Towards the end of 2015, after growing frustrated with FM16, I made the decision to get back to CM 01/02. One of my favourite ever games was when I dominated Europe with Rangers – so I thought a good way of getting back to the game was in the SPL with Hearts. Follow my story here.
Season 2: Consistently inconsistent
Having worked hard to clear the debt and put myself in a position to recruit players, I was looking forward to the second season.
The additions of Jamie Victory, Mike Duff and Brede Hangeland certainly strengthened the defensive options.
It was in midfield where I was still a little unsure, Michael Tonge coming in. I was sure that Marcus Rosenberg would be a key addition, and that was proved right.
Two wins from the first 10 games then was massively frustrating.
There was no real kick forward from the previous season. There were brief signs of promise, but far too much inconsistency.
Even the additions of Andreas Andersson and Teddy Lucic on Bosmans in November didn’t do much to inspire any activity, with only a late flurry from on loan AMC Harpal Singh contributing much to the goal tally.
The Cup defeat to first division Ayr perhaps summed things up.
In the end, I managed to make the top six split and then finished fifth, having blown a glorious opportunity to beat Livington and edge in to the top four.
The positives were Rosenberg, who did exactly what he was brought in to. 23 goals in 40 games meant he was crowned Scottish Young Player of the Year.
Recruitment
So in the summer of 2003, it was time to reflect. I moved on a bit of deadwood, and my focus was to strengthen the midfield.
Struggling for targets and interest, I ended up plumping for Michael Brown and James O’Connor (both £2.5m)
Seth Johnson joined from Leeds on loan, while Thomas Myhre came in on loan from Sunderland to provide cover for Craig Gordon.
Here’s hoping for a change of fortune in season 3…
This story first appeared on the champman0102.co.uk forums.
