Start from the start with episode 1
So my decision has been made. I’m staying with Angrense. I’m pretty sure I’ve made the right decision, but of course if Borba sells Hurley and Magina in the next couple of days I’ll feel like a bit of an idiot.
Because I’m staying, we’ll need to get to know our new group: The Promotion Stage Group B.
Barreirense
From: Barreiro
Ground: Campo da Verderena
First Phase Position (Out of 10): 2nd in Group G, behind us
Last Season: 3rd in Relegation Stage Group G
Predicted: 6th
Rivals in Group B: N/A
Caldas
From: Caldas da Rainha
Ground: Campo da Mata
First Phase Position (Out of 10): 1st in Group E
Last Season: 1st in Relegation Stage Group F
Predicted: 8th
Rivals in Group B: Leiria (Fierce, Historic)
Camacha
From: Camacha
Ground: Complexo Desportivo da Camacha
First Phase Position (Out of 10): 2nd in Group H
Last Season: 1st in Relegation Stage Group B
Predicted: 7th
Rivals in Group B: N/A
Casa Pia
From: Lisboa
Ground: Estádio Pina Manique
First Phase Position (Out of 10): 2nd in Group F
Last Season: 2nd in Promotion Stage Group B, Lost 2-3 on aggregate to Sporting B in Promotion Play off
Predicted: 5th
Rivals in Group B: N/A
Leiria
From: Leiria
Ground: Estádio Municipal de Leiria
First Phase Position (Out of 10): 2nd in Group E
Last Season: 5th in Promotion Stage Group B
Predicted: 2nd
Rivals in Group B: N/A
Mafra
From: Mafra
Ground: Campo Dr. Mario Silveira
First Phase Position (Out of 10): 1st in Group F
Last Season: 4th in Promotion Stage Group B
Predicted: 3rd
Rivals in Group B: N/A
União da Madeira
From: Ribeira Brava
Ground: Centro Desportivo da Madeira
First Phase Position (Out of 10): 1st in Group H
Last Season: Relegated, 20th in Liga Pro
Predicted: 1st
Rivals in Group B: N/A
Oh, this is delicious. I have a few months left in Portugal and if I could have had my pick of any side to be put in a group with, do you know who I’d pick?
Of course you do.
I’d pick Caldas.
Caldas are more than an opposition team for me. They’re more than a rival even. They’re a metaphor. They are my Everest. My predecessor Eduardo Almeida couldn’t beat them and they are the milestone that I set myself last year to prove that I was a worthy manager at this level. A win over Caldas would represent how far we’ve come and how far I’ve come. Last year they demolished our relegation stage group and they demolished us. But this time, to misquote Baddiel, Skinner & The Lightning Seeds, We are strong. We have grown.
Caldas are predicted to finish last in the group and we’re predicted 4th, which already speaks volumes, but I want to see the official result in black and white when we beat them. I never got to become Franjo, Who Crushed Caldas, but I still can.
Remember when I took this job I made a slapdash overview of how the leagues work? I’ll link it here so that you can get a refresher on how the promotion stage is structured.
In short, we need a top 2 finish. Anything below that means we stay in the Championship, which seriously dampens my chances of being snapped up by a bigger side. A 2nd place finish means we’ll play off against one of the Liga Pro sides for promotion, and a top place finish means we win promotion and we play off against the winner of group A to determine who wins the Championship.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go and listen to Three Lions and Three Lions ’98 on a loop for a few hours.
Find me on:
Wasted Talent Youtube Channel (For FM17 Videos)
Franjo’s Youtube Channel (For General Gaming Videos)
