Afternoon Managers
 
Just wanted to say good luck for all the managers invovled with the Play off Semi Finals on monday and then the subsequent finals later this week

It seems this year that most of the leagues have a good mixture of experienced managers and new ones so should be a very exciting set of final games with large prizes at the end

Having been invovled with a play off semi and final when i managed Boro in the old game, i know what you are feeling. I was a massive underdog against a much fancied Liverpool side - and secured a 1-0 victory - so to all those managers with understrength sides or facing a team that is technically stronger - keep your chin up and remember clever tactics can really help on the day

I also wanted to mention that some managers earlier in the season were going to to loan in some superstars just for the playoffs. This has happened in some cases (I for example lent JD Van Persie for his matches, but we have a long friendship and he has a very young team) - but i have a lot of respect for the managers that changed their minds due to wanting to keep the spirit of the game and keep the finals on a level playing field. Fairplay to you all - as it was a lot easier to loan stars in - but hardly realistic

That is not to criticise teams teams that did secure superstars, each manager decides what is best for thier team and it was a clever loophole this season. League One inparticular according to some of the gossip was turning into a superstar summer holiday - and its more exciting now that each team is capable of going the distance - which after all is only fair after a long league season fighting each other

All the very best for the coming games and GOOD LUCK ALL !

cheers

Simon
Arsenal Manager

ps a bit of extra special good luck to my feeder club Leicester City and Steve, Luke at Man City, and JD at Chievo. Ill get the squad together and screen the games at the Emirates to support you lads!