"Oh I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside" - FMFormation.net - Football Manager

fomaham · 18-03-08, 10:57 AM

It's an odd feeling to be so connected to a football club, yet Blackpool FC has played a crucial part of my family history. It's hard to go anywhere without being told incessantly about how brilliant my Grandfather was, how much of a legend he became during his 14 year period in the orange of Blackpool. It does my heart wonders to be able to walk to my office at Bloomfield Road everyday, and see my grandfather immortalised in Bronze outside the North Stand, that smile which i remember looking up at as a child, the unmistakable person that is my grandfather, Stan Mortensen.

In my third year as director of media at Blackpool F.C, i was about to witness the rise of a legend with my own eyes.

It Came as a shock when we received word in our office that the current gaffer had recieved the sack. Simon Grayson had done an amazing job getting promotion with Blackpool from League 1, I Can still remember the report that i was asked to produce to cover the play-off against Yeovil. As a media officer, it's my responsibility to work with what i'm given, yet with the sacking of Simon Grayson, the details were hazy at best. I've had many meetings with Karl Oyston and Simon Grayson, taking notes and writing stories for local papers and reports for internal sources and the two always seemed to have an irrefutable friendship. Oyston's representatives told me not to report about any internal squabbling or strife but to produce a report about a disagreement over a contract, and that is exactly what i did.

Simon Says: Goodbye Blackpool
A Report by: Alex Mortensen
Media Officer Blackpool F.C
29th April 2007

Today it has been confirmed that Simon Grayson has departed from Bloomfield Road by mutual consent over what seems to be a disagreement with contract issues. Chairman Karl Oyston has expressed his disappointment that a suitable agreement could be reached but he wishes Grayson the best with the rest of his managerial career wherever he goes.

It is worth noting that Grayson had been managing Blackpool on a month-to-month contractual basis as he had never actually penned an official contract, as a result, Blackpool will not have to pay any compensation to the 38-year old ex-defender

A representative from the Tangarine Army, a local support group expressed that Grayson had achieved a lot in such a small amount of time with the once mighty Blackpool Club and that a replacement would have a hard time filling in the shoes of Grayson.

Oyston wants to reassure fan groups that they will only hire a manager who is suitable for the job and who will be able to help Blackpool back to their former glory.

Alex Mortensen,
Blackpool F.C Media Officer

So, We are the new boys in the Coca-Cola Championship, We have No Manager, the Team is beginning to get nervous with press constantly questioning them on any internal strife... Blackpool F.C is beginning to plunge into dire straights now. We definatley need someone to rally behind now.

I Tend to hear things concerning the club first, before the chairman has any idea. I've got sources posted all over the nation, and even abroad. Yes, this may seem overkill for a club like Blackpool F.C, but it is worth noting that without proper media coverage, even Manchester United could replace Accrington Stanley in that famous Ian Rush commercial, and although it would warm my heart to hear two children saying "Manchester Who?", it's my responsibility to make sure that this doesn't happen to Blackpool.

But for all my sources and eyes and ears on any rumours, i wasn't prepared when Karl Oyston's assistant called me to a meeting immediatley. I was met by the normal crowd, lawyers, board members, representatives of the stockholders, high-ups in the community squares, and then normal collection of tofts that seem to associate themselves with any meeting that involves ties and large amounts of frowning and fist slamming. Oyston was sitting at his normal position at the end of the large board table with his assistants at his side hooked on his every word like gospel, yet to his right was a man who i had never seen before.

He was well dressed, yet... scruffy. He looked like someone had taken a surfer and forced him into a suit and then thrown him into a room full of businessmen for some sick new reality T.V show on ITV.

"Ah, Mortensen, we have a story for you," Oyston said with a large grin on his face, the man next to him seemed bemused by the whole situation, Oyston Continued, "We've found our man" and he rested his hand on the shoulder of the suited-surfer to his right.

"This is Dr Thomas J. Hampson, a Doctor of Psychology from The University of Queensland in Australia"

Riiiiight.. i thought to myself, Oyston has officially lost the plot, sacking a successful manager and hiring himself a shrink. Oyston laughed, obviously noting the confused look on my face, "Don't worry, he has plenty of Footballing experience..." he looked across to this.. Doctor Hampson, "Why don't you tell him Tom"

The suited-surfer looked to his new chairman, and then to me and he smiled a sort of "I wish i was at home, tucked in bed and sleeping" smile, and he stood up and in what seemed to be a very broad australian accent spoke, "well..." He scratched the back of his head "I've been cheif psychologist at national level for both Ireland and Australia" He ticked off one of his fingers.

"I've been assistant managers in both countries too.."

"I've managed with reasonable success in the Úrvalsdeild Karla"

He scratched the back of his head again, obviously trying to remember.

"Oh, i've also had a number of short term care-taker positions in Italy and Spain with Lower division clubs focusing on maintaining player morale in the period without management"

I looked down at my notes, all i had written was "Doctor Who?"

**WozzaWolves** · 20-03-08, 05:04 PM

Magnificent start! This has the potential to be a fantastic story mate :D

Try to get it into a few seperate posts though, bit of a drag reading it

KIU

fomaham · 21-03-08, 01:31 AM

The Doctor Is In
A Report by: Alex Mortensen
Blackpool F.C Media Officer
2nd June 2007

After a month of careful deliberation by Karl Oyston and the Blackpool F.C Board, a manager was finally revealed in a press conference this morning. In what may seem a surprising move, the board have opted to put their faith in a relatively untested manager in the guise of 39 year-old Australian Psychologist Dr Thomas J. Hampson. (pictured above on his arrival at Bloomfield road this morning)

Oyston was obviously elated at this morning’s press conference, and so to it seemed were the media who had come to the realization that Blackpool F.C had placed a somewhat eccentric character in charge of their club and more notably that they had hired a manager with limited footballing credentials, a myth which Oyston put right by reciting all of Hampson’s achievements.

Hampson was quiet through the whole conference, far happier taking notes on a pad and talking quietly to his assistant who left the room and returned briefly more than 9 times during the media gathering. Finally, at the end of a string of questions at Hampson from tabloid reporters asking whether the rumours were true that each morning he runs naked into the sea, which caught the media by surprise who were beginning to think Hampson was a mute.

”Firstly,” Hampson Laughed, “And with no disrespect to the people of Blackpool, but I wouldn’t be game enough to go swimming on Blackpool Beach with my clothes on, let alone naked”

”Secondly,” He said, ticking off his fingers, “I would personally like to thank Karl Oyston and the Blackpool Board for giving me the opportunity to flex my managerial repertoire at a much higher level then what I am used to” There were numerous murmurs in the media coupled with the scratching of pen nibs.

”Thirdly, I would just like to reassure the fans of Blackpool F.C that I will deliver, I will pay back the faith placed in me by taking this club back to its former glory” a sentence which brightened the face of Chairman Oyston very much.

”And Finally…” He cleared his throat “There will be signings, quite possibly a number of signings,” He raised his hands “And before any of you accuse me of having no faith in the players who had pulled out the hard yards to get this club to the championship, I wish to remark that it is my job to assure the survival and growth of this club as a dominant force in football, and for that to happen we will need to build on the foundation that the current Blackpool players have already set.”

Oyston then called a close to the conference and Hampson promptly left with his assistant. So, the Doctor is well and truly in, Critics are already touting Hampson to be the first manager sacked in the Championship this season, but despite this fact, Blackpool fan groups have rallied behind the Australian, only time will tell to see if the lassaiz-faire manager can displace the title of “Doctor Who?”

Alex Mortenson
Blackpool F.C Media Officer

fomaham · 21-03-08, 02:45 AM

Ex-rival joins ‘Pool
Report by: Alex Mortensen
Blackpool F.C Media Officer
4th June 2007

(Soley, Right, in a challenge for the ball with Manchester City's Georgios Samaras)

Hampson promised signings and he has delivered only 2 days into his reign. At a press conference this afternoon, Hampson was delighted to reveal that 27 year-old Gambian international Seyfo Soley had accepted the contract agreement and passed his medical with flying colours.

The powerful defensive midfielder who is captain of the Gambian national team was released from his contract at Preston North End F.C and quickly snapped up by the new Blackpool manager. Hampson jokingly added after revealing Soley as his first signing that the tangerine shirt suits him far better than any Preston kit ever could. “I realize the rivalry between Preston and Blackpool, but as I see it, Seyfo will become a hugely integral part of the new squad, so while some fans may deem it appropriate to give him stick due to his past footballing commitments, all I can say is you just wait to see how much Seyfo will contribute to Blackpool F.C in the coming months”

fomaham · 21-03-08, 03:11 AM

If only i could have taken a before and after shot at my life at Bloomfield road before 'The Doc' arrived. Beforehand it was quiet, not much activity, Grayson, as much as i liked the man, could never have stirred such a reaction as this Australian has.

All day long, Hampson is trailed by what seems to be a neverending cascade of scouts and assistants taking copious amounts of dictation notes and then scurrying off in an opposite direction shouting into their thoroughly over-used mobile phones.

It has become quite clear that Blackpool is going to go through a number of changes, i wouldn't call it chaos as Hampson seems to have an immense leadership quality where people seem to stop anything they are doing, and i mean ANYTHING to listen to his softly spoken words.

As a result, i have to work over-time now. Not that i mind to be honest, all i would do otherwise is go home, order a curry and watch League of Gentlemen DVDs.

"I have a story for you to write," Came a familiar voice from behind me, despite the fact i didn't hear most of it as i was comfortabley drowning in my own drool which had pooled quite disturbingly in the centre of a pile of important paperwork.

'The Doc' Had a wide grin on his face and handed me a folder containing information and documents. "Our newest player" he laughed and exited the room, then popped his head through the doorway, "Oh, by the by, may i suggest leaning back in your chair while you sleep, it makes you look like you're relaxing after a particularly taxing peice of work" and then he was gone. I dozily flicked through the articles, "Dzsudzsak, 150,000 pounds" i said to myself... Right, and i flicked the Computer on.

Hungry for the Hungarian
Report by: Alex Mortensen
Blackpool F.C Media Officer
7th June 2007

In a major transfer coup, Blackpool F.C Manager Dr Thomas Hampson has managed to land highly promising Hungarian Midfielder Balázs Dzsudzsák for a fee of 150,000 pounds. Dzsudzsák is considered to be one of the hottest properties in the coming transfer windows and has been sighted holding talks with clubs such as PSV and Reading, yet it has been confirmed that Hampson succeeded in landing the 20 year-old attacking midfielder.

Dzsudzsák stated in an interview that he considered Blackpool a fresh challenge in his career and will do his upmost to help the club strive for success. Dzsudzsák will arrive on the first of July when the transfer window opens from his club Debreceni VSC in Hungary, but will travel to Bloomfield a number of times before hand to train with the squad and find accomodation in the area with assistance from a Fixer.

fomaham · 21-03-08, 06:24 AM

Triple Swoop For Hampson
Report By: Alex Mortensen
Blackpool F.C Media Officer
10th June 2007

Dr Hampson has notched up his 3rd, 4th and 5th signings of the season despite the fact the transfer window. In what has become a very busy first few weeks for Dr Hampson, he has revealed that Blackpool F.C has secured the services of 3 Highly Promising youngsters .

The First of the trio is Chris James, a 19 year-old full international for New Zealand. James has already notched up 7 caps for the all-whites and is one of their most highly talented youngsters. The versatile midfielder is capable of playing anywhere across the centre and has great vision and passing technique. James arrives at Bloomfield Road on a Free contract due to his Fulham contract expiring.

The Second is the youngest of the three at the age of 15. Lauri Dalla Valle a Finnish football prodigy currently playing for Jippo Joensum in his native land arrives on a free as his contract has expired. The Young Attacking midfielder is also a very competent striker and Hampson hopes he will be able to mould the young starlet into a deadly striker in the future.

The Third is quite possibly the most exciting of Dr Hampson’s signings so far. In an interview regarding his recent signings, Dr Hampson’s only words were “We’ve got him” Coupled with a huge grin. Hampson released information that he has finalized contract agreements with Nashat Akram, the 22 year-old Iraqi Super Star and hero of the Recent Asian Nations Cup. Akram who is considered to be one of the finest players ever produced in the Middle East has joined the Blackpool F.C outfit on a 5 year deal starting immediately. Akram has drawn interest from clubs such as Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain but similarly to Dzsudzsák, Akram has pledged his service to a smaller club. Akram flies in from his Native Iraq on the First of July to join the Team.

Alex Mortensen
Blackpool F.C Media Officer

Dargo17 · 21-03-08, 10:37 AM

this is vey good mate
well detailed
kutgw

**John10** · 21-03-08, 11:40 AM

this is great mate, some brilliant transfers there :)

very detailed story, looking forward to the rest :P

fomaham · 22-03-08, 01:30 AM

Celtic Goalie Set For Seasiders
Report By: Alex Mortensen
28th June 2007

Dr Hampson has confirmed that Northern Irish under 23's goalie Michael McGovern will join Blackpool from Celtic from what is believed to be a deal worth around 18,000 pounds. McGovern, who has never played a full game for Celtic and is considered to be the 4th choice goalie for the Hoops has expressed his delight at joining the Seasiders and hopes he will be able to contend for the number 1 shirt.

Hampson said that he had seen McGovern perform admirabley in a number of under 23 international games and has bought him to Bloomfield road in a hope he will be able to replicate his international form at club level.

fomaham · 22-03-08, 01:39 AM

"Stancu is a Seasider"
Report by: Alex Mortensen
30th June 2007

Blackpool F.C Has won the race for another highly sought after player, this tme in the guise of explosive romanian striker Bogdan Stancu. The 20 year-old's signature was being followed by over 8 clubs including CSKA Moscow and Stade Rennes F.C but it was Blackpool who succeeded in signing the starlet. In a deal approaching 250,000 pounds rising to 350,000 after 20 league starts, Bogdan Stancu is now officially the highest transfer fee payed by Blackpool F.C.

Fan groups have expressed their delight at the revelation that the under 23's star will be pulling on the famous tangarine in the next season. Hampson himself has stated in the press conference this morning that he believes Stancu will be one of the best strikers in the Championship before the end of the season.

fomaham · 22-03-08, 03:56 AM

7 signings... 7! This is not so much a new manager as a whole new Blackpool F.C! Not that i doubt Dr Hampson's credibility as a manager, but surely signing 7 new players will do little else but disrupt team harmony in the dressing room. i realise that this may sound like the whinging of a person who has never been actively involved in managing a team but only observed from the sidelines, but that is my job, observation.

It's beginning to become quite clear that 'The Doc' will be ruthless with his team selection if it does not guarantee a victory, but to me this seems a bit extreme as the player's wishes and needs must be accomodated. This is all a tad pre-mature i realise, as Hampson hasn't even been tested in a game situation yet, but i just hope he can harness the ego's of 7 new players plus the team we already have. Now if you'l excuse me, i have to go cover this party Oyston has arranged.

A Promenade of Orange
Report by: Alex Mortensen
1 July 2007

"We will see the Tangarine army march to the top again!" Dr Hampson shouted through a megaphone handed to him by Karl Oyston. He and the Blackpool squad riding an open-topped tram through the Promenade of Blackpool surrounded by a see of orange shirts and scarves.

Hampson had issued the 7 new players their numbers and kits to the cheers of several hundred people in the shadow of the famous blackpool tower. Perhaps the biggest cheer of the day came when Karl Oyston surprised Hampson with his own jersey bearing the name "Doctor Who?" On the back.

Celebrations went through the night with a large amount of local bands supporting the cause, as the night drew to a close Hampson again took the mic and promised the people of blackpool that he would take their team to the top flight no matter what and restore the pride of the seasiders.

Hampson's first test as manager of Blackpool F.C was a friendly in 3 days against Manchester City Reserves, a team which Hampson has close affiliations to due to he and his family all being avid Manchester City fans.

**Hartynips** · 22-03-08, 08:09 AM

its an epic in the making...i suppose though if it all goes wrong then the good doctor could land the leading role in the 25th 26th and 27th harry potter films!

**WozzaWolves** · 22-03-08, 02:22 PM

This is fantastic, some great signings made =D

fomaham · 23-03-08, 02:25 AM

Hey, Thanks for all the support guys, I do apologize for having to upload so many stories at once, it's just i've pre written them alot of the time and if i want to keep up with my game i have to keep posting loads of them haha.

Ta,

Tom

Blackpool F.C - Manchester City Reserves
Match Report: Alex Mortensen

Dr Hampson's inauguaral game in charge of Blackpool F.C. He faces a stern task ahead against a strong Manchester City Reserve team containing players such as the experienced Didi Hamann and Greek international Georgios Samaras. Hampson has opted to play 6 of his new signings in a formation which may seem a little alien to most players. It will be interesting to see whether the players will be able to gel after only 3 days full training.

Line-up

Goalkeeper:
Michael McGovern

Defence:
Right:Shaun Barker
Centre: Kaspars Gorkss
Centre: Ian Evatt
Left: John Hill

Midfield:
Defensive: Seyfo Soley
Centre Right: Nashat Akram
Centre Left: Chris James
Attacking Right: Balzas Dzsudzsak
Attacking Left: Wes Hoolahan

Strikers:
Centre Forward: Bogdan Stancu

FIRST HALF
All in Blackpool's favour, Akram coming extremely close in the 30 second with a long range effort cannoning off the crossbar. In the 8th minute, Blackpool made the breakthrough. Some clumsy defending in the city area results in a corner for the seasiders. Hoolahan lofts in a perfect ball which Stancu smashes in at the far post with a diving header after loosing his marker.

8th Min: Goal: Bogdan Stancu (Blackpool)

But, it didn't take long for a Manchester City reply. Georgios Samaras jinxes past John Hills on the left flank and delivers a perfect cross which experienced French midfielder Ousmane Dabo is more than happy to smash into the top right hand corner on the half-volley.

12th Min: Goal: Ousmane Dabo (Manchester City Reserves)

Again, the play is all Blackpool. City are having a tough time getting any of the ball at all. Beautiful link up play between Chris James and Nashat Akram results in the Iraqi star taking an ambitious shot from 30 metres out which again, cannons off the crossbar... He has to get one in eventually. Blackpool F.C take the lead again with some almost brazilian flair from the new Hungarian midfielder Balzas Dzsudzsak who chips the ball over the City defence which Stancu met on the volley to hammer it past Schmiechel's outstretched limbs.

38th Min: Goal: Bogdan Stancu (Blackpool)

HALF-TIME

Blackpool F.C 2 - Manchester City Reserves 1

A brilliant first half from the Seasiders. The midfield link-ups are a glory to behold, and lets not forget Bogdan Stancu who is causing all manner of problems to the City defence with his tireless running and blinding pace with the ball. Blackpool fans are cheering him on for his Hat-trick.

SECOND HALF

Blackpool start off strong again with Dzsudzsak destroying the defence with his pin-point passing to Stancu who seems to be growing more and more confident with each run he makes. In the 61st minute, Wes Hoolahan clapped to the Home Fans and jogged off to be replaced by Andy Welsh on the left flank. The cheer went up around Bloomfield road of "Who Else but Stancu!" As the romanian skinned a defender on the left channel and turned inside, leaving the central defenders for dead. His blinding pace takes him around the form of Joe Hart and he taps the ball into the back of the net, an absolutley amazing solo effort, Hat-trick for the Romanian

69th Minute: Goal: Bogdan Stancu (Blackpool)

The Doctor decides to change some things around in the 73rd minute with Seyfo Soley being replaced by Keith Southern and Dzsudzsak jogging off for Gary Taylor-Fletcher. The biggest cheer came for Hero Bogdan Stancu who received a standing ovation from the 6,000 fans in the stadium. In his place sprinted on 15 year-old finnish striker Lauri Dalla Valle.

More possession football from Blackpool with both Andy Welsh and Taylor-Fletcher coming close to scoring from long range. 86th Minute, 19 year-old midfielder Chris James jogs off the the applause of the fans, its quite evident from his movement that he has run himself into the ground today, Striker Keigan Parker comes on as replacement.

Just as victory seemed assured for the Seasiders, Georgios Samaras powered a shot from 20 metres out which flew just past McGovern's reach giving City a late consolation goal.

91st Minute: Goal: Georgios Samaras (Manchester City Reserves)

Just as the fans were gathering around the exits of bloomfeild road awaiting the final whistle, they were treated to the best goal of the game. Keigan Parker kept chasing down any ball in final third and eventually it paid dividends and he collected the ball from Didi Hamann and sprinted to the byline crossing the ball across the face of goal. 15 year-old Finn Lauri Dalla Valle lept acrobatically to overhead kick the ball into the back of the net from 5 metres out. All of the blackpool players swarm towards the teenager who was already tearing towards the Blackpool Fas to celebrate a truely brilliant Goal.

94th Minute: Goal: Lauri Dalla Valle (Blackpool)

Final Whistle

Result:

Blackpool FC 4 - Manchester City Reserves 2

What a game! The Entire Blackpool team and Dr Hampson clapped to the fans who had remained in the stadium to party and then made their way down the tunnel. I managed to catch up with 'The Doc' in the tunnel as he was having a word to Bogdan Stancu, whether the romanian could understand him was irrelevant, he could see the praise in Hampson's eyes.

"And this is just the first game.. you just wait" The Doctor Laughed as he walked into the dressing room to give his final match talk.

scholesy18 · 23-03-08, 03:37 AM

Nice win there lookin promising in pre season so far keep it up, Stancu was a great signin and i hope he's as good for u as he was with me @ West Brom GL for the season ahead mate.

**WozzaWolves** · 23-03-08, 12:33 PM

Nicely set out and easy to read, love it :D

Great result too!

fomaham · 30-03-08, 02:52 PM

hey guys, sorry i won't be able to update this for a while as i'm currently on holiday away from home for a a couple of weeks. So i'l have a lot to post when i get back i promise!

**Hartynips** · 01-04-08, 12:49 PM

:( Gutted. You havent got time to go on holiday, you cant just leave me hanging...Come back...Write some more...sniff.

rpashley · 02-04-08, 10:47 AM

Good story developing here mate like the picture inserts, keep it up. Adding some screenies i.e tables stas etc would make it even better.

Dargo17 · 03-04-08, 01:59 PM

this si great mate
very detailed
kutgw