The FM21 Youth Academy Challenge

[DazRTaylor]

End of Season Review

Season 2022/23

Friar Lane & Epworth

League Table - We won the league and secured the title, though Rugby Borough pushed us all the way and promotion was only secured on the penultimate day of the season.

League Fixtures 1 & 2 - We were consistent throughout the campaign and regular wins ensured the title and promotion was won.

Leicestershire Senior League Cup - A disappointing run as we went out on penalties to Fleckney Athletic, on penalties at the quarter final stage.

Pre Season Friendlies - Fourteen games were arranged and it was a completely mixed bag.

Squad - A good squad that is good enough to compete at the higher level next season.

Squad Dynamics - Our team cohesion requires a lot of work.

Transfers In - None.

Transfers Out - None.

Youth Candidates - A fantastic intake, with right back Louis Bainbridge YP23F22 not only the best player this year, but he is immediately the best player at the club.

Finances - As we are still an amateur club, we continue to be in the black.

Key Players

Jacob Gill YP22C3 - Playing on the left wing, the teenager grew in confidence throughout the campaign.

Anthony Lovatt YP22A1 - The central defender was a rock for most of the season.

Kane Senior YP22D4 - An amazing season from the striker, scoring 23 goals in 27 appearances.

Chris Moore YP23L28 - The central midfielder has started his career well.

Louis Bainbridge YP23F22 - I expect big things from the right back.

Next Season

Is another promotion out of the question?

Personal Coaching Data

Season     Reputation            Qualifications    Att   Def   Fit   GkD   GkH   GkS   Tac   Tec   Men   WWY   Ada   Det   PlK   YoK   LoD   MaM   Mot
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At start   Minimal   (0.25*)     None                1     1     1     1     1     1     1     1     1     4     1     1     1     4     1     1     1
2021/22    Minimal = (0.25*) =   National C ↑        2 ↑   2 ↑   2 ↑   1 =   1 =   1 =   2 ↑   2 ↑   2 ↑   4 =   1 =   2 ↑   2 ↑   4 =   4 ↑   2 ↑   3 ↑
2022/23    Minimal = (0.50*) ↑   National A ↑↑       7 ↑   6 ↑   3 ↑   2 ↑   1 =   1 =   7 ↑   6 ↑   7 ↑   4 =   1 =   6 ↑   6 ↑   8 ↑  13 ↑   7 ↑   7 ↑

Club Facilities

Season     Training Facilities  Youth Facilities  Youth Level  Corporate Facilities  Junior Coaching  Youth Recruitment  Club Reputation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At Start   Poor                 Poor                   0       Basic                 Basic            Limited            Local   (0.50*)
2021/22    Poor =               Poor =                 0 =     Basic =               Fairly basic ↑   Basic ↑            Local = (0.50*) =
2022/23    Poor =               Poor =                 0 =     Basic =               Average ↑        Fairly basic ↑     Local = (0.50*) =

Season Record

Season     Played     Won     Drawn     Lost     Goals For     Goals Against     Goal Difference     Win Percentage
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22      29        9         6       14          55              53                  +2              31.03%
2022/23      30       20         4        6          87              55                 +32              66.67% ↑

Overall Career Record

After Season   Played     Won     Drawn     Lost     Goals For     Goals Against     Goal Difference     Win Percentage     Time At Club
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22          29        9         6       14          55              53                  +2              31.03%             302 days
2022/23          59       29        10       20         142             108                 +34              49.15% ↑           667 days

Trophy Haul

Season     Competition Won
--------------------------
2022/23    Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division

Trophy Cabinet

League Titles
-------------
1 x Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division (2022/23)

Cup Competition Victories
-------------------------

 Career Overview

Season     Champions League    Europa League    Europa Conference League             League                                          Position     F.A. Cup                    League Cup        Achievements
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22           N/a               N/a                    N/a                       Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division     11th         N/a                          N/a            First round of Leicestershire Senior League Cup.
2022/23           N/a               N/a                    N/a                       Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division      1st ↑       N/a                          N/a            Quarter final of Leicestershire Senior League Cup.

Record Number of Appearances (Players From The Academy Only)

Season     Player                    Cumulative Number of Appearances
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22    Lucky Eze YP22F6                          3
2022/23    Abbas Ismail YP22B2                      31

Record Goal Scorer (Players From The Academy Only)

Season     Player                          Cumulative Number of Goals
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22    Lucky Eze YP22F6                             5
2022/23    Kane Senior YP22D4                          23

Record Number of Assists (Players From The Academy Only)

Season     Player                        Cumulative Number of Assists
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22    Gary Davison YP22J10                        2
2022/23    Gary Davison YP22J10                       10

Record Number of Clean Sheets (Players From The Academy Only)

Season     Player                    Cumulative Number of Clean Sheets
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22    Daniel Thern YP22M13                       1
2022/23    Daniel Thern YP22M13                       3

 

 

 

 

[XaW]

          

Liver Academy - Youth intake 2027

Looks promising with a diverse selection of youth players.

Much worse than last year, but one stand out player!

A really good attacking midfielder. Going to be very useful for us, if we can keep him.

Statistics:

Spoiler

No new countries, but a few more cities added to the list.

 

[Britrock]

I think it would be fair to say the media doesn't have very high expectations of us this season...!

[TheGreatTraveler]

 

Don't need more keepers damn, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GIVE ME A GOOD LEFT BACK.

[UnkleTass]

ACN Siena 1904 Season 2030/31 Review

 

A great season from the boys proving too good for Serie C, we dominated for most of the season but had to hold off a spirited Cesena in 2nd place to win the title on the final day. First piece of silverware for the team secured however and also became a club icon. Our attendance took a very sharp dip however probably all the bandwagon fans leaving after the bad Serie B season but they'll be back. We also managed to go on wonderful cup run to the 1st round of the Coppa Italia including a penalty win over Caligari which is easily the biggest scalp we've taken (got a whacking by Juventus for our troubles in the 1st round though).

Farcas is still going strong at the age of 30 and will still be in the team next year so 10/11 are currently prospects from the youth intakes over the years

Finances still bad, more takeover rumours but nothing on the horizon maybe it comes in Serie B (hopefully)

I got one job offer this year from Serie A which was at Sassuolo, I did not on my profile screen that my managing finances has regressed, I didn't know they could go both ways. Go figure

Challenge: Squad League Table Transfers

Key Players: Ernesto Tartaglia 23D Pierantonio Boccaccio 26D Antonio Ferraro 26B*

Youth Intake: Preview Actual

Manager: Profile Attributes

Jobs: #1

Extra: Finances Moments Overachievers Icon Club Legends

[DazRTaylor]

38 minutes ago, XaW said:

          

Liver Academy - Youth intake 2027

Looks promising with a diverse selection of youth players.

Much worse than last year, but one stand out player!

A really good attacking midfielder. Going to be very useful for us, if we can keep him.

Statistics:

  Reveal hidden contents

No new countries, but a few more cities added to the list.

 

Philip Stewart looks beastly.

[DazRTaylor]

Great news in that we have turned semi professional.  I can also offer proper contracts and not just non contract.  First time I have ever been able to do that in tier ten.

[Padders]

Season Review 2101/02

Absolutely embarrassing season!

Only I can go from top to needing to win the final game of the season to stay up in less than 18 months!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had to not lose to Swansea (I was 17th vs Swansea 18th) to make sure we stayed up.

We managed to win 4-0 but dreadful season

Intake dire!

Haven't had a decent first team player for 5 years now. I think I'm in the middle of the bad cycle again.

My best players are 35 (GK), 27, 29, 30 and 22.

Will be lucky to stay up next season

 

[ravenation]

4 hours ago, holidaysong said:

FC United of Manchester ; season 2035/36

League Table ; Squad ; Starting 11 ; Transfers ; Youth Candidates

A fairly forgettable season but valuable experience for the next generation. I finished 21st but 10 points clear of the drop. 9 of my 12 wins came before Christmas, while sitting pretty in mid table at the half way stage I decided to focus on game time for my youngsters in the second half of the season. Particularly in midfield, I was fielding 3 teenagers out of 4 across the middle for most of the run in.

I have some big decisions to make around goalkeepers. I'm in the ridiculous scenario where 3 of my best 5 players are goalkeepers, with my first choice keeper dropping to 3rd in the ranking according to my staff's opinion. I will probably loan out the 19 year old Ukrainian again, and bring  Daws into the first time fold to challenge for the #1 shirt.

I'm so afraid of letting a potential superstar go, that I am hoarding players and it's definitely a quantity over quality approach. I constantly have about 20 players out on loan. Anyone have any thoughts on a hoard and spread your net wide approach vs. a focus on quality over quantity approach for this kind of save?

I use an Excel sneet. Exampel i have a Max of 2 right midfielders in each squad and i always spend time every season deciding which 6 i believe the most in. Have to Many players to each position which i used to have, Will not make them progress. So spend the time, planning all 3 squads. Bad personalities is out of the door first

[OlivierL]

On 02/01/2021 at 22:14, OlivierL said:

  SC Eendracht Aalst - Belgium -  Eerste klasse B - 2th tier -  Season 2 (2022/2023)

Club Facts | Finances | Season Preview| Past Positions | Season Review | League Fixtures 1 - 2 | Cup Fixtures

What a superb second season ! I expected to compete as I was able to keep my first eleven but without proper backups I was able to have a great season (we were always first). Back to back promotions, great !

Facilities changes

Our finances look bad but the chairman agreed on one important upgrade.

I hope we won't lose any money because of this change.

Squad Facts | Best Eleven | Capped Players | Staff| Transfers | Youth Intake | Youth Intake Facts | Youth Intake Nations

Sorted by minutes played.

Key Performers

 

Ryckaert was my best defender , he was the best player of the league.  Copado was our best midfielder and second best in the league.

Top Talents

Ghany 22-10 had to start up front for four games because our main striker got injured. He scored 2 very important goals !

Best of Class 2023

 
   

Manager's Thoughts

We can keep the whole squad, and with four prospects from the last youth intake , good enough to promote, I hope not to be relegated. The weak finances worry me, but hopefully the TV money and sponsorship of next season's season can change that.

Academy Records

 

After a few season in Andorra and not finding a new club or a new country i'm going to continue my journey and save in Belgium . After two promotions i'm in the first tier in Belgium with Aalst. 

[XaW]

Liver Academy - Season 2026/27 Review

Table | Squad | Transfers | Finances

Well, we got promoted as champions again, and had another great season! I think the youth players we get in are in many cases way too good for this level, and I'm actually really surprised we haven't been fleeced by some bigger team yet. Lately some of the VNL teams have started sniffing around our best players though, so I hope I can keep them still. We also went on a bit of a cup run this season, so it was a really busy schedule. I also managed to improve both academy coaching and youth recruitment this season, so I hope it will show in future intakes.

In the FA Cup we beat Herne Bay, Ashington, Rawclife, Corinthian-Casuals, Marine, Curzon Ashton and Newport County before losing to Barnet in the 2nd round.

In the FA Trophy we beat Leicester Nirvana, Brackley Town and Guernsey before losing to FC United in the 2nd round.

In the Northern Premier League Challenge Cup we beat Hebburn Town, Stamford, Pontefract Collieries, Mossley and Lancaster City to reach the final, there we beat Radcliffe to claim the trophy. 

[JLAB]

.

So... Serie B's been fun. With the way that we play, I had seen this kind of result coming, but it still hurt a little bit.

[TheGreatTraveler]

@JLABOuch. That goal straight after the break probably undid anything you had achieved with the pep-talk. 

[JLAB]

3 minutes ago, TheGreatTraveler said:

@JLABOuch. That goal straight after the break probably undid anything you had achieved with the pep-talk. 

I was mostly panicking trying to stop the goals from going in to be honest with ya.

[Murley]

Season 2022-2023 Review

 

After an incredible first season and a very surprising promotion, we knew it was going to be a struggle to stay up but we were ready for the fight.

It started off terrible with a 5-1 loss against Heidenheim and then it was followed on with a tough fixture against Freiburg which ended another loss of 6-0. From both of these games, most of the goals either came from the LB position (where Hopps used to play) or a ball over the top between the CB's. This was quickly adjusted to attempt to reduce the goals flooding in which worked temperately but over the course of the season, the defence just couldn't keep goals out.

We lacked scoring goals to compensate for the ones we were letting in and really struggled. In October, our possible Wonderkid Striker Stefan Bergemann finally turned 17 and was doing amazing in training and within his Mentoring group. I think his Resolute personality helped a bit. He came into the first squad in January and straight up top as he had a CA of 4 stars and a PA of 5 stars!

 

Youth Intake

Youth intake isn't too bad with a 5* PA and 2 4* PA players but they just aren't in the positions I needed.

Table

Well well well... We absolutely got taught a lesson in Bundesliga 2. Finishing rock bottom with only 24 points from 6 wins and 2 draws was a very painful season. I am glad we got sent back down straight away as this taught us that really weren't ready for the huge step in leagues just yet. Another shock though, Union Berlin had another relegation and will be following me!

There was 1 positive though, Striker Bergemann! He only played the second half of the season and we were playing so badly most games, he still stood out and this was rewarded with 8 goals, 5 assists over 16 games. He also was awarded German U17 Players of the Year!

I will be trying to build the team around this guy next season and try and help develop him as much as possible including a long term contract.

2022-23 Team of the Season

Stawecki kept us in a number of games despite the defence being useless. Only problem at the moment is, Stawecki has a contact which lowers his Release Clause down to 200k when his current value is at 950k! So it looks like a new contract will be on it's way soon. Borgemann will move on after a January offer Osnabruck for 65k which is too low but he kept on moaning about leaving since day one. Jarosch has great potential in the future but a huge number of mistakes came from his area and his overall rating shows.

 

The biggest benefit of the Bundesliga 2, is the finances... For getting relegated, we obtained just over £7m which was very much needed considering we finished the season on -£1.73m. We have 34 of our players (1st team & youth) whose contract will end at the end of next season which may be a good thing as we have 1 player on £4.1k p/w & 6 players on over £3k p/w.

Next season's target will be to reach mid table or better and try and find the best formation for the players I currently have.

 

Season	Division	Pos	Europe	Max Rating	Goalscorer	Avg Attendance	Training	Youth Fac	Jr Coach	Youth Recru
2021-22	3.Liga	4th	-	Mario Crnicki (7.3)	Mario Crnicki (24)	10,868	Average	Average	Average	Adequate
2022-23	Bundesliga 2	18th	-	Tim Stawecki (7.0)	Stefan Bergemann (8)	12,843	Average	Average	Average	Adequate

Edited February 15, 2021 by Murley

[DazRTaylor]

Another decent preview.

[Padders]

As expected, in a relegation battle!

2 wins in 13!

[Padders]

and as usual, when you can't win the game does everything possible to make sure you don't win

[DazRTaylor]

Youth Candidates

Season 2023/24

Friar Lane & Epworth

I was promised a good goalkeeper and attacking midfielder and I got both and more.  Another good intake.

[Padders]

Season Review 2102/03

We managed to turn the bad form around and go on a mini run of with 2 losses in 12 games and finish 10th.

Poor season from Crepaldi with only 18 goals in 36 games. He is 30 now so may be on the decline.

New stadium confirmed and picked a guy who had a very average career with us, Paul Wilson. Not sure how it was him over Gumbs or Bateson?

 

[Padders]

Think that is the biggest bid for one of my players I've ever had

[Padders]

Even bigger!!!

[DazRTaylor]

End of Season Review

Season 2023/24

Friar Lane & Epworth

League Table - A  good first campaign at this level.  We were top early on, though once lost, we never reclaimed it.  Hucknall Town were the outstanding side in this league.

League Fixtures 1 & 2 - A three game losing run at the end of October proved to be the key moment in the season as we lost top spot and never recovered it.

F. A. Vase - A good cup run as we made it through several rounds before losing at home to ninth tier side Nelson in the fourth round.

East Midlands Counties League Cup - A disappointment as we lost in the first round, away to Gedling Miners Welfare, after extra time.

Pre Season Friendlies - A plethora of games were played and we only lost three of the sixteen games.

Squad - As my squad continues to gain experience, the quality of the players increases.

Squad Dynamics - Much better than last season, as the team cohesion is a lot better.

Transfers In - None.

Transfers Out - Quite a few departures as they all rejected new deals with us.

Youth Candidates - A quality intake once again, with attacking midfielder Michael Buron YP24C35 being the clear stand out.

Finances - We continue to be in the black, though we did lose a small amount this year.

Key Players

Anthony Lovatt YP22A1 - Another terrific season from the centre back.

Chris Moore YP23L28 - Playing in central midfield, he is too good for this league.

Mahmoud Best-Noble YP23P32 - Playing on either the left wing or up front, the youngster had a phenomenal year, scoring 58 goals in 44 appearances.

Brenton Beckford YP23M29 - He is comfortable on either wing and recorded double digits for goals and assists.

Michael Buron YP24C35 - He may be fresh out of the academy, but the attacking midfielder is already one of the best players at the club.

Next Season

After coming fairly close to another promotion this season, going up must be the aim.

Personal Coaching Data

Season     Reputation            Qualifications    Att   Def   Fit   GkD   GkH   GkS   Tac   Tec   Men   WWY   Ada   Det   PlK   YoK   LoD   MaM   Mot
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At start   Minimal   (0.25*)     None                1     1     1     1     1     1     1     1     1     4     1     1     1     4     1     1     1
2021/22    Minimal = (0.25*) =   National C ↑        2 ↑   2 ↑   2 ↑   1 =   1 =   1 =   2 ↑   2 ↑   2 ↑   4 =   1 =   2 ↑   2 ↑   4 =   4 ↑   2 ↑   3 ↑
2022/23    Minimal = (0.50*) ↑   National A ↑↑       7 ↑   6 ↑   3 ↑   2 ↑   1 =   1 =   7 ↑   6 ↑   7 ↑   4 =   1 =   6 ↑   6 ↑   8 ↑  13 ↑   7 ↑   7 ↑
2023/24    Minimal = (0.75*) ↑   Continental B ↑↑   10 ↑   9 ↑   6 ↑   2 =   1 =   1 =   9 ↑   9 ↑  10 ↑   4 =   1 =   8 ↑   8 ↑   9 ↑  19 ↑  10 ↑  10 ↑

Club Facilities

Season     Training Facilities  Youth Facilities  Youth Level  Corporate Facilities  Junior Coaching  Youth Recruitment  Club Reputation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At Start   Poor                 Poor                   0       Basic                 Basic            Limited            Local   (0.50*)
2021/22    Poor =               Poor =                 0 =     Basic =               Fairly basic ↑   Basic ↑            Local = (0.50*) =
2022/23    Poor =               Poor =                 0 =     Basic =               Average ↑        Fairly basic ↑     Local = (0.50*) =
2023/24    Poor =               Poor =                 0 =     Basic =               Adequate ↑       Fairly basic =     Local = (0.50*) =

Season Record

Season     Played     Won     Drawn     Lost     Goals For     Goals Against     Goal Difference     Win Percentage
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22      29        9         6       14          55              53                  +2              31.03%
2022/23      30       20         4        6          87              55                 +32              66.67% ↑
2023/24      45       29         7        9         145              75                 +70              64.44% ↓

Overall Career Record

After Season   Played     Won     Drawn     Lost     Goals For     Goals Against     Goal Difference     Win Percentage     Time At Club
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22          29        9         6       14          55              53                  +2              31.03%             302 days
2022/23          59       29        10       20         142             108                 +34              49.15% ↑           667 days
2023/24         104       58        17       29         287             183                +104              55.77% ↑         1,037 days

Trophy Haul

Season     Competition Won
--------------------------
2022/23    Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division

Trophy Cabinet

League Titles
-------------
1 x Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division (2022/23)

Cup Competition Victories
-------------------------

 Career Overview

Season     Champions League    Europa League    Europa Conference League             League                                          Position     F.A. Cup                    League Cup        Achievements
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22           N/a               N/a                    N/a                       Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division     11th         N/a                          N/a            First round of Leicestershire Senior League Cup.
2022/23           N/a               N/a                    N/a                       Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division      1st ↑       N/a                          N/a            Quarter final of Leicestershire Senior League Cup.
2023/24           N/a               N/a                    N/a                       East Midlands Counties League                      3rd ↑       N/a                          N/a            Fourth round of F. A. Vase.  First round of East Midlands Counties League Cup.

Record Number of Appearances (Players From The Academy Only)

Season     Player                    Cumulative Number of Appearances
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22    Lucky Eze YP22F6                          3
2022/23    Abbas Ismail YP22B2                      31
2023/24    Anthony Lovatt YP22A1                    72
           Abbas Ismail YP22B2                      72

Record Goal Scorer (Players From The Academy Only)

Season     Player                          Cumulative Number of Goals
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22    Lucky Eze YP22F6                             5
2022/23    Kane Senior YP22D4                          23
2023/24    Mahmoud Best-Noble YP23P32                  58

Record Number of Assists (Players From The Academy Only)

Season     Player                        Cumulative Number of Assists
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22    Gary Davison YP22J10                        2
2022/23    Gary Davison YP22J10                       10
2023/24    Brenton Beckford YP23M29                   22

Record Number of Clean Sheets (Players From The Academy Only)

Season     Player                    Cumulative Number of Clean Sheets
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2021/22    Daniel Thern YP22M13                       1
2022/23    Daniel Thern YP22M13                       3
2023/24    Dave Clayton YP23A17                      14

 

 

 

 

Edited February 17, 2021 by DazRTaylor

[JAwtunes]

Widzew Lodz (FM20)

Season 7 (2026-27) - Review

On the pitch

Starting 11

PKO Ekstraklasa - 1st: Jaga have become a competitive rival.

Polish Cup - 1st Round: I should really stop rotating for the cup.

UEFA Champions League: 1 goal scored in the group stage.

Off the pitch

Youth intake. We were promised a golden generation and we weren't disappointed!

Spoiler

Youth intake players:

 

SUMMARY

[Padders]

From where??????????????? 

 

[XaW]

Ok, I usually run through seasons at a fairly quick pace, but I've decided I want to try to take it slowly for a change. So I'm going to start a new save where I take everything slowly again. More highlights, more analyses of players and just take things far slower than I usually do. I have no idea how long I want to do this, but I thought I'd try to do it in a new way. So I've started a save in the Netherlands, but don't expect any updates as quickly as I have done for the others. I'll also use this to explore some more tactical setups than I have used since I've stuck to the 4-4-2 I created a while back. So if I post from this save, expect some tactical talk from me...

Anyway, I'm doing this in the Netherlands, and I had to holiday 3 seasons to let the promotion to the 2nd tier star, and I've taken over De Treffers. The team is from a small town called Groesbeek, just outside Nijmegen, bordering the Germany border. So I expect a fair few Germans coming through our ranks down the line.

[XaW]

So since I now take it slower and tactical, let's talk tactics. I have never had my old 4-5-1/4-3-3 to work on FM21, so this is my real attempt at it.

My first attempt on the left and the new one on the right.

So, I've done some role changes, but the general idea is quite similar. I want the left full back to be the width on the left and have the AML tuck inside. One of my main issues in my first try was that the striker was too isolated, so I've changed the AMR into an Inside Winger to have him come a bit closer. I've also had the most attacking midfielder change into a Mezzala to allow him to move into the channels and work with the IW. The other central midfielder I changed into a Carrilero, simply because the Ball Winning Midfielder seems to be too passive on the ball. So making him a Carrilero I hope to get him more involved.

The first friendly (against lower league opponents) went well as we won 5-0. The opening goal came after the WB-R made a run forward into space vacated by the IW and found the MEZ in a pull back. The MEZ then squared the ball to the CAR who scored from 14 meters out. The 2nd goal came from the AMR after he stayed central following the 2nd ball win by the AML from a corner. The 3rd was a direct free kick and the 4th was a corner headed into the bottom corner. The final goal was from a recycled ball to the HB who found the CAR in space, he passed it to the AML who found the bottom corner from about the edge of the box.

So only the first and the last goal was by design, and the other two was from set pieces or after a set piece. Still, it was our first ever try at the tactic, so I'm happy there seems to be some promise in the new edition yet. Now to get through the friendlies and see how it works against the teams in the league!

[DazRTaylor]

All the best in The Netherlands.  When you manage in the box game of two divisions, The Netherlands is one of the hardest leagues to survive in.  Your players are so much inferior than the next worst side.

[XaW]

Just now, DazRTaylor said:

All the best in The Netherlands.  When you manage in the box game of two divisions, The Netherlands is one of the hardest leagues to survive in.  Your players are so much inferior than the next worst side.

Yeah, it seems they are quite poor, so it could well be a short save! It'll be a fun experiment anyway.

[XaW]

So, a bit of a realisation; I have a pretty poor team. I played in a game against the Herenveen Reserves and they thumped us 6-0. So we are just too poor to play like that against far better players. So I created a similar version I can use against more attacking sides.

So, this is a very basic one, but the idea is to stay a bit lower and pass into space to let the top 3 work and the rest follow a bit behind. The DM is also an Anchor Man to keep the defence tighter. This I need to test more, but I expect I get to use it quite a bit during the season.

[TheGreatTraveler]

And the board have done it again, deadline day sell of a key player. Sigh. 

[vikeologist]

Every time I fine my 17a who has a determination of 2, his work rate goes up even more but his det stays the same.

Highly determined squad personality. mentoring.

Nothing is going to shift that 2 stat.

[jmonfu]

10 hours ago, XaW said:

So, a bit of a realisation; I have a pretty poor team. I played in a game against the Herenveen Reserves and they thumped us 6-0. So we are just too poor to play like that against far better players. So I created a similar version I can use against more attacking sides.

So, this is a very basic one, but the idea is to stay a bit lower and pass into space to let the top 3 work and the rest follow a bit behind. The DM is also an Anchor Man to keep the defence tighter. This I need to test more, but I expect I get to use it quite a bit during the season.

@XaW in my first seasons with Toulon, I opted for a Libero(S) instead of the Anchor Man.  I actually converted a midfielder to a CD to play that role.  I found that the Libero gives you the assurance of a defender, but also starts the attack himself most of the time.  He is also on of my best players today, but I play him more as a BPD now.  Also my roles in midfield are a DLP(s) and a BWM(s) with both players given instructions to move forward when possible.  Front three are IF(s), W(s) and CF(A).  I found that the Complete Forward plays better than a DLF even if he does not have all the skills to play as a CF.  I found he is more ionvolved in the attack and also chips in with some goals himself.

Edited February 16, 2021 by jmonfu

[Padders]

Semi Final of the FA Cup

Battered but manage to win

Crazy last couple of minutes 

[Padders]

Season Review 2103/04

Really poor league campaign, finishing 15th.

As posted above, injury time winner to get to the Final of the FA Cup

Plymouth in the Final, relegated from the PL with THREE wins all season!

Looks like we love scoring injury time winners in this years FA Cup

Goal in the 91st minute to go 3-2 up, concede in 92nd to make it 3-3 and then the winner in the 93rd minute!

The striker from Batman maybe decent

 

 

[XaW]

1 hour ago, jmonfu said:

@XaW in my first seasons with Toulon, I opted for a Libero(S) instead of the Anchor Man.  I actually converted a midfielder to a CD to play that role.  I found that the Libero gives you the assurance of a defender, but also starts the attack himself most of the time.  He is also on of my best players today, but I play him more as a BPD now.  Also my roles in midfield are a DLP(s) and a BWM(s) with both players given instructions to move forward when possible.  Front three are IF(s), W(s) and CF(A).  I found that the Complete Forward plays better than a DLF even if he does not have all the skills to play as a CF.  I found he is more ionvolved in the attack and also chips in with some goals himself.

I've thought about it, but I really want him to be a shield ahead of the defence and play in the DM strata when we don't have the ball, and I don't quite think a Libero is suitable for that purpose. Even if it's an interesting suggestion! I do also like the way the CF works compared to DLF. I feel the DLF often are too far back for my likening and often gets left behind when countering.

I did use my normal tactic this last match and got a win in squeaky bum time!

Not had the best of times so far, only scoring 3 goals in 6 matches, but I'm still working on the defensive tactic. So far it's been changed a bit and currently looks like this:

I want to be solid at the back, but ready to counter. In my last game using it, I lost 0-2 at home to NAC, but they are one of the best teams in the league and they struggled to create much. Their goals came from a corner and a worldie from 30 meters out, so we restricted them quite well, even if we created very little ourselves (and by little I mean 0 shots!). So it's a work in progress, but I'm starting to see the contours of a counterattacking tactic I can use against the big boys.

[XaW]

Small update from the Netherlands, things are going much better than I had expected (although I do suspect that this post will ruin things for me).

The latest tweaks are helping and I switch a bit between the controlling and the counterattacking version in game, and tweak for specific happenings. Doing things more slowly is a nice change of pace for me, and I'm really looking forward to getting in youth players as well now. I seem to have found a nice base to progress, even if I firmly expect us to struggle more later in the season. For now, though, we are 9 points ahead of the relegation spot.

[Britrock]

Looking at the tactic @XaW my one thought is that you don't have anyone running beyond the defence except for the striker. I'd think about maybe changing the mezzala to an attacking role to get some more penetration from deep, it might help generate some more chances. 

[Armeniar]

We made it to the group stages of the Conference League   

[XaW]

53 minutes ago, Britrock said:

Looking at the tactic @XaW my one thought is that you don't have anyone running beyond the defence except for the striker. I'd think about maybe changing the mezzala to an attacking role to get some more penetration from deep, it might help generate some more chances. 

Yeah, it's something I've been thinking of, but I'm afraid to leave too much space, since I am a poor team after all. But it's on my list of possible changes.

[flyd]

35 minutes ago, XaW said:

Yeah, it's something I've been thinking of, but I'm afraid to leave too much space, since I am a poor team after all. But it's on my list of possible changes.

If you change your RB to an IWB he can cover the space that's left open by the MEZ

[jmonfu]

3 hours ago, XaW said:

I've thought about it, but I really want him to be a shield ahead of the defence and play in the DM strata when we don't have the ball, and I don't quite think a Libero is suitable for that purpose. Even if it's an interesting suggestion! I do also like the way the CF works compared to DLF. I feel the DLF often are too far back for my likening and often gets left behind when countering.

I did use my normal tactic this last match and got a win in squeaky bum time!

Not had the best of times so far, only scoring 3 goals in 6 matches, but I'm still working on the defensive tactic. So far it's been changed a bit and currently looks like this:

I want to be solid at the back, but ready to counter. In my last game using it, I lost 0-2 at home to NAC, but they are one of the best teams in the league and they struggled to create much. Their goals came from a corner and a worldie from 30 meters out, so we restricted them quite well, even if we created very little ourselves (and by little I mean 0 shots!). So it's a work in progress, but I'm starting to see the contours of a counterattacking tactic I can use against the big boys.

Another thing, I found that an IF for me performed better than a IW, but mine is paired with a CF of course, not AdvF.  What I find is that the Winger since he is on support will cross from deep, the CF will come for the ball, and he either passes to the IF to score, or the BWM which I have to run forward.  Infact my IF and my BWM get a lot of shots on goal, but my CF is still my top scorer.  My CF is also my best player.  I also had a combination of CAR and MEZ but I did not find they are effective esp the CAR.  I also tried 2 B2B with a DLP, but then I settled for an AM(A) which contributes a lot when gelling the midfield with the attack.  In my promotion season I was supposed to finish last my the media, and finished second once I changed to this tactic.

I play as follows

SWK(S)

WB(S) CD(D) BPD(D) FB(S)

DLP(S) BWM (S)

IF(S) AM(A) W(S)

CF(A)

That is the best tactic I have found so far

[Britrock]

This is my current setup. The idea is we sit back and allow the opposition to come at us, but press them when they get near to our goal, and then counter attack pretty directly when we get the ball. I have two runners from midfield with the CMa and Wa, with the DLF holding the ball up for them (he also has the 'likes to beat offside trap' trait). It's not the most attractive football you'll ever see, but as a team that is 1,000-1 and nailed on to go down according to the media, we currently sit 21st out of 28 teams over halfway through the season.

[Britrock]

My latest youth intake just arrived and it's full of wingers and strikers, but none of them can finish to save their lives!

[DazRTaylor]

The new preview is here and it is not very good.

[holidaysong]

On 14/02/2021 at 18:19, ravenation said:

I use an Excel sneet. Exampel i have a Max of 2 right midfielders in each squad and i always spend time every season deciding which 6 i believe the most in. Have to Many players to each position which i used to have, Will not make them progress. So spend the time, planning all 3 squads. Bad personalities is out of the door first

Did you have an u23 team from the beginning or how / when did you get one?

I still only have a first team and u18s in the Championship.

[Armeniar]

 

 

Our youth network has been firmly expanded over the past months. Arendal & Dender for example have great youth facilities. Bring in those foreign talents! 

Edited February 16, 2021 by Armeniar

[XaW]

51 minutes ago, flyd said:

If you change your RB to an IWB he can cover the space that's left open by the MEZ

I don't really like the IWB role, I'm old school like that!

43 minutes ago, jmonfu said:

Another thing, I found that an IF for me performed better than a IW, but mine is paired with a CF of course, not AdvF.  What I find is that the Winger since he is on support will cross from deep, the CF will come for the ball, and he either passes to the IF to score, or the BWM which I have to run forward.  Infact my IF and my BWM get a lot of shots on goal, but my CF is still my top scorer.  My CF is also my best player.  I also had a combination of CAR and MEZ but I did not find they are effective esp the CAR.  I also tried 2 B2B with a DLP, but then I settled for an AM(A) which contributes a lot when gelling the midfield with the attack.  In my promotion season I was supposed to finish last my the media, and finished second once I changed to this tactic.

I play as follows

SWK(S)

WB(S) CD(D) BPD(D) FB(S)

DLP(S) BWM (S)

IF(S) AM(A) W(S)

CF(A)

That is the best tactic I have found so far

Yeah, I've been toying with it, but I don't really want to play him as a striker, but a wide player that cuts in quite often. I've found the IF cut in too much for my likening. I also like to have a DM, because when I don't I feel like that is the space that is most invaded against me. And playing a HB there allows the full backs more freedom to go forward without leaving my centre backs too isolated. I also like to have the DM as a pivot since I feel the team recycles possession too little without one.

My main issue seems to be the forward being to isolated from the midfielders though and an AM would solve a lot, but then I'd have to sacrifice the DM and I don't think I'm ready for that when I'm so much poorer than the other teams in this league. If I were a highly rated side, then I'd be more inclined to do so.

[XaW]

A small update as we have gone a bit past the half way mark. We are currently looking quite good and we are looking to avoid relegation by quite a distance, unless things go really sour towards the end.

 

Considering we have the worst squad in the league by a distance, I'm more than happy!

[JAwtunes]

Really pleased with last seasons intake.  This guy came through the academy 3 months ago.  He is already a starter in our team, and u21 international and is being watched by the Poland manager.  Oh, and he has 3 goals in 6 league games from CB too.