St. Pat's Back...Again. - Page 2 - FMFormation.net - Football Manager

**Fedorico Roma Fan** · 11-04-08, 09:44 PM

great update! i am really getting into this story, bring on the next update!

apthered · 11-04-08, 10:02 PM

lol ru, yes i did

i have made a list of goals for you:
1st season: league title + all-ireland cup
2nd season: atleast uefa cup later rounds
3rd season: atleast champions league 2nd round
4th season: win a european trophy
5th season: win super cup and world club championship

**liveru** · 12-04-08, 04:44 PM

First Proper Day.

I entered my office to the sound of the birds just waking up. It had just gone 6 am so I was one of the first people to arrive at the ground for a hard days work.
As I scoured through the squad report that Trevor had given me the day before, I decided that a few people would have to be released for the wage bill to be cut down. Our youth team wasn't too great so I thought that making cuts that low down won't really hurt the first team. Only four players caught my eye, Noel Haverty, Andy Griffiths, Lee Nutter and Glenn Walters. The rest didn't seem worth the mere £30 a week we were paying them. It didn't sound like much but it all adds up in the end. I sent out the memo to Paul Oslam, our youth co-ordinator. The memo stated the names that I wanted out of the team. After doing the maths, it still meant that we were £37 per week over our wage budget, but there were no more players to release. Well, without hurting the team anyway. I looked at the first team. Only one player, I decided to put on the transfer list for now and that was striker, Eamonn Lynch.

As I was filling out the papers, my email popped up. It was from Roberto Martinez. He'd accepted an offer for a friendly match at Swansea. The only problem was it was for tomorrow. "I asked for next week!" I mumbled to myself. It didn't matter. I decided that I needed to put together my team and inform them on what's going on, so I made my way down to the training ground.

When I arrived, the lads stopped training. "Come on lads, don't stop on my account. You should be expecting me all the time. I'm not one to miss training. I just had something to sort out." I shouted as I made my way over to Trevor. The lads immediately continued to train.

"Alright boss? What's up?" Trevor asked as I approached him.
"Martinez accepted our offer for a friendly." I said. "Only problem is that it's tomorrow. So we're going to have to leave tonight."
"That's okay. You want me to pick the team?"
"Yeah if you don't mind. I don't really know the lads at the moment. Here." I passed him the transfer document about Lynch.
"Oh dear. The lad's gonna be crushed." Trevor said whilst reading it. "He's only just arrived at the club."
I frowned. "Sorry but I don't think he'll cut it. He's got to go. Last in, first out so to speak." I started walking away. "Let Lynch know. I'm going to sort out our travel arrangements for tomorrow's game."
I looked back to see Trevor taking Lynch to one side. I felt sorry for him but we had to shed some of the wages.

**WozzaWolves** · 12-04-08, 06:22 PM

PMSLOL!!! This story has created a little dribble in the penal area of my trousers xD

Loving this mate ;) Can't wait for the next update!

KIU :P

**liveru** · 12-04-08, 07:45 PM

I'll take that as a compliment Wozza.

**T.H** · 12-04-08, 08:48 PM

Wow, just wow!

Only just read this, and I must say it took me some time.

I absolutely love the immense detail going into it, the nose picking, the Ozzy Monster, the training interruption etc

Press conference was great, made me chuckle, but why was a Canadian magazine covering an Irish team?

This is bloody brilliant, and I actually physically cannot wait for the next update, absolutely smashing piece of work son. I'm proud of you

Wozza suffers from uncontrollable penal drips from time to time Ru, just take it out of the ordinary.

Keep up the good work, a sure candidate for SOTM this month!!!!

Brilliant!

SNAPCRACKLEPOP · 12-04-08, 08:59 PM

Super dooper tralla la la trooper

apthered · 13-04-08, 01:00 AM

th im there because i want to

and ru, get alex fernandez and pinedo and donnelly and all of the others you got for peterborough, youve got to keep to my goals!

Akenatwn · 13-04-08, 01:16 AM

This is absolutely brilliant!!!I just love it!!!
I think you're doing a great work.Surely going to wait for the book edition of the story :P

oh and please add me to the story...i could be a fan of the team or anything that you think fits the story...

**liveru** · 13-04-08, 01:19 AM

Get Ready For The Jacks!

As I settled down in my hotel room I thought about the great deal of pressure I'd be feeling over the coming year. I needed to talk to someone so I phoned Emma, who had decided to stay in England until I found a place in Dublin as she wasn't too keen on staying round John's.

"Hello?" Emma asked as she answered the phone.
"Hey babe. It's me."
"Look Peter, I told you. I'm coming to see you tomorrow. We've got plenty of time to see each other whilst Stephen's in Ireland." My heart froze. I thought I was gonna cry. Then a wave of anger sweeped over me until Emma started speaking again. "Did I worry you Stephen?" She started to laugh uncontrollably.
"That wasn't funny. I thought you were cheating on me!" I was slightly shouting down the phone at this point.
"Why would I wanna cheat on Irish football's next big manager?"
"Yeah okay. Anyway, have a guess where I am for a pre-season friendly!"
She paused for a moment before saying, "Barcelona?"
"No, Swansea."
"Swansea?" She repeated.
"Yeah, Swansea."
"I thought friendlies were supposed to be played out of the country."
I just laughed at Emma naivity and explained that it was a huge test for the team to be playing Swansea at their ground.

As we chatted together, the hours seemed to roll by. I didn't actually realise how much I missed the old ball and chain when I was in Ireland. It's only been a few days and yet it felt like a year. Something had to be done.
"When are you coming over Emma?" I asked. "John's already said that you can stay. So can Ozzy if my parents won't look after him."
"Look, it's nothing personal to John," Emma said after sighing, "it's just that he hasn't got a lot of space. With you, me and Ozzy, it's gonna be a tight squeeze."
"Okay, look I better go to bed. I've got a match tomorrow."
"You're not mad at me are you?" Emma said with some uncertainty.
"No. I just wish you could come over to Ireland, that's all."
"I know sweetheart." She tried to reassure me. "Look, get some sleep and I'll call you after the game tomorrow."
I said goodnight, hung up the phone and rolled over to sleep.

With just an hour before kickoff the following day, Trevor came up to me and handed the team sheet. The team was as followed; Barry Ryan, Stephen Brennan, Dave Rogers, Joe O'Cearuill, Stephen Paisley, Ryan Guy, Michael Keane, Joseph Ndo, Keith Fahey, Gary O'Neill and Mark Quigley.
I turned to Trevor, "You sure this is the best team that's available?"
"Yes boss." Trevor replied. "With the exception of Gary Dempsey, this is the best squad we've got."
"Good, because I wanna see what this team is made of."

Swansea City 2 - St. Patrick's Athletic 1.
Allen (75), Duffy (79) - Lawrence OG (32)

I was pleased with my team's efforts in my first game in charge. It was merely a friendly but I told the players that it was an important exercise in team work. The team immediately took to the new tactics and work ethic by pinning Swansea back in their own half and it wasn't long until someone made a mistake. Step forward Dennis Lawrence as he over hits his back pass, past Dorus De Vries. The team kept their own for the first half, maintaining that 1-0 lead. They kept it throughout most of the 2nd half as well. That was until Barry Ryan suddenly remembered he was playing for the underdogs and proceeded to lose confidence and lose two goals. His rating dropped from an 8 to a 5 in those four crazy minutes. We lost the game but I went round and gave a smile and a pat on the back to every player that performed. Including Barry who was sitting in the corner looking glum.
"What's the matter son?" I said as I sat next to him.
"It's my fault we lost that game boss." His eyes were still glued to the floor.
"Don't you worry about that mate. It's only pre-season. Just make sure you get them out of your system before the season starts."
He nodded and I gave him a pat on the shoulder before walking off. Suddenly a young bloke walked in the dressing room. I cut him off as he made a bee line for the players.
"Can I help you mate?" I asked.
"Yes my name is John Harcourt. I'm a reporter for the club's website. I was just wondering if I could get an interview with Barry Ryan after his two mistakes today." The bloke seemed very aggitated. Moving about a lot.
"Come to the stadium tomorrow and I'll give you an interview with me. I've been turning the interview down from other reporters from your website, but I reckon I could speak to you. How about that for a deal?"
John's eye's lit up. He shook my hand vigorously and said his thanks before leaving the room. I smiled to myself as I watched the young lad leave.

**Hartynips** · 13-04-08, 02:15 AM

Lmao at Ap's inclusion....Just wondering if the unfortunate soul from the Sun is also on FM....?

Great story so far Ru looking forward to the next installment!

**liveru** · 13-04-08, 02:56 AM

No, the unfortunate soul from The Sun is my real life best mate. He deserves a bit of a ribbing for being a Man United fan.

**T.H** · 13-04-08, 06:56 AM

I best walk away then before I get ribbed!

Love the conversation with your wife, especially the pretend affair bit, that made me laugh

I love all the effort and detail you're putting into this. You tell us everything we need to know, as well as the extras to make it a bit more personal and humerous.

Unlucky with the 2-1 loss, but tbf thats still a good result!

Keep up the good work mate, this is gonna go far!

johnireland · 13-04-08, 12:37 PM

Loving it ru ...... are you J K Rowling in disguise ... The writing is fantastic mate.

Also thanks for the opportunity to interview you ... as a live long Pats fan, don’t expect an easy ride mate !

**John10** · 13-04-08, 12:52 PM

this is great ru, good result against swansea mate even tho you did lose. fantastic stuff so far

kutgw

**liveru** · 13-04-08, 03:31 PM

The Interview.

The next morning I checked my emails to find that South East, Tullamore and Limerick 37 had all cancelled our friendlies and not given a reason for it. Great, unless I can find replacements it going to be harder to see who's the best in this team, I thought to myself. Then an email popped up from D.C.U. asking to take Lynch off our hands. Even though it was nothing, literally, I still accepted seeing as the lad was only worth £1k and it would be hard to get anymore than that. I sent the email back to D.C.U. explaining that they had my permission to talk numbers with Lynch. Then my P.A. beeped in, "Mr. Ruane, there's a man called John Harcourt here to see you about an interview."
"Send him Claire." I said back through the buzzer.

John walked through the door with a pen and paper. The interview itself took only about 15 minutes. They rest of the time was spent chatting about the club and how he was a lifelong supporter of the club. As we finished John shook my hand in a professional manner and said that he hoped that he'd have first dibs on future interviews, which I was glad to promise him. He'd given me some interesting questions. As I saw the lad out of my office, he turned to me. "The interview will be up on the site tomorrow if you wanna see it."
"Don't worry, I will read it." I smiled. "I've gotta make sure you don't portray me as a bad guy." We both laughed as he left.

The rest of the day went by without much happening. U.C.D. had got in contact with Lynch that day and Lynch told me that he'd agreed terms with them, meaning today was his last day as a Pat's player.

When I arrived home at about a quarter to 6, John was sitting on the couch watching Man United, his favoured club. They were losing so I decided not to say anything. I just got two beers out of the fridge and took my place on the sofa next to him, handing him a can. After the game, which United won 2-1 in the end, John and myself watched Taxi Driver and Scarface before calling it a night.

Before I went to bed I had my usual night talk with Emma. She was explaining that my sister had finally become a qualified nurse. I was pleased for her and asked Emma to hand over my congratulations.

The first thing I did when I woke up was check the interview out...

An Interview With Stephen Ruane.
Firstly Mr Ruane, I would like to thank you on behalf of stpatsfc.com :: Home To The Saints for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us today.
No problem, I think it's the least I can do for the fans.

Mr Ruane ….. St Patrick’s Athletic would have an immense tradition in Irish football, do you know much about our history and did that help influence you accepting the position of club manager?
To be honest, the only thing I knew about this club was they are on FIFA 08. I was just happy to have a chance to manage a club. St. Pat's could be the AFC Wimbledon of Ireland, I still would've taken the job.

John McDonald stated before his illness that he thinks Pats have a fantastic opportunity to challenge for the Eircom League this year, what are your feelings now that you’re in charge?
You know, the first thing I said to the team in my first training session was that I truely believed that St. Pat's could dominate the entire country. I really wouldn't be surprised if Pat's went on to have great success with or without me. This club has a great family feel to it. I felt it from the first day I walked in the doors. If we don't win it this year, we will definately next, whether it's John (McDonald) or myself in charge.

John McDonald also brought in several new exciting singings like Bobby Ryan and Gary O’Neil …… Do you think these players are the answer to bringing back the Holy Grail (league championship) to Inchicore or do you intend to strengthen the squad more?
I'm looking to bring in a backup keeper to Barry Ryan and I've got my eye on a young Spanish striker but to be honest, I cannot see why this current crop of players can't win the league. What I've seen so far, they are more that willing to put a full shift in, whether it be in training or even a friendly match as we saw yesterday.

We all know you that you are here on a short term basis Mr Ruane and its rumoured John McDonald will be recovering for at least a season, have you spoke to him personally regarding the team and how he would like the team to play or are you going to run the team how you want to?
I've actually been told that McDonald has asked to be left out of team affairs whilst he's recovering. Trevor (Croly), our assistant, has enough knowledge about how John likes to run the club but with all due respect to him, I like to do things my way.

Mr Ruane, what would you say to the fans who are questioning your credentials and ability to take Pats forward?
They have every right to be upset. I mean, my past experience has merely been at grassroots level and even then, my father was the manager. I was only an assistant. But, I believe that I have the ability to take Pat's forward and give John the best squad on his return. Maybe even have a few medals and trophies in the cabinet when he comes back as well.

Lastly Mr Ruane, from a fans perspective, we would like to extend the welcome that has been giving to you by the board, is there anything you would like to say to the fans?
Trust me, I will make St. Pat's great.

I leaned back in my chair, happy with the outcome of the interview. Suddenly, I jumped up. I needed to be at training in 5 minutes. I quickly got dressed. As I ran through the kitchen, I nicked a piece of toast from John's plate. As I left the door I shouted. "I'm borrowing your car John. I can't find my car keys."

Credit to johnireland for the questions.

**WozzaWolves** · 13-04-08, 03:36 PM

Another amazing update Mr. Ruane!! xD

Excellent addition with the interview mate ;)

Truly inspirational story :D

**Hartynips** · 13-04-08, 05:16 PM

Superb mate...absoloutley F******G superb
DONT YOU DARE STOP

johnireland · 13-04-08, 08:35 PM

Great mate .... Great, I am loving the story ....

I really appreciate the time and effort you are putting into this and will be recommending this story to anybody who has not read it yet

KUTGW

**liveru** · 15-04-08, 11:09 AM

Inevitably I was late for training. Trevor seemed a little annoyed when I finally walked onto the field.

"Look. I know you're the boss but you need to show that you care mate." Trevor said whilst shaking his head. "The lads will stop caring as well."
"Yeah I know." I said as I snatched a piece of paper from his hands. The paper was from the FAI stating that Lynch's free transfer had been completed.

The training session went without much to comment about. Afterwards I went to my office and sat down at the computer. I'd recieved an email from Emma saying that she missed me and the usual soppy love stuff that I'm not going to repeat. After I replied, I looked at the pre-season fixture list. In 2 days we had the trip to Finns Harp. Should be a win considering they are a league below me. My thoughts were disturbed by Trevor knocking on the door.

"Can I come in boss?" He said as he poked his head round the door.
I nodded as he proceeded through the door. "Are you okay boss?" He asked. "You seem pretty down today."
"I dunno Trev. I guess I just miss Emma." I replied. "And with pre-season being so busy, it's hard to find the time to jump over to England and see her. It's a shame we aren't playing Norwich." Then suddenly I had an idea. If this was a cartoon, I was certain that the lightbulb would pop up above my head.
I immediately swung round on my chair and email Glenn Roeder asking for a friendly at Carrow Road. Genius, I thought to myself. Now he's just gotta accept the proposal.
Trevor was watching and laughed, "Crafty. Not only would you be able to see your wife but you'll also give the lads a good team to test their skills."
I nodded as I stood up. "We've got Finn Harps in a couple of days and I've already picked the team." I passed my team sheet to Trevor. "Let the lads know, I'm going home to give John his car back."
Trevor laughed, "I thought that wasn't your car."

First XI for the friendly match against Finn Harps.
Barry Ryan, Stephen Brennan, Stephen Paisley, Joe O'Cearuill, Dave Rogers,