goalunited LEGENDS - Manager Interviews
Interview with Bekki from Pioneer Girls
How did you discover the game?
I was watching a documentary about Marcelo Bielsa with my dad in 2019 and discussing his use of statistics and in depth analysis. My dad mentioned this game that he used to play for a couple of years around 2011 and I might enjoy the way it was laid out. Logged onto his account to find it was unfortunately blank and everything had been cleared but it took me a couple of days to see the potential and I was hooked.
Which real team do you support?
Leeds United, born and bred Leeds girl
Game feature you would introduce?
I would like to have the opportunity at half time to be able to change formation and the option of using substitutes. This could also be achieved by having a 2 or 3 min break at the 60 min mark
Game feature you would get rid of?
Cheat cards, play for free kicks and get penalties, hate them, hate them, HATE THEM
General thoughts on the game and how long you see yourselves playing the game?
Love the game, there are so many things it offers all players. Personally I enjoy stats, let me play with figures and I'm a happy girl. I was fortunate that I started playing in November 2019 and was developing my team when the pandemic hit. When the lockdown kicked in, it gave me something I enjoyed and enabled my mind to be occupied with positive thoughts during some of the dark bleak times.
I am fortunate to have met some really nice guys who have helped me with understanding the more technical side of the game which has risen my enjoyment levels to new heights. I can see me playing this game for many years to come.
Proudest Moment so far in your Goal United career?
Winning the International Masters 40 class 8 (107) really pleased with myself as the IM's get harder to win the closer you get to class 1 as the teams are at a very similar standard. It's a long competition.
Winning the British Isles Floodlights Cup, my first domestic major trophy on Valentines Day 2022.
Team you have most trouble playing?
FC Pierdki, they always seem to take points off me whenever we play.
Do you have any targets for the future?
Well the obvious answer is winning this damn 1st Division title. After 5 second place finishes in the 6 seasons I have been in Div 1 you start to wonder if it will ever happen. To compound this the teams that are coming through are far stronger then when I arrived here. FC Real Barcelona are a perfect example, they had a genuine chance of winning the title in their first season. Next season there will be 4 teams that are right up there on a similar level with another one or two closing that small gap.
Most Disappointing Moment?
As the new kid on the block and flying up the league we found ourselves leading division 3 with a pretty strong side which I knew would be challenging the next season for the top of division 2. We had a really good cup run and found ourselves in the semi final against the once mighty Nirvana. Thinking we had very little chance of success, the girls played their hearts out and going into injury time we were leading 5-3 only for Nirvana to score twice to level the match at 5-5 and they went on to win 7-5 after extra time. I was totally devastated after that defeat.
If you had to offer one piece of advice to a new player starting today, what would it be?
Patience, don't expect to get straight to the top of the higher leagues. Concentrate on training and building a strong young team which will pay off in the long term. Try and win as many GU stars as you can as they are invaluable and don't be tempted to fritter them away on things you don't need.
Biggest Influences during your time playing Goal United?
Two main guys that have helped in their own ways.
Neil at Swansea Athletics' gave me the encouragement and belief at various times during my initial stages in division 1.
John at Tynewydd Sesh Heads took me under his Lord Greyhawk wings and showed me what can be achieved with the correct knowledge. He blew my mind with information that was readily available but I hadn't realised the importance of it. That particular day was like the light had been turned on in the room and was shining brightly, I could see everything so clearly.
If you could say something to the owners/developers of this game, what would it be?
Thank you for making this game available free to play. It genuinely helped me keep sane during the several lockdowns we experienced in the UK during 2020 & 2021