Prior to this season, GK was the squad's biggest weakness. I didn't want to go with a 17yo GK with a 31rating, but cash was limited, so decided to sign a 55rated retiring GK. Thought it was worth the $20M for one season to avoid relegation, and to hopefully make a decent run in the Trophy and League Cup competitions and maybe qualify for an international Cup in Season 7. I guesstimated the GK upgrade would save about 1 goal per match, which would generate extra prize money and sponsorship ($900K/win) to pay back the $20M. Fahad had 11 clean sheets and the 2nd best GK Rating in Div 1.1, so quite happy with how it worked out. Had hoped to qualify for Super Cup, and made CC.

Was fortunate to get a terrific sponsor deal. Had no idea how I would do, so picked Season Goals of top-12 finish and 10 league wins. Will probably do similar next season since I will be relying on that kid GK (now 18 with 40 Rating but still not shaving). The per-round payment covered Wages and Facility maintenance fees. Overall, saw a 50% increase in Sponsor cash in Div 1 compared to Div 2 ($105M vs $66M).

Jumped out to a great start: 9-1-1 after 11 matches; the Spitfires were sitting first with a nice lead. I was beginning to have crazy thoughts.....and then the football gods said, "Ahhh - not so fast old man", laced up their boots and kicked some reality into me. Soon I was 10-1-4, and dreams of winning the division were knocked out of my head. 2nd half of the season we went 8-2-5, limping home with 4 losses in the final 5 matches. (7 losses in final 10 matches if Cup play is included.) Despite that rough finish, a very unexpected successful debut in England 1.1, hanging on to 3rd overall by a whisker. Looking forward to drawing The Group of Death in the Continental Cup for Season 7!

Some numbers:
- Played 38 league and cup matches combined. 24-3-11. Used 19 different players. Only five players played every match.
- #3 in England 1.1. National Trophy Cup semi-finalist. League Cup Finalist.
- CF Nasser continues to shine, winning League honors as Top Goalscorer.
- Manager rating bounced around from mid-20s to mid-80s, finishing at #81.
- 50+ Team Average Rating for first time.
- Squeezed in 30 Friendlies.
- Added 9,650 seats to Spitfire Stadium, and added one level to the Youth Academy and one level to the Training Centre. YA-2; TC-2; 22,680 seats.
- Did not sell any players. Bought 2.
- 2 players retired after Season 6: The afore-mentioned Rent-A-Keeper, and my 40 (!!) year old WM. Good news is I will be saving $155,000 salary per round. Bad news is I will miss both of them on match days.
- After no injuries or suspensions in my first season, we had 3 injuries this season and one suspension. Each of my 55+ Rated starters missed three rounds, which made for some lineup excitement.
- Got my first Youth pull. Low starting skills, but decent Potential (76) and Learning speed (3.5*). Gaining a skill point per round, so his value is going up nicely in case I decide to release him eventually.

Finances:

INCOME
Ticket Sales $ 24,675,950
Team Merchandise $ 3,050,206
Advertising $ 816,211
TV Coverage $ 2,414,954
Sponsorship $ 105,433,632
Prize Money $ 23,400,000
Player Sales $ 0
Player Loan Refunds $ 0
>> Total Income $ 159,790,953

EXPENSES
Wages $ -59,979,935
Stadium & Facilities $ -31,921,792
Fees & Compensations $ 0
Player Purchases $ -83,624,434
Player Loans $ 0
Player Scouting $ -1,200,000
>> Total Expenses $ -176,726,161