Stuniverse Posted December 27, 2023 Author Share Posted December 27, 2023 Until Next Time I have a new season in OBOS-ligaen (Tier 2) with Hødd to prepare for. -- Any questions... Thoughts, comments, general feedback appreciated. Any questions, just ask and I'll answer them if I can. Thank you for reading and following. Until next time... Stuni Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 27, 2023 Author Share Posted December 27, 2023 (edited) My Dream Job... ... well this just happened... Should I contact my agent? -- Edited December 27, 2023 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punch Posted December 28, 2023 Share Posted December 28, 2023 With a big player clean out, now it looks like you can recruit the players you want/need, to fit whichever tactic/formation you now want to play. As for the Odd job, while it might be tempting, I would like to take on the challenge of rebuilding your current club, seeing if you can get them back up, and keep them there…but it’s your save, so do as you see fit 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 28, 2023 Author Share Posted December 28, 2023 (edited) 7 hours ago, Punch said: With a big player clean out, now it looks like you can recruit the players you want/need, to fit whichever tactic/formation you now want to play. Thanks, @Punch. Yes, there's plenty of scope for a big player clean out ahead of the new 2026 season. Hødd were clearly well short of the required standard in Eliteserien (Tier 1) last season (2025) winning three, drawing three and losing 24, 17 points shy of the relegation playoff place and 22 points shy of safety. The three wins came in April and May and Hødd's last 22 matches of the season saw no wins, two draws and 20 defeats - of which, I was in charge for the last four. I've no idea whether there's a big gulf in standard, or not, between Eliteserien and OBOS-ligaen (Tier 2) or not... but, OUCH! We definitely need to strengthen up top because our top goalscorer only netted four times. I've already released one non-contracted player, our two loans will be going back as neither parent club is willing to extend their loans, and we have 11 players with relegation release clauses activated. Spoiler -- 7 hours ago, Punch said: As for the Odd job, while it might be tempting, I would like to take on the challenge of rebuilding your current club, seeing if you can get them back up, and keep them there…but it’s your save, so do as you see fit To be perfectly honest with you, @Punch I'm not ready for the Odds Ballklubb job. I had to check when my last win as manager was and it was in Loddefjord's 3-0 home win over Bjarg on the 3rd of May 2025. My only win of 2025 in competitive matches. My current streak without a win stretches to 12 matches (eight at Loddefjord and four here with Hødd), an embarrassing run of two draws and 10 defeats. I won't be applying for the Odds Ballklub job. It is my dream job but I don't want to go there and mess it up. If (and at the moment it's a very, BIG IF) I get to manage Odds Ballklubb on this save, I want to go there and make a success of it! Of course, if Odd were to approach me - which I very much doubt they will - that might change things. Edited December 28, 2023 by Stuniverse 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
warlock Posted December 28, 2023 Share Posted December 28, 2023 14 hours ago, Stuniverse said: I'm not ready for the Odds Ballklubb job Agreed . Moreover, there's a chance you'll greatly annoy the Hodd board, possibly leading to the sack. Going back to the question of tactics, I think you've set up much too defensively - at the least, I'd set defensive line to standard and use a mid-block. You have to give your team a chance to score. This is doubly so in Tier 2 where you should be one of the better teams in the division. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) 8 hours ago, warlock said: Agreed . Moreover, there's a chance you'll greatly annoy the Hodd board, possibly leading to the sack. Yes... I had considered that as well, @warlock. I really don't want to be upsetting the Hødd Board. 8 hours ago, warlock said: Going back to the question of tactics, I think you've set up much too defensively - at the least, I'd set defensive line to standard and use a mid-block. Thank you. Yes, I was worried about Hødd's poor form in Eliteserien (Tier 1) and deliberately set-up defensively but, like you said, probably too defensive, As we were as good as relegated any way... maybe, with hindsight, I should've been more adventurous and gone for it. I didn't really have anything to lose. 8 hours ago, warlock said: You have to give your team a chance to score. This is doubly so in Tier 2 where you should be one of the better teams in the division. My Board have dropped the direct football requirement and now they're looking for: I think I'm going to go back to what I know and take Play defensively solid football as don't concede too many goals, rather than play defensively, so that's likely to be a less defensive 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-2-3 of some description, plus a third system that'll either be a 3xDC plus 2xWBs type set-up or more of a 4-4-2 interchanging to 4-2-4, but that'll depend on the squad I can assemble ahead of the 2026 OBOS-ligaen campaign. Finally for Develop players using the club's youth system, I need to look at the players in the 2nd Team and the U19s. I'll update on them when the players report back for pre-season. Edited December 29, 2023 by Stuniverse 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blarney Posted December 29, 2023 Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) I think the saying goes "the grass isn't always greener".... but like Punch said it's your world, you have to do what feels right to you. Me, personally, I go with what feels right... but a lot of that is predicated on how I feel the save is going and how I get along with the board. I left Oldham in an "older" save because I kept getting told no when I wanted to fix things and the board refused to do anything to better the club. I felt like I was going nowhere so much like what would probably happen in real life, I left. There was a part of me that wanted to stay because my goal was to fix them and get them back to the Premier League but I try to be somewhat "realistic" in my saves and follow what I think would happen in real life as much as possible. I have a Scunthorpe save in mind as well due to how fast and far they have fallen since being in the Championship just 12 years ago and now in the National League North. I believe that they have fallen the most levels the fastest in English Football history. That sort of stuff intrigues me... but I want to save Notts first, if possible. Edited December 29, 2023 by Blarney 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) 52 minutes ago, Blarney said: I think the saying goes "the grass isn't always greener".... but like Punch said it's your world, you have to do what feels right to you. Yes, that's the saying, @Blarney. As I said to, @Punch I just don't think I'm ready for the Odds Ballklubb job yet. With my reputation, and the terrible run of form (even though I was meeting expectations) with Loddefjord in PostNord-ligaen Avdeling 2 (Tier 3), I think I was very fortunate to be offered the IL Hødd job in the first place and I feel I owe it to Hødd to at least give this next season (2026) my best shot. Not to mention, I owe it to myself to try and rebuild my battered confidence and shattered self-esteem. 52 minutes ago, Blarney said: Me, personally, I go with what feels right... but a lot of that is predicated on how I feel the save is going and how I get along with the board. Yes, that's what I'm trying to do here on this save as well. Even if I was interested in the Odds Ballklubb job, I can't see that I would stand any chance at the moment given Odd's reputation. Managing Odds Ballklubb is the main aim of this save, eventually, with Stuni Stuniverse being from Skien and a lifelong Oddane supporter, but the timing (three season's in) doesn't feel right. Edited December 29, 2023 by Stuniverse 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) So what is the gulf between Eliteserien and OBOS-ligaen like? Today gave me two opportunities to take a look at that with the matches today: Sandefjord v Aalesund - Eliteserien / OBOS-ligaen Playoff Final Bodø/Glimt v Kristiansund - Norgesmesterskapet i fotball Final (Cupen) Edited December 29, 2023 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) Saturday 6th December 2025 Sandefjord (14th Tier 1) v Aalesund (3rd Tier 2) Eliteserien / OBOS-ligaen Playoff Final -- After 90 minutes: After 120 minutes: -- Eliteserien: OBOS-ligaen: Edited December 29, 2023 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Saturday 6th December 2025 Kristiansund (10th Tier 2) v Bodø/Glimt (1st Tier 1) Norgesmesterskapet i fotball Final (Cupen) -- After 90 minutes: After 120 minutes: -- Eliteserien: OBOS-ligaen: 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Odd Promote Rønningene to Manager -- As discussed above in a couple of posts, I didn't apply to be manager of Odds Ballklubb (despite being a lifelong fan) and Oddrane didn't invite me for an inyerview. Good luck to Knut Rønningene following his promotion from First Team Coach. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) How did Loddefjord do in 2025? Well... against an expectation of Attempt to avoid relegation... Loddefjord were relegated back to Tier 4 by a country mile and then some. With me as manager, Loddefjord picked up six points from the opening 12 matches, one win and three draws. Under my successor, Tor Martin Hegrenes, who Loddefjord promoted from Assistant Manager, Loddefjord picked up three points (all draws) from 14 matches. Read into that what you will... Edited December 29, 2023 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "Senior Affiliate - did nobody think to cancel the Aalesund link?" -- So this is an interesting one, Aalesund are our Senior Affiliate which is interesting because they were in Tier 2 last season and lost in the Eliteserien / OBOS-ligaen Playoff Final whilst we were in Tier 1 getting relegated. Which means this season, 2026, both Aalesund and Hødd will be playing in OBOS-ligaen (Tier 2). I wonder why nobody at either football club thought to cancel the affiliation. 3 hours ago, Stuniverse said: Saturday 6th December 2025 Sandefjord (14th Tier 1) v Aalesund (3rd Tier 2) Eliteserien / OBOS-ligaen Playoff Final -- After 90 minutes: After 120 minutes: -- Eliteserien: OBOS-ligaen: Edited December 29, 2023 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "Does this count as an entourage?" -- Our Managing Director, Kari Mette Sundgot, kindly advised me of the permitted Backroom Staff numbers... so I got busy. -- First Team Spoiler Spoiler -- Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler -- 2nd Team Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler -- U19 Team Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "Loans Ending" -- Our two First Team loans in have gone back to their parent clubs. Spoiler -- Spoiler 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "Incoming - One New Signing" -- One present my predecessor, Joakim Dragsten, left me with was a pre-arranged future signing who will join Hødd on the 8th of January 2026. Spoiler I just hope Orri Sveinn Stefánsson won't be too disappointed that he signed for an Eliteserien football club but will be joining us in OBOS-ligaen. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "I'm on holiday - Do Not Disturb" -- Clearly, Erik Froysa and his agent didn't get the memo about not disturbing me while we're on holiday. Spoiler -- -- "Well the fee required to activate your relegation release clause is £130,000" -- -- Edited December 29, 2023 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "Some good news... At Last!" -- Two of our best performers last season were Markus Karlsbakk and Niko Hämäläinen, according to the Backroom Staff who were here for all of last season. Amazingly, both Markus and Niko have agreed new deals which remove their relegation release clauses. Spoiler -- Spoiler 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 (edited) Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "Stalemate with Forsberg" -- Unfortunately, we weren't able to agree a new deal with Lucas Forsberg so his £250,000 relegation release clause remains in place. Spoiler Edited December 29, 2023 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "Other Players with relegation release clauses" -- I haven't decided yet whether to try and offer these players new deals or not. Goran Karacic - release clause £29,500 -- Adrian Hansen - release clause £76,000 -- Claus Niyukuri - release clause £19,000 -- Brage Kvithyld - release clause £325,000 -- Halvor Rødølen Opsahl - release clause £525,000 -- Martin Bergum - release clause £135,000 -- Dion Krasniqi - release clause £140,000 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "Finances" -- The main thing that jumps out at me here is that we are around £4,500 over our wage budget. We do have £48,974 in the transfer budget that we may be able to reallocate but it looks like I'll need to offload players before I can make any new signings for Hødd. -- Income -- Expenditure 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "End of Year Review" -- Board Expectations -- Supporter Expectations -- Dynamics 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 29, 2023 Author Share Posted December 29, 2023 Until Next Time I'll be back with further thoughts and our pre-season schedule once the players have reported back to Høddvoll. -- Any questions... Thoughts, comments, general feedback appreciated. Any questions, just ask and I'll answer them if I can. Thank you for reading and following. Until next time... Stuni Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "OBOS-ligaen Fixtures are out" -- Fredrikstad and us were relegated from Eliteserien last season. Arendal and Nordstrand were promoted into OBOS-ligaen. Levanger won the OBOS-ligaen / PostNord-ligaen Playoff Final, avoiding relegation by beating Lysekloster on penalties. And Aalesund are our senior affiliate - a situation I need to review. -- Rule Changes Edited December 30, 2023 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "2026 Season Expectations" -- Board Expectations -- Supporter Expectations -- OBOS-ligaen Fredrikstad and us were relegated from Eliteserien last season. Arendal and Nordstrand were promoted into OBOS-ligaen. Levanger won the OBOS-ligaen / PostNord-ligaen Playoff Final, avoiding relegation by beating Lysekloster on penalties. And Aalesund are our senior affiliate - a situation I need to review. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Players Report Back" -- Medical Report -- A New Player Joins Us Orri Sveinn Stefansson is a gift from my predecessor as his transfer was agreed before I was appointed manager of Hødd. Spoiler -- Backroom Staff Report First Team 2nd Team U19 Team -- Playing Time Expectations Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Preparations, preparations, preparations" -- With one friendly match yet to be confirmed, here is our pre-season schedule: I've learnt my lessons from last pre-season with Loddefjord and haven't gone for a complacent set of fixtures. There are some challenging friendly matches in here. We also have a Training Camp in Turkey arranged which I had no input into. -- Tactics These are the two tactics we are currently training the players in. Only with Inverted Wingers on the 4-2-3-1 (sorry, I took the screenshot before I changed that). -- On 28/12/2023 at 00:50, Punch said: it looks like you can recruit the players you want/need, to fit whichever tactic/formation you now want to play. As @Punch pointed out, I can now look to retain / recruit players to play this tactic. I'd like the third tactic to have two strikers - probably either a 4-4-2 type system or one involving three DCs and two WBs but, as strikers is where we are weakest, we're going to train these two tactics and I'll make a decision on the third tactic once I'm comfortable(ish) with how the Hødd squad looks. -- Coaching / Training I've delegated the training responsibilities to my Assistant Manager Egil Ulfstein. I'm not sure why it says eight coaches on the screenshot above, but only lists seven on the screenshot below. The missing eighth coach appears to be Geir Ludvig Fevang, a Performance Analyst. I'm not very good with coaching assignments (hence why I always delegate to my Assistant Manager) so if anybody has any comments, thoughts or suggestions, I'm all ears, thank you. -- Tagged: @Blarney @Dean Gripton @I have nothing to say @JaytheGreat @Jogo Bonito @phnompenhandy @Punch @samboing @warlock @XaW Edited December 30, 2023 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phnompenhandy Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 9 minutes ago, Stuniverse said: I'm not very good with coaching assignments (hence why I always delegate to my Assistant Manager) so if anybody has any comments, thoughts or suggestions, I'm all ears, thank you. You must have damned good goalkeeper and fitness coaches! Your job, like me, is to put out the cones and handout the bibs 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Squad Registration - tricky, at this stage of the season" -- I've been asked to register my squad for the coming season which is crazy, it's 12th January and our OBOS-ligaen campaign doesn't kick-off until the 6th of April. So I have to register the squad as I can't continue ("Must Respond") until I've done so. But I have to register a minimum of 18 players at this stage and, right now, there's only seven who I know I would like here at Hødd next season and who also want to play for Hødd next season. Orri Sveinn Stefansson is our new signing. Spoiler Niko Hamalainen and Markus Karlsbakk have already agreed new contracts that removed their relegation release clause. Spoiler And Brage Kvithyld, Adrian Hansen, Martin Bergum and Alexander Amitzboll have all verbally agreed on new contracts to remove their relegation release clause. Spoiler -- That's where I'm up to at the moment... Edited December 30, 2023 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 15 minutes ago, phnompenhandy said: You must have damned good goalkeeper and fitness coaches! Your job, like me, is to put out the cones and handout the bibs I have goalkeeper and fitness coaches and others, @phnompenhandy. As for whether they are any good or not...? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phnompenhandy Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 2 minutes ago, Stuniverse said: I have goalkeeper and fitness coaches and others, @phnompenhandy. As for whether they are any good or not...? Three stars is big. My lot manage to one star. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 1 minute ago, phnompenhandy said: Three stars is big. My lot manage to one star. Well I'll take that then Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Squad Registration - Goalkeepers" -- So I need to register two goalkeepers at this stage, I think... When I arrived at Hødd, Goran Karacic was the only goalkeeper registered and his form hadn't been great up to that point and he struggled during the four games I managed (of which, he played three, I think). Goran has a relegation release clause of £29,500 but I'm not convinced enough to try offering him a new contract to remove that. Spoiler So I found a way to register Ole-Monrad Alme and he did well in the one game he played for me. Ole is happy to be a back-up but also wants to move to a bigger club. Spoiler Marcus Anderson is our second team goalkeeper and I don't know anything about him. Spoiler Sondre Johansen-Solhaug is Marcus's back-up with the 2nd team and, again, I know nothing about him. Spoiler -- I've decided, for now, to register Ole-Monrad Alme and Marcus Anderson. We do have a number of goalkeepers on trial (two of whom look very good but neither speak Norwegian) and I'm hoping to bring in a few more. Goran Karacic will have to prove himself (or not) in pre-season and if we lose him because of his £29,500 release clause then so be it. Edited December 30, 2023 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Squad Registration - Central Defenders" -- At this stage, I'm looking to register four DCs I think... and I've already registered three. Spoiler -- Here's how the squad planner looks: So it's a choice between Marius Alm, Halvor Rodolen Opsahl and Claus Niyukuri. Spoiler We do have Kristian Strande on trial but I can't register him as a trialist and I doubt we'll be offering him a contract. Spoiler -- For now, I've registered Marius Alm. Edited December 30, 2023 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
I have nothing to say Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) My registration tactic is normally along the lines of: 2x GK 4x full backs 5x central Def 5 x central mid 5 x wingers 2 x strikers Leaving a couple of spaces left over for some sort of cb/FB or winger/attack mid utility players. I find I never have enough wingers. Players who play in multiple positions or sides are gold dust, sign them up - Norway seems to have quite a few center mid/full backs which is great. 3rd choice keeper is then one of the additional 5 that can be registered on a youth contract, along with whoever you have in the youth team who will be useful. Don't get too hung up on the squad registration, when you first have to do it you will second guess yourself but after a couple of seasons with it, it becomes natural - I actually find it useful to help me plan my squad overhaul rather than standard FM player transfer binge on deadline day! Edited December 30, 2023 by I have nothing to say 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Squad Registration - Full-backs" -- Right-Back At right-back I have problems. We have two very good ones in Lucas Forsberg and Erik Froysa but... Spoiler Erik Froysa has made it very clear he doesn't want to be here following our relegation and he has a relegation release clause of £130,000. Lucas Forsberg has a relegation release clause of £250,000. We did get into contract negotiations to remove the release clause but, at this stage of proceedings, Lucas wanted too much money. That leaves Fredrik Martinsson, Eivind Helgesen and a young Hakon Stivang. Spoiler We also have Jorgen Fjeldskar on trial. Spoiler -- Left-Back At left-back we've already registered Niko Hamalainen after he agreed a new deal to remove his relegation release clause. Spoiler The squad planner looks like this: Knut Haga was put on the transfer list by my predecessor and Frederik Warrer is young and unproven. Spoiler We also have Shahram Jabari on trial. Spoiler -- I've decided to register Lucas Forsberg as it will show we want him and, hopefully, by the end of pre-season, we may be able to reach some agreement to remove his relegation release clause of £250,000. I've also registered Hakon Stivang and Frederik Warrer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 3 minutes ago, I have nothing to say said: My registration tactic is normally along the lines of: 2x GK 4x full backs 5x central Def 5 x central mid 5 x wingers 2 x strikers Leaving a couple of spaces left over for some sort of cb/FB or winger/attack mid utility players. I find I never have enough wingers. Thank you, @I have nothing to say that's very useful as a guide. 4 minutes ago, I have nothing to say said: Don't get too hung up on the squad registration, when you first have to do it you will second guess yourself but after a couple of seasons with it, it becomes natural - I actually find it useful to help me plan my squad overhaul rather than standard FM player transfer binge on deadline day! At the moment I'm using it to help me guage who I want to keep around, or may want to keep around, and who is surplus to requirements... as well as identifying where I need to bring in trialists and strengthen. 5 minutes ago, I have nothing to say said: 3rd choice keeper is then one of the additional 5 that can be registered on a youth contract, along with whoever you have in the youth team who will be useful. I'll worry about the five youth / non-contract spaces later on. 6 minutes ago, I have nothing to say said: Players who play in multiple positions or sides are gold dust, sign them up - Norway seems to have quite a few center mid/full backs which is great. Indeed, I'm gold dust hunting already. We do have at least one MC / FB on our books. Thanks again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Squad Registration - Central Midfielders" -- We've already registered Martin Bergum. Spoiler The squad planner looks like this: Eduards Emsis is probably our next best central midfielder but he's unlikely to improve much if at all. Spoiler Then we have Hakon Edstrom, Halvard Urnes and youngster Per Christian Nguyen. Spoiler Tore Andre Soras is more of an attacker so I'll discuss him when I discuss the attackers. Isak Gabriel Skotheim is out on loan at Newcastle United Jets and we can't recall him. Spoiler We also have Didrik Fredriksen, Marius Hostland and Jorgen Fjeldskar on trial. Spoiler I think central / defensive midfield is an area where we can strengthen but, for now, I've registered Eduards Emsis, Per Christian Nguyen and Halvard Urnes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Unhappy Players" -- I've decided to register Erik Froysa on the basis that I hope to be able to win him around and, until such time that he leaves, Erik is one of our better players. 23 hours ago, Stuniverse said: Episode 39 - 2nd January 2026 | Preparing for pre-season "I'm on holiday - Do Not Disturb" -- Clearly, Erik Froysa and his agent didn't get the memo about not disturbing me while we're on holiday. Reveal hidden contents -- -- "Well the fee required to activate your relegation release clause is £130,000" -- -- Registering Froysa means we've now got 17 players registered, only one more to meet the minimum 18 requirement for now. -- Alfred Scriven wants to consider his options Spoiler -- -- -- To be fair to Alfred, he has been at Hødd a good while and seen some ups and downs during his five seasons here. Edited December 30, 2023 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Squad Registration - Attackers" -- We've already registered Alexander Ammitzboll and Markus Karlsbakk. Spoiler I'll be honest, I think the strikers and wide attacking players is somewhere we can strengthen so I've decided to also register Tore Andre Soras because of his versatility and then worry about the other attacking players to register later. Spoiler -- -- The other attacking players are Alfred Scriven (who wants to explore his options), Dion Krasniqi, Erling Myklebust, Mikkel Dahl, Mor N'Diaye, Stian Nygard, and youngsters Asmund Dimmen Roppen, Gaute Odven, Maksymilian Kaczmarczyk, Terje Ulstein Fjørtoft and Tommy Skovly. Spoiler We also have Birnir Snær Ingason, Eirik Ulland Andersen, Jóannes Bjartalíð, Magnus Hammerås, Marius Bildøy (who I managed in my first season at Loddefjord before he moved on to bigger and better things) and Sindre Osestad with us on trial. Spoiler Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "How to win friends and influence people. NOT!" -- Well, maybe registering only the minimum 18 players wasn't my greatest decision ever. I've upset six of my players. -- Of the six, there were three players I'd be happy to keep as part of the squad so I made them all a promise: Stian Nygard (who led Hødd for assists last season with 5). Spoiler -- Dion Krasniqi Spoiler -- Halvor Rødølen Opsahl Spoiler -- In the case of Goran Karacic, I wasn't overly impressed with his form last season so I want him to prove himself otherwise I'll look to bring another #1 goalkeeper or promote Ole-Monrad Alme. Spoiler -- That left Claus Niyukuri and Mor N'Diaye and, to be honest, I'd be happy for either of both of them to leave. My conversation with Claus Niyukuri went the same way. Spoiler Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Player Meeting Follow-ups" -- Player Registrations - Happy To Stay at Hødd -- Transfer Requests Handed In -- 2 minutes ago, Stuniverse said: Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "How to win friends and influence people. NOT!" -- Well, maybe registering only the minimum 18 players wasn't my greatest decision ever. I've upset six of my players. -- Of the six, there were three players I'd be happy to keep as part of the squad so I made them all a promise: Stian Nygard (who led Hødd for assists last season with 5). Reveal hidden contents -- Dion Krasniqi Reveal hidden contents -- Halvor Rødølen Opsahl Reveal hidden contents -- In the case of Goran Karacic, I wasn't overly impressed with his form last season so I want him to prove himself otherwise I'll look to bring another #1 goalkeeper or promote Ole-Monrad Alme. Reveal hidden contents -- That left Claus Niyukuri and Mor N'Diaye and, to be honest, I'd be happy for either of both of them to leave. My conversation with Claus Niyukuri went the same way. Reveal hidden contents Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
warlock Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 Hard going, there, but to be expected with a squad that size. Also, unless I'm mis-reading the squad you seem to be light at AMR/AML so you might have to bring in players there while trying offload a bunch of others. Would a narrow diamond system solve some of your problems? Good luck figuring it out... always part of the fun at a new club 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 10 minutes ago, warlock said: Hard going, there, but to be expected with a squad that size. Yeah, it is @warlock but at least I'm dealing with better players here. First stage is who do I want to keep and then I can try and offload some that are surplus. I've offered some out via TransferRoom without much interest. There are a few with relegation release clauses where if the clause is met the bid would be too good to reject (not that it could be rejecgted) so I haven't tried a new contract to remove it. 14 minutes ago, warlock said: Also, unless I'm mis-reading the squad you seem to be light at AMR/AML so you might have to bring in players there while trying offload a bunch of others. I've verbally agreed contracts for two new wide players. Hopefully they sign and agree to join. 14 minutes ago, warlock said: Would a narrow diamond system solve some of your problems? Possibly. The 3xDC 2xWB system I'm toying with would have a narrow midfield so the WBs can bomb on. 16 minutes ago, warlock said: Good luck figuring it out... always part of the fun at a new club Thank you. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Any hidden gems in the 2nd Team?" -- I dunno... these are the best 2nd Team Players Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Any prospects in the U19 Team?" -- I'm really not sure... I'm told these are the best U19 players. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 Episode 40 - 12th January 2026 | Pre-Season Training "Not easy offloading players" -- Our committed spending is £1,078.00 over our wage budget so we really need to offload some players... but it's not that easy. Transfer Listed These players are all on the Transfer List. We've offered them out via TransferRoom with no interest so far. Which means it's probably time to ask their agents about market interest. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
XaW Posted December 30, 2023 Share Posted December 30, 2023 7 hours ago, Stuniverse said: So I have to register the squad as I can't continue ("Must Respond") until I've done so. But I have to register a minimum of 18 players at this stage and, right now, there's only seven who I know I would like here at Hødd next season and who also want to play for Hødd next season. Possibly interesting note for you, the date for squad registration is really a dud, as the Norwegian leagues allows for changing the registration all through the season. Official rules say the clubs need to register players for EACH MATCH a couple of days before the match, and those rules have to be followed. But the game doesn't really cater to that, so you have to submit registrations every now and then, but you can change it the next day... Just a quirk that FM doesn't really cater to. So don't worry if you are over the player limit for registration, as you can add and and remove all through the season. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted December 30, 2023 Author Share Posted December 30, 2023 35 minutes ago, XaW said: Possibly interesting note for you, the date for squad registration is really a dud, as the Norwegian leagues allows for changing the registration all through the season. Official rules say the clubs need to register players for EACH MATCH a couple of days before the match, and those rules have to be followed. But the game doesn't really cater to that, so you have to submit registrations every now and then, but you can change it the next day... Just a quirk that FM doesn't really cater to. So don't worry if you are over the player limit for registration, as you can add and and remove all through the season. Thanks @XaW. When I took over Hødd with only four games to go they only had one GK registered. I was able to unregister another player and register a second goalkeeper so that makes sense. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now