Yes, I think soon it will be time to say goodbye to my Southampton game and Football Manager 2008 at all. Just because FM09 demo will come out in 2-3 weeks. So I have these weeks to play as much as possible in the last season with Southampton.

Ok, the expectations for this season are the highest! I set up 'Winning title' and got $50M for transfers for that. I hope to get success in Champions League as well getting at least to the quaterfinal of the tournament.

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This time Media Prediction is really competitive - 5th position. This means that the FM engine considers the squad of Southampton being of high Premier League quality .

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Yep, after the previous unexpectedly successful season we have really tough squad that is able to solve any tasks (IMG:http://messenger.msn.com/MMM2006-04-19_17.00/Resource/emoticons/thumbs_up.gif) .  But anyway due to Champions League debut I decided to buy new players for the team. Otherwise, what do I need $50M for? (IMG:http://messenger.msn.com/MMM2006-04-19_17.00/Resource/emoticons/wink_smile.gif)


Sold players
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There are few quite good guys among sold players like Kevin Mirallas, Ferrie Bodde, Damien Le Tallec, Federico Piovaccari. They were just ousted from the first squad and unhappy because of that. The only chance for them was leaving the club.


Bought players
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I have very interesting newcomers during this summer transfer window, I have to say. They will surely compete for the first squad places! I would like to describe the most interesting 5 of them.


Steven Defour
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Attacking midfielder with brilliant mental and technical abilities. Defour is the captain of national team of Belgium having 51 matches played in the past.  He should be substitution for our best assister that becoming older and older - Massimo Donati.


Stephen Ireland
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Stephen Ireland is well-known Premier League player in the real life. He is important part of Man City midfield. In FM08 Stephen is very smart attacking midfielder who can perform well both from right flank and centre. I want to single out his Creativity, Passing, First Touch and his preferred moves:  Tries Killer Balls, Plays Ones-Twos.


Dwight Tiendalli
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Unknown guy from Holland. Tiendalli has good skills for DR position (though very poor Crossing). He was bought to replace Diamoutene on the right flank of defence. Again due to age problem of the last one.


Xavi
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What I can say! Best Euro 2008 player enters Southampton from free transfer! Physical skills of Xavi are poor already because he is 33. But technical and mental attributes are still on the highest level. I believe Xavi can help the team much sharing his fantastic experience and performing his genies passes and long shots!


Genero Zeefuik
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Jelle Vossen will have very competitive partner in attack - Genero Zeefuik. He was described in my blog in this post: Youngsters and their development in Football Manager 2008. Part 2 - Strikers.  Brilliant, intelligent forward with flamboyant technics! But the place for forward in the first squad is only one. Who will be the best: Vossen or Zeefuik? We will see!

 

Among other aforementioned bought players I would also single out Aleandro Rosi from Roma and good old Polish goalkeeper - Artur Boruc. Both are intended to be used from substitution bench.

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You got quite a team there mate.Good luck in your last season and win that title (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)