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At the end of UKs' first season as manager of Victory Riders the only person at the club not smiling is the manager himself, UK'sNo1.
UK's took over the side at the end of season 55, days after relegation from division 4 due to serious neglect from the fired previous manager.
Although they looked half-decent on paper, many of the players were clearly very low in their skill band and lost the chance of ultimately becoming stars. With virtually no money in the bank to bring in new ones UK's knew there was a lot of work ahead. There was only ever one goal, train, train and train again, avoid relegation.
In all honesty as 4th weakest in the division UK's never feared relegation despite the low average age, he didn't expect or really try to get promotion either. The league winners were clear from day 1. The fans and board were pleased though; Victory Riders never dropped below 4th place and always produced exciting matches and often quite a few goals for their few supporters.
Despite the constant form training and high DV values UK's knew none would double jump at the seasons end. What really hurt though was the, oh so common, kick in the balls from the Xpert Gods.
With 4 matches to play they sent Frazer Johnson. As a youth talent. 17/5 Goal Instinct & Free Kicks, valued at around 4 million, minus 8 DV!!!
Sell or Keep?
No chance to test the real skill, the market was about to close. It was get the cash or hope he was high, play every minute of the last 4 matches and if we pulled off a miracle and got a play-off match with 5 he might just jump.
We gave it everything, the fans were ecstatic when we reached the play-off, they went wild when we won and bounced straight back into division 4, Frazer went from -8 to + 4 DV.
The board were so delighted they even bought UK's a pint!
Then the change report?
Despite the previous neglect, 16 bars from 18 players no double but hey, we knew it would be like that, all smiles except UK's. Frazer did not jump, 18/5 and less than 1 million on the market!
However, the story does not end here, Frazer will double next season and catch up, and UK's will scour the market for the hidden gems amongst the pack, even if the clubs balance is only 3 million.
We will get better, grow stronger and hold our ground in division 4 next season, we are heading the only way UK's knows.
UP
# NO sue Palmer, No Sexual comments or puns?
UK's would like to reassure his Xpert friends that all is well, tomorrow is another day and maybe another Press ;-)
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