FM20 - Cyprus (Fair Game)

[Jogo Bonito]

Do you fancy trying a new European league in FM20?

How about the highest-ranked European nation that you couldn't usually play?

In biblical terms, the meaning of the name Cyprus is fair (or fairness)

So here is a thread for anybody choosing to manage in Cyprus - it's fair game!

Welcome to the Cyprus football thread for FM20 

A little bit about Cyprus, the competitions, the clubs - and the rules

#

Main Competition - Cyta Championship

Secondary Competition - Coca Cola Cup

Cyta Championship clubs 2019/20 

Cyta Championship stadiums 2019/20

The below video gives a good guide on where you will be playing if you choose a top flight side in Cyprus 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDoWyD71Qds

Cyta Championship Rules (season 1)

And here are some useful rules that will help you build your squad properly

Please note that from season 2, the non-EU limit is increased to 7 from 5 (and this is included in the file)

Credit for making Cypriot leagues & cups playable goes to @Travis Bickle whose database can be found here

https://community.sigames.com/topic/506055-fm20-cyprus-full-football-league-system-database-update-and-more/

Thanks for your great work and knowledge of Cyprus sir 

The second and third tiers are also available to play if you fancy a more difficult sunny island challenge 

Edited August 3, 2020 by Jogo Bonito

[Jogo Bonito]

For my first stint in Cyprus, I have played it very safe and gone with the strongest and most developed club in the country 

APOEL (Nicosia)

They're clear favourites to win the league, but the real challenge of managing a club in Cyprus is to make some progress in Europe

Here is a brief look at APOEL as a club, and their facilities

Here are the Season 1 expectations and budgets

I didn't do a full view of the squad or results as you start with a whole host of loan players that cannot be terminated and a number of players you don't want or need

I was delighted with the performances in Europe after falling from Champions League to Europa League quite early on

The league win was only to be expected, but it still has to be done - and it means Champions League qualification (and money) for the second year

Season 1 transfers - my tip is to add some more Cypriots for free or small fees whilst you're already hosting so many loan players in 2019/20

Here is a brief review of the first season performance

A full review of the squad will be done for the second season as it now resembles a group that I can call my own (and is a massive improvement on what you start with) 

Edited August 4, 2020 by Jogo Bonito

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Nice write up buddy. 

I always fancied a save in Cyprus, Greece etc. 

I will see how you get on and maybe join you.

[Jogo Bonito]

APOEL (Season 2)

As mentioned before, the squad had a whole host of loan players at the start of the 2019/20 season (about seven IIRC)

The summer of 2020 was the first chance I had to end all of those loans, to release some older players, and move on some others

It was a busy summer as you can see from the below transfer summary - but hardly a dent was made in an original transfer budget exceeding £8 million

The primary focus here was to add more decent Cypriot players to boost the home grown numbers needed for registration rules

The secondary focus was to add better players, with the stardust being mainly within the foreign contingent

The one that got away was free agent midfielder Joao Schmidt, a Brazilian who I took on a four week trial in the summer

Unfortunately the player's agent insisted on the club paying way more than £10,000 per week in wages, and then Atletico Mineiro swooped to take him home

What made it worse was that his deal with them was for just £6,500 per week - that really was a kick in the teeth for me

My inability to bring him in forced me to sign two midfielders on loan even though I really didn't want to have any loan players on the books

Alef was the first of them (a Brazilian midfielder who had been on loan with APOEL last season) and I soon made that move permanent for £1 million

The other loan midfielder was Grigoris Kastanos, described as a Cypriot national team hero and good enough to have been playing for Juventus

A third loan arrival was Panagiotis Louka, a young Cypriot striker on the books of Atalanta in Italy

I have also been able to convert him in to a permanent transfer for a modest £325,000 fee so I'm just stuck with one loan player at the club now

Arguably the two key arrivals are my only other strikers Jonathan Herrera and Santiago Gomez, both signed from clubs in their homeland of Argentina

Midfield playmaker Brambilla, centre-back Ricardo Ferreira and right-back Angelo Gabrielli are the pick of the other new signings (all on free transfers)

Vid Belec (first choice goalkeeper last season on loan with a permanent move already agreed) has been replaced by Cypriot man Konstantinos Panagi between the sticks

I'll do a full squad review and preview of the second season in the near future

I've managed to assemble a squad with a decent level of Cypriot players, but my best work was done in the foreign markets

I've utilised my seven non-EU slots, but I have recruited a number of non-EU players from South America with dual nationalities too 

The resulting squad is too strong for other Cypriot clubs, but I don't mind that as the main aim is to try and get some good results in Europe 

Edited August 3, 2020 by Jogo Bonito

[warlock]

Now for something completely different . Interesting setup... it might be too far out of my comfort zone but I'll be following with interest 

[Jogo Bonito]

Goalkeeper 

Panagi will be trusted to take over in goal from Belec who had the gloves during the first season

Fellow Cypriot signing Christodoulou will be his deputy

Right Back

New man Gabrielli will be the undisputed first choice, he is a Uruguayan with secondary EU nationality

Last season's shirt holder Panagiotou is a more than capable understudy

Left Back

Two Cypriots have this position under control, and I'm very comfortable with that

Wheeler is a nice talent who was already at the club, he continues as first choice whilst Pileas remains his back-up

Centre Back

Vice captain Savic and new recruit Ferreira will probably be first choices, but Ioannou (already at the club) and Silva are also both good enough to be starting too

Brazilian youngster Rafael Santos (signed because he just has in real life), young Cypriot prospect Sielis and experienced countryman Christoforou can also fill in 

Centre Midfield

Brazilian signing Alef is the most defensively capable of my prime choices, whilst loanee Kastanos gives some left-sided balance

The more attacking central roles are performed by Brambilla and my captain De Vincenti (both EU-qualified South Americans)

Cypriot trio Artymatas and Fylaktou (defensive) or Papafotis (offensive) will be called up if others are unavailable

Right midfield

The star of the team Al-Tamari (the Jordanian Messi) was a big factor in me choosing APOEL and I hope he stays for a while yet

Cypriot winger Pittas will only ever be playing second fiddle to him

Left midfield

Argentinian winger Toledo never fulfilled his potential at a higher level but was an excellent signing for me last season and is an automatic pick

Lillis will only ever play when the main man is not available (Hani is another Jordanian youngster who could be called up if necessary)

Striker

High hopes are on my new recruits from Argentina, with both Herrera and Gomez having great scoring records in their home country

I'm generally playing 4231 so both will get chances to spearhead the attack

Wildcard talent and the one that got away

Cypriot striking talent is a bit thin on the ground, but Louka definitely seems to have the ability to serve me well in time

Schmidt was the one regret I have so far, the midfielder was out of contract and on trial for four weeks in the summer before heading back home to Brazil

 

Edited August 4, 2020 by Jogo Bonito

[Travis Bickle]

Thank you linking my file! Indeed I would be happy to help with any questions people have about Cypriot football and which team to pick! 

[Jogo Bonito]

9 minutes ago, Travis Bickle said:

Thank you linking my file! Indeed I would be happy to help with any questions people have about Cypriot football and which team to pick! 

Thanks for making the file! Hopefully you might join in the sunshine fun too. I'm part way through completing my squad review, it will be interesting to see how you rate it (just don't be too harsh)...

[Travis Bickle]

4 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Thanks for making the file! Hopefully you might join in the sunshine fun too. I'm part way through completing my squad review, it will be interesting to see how you rate it (just don't be too harsh)...

For FM21 I might be a bit ambitious and try and add database players for the lower leagues. It would be really fun managing there. 

Anyway I might join you in giving Apollon Limassol another crack. 

[Jogo Bonito]

2 minutes ago, Travis Bickle said:

For FM21 I might be a bit ambitious and try and add database players for the lower leagues. It would be really fun managing there. 

Anyway I might join you in giving Apollon Limassol another crack. 

Awesome on both levels! I feel guilty for not picking a coastal club like them on a sunny Mediterranean island, but the lure of De Vincenti and Al-Tamari won me over.

[karanhsingh]

6 hours ago, warlock said:

Now for something completely different . Interesting setup... it might be too far out of my comfort zone but I'll be following with interest 

My thoughts exactly! 

Very nice write up though and good luck. 

[smplfc123]

Great stuff @Jogo Bonito very interesting and thanks for opening my eyes to potential future challenges.

[Ewan0404]

Interesting read. What's the league and club rep like? 

[Jogo Bonito]

Cheers for the comments guys. One of you will crumble and be tempted in 

4 hours ago, Ewan0404 said:

Interesting read. What's the league and club rep like? 

October 2020, the top flight is ranked 18th best league in Europe and just below the top leagues in Denmark, Croatia, Greece and Switzerland. It's just above the English Championship and SPFL.

The club is ranked 53rd in the coefficients after my decent first season (just below Gent & Gladbach and just above Marseille & RB Leipzig).

Cypriot national team is ranked about 90th in the world so not great.

[Ewan0404]

6 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Cheers for the comments guys. One of you will crumble and be tempted in 

October 2020, the top flight is ranked 18th best league in Europe and just below the top leagues in Denmark, Croatia, Greece and Switzerland. It's just above the English Championship and SPFL.

The club is ranked 53rd in the coefficients after my decent first season (just below Gent & Gladbach and just above Marseille & RB Leipzig).

Cypriot national team is ranked about 90th in the world so not great.

So are you able to attract some relatively reputable names? Obv not your mbappe etc. 

Tempted to try APOEL. 

[Jogo Bonito]

2 minutes ago, Ewan0404 said:

So are you able to attract some relatively reputable names? Obv not your mbappe etc. 

Tempted to try APOEL. 

Not sure about 'reputable' but in the first season you can't do much as you have six or seven loan players already that cannot be terminated and not a massive budget.

In the second season with all the loans ended, some players sold and released (and after a strong season), I had about £8 million to spend. You can see above the type of player I recruited. I wouldn't say there are any 'names' in there, you're looking at players up to around £10k per week in wages.

[Ewan0404]

7 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Not sure about 'reputable' but in the first season you can't do much as you have six or seven loan players already that cannot be terminated and not a massive budget.

In the second season with all the loans ended, some players sold and released (and after a strong season), I had about £8 million to spend. You can see above the type of player I recruited. I wouldn't say there are any 'names' in there, you're looking at players up to around £10k per week in wages.

Tbh I'm really just looking for an enjoyable save that will last me a while. 

[Jogo Bonito]

2 minutes ago, Ewan0404 said:

Tbh I'm really just looking for an enjoyable save that will last me a while. 

APOEL are by far the biggest club in Cyprus, so if you want to start lower down then there are other options (even in the first tier).

I looked at APOEL, Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos and started in both Cyprus and Turkey. Turkey lost it's appeal before Christmas (no pun intended), but the thought of what I could do in Cyprus from the second season kept me interested. The first year was all about setting up the second year at APOEL in my opinion, but you can check other squads and pick somebody with less loan players if you want to make the first season more fun.

[Ewan0404]

14 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

APOEL are by far the biggest club in Cyprus, so if you want to start lower down then there are other options (even in the first tier).

I looked at APOEL, Fenerbahce and Panathinaikos and started in both Cyprus and Turkey. Turkey lost it's appeal before Christmas (no pun intended), but the thought of what I could do in Cyprus from the second season kept me interested. The first year was all about setting up the second year at APOEL in my opinion, but you can check other squads and pick somebody with less loan players if you want to make the first season more fun.

That's funny I'm looking at APOEL, Olympiakos or Fenerbahce just now. Just want a club outside the traditional leagues to try and make a dent in Europe. 

[Jogo Bonito]

3 minutes ago, Ewan0404 said:

That's funny I'm looking at APOEL, Olympiakos or Fenerbahce just now. Just want a club outside the traditional leagues to try and make a dent in Europe. 

Good luck whoever you choose. Or try a few and see which one keeps you interested.

I wouldn't tip an A-League club though, they'll never make a dent in Europe 

Edited August 4, 2020 by Jogo Bonito

[Ewan0404]

3 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Good luck whoever you choose. Or try a few and see which one keeps you interested.

I wouldn't tip an A-League club though, they'll never make a dent in Europe 

Haha I started as Brisbane and then as Macarthur FC but got bored of both very quickly.

I will try them all tonight and decide who I like best.

[Jogo Bonito]

Sometimes there are false starts and then you stumble on something good. I added my first season transfers at APOEL above to give some pointers on who might be worth looking at in season 1. These transfer targets could work in Greece too, rules in Turkey are harder in my opinion.

[Ewan0404]

I normally start around 5 saves before I find one that grips me long term.

[Jogo Bonito]

APOEL - Season 2

Here are the board expectations

And with a much-improved squad, the excellent form of pre-season was taken in to competitive fixtures

Champions League qualifiers went better than expected as I thought Rangers would be too strong

And the league form has got off to an impressive start too

Turning around the first leg loss against Viktoria Plzen also saw a cash windfall as the Champions League group stages were reached

But the draw wasn't very kind, and I'll be expecting Europa League football at best (or possibly nothing at all)

[Travis Bickle]

4 hours ago, Ewan0404 said:

That's funny I'm looking at APOEL, Olympiakos or Fenerbahce just now. Just want a club outside the traditional leagues to try and make a dent in Europe. 

APOEL you can do that with. They've already made a dent in Europe and the club has a culture of continental football. The fans expect Continental success and that is reflected by their season expectations in game. Furthermore, with APOEL, if you make the CL say two times in a row, your finances will be strong. I mean you could easily afford to get some decent players for any league in Europe. 

3 hours ago, Jogo Bonito said:

APOEL - Season 2

Here are the board expectations

And with a much-improved squad, the excellent form of pre-season was taken in to competitive fixtures

Champions League qualifiers went better than expected as I thought Rangers would be too strong

And the league form has got off to an impressive start too

Turning around the first leg loss against Viktoria Plzen also saw a cash windfall as the Champions League group stages were reached

But the draw wasn't very kind, and I'll be expecting Europa League football at best (or possibly nothing at all)

Very well done on making the Champions League group stages! This is a huge part of success in Cyprus. 

[Travis Bickle]

I've tried to give a simple rundown of Cypriot clubs and relate them to another team so people have an idea of who to pick. 

APOEL: 

• Best team historically.
• Best facilities on the island. 
• Richest club in Cyprus. 
• Plays continental football 99% of the time. 
• Tries to develop a couple of HG players when possible.
• Arch rivals are Omonoia.
• Think the Real Madrid of Cyprus.

Omonoia:

• Second best team historically.
• Good facilities.
• Finances mediocre.
• Only major Cypriot club to have never played in the proper stage of a European competition
• Arch rivals are APOEL.  
• Something of a fallen giant.
• Think Man Utd but without continental success.

Anorthosis Famagusta:

• Third best team historically.
• Oldest club still active.
• Good facilities and owns their stadium.
• Dodgy finances.
• First Cypriot club to make Champions League.
• "Refugee" club, meaning they are exiled from their home city under Turkish occupation.
• Something of a fallen giant.
• Arch rivals are Nea Salamina Famagusta.
• Think Arsenal.

Apollon Limassol:

• 4th/5th best team historically. 
• Ambitious with a positive outlook for the future.
• Recently performing very well, in Europe too.
• Good finances. 
• Play in an attractive, coastal city.
• Arch rivals are AEL.
• Think Monaco or Valencia.

AEL Limassol: 

• 4th/5th best team historically. 
• Last team to dethrone APOEL.
• Okay finances
• Play in an attractive, coastal city.
• Arch rivals are Apollon Limassol.
• Good but not great.
• Think Everton.

AEK Larnaka:

• Made a lot of progress in recent years but never won the league.
• A lot of Spanish influence. 
• Finances are okay.
• Potential to grow. 
• Think Atalanta or Getafe.

Pafos FC: 

• Recently founded.
• Pafos has never had a good team.
• Has good finances
• Real potential to grow.
• Below average facilities.
• Think RB Leipzig without the stadium. 

Few of others:

Olympiakos Nicosia are an old club fighting relegation.  Paralimni produce some good young players. Doxa Katokopias are basically a nobody club with a super agent. Ethnikos Achna are the only Cypriot club to win a European trophy (Intertoto Cup). Nea Salamis Famagusta are a somewhat well supported club that have never won anything. 

In the Second Division, none of them are that interesting but Aris Limassol are an interesting option given they are the third team of Limassol. Agia Napa are in a popular tourist spot with no history. ASIL are one of the oldest clubs on the island and Ermis Aradippou are too good to be in the Second Division.

I'm also considering adding the new Limassol stadium for 2022. It's been in the "works" for ages but allegedly they broke ground recently meaning if you choose one of the Limassol clubs you could have a fresh new stadium to play in, albeit the capacity is no bigger. 

Edited August 4, 2020 by Travis Bickle

[Jogo Bonito]

44 minutes ago, Travis Bickle said:

Very well done on making the Champions League group stages! This is a huge part of success in Cyprus. 

Thanks, I was delighted with this myself (even though the first season performances in Europe were better than I expected). Champions League group stages will help massively to improve the squad year on year. My squad is already on a different planet to other Cypriot clubs, but to compete in Europe you cannot afford to stand still.

I think the free transfer signing of 'Angel Gabriel' has been like a message from heaven as my new right back Angelo Gabrielli has been amazing so far.

Great summary of clubs you have added, and every day I wonder why I didn't go for a club from Limassol myself 

Actually, I can tell you why. It's the athletics stadium distancing fans and pitch (passion killer), so a new stadium without that would be a big draw I think.

Edited August 4, 2020 by Jogo Bonito

[AddicksFan]

@Travis Bickle Great job with Cyprus fella, got bored of a couple of saves recently and was looking for a decent file covering Cyprus, I have to say well done and really appreciate the efforts, I've gone for Apollon Limassol....i'll drop the odd update in here on my progress

[karanhsingh]

Interesting to hear about these updates! One for the future checklist

[Jogo Bonito]

Hoping to see some of you in sunny Cyprus soon. Mediterranean islands are of particular interest to me this year, even if I can't say where or why 

@Travis Bickle Please let us know if you do any updates on your file, such as the stadium in Limassol. Cheers.

Edited August 5, 2020 by Jogo Bonito

[Mr_Demus]

I have always fancied the Cypriot league, as it is, as you mentioned, the best european league you can't manage in. Also, the have had a few matches against Danish clubs, and the league seems quite good.

Might have a go, when I am done with my current save.

[Travis Bickle]

1 hour ago, Mr_Demus said:

I have always fancied the Cypriot league, as it is, as you mentioned, the best european league you can't manage in. Also, the have had a few matches against Danish clubs, and the league seems quite good.

Might have a go, when I am done with my current save.

I'm actually really hoping that more threads like this encourage SI to include it in the out of box game. It's a massive hole in the out-of-box FM experience and there are those of us who are more than happy to help with research. 

[Jogo Bonito]

6 hours ago, Mr_Demus said:

I have always fancied the Cypriot league, as it is, as you mentioned, the best european league you can't manage in. Also, the have had a few matches against Danish clubs, and the league seems quite good.

Might have a go, when I am done with my current save.

Hopefully you will, the more the merrier (not sure how that phrase works for Danish).

4 hours ago, Travis Bickle said:

I'm actually really hoping that more threads like this encourage SI to include it in the out of box game. It's a massive hole in the out-of-box FM experience and there are those of us who are more than happy to help with research. 

It's probably the licence more than the research, but it can only help if it proves popular and they see it. Your efforts are superb so much of the work has been done for them if they wish to include Cyprus.

[Mr_Demus]

5 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Hopefully you will, the more the merrier (not sure how that phrase works for Danish).

It's probably the licence more than the research, but it can only help if it proves popular and they see it. Your efforts are superb so much of the work has been done for them if they wish to include Cyprus.

We have that saying as well

I am currently doing a save, but if it continues to be meh, then Cyprus might be my next destination

[Travis Bickle]

14 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Hopefully you will, the more the merrier (not sure how that phrase works for Danish).

It's probably the licence more than the research, but it can only help if it proves popular and they see it. Your efforts are superb so much of the work has been done for them if they wish to include Cyprus.

The last time I spoke to SI about this issue (albeit a few years ago) it was more to do with they were unsure about demand. Hopefully this goes some way!  

I do indeed take a lot of time and put a lot of effort into my files. I mean, I research the Lat/Long of Fourth Division stadiums to make sure everything is accurate. To know that even one other person uses my file and gets enjoyment from it makes me immensely happy. 

[Jogo Bonito]

4 minutes ago, Mr_Demus said:

We have that saying as well

I am currently doing a save, but if it continues to be meh, then Cyprus might be my next destination

Cool, I hope your current save is enjoyable but welcome if you do head to Cyprus afterwards.

1 minute ago, Travis Bickle said:

The last time I spoke to SI about this issue (albeit a few years ago) it was more to do with they were unsure about demand. Hopefully this goes some way!  

I do indeed take a lot of time and put a lot of effort into my files. I mean, I research the Lat/Long of Fourth Division stadiums to make sure everything is accurate. To know that even one other person uses my file and gets enjoyment from it makes me immensely happy. 

Well, let us see what we can do to have your dedication rewarded. You had a big endorsement from another file creator I know for yours, and that finally tipped me over the line to give it a go. I'm very happy I have.

[Travis Bickle]

Just now, Jogo Bonito said:

Well, let us see what we can do to have your dedication rewarded. You had a big endorsement from another file creator I know for yours, and that finally tipped me over the line to give it a go. I'm very happy I have.

Really? Who? I'm quite chuffed lol. 

[Jogo Bonito]

Revealed by PM - but you have every right to be praised for your work 

[Travis Bickle]

3 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

Revealed by PM - but you have every right to be praised for your work 

Thank you!

I've been making Cyprus files for a few years. I think this years version is my most complete as I got accustomed to the advanced editor and ironed out any minor bugs along the way. 

The only current bug with this file is that you get notifications for the transfer windows of the lower divisions. But otherwise the file has been tested to 2057 and works fine with no other errors. The World Cup 2022 season also works as it should. 

Edited August 6, 2020 by Travis Bickle

[Jogo Bonito]

I've been mainly playing Create A Club mode in this version because time is limited and I don't like enduring the first season with so many players I don't want (whatever the club, I am very stubborn about who I want in my squads). As yours is an editor file, I can't do CAC mode but I enjoyed the first season as I got to grips with the league and nation.

Even at a club like APOEL the first season squad was far from my liking, but I knew from season two I could make it my own (and I am really pleased with my squad now, even without spending much). Feel free to critique it, especially with the Cypriot players.

2022 is just awful whatever club or country you're in. That's the fault of nobody other than FIFA though.

Edited August 6, 2020 by Jogo Bonito

[Travis Bickle]

17 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

I've been mainly playing Create A Club mode in this version because time is limited and I don't like enduring the first season with so many players I don't want (whatever the club, I am very stubborn about who I want in my squads). As yours is an editor file, I can't do CAC mode but I enjoyed the first season as I got to grips with the league and nation.

Even at a club like APOEL the first season squad was far from my liking, but I knew from season two I could make it my own (and I am really pleased with my squad now, even without sending much). Feel free to critique it, especially with the Cypriot players.

2022 is just awful whatever club or country you're in. That's the fault of nobody other than FIFA though.

I think you've got a good team. I think as the game progresses, especially as the CL money comes in, don't be afraid to be a bit ambitious and try and secure a few good players or wonderkids. They will really elevate you to the next level. Alternatively you can get some fantasticc players on a 2 year loan for their development especially when you're in Europe. 

Edited August 6, 2020 by Travis Bickle

[Jogo Bonito]

1 minute ago, Travis Bickle said:

I think you've got a good team. I think as the game progresses, especially as the CL money comes in, don't be afraid to be a bit ambitious and try and secure a few good players or wonderkids. They will really elevate you to the next level. Alternatively you can get some fantasticc players on a 2 year loan for their development especially when you're in Europe. 

I needed to get the HG aspects sorted, but now that's done and sufficient for a couple of years at least, the focus will be on the stardust. It's a bit like the Shakhtar approach, fill the back end with the best local players and add your foreign flair to the attacking positions. I'm quite strict on wages though, and don't want to go over £10k per week just yet. But I will do in time, where it's justified.

[Travis Bickle]

1 minute ago, Jogo Bonito said:

I needed to get the HG aspects sorted, but now that's done and sufficient for a couple of years at least, the focus will be on the stardust. It's a bit like the Shakhtar approach, fill the back end with the best local players and add your foreign flair to the attacking positions. I'm quite strict on wages though, and don't want to go over £10k per week just yet. But I will do in time, where it's justified.

You adhere to the rules a lot more than I do. 

My usual strategy is top sign some promising 18 year old and wait for them to become HG. Given that U22 players don't need to be registered it makes it easier to fill up the squad. 

[Jogo Bonito]

10 minutes ago, Travis Bickle said:

You adhere to the rules a lot more than I do. 

My usual strategy is top sign some promising 18 year old and wait for them to become HG. Given that U22 players don't need to be registered it makes it easier to fill up the squad. 

That makes sense, and I did see that could be done, but I wanted my funds to go on first team players after enduring season 1. Most of the teenagers I know I could recruit cheaply were from Africa or France (or other European nations of course) but I did that with Lorient and wanted to avoid those players and countries this time. I'm looking at Argentina and Brazil mainly, with an eye to the 'nations treated as EU' also, but lots of those South American youngsters come at a premium. All part of the fun though 

[Makoto Nakamura]

Had an epic save with Amathous on FM19 so I will be following to see how you all get on!  

[Jogo Bonito]

3 minutes ago, Makoto Nakamura said:

Had an epic save with Amathous on FM19 so I will be following to see how you all get on!  

Cool. Why not try a club in FM20 too 

[karanhsingh]

55 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

That makes sense, and I did see that could be done, but I wanted my funds to go on first team players after enduring season 1. Most of the teenagers I know I could recruit cheaply were from Africa or France (or other European nations of course) but I did that with Lorient and wanted to avoid those players and countries this time. I'm looking at Argentina and Brazil mainly, with an eye to the 'nations treated as EU' also, but lots of those South American youngsters come at a premium. All part of the fun though 

You can usually find some great newgens also in Colombia Chile and Uruguay which will be cheaper. Central America as well. 

[Jogo Bonito]

You're not wrong, but I had a bit of an Ecuador/Colombia/Uruguay focus in FM20 elsewhere. I won't rule them out, but as you know I tend to have a ridiculously complicated/extensive/odd transfer scouting strategy which generally starts with people I know of. It's true there are some cheaper players that can be found from Chile, Peru, Mexico, Honduras etc. I might have to downgrade but will see how Plan A(rgentina) & Plan B(razil) go first 

[Jogo Bonito]

APOEL - Season 2020/21

Picking up from my last update at the end of August, I'd managed to qualify for the Champions League group stages and had won both league games

Whilst I am rubbish in the Cypriot Super Cup (now two played and two lost) the league has continued to be fairly straightforward

Other than throwing away an early 2-0 lead at home to AEK Larnakas with two goals conceded in the last 10 minutes that is

They're the only points dropped in the league so far, and in most games I can defend and attack much better than my opponents

The real test is growing the club, boosting the finances, and of course that Champions League group of death

My optimistic aim when paired with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Monaco was to finish 3rd and get in the Europa League

But a really surprising home win against the full-strength Germans got my team off to a storming start

A draw at Monaco followed, before Manchester United crushed my boys 5-1 at Old Trafford

In the return leg, The Red Devils were lucky to escape with a point with an 84th minute equaliser after my side went ahead after just two minutes

But the best result was going to Dortmund and fighting back from a 12th minute Haaland penalty to win 2-1 (doing the double over them)

Amazingly, that means that with the home game against Monaco still to come, I have qualified for the knockout round against all the odds

Of course the chances of beating anybody at that stage are slim, but the financial benefits are already massive and that can only help next year

It's hard to pick out best players but I'm most pleased with new signings Herrera and Gomez in attack, who I tend to rotate quite a bit

De Vincenti scores plenty including a number of penalties, and fellow midfielder Brambilla is fantastic with his set-piece deliveries and general passing

But new right-back Gabrielli has been my favourite so far, everything he does in defence and attack has been very impressive - including goal scoring 

The Uruguayan doesn't have a player trait for it, but has already scored two or three goals from 15-20 yards in open play with the outside of his right foot

Edited August 6, 2020 by Jogo Bonito

[Ronaldo Beckham]

24 minutes ago, Jogo Bonito said:

APOEL - Season 2020/21

Picking up from my last update at the end of August, I'd managed to qualify for the Champions League group stages and had won both league games

Whilst I am rubbish in the Cypriot Super Cup (now two played and two lost) the league has continued to be fairly straightforward

Other than throwing away an early 2-0 lead at home to AEK Larnakas with two goals conceded in the last 10 minutes that is

They're the only points dropped in the league so far, and in most games I can defend and attack much better than my opponents

The real test is growing the club, boosting the finances, and of course that Champions League group of death

My optimistic aim when paired with Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Monaco was to finish 3rd and get in the Europa League

But a really surprising home win against the full-strength Germans got my team off to a storming start

A draw at Monaco followed, before Manchester United crushed my boys 5-1 at Old Trafford

In the return leg, The Red Devils were lucky to escape with a point with an 84th minute equaliser after my side went ahead after just two minutes

But the best result was going to Dortmund and fighting back from a 12th minute Haaland penalty to win 2-1 (doing the double over them)

Amazingly, that means that with the home game against Monaco still to come, I have qualified for the knockout round against all the odds

Of course the chances of beating anybody at that stage are slim, but the financial benefits are already massive and that can only help next year

It's hard to pick out best players but I'm most pleased with new signings Herrera and Gomez in attack, who I tend to rotate quite a bit

De Vincenti scores plenty including a number of penalties, and fellow midfielder Brambilla is fantastic with his set-piece deliveries and general passing

But new right-back Gabrielli has been my favourite so far, everything he does in defence and attack has been very impressive - including goal scoring 

The Uruguayan doesn't have a player trait for it, but has already scored two or three goals from 15-20 yards in open play with the outside of his right foot

Amazing achievement to get past the group stage of the Champions League Jogo. Well done buddy.