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Cup interview

Written by Donut102

Interview with Donut, manager of Knowle UtD the lowest ranked side left in the English Cup, whom are facing Prem side "Here we go again!" this week in R7.

In R6 (636963604) you had home advantage against Prem side Lokomotiv New Basford, produced an titanic midfield for 60% of the ball with 49% central attack ratings playing AIM against a tricky 4-4-2CA that could score at will from any normal chances (they only missed a quick SE chance), and you knocked them out 5-3. Please tell us a little bit about this game, your preparation, thinking, and reaction to the result, your best ever Cup performance?

Lokomotiv are a great side – and I knew if he played his first team, I’d be out. However, if he played the same cup side as the prior week I had a chance with my cup team. So, embarrassingly, the preparation was a cut & paste of the prior week’s game. Not sure I’ll get away with the same this week!

You've been playing since June 2004, albeit restarting with this current team in June 2015. Please tell us a little bit about that?

I never achieved much in my first few years with Hattrick, but loved the game. Then in late 2011 my business was acquired, and I just couldn’t afford the time, so I let my team lapse. I started again in 2015, and I was hooked immediately once again. A few things had changed for the better: auto-bidding, the app, home-grown bonus, and most significantly transparency of the match engine through the Unwritten Manual. The game is as great as ever, and look forward to climbing the leagues over the next few seasons with this team.

Your team looks to be centered around 3 home grown players, Ogden, Pamment and Iyke, please tell us a little bit about your youth team set up, and how you've been making the most of it - any tips for noob managers (not that we have many of those these days)?

I’m lucky to be in a recurring 4 team Youth League which gives maximum training. The three players you mentioned weren’t the best YA players – passable main skill, aged mid 17 to 18, but they did have the right spec. They came along at a time when I had no cash and they filled the team out. The greatest aspect of hattrick is that anyone can build a great team with patience and a plan. For any noobs, get a training plan and players with the right specs – skills can always be trained.

Your manager page reveals that you are an Aston Villa fan. Its the 3rd season since demotion from the EPL and Villa will be needing a good run in 2019 to reach the playoffs. Where did it all go wrong, or is the club now rebuilding at low stamina with a view to relegating again before promoting back up the leagues?

The last time I saw Villa, they lost 6-0 to Liverpool in the season they were relegated from the EPL. They haven’t played entertaining football since the Martin O’Neill days unfortunately. They’re starting to click now, and I’m planning to go back in 2019.

Please tell us a bit about your Christmas, did you have a traditional Christmas dinner, and what was your favourite gift (received/given)?

Traditional Christmas, with the family. It’s all about the kids – and the favourite was a popper gun battle. (https://www.amazon.co.uk/HogWild-Atomic-Poppers-Battle-HOGWILD/dp/B01LBMOT5C)

What was the last book you read, and would you recommend it?

The Damned United by David Peace – an excellent book. I’m also a bit of a Terry Pratchett geek. (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91rBl8tG1UL.jpg)

If you had to spend £1,000 on one stock/share/equity holding for a public company to hold for exactly one year which one would you choose for 2019 and why?

National Grid (LSE: NG). Trading on a PE of 16, with a 5.5% yield. It’s a stable share that will deliver a return. I’m happy with dull investments!

You won the V.190 title last season, only to be beaten by a fellow Aston Villa supporter in the playoffs. This season you've won 5/5 as have your title rivals White Armforce, whom you face in the mid-season double header. The away side has won the last 4 times you've met, but do you think this Cup run will help or hinder your chances for beating them to the title this season, and why?

I expect that I’ll be out the Cup this week, and I can apply the first team to the White Armforce games. I’ll need my best team to have any chance of winning. He’s got superior GD, and if I only get 3 points out of the double header then he’ll probably take the title.

If you could choose half a dozen donuts for viewers to eat while reading this interview, which ones would you recommend and made by whom?

Jam, from the local baker. Try eating them without licking your lips!

What is your favourite building or architectural design, and why?

The Barton Arms (https://www.thebartonsarms.com/). Stunning from the outside, but the tiling inside is just beautiful. Also happens to have a cracking Thai restaurant, proper real ale, and close enough to Villa Park. What else can you ask for?