Need to shake off this sinking feeling...

[LCFCEaves31]

Hello All,

I have posted many times on these forums over the years, and without sounding like I am licking butt, it is a brilliant forum and NORMALLY gives me all the answers.

However, FM13... Don't worry, this is not a moaning, or a critical post, I believe I am the one in need of help...

"My names Tom and I have a problem with being very mediocre on Football Manager 2013"

I am looking for help basically. I am seeing lots of tactical posts/threads on here and I am trying to employ them in FM13. However, I love a good Journey Man or lower league game and build myself up to the top, rather than start at the top. All the threads I read are useful, but Arsenal, Barcelona, Man City etc. are the teams everyone’s using as examples...

On my current save with Southend (started at Dartford and got head hunted) I do not have those players at my disposal.

My Story on FM13 so far...

I joined Southend mid-season, they were 11th in league 2 at the time. We finished 10th (I think). We won the first two games, already I am hero, the local council have passed the construction of a statue in the town centre, rumour has it, Lionel Messi has expressed an interest in joining next season… then we lost the next 3 games… the statue was cancelled and Messi changed his mind.

Since then, we have been up and down like a yoyo in performance. One game we dominate and win (all be it normally 3-2, 2-1, 1-0, always close), then the next game we lose… poor possession and no attacking flare at all. Apart from a centre back, one of them always like to attack… physically attack the opposition and get sent off, give away a penalty etc. But, I let it go, and thought that id wait for the patch update as a lot of people seem to be having major issues with the ME.

In the summer, lots of players left at the end of the season as they were either retiring or were just dead wood.. our finances are a bit of a mess, so I needed player sales as well. Lots of players joined in their place, so we have been through a lot of change. However, Pre-Season was surprisingly good, lots of goals, and good football. The first game of the season was a home tie against Derby in the Capital One Cup, and after holding our own, we drew 0-0 and still neither team could score in Extra Time. It went to Penalties and we won. I wasn’t bothered about the winning on Penalties, it was more about the performance for me… it was good, against better opposition.

First game of the league campaign at home to newly promoted Luton Town… we were rubbish!! We went 1-0 up somehow, but they eventually won 3-1! I changed tactics, tried to change the way we were playing to counter-act them, but nothing worked, they completely dominated us.

Since then, we have won 1, lost 2 (one was carling cup away at Wigan) and drawn 1. All performances have been average or below, put it that way. Keeping possession has been part of the problem, but I more concerned about the chances (or lack of) I create.

If anyone out there would like a part time assistants job, please contact me or post, as I am struggling and so far, refusing to blame the game. A lot of others are having success, so it is definitely me!

Thanks in advance.

[Cleon]

Hello All,

I have posted many times on these forums over the years, and without sounding like I am licking butt, it is a brilliant forum and NORMALLY gives me all the answers.

However, FM13... Don't worry, this is not a moaning, or a critical post, I believe I am the one in need of help...

Not often we have people realise that and actually admit it

It also means you'll be more likely to listen to the advice give meaning its worthwhile trying to help you

I am looking for help basically. I am seeing lots of tactical posts/threads on here and I am trying to employ them in FM13. However, I love a good Journey Man or lower league game and build myself up to the top, rather than start at the top. All the threads I read are useful, but Arsenal, Barcelona, Man City etc. are the teams everyone’s using as examples...

While that is true the basics and fundementals of the threads should still be applicable across any team in any level. I play no different whether I'm in the Prem or Evo-Stik leagues.

I joined Southend mid-season, they were 11th in league 2 at the time. We finished 10th (I think). We won the first two games, already I am hero, the local council have passed the construction of a statue in the town centre, rumour has it, Lionel Messi has expressed an interest in joining next season… then we lost the next 3 games… the statue was cancelled and Messi changed his mind.

Can't believe they cancelled the statue, that's just not on

Since then, we have been up and down like a yoyo in performance. One game we dominate and win (all be it normally 3-2, 2-1, 1-0, always close), then the next game we lose… poor possession and no attacking flare at all. Apart from a centre back, one of them always like to attack… physically attack the opposition and get sent off, give away a penalty etc. But, I let it go, and thought that id wait for the patch update as a lot of people seem to be having major issues with the ME.

In the summer, lots of players left at the end of the season as they were either retiring or were just dead wood.. our finances are a bit of a mess, so I needed player sales as well. Lots of players joined in their place, so we have been through a lot of change. However, Pre-Season was surprisingly good, lots of goals, and good football. The first game of the season was a home tie against Derby in the Capital One Cup, and after holding our own, we drew 0-0 and still neither team could score in Extra Time. It went to Penalties and we won. I wasn’t bothered about the winning on Penalties, it was more about the performance for me… it was good, against better opposition.

First game of the league campaign at home to newly promoted Luton Town… we were rubbish!! We went 1-0 up somehow, but they eventually won 3-1! I changed tactics, tried to change the way we were playing to counter-act them, but nothing worked, they completely dominated us.

Since then, we have won 1, lost 2 (one was carling cup away at Wigan) and drawn 1. All performances have been average or below, put it that way. Keeping possession has been part of the problem, but I more concerned about the chances (or lack of) I create.

If anyone out there would like a part time assistants job, please contact me or post, as I am struggling and so far, refusing to blame the game. A lot of others are having success, so it is definitely me!

Thanks in advance.

You've mentioned very little about what system you used, the roles, duties and what shouts.

For us to be able to help you have a read of this thread then if you could provide a lot more detail someone will be able to get you enjoying the game and having success again. Then when Messi shows an interest again in a season or two, you can tell him no chance!!!!

Asking For Help - PLEASE READ THIS

[LCFCEaves31]

Thanks for your reply. I knew you'd need more detail, I was just waiting for a positive response and that someone would be interested in helping.

Once a get a chance (this weekend) I will read the link and put up more info.

[Cleon]

Thanks for your reply. I knew you'd need more detail, I was just waiting for a positive response and that someone would be interested in helping.

Once a get a chance (this weekend) I will read the link and put up more info.

No worries. If its detailed I'll be sure to respond as will others from here no doubt

[LCFCEaves31]

Thanks... more will be on shortly...

[LCFCEaves31]

Right...

Boards expectations this season, is that we gain promotion. They don't care how, but we must do it.

My formation at present is 4-4-2.

Now I have been trying to get a screenshot for about 20 minutes and have grown bored... whats the best way on here? I have saved the screenshots to steam, but how do I get them to appear on here?

(Sorry for being a bit dim...)

Played a couple of games in the meantime. 1-0 home win via a penalty, really comfortable though, the opposition rarely threatened. Not many clear cut chances.

The second game we were 3-0 up in 50th minute ... Thus pulled it back to 3-3 and in the 89th minute we won it! Never got control of possession though, that's my frustration, not seeing games out.

[cycholka]

Now I have been trying to get a screenshot for about 20 minutes and have grown bored... whats the best way on here? I have saved the screenshots to steam, but how do I get them to appear on here?

1. Make sure that screenshot visibility is public ( or change visibility if it's not )

2. Right-click on the screenshot and use "Copy Link Address" option

3. Paste the link between tag pair, like this

<img>http://cloud-2.steampowered.com/ugc/558715197518887599/6C1D683CF27BA93EC4718BD391AF7777CA39ZZZZ/</img>

replacing <> with []

P.S it's good practice to resize the screenshot to 800x600 before doing above, because by default they come with your in-game resoultion which can be pretty damn big ( which stretches forums in an ugly way and takes ages to load on slower connections )

[Cleon]

It's explained in the FAQ's at the top of the forum how to take screenshots

[LCFCEaves31]

Right, here we go! I have finally worked it out...

Here is my Formation and roles.

In a recent game, I edited my right sided centre back to LD as he kept giving the ball away to close to our goal. Although he carried on giving the ball away, at least he was thumping it clear!!

[LCFCEaves31]

And here are my team instructions...

I seem to have picked up 3 wins on the bounce... so rumour has it, Messi is reconsidering his new contract at Barcelona...

What else would you guys like to see??

[LCFCEaves31]

And surprise surprise we go away to 20th in the league and are absolutely rubbish! We had a few more shots on goal, but hardly any clear cut chances! They only had 2 but scored from both of them.

These are the two images I thought would show important stats... anymore?

I really cannot understand how we lost. Yes I said we were rubbish, but Cheltenham weren't any better! I have had a lot of problems with consistency in this game (not just this save).

[wwfan]

I'd suggest the following:

1: Untick the team sliders and use shouts strategies to change your style

2: With those roles/duties/formation, a far more attacking strategy would seem logical

3: Devise a few shout strategies that can act as a defensive option within the attacking mentality the team generally employs

[cerud]

I've been having a similar problem and had to make the same declaration: "I am the one that needs help." Humbling, I know

I have a new career thread and have been getting great help from people there. I enjoy starting in the lower league and working my way up. The suggestion to me was to change my 442 to the basic one in the game, all defaults, Balanced Standard, default positions and roles. In doing this, I've noticed a great change in form. I do occasionally move to an Attacking philosophy as the play dictates and use a few shouts, but I'm more sparing in how I do it.

The one thing I can't stress enough...watch the games, even if it's just on a comprehensive view. And watch the players off the ball to see how the react/respond to play. It's definitely opened my eyes. I'm still in my infancy in learning, but I feel as though a corner has been turned.

On a side note, before this realization, I went on an epic 56 game winless streak. So I hope I can be proof that things can eventually change for the better!

[wwfan]

How did you react to that first win in 57?

Celebrated with a can of baked beans?

[ashlfcowen]

On a side note, before this realization, I went on an epic 56 game winless streak. So I hope I can be proof that things can eventually change for the better!

How are you still alive?

[LCFCEaves31]

Ok guys, thanks for some help there. I will un tick all the sliders, although this is the one thing I always felt comfortable doing... :confused:

And I liked to leave the defense deep as I do not have the quickest centre backs in the world...

A lot of teams I come up against all seem to play a variation of 451. Am I being a bit too old school??

[LCFCEaves31]

I'd suggest the following:

1: Untick the team sliders and use shouts strategies to change your style

2: With those roles/duties/formation, a far more attacking strategy would seem logical

3: Devise a few shout strategies that can act as a defensive option within the attacking mentality the team generally employs

We lost at home, we were rubbish. Didn't look like winning after we conceeded. I didn't change anything during the game as I have no idea what shouts to use. Ive never used them in the past and got on ok, but it seems in FM13 you only win if you use them. Whenever I have tried to apply my own logic, nothing seems to work.

1. un ticked all the slider boxes.

2. far more attacking strategy... what exactly?

3. No idea what to use or what people finds works best

1: I unticked all the sliders...

[cycholka]

I have tried to apply my own logic

(...)

1. un ticked all the slider boxes.

(...)

We lost at home, we were rubbish.

Well then, I'd hazard the thought the logic is flawed

Look at those formation carefully -

You play Man Marking, which requires really, really good players that are not slower/weaker/dumber than opposition and can keep concentration up all game. Possible, but hard to make real. Also needs special care for formations that don't match your numbers in midfield. Are you manually assigning markers each game and for each oppositions formation change, or do you hope it'll somehow happen magically?

You play Standard strategy, this makes all "Automatic" roles play Support, so your fullbacks don't really wander higher up than your midfield line and your central midfield hardly ever visits opposition box. Target man up front plays really static unless you give him some PPMs to move his ass around. Direct passing combined with Rigid mentality and this lack of movement between the lines means your basic mode of attack is probably - "let's kick this ball forward and see if AF can chase it down", with some of "let's kick it at the target man so he can head it to nobody in particular". There is that left winger that can get the ball once every while and try to put in a cross, but since you're not playing through the flanks and he doesn't really have anyone to aim at ( noone running at far post, target man staying deep, no late runs into box from midfield ) that would probably be not very effective. That right wide man might put in some crosses from deep to far post on counter, but you're not playing counter and is your left winger jumpy/smart enough to make use of it? And through balls? Not to this static and not that pacey forward line.

Summing up, you have about 3/4 of not very dangerous "plan A" going forward and no plans B or C. You're simple to defend against.

2. far more attacking strategy... what exactly?

Like Attacking or Control perhaps? That would make your fullbacks actually go up and try to overload the flanks and your CML try to run into box frequently. Won't solve all your problems, but will definitely make you much more of a threat and give a starting point.

3. No idea what to use or what people finds works best

There is no magic bullet, stuff works, or not, depending on your players, team instructions and who you currently play against.

I don't really use shouts myself, never stopped me from winning. Sure, I could probably win *more* if I applied them diligently and watched matches in full, but I win enough as it is and can't be bothered.

[LCFCEaves31]

You play Man Marking, which requires really, really good players that are not slower/weaker/dumber than opposition and can keep concentration up all game. Possible, but hard to make real. Also needs special care for formations that don't match your numbers in midfield. Are you manually assigning markers each game and for each oppositions formation change, or do you hope it'll somehow happen magically?

Really? Surely in whatever league you are in the players are at a similar level? In league 2, man marking league 2 players shouldn't be too difficult? My Centre backs are not very quickm which is why I played a deep line, so we didn't get turned easily, is that not correct? However, I was advised to un-tick all the sliders and that sent my slider higher up. One thing I do agree on is the marking from my midfielders and I am using 442, and a lot of teams are using 451 variations... I want too, but didn't get much success.

You play Standard strategy, this makes all "Automatic" roles play Support, so your fullbacks don't really wander higher up than your midfield line and your central midfield hardly ever visits opposition box. Target man up front plays really static unless you give him some PPMs to move his ass around. Direct passing combined with Rigid mentality and this lack of movement between the lines means your basic mode of attack is probably - "let's kick this ball forward and see if AF can chase it down", with some of "let's kick it at the target man so he can head it to nobody in particular". There is that left winger that can get the ball once every while and try to put in a cross, but since you're not playing through the flanks and he doesn't really have anyone to aim at ( noone running at far post, target man staying deep, no late runs into box from midfield ) that would probably be not very effective. That right wide man might put in some crosses from deep to far post on counter, but you're not playing counter and is your left winger jumpy/smart enough to make use of it? And through balls? Not to this static and not that pacey forward line.

I get what you are saying, although, in this league, I thought direct was the way to go... Also, no through balls?? They are the only goals we score! So that I disagree with. The Target Man however, I do agree with. I shouldn't keep him deep although he has been injured anyway lately, so I have had a deep playing forward.

Like Attacking or Control perhaps? That would make your fullbacks actually go up and try to overload the flanks and your CML try to run into box frequently. Won't solve all your problems, but will definitely make you much more of a threat and give a starting point.

Ok thanks for the advice.

[LCFCEaves31]

Help Please... thought we had turned a corner... played 3 games since the above advice has been taken on board. Although at times I was unconfortable with the amount of goals we conceeded, we won 4-2, drew 1-1 (against league 1 brentford and won on penalties) and won 3-1 away at Forest Green. Creating good chances and there was a bit more movement. Still not sure what to do with 2 of my central midfielders. I have left them as default from TC but feel like I should change one of them to deep play maker or Ball winning etc...

Anyway, in the last 90 minutes, we didn't create a single clear cut chance! We hit the post from a free kick... and in the 86th minute we had a shot cleared away off the line.

Possesion for 90 minutes finished 56% - 44% in our favour. My ass man said towards the end of the game, its ok having possesion, but we need to do something with it... no really??

One thing that worried me, was that I noticed that 6 out of my 11 players were nervous or very nervous... The goalkeeper was the only one feeling confident and thats because he didn't really have much to do probably, which is a good thing for sure.

I have to admit, we looked a bit more threatening when I used the shout, work ball into the box, as we seemed to not play so many aimless balls forward.

SO... any offers for some help here? How can I change us from creating very little in one game but scoring three away from home the next.

Another game without a clear cut chance at half time, losing 1-0... scored a free kick, but still ended up losing 2-1. Bored now of not being able to get any consistancy on this game.

Oxford by the way, the latest defeat, where bottom of the league.

[LCFCEaves31]

And now a pathetic defeat at home 3-1 to a team in 17th and we were clear favourites.

[LCFCEaves31]

Before I give up completely, I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has had sucess in the lower leagues, and will be able to lend some sound advice...

I followed steps above, but I am sure people are fogetting I am in League 2. Everything I learnt that made sense and actually got me anywhere from the FM09/FM11 days seems to be blown out of the water now...

For example, un ticking all the sliders and letting TC rule... well that has not helped one bit. It has pushed my defenders up, even though they are a bit slow... we cannot keep possesion for prolonged periods or create decent chances. For my 4-5-1 I think we need to be wide, but un ticking the slider seems to have made us too wide in my opinion (I don't like letting in goals, but who does).

As you will see above, I changed the tempo slider because it was trying to get us to play too quick, and at this level, we dont have the players to do that!

Would appreciate it if anyone out there can read through this and see if they see any fundermental errors in what I am trying to do.

[wwfan]

I've won the BSN, BSP, L2 and runner up in L1, plus the FA Trophy twice.

Problem is, you haven't followed my advice, have you? I'll try again:

1: Go back to your original 4-4-2 in post #9 with exactly the same roles/duties, but using an attacking strategy and either a fluid or very fluid philosophy.

2: Use all tools at your disposal to get the ball forward quickly. At the team adjustment level, that is a more direct passing style, and, if you have fit, hard working midfielders, heavier pressing.

3: Devise some shout strategies that make this more and less extreme. For example:

More Extreme: Get Ball Forward, Push Higher Up

Very Extreme: Get Ball Forward, Push Higher Up, Clear Ball to Flanks or Pump Ball into Box, Hassle Opponents

Less Extreme: Retain Possession, Drop Deeper

Then switch between them depending on what is happening in the match. Need to take a few more risks, then up the extremity. Take a few less, then drop it. Need to kill the game, then switch to Contain. Don't do anything else except working on your decision making within these strict criteria. Once you are beginning to succeed at working out what to do when, then you can try to become more sophisticated.

[LCFCEaves31]

I've won the BSN, BSP, L2 and runner up in L1, plus the FA Trophy twice.

Problem is, you haven't followed my advice, have you? I'll try again:

1: Go back to your original 4-4-2 in post #9 with exactly the same roles/duties, but using an attacking strategy and either a fluid or very fluid philosophy.

2: Use all tools at your disposal to get the ball forward quickly. At the team adjustment level, that is a more direct passing style, and, if you have fit, hard working midfielders, heavier pressing.

3: Devise some shout strategies that make this more and less extreme. For example:

More Extreme: Get Ball Forward, Push Higher Up

Very Extreme: Get Ball Forward, Push Higher Up, Clear Ball to Flanks or Pump Ball into Box, Hassle Opponents

Less Extreme: Retain Possession, Drop Deeper

Then switch between them depending on what is happening in the match. Need to take a few more risks, then up the extremity. Take a few less, then drop it. Need to kill the game, then switch to Contain. Don't do anything else except working on your decision making within these strict criteria. Once you are beginning to succeed at working out what to do when, then you can try to become more sophisticated.

Hello... I did follow SOME of your advice posted above, as mentioned, but I am not a seasoned professional, especially on the side of tactical detail and the use of shouts etc. so some of your points I did not understand.

Sorry if you think I completly ignored you, as I didn't.

I have since gone back to 4-4-2 and although we haven't been totally convincing, at least we are picking up some points.

Thanks for your help.

[wwfan]

Do you have any ideas about how football teams play more attacking or defensive football in real life? Not the abstract nature of mentality or philosophy, but concrete things teams do. At the simplest level, using shouts just involves thinking about that and making shout combinations that reflect those ideas. I'm going to struggle to help you if you don't have a grasp of how this happens in reality I'm afraid.

As you become more sophisticated, you might decide to develop some shout combinations that inform an entire style of play. You could, for example, try to emulate Taylor's Watford, Mourinho's Chelsea, Ferguson's Man Utd, Guardiola's Barcelona. Each of these styles of play can be developed by a combination of shouts, philosophy and strategy that reflects or mimics how these teams play. That is a goal, not your immediate task. Your immediate task is to think about the basics within a 4-4-2.

[LCFCEaves31]

RIGHT... first game with all your advice... went two goals up, so I thought great start. The only thing I did change is drop deeper as they had a couple of one on ones early on and as mentioned above, my centre backs are not the quickest...

Anyway, we ended up losing 4-2. Angry is not the word. I can't win on this game! It constantly beats me, even when I am being given sound advice from other people having loads of success. To top it off, we conceeded a goal making it 2-2, a minute later my centre back decided to get sent off. Feel like the world is against me at the minute, I am not enjoying this FM at all.

If I lose the next game, I am going to quit southend as it seems whatever advice I am given and put into practice, it makes no difference here.

And yes I do have an idea, I've been watching football and playing football all my life, so thanks for talking down to me and making me feel small...

And just got the sack, so no need to quit I suppose.

[wwfan]

When did you drop deeper? At 2-0 up?

[LCFCEaves31]

When did you drop deeper? At 2-0 up?

No, at 0-0.

[LCFCEaves31]

I have to also add, when we did score the first goal, their keeper basically dropped it straight to my players feet, it wasn't because of good football or build play etc.

I will get slaughtered for saying this, but for ME ( not everyone's opinion, just mine) this is the least fun footy manager to date. The fun has been sucked out of it and you are now expected to be master tactiticians, when if you look, a lot of football managers in real life, although they all have a style of formation/tactic they want to adhere to, they have other people around them offering a lot of help tactically. They are there to "manage" their players and expectations. Not study for 18 hours in the day about their next opponent and telling every individual player exactly what they have to do, because let's be honest, most players will and can think for them selves, not be instructed what to in such extreme detail. Where is that help on this game? Even the best Ass mans, I've people on this forum say they ignore them!! What's the point?

Having said that, I haven't given up just yet on this game, because I love football manager sims and at present, what else is out there that comes close to FM... Nothing! I just wish there wasn't such a massive shift in focus on getting tactics so spot on in this version, that's all.

[Woady]

This might sound a bit random but if you take a look at your feedback screen (player, stats, form then change drop down box to feedback i think) do you see any messages about players not being able to motivate themselves for you? If this is the case then try using cautious teamtalks, people say it doesnt make much of a difference but ive found it a big help when im struggling.

Also, if you take a look at your players motivation during a game, do you see a lot of nervous players? If you do then try using the no pressure teamtalk. Again it might sound odd but i have found my players play with a bit more urgency like this

[LCFCEaves31]

This might sound a bit random but if you take a look at your feedback screen (player, stats, form then change drop down box to feedback i think) do you see any messages about players not being able to motivate themselves for you? If this is the case then try using cautious teamtalks, people say it doesnt make much of a difference but ive found it a big help when im struggling.

Yes, there were two players in the starting line up... not good is it?!

Also, if you take a look at your players motivation during a game, do you see a lot of nervous players? If you do then try using the no pressure teamtalk. Again it might sound odd but i have found my players play with a bit more urgency like this

Yes, this has been a problem from the start at Southend! Unless we are two goals up (and even then we have the issue with some players) looking very anxious and nervous... very rarely did we have players looking motivated!

What I am going to do is concentrate on making a basic 442 from TC and a couple of shouts, then look at the players and how they are feeling. Sometimes, although there is nothing wrong with it, people can get far to in depth and carried away about tactics, but if the players are not motivated then they wont carry out any instructions I guess...

[Woady]

If they are all looking nervous then I would definitely start to use the cautious/calm no pressure teamtalk. I tried this outmyself previously and it helped a lot more than any tweaking of my tactics because they all seemed to 'try' a little harder on the pitch

[LCFCEaves31]

I have made the basic 442, followed everything above with my new club, made changes during games with the shouts to alter things, but I just cannot get the hang of this game. Its for some people and not for others, but not for me. I won't be buying the next one either, will need a drastic change as it's just not fun anymore. Every game is painful to watch, no matter what team, what tactic, what players, and how they are feeling, I just cannot win.

Thanks for everyones help though, but there is something I am not getting anymore, unlike the rest of the FM series so far. Gutted.

To top it all off, after I got the sack from Southend, they had won the next 3 games, so I had the players...

[hawks27]

I have made the basic 442, followed everything above with my new club, made changes during games with the shouts to alter things, but I just cannot get the hang of this game. Its for some people and not for others, but not for me. I won't be buying the next one either, will need a drastic change as it's just not fun anymore. Every game is painful to watch, no matter what team, what tactic, what players, and how they are feeling, I just cannot win.

Thanks for everyones help though, but there is something I am not getting anymore, unlike the rest of the FM series so far. Gutted.

To top it all off, after I got the sack from Southend, they had won the next 3 games, so I had the players...

My laptop is on the verge of being thrown out of the window.

My goalkeeper refuses to claim anything in the 6 yard box despite being a pretty decent keeper. (Joe Lewis )

My wide players don't dribble at pace even though they have the attributes to, i know it can be done as the AI teams have done it on may occasions.

My advance playmaker insitsts on playing the lofted through ball ,aaaaarrrrrggggghhhh just stop it.

I'm going to have a nervous break down today i feel if my team keeps going doing the ridiculous things it is doing .

And relax......

[LCFCEaves31]

My laptop is on the verge of being thrown out of the window.

My goalkeeper refuses to claim anything in the 6 yard box despite being a pretty decent keeper. (Joe Lewis )

My wide players don't dribble at pace even though they have the attributes to, i know it can be done as the AI teams have done it on may occasions.

My advance playmaker insitsts on playing the lofted through ball ,aaaaarrrrrggggghhhh just stop it.

I'm going to have a nervous break down today i feel if my team keeps going doing the ridiculous things it is doing .

And relax......

Yep why is there so many lofted through balls when it could quite easily be played through along the ground... ?

Anyway FM12 has been re-installed, love it so much more!

[Meneltin II]

My experience with Burton Albion in League Two was the same. Nothing I did had any effect. I got sacked halfway through the season and thanks to my ex professional footballer background quickly got a job at Oxford United, also in League Two.

First match, you guessed it, against Burton Albion. I reloaded this match several times with different tactics and shouts, learned a lot from that.

Started taking notes every match, examing scouting reports for best and worst opposition players.

We went on to finish the season 17th, Burton got relegated. Now in my second season with Oxford and we're in 4th place fighting for promotion.

[LCFCEaves31]

My experience with Burton Albion in League Two was the same. Nothing I did had any effect. I got sacked halfway through the season and thanks to my ex professional footballer background quickly got a job at Oxford United, also in League Two.

First match, you guessed it, against Burton Albion. I reloaded this match several times with different tactics and shouts, learned a lot from that.

Started taking notes every match, examing scouting reports for best and worst opposition players.

We went on to finish the season 17th, Burton got relegated. Now in my second season with Oxford and we're in 4th place fighting for promotion.

This is too similar. However credit for sticking with it, but Football manager was a game I could pick up and play for 30 minutes and enjoy, whereas now I feel I would need 30 mins to set up and play one game! I understand they have given us FMC but that is too basic. I think this version has been over thought and over complicated but that's just my opinion. FM 12 is the best version I have ever played and is what I am going back too.

[LCFCEaves31]

I know where you are coming with regards to no plug and play tactics, but it wasn't really like that on FM11 or FM12, however, on FM12, I give instructions to players and they carry out their duties, but at times can also think for themselves and play with some intelligence. On FM13, nothing seems straight forward to the players, they have no common sense. You shouldn't have to baby sit footballers, who are paid ridiculous wages. They play football partly the managers way, and partly their way. But they won’t harmlessly kick the ball out of play or constantly under hit passes all game, every game. Whatever level it is... now if this is still down to tactics, then the game has definitely gone too in depth. If it is going to continue this way, then even though there are a lot of enthusiasts who will love it still, there are going to be a hell of a lot more people not choosing to buy it in the future because they see it as taking up too much time to play just one game. Managers do this for a living, so it is expected, they get paid for it... are we supposed to be putting the same amount of effort and attention to detail?? If so, FM will not be on my Christmas list in the future, nor will it a lot of people.

[Cleon]

Lets keep this about tactics and not turn it into yet again another thread that moans or it'll be closed. There are already feedback threads in the General section of the forum for this type of stuff already.

This forum is for discussing/learning and sharing how tactics works and seeking tactical help. All the rest can go elsewhere and as no place in here.

[LCFCEaves31]

Lets keep this about tactics and not turn it into yet again another thread that moans or it'll be closed. There are already feedback threads in the General section of the forum for this type of stuff already.

This forum is for discussing/learning and sharing how tactics works and seeking tactical help. All the rest can go elsewhere and as no place in here.

As mentioned in the beginning, I did admit it was me thats struggling, and I still am sticking with that, I cannot get to grips with FM13.

I admit, it is more a feedback, the last post, than tactical, so apologies for that. The reason I put this in here, is because I didn't want to start another thread that would look like pure moaning, rather than feedback.