The Legends Challenge, Chapter One: Sir Alex Ferguson

Mark Snellink · June 17, 2008

I am starting a series of challenges mirroring the careers of the best managers in the world, but in the spirit of what they did. In other words, in general you don't need to use the same exact clubs they did, just clubs in the same situation as theirs. This to avoid such snags as trying to achieve promotion from a low division with a team that since these manager's days have gone on to be top flight sides. In fact, a number of these sides are now legendary because of the men that managed them, so all the work would have already been done for you.

Chapter One: Sir Alex Ferguson.

You may set your reputation to "Professional Footballer", as Sir Alex enjoyed a playing career with QPR, St Johnstone, Dunfermline, Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr.

Stage One: Up the League (East Stirlingshire/St. Mirren)

After less than a year in charge at East Stirlingshire Sir Alex took a Second Division struggler (St Mirren) and in four years transformed them to win the First Division.

Start your career at any Second Division team that has a media expectation of finishing bottom half of the table, take them to the Premier League, preferably through a win in the First Division.

Stage Two: Scottish Glory (Aberdeen)

In 1978, Ferguson moved to Aberdeen, Scotland's #3 side at the time behind the Old Firm. Under Fergie's guidance they won the league as the first team to do so other than Celtic and Rangers in fifteen years, during his second season. He went on to snag two more Premiership titles, four Scottish Cups and a Scottish League cup, as well as the UEFA Cup Winner's cup and the Super Cup in 1983.

You will take over any Premiership club that isn't your original club or Celtic and Rangers. You will need to duplicate Ferguson's success here, three league titles,

four Cups, a League Cup, a European Trophy and a Euro Super Cup.

Stage Three: English Dynasty (Man Utd)

Arriving at a Manchester United which was struggling in the league, full of fat, drunk and lazy players, Sir Alex had his work cut out for him. Man Utd hadn't won the league for almost twenty years and was halfway down the league. It took him seven years to bring the title back to Old Trafford and in the 20 years since his appointment he's racked up an impressive silverware cabinet, and arguably been the best manager in the history of football.

You will take over a Premiership Team that has not won the league in twenty years (Which at present only excludes the big 4 and Blackburn), and take them to ridiculous glory:

10 Premiership titles

5 FA Cup titles

2 League Cup titles

6 Community/Charity Shield titles

2 Champions League titles

1 Major European trophy (instead of the Cup Winner's cup, UEFA Cup or CL either works)

1 European Supercup

Rules:

You must post a screenshot of your profile at the beginning of your game. Screenshots are also required to prove any titles, and a screen of your English team's domestic honors. Any other screens are voluntary.

Player and Tactic naming are allowed.

I use the honor system. Cheating can't be proven, but what's the point of doing a challenge if you're going to cheat?

Required Leagues:

Scottish Leagues (Division 2 and up)

English Premier Division.

Challenge Ending:

If at any point you get fired from a job, the challenge is over. No-one fires Sir Alex. (Except St Mirren, but he was leaving there anyway.)

Should that happen, post a screen of your Manager stats and history.

If after 35 seasons (at the end of the 2042/43 season) you haven't reached your goals, you've been bested by Sir Alex. Take screens of your Manager stats and history and retire.

If you manage to reach all your goals in 35 years or less, you win! Take a screen of your manager stats and history, as well as the Hall Of Fame for England and the whole world, which you should probably be number 1 on! Well done.

MikelLUFC · June 17, 2008

Good challenge may attempt it after exams

PoopyPants · June 17, 2008

Hope your Legends challenge has more sucess than mine

Mark Snellink · June 18, 2008

I will probably start my attempt later today or tomorrow. First stage is going to be hard, as a semi-pro team to make it in D1, which is all professional teams.

Mark Snellink · June 18, 2008

Alright. I'm starting my attempt with Ayr United, who are expected to finish seventh in the league, but have a nice 8000 capacity stadium, 1500 seated, which is I assume the reason for their small loan debt.

I've decided to style myself Alexander Chapman Ferguson Jr., or Alex Ferguson Jr. for short.

Shooting for mid-table this year, trying to build up the squad; Prospectively I think Ayr could make D1 in two seasons, but luckily my board is only expecting me to establish in D2. This should be fun

Mark Snellink · June 18, 2008

The pre-season friendlies were disastrous, with my best result being a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Chester. My side were exhausted and completely off of match fitness, which is what I assume was the problem. We also managed to lose 5-1, 5-0 and 6-2 to lower league Scottish sides.

It was embarrassing. I'm not sure how it all happened. So far I've strengthened the left side of my squad, but something had better pull itsself together before I lose this challenge before October

Mark Snellink · June 21, 2008

So finally my team has shaken their terrible lack of fitness and I think we're on the way to turn this season around. Right now we're on a nine game winless streak.

Two last-minute signing have played an integral part in this turning, Dutch centreback Marlon Kruis provided some desperately needed pace in the back, which has been the reason for most of our conceded goals (aside from the starting goalie being a nervous twit with extremely limited current ability).

And Paul Bosvelt joined up to bolster the midfield, although he's been playing as a right side wingback lately.

VanRossi · June 22, 2008

Hey Mark, nice idea I guess...

Think I'm gonna give this a go with Ayr too, I'll keep you posted.

What about transfers in/out etc??

Mark Snellink · June 22, 2008

If you mean to ask if there's any limits on transfers, I don't see why there would be. Just don't use FMScout or whatever to find players.

If you're wondering about my transfers:

9th in Scottish Second Division

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| 4.8.2007 | Fleming, Derek | Alloa | Â£4K |

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| 10.8.2007 | Brown, Graeme | Alloa | Â£6K |

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| 30.8.2007 | Paterson, Scott | Cove Rangers | Â£3K |

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| | Total | | Â£13K |

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| Date | Person | To | Fee |