_Ben_

Season Eight: Welcome to Serie A (with some transfer stuff thrown in, too). The promised land awaits us. Life has got busy of late so my normal three to four months a week has become three to four clicks but I have taken a little bit of time to collate some all-time Serie A records: From the outside, it looks like a closed league; Parma are the yo-yo side, coming up, doing poor and then spending all of their parachute money to make an immediate return but most of the teams who have come up have struggled, with only Monza being able to cement themselves for any period of time after a spell outside of the top tier. Basically, we're going to need to break the cycle if we want to become regulars at this level! My biggest issue this off-season, though, hasn't been preparation in terms of new signings but those who are already at the club, I have had to renew fourteen new deals, either due to the players entering their last year of contract or because they feel their wage is too low. Great for continuity but at an increase of €199,250 per week, it has sucked a significant portion of my improve the squad budget from me. There are times when I like to hand things over to the finance team but there are also times where I want control of what is going on, and this has been one of them. To ensure that base wages stayed as low as possible, I took a risk by offering hugely inflated Loyalty Bonuses. This, for me, feels like a win/win - they either stay at the club and I pay this, with us being a better team or they demand a move, ask to be transfer listed and, from what I've read, then forego this fee. In total, these loyalty costs of €8.26m - €53k per week - are a big expenditure for me and I need to consider whether, for those lesser players, who may be sold if/when we grow into the league, should've had an extra €2/3k on their weekly wage instead. I do, though, now have the core of my squad tied down for the coming years and still had some money left to invest in new players. Most notably, to fill the AM slot - replacing Colidio and Maldini, both of whom left after the ending of their loans. Moving to Serie A opens up three non-EU player slots and, wanting to do this as realistically as possible, I collated the list of five players who my recruitment team had found an interested me, for various reasons: Valentin Depietri Ezequiel Forclaz Nicolás Rossi Luca Kmet Santiago Farrera Wanting that runner profile, I knew that there'd be options for some wingers in this pool and that is what I had about Depietri and Rossi. Unfortunately, before I'd really started the process, the former had sealed a move to Velez and was off my list. Again, with the realism element, I used the scout reports before looking at the attributes in order to create a shortlist of the five, ordering them in terms of my overall preferences. Depietri is quick, technically able, creative and consistent but does lack some game intelligence and, at 30, was the oldest player to be recommended. Forclaz would, I was told, be an asset to us in big games and is a consistent, adaptable team player although has had problems with injuries in his career. Rossi would not fill a non-EU slot and his profile, despite not seeing it necessarily over his career, is that he's a strong finisher. Kmet was unhappy and would, therefore, be easier to bring in and would bring with him his technical, creative skillset and Farrera's flair and speed would also be a positive to the club. My list was created and given to the DoF, with this order of preference: 1. Farrera - I was really impressed with the 'second striker specific' attributes that I was looking for: agility, dribbling, finishing and off the ball as well as the core DNA that I want to build here with only anticipation and decisions being below 15. No traits is a double edged sword; means he'll need to spend time developing that to hopefully give an edge to his game but, ultimately, is very much of a clean slate for what he could do for the club. Has featured pretty heavily this season, with 23(3) appearances but not really set the league on fire with his three goal contributions but, considering that Argentinos Juniors finished 26th out of 27 teams, can see why. 2. Kmet - completely frozen out of the Vasco team, who have a plethora of wonderkids at their disposal but a very natural AM profile with strong attributes across the key areas for me. He's got a couple of nice playmaking traits but I think he can also add some to do with ball carrying, which I can get on with straight away. I think we can offset his (lack of) size and strength by utilising the taller team behind him and I'd actually envisage that this will also be a benefit to him moving fluidly in tight spaces. He's also, by far, the cheapest of the bunch of players recommended to me and, with a below-average number of appearances for his age, could still have time to grow. 3, Forclaz - probably the best player here but that comes with a price and, probably, a guarantee that he'll be a key player, which is not something I want when I rotate and choose based on a number of factors, such as the opponents. Has eighteen contributions this season, which is really strong, but - obviously - somewhat skewed due to the State Champs that Botafogo won. 4. Depietri - I liked the winger-esque profile that he'd bring but, as I said, he moved on really early in this process and I was never truly able to get the full picture before making the move, so, when I created the shortlist, he went towards the bottom given the unlikely nature of signing him. 5. Rossi - very much the wildcard, I think. Not quite as good as the rest but, like Depietri, a profile that has worked well for me in the past in this role. He'd bring some set piece ability with him but, as I created this list, I very much felt that he was an outsider and we'd have done very badly if we reached this level. What I got was great! To get my first choice and then, again - given that the game handled the second shortlist presented to the DoF without Farrera as a different signing - is absolutely fantastic. Santi is, obviously, the record outlay for the club, beating the Viti deal by €1m but we are now a Serie A side and need to spend as such. Given that I've witnessed Atalanta seal a €98m deal for Romeo Lavia just days before, I'd say that this is still an excellent piece of targeted transfer business. The Argentine duo will rotate with Vinci and Owusu, providing two left and two right footed options and a variety of playing styles and strengths. I am delighted with this deal and, honestly, hadn't intended to do anything else, until... This is pretty outlandish for me! Guido Hoyos, currently at Serie B Como, is going to absolutely smash my transfer record when he arrives next summer. Como, despite managing to hold on to him for one season in Serie B, have an Argentine international keeper who could be our number one for the next fifteen years and were holding him, almost against his will. In comparison with Esposito, he's a far superior player but held on for a year given that my current number one had just signed a new deal and, therefore, wouldn't be interested in a move away. Even with a relatively small contract, I couldn't afford to keep them both at the club, plus, the extra year at a top club in Serie B will only benefit Guido. With the money available in the budget now, but no assurances of it it next season, I felt that this was a sensible move, depleting something that we have, knowing I'm likely to lose money over the course of the year. - - - With a couple more fixtures left until we kick off, the excitement is building! I have no real hopes or expectations but would just like to stay up! Forza Biancoscudati!

No, sorry! I've set the three to rotate through but couldn't see how to make it exclude those that aren't added. If you want - I'll send you the code that changes that to just 2 kits but then everyone has 2 kits!

What do you mean by this? See this post for how to change. You can find the code of each attribute in the person properties.xml file. The DNA is the collection of five attributes that I value in my game. You need to change this code: <!-- Profile attribute colours --> <colour name="low attribute" value="rgba(35,40,52,0)"/> <colour name="normal attribute" value="rgba(135,206,250,50)"/> <colour name="good attribute" value="rgba(25,118,210,120)" /> <colour name="excellent attribute" value="rgba(251,192,45,255)" /> To the rgb that you want. It's in Statman/settings/Settings - Gold.

Your youth recruitment post really resonated with me! Whilst I have an utter disdain for anything Man Utd, I am happy to see you doing really well and like the signings you've made.

Season Seven: Wrapping up a record season Promotion secured. Serie C to Serie A in seven years isn't too bad when you consider that I feel like I've been able to rebuild the club in the style that I want to, having a say over pretty much everything but also playing in a realistic manner to hand over a lot of the operational stuff. From our team stats to our player stats, we've been simply sublime. Not reaching 100 points or 100 goals does feel like a bit of a missed chance but we've made so many improvements from last year, namely making ourselves really hard to beat. Again this year the top three go up with yo-yo side Cesena (Serie B playoffs, relegation, Serie C Champions, Serie B playoffs) ending strongly. Pisa, the third side relegated from Serie A could only muster ninth this season whilst Perugia, Sampdoria, Venezia and Bari went down. Lecce, now the largest sleeping giant left in here, finished a disappointing thirteenth. I think that I've got this fairly spot on. There are a group of more expensive players who, probably, need some more minutes - Pisilli, Biagioni and Owusu and a quite small group of those higher earners who are probably not deserving of it but are useful to have in the squad - Patino and Floriani Mussolini. It could be much worse in that sense. The move to put Valenti as more of a backup is great because he's earning such a little wage that this move doesn't add to any financial strain. The players in the bottom right and not only key players but are playing well, too - which, potentially, leads to a difficult situation where they all realise they could be being paid more handsomely for the work they are doing. I envisage that the summer will contain several key conversations about this. But, to be fair to them, most have the stats to back up their demands! For reference - GA/90 is goals plus assists, xGA/90 is expected goals plus expected assists, Prog Act/90 is dribbles plus progressive passes and Def Actions/90 is possession won, tackles, headers and interceptions. The percentage is the percentile rank against all other Serie B outfield players. I want to try and find something - not possession adjusted - that takes into account the sheer lack of defending that we do. Whilst Moraga is really progressive, none of them, Valenti - maybe - aside, are doing much defending and, therefore, sit in the bottom half of the percentile rankings. The wing back area is where I think we've won a lot more than we've lost - all of the players here are very strong in all areas of the game. Whilst the defensive wing backs, Carboni and Floriani Mussolini are actually performing really well offensively, the eye test suggest that the Portuguese duo are far more comfortable at doing the attacking work. Bellino has really shown his class this season and, despite being more of a creative Volante, hsa chipped in with a whole load of defensive work, too. All of my attacking six have scored and assisted really heavily this season, which has alleviated the burden from just a single striker, which I don't really use. What is really interesting though is the difference in progressive play between the three, Owusu, Vinci, Maldini and Colidio, despite all playing in the same roles. I'd almost suggest - and this is vindicated by what I see - he drops deeper and then can progress better, plus, playing on the right, he's had a much more offensive wing back in the second half of the season. With pretty much everyone living up to my Serie B expectations, I need to look at where the whole squad is going ready for next year: Goalkeepers Matteo Esposito - Matteo is the club number one but is heading into the final year of his contract. With us since Serie C and absolutely deserving at a chance of playing top flight football, I hope to be able to keep him around but fear that his demands may be significantly higher than I actually want to offer, simply because he knows his importance to the club. Mateo Moro - also entering the final twelve months of his deal, I hope that the Argentine will be happy to renew as a backup player. Called upon for just one game, before, despite looking sharp, dropping back down, he's under little threat as my backup option. Luca Palazzolo - I think that Luca has a really bright future here and would like to see him get some minutes in the first team in a Serie C or Serie D club next year. I see no factors that are necessarily stopping his movement through the ranks and will really hone in on his development once he comes back with minutes under his belt. Riccardo Mannu - certainly the weakest of my keepers and will probably remain in the U18 squad, especially if Palazzolo moves out on loan. His determination is surely going to hold him back but I do have to question the time it would take to mentor and develop him to a level that would really be useful for us, either for profitable income or first team commitments. Alberto Pellini - lacks ambition but may be thrust into the U20 squad at just sixteen given his recent development and him probably being better than Mannu, who is a year his senior. Possibly too early to tell whether he has a future, especially given his slight stature for a keeper. Centre Backs Mattia Viti - love the lad! He's slotted in perfectly to the backline and will hopefully be around for a long time to come. Only accrued 0.45xG this half-season so I might need to look at other ways to get him, among the generally tall defence, involved in more offensive opportunities. Pau Cubarsi - simply a top, top player with a value that now reflects that. With interest from Saudi Arabia, will surely be pestering me for a new deal at some point soon. Has, interestly, only a 60% header win ratio this season but, at just under 80%, is strong in the tackle and progresses the ball well. I want him around long term. Wisdom Amey - the last of the trio. Recently signed a new deal making him the highest earner but I imagine that it'll get usurped over the summer window. Such a physical beast and his purpose in the team is unlike any other - solely a retriever, whether from aerial battles or just an influence that scares attackers. If he wanted to move on, we'd surely need to look at the entire defensive shape, such is his importance. Luca Valenti - it's a blessing to have a player this strong as a backup. At 32, he's not going to be here forever but is a wonderful option to sure things up and I have no reservations about dropping him into the first team in case of an injury. He is entering the last twelve months of his deal and I just hope that he doesn't want to - like any one would - have a last couple of years of real first team football before his legs go. If that's the case, we just can't offer that. Mario Moraga - For fifth choice, he's clearly among the best at this level and I hope that he can mature and continue to offer something at Serie A level, too. Wouldn't see an issue with moving him into the first team if Cubarsi left or, even, if Amey moved on, given how physical he is. Also a threat from long throws that we just haven't utilised yet. Franco Gotti - almost certain to drop down to the very low levels of Italian football. Scored six goals in the fifth tier but will only get away with that due to his height. Already agreed to be released at the end of his youth contract this summer. Lorenzo Grillo - been at Eccellenza side Palmese this season and has not really impressed. With a year to go on his contract, I do worry whether he's got enough about him to make it at a level about semi-pro. Josep Colell - A lot to like about him but also a lot of development left to come for him to achieve it. The ex Damn player does lack a bit of physicality to play in the backline and the technical ability to play any further forward. Will likely move out on loan next year to see the impact that first team football has on his development. Babacar Fall - I'm really torn on this one! I really wanted him to stay and come good but the loan at Rudes has probably found his ceiling. He's two footed and an international, which is no mean feet from a then Serie C academy but I just don't see enough about him to justify a first team spot, which is what he agent wants. With no deadlock broken in contract talks, he's likely to walk away on a free transfer. I will wish him the best, though. Massimiliano Panzeri - was here to make up some numbers but put in some impressive figures in youth football as a wide centre back, despite being tiny. He'll be off at the end of this season when his contract expires. David Girard - a bit of a gem coming through from last year's intake. Made some steady improvements over the course of the year and maybe ready for first team football at a lower level this time out. I'd consider moving to Serie D initially as, physically, he's ok for his age but lacks a bit in the technical department, where he'd be found out any higher. Ciro Del Prete - tough in the tackle but unlikely to offer any more. Will get another year in the U18 squad to prove that he has the ability to get better as has flatlined across the year. Matteo Colzi - lacking a lot technically but could work in the Amey-mould. He's got a long development plan ahead of him so happy to see where it takes him! For now though, he'll need to get his head down and work hard in the U18 squad. Wing Backs Romano Floriani Mussolini - my traditional right wing back. Absolutely deserves a shot at Serie A after nearly 170 games with us but maybe lacking in the quality to be any more than a bit part player now that we're there. Could also be a centre back but lacking in the aerial ability, if I'm honest. Also, a very high earner in comparison with the quality he has but happy to keep him around as I doubt there'll be much interest given that. Franco Carboni - really strong start to his time with us and I envisage that he'll go from strength to strength as his time goes on. Nearly learnt his trait already, which suggests he's quite versatile to the role I'm trying to develop him into. Mateus Fernandes - seamless transition and really quick adaption to the wing back role, that clearly he'd played before. Racked up six assists in half a season and became first choice here. Certainly a player to build around. Pedro Santos - there's nothing better than turning a third choice midfielder into a 20-goal contribution left wing back in the space of twelve months. Pedro has been a dream to manage, never complaining and always taking on board what I've asked and it's now showing as he's an integral part of the club. I love him! Eloi Aspar - deemed to have a load of potential but really seems to be a jack of all trades and a master of none. Hasn't really kicked on in terms of his development over the season, since moving from Damn. However, his value could present a strong bit of profit for the club, which I may look to utilise. Federico Migliori - a gem out of our youth team and, hopefully, the long term option for Carboni on the left.He's not quite attacking enough to be anything more than a rotational option but has enjoyed a strong year out on loan in Serie C and will likely be a candidate to head to Croatia next year. Leonardo Valenti - a solid loan to sell here. Came in on a free from Inter and shipped out on loan but retains a high transfer value, which I'm hoping to cash in on over the summer. Far too far down the pecking order for his age. Luca De Cicco - made a really smooth transition to the right wing back slot, where I'm hoping he can add some to his all around game. He's got a lot of potential but nothing really stands out for me - so I'll keep a close eye on him. Mirko Fucilli - similarly to Fall, I'm about to lose him for free. I really hoped that he'd kick on but now, in his fourth loan away from the club, he really hasn't. My top priority for those that do not make the grade here is to ensure that they are good enough to be sold on, and I've failed on that area simply because I've not wanted to meet his contract demands. Something to learn from! Alessandro Cassano - part of a wing back project that looks very unlikely to come off! Another year left on his deal but may just be out of the door to give playing time to someone else next year. Giuseppe Cassano - no relation to Alessandro and has kicked on loads side a move to Palmese. Still very weak mentally and may just stay with the Palmi based club for another year for further assessment. I do quite like him as a wing back though - just needs to fill those holes. Again, maybe I should've been stricter on him at a younger age, discounting this potential growth streak now. Francesco Sacchetti - going to be turning him into a wrong-footed wing back but most interested about his realist personality (low sportsmanship), traits of winding others up and then his complete lack of bravery! I think he could become quite a nice option if I can get this development plan right and forms part of a midfield four in the U18 team that I have really high hopes for. 6s Charlie Patino - going into the last year of his deal with some quite strong MLS interest means I need to get the most out of Patino - in this case, transferring his traits - before it is too late. A really strong backup option but nowhere near good enough to really claim a stake for a first teamer. He's a good lad to have around but I feel that we'll have definitely outgrown him in twelve to eighteen months time. Filippo Bellino - found that competition from Pisilli really pushed him on this year, recording a career high sixteen goal contributions. Still one of my favourite players across 175 games for us as I've developed and moulded him into pretty much the exact player I want. He is, however, also going into the final year of his deal and I feel that the money promises of Serie A may push his demands to the limit of what I can, and want to, offer. Jacopo Lucenti - also entering the last twelve months of his deal, Lucenti represents the biggest jewel from our youth production line in recent years. Retrained from an attacking midfielder and mouled to perfectly start our build ups. Eight contributions is up from last year but he missed a chunk of football this year as he is seemingly getting more injuries than in the previous seasons; I'm hoping that 225 games at just 23 years old is not linked to this. Nicolo Pisilli - with each of the four first team midfielders in the last twelve months, I think that this season is important for Nicolo. Brought in, at first, as a backup but a has since turned into a really strong rotation option, I do worry that he'll want to go somewhere to be a key cog in their system but I hope that the glitz and glamour of the top flight in Sicily is enough to hold him here. Davide Tedesco - was in the same intake as Fucilli and Fall and is ending up in the same boat, leaving on a free. I had really high hopes but wasn't able to hold down a role in the team even in Croatia so certainly not enough to move on here. Roberto Arana - I just can't quite decide what the ex-Sociedad midfielder wants to be. Not physical enough for a true ball winner profile but not creative enough for a Volante or playmaker. Enjoyed a great season at Palmese and I think that a loan to secure a strong market value will probably come next year before I move him on for good. Nothing against him, but really doesn't have enough to make the first team here. Boubacar Guindo - a player that I have really high hopes for. Whilst he's in the U20 team, he's training with the first team squad in order to be mentored by Lucenti and Patino, who will hopefully pass some of those early transitional traits on to him. I love his height and the fact he's really strong on either foot, meaning he can use his body to spread play to either side of the pitch. Watching him in some of the minutes he's had this season, he just floats around but is also then really physical when faced with an opportunity to win the ball back. Henri Njoh - I think he's a really promising youngster in the same mould as Guindo, Patino and Lucenti. Not quite as tall, nor as physically able yet, he'll be developed into a ball playing central midfielder and I'm quite excited about him. Edoardo Vitari - I think he's got Volante written all over him! Currently a lot of single figure attributes that'll look much stronger when they reach ten but, for 15, already supremely technical, which will surely help as he ages. Luke Chester - he's that destructive ball carrier that I wanted! Not quite there with the dribbling yet but tenacious, brave and determined with an elite engine and hopefully willing to develop himself technically. I gave him his debut at a really young age and he's currently the diamond within our academy system. I've got really high hopes! Second Strikers Ali Owusu - absolutely phenomenal at Serie C but tailing off now and will certainly not be good enough for a first team spot in Serie A. However, there's no denying that 97 goals from a 22-year old is fantastic and his move to a second striker has reinvented some of that, bringing with it the confidence that he seemingly lacked over the last eighteen months. I'd still consider him a project, which is mad given his experience within the team and I have no intention of letting him leave. Riccardo Vinci - I have loved his arrogance! Demanding to sign as a squad player at just seventeen, then going out and having a decent loan spell, but only scoring once at Catanzaro, he's then netted 29 times in two seasons for us and his one of our strongest players. Could still be refined a little bit but will be an important member of the team going forward - despite the fact that I need to sign a couple of new players for this role over the summer. Adama Kouakou - kicked on well at Palmese but I do fear that he's just not developed enough technically for me to consider him a real prospect for us. With twelve months left on his deal, it may be a case of renewing, sending him out again with the intention of increasing his value ready for a potential sale next summer. Giampietro Rinaldi - showing very little and will be lucky to make it through the summer! Babacar N’Diaye - quite an interesting proposition! Not entirely sure whether I see him as a False Nine or a Second Striker yet but will be developed in the most rounded way possible before I make that call. Souleymane Traore - has really impressed me stepping into the first team at the end of the season but I don't feel that he's ready to become a fully fledged member, yet. The height, pace and dribbling ability make him a pleasure to watch but I think he needs proper first team football at a club where he can torment defences. That may mean he's playing lower than his ability suggests he should but I think it'll do his confidence wonders. Emiliano Farris - scored really well for the U20 side due to his ability to dribble the ball. With an expiring contract and some Serie C interest, it'll probably be the end of his time here. Umberto Micheletti - just arrived through the academy system and I like him. Works hard, which is something that not all of my second strikers can do and is already decent physically and mentally. Like a lot of my players, will need some thorough technical work over the next few years but I think there is a chance he could be decent. Alberto Niccolini - absolutely blown up since being out on loan, showing that, even though the level isn't as good as he could play at, he's getting first team minutes and that is what counts. Probably not quite well rounded enough to make it with us but a strong physical frame means he's always going to be a threat, especially running at tired legs late in games. Will get another period of time out on loan and be re-assessed. 10s Bruno Zapelli - I was, honestly, not expecting this level of impact from the new signing. Seventeen goal contributions and a pretty integral part of the team, he deserves a shot at Serie A and I think he'll do pretty well. There are, maybe, a couple of traits I'd like to explore adding to his game, but, at 28, he's less inclined to want to learn them. We'll see. Marco Biagioni - a perfectly able backup or rotational option here. Twelve goal contributions and some strong showings. Guille Fuentes - actually looks really solid now I look again and has obviously developed nicely whilst in Croatia. Will likely spend another season there to get the most out of him before I re-asses next summer. Demetrio Mirabelli - I was impressed with him on youth intake day given his ability from dead balls. He's now played a few first team minutes and I still really like him. I would like to develop some traits to get the most of his touch, technique and long shots but think a loan deal is the best bet first up. Daniele Caputo - I kept him on for his pace but he's done nothing at all. Will be gone at the end of his contract in the summer. Carlo Conti - moving to a False Nine due to the traits, first touch and technique but I'm concerned that he simply cannot make a simple pass! Hopefully his driven nature pushes him on to develop the best he can. With this relatively settled squad requiring a little bit of trimming, some strengthening and a lot of contract renewing, I need to look and see just what I have got to spend. With €15m given to me and about €130k free wage budget, I could go mad. But I probably won't. I envisage that at least 50% of the free wage budget will be taken on renewals from the current squad, wanting a piece of the Serie A paycheck action. With the takeover last summer providing a cash injection of €50m, I knew I'd lose some money from tax, alone, but, in just twelve months - we've devoured over half of what was given to us and, honestly, I don't see these men as the front end sugar daddies who are going to keep topping it up. Our expenditures can be seen here: With a net transfer spend of €1.5m not including the €2.4m we spent on loan fees, I don't realistically think we could've done much better here. Our bonuses have significantly impacted our figures. One of the impacts of the Colidio loan was, despite a low weekly wage contribution, his bonuses stayed significantly above what I pay everyone else but the counter argument is that I can't confidently say we'd have been promoted without those goals. Next year, 18th placed nets me €1.07m and, I imagine, a whole host of TV money. I'll certainly be cautious next season but there is a chance I might slip into the red, despite an increase in match day income. Tycoon or not, we're still going to have to be very careful! - - - I am really looking forward to the off-season, seeing how I can strengthen, specifically with my 3 non-EU slots that now open up. It's going to be a fun one! Forza Biancoscudati!

Thanks both! Definitely going to try and use the summer to think long term about our plans. I'm optimistic that we can stay up, definitely.

Season Seven: Victorious! Despite some quite random scaremongering, we were able to consolidate our early season form and continue to steamroller the league. With just a short time to go before the end of the season, I wanted to wrap up our progress for now, so that I can use the end of season review as a planning tool for next year. Realistically, these games have been really useful indicators of just who I can trust for next year and who is fighting for their place within our squad. With the league a foregone conclusion for some time now, it has been really interesting to see how players can come in, adapt to my in-game changes and flourish, or - in some cases - struggle. Souleymane Traore has looked good, as has Demetrio Mirabelli but both will likely be some way short of the required quality for the first team squad next year. With just one more point, two more wins and four more goals needed to break those records, I am supremely positive that we can wrap up this season, not only breaking our own records but also some long-standing Serie B ones, too. I'm delighted that Catania, another Sicily side, may be able to make the jump with us to Serie A, particularly as Palermo have joined Venezia in administration this year but also look like they're about to fail in their plan to return immediately to Serie B following successive relegations. - - - Our youth intake has really motivated me, given our promotion to Serie A, to consider the longer term structure of the club. Led by Luke Chester, who, with his 21-minute cameo on debut, became our youngest ever player. We've just added Trapani - a current Serie D side - to our list of affiliates so may well have two nice starter teams in the lower reaches of Italian football as well as Croatian side Rudes, who might just survive the drop this year. In the summer, I'll really look at how I plan to succession through, from the youth side to the senior side. One of my favourite planning activities! Forza Biancoscudati!

Absolutely! I think he's solid defensively but will also be nicely progressive in his play and can work for us for the next three to five years. I was worried about the €1.5m, but, once I'd raised those funds - had no concerns.

Hmmm, me too! I ran the data for the aerial success rates of the T2 Big 5 leagues and this is what I got: Obviously, we're not up against smaller than average Japanese strikers but, yeah. However, he's actually really good at heading and no slouch physically, which I think will absolutely help him should he need to get into a battle. Do you just play 'standard' defend centre backs or use Stopper/Cover?

You've sold the east-African conveyor belt with this alone! I also love him...

Season Seven: Wheeling and dealing Going to push this update out a little earlier than intended, with only five league games played, but, instead - a much greater focus on the transfer dealings as, despite our lofty league position, I felt a sense of concern, simply because the players I wanted to sign now would be needed for this season and next. Serie A quality is hard to come by on a €0.6m budget, but, of course, after I'd made all of the dealings, in mid-January, the board sat me down and agreed to give me some more money, which I balanced between the transfer and wage budget, but barely touched. It's worth noting that, of the €50m pumped into the club, a mere €35m is left, but this does account for substantial upgrades off the pitch. Another sign that, honestly, I wouldn't be able to be doing what I'm doing without these investors from the far East! I had to raise funds and, to do that, I moved on two players who I was unsure about their long term credentials and a youngster, all for pure profit: Luca Langoni - €2.5m Javi Montero - €210k Alessandro Galli - €150k Luca had been pretty good, if a little one dimensional, for me since his arrival. A €2.5m non-promotion clause was triggered and, with him moving to Saudi Arabia, I doubt we'll ever see him on this continent again. Javi was a free transfer a couple of years ago and also moves to the middle East where he'll be enjoying an early retirement but will be bringing in some important funds at the same time. Alessandro never played for the first team so represents a nice profit after signing a couple of years ago. The replacements are as follows: Daniel Maldini joined on loan to temporarily fill the gap left by Langoni. With Colidio also on loan, I expect that this in an area that will need some significant looking at over the summer. An optional fee of €6m will unlikely be met but I'm a massive fan of looking at what his traits will bring to this role. His coach report is decent, if not outstanding, and he'll become a decent option off the bench. For this deal, I didn't use the DoF to negotiate, given the clauses added to the loan deal, and my worry that - if not - we'd have been paying all of his €20k p/w contract. Mattia Viti, who was a DoF deal, becomes a Messina player after we shattered our record transfer, which stood for 27 years. I kept him on my target list after we failed on him two summers ago, ending with Lautaro Valenti instead. He really didn't settle with Championship side Blackburn but, as per his coach report, I'm delighted to have a man of his quality who is consistent, spirited and enjoys big matches, plus, at 28, has at least four or five years left in him. I've never had a listed 'late developer' but, with only 127 career apps, to date, I really think he's got enough left in his legs to push and resurrect a career that, honestly, has never really got started after a €12m move to Nice. With Bernabei not getting many minutes as a left wing back and us paying €90k pcm for the pleasure of that, I felt like it was a good time to get someone in permanently. With Venezia in all kinds of financial issues, I was able to get the DoF team to swoop for Franco Carboni - a man I've tracked for a couple of years now - for just €250k. Normally, I have reservations about 'weak' footed players, particularly as Santos has found so much joy in that inside left channel, being able to use his right foot to some extent. With that in mind, I'm going to teach Carboni to move the ball to his left before dribbling and avoid using his weaker foot. The intention here is to create a one or another option on the left wing back slot - Santos can attack and come inside, Carboni can attack and stay wide. It's these options that are important as I micromanage our fixture list and in game changes. His coach report is strong and I've got a man, in the peak of his career, who can definitely do a job next year, all for a fraction of his market value. Strong shopping! The last deal is built completely from the excitement that Pedro Santos has brought me this year. Mateus Fernandes - another Portuguese attacking midfielder - joins for a tiny fee. I was researching him on transfermarkt, and was unaware he'd just moved to Southampton for €15m. A really strong coach report and, in my eyes, the perfect profile for that creative wingback/winger role, I was delighted that my team got him for so cheap and on a wage of just €6.5k p/w. With this being the opposite to the Carboni deal, I now have two different wing back options for either side - two more defensive profiles and two creative wide men, who will surely combine to unlock defences even more than they're already doing! That leaves my first team squad, of 21 men, looking like this: The question marks now only remain over Fernandes - new to the role - as well as Colidio and Maldini, given that they're not on permanent deals with us and, whilst spending the combined €16m on two 30 year olds would present us with good acquisition of experience, may be more than we are even afforded. I feel that there are some fantastic options within this squad now and I want to give them half a season together to gel before we look at the real marginal gains over the summer. - - - I have also boosted the youth ranks with Boubacar Guindo, a real star in the making, on a free transfer. His coach report is promising and I'll use mentoring group to try and pass on the key traits that might make him the next on the production line of deep midfielders. With Traore in the youth team, too, I'm potentially growing Mali's midfield for the coming years! Also arriving was Guille Fuentes, almost the perfect False Nine, for a fee of €150k. My scouts have been working really well in Spain and his coach report suggests he could become really good, too. As his game is a lot more developed - in terms of traits anyway - than Guindo, he's moved out on loan, joining a host of other youngsters. I was given the choice of a feeder but, once I saw that ex-player Valerio Verre had taken over at Palmese, a club located in Palmi - just across the Straight of Messina, I had to choose them. Currently in the (unloaded) Eccellenza, I've sent them a bunch of decent lads in order to get them into Serie D, where my development plans can really take off. I've noted that, with older players, such as Nicolino and Cassano, that they've kicked on so much by just getting exposed to first team football, that this is a great step in their development if they're not going to necessarily make it with me. Elsewhere, a new deal has been set up with Rudes, in the Croatian top flight, who are managed by Dario Srna. They're a bit of a yo-yo side and are currently bottom but, strangely, the level they're at is better than Serie B so provides a great proving ground for some of my more rounded youth players and, honestly, those I am looking to get into the shop window as I don't think they'll make it with us. Even if they get relegated, I'm going to look at using them again next year, giving players a chance at player in a high-performing unit that will, surely, be expected to make a return to the top tier. - - - With just five games played, it has been more of the same on the pitch: With his double against 'Doria, Owusu has become our record scorer; certainly not a bad accolade for a lad of his age. Four non-clean sheets in five does feel a bit of a drop in performances but our standing in the league table is still just as commanding and I can't see us slowly down any time soon. With a stronger squad and still some elements of playing for their futures, I'm supremely positive about what is to come this season! Forza Biancoscudati!

I know exactly what you mean and it's something I've struggled to get to grips with in a tycoon takeover. I know that it worked for Maidenhead with Max Kilman but I'd be shocked, in real life, if a Saudi team agreed to that kind of deal or that a J1 team would have that kind of money. But, whatever you do, enjoy spending it or saving it in the bank!

Always the case though, isn't it! You've got insane facilities and your hands are tied, at this stage, to play these kids, whereas he's wasted away in Lyon 2 at the level you started at a few years ago.

Yep. Just an u18 and a u20 league means that anyone over 20 now plays in the first team (part of the reason for the 15 subs rule) or goes on loan. Ten or so years ago, and it was implemented into FM, Italian teams used to use co-ownership where you could buy 50% of a player, normally a hot prospect or, for lower teams, a glorified loan, and they'd just sit in the U20 team of the non-playing side, taking up more space!

Making it look too easy, as always, Makoto! I was going to post a couple of seasons back about that Argentine lad - Taborda - but then saw he'd left! Can you post a screenshot of his attributes now please because I thought he looked insane for his age!

I enjoyed my time at Sassuolo on FM23 with the pleasure of Pinamonti and Berardi in the team. Enjoy!

Really strong first season in J1. Armed with money, you're now going to grow the club and become even stronger! I'm really enjoying this read!

I absolutely agree that the extra year has been of huge benefit to us - both for me, tactically, but also for the players I have here. I couldn't imagine having to try Pedro Santos as a left wing back in our first season in Serie A but, this year, he's had a year there and been such a revelation that (SPOILER alert!) I've just brought the right-sided version of him. Honestly - we could do more than just stay up next year. I think that the vast majority of the squad is either good enough or deserves a shot at Serie A and I'm excited to see just how that looks!

Season Seven: Dominant I'll keep this one short. We're so, so good! Sometimes, when things click into place, it's just so much fun to sit back and watch absolute chaos unfurl. We are, despite being a bit more leaky defensively, simply sublime in all areas of our game play. How on earth do you explain going, away from home, to relegated Empoli - a team with Serie A quality - and walking off with a 6-0 victory?! Each game is being approached with an eye for the how I can unpick teams and I'm probably overdue a long form explanation of how things are playing out, but, right now, I'm on Comprehensive Highlights watching us tear teams apart and I'm loving it. The title, whilst still having some fifty-seven points to play for, feels almost a foregone conclusion but now is where the fun really starts. January will be a time where I want to get one or two more Serie A-ready players into the team and see just how well we can integrate them, playing this stylish brand of Amorim-inspired football. What is more, our run over the next month or so isn't actually that hard - so I can shift into recruitment mode and build even more on this! I'm playing quickly and, in the coming weeks, that'll slow down significantly, but - I have to say - this is so much fun! Forza Biancoscudati!

I'm seven years in now and, because of that, he's now 31 and is currently in Serie C, having moved there five years ago! Thanks for the recommendation, though!

Thanks for the comment! Italy has been a place that, despite never visiting, I've loved for a long time now. I used to always manage here on earlier FMs and - even though my playing style has changed drastically - remember the clubs and the geographical elements fondly.

It's not an overly exuberant tactic, if I'm honest... As I've said before - this is the blueprint that changes around in lots of games. I like to use the central defender as a NCB(st) sometimes an the midfield two can be VOL/DLP, VOL/BWM, VOL/A, VOL/DM, REG/DM etc, depending on who we are playing. The ethos behind this design is built largely around the traits of certain players, particularly the two DMS, Lucenti (left) and Patino: The 3-2 shape, with the double pivot and the right sided player (in most of the roles that I would use here dropping deepest), looks to draw out the opponents and allow for progression from Bellino (left) and Pisilli: Adding players like Colidio, this summer, have helped me gain control in the final third and utilise a really creative left wing back in Santos. Using WB(au) means I have free reign over how I instruct and my intention for him is to get into the half space on the left side to create more options, along with the second strikers and False 9. I like to use the shadow strikers in different ways - particularly having them go inside or outside (left footed player on the left for outside or on the right for inside) depending on the favoured feet of the defender, knowing that they can run at them and cause them real trouble. Against specific opposition, I'll use a A(d) in the DM role against a 41212 shape, because they'll have three attacking players. When faced with a low block in a single striker shape, I'll use (normally the left hand side) centre back as either a WCB(s) or L(s) depending on whether I want to push Santos on - to a CWB(s) - or overload the centre even more in a 2-3 build up, where the L(s)-VOL(s)-DLP(s) initiate the transition. There are ways that it changes when I'm chasing the game too - normally involving pushing Santos on and using either a WCB(s) or WCB(a) to make a really left-hand-side heavy shape. This often then leads me to using de Leon as an IWB(a) on the right as he - a left footer anyway - cuts inside and is another player who can attack the box at the far post. Whilst I have among the best squads in the league right now - with four or five Serie A level players - I think that this spell is my strongest ever in terms of tactical understanding and feeling confident enough to explore and change whilst knowing my reasoning behind it! I'm also long overdue some more match action in my updates, so will work on that, too!

It was indeed a bit of a sickener! We controlled the game for pretty much the entirety of it but just took our eyes off the prize for one minute. That is, I guess, why they're in Serie A and we aren't - yet! Zapelli has been great. It's his traits, I think, that make him stand out in the F9 role; he drops deep and looks to link up with the shadow strikers, who, more often than not, have returned the ball to him to score.

Congratulations! Enjoy the summer of sensible spending!

Realistically - what can/does that kind of money buy you here?! It’s an insane amount but I know you’ll use it wisely.