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The Black & Amber Army

Written by AndrewH

Are in R7, and face the English Champions next. Many of you may have a head to head record against this side but it has been awhile since they've made a name for themselves. We catch up with their manager AndrewH to discover the story so far...

You acquired The Black & Amber Army (formerly Peter Taylors Barmy Army) on 1st November 2004 (s24). You made steady progress to promote from VI and won back to back V and IV titles s34-35 but lost a playoff. Since then you've spent a total of 8 seasons in III spread over 3 different stints, the last being in s55, and the last time you made R7 was in s53. Please tell us a bit about your journey?

As a football fanatic, myself and 4 friends signed up to Hattrick on Halloween 14 years ago. We were issued our teams the very next day and got stuck in straight away. A long time has passed and I am the only one of the four still playing. I didn’t even have a bank card when I first started, so someone had to buy supporter for me and I gave them the money for it. Early years of playmaking training was very successful, leading to a few promotions and also the teams first Under 20’s player, whose subsequent sale led to our big promotion push into Division 4 for the first time.

Spike Silk (404496718) is a homegrown quick forward that has scored 72 goals for you, as well as getting a call-up for the U20 team. Please tell us a bit about this talismanic player, and what he means to your fans?

Spike was proof that the old youth system still pays dividends. A quick defensive forward in the making, the scouts were pretty much onto him after the first game. He did get his one and only Under 20 cap but unfortunately he was pulled at just the wrong time, so he did not fall in line with U20 Competition schedules and therefore did not make it on the big stage. Instead he remained a loyal player of the team and a fan’s favourite.

Your manager page tells us that you are a fan of Hull City with some sympathy with Newcastle. Both clubs are up for sale, with present owners that have paid little respect to the fans and the club history, wanting to change the names of Club and Stadium respectively, with little investment in players and Hull are battling to avoid successive relegations. Just how frustrating has it been for you as a fan?

As a season ticket holder of 15 years at Hull City, I've seen some highs and lows. Promotion from Division 3 to the Premier League, 4 trips to Wembley, Europa League and an FA Cup Final.

The Allams came in and worked wonders with Hull City, bringing in our most successful manager in Steve Bruce and spent millions on players that we would never dream of seeing play for the club, in our lifetime. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be, the Allams fell out with Hull City Council, then the fans and then Steve Bruce which has led to the beginning of the end. As businessmen, they are looking to run the club at a profit and this is something that cannot be done in football at the top level. Unfortunately, for us fans, we are the ones who have to suffer. Hopefully, new owners will appear on the horizon, but the present situation is pretty bleak.

What's your favourite tipple and place to imbibe?

I like a double Captain Morgan’s Spiced on its own in a whiskey glass in front of the fire. (https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/nintchdbpict000232014318.jpg?w=960)

Please could you tell us about the last book you read and whether you'd recommend it?

The last book I read was A Game of Thrones. Having previously watched all of the HBO episodes it was great to be able to read George R.R. Martin’s written work. I also have the privilege of living just down the road from Robert Baratheon and Hercules actor himself Mr Mark Addy.

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Do you have a favourite building or architectural design?

Having been to New York some of the architecture over there is out of this world. I cant wait to go back to see more of the sights. A week just wasn’t long enough.

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Last week in the Cup, David Carr (413801501) scored the winner in the 85th minute to knock out Jol-lification (620799528) whom have played more games in the Premiership than any other active team, and who on paper should have beaten you. Were you watching it live, and how does it feel to have turned over such a 'famous' club?

I will admit that I didn’t watch it live as truth be told I wasn’t expecting it to be a close game, its possible that Jol-lification underestimated the power of my attack however I also have to thank the HT Gods for the little bit of luck that has got me on this cup run so far. We are not having any luck in the league however and will be lucky to stay in the division this year.

Please tell us how your significant other feels about your addiction to this game and about him/her and how you met?

Having been together since 2003, I have been with my wife as long as I have been playing Hattrick. In the early days I would spend hours preparing spreadsheets, analysing tactics etc which didn’t go down to well. However, nowadays I spend a loss less time playing Hattrick, and more time with my family, as well as watching Hull City or coaching football to children.

What are your aspirations for your hattrick teams, in terms of future achievements and training?

Once this Cup run is over I will be changing training from Goalkeeper training at present.

The only training I've never carried out in all my years of playing is defending, but I think I may just go back to the safety of midfielder training in the hope of pushing for promotion back to Division III.