So we find ourselves just about half-way through this current season, and the Broomrigg Boys - led by front-man JCantle for their 3rd successive season - are finding themselves in and amongst the rabble of mid-table. Quite a surprise, considering their manager has only seen them through 2 Change Reports (of which there were many great joys and celebrations, as players doubled, all over the manager's face), and they are by no means the strongest team in the league. An even more impressive feat when you consider the history of this team: where they've been, where they are now and what they may become.
Let's go back to the very beginning: a place which Maria correctly points out to the Von Trappsias a very good place to start.
The team was created in 2007, amid the 12th season of the Xtreme League where a hearty, youthful and passionate manager (by the name of linusfrank) looked to do his duty and propel himself, and squad, into the world of Xpert. Calling his team 'Staines Westside Massive', there was no stopping the lad from coming 6th out of 8th in a fresh, bottom-tiered Division 7:whatever. Presumed a fan of Ali-G, it's a shame the manager couldn't take on the civility and nobility of such a character; when guiding his lads through their first season!
Needless to say the lad jacked in the fame of Division 7 after only one crack of the whip. A new manager, in the form of Emilarsson, took on the job of restoring hope and glory to the netherworld of the the Westside Massive. With this new guidance and leadership at the helm, the club went through an 11-season stint which saw them Win Div 7:116, Win Div 7:65, Win a playoff place (which they lost in the end) to Div 5 in season 24, and by some fluke of Xpert nature - get relegated the following season (Season 25).
The manager didn't know what had hit her (I'm presuming it's a girl - it sounds like a girl's name!?!?), so promptly cut all ties with the club and jumped ship... and what a shame of shames it was...Approximately 2 days later (or so is reported through the grapevines that still hold whispers of what happened) the club went through what can only be described as an Xpert miracle, a mathematical malfunction... They stayed in the exact same division...
After this tumultuous coup, the squad was in disarray. Without a leader, nor indeed a clue on what had just happened to their supposed relegation, the club wondered what it was to become. That is until Klissy came along to pick up the pieces... and gosh were the pieces picked up!
Stepping in as an unknown, the manager steered this sinking ship to winning Division 6:24 in his first season; but only after revamping the teams look, style and name - 'The Ned Kellys'. The very next season saw the manager, and team, take another step towards greatness as they earned themselves a promotion spot to Div 4: of which they actually went on to win and cash-in a spot in Division 4m!! Great tidings and joy were short-lived however as the manager resigned from the club for personal reasons, although no statement was given to the club or press-room at the time.
Next up on the manager's list was Special-two, who swiftly dubbed the club 'Warriors of Chaos' ... and chaotic it was. After three consecutive relegations back down to Division 7, the club itself sacked the manager and brought in a new face for a hopeful new start.
Papeiras was given the manager role and also free license in to put his own stamp of authority in the club. With the manager actually sticking around this time, the club changed it's name to 'Papeiras F.C.' and managed to claw it's way back to some form of humility in the space of 10 seasons.
Some of the highlights: 1st season in charge, the manager won Division 7:75 into Div 6, 2nd season in charge, earned a promotion playoff spot in 6:41 which they went on to win; earning themselves a place in Division 5:22. Then a play-off in the 3rd season which was unfortunately lost, and then a string of 3rds and 5ths saw the club almost simmer in the echelons of Div 5. Which brings us to Season 40.
The manager was sacked mid-season, only for newcomer Ism_MuñozMartin to be swiftly ejected as well... Then, 2 games before the end of season, and last place/relegation to Division 6, an almost certainty, JCantle (myself) was brought in to try and add some sort of stability back into the ranks.
After enduring the inevitability of relegation, JCantle set about the club's (hopefully) final incarnation and with it a fresh batch of youths looking to fulfill the manager's wishes of lofty DV heights. 'Broomrigg Boys' was born!!! With 35mil in the bank it was hardly a perilous effort (just look at the prospects coming through the ranks!) bringing in the new boys.
Much like the efforts of managers before him (in particular Papeiras), JCantle has done staggeringly well in a short space of time:
1st Season in charge: Won Division 6:13
2nd Season in charge: 2nd in Division 5:1 so earned a play-off place. Won it and promoted to Division 4a - alongside arch-nemesis and newly dubbed rivals Steauaa, who won the Division.
3rd Season in charge: Currently mid-table, above Steauaa.
A proud history...but a proud future?.................who knows....
Peace x
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