Still Nowt

Grrr. Still isn't here. And neither's my birthday present. Stupid post.

So, more demo play ensued. Genoa of Serie B. They're quite crap. Not unsalvageably so though. Another free transfer discovery - David Fox, 17 year-old CM. Former Man United youngster, always a good sign in a young player. At 17 he's doing a fine job in Serie B, so if the inhospitable surroundings of Foggia don't drive him away, he could be a great signing.

I should probably explain my reluctance to wander from the Italian Leagues. I like to have the opportunity to sign whoever/whomever I want. In England I need work permits for non-EU residents. That kinda damages any chances of signing the youth of South America, and as the game goes on, 17 year-old Brazilian forwards and 19 year-old Argentinian defenders are what it's all about when you're in control of a team with a useless rep and no cash. There's nothing better than offering a club 2m for a striker, them saying no and then the player signing a new contract with a minimum release clause of 250k.

Speaking of leagues, I wonder how many this laptop can run at a fast pace. Something to look into. In the glory days my PC struggled with Italy plus England and Spain on background.

So apparently 're-gens' are a thing. Players that retire, come back as someone else. I always suspected this was the case. I remember a player called Rocco Riccio that I signed on a free for Bologna in season 18 or something. He was 16 and amazing. A forward with 20's in shooting, pace, creativity and passing. Played him behind the front 2 to devastating effect. I wish that game hadn't gone wrong. He must've been a re-gen of someone, I suspect Ronaldinho, although I dunno if they regenerate as the same nationality or not.

Then there are the players from completely random countries. I vaguely recall the top scorer in La Liga being a nippy striker from Pakistan with a ridiculously German name. Also, a top, top-class goalie from the mighty Cape Verde Islands.

And perhaps my favorite bit of "deep" games - absurd teams winning the World Cup. As if an England vs Scotland final (England won on Pens) wasn't laughable enough, victories for Ukraine (after the retirement of Shevchenko) and the awesome Paraguay team of 2014 that had NO good players at all, make the failures of Fantashtico's Italy particularly hilarious. Although my international record was equally abysmal until my legendary Holland side. Failed as France, Brazil and England. Although my record with smaller nations was gold. Croatia and Mexico leap to mind. And my classic 5 day spell in charge of Australia. Applied for the Oz job and Croatia at the same time, Australia offered, I accepted, then 5 days later left for Croatia. Smooth.