[FM23] - French football thread

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Baba Toure is one to look out for as a good experienced centre back. 

He done really well for me when I was managing SC Toulon.

[CaptCanuck]

1 hour ago, Ronaldo Beckham said:

 

I used all sorts of different data files so it might be to do with that. 

I haven't personally editted his attributes in anyway. 

Maybe I am just lucky.

 

Oh ya, I didn't mean to imply you were messing about as his attributes looks like a natural progression from his 18yr old level in my save, but already there. He has decent pace, determination, and crossing at 18 even in mine, but I was thinking I was going to have my LWB sorted out for the next 5 years

Nice pay day out of it for a National ligue club though, you can finance half a new side with 300k!

[CaptCanuck]

7 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Now I will very quickly profile some of my key players and signings. 

Yann Kitala started the game at Havre and was our best player this season, finishing with 19 goals & 12 assists. He has also improved a lot.

Joao Neves, the best free signing I may have ever made in FM. I could not believe my eyes when he was unattached. He is now labelled a wonderkid (deservedly so) and somehow topped the NxtGn rankings this season. He is also valued at over 50m already. Top player!

The other half of my new pivot is Lesley Ugochukwu who initially joined us on loan, but will make his transfer permanent for 1 million this summer. Also a very solid and well rounded player, even if he had some disciplinary issues on the pitch.

Collins Sichenje is a cheap Kenyan center half we brought in on loan for the season, who has also improved a lot and will be joining on a permanent move for 1m in the summer.

And finally, a quick look at Ourdy Apataki who came through the ranks of the academy last season, and seems to have a bright future at Havre. He made one substitute appearance, breaking the club record for youngest player ever. I am really hoping he continues to develop well.

 

Loooooove the look of Ugochukwu (seriously in that pic it looks like he's ready to eff someone up, lol) he's the exact type of DM I've been trying to get on loan that keep turning me down, lol. Either as a club icon if you can keep him for a decade or for big money in a few seasons, that's a great pickup. Funnily enough my save's Le Havre weren't so keen on Kitala

I need to check my Brighton save, I think I paid for Joao the season earlier, great pick up! Edit: apparently I bought a Joao Veloso in that, too many Joaos about.

Edited February 14, 2023 by CaptCanuck

[Ronaldo Beckham]

55 minutes ago, CaptCanuck said:

Oh ya, I didn't mean to imply you were messing about as his attributes looks like a natural progression from his 18yr old level in my save, but already there. He has decent pace, determination, and crossing at 18 even in mine, but I was thinking I was going to have my LWB sorted out for the next 5 years

Nice pay day out of it for a National ligue club though, you can finance half a new side with 300k!

I wish lol.

I had to put it all into my wage budget as I was over £10k into my budget.

Annoyingly there is no % profit on next transfer. 

 

[CaptCanuck]

Start of 2023/24 season update (transfer window time)

One interesting bit about scheduling is Ligue 2 ends up 8 matches into the season by the time the window closes, which makes it harder for 0% contribution loans when you don't want to wait so many matches.

Transfers*

It also leads to some panicky buys when you're 2 weeks from the start of the season and don't have a GK. So what do you do? Go to Italy of course! Atalanta had 8 GKs in their 1st team squad and they can't all play, so we took a flier on Gelmi (who got an A+ scouting report when it finished, weeks after we signed him) who looks decent, bar the doesn't like big matches... not the greatest for your #1 keeper, but after the howlers from last season he cannot do worse.

Overall though for a 425k net spend we acquired 6 new starters (LWB, AM, CB, GK, SS, CB) and a potential wildcard sub in Kitala, who my save's Havre AC didn't want. Silly really as he's a quality all-rounder who we'll play at AF and SS. Speaking of SS, Serber becomes our big money splash on a whopping 6k/pw and early returns are positive.

FM really is 'morale manager' and streak runs, we won our 1st match against demoted Lorient, lost at the death to Grenoble, and then kept the vibes going and are that Grenoble match late winner away from 1st! Had we lost that opener to Lorient I could see us down in 15th, but we'll ride this wave as long as we can.

That wave due in no small part to our backup striker Bentil, who in the first 5 matches scored in minute 87, 87, 90+1, and 87, earning us 4pts in the process. Never seen a sub have such a run like that, especially at the start of the season.

90pts left to play for, so let's see what happens.

*More Real Sociedad than Bilbao, we're going to have a 2 non-French born limit, since I got desperate and grabbed at Italian keeper and Kabore our 35yr old club captain and talisman, who I inherited is from Burkina Faso, that seems fair.

Edited February 14, 2023 by CaptCanuck

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Le Mans FC Season 1 Review

Competitions

A lovely 2nd position finish and automatic promotion to Ligue 2.

We started really slow and for quite a bit of the season we were lower mid table but the last 2 months we went on a hell of a run and clinched promotion.

We didn't do well in the Coupe de France Cup with us getting through to the 8th round but we ended up losing to Vendes Herbiers.

Best Players

Top Goalscorer

N'Dri Philippe Koffi

On loan striker Koffi banged 20 goals and was the main man at the club. Unfortunately I am unable to loan him for another season at the moment but that might change in time.

Highest Average Rating & Most Assists

Giovani

My DOF was very good at bringing it players on loan and we managed to get highly rated Brazilian winger Giovani on loan from Palmerias and he was amazing with 13 assists, 7 goals and a 7.46 average rating.

Unfortunately he is another player we have on loan who at this current time wont be able to bring back to the club but never say never.

@Jogo Bonito Percious Boah has yet to debut this season but I think he will be the main man or will definitely get some game time next season with Koffi unable to come back.

Also Boah has impressed in my reserves with 9 goals from 11 games.

Cheers again for suggesting him.

I have put in offers for a few of the African hidden gems mentioned in this thread so hopefully they will sign for us and help the club progress.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I just accepted a £250k plus add ons bid for one of my star players Brahima Doukansy who I signed on a free transfer last season.

I have also offered him a new contract so we will see what he decides to do.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Suprisingly he accepted the offer of a new contract which I am glad about as the finances are better at Le Mans FC but we also aren't in the position to turn down good money for players and make a profit on the transfer market.

We did manage to sell experienced striker Armand Gnanduillet for a decent fee of £275k and with this sale it should give Percious Boah a clear pathway to be our main striker for the club.

[baller94]

Just started a road to glory challenge and thought why not begin with Lyon. Currently on course for second first season, but PSG are many points ahead...gonna take a few seasons I think to topple them.

[karanhsingh]

10 hours ago, CaptCanuck said:

Loooooove the look of Ugochukwu (seriously in that pic it looks like he's ready to eff someone up, lol) he's the exact type of DM I've been trying to get on loan that keep turning me down, lol. Either as a club icon if you can keep him for a decade or for big money in a few seasons, that's a great pickup. Funnily enough my save's Le Havre weren't so keen on Kitala

I need to check my Brighton save, I think I paid for Joao the season earlier, great pick up! Edit: apparently I bought a Joao Veloso in that, too many Joaos about.

For sure, he looks like someone who can't wait to call you outside to have a proper punch up. And he plays like that too! 

Joao is absolutely brilliant though, i still can't believe we got him. And i saw that you signed my man Kitala on your save, well done! He's really improved here with game time. 

[karanhsingh]

10 hours ago, CaptCanuck said:

Start of 2023/24 season update (transfer window time)

One interesting bit about scheduling is Ligue 2 ends up 8 matches into the season by the time the window closes, which makes it harder for 0% contribution loans when you don't want to wait so many matches.

Transfers*

It also leads to some panicky buys when you're 2 weeks from the start of the season and don't have a GK. So what do you do? Go to Italy of course! Atalanta had 8 GKs in their 1st team squad and they can't all play, so we took a flier on Gelmi (who got an A+ scouting report when it finished, weeks after we signed him) who looks decent, bar the doesn't like big matches... not the greatest for your #1 keeper, but after the howlers from last season he cannot do worse.

Overall though for a 425k net spend we acquired 6 new starters (LWB, AM, CB, GK, SS, CB) and a potential wildcard sub in Kitala, who my save's Havre AC didn't want. Silly really as he's a quality all-rounder who we'll play at AF and SS. Speaking of SS, Serber becomes our big money splash on a whopping 6k/pw and early returns are positive.

FM really is 'morale manager' and streak runs, we won our 1st match against demoted Lorient, lost at the death to Grenoble, and then kept the vibes going and are that Grenoble match late winner away from 1st! Had we lost that opener to Lorient I could see us down in 15th, but we'll ride this wave as long as we can.

That wave due in no small part to our backup striker Bentil, who in the first 5 matches scored in minute 87, 87, 90+1, and 87, earning us 4pts in the process. Never seen a sub have such a run like that, especially at the start of the season.

90pts left to play for, so let's see what happens.

*More Real Sociedad than Bilbao, we're going to have a 2 non-French born limit, since I got desperate and grabbed at Italian keeper and Kabore our 35yr old club captain and talisman, who I inherited is from Burkina Faso, that seems fair.

More Sociedad than Bilbao  love it

Nice start to the season, hope you can keep it going!

6 hours ago, Ronaldo Beckham said:

Le Mans FC Season 1 Review

Competitions

A lovely 2nd position finish and automatic promotion to Ligue 2.

We started really slow and for quite a bit of the season we were lower mid table but the last 2 months we went on a hell of a run and clinched promotion.

We didn't do well in the Coupe de France Cup with us getting through to the 8th round but we ended up losing to Vendes Herbiers.

Best Players

Top Goalscorer

N'Dri Philippe Koffi

On loan striker Koffi banged 20 goals and was the main man at the club. Unfortunately I am unable to loan him for another season at the moment but that might change in time.

Highest Average Rating & Most Assists

Giovani

My DOF was very good at bringing it players on loan and we managed to get highly rated Brazilian winger Giovani on loan from Palmerias and he was amazing with 13 assists, 7 goals and a 7.46 average rating.

Unfortunately he is another player we have on loan who at this current time wont be able to bring back to the club but never say never.

@Jogo Bonito Percious Boah has yet to debut this season but I think he will be the main man or will definitely get some game time next season with Koffi unable to come back.

Also Boah has impressed in my reserves with 9 goals from 11 games.

Cheers again for suggesting him.

I have put in offers for a few of the African hidden gems mentioned in this thread so hopefully they will sign for us and help the club progress.

 

 

Good season there, congratulations on the promotion. I reckon some of those players can definitely do a more than decent job in Ligue 2 as well.

3 hours ago, baller94 said:

Just started a road to glory challenge and thought why not begin with Lyon. Currently on course for second first season, but PSG are many points ahead...gonna take a few seasons I think to topple them.

Nice one, welcome to the thread!

[karanhsingh]

Here are my transfers for the start of season 3:

The board gave us a nice budget of 10m after another European qualification, we spent about half of it. The balance has gone into improvements to both the training and youth facilities. Besides this, they also decided to install under-soil heating in the stadium.

As mentioned before, we converted the loan signings of Ugochukwu and Sichenje into permanent deals. Apart from this, we dipped into Denmark for a couple of (what I hope will be) bargain signings. With Thiare now 31 and Cornette 30 we need to start renewing our attack, so hopefully this will do that.

[karanhsingh]

Jesus, what is this **** show?

[JawZy]

6 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Jesus, what is this **** show?

not a very kind set of fixtures that!.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Life in Ligue 2 is not going well for Le Mans FC so far with us losing the first 4 games.

I will give my current tactic a few more games and then look at changing it up. I only used the original Tika-Taka tactic to get the best out of Koffi who isn't here anymore.

I managed to sign Libasse Ngom, Amadou N'Diaye and Baba Toure who are doing ok so far. Percious Boah is rotating with Ngom up front for now to find out who is best suited up front.

I have also got future transfers for Nathaniel Nwosu and Price Ndlovu who will arrive to the club in January.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I stayed loyal to my tactic, did a team meeting and it worked a treat as I managed to get my first win of the season.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I signed experienced pro Henri Saivet for £31k from Pau and he has done well so far with 2 goals in 5 games and 1 assist.

He helped us get our only 2nd win of the season when won 3-2 vs Nimes

Also had a tempting offer from a fallen giant.

I rejected the interview offer. 

 

Edited February 15, 2023 by Ronaldo Beckham

[CaptCanuck]

5 hours ago, Ronaldo Beckham said:

Life in Ligue 2 is not going well for Le Mans FC so far with us losing the first 4 games.

I will give my current tactic a few more games and then look at changing it up. I only used the original Tika-Taka tactic to get the best out of Koffi who isn't here anymore.

I managed to sign Libasse Ngom, Amadou N'Diaye and Baba Toure who are doing ok so far. Percious Boah is rotating with Ngom up front for now to find out who is best suited up front.

I have also got future transfers for Nathaniel Nwosu and Price Ndlovu who will arrive to the club in January.

 

Bordeaux and Lens that early is not the easiest of starts and for sure with cobbled together squads the streaks are so much more pronounced; like the awesome ending for promotion and then the dismal start. If you're going to sign players who play under an African flag, you have to have a Toure on your team, lol.

IDK how things will play out in your save, but at the 19 match mark, Koffi is going to play out his contract and become a free agent, so maybe hope for you yet? Right now he is on loan at Clermont. There's a French-born Congolese all round Midfielder/Winger named Tchimbembe (Metz) who is playing out his contract too and looks a good Ligue 2 player, agent is touting him at the moment, incase he's free on yours as well.

Way to stay strong and reject ASSE's advances ;-)

Edited February 16, 2023 by CaptCanuck

[CaptCanuck]

18 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Here are my transfers for the start of season 3:

The board gave us a nice budget of 10m after another European qualification, we spent about half of it. The balance has gone into improvements to both the training and youth facilities. Besides this, they also decided to install under-soil heating in the stadium.

As mentioned before, we converted the loan signings of Ugochukwu and Sichenje into permanent deals. Apart from this, we dipped into Denmark for a couple of (what I hope will be) bargain signings. With Thiare now 31 and Cornette 30 we need to start renewing our attack, so hopefully this will do that.

I like those Ligue 2 'quality' players... free transfer, free transfer, free transfer... I know that feeling, just about clearing wage room.

And that is a brutal start to the Europa campaign, will some clubs slide down to Conference then? Not that you can't finish high enough up!

[CaptCanuck]

Halfway stage of Season 2 reached.

That early start couldn't be sustained and we settled in about where I thought we could be, which is on target for mid 60s... if we can somehow eek out enough points to hit 70, maybe in with a playoff shout. Ligue 2 is definitely harder this season, trading 4 teams we could flat-track-bully for 4 former Ligue 1 sides. Think any of the Top 10 could make it into the Top 5, with Lorient being the big surprise so far how mediocre they have been, but expect Sochaux to run away with it eventually, their squad is just too strong.

I do always get a kick out of the assman's advice, most of the time it's a quick click past, but then you see something that is genuinely chuckle-worthy:

Cheers for that update! I know it's based on their attributes and not output, but still silly.

Edited February 16, 2023 by CaptCanuck

[karanhsingh]

3 hours ago, Ronaldo Beckham said:

I signed experienced pro Henri Saivet for £31k from Pau and he has done well so far with 2 goals in 5 games and 1 assist.

He helped us get our only 2nd win of the season when won 3-2 vs Nimes

Also had a tempting offer from a fallen giant.

I rejected the interview offer. 

 

Good to see you hitting some form. Btw sorry to say but Ngom pretty much flopped for me. Sent him back to Senegal on loan now. 

[karanhsingh]

20 minutes ago, CaptCanuck said:

Bordeaux and Lens that early is not the easiest of starts and for sure with cobbled together squads the streaks are so much more pronounced; like the awesome ending for promotion and then the dismal start. If you're going to sign players who play under an African flag, you have to have a Toure on your team, lol.

IDK how things will play out in your save, but at the 19 match mark, Koffi is going to play out his contract and become a free agent, so maybe hope for you yet? Right now he is on loan at Clermont. There's a French-born Congolese all round Midfielder/Winger named Tchimbembe (Metz) who is playing out his contract too and looks a good Ligue 2 player, agent is touting him at the moment, incase he's free on yours as well.

Way to stay strong and reject ASSE's advances ;-)

A Toure and a Dembele!

18 minutes ago, CaptCanuck said:

I like those Ligue 2 'quality' players... free transfer, free transfer, free transfer... I know that feeling, just about clearing wage room.

And that is a brutal start to the Europa campaign, will some clubs slide down to Conference then? Not that you can't finish high enough up!

That's the thing, i have absolutely no idea how this new format works. Or how they even assign the fixtures to every team. It all feels so random. It's going to be a disaster IRL i reckon. 

11 minutes ago, CaptCanuck said:

Halfway stage of Season 2 reached.

That early start couldn't be sustained and we settled in about where I thought we could be, which is on target for mid 60s... if we can somehow eek out enough points to hit 70, maybe in with a playoff shout. Ligue 2 is definitely harder this season, trading 4 teams we could flat-track-bully for 4 former Ligue 1 sides. Think any of the Top 10 could make it into the Top 5, with Lorient being the big surprise so far how mediocre they have been, but expect Sochaux to run away with it eventually, their squad is just too strong.

I do always get a kick out of the assman's advice, most of the time it's a quick click past, but then you see something that is genuinely chuckle-worthy:

Cheers for that update! I know it's based on their attributes and not output, but still silly.

Good work so far. Definitely in with a shout! Keep it going. 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

8 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Good to see you hitting some form. Btw sorry to say but Ngom pretty much flopped for me. Sent him back to Senegal on loan now. 

Yeah he has been a bit indifferent to me but I am sticking by him as he is still young and can improve.

8 hours ago, CaptCanuck said:

Bordeaux and Lens that early is not the easiest of starts and for sure with cobbled together squads the streaks are so much more pronounced; like the awesome ending for promotion and then the dismal start. If you're going to sign players who play under an African flag, you have to have a Toure on your team, lol.

IDK how things will play out in your save, but at the 19 match mark, Koffi is going to play out his contract and become a free agent, so maybe hope for you yet? Right now he is on loan at Clermont. There's a French-born Congolese all round Midfielder/Winger named Tchimbembe (Metz) who is playing out his contract too and looks a good Ligue 2 player, agent is touting him at the moment, incase he's free on yours as well.

Way to stay strong and reject ASSE's advances ;-)

Oh ok awesome I will keep an eye on Koffi's and Tchimbembe's contract situation. 

Cheers for letting me know.

Yeah Baba Toure was a bit of favourite of mine when I done the Youth Academy challenge with SC Toulon. He has started well for me. I just wish he was a few years younger. 

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I threw some of the youngsters into the team for our Coupe de France match and they impressed. Especially striker Noah Lobe. 

I think I will be playing Noah Lobe and midfielder Djaoui Cisse more often.

[Jogo Bonito]

Nice work with Niort and Le Mans guys, excellent stuff. And @karanhsingh I am sure you're all set for another good season at Havre AC also.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

This is where we lie with 4 games to go.

Who do we have left to play you say.....

Sochaux, St.Etienne, Ajaccio and Bordeaux. 

A very tough run up for us. 

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

We lost to Sochaux 2-1 but luckily Niort also lost.

St.Etienne next 

[CaptCanuck]

^That run in is brutal Honestly I can only laugh, 4 clubs with Ligue 1 bonafides you have to eek out points against?! Bonne chance!

[CaptCanuck]

Jan '24 Transfer Window done

One man's trash another's treasure. That is the 3rd starter we've gotten in the last 2 windows from Les Verts. As long as they don't want them we'll keep taking them. Also needed to add some steal with quality in the middle and Abdelli my finally be that guy we've need, as a part time started and final 20-30 mins deputy for our leader and midfield general Kabore, who is soon 36 and still being dragged off to play Affcon matches.

We still have annual wages a shade under 3 million Euros, 3 grand more than Bastia and 15 grand more than Annecy... and only 5 mil or more less than the clubs we're chasing in Ligue 2.

And as if on queue, a goal courtesy Abdelli's work in midfield, which is just what we hoped would happen:

Spoiler

Edited February 16, 2023 by CaptCanuck

[Ronaldo Beckham]

9 minutes ago, CaptCanuck said:

^That run in is brutal Honestly I can only laugh, 4 clubs with Ligue 1 bonafides you have to eek out points against?! Bonne chance!

Yeah it gets worse as St.Etienne just thrashed me 5-2. Luckily again Niort lost. We are playing a very dangerous game hoping Niort don't win.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

We avoid relegation thanks to a 1-1 draw Vs Ajaccio and Niort losing again. Thank god for Niort 

I will do a full season review after the last game vs Bordeaux.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Le Mans FC Season 2 Review

Competitions

We managed to stay in the league thanks to other teams being worst then us. We really need to improve next season.

We really struggled to hit any consistency.

The step up might have come too soon but we survived and we will improve next season hopefully.

Players

Libasse Ngom

Ngom was our top scorer with 8 goals. Not exactly lighting up the division but he scored important goals when needed. 

I would like him to try get a few more next season.

Henri Saivet

This man is rewinding the body clock with these great displays. He was our best player usually playing in the centre of midfield. He got the best average rating of 7.31 which is a lot better when you think of how many games we lost but he still managed to try lead by example.

I hope this man never retires.

@Jogo Bonito I sent your boy Boah on loan in January but he didn't do well. 

I will try harder next season to get the best out of him.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Two big sales out were our best central defender Harold Voyer who was sold for £450k and our main goalkeeper Nicolas Kocik who went to Lens for £235k.

These players will be missed but I got Nwosu coming through the goalkeeper ranks and Baba Toure can fill in for Voyer while I look for a long term replacement.

These sales were necessary as I was over on my wage budget and I also have to think about the clubs finances.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

First game of the season and I have to play St.Etienne 

Here is what happened.

I decided to change tactics.

As you can see the gamble paid off and Jogo's boy Percious Boah scored.

 

[CaptCanuck]

Niort Season 2 (23/24) Finish. And what a finish!

After the Winter transfer window shut, we got on a good run and then a Valentines Day (almost) massacre: Vic Lobry our starting DM does his ligaments and is out until next Autumn. As a DM(s) with 'hold position' and no dead ball opportunites, he still had an avg rating of 7.10, showing how much he did for the team. Dobry news:

Spoiler

Fortunately Abdelli could partially fill that role, but losing the left-footed Dobry was one of those moments where I needed to quickly click 'Save' lest the scum-save monster strikes. Even without Vic, after 30 matches things were looking scarily good. In a playoff spot with 4 matches we should win, before the final 4 matches which will be tough.

Unfortunately, that 'easy' run resulted in 2 pts from 9 against 3 of the bottom 5 clubs, included a loss to 19th Nimes, fortunately a brilliant 3-2 comeback win against ASSE meant we'd stayed in 3rd, as only Dijon and Lorient seemed to want to win their matches.

Of course, the ups and downs weren't done yet and 2 minutes into our 36th match against Amiens we get a straight red card. What followed was our match of the season, playing a 3411 for 85 mins, that 1 AM (Chambost) ran himself to death, set up 2 goals for the big man and we cruised to victory, with the table staying largely as it was, but with us scooting up to 2nd:

Red card & goals:

Spoiler

 

The next match was 1-1 against Clermont, where all they could muster is a penalty, to another of our Chambost to Bakayoko goals, left the table after 37 matches as follows:

Having to face another former Ligue 1 side, doesn't make for the nicest end to the season, but we beat them 2-0 on the opening weekend, so that bodes well right? As long as we don't have to put up with anymore gift penalties and take our chances, automatic promotions awaits! NSFW (joking it's fine):
 

Spoiler

MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRDE et TABARNAK!!! We dominated possession throughout (I actually watched the whole match) and their only shot of the 1st half was the effing penalty, as we had 70% possession and gave them nothing. Once they got the 2nd we had to attack more and they got some more shots, but still, absolutely gutted, our largest crowd of the year by far and we couldn't even eek out a point.

Then to make matters worse, Sochaux lay over, Dijon continues their strong finish, and Nancy were Nancy:

So all in all, that was one hell of a season! Bring on season 3.

-----------------------------------------------------------
But for a couple remaining season 2 bits, on the individual honours front the club did well:

- Bakayako was the Player's Player of the Season to go with his top goalscorer and inclusion in both Best XIs. He also set Niort's all-time club goal scoring record in 2 seasons... they've not been the best club, lol.

   Bakayako's goal of the season:

Spoiler

 

- Niort players took all 3 spots in the league's top assist getters, which makes sense as we were the league's top scorers with 72.

Spoiler

- The Club's Best XI looked a lot better than last season too, the front 3 of Bakayoko, Chambost, and Serber were class and Boto and Moutachy on the wings were pinging them into the box all season long

Spoiler

And a special huzzah for the new keeper Gelmi who was actually in the positive quadrants of the scatter charts this season, after replacing a keeper who was so far bottom left he didn't show up on the charts. Speaking of which, what is he up to now? You can't make it up, lol, he obviously wasn't cut out to be a keeper:

Spoiler

 

Edited February 18, 2023 by CaptCanuck

[karanhsingh]

On 17/02/2023 at 04:07, Ronaldo Beckham said:

We avoid relegation thanks to a 1-1 draw Vs Ajaccio and Niort losing again. Thank god for Niort 

I will do a full season review after the last game vs Bordeaux.

Well done in avoiding the drop mate. Honestly don't think Ngom is quite good enough, you may be better off looking for another striker. Also i really like the shape of your new tactic. 

8 hours ago, CaptCanuck said:

Niort Season 2 (23/24) Finish. And what a finish!

After the Winter transfer window shut, we got on a good run and then a Valentines Day (almost) massacre: Vic Lobry our starting DM does his ligaments and is out until next Autumn. As a DM(s) with 'hold position' and no dead ball opportunites, he still had an avg rating of 7.10, showing how much he did for the team. Dobry news:

  Reveal hidden contents

Fortunately Abdelli could partially fill that role, but losing the left-footed Dobry was one of those moments where I needed to quickly click 'Save' lest the scum-save monster strikes. Even without Vic, after 30 matches things were looking scarily good. In a playoff spot with 4 matches we should win, before the final 4 matches which will be tough.

Unfortunately, that 'easy' run resulted in 2 pts from 9 against 3 of the bottom 5 clubs, included a loss to 19th Nimes, fortunately a brilliant 3-2 comeback win against ASSE meant we'd stayed in 3rd, as only Dijon and Lorient seemed to want to win their matches.

Of course, the ups and downs weren't done yet and 2 minutes into our 36th match against Amiens we get a straight red card. What followed was our match of the season, playing a 3411 for 85 mins, that 1 AM (Chambost) ran himself to death, set up 2 goals for the big man and we cruised to victory, with the table staying largely as it was, but with us scooting up to 2nd:

Red card & goals:

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The next match was 1-1 against Clermont, where all they could muster is a penalty, to another of our Chambost to Bakayoko goals, left the table after 37 matches as follows:

Having to face another former Ligue 1 side, doesn't make for the nicest end to the season, but we beat them 2-0 on the opening weekend, so that bodes well right? As long as we don't have to put up with anymore gift penalties and take our chances, automatic promotions awaits! NSFW (joking it's fine):
 

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MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRDE et TABARNAK!!! We dominated possession throughout (I actually watched the whole match) and their only shot of the 1st half was the effing penalty, as we had 70% possession and gave them nothing. Once they got the 2nd we had to attack more and they got some more shots, but still, absolutely gutted, our largest crowd of the year by far and we couldn't even eek out a point.

Then to make matters worse, Sochaux lay over, Dijon continues their strong finish, and Nancy were Nancy:

So all in all, that was one hell of a season! Bring on season 3.

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But for a couple remaining season 2 bits, on the individual honours front the club did well:

- Bakayako was the Player's Player of the Season to go with his top goalscorer and inclusion in both Best XIs. He also set Niort's all-time club goal scoring record in 2 seasons... they've not been the best club, lol.

   Bakayako's goal of the season:

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- Niort players took all 3 spots in the league's top assist getters, which makes sense as we were the league's top scorers with 72.

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- The Club's Best XI looked a lot better than last season too, the front 3 of Bakayoko, Chambost, and Serber were class and Boto and Moutachy on the wings were pinging them into the box all season long

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And a special huzzah for the new keeper Gelmi who was actually in the positive quadrants of the scatter charts this season, after replacing a keeper who was so far bottom left he didn't show up on the charts. Speaking of which, what is he up to now? You can't make it up, lol, he obviously wasn't cut out to be a keeper:

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Ouch! That's a really frustrating way to end the season. You definitely deserved at least a playoff given the way the team has been performing. Unlucky! But onwards and upwards from here. 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

7 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Well done in avoiding the drop mate. Honestly don't think Ngom is quite good enough, you may be better off looking for another striker. Also i really like the shape of your new tactic. 

Ouch! That's a really frustrating way to end the season. You definitely deserved at least a playoff given the way the team has been performing. Unlucky! But onwards and upwards from here. 

Ngom is actually doing really well in his new role just behind the striker in my new tactic. 

My new man up front is Rory Wilson who I signed on loan from Aston Villa. He goes against my transfer policy of signing French and African players but he has been immense for me with 10 goals in 12 games.

Ngom as an Attacking Midfielder just behind Wilson as an Advanced Forward in new tactic is working a treat for us.

After 20 games played we currently sit at 11th in the table.

[karanhsingh]

Good going. You got two academy boys in the team already?

[Ronaldo Beckham]

3 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Good going. You got two academy boys in the team already?

Yeah mate. Varane looks like a great talent.

Edited February 18, 2023 by Ronaldo Beckham

[karanhsingh]

54 minutes ago, Ronaldo Beckham said:

Yeah mate. Varane looks like a great talent.

Wow he really does! Could follow in the footsteps of his namesake. 

[CaptCanuck]

16 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

Well done in avoiding the drop mate. Honestly don't think Ngom is quite good enough, you may be better off looking for another striker. Also i really like the shape of your new tactic. 

Ouch! That's a really frustrating way to end the season. You definitely deserved at least a playoff given the way the team has been performing. Unlucky! But onwards and upwards from here. 

Ya an RC 2 mins into one match and then penalties in each of the subsequent matches was definitely FM's way of telling me they didn't want me promoted.

I'd so rather have free kicks/corners go in, as straight reds and penalties (especially when you're not an aggressive team) feel like too much of the AI thumb on things.

Shame really as we're finally going to have to let our Cpt/DLP extraordinaire Charles Kabore go, as while his mentals are still Ligue 1, his legs are gone with 5 accel/pace and 8 stamina. Shame he could have led us into Ligue 1 and played out his final season at 37, as Cpt and impact sub... oh well that 4.5k/pw is needed elsewhere!

Edited February 18, 2023 by CaptCanuck

[CaptCanuck]

5 hours ago, Ronaldo Beckham said:

Yeah mate. Varane looks like a great talent.

Phew! That Le Mans academy is pumping them out! I know his crossing isn't double digits yet, but I'd be tempted to play him as the LWB, especially with the runs often and the low positioning, always a bonus to have height on the wings.

Looks like a good stabilizing season after the squeaky bum time one.

Edited February 18, 2023 by CaptCanuck

[Ronaldo Beckham]

1 hour ago, CaptCanuck said:

Phew! That Le Mans academy is pumping them out! I know his crossing isn't double digits yet, but I'd be tempted to play him as the LWB, especially with the runs often and the low positioning, always a bonus to have height on the wings.

Looks like a good stabilizing season after the squeaky bum time one.

I never thought about that. I think I might take your advice and train him as a LWB with extra training on his crossing.

Yeah the Le Mans academy is starting to produce some very talented players.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I had to sell Varane in the end because his contract was expiring in the summer and he wouldn't sign a new contract.

I got £500k for him but no added clauses. I tried but Lens who ended up buying him weren't having it and said £500k and no clauses or nothing and I would rather make money on him then lose him on a free.

I will miss him though. 

 

[karanhsingh]

9 hours ago, CaptCanuck said:

Ya an RC 2 mins into one match and then penalties in each of the subsequent matches was definitely FM's way of telling me they didn't want me promoted.

I'd so rather have free kicks/corners go in, as straight reds and penalties (especially when you're not an aggressive team) feel like too much of the AI thumb on things.

Shame really as we're finally going to have to let our Cpt/DLP extraordinaire Charles Kabore go, as while his mentals are still Ligue 1, his legs are gone with 5 accel/pace and 8 stamina. Shame he could have led us into Ligue 1 and played out his final season at 37, as Cpt and impact sub... oh well that 4.5k/pw is needed elsewhere!

I know exactly what you mean - have often felt like when the AI don't "want" you to win suddenly a set piece goal flies in against the run of play. Ah well, it'll be all the more satisfying when you do get there. 

3 hours ago, Ronaldo Beckham said:

I had to sell Varane in the end because his contract was expiring in the summer and he wouldn't sign a new contract.

I got £500k for him but no added clauses. I tried but Lens who ended up buying him weren't having it and said £500k and no clauses or nothing and I would rather make money on him then lose him on a free.

I will miss him though. 

 

Shame you had to sell him! Try and tie up your other good youngsters to long term deals while you can. 

Meanwhile I am halfway through my third season now at Havre, update up very soon!

[Ronaldo Beckham]

5 hours ago, karanhsingh said:

I know exactly what you mean - have often felt like when the AI don't "want" you to win suddenly a set piece goal flies in against the run of play. Ah well, it'll be all the more satisfying when you do get there. 

Shame you had to sell him! Try and tie up your other good youngsters to long term deals while you can. 

Meanwhile I am halfway through my third season now at Havre, update up very soon!

Yeah I am trying but I am always over my wage budget so I am struggling to tie up players to new contracts.

I am keeping an eye on your Le Havre progress. Interesting so far buddy. I hope your progress continues.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

@karanhsingh I don't want to worry you but your club is flirting with me to take your job 

[karanhsingh]

Haha. You had better stay away! Don't think you are Le Man for that job

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I got my youth intake for the season and we got some good youngsters coming through. 

Here are some of them.

Jean-Marc Levy - French GK

Sergio Aparicio - French DM/CM

Hamid Hamdani - French CM/AMC

Clement Munsch - French AMR/Striker

Noah Rondeau - French LB/LWB

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

3 minutes ago, karanhsingh said:

Haha. You had better stay away! Don't think you are Le Man for that job

I mean you never know what might happen lol.

Your club's fans want me in charge