Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[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
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[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)
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[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
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[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
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[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)
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[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.
​

 

[Matt10]

Watford welcome Matteo with open arms
Striker joins Hornets in last week of transfer window
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 21 July 2017

After a grueling offseason, Matteo has possibly found a home

Watford Manager, Malky Mackay has apparently found "his man" in natural goalscorer, Lam Matteo.

Matteo, now 26 years of age, had his glory days for Fulham - and after a stint with Swansea and Leicester City, the striker has joined the ranks of Tom Cleverly, Ross Jenkins, Adrian Mariappa and keeper, Scott Loach.

The incredible fact of Matteo's signing was that he is the only signing for the Hornets this offseason.

"Yeah, it's not necessary after the season we had last year," states Mackay, "We won the cup - but did not fair too well in the league. That is going to be a different story with a goal scorer like Matteo."

Matteo had to make a tough decision in choosing Watford because of the other 4 teams that had shown interest him. The four teams were Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City, his own side Leicester for renewal and finally Blackpool.

"It came down to who showed me that they can win," says Matteo, "I understand I am here to make a difference - and I hope that I can win enough matches with Watford to prove my worth."

Matteo has been issued the #8 kit number, Watford's first match of the 2017-2018 season will be home to Coventry City.

​

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[Matt10]

Watford FC 2017 Roster

First eleven: 4-5-1 Formation
Manager: Malky Mackay


1|GK - Scott Loach
2|CB - Adrian Mariappa (c)
22|CB - Craig Cathcart
33|RB - Lee Hodson
12|LB - Lloyd Doyley
28|CMF - John Eustace
14|CMF - Ros Jenkins
20|RMF - Tom Cleverley
7|LMF - Don Cowie
5|AMF - Henri Lansbury
10|CF - Danny Graham


Substitutes


35|GK - Bontond Antal
6|CB - Jay DeMerit
4|CMF - Scott Severin
17|SB - Dale Bennett
23|SB - Jordan Parkes
30|CMF - Rob Kiernan
8|SS - Lam Matteo


Reserves

32|SMF - Billy Gibson
15|SB - Jon Harley
18|SS - Will Hoskins
11|CF - Heidar Helguson
13|GK - Jonathan North
16|GK - Richard Lee
27|SB - Matthew Sadler
3|SB - Jure Travner
34|SB - Eddie Oshodi
29|SMF - Michael Bryan
31|SS - Marvin Sordell
21|SS - Lewis Young
19|SS - Liam Henderson
36|CMF - Kurtney Brooks
​

 

[Matt10]

Should be a good fit with a team that finished near the top last season. Hopefully the goals flow this season.

Watford actually finished 19/20 - they won the Championship Cup though, against league leaders Newcastle.

 

[Matt10]

Fixture 1 - (Aug. 4, 2017)
Watford v Coventry City

It was a physical match full of yellow cards and one red.

Prematch: Watford – Coventry City
It's a new season, a new ball, an old stadium actually - but alas, we are here at Vicarage Road with Watford hosting Coventry City. Only one signing for Watford in the offseason, and he's not starting. Lam Matteo created some controversy by leaving Leicester City, but let's hope it's not the same for the Hornets this time around. Speaking of last, the Hornets finished one spot from last place in the previous season, and Coventry City did not finish too far off. Heida Helguson leads the attack by his lonesome for Watford, while Coventry's Leon Best is expected to have a standout season. Watford v Coventry - NEXT!!

Halftime: Watford 0-0 Coventry City
An opening nervy match, just as expected - Coventry and Watford are very close together here. Heidar Helguson had the best chance for the Hornets when his shot in the 20th minute just flew over the crossbar. Coventry's Freddy Eastwood madea dazzling run through the defense, but his final shot was less than desired as it went well right of goal. The football is great, the shout from Vicarage Road faithful are of Lam Matteo's name to be entered into the match hopefully soon.

Fulltime: Watford 0-0 Coventry City
A free flowing match, but scoreless in the end. It was without controversy however, the referee sending off Tom Cleverley for a sliding tackle from behind on Coventry's Michael McIndoe. Lam Matteo's arrival as a center midfielder spakred some attack, but when the ball dropped to the feet of Helguson, the striker seemed too confused to do anything with it. Plenty of things to work on, but a point is never a bad way to start the season.


Caution: Eastwood (Coventry) - Cathcart (Watford) - Severin (Watford) Hussey (Coventry)
Sent off: Cleverley (Watford)
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Next Match - Watford v Leicester City (Championship Cup)
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[Matt10]

Championship Cup, 1st Leg - (Aug. 11, 2017)
Watford v Leicester City

Danny Graham starts over Helguson in the first leg.

Prematch: Watford – Leicester City
Watford begin their title defense today against Leicester City, a side that has not faired well in the Championship. Danny Graham gets the start over Lam Matteo and Helguson, while everyone knows Andy King in the center of the pack for Leicester is always a treat to watch. The first leg between Leicester City and Watford from Vicarage Park - let's hope it's a cracker!

Halftime: Watford 2-1 Leicester City
Danny Graham's double in the first half is what separates the two sides at the moment. But Scott Loach's save on Lloyd Dyer from two feet away was magnificent. A really nailbiting match, will Leicester come back or will the champions, Watford, run away with it? It seems Lam Matteo is set to enter the fray as well!

Fulltime: Watford 2-1 Leicester City
Winning at home is a prerequisite, especially if you are champions, and Watford have abided to the golden rule. Leicesetr looked like a better team than last year - but Danny Graham's performance was too much. Lam Matteo came in to face his old team, and while no blood was lost - there was a sense of distaste among he and the Leicester players.

Watford Goals: Graham 15,32
Leicester City Goals: Clemence 6

Caution: Matteo (Leicester City)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Ipswich Town
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[Matt10]

Fixture 2 - (Aug. 18, 2017)
Watford v Ipswich Town

Lam Matteo sporting the team colors in his boots.

Prematch: Watford – Ipswich Town
The night is full, and Ipswich are in town to visit for a bit! The Hornets are fresh off a first leg victory over Leicester in the Championship Cup, while Ipswich are getting over the hangover that was the drubbing from Newcastle United. Heidur Helguson gets the nod from Mackay over the favorite Danny Graham. Graham scored the two goals against Leicester and it is a suprirse to not see him starting here. Also a surprise, is Lam Matteo's absence, still apparently not worthy of a start in the midfielder, let alone as striker.

Halftime: Watford 1-1 Ipswich Town
John Eustace's goal was matched by Grant Leadbitter's fortunate strike at the stroke of halftime. Watford look like a side that is trying to pass the ball into the net, rather than throw everything at the Ipswich defense. While Ipswich is taking advantage of some of the bad passes by the Hornets. The second half is shaping up to be more of a chessmatch, but Watford would be advised to mix things up a bit.

Fulltime: Watford 2-1 Ipswich Town
Lam Matteo's first goal for Watford turns out to be the match winner in front of a packed Vicarage Road stadium. Matteo's effort in regaining possesion of the ball, then a slight dip of the shoulder past the defender, and finished with a precise "dribbler" past fully stretched Richard Wright in the Ipswich goal.

Watford Goals: Eustace 18 - Matteo 75
Ipswich Town Goals: Leadbitter 44

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dotQGRQISkY"]YouTube- vitownwatford[/ame]

Next Match - Crystal Palace v Watford
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[Matt10]

Fixture 3 - (Aug. 25, 2017)
Crystal Palace v Watford

Crystal Palace's Stern John is a veteran, and can score goals at will.

Prematch: Crystal Palace (19th, 0pts) v Watford (8th, 4pts)
Will Hoskins gets the start over Helguson and Graham, while Matteo makes his first official start in the midfield. Matteo scored the match winner against Ipswich last weekend - and with the American finding his shooting boots, one can only imagine how many more he has in him. Crystal Palace are on a bit of a stint in the lower part of the table, but will be looking to regain form in the rainy affair against the Hornets tonight.

Halftime: Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford
Malky Mackay will have to find the right words to motivate his side in the second half. No shots on goal from the Hornets, but several from Palace. Stern John's calm finish in the 16th minute is what separates the side, and his strike partner Victor Moses went inches wide in the 35th. So far Will Hoskins has not done a thing with the ball, an eerie trend of the Watford forwards this season - maybe we will see Danny Graham shortly.

Fulltime: Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford
Despite Matteo's best efforts, Watford go down today to a resilient Crystal Palace side, Stern John's first half goal was enough to push Palace through. Questions will arise towards Mackay's decision making as to why Danny Graham was not chosen over substitute Heidar Helguson.

Ipswich Town Goals: John 16

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Leicester City v Watford (2nd Leg, Championship Cup)
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[Matt10]

Championship Cup, 2nd Leg - (Sept. 2, 2017)
Leicester City v Watford

Helguson shushed his critics of starting the match.

Prematch: Leicester City v Watford | Watford lead 2-1 on agg.
Malky Mackay continues to shift in Helguson over Graham, something we might as well shut up about now, yeah? Watford come into Leicester with a 2-1 lead on aggregate, the hopes are that Watford can finish off Leicester to keep their title defense alive. However, Nigel Pearson and Leicester City will no go down so easily as Yann Kermorgant is paired up with Paul Gallagher, both strikers who can find the back of the net when the big match comes along.

Halftime: Leicester City 0-2 Watford
Watford now lead 4-1 on aggregate thanks to goals by captain Jon Harley and Mr. Helguson himself found the back of the net after some nice interchange between the midfielders led by Lam Matteo. Harley almost scored another after being sent on a terrific through ball, but to Leicester's credit, their keeper has shown up to play. It seems it's curtains for Leicester city, let's just see how long till the close.

Fulltime: Leicester City 0-2 Watford | Watford advance 4-1
The Hornets have advanced, quite easily mind you, two goals for Watford against a less than competitive Leicester side. Lam Matteo was surely the playmaker, and can be seen as the future of Watford in the midfield, he didn't recieve any statistics as far as assist, but if we played NHL hockey, he would surely have had two assists today.

Watford Goals: Harley 21 - Helguson 29

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Derby County
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[Matt10]

Fixture 4 - (Sept. 9, 2017)
Watford v Derby County

Derby's keeper, Kalac, would be the focal point of this match.

Prematch: Watford (13th, 4pts) v Derby County (16th, 3pts)
Watford are coming off a huge 4-1 advancing over Leicester City, and the confidence going into today's match against Derby is at a high. So high it seems Malky Mackay has opted to start Lewis Young over several other striking options, such as Heidar Helguson who scored last weekend in the Championship Cup second leg..

Halftime: Watford 1-0 Derby
An own goal by Derby County keeper, Kalac is all that separates the two sides. Lam Matteo looks a bit gassed and we could possibly see the American subbed out fairly early, obviously still fatigued from his last couple of matches for the side.

Fulltime: Watford 1-0 Derby
Watford secure all three points today at Vicarage road. While not the goal they would have liked, a goal nonetheless even if it was an own goal. They had their chances to add onto the lead, but Kalac made some brilliant saves, one in particular on Lam Matteo's strike from 20 yards.

Watford Goals: Own Goal (Kalak)

Caution: Lansbury (Watford)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Doncaster Rovers
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[Matt10]

Fixture 5 - (Sept. 16, 2017)
Watford v Doncaster Rovers

Lam Matteo floats a ball into the path of Scott Severin.

Prematch: Watford (9th, 7pts) v Doncaster Rovers (11th, 6pts)
A match that features similar formations. It's a chess match between the managers, while the players on the field are pawns. Watford are coming off of a somewhat unconvincing victory versus Derby County - so Malky Mackay has decided Heidar Helguson's presence in the front line should render some much needed goals. Lam Matteo starts again, a tireless worker who is stated as being fatigued - but the results are needed, son - pick it up and get stuck in!

Halftime: Watford 2-1 Doncaster
A bittersweet first half for Watford as midfielder Lam Matteo was subbed out after absorbing a calf injury. Matteo was tackled at the top of the box by Sam Hird, who completely missed the ball. Doncaster took the lead when Chapi took advantage of Scott Loach's intial save. Watford responded right back though through Heidar Helguson, who controlled a high pass in the box, and struck the ball with pure venom past Doncaster's keeper, Telkengkamp. Matteo played a part in what is currently the winning goal by playing a delicate ball over the defense and into the heading path of Scott Severin - who drove the ball into the back of the net.

Fulltime: Watford 2-1 Doncaster
Back to back wins for the Hornets, Scott Severin's heading goal in the first half proved to be the winner as Watford played defensively the entire second half. Another three points, but at the cost of Lam Matteo's injury - we are told he has suffered a strained calf muscle and will only miss a couple of days.

Watford Goals: Helguson 13 - Severin 20
Doncaster Rovers Goals: Chapi 11

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Nottingham Forest v Watford (to be simulated)
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