We start season 8 in uncharted waters again. It is 2027, we are about to start our 4th season in the premier league and we do so as Champions League group stage qualifiers.
I know, mental right.
Lets start with the changes around the club.
Budgets
Healthy budget for squad improvements which will be required if we are to compete in 4 competitions this year. We will go over squad improvements shortly.
Stadium
"A new era" indeed. What better season to unveil our new look stadium than our debut season in Europe. This will help us take the next step financially as its an in increase of around 14,000 capacity from the old Adams Park.
Transfers
A few key signings coming in but we kept some finances back for emergencies in January
Giovane is a young Brazilian central midfielder who can play DM, CM and AM with comfort. He will be the long term replacement for Gauld who is more of a bit part player these days
I am sure we are all aware of Dean Henderson. Although Apetrei did fantastically last season but I felt we needed some experience in goal for this season and at £18 million I feel this could be value for money.
Joaquin Obsipo is a young Argentinian who again can play almost all the way along the centre of the park. Predominantly used as a DLP but will cover at CB as well.
Vahap Reis has joined us on loan from Man United and will offer back up on the right wing for Jack Clarke. He will predominantly come off the bench and give Clarke a rest when games are won. Hopefully he can contribute as the season goes on.
Two young German right backs have also joined on loan. We are familiar with Travis Ferguson as he has been with us for the last two season. Marcus Wedau will offer cover in that position.
Samuel Sanchez is a young Mexican i have taken a punt at developing well. He didn't cost much and will be trying loan him out at the first opportunity.
We have sent a few out on loan. Notably Ian Davenport, who sadly has fallen down the pecking order.
A permanent departure was Vassi who wanted more football but we couldn't offer him anywhere near enough.
Pre Season
Some Shocking results in there but ah well its preseason. Lets get to the real deal.
August 2027
Match 1 - Everton (H) 4-0
If you could describe a perfect start to the season for a player and a club at a new stadium then this was it. Valerio Contento grabbed himself a hattrick inside the first 15 minutes of the season as we raced into a 3-0 lead.
Jack Clarke completed the scoring in the second half to make it 4-0.
Match 2 - Fulham (A) 1-0
A tighter game next up as we made the short trip to Crave Cottage. Almada was given the chance to convert from 12 yards which he gratefully took.
No more action in the game as we make it 2/2.
Match 3 - Newcastle (H) 4-0
The team that almost cost us European qualification on the last day of the season didn't stand a chance this time around.
First half goals from Almada and Contento got us well on our way. Second half goals from Henrique and Clarke sealed our second 4-0 victory in 3 games.
Match 4 - Burnley (H) 4-1
Another game another 4 goals. Henrique grabbed himself a brace as Almada and Bigongiari also scored.
We conceded in the 94th minute to miss out on our 4th clean sheet in a row.
What a start! 4/4 wins 13 goals scored and 1 conceded. Nothing more to say.
September 2027
September started with the Champions League draw.
Any draw would look tough for us, we are Wycombe after all. But compared to some of the other groups this is the favourable draw.
Match 5 - Aston Villa (A) 1-2
Our bubble is burst in the second city. We were poor which were down to a few changes ahead of our Champions League debut. Giovane got on the scoresheet late on to make the score line respectable.
Champions League Group D - Match Day 1 - Lazio (A) 3-2
What a debut at the top table of European football. We took the lead through Contento in the 22nd minute and it got even better as Lazio went down to 10 men a minute later after a shocking challenge on Contento. Sadly this ended Contento's evening as he was unable to continue.
We then conceded a silly own goal as Williams but the ball into his own net. HT 1-1
We then dominated the second half with goals from Clarke and Almada put us 3-1 and coasting. We conceded late to make the last few minutes a tad nervy but held on for an invaluable win.
Match 6 - West Ham (A) 0-0
We made wholesale changes to the squad after a gruelling trip to Italy. The changes didn't pay off and a dull 0-0 ensued. A point away from home after a Champions League game isn't to be sniffed at.
EFL Cup Third Round - Nottingham Forest (A) 4-1
A good test for some of the fringe players Especially Reis as he bagged his forst goals for the club after his loan move from United. Bigongiari and Almada made things comfortable in a straightforward victory.
Match 7 - Southampton (A) 2-2
Marcelo Henrique put us ahead inside 15 mins in what has been a quiet start to the season for him. Sadly we couldn't capitalise on our fast start and Southampton had turned it around before half time, leading 2-1 into the break.
Jack Clarke rescued a point in the 69th minute to continue his fine start to season.
Champions League Group D - Match Day 2 - Real Sociedad (H) 0-0
European football arrived at Adams Park for the first time in the clubs history as we welcomed our Spanish opposition.
In a game we dominated we lacked the clinical finishing seen previously by our front 4. We had 18 attempts on goal with 6 hitting the target. Need improving at that level or we will get turned over.
After our perfect start we go winless in 3 League games. Progression in the League Cup is welcomed and the two games in the Champions League were both positive results.
Tables
Champions League Group D
Premier League
A very positive start all round as we start off the league campaign winning 4 on the bounce. Bit of a drop off but that can be expected during the Champions League weeks. Its going to be a long old season.
Cheers
Panda
If you have enjoyed this episode and want to fully catch up with our Journey so far you can start way back at the beginning here -
We also recently had our turn in a joint save with other FM creators called "The Far East Express. Please check out our three episodes with the link below. One hell of a journey going on in that save.
We also have an fascinating International save going as we attempt to take Jamaica to Gold Cup and World Cup glory after acquiring some new recruits who have been ignored repeatedly by England
