Heyoo! Welcome back to another update to our Ukrainian story featuring the one and only Helios Kharkiv. After a highly unexpected promotion, we now find ourselves in the Ukraine Premier League (Premyer Liha), and up against the big boys of Ukrainian football (Shakhtar and Dynamo to name two). With odds drifting into the obscene (5000.1), we will be enjoying a complete and utter lack of expectations. With the pressure off, we’re free to wheel and deal till our hearts are content, and attempt to ensure our survival in the top league in the country.
We didn’t need to make nearly as many moves as I’d expected, and there are enough talented players already on the squad for us to forge ahead with minimal trouble. Still, I’m fairly pleased with some of the signings we’ve managed to bring in, and will be more than happy to show them off for you:
Probably my biggest signing of the summer, I’m really counting on the Argentinian to boost our rather uninspired attack. We rode an ace defense all year in the Persha Liha, but we’ll need some offensive power if we want to achieve Premier safety.
I had a pretty decent rightback already, but Igor was too good of an offer to pass up. We need to work a bit on his speed, but he has some solid technical and mental attributes.
Brought in as a backup/veteran voice/insurance policy. Rogerio won’t be breaking into the starting eleven, but he’ll be useful to have around on the bench (in part due to his versatility).
I had an excellent defensive midfielder already, but he’d had some injury/fitness problems throughout the year last season, and I wasn’t comfortable relying on him this year. He and Leandro will be used in a squad rotation system, and they’re about equal in terms of ability.
Say hello to my new starting AMC! Probably the best player to ever wear a Helios uniform, I’m really hoping he lives up to the promise his stat sheet displays.
Lastly, and while it has absolutely no bearing in reality, I’d like to show you how we managed to start our first ever season in the Ukrainian Premier League:
BAM! First place baby! Enjoy it while it lasts, because it’ll be the last time we see that poll position for the remainder of the year. It does give me confidence that we can survive this year, but realistically we’re looking at a 9th-10th place finish (with which I would be extremely satisfied).
Before I depart, I’d like to warn you/notify you that my updates will be extremely sporadic and downright rare over the next 35-40 days. I’m getting married at the beginning of August, and as the date draws ever nearer, we’ll be increasingly busy with last minute details and planning. I’ve already seen my FM time take a nosedive in the past week, and I’m just not sure how regularly I’ll be able to update until the middle of August (I’ll do my best to squeak some time in though). I appreciate your patience, and as always — Thanks for reading!
CsAtlantis
6 июля, 2011 at 15:12
De Leon looks pretty happy,can’t say the same with the others though
Congratulations on being in first place, you could probably finish top half though I think :D
Stromson
8 июля, 2011 at 13:29
He was pretty thrilled with my contract offer too, so I suppose he has reason to smile. :-p Top half is optimistic, but I’d be thrilled if we managed it!
vaibhavc
6 июля, 2011 at 15:55
Hey Stromson
Kleber and De Leon are good signings. They should help you a lot. I think if the league finished now you would be very happy!
Stromson
8 июля, 2011 at 13:57
Thanks Vaibhav, I’m all for the league ending after one game in this situation. ;-) Shame we have 29 more to muddle things up…
Joe Lance
6 июля, 2011 at 16:03
I’m with Cs on one point, you should finish the top half.
Congratulation on getting married, we’ll be holding a bachelor party here on FMS for,(don’t know how,but I’m sure Darren can think of something). All the best in Ukraine.
Stromson
8 июля, 2011 at 14:05
Haha, thanks Joe, I’m interested to see what an internet bachelor party would look like. :-p
Laxeyman
6 июля, 2011 at 16:21
Good signings Stromo, and a great start, hopefully you can stay there! Realistically though, I’d say you can finish in the top 8 if everything goes well. Good luck!
P.S The lack of time is understandable mate, hope the wedding and everything goes well :)
Stromson
8 июля, 2011 at 14:42
Thanks Laxey, as long as we don’t finish bottom two I’ll be pretty content. :)
Sears
6 июля, 2011 at 18:49
Congratulations Stromo, hope you and your future wife have a very long, peaceful, happy marriage!! That’s brilliant news pal, really made up for you :-)
Again, wonderful post and I’m sure you’ll have no difficulty avoiding relegation.
Stromson
8 июля, 2011 at 14:53
Thanks Sears, really appreciate it! :) I’m looking forward to both the wedding and an interesting league campaign.
Johnny Karp
7 июля, 2011 at 06:36
Good signings there mate, especially De Leon and Kleber, but from what I hear it seems that someone will get you signed soon :) Big congrats on the marriage! Does she like soccer? :)
Stromson
8 июля, 2011 at 15:43
Thanks Johnny, I’m especially excited about that Kleber loan! She doesn’t much care for soccer, but she tolerates and supports my habit (obsession) very well. :)
Darren Smith
7 июля, 2011 at 10:06
Well done on a great pre-season Jon, I think your signings are more than enough to ensure safety and as you say a promising start. Its going to be a great season and congratulations on the marriage, that is wonderful news. I hope all goes well and the wedding just what you both want. Congrats mate.
Stromson
8 июля, 2011 at 16:19
Thanks Darren, I’m really hoping we’ll be able to carry our start forward and survive our first year in the league. Thanks for the support. :)
Mike
7 июля, 2011 at 13:33
Hi Stromson,
Great signings there and I think you can definately secure a mid table finish with them in your squad. Congratulations on the marriage! I hope you have a great wedding and good luck with all the last minute organising!
Mike
Stromson
8 июля, 2011 at 16:36
Thanks Mike, hopefully the wedding stuff will be painless. Mid-table finish is definitely the goal, and I agree that I think we can achieve that.
Ana Garcia
7 июля, 2011 at 19:34
Poor girl! ;)
Just kidding!! She must be very lucky to have you (or maybe the otherway around!) :)
Am still waiting for my partner to ask, starting to think he never will. :(
LoL! But back on topic! Great to start to the season, one game one win what more could you ask for!
The signings will hopefully help you stay in the top flight this season so really good luck, also even more good luck on your wedding I hope everything goes perfectly and I wish you both all the best.
Johnny Karp
7 июля, 2011 at 20:26
Maybe he’s waiting for you to ask :)
Stromson
8 июля, 2011 at 17:32
You have to start dropping hints, he’ll get it eventually!
Kevin
8 июля, 2011 at 20:30
Hi Stromson
Congrats on the upcoming marriage. My 18th anniversary is August 6th so you’ve picked a great month to lose your freedom…LOL!
Back to FM and great signings in Kleber and De Leon and good to see you have made such a geat start to the season EH!
Daniel
9 июля, 2011 at 10:44
Good signings there!
Well Stromson Congratulations on two things..
1. getting first place!! (despite it being the first game ;) )
2…… Getting married!!! nice to hear it, have a great day mate :)