[FM20] - Fola's last final career

[Fola]

Okay, so I have said over the past few weeks that I will be doing my final career on FM20 before FM21 comes out. I started off which Norwich and was sacked by January first season. I then decided to give it one more shot, this time with Brighton and I was sacked by Brighton in November in the first season. I have decided to give FM20 one last final go and I will document it all in this career thread. 

The team I have chosen to manage is: Bournemouth. Bournemouth, as you know, were relegated from the Premier League in real life. On FM20, they are predicted to finish 14th. I will be happy if we don't get relegated. I am hoping that this should be easier than the Norwich and Brighton saves due to the better standard of players.

I will be playing with the following rules that I have set myself:

• No transfers in the first transfer window.
• Director of football will take charge of ALL transfer activity. This includes incomings, outgoings and contracts.
• The chairman will take control of ALL staff recruitment.

After assessing the squad, I have decided that my starting tactic will be a 3-1-4-1-1 formation. This will consist of three centre backs, a holding midfielder, two centre midfielders, two defensive wingers, an attacking mid and our main goalscoring threat: the striker. Below is the squad that I have at my disposal.

I have tried this tactic on a few saves in the past and it has worked well so I am hoping it will in this save. I didn't usually use a Libero but I really fancy using one this time.

With the below players currently injured and not registered in the first part of the season. Missing from the above list is Charlie Daniels who my DOF has sent out on loan to America. 

 

Edited August 19, 2020 by Fola

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Good luck with Bournemouth. I had a really enjoyable save with them on FM2019.

[Fola]

10th August 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 1

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, Cook; Billing; Fraser, Surman, Lerma, King; Solanke; Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Francis, Simpson, Stacey, Rico, Ibe, Surridge

The hardest start possible to a season and we didn't do too badly at all. The lads played well in my new tactic and we were drawing for the majority of the game until Liverpool showed their quality late on.

Bournemouth MOTM: Joshua King (7.0)
League Position: 19th
Next Opponent: Newcastle (A)

[Fola]

17th August 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 2

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, Cook; Billing; Fraser, Surman, Lerma, King; Solanke; C. Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Francis, Simpson, Stacey, Rico,  H.Wilson , Surridge

Ohhhh yeah! Nice to get an early win under our belts. We battered them all game, despite conceding an early goal. Joshua King scored a great first before Philip Billing  scored from long range just before the end to win it for us.

Bournemouth MOTM: Joshua King (8.3)
League Position: 14th
Next Opponent: Tottenham (H)

[Fola]

21th August 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 3

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, Cook; Billing; Fraser*, Surman, Cook, King; Solanke; C. Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Francis, Simpson, Stacey, Rico,  H.Wilson*, Surridge

We will need to get over this quickly. Again, we played OK but the goal before half time killed us. It doesn't get any easier, Arsenal up next.

Bournemouth MOTM: Andrew Surman (7.0)
League Position: 15th
Next Opponent: Arsenal (H)

[Fola]

24th August 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 4

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser, Surman, L Cook*, King; Solanke; C Wilson**.
Subs: Boruc, Francis, Simpson, Stacey, Rico,  H Wilson*, Surridge**

What a win! An absolute domination by us as we outclassed Arsenal all over the pitch. Ake headed in from a corner before Solanke scored a one on one. Joshua King headed in a third before Arsenal got a goal back. Straight after half time Callum Wilson got his first goal of the season to seal a brilliant win. Bristol City away next in the cup- I forgot to post a screenshot of the draw.

Bournemouth MOTM: Callum Wilson (8.8)
League Position: 10th
Next Opponent: Bristol City (A)

[Fola]

28th August 2019 - Carabao Cup - Round 2

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser*, Surman, L Cook, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Francis, Simpson, Stacey, Rico,  H Wilson*, Surridge

That was poor. Played my strongest team and lost to Championship side Bristol City.

Bournemouth MOTM: Andrew Surman (7.3)
Next Opponent: Norwich (A)

[Fola]

31st August 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 5

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; H Wilson, Surman, L Cook, Fraser*; King; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Francis, Simpson, Stacey, Rico, Solanke*, Surridge

Bloody Norwich! I made one change after the defeat in the cup with Harry Wilson coming in for his first start, meaning Solanke dropped to the bench. We were two down early on and did really well to get level. So, as you can understand, it was VERY frustrating to concede so late and lose. International break up next and then Palace away.

Bournemouth MOTM: Philip Billing (7.3)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Crystal Palace (A)

[Fola]

6th September 2019

Good to have him back.

[Fola]

14th September 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 6

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser, Surman, Lerma*, King**; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Smith, Stacey, L Cook*, Ibe**, H Wilson, Surridge

We should of won this one but happy to get an away point. Lerma put us ahead but Townsend scored for Palace just before half time. Steve Cook hit the bar with a header late on.

Bournemouth MOTM: Aaron Ramsdale (7.1)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Manchester United (A)

[Fola]

21st September 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 7

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser, Surman, Lerma, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Smith, Stacey, L Cook, Ibe, H Wilson, Surridge

Battering. Outclassed from start to finish.

Bournemouth MOTM: Andrew Surman (7.6)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Southampton (H)

[Fola]

27th September 2019

Lerma out again.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Some mixed results but at least you getting a few wins. I am looking forward to seeing who your DOF brings into the club in January.

[Fola]

28th September 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 8

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser*, Surman, L Cook**, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey*, Francis, Ibe, H Wilson**, Surridge

Now that's more like it. It was a massive game for us because we hadn't won since the Arsenal game and especially after the United drubbing. We went down early on but scored four goals in only three minutes to give us the win.

Bournemouth MOTM: Ryan Fraser (8.7)
League Position: 12th
Next Opponent: Everton (H)

[Fola]

28th September 2019

Another CM out injured. 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

1 minute ago, Fola said:

28th September 2019

Another CM out injured. 

You are cursed with injuries. Do you have a high intensity training schedule then. Is that the reason or are your fitness coaches and physios rubbish ?

[Fola]

5th October 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 9

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser, Surman, H Wilson, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey, Francis, Ibe, Simpson, Surridge

Back to back wins with another great performance. Two first half goals gave us the win thanks to Callum Wilson and Philip Billing. Harry Wilson came in to replace Lewis Cook and did well in CM, especially considering he's a winger.

Bournemouth MOTM: Philip Billing (8.1)
League Position: 10th
Next Opponent: West Ham (A)

[Fola]

19th October 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 10

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham*, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser**, Surman, H Wilson***, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly*, Stacey, Francis, Ibe**, Lerma***, Surridge

That was a tough one to take. We were on top all game but gave away two sloppy goals. 

Bournemouth MOTM: Ryan Fraser (8.2)
League Position: 11th
Next Opponent: Burnley (A)

[Fola]

19th October 2019 - Premier League - 10/38

Happy so far.

[Fola]

21 hours ago, Ronaldo Beckham said:

You are cursed with injuries. Do you have a high intensity training schedule then. Is that the reason or are your fitness coaches and physios rubbish ?

It's not particularly high intensity, no. My physios aren't too bad either- it's just my luck haha!

[Fola]

23rd October 2019

Another one...

[Fola]

26th October 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 11

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser, Surman, Lerma*, H Wilson; King; Solanke.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey, Francis, Ibe, L Cook*, Surridge

Another good point on the road. I am really enjoying this save, it is nice to not be losing every game like on previous careers I have done. Dominic Solanke moved up front with Callum Wilson out while Harry Wilson came into the side in his place. We gave away a sloppy goal but Solanke scored a great goal to draw us level.

Bournemouth MOTM: Dominic Solanke (8.3)
League Position: 11th
Next Opponent: Wolves (A)

[Fola]

2nd November 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 12

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; H Wilson, Surman, Lerma, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey, Francis, Ibe, L Cook*, Fraser

We were really unlucky to lose this one. We played really well but two excellent goals from Adama Traore won the game for Wolves. I brought Callum Wilson back into the side and he did well despite not scoring. Nice to see Solanke bag once again.

Bournemouth MOTM: Callum Wilson (7.3)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Aston Villa (H)

[Fola]

9th November 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 13

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser, Surman*, Lerma, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey, Francis, Ibe, L Cook*, H Wilson

That wasn't good enough. We were completely off it today, a well deserved win for Villa. Brighton next who are 19th, a must win this one.

Bournemouth MOTM: Joshua King (7.1)
League Position: 15th
Next Opponent: Brighton (H)

[Fola]

23rd November 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 14

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; H Wilson*, Surman, Lerma**, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey*, Francis, Ibe, L Cook**, Fraser

Fantastic win, absolute domination. That serves Brighton right for sacking me in my previous career game. Really happy to see Callum Wilson bag a brace, he has done well this season but not scored as many goals as I am sure he would of liked. Up to 11th now.

Bournemouth MOTM: Callum Wilson (8.8)
League Position: 11th
Next Opponent: Sheffield United (H)

[Fola]

30th November 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 15

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; H Wilson, Surman*, Lerma, King**; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey, Francis, Ibe, L Cook*, Fraser**

What a game and what an excellent comeback. We went ahead early through Steve Cook's first goal of the season, scoring a header from a corner. Sheffield United then got three goals before half time which should of won them the game. Callum Wilson scored soonafter half time before Jefferson Lerma scored from long in the last minute of the game.

Bournemouth MOTM: Steve Cook (7.8)
League Position: 11th
Next Opponent: Chelsea (A)

[Fola]

4th December 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 16

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook*; Billing; H Wilson**, Surman, Lerma***, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly*, Stacey, Francis, Ibe, L Cook**, Fraser***

What a performance against one of the best teams in the league. We went behind early on but Solanke bagged against his former side to get us level. Kante then put Chelsea ahead before Joshua King scored a wonderful solo goal to get us a draw. King hit the post in the last minute too that could of won the game for us.

Bournemouth MOTM: Joshua King (8.4)
League Position: 12th
Next Opponent: Manchester CIty (A)

[Fola]

7th December 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 17

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; H Wilson*, Surman**, Lerma, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey, Francis, Ibe, L Cook*, Fraser**

We move on. City are just on another level to us.

Bournemouth MOTM: Joshua King (6.9)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Watford (H)

[Fola]

14th December 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 18

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook*; Billing; Fraser, L Cook, Lerma, King**; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly*, Stacey, Francis, Ibe, Surman, H Wilson**

A great win against one of our rivals who will the looking to avoid relegation this season, much like ourselves. I made two changes, with Ryan Fraser and Lewis Cook coming into the team ahead of Andrew Surman and Harry Wilson. Callum Wilson kept up his good form with his sixth goal of the season. Nathan Ake headed in shortly after and Watford managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time.

Bournemouth MOTM: Jefferson Lerma (7.7)
League Position: 12th
Next Opponent: Leicester (H)

[Fola]

21st December 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 19

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser*, L Cook, Lerma, King**; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey, Francis, Ibe*, Surman, H Wilson**

A good draw against a talented Leicester side. We defended well and I would have liked us to get the win but happy with a draw.

Bournemouth MOTM: Chris Mepham (7.1)
League Position: 11th
Next Opponent: Southampton (A)

[Fola]

28th December 2019

The transfer window opens soon. We have had our first bid in for one our players. My DOF has rejected the offer. Boruc isn't happy because he wants to leave.

[Fola]

28th December 2019 - Premier League - Matchday 20

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser*, L Cook, Lerma**, King; Solanke; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey, Francis, Ibe, Surman*, H Wilson**

Another nil-nil draw. We should of probably won this one but on the positive, it is nice to get another clean sheet.

Bournemouth MOTM: Chris Mepham (7.0)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Everton (A)

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Glad you are doing well with Bournemouth. I am looking forward to seeing how January goes for you and the players that leave and come into the club.

[Fola]

29th December 2019

Solanke will miss the next few games. It's a shame because he has been great this season.

[Fola]

1st January 2020

I have registered these guys for the second half of the season. Brooks is still injured but the rest are now fit. Excited about Danjuma.

[Fola]

1st January 2020 - Premier League - Matchday 21

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser*, L Cook, Lerma**, King***; H Wilson; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Stacey, Francis, Surman*, Stanislas**, Danjuma***

Battering. We got well and truly torn apart. Great start to the new year.

Bournemouth MOTM: Harry Wilson (7.2)
League Position: 13th
Next Opponent: Peterborough (H)

[Fola]

2nd January 2020

Our first bit of transfer business. This guy will join us at the end of the season. Bit of a weird one- not sure why my DOF signed him to be honest. He will be 32 by the time he joins and has only made 1 sub appearance this season for Parma.

[Fola]

3rd January 2020

My DOF has decided against offering this guy a new deal. He is currently out on loan and will be moving to France.

[Fola]

4th January 2020 - Premier League - Third Round

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Francis, Ake, Kelly; Billing; Stanislas*, L Cook**, Gosling, Danjuma***; H Wilson; C Wilson.
Subs: Boruc, S Cook, Mepham, Lerma, Surman*, Fraser**, King***

Played a much rotated side and we convincingly beat Peterborough in the FA Cup. Danjuma and Stanislas impressed on their return from injury.

Bournemouth MOTM: Harry Wilson (8.3)
Next Opponent: Manchester United (H)

[Fola]

4th January 2020

Fraser's contract is up at the end of the season and my DOF hasn't offered him anything yet. Would be a shame to lose him.

[Fola]

11th January 2020 - Premier League - Matchday 22

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser, L Cook, Lerma*, King**; H Wilson; C Wilson***.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Solanke*, Gosling**, Surman, Stanislas, Danjuma***

What a fantastic win. We lost 6-0 in the reverse fixture so to beat them on our own patch is very pleasing. It was nervy near the end but we held on. Up to 11th now and we have drawn Championship side Stoke in the next round of the FA Cup.

Bournemouth MOTM: Ryan Fraser (8.3)
League Position: 11th
Next Opponent: West Ham (H)

[Fola]

11th January 2020

Josh King will have to go up top when he returns from injury himself. I really need my DOF to get me a backup striker.

[Fola]

14th January 2020

My DOF has made his first signing of the transfer window. James Forrest joins us from Celtic. I am not sure we need another winger- I would have much prefered a striker in all honesty!

Will be interesting to see if he can cut it in the Premier League.

[Fola]

15th January 2020 - Premier League - Matchday 23

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser, L Cook, Lerma, Danjuma*; H Wilson; King**.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Gosling, Surman, Forrest*, Stanislas, Solanke**

How we haven't won that, I will never know. We battered them all game and had the chance to make it 2-0 but Harry Wilson missed his penalty and West Ham went straight up the other end to score.

Bournemouth MOTM: Philip Billing (7.8)
League Position: 10th
Next Opponent: Newcastle (H)

Edited August 21, 2020 by Fola

[Fola]

17th January 2020

Delighted with this. Well played DOF.

[Fola]

18th January 2020 - Premier League - Matchday 24

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, S Cook; Billing; Fraser*, L Cook**, Gosling, Forrest; H Wilson***; Solanke.
Subs: Boruc, Kelly, Lerma, Surman*, Danjuma, Stanislas**, King***

Excellent win. It was a complete domination and it really should of have been a more convincing scoreline. Happy to get another win and nice to see Ryan Fraser on the scoresheet after signing a new deal.

Bournemouth MOTM: Harry Wilson (7.3)
League Position: 10th
Next Opponent: Stoke (H)

[Fola]

19th January 2020

Jack Stacey is on his way to France until the end of the season. He's a good player but because I don't play with wing backs, he can't get into my team. I have retrained him as a winger so he may still have a future here. 

[Fola]

25th January 2020 - FA Cup - Fourth Round

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, Kelly; Billing*; Danjuma**, L Cook, Gosling, Forrest***; H Wilson; Solanke.
Subs: Boruc, S Cook, Lerma, Surman*, Fraser, Stanislas**, King***

I made a few changes but Stoke couldn't handle us. Really good to see James Forrest score his first goal for the club, as well as Dan Gosling scoring his first goal of the season. Philip Billing has been one of my best players this season, what a player he is. It would be great to do well in the FA Cup- hope we get a favourable draw in the next round.

Bournemouth MOTM: Harry Wilson (7.3)
League Position: 10th
Next Opponent: Stoke (H)

[Fola]

29th January 2020

You love to see it.

[Fola]

29th January 2020 - Premier League - Matchday 25

Starting XI: Ramsdale, Mepham, Ake, Kelly; Billing; King*, L Cook, Lerma**, Forrest; H Wilson; Solanke.
Subs: Boruc, S Cook, Gosling*, Surman, Fraser, Stanislas, Danjuma**

That was really disappointing. When Leicester had a man sent off, I really thought we would have taken advantage of it but it didn't really happen. Always disappointing to concede so late.

Bournemouth MOTM: Dominic Solanke (7.2)
League Position: 11th
Next Opponent: Liverpool (A)