Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Fixture 27 - (Apr. 1, 2017)
Leicester City v Queens Park Rangers

Fulltime: Leicester City 1-2 Queens Park Rangers

Leicester City are in troubble now. With another loss in the books, the side is sitting ugly in dead last (20th) with only 9 matches remaining. Lam Matteo is expected to make a return to the side after a calf injury kept it out of this one.


Next Match - Reading v Leicester City

[Matt10]

Fixture 28 - (Apr. 8, 2017)
Reading v Leicester City


Reading are the favorites for this one.

Prematch: Reading (7th, 43pts) – Leicester City (20th, 28pts)
On paper, Reading are the better side, but Nigel Pearson's men are in desperate - which could make them just as, if not more, dangerous. Matty Fryatt finds himself paired up with an unproven Martyn Waghorn.

Halftime: Reading 0-0 Leicester City
Jimmy Kebe is the man of the half with two shots - but both shots saved well by Carl Pentney in the Leicester goal. The attacking mentality of Leicester is showing, but as always the final ball is lacking. Martyn Waghorn has simply been out of sync with strike partner Matty Fryatt, which is why Lam Matteo has entered the match in hopes of finding the miracle 3 points Leicester so desperately need.

Fulltime: Reading 0-0 Leicester City
A frantic match played, but neither side could find the winner.Leicester's Levi Porter coming the closest in injury time after a perfectly weighted ball by Lam Matteo, but Porter's header sailed well over the bar. The point will do Leicester no good from getting out of the bottom table.

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Leicester City v Sheffield United

[Matt10]

Fixture 29 - (Apr. 15, 2017)
Leicester City v Sheffield United



Matteo found himself on the wrong side of the referee's whistle, but no bookings.

Prematch: Leicester City (20th, 29pts) – Sheffield United (11th, 41pts)
Nigel Pearson rewards Lam Matteo today for his play in the scoreless draw to Reading. Matteo will also be the focal point to score some much needed goals despite only having one goal this season. Sheffield United are a team that has slowly creeped up the Championship table, and it will not be a surprise if they decide to let loose on a struggling Leicester side today.

Halftime: Leiecester City 0-0 Sheffield United
Fairly exhilirating match, Leicester City look like a different team with Matteo starting - the striker already has 3 shots on goal, each just missing the target. Sheffield continue to press on with their slow, methodical attack, but one can sense there will be a breakthrough soon enough.

Fulltime: Leicester City 0-0 Sheffield United
Yet another scoreless draw, yet another meaningless point for Leicester City. At this rate, I'd say pack your bags, Leicester faithful - you're bout to get sacked.


Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Cardiff City v Leicester City

[Matt10]

Fixture 30 - (Apr. 22, 2017)
Cardiff City v Leicester City



Warren Feeney's strike proved to be decisive.

Prematch: Cardiff City (10th, 43pts) – Leicester City (18th, 30pts)
Despite the settling of one point last week, Leicester City appear to be away from regulation - for now, but traveling to hostile territor in Cardiff, there will possibly be no hope after tonight. Lam Matteo starts again after being the best player on the pitch last week - the striker has stated he "senses" a victory tonight.

Halftime: Cardiff City 1-1 Leicester City
Right after Matteo's header, Cardiff's Jay Bothroyd struck right back - with a cool finish into the top corner. The match has been very physical, as expected, but both sides are going to have to be on their toes in the second half.

Fulltime: Cardiff City 2-1 Leicester City
Warren Feeney grabbed the match winner in the 60th minute, and from there Leicester had no hope with their poor passing. The points could have been salvaged if substitute Martyn Waghorn shot did not strike the post in stoppage time.

Cardiff City Goals: Bothroyd 20 - Feeney 60
Leicester City Goals: Matteo - 19

Caution: Rae (Cardiff City)
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3Pmeb537y0"]YouTube- vcardiff lfc[/ame]

Next Match - Leicester City v Barnsley

[Matt10]

Looking good, to bad there haven't been many goal chances, and to sustain another injury. Not a good season for Matteo. Hopefully things start turning around at Leicester.

I'm ready to leave them to be honest, lol. Cannot handle the terrible play of teammates.

[Matt10]

Fixture 31 - (Apr. 29, 2017)
Leicester City v Barnsley



Another goal for Matteo, his second (third overall) in two matches.

Prematch: Leicester City (20th, 30pts) – Barnsley (14th, 37pts)
Last in the table is a lonely place, and Leicester City are the ones who currently occupy a relegation spot with Watford at the moment unless Nigel Pearson's men can grab all the available points within the last 6 matches of the season. The first of the six starts with Barnsley today - a team that is known for their workrate and tendency to edge out opponents.

Halftime: Leicester City 0-0 Barnsley
A couple of chances here and there, but neither team has truly threatened the goal. Leicester's attack looks stale and amateur, while Barnsley's attack is being well stifled by Leicester's defenders. This could be another worthless point for the home side.

Fulltime: Leicester City 1-0 Barnsley
A monumental victory today for Leicester thanks to hero Lam Matteo's header in the 62nd minute.A great start to the six match plan - is lady luck on Leicester's side?

Leicester City Goals: Matteo 62

Caution: Colace (Barnsley) Adams (Leicester)
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcbQUqQrx-A"]YouTube- 2017vbarns[/ame]

Next Match - Leicester City v Nottingham Forest

[Matt10]

Fixture 32 - (May 6, 2017)
Leicester City v Nottingham Forest



Lam Matteo receives the straight red despite his teammates best objections.

Prematch: Leicester City (19th, 33pts) – Nottingham Forest (14th, 38pts)
The journey to safety continues today as Leicester City are relying on Lam Matteo's brilliance to continue, the striker has scored a goal in the last two matches he has started. The rain has appeared once more, but the conditions should not affect the level of play.

Halftime: Leicester City 0-0 Nottingham Forest
The story of the first half was the straight red card to Lam Matteo in the 29th minute of play. Matteo had seemed to slip off the ball and his studs crashed into the calf of Forest defender, Kelvin Wilson.

Fulltime: Leicester City 0-3 Nottingham Forest
With lack of imagination due to being a man short, Leicester give up 3 goals, two of them by Dele Adebola and the last one to clinch was from defender Luke Chambers. Matteo has the headlines screaming "From Hero to Zero" by being sent off when the team needed him the most.

Nottingham Forest Goals: Adebola 59, 69 - Chambers 84

Caution: Chambers (Nottingham Forest)
Sent off: Lam Matteo (Leicester City)
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Next Match - Ipswich Town v Leicester City (to be simulated)

[Matt10]

Fixture 33 - (May 13, 2017)
Ipswich Town v Leicester City

Fulltime: Ipswich Town 2-2 Leicester City

With only three matches remaining, after a point today, Leicester City will have to summon all their might to beat table leaders Newcastle United. The return of Lam Matteo might be a bittersweet one - but it appears the Leicester faitful have forgiven the man for his absences.

Next Match - Reading v Leicester City

[Matt10]

Fixture 36 - (May 20, 2017)
Leicester City v Newcastle United



Matteo found the back of the net once again.

Prematch: Leicester City (19th, 34pts) – Newcastle United (1st, 70pts)
This match will have pressure on both sides as Leicester is trying their hardest at avoiding relegation, while Newcastle feel the heat from West Brom in preventing their title dreams. Nigel Pearson remains faithful to starting Lam Matteo despite the striker's outspoken intent to leave the club at the end of the season.

Halftime: Leicester City 0-0 Newcastle
The lone goal at half time by Marlon Harewood, taking advantage of some shoddy defending by Leicester. City have been without intent to score however, primarily led by Lam Matteo. Matteo has had two shots on target, one was a misfortunate header that was redirected by his own teammate sailing over the crossbar. Matteo was also busy in trying to set up his teammates, however Yann Kermorgant's sliding effort on goal was inches wide. The home side cannot afford missed chances in the second half - it seems the Magpies are just itching to score another to clinch the victory.

Fulltime: Leicester City 1-2 Newcastle
If you're a neutral, then this would have been a brilliant match - but alas, heartbreak once more for Leicester as they were unable to hold on for a point against a resilient Newcastle side. Lam Matteo scoring yet again, but it was Yann Kermorgant who will be wrestling in his sleep as the forward had 6 shots, and only 2 on target. The match summed up what has been a mostly down season for Leicester,and once again the visitors have stolen points from them.

Leicester City Goals: Matteo 71
Newcastle United Goals: Harewood 20 - Ranger 74

Caution: Tunchev (Leicster) Wellens (Leicester)
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzN7rV0Vkc"]YouTube- 2017vncastle[/ame]

Next Match - Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion

[Matt10]

Fixture 36 - (May 27, 2017)
Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion


Thomas took advantage of the poor defending by Leicester City.

Prematch: Leicester City (19th, 34pts) – West Bromwich Albion (2nd, 71pts)
Leicester host the other title contender tonight in West Brom - who are looking to gain all three points in order to top Newcastle United with only one match remaining in the 2016 Championship season. As always, the downpour in Leicester is visible, let's hope there will be the same with the goal scoring.

Halftime: Leicester City 0-2 West Brom
Two goals to nil, Leicester City have seemingly given up on this season by the display in the first half. Horrific defending, pathetic passing - it's all very depressing. The second half and final whistle can't come soon enough.

Fulltime: Leicester City 0-2 West Brom
No goals in the second half, but the damage was done for Leicester despite some good chances by Kermorgant and Matteo - each defended well or saved well by West Brom keeper, Scott Carson. Lam Matteo has shown he is the strength of Leicester, but a controversial post game interview through the radio has just confirmed he is done with the team and will not be playing in the last match of the season versus Doncaster Rovers next week.

West Brom Goals: Thomas 4 - Bednar 11

Caution: Matteo (Leicester City)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Doncaster Rovers v Leicester City (to be simulated)

[Matt10]

Matteo - I am done with Leicester
Leicester City Striker refuses to be part of relegation battle
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 2 June 2017



Lam Matteo is not interested in staying with the team

It has been a bumpy road for Lam Matteo since his Fulham days. After the courageous comeback from a broken leg suffered in a car accident two years ago, the American born striker has found himself jumping from Swansea City to Leicester City - where he has now decided that he will not play the last match of the season.

"I refuse to play for this team anymore," says the usually laid back Matteo, "This has been the most frustrating team I have ever played with. The boss is a joke, I'm sorry - it's just not working out."

Matteo has played in 15 matches and has scored 4 goals and 1 assist for the club since joining in January.

"At the time," he goes on about the transfer window, "It was what I thought was a great decision. My agent and I agreed that Leicester is a solid foundation for a revamped career."

However, it was not the case as Matteo witnessed a 7-17 (win - loss) record unfold, half of the wins he was not with the team yet.

"It's not disrespect to the club and its tradition - but I simply cannot fathom playing another year of this rubbish."

The next question would be where is Matteo going to end up in the coming weeks - some have speculated a return to the Premiere League, or possibly joining the ranks of newly promoted Newcastle or West Bromwich Albion.

According to Matteo, it "doesn't matter'.

"At least I'm not in this game for the money, I just want to be on a winning side before I retire."

[Matt10]

*Editor's notes:



In regards to relegation/promotion, I thought it would be possible to incorporate this into my bAL using league editor - however, all attempts have failed. I apologize for any reader's confusion on the premise. Unfortunately, due to Konami's inability to make this work, it will have to remain without promotion or relegation standards.

[Matt10]

2016-2017 Championship Final Table



Top Scorer: Pablo Counago (Ipswich Town) - 26
Top Assist: Adam Johnson (Middlesbrough) - 13
Manager of the Year: Alan Shearer (Newcastle United)

[Matt10]

Yet another move. He's been bounced around worse than a 3rd string QB in the NFL. Hopefully Matteo lands somewhere where he can make a difference.

Yeah, it's true. Leicester really are just not a caliber team, but that was given. I am excited about whatever move occurs. That's what is coming up next ;)

[Matt10]

Where will he go?
Week seven out of eight has come and gone

It is week four and Matteo has been offered a contract by five teams, one of which is a renewal contract (which was refused on the spot) by Leicester City.

Championship Cup winners, Watford, lead the pack with an offer of 420 P (Matteo currenlty makes 260 P), while Crystal Palace - who finished the season in 8th place - offer 380 P. Then we have Bristol City offering 460 P, then finally Blackpool - who are currently playing in the ScottEngland Premiership league (Scottish teams along with some British teams).

Queens Park Rangers are the newcomers in week five. QPR finished the season in 6th place and seems to be the most likely of the teams offering him a contract, in addition they are offering 460 P.

After refusing to sign immediately, Matteo's offer dropped with QPR from 460 P to 390 P. The highest offer is currently tied with Bristol City and Blackpool at 460 P. With one week left, Matteo needs to decide - and fast.