FM16: Rangers = The Magic Hat & The Journey To 55!

Limmy · October 31, 2015

"And when we get promotion, we're going for 55!"...

Welcome to the FM16 team guide for the biggest & most successful club in Scotland.

Can you emulate Mark Warburton's red hot start & get the 'Gers back to where they belong and beyond?

Will you be able to take your place alongside the greats like Smith, Struth & Symon?

If you believe you can then this is the thread for you!

"AYE READY!"

Limmy · October 31, 2015

Humble Beginnings & Early Years

The Gallant Pioneers - Rangers 1877 Scottish Cup Final Team

In March 1872, the club was formed by a group of rowing enthusiasts, Peter Campbell, William McBeath and brothers, Peter and Moses McNeil saw a group of men playing football on Glasgow Green's Flesher's Haugh. David Hill was also a founder member.

Indeed, the team's first game was at Flesher's Haugh in May 1872 against Callander, which resulted in a 0–0 draw.

Moses McNeil suggested the name Rangers after seeing the name in a book about English Rugby.

Rangers only played two matches in their birth year and their second match, with the team donned in light blue shirts, was a comprehensive 11–0 win over a team named Clyde (not the present Clyde).

Rangers began to grow into a more formal football club and in 1876, for the first time, a player was called up to play international football as Moses McNeil made his Scotland debut against Wales.

In 1888 the now famous Old Firm fixture was born as Rangers met Celtic for the first time in a friendly match. Celtic beat Rangers 5–2 with a team composed largely of "guest players" from Hibernian.

The 1890–91 season saw the inception of the Scottish Football League, and Rangers were one of ten original members.

By this time Rangers were playing at the first Ibrox Stadium.

Rangers' first ever league match took place on 16 August 1890 and resulted in a 5–2 victory over Heart of Midlothian.

After finishing equal-top with Dumbarton a play-off was held at Cathkin Park to decide the who would be champions. The match finished 2–2 and the title was shared for the only time in its history, the first of Rangers' world record 54 championships.

Rangers had to wait until 1894 to taste their first Scottish Cup success after losing to Vale of Leven in 1877 and 1879 but finally lifted the trophy for the first time after a 3–1 win over Celtic.

Rangers even came close to winning the English FA Cup in 1887 when they lost to Aston Villa in the semi-final.

Rangers ended the nineteenth century with further Scottish Cup wins 1897 and 1898 and a League Championship win in 1899 during which they won every one of their 18 league matches.

Rangers formally became a limited company on 27 May 1899 and the then match secretary William Wilton was appointed as the club's first manager.

This also enabled Ibrox stadium to be constructed that same year.

By the turn of the century Rangers had won two league titles and three Scottish Cups and were well on their way to becoming one of Scotland's top clubs.

During William Wilton's time as match secretary and then team manager, Rangers won 10 leagues titles.

Bill Struth & Scot Symon

Bill Struth - Rangers Most Successful Manager

Taking over as manager from William Wilton in 1920, Bill Struth was Rangers' most successful manager, guiding the club to 14 league titles before the onset of the Second World War.

On 2 January 1939 a British league attendance record was broken as 118,567 fans turned out to watch Rangers beat Celtic in the traditional New Year's Day Old Firm match.

Leading the club for 34 years until 1954, Struth won more trophies than any manager in Scottish Football history, amassing 18 league championships, 10 Scottish Cups, 2 League Cups, 7 war-time championships, 19 Glasgow Cups, 17 Glasgow Merchant Charity Cups and other war-time honours.

During the wartime regional league setup, Rangers achieved their highest score against old firm rivals Celtic with an 8–1 win in the Southern Football League.

Scot Symon continued Struth's success, winning six league championships, five Scottish Cups and four League Cups, becoming the second manager to win the domestic treble in 1963–64 season, the era of 'Slim' Jim Baxter, one of the club's greatest players.

Rangers reached the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1960, losing to German club Eintracht Frankfurt by a record aggregate 12–4 for a Scottish team.

In 1961 Rangers became the first British team to reach a European final when they contested the Cup Winners' Cup final against Italian side Fiorentina, only to lose 4–1 on aggregate.

Rangers lost again in the final of the same competition in 1967, by a single goal after extra time to Bayern Munich.

European Success & Ending Steins Dominance

John Greig Holds Aloft The 1972 CWC - The Clubs Only European Trophy To Date

In 1972, Rangers emerged from the tragedy of the previous year to finally achieve success on the European stage.

A Colin Stein goal and a Willie Johnston double helped secure a 3–2 victory over FC Dynamo Moscow at the Nou Camp, Barcelona, to lift the European Cup Winners' Cup.

Captain John Greig received the trophy in a small room within the Nou Camp following pitch invasions and by Rangers fans reacting to the heavy handed tactics of the Spanish police, the majority of whom had been brought in from outwith Catalonia.

The following season Rangers were invited by Barca FC to take part in their pre season tournament at the Camp Nou.

Emerging from the shadows of Jock Stein's Celtic side, Rangers regained ascendancy with notable domestic success under the stewardship of manager Jock Wallace.

In his first season in charge – the club's centenary – Rangers won the Scottish Cup at Hampden in front of 122,714 supporters.

In 1974–75, Wallace led Rangers to their first League championship triumph in eleven years, before winning the treble the following season, repeating the historic feat in 1977–78.

Limmy · October 31, 2015

Graeme Souness & Walter Smith – 9 In A Row

Graeme Souness & Walter Smith Celebrate The First of A Record Equalling 9 Titles In A Row

Every year from the 1988–89 season until the 1996–97 season, Rangers won the league title.

This nine-in-a-row achievement equalled Celtic's record, set prior to the forming of the Scottish Football League Premier Division, subsequent to which competing teams met four times a season.

The first three of these seasons the club was managed by Graeme Souness; the latter six under the stewardship of Walter Smith.

Notable seasons included 1990–91, which culminated in a final-day finale, Rangers securing a 2–0 victory at Ibrox over Aberdeen, who needed only a draw to secure the championship.

The 1992–93 season was arguably one of the most successful in the club's history and the best European campaign since 1972.

Not only did the team win the domestic treble but they also came to within one match of the 1993 UEFA Champions League Final.

Rangers saw off English First Division champions Leeds United in a tie dubbed the Battle of Britain. Then, in the group stage, Rangers won two matches and drew four but, despite remaining undefeated, went out to the French team Olympique de Marseille, who were later found guilty of match fixing.

Rangers' ninth consecutive championship title was secured at Tannadice Park on 7 May 1997, with a single-goal victory over Dundee United

Advocaat & McLeish

Advocaat & McLeish Had Contrasting Resources Under Chairman David Murray (Left)

In 1998, Dutchman Dick Advocaat became the club's first foreign manager.

Nine-in-a-row era stalwarts having moved on, Advocaat invested heavily in the team with immediate results, leading the club to their sixth domestic treble.

The league championship was won with a 3–0 victory at Celtic Park on 2 May 1999.

A second-consecutive league title was won by a record 21-point margin, the club securing a domestic double with a 4–0 Scottish Cup final victory over Aberdeen. Rangers' campaign in the Champions League saw them defeat UEFA Cup winners Parma en route.

Advocaat's third season saw Rangers fail to compete domestically against Celtic under new manager Martin O'Neill.

Despite investment in the team, including Tore Andre Flo for a club-record £12 million, European success beyond the Champions League group stages again proved elusive.

After a slow start to the following season, Advocaat resigned from his post in December 2001 and was replaced by Alex McLeish.

In his first full campaign, the 2002–03 season saw McLeish become the sixth Rangers manager to deliver a domestic treble.

The championship was won on goal difference during a dramatic final day 6–1 triumph over Dunfermline Athletic at Ibrox, securing Rangers' 50th league title, the first club in the world to achieve the feat.

Major expenditure sanctioned by chairman David Murray had burdened Rangers with considerable debts in the region of £52m.

The club's worsening financial state saw many of the team's top players leave in the summer of 2003, the following season failing to deliver any trophies, only the second such occasion since 1985–86.

The 2004–05 season restored success to Rangers, who were boosted by signings such as Jean-Alain Boumsong, Dado Pršo and Nacho Novo, along with the return of former captain Barry Ferguson after a spell in England with Blackburn Rovers.

The club's league championship triumph culminated in a dramatic final-day finish.

The destination of the trophy changed unexpectedly, with Celtic conceding late goals to Motherwell at Fir Park whilst Rangers led against Hibernian, requiring the helicopter carrying the SPL trophy to change direction and deliver the prize to the Easter Road ground in Leith.

Despite beginning as favourites to retain the championship, Rangers suffered an unprecedented run of poor results between September and November, a club-record run of ten games without a win.

Included within this period, a 1–1 draw with Inter Milan took Rangers into the last 16 of the Champions League, the first Scottish team to achieve the feat since 1993, the club eventually exiting on the away goals rule to Villarreal.

On 9 February 2006, it was announced by David Murray that McLeish would be standing down as manager at the end of that season.

PLG & The Return of A Legend

Le Guen's Struggles Culminated In A Player Revolt Led By Captain Barry Ferguson

Frenchman Paul Le Guen replaced Alex McLeish as manager after season 2005–06.

The season started with an early exit from the League Cup whilst Celtic built a commanding lead at the top of the table.

In the UEFA Cup, Rangers became the first Scottish side to qualify for the last 32 of the competition, since the introduction of the group phase, after finishing their group unbeaten.

However, amid claims of disharmony between the manager and captain Barry Ferguson, it was announced on 4 January 2007 that Le Guen had left Rangers by mutual consent.

On 10 January 2007, former boss Walter Smith resigned from his post as Scotland manager to return to the Ibrox helm, with Ally McCoist as assistant manager

The following season Rangers contested the UEFA Cup after dropping into the competition from the Champions League.

The club reached the final, defeating Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina along the way.

The final in Manchester against Zenit St. Petersburg, who were managed by former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat, ended in a 2–0 defeat.

The 2008–09 season saw Rangers recover from an early exit from the UEFA Champions League to FBK Kaunas of Lithuania.

The club secured its 52nd league championship on the last day of the season with a 3–0 victory at Dundee United.

Rangers also successfully defended the Scottish Cup, a 33rd competition triumph, defeating Falkirk 1–0 in the final.

The 2009–10 season saw Rangers reach their fifth consecutive domestic final: against St. Mirren in the Scottish League Cup, the club overcame a two-men deficit from red cards, a late deciding goal from Kenny Miller securing a record 27th victory in the competition.

The league championship title was retained, with three matches remaining, at Easter Road, defeating Hibernian 1–0 with a Kyle Lafferty goal.

The 2010–11 season, Smith's final season in charge, saw Rangers retain the League Cup, defeating Celtic at Hampden with a Nikica Jelavić goal in extra time. A third consecutive title was won by beating Kilmarnock 5–1 on the last day of the season, Smith's final match in charge of the club.

Over 300,000 Fans Made The Trip South To Manchester For The 2008 UEFA Cup Final

McCoist & The Lower Leagues

Ally McCoist Struggled To Match His Predecessors As The Clubs Troubles Mounted

Ally McCoist took over from Walter Smith in June 2011 but season 2011–12 started with Rangers eliminated from two European competitions before the end of August: losing to Swedish side Malmö FF in the Champions League third round qualifying match, and to Slovenian side Maribor in a Europa League qualifying match.

While good league form saw Rangers in top spot after being unbeaten for the first 15 games, they were knocked out of the League Cup by Falkirk and the Scottish Cup by Dundee Utd at Ibrox.

Rangers was placed into administration on 14 February 2012 resulting in the club being deducted 10 points as per SPL rules.

Though Rangers avoided having Celtic win the championship at Ibrox on 25 March by winning the game 3–2, Rangers ultimately finished 20 points behind Celtic in second place.

A failure to reach agreement with creditors on 14 June 2012 led to the club's holding company enter the process of liquidation.

After the CVA proposal was rejected, the Administrators completed a going concern sale of the business and assets to a new company.

With the new company needing to re-apply for an SFA License, the Ibrox club failed to secure the transfer of the old co's place in the Scottish Premier League, Rangers were then accepted into the Scottish Football League and placed in the lowest division, the Third, rather than the First Division as the SPL and SFA had sought.

Rangers' new SFA membership was agreed by the SFA upon acceptance of a number of conditions, including a one-year transfer ban, in time for the club to begin the 2012–13 season.

With most key first team players having refused to transfer to the new company, a very different Rangers team lined up for the first league match in Third Division.

Despite this, Rangers secured a comfortable 5–1 victory over East Stirlingshire in front of a crowd of 49,118, a world record for a football match in a fourth tier league.

Away from home, Rangers started their league campaign with three successive draws before losing 1–0 to Stirling Albion, at the time the bottom club.Rangers were defeated in the third round of the Scottish Challenge Cup by Queen of the South at Ibrox, in the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle and in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup by Dundee United.

Rangers beat their own new record against Queens Park with an attendance of 49,463 and again against Stirling Albion with an attendance of 49,913.

Rangers clinched the Third Division title on 30 March after a goalless draw at Montrose.

Apart from being defeated 2–1 by Forfar Athletic in the first round of the League Cup on 3 August, season 2013–14 got off to an excellent start with Rangers winning maximum league points in their first 15 games in League One, before being held to a draw at home by Stranraer on Boxing Day 2013.

Rangers secured the League One title and promotion to Scottish football's second tier on 12 March 2014 and went on to end the season unbeaten in league football.

Rangers also reached the final of the Scottish Challenge Cup, in which they lost to Raith Rovers and the semi-final of the Scottish Cup, in which they lost 3–1 at Ibrox to Dundee United.

Playing in the Scottish Championship in season 2014–15 provided Rangers with a more difficult challenge, with the club losing home and away to both Hibernian and Hearts and also losing away to Queen of the South in the first half of the season.

Rangers also failed to beat Alloa either home or away in the league before losing 3–2 to Alloa in the semi-final of the Scottish Challenge Cup.

Amid mounting criticism, McCoist submitted his resignation intending to honour his 12 months notice period to ensure full pay but was placed on 'gardening leave' and replaced by Kenny McDowall on a caretaker basis for the rest of the season.

McDowall remained in charge for just three months before resigning in March 2015.

During his time in charge, Rangers won just three matches, drawing three others and losing four.

Rangers, now under a new board, then named former player Stuart McCall as their third manager for what remained of the season. Under McCall, Rangers finished third in the league and then reached the Premiership play-off final, which they lost 6–1 on aggregate to Motherwell.

They begin the 2015/16 season once again in the championship, a second failed promotion to the top flight would be seen as catastrophic for the club...

Limmy · October 31, 2015

Football Manager 2016

Squad 2015/16

Goalkeepers

1. Cammy Bell - Injured for the first 3 months of the game and isn't really of the quality to see past his contract which expires at the end of the season.

25. Wes Foderingham - Should be your undisputed number one for the first few seasons until young Ross McCrorie is ready to take over. Good shot stopper although kicking isn't the best.

32. Liam Kelly - Decent backup for the first few months although will potentially develop better with first team football on loan at a lower league team. Can be used in low priority cup games.

Defenders

2. James Tavernier - First-choice RB & arguably the best player at the club. Performs key attacking duties from the right wing-back position though not the strongest defensively. Possesses a dangerous free-kick.

4. Rob Kiernan - Should be first choice along with Wilson in the first season - Potential to be a star Premiership defender although should be put on a regime to improve his strength.

5. Lee Wallace © - Club captain and the only natural left-back in the first team squad, feel he's been underrated in the game for a few years now. Will stroll the Championship although a better quality player may be required once the club gets back into Europe.

6. Dominic Ball - Young English defender on loan from Tottenham. Bags of potential and should be considered as a permanent signing once his contract expires at the end of the season should Spurs decide not to renew it.

27. Danny Wilson (VC) - Arguably the best defender at the club and should form a solid partnership with Kiernan for the first few seasons. Downside is lack of pace and can be exposed if you choose to operate a high line like Warburton opts for in real life.

**SUGGESTIONS**

Barry Douglas (LB) - Listed by Lech at the start of the game, would need to move fast as courted by some Premier League clubs.

Will Packwood (DC/DR/DM/MC) - Young American free agent who can provide backup for Tavernier as a more defensive minded full-back. Can also add cover to the centre of defence and DM.

Midfielders

7. Nicky Law - Decent option off the bench, but lack of work rate, bravery & determination should make you consider cashing in before his contract expires at the end of the season. Managed to get £300k at the start of the game.

8. Gedion Zelalem -The heartbeat of the team and your midfield playmaker. Potential to be a superstar which means a permanent move to Ibrox is unlikely in the near future - Alternatively you can extend his loan by two years which also gives you the chance to reduce wage contribution to 0%.

16. Andy Halliday - Decent squad player who will always put in a shift. Unfortunately in FM terms not good enough long term which is a shame as he's one of my favourites IRL.

20. Fraser Aird - Another decent squad player who possesses good pace & finishing but lacks the mental attributes to really make it at Ibrox. Should be sent out on loan to develop further.

23. Jason Holt - Should be your first choice CM, has the attributes & potential to make the position his own. Work rate criminally underrated in game with 9 - deserving of another 6 at least.

**SUGGESTIONS**

Nick Powell (CM) - Young English midfielder who can be picked up on loan for one or two seasons without having to pay towards wages. More than adequate replacement for Law should you decide to cash in.

Forwards

9. Kenny Miller - The veteran of the side who can provide cover up front or on the wings as an inside forward. Excellent mental attributes & personality which makes him an ideal tutor for the likes of Hardie etc.

10. Nathan Oduwa - Second of the Spurs loanees who starts as a striker but can be converted to an inside forward which is what I went for to replicate real life - Average stats at the start of game but physical attributes mean he is a dangerous outlet either out on the wing or up front as a rangy Target Man. Potential to be a key player so worth keeping an eye on as most likely won't make it at White Hart Lane.

11. David Templeton - Like his real life counterpart, has failed to live up to his undoubted potential so far. On a hefty contract which expires at the end of the season so could be given one more chance to improve but really is last chance saloon.

19. Barrie McKay - Similar to Templeton, deserves another chance after unsuccessful loans at Raith & Morton. Potential to be a quality player and should be considered as first choice on the right wing - Good technical attributes although fairly weak mentally.

33. Martyn Waghorn - Hard working front-man who will no doubt grab goals at championship level. English Championship class striker who can definitely contribute for the first few seasons.

42. Ryan Hardie - Potential to be a great player for the club, has all the attributes to become a quality striker. Lacking in strength which should be considered if playing the lone-striker role.

**SUGGESTIONS**

Jason Cummings (ST) - Arguably the best striker in the Championship and without doubt worth the £500k Hibs are looking for at the start of the season. Excellent finishing, composure & off the ball movement at 19 means he has fantastic scope to improve.

Hot Prospects

Darren Ramsay (On loan at Arbroath)

Jamie Barjonas

Jordan Thompson

Liam Burt

Luca Gasparotto (On loan at Morton)

Max Ashmore

Robbie McCrorie

Ross Lyon

Ross McCrorie

Ryan Sinnamon (On loan at Falkirk)

Tom Lang

Tom Walsh

Surplus

David Brownlie

Dean Shiels

Jamie Mills

Kyle Clark

Nicky Clark

Whatawaster95 · October 31, 2015

Looking forward to starting a career with Rangers, playing as Man U in the beta just now. Holidayed 2 seasons at first to see what the beta was like and in the 1st we finished 4th and didnt make it up, looks like it could be difficult. Ryan Hardie looks a beast though!

kane_richards · October 31, 2015

Yay, A Rangers thread.

Almost at Christmas in my Rangers game. Didn't do a great deal with the team to be honest. I did try to get Del Piero for the lulz factor but he decided to go down south.

Tried to get a whole bundle of trialists who either never worked out or went elsewhere; Alexandro Del Piero, Maximiliano Amondarain, Carlo Costly, Adil Chihi, Dominic Oduro, Abdul Razak, James McFadden, Rodney Sneijder, Chris Speed. Mainly I went through the freebies and gave a trial to anyone that came back with more than 3 stars.

In terms of signings I've not really spent any money. Brought in Apoño as midfield cover and he's been pretty good (1 goal / 3 assists in 9, 7.18 avg) and Dusan Djuric as an AML option but he got injured in his second game . Both seem to be good but the players you have are already pretty decent (surprising).

Traditionally switch between a 4-2-4 and and 4-2-3-1 formation but I've not really found one I'm 100% happy with so far.

Wes

Wallace

Wilson

Kiernan

Tavenier

Holt/Halliday

Apoño

Waghorn / Templeton / Djuric

Zelalem

McKay / Aird

Hardie

Hardie is just a wee delight

Been hit with some really annoying injuries. Both Bell and Wes dislocated shoulders at some point and it's November. Also lost Templeton to a dislocated shoulder (yes, I've had 3), Waghorn to a torn hammy and Djuric to a thigh problem.

In terms of staff I had to do some rework because Jamie Ramsden leaves early on because someone is usually interested in him and he refuses to sign a contract with a club who is a rival of 'his team', Celtic. I actually raised a bug for this cause it's rather annoying. Also done a lot of work bringing in scouts as you start with feck all.

Limmy · October 31, 2015

Yay, A Rangers thread.
Almost at Christmas in my Rangers game. Didn't do a great deal with the team to be honest. I did try to get Del Piero for the lulz factor but he decided to go down south.

Tried to get a whole bundle of trialists who either never worked out or went elsewhere; Alexandro Del Piero, Maximiliano Amondarain, Carlo Costly, Adil Chihi, Dominic Oduro, Abdul Razak, James McFadden, Rodney Sneijder, Chris Speed. Mainly I went through the freebies and gave a trial to anyone that came back with more than 3 stars.

In terms of signings I've not really spent any money. Brought in Apoño as midfield cover and he's been pretty good (1 goal / 3 assists in 9, 7.18 avg) and Dusan Djuric as an AML option but he got injured in his second game . Both seem to be good but the players you have are already pretty decent (surprising).

Traditionally switch between a 4-2-4 and and 4-2-3-1 formation but I've not really found one I'm 100% happy with so far.

Wes

Wallace

Wilson

Kiernan

Tavenier

Holt/Halliday

Apoño

Waghorn / Templeton / Djuric

Zelalem

McKay / Aird

Hardie

Hardie is just a wee delight

Been hit with some really annoying injuries. Both Bell and Wes dislocated shoulders at some point and it's November. Also lost Templeton to a dislocated shoulder (yes, I've had 3), Waghorn to a torn hammy and Djuric to a thigh problem.

In terms of staff I had to do some rework because Jamie Ramsden leaves early on because someone is usually interested in him and he refuses to sign a contract with a club who is a rival of 'his team', Celtic. I actually raised a bug for this cause it's rather annoying. Also done a lot of work bringing in scouts as you start with feck all.

Yeah the Ramsden situation is a real pain as there is virtually no decent staff who want to come! Can remember similar problems getting staff in on last years beta.

Highly recommend Jason Cummings from Hibs - managed to get him for 425k and he's been a revelation so far, scoring two hat-tricks and then 4 in his first 3 games - keeping Waghorn on the bench.

Will update rest of the OP tomorrow.

AyrshireBlue · November 1, 2015

Doing my first save on FM16 with ourselves. Going to try and replicate high possession, high intensity football, much like Warbs has implemented at the club.

In terms of signings, the first year I'm going to focus on cheap/free signings to compliment the first team. Brought in White from Livingston as a back up striker/target man as he was cheap (90k) and has decent finishing. Also brought in David Stephens as a back up centre half. Not a great signing, but he looks a solid back up. Daniel Powell brought in on loan for some pace on the wings and Russell from Morton as a left back prospect. Cummings looks good too, although I am a little unsure as buying him would use up my entire budget. That being said it could be a good buy, especially since Waghorn is versatile. Signed Dylan Easton on a free as a back up midfielder as well. Decent stats but will purely be back up (Although he looked like he had high potential against us back in Div 3 when playing for Berwick. Perhaps he can fulfill it under my tutelage!)

Will look at bringing in youth to supplement the squad. Looking forward to seeing the likes of McRorie, Hardie and co develop.

kane_richards · November 1, 2015

Yeah the Ramsden situation is a real pain as there is virtually no decent staff who want to come! Can remember similar problems getting staff in on last years beta.
Highly recommend Jason Cummings from Hibs - managed to get him for 425k and he's been a revelation so far, scoring two hat-tricks and then 4 in his first 3 games - keeping Waghorn on the bench.

Will update rest of the OP tomorrow.

I looked at Cummings but in the end I avoided spending any money purely because I just knew that the contracts a fair few of my players would be due up and you don't have a great deal of wiggle room to offer them anything if you buy anyone. A few games into the season the board changed the percentage of money I got in light of the "financial climate" or the like, basically you lose money hand over fist in the Championship.

the contract for Wilson pretty much burst me, had to throw money at his agent. I won't be able to retain Clark, Templeton, Bell, Law, Shiels and Miller. Although that will clear up around 30k a week I will still need to find replacements.

Mr Meeseeks · November 1, 2015

I brought in a few players haphazardly as I knew I'd be starting again after the beta, ten players in fact. Of those only three have really impressed, a couple others have been doing quite well though. The first player I brought in was Andrew Shinnie, costing me my budget (£625K) to bring him back but he's been worth it, pretty much commands midfield every game. Next up is Chris Erskine on loan from Dundee Utd, solid on both wings and a much better option than Templeton. Lastly I brought back Hamed Namouchi simply as backup at first but with 8 goals and 4 assists in 16 games he's made himself a permanent fixture in my side. Currently trying to find a decent backup RB as it's looking pretty thin.

Looking forward to the end of the season when I can release a few players, free up some wages and strengthen the squad a bit more.

willijak · November 1, 2015

If you are struggling to score goals, buy Tom Bradshaw form Walsall. He has scored 27 goals in 18 matches for me at Walsall so far as an Advanced Forward in League One. He is 22 at the start of the game and is still developing. He could be a top striker for the Scottish Championship and help you in Europe once he has developed a little.

DWCallaghan · November 1, 2015

I found teh real problem is the complete lack of physio's / fitness coach, plus obvs no scouts. I had at least 4 long term( over 6 months) injurie sin the first month ! So, next time I start Bears, physios and fitness coaches are top priority!

kroshot · November 1, 2015

look at Richie Towell from Dundalk contract expires in 6 months looks like a tidy player,going to sign him for my Birmingham side

Deek123 · November 1, 2015

decent fitness coach to get if / when Jamie Ramsden leaves is Pascal Faure, should stop players moaning about not having fitness coach until better ones can be found at least

rossybhoy · November 1, 2015

How are hibs?

kane_richards · November 1, 2015

Tom Bradshaw looks a great wee player but I fear he's out of my league.

Towell Could be a great wee find, thanks.

kane_richards · November 1, 2015

How are hibs?

Second behind me at the moment on 41 points. It's awful tight at the moment with only 7 points between Rangers and St Mirren in 4th

Hardie in December if anyone is interested

Whatawaster95 · November 1, 2015

Just extended Zelalem's loan until the end of the season and now paying nothing towards his wages. Free's up some of the budget for other players!

Edit: Just done the same for Ball and Oduwa. That's 10k in wages freed up!

kane_richards · November 4, 2015

Season done. Won the league (thankfully). It was never really a contest but I did have a hairy moment at the start of the year when I drew 2 and lost 1 in a row, which was annoying but I finished on 85 points with Hibs on 78 and Falkirk on 69. I

Watch out though, once I had won the league, Lee Wallace's agent came in asking for a new contract due to his form. Eventually I got him down to 9.5k a week but his agent took like £160k off me. Scum. Didn't have a backup for Lee so didn't have a choice.

Glad it's the pre-season now as I'm looking to get rid of an awful lot of deadweight in terms of contracts coming to an end. Miller has already left after I released him back in February. He asked to leave, I tried and eventually had to tell him no one was interested in him and he should look himself. He said aye and then come the transfer window closing he gets lippy about me not keeping my promise. I offered him a mutual termination which he refused as he didn't think he could get a new club (lul wut?) so I kicked him out.

Hardie's a beast. Just an absolute beast.34 goals in 40 in all comps, 11 assists. Thanks very much.

DWCallaghan · November 5, 2015

Season done. Won the league (thankfully). It was never really a contest but I did have a hairy moment at the start of the year when I drew 2 and lost 1 in a row, which was annoying but I finished on 85 points with Hibs on 78 and Falkirk on 69. I
Watch out though, once I had won the league, Lee Wallace's agent came in asking for a new contract due to his form. Eventually I got him down to 9.5k a week but his agent took like £160k off me. Scum. Didn't have a backup for Lee so didn't have a choice.

Glad it's the pre-season now as I'm looking to get rid of an awful lot of deadweight in terms of contracts coming to an end. Miller has already left after I released him back in February. He asked to leave, I tried and eventually had to tell him no one was interested in him and he should look himself. He said aye and then come the transfer window closing he gets lippy about me not keeping my promise. I offered him a mutual termination which he refused as he didn't think he could get a new club (lul wut?) so I kicked him out.

Hardie's a beast. Just an absolute beast.34 goals in 40 in all comps, 11 assists. Thanks very much.

Wallace refused to sign a deal with me, wanted to leave and join Brighton ! offer was 200K I said no and he went in huff, had to let him go to Seattle for 250K, thankfully I picked up Cech earlier so had replacement.

kane_richards · November 5, 2015

The history in the OP thread is for a completely different football club though?

UEFA would disagree. Obvious troll is obvious

kane_richards · November 5, 2015

Well that's a game ender. Got to the end of season one and started to look at new players. Wanted to bring in a Head of Youth Development and eventually decided on some Irish lad. Went to sign him and it turns out if your balance is in the red (and let's be honest, it's Rangers in the Championship in May, it's definitely in the red) then you can't sign any players, even if you have a transfer budget left.

Well it's been fun lads but I hate the idea of being stuck signing anyone cause of this so I'm gonna hold off until the beta is finished and this issue is resolved.

Whatawaster95 · November 6, 2015

Well that's a game ender. Got to the end of season one and started to look at new players. Wanted to bring in a Head of Youth Development and eventually decided on some Irish lad. Went to sign him and it turns out if your balance is in the red (and let's be honest, it's Rangers in the Championship in May, it's definitely in the red) then you can't sign any players, even if you have a transfer budget left.
Well it's been fun lads but I hate the idea of being stuck signing anyone cause of this so I'm gonna hold off until the beta is finished and this issue is resolved.

I know mate it's very annoying, I stuck with it though. It's actually not that bad. First season I think the club sells something like 34k season tickets and in my second we sold 39k if I remember rightly, so there's slightly more money there.

This is also probably cheating but if in pre season you create a mini league, involving teams like Man U, Arsenal and City you can make 5m profit from it. I done that twice so had made around 10m from that. In August I asked the board to increase wage budget and got 175kp/w. Adjusted that down to 150kp/w which gave me a transfer budget of around 300k I think. Also no longer paying the 466k per month loan. Now I'm hardly losing any money per month. Big part of that though has been playing in the Euro cup group stage which generates fantastic prize money as I won the Scottish cup in the first season.

henryzz · November 6, 2015

What are the expectations for the second season after promotion? How reachable are they?

Whatawaster95 · November 6, 2015

What are the expectations for the second season after promotion? How reachable are they?

Minimum expectations for me was to qualify for the Europa Cup, and reach the final of the Scottish Cup. With decent signings I think it's very reachable.

rallav · November 6, 2015

look at Richie Towell from Dundalk contract expires in 6 months looks like a tidy player,going to sign him for my Birmingham side

Appreciated Towell in FM15. He delivered but after a few Seasons the Team outgrowed on him. Until then worth it.

Will start a Rangers Save as usual when full game is out. :brock:

rrusse8 · November 7, 2015

What a time to be alive boys

henryzz · November 7, 2015

Just finished my second season.

First season transfers:

In:

George Evans 300k

Out:

Andy Halliday 40k

Kenny Miller Free

Nicky Clark Free

Dean Sheils Free

Result:

Won the Championship with 87 points

Scottish Cup Final

League Cup Quarter Final

Challenge Cup Third Round

Second Season transfers:

In:

Josh Harrop 275k

Ryan Seager Loan

Dominic Ball Free

January:

Charlie Telfer 650k

Haris Vuckic 230k

Results:

2nd in Premiership with 68 points

Scottish Cup Winner

League Cup Winner

Signings:

George Evans has been a good MC for me. He is a good partner for Holt.

Josh Harrop has done really well for me on the right wing and made it his own.

Dominic Ball. Free so no brainer signing.

Charlie Telfer. Fairly versatile and played a bit on the left wing for me as well as in the center. Nothing special. Would probably look further in another game. Only 21 though. Bit expensive.

Haris Vuckic. Very good signing. Scored a few goals from AMC before getting injured for 3 months. Looks well worthwhile signing.

Loan:

Ryan Seager started well and scored more than Waghorn but tailed off and barely scored for the second half of the season. Not that special.

Tactic:

4-2-3-1 Wide MCs

GK GK-D - Foderingham - English premiership sides are sniffing around

DR FB-A - Tavernier - Very good. Best player first season

CDR CD-D - Wilson/Kiernan - Quite solid central defence. Kiernan has declined slightly.

CDL CD-D - Ball/Kiernan

DL FB-S - Wallace/Thompson - Wallace has had some bad injuries. Will need to replace him at some point.

MCR CM-S - Evans - Very solid

MCL DLP-S - Holt/Zelalem - Very good had Zelalem switch in when injured and for backup

AMR W-S - Harrop/Law - Harrop has done really well here Law ended up backup for AMC and AML mostly

AMC AM-S - Vuckic/Zelalem/Telfer - Vuckic has very good before getting injured. Zelalem quite good.

AML IF-S - Templeton/Telfer - Keeps getting injured(54% of second season!!). Did very well first season.

STC AF-A - Waghorn/Seager - This position never performed amazingly. Waghorn did quite well at times.

Mentality - Control

Team Shape - Very Fluid

Instructions - Stay on feet, play out of defence, look for overlap, run at defence

Notable moments:

7-1 and 7-0 losses to Celtic. Really struggled against them. Have been working on a more compact tactic to face them. Beat them 2-0 near end of season. Backroom advice has been really useful here.

Had injuries to both Wilson and Kiernan at one point had to play a regen.

Getting one or two regens a season that should have the potential to play for me in the future and be very good.

If anyone has any suggested improvements to my squad/tactic please give me a shout. Can't really get Zelalem third season as they want 36k wages.

Would love a CB better than Wilson and Ball to replace Kiernan with. Also would like a DL that is better/younger than Wallace. Could do with injecting some good personalities into the squad as mostly balanced now.

rrusse8 · November 7, 2015

Just finished my second season.
First season transfers:

In:

George Evans 300k

Out:

Andy Halliday 40k

Kenny Miller Free

Nicky Clark Free

Dean Sheils Free

Result:

Won the Championship with 87 points

Scottish Cup Final

League Cup Quarter Final

Challenge Cup Third Round

Second Season transfers:

In:

Josh Harrop 275k

Ryan Seager Loan

Dominic Ball Free

January:

Charlie Telfer 650k

Haris Vuckic 230k

Results:

2nd in Premiership with 68 points

Scottish Cup Winner

League Cup Winner

Signings:

George Evans has been a good MC for me. He is a good partner for Holt.

Josh Harrop has done really well for me on the right wing and made it his own.

Dominic Ball. Free so no brainer signing.

Charlie Telfer. Fairly versatile and played a bit on the left wing for me as well as in the center. Nothing special. Would probably look further in another game. Only 21 though. Bit expensive.

Haris Vuckic. Very good signing. Scored a few goals from AMC before getting injured for 3 months. Looks well worthwhile signing.

Loan:

Ryan Seager started well and scored more than Waghorn but tailed off and barely scored for the second half of the season. Not that special.

Tactic:

4-2-3-1 Wide MCs

GK GK-D - Foderingham - English premiership sides are sniffing around

DR FB-A - Tavernier - Very good. Best player first season

CDR CD-D - Wilson/Kiernan - Quite solid central defence. Kiernan has declined slightly.

CDL CD-D - Ball/Kiernan

DL FB-S - Wallace/Thompson - Wallace has had some bad injuries. Will need to replace him at some point.

MCR CM-S - Evans - Very solid

MCL DLP-S - Holt/Zelalem - Very good had Zelalem switch in when injured and for backup

AMR W-S - Harrop/Law - Harrop has done really well here Law ended up backup for AMC and AML mostly

AMC AM-S - Vuckic/Zelalem/Telfer - Vuckic has very good before getting injured. Zelalem quite good.

AML IF-S - Templeton/Telfer - Keeps getting injured. Did very well first season.

STC AF-A - Waghorn/Seager - This position never performed amazingly. Waghorn did quite well at times.

Mentality - Control

Team Shape - Very Fluid

Instructions - Stay on feet, play out of defence, look for overlap, run at defence

Notable moments:

7-1 and 7-0 losses to Celtic. Really struggled against them. Have been working on a more compact tactic to face them. Beat them 2-0 near end of season. Backroom advice has been really useful here.

Had injuries to both Wilson and Kiernan at one point had to play a regen.

Getting one or two regens a season that should have the potential to play for me in the future and be very good.

If anyone has any suggested improvements to my squad/tactic please give me a shout. Can't really get Zelalem third season as they want 36k wages.

Would love a CB better than Wilson and Ball to replace Kiernan with. Also would like a DL that is better/younger than Wallace. Could do with injecting some good personalities into the squad as mostly balanced now.

Hows Hardie on your game? not using him?

henryzz · November 7, 2015

Used him at the end of the first season for a while. He did fairly well. When Waghorn was injured.

Loaned him out to Motherwell second season. He didn't score that much but they were relegated so fair enough. His performances weren't bad.

Might use a combination of him and Waghorn next season. Vuckic can cover.

henryzz · November 7, 2015

My budgets are very good for 3rd season. 8.1M and 200k/week 132k/week used.

This will have been boosted by me doing 6 friendlies with English premier division sides at the beginning of the second season. Will be doing that again third season.

A.McL1 · November 13, 2015

Just started my first season of the new fm with the mighty teady Bears ??

My team looks like

Gk - fotheringham/bell

DR - tavernier/mccrorie

Dc - kiernan/ball

Dc - Wilson/Lang

Dl - Wallace/Thompson

Cm - zelalem/sneijder

Cm - holt/Halliday

Rw - McKay/aird

Lw - templeton/Alston

St - hardie/cummings

St - waghorn/walsh

I sold Miller for next to nothing to Shrewsbury and law to hearts for around 115k, not gonna make anymore signings until January and only if I get hit with injurys.

kane_richards · November 14, 2015

Aww man, just done an impulse buy. After hearing everyone on the forum talking about how good Cummings was, I put a bid in and they accepted. Need to try and work out how to fit him into the team now.

henryzz · November 19, 2015

Aww man, just done an impulse buy. After hearing everyone on the forum talking about how good Cummings was, I put a bid in and they accepted. Need to try and work out how to fit him into the team now.

I didn't buy him and regretted it. He normally scores against me when I play him. Hearts bought him on my game.

russellthaw · November 30, 2015

Signed, Jay Fulton from Swansea and Tyias Browning from Everton on loan, Cummings from Hibs for 400k and started decent on a 4-2-3-1. Also extended Zelalem's loan deal until May-2017 and not contributing to wages for that period.

Hardie is my backup striker and is performing well, also playing Ross Lyon a lot, great potential, anyone else using him?

Think i'll need a few signings for the Premiership, who is everyone signing for first season in top flight?

whitehorse · November 30, 2015

Signed, Jay Fulton from Swansea and Tyias Browning from Everton on loan, Cummings from Hibs for 400k and started decent on a 4-2-3-1. Also extended Zelalem's loan deal until May-2017 and not contributing to wages for that period.
Hardie is my backup striker and is performing well, also playing Ross Lyon a lot, great potential, anyone else using him?

Think i'll need a few signings for the Premiership, who is everyone signing for first season in top flight?

I'm in December 1st season back in the Premiership and am 4 points clear of them!!

Signed Will Keane ,Jelavic & Kwesi Appiah all on loan,Keane & Appiah have been really good,

Ryan Hardie is keeping Jelavic out the team at moment.

Also signed Tommy Smith (DC) on a free who has been brilliant so far????

Nev10 · December 1, 2015

I'm just going into my 3rd season now....

Still not had any decent money... got 220k for the 3rd season but keeping the win bonuses low it goes up to 1m

1st season won the league and the challenge cup

2nd season finished 3rd behind winners celtic and ross county.... up n down season fought my way back from 6th place to 2nd just before the split... then through it all away I could have won the league but didn't win won game after the split....

3rd season back in Europe so hopefully the money starts to treacle in as you are losing money left right n centre. Just qualified for the group stages of the UEFA after 3 tough qualifiers. Been drawn in a group off. Dynamo Kiev... Marseille... M.Tel-Aviv Hmmm don't fancy my chances too much in this group but will keep you posted.

STILL NO INVESTMENT FROM MR KING

1st season Ins

Jason Cummings 325k + addons

Sonni Nattestad FREE

Mark Fotherinham FREE

Alexey Eremenko FREE

Dusan Djuric FREE

A few loan signings the best being Tom Walker from Bolton

2nd Season Ins

Stephen Mallan 475k

Scott Fraser 400k

Charlie Telfer 130k

Lewis Milne FREE

Barry Douglas FREE

Daniel Bentley FREE

Alex Cooper FREE

Gary Mackay Stevens 250k

Jim O'Brien FREE

Scott Allan 180k

Thierry Ambrose LOAN

Gavin Gunning LOAN

Brandon Barker LOAN

3rd Season Ins

Tom Walker FREE

Declan Rudd FREE

Graham Dorrans FREE

LLoyd Isgrove FREE

Will Keane FREE

If anyone wants any screen shots let me know.

Limmy · December 7, 2015

Started with us again and have just finished the first month back in the top flight.

Cruised the first season finishing 32 points ahead of Falkirk. Hibs never even made the play-offs Won the training cup too although lost in the League Cup & Scottish semi's.

Cummings was brought in again and produced the goods. Also sent Oduwa back to Spurs and got Josh Onomah on loan until 2017 - Trained him as an AML and he's been class. Him Zelalem, Cummings & McKay all getting over 15 goals. Jay Fulton & Jordi Amat on loan from Swansea & Abdul Razak on a free were quality additions too.

In the summer I done some major wheeling & dealing bringing in 10 players & getting rid of 29, freeing up a fair amount of wages.

Sold Foderingham to Liverpool & brought in Alex Smities as his replacement for 250k. Also made a few more loans with Jores Okore & Alberto Cerri coming in - Villa will accept 250k for Okore but he wants 20k per week minimum which I can't afford - Gutted! Got Anichebe & Kasim from Swindon on free's too so the squads shaping up well.

Started off the league season with a 2-2 draw at Tannadice after being 2-0 up but am now on a 4 game winning streak including a 4-1 win over them at Ibrox with Cummings grabbing a hat-trick

Tynecastle away next after the international break with the chance to go 5 points clear so hopefully keep up the form!

Rooney_08 · December 22, 2015

will update with everything when season is done but in season 3 now and starting to dream of that euro cup :

No Surrender

diiv01 · January 8, 2016

Currently in my 1st season with Rangers sold Bell tempelton shields miller and law extended zelalem loan deal till the end of next season signed cummings Jesse Lingard (loan) Macleod and harry souter got Ryan hardie out on loan to Yeovil and he's just scoring for fun there top scorer in league 2 looking forward to having him in my squad next season in the semis of the challenge cup and league cup and joint top with hibs at the top of the league

Orikoru · January 11, 2016

I've started a game with Rangers. Decided my squad should be good enough to boss the Scottish Championship so I'm not going to spend any money until I've gone up to the Prem and can attract a slightly better calibre of player. All I've done so far is loan in a ball-winning midfielder named Digby from League One (I think).

I'll be playing a 4-3-3 with Hardie up top because he looks excellent, Miller as a inside forward on the left, and Barrie MacKay on the right. Zelalem, Digby and probably Holt in the midfield as first choice.

Orikoru · January 18, 2016

Nearly at the end of season 1 now. With 6 games left the Championship title was confirmed as I was around 20 points clear. Only two league defeats, either side of a 22 match unbeaten run. Hardie has scored over 30 goals in all competitions, he's been fantastic. At one point he scored hat-tricks in two consecutive games. Tavernier and Wallace have been unreal as full backs, and Zelalem has been an excellent playmaker. Halliday has been the surprise package in midfield, averaging over 7.5. I've made one pre-contract signing for next season in Kenny McAvoy (since Templeton and Miller are getting released so I needed a good inside forward option) but I need to wait and see what my budget will be before I make further plans. At least I know the back four and keeper should be good enough for the SPL without a desperate need for additions there.

Waughs728 · January 19, 2016

Nearly at the end of season 1 now. With 6 games left the Championship title was confirmed as I was around 20 points clear. Only two league defeats, either side of a 22 match unbeaten run. Hardie has scored over 30 goals in all competitions, he's been fantastic. At one point he scored hat-tricks in two consecutive games. Tavernier and Wallace have been unreal as full backs, and Zelalem has been an excellent playmaker. Halliday has been the surprise package in midfield, averaging over 7.5. I've made one pre-contract signing for next season in Kenny McAvoy (since Templeton and Miller are getting released so I needed a good inside forward option) but I need to wait and see what my budget will be before I make further plans. At least I know the back four and keeper should be good enough for the SPL without a desperate need for additions there.

Hardie is really good however when you start playing tougher defenders in premier league and Europe he can become susceptible to injuries I found when he played 3 games in a week. My advice is don't play him in any more than two a week when your up against tough teams in short space. I'm in 2023 now and have used him to better effect since doing this.

Orikoru · January 19, 2016

Hardie is really good however when you start playing tougher defenders in premier league and Europe he can become susceptible to injuries I found when he played 3 games in a week. My advice is don't play him in any more than two a week when your up against tough teams in short space. I'm in 2023 now and have used him to better effect since doing this.

Cheers for the heads up, slightly surprising since he's managed to stay fit for the entire first season. Kenny Miller is getting released and I'll probably be selling Waghorn since he moaned about never playing (he was pretty useless on the odd occasion I did) so I'll have to bring in a decent rotational striker option.

Waughs728 · January 19, 2016

his injury problems didn't start till 3 or 4 seasons in. like u first season was fine same second but once was in Europe as well begin to struggle. Like others I got Cummings did great job as a rotation striker for hardie didn't complain much.he cost 600k and I sold him 5 years later for 5.5 to villa so there's sell on value. The most frustrating thing I have found with rangers is no matter how well ur players do they never seam to command offers much more than there value which is annoying because they get unsettled. As for wag horn sell him soon as he is rubbish

Stevie271083 · January 20, 2016

I signed a lad called Abdul Razak on a free, he is a centre mid left footed, 4 stars and he really boosted my team - then spent my budget like many others, on Jason Cummings

Lee Wallace took a major huff because I wouldn't sell him so eventually had to give in

I've found 4-2-3-1 the way to go as players already in the squad dictate that, but I would rather not as I like minimum 2 up front, sail along quite nicely in the game until a defeat then it crumbles, I have gone 5-6 games without a win then it all go's again, I find the game very difficult actually

So I had my game in Premier league then I ended up messing my game up with the intro of in game editor which inevitably leads to world domination and Barry McKay becoming the new Zinedine Zidane, the joys of such indiscipline as a player I'm afraid but it very quickly becomes very boring and unrealistic

I am going to start again with it all disabled and give our save a proper try so will post in here once I get going

diiv01 · January 20, 2016

Am the same had to start again because of in game editor was beating the likes of inter, Leverkusen 5-0 home and away and beating teams like man utd, Barcelona 3-0 home and away had holt halliday and Macleod playing like Xavi Iniesta and fabregas and had McKay Cummings and Hardie playing like messi suarez and Neymar

Stevie271083 · January 21, 2016

So restarted as promised and made a good start

Took some advice from the thread (thanks op) & quickly added Will packwood as a free transfer, £3000 a week on a two year deal with option, great cover for full back & centre back, solid 3.5 star rating. Also added Marek Cech as left back cover, He is actually doing fantastic, not rated as high as Wallace but a better attacking left back, solid 3 stars, 1 year deal with option at £2000 a week . That shored up the defence quite nicely

Then raided Falkirk for Will Vaulks who fits in perfectly in my middle 3 as a ball winning midfielder (defend), he cost £150,000 and £2000 on two year deal with option. I also took Blair Aston from them for £70,000, £900 a week one year deal with option as he compliments wide right position perfectly swapping with McKay when either is underperforming, both of similar or around same rating - both will excel in the Championship I expect

Then spent the rest of my budget on Jason Cummings from Hibs for £400,000, as much as I don't like to repeat my game he is a no brainer at cost and low wages of £2000 4 year deal, I rotate him with Hardie in an advanced forward position again switching when either underperforms

I managed to sell Nicky Clark to Port Vale for £50,000 which I was overjoyed at, I re-invested the wage on Packwood then sold Kenny Miller to Shrewsbury for £25,000 so that combined with Clarks fee covered Blair Alston cash and wages also snagged Marek Cech. Then the major bonus, managed to get rid of Templeton for £180,000 to Portland timbers, that saved £7500 a week and then used that cash to get Will Vaulks. Really happy with my transfer business with the only slight not being able to shift Shiels but him, Law and Bell will move on freeing up more cash at the end of the season

So my side looks like this (4-3-3 AMR)

GK Foderingham / Kelly back up

ATT FB Left - Wallace / Cech

ATT FB Right - Tavenier / Packwood

Limited Def CB Left - Wilson / Ball

Lmited Def CB Right - Kiernan / Packwood

Deep lying Playmaker Support Left of CM 3 - Holt / Thompson

Ball winning CM Defend Centre of 3 - Vaulks / Halliday

Attacking Playmaker right of CM 3 - Zelalem / Law

Attacking Midfield Right Winger Support - McKay / Alston

Defensive forward left of a 3 support - Waghorn

Advanced Forward Centre of 3 - Cummings / Hardie

I play Control and Fluid, Short passing, Possession, Stay on feet, run at defenders, maximum width looking for overlap, fast tempo, pressing

It has served me quite well, Everyone seems to be playing well and responding. Started well, good pre-season, 5 wins which ended with beating Wigan 2-0 away. Two easy cup games complimented that and enabled Cummings, Hardie and Waghorn to get off to a good early goal scoring start. Vaulks has started really well, unfortunately after some good early pre season form Alston got a hamstring pull and was out for 5-6 weeks then returned and sprained his ankle for another 6 weeks. League will be a scoosh on early form, Hibs have 4 pts outta 18 including being beaten 6-2 by Morton then drubbed 3-0 by me. St Mirren seem more together, I beat them 3-2 in first game and they are 5 pts behind. Falkirk having lost Alston, Vaulks, Dick and Sibbald are also languishing with Hibs. Started strong with only blip being a 1-1 draw with Raith Rovers after a late Stewart 87th min equaliser. I have went through Challenge cup easily and league cup with away games to Ayr, Livingston disposed of, now have Dundee Utd away so that will be an early challenging test, unfortunately its not like real life and they look to be quite decent up to second in the Prem so far

Waggy has 10 goals so far, responding to his position well, Holt and Zelalem excelling in midfield so everything looks ok. I don't expect any of my starting 11 are long term solutions, I will need a CB, CM, and a striker of very good quality to be in a position to challenge next season but plenty of time to worry about that

Managed to replenish my staff well, added 8 scouts on amateur contracts of lesser ability but fine for now. Added a physio, GK coach, Edgar Davids as a Denfensive coach and Chris Kiwomya as attacking coach, so that is all looking fine for Championship until better quality can be found.

So decent enough start, happy with progress and will post an update as we go on

(Should add In game editor has been disabled and game is completely unedited - I have learned from my ways, taking a great deal of satisfaction from a decent unaided start)

Orikoru · January 21, 2016

Nearly at the end of season 1 now. With 6 games left the Championship title was confirmed as I was around 20 points clear. Only two league defeats, either side of a 22 match unbeaten run. Hardie has scored over 30 goals in all competitions, he's been fantastic. At one point he scored hat-tricks in two consecutive games. Tavernier and Wallace have been unreal as full backs, and Zelalem has been an excellent playmaker. Halliday has been the surprise package in midfield, averaging over 7.5. I've made one pre-contract signing for next season in Kenny McAvoy (since Templeton and Miller are getting released so I needed a good inside forward option) but I need to wait and see what my budget will be before I make further plans. At least I know the back four and keeper should be good enough for the SPL without a desperate need for additions there.

Finished the season on 90 points, Only 2 defeats, 6 draws and 28 wins. My board offered me 'qualify for Euros' or 'win the league' as objectives, but with a budget of only 340k or 370k so I picked Euros, obviously. There's absolutely no way I can compete with Celtic with that pittance of a budget. Managed to get it up to £1m by releasing a few players, selling Waghorn then doing a budget adjustment. But the issue is, even a half decent young player with potential, teams were demanding 4-6 million. So I've gone for a lot of loans. Squad is looking something like this now:

GK: Foderingham / George Long (free)

DR: Tavernier (no back up yet)

DL: Wallace / J.Thompson

DC: D.Wilson, Kiernan / Gasperotto, Halkett

CDM(reg): Sean Goss (300k) / Luke Brattan (loan)

CM: Halliday / Hart / J.Thompson

CMap: Zelalem (still on loan)

RW: Bytyqi (bought in first season) / Mackay / Michael Petrasso (free) / Aird

LW: Kenny McEvoy (free) / Rolando Aarons (loan) / Petrasso / Aird

ST: Hardie / Joseph Dodoo (loan)

Bytyqi can sort of play CMap if I need to rest Zelalem. I might have a DR/L coming in on loan, a Ghanaian lad from Reading. I have 700k left in the budget but as I said, no decent youngster can really be obtained for that. Goss came from Man Utd, he has reasonable ability and potential, but mainly I liked that he can play Regista, since that was I using last season. George Long cropped up on a free which was handy. Petrasso was a guy I scouted a while ago but QPR wanted too much money - then I found out he'd been released so I snapped him up. The wings is probably the only area where I'm really well stocked - Aird probably won't get a look in to be honest. I'll be trying to give Jordan Thompson games though - he had good potential but is just coming back from an 8 month cruciate injury so he missed a lot of development.

Waughs728 · January 21, 2016

Finished the season on 90 points, Only 2 defeats, 6 draws and 28 wins. My board offered me 'qualify for Euros' or 'win the league' as objectives, but with a budget of only 340k or 370k so I picked Euros, obviously. There's absolutely no way I can compete with Celtic with that pittance of a budget. Managed to get it up to £1m by releasing a few players, selling Waghorn then doing a budget adjustment. But the issue is, even a half decent young player with potential, teams were demanding 4-6 million. So I've gone for a lot of loans. Squad is looking something like this now:
GK: Foderingham / George Long (free)

DR: Tavernier (no back up yet)

DL: Wallace / J.Thompson

DC: D.Wilson, Kiernan / Gasperotto, Halkett

CDM(reg): Sean Goss (300k) / Luke Brattan (loan)

CM: Halliday / Hart / J.Thompson

CMap: Zelalem (still on loan)

RW: Bytyqi (bought in first season) / Mackay / Michael Petrasso (free) / Aird

LW: Kenny McEvoy (free) / Rolando Aarons (loan) / Petrasso / Aird

ST: Hardie / Joseph Dodoo (loan)

Bytyqi can sort of play CMap if I need to rest Zelalem. I might have a DR/L coming in on loan, a Ghanaian lad from Reading. I have 700k left in the budget but as I said, no decent youngster can really be obtained for that. Goss came from Man Utd, he has reasonable ability and potential, but mainly I liked that he can play Regista, since that was I using last season. George Long cropped up on a free which was handy. Petrasso was a guy I scouted a while ago but QPR wanted too much money - then I found out he'd been released so I snapped him up. The wings is probably the only area where I'm really well stocked - Aird probably won't get a look in to be honest. I'll be trying to give Jordan Thompson games though - he had good potential but is just coming back from an 8 month cruciate injury so he missed a lot of development.

I signed goss in the third season on a free he is good and great sell on value got 6 million for him his best attribute by time sold him was 17 vision 16 passing I also got charlie adam for free that year to who is similar mood he tutored him which helped

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FM16: Rangers = The Magic Hat & The Journey To 55!

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