We recently brought you the fruits of months of intense labour when we presented The Default Pro Evo Master League Players - Where Are They Now? and the response was so positive, that we felt it was our duty to update to follow up and find out what happened to the subs as well. If you haven't read the first part we recommend you do now.
The stamina for most of the starting 11 was so poor that these subs were called upon far more often than they should be. Another factor for their inclusion in match day squads would have been releasing any players on high wages to be able to afford a real player, such as David Bellion, and being forced to include the subs who would play for pittance.
Regardless of wage, they always did their best, so our affection for these lovable misfits grew and grew. Here is what happened to the subs of the default master league team after PES United.
#22 - Lothar - Goalkeeper
Austrian goalkeeper Lothar only ever made one appearance for PES United, in a Konami Cup first round defeat to Djurgardens IF. The score that day was 4-0, with Lothar largely responsible for all four goals. After his release from PES United, he enjoyed a brief stint as backup goalkeeper at Rapid Vienna before retiring from the game to focus on his writing. His self-help book "Low Expectations Yield High Success Rates" was the #1 best selling book in Austria in 2011.
#12 - Ceciu - Defender
The English born son of Romanian immigrants, Ceciu honed his skills on the mean-streets of Sussex which meant he developed a knack for a tough-challenge. The no-nonsense centre-back earned himself a trial with Crystal Palace, which lead Iain Dowie to describe Ceicu as "a right bastard" after he opted not to sign him. After a solid career with PES United, Ceciu would return to his parents' homeland to join FC Unirea Urziceni, where he has recently been inducted into their Hall Of Fame having retired with more appearances than any other player ever.
#14 - Ruskin - Defender
Scottish full-back Scott "The Scot" Ruskin featured regularly from the bench during his PES United career. Having earned plaudits for a string of solid performances at wing-back following the departure of Espimas to Palermo, Ruskin jumped ship to return home and play for Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Queen Of The South, Stranraer, and most recently, Rangers. He now owns and operates a Sporting Good Shop on the Kilmarnock high-street.
#16 - Stein - Midfielder
Born in South Africa but qualifying for Ireland through his Mother from Innishannon, Fergal Stein left PES United after just one season due to falling out with the coaching staff. His landing spot was the San Jose Earthquakes where he quickly developed a reputation as a "decent player", leading to his one and only appearance for the Irish senior national side. Stein was given a call-up by Steve Staunton for Ireland's tour of the USA in 2007 and partnered Joe Lapira in midfield against Ecuador. After David Beckham brought the way of high-profile designated players to the MLS, Stein lost his way. He returned home to Cape Town where underwent his coaching badges and is now player-manager of Ghana Premier League side Ebusua Dwarfs.
#17 - Macco - Midfielder
Welsh wing wizard Rhodri Macco was heralded as the next Ryan Giggs as he flew up the ranks at PES United. A spectacular debut season in Master League D2 saw offers come in from clubs all over Europe, but his arrest for the possession of methamphetamine in late 2005 saw his contract terminated and his football career over. He was last spotted as an uncredited extra in Dirty Sanchez: The Movie in 2006.
#19 - Burchet - Forward
Flying winger Sam Burchet was one of the final original default players to leave PES United. Endeared to fans because commentators pronounced his name as "Bird shit", the Aussie wide-man joined Juventus following their relegation to Serie B due to match fixing, where he became great friends with Alessandro Del Piero. After playing a very minor role in Juve's promotion, Burchet returned home to Sydney FC where he became one of the league's top players, and was instrumental in bringing Del Piero to the A-League in 2012. He is now a part-time lifeguard and motivational speaker having retired in 2013.
#21 - Huylens - Forward
Dutch target-man Jameel Huylens really came to prominence following Castolo's return to athletics in 2006, and in PES United's last season he hit 18 goals in 24 games, excelling in an otherwise mediocre side. This form caught the attention of Ado Den Haag who signed the young striker with great urgency. When Steve McClaren took over FC Twente in 2008 he made Jameel his first signing, and the powerful striker delivered by firing Twente into the Champions League places, and eventually their first ever title in 2010. He now plays for the Go Ahead Eagles and co-owns a football themed coffee shop near Amsterdam's Red Light District.
