Can you manage, 'Beroe' of Stara Zagora?

Beroe of Stara Zagora (FM16)

Nestled away in the interior of Bulgaria lays a city of around 150,000 residents in the city of Stara Zagora, with a multi-million dollar club PFC Beroe Stara Zagora. Originally founded around 1916, they didn't formally be known as the current club until 1959. Beroe has had a respectable history of various cup runs and successes within the top league of Bulgaria, known as the "A-League". This thread is intended to step outside the realm of the popular and exciting western European / English football, and to shed some light on just one club in particular in the eastern side of Europe.

The stadium, named after the club itself, holds a decent 13,500 fans. This might not seem like enough, but they averaged a dismal 2,400 fans per match. The stadium was built in 1959, while it's not as old as some of the other famous stadiums across Europe, it still holds high quality standards for the A-League. In addition to the stadium, the club enjoys full usage of Impressive training facilities and great youth facilities. Their youth programs is also something to take a look at, holding Good Junior Coaching and Above average youth recruitment, you might be able to spur on some new recruits using the home-grown system.

At the start of pre-season in 2016, there are roughly 20 players on the first time with an average salary of $35k p/a. One last note regarding salaries, the club's top earning player, Salim Kerkar who earns $90k p/a is out on injury for roughly 7 to 8 months. Now to look at things on a more broader approach, the club itself is in a pretty decent financial situation for the upcoming season.

You'll start with $1.43M cash and a current budget of $962k p/a. Depending on what you're able to achieve via board negotiations, you can look forward to approximately $100k in the transfer budget and about $220k in extra payroll. Now personally, I always manage my clubs with tight payroll, and I seldom take on management of clubs that are laden with debt. Beroe just happens to have zero debt moving forward!

Sponsorship income comes out to about $2.6M p/a with a majority of the deals are long term and aren't really due to expire until 2019.

The A League is definitely smaller not only in terms of popularity and player base, but also the number of teams is 10. It sits at a competition reputation ranking of 26, just two lower than the Sky Bet Championship. In addition to playing throughout the A league season, clubs will also compete for the Bulgarian Cup. The last time Beroe won the cup was in the 2012/2013 season. In addition to enjoying these two competitions, you have the opportunity to take the club into the Euro or Champions cup depending on how well you do in the league standings. One team can qualify for the second round of the Champions cup, and three teams qualify for the Euros (First qualifying round). There is plenty to achieve with such limited resources!

I am no master tactician, so this small segment might not offer a lot of advice and opinion from me.

Goalkeepers

You have between Ilko Pirgov and Blagoy Makendzhiev. Pirgov is the older of the two, their stats don't deviate too much between the two. Personally I would start Makendzhiev over Pirgov. While "Blagoy" is younger and perhaps in theory less experienced, Pirgov has 15 eccentricity and loves to rush off his line with his 'rushing out' attribute at 16. So unless you enjoy deploying that sort of a keeper in your tactic, my money is still on Makendzhiev.

Defenders

There is some talent in your defense. Reigning back four could consist of all players being 6 foot 1, Zehirov, Vasilev, Ivanov & Dinkov could provide a sturdy line to build off of. Zehirov, Vasilev & Ivanov are a must have. You can also put Penev onto a left wing back to create pacey runs up the field, he has great stamina for his age with a crossing of 15.

Midfielders

This is where I really start to enjoy the current squad, you have plenty of Defensive Mid & Attacking mid capabilities depending on how you like to play. I highly recommend having Igor Djoman & Elias in front of your defense providing very decent coverage and support. They're going to be the key to a strong defense. Moving up the pitch you have even more diversity in the roles and positions.

Spas Delev is a must have on either side the wings. He is quick off the mark and shouldn't have any trouble beating his man and taking the ball down the flanks. In addition to Spas, you also have the opportunity to using someone in the AM area. Georgi Bozhilov might not have good finishing, but he does tower at 6'3 with a jumping reach of 16. Using him to spearhead any moving attacks might be a good idea?

To wrap the midfield up, you have a lot of players that I didn't mention in this short summary. There is plenty of room to work with!

Strikers

Probably the only real area that I think could use some strengthening. Stanislav Kostov is a younger player with below average striker attributes. His physicals might be okay, but don't rely on him scoring any 20 yard screamers. There are also 3 other players (Including Bozhilov) who can play in the striker role, but they're all not too impressive in the shooting / finishing areas.

Beroe may be a small club, but they have an interesting one nonetheless. Not a whole lot of money, a broad squad, and Euro / Champions Cup runs. It is also a great change of pace if you are bored of managing in the bigger clubs of Europe!

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