Hello my name is Bryan Saunders and this is my story about managing Hereford
United then Australia
I was introduced to championship manager in 1997 and was impressed. I own
the 2001/2002 season now and I love the game.
I always like to work my way up because that is a true test of any mangers
skill so I took over Hereford united in the conference division. Well I
started pre season ok with a couple of losses and a 0-0 draw with a division
2 side.
Then the conference season started. A loss to Dags and Red and
then a 1-1 draw with Nuneaton borough and I thought that I might be able to
achieve something. I did achieve something I went the next 16 games with
straight defeats and no matter what I tried I couldn't get it right. So
after 18 games I was dead last in the conference with 1 point and I decided
to resign as manger form Hereford and pondered over what I did wrong. I
realised I hadn't taken advantage of bosman rulings and free transfers
during pre season and had not made much money with selling players.
So I
retired and then decided to manage my country Australia see if I could get
them to the world cup. I had two friendlies against Uzbekistan and New
Zealand which ended up in 3-1 and 3-0 victories. Then It was announced
Ecuador would be my opponents in the playoff for the world cup. The first
game was at home and to my horror after 30 minutes I was 2-0 but Viduka
pulled one back before half time but then right after half time Ecuador made
it 3-1 and I thought the Australian world cup hoodoo might continue. Then a
penalty and Lucas Neill converts and some hope as its 3-2 now. Then in the
78th minute Viduka scores again and its 3-3 and back on level terms. It
gets to the 90th minute and its still 3-3 when Viduka completes his hatrick
and makes the first leg mine with a 4-3 win. A pleasing result indeed
considering but still a very delicate tie with 3 away goals too Ecuador.
The return leg and I look to play a more defensive pattern with counter
attack. Then before half time A goal to The legend Harry Kewell and its 1-0
at half time. It goes up to the 80th Minute and it looks like my tactics
were right until Ecuador pulls one back to make it a tense final ten
minutes. But in the 89th minute Neill puts one away and I run around the
room as I know Australia has sealed qualification.
I was Drawn in Belgium, Nigeria's and South Koreas group wish me luck
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