FM14: Southampton F.C. - Gatecrashing the top table

[andrewfx]

I've just been appointed as Saints manager, after a rip-roaring nine year spell at Man Utd (I know!) where we won everything a lot, generated huge funds, maxed out the stadium capacity and created a first team squad comprising almost entirely of newgens (average age of just 23).

This, inevitably, became rather dull, so I elected to resign and rejected a host of advances from international and club sides. I had an eye on River Plate, but when Saints offered me a job with a staggering £240m transfer budget, it caught my eye That is in conjunction with a "respectable league finish" expectation

The squad basically contains Shaw, Schneiderlin and Rodriguez; no other originals. All were sold for significant sums (with Wanyama and Osvaldo peculiarly generating the largest fees), and in recent years, a succession of academy prospects have been sold for huge profit - which sounds somewhat close to real life!

I played as Saints extensively on FM13 and it was a successful save, and I hope to recapture the dizzy heights of last year. Based on the current shape of the squad, I've come up with a odd tactical twist to the Brazilian Box, and I've started signing players to fill slots in that tactical vision.

Nine years into the game, the transfer market contains rich pickings! Whilst at Man U, I was hoovering up kids at 16/17, and they became the core of our squad. In just an hour of scouring the market last night, I can see so many players that I missed, or who developed better than I expected. There are exceptional free transfers available, and some highly talented young players stagnating, and dissatisfied, in the Reserve Teams in top level clubs across Europe and South America.

This has the hallmarks of being just the save I needed to rescue me from a bit of FM boredom! I'll scan through this thread now to see how far along you lot have got, and the sort of level I need to aspire to reach.

That sounds like an amazing save... would you mind uploading it!?

[RTHerringbone]

Any plans to share this tactical twist with us here (or in the Tactics Forum)? I'm actually in an Inter save, but am returning to a Box formation as it seems to have all the ingredients I like in a formation and I like to compare notes. Knowing your normal predilections, I'm going to say it's a Striker-less Box...

I'll aim to test it out tonight, and I'll post something, somewhere - if it doesn't suck!

It is strikerless, which is consistent with what I did last year. This year, however, I've been staying religiously away from strikerless as every man and his dog is using it.

I've only had about an hour of game time at Saints, and in 2022/2023/2024 (wherever I am!), they only have an ageing Jordan Rhodes up front. His attributes spread isn't what I need it to be for my normal approach to strikers, so I reverted to the weird strikerless Box idea I have below:

GK (D)

CWB (A)

DC ©

DC ©

CWB (A)

DML Anchor (D)

DMR Regista (S)

CML Centre Midfielder (A)

CMR Box To Box (S)

AMLC Treq (A)

AMR IF (A)

So, it's a sort of Box with two narrow DMs, two narrow MCs, a Treq in front of an MC, and then an IF in a conventional AMR slot.

I have such a decent transfer wedge that I could easily just replace Rhodes with a better striker, but I thought I'd give the above a whirl, as I can't recall seeing (m)any tactics exactly like it before.

The basic gist is that the DCs and Anchor defend, and everyone else legs it up field. It's quite scientific

There are some subtleties on paper, like a bit of balance with BBMs and Anchors offering some cover to the flanks, and mobile playmaker Roles on different sides of the central spine.

I'll also fiddle with On The Ball runs to try and spice it up, and there are distinct layers of vertical attacking intent, plus the IF is lobbed in to provide a different angle of attack.

I'll aim to transition from Defence to Attack very quickly, but I'm not sure what I'll do in terms of Mentality or TIs yet.

It could just be Counter with a few frills, or might be Control with a Much Deeper Line and stuff like that.

What I did discover last night is that we have one or two very decent midfielders in the squad, and there are some jaw-droppingly good players available in the £6m bracket. As I use FMC, I'll have no tactical familiarity to contend with, so I just hope to assemble a decent squad, specifically tailored to these Roles, and see how it goes.

[RTHerringbone]

Played a handful of games last night, including two league matches and 2/3 friendlies.

I'll add some images later, but it quickly became apparent that the set up posted in the earlier post was a bit crap.

It currently retains the strikerless Box elements, but not the IF:

SK (D)

CWB (A)

DC (D)

DC (D)

CWB (A)

DML DM (S)

DMR Anchor (D)

CML CM (A)

CMR CM (S)

AMLC AM (A)

AMRC SS (A)

In the earlier system, I found that the movement of the Regista and Treq just annoyed me.

For the Treq, he wasn't high enough, early enough, so almost all of the central attacking burden fell on the CM (A).

The IF (A) was a bad choice, because he only moves infield when he has the ball, or when we are in advanced attacking positions.

To sort this, I've moved the IF into the central AMC area, and changed him to a Shadow Striker, which is a Role I've used extensively on FM14 on other saves.

The Treq is (at the moment!) now an Attacking Midfielder on Attack.

By eradicating the Roaming of the Treq, I've got a pretty well structured combination from MC:AM.

Deeper down field, the Regista was irking me. It is a Role I like, but it soon became clear that as with the Treq, his Roaming caused more issues than it resolved.

He was often deep in defence looking for the ball (that is, after all what a Regista should do), which left the Anchor isolated as the only close passing option for the DCs (bearing in mind how quickly CWBs advance).

This was especially problematical against a 4-2-3-1, where the central AMC would be in the area around the Anchor - we'd often boot it up field and lose possession as a result.

My solution is to use a DM on Support. He won't drop deep like the Regista, so gives me the structure I want at the back, but he will advance a touch when we have the ball. That should provide numbers and passing options when defending, and a deeper passing option / ball recycler when attacking.

In the MC line, I'm not quite settled on the Role beside the CM (A) yet. The removal of the Treq and Regista made me realise that with just one recognised specialist Role (Anchor), I could use a Very Fluid Mentality. Initially I though of using an AP (S) in this CM slot, but that would make me reconsider my Fluidity (albeit just to Fluid). More relevantly, I don't want to funnel play through any one player, so I've elected to drop any playmaker Role. The CM (S) looks to hold position and lay off simple passes, and seems therefore like a reasonable base from which to tweak a non playmaking Role, into a playmaking Role that doesn't attract the ball (if that makes sense )

Can't remember the TIs at the moment, but as it's me, they almost certainly include Work Ball Into Box and Pass Into Space. I tend to tweak tempo and defensive line on a match by match basis, and I'm currently using Standard Mentality.

As for the league matches. We won 2-1 at Fulham, and (surprisingly) 2-1 at home to my old Man Utd club.

That was a great result against a vastly superior side - and it was entirely deserved. Their goal was directly down to my keeper lobbing the ball straight to their unmarked striker

Our transfer activity is almost done, having spent around £55m on a lot of players! The next few games will continue to monitor the tactic generally, with particular focus on the DM (S), CM (S) and AM (A) Roles. I just want to keep an eye on the positioning of the DM, the general contribution of the CM, and the attacking intent of the AM.

I'll add some images of the new tactic tonight, plus a few images of the types of player I've been signing.

[RTHerringbone]

So, here's the current tactical set up. As explained earlier, the TIs will change from match to match, as could the Mentality.

The Roles at DM, CM (S) and AM remain subject to tinkering.

Transfers In - so far......

Some highlights of that list below.

You'll probably spot a recurring trend with me signing fairly well balanced players. O'Brien is great, and will be able to do pretty much whatever I want him to in the AMC slots.

We are payting a premium in wages for Campos, but that's because we had to fend off Arsenal's interest in him.

He has bundles of quality, and can play in the MC and AMC slots, so offers versatility too.

Taiwo was FREE! Paris-SG had signed him from Al-Hilal for £2m, but then loaned him to the likes of Lille, Benfica and Ajax, where he always made 20+ starts.

His contract obviously wasn't renewed, so we've snaffled a real bargain.

Morales could become something special, though he is not quick, and lacks Creativity. He could be a half decent playmaker of some sort, so we'll see how he comes along.

Arteaga is the most expensive signing, and will play as DM (S). He can play in the DM and MC lines, and like so many other signings gives me a good number of options with his versatility.

[Koki Balboa]

Good Afternoon Everyone. I always liked Southampton, and they are besides Arsenal my favorite team, and favorite game on the FM. So regarding to that I started long term project of Southampton world domination. Started on a 14.3.0 patch. I was surprised that there is no transfer budget to spend. But after board meeting I was getting 19M Euros, which is fine. I decided to go with my talented players and develop them as much as I can.

Transfers In (1st season):

Stefan Strandberg - 425k

Angelo Balanta - 12,5M Euros on 48 months

Doria - - 12,5M Euros on 48 months

Transfers out:

Jonathan Forte - Free

Jose Fonte - Free

Bunch of them on loan

I wanted to sell Maya Yoshida and Joos Hoiveld and Guly do "Deadwood", but no one wants to even look at them for free, bar anything else.

I play 4-2-3-1 formation, with 3 AMC's, since I have many of them. And after few bumps on the road possesion football which i forced, and short passing has turned southampton into some serious team.

Stefan Strandberg has been revelation for me. I paid him with peanuts, and he is so solid, and ball playing, controlling defender. Even score some headers. I am looking to find some replacement wing back for shaw in the January, and to look long term replacement for Boruc, since I am not satisfied with his contribution, and i don't like him IRL.

Any Ideas, who might be the right for me?

[kobos550]

I bought Zieler for the GK. He is also home grown in England. Another choice would be Horn, Zoet.

[Koki Balboa]

I managed to win premier league and FA cup, lost in the Carling in the second round, with almost basic squad

Started second season, bought pretty much 8 players, since Katherina Liebherr gave me 50 million to play with, and I sold much deadwood, and fringe players.

Ended up with ter Stegen for 10M Euros, since he was unhappy at gladbach.

[easternhawk2]

Who would people say is better to have, Asmir Begovic or Rui Patricio?

I'm approaching January in the first season and need a better keeper than Boruc. Agreed deals with them both, with begovic wanting higher wages but both have similar transfer offer values(around £500k in it). Begovic looks to have better attributes but wanted peoples opinions on them both.

[lewis999]

I managed to win premier league and FA cup, lost in the Carling in the second round, with almost basic squad

Started second season, bought pretty much 8 players, since Katherina Liebherr gave me 50 million to play with, and I sold much deadwood, and fringe players.

Ended up with ter Stegen for 10M Euros, since he was unhappy at gladbach.

With a 4-2-3-1?

[mark b]

Just finished my 4th season with the Saints. haven't updated since season 1. Just a quick update here.

Season 1: PL 2nd

Season 2: PL 7th, FA Cup winners

Season 3: PL 7th, FA Cup Winners

Season 4: PL Winners

Delighted to win the league after 2 disappointing seasons. Sam Gallagher scored 32 league goals in 33 starts on the way to glory.

Rowe, Reed, Shaw, Chambers, Sims, Gallagher, Ward-Prowse and about 5 other academy players in the league winning squad with only notable signings Horn, Ginter, Alverez Balanta and Welbeck accompanying them

Could I see screenies of Jake Hesketh, sims and the other academy players you used in your squad please? Gallagher is a beast for you! Both strength and Pace!

[Bradz FM]

Hi Ill post one of Sims later. Hesketh never made the cut. Ryan Seager is still around but is only used sparingly. Haven't updated in a while but in 2020 and haven't won the league again since because I keep selling the older players for profit in favour of academy regens

[Tadu]

Finished second on my first season.

Transfers in:

Pierre Bengtsson (cover for Shaw) (600k €)

Jonathan Dos Santos (2,1m €)

Ashley Williams (6,25m €)

Tim Wiese (Free on January)

Transfers out:

Victor Wanyama (7m €, did not suit my playing style)

Artur Boruc (January)

And others

Tactic:

ST(False 9): Lambert/Rodriguez

AML(Inside Forward Att): Lallana/Rodriguez

AMR(Inside Forward Att): Gaston/Isgrove

MCL(Att Playmaker Att): Ward-Prowse/Davis

MRL(Cent Mid Sup): Schneiderlin/Davis/Cork

DM(Half-back): Dos Santos/Cork

DL(Comp Wing-back): Shaw/Pierre Bengtsson/Chambers(both Shaw and Bengtsson were injured for one month at the same time so had to use Chambers here)

DR(Comp Wing-back): Clyne/Chambers

DC(Cent Def Def): Lovren/Fonte/Yoshida

DC(Cent Def Def): Williams/Fonte/Yoshida

GK (Sweeper Keeper Att): Wiese/Gazzaniga

Team instructions: Contro - Balanced

Shouts: Retain passing, Shorter passing, Work ball into box, Play ball from Def, Much higher def line, Stick to positions, Hassle opponents, Use tighter marking, Use offside trap, Lower tempo

GK: Distribute to def, pass it shorter

No other player instructions.

Attacking corners on mixed: ST challenge GK, CD attack near & far posts.

Defending corners: DL/DR, mark small player, AML/AMR posts, DC mark tall player, ST stay forward, all others man mark

Best players:

Clyne av rating 7,33

Williams 7,27

Lambert 7,26 (23 apps, 12 goals and 7 assists)

Ward-Prowse (29 apps, 6 goals and 9 assists, 5 PoM)

Lallana (38 apps, 16 goals, 11 assists)

Dos Santos (pass-% 90 %)

Cork (pass-% 89 %)

Had terrible youth-intake for Southampton. One 4-star potential ST, but terrible attributes for F9 and bad personality. Others were crap.

Next season: Will try to off-load Yoshida&Fonte and bring 2 good ball-playing DC. Jay will play AML only, he can't do F9. Signed Tom Ince to cover for Gaston. If I find some good passer MC I may buy him.

[olivermcpherson]

Hi Folks,

Just about to start my second season with Southampton after finishing 3rd last season, won 24 out of 38 games but struggled in the cups. Had a very very hectic few transfer windows and my team is now looking like this:

GK - Begovic

RB - Clyne/Chambers

CB - Murillo/Vidic

CB - Balanta/Nastasic

LB - Shaw/Davies

CM (DLP-D) - Ramsey/Schneiderlin

CM (BWM-D) - Wanyama/Barry

AMCR (AP-S) - Lallana/Ward-Prowse

AMC (T-A) - Ramirez/Gauld

AMCL (AM-S) - Rodriguez/Hughes

ST (AF-A) - Lambert/Barbosa

As you can see, some major wheeler dealing over the past 12 months or so, really tried to get a lot of great young players while blending them with good experience. Lambert got 28 goals in 38 games first season, Ramirez got 10 and Rodriguez for 11, so they supported him well. Will Hughes is next level and I'm trying to play Gauld-Hughes-Ward Prowse together as often as possible against the smaller teams I'd expect to beat.

Transfer business overall looks like this:

In

Will Hughes - 12m

Ryan Gauld - 7m

Asmir Begovic - 15m

Jeison Murillo - 10m

Matija Nastasic - Loan

Aaron Ramsey - 30m

Eder Balanta - 10.5m

Stefan Strandberg - 2.2m (now on Loan at Hull for the second season to make room for Vidic)

Ben Davies - 9m

Gareth Barry - Free

Nemanja Vidic - Free

Gabriel Barbosa - 7m

Out

Jack Cork - 2.4m

Dani Osvaldo - 16m

Dejan Lovren - 5.5m

Steven Davis - 875k

Many of the transfers have fees over 36/48 months which while slightly risky has really paid off first season and with the additions of the likes of Barry, Vidic, Nastasic, Basbosa and Ramsey season season, I'm hoping to stay in the top 4!

I'll keep you posted how I get on!

[Bradz FM]

Some good transfer business there. If you can get them gelling quickly I see no reason why you cant get another top 4 finish / title challenge.

I'm just finished 2021/22 season now. Had an absolute mare. Started off really slow and failed to recover. Finished 2nd in the league which was the highlight of a poor season. Sam Gallagher is closing in on becoming the Saints record league goalscorer

[olivermcpherson]

I've got Gallagher on loan second season as Barbosa is an absolute demon! 13 games/9 goals! Ryan Gauld is really coming good second season and Ramirez can't get a game at present. Vidic and Nastastic has both been out for 3 months so Murillo and Balanta really did the job well!

Qualified from my champions league group after 4 games as well, got Olympiakos, Schalke and Valencia and won 3 of the 4. Got beat away at Schalke 2-0 and that's my only loss so far this season, I'd put up screenshots but I'm not sure where the best place to host them is?

[Chewy2006]

Amazingly in my Boro save where I got promoted to the prem I was just looking to see who was coming down and I couldn't believe it when I saw saints had got relegated. They still have most of the star names in the squad so thought it would be great fun to try and bring them back to the prem.

I've just got upto the budgets and after initially saying they would give me £3.5m to win the league which is pretty decent considering the team doesn't need a lot of changes. My budget suddenly jumped up massively to £25m after Juventus bought Osvaldo for 16m and the club received some parachute money. So it should be pretty straight forward to get the club back up with the only real problem coming with the amount of unhappy players in the squad and who want to move. I think i'll sell one or two but will try and keep the main team together and hope as the season goes on they all pull together.

[JamboLad]

I'm going to give a Saints game a go...

Transfers In

John Souttar (loaned back to Dundee Utd)

Will Hughes (loaned back to Derby)

Jonathan Silva (loaned back to estad)

Alex McCarthy

Balanta

No real players out... aiming for a formation of 4231 with the usual lot playing really. Hopefully get a decent first season and give me plenty to work on.

[Bradz FM]

So finished the 2022/23 season and finally won the Champions League! Also won the FA Cup.

A few games into the new season and Sam Gallagher has become the Saints all time record league goalscorer after bagging 4 to take his tally to 188!

[Lufcberg22]

So ive scrapped my leeds game.. And gone back to my southampton game where im going through pre season.... Of the first season. With on the latest updates ive lost some big names as you will of heard... Lallana... Lambert... Shaw... Etc. so my job is to bring players in to cover them areas.

Will update more after pre season

[gpassosbh]

Hello,

Has anyone start a new save with Southampton with all the sales but with money?

[WillGC]

Just wanted to know if calum chambers develops into his 4 star potential. Also has anyone tried retraining him to cb like arsenal have

[Bradz FM]

Chambers was my first choice RB until 2024/25 season. He was rotation with Clyne for the first couple of seasons