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[FD™]

Luke Ryan - A Career in Football Management
Current Year - 2013/2014

Spoiler

Personal Information

Name: Luke Andrew Ryan
Nationality: English
Date of Birth: 11.06.1990
Experience: Sunday League Footballer

Hall of Fame Standings

Highest Nationality Ranking: n/a
Highest Nation Ranking: n/a
Highest Continental Ranking: n/a
Highest World Ranking: n/a

Managerial History

Leicester City (2011-Present)

National Manager History

n/a

Managerial Statistics

Highest Fee Spent: £8,500,000 for Jose Callejon
Highest Fee Recieved: £1,500,000 for Martyn Waghorn
Number of Players bought: 19
Number of Players sold: 3
Number of Players released: 20
Total Value of Players purchased: £37,000,000
Total Value of Players sold: £750,000
Total Career earnings: £1,300,000
Longest time at a Club: -
Shortest time at a Club: -
Total Awards won: 1

Overall Team Statistics

League Titles won: 0
Cups won: 0
League Promotions: 1
League Relegations: 0
Played: 93
Won: 47
Drawn: 19
Lost: 27
Goals Scored: 175
Goals Conceded: 120
Goal Difference: +55
Win Ratio: 50%

League Trophies History

n/a

Cup History

n/a

Managerial Honours

nPower Championship Manager of the Year (2011/12)
Barclays Premier League Manager of the Year (2012/13)[/font]

Edited by FD™, 12 April 2012 - 02:21 AM.

[FD™]

It's a new day and its time for a fresh start with beloved Leicester City. I take over with the fans expecting big things from the team this year, I also have the same ambitions in mind as we all want to see the team back in the Premier League. Sven is gone and it is up to me to turn this thing around in a good favour, it will prove to be a tough task as I am unknown to the football world and have yet to prove my worth.

Firstly I will evaluate the squad and see who doesn't fit into my plans, however I am more than willing to give everyone a chance. Despite the money Sven spent I still feel some areas needed tweaking but whether I can change them for the better is yet to be seen.



Goalkeepers

Well lets start with the men between the sticks, this is an area I feel we are very short in should anything happen to our number one. Kasper Schmeichel will always get the nod ahead of Chris Weale & Adam Smith, his quality is undoubted and he will prove to be very much the difference between victory and defeat this campaign.



The keepers could use some work but if Schmeichel stays fit we will be fine

Funnily enough though many would think of Weale as the number two, unfortunately for Chris his displays in the past have let him down which in turn has impact his confidence. He has never been comfortable with long shots and this can be a problem with so many talented individuals in the division.

Youngster Adam Smith looks very promising and I will look to develop his career, this hopefully will pay off with him becoming a top class keeper. Smith will take number two behind Schmeichel this campaign, not forgetting Conrad Logan also who is currently on loan at Rotherham United.

I've always liked Conrad and don't, for now, see him leaving the Club.

Defenders

The defence seems to be one of our stronger areas, but we do need something more in central defence because if injuries occur we could short. We hold a lot of Premier League quality in our ranks from the likes of Paul Konchesky & John Pantsil who have been involved in the top flight for many years.



The defence look in good shape with only a few tweaks needed here & there

We also are blessed with a lot of strength and commanding looking players like Sol Bamba & Matt Mills, who in turn also provide constant threat from corners & set plays. There is also some youth and pace in the backline with the likes of Sean St. Ledger & Lee Peltier, who both look very promising.

We also have experience on back up in the fans favourite Bruno Berner, Michael Ball and the unproven Aleksandar Tunchev who has been plagued by inury since he joined the Foxes in 2008. As I stated though we will need some back up and I will address this in the transfer window.

Midfielders

I've thought it for sometime and still believe it now, the midfield lacks width and its something that will need to be sorted out. However the strength in the middle of the park is very exciting with Neil Danns, Andy King & Richie Wellens, who I hope will prove to be the catalyst members of the squad.




Midfield looks very good but some width needed

We also have great international quality in the likes of Yuki Abe, pace and strength from Paul Gallagher, Lloyd Dyer & young Franck Moussa followed by experience from some of the older generation like Matt Oakley.



Loan deals terminated

Surprisingly to some I sent Michael Johnson & Gelson Fernandes back to their clubs, I don't doubt their quality but having good players who aren't permanent squad members gives me a headache. Again though I will look to add to this area after terminating these loan deals.

Strikers

At the top of the pitch is where all the important things happen, that of course is goals! I feel that the Striking options are decent, we have good quality in the likes of Jermaine Beckford, David Nugent & Darius Vassell. These three men are key to my plans and I will put all emphasis on the fact that they must score goals this season.




Strikers have a good mixture of abilities and should prove to be strong this season

We also hold a lot of experience up top, with the likes of the players named above and fan favourite Steve Howard also involved in the mix. There is youth and prospect in Jeffrey Schlupp and even Martyn Waghorn who currently is on loan at rivals Hull City.

A little injection still may be needed though, it all comes down to fitness and the luck of the draw.





The Transfer Window slammed shut and its time overlook what business went down, who left and who joined up.

In's

Sean Davis sign from Bolton Wanderers for £900,000
The experienced midfielder helps add more spine to side, Strength in depth is key.

Diego Arismendi from Stoke City for £1,900,000
A young and highly rated midfielder who many staff members at the club reccommended.

Andrew Davies from Stoke City for £1,100,000
Davies was the first defender signed during this window & he looks a good prospect.

Stephen Kelly from Fulham for £1,700,000
Experience defender who should help prop up the backline during times of crisis.

Out's

George Taft on Loan to Hinckley United

Tom Kennedy on Loan to Swindon Town



vs. Leicester City Reserves (Won 5-0)
Yuki Abe, Beckford (2), Danns & Schlupp completed the scoring in a very comfortable performance

vs. MK Dons (Won 1-0)
A 90th minute strike from Yuki Abe helped us take the win in a tight affair

vs. Hinckley United (Won 2-0)
Bamba & Beckord were the difference as we put our affiliates to the sword

vs. Partick Thistle (Won 2-1)
An Andy King double was enough for us to claim a good victory in Scotland, Kieran Burns replied for the home side

vs. Plymouth Argyle (Won 5-0)
Five seperate scorers as Nugent, Danns, Mills, Bamba & Gallagher rubber stamped a thumping win away from home

vs. Liverpool Reserves (Won 3-0)
A Jermaine Beckford hat-trick on the day put the Liverpool youngsters away at the King Power Stadium



July is over and done with, it has proven to be very productive and also very pleasing on the eye. We won all our Pre-Season fixtures and hopefully can take this momentum into the season ahead.

The squad look good and if the faiths are kind we will be able to mount a strong challenge this year.

There is a long way to go but I can't wait to get started!

Edited by FD™, 30 October 2011 - 01:50 AM.

[FD™]

Well it was the moment every fan up and down the country wait for, the beginning of a new Football Season and with it all the expectation and drama that it is known for. Looking at my team I think we can push all the way this year, however I know games won't be easy and it is always important to start well.

We had a busy month in store with 5 League games this month mixed together with the Carling Cup. The month's games were as followed :-

(NPC) Millwall (A) - A tough away day to open the League Campaign
(CC1R) Walsall (A) - A tricky little midweek tie in the Carling Cup
(NPC) Leeds United (H) - One of the big rivals visit the King Power Stadium
(NPC) Peterborough United (H) - An interesting test from one of the League's new boys
(CC2R) Doncaster Rovers (A) - A tie with a Championship rival
(NPC) Derby County (A) - Always big, an East Midlands clash at Pride Park
(NPC) Birmingham City (A) - Another Midlands Derby with more pride at stake, a tough end to the month

I looked at the fixtures knowing we would be under a lot of pressure to perform, now we had to go out & do it!



NPower Championship
vs. Millwall (Won 3-2)
Quite a game to begin the campaign, we showed a lot of bottle and pulled out a victory. John Marquis gave the home side the lead on 18 minutes, Sol Bamba grabbed an equaliser in the 25th minute. Darius Henderson put the Lions back in front 10 minutes into the 2nd period but just 3 minutes later Bamba scored his 2nd of the game to level it up once more.

Then with 9 minutes remaining pressure from a corner forced David Forde to push a shot into his own net, ultimately this proved to be the decisive incident, sending the Foxes home with all 3 points.

Carling Cup 1st Round
vs. Wallsall (Won 3-1)
Leicester made hard work of this one as the League One outfit made the Foxes sweat for victory. The home side took a surprise lead in the 29th minute through Jon Macken, however the lead did not last long as 2 minutes later Darryl Westlake accidentally stabbed a Lloyd Dyer cross into his own net.

The game lacked anything special, if anything Walsall looked the more likely to win. The game went to Extra Time where Leicester finally woke up and took the lead through Jeffrey Schlupp with 100 minutes on the clock. Yuki Abe then sealed the win for the away side 5 minutes later with a sweet strike from the edge of the area.

NPower Championship
vs. Leeds United (Drew 1-1)
Foxes fans were left frustrated as Leeds United stole a late point with 7 minutes remaining as Leicester were left to rue missed chances. Sol Bamba had given the Home side the lead 3 minutes into added time of the 1st half, from that point on Leicester peppered the Leeds goal but failed to kill off the game.

Ultimately Leeds conjured the one chance they needed as Danny Pugh netted to make sure they spoils were shared.

NPower Championship
vs. Peterborough United (Won 5-1)
A dominate display from the Foxes saw them ease to victory against newly promoted Peterborough United. A Darius Vassell double, Tommy Rowe O.G, Jermaine Beckford penalty and a Lloyd Dyer strike did the damage as the Foxes finally showed a 90 minute display to be proud of.

David Ball pulled back a small consolation for the away side, but that is as good as it got for them.

Carling Cup 2nd Round
vs. Doncaster (Lost 3-1)
Consistency proved to be lacking for the Foxes as they went into this Cup tie on the back of a big win. However the Foxes never got out the starting blocks and ultimately were put to the sword by a very good Doncaster display. Goals from Billy Sharp, Giles Barnes & James Coppinger did the business for the Dons.

David Nugent restored a little hope for City fans but nothing would prove to transpire for Luke Ryan's side.

NPower Championship
vs. Derby County (Lost 1-0)
Leicester's miserable week was compounded with a 1-0 loss away to Midlands rivals Derby County at Pride Park. A Tomas Cywka strike just after half time was enough for the Rams to claim an all important win over the Foxes. There were no real positives to take for City fans from this one.

NPower Championship
vs. Brimingham City (Won 2-1)
How strange football can prove to be sometimes. Leicester's form was indifferent going into this clash with Birmingham but they rose to the occassion and managed to grab a last gasp winner through Jermaine Beckford. Neil Danns had put the Foxes in front after 26 minutes with a fine goal just outside the area.

Birmingham levelled the game just before half time through Curtis Davies, who was once on the books at Leicester City. Foxes fans were on the edge of their seats in a quite tense back & fourth contest, the game looked set to finish level as 2 minutes stoppage time was announced. However incredibly Leicester broke down the left flank through Schlupp who whipped the ball across goal for Beckford to smash into the bottom corner of the net, just as the clock hit 92 minutes.

A very good win for Leicester which brighten spirits at the Club for now.



Beckford is in the right place to help sink the Brummies



The month was very much an up & down scenario, consistency will be the key to any success this campaign. It's still early I know and we have many games left before any judgement is passed, it was annoying to be knocked out the cup so soon, however it's one less distraction and we can focus on the league now.

Areas To Work On

Team Blending
Defensive Concentration

[Cupid Stunt]

I like how their GK looks like he's taking a leisurely stroll.

Good story, KUTGW

[RaoulQuaresma7]

good job so far!

[FD™]

We move into September now, hopeful and expectant that the team can build on a promising start in August. We were knocked out of the Carling Cup allowing us the chance to focus on the League until January, which is always better as the side keeps there eye on the prize; Promotion!

Hence the reason our games this month were all in the Championship, we had 4 fixtures in total which are as follows:-

(NPC) Bristol City (H) - Ahh Bristol, a side who can punch above there weight, so of course a tricky one.
(NPC) Watford (A) - A mid-week trip to Vicarage Road, in September, doesn't sound fun, we shall see.
(NPC) Middlesbrough (H) - Back to the King Power, taking on another Promotion hopeful, another tricky tie.
(NPC) Barnsley (A) - We end the month on another possible banana skin, no games easy after all.

You look at it on paper and optimists would say there are points to be won here, however its early and momentum doesn't always guarrantee results, we will have to watch ourselves and not underestimate the competition, as soon as that mentality appears, you've got a problem!



nPower Championship
vs Bristol City (Drew 0-0)

In every aspect disappointing, frustrating and 2 points thrown away. Physically we showed but the squad left their desire in the dressing room, we need to improve on a few things, getting geared up for these kind of games being one of them.

nPower Championship
vs. Watford (Won 3-1)
Much better, however it didn't start that way as Chris Iwelumo gave the home side the lead on 42 minutes. The team rallied though and managed to force an own goal through Mark Yeates right on half time, I am sure the former Fox did not enjoy that one.

The second half we push them to the limits and finally broke through with a great goal by Beckford on 68 minutes, Beckford himself then went on to settle the game in the 88th minute with his second goal of the game. Improvement and a much more assured response from the squad.

nPower Championship
vs Barnsley (Drew 1-1)
I said possible banana skin and until the 79th minute I was wrong, but football has a way of ripping your guts out and walking all over them. Jermaine Beckford put us in front after 61 minutes with his 3rd goal in 2 games, in fairness we could have been 5 up before then but of course we didn't put our chances away and paid for it.

Danny Haynes proved the heartbreaker with a goal 11 minutes from time to clinch an unlikely point.

nPower Championship
vs Middlesbrough (Won 2-0)
This rollercoaster continues to roll on, we went out against 'Boro with a point to prove after another poor mid-week showing and thankfully the result was a positive one. Sol Bamba opened the scoring from a corner after 19 minutes before a 90th minute strike from Beckford clinched the result and a good 3 points.



Beckford proved the difference this month with 4 goals



The month always looked tricky and overall we came out with 8 points from a possible 12. The draws against Bristol & Barnsley could have been so much more though, we didn't show up for the Bristol game and we switched off against Barnsley which was down to our lack of precision in front of goal.

The players have to learn still and it is still early, team blending and concentration are things we need to work on in training. Team work is key and if the team doesn't work then we reap no rewards.

Areas to work on

Team Blending
Composure
Concentration Levels

Edited by FD™, 16 December 2011 - 07:38 PM.

[FD™]

The year pushes on with another busy month ahead, 5 games are in store for us as I am hoping the team will push on from past frustrations and hopefully build a good run of results to help with our promotion push.

The 5 games this month are as follows:-

(NPC) Doncaster Rovers (H) - A home tie against a side struggling in the league at present.
(NPC) Southampton (A) - A tough away day to one of the newly promoted sides.
(NPC) Coventry City (H) - The M69 Derby is always a tricky one, we will have to be sharp to claim the bragging rights.
(NPC) Crystal Palace (A) - A ground we have struggled on in recent years, hopefully the voodoo will break.
(NPC) Burnley (H) - Another tricky game against a side who are struggling also, compouned by the sacked on Eddie Howe last month.



nPower Championship
vs. Doncaster Rovers (Won 5-0)
The best performance of the season so far with 5 seperate scorers on the card. Andy King opened the scoring after 6 minutes, Yuki Abe, Paul Gallagher, Lloyd Dyer & a Neil Sullivan own goal all led to a very comfortable and confident victory.

nPower Championship
vs. Southampton (Won 3-1)
We showed real grit here, things went wrong early on with Michal Kucharczyk opening the scoring for the home side. It was then an inspired performance from Jermaine Beckford who hit a stunning second half hat-trick to send City fans into raptures and to assure the Foxes back to back wins in the League.

nPower Championship
vs. Coventry City (Won 4-1)
Things continue to show vast improvement as stormed to another comprehensive victory. An Andy King double, Richie Wellens strike & a Jermaine Beckford goal did the damage for the Foxes, an early second half penalty from Carl Baker was the only consolation for the away side.

nPower Championship
vs. Crystal Palace (Lost 2-0)
All good things must come to an end and that includes our small unbeaten run, I mentioned our poor record at Selhurst Park and the voodoo continues. Sean Scannell & Jonathan Parr did the damage with 2 goals just before half time to sink the Foxes hope.

nPower Championship
vs. Burnley (Won 1-0)
Sol Bamba continues to prove how important he is to the side as his first half stunner proved to be enough to clinch all 3 points for the Foxes. His solidity and organisation also allowed the result to be comfortable one as the month ended on a high for the City fans.



Bamba scores a goal most strikers would be jealous of



We managed to produce an almost perfect month with 4 wins from 5 games, the Palace game needs to be addressed though as our performance was not good enough. Despite that fact, players are starting to shine through and show their worth.

November next and as I am sure you all know, its not going to be easy.

Areas to work on

Technique

Edited by FD™, 16 December 2011 - 08:22 PM.

[FD™]

The season continues to move forward and I was looking for my side to build on a pretty good month of results back in October. However it was looking like November was going to be a huge test with some massive games ahead, against a lot of the early front runners in the division.

The League continued to be the focus this month, with 5 fixtures in action packed session of football. The games were as follows:-

(NPC) Cardiff City (A) - A huge bogey side for us and always a frustrating fixture
(NPC) Hull City (H) - An unpredictable clash with the Tigers but we need a result
(NPC) Ipswich Town (A) - Another tricky away day against a team that we have struggled against in the past
(NPC) Nottingham Forest (H) - There is no bigger game in our calendar, the East Midlands Derby could prove to be key
(NPC) Portsmouth (A) - The month ends with a trip to Fratton Park, another we haven't won at for sometime



nPower Championship

vs. Cardiff City (Won 4-2)
Leicester City put on an impressive display to conquer Promotion rivals Cardiff after falling behind twice in the game. Robert Earnshaw put the home side in front on 51 minutes before a Jermaine Beckford strike levelled proceedings just 2 minutes later. Welsh International Earnshaw gave his side the lead again on 63 minutes with another well taken goal but once again the Foxes fired back in quick fashion through Paul Gallagher on 68 minutes.

Ryan's side took the lead for the first time in the game on the 77th minute mark, Andy King popping up to head home for the away side. Things were compounded for the home side as they lost Lee Naylor & Andrew Taylor to red cards allowed Leicester to guarrantee the win as Dave Nugent stole in during added time for the Foxes 4th goal.

nPower Championship
vs. Hull City (Won 2-1)
Luke Ryan's Leicester City side continued their winning form at the King Power Stadium with a hard fought victory over Hull City. Paul Gallagher scored his second goal in as many games on 21 minutes to put the home side in front at Half Time. 20 Minutes after the break Andy netted what proved to be the winning goal with a well placed strike.

Hull's Robert Koren reduced the defecit but the Foxes managed to hang on for the 3 points.

nPower Championship
vs. Ipswich Town (Won 3-2)
Leicester City overcame a tough Ipswich side to claim a 3rd consecutive league victory. Matt Mills put the Foxes ahead on 27 minutes before a Jermaine Beckford goal just on half time allowed Ryan's men to go in with a 2 goal cushion. However the Tractor Boys had no intention of rolling over as they pulled a goal back 3 minutes into the second half through Fatos Beciraj.

The action was back and fourth with Ipswich pushing for a leveller but a quick counter attacking move saw Leicester double their advantage once more through Lloyd Dyer in the 83rd minute. Football however is never easy as Ipswich would score just 2 minutes later through Daryl Murphy to make it a nervous final few minutes for the Foxes, ultimately though they would hold on for victory.

nPower Championship
vs. Nottingham Forest (Won 3-1)
Leicester City overcame their fiercest rivals Nottingham Forest with a comprehensive 3-1 victory at the King Power Stadium. Paul Gallagher opened the scoring on 22 minutes with a wonderful strike before hitting his and Leicester's second goal just after half time, with yet another stunner.

Paul Anderson did managed to pull a goal back for Forest who were above the Foxes going into this fixture, however Ryan's men managed to put the game to bed in the 73rd minute as Lloyd Dyer continued to show his scoring ability with a well place strike from the edge of the area.

A huge win for the Foxes and their 4th consecutive victory in the League is probably the sweetest of all.

nPower Championship
vs Portsmouth (Lost 2-0)
The Foxes momentum train was brought to a screeching hault at Fratton Park as Portsmouth's promotion push proved to be a strong derailer. Goals from Kanu and Greg Halford proved the difference on a very disappointing display from Leicester City.

It will now be down to the manager to pick his side up and get them back to winning ways!



Gallagher's Double Delight sinks Forest



It would be harsh of me to criticise this month's performance after we have taken 12 points from a possible 15. Any manager would be happy with this run during November, however things happened against Portsmouth that we need to iron out as soon as possible.

Next up is probably the biggest session of football in the calendar, the Christmas period has a history of making or breaking where you stand come the end of the season, I see it being no different this year.

Areas to work on

Ball Retention
Morale

[FD™]

It's Christmas time and of course its one of the most important periods in the footballing season. Teams are given the opportunity to stake their claim for success or vice versa.

A bumper crump of fixtures laid ahead with another 5 fixtures in the League to wet the appetites of the Foxes fans. The games were as follosws:-

(NPC) Reading (H) - A tricky fixture to open the month against a hit and miss side
(NPC) Blackpool (A) - We take a trip to the seaside to face the League leaders
(NPC) Brighton & Hove Albion (H) - The newly promoted side could spring a surprise
(NPC) West Ham United (A) - A huge fixture against the bookies favourites to romp the division
(NPC) Millwall (H) - We reach the halfway point of the season & the fixtures start over again



nPower Championship
vs. Reading (Won 4-3)
Fans of football were treated to an amazing game at the King Power Stadium as the Foxes edged out Reading in a 7 goal thriller. An unlikely Richie Wellens hat-trick (7, 37, 62) & a Paul Gallagher (74) strike proved to be enough for the home side, however it was never a certain victory.

Goals from Noel Hunt (14), Kaspars Gorks (53) & Sam Vokes (84) kept the away side in contention but ultimately they were unable to pull back the all imprortant 4th goal.

nPower Championship
vs. Blackpool (Won 4-2)
A brilliant away day display from Leicester City provided them with an early christmas present, beating the League leaders at Bloomfield Road. The goals came through an Andy King strike (6), a Matt Gilks O.G (30), a Lloyd Dyer goal (54) & Dave Nugent's (90) well placed effort as the Foxes hit all the right notes.

Blackpool had initially led after only 2 minutes had gone through a Paul Konchesky own goal, their second came through Jay Rodrigues (65) but the table toppers had to accept defeat on this day.

nPower Championship
vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (Won 3-0)
A comfortable home display from Leicester City seen them make easy work of newly promoted Brighton at the King Power Stadium. Dave Nugent's (2, 64) double and a Richie Wellens strike did the business for Ryan's men.

The Foxes have now put a run together of 3 wins out of 3 in an extremely important time of the campaign.

nPower Championship
vs. West Ham United (Lost 1-0)
Leicester fans saw their teams momentum come to hault once again in a tightly contested defeat at Upton Park. The only goal came through a well struck Kevin Nolan goal on 49 minutes.

Leicester battled for an equaliser but were unable to break through, in addition they lost Aleksandar Tunchev to injury. West Ham could have doubled the advantage in the second half but Matt Taylor saw his 87th minute penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel.

nPower Championship
vs. Millwall (Drew 2-2)
Luke Ryan was left furious as his side let slip a 2 goal lead against Millwall at the King Power Stadium. Goals from Paul Gallagher (21) & Richie Wellens (31) had given the Foxes a comfortable lead at the break.

However the second half belonged to the away side as John Marquis pulled a goal back in the 61st minute before a 91st minute equaliser from Liam Feeney broke Leicester fans hearts & frustrated the City boss.



Richie Wellens proved to be the Foxes Christmas Cracker in December



We produced some very good displays this month and appear to have set ourselves in good stead for the remainder of the campaign. The 3 opening victories this month were vital and overall very impressive.

That being said our performances tailed off with the Millwall result being totally unacceptable, when you are winning you need to remain alert and not let teams back into the game, we did that and paid for it.

West Ham I can't complain about because we played well and were unlucky to lose, but thats Football, we must move on and continue to build momentum.

We head into the new year with a platform and its time to take the all important first steps, bring on 2012!

Areas to work on

Composure
Concentration

[FD™]

Now in the year 2012 we will be looking to push forward and make the most of the upcoming fixtures. We have 4 League Fixtures to look forward to aswell as the beginning of the FA Cup.

The Fixtures are as follows:-

(NPC) Leeds United (A) - A trip to Elland Road, never easy but we have a chance
(FAC3R) Wrexham (A) - A midweek trip to Wrexham in the FA Cup, could prove interesting
(NPC) Birmingham City (H) - Another Midlands rival heads to the King Power Stadium
(NPC) Peterborough United (A) - Tricky away day at the unpredictable Peterborough
(FAC4R) Manchester City (A) - Doesn't get much harder than this really does it?
(NPC) Derby County (H) - We top off the month with another huge Midlands Derby



nPower Championship
vs. Leeds United (Lost 2-1)
Leicester City endured the worst possible start to the month falling to a defeat at Elland Road. A 4 minute Robert Snodgrass brace proved to be enough as the Foxes fell flat on this occasion.

Jermaine Beckford managed to pull a goal back against his former club with 12 minutes remaining but Simon Grayson's side held out for victory.

FA Cup 3rd Round
vs. Wrexham (Won 3-1)
Leicester made sure of no embarrassment against plucky Wrexham at The Racecourse Ground. Goals from Andrew Davies, Sean St. Ledger & Jermaine Beckford were enough to put the Championship side through to the 4th Round.

Mark Creighton had levelled for the home side in the first half but in the end class shone through.

nPower Championship
vs. Birmingham City (Won 2-0)
The Foxes bounced back from defeat against Leeds in the best possible way beating local rivals Birmingham at the King Power Stadium. Two goals in 8 first half minutes from Andy King & Paul Konchesky proved the difference in winning the game.

Ryan's men will now be looking to remain consistent.

nPower Championship
vs. Peterborough United (Drew 2-2)
Leicester let the lead slip twice against newly promoted Peterborough United, to frustration of the fans & especially Manager Luke Ryan. Lloyd Dyer gave the Foxes the lead after 28 minutes however just 7 minutes later Matt Mills was unfortunate enough to put the ball in his own net to level the score before the break.

The Foxes retook the lead with 14 minutes to go, this time however it was Joe Lewis who provided the own goal which many thought would prove decisive. Then again football continues to be unpredictable as just 3 minutes later the home side were level again through Dorin Goga.

Foxes Manager Luke Ryan was not impressed with his sides defending during this one.

FA Cup 4th Round
vs. Manchester City (Won 2-1)
The billionaire's club was shocked in one of the upsets of the 4th Round as Leicester City managed to pull off a top class victory at the Etihad Stadium. Matt Mills put the Foxes in front after 31 minutes with a bullet header.

From then on Leicester produced an amazing defensive display keeping out constant waves of attack by the Premier League side. However an equaliser was eventually found after 80 minutes through a stunning strike by Danny.

Foxes fans may have feared the last 10 minutes but amazingly enough 5 minutes later they found the winner through Jermaine Beckford. Lloyd Dyer was put through down the flank by Mills after clearing a corner, he got to the edge of the area before finding Beckford who slotted the ball home from 6 yards.

That proved to be enough and sealed a famous win early in Ryan's managerial career with the Foxes.

nPower Championship
vs. Derby County (Won 2-0)
Leicester City continued their momentum from the FA Cup with another good display, this time where it matters, in the League. Goals from Jermaine Beckford & Lloyd Dyer were enough to send the home fans happy.

The Foxes racked up another big win against another fierce rival in the division.



Jermaine Beckford's goals proved invaluable this month



Another month down and the League continues to be just as unpredictable. A decent month of results but the Leeds & Peterborough games were very disappointing, however with that said I don't feel the need to be too harsh on the team.

We bounced back with stunning victory in the FA Cup and carried that forward which allowed us beat another local rival, we end the month on a high and that is important.

Areas to work on

Defensive positioning
Attacking Movement

Edited by FD™, 13 March 2012 - 02:47 PM.

[FD™]

Another tough month lays ahead with more tricky fixtures that could make or break our promotion push. The squad are on a high after a stunning win against Manchester City plus a big win against rivals Derby County.

We have 5 games in the League to contend with aswell as our 5th Round tie against another Premier League side, this time its Fulham. Here is a run down of this month's fixtures:-

(NPC) Bristol City (A) - Always a nervous outting taking on the bottom sides
(NPC) Watford (H) - A possible banana skin but we have a good opportunity
(NPC) Middlesbrough (A) - Another promotion rival looks to hault our momentum
(FAC5R) Fulham (H) - We beat one Premier League, can we add another to the list?
(NPC) Doncaster Rovers (A) - Same as Bristol, they are not playing well and thats always the case when teams play us
(NPC) Barnsley (H) - We have a decent record against Barnsley but stats are always there to be broken



nPower Championship
vs. Bristol City (Lost 3-1)
Foxes fans saw their side slump to very disappointing defeat against Bristol City. A Jon Stead brace and a Nicky Maynard strike secured all 3 points for the relegation battlers.

Jermaine Beckford pulled one back to make it 2-1 just after half time but it didn't get any better from there for Leicester.

nPower Championship
vs. Watford (Won 4-2)
Leicester City managed to bounce back with an important victory at the King Power Stadium. Paul Gallagher, Paul Konchesky & a Dave Nugent double did the damage for the home side.

Marvin Sordell had given Watford the lead after 17 minutes but the Foxes pushed on to take control. Sordell also scored Watford's second in the 90th minute, however it proved too little to late.

nPower Championship
vs. Middlesbrough (Lost 3-1)
The inconsistency continues to haunt Ryan's Leicester side as they slumped to another humbling defeat this time away at promotion pushers Middlesbrough. A Sol Bamba own goal, Chris Martin strike & Jamie Mackie goal were enough to sink the Foxes hope for another 3 points.

Dave Nugent had managed to pull a goal back 10 minutes from time but that was about as good as it got for the Foxes fans.

FA Cup 5th Round
vs. Fulham (Lost 2-1)
Leicester's poor form was carried into the FA Cup as they went down at home to Fulham in this 5th Round tie. Chris Baird & Brede Hangeland gave the Cottagers a comfortable lead at half time, the away side were never really troubled but did managed to concede in the 84th minute after an Andy King stunner.

The Foxes were unable to push for an equaliser & slumped to another defeat.

nPower Championship
vs. Doncaster Rovers (Lost 1-0)
Things continue to get worse for the Foxes as they went down to Championship strugglers Doncaster. Sam Hird scored the only goal on the hour mark to continue to put doubt into how the Foxes will finish this season.

nPower Championship
vs. Barnsley (Lost 1-0)
Leicester City slumped to their 5th defeat in 6 games in all competitions despite dominance over struggling Barnsley at the King Power Stadium. Florent Cuvelier hit the decisive strike after a defensive mix up with just 15 minutes remaining.

The Foxes had repeatedly knocked at the Barnsley door but they could not find a way in, which ultimately cost them dearly.



Dave Nugent helped the Foxes pick up their only win this month



Well its not hard to explain that we were just awful this month, we showed a lack of control, poor finishing and ultimately no back bone. 5 defeats from 6, 4 of which were in the league could seriously ruin our season.

There is a lot of work ahead and because of our performances lately, it may be too much to handle.

Areas to work on

Morale
Fitness
Concentration

Edited by FD™, 28 December 2011 - 03:31 AM.

[FD™]

February proved to be incredibly despressing and the knock on effects could be huge. The team are down on the their luck at the moment and it will be down to me & their future peformances to improve morale.

The League will now be the only focus with all the Cups out of the way, its a good thing too because there are 7 huge games this month. The fixtures are:-

(NPC) Southampton (H) - We need results and will have to play well in this one
(NPC) Coventry City (A) - We travel to the Ricoh Arena looking for 3 points
(NPC) Crystal Palace (H) - A tricky fixture but we have a good chance
(NPC) Burnley (A) - This one could prove another banana skin
(NPC) Cardiff City (H) - A game with one of the in form sides inside the top 6
(NPC) Hull City (A) - The tricky games continue to come thick and fast, this one being no different
(NPC) Ipswich Town (H) - The month ends against The Tractor Boys



nPower Championship
vs. Southampton (Drew 1-1)
Leicester were held to a draw at home to Southampton in a tight affair. Michal Kucharczyk gave the away side the lead on 35 minutes but Andy King managed to level the game 2 minutes before time with a great strike.

A point gained is better than all 3 lost.

nPower Championship
vs. Coventry City (Won 4-1)
The Foxes got back to winning ways in stunning fashion at the Ricoh Arena. Things didn't get off to the best start as Nick Blackman gave the home side the lead after just 2 minutes of play.

3 Goals in half an hour though gave Leicester a comfortable lead at the break. The goals came from Jermaine Beckford & a Paul Gallagher double. Matt Mills completed the scoring with 10 minutes remaining with a great header from a corner.

Ryan will hope his side will continue this winning mentality.

nPower Championship
vs. Crystal Palace (Won 2-1)
Leicester managed to earn back to back wins for the first time in a long while with a hard fought victory over Palace at the King Power Stadium. Matt Mills & Jermaine Beckford gave the home side a 2 goal cushion and it seemed to be comfortable display.

However a John Pantsil own goal 2 minutes from time made it a nervous final few minutes for the home side, however the Foxes managed to hang on for victory.

nPower Championship
vs. Burnley (Drew 0-0)
Burnley & Leicester played out a bore draw at Turf Moor as neither side showed enough cutting edge to produce a result.

nPower Championship
vs. Cardiff City (Drew 0-0)
Another game and another goalless draw for the Foxes as they failed to make a bucket load of chances pay. Cardiff never really troubled the Foxes but did nearly manage to nick a winner with 2 minutes to go, Kasper Schmeichel managed to keep out a stunning Kenny Miller effort.

nPower Championship
vs. Hull City (Drew 0-0)
Foxes fans will be praying for goals after a 3rd consecutive goalless draw. Both sides suffered injuries with Hull losing Cameron Stewart & Darius Vassell for Leicester.

nPower Championship
vs. Ipswich Town (Drew 1-1)
Leicester City fans finally saw some goals after a poor run of results however the result proved the same as the last 3 fixtures. Michael Chopra put the away side in front after just 5 minutes which compounded poor form for thr Foxes.

Jermaine Beckford managed to rescue a point for the home side just after half time but victories continue to ellude Ryan's side.



Beckford scoring form helps the Foxes push forward



It was another inconsistent month and with the sides above us like West Ham & Blackpool continuing to pick up wins, we are slowly falling too far behind.

Something has to change and I intend to make the players know about it, we must improved or all our early hard work was for nothing!

Areas to work on

Teamwork
Morale

[FD™]

Well it all comes down to this month, we currently stand in a position where we need to perform and perform well. The season has been going well but the past few months may have ruined our hopes for promotion as we currently stand behind West Ham United & Blackpool with both teams still to play us at the King Power Stadium.

This is the biggest month in our history and the Fixtures suggest exactly that, they are as follows:-

(NPC) Nottingham Forest (A) - A huge East Midlands Derby with more on the line than ever
(NPC) Portsmouth (H) - The 4th place side in the League visit us with a point to prove
(NPC) Reading (A) - Next up we go to the Madejski Stadium to take on another top 6 side
(NPC) Blackpool (H) - The game that could make or break us, we take on the top of league side with huge things at stake
(NPC) Brighton & Hove Albion (A) - The last away day this campaign is a tricky trip to Brighton
(NPC) West Ham United (H) - This game could be our final opportunity, we take on the 2nd placed side with everything to lose



nPower Championship
vs. Nottingham Forest (Lost 3-0)
Leicester City endured the nightmare scenario being humbled against bitter rivals Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Robbie Findley, Ishmael Miller & George Boateng did the damage on the day whilst more misery for Foxes fans was compounded by a straigh red card for Sol Bamba.

nPower Championship
vs. Portsmouth (Won 3-1)
Leicester managed to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to Forest with a comfortable win over promotion rivals Portsmouth at the King Power Stadium. First half goals from a returning Darius Vassell & an Andy King double were enough to help the Foxes put pressure back on the top 2.

Erik Huseklepp pulled a goal back just after half time for the visitors but nothing more materialised for the away side from that point on.

nPower Championship
vs. Reading (Won 2-1)
Foxes fans witnessed their side pull off a priceless victory at the Madejski Stadium as Reading were made to rue missed chances. Goals in the first 8 minutes from Jermaine Beckford & Darius Vassell proved enough for the 3 points.

Reading scored after the break through Sam Vokes but had there chances of a revival slashed by a straight red card to Mario Mutsch.

nPower Championship
vs. Blackpool (Lost 3-0)
It was perhaps the biggest game of the season, a match the Foxes could not afford to lose but they were powerless to stop in a form Blackpool side from rolling them over at the King Power Stadium.

A Gary Taylor-Fletcher double followed by an Ian Evatt strike broke the hearts of the Leicester fans & players as they now knew they needed West Ham to lose their next fixture in order to set up a nail biting last day promotion clash!

nPower Championship
vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (Won 2-1)
Leicester City re-ignited there promotion charge with a priceless win at The Amex Stadium. Dave Nugent put the away side in front before a Michael Poke own goal sealed the points in added time.

Brighton managed to find a goal in stoppage time themselves but it proved to little to late. Foxes fans also found out West Ham had lost at Doncaster leaving it down to the final day clash with the Hammers at the King Power Stadium.

nPower Championship
vs. West Ham United (Won 7-0)
So it all came down to this fixture, Blackpool sat top with 84 points, West Ham United were in 2nd with 83 followed by Leicester on 82. Victory would send the Foxes into the Premier League but anything less would mean a battle in the play-offs.

No fan in there wildest imagination could have predicted this result as the Foxes hit seventh heaven with a thumping victory over a lack luster West Ham. Paul Gallagher starred for the Foxes with a superb hat-trick whilst a Dave Nugent double, Jermaine Beckford strike & Lloyd Dyer goal all compounded West Ham's misery.

Leicester had done it! After all the hard work, the up and down season had culminated in booking a place in the Premier League next season, a massive achievement for Luke Ryan in his first year with the club!



Paul Gallagher's stunning hat-trick sends the Foxes into the Premiership



Well what an amazing season it turned out to be, there were so many twists and turns with good & bad spells, but of course it wouldn't be football without any of this.

I am incredibly proud to get my side into the Premier League and to do it on the final day in front of our own fans make it even more special. We now have the summer to rebuild and push this Club forward once more, but for now I am going to step back and enjoy this fantastic achievement.

Premier League here we come!

Areas to work on

n/a

Edited by FD™, 28 December 2011 - 04:19 PM.

[FD™]

[FD™]

[FD™]

[FD™]

[FD™]

[FD™]

Manager - Luke Ryan

Starting XI

GK. Kasper Schmeichel
DR. John Pantsil
DC. Matt Mills
DC. Sol Bamba
DL. Paul Konchesky
DM. Yuki Abe
MC. Andy King
MC. Richie Wellens
AMR. Paul Gallagher
AML. Lloyd Dyer
ST. Jermaine Beckford

Substitutions

1. Timo Hilderbrand
2. Sean St. Ledger
3. Lee Peltier
4. Neil Danns
5. Dave Nugent

Other Squad

Adam Smith
Andrew Davies
Aleksandar Tunchev
Pier Larrauri
Darius Vassell
Martyn Waghorn
Matt Oakley
Jeffrey Schlupp
Steve Howard
Sean Davis
Bruno Berner
Franck Moussa
Stephen Kelly
Diego Arismendi
Chris Weale

[FD™]