Hey guys, half of my term has passed so it's time for a half-term report.
Results in Season 19 and World Ranking
4 wins and 3 losses last season in the Euros was the epilogue. Not the result I was hopping to achieve, however giving in mind the group and the schedule it was overall a positive result. However I'm satisfied because it was a (somewhat) step forward.
The cumulative effect of the Euro record and results in the friendlies afterwards was an improvement in the World Ranking of Norge NT by 10 positions. Now, that is a promising sign. Currently we are ranked No 41.
The Players
The player data-base is solid. I've just added few names from the U21 team from last season. Jørgen Abildgaard, Ole Linnerud, Svend Slyngborg, Yngve Kleven could become leaders of the future NT squad. Training is essential to all of them and let's see if the raw stone would turn into shining diamond in 2-3 seasons.
As for their older compatriots there are some players which deserves special attention.
- Alf Grindstein is the main man. He improved by 9 major skills. Congratulations to L.BIRD, a manager from Spain.
Bellow see the training results from other, potential NT, players. I must say I was expecting to see more training effort for some 9+ potential players, especially since the current backbone of the squad is getting older and new heroes must step up and take their place eventually. So my final note on the domestic players would be: train your players harder - it will most certainly pay off more to have strong player from your nationality (more merchandise) in your team... and it is definitely more cool.
- 8 skills: Jens Erik Jensen
- 7 skills: Martin Pettersson, Yohannes Vatland
- 6 skills: Alf Bergshaven, Sven Lundgren, Tor Svendsen
- 5 skills: Hendrik Jacobsen, Svenn Berg
- 4 skills+ Jørgen Duesund, Leiv Fosshaug, Terje Haugland, Kasper Bugge and Snorre Petterson
- 3 skills: Daniel Hansen, Bjørn Hassel, Tore Tang Ellefsen
- 2 skills: Stian Erga, Keith Grini, Steinar Sagen, Stian Erga, Åge Guttormsen
- 1 skill: Egon Olesen, Thor Harry Sørvær, Geir Clausen, Aanen Lian, Stefan Tillbrant, Karsten Ramsdal, Emil Breen, Arild Nilsen, Jan Thorbjørnsen, Olaf Larsen
Season 20
Well, we are in the consolation tournament and my goal for this season will be to reach the top 32 stage and progress as further as I can. Soon we will discover our first two opponents and hopefully we can have a strong start for the next 6 matches in the qualification. Couple of things are essential: 1) training should continue, 2) careful weekly minute management.
Cheers everyone and let's have a good season!