The Journey of Marcus Spencer
This is a very different than usual approach to a Career so here's a little intro. Just to clarify this will be a slow paced career to begin with, but will eventually take over as my main one.
Who is Marcus Spencer?
Marcus is a character i created for online purposes. Marcus Spencer has been everything from a created player on Fifa and used as a Youth Player storyline to being my name back in the day of Wrestling Efeds (damn that was a long time ago) he's my go to guy for when I wanna create something original
What Will This Career Be Based On?
So, now I feel its time to retire Marcus Spencer and he will take up a role in Football Management, but he will have one more season as a player before retiring. He'll be ending his career in Scotland playing for Celtic before i retire him and move into Management. This also gives me opportunity to play a bit of Player Career without committing to it long term. From there there is no plan, no idea where we will begin will depend on what offers are on the table. The intention is to manage more than one club.
As mentioned this will be slow paced for now until i am satisfied at ending my Wrexham Career. Will play the odd match in-between and will update occasionally. Just wanted to try something new
Who is Marcus Spencer?
Marcus is a character i created for online purposes. Marcus Spencer has been everything from a created player on Fifa and used as a Youth Player storyline to being my name back in the day of Wrestling Efeds (damn that was a long time ago) he's my go to guy for when I wanna create something original
What Will This Career Be Based On?
So, now I feel its time to retire Marcus Spencer and he will take up a role in Football Management, but he will have one more season as a player before retiring. He'll be ending his career in Scotland playing for Celtic before i retire him and move into Management. This also gives me opportunity to play a bit of Player Career without committing to it long term. From there there is no plan, no idea where we will begin will depend on what offers are on the table. The intention is to manage more than one club.
As mentioned this will be slow paced for now until i am satisfied at ending my Wrexham Career. Will play the odd match in-between and will update occasionally. Just wanted to try something new
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Same here; it gives more room for story and that in itself gives more way to fantasy, especially once you arrive in the future (year 2022 and onward). Would love to see Celtic getting a boost, because they've been dwindling lately.
Thanks, it will pick up more when its my main career currently still going through Wrexham as my main and will get through odd match here and there until I'm satisfied and wanna go no further with Wrexham.
What is likely to be the final season to a great career for Marcus Spencer has been far from fairytale, but thats not what he had planned after turning day final paydays in both MLS and Chinese Super League.at the end of January 2022 Celtic find themselves 2nd in Scottish Premiership 3 points behind Aberdeen, out of the Scottish Cup and Europa League. For Spencer himself he hasn't had the greatest season of his career, but at 36 what did people expect. Scoring 7 times and assisting 3 in 18 games majority from the bench.
This has kinda been done deliberately to advance the season quicker and even tho its a lower quality league i didn't see it as part of the story for Spencer to be starting every game. So skipping training and a few games is keeping him at Subs bench level which works for me.
Had offers during January Transfer window, but the plan remains to see out the season at Celtic hopefully with one last hurrah before moving into Management. Despite elimination from Europa League Celtic have a place in Conference League and will face Bodø/Glimt. Both Spencer and Celtic will be looking to add this to their trophy haul and being the inaugural champions pf the competition whilst also looking to close the gap on rivals Rangers title haul as well.
Probably the result of being brought on as a sub, but what i have found annoying is I play every game out of position, usually being brought on as RCM or LW. Too slow for winger as I did make the pace lower so with objectives of making so many successful dribbles and crosses they hard to achieve, but also stops me becoming first team regular which isn't all bad
The season has moved along and Celtic have found themselves in a great position, finishing the first stage of the league season top 2 points clear of Aberdeen before the League divides. 5 games left to play to decide the title potentially coming down to the wire with final day game between Celtic and Aberdeen. Celtic all but ended their rivals Rangers chances after thumping them 4-1 at Ibrox. Marcus Spencer having one of his finest performances of the season coming on as a Substitute in the 56th minute at 0-0 he tormented their defence picking up 3 assists and a goal for himself in injury time.
At 37 Spencer is still firing in plenty of goals and getting a reputation as Celtic's super sub. Struggling to last 90 minutes but when coming on against tired defences he has had the desired impact.
Celtic also having a great time in the Europa Conference League currently with a 4-2 first leg lead over Real Sociedad and the 2nd leg to be played at Park Head. Once again Spencer proving his worth as a valuable substitute coming on at 2-0 down and leading Celtic to victory. Spencer currently 2nd highest scorer in ECL with 9 of his 21 goals being scored there this season so far.
Despite insisting he'll be retiring at the end of the season Marcus Spencer has been receiving offers from all over the world to join them next season. Of course, all have been publicly rejected and that he is focusing on this important season whilst also completing his coaching badges.
2021/22 Season - Final Season to Marcus Spencer's Playing Career
The Final 5 games to the Cinch Premier League Title were chaotic, both Celtic Nd Aberdeen throwing away opportunities to win the Title. First up rivals Rangers played their part in damaging Celtic's title hopes with a 2-1 win at Park Head but Aberdeen went on to lose their game also. Celtic followed this up with a 3-1 win against St Johnstone, but what happened after some say almost cost Celtic their title hopes. Marcus Spencer was left out of the next 2 games not even making the bench, but was included for Europa Conference League games. No explanation and left lots of people scratching their heads. Celtic went on to draw both those games. Aberdeen also dropped points in those rounds of fixtures also. Maybe the gamble paid off with Celtic still in control and in The Europa Conference League Final. However, Spencer was back in the starting XI on the final day of the season for the Title decider. A win or a draw would be enough for Celtic to clinch the title, defeat would hand it to their opponents Aberdeen.(Haven't looked up league rules 🤦♂️ but commentary mentioned Aberdeen winning the title with a win regardless)
It was a thrilling game with Marcus Spencer signing off his 1 and only Scottish Premier League season with his first Hat Trick (in the league) twice putting Celtic in the lead. However late drama saw Aberdeen score what everyone thought to be the winner in the 89th minute! The title looking to leave Glasgow for the first time since 1985, but no! The Aberdeen players went to sleep so Marcus Spencer and Jota waltzed through their midfield and defence from the restart and instantly equalised, Spencer completing the hat trick and scoring the title winning goal.
What a game, what an end to the season and what an end to a career, or is it? Still wiyh the Conference League Final to come.
Celtic winning their 52nd league title
Unfortunately it was not meant to be the perfect end to the season for Celtic or Marcus Spencer. Facing off against Jose Mourinho's Roma they didn't read the script. The were strong favourites before the match and were much the stronger team. Celtic were never in the game and was as good as over by half time with Roma leading 3-0. A double from Pellegrini and El Shaarawy scoring also. The 2nd half was better by Celtic defensively, but were unable to create any chances. A frustrated Marcus Spencer came off in he 85th minute and Romania found 3 more goals to become Inaugural Europa Conference League Champions convincingly.
Speaking after the game Marcus Spencer confirmed he was retiring and was hoping to have won tonight with Celtic feeling gutted not just for himself but the entire squad.
After winning Medals all over Europe it would've been the perfect end, but what is next for Marcus Spencer?
As July arrives Spencer is officially a free agent and no longer under contract. It was expected he'd take some time out before looking for his first Managerial Role, but he threw himself out there with a come get me plee to anyone who wants to take a chance. Many sides have been mentioned and rumoured, but their appears to be 3 offers to have the strongest links.
Firstly, after struggling the Athens Scottish Premier League Dundee FC have a position opening. After just spending a year in Scotland would it tempt Marcus Spencer to remain here and give it a shot?
Next up is Spezia, they had a tough season in Serie A and just about survived, they are hoping to lure Marcus back to Italy who did have a stint here a few seasons ago with AC Milan.
Next up, possibly a surprise one. Sunderlands. Just been promoted back to The Championship you wouldn't expect a Managerial position available, but it appears Lee Johnson has accepted a job elsewhere after winning promotion from League One.
Who will Marcus Spencer sign for, where will his Manager Career begin and how will he fair?
QPR could be fun too being a London club, I did a Brentford CM and every second game is a derby.
Spezia is kinda different from what we usually see, but the fact that Serie A only has one league kind of lacks realism.
But yeah I wouldn't mind any of the three choices.
Marcus Spencer has made his decision and has opted to move back to South of the border and will be taking the reigns at Sunderland for his first Managerial job.
He didnt arrive alone and has brought along Celtic Team mate Joe Hart with him. The 35 year old shot stopper has signed with Sunderland on a 2 year deal with the likelihood of joining Marcus Spencer's Coaching Staff.
After that things were a little slow in the Transfer Window with deals falling through. The Sunderland board were not quite willing to give too high of a transfer budget so Spencer looked to bring in some loanees which was unsuccessful. With the opening fixture away to Fulham fast approaching Sunderland turned to a Free agent to bolster the defence and former Stoke City CB Danny Batth joined them.
Feeling good and confident with the upcoming season Spencer showed intent by lining up a fairly attacking side to face Fulham. Newly promoted from League 1 Sunderland are amoung one of the favourites for relegation and this was seen not as a bold, but naive by everyone else and those thoughts were correct. Sunderland were completely outclassed by a strong Fulham side. Marcus Spencer getting a harsh reality check into Management with a 4-0 thumping. a lot to be learned and work to be done!
With no natural RB in the side Sunderland went back into the Free Agents and picked up possibly one of the signings of the window for them. Chelsea academy play Dujon Sterling had been released by the club after a few loans. Next in the door another top signing, after failing to agree terms on a loan deal for Leeds Uniteds Ian Poveda Sunderland went back in with a bid. Poveda was having a successful loan spell at Blackburn last season before injury interrupted his season. Now recovered he's hoping to reignite his career and is a great addition to the side.
Sunderland turned their fortunes around on the pitch also. Coming up against Luton Town they got a 4-0 victory of their own with Ross Stewart bagging all 4 goals. The game wasn't as easy as it seemed as Luton had more possession, more shots and Joe Hart rolled back the years as he was certainly the busier keeper.
Highlights below
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Spencer adopted very different formation and tactics for that game, opting for a 5-2-3 formation and likely to stick with it.
Now with the season getting into full flow a couple more signings came in Nortern Irelands Daniel Ballard has joined on loan from Arsenal for the season and one more free agent joined the club Norwegian RB Kevin Egell-Johnsen as cover for Sterling. It wasn't felt there was anymore cover needed on over positions and defence was the main priority especially with the newly adapted back 5. Also as it was shortly proven Sunderland had 3 defensive players missing because of International Duty.
Over the next 4 games to finish off September Sunderland picked up 5 points. A win at Preston, draws against Bristol City and Huddersfield whilst narrowly losing to Stoke City. 6 games in and they find themselves 13th in the league
August Results
FLC Fulham 4-0 Sunderland
FLC Sunderland 4-0 Luton (Stewart 4)
CC Sunderland 1-1 Hull 4-3 pens (Stewart)
FLC Preston 1-2 Sunderland (Stewart, Pritchard)
FLC Sunderland 0-1 Stoke
FLC Huddersfield 1-1 Sunderland (Gooch)
CC Sunderland 0-0 Bristol Rovers 3-4 pens
FLC Sunderland 2-2 Bristol City (Stewart, Poveda)
One thing Sunderland will be looking forward to is reignighting their rivalries with Middlesbrough and Newcastle United especially. The first tyneside Derby will be at the end of September as Sunderland host Newcastle at The Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have taken an early exit in the Carabao Cup. They needed a penalty shout out to see off Hull City in the first round then lost on penalties themselves against Bristol Rovers in second round.
There have been some big transfers all round this window, most notably Erling Haaland joining Real Madrid for a staggering £199,600,000 making him the most expensive player in history.
Here are a list of the top deals of the summer
Sunderland squad
Goalkeepers
Joe Hart 73 35y
Jacob Carney 56 21y
Anthony Patterson 57 22y
Defence
LB Dennis Cirkin 65 20y
LB/LWB Denver Hume 66 24y
CB Danny Batth 70 31y
CB Arbenit Xhemajli 63 24y
CB Tom Flanagan 66 30y
CB Callum Doyle 66 18y
CB Daniel Ballard 69 23y (on loan from Arsenal)
CB Billy Wright 69 30y
RB Kevin Egell-Johnsen 61 22y
RB Dujon Sterling 70 22y
Midfield
CDM/LM Dan Neil 59 20y
CDM/CB/CM Jon Olasagasti 68 22y
CDM/RWB/CB Luke O'Nien 69 27y
LM/LB Ellis Taylor 55 19y
LM/LW Alden McGeady 67 36y
CAM/RM Elliot Embleton 65 23y
CAM Alex Pritchard 69 29y
CAM/CF/LM Josh Hawkes 60 23y (out on loan)
RM/LW Lynden Gooch 69 26y
RM/RW Jack Diamond 62 22y
RM/RW Ian Poveda 71]22y
Attack
ST Will Grigg 64 31y
ST/LM Aiden O'Brien 65 28y
ST/LM Ross Stewart 68 26y
With the window closed and season into full swing Sunderland begin September at Millwall. Looking to get back to winning ways Sunderland hut early taking a 2-0 lead at the break with goals from Ross Stewart and Aiden McGeady. Shortly after the break Stewart added his 2nd and Sunderlands 3rd. You could see the confidence around the players but they got over confident as Millwall scored 2 goals in 4 minutes to make it 3-2 and still 20 minutes to play. Then right at the end a completely miss hit clearance from Joe Hart went straight to Millwall and tied up the game from there finishing 3-3. The same thing nearly happened again in the very next game as Sunderland hosted Barnsley. Again taking a 3-0 lead 2 from Pritchard and 1 from Sterling, 2 second half goals made a nervy finish, but Sunderland held out for the win. Sunderland went on to lose their next game away to Nottingham Forest with a Xhemajli own goal being the difference between the 2 sides.
Next up is potentially one of the biggest games of the season as Sunderland host Newcastle for the first time since 2015. A day that ended in victory for The Mackems. They'll be looking to get one over their rivals who despite suffering relegation last season do have financial backing, but The Magpies haven't got off to a great start in The Championship despite still having majority of their previous season squad.
Marcus Spencer is no stranger to big games, but this is his first Tyneside Derby and his first Derby as a Manager. The Fans have already expressed their joy of Marcus Spencer so far a win would surely cement him as a fan favourite for now at least!
The match was a fast paced tight affair especially the first half. It was end to end, but with very few shots on goal. Both defences were busy and The Midfield kept cancelling each other out. Newcastle did eventually start breaking down Sunderland and start testing Joe Hart and it came as no surprise when Callum Wilson broke the deadlock just before half time. Sunderland looked a little deflated after and nearly conceded a 2nd immediately after.
After the break it was more of the same, end to end, but still Sunderland could not get an attempt on goal. Things started to get a little fisty in the middle of the park, but the referee kept his cards in his pocket surprisingly. Eventually after 61 minutes Sunderland had the first attempt on goal and pulled the game back to 1-1. Of course, once again Ross Stewart comes through. The remainder of the game continued like the rest, both sides coming close, somehow the game remained 1-1 with both keepers getting tested in the final moments. This game certainly had a Derby feel to it and despite Newcastle being the much better side on paper Sunderland made sure it wasn't obvious on the pitch.
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Unfortunately a completely different team turned up in the next match against Blackburn Rovers 2-0 inside 17 minutes Sunderland were all over the place. It was thought when Joe Hart saved a Penalty in the 18th minutes things might improve, but they didn't as Blackburn added a 3rd before half time. A couple changes and the 2nd half started brighter and things were really looking up as when Winchester was brought down after breaking forward Blackburn went down to 10 men. 40 minutes to play, can Sunderland level things up? Level up they did, but not how you'd expect, just minutes later Sunderland were also down to 10 men with substitute Elliot Embleton getting sent off. Not much happened until the 87th minute when Will Grigg pulled a goal back, but it was too little too late as the game finished 3-1.
September
FLC Millwall 3-3 Sunderland (Stewart 2, McGeady)
FLC Sunderland 3-2 Barnsley (Pritchard 2, Sterling)
FLC Forest 1-0 Sunderland (Xhemajli OG)
FLC Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle (Stewart)
FLC Blackburn 3-1 Sunderland (Grigg)
Looks like you should be good in terms of surviving if you keep picking up like 5 points every month.