After the disappointment of failing in the play offs for the second time under Stewart in season 4, fans of Die Alte Dame were hoping for new faces to be brought in, in the hope that Berlin could challenge again.
Stewart did scour the market during the close season but come Match day 1 - not one squad player was brought in. This led to murmurs of discontent in the streets of Berlin with many claiming Stewart had been spending to much time spotting trams and had lost his marbles.
However the man from Cardiff had been working hard in training and trying new formations in friendlies. He stated "I was confident with my side come the start of the season. I had moved Andrea Poli from Right Back to Centre Midfield during the pre season friendlies and that gave the side a more balanced look. This was coupled with the emergence of early Stewart buys Jose Gomez and Dario Benedetto gaining plus 2 rating rises from 85 -87 respectively. "This solved the Right Back problem with Gomez making the position his own and Benedetto having a decent season as a replacement for Ben Yedder and Muriel".
On the opening day of the season Berlin competently brushed a resurgent Bremen aside 2-0. They carried on the style going on a club record 11 match unbeaten run, which also led his side to the top of the table. A position they would occupy for the next 27 games.
After losing for the first time Match Day 12 Stewart realised maybe a little more strength in depth was needed. He scoured the transfer market and brought in Tranbzonspor winger Volkan Sen for £6m plus Lee Jones and Gabriel Silva from Marseille for £7m plus youth striker Fred Friday.
Sen went on to play a pivotal part as an impact player, taking part in 25 games - 13 of which were substitute appearances. He netted a massively important 8 goals, most of which were late on at crucial times.
Silva made the left Back spot his own, settling in seamlessly - offering pace and reliability on the left hand side
"I now felt my squad was complete and we were playing with gusto, attacking as a unit and defending like tigers". From that first defeat at home to Montpellier the Germans went on to only lose a further three times all season.
"I think I realised we had the title when later in the season and up against Montpellier - who incidentally had ended our record unbeaten run we faced the prospect of 9 first team regulars missing through suspension or injury. Many other sides may have crumbled but not Berlin, Stewart trusted his squad players and rather than go ultra defensive as he had initially planned he decided to go for it playing an attacking formation. This worked a treat as the patched up side won a thriller 4-3.
During Berlins run Malaga had embarked on a colossal unbeaten run but The German's were not fazed as they themselves broke the club record for unbeaten league run for the second time in the same season recording the final 12 games without defeat and lift the Division 5 title.
This sparked wild scenes of celebrations with the fans and they partied day and night proclaiming Stewart the greatest manager in the clubs history. However little did they know that current Youth Cup Champions and Division One side Valencia had slapped a name your price contract on the table for the in demand manager.
The Future
So now Stewart has declared his intent to stay what does the future hold for Die Alte Dame? We are now in the close season and no transfer activity has taken place yet.
Stewart said "Of course I'm in the market, but lets get this straight. I wont make transfers for the sake of it, if a player cant improve my side without upsetting the balance, then obviously I wont bring them in" The boys I have here have proven their worth with a title - it may be the lowest divsion but its still a great achievement against a host of other experienced top managers and they deserve a chance to shine at a higher level without being broken up"
The Players
We take a look at some of the shining stars of the season and who are the future main players of Berlin.
Wissam Ben Yedder - Mr Berlin himself, a great season playing unselfishly in working hard for the team. Once again he recorded the highest average rating in the squad and chipped in with 13 league goals. He can definitely shine in higher divsions
Luis Muriel - Has found his place as the central attacking midfielder in the side. Didnt chip in with to many goals but his unselfish play and high average ratings made him a key component of the side. Dont let Muriels lack of goals distort your thinking, the guy is a class striker but the balance works well with him playing just behind Ben Yedder and he will continue to play well in higher divsions
Vladimir Darida - Central Midfield lynchpin and free kick taker. The diminutive Czech chipped in with 9 goals all from free kicks last year. His unlimited energy and vision for a killer pass demonstrate the importance to the team
John Terry - Serial Shagger and general twat Terry was seen wearing a Chievo Verona and Celtic kit after their respective promotions. He may be a prick but he totally held the defence together last year and will continue to do so next year
Fringe Players
Alfie Mawson - The young central defender is the heir to Terry's throne. If he continues his real life form a ratings rise from 85 will surely happen soon and when it does he will be seeing game time. I see the lad as a future England star so it would take a special bid for me to even consider parting with him
Florian Lejeuene - Will step in for Wes Morgan at centre back when his inevitable ratings rise comes. He had a fantastic season for Eibar in real life last season and similar perfrmances for Newcastle will surely see him rise soon
Walter Gargano - Now 32 years old but still continues to be an animal in the centre of the park when called upon, he will feature mainly from the bench next season and having chipped in with greta performances this season I expect the same for season 6
Aaron Mooy - The Aussie midfielder has it all. He can pass has a great shot, boundless energy and is great in the tackle, having won the Championship player of the year for Huddersfield last season I am confident he will raise in ratings this season by surprising premier league sides with his quality.
Conclusion
All in all you cant ask for much more in a season we won the league with style, we attacked throughout, we scored goals, we hardly conceded. The stat's dont lie as the table above shows.
We have had a taste of success and want more. There is no reason why we cant challenge next season.
When drawn on his long term future Stewart stated "I'll take each season as it comes, I have a desire to test myself at the top and we will see what happens after next season". So will the mercurial, personable Cardiffian stay? Only time will tell - keep your eyes on season 6 and all will surely be revealed....
Enjoyable write up Mark after a terrific season. Best of luck in D4, you look to be well equipped for a strong finish.
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