Power League review

MM United were crowned Power League Champions, Season 29, for the first time in the club’s history. Led by manager MarioMeirelles, who took the helm in December 2012, MM United secured promotion to the top flight by winning Division 1a in Season 27 and had a great debut season last term, finishing third. Now, in only his second season in the top flight, last season’s exploits were eclipsed by this season’s incredible title win.

Joining the League in Season 10 it hasn’t been a meteoric rise to the top for the club but a hard fought and, despite the odd relegation blip, a consistent move up through the lower leagues to reach Division 4a in Season 20. MM United then produced some of the best football of their history to go on a winning spree as they won 3 of their next 4 division titles (finishing second Season 26) reaching the top flight last season, and a creditable third placed finished. This last two seasons show just why the young Portuguese manager is so highly rated: Mario is currently ranked as 26th best manager in Portugal and 110 in the world he has been previously rated as high as 6th in Portugal and 27th globally.

This season’s title win was a tremendous team and management effort which was begun pre-season and continued through the campaign with some transfer dancing: young ‘keeper Calisto Tejo was promoted from the youth team before being sold on for a tidy profit; Jan-Åke Linné (MF), Tyler Wagner (D) and Gregorio Corona (D) all went, along with a host of youngsters in April and May, netting the club over 35m econ. 9 new faces joined the ranks, including 4 juniors over the same period for a shade over 20m econ. Not a bad bit of business off the field that went a long way in supporting the training regime as the club.

On the field two players in particular stand out, though: midfielders Pasquale Beleno (33) and Marc Almheden (29).  Both played superbly all season and seemed to bring out the best in those around them.  With their guile and craft they limited the opposition in game after game, enabling the defensive unit to take control whenever opponents got into the last third. Amassing a career 7 merits between them, they kept the MM United engine ticking over, creating time and space for others in the team while chipping in with the odd goal themselves and earning a number of XP11 berths.

Experienced ‘keeper Bjarne Hallande  was being pushed all the way by signing Arne Barkrot, and so was another that played a blinder of a season, keeping 9 clean sheets and a key part of the best defence in the league that conceded only 5 goals all season and never more than a single goal in any one game. Never the most prolific scorers, MM United relied on the strength of their defence and midfield maestros to control the ball, dominate opponents and take their own chances, or 17 of them at least. Not the highest scoring title winning team you will ever see but with a midfield that worked majestically to protect a strong defensive unit Mario worked his team to their own strengths to take the title.

Throughout the campaign MM United were never seen as the strongest team, nor the team in the best form, not the richest or even with the best coach, apparently, yet they garnered an indomitable team spirit that ensured they were always challenging for honours from start to finish. And, for this reporter, it was the club legends in Beleno (109 games) and Almheden (192 games) that had the biggest influence on the team’s on-field success.

MM united deserved to win the title this season as, virtually, week-on-week they out-thought and out-fought opponents to justifiably take the title. Losing only one game all season tells its own story. If Mario can keep this team together, perhaps add a bit more youth and spend some econs on experience, it’s hard to see how the others knocking them off their perch in season 30.

However, MM United’s title triumph couldn’t have been predicted at any real point over the campaign despite winning 5 and drawing 2 of the first 7 games. The dropped points against Southern Warriors (Round 3) and Celtic Hoardes F.C. (Round 5) were not to prove too costly though as the team that pushed MM United all the way could only take advantage in Round 3 but drew their own match in Round 5.

This was defending champions Miffchaser United, Young Scottish manager Coach84 pushed MM United as hard as he could with the teams changing places at the top on 7 occasions throughout the season. After tasting his own first top title success last season Coach84 was in no mood to relinquish the honour without a fight and pushed his team to deliver week after week. Another magnificent campaign with only 2 defeats and 4 draws Miffchaser kept pushing MM United right to the wire, just waiting for Mario’s boys to buckle and jump to the front.

Despite inflicting the only defeat on MM United (Round 8), Miffchaser were to fall just short of the mark and by Round 11 the 7th positional change between these two was to be the last as MM United won at AC Millerpool while Miffchaser drew at Southern Warriors, with the 89th minutes sending off of Vladut Basescu impacting on the next round of matches.

Round 12 saw MM United travel to play Southern Warriors and again dropped 2 points against Klio2008 ‘s team for the second time. However, Miffchaser were unable to take advantage as they suffered their second league defeat. CFC Gun Crime scored two first half goals through Daley Hooke (31 minutes) and a wonderful free-kick Albert Ruger (43 minutes). Verner Arnelius pulled one back on 65 minutes but it was the penalty miss by Ron Izzet on 71 that was to prove costly. The loss of Careca Ronaldinho as early as the second minute was a major blow but Izzet’s miss now meant that CFC were right on Miffchasers tail and Coach84 was now having to look behind as well as in front as he looked to secure the title while avoiding dropping down the third. 

Rounds 13 and 14 played out as expected after a long and hard fought campaign with the teams occupying the top three places all winning to guarantee their final placings and MM United sitting happily at the top.

Second spot after last term’s success may be a disappointment to Coach84 but he should take heart from the fact that his team had a tremendous season, losing only twice, while being the only side to inflict defeat on the eventual title winners. Ronaldinho should be fit for the next campaign and, with David Paris suspended for the next competitive match, Coach84 should be looking to add to his small 14 man squad. He has no retirees but no youth either so the squad looks to be in a strong position for next season and will be improved with a couple of quality additions.

Seachel put in a lot of work at The Armory and should be pleased with his third spot. Ending the campaign with 3 very good wins to miss out on second by a point shows that CFC are a team to be reckoned with in this Division. Currently with 17 players to choose from he does have some concerns with a suspension (Kirchner) and injuries (Enfield and Luger). With only 6 players in the 30+ category he has a very balanced squad but may be looking at some changes in the close as CFC prepare for next term.

The Merry Pranksters have had a great debut season in the top flight. Waynederanged brought a high degree of success with him after winning 5 consecutive Divisional titles to earn the right to play at this level, so there were high expectations from the fans and board at On The Bus. And Wayne’s MP’s didn’t disappoint as they finished a creditable fourth, 6 points behind CFC. Their campaign didn’t get off to a good start with an opening day defeat to MM United, This was followed by 4 draws and another defeat and they didn’t win their first game until Round 7: 2 – 0 over Real Montevideo. They finished the second half of the season stronger, picking up a few more wins that should see them gain some valuable experience. His 18 players are a real good mix of experience and youth but Wayne might decide to ring some changes and put some more quality On The Bus for next season.

Ant-62 should be delighted at securing league status with time to spare. However, with two second places and a title in the last 3 seasons, as well as good Cup campaigns, he will be disappointed at his team’s showing this term. For Ant finishing fifth is not good enough: he is used to success at the Fortress Arena but will need to do some work over the close if he wants to mount any sort of challenge next term. The Celtic Hoardes’ 20 man squad is very decent, well balanced with some real good quality but this term struggled to stay in the race. Expect changes at the Fortress for next term.

Bure39 took the reins at AC Millerpool towards the end of season 29, by which time they were already in trouble. After three seasons, including a title win season 27, we say adios to AC Millerpool as they drop to the first Division. Bure shouldn’t feel too disappointed though. The young Spaniard has a very decent squad that should do well next term. If he can add a couple of quality acquisitions he has the makings of a Championship winning team that could see ACM bounce straight back.

Southern Warriors and Real Montevideo both return to Division 1 after a single season in the Power League top tier. As disappointed as they must be they go down in the knowledge that they have gained invaluable experience at this level.  Bringing up decent, if small, squads to the top table both Klio 2008 and Patrician123 showed in flashes their capabilities in selection and management in their pursuit of results. The quality of opposition was to prove just too much this time around but in a season or two and some adjustments to their current squads, they could be ready to try again with a bit more success.

Power League Season 39 final standings read:

1  MM United
2  Miffchaser United
3  CFC Gun Crime
4  The Merry Pranksters
5  Celtic Hoardes F.C.
6  AC Millerpool
7  Southern Warriors
8  Real Montevideo

My dream team for the season lines up 4-4-2:

GK – Bjarne Hallander: MM United

D – Felício Armas: MM United
D – Trevor Curtis (C): The Merry Pranksters
D – Arthur Ahlberg: Southern Warriors
D – Ramon González: Miffchaser United

M – Marc Almheden: MM United
M – Pasquale Beleno: MM United
M – Ramy Cabeçudo: AC Millerpool
M – Joe Young: Celtic Hoardes F.C.

F – Albert Ruger: CFC Gun Crime
F – Angel Guardia: CFC Gun Crime

Your intrepid reporter interrupted the celebrations to put a few questions to Mario after his triumph was secured:

XD: Congratulations Mario. Season 29 has been excellent for you and your team. Fighting off the challenge of defending champions Miffchaser United was a great achievement. How does it feel to win the Power League with MM United for the first time?

MM: Thank you! It was indeed a really difficult challenge, little money and two games every week until the Cup quarter final isn’t easy to manage. The feeling was great because it’s been was a goal of mine for a long time to gain an official league honour. Not only Miffchaser United, but all the opponents showed great skills that make this victory even better!

XD: You became the clubs 11th manager in 2012, winning the club’s 5th trophy in season 27 (Division 1a), guiding them to the top league with a 3rd placed finish last season. What attracted you to this club and convinced you to take the helm?

MM: The main reason was the possibility to reach the top of the Power League with a competitive side and margin to grow a team. With my last team I was able to rise in the Xpert rankings that made the odds grow to lead a great team, and when MM United was available I didn’t think twice.

XD: With an average age of 27 your 15 man squad looks well balanced with some very experienced pros and a couple of younger players. With no-one looking to leave the club do you have any plans to add players with next season’s League and Champions League in mind? Or do you feel confident in your playing squad’s ability to step up next season and beyond?

MM: I have to be confident in my squad, they are the Champions!!! Really, I believe that they will make a good impression in the League next season. As the Champions it will be a different challenge for sure. I don’t have the time to check out the possible opponents, but I will try to make life difficult for everyone, after all we only lost 5 goals this season, that has to mean something!

XD: Are there any friendships and/or rivalries that you have enjoyed as manager of the MM United?

MM: Not really, like in my private life I try to be low profile, but I have to mention the permanent support of some managers like Andre.Andre; Mestre.Andre; RuiAtchim; Hegas; Zelazar among others and a special thanks to AladdinSane who always believed that we would make it!

XD: You’re from Setúbal, Portugal, home of Sheffield Wednesday’s José Vítor Moreira Semedo and José Mourinho. Do you derive any inspiration from either in your drive to manage MM United to success?

MM: Like any Portuguese that enjoy football, Mourinho is a great reference point. He made the Portuguese coaches show themselves to be some of the best of the world. I’m glad he returned to the Premiership. I’m a big fan! In moments of doubts, and this happens frequently, I always ask myself “what would José do if we was the coach of MM United”! Looking the results, it’s ok to say that he is an inspiration. Regarding José Semedo, he’s a good player, with an excellent pedigree, I hope he has the opportunities to improve his qualities: Portugal is always short of good players.

XD: Who would you say was you best and worst player purchases?

MM: The Leandro Taveira and Bartolo Ania sales! Both players were also good and bad purchases. I bought them and levelled them up, so I tried to make some good money out of it. Unfortunately the sales were less than expected, hindering our season in financial terms. This made them bad deals.

XD: What SQ’s do you look for in a player?

MM: All positive SQ’s are fine for me as they increase the value player, but my favourite is a hidden one. It’s easy to guess… hardworking player.

XD: Are there any area’s in which you feel Xperteleven could be improved?

MM: Some quick ideas/points:
Young Players – Academy: too often bad players are pushed through, despite 5 stars.
Value Players – It’s frequently that players’ values vary (a great deal) in the same season.
Squad – The possibility to change player’s place in the squad screen, up and down.
Squad – Lower to a 16 player limit to be able to free up unwanted players

Congratulations to Mario and his MM United on an excellent season. They were solid, dependable and practically unbreakable throughout and deserve the top honour. Commiserations to the losers and good luck to all for next season.

 

Power League Cup review

The teams that would contest the Power League Cup Final were from Romania and Spain. 30 year old Ionutz1983 from Bicaz, a town in Neamt County, Romania, situated in the eastern Carpathian Mountains has been in charge at Steaua RedBlue FC since 25 Dec 2012. Bure39 hails from the city of Segovia in the autonomous region of Castile and León, Spain. It is the capital of Segovia Province. Another relative youngster at 26 years old he took over as manager at AC Millerpool on 28th August this year. However, despite their tender years both are experienced Xpert Eleven managers. RSB, seeded 18, ply their trade in Division 1b while ACM, seeded 22, guest at the top table.

Although bringing contrasting league forms to the Final they also had not too dissimilar Cup successes over the years: SRB’s previous best being Round 7 in season 28 and the 6th Round in seasons 26 and 19, while ACM had been to the Semis in season 24, Quarters in season 21, 7th round last term and 6th round season 26.

Decent Cup pedigrees but not spectacular as the seeding showed. Yet, seeding teams doesn’t always reflect actual abilities as the tales of the tape show on their marches to the Final. Over the 9 rounds of matches to reach the final SRB scored 29 goals and conceded only 4 and ACM scored 26 and conceded only 2, excluding penalty shoot outs.

Terrific records both and a quick overview shows just how they did it:

Steaua RedBlue FC began their march with a comfortable 4 – 0 aggregate over Doomed 2 Fail and followed this up with a 7 – 0 aggregate win over Azelhas then a 6 – 1 trouncing of Reatalia. Round 5 saw them take out The Meat Cleavers 2 – 0 before a late, late show saw them past Jaakon Pallo 2 – 1 which was followed by a 3 – 0 cruise past Woolwich Arsenal. Southern Warriors were to be the first of four top league opponents in the Cup run and SRB eased through this last 16 encounter 2 – 1.

Power League Cup Quarter Final
Xpert Arena
1st September 2013
Referee: Luke Bribe (3/3)

Steaua RedBlue FC (22) V The Merry Pranksters (6)

Ionutz had seen his team do well to reach this stage of the competition but now faced a strong top league outfit in The Merry Pranksters. It was to prove a tough encounter as Bribe dished out two yellows apiece. Both lined up with 352’s and, as expected, it was the Power League team that carried the game, controlling the ball and possession at 60% but it was the lower league side that took the lead against the run of play when Grant Weller broke the offside on 48 minutes and knock the ball past Dennis Niskanen. The game play continued with both side battling hard and The MP’s enjoying more of the ball. When Teremun Cole equalised in the 90th minute extra time beckoned. Ionutz looked distraught while Waynederanged was out of the dugout urging his team to give more. Yet it was Ionutz who was smiling at the end when Rafael Felipe slotted home the winner in the 92nd minute! Wayne was left to wonder how in the hell…

Steaua RedBlue FC (Weller 48’, Felipe 92’) 2 – 1 The Merry Pranksters (Cole 90’)


Power League Cup Semi Final
Xpert Arena
8th September 2013
Referee: Wanda Rinn (7/2)

Steaua RedBlue FC (22) V Celtic Hoardes F.C. (2)

The Semi Final paired Steaua RedBlue with second seeds Celtic Hoardes. Ant-62 had seen his team struggle past Dark Angels in a penalty shoot-out in the last round and was fully aware of SRB’s danger. Another 352 formation from both managers saw this one played out almost exclusively in the middle of the park. Both sides played hard but fair as they battled for every inch of turf and it was SRB, from the lower Division, that had more ball time through this tight encounter.

Chances were at a premium as captains Ackleigh (SRB) and Young (CH) led their lines well, digging in, bawling, encouraging and never giving a minute’s peace to their team-mates, never mind the opposition. Outstanding performances were delivered all over the pitch but neither side could penetrate enough to get past their opposing midfield to have a crack at the defences and the match ended all square.

Extra time was played at the same high-end tempo and it took all of 108 minutes before gold was struck: Joar Edvinsen sent in the corner which the defence, for once, failed to clear properly and there was Elias Felicidade, who had been a buzz bomb all day, finding himself with an inch of space to fire into the top corner past the helpless Nandaa. What a goal and a superb reward for the team that, arguably, deserved to win it.  Steaua RedBlue FC were now on their way to their first ever final much to the ecstatic delight of their travelling fans and it was no more than they deserved.

Steaua RedBlue FC (Felicidade 108’) 1 – 0 (aet) Celtic Hoardes F.C


AC Millerpool began their Cup quest with a comprehensive 10 – 1 aggregate win over Tantatus FC and followed this up with some excellent performances as they powered towards the Quarter Finals, including wins over Wizards Of The Coast (6 – 0 agg), Techno Beats Wasps (2 - 0), Crystal Black (2 - 0) and F.C. Liverpool by the same score-line before making heavy weather of the next series of opponents. Round 7 saw them past White Riot AFC 2 – 1 (aet) with Fu Ji Zhu Ge scoring the winner in 103 minutes. The last 16 saw ACM play West Buzau and it needed a penalty shoot-out to get past their Division 2b opponents and reach the Quarters

Power League Cup Quarter Final
Xpert Arena
1st September 2013
Referee: Manuel Ficuz (2/8)

Uppsala UFOs (34) V AC Millerpool (18)

After AC Millerpool had just eased past West Buzau on penalties the last thing they wanted was another long match and shoot-out, but that is exactly what these two teams served up their fans. It was a defensive masterclass from both sides as the back lines held firm, giving almost nothing away and limiting their opponents to rare half chances that the ‘keepers had covered. Despite dominating the Division 1b team, ACM were unable to make much headway, creating and missing only two chances, as Sydonay had his UFOs set up with a dependable 442. The match proved tough for both sides and Ficuz showed 3 yellow cards to each team. After 120 minutes the match was still goalless but ACM finally went through 6 - 5 despite missing 2 penalties as UFO’s players missed 3 with substitute Santiago Cantante the unfortunate player to miss the last penalty and send ACM to the Semi Final.

Uppsala UFOs 5 – 6 (aet and penalties) AC Millerpool


Power League Cup Semi Final
Xpert Arena
8th September 2013
Referee: Robert Nixon (8/6)

AC Millerpool (18) V Nesa’s Lions (42)

Nesa’s Lions are an experienced team at this level and regularly appear in the latter stages of the tournament having reached the quarters and semi’s in recent seasons. In Serbian Nesa Jovanovic they have an experienced manager who knows his trade. Coming into this tie on the back of an excellent 5 – 3 penalty shoot-out win over Power League leaders MM United the Lions lined up with a solid 451 formation to really challenge ACM. Bure recognised the danger, understanding that the Lions had achieved something they had failed to do this season in beating MM united, and countered with a 442 line up.

The stats don’t really tell the full story, showing that ACM  won 1 – 0 thanks to Fu Ji Zhu Ge’s goal in the 16th minute but this really was a brilliant game of football, well worthy of its Semi Final billing.  As expected both teams went at each other with no quarter asked or given.

All over the pitch players were sweating blood for the cause and it was ACM who had the first effort when Wielart sent over the corner for Ge to fire home. Victor Acuña picked up the games only card on 23 minutes for poor conduct. Jimi Swire chanced his luck on 38 minutes with a powerful effort that Ieroklis Georgatos made look easy.

For ACM it was Acuña, despite his booking, and Ge and for Nesa it was Hugo Ferreira and Rupert Roddick who were the maestros in the centre, battling hard, running hard and directing their teammates to dig deep and give their all. Both backlines performed beyond expectations with Qin Que and John Cheat marshalling ACM while Runar Mellmark was doing everything he could in front of Georgatos to ensure no more goals against.
Two superb Bobby David freekicks, in the 61st and 67th minutes showed his worth to his manger as he beat ‘keeper Giacobbo both times only to be denied as his first the the right post and second skimmed the bar and over. The game was played at an unforgiving pace, a testament to the fitness coaches on both sides. ACM responded to the Davis freekicks through Florian Reidl as he tried a lob on 73 minutes and thundered in a great effort on the 90 mark that drew a great save from the Lions ‘keeper.

However, it was in the 75th minute that really decided this match and a moment that has Nesa scratching his head and grinding his teeth in frustration. After some excellent ball control from Brian Laudrup he found Rupert Roddick running into space beyond the last defender. The midfielder took the ball in his stride and shot past Giacobbo to level the match only to have Nixon blow for an offside. Replays will show Roddick looked onside as the pass was made.
The game continued and despite Reidl’s best efforts at time up it was 1 – 0 to ACM. A proud, but gutted Nesa applauded his team off the pitch at the end. It was unfortunate that a poor MIB decision cost him the opportunity to take the match into extra time but he was still generous in defeat, congratulating ACM on the win and wishing them well for the final.

AC Millerpool (Ge 16’) 1 – 0 Nesa’s Lions


Power League Cup Final
Xpert Arena
15th September 2014
Referee: Donald Scott (3/6)

AC Millerpool (18) v Steaua RedBlue FC (22)

After a long and gruelling Cup campaign both managers could be forgiven for looking to put this one to bed early doors and win the trophy at the first time of asking within the regulation 90. Now was the time and the chance to make real the hopes and dreams of all those fans, sponsors and back-room staff as the players took to the field to decide on the new home for the trophy.

The preparation was over and it was the turn of the players to bring the dream to life. But who would be the conquerors on the grandest stage of all? It was time to find out.

Team news on the starting 11’s read:

AC Millerpool
Lined up 442

Goalkeeper – Adolfo Giacobbo
Defenders – Bruno Panucci, John Cheat, Norberto Beltrão, Qin Que
Midfield – Ramy Cabeçudo (C), Fu Ji Zhu Ge, Amato Del Nero, Jimi Swire
Forwards – Florian Reidl, Carlo Weilaert

Bench – Tommaso Robbiati, Dutu Visarionovici, Kasper Steira, Marcell Zattarin

Steaua RedBlue FC
Lined up 352:

Goalkeeper - Gary Malcolm
Defenders – Toralf Dahle, Samuel N´Diouf, Lou Ackleigh (C)
Midfield – Joar Edvinsen, Grant Weller, Lars-Gunnar Ekströmer, Ferdinand Rendell, Rafael Felipe
Forward – Elias Felicidade, Sadik Tekac

Bench – Damian Aramie, John Obymichel, Matt Bruce

Right from the first whistle SRB took the game to ACM with a great midfield display backed up by an excellent defensive set up, marshalled, again, by the imperious Lou Ackleigh. Both teams showed and infectious passion and they were putting in a magnificent effort. Although ACM struggled to see much of the ball, thanks to some neat, quick passing and movement by the SRB midfield five, they ran and ran, putting in a great shift to close in quick and tight, making it almost impossible to SRB to get a shot in. Que (6 minutes) and Swire (18 minutes) both saw yellow as they took one each for the team to keep SRB out.

With the exploits from both sides to reach the final scoring close to 50 goals and conceding 6 in the 18 matches between them we knew this one was going to be tight, a single goal could well decide the Cup home for the season. For all the quality, deft footwork and tremendous effort on show this was not a match for the football purists as both side set about each other with a vigour and energy that sapped the legs as the match wore on. The first half ended goalless without a single shot in anger from either side as ACM nullified SRB’s dominance of the ball.

It was a tremendous effort from both sides as the second half played out in the same manner as the first: with Steaua RedBlue’s captain Ackleigh the general at the back and Ekströmer running the midfield. While Qun Que was motivating his Millerpool team-mates to keep in the SRB faces, never giving them time to settle. The pace had slacked somewhat, understandable given the nature of the first half, and chances started to materialise and time wore on.

The first fell to Sadik Tekac after a full 73 minutes. Ackleigh, making a rare journey into opposition territory, picked him out with a sublime cross-field pass. Takac needed only a deft touch to bring the ball down, turn inside Cheat and, showing great composure fired under Giacobbo to put RSB a goal ahead. Up went the roar from the Steaua fans although how they were able to raise the decibel level was amazing: they hadn’t stopped cheering from well before kick-off. It seems the Steaua fans were determined to have a party regardless.

Against the run of play Que nicked the ball from Rendell in the 84th minute and quickly fired over a cross to Wielaert but his lobbed header was too weak and Malcolm made the most of the save to entertain his adoring fans.

Both sets of players were still giving tremendous effort and the tired legs were showing on ACM as in the 89th and 90th minutes SRB have two further opportunities to put the tie to bed. Tekac tried with a diving header before Dahle fired in a free-kick but both were saved by Giacobbo. The ball was quickly back in play but SRB were too dominant and the MIB blew after 2 more minutes to send the Steaua fans mental! Their team had just won the Cup and players and fans alike were dancing in celebration.

AC Millerpool 0 – 1 Steaua RedBlue (Tekac 73’)

Possession: 41 - 59 (47 - 53); chances: 1 - 3 (0 - 0)

Defence 17    Defence 15
Midfield  14    Midfield  17
Offence  15    Offence  16

Manager 4 Star    Manager 5 Star

ACM  Man Of The Match SRB
Qin Que    Lou Ackleigh


It was a great way to end a cracking campaign by Steaua RedBlue and a brilliant strategic battle as AC Millerpool’s higher quality was met head on by Steaua’s greater energy and desire to win. Both managers deserve a lot of credit for serving up a cracking Cup final. But there can be only one winner and, this season, the Cup belongs to Steaua RedBlue. Congratulations to Ionutz on a fantastic Cup win over their fourth top league opponent. Commiserations to Bure whose team gave their all and played their part in a great final.

We managed a quick word with the Cup winning manager before he got too carried away, and he was gracious enough to spend a bit of time with your Xpert Daily reporter:

XD: Congratulations Ionutz. Season 29 has been great for you and your team. Reaching the Cup final and securing the play-off spot is a tremendous achievement. How does it feel to win the Power League Cup with Steaua RedBlue FC for the first time?

IO: This is my first trophy on this site, a trophy that I really wanted. Regarding my team I managed two consecutive promotions, and both from 2nd spot.

XD: Your previous best Cup run was the 7th Round last season, and Round 6 in season 19. The road to the final this season has been quite remarkable. Over 10 rounds of matches SRB scored 30 goals and conceded only 4 and your last 4 opponents were all from the top Division. The quarter final with The Merry Pranksters was particularly difficult after their 90th minute equalizer, but you hung in there to win it. So, was there a particular round of this campaign that you felt you could go all the way?

IO: It was an excellent season in the Cup where I managed to pass the teams that seemed impossible for me and my team. The most difficult moment was at the semi-final where I met the finalists of last season, I never thought I'd move on but with a high win bonus for my team and a perfect tactic gave us the edge as we moved on straight to the Final.

XD: You became only the 4th manager of the club in 2012, picking up the club’s 5th trophy in season 27 (Division 3d). What attracted you to this club and convinced you to take the helm?

IO: This team was not especially attractive to me but I wanted to leave my former team and so, when the opportunity arose to play at a higher level, I took it, I did not know if I was ready or not to play at a higher standard but it was a very good choice.

XD: Your 16 man squad is well balanced with some very experienced pros but with an aging defensive unit. With no-one looking to leave the club do you have any plans to add players with next season’s League and Champions League in mind? Or do you feel confident in your playing squad’s ability to step up next season and beyond?

IO: This season I played just to gain experience in the Top Division and enter the Champions League. But because the team is old and we have only a small budget (2,500,000) next season chances are very small, almoust zero. We will do all we can to improve the squad.

XD: Are there any friendships and/or rivalries that you have enjoyed as manager of the Steaua RedBlue FC?

IO: I have a few friends on the site that helped me to learn the game and understand it I could list a few most important CPI_46, Clint_, Corbu and other managers that helped to start in the beginning at the forum with ideas and suggestions and I want to thank them for helping me.

XD: You’re from Bicaz, in Neamt County, Romania situated in the eastern Carpathian Mountains but you list Arsenal alongside FC Steaua Bucaresti as your favourite teams. What attracts you to these teams?

IO: Steaua Bucuresti is my favourite team since 1983, maybe because my father was with Steaua. Arsenal in London is my favourite in Europe because, since around 2000, my friends had some teams including Barcelona, Real, Manchester United, Chelsea, so I said Arsenal.

XD: Who would you say was you best and worst player purchases?

IO: Let’s start with my worst at this team: nobody. But my best is the goalkeeper.

XD: Who would you say was the best player or manager you’ve come up against?

IO: Best manager was Lerga from Wested Years: 2 games, two defeats.

XD: What SQ’s do you look for in a player?

IO: SQ's are not very important in a player. He must be very good but my SQ's for players are:
-goalkeeper- hard trainer, good position.
-defender- cool as ice, intelligent, free kicker, hard trainer, cheater, stamina.
-midlefilder-  stamina, intelligent, rough, powerful shot, materialist, hard trainer, and I want one star player.
-forward- cool as ice, intelligent, header, rough, materialist, cheater, stamina, hard trainer, goal instincts, and sometimes star.

XD: Are there any area’s in which you feel Xperteleven could be improved?

I0.YES, YES, YES, YOUTH ACADEMY.

XD: If you were a member of the Avengers, which one would you be and what essential kit would you take along on a rescue mission?

11.The Avengers are a SF,team: essential? All I know is that it should include a pocket knife.

XD: You’ve been in this game for about 2.5 years now, managing Steaua RedBlue FC since Christmas day 2012 but tell us a bit about yourself outside Xperteleven, other hobbies and interests. What do you enjoy doing away from the screen?

12.I enjoy working....and when I’m home playing with my little girl.


Well there you have it folks, an insight into the incredible world of the Power League, season 29. It was another season of tension, drama and excitement, entertaining football, passion and pride. Well done to both MM United and Steaua RedBlue on their victories and good luck to everyone next season.