dFDLock

Don't be sorry. It is, I had the same ideas but couldn't have had explained any better than ChatGPT as it was early in the morning, I still wanted to help though.

It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating and challenging situation in your Football Manager game, particularly with player management and retaining your top players. Managing a club in the middle tier can indeed be difficult, as you're likely to face the constant allure of bigger clubs from higher-profile leagues. Here are some strategies you can try to improve your player retention and overall squad management: Offer Competitive Contracts: Make sure you offer your key players competitive contracts with reasonable wages and bonuses. Sometimes, players may be more likely to stay if they feel valued and adequately compensated. Team Success: Aim to improve your team's success and reputation over time. The more successful your team becomes, the more likely players will want to stay and be a part of your winning project. Strengthen Club Reputation: Work on strengthening your club's reputation by consistently performing well in European competitions and your domestic league. A strong reputation can help attract better players and retain the current ones. Building Personal Relationships: Utilize the "Interactions" feature in the game to build personal relationships with your players. Praising, encouraging, or supporting them during tough times can help increase their loyalty to the club. Promote from Within: Develop a strong youth academy to produce talented players who can eventually replace your outgoing stars. Homegrown players are more likely to have loyalty to the club. Develop Strong Staff: Having top-notch coaches, scouts, and backroom staff can contribute to player development and overall team success, making your club more attractive to players. Negotiate with Players Directly: Sometimes, if a player expresses a desire to leave, you can try negotiating with them directly and convincing them to stay. Pledging to strengthen the squad or achieve specific goals can help change their minds.