TM Ireland - Trophymanager Ireland

Bit of a delay on this one, due mainly to the fact that this bloke won pretty much everything he could have in Season 24.  Did you take a lotto ticket as well Stan...?

You started in Div 4? How did you manage that you jammy fecker...?

In one word, “surreal”.

A very popular win going by the messages of support in the LoI PA and the Cup thread, but I’d have to say there’d be more than a few rather envious eyes focussed your way, the Double has never been done before and it is great to see a first like that in Ireland after 21 seasons of TM, but tell us, which was better or more satisfying, the Cup or the Title?

No contest there, the league was the big one. Not taking away from the Cup and having come so close the previous season it was great to go all the way but it all comes down to luck. Get a good draw, avoid your keeper coming up with “1” ratings and you’re well on your way. The LOI was a much tougher nut to crack.

Another (kind of) first is that you are the ‘youngest’ manager to lift the championship, starting in Season 9 it took you just 15 seasons. Were you surprised at getting your shot so early?

It was my target since I joined the game because I’ve a competitive streak in me but after finally reaching the LOI a few seasons ago I still felt I was a bit off topping the pile (for a season at least). That said, I had always felt it was edging closer.

It was some league season all right and you led for nearly all of the last month, but was there a point where you thought, ‘Yeah, I really can do this,” or was it more a case of, “I can’t believe my luck…!”

I had a strong start and finish to the season but because there was never much daylight between me and the other challenging clubs. I never truly felt I’d hold on. It wasn’t a lack of faith in myself, more a case of rating my opponents so highly. Teabag consistantly does it season after season and Cavan’s been there abouts for a while so I always feared the collapse was coming.

Nothing like a Nice Set of Tits to break up a lengthy chat...

I’m not usually the superstitious type but I had a good feeling all season because the signs were all there. The previous three seasons had seen me finish, Quarter-Finalist, Semi-Finalist & Runner Up, so it was the obvious progression  Ah, I guess it was when Sharks dropped out in the Quarters that I felt it was mine to lose.

As we all know a League of Ireland title doesn’t just happen overnight and in fact can be the result of some serious long term planning, what do you put it down to, were there any key purchases or lucky youth breaks that made it a possibility?

It’s all about long term planning in this game. I’ve followed the Youth route from the start and that is a game of chance so yeah I guess I’ve had luck. I wouldn’t be where I am without players like my keeper McDermott or OMC Croke. I feel it’s been my financial planning that’s really helped me get where I am. I upgraded from Level 1 to Level 10 facilities as quick as possible (got to Level 10 after four seasons or so) and have never downgraded. Balancing the books wasn’t always easy, particularly back when I suffered my relegation to Diviasion three. Even now with the weak economy it’s hard but if you adapt you’ll survive.

And in terms of this season specifically who would be your MVP?

That’s a really tricky one. McDermott and Croke who I mentioned earlier were great but I suppose I have to say the top performer was Left Winger Daryl Alway. My fanclub the Alway’s Ultras is named after him for a reason. By far the best value for money I’ve ever spent. Sadly he’s the elder statesman and is now in decline. He’ll be missed but I do have backup.

This could, but not necessarily have the same answer, but who is your most irreplaceable player, like if TM brought in some bizarre player death feature, who would you hate to lose for nothing?

There’s a few I’d hate to part with, in fact any of the top youths I’ve brought through. It’s so rewarding when a low ASI 16yr prospect develops into a massive player for you, but to answer your question I wouldn’t consider a single player in my team irreplaceable. If I started to think like that I reckon the decline would start, so no one is irreplaceable. As far as I’m concerned it’s all about progression and sentiment would hold that up.

And who of your starting XI would you like to see the back of?

None. I’ve been building the team for a few seasons and none let me down. Some areas have been earmaked for improvement but not because the incumbant has disappointed, I just think I need to plan for the future. Only Alway is on the wrong side of 30, but a few are getting there.

The game can be a confusing mare for newbies with blooms and incomprehensible training setups as well as those good old inexplicable match results, but what essential little titbits of info have you picked up along the way that really made a difference to how you play the game?

I’ve actually been answering a few questions from managers recently and it really hammered home how confusing things I take for granted can be. The best advice I could give is ask questions. There’s so many sound people in the Irish TM Community who are happy to help out, so if something baffles you then fire off a message to an experienced manager or post in the help forum. Even after a few years of playing I’m not scared to ask a question if I’m unsure of something.

I notice that you were playing with two OMCs towards the end of the season, did this have an effect do you think?

I just felt I was getting better value out of Sahouri as an OMC. I bought him to play upfront but when he went to 5* REC it was clear which position that was based on.

Do you use tactics/formation to suit the opposition or do they work at all?

It depends on who I play. I worry about some of the stronger teams and let some of the weaker teams worry about me. I put a lot of time into analysing stats on formations and wish this aspect of the game was more developed so the effort would pay off to greater effect. Hopefully conditional orders will help develop the tactical aspect of the game because for me it’s where TM falls down badly.

Were there any other things you learnt about your team or TM in general that helped you this season?

To be honest I approached the season in the same way as recent seasons. I wouldn’t say anything I learnt had an impact. What helped me this season was that a few of the expected big guns like Elland, Hoops, Le Sharks & Askeaton underperformed by their standards. I can’t see it happenning again this season but there is a lot of quality throughout the division.

So you can cross two things off your list in one fell swoop, but what new challenge awaits for Stan?

It’s three off the list now that I’m NT Coach but I still have a very long to do list. I haven’t retained a league title, I’m not the most decorated club in the Country, I haven’t won a European Cup, and so on... It’s all about long term planning but admittedly some of my goals are a long way off.

Remember the Days of the Old School Yard...

Maybe the new TM will have a more simplistic interface as promised so newbies won’t be too daunted but there’s still a LOT to get your head around and that will always intimidate and deter many of the new users. It’s kind of a double edged sword because without depth and detail the game would suck.

At times like these after such a great season it is easy to see what is most satisfying about this game, - I apologise for reeling this next one out; it’s only cos I find it so difficult to answer myself - but what is it about this game that worked for you? Why did you stay active?

The Youth Draft is the most exciting single moment for me in this game. When you strike gold and then watch that player develop into a first team player who influences games you can’t but feel satisfied by it all.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em the Devs never seem to let the game stay still for long, but are you happy with the way it’s developing?

Yep, as long as the membership gets back to old levels I’ll be happy and that’s what they promise with the shiney new TM on the horizon. I’ve hated some changes, most noteably when they kicked non-pro’s in the knackers with the launch of the new transfer list and not putting B Teams in a separate reserve league. I’m still here and plan to be for a long time so I clearly got over it 

If you could change or set up any new feature in TM, what would it be?

Bulk up the tactical aspects of the game and get B Team the hell out of regular leagues. They weren’t around when I started out and can only imagine how frustrating it must be for younger clubs to lose out on promotion spots to the Big Boys reserves.

What are your thoughts on deflation and the lack of manager growth in the game in recent seasons?

A massive lack of new teams equals a huge drop in cash entering the game. If the new TM fails to deliver I doubt TM will be around for too much longer. Can’t see the Devs continue to pour their efforts into it if that fails to ignite. The last time they did an Ads push they noticeably grew the manager numbers. The Devs admit they’ve done little to advertise and push the game in recent months. I’ve faith it’ll work once they start the push again cos it is a class game.

Turning to the National Team thing are you happy with the quality of players at your disposal?

Yes and no. Some of our established stars are pushing on a bit but there’s clearly talents coming through the ranks too. It’s just a shame we’ve never been able to develop a pool of top end players that some other (jammy) nations of similar size to ours. I’m looking at you Israel.

Are there any particular areas of concern position-wise over the next couple of seasons?

The biggest worry for me is the managers position. I reckon he’s blagged his way in. The lad ain’t got a clue and is already living on borrowed time.

What is the Irish NT realistically capable of?

Realistically a WC or EC win is unlikely but not beyond the realms of possibility. To get to a finals and see it through to the knockout stages would be a fantastic feat but I’d initially be happy just to qualify. Although once you get that far you will naturally look further.

A Cute Ass

I’m relishing having the flexibility to test out tactical beliefs. My own team was much more limited in terms of tactical adaptability because of the smaller pool of top players at my disposal.

One hell of an interview this one, completely forgotten about Europe. Irish teams particularly Teabag did very well this season, are we catching them up, how do you think you’ll do?

Phew, this is epic. Hey MC, do you reckon anyone will still be reading at this stage, even I don’t love the sound of my own voice this much.

Tits Arse! Who knows mate, we’ll see how many notice that interjection... but seriously tho, I kind of had to put a few more in than the usual, seeing as how you won everything!  Post a comment there, any lad who gets this far!

In terms of Europe I have no expectations this season. A crack at the UETA Cup might have been better suited to my European debut and having seen Teabag and Cavan before him perform so well in that competition I’d fancy myself to have an outside shot. When I look at the quality of teams in the Champions League I just hope to avoid losing too many fans to heavy defeats. I’m out to win this thing some day but that day is way off.

Keepers and Routine. Please Discuss.

What is there to add? A good keeper with high routine is excessively important in the game and fortunately it’s something the Devs claim will be addressed. Although people who were aware of the importance of keepers but persisted with low routine didn’t have my sympathy. If the game throws a curve ball then change your ways so it doesn’t affect you. Simples.

Well done once again for what was truly a phenomenal season. Winning a double (even winning the fecken title) has always been something I’d love to do, so I can appreciate what kind of buzz it must be. Keep up the good work and hopefully this domestic form will spill over into the international sphere as your team take on Europe and Ireland take on the world. Busy times ahead…. Give it socks! Thanks for your help in lightening my interview load, oh yeah and also getting me a euro spot!

Cheers pal, and thanks to you for doing such a good job as NT before me then bowing out with the sun still shining out of your a...

Haha, shhhh, almost had them fooled…