Back to back promotions never happens to me, so buzzing with the start to this save.

Serie A is going to be extremely tough #FM24 #Catania #GetSicilyASerieA

Six games to go and it was us v Pisa for 2nd spot.

With the lowest wage budget in the league, a win away in the shadows of the leaning tower and Serie A would await.

2-0 up, 2-2, two missed pens from Pisa and four goals from my CB

AND WE'VE DONE IT

Halfway point and all expectations had been blown away.

Even got a huge 3-1 win away at league leaders Parma.

S2 and the hope was to just survive, but after an opening day 0-0 with Bari, hopes were raised when we pumped Vicenza 8-0 at home.

Condo on a free will lead the line and Cittadini on loan from Atalanta is a significant upgrade in defence

Fast forward to present day, I'm just a guy who likes going to games.

In 2023 I went to 3 games, in 3 days, in 3 countries. I'm just back from Bologna and Florence.

According to @futbologyapp.bsky.social I've been to games in 11 countries. Not too shabby

My love of French football led me to create a website called French Football Weekly - which I think was fairly successful. Podcasting with @philippab.bsky.social and helping guys get their break in football writing.

Trips to Montpellier and Paris for games were the highlight

From 1997-2004 I had a season ticket at Celtic Park.

In 2005 I started following Lille and they quickly became my team, especially when I first went to the city in 2011.

In 2013 I lived there for a year and fell in love forever.

Now, they are my only club. Allez le LOSC

The formation is somewhat inspired by the book and Italian teams/players I've loved.

Love an attacking WB. Di Marco, Zambrotta etc.
I always want a ball playing DM like Pirlo, but a terrier beside him and then the creative spark further up.

Then I want two IFs around my big target man.

Season 1 and we finished 5th, but then had an almighty run in the ridiculous Serie C playoffs.

Beating Torres in the final and winning promotion to Serie B at the first try. Crazy

Chirico with 25g and 17a from IFR and my RB with 13 assists

Currently reading Calcio by John Foot, and alongside my week in Italy, and even though I swore off it, I've started an #FM24 save in Italy.

No team from Sicily has ever won Serie A, so there was only one choice. Catania FC 'Gli Elefanti' the badge is elite and ELEPHANTS.

Watching Montpellier v Lille and it is sad to see MHSC bottom of the table.

One of my favourite trips will forever be the same fixture in 2012 when they all but confirmed the Ligue 1 title. Amazing atmosphere, wonderful city.

Hopefully they survive, even just for @philippab.bsky.social

Back making videos from my football travels. First up @chaddertonfc.bsky.social v Prestwich Heys. 3-0 win for the home side.

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