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       #Post#: 2383--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Hellhound howler: Round up!
       By: Steve N Date: January 27, 2024, 5:18 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [right]60pts[/right]
       Hellhound howler: Fixture analysis part 2
       Earlier this week the Howler previewed the top 4 teams' fixtures
       for the remainder of this season. Before our analysis gets out
       of date the Howler wants to follow up by looking at other four
       teams making up the top eight and see who has it all to do to
       overcome the odds and who should be seen as the likely
       contenders to upset the apple cart and break into the promotion
       picture.
       Again, for the analysis below we have rated each league fixture
       in terms of difficult allowing for opponents league position and
       whether the game is at home or away. The higher the number, the
       more difficult the fixtures! Broadly, the lowest possible rating
       (easiest fixtures is about 6, the highest possible rating is
       about 40).
       Kingfisher Dolphins
       It looks like Kingfisher will need to make hay while the sun
       shines. They could bag nine points out of nine over the next
       three gameweeks with some kind fixtures on paper (Coventry HOME,
       Sky Blues AWAY, United 1908 HOME) but then comes the reality
       check of back to back AWAY games against Robbailie and Cockney
       to finish the season. All in all this leads to a tough
       [glow=red,2,300]fixture rating of 30.[/glow] That's the hardest
       run in of the top 8.
       AFC Coventry
       The team directly above them have a challenging set of fixtures.
       And Coventry face that team tonight! If Coventry can find a
       result AWAY to Kingfisher then they are in prime position as
       we've rated that as their toughest fixture. Even a draw would
       likely be a good result. They do still have Golden Eagles HOME
       and Helsinki HOME to come, but the relatively difficulty of
       those fixtures is somewhat lower due to home advantage. Highland
       HOME and Thamesworks AWAY are seen as the easier games. All in
       all this leads to a reasonable [glow=red,2,300]fixture rating of
       21.[/glow]
       Nikara Dragons
       Highland HOME, Thamesworks AWAY, Helsinki HOME, Cockney HOME,
       Whirlwinds AWAY. For Nikara this one is a similar story to
       Coventry. Their two hardest fixtures are at home which should
       help. Their only two away fixtures see them take on two of the
       weakest teams in the league. All in all this leads to a
       fantastic [glow=red,2,300]fixture rating of 14.[/glow] Could
       Nikara put together a late run?
       United 1908
       The team with the most to do in every sense. Furthest from the
       promotion picture and now adjudged to have the worst fixtures.
       Miracles are needed! They are on the road three times against
       Cockney, Highland and Kingfisher all AWAY. Then when they do get
       home its Golden Eagles and Robbailie at HOME. Some teams get all
       the poor luck. All in all this leads to an atrocious
       [glow=red,2,300]fixture rating of 29.[/glow]
       Verdict:
       1st Eagles
       2nd Robbailie
       3rd Helsinki
       4th Cockney
       5th AFC Coventry
       Then Cockney to deny Coventry in the play offs!
       Of course, a couple of unexpected results and this all changes!
       #Post#: 2406--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Hellhound howler: Round up!
       By: Steve N Date: January 29, 2024, 11:36 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [right]80pts[/right]
       Hellhound howler: Fan polling
       The Hellhound Howler has been out and about polling the fans of
       this great side to get their views on the past managers of this
       great club.
       Current manager: Steven Nettleship
       Relatively new to the role and has overseen a boom or bust
       season with a string of victories followed by a string of not
       victories.
       Interim caretaker: Dave Rosewell
       Oversaw a regenerative period at the club with new signings and
       improving form, but his caretakership was marred by the
       mysterious disappearing of his finest young signings on the eve
       of the current manager taking over
       Prior manager: Olli Huttunen
       Olli managed the club for a number of years without much success
       but was well liked by fans prior to the club joining OFMC
       Prior prior manager: Joulupukki
       The jolliest manager the club has ever seen. He gave the fans
       many a present. His back room staff were rather on the short
       side though.
       First question: What is your manager rating out of 10
       Winner in this poll was Joulupukki with an impressive 7.6
       rating, much loved by the fans. It was close between the others
       with Huttunen polling 6.2, Rosewell 5.9 and Nettleship 5.7.
       Second question: Which manager would you be least likely to
       leave your kids with?
       Oufff, tough reading for messers Rosewell and Nettleship who
       came out with 38% and 36% of the vote each. Huttunen polled just
       20% and Joulupukki an incredible 4%.
       Third question: Who has the best beard?
       This was a hard fought poll but it came as little surprise when
       Joulupukki came out with 43%, seeing off Rosewell with 30%,
       Nettleship with 25% and Huttunen who at most goes with the
       stubbly looking languishing in last with 12%.
       Fourth question: Who plays the best brand of football?
       Finally something to write home about for Nettleship as he takes
       this one with a whopping 51% of the vote. Huttunen came second
       with 26%, Rosewell 15% and Joulupukki 8%.
       Fifth and final question: Who is most likely to take the club to
       glory?
       A quite bizarre outcome to this one with Nettleship taking just
       12%, Rosewell a paltry 14%, Huttunen 10% and Joulupukki 8% - an
       almighty 56% responded 'None of the above'. Ouch. Well it sounds
       like Helsinki fans are realists and optimism is not in the
       Finnish psyche!
       #Post#: 2410--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Hellhound howler: Round up!
       By: Steve N Date: January 30, 2024, 7:43 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [right]60pts[/right]
       Hellhound howler: Transfer target
       Statement of intent
       The Helsinki Hellhounds have confirmed a statement of intent for
       the close season as they look to pursue their number one
       transfer target. It is understood that the club plans to pull
       out all the stops for Kyusha Yakuza's Leda Cygnus. Whilst no
       official bid has been prepared - and the club may not make one
       until the season officially ends - it is understood that the
       club is looking into options which might persuade Kyushu to part
       with their number one midfielder.
       If the unthinkable happens and the club manages to persude
       Kyushu Yakuza to part with their star player it would be an
       incredible coup for the Division Two side. The betting markets
       though believe the deal to unlikely with odds of 5/6 that he
       remains at Kyushu for the first game of next season.
       What does the player offer?
       He is considered to rank alongside the best midfielders in the
       league, boasting strong passing skills as well as having an eye
       for goal. Across 31 games this seasons he has contributed 76 key
       passes resulting in 8 assists and made 61 shots resulting in 11
       goals. Incredible stats.
       How on earth do the club think they can get this done?
       It is believed that the club are willing to offer multiple stars
       to try and get a deal done with players such as Reece Evans,
       Tanaka and DeDavis Roy all muted as options for the deal.
       For now, both clubs remain unwilling to comment but it may be
       only a matter of time before Kyushu issue the stock response of
       "he's not for sale" to ward off potential bidders. Sadly for
       them and their manager, those words don't always deter the
       Helsinki manager!
       #Post#: 2416--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Hellhound howler: Round up!
       By: Steve N Date: February 1, 2024, 5:54 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [right]80pts[/right]
       Hellhound howler: Round up
       Today's edition of the howler is a round up of everything going
       on at the club this week.
       Stadium expansion
       The new main stand is nearing completion which is due to
       increase the club's capacity from 40,000 to a 50,000 all seater
       stadium. This will mark the next step in the club's aims to
       become an elite team. In terms of next steps, the final touches
       are expected in the next couple of days and then a test event
       will be held early next week prior to full and final sign off on
       the stadium by about the 11th of February. The club looks
       forward to hosting at least one game in the freshly re-opened
       grand stand.
       Shephard on the beach
       The tabloid press featured many photos and articles showing
       midfield starlet Shephard on the beach in the Marbella and
       Puerto Banus over the past few days catching some sunshine and
       some well earned rest. The player is suspended for this
       weekend's match following his third yellow card. When asked for
       comment about the player's actions the club confirmed that "The
       player asked for and received permission for a break this week
       and the club hopes the player will come back fighting fit for
       the crucial remaining games of the season." Its a tough life
       being a footballer!
       Time for some Honest(y)
       Transfer speculation is mounting that Guam Honest will leave the
       club at the end of the season. It is understood that Helsinki
       are keen to promote younger players into the starting XI and
       Honest may need to make way as a result given the minutes
       requirements. There will be no shortage of interest in the
       player given his strong performances in midfield and ability to
       score goals too. Helsinki be hoping they can secure the right
       type of player in exchange.
       And finally...
       The club's canteen has gone vegan for February. The club is
       trying out a new eating regimen which is meat free and dairy
       free. It remains to be seen how the players react and whether it
       has an impact on results on the pitch. This reporter is off to
       go grab some falafel with a spicy side salad.
       #Post#: 2434--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Hellhound howler: Round up!
       By: Steve N Date: February 4, 2024, 4:37 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [right]80pts[/right]
       Hellhound howler: Sunday morning sit down
       It’s time for a Sunday morning sit down with the gaffer and to
       see how he’s doing and what he’s up to today.
       Q How are you today?
       A I slept like a baby. I feel fully refreshed. I didn’t get my
       head down until gone midnight as I needed to let the adrenaline
       get out of my system from the game, but ultimately I always
       sleep well after a victory.
       Q What’s your plan this morning?
       A The players are heading in for a light rub down and some
       physio. But there isn’t any training today so I give myself the
       morning off. I’ll head in after brunch by which time the
       analysts will have footage from yesterday’s games to discuss -
       both a de brief of our game and a review of our next opponents
       Nikara.
       Q Brunch sounds lovely. What’s on the menu?
       A Today I’m going to have veggie sausages, a sweet potato mash
       and avacado salad. Delicious.
       Q Will you be doing anything else today?
       A Absolutely. We’ve got a three hour planning meeting for pre
       season with the Chairwoman where we’ll have a chat about what we
       need to do in terms of the stadium, the playing staff and other
       changes around the club. We’ll definitely be agreeing on
       transfer targets and hopefully we’ll have some positive news on
       that front before the final game of the season is upon us. The
       early bird catches the first worm and all that.
       Q I see you referred another manager to the league. What can we
       expect from Dan T?
       A He’s a high calibre manager. Expect someone who is active in
       the market and looks to play some exciting football on the
       field. They had a rough start yesterday bossing the game but
       ultimately the differential in GK skills killed them.
       #Post#: 2464--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Hellhound howler: Round up!
       By: Steve N Date: February 8, 2024, 12:21 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [right]50pts[/right]
       Hellhound howler: Update
       It’s been an unusually quiet week over at Helsinki Hellhounds
       this week. No news from the club for many days in a row is quite
       unusual. Is there something going on?
       Well firstly the club’s staff including the players had been
       given a few days off to recuperate after their fine victory over
       promotion rivals Cockney that has put Helsinki back in pole
       position for promotion. So there hasn’t been a lot going on at
       the training ground.
       That victory could provide pivotal for two reasons:
       1) it drew the club level with cockney on points
       2) it widened the goals difference by six goals to a wide margin
       of nine goals which could prove pivotal when all is said and
       done
       So you can see why there was a rest granted before the club does
       battle once more this weekend.
       What has the manager been up to? Well he sort of relaxed too,
       only working 9 hour days rather than the usual 16 hours. It’s
       understood that he spent some time on deals for the end of the
       season with mixed success. And planning an amazing tactical
       performance for this weekend.
       So we can expect a relaxed refreshed team and manager this
       coming weekend. Excellent.
       #Post#: 2467--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Hellhound howler: Round up!
       By: Steve N Date: February 9, 2024, 2:44 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [right]80pts[/right]
       Hellhound howler: [move]THREE GAMES TO GO!!![/move]
       It's squeaky bum time in Division Two as the fixtures tick down
       and the pressure ticks up a notch each week. Last weekend was a
       dream for Helsinki, but where exactly does that leave them?
       - Robbailie are five points clear and probably too far away with
       nine points to play for
       - Golden Eagles are three points ahead and have by far the best
       goals difference which makes them difficult to overhaul
       - Cockney sit on same points but are behind on goals difference
       - Kingfisher are three points back and way behind on goals
       difference
       - Nikara are six points back and are in the conversation as they
       play Helsinki this weekend
       Worst case scenario?
       Nikara take down Helsinki at home, while Cockney beat Robbailie
       and Golden Eagles / Kingfisher pick up expected wins. That would
       leave Helsinki 3 points behind Cockney and their own fate out of
       their hands and Nikara would be breathing down their necks too.
       Best case scenario
       Helsinki win, Robbailie do the business and Helsinki sit in the
       automatic promotion spaces by three points and with far superior
       goals difference. One more win should be enough to see them
       promoted.
       Its funny just how much one weekend could shape the course of
       the season but that's why we love football!!
       Bookies
       Where do the bookmakers have their odds at the moment?
       Title odds
       Golden Eagles 4/6
       Robbailie 7/4
       Helsinki 3/1
       Cockney 5/1
       Bar 10/1
       Eagles come out as favourites despite having ground to make up.
       Remember they host Robbailie in the final week in what could be
       a title decider.
       Automatic promotion odds
       Robbailie 1/10
       Golden Eagles 2/5
       Helsinki 4/6
       Cockney 2/1
       Nikara 7/1
       Kingfisher 8/1
       Bar 25/1
       The top two look nailed on for promotion but both will want to
       ensure it is secured before the final game against each other!
       Helsinki look marginal favouries over Cockney.
       Play off odds
       Cockney 30/100
       Helsinki 6/4
       Kingfisher 6/4
       Nikara 6/4
       AFC Coventry 2/1
       Wide open. Cockney look likely to miss out on automatic
       promotion but look safe bets to keep a play off place. Those
       odds will change if they upset the league leaders though.
       Coventry cannot be discounted yet
       Game on in week 20! Good luck to all the teams involved.
       #Post#: 2504--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Hellhound howler: Round up!
       By: Steve N Date: February 18, 2024, 5:31 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [right]50pts[/right]
       Hellhound howler: Permutations
       Well here we go. Everything is clear. The clubs know what they
       need to do themselves and what they need from others as the
       final league games of the season approach.
       Can Helsinki win the title?
       Theoretically yes, but realistically no. Its a 100 - 1 shot to
       win, see Eagles lose at home (they've only lost 2 all season
       long) and then over turn a 12 goal deficit. But Helsinki have
       scored an impressive 62 league goals this season.
       What do Helsinki need to secure automatic promotion?
       Helsinki sit in prime position in 2nd, ahead of both Robbaillie
       and Cockney who made the running in the first half of the
       season. Helsinki have 40 points, Robbailie have 39 points and
       Cockney have 38 points. It is worth noting that Helsinki have a
       10 goal advantage over Cockeny and 13 goal advantage over
       Robbailie.
       Helsinki win - they will be second (at least) and promoted
       Helsinki draw - Cockney would need to win by 11 goals due to
       Helsinki's goals scored. Robbailie could overtake with a win and
       take second.
       Helsinki lose - Cockney would over take Helsinki with a win.
       Robbailie would only go above with an unlikely victory at the
       Eagles!
       Bookmakers view
       Title - they've already starting paying out on Eagles' title
       Automatic promotion
       Helsinki 1/33
       Cockney 4/6
       Robbailie 7/5
       Robbailie would however be favourties to overcome Kingfisher in
       the play off final though.
       #Post#: 2506--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Hellhound howler: Round up!
       By: Steve N Date: February 19, 2024, 2:15 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [right]50pts[/right]
       Hellhound howler: Final fixture odds
       The excitement is palpable. The media teams are in over drive
       this week as the final round of fixtures is almost upon us! Just
       days are left to wait to find out who is promoted, who is
       relegated and who has a play off winner takes all match to play.
       Fun fact: The top six are all playing each other in this final
       round! (as are the bottom six!)
       Cockney vs Kingfisher - this game could be a prelude to the play
       off final. Kingfisher are already confirmed but Cockney know
       that a victory may mean they can avoid it. Despite their
       proximity in the league, Cockney are favourites for this one.
       Cockney win 1/2
       Draw 2/1
       Kingfisher win 3/1
       AFC Coventry vs Helsinki - Away matches can always be tough and
       AFC Coventry are more than capable of an upset. The bookies have
       it pretty even but make Helsinki slight favourites. Given the
       goal fests of other weeks it is unlikely to end in a draw so say
       the bookmakers.
       Coventry 6/5
       Draw 3/1
       Helsinki 5/6
       Golden Eagles vs Robbailie - Robbailie are probably the most
       nervous of all the teams. They made the running all season and
       one defeat here could undo it all and leave them with a tricky
       play off tie to navigate. Eagles are favourites, no surprises
       there.
       Eagles 4/6
       Draw 17/10
       Robbailie 2/1
       So what odds of Helsinki missing out on automatic promotion?
       Cockney win 1/2 & Coventry 6/5 & Robbailie 2/1 gives a shade
       under 9 /1 or about an 89% chance of taking an automatic
       promotion spot come Saturday evening! (maths not checked!)
       #Post#: 2520--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Hellhound howler: Round up!
       By: Steve N Date: February 22, 2024, 5:45 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [right]50pts[/right]
       Hellhound howler: Hellish plan hatched
       The hours are ticking down to the league finale this weekend and
       the Hellhound hell-makers in the back room have been busy
       hatching a hellish plan to overhaul Golden Eagles and take the
       league title.
       Step 1: Bribe Willz to drop their GK and play their third choice
       keeper
       Weakening the goalie will surely enable Helsinki to score a high
       proportion of their shots
       Step 2: Feign injury and pretend the opposition kicked us to get
       a man sent off
       What is easier than to play against 10 men, preferably getting a
       defender sent off would help too
       Step 3: Slip the opposition side something
       Nothing too dangerous, just something to put them 5% off their
       game and maybe relax them a bit. Either that or some laxatives
       would do the trick
       Step 4: All out attack
       Wave after wave of attack, aim to dominate everything, have 80%
       of the ball and 90% of the shots!
       Step 5: Pray to higher powers
       It could work??!?
       When asked about the need for the Eagles to lose their game in
       order for any of this to count the Hellhound hell-makers back
       room team swore, realised they made a huge error and went back
       to the drawing board.
       *****************************************************
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