FM12 Big Euro Nation: Small Club to Big Club Challenge

[Ohanzee]

Yea, I'm a bit torn to. I get that semi-pro players can't train as much, that's only natural. But if a player is willing to be a footballer 100% even at a semi-pro club, I don't really see why not either. Anyways, nothing to do about that.

I may have a much bigger problem though. When I sign a new player and click Squad Registration it just takes me to the squad screen where "squad registration" is grayed out. I haven't been able to register a single player so far, even though the registration window is most definitely open. Really hope this isn't another but like the one in Scotland with registration and league reset dates crossing over and making it impossible to register players.

[Twellman24]

Fourth pre-season game vs. recently promoted to Third Division Albacete--we're losing 0-2 home, as expected.

Then, we net the 1-2 and things get a bit more interesting. Right before the end of the match, Triviño scores the 2-2 and the crowd goes wild!

This would only be average news so far...if it wasn't because Triviño is this guy, our 40 year old goalkeeper slash keeper coach, who came out due to no other players available after an injury...and scored right away

This is going to be a good game

[Ohanzee]

That's brilliant Twellman24, what kind of goal was it? Please say a screamer from 40 yards.

As for my "problem", it looks like it may just be a case of wrong dates in the squad registration description on the league rules page. It says 1st of July until 30th of March, but I couldn't register anyone in July. 1st of August now though and the game told me I need to register players. So now I'm allowed to.

It's been so long since I managed in Portugal, but is it normal that the 2nd division start playing so late? Our first match is the 9th of September. With league reset being 29th of June that's more than 2 full months of preparation. It's actually kind of nice.

[Twellman24]

Ohanzee, you have the goal right there--I uploaded it for you guys!

[Lower Leagues Rule]

It's been so long since I managed in Portugal, but is it normal that the 2nd division start playing so late? Our first match is the 9th of September. With league reset being 29th of June that's more than 2 full months of preparation. It's actually kind of nice.

Pretty sure that is how I remember it, with playoffs though the season can end up going right through into the middle/late of June.

[Ohanzee]

Ohanzee, you have the goal right there--I uploaded it for you guys!

I'm sorry if I'm daft, but I don't see it? Only link I find is to the attributes of Trivino? Have to admit I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open atm though.

[Twellman24]

It has to be your browser--I can see the youtube video embedded!

[Ohanzee]

Oh it's embedded. I don't have plugins enabled in this browser no. I'll check it out now

Hehe, my mum could have scored that

[Twellman24]

See i get that, but the cool thing is that I haven't seen a goalkeeper score a goal in 10 years in all the times I've had to play a GK on top (not that many but a few)--not only that, not even a near scoring chance, and it happens with FM12 in the preseason. It's good because it means the game finally recognizes that, even though a goalkeeper playing as a forward would do a very, very crappy job, it is still a human being with two legs and could potentially score. That's all

[Ohanzee]

Yea, I see what you mean Actually come to think of it a striker passing the ball to a better placed player in that situation has also been very rare, at least in my games. So that's another promising thing about it.

*edit* Seen some really good passing and moving in my first friendly to. Albeit against really bad opposition.

I really like the "locks" on contract negotiations. Been able to get several players on lower wages than they keep demanding by locking it down after a few rounds.

[GreyedOutMan]

If you choose to manage in Scotland you should holiday for one year (as per usual) and then select the team that finished rock bottom of this league.

Anyone know why this is??? - why doesnt Scotland work in the same way as all the other countries?

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Anyone know why this is??? - why doesnt Scotland work in the same way as all the other countries?

Because the Scottish 3rd Division has no relegation.

[Charlesbeams]

Want to give this a proper go this year, i always start a few challenges and then stop after a few matches. So hopefully this year will be different.

Have an interview soon so i'll start holidaying and what not later on.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Can't wait to see you in the thread Charles, good luck at the interview as well.

[GreyedOutMan]

LLR - cant decide between doing this and doing Dafuge. Persuade me?

[PRDH]

Still waiting for the postman to deliver my copy.

Gives me time to think where I want to go. Discounting France, Italy and Spain as I've done them previously, where should I go? More tempted my Germany or Portugal, thoughts?

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Greyed Out Man - Well if you want convincing I would suggest going back and reading some of the FM09/10/11 threads and just see the community that was built up, in this thread there will always be support whether you have a great game going or a rough spell. Relegation or Promotion we'll live it with you.

PRDH - Portugal!!! (I'm even wearing my AD Fafe Jersey today)

[PRDH]

LLR - I thought you might say that! I was erring in that direction anyway, the only thing tempting about Germany is that no one has been there yet, and I briefly started a game there last game before the Spain 'yellow card' bug got fixed. Where did you get the Fafe Jersey? I've looked for Domegliara, Romorantin and Pajara Playas kits online, but never found them.

Greyed Out Man - I'd echo what LLR said. The support here is second to none. I think it's helped by there being slightly fewer players than in dafuge's wich means you can get to know more about the players and managers. Join us!

[Lower Leagues Rule]

LLR - Where did you get the Fafe Jersey? I've looked for Domegliara, Romorantin and Pajara Playas kits online, but never found them.

Back in 2009 I emailed the Marketing Manager of the club and using google translate we managed to discuss me getting a shirt, I sent the money by international bank transfer and they shipped it to the far side of the world Just awesome...

[PRDH]

That's awesome LLR!

Seriously though, where is my postman! I finished up all my work yesterday so I'd be able to throw myself in and it's almost 11am and still no sign. Unimpressed. BRING ME FM12!

[Adam "Le God"]

Adam Le God's Spanish adventure.
Racing Club De Ferrol S.A.D
2012-13

Personal
Profile
Club Info
Expectations
Star Player

Following on from their recent promotion to the Spanish second division B1, Ferrol have decided to appoint the inexperienced Welsh manager Tom Jones, whose only
prior experience of the game has come from playing for a local pub team back home. The decision by the board has come under major scrutiny from club fans who are
questioning the logic behind the move for Jones.

The history of football in Ferrol is associated to the shipbuilding yards, workshops, foundries and drydocks and the British technical advisors, hired to work locally who used to play against existing teams.

Racing Ferrol Football Club traced its origins back to June 1919, first competing in national championships ten years later, and fluctuating in the following decades between the second - first presence in 1939–40 - and third divisions. In 1977–78, the Galicians won the inaugural edition of Segunda División B and promoted again, only to be immediately relegated back.

It would not until the year 2000 that the club would again reach the second level, going on to spend there five of the following six years. In 2006–07, the club gained promotion to the second division in the playoffs, with a 2–1 aggregate win against Alicante CF. In the following season, Racing finished fourth from the bottom and dropped back to the third division, and to the fourth only two years later.

Ferrol have spent 34 seasons in the LIGA Adelante and have one major honour to their name: a runners up spot in the Copa Del Ray of 1939.

[saab693]

Great opening post mate, superb.

I've been (unofficially) competing in your FM11 challenge with my Mantova side and as we're on the brink of Serie A I don't think I can give up on them just yet.....I will be back for FM12 though, I assure you.

I hope your save games won't be riddled with bugs before the first patch comes out!

Cheers

saab693

[Charlesbeams]

For France do i pick a team from French National? as i can't pick a team from CFA

[Veriloquent]

Turkish leagues loaded, saved on 18th June just before the leagues reset if anyone wants to use it.

http://www.gamefront.com/files/20909559/Turkey.fm

[PRDH]

Charlesbeams - Yes, after you holiday the first season you pick a team promoted into the French National division and then off you go! Good luck! Had a great time there in FM10 with Romorantin!

[Charlesbeams]

Cheers, the save that has been uploaded means we only get a choice of 3 teams or have to holiday again if we want different choices, surely we need a save with CFA not running?

Looking at the Turkish one now, but still might stick to France.

[GreyedOutMan]

I think you've convinced me. I'm planning to play with England and one other league (one of these leagues) because I want to have a look at some of the possible Dafuge teams too in case I play that later in the season. Can anyone recommend a good league to play in? Ideally I want one with as few restrictions as possible (i.e. as close to the English structure as it gets). Suggestions?


PS

I'm also going to use the editor to change competition names. It really bugs me that FM has the "Champions Cup" and the "Premier Division". But that is all I will be using the editor for.

[Charlesbeams]

Have made a French save which gives me different teams each time? i know it says to load all leagues, but surely in this case it's ok?

Also if you go to France or any countries season summary, it tells you who got promoted from the league below, hopefully this is an easier way to check for a newly promoted team

Edit: the same teams keep getting promoted after 3 reloads

[Veriloquent]

Bursa Nilufer S.A.S.

Manager Profile
Manager Information
Team Report
Squad List
Overview
Team Information

The game seems to think they were formed in 1999 but everywhere else I have seen is saying 2008 (including the team badge) so I am more inclined to believe that.

A lowly Northern Irish manager given his first chance at football management by the board of recently promoted Bursa Nilüfer S.A.Ş. Stuart Wilson stands here today proclaiming to the fans that not only will he keep them in the league this season but he will play attractive, attacking football as he does it.
After telling the board he is confident of a mid table position they have given him 14.41k to spend on players with a wage budget of 12.5k per week, with the club currently only spending 2,641 per week on wages the manager has a lot of freedom to change this side around into one capable of challenging the bigger teams in the league.

The team is already quite strong and with my scout already on his way scouring South Europe for new talent it is looking good for the coming season.

[PRDH]

It's here! The game's here. It's installed and I've clicked 'Start New Game'! I'm excited. Now to get going!

[GreyedOutMan]

So anyone got a league recommendation for me?!

[PRDH]

GreyedOutMan - Ah yes, sorry. Well the issue with what you seem to be proposing (I may be wrong) is that you'll have more that one league running at one time, which I'm afraid isn't allowed.

Otherwise, purely in terms of leagues - I've played in France, Italy and Spain and enjoyed them all. France is slightly trickier at continental level as players want to go to one of the bigger leagues, but Italy/Spain are harder at league level because the huge teams can be tricky to knock off the top. Italy has slightly aggravating rules - the one non-EU player a year rule can be annoying.

[GreyedOutMan]

So its not allowed even though it would be the English League, which isnt part of the challenge?

[GreyedOutMan]

Hmmm from what you've said I think I'm going to go for France. I've played Dafuge's challenge several times and never got beyond league two, so a slightly easier domestic league is probably better than finding things a little easier when you start to really hit the heights of European football.....

[PRDH]

I don't think so. It's about the number of players available and that sort of thing (I think) - LLR, could clarify later on, when New Zealand wakes up, but I'm fairly sure.

[GreyedOutMan]

Ah fair enough. Thats fine, I'll just keep an eye out in my Chelsea save. Anyone have anything to add before I start a game in France? I'm still not sure...

[Ohanzee]

Can anyone recommend a good league to play in? Ideally I want one with as few restrictions as possible (i.e. as close to the English structure as it gets). Suggestions?

I dunno about being close to the English structure, but in terms of few restrictions on players nationality at least Portugal and Germany are as open as it gets. I suspect this is why Germany is so popular each year. You can sign players from pretty much anywhere, and the money is well above average. There's also screens of league rules for all top divisions in the first post of this thread if you wanna have a look.

[GreyedOutMan]

I'm going to go for Germany I think. Mainly because I cant stand any of the German teams so I wont be torn when playing teams I sympathise with (as I do playing in Dafuge's challenge when I play Arsenal!).

EDT: Does anyone have a confirmed reset date for German Leagues?

[Almondo]

This is going to be one of those seasons if the first six games of my season are any indication. Started out with a draw followed by a Win then 3 losses on the bounce before beating the team on top of the table.

[Ohanzee]

PRDH - Glad you didn't have to hunt down the postman and do bad things to his backpack.
Adam "Le God" - Good luck in Spain!
Veriloquent - Good luck in Turkey!
GreyedOutMan - I think it's the 19th of June now. But try saving a week before that just in case. It's most likely 19th or 20th though.
Almondo - Keep the faith! All of a sudden you'll win 6 in a row.

[Trevanator]

Hi guys, I've decided to give this challenge a go and I'm going to try playing in Russia with Zenit-Izhevsk Izhevsk. Should be tough

Media Prediction: 20th
Board Expectation: Avoid Relegation
Wage Budget: £21.5 K
Transfer Budget: 28.21 K


Club Overview
Manager Info
Manager Profile
Club Information
Team Report

[RyMaX]

In Scotland, Clyde FC have appointed a relatively unknown Australian by the name of Rodney Walsh as new manager of the club following two consecutive 10th place finishes in the Scottish Third Division.

Clyde were formed in 1877 and currently play at the Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld. The club was regular members of the Scottish top division up until the mid 1970s and finished as high as third in 1908/09, 1911/12 and 1966/67. They have reached the Scottish Cup Final on six occasions, lifting the famous trophy in 1939, 1955 and 1958.

[Twellman24]

Almondo, if it makes you feel any better, yesterday I played my first league game. We were winning 1-2 at Alicante (promotion favorites), told the gang to "keep at it" passionately. Minute 50, direct red card to my RB, and we lose the game 3-2. The tone system is definitely going to take a while to get used to.

T24

[GreyedOutMan]

Hmm having holidayed too far and been uninspired by any of the appearing teams, I'm going to give it a go in France now. Holidaying as we speak.

EDT: Going to install FM on my desktop so I can play a Chelsea game on my laptop while waiting for it to install and holiday through. Any tips on managing in France?

[Charlesbeams]

Pacy Vallee-d'Eure June 2012

Manager
Profile
Personal

Team
Overview
Information
Squad
Team Report

First Season
Expectations: Avoid Relegation
Wage Budget: £10.2k/£12.25k
Transfer Budget: £16.7k
Background: Founded in 1932, Pacy-Vallee d'Eure Football are a semi-professional French club currently playing in the French National. The club play their home games at Stade Pacy-Menilles (2,400att) and posses adequate training facilities and very basic youth facilities. The club also has fairly basic junior coaching and a basic youth recruitment network. The club is affectionately known as Le PVEF.

Although they have never won a competition, the club are enjoying probably their best spell of success this decade.

Hopefully i can do well and enjoy this game and it'd be great if i could try and stick to a quick and "pacy" game

Also hope everything is correct and that not loading CFA was ok.

[Almondo]

Almondo, if it makes you feel any better, yesterday I played my first league game. We were winning 1-2 at Alicante (promotion favorites), told the gang to "keep at it" passionately. Minute 50, direct red card to my RB, and we lose the game 3-2. The tone system is definitely going to take a while to get used to.

T24

Ouch that makes my little run seem like a minor problem. I do agree that the tome system is going to take a while to get used to. Although I do seem to have picked the division where a couple of the La Liga B teams are as i've played Osasuna B and Bilbao Athletic in those first 6 games.

[Veriloquent]

I was about to celebrate signing this player, who is way too good for my team and was just released by Trabzonspor, then I found out I cannot sign foreign players

[Ohanzee]

Trevanator - Good luck in Russia!
RyMaX - Good luck in Scotland!
Charlesbeams - Good luck in France!

Great to see so many people have a go at this!

I just played my first competitive match, Taca de Portugal 1st round against Boavista. Not the good Boavista though, but the non-league Boavista S.M. I was expected to win by 3-4 goals apparently, but only managed a scrappy 4-3. We conceded 2 own goals and a penalty. I hope that type of defending is not a sign of things to come, but at least my strikers seem to be ready for action.

[PRDH]

Right, I've picked a club, following on from my adventure in the Canary Islands last year, I've gone even further afield this time. Heading to the Azores. It's the most western point of Europe (I think) which I think is quite a cool motivation for the challenge. Here is the first post:

Lusitânia Açores

Press Conference

Cláudio Gomes, Chairman: "Welcome to Angra do Heroísmo on the the beautiful island of Terceira in the Atlantic island group of the Azores, a distant outpost of Europe far west of the continental mainland. We, the Lusitânia Açores board, have called this press conference to confirm a new managerial appointment. We are delighted to announce the appointment of Pete Harmer (Manager Information | Manager Profile) to be our new manager as we embark on an exciting new era for the club after promotion to the Portuguese Second Division - South. That is the end of our prepared statement. Does anyone have any questions"

Journalist: "Hi, yes. I was wondering whether you would like to give us any information on the club as it stands after this appointment."

CG: "With pleasure. Here is a printed list of the Squad, a brief detailing of the Club Information and a presentation on the Club Profile."

Journalist: "Thanks, now, Pete, could you tell us what made you pick Lusitânia Açores?"

Pete Harmer, new manager of Lusitânia Açores: "With pleasure. I doubt I need to tell you of the amazing beauty of this spot, and the long history there is here. It really is a great place to live."

J: "What about in terms of football though?"

PH: "Good question. Well, it's not a hotbed of footballing history, but I believe I am the man to change that. I am excited by the challenge of getting this club from the westernmost point of Europe to the continent's top table. The Champions' League."

J: "That's a pretty lofty ambition, do you really believe you can manage that?"

PH: "Son, if I didn't think I could, I'd never have taken this job on. I want to build a dynasty. I want to set about toppling the likes of Porto, Benfica and Sporting from the top of Portuguese football and when I've done that I'm going to go after the likes of Barcelona, AC Milan and Bayern Munchen."

J: "Well, it sounds like you've got a lot of work to do, I won't keep you any longer."

Club Information

Founded in 1922, we are a semi-professional side with adequate training facilities, very basic youth training facilities, basic junior coaching, a limited youth recruitment network and no corporate facilities at all. Fantastic!

I've been given a transfer budget of, wait for it, £0 and a wage budget of £2,400 p/w with the club currently spending £751 p/w of that. The finances show a total bank balance of £35,200. We. Are. Loaded!

As you can see, the club has a 10,000 capacity stadium, only 7,000 seats, called the Estádio João Paulo II. The playing surface is grass, and as the below picture shows, it open on three sides with an athletics track.

The club's only success of note so far is finishing third in the 2011 Third Division - Azores. It is, therefore, a club with a totally empty trophy cabinet. One which is waiting to be filled.

With our only rival, Angrense, sitting in the the Second Division - Central, it is unlikely that we'll have a big derby this season.

Miscellaneous Background Information

The club's location, Angra do Heroísmo, is an idyllic one. Located on the coast of Terceira, one of the largest islands of the Azores, it has a population of around 21,300 people, while the surrounding area lifts this number up to 35,581 while the island in total has 56,000 residents. It is the historic capital of the Azores and the archipelago's oldest city - it dates back to 1450. Noted for it's fine architecture, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, this will surely be a big draw for the world's finest players.

[GreyedOutMan]

Love the post, PRDH. When I get my French side, I'm going to do something very similar

[Ohanzee]

Great opening post PRDH! Nice looking stadium. Lots of space around there to expand as well. Good luck!

[Ohanzee]

I've had a weird start to the season. Played 4 away games and just 1 home game so far. 2 of the away games being in the cup. Away matches have been 4-3 win, 1-2 loss, and 4-2 win. The loss being in the league against Benfica C. Branco. At home it's completely different as we beat Pampilhosa 3-0 with them not creating a single chance.

5th game we go away to Cinfaes in the league, and looking at our defensive performance so far away from home I'm expecting another high scoring game with probably 2-3 conceded. At half time we're 6-0 up, and end up winning 9-0. And according to the post-match report it was exactly what was expected from us. This league must have some really crap teams in it.

* Back down to earth in the next game with a boring 0-0 draw at home against the same team we beat 4-2 away in the cup. Oh well, good start to the season, looks like we might not have to worry about relegation at least.

[Romanista1994]

If I get the game (and that's by no means certain) I will join this challenge with Barakaldo since they're now eligilble. I might even go Basque-only.

In the meanwhile I'll follow this thread, without posting much. Though I have to say brilliant career opening PRDH (and obviously LLR for the thread, but I've lurked around long enough to know what he does).

[Ohanzee]

I really should know better than to post good results on the forum by now. Damn forum curse. Hoping this will tip my mojo back into balance. 4-2 loss against Padroense after being 2-1 up at half time. What's worse is that we had 6 clear cut chances to their 1. *bangs head in a wall*

[PRDH]

Thanks guys! Good news! The person I'd organised to go out for drinks this evening (what was I thinking) has cancelled! I'm here all evening. Roll on the beginning of the season!

Ohanzee - That's just a schoolboy error!

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Veriloquent - Thanks for that Turkey Save, I will add it to the opening post. Good Luck with Bursa Nilufer, looks like a solid team.
Adam "Le God" - Best of Luck with Ferrol, Aria looks decent for this level.
saab - Can't wait to see you here, and good luck with Mantova.
PRDH - Glad to see your game turned up, brilliant opening post for your club, looking forward to following your progress in the Azores, you always bring some attention to detail that I love.
GreyedOutMan - Yup just one nation, none additional, good luck wherever you end up
Almondo - Hmm sounds like a season I had a few years back, was beating the top 3 every time, but kept losing after 90 to bottom dwellers.
Trevanator - Good Luck in Russia, hope you do better than the other attempts there. Looks like your Midfield is the strongest spot.
RyMax - Good Luck with Clyde FC, hopefully you can turn them around and lead them back up the table. (Any chance you could upload a save on June 1st? (Or after the last season finished, before reset day?
Charlesbeams - Pacy Football lol, there are going to be numerous puns there, I can just see them...I don't have a problem with the dropped CFA, you can't play in it.
Romanista - Glad you enjoy the covert lurking in the thread, I have a save with Barakaldo available if you would like me to upload it.

My game in Spain has got through to August, I will update on Sept 1st... I am also holidaying in Russia, will find the reset day and also upload the save at the end of it.

[viiralx]

Hi there fellow FM addicts I will be joining this challenge for the first time!

Currently holidaying in Portugal. Once I find a cool team I will post my profile etc.

[siLKEAPE]

Cìtta di Pontedera
Team history from Wikipedia:

Founded in 1912, Pontedera, a team from a city in the Pisa neighbourhood, played Serie C for several years without never gaining a single promotion to Serie B. In 1993/1994, a second place in Serie C2/B allowed Pontedera to be promoted to Serie C1: during that season, the team was known for having longily been the only undefeated team in all Italian professional leagues, and for having incredibly won 2–1 to the Italy national football team coached by Arrigo Sacchi in a friendly match played in April 1994. Pontedera played Serie C1 just in 1994/1995, and relegated to Serie D in 2001, and even Eccellenza in 2002. Pontedera returned to Serie D in 2005, after having won its Eccellenza round.

In summer 2006, The Gunther Corporation purchased Pontedera. It was reported in The Guardian newspaper on 17 May 2007 that the owner of Pontedera is a dog named Gunther IV, who inherited it from Gunther III who in turn inherited it from his owner Countess Libenstein.

Marcello Lippi, head coach of Italy national team and World Cup champion in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, started his professional managing career as Pontedera head coach in 1985/1986.

Manager profile Stefano Pazzarelli

Club overview and information
Wage budget: £8,583 pw - Avoid relegation.
My expectations: Avoid relegation


Here is a picture of Cìtta di Pontedera's home arena; Stadio Ettore Mannucci


According to FM it holds 5000 people, however Wikipedia states it's capacity is 4405.

It is amazing to follow this thread - really inspiring.
Here we go!

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Good Luck finding a club Viralx, and siLKEAPE, that looks like a pretty similar stadium to a lot of them in this challenge, athletics tracks, Shotput on the sideline, good luck with your run in Italy.

[Twellman24]

Haro's stadium is the same way lol

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archivo...de_El_Mazo.jpg

[GreyedOutMan]

Wont let me play in the CFA (French lowest available Division) - it's greyed out! Any idea why?

Grr got all excited coz Strasbourg are down there, having just come up from unplayability - proper sleeping giant! I selected that league, the league is there, but it wont let me play as a CFA team!!!

EDT: Gonna try again and go with Spain. Their stadiums look nicer :P

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Oh the CFA is not playable, because of the number of B teams in it...you need to choose a team promoted to National, if you go on holiday for an extra season then Strasbourg should get the second promotion and then you can use them.

[GreyedOutMan]

OK - and that's allowed is it?

[Lower Leagues Rule]

OK - and that's allowed is it?

Yes so long as the team was not playable at the beginning of the game.

[GreyedOutMan]

Sorry guys, I cant get excited about this. For me the fun of Dafuge's challenge is taking a team that I have never heard of outside FM to success in a league I know everything about. I know so little about the French leagues that if I won the league with any of these clubs, it wouldnt be that exciting. Good luck to everyone in this challenge, it looks like good fun

[StellaF1]

Hi guys, after not getting into FM11 too much i have decided to sign up for this challenge again. Especially after LLR's opening posts reminding me of the FM09 days with Hospitalet and the fact that Daniel made your Star Player List.
Currently holidaying in Italy.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Welcome Stella, I really enjoyed going back over those stories. Good Luck in Italy.
Sorry to hear that GreyedoutMan​, good luck in dafuge's challenge.

[toonbalmy87]

i want my FM 2012 but it was either food or fm12 so i chose food ha!!!

be getting it monday though and probs be starting in Portugal

[Adam "Le God"]

Not getting into my Spanish save at all :/ gonna put in on the back burner for a bit and gives the Portuguese leagues a whirl.

EDIT Scrap that ill soldier on for a bit and give it a season at least

[rlipscombe]

game purchased, installed... time to choose my team.

welcome to all of the early challengers. it's great to see the thread so popular this early on.

[Charlesbeams]

Finally stopped going out places and will play some friendlies, have set one up with PSG, should be good to see the outcome.

[viiralx]

Manager :: Home - Information - Profile -- Team :: Information - Profile - Squad

Sport Clube Vianense is a Portuguese football club from Viana do Castelo, in the north of the country.

Founded in 1898, it is one of the oldest clubs in Portugal, and currently plays in the fourth division, holding home matches at Estádio do Dr. José de Matos, with a capacity of 3,000 seats.

[StellaF1]

1913 USD FOOTBALL SEREGNO

Newly promoted to Serie C2/A Seregno have appointed as their new manager Stuart Brawls, a complete unknown in the footballing world.
The media prediction for Seregno in the upcoming season is a 20th placed finish
Seregno also holds the dubious honour of having the lowest reputation in the whole of Serie C2
As with most clubs at this level Seregno's Ferruccio stadium is literally 1 stand with an athletics track around the pitch as is evident in the following images:
Stadium 1 Stadium 2 Stadium 3 Stadium 4

Seregno has no history of note as they have never won any competitions before and no matter what happens over the course of the upcoming season they are guarenteed to have their highest ever placed league finish, this being their 1st ever season in Serie C2/A.

The start of season expectations are for a mid-table finish which the board has deemed worthy of a transfer budget of 7.5k and a wage budget of 6.75k (Currently 2k).

[rlipscombe]

UD Marbella

History
UD Marbella was founded in 1997 immediately after the defunction of Club Atlético Marbella, which was born 38 years before, and was owned by Jesús Gil, also the chairman of Atlético de Madrid.
In September 2007, four years after the club reached Segunda División B for the first time, the club was taken over by leading businessmen Ian Radford & Wayne Elliott of the HI Group, an international sports, leisure, property and travel company. The teams plays its home games at Estadio Municipal de Marbella, which has a capacity of 9,000. It is a fairly basic oval-shaped stadium with one small covered stand. The club is known as Los Blanquillos.

So Marbella are my choice for my first crack at this years thread. As many of you may know I have a bit of a theme with my teams in that they tend to play near water and Marbella are no different. I think Marbella’s main rivals are Malaga and so my target is to overthrow the oil rich club and become the challenger to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

And so to the manager. Who is he? His name in Michael Dixon, a former La Liga and CL winner with Real Oviedo whose career was cut short by injury. Michael is back in Spain looking to make a name for himself as a manager in Spain and replicate his Oviedo success as a manager. Can he do it? Time will tell…..

Manager Info
Club History
Club Information

Let the good times roll…..

[Amethyst21]

I must be doing something right or I'm having a huge degree of luck as I currently sit top the table.

However, I haven't managed to get one of my strikers going, so I'm relying out stout defending and goals from midfield which could dry up at any time.

[PRDH]

Not a good start. Three games, three defeats. I've missed these early seasons!

Edit - There it is. The first win. Fifth game in and I've picked up three points.

[Amethyst21]

Just saw in the fan confidence that they are concerned that although I've been posting good results, the football being played by the club is 'less than exciting'.

Cheeky buggers! It's the Portuguese third division, I don't think I can get the team to play like Barcelona! Also, I'm topping the table! Can't please everyone!

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Viralx - Welcome and good luck with Vianense, really hope you enjoy your time in Portugal, it is the home of some of my favourite saves, see Fafe & Evora. There is also something wrong with your stadium...namely it doesn't have an athletics track around it.

StellaF1 - Welcome back, I remember your Hospitalet save (FM09?), Lowest Rep teams, this is the way to go, good to see an athletics track so you can send your players for laps. Good Luck as you aim to win the Serie A with Seregno.

Rlips - Wooohooo, delighted to see that you are here, interesting choice of club, not a long history, but definitely some good work and replacing a former club, by water is a must. And of course the much needed athletics track. Good Luck as you race me back to the Liga BBVA.

Also German & Russian saves now added to the front page...

I only have 1 current save in Scotland (Queens Park), so if anyone holidays and gets someone else losing can they please save it on July 1st as I would like to try and get a full set of Scotland saves up there as well. Thanks.

[global1]

After a shocking first save in Turkey (my head was bursting after playing for a hour with ever team name being the same) i have relocated to russia.

FC ROTOR VOLGOGRAD

Badge

On February 8, 2010, it was announced that FC Volgograd, will be renamed to FC Rotor Volgograd for 2010 and, pending licensing, will play in the Russian First Division.[2] The club was relegated back to the third-level Second Division after the 2010 season. The man chosen to take the fallen giants is unknown scottish manager Ryan Wright

The club have given Wright a transfer budget of £85k and wage budget of £14k per week as the club look to avoid relegation.

With a sqaud valuing less than £150k Wright expects a lot bargain hunting to be needed to meat the boards expectations.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Good Luck Global1, hopefully you find it better in Russia.

[Charlesbeams]

Played 2 friendlies so far and so far pretty good. First was against ligue 2 side Tours FC, which i won 1-0 in the 88th minute. The 2nd was a 3-4 win over Sannois SG, the good part about it was that i was 3-0 down until around 70 odd minutes. Goals from the game, 2nd goal for them is pretty good. A few more to go, including Caen and the big one, PSG.

That took way too long, not worth it, will only be uploading single goals from now, unless it's a very special win.

Edit: Done

[PRDH]

Let's enjoy these few hours. We currently have more posts than Dafuge! I'd guess that'll have changed my tomorrow morning.

[Charlesbeams]

Unfortunately not Didier, it's Freddy.

Edit: Lost to PSG as expected, only 3-0 though

[rlipscombe]

Rlips - Wooohooo, delighted to see that you are here, interesting choice of club, not a long history, but definitely some good work and replacing a former club, by water is a must. And of course the much needed athletics track. Good Luck as you race me back to the Liga BBVA.

cheers mate - Marbella were the club i wanted and i have them so i am happy. Marbella is a bit of a tourist destination for the Brits so hopefully we can get some ex-pats in for a few matches.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Nice Charles haha, well I just got to Registration day and realised I could only have 16 players over 23...really should pay attention to these rules, of my 24 players only 3 are under 23 (And 2 of them turn 23 before deadline) - So currently have a 17 team squad (1 Under 23) with a 21yr old Striker coming tomorrow. And for some reason no U19s so I need to get myself a whole bunch of players in cheaply who are under 23, Under 19s would be good too...and I have 7 players to sell that I won't be able to use.

[siLKEAPE]

Fingers crossed!

[global1]

Epic win over Russian Prem team Spartak Nalchik in 6th round of the cup

The game

Reward with easy 7th round match away to CSKA Moscow

[siLKEAPE]

Fingers crossed!

The takeover failed, however would be interesting to see what that consoritum could do with the club. Anyway, still satisfied I didn't lose my job.

[global1]

Epic win over Russian Prem team Spartak Nalchik in 6th round of the cup

The game

Reward with easy 7th round match away to CSKA Moscow

Took them to extra time and keeper got injured and had no subs left

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Gutted global1, better luck in the league...I have now almost completed my re-signing players, after I got blocked trying to dismiss three players cause the board didn't wanna pay them out lol

[viiralx]

Viralx - Welcome and good luck with Vianense, really hope you enjoy your time in Portugal, it is the home of some of my favourite saves, see Fafe & Evora. There is also something wrong with your stadium...namely it doesn't have an athletics track around it.

TY.. and what track? that pic was taken this year. :s

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4450113...n/photostream/

[Lower Leagues Rule]

TY.. and what track? that pic was taken this year. :s

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4450113...n/photostream/

Haha I was just laughing because it was the first picture of a stadium that we had seen that didn't have a running track around the outside :P

[viiralx]

Haha I was just laughing because it was the first picture of a stadium that we had seen that didn't have a running track around the outside :P

RAWR :3 gotcha .. it says it holds 15 000 but its as basic as you can get it.

--

I'm shopping free players like a crazy person. Looks like I might get a 5* swedish striker and a austrian DMC

[Ohanzee]

siLKEAPE - Good luck in Italy! It's good fun there.
StellaF1 - Nice to see you back here! Good luck in Italy!
viiralx - I was considering Vianense myself because of what you mention about it being such and old club. About time they move up the divisions after over 100 years in existence. Good luck!
rlipscombe - Good luck in Spain! I like how the name of that club sounds when you say it out loud.
Amethyst21 - That's a great 2/3s table! Hope you can hold on in, and get through the playoffs as well. It can be really cruel in this division.
global1 - Good luck in Russia! Hope it'll be a better experience.

Amazing how many people are in here already! Keep it up!!

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Des Tiny's AD Parla

Pre-Season 2012/13
Second Division B3
September 1st Update

The Transfers

In Brief
In: 22 Players (Free)
Out: 21 Players (€5k)
Loans: 1 Player (No Fee)
Wages Total: €14,133 (p/w)
Wage Budget: €13,641 (p/w)
Remaining Transfers: €0

New Signings
First Team

Trevi (GK) - The Spaniard has been signed as our number one keeper, he will be backed up by our vice captain who is also a club icon. I am looking to Trevi to stop those goals that will make the difference.
Rodolfo Simoes (DL) - One of the late young signings to ensure we had a full squad, but he will start in the end.
Quique (ML) - Another of the young guys we brought in late, he will back-up the left side.
Pedrito (MC) - A solid back-up.
Memo (ST) - He was signed because we were in need of another striker to line-up with Marrero as the others just weren't quite up to standard, and Memo was outstanding. Will help lead the line.
Manu (MR/C) - The best right winger we have, the stocks of cheap right wingers was quite low, but he looks good enough in action to cross the ball to the M&Ms.
Lionel (ST) - A younger striker with a bit of potential, probably be the number one on the bench, especially as he can play both wings if necessary.
Kirill Viltsen (ST) - The Young Russian has bags of potential and falls in the U23 category, this was to his benefit as he replaced Elias in the subs, he will possibly get some opportunities, but not too many.
Juan Aranda (DR) - A young Right Back, he will be providing cover, he appears to have some pretty good skills though.
Javi Delgado (DL) - It's a bit of a harsh day for Delgado, he was the lead Right back until te day before the window closed and we brought in Simoes who took his spot, he will provide some excellent cover though.
Hector Pena (DLC) - Not the best central defender, but he is solid, and that is really what I need this season.
Guillaume Dumast (DC) - He may not be very fast, or be the best tackler, but he is great in the air, and a pretty good marker, the Frenchman is the best centre back I could find, so hopefully he can assist in getting us out of the division.
Fran Moreno (MC) - He is mentally strong even if lacking a little in the technical side, Moreno is a solid member of our midfield.
Cristo Marrero (ST) - He will be leading the line as a target man (Ball to Feet).
Butra (MLC) - The more technically sound of my midfield pairing, he will start, and hopefully be the one setting up stunning plays through the middle.
Andre Gomes (MC) - The young Portuguese player came in late when I realised I needed more players under 23, he will be playing off the bench.

Youth

Luis (MR) - The youngster is Manu's back-up and one of our few U19s, he will be called upon if needed on the right wing, but hopefully we can get by without these sort of desperate moves.
Jose Ramos (DLC) - Another youth player who will provide cover, a bucketload of potential means he might get a shot at the back.

Transfers Out
Just going to point out those that were major ones
First Team

Juan Sanchez ---> Haro for €5k (His wages were too much and he wasn't quite good enough)
Elias ---> Beassan for Free (A bit expensive, and he wasn't going to start)

The Friendlies

13.07 vs Alcobendas CF 4:3
Vega (9,34), Elias (37,76)

20.07 vs Betis San Isidro 5:0
Marrero (8), Vega (13,29), Elias (16,23)

28.07 vs UCAM 6:0
Juanfer (8), Elias (15), Butra (45), Marrero (61), Juanma (65), Pedrito (78)

05.08 at Sanse 4:3
Memo (59,64), Marrero (69), Delgado (90+4)

11.08 vs Villaviciosa 4:0
Memo (5), Marrero (13), Pena (37), Manu (86)

17.08 vs RSD Alcala 3:1
Moreno (21), Marrero (46), Memo (75)

Well 6 wins against lower opposition, the most satisfactory being the final result against another side in the 2nd Division B of Spain. Memo & Marrero are starting to look like a good combination upfront.

The Team

So without Further ado, here is the team I expect to lead Parla in the 2nd Division B this season:
GK: Trevi
DR: De la Vega, DC: Pena & Dumast, DL: Simoes
MR: Manu, MC: Butra & Moreno, ML: Juanma
ST: Marrero & Memo

We have 1500 season tickets so far, we're hoping to sell another 100, which is pretty good given the stadium only fits 4000. As always if anyone wants another screenshot, or anything at all just ask and I can provide it.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

So taking it in my own hands as I knock on wood, but my team had the perfect start in the league, a Clean Sheet, a goal from each of my two strikers, and both wingers getting an assist, perfect 3:0 (Also 6 achievements on Steam now)

[global1]

ROTOR VOLGOGRAD
Season 1
End off season review

Ryan Wright

League

Comfortable 14th out of 20 could have been a bit higher as i holidayed the final 6 or 7 games Struggled against the big teams and beat most of the bottom 4 home and away. Knocked out of the cup in the 7th round after a cruel defeat to CSKA Moscow took them to extra time after ending 1-1 and our keeper got injured, with no more subs available had to put an outfield player in goals before finally losing 3-1.

Board are happy with the efforts this season.

Star player

Sergey Popov


Amaizing season scoring 21 goals in 35 games led to him winning the top scorer award.
All goals coming from the right wing position as well.

Oliver Etame
Steady season for the clubs record signing. I expect him to start banging goals in next season with more creativity in midfield
Oliver Etame

Total transfer spend

In £70k
Out £14k

Summary

Petty standard season nowhere near good enough for the top clubs but with some dire teams meeting start of season objectives were easily met. Enjoyable cup run which gained us our first Prem scalp before heartbreaking defeat to CSKA.

Need a new keeper and at least one new centre back and more creativity in the centre of midfield. Finances may be problem we lost over a £1m last season and expect the wage budget to be cut. At least we have a deal in place to sell Valery Sorokin for £130,000 which will give some fund to play with.

[Almondo]

Good season there Global. Staying up is always the biggest aim in the first season and you did that comfortably

[Twellman24]

LLR--Curious to see how Memo does with you I almost signed him but the squad age regulations stopped me from confirming the signing.

"Memo" does mean "dumb" in Spanish, so we'll see how he does

[Lower Leagues Rule]

LLR--Curious to see how Memo does with you I almost signed him but the squad age regulations stopped me from confirming the signing.

"Memo" does mean "dumb" in Spanish, so we'll see how he does

Yeah he was already agreed to come when I realised the U23 rules...whoops...