delight 6-3 FC Corby
  
• Top Goalscorer: Giampaolo Pazzini (42 in 47 appearances)
• Most Assists: Andrea Gasbarroni (37 in 56 appearances)
• Most Appearances: Mauricio Molina (92)

Player Burdon Lifted

Over the past few days young players across the world have come under increased media scrutiny leading to many becoming unhappy at their club's failure to protect them from the media spotlight as they feel the burdon of the expectation surrounding them. UFFA representative Rob Cooper anounced he would be working with the Players' Union to investigate the cause of the recent spate of player unhappiness (source):

The issue is caused by a youngster not being able to handle the pressure of playing in a side which is performing well. Over time the player will adjust and be able to cope better but the only short-term solution is to give them a less important role in the team. This issue does seem to be happening a lot more in the latest release though which is something I am looking into at the moment.

Following this investigation, Players Union representatives have today agreed a deal with the media at large that will see that spotlight reduced drastically, however they stress that this is not a blanket ban and that there will still be some players that this agreement will not be able to protect, in these cases it is the players' manager that must act to protect the player.

The Player's Union has issued these guidelines to assist managers in handling players feeling burdoned by the expectation surrounding them, or feeling the weight of recent media attention (source):

• It is triggered by a low rep player who is also either a very young player, or a young player who can’t handle pressure very well playing an important role in a team that is overachieving.
  
• It is resolved either by the player becoming more famous through playing well for the side, or by the team ceasing to overperform, or by the player being dropped for a while so they are no longer playing such an important role
• If it isn’t resolved then the player’s morale will suffer so they won’t play as well in matches, won’t train as well, and potentially may even refuse to extend their contract.

WCA News Edition 5

Brought to you in association with the Cloughite


Davos Utd Claim Charity Shield
Davos Utd and LetsTalkAboutCesc qualified for the Charity Shield Final. In a tight contest, goals in either half from centre half Fransico Fuents saw Mark Garner's Davos Utd retain the WCA Charity Shield.


Premiership Round Up
Perenial title challengers Cheechsters find themselves top of league with 36 points from 21 games, however with LetsTalkAboutCesc only 6 points behind and with the advantage of having only played 12 games this is likely to change between now and the end of the season. Also in the mix are last season's WCA Cup runners up Davos Utd with 25 points from 13 games. Surprise packages Grantchester Utd and Crystal Palliss are also in contention for UFFA qualification with 23 points from 12 games.

In the battle for the drop Jamtarts, Decca FC, Yeti FC and Redhill Travellers find themselves predicted for the bottom 4. Somewhat surprisingly last years Champions Band of Brothers as well as Silver Cup qualifiers Euclydian Dynamo and Papagaios Do Riot find themselves hovering above the drop zone.

Congratualtions to Wayne and his LTAC side as they won mover of the week. Also LTAC have become the WCA's first four star reputation team.


Championship Round Up
In a 4 way race for the title a Joe Cole inspired Brayzil find themselves top of the pile after 10 games with 23 points. With Team Extreme just 2 points behind on 21 points and followed closely by GA United on 20 points this title race looks as if it will go down to the wire -- Ballerinas on 16 points, but with 2 games in hand can't be discounted either.


UFFA News
Mainly bad news for the WCA. Gold Cup qualifiers Band of Brothers and Crimson Fists both found themselves eliminated at the group stage. Similarly in the Silver Cup - Cheechsters, Euclydian Dynamo and Papagaios Do Riot also faced the same disappointment.

In the Cup Winners Cup both Davos Utd and the Bushby Babes have been eliminated but LetsTalkAboutCesc have qualified for the last 16. In the UFFA Youth Competitions both Crimson Fists and LetsTalkAboutCesc have qualified from the initial stages.


Possible WCA Changes
The possibility of a WCA reserve league was discussed in the WCA chat room recently. If there is demand for this please let one of your organisers know. If you have any other suggestions on how to improve our FA - don't be shy.

Union of Football Academies Season 4 Roundup

Division 1
Wymondham FC regained the UFA title after 2 seasons in the shadow of Faversham Town, and did so in emphatic style, finishing on 88 points, 12 clear of last season's champions. Lenny Bernstein's Wandsworth Rovers were the surprise package of the season, claiming third spot with 67 points ahead of Relegation Fodder and Phantoms, both on 63.

At the bottom of the table Pompey PFC, Ragnarok FC and Tycoons Gunners found themselves a little out of their depth, managing just 9 wins between them and finishing 17 points away from safety.

• UFA Division 1 Player of the Season: Thom Bjork - an average rating of 7.61, including 47 goals and 5 assists from his 31 appearances for Faversham Town.
• UFA Division 1 Golden Boot: Thom Bjork - An amazing 47 goals in 31 appearances for Faversham Town.
• UFA Division 1 Golden Gloves: Leonardo Viera - 15 clean sheets in 30 appearances for Wandsworth Rovers.

Division 2
Hammers United FC claimed the Division 2 title with a 9 point lead at the top of the table, Waukesha 1834 and Sporting Nelson Cuevas claimed the two other promotion spots with a chasing pack of Huish FC and Team Awesome FC narrowly missing out on promotion by only 2 points.

• UFA Division 2 Player of the Season: Norbert Angyal - an average rating of 7.38, including 24 goals and 4 assists from his 27 appearances for Hillsboro'.
• UFA Division 2 Golden Boot: Danny Hoesen - 28 goals in 32 appearances for Sporting Nelson Cuevas.
• UFA Division 2 Golden Gloves: Alex Smithies - 13 clean sheets in 32 appearances for title winners Hammers United FC.

UFA Challenge Cup
Faversham Town & Hammers United met in a final that saw Division 1 runners up face Division 2 champions. Division 1 player of the season Thom Bjork underlined his excellent campaign with a hatrick to seal a second UFA League and Cup double for Faversham Town.

Two goals in 4 minutes from Bjork, just after the half hour mark saw Faversham take a commanding lead, but on the stroke of half time Danny Groves powered home a shot from the edge of the area to give the Hammers hope for the second half. Bjork effectively sealed the vitory for Faversham in the 66th minute completing a swift Faversham counter attack to claim his hatrick.

Hammers' fans may feel slighty aggrevied by the result as it was a much more closely balanced game than the scoreline woudl suggest, but with promotion to Division 1 already secured they will have their chance to avenge this defeat in the league next season.


UFA Super Cup
The UFA Super Cup saw the best teams from last season meet in this prestigous cup competition. Relegation Fodder met last season's runners up Wymondham FC in a forgetful final. Wymondham didn't manage a shot on target over the 90 minutes, and their famed rock solid defense nullified the threat of the Fodder's front 3 of Bernardi, Lima Ferreira and Teixeira.

In fact it was a defender that settled the match, with just 6 minutes left on the clock and extra time looming large substitute Sebastien Parodi, who had only been on the pitch 10 minutes, headed in a Gamboa corner to seal a victory that will be long remembered by Fodder fans, even if they'd rather forget the match itself.


UFA U19 Division 1
This season saw the UFA expand into under 19 competition for the first time and it proved to be an exciting addition to the organization. At the top of the table Relegation Fodder and The Birmingham Bearded Women fought took the title race to the final day of the season.

David Parker's Relegation Fodder went into their final two games of the season knowing they had to win both to stand a realistic chance of securing the title, but they would stillbe reliant on BBW dropping points. Their 5-1 thrashing of Phantoms and a 4-0 defeat of Faversham Town gave meant that BBW would need to claim maximum points from their final four games of the season to secure the title. A 4-0 win against Faversham Town was followed by a narrow 2-1 victory over Steaua Radoi Bucharesti, but in their penultimate game of the season Cat Vegas' team failed to break down Damaged FC's 10 man defense and their title dream was over.

• UFA U19 Division 1 Player of the Season: Fabio Bernardi - an average rating of 7.66, including 35 goals and 8 assists from his 32 appearances for champions Relegation Fodder.
• UFA U19 Division 1 Golden Boot: Fabio Bernardi - 35 goals in 32 appearances for Relegation Fodder.
• UFA U19 Division 1 Golden Gloves: Branislav Momcilovic - 16 clean sheets in 34 appearances for Wandsworth Rovers.

Deflation at Record High

Rob Cooper announced today the findings of the UFFA's economic review concluding that, as of mid-February, the Player Price Index is facing deflation of 58%.


Transfer Desirability
All players in the game world have a ‘transfer desirability.’ This is a score between 1 and 10 which determines how ‘good’ the player is, based on their ability, perceived potential and their world reputation. Whenever a player is transferred their transfer desirability at the time is stored along with all the other details which include transfer fee, date and the acquisition fee of the player at the time of the transfer.


Market Value
To calculate Market Value (MV) for players we get the details of all the transfers (private deals, auctions and exchanges) that have taken place in the last year (28 days, real time). We then give each of these transfers a weighting based on how recent they are, so more recent transfers will be given higher weighting than older ones. Once we have the list we remove the top and bottom 5% (in terms of fee) to avoid any erroneous transfers upsetting MV. This leaves us with a weighted list of all the transfers that have taken place in the last year.

We are then able to divide up the transfers according to the aforementioned transfer desirability score so we can get at just the transfers amongst players with the same transfer desirability as the player we are calculating MV for. Because we store both the AF of the player and the fee when each player is sold we can calculate the difference, on average, between AF and transfer fee for all transfers that match this player’s transfer desirability. From this we can calculate a basic MV for the player in question e.g. if the average 8/10 player is being sold for 2x his AF then we can simply double this player’s AF to get his MV.


Age and Position
That is nice to know, but we aren’t done yet. In order to get more reliable MV information we go back to our weighted transfers and divide them up by age and by the best position of the player. Once we know what the typical difference is between AF and transfer fee for a player of his transfer desirability rating, age and best position we have a final inflation score for this type of player. We then take this and multiple the AF by this score to come up with MV.


The Player Price Index
Ok, and relax! We now know pretty much how MV is calculated and so, we are now ready to look into how we calculate player value inflation. As discussed above we calculate inflation values based on transfer desirability, age and best position – there are of course only so many combinations of these and every player must fit into one of these combinations. Using this we create a ‘Player Price Index’ which is similar to the Retail Price Index used by the government in the UK to measure inflation.

The way we construct this price index is to come up with an average FML team and give each of the aforementioned combinations of transfer desirability, age, and position a weighting based on how likely a player of that type is to appear in the squad. Once we have this we simply look at the inflation value for each type of player, multiply it by the weighting and add all the scores together. This will give us the current cost, in the market, to buy an ‘average’ FML team. By comparing the Player Price Index (PPI) at different points over time we are able to calculate inflation or deflation in player prices over that period. Typically, the period we look at is 28 days, which corresponds to a year in game time and so gives us an annual inflation rate.

Pazzini Completes Fields' Transfer

Giampaolo Pazzini completed a £2'000'000 private transfer to Strawberry Fields F.C. today, bringing to an end his 2 season stint at Relegation Fodder.

Pazzini had previously been on loan at Strawberry Fields, and manager Craig MacLean has decided to take up the £2m option to make the move permanent. Despite his goals, the relationship between Pazzini and his old club could be described as strained at best. Doubts over this commitment and workrate have plagued the Italian superstar's time at the club and his crucial penalty miss in the last minute of the XEFA Championship title showdown with FC Cornelius in season 4 will be seen by many as his lasting legacy at the club.

WCA News Edition 4

UFFA Qualifiers
Representing the WCA in the UFFA Competitions this season are:

Gold Cup: Band of Brothers, Crimson Fists
Silver Cup: Cheechsters, Papagaios do Riot and Euclydian Dynamo
Cup Winners Cup: Davos United, LetsTalkAboutCesc and Bushby Babes
Youth: LetsTalkAboutCesc and Crimson Fists

Everybody at the WCA News wishes all the competitors the best of luck! It's about time the WCA made some kind of impact.


Player of the Season Awards
In the inaugral WCA Managers Player of the Season awards there were few shocks.

LetsTalkAboutCesc's young striker Marek Matusiak was a double winner carrying off the WCA Young Player of the Season award (70% of the vote) as well as the Championship Player of the season (77.8% of the vote).

The Premiership award was shared by Band of Brothers player's Yossi Benayoun and Matuzalem (36.4% of the vote each)


League Reconstruction
Due to the number of members who were decanted off to the newly formed Casual Inactive Football Association (CIFA), the WCA was left with only 33 members.

The WCA orgs found them up untill the small hours playing around with possible league programmes. (Well this one at least) It was decided with the help of the GW Mods that the best solution would be a Premier League of 18 teams, followed by a Championship with 15.

The teams promoted from the Championship were: - LetsTalkAboutCesc, Bushby Babes, Redhill Travellers, Yeti FC, Crystal Palliss and Caspers Shockers. The Championship's remaining teams + the relegated PL teams were amalgamated with those remaining League 1 sides.

We also welcome a new member to the Championship in Owen Churchill manager of Spudders United.


Pre-Season Transfer News
There is still not much transfer activity taking place at the moment, hopefully this will begin to improve over the coming season.

There were a few major transfers in the Premiership. Firstly Davos United made Damian Ismales loan deal permanent in a swap deal worth £450k which saw Ji Sung Park move in the opposite direction.

Three of the newly promoted teams also strengthened, Redhill Travellers signed Tim Cahill (33) for £595k in a wage auction. Pablo Zabaletta joined Bushby Babes for £450k. Lastly Crystal Palliss were the most active with 2 major transfers with Simon Vukevic (£350k) and Sidnei (£650k) moving to the Championship's runner up.

Down in the Championship there were some big spenders as some experienced players were added to squads in the battle for promotion. Brayzil signed the talented Joe Cole for £600k. Sreinsham United signed Steven Pienaar for £800k, but the biggest spenders were jAgarna spending in total a whopping £4,300,000 on three players; Guisppe Rossi (£1.2million), Yury Zhirkov (£825k) and Sergio Ramos (£2.3 million).

Season 5 Kicks Off

The new season got off to an exciting start with the 20:01 kick off in the NUFA League One fixture between Wakey's Wanderers and Jock Horrors.

Horrors' took the lead on 23 minutes when Slepicka's shot took a cruel deflection off defender Tonel, giving Wanderers' goalkeeper Alberto Becerra no chance. Just before half time Jock Horrors had an opportunity to go two up from the penalty spot after Hassell's foul on Luciano Leguizamon but Diguinho put his spot kick well wide.

Wanderers' equalizer came in the 74th minute when Galvao grabbed his first of the game after Horrors' failed to clear a corner kick properly. The scores were only level for 10 minutes before a decisive Jock Horrors' counter-attack down the left saw Manno cross for Bajter to head his team back into the lead with only 5 minutes to go.

The lead lasted less than a minute though, with Wanderers' scoring from kick-off in a free flowing move of top quality. The goal was avoidable though -- Pekarik had a chance to clear, but his header only fell to Galvao who blasted the ball home from just 6 yards out.

Horrors' manager THC Debonair will be left wandering what could have been following the penalty miss that would have put his team two up on the stroke of half time, and then seeing his team switch off after taking the lead with only 5 minutes left on the clock to allow Wanderers' to steal a point.

King Krimson To Defend Title

XEFA Organisers have decided to allow current UFFA Gold Cup holders King Krimson to defend their trophy despite Rafael Popovic's decision to move to the AEFA this season, it had looked likely that Rafa's team would not be present in the competition to defend their title.

The decision means that King Krimson will take one of the XEFA's three allocated Gold Cup places in the coming season, leaving only two current XEFA members taking part in the competition -- whilst Krimson's new federation, the AEFA, will be represented by four teams.

UFFA competition places are allocated to federations to award to teams how they see fit -- usually if a team were to leave a federation they would face sacrificing any UFFA competition qualification place they earned in the previous season as federation organisers have proved unwilling to provide one of their UFFA allocation to a team that has left their federation; an approach seen by some as an attempt to dissuade the top teams from moving to rival federations.

After initially informing Rafa that his place in next season's Gold Cup would be forfeited if he moved to the AEFA, XEFA chiefs have now distanced themselves from that position stating 'Common-sense prevailed' after including King Krimson their UFFA allocation for the season.

XEFA Gold Cup Qualifiers:

1. Duelling Dragons FC
   
2. King Krimson
3. ZenEagles

Media Deals Agreed

Media deals for the coming season were announced today, with over £675 million on the table in total, less than last years' £681.2 million media package. This year saw a four way tie for the top media deal, with the PFA, XEFA, AEFA and NFA all agreeing a deal worth £1.11m per club, however this represented a fall in media income of 0.05m per club for the XEFA.

The SFA benefitted most from the renegotiated media deals, agreeing a deal worth an extra £0.06m per club over last seasons' deal.

Overall UFFA membership has grown by 18 teams since last season, and for the first time there are official stats available indicating the number of inactive teams (for four weeks or longer) in the union. At the start of the season these inactive teams account for 19% of all union members.

Federation	Members	Media Deal	Per Club
PFA	46 (-25)	£51.1m	£1.11m (+0.04)
XEFA	79 (--)	£87.7m	£1.11m (-0.05)
AEFA	80 (--)	£88.8m	£1.11m (+0.05)
NFA	21 (-11)	£23.3m	£1.11m (+0.02)
MFA	27 (-2)	£29.2m	£1.08m (--)
XFA	58 (-17)	£62.1m	£1.07m (-0.03)
SFA	37 (-21)	£38.5m	£1.04m (+0.06)
CWA	57 (-3)	£59.3m	£1.04m (-0.03)
EEFA	25 (-24)	£26m	£1.04m (+0.04)
SEFA	39 (-3)	£39.8m	£1.02m (-0.09)
WCA	34 (-22)	£33.3m	£0.98m (-0.10)
CIFA	125 (+125)	£119m	£0.95m (n/a)
NUFA	21 (+21)	£18.8m	£0.90m (n/a)
TOTAL	649 (+18)	£676.9m (-4.3)	£1.06m (-0.04)

WCA Season Review

The Cups

The Premiership Cup Final - Crimson Fists 3 Whisp R.O.L FC 2 AET
A cracking game saw Crimson Fists come out on top. Crimson raced into an early 2-0 lead with 2 goals after 11 minutes. Whisp pulled 1 back after 18 mins. On the stroke of half time the Whisps equalised, the second half was goal less. Which meant extra time! Just as it looked like we would face the heart ache of a penatly shoot out, Whisps got a corner. From the corner Gary's Crimson Fists launched a lightning counter attack, Naismith fed Silva who showed remarkable composure to chip the advancing keeper for his second goal of the game and the Crimson Fists first major trophy .

Non Premiership Cup Final - LetsTalkAboutCesc 1 Bushby Babes 0 AET
A somewhat cagey affair with the less fancied Bushby Babes pushing LTAC all the way. No goals after 90 minutesmeant extra time. Merida floated in a free kick, Micah Richards unleashed a half volley, 1-0 and thats how it finished. LetsTalkAboutCesc had their first trophy of the season and a place in the UFFA Cup Winners Cup.

WCA Cup Final - Band of Brothers 2 Davos Utd 0
In an open game the BoBs came out on top. A goal in either half from Danny Swanson saw the BoBs go into a 2-0 lead. Despite Davos creating plenty of chances they couldn't convert any of them into goals. The BoBs could even afford to miss a penalty in the 86th minute, 4 minutes later the frustration got to Davos defender Lance Laing and he was sent off in the 90th minute. Davos finished the gamewith 5 up front as they desperatley tried to make a break through but the BoBs stayed strong and the Cup was theirs for the second time in their short history.

The Leagues

Champions:

• Premiership: Bandof Brothers
• Championship: LetsTalkAboutCesc
• League 1: Evro Utd

LetsTalkAboutCesc ended up finishing 23 points clear in the Championship. With 3 more automatic promotion places up for grabs it was an incredibly tight finish. Only 5 points split 2nd from 6th -- Crystal Pallice, Bushby Babes, Redhill Travellers and Yeti FC With a few decisions still to be made on some Premiership teams that have left the UFFA it may be that all of these valiant competitors gain promotion.

The Premiership as predicted went right to the wire! With one game to go both Crimson Fists and Band of Brothers were level on points although the BoBs had a slighty better goal difference. The BoBs kicked off their final game against Euclyidian Dynamo knowing that a win would virtually settle the title. ED took the lead and then went on to miss a penalty to put them 2-0 up! The BoBs won a penalty themselves and levelled the game at 1-1. ED again took the lead and in desperate circumstances the BoBs threw 4 up front. Luckily the tactic worked and 2 quick goals saw them take a 3-2 lead, knowing that the Crimson Fists still had to play Hamilton 1961 the BoBs fought bravely to secure the win. As predicted the Crimson Fists beat Hamilton but could not score enough goals so the BoBs were champions for the first time (double winners).

Brilliant runs of form saw Cheechsters and Papagaios do Rio grab 3rd and 4th place and the UFFA spots go with them . A slightly disappointing end to the season for Euclydian Dynamno drop to 5th but still qualify for the silver cup. 6th and 7th went to our two Cup runners up - Whisp and Davos, in a positive for them due to Crimson Fists and BoBs being in the Gold Cup both sides should qualify alongside LTAC in the CWC.

Relegation Issues - In a dogfight at the bottom of the Premiership Robs Decca side did drag themselves out. The unfortunate 4 were Nitros, Highbury United, Hamilton 1961 and Welwyn Wanderers. In terms of relegation from the Championship some issues are still undecided and could be affected by possible league reconstruction.

NFA Season Review - Youth Competitions

NFA Youth League

Scott Problems' Grabimbyda Scrufoviznek managed to defend his Youth League title this season comfortably, finishing the season 12 points clear of the chasing pack. The real battle was for second place in this league, with Dynamo Dragons, led by Jonathan Ditcher, pipping Dave Parrett's Hammers United FC by a single point at the end of the season.

This season's player of the season was, by some distance, Mario Balotelli of Grabimbyda Scrufoviznek. In his final season at underage level Balotelli managed 33 goals in just 19 appearances, and consistently put in top-notch performances all season long.

The goal of the season meanwhile goes to this thunderbolt volley from Jorge Obregón of Oracle.

NFA Youth Cup

In the Youth Cup Scott Problems' Grabimbyda Scrufoviznek emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Dave Parrett's Hammers United FC in the final. This confirmed Scott's men as the top youth team in the history of the NFA as they toppled the defending champions to claim the youth double!

The player of the tournament was Gil Blumstein of Spartaq Sedgley who put in a number of top-notch performances in his team's run to the Quarter Final.

The award for goal of the tournament goes to this excellent strike from Sandecja Nowy Sacz Márcio, as he picked up the loose bal in his own half, powered through the middle of the park and showed great composure to slot the ball coolly into the net.

NFA Season Review - Cup Competitions

UFFA World Youth Cup

As well as completing the youth double at home in the NFA, Scott Problems' Grabimbyda Scrufoviznek flew the flag for the association by reaching the final of the World Youth Cup. Despite having the better of the match, Problems' men succumbed to a narrow 1-0 defeat against 4ytry of The Social Football Association in the final, and while we are all disappointed that they didn't get their hands on the trophy we acknowledge tha fantastic achievement that being a runner-up represents. Congratulations to Grabimbyda Scrufoviznek and to Scott!

UFFA Gold Cup

The final of the UFFA's most prestigious competition also saw an NFA representetive take part. This time it was Vasco Nunes' Dragon team but, like in the World Youth Cup, they were unable to overcome their opponents and were defeated by King Krimson FC of the Xtreme Evening Football Association. Again the NFA side were by far and away the superior team, dominating the match but failing to capitalise on their superiority in 90 minutes. While pushing for the wing in extra time Vasco's boys were caught out and eventually lost 2-0. Their performance in the tournament is nothing to be ashaed of however, and Dragon team are a credit to the NFA!


UFFA Silver Cup

Meanwhile in the Silver Cup there was better news for the NFA as Jonathan Ditcher's Dynamo Dragons lifted the trophy to become the first NFA representetives to get their name on the cup. It took extra-time for the Dragons to come out on top against Sloane Square Rangers, but they showed great character and nerve to survive a sending off and emerge victorious. We here at the NFA are extremely proud of this amazing achievement, and we wish to congratulate Jonathan and his team on their wonderful success!

Here's to even more success for the NFA in future UFFA competitions!

NFA Cup

This season's NFA Cup went to Jamie Cook's Chester Rats, who defeated James Harrison's Alrewas Athletic 2-1 in an all-Premiership clash. Indeed, having finished just 3 points behind Alrewas in the league, Jamie's boys will take consolation in knowing that they managed to defeat their rivals and bring some silverware home to Jamie Cook Stadium. Congratulations to Jamie and his squad!

The player of the tournament award goes to Alrewas Athletic defender Joseph Yobo, who not only played every game but also managed 3 goals from set-pieces to fire his team into the final.

The goal of the tournament also goes to an Alrewas Athletic player, with this fantastic volley from Gelson Fernandes being the pick of the finishes by some distance:
Gelson Fernandes's Goal.

NFA Non-Premiership Cup

The best of the rest this season goes to the deactivated Carter FC, as they defeated Rumi Nazgul's Se SK by 3 goals to 1 in the final. While it's a shame that Carter FC managed the Championship and Non-Premiership Cup double, Nazgul's men did the NFA proud in getting to the final and putting up a brave fight, so we at the Gazette congratulate them!

The player of the tournament however was without a doubt Wayne Rooney of Sandecja Nowy Sacz who managed an astonishing 7 goals in the 6 games played. His fantastic form throughout the tournament was unlucky not to be rewarded with a medal, but the England striker did net the goal of the tournament with this outrageous 40-yard lob:
Wayne Rooney's Goal


NFA Weekly Challenge #1

James Harrison's Alrewas Athletic's astonishing season began when they picked up the first silverware of the season by winning the first weekly challenge. A 3-1 victory over Vasco Nunes' Dragon team saw them lift the trophy which was the beginning of their most successful season ever.


NFA Weekly Challenge #2

Vasco Nunes' Dragon team showed great determination and character to bounce back from their final defeat in the first challenge to lift the Weekly Challenge #2 trophy. In an all-Portuguese final Vasco's men beat Jorge Nunes' All BiDoNs Fc in a tight 2-1 affair, with Dragon team only winning in extra-time following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.


NFA Weekly Challenge #3

Alrewas Athletic were back on top of the pile after their victory in the third weekly challenge this seaosn. A 3-2 victory over Scott Problems' Grabimbyda Scrufoviznek saw them lift the trophy and take the £100,000 prize, with Joseph Yobo knockimg in 2 of the goals.

NFA Season Review - Premiership

Well, after another fantastic season the NFA Premiership has finally drawn to a close, and what a season it's been! NFA Organizer James Harrison's Alrewas Athletic were all-conquering this season as they wrestled the NFA Premiership title away from All BiDoNs Fc for the first time. All BiDoNs Fc boss Jorge Nunes was quoted as saying 'this season you deserve....next one we will see!', and after a first trophyless season at Jorge Nunes Stadium he and his squad will be determined to get back on top in Season 5!

The NFA Premiership once again proved to be an intensely competetive affair, with just six points separating the top four sides. There was also a tight battle for sixth position and the final UFFA Silver Cup place, with four teams battling it out until the final matches to stake their claim to an inter-FA spot. At the bottom end of the league we know that we will have the two deactivated teams removed - the Spanish Armada of Arkadius United and Dies De Futbol are both gone - and with a number of teams in the Championship also going to be removed from the FA the fate of a number of teams remains uncertain. Wantage Town, Adam Sutcliffe's Tykes Go and NFA Gazette writer Geraint Williams' club The Team With The Drill finished in designated relegation spots but will all be looking on anxiously at the developments over the next few days.

So here's the final standings in the NFA Premiership showing the top 6:
1. Alrewas Athletic
2. Chester Rats
3. S.C.BEJECAS
4. All BiDoNs Fc
5. Grabimbyda Scrufoviznek
6. Camembert Harriers

And now for the player awards for the Premiership season three.

"Benni" Golden Boot award: Named after NFA goalscoring legend Benni McCarthy, the Benni Golden Boot is awarded to the player who hit the back of the net the most times in the season. This year there was one clear winner, and this season's Benni top 3 looks like this:

1. Mario Balotelli - Grabimbyda Scrufoviznek: 24 goals in 32 league games.
2. Tiago Luís - Chester Rats: 20 goals in 30 league games
3. Daley Mena - Arkadius United: 18 goals in 32 league games.

The exceptional goalscoring form of 21 year-old wonderkid Mario Balotelli sees him receive the trophy this season, and with his nearest rival Tiago Luís being only 22 years old himself, this could prove to be a rivalry to last for years to come!

Golden Gift award: The Golden Gift award is the prize given to the player who is attributed with the most assists in a single NFA Premiership season. Again, like the Benni, this season's trophy has one player head and shoulders above the rest:

1. David Beckham - Alrewas Athletic: 27 assists in 32 games
2. Dennis Aogo - All BiDoNs Fc: 18 assists in 32 games
= Jefferson Farfán - Chester Rats: 18 assists in 32 games

The astonishing statistic of 27 assists in a single season puts Beckham, in his final season of professional football, at the very top of our list. In fact, in honour of this achievement, we here at the NFA Football Writer's Association hereby name this award the "Beckham" Golden Gift award. In future, players will fight all season long for the "Beckham" as they create chance after chance in pursuit of this prize!

"Arnau" Best Goalkeeper award: The Arnau is named in honour of Spanish goalkeeper and Dylano Athletic NFA star Francesc Arnau, and is awarded to the 'keeper who conceded the fewest goals in an NFA Premiership season. This was a hotly-contested award this year, and in the end, with two goalkeepers tied on goals conceded, the decision was made on a superior amount of clean sheets recorded by the eventual winner.

1. Samir Handanovic - Grabimbyda Scrufoviznek: 31 goals in 32 games (14 clean sheets)
2. Renan - Dragon team: 31 goals in 32 games (12 clean sheets)
3. Fernando Muslera - All BiDoNs Fc: 32 goals in 32 games

With plenty of competition among the top keepers in the division, the Arnau is always a tough one to predict, and with it coming down to the wire this season we're assured of plenty of great goalkeeping performances in the seasons to come!


Last but not least, we come to this season's "Smiley Linekar" Fair Play award. This award is presented to the team with the fewest disciplinary points accumulated over the course of the season, with each yellow card being worth 1pt and each red card being worth 3pts. In the end it was a tie between two teams on points, but the teams were separated by a red card - having received no yellow cards to their rivals' one, this year's "Smiley Linekar" result looks like this:

1. Camembert Harriers - Tony McDermot: 36 points (36 yellows, 0 red)
2. Arkadius United - José Arquad: 36 points (33 yellows, 1 red)
3. Alrewas Athletic - James Harrison: 39 points (39 yellows, 0 red)

Tony McDermot's boys can now look forward to a season of looking smug while enjoying a big boost from crisp fans!