Club Expansion on the Horizon?

By Hingle McCringleberry

Exeter Pirates sent shockwaves through the league today with the announcement they’ve hired the first Assistant Manager in FSL History. Pundit’s around the league have been impressed by the leadership shown by Jethro Davidson, with Exeter beating expectations in their first season of top flight football. The club was given an A- in the Summer Transfer Window by the league commissioner, and an expected finish of 11th Place.

We always wondered what would happen when WeeKalea Sr was embedded as Manager, after a slow start, Exeter went on a 9 game unbeaten streak, the longest such streak this season. League results have stagnated slightly after a 2-0 pasting by Glasgow. In The Lilacs FA Cup, it’s been another magical run by the Pirates, dispatching Dublin over two legs, Aberdeen over two, and outlasting Neeps & Tatties in a penalty shootout to reach the Semi-Finals – how far can they go this time around?

When pressed about the signing of an Assistant Manager, Jethro had the following to say: “We’re always looking for an opportunity to gain an edge over our competition. Kalea has had a great run of success, but we both felt like we could benefit from another set of hands close to the wheel. I’d been talking with Alex Ape as we both serve as members of the League Office, and it became clear he was interested enough in having a role, without having the capacity to serve full-time. Ape’s duties will include Game Day Tactical Planning & Implementation, Player Recruitment, and Marketing.”

It remains to be seen what kind of impact a change like this will make around the league, we’re already seeing recruiters out on the streets and in the pubs, who will be next to take the plunge? Will we see clubs spending their budgets on more backroom help, who will be first to hire Scouts, Data Analysts & Marketing Coordinators – we’ll have to wait and see.

Commissioner Jmart was clear to us that Assistant Managers will have to work under the following restrictions:
– Can only change tempo, make in-game subs, and HT tactical changes
– No Pre-Match Adjustments (unless there is a suspension or injury that was unknown)
– Get no credit for results (website)
– They can have a profile on the website and will be attached to the team page
– You cannot be @Club Manager or @Club Owner and also be an Assistant Manager.

Season 9 begins soon, how will having an assistant manager help the Pirates next season, we’ll keep you updated.