Welcome! We’ve reached trophy time in the second season of this latest save, where I’ve taken over at Ajax in a bid to restore the glory days. Not just the odd win here or there, but my quest to win the whole lot. Domestically, I’ve got that covered, don’t worry about that, but my eyes are fixed on the Champions League now and our semi-final clash with Juventus. There’s also my 100% record in the league and a big Dutch cup final with Johan Cruyff’s Feyenoord. Let’s Dutch.

Amstel Cup

Lovely Amstel, may as well get the thirstiest part of the update out of the way. It’s a huge game against one of the two sides I feel can challenge us, especially now Mr Cruyff has taken over. Anyway, our task is made that bit harder by it being played at Feyenoord’s ground, I mean, is that normal? It doesn’t seem right to me.

No matter, Ronald the boar pounces after an hour to retain the trophy. Whoop.

Over in England, the pointless cup final has an unusual look to it and an even stranger outcome/

A rare cup win for Dalglish’s men, shame it is worth nothing in the grand scheme of things.

FA Cup

Seeing as we are doing cups, Stockport’s FA Cup dream sees them into a semi-final against Manchester United, at Anfield no less. Stockport’s stadium is actually the closest geographically to the River Mersey, so there’s a fact for you.

They’ve only bloody got a replay!

Oh. Anyway, Man Utd vs Blackburn in the final and, well, I didn’t see this coming

Martin Dahlin! But also Nicky Butt. Anyway, Man Utd still have the Champions League to go for, as indeed do I.

Champions League

Juventus then, and Henry scores a last minute equaliser in the San Siro but I’m still happy to take a 1-1 overall back to the Amsterdam Arena. But those Italians know how to defend. Just ask Barcelona…

We couldn’t muster much pressure and it’s clear we’ll have to upgrade in certain areas if we want to become Europe’s best. In the other semi, Manchester United bow out too

The final then is between two sides who have beaten me this season. Juventus dominate it and Di Livio scores twice on his final appearance for the club. Maybe Monaco should have brought on Salif Diao…

Alas they didn’t and we’ll have to try again next season.

At least we aren’t Dortmund, who suffer a heavy loss after the German FA insist on playing their cup semi-final when most of the team are on International duty

I don’t know why they didn’t even name a number 9, especially when they have 4 subs. Inexplicable

League

Anyway, back in the Dutch league and the title is sealed with a win at the home of our biggest rivals

The league looks nice, 100% record alive and well

However, a 0-0 draw at Herenveen destroys thats and we’ll have to settle for matching last season’s 100 point tally

Frank de Boer is knackered though, and it’s probably a wake-up call for me to sign some defenders at last

Over in England, Man Utd go a whole league season unbeaten. Having only lost one last season, that’s quite incredible. Incidentally, Man Utd have conceded 17 in two seasons. Also, Leicester in the Champions League! You’ll never see anything like it ever again.

Down at the bottom, Ipswich were never in it but Coventry and Bolton went a little more gallantly.

To awards time then but first I’ve decided to try and strenghten my goalkeeper. Van der Sar seems to let in most shots he faces so I’ve pillaged Monaco for Barthez

The Dutch awards up first then and it’s hard to argue against Luc Nillis getting the footballer of the year for his 40 goals. He’d fit nicely in the left forward role in my team…

In England, it’s a bit stranger. Magnus Hedman getting PFA Player of the Year in relegated Coventry’s team and of course Richard Dunne being young player of the year is a stretch by anybody’s standards. At least Martin Dahlin can point to his cup final goals for his award.

So with season two in the bag I’m already looking ahead to Season 3, as you can see with the Barthez signing. I also have the Ronaldo dilemma to solve, who just hasn’t been very good but maybe he’ll be better now he’s had a season to adapt. Or maybe I’ll just sell him and sign Robbie Fowler. Who knows. Either way, I need to improve to become a real force in Europe and the board have given me £20m to do it. Hubba hubba. Incidentally, Feyenoord won the UEFA Cup to further show the Cruyff effect and they’ll be much more of a threat next season.

See you again next week for more of the same!

I attended the BetBright FM17 Cup last week in Glasgow, my review of the event can be found here