OFFICIAL: Hardman to stay with Chelsea

Peter Hardman entered the history books late last night after signing a long term deal with Chelsea
He became the longest serving manager for one club the tournament has seen, expressing his joyfulness and gratitude in an interview yesterday "I couldnt imagine myself managing any other club, I love this club and I'm extremely grateful to not only the board for offering the contract but for the support the fans have given me over the past three years and i hope it will continue as we look to seal the St Cecilias cup, come december." It was also announced that they will spend their pre Season in Central and North America, travelling to the USA, Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago.

IOWFA 2014 Player Awards and Team of the Season!

Ladies and Gents, the 2014 Tournament has been packed with action. There have been some heroes and some villains! So here are the player awards for this years tournament!

Top Goalscorers:
5th: Lionel Messi and Gary Cahill - 3 Goals
4th: Bastian Schweinsteiger - 4 Goals
3rd: Mario Gotze and Eden Hazard - 5 Goals
2nd: Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery - 7 Goals
1st: Luis Suarez - 17 Goals

Most Assists:
5th: Cesar Azpilicueta and Didier Drogba - 7 Assists
4th: Bastian Schweinsteiger - 9 Assists
3rd: Eden Hazard - 13 Assists
2nd: Arjen Robben - 14 Assists
1st: Franck Ribery - 19 Assists

Highest Fantasy Football Rating:
5th: Eden Hazard - 654
4th: Bastian Schweinsteiger - 660
3rd: Arjen Robben - 675
2nd: Franck Ribery - 678
1st: Luis Suarez - 693

Lowest Fantasy Football Rating:
5th: Thiago Silva - 480
4th: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Vincent Kompany - 470
3rd: Radamel Falcao - 468
2nd: Sergio Ramos - 460
1st: Gerard Pique - 416

Most Picked (Fantasy Football):
5th: Joe Hart - 6 Teams
4th: Luis Suarez - 7 Teams
3rd: Didier Drogba - 8 Teams
2nd: Cesar Azpilicueta - 9 Teams
1st: Osvaldo Alonso - 11 Teams (Every Team)

Most Captained (Fantasy Football):
3rd: Everyone Else
2nd: Franck Ribery - 2 Captaincies
1st: Luis Suarez - 4 Captaincies


The 2014 Tournament was a tournament dominated entirely by two teams, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. And it's not really a surprise to see that every single player in the first XI of the Team of the Season is from one of those two clubs! Here is the list of all of the players in the Team of the Season and their final fantasy football score!

Manuel Neuer: 593
Cesar Azpilecueta: 610
Gary Cahill: 616
Jerome Boateng: 593
David Alaba: 640
Franck Ribery: 678
Bastian Schweinsteiger: 660
Eden Hazard: 654
Arjen Robben: 675
Luis Saurez: 693
Didier Drogba: 611

2014 Season - Ben Cameron's Predictions

This is the first of a set of predictions from the managers in the tournament. We're going to get a few of the managers to predict some of the results and some of the awards.

This is Ben Cameron's Predictions.

FC Bayern 6 - 0 Real Madrid
Chelsea 8 - 0 Barcelona
Man City 2 - 4 FC Bayern
Barcelona 1 - 6 Man City
Real Madrid 0 - 4 Chelsea
FC Bayern 5 - 0 Barcelona
Chelsea 6 - 2 Real Madrid
Man City 2 - 3 Chelsea
Barcelona 1 - 12 FC Bayern
Real Madrid 2 - 2 Man City
FC Bayern 2 - 2 Chelsea
Chelsea 2 - 0 Man City
Man City 3 - 1 Real Madrid
Barcelona 0 - 9 Chelsea
Real Madrid 1 - 1 Barcelona
FC Bayern 2 - 0 Man City
Chelsea 2 - 1 FC Bayern
Man City 4 - 0 Barcelona
Barcelona 1 - 3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid 2 - 9 FC Bayern

Top Goalscorer: Luis Suarez
Most Assists: Franck Ribery

Golden Glove: Petr Cech

What ever happened to Rick Trimble?

Former IOWFA and Manchester United legend, Rick Trimble will not be participating in this year's competition, prompting the organisers to draft in Brian with Barcelona at the last minute. After intensive training from last years champion Benedict Cameron, Brian has just reached a level which the organisers deemed worthy of a place in the tournament.

The question still remains: Where is Rick Trimble and what is he doing now? Here are the IOWFA's top 7 theories...

 

7. Disappeared in a protest to sack David Moyes last April
Rumour has it that Rick Trimble was seen carrying a large "MOYES OUT" banner in the crowd at Old Trafford , but reports suggest he never came out...

6. Suffered from Food Poisoning, caused by jarred Frankfurters
There was a large amount of evidence suggesting that after missing out on the title at last year's tournament, Rick decided to drown his sorrows in the jar of frankfurters as his second place prize earlier that evening.

5. Disappeared in the Peruvian Jungle whilst training for the Manchester Liberation Army 
It has long been known that Rick is a passionate believer in the Rights of Mancunians and has recently been recruited by the paramilitary force. Reports from local fishermen indicate that he was in the jungle training in the art of guerrilla warfare with his comrades. Rick never returned...

4. Got lost in the Park
...

3. Kidnapped by Somalian pirates and started his own African tribe
After coming second last year, Rick supposedly went on a worldwide cruise to re-evaluate his life. However, when sailing along the east-African coast, a band of Somalian pirates attempted to hijack the vessel and kidnapped Rick and brought him back to Somalia. Rick apparently liked rural Somalia so much he decided to stay and start his own tribe of which he is chief.

2. After a wavey night at a Pyong Yang nightclub, Rick befriended Kim Jong Un and is now his right hand man
Rumours in Manchester suggest he was exiled from his home city after failing to bring home an IOWFA title two years on the trot. A long time friend of Rick, Kim Jong Dave heard about Rick's predicament and invited him to live with him in North Korea. Pyong Yang officials claim that at a party one night Rick met the supreme dictator, Kim Jong Un and after a few beers the two of them became great friends. They are said to have many shared interests such as nuclear warfare, Gavin And Stacey, dictatorship and the life of Alan Titchmarsh.

1. Found refuge in a convent after missing his Wightlink ferry home
The day after the IOWFA competition of April 2013, Rick was set to sail home on the St Clare but due to complications at Priory Bay he was late and the ferry set sail without him. Locals testify to having seen him sleeping rough in the IOW wilderness. But some claim that he soon found refuge under roof of the local convent. Reports from inside St Ceclia's itself indicate that in his post-IOWFA desperation he found God and will soon take his vows as a nun.

 

REPORTED SIGHTINGS OF RICK

 

A Club-by-Club guide to the 2014 Season - Manchester City

This ever improving side from Manchester will come into this competition as potential outsiders for the title after many impressive performances against Peter Hardman's Chelsea leading up to the tournament. With arguably the two greatest centre backs in world football at their disposal, Vincent Kompany and Thiago Silva and an attack built around Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko, stopping these lot will be a much tougher task than expected.

The Manager - Frederick Hardman
Frederick's greatest asset this season will be experience. He's been training hard with Peter Hardman in the pre-season and has been playing longer than both William and Edward Cameron. He'll be looking to better his fourth place finish last season and might even be aiming at a top two position. It's ambitious but ambition is exactly what this lad needs to succeed! A surprise draw against his brother last year and a set of strong Winter friendlies it's not completely out of the question for him to challenge for the title, although he's definitely an outsider.

Transfers
Italian legend Stephan El Shaarawy has been recruited into the ranks of this very strong Manchester City side alongside should add some creativity to the midfield but the big name signing is without a doubt Thiago Silva who is expected to add strength and stability to the already strong defence!

Predicted Finish - 3rd
They have a great side, and would be disappointed with anything lower than 3rd but should be aiming at even higher. It'll be tough for him but he definitely has the potential to pull off some big results against Ben Cameron and maybe even Peter Hardman. Let's see how he does!

A Club-by-Club guide to the 2014 Season - Chelsea

Although they underperformed last season, coming third out of five, Chelsea are expected to be challenging for the title this year. Experienced Manager Peter Hardman has had arguably the most practice since last year's tournament and his team are looking very strong. He's made some great signings and is expected to be right up there at the end of the season.

The Manager - Peter Hardman
Peter Hardman has been a front runner in the tournament since the competition's start. Every year he's been challenging the big players and getting some tremendous results. He had the title stolen from him by Ben Cameron's 1-0 in the final game of the season last year but many pundits say that was just fluke and Peter should have won. He's undoubtedly one of the greatest managers in the history of the tournament and is expected to do incredibly well.

Transfers
The depart of Ashley Cole was initially a worry for Chelsea fans but when they saw that they got Angel Di Maria in return they were over the moon. Antonio Candreva is a young, flamboyant attacking midfielder and is expected to shine this year and Chelsea's big name transfer this season is the return of club legend Dider Drogba who's expected to knock in a few goals!

Predicted Finish - 2nd
It's going to be a close race between Chelsea and Bayern Munchen this season, as the winner could be either one of them. This said, Chelsea had a much stronger set of Winter friendlies so it could go either way! Only time will tell!

A Club-by-Club guide to the 2014 season - Real Madrid

The European champions will make their tournament debut against fierce rivals FC Barcelona. A win is expected from them, but that could be one of few with last years last placed manager William Cameron at the helm. Fortunately, this team does happen to be technically the greatest team ever seen in the IOWFA, with an attack lead by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, so all hope is not lost.

The manager - William Cameron

Despite coming rock bottom in the previous tournament, William Cameron has gained tons of experience in the beautiful game and will be aiming for a St Cecilias cup place, something he has already got for this season, but only by default as a result of the abandoning by Judas (Rick Trimble). 

Transfers

Real Madrid became the most active team in the transfer market with two World Class signings and another to keep up the numbers. Breaking the World transfer record by 130m, in order to get Lionel Messi, the most valuable swap in the history of football to get  Ashley Cole, as well as snatching up an unknown Cuban guy called Osvaldo Alonso, who has a striking resemblence to a pirate.

Predicted finish - 4th

Just scraping in to the final St Cecilias cup, Real Madrid are expected. Offence will certainly be their strong point, with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as their front three. Despite the experience of Iker Casillas in goal, defence will be the let down for the manager William Cameron, a manager who managed to concede over 30 goals over 8 games. 

A Club-by-Club guide to the 2014 season - FC Barcelona

Under new management, Barcelona have another tough season ahead with Brian at the helm. As always, the quality in this team lies in midfield and their excellent ball retention courtesy of Xavi Hernandez. Their target will be to record a win and not to receive the wooden spoon at the end of the tournament, although this may even be a tough ask.

The Manager - Brian

Despite having the most expensive and skilful team ever in the competition, this could all be for nothing as Brian takes up the reins at Barca. Having never recorded a win in his entire managerial career, the IOWFA needed his help ever since the shock departure of Rick judas Trimble. 

Transfers

Two of the worlds greatest strikers, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Radamel Falcao, have been drafted in from France in a desperate attempt to make up for the loss of Lionel Messi to bitter rivals Real Madrid. Gianluigi Buffon has been snatched up from Juventus at Goalkeeper to replace the disappointing Victor Valdes. Andres Iniesta is also on his way out, despite vowing to never leave Barca 3 years ago.

Predicted Finish - 5th

There is little hope for the Catalan giants, who will define the term underdog in the next few days as they go into this competition, hoping to build for the future, this may not include a single victory, but this team are certainly ones to watch in the next few years.

A Club-by-Club guide to the 2014 season - FC Bayern München

Last years winners, FC Bayern München, will be hoping to replicate the success of last year, when they were crowned champions, becoming only the second team to have had an unbeaten campaign. Their task this year will not be as easy to replicate by no means, with bitter rivals, Chelsea, hoping to spoil the party as well as an ever improving Manchester City side.

The manager - Benedict Cameron

The most successful boss to have ever graced this competition has decided to stick with his beloved Bayern Munich for a second season in the hope that his ageing side can bring him success for 1 more year, and will be relying on the winger combination of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben yet again to deliver exactly that.

Transfers 

Lethal "attacker," Luis Suarez joins to complete the attack alongside Robben and Ribery, Alturo Vidal becomes the most expensive Chilean of all time upon his arrival. Tony Kroos and Thomas Müller depart.

Predicted Finish - 1st

The addition of Luis Suarez, makes them an even more formidable side, filling the central attacker void, a hole that has been empty since the departure of Mario Gomez. Their perfect balance of defence lead by Philipp Lahm and attack, backed up by the stability of Alturo Vidal and the creativity of Mario Götze. 

Fantasy Football - A Preview

The IOWFA 2014 Tournament is fast approaching and with that comes the IOWFA 2014 Fantasy Football competition. There are lots of new teams and lots of new players this year so let's take a look at this preview of the competition.

Most Expensive Player:
Player name: Lionel Messi
Club: Real Madrid
Fantasy Football Price: 3.4
Predicted Rating: 4/10
Lionel Messi in real life is, let's face it, bloody amazing. One of the best players of all time. However, in FIFA, under the management of William Cameron, he is less than incredible. Will's "Bit o' Skill" technique suits him well but the manager has not yet mastered this technique and therefore Messi is yet to shine in the IOWFA league. Will this year be the year he proves his abilities? We don't think so

Least Expensive Player:
Player Name: Osvaldo Alonso
Club: Real Madrid
Fantasy Football Price: 1.6
Predicted Rating: 2/10
Real Madrid have got rid of one Alonso and moved straight on to another. Xabi Alonso, club legend and one of the best midfielders of this generation is out and Osvaldo Alonso, some cuban guy with no hair, is in. Let's face it, the only reason Osvaldo Alonso was bought was so that Manager William Cameron could afford Messi. He's going to be terrible.

Last Year's Star:
Player Name: Franck Ribery
Club: Bayern Munchen
Fantasy Football Price: 3.0
Predicted Rating: 9/10
Franck Ribery is a truly incredibly player and he showed that with his performances in last years tournament. He was the highest rated player in the competition and was painfully close to the top goalscorer award as well! This year he's expected to pile on the pain for his opponents and score some world class goals.

The Club Legend:
Player Name: Didier Drogba
Club: Chelsea
Fantasy Football Price: 2.3
Predicted Rating: 7/10
Didier Drogba played with Chelsea for many years and broke the fans hearts when he decided to leave. However, he's on his way back. Manager Peter Hardman scooped this chap up from Galatasaray and he suits the teams playing style perfectly! He's expected to score a huge amount of goals!

The Brick Wall:
Player Name: Vincent Kompany
Club: Manchester City
Fantasy Football Price: 2.5
Predicted Rating: 7/10
Last year, Manchester City's defensive record was incredible and it was mostly down to this fella. Now he's alongside Brazilian legend Thiago Silva he's expected to shine even more. Good luck getting past this guy, strikers!

The Zlatan:
Player Name: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Club: FC Barcelona
Fantasy Football Price: 2.9
Predicted Rating: 5/10
Manager Edward Cameron's technique of "Shoot from the half-way line and hope it goes in" probably isn't the best, but if anyone's going to be able to pull it off, it'll be Zlatan.

The Dark Horse:
Player Name: Candreva
Club: Chelsea
Fantasy Football Price: 2.2
Predicted Rating: 8/10
You probably hadn't heard of Candreva before Chelsea manager Peter Hardman scooped him up. But he's fast, he's skilful and he looks to be a great threat in the competition this year! Good luck to the lad! We hope he performs well!

The Hungry Hungry Hippo:
Player Name: Luis Suarez
Club: Bayern Munchen
Fantasy Football Price: 2.7
Predicted Rating: 7/10
If there was a 'bite' button on FIFA then it'd be used the most with this guy. He's ravenous and hungry but that doesn't mean he's not an incredible striker. Let's see how he does in the tournament!

Transfer News - Barcelona

In

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 100m

Radamel Falcao - 100m

Gianluigi Buffon - 54m

Out

Lionel Messi - 154m

Andres Iniesta - 70m

Victor Valdes - 30m

Due to their late entry under the new management of Edward Cameron, and an unexpected Lionel Messi transfer, the IOWFA have decided to compensate Barcelona with an extra transfer, with the money from that sale going towards their transfer budget for this season. Two heavyweight strikers from the developing French Ligue 1, have been bought in to fill the hole left by Lionel Messi. Former Monaco talisman, Radamel Falcao and the leagues top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both for 100m each. The experience of Italian Legend Gianluigi Buffon, has also been added in a team that certainly won't lack leadership now.

Already been snatched up by Real Madrid, Lionel Messi departs for a record transfer fee worth around 154m. Andres Iniesta, like many other stars in this day and age has been lured to the famous Stockport County, a club to look out for ever since their financial takeover from billionaire owner Josephine Lee, who also happens to be the benefactor of the IOWFA. Victor Valdes embarks on a new stage of his career for St Asaph FC, another club that is very close to the IOWFA as it is the city that will host the 2014 competition.

Transfer News - Chelsea

Transfer News - Chelsea

In

Didier Drogba - 35m

Antonio Candreva - 45m

Àngel Di Marià - Swap for Ashley Cole 

Out

Oscar - 50m

Samuel Eto'o -30m

Ashley Cole - Swap for Àngel Di Marià

The return of the 'great' Didier Drogba as a Chelsea legend described by His manager Peter Hardman may cast uncertainty into the minds of a few Chelsea supporters with the player at the right old age of 35, being half the player he once was 5 years ago. Despite this, Peter has decided to lure him back to Stamford Bridge, as he believes with his heading ability and experience, along with many other players in this Chelsea team like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech, can win him games. Also joining within the Chelsea ranks is Antonio Candreva, who had impressed playing for Lazio during the 2013/14 season putting in many quality performances and creating a whole host of magnificent goals as well as scoring a few. It is reported that he has been putting in some excellent displays for his new club in their 11 game series against Manchester City, a series they have failed to loose in after 7 dominant games. The final addition to this ever improving Chelsea team is the pacy winger Àngel Di Marià. His darting runs down the flanks and impressive crosses have earnt him a place in a team that will utilise his abilities a great deal.

 

Surplus to requirements, Oscar has decided to seek a new future in Spain with Atletico Madrid for a fee estimated around 50m. The Cameroonian Phenomenon, Samuel Eto'o has joined AS Monaco along with Manchester City's Samir Nasri. It is thought that his age was a factor due to his departure as well as his lack of fitness and heading ability, something valued very much by Hardman. Finally, Ashley Cole leaves for Real Madrid in a swap for Àngel Di Marià, after a season of disappointment sitting on the sidelines at Stamford Bridge.

Transfer News: Bayern Munich

In

Luis Suarez - 72m

Arturo Vidal - 45m

Out 

Toni Kroos - 40m
Thomas Muller - 52m

Benedict Cameron is getting rid of some of the home-grown German talent and bringing in some new south american faces! Controversial striker Luis Suarez (otherwise known as Count Dracula) is expected to impress this season and is among the favourites for the golden boot award. He has also signed Chilean Juventus star Arturo Vidal who should be an anchor in the midfield, unleashes the world class wingers with unstoppable long balls. Only time will tell if they'll be worth their hefty price tags. 

On the way out are two German legends, Thomas Muller and Bastian Schweinsteiger, both of whom have signed for the magnificent St Asaph FC who are looking to become a big name in World Football. 

Transfer News - Manchester City

In

Stephan El Shaarawy - 35m

Thiago Silva - 65m

Out 

Alvaro Negredo - 45m
Samir Nasri - 45m

Central Defense certainly will not be a worry for the manager, Fred Hardman with two born leaders who have been tipped as the best centre backs in the world, the belgian captain, Vincent Kompany and the new boy, Thiago Silva the captain of his former club PSG and Brazil. Also joining in this summer transfer saga is Stephan El Shaarawy after impressing in the Italian Serie A with mid table club Milan. Along with Jesus Navas, he will provide pace and power down the wings and will be a nightmare for any Full backs in the league this year.

On their way out is the injury struck Alvaro Negredo, despite impressing earlier on with the club. He has now returned to Spain to play for FC Barcelona B after being rejected by the first team. Samir Nasri, the former Arsenal man, is also on his way out to AS Monaco, a club, bought by billionaire owners from Russia last season. It is thought that this Frenchman will be greatly missed by Manchester City, but only time will tell whether or not the risk of bringing in his replacement Stephan El Shaarawy will pay off

Transfer News - Real Madrid

Real Madrid

In 

Lionel Messi - 154m
Osvaldo Alonso - 3m
Ashley Cole - Swap

Out 

Karim Benzema - 80m

Xabi Alonso - 25m

Angel Di Mariá - Swap

With arguably the greatest player in the history of football within the ranks at a hefty price tag, there is no doubt that an awful lot of pressure will be on Lionel Messi as he embarks on this new stage in his fantastic career. Osvaldo Alonso has been bought in to provide strength and stability in central midfield after shining in the Major League Soccer with the Seattle Sounders. Their final arrival is the talented left back Ashley Cole, a position that has been a weak point for Real Madrid ever since the days of the legendary Roberto Carlos.  This deal was agreed with Chelsea in return for the argentine winger Angel Di Mariá. All three of these players will make their debut against FC Bayern München.

But the money has to come from somewhere doesn't it? Even if you are Real Madrid.  The highly prolific goalscorer, Karim Bemzema being sold the lowly Skrill North side, Stockport County.  The experienced Spanish mifielder, Xabi Alonso has also been tempted by the bright lights of Stockport, and there is no doubt that this highly prestigious club can stave off relegation to Manchester league 1 for at least one more year.

IOWFA - A new chairman

Breaking News - Benedict Cameron has announced his retirement as Chairman of the IOWFA and passed the role on to Peter Hardman. Benedict Cameron will remain a senior manager of the IOWFA but has passed leadership on to his cousin. Mr Cameron will also continue to manage Bayern Munchen.

This change of management also means that the transfer rules have been changed! All manager transfers up to this point have been cancelled! Each manager is allowed to make another 2 transfers but this time, all the January transfers are added!

Long live the IOWFA!

Transfer News - Suarez to Bayern Munchen

IOWFA Chairman and Manager of Bayern Munchen, Ben Cameron has signed Luis Suarez from Liverpool for £60,000,000. It is believed that he got the money for this transfer from the sale of Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Transfer News - Di Maria to Chelsea and Cole to Real Madrid

A transfer deal has been made between William Cameron of Real Madrid and Peter Hardman of Chelsea. It is to be an exchange deal of Di Maria and Ashley Cole. Peter Hardman is paying an additional 1Million for Angel Di Maria.

Angel Di Maria is expected to be a great signing for Chelsea and Ashley Cole is a much needed player at Real Madrid.