Jump to content

[FM 17] If You’re Not First, You’re Last Redux – Redemption For The “Nearly Men” Of Europe


ManUtd1
 Share

Recommended Posts

42 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

I always knew it was Leto, even when it was Pique I knew it was Leto.

Leto is the one who makes the most sense, after Pique. Having to claim refugee in the Czech embassy for months! Once he learned of Hakan's glib comments, he knew...

FIFA 54 is solid, but I prefer PES 54. For the record.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 5.8k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Just now, ManUtd1 said:

Leto is the one who makes the most sense, after Pique. Having to claim refugee in the Czech embassy for months! Once he learned of Hakan's glib comments, he knew...

FIFA 54 is solid, but I prefer PES 54. For the record.

Obviously neither compare to FM 2054, but it's not exactly a game to bond with over a few kebabs.

Link to post
Share on other sites

18 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Obviously neither compare to FM 2054, but it's not exactly a game to bond with over a few kebabs.

Indeed. Although the facial expressions on Hakan's in-game avatar during press conferences is amazing.

Link to post
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Obviously neither compare to FM 2054, but it's not exactly a game to bond with over a few kebabs.

Telleus and Leto both select their respective sides: Galatasary and  Ludogorets (“Because why not?” says Leto).

Telleus sets out his Libero Overload formation he uses in real life. Leto, knowing nothing of the game, unleashes a bog standard four-two-three-one. He picks obscure player roles and instructions. Ramdeuter and Wide Target Man on each side. A Trequartista up front. An Engache in behind. “**** it, I'm just picking the ones that sound nice”, he remarks. 

Telleus, unsurprisingly, wins 6-0. They both laugh good-naturedly. Leto makes a comment about how Telleus must be “Hakan the game”. They both laugh some more. Leto has enough of hiding his anger following the annihilation of his now beloved Ludogorets. He beats Hakan to death with a metal chair.

Link to post
Share on other sites

25 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

FIFA 54 is solid, but I prefer PES 54. For the record.

3 minutes ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Telleus and Leto both select their respective sides: Galatasary and  Ludogorets (“Because why not?” says Leto).

Telleus sets out his Libero Overload formation he uses in real life. Leto, knowing nothing of the game, unleashes a bog standard four-two-three-one. He picks obscure player roles and instructions. Ramdeuter and Wide Target Man on each side. A Trequartista up front. An Engache in behind. “**** it, I'm just picking the ones that sound nice”, he remarks. 

Telleus, unsurprisingly, wins 6-0. They both laugh good-naturedly. Leto makes a comment about how Telleus must be “Hakan the game”. They both laugh some more. Leto has enough of hiding his anger following the annihilation of his now beloved Ludogorets. He beats Hakan to death with a metal chair.

22 minutes ago, BoxToBox said:

Obviously neither compare to FM 2054, but it's not exactly a game to bond with over a few kebabs.

Be careful guys, you're going to open a paradox!

Hakan Telleus opens up a shiny new copy of FM54, ready to dig in on a new adventure. The manager? Himself, of course. His first job? Genk. The forum thread? 

[FM54] If You’re Not First, You’re Last 2054 – Redemption For The “Nearly Men” Of Europe

And so it begins again...

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

I guess that's the end of the save then... :(

Who am I kidding...sing with me now...  This is the save that never ends, it goes on and on my friends...

Come on! You know the words!

Ludogrets was quite the inspired choice. Ever the hipster, that Leto.

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Just looking at this I am also tempted to do an Asian version of this save with FM17 but as a special challenge, I might do continental competition also (AFC Asian Cup). Which reminds me as Belgium took out a Euros yet or are they still waiting for their first.

Link to post
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, HawkAussie said:

Just looking at this I am also tempted to do an Asian version of this save with FM17 but as a special challenge, I might do continental competition also (AFC Asian Cup). Which reminds me as Belgium took out a Euros yet or are they still waiting for their first.

Go for it!

Belgium won the 2052 Euros, and were runners up in 2024.  Beyond that, they've got a 2031 Runners-Up medal in the Nations League.

e2309add8afb0a1b72fc8528dcc23a0d.png 46cfeff05df4080a52e21e6f9bfd675a.png 

Link to post
Share on other sites

After flirting with relegation over the years, it has finally happened.  Liverpool are going down to the Championship.

5599387439f006fbf9a46017e7c349ba.jpg 

And, in a shocking turn of events, Manchester City's plan to hire the manager who Liverpool sacked earlier this year failed miserably, with the blues finishing 15th -- a mere 6 points above the relegation zone.  

West Ham also blew the title on the last day, losing 2-1 at home to Leicester to hand the title to Tottenham.

Link to post
Share on other sites

 You took the ****ing jam outta my doughnut, Tommy. You did.

fener_scotland.thumb.png.320a915ef5dc54fb5f1bca41f32a06ed.png

Fenerbahçe / Scotland

2053/54 Season Review

I have a bad habit of forgetting the targets I've set for the club.  A year ago, I would have been happy with qualifying for the Champions League Group Stage and competing for the Süper Lig title.  As it stands, we met and exceeded those targets.  Yet, I'm frustrated.

I realize I'm being too harsh on the lads.  We won the Süper Lig title handily, made a modest run into the Europa League knockout rounds, and developed -- both as a side, and individually.  Yet, we could have done more.  This side has potential -- I keep telling them that, even if it is unrealized as of yet.

Leto has stayed on as an informal adviser.  He's getting better at FIFA, thankfully, but at least always pays for his share of the house expenses.  He's a good'un.  The 30 Seconds to Mars reunion show at the Şükrü Saracoğlu to celebrate winning the Süper Lig was epic.  Can you believe they hadn't shared a stage in 10 years?  Surreal.  You wouldn't have known it watching, and the Sonic Death Penguin opening set was a real treat.  Honestly, it's like the three of us have known each other our whole lives, thick as thieves.  I keep joking that we might as well be brothers.  Jared is warming to the idea.

In terms of the squad, I was unable to extend McCabe's loan and decided against extending Wilson's.  Monaco want to keep McCabe this year (absent an exorbitant fee).  With his departure, Lee will promote into the 1st XI and Egyptian youngster Mahmoud Fekry (an incoming permanent signing) will begin training up for the long term.  Wilson is good enough to stick around, but Karakus and Balcik need more time, and that foreign player spot is needed for new signing Malky Nicholls.  One or two players may be shipped off (Silhavy, in particular, having lost hist spot as my first-choice right back to the retrained Scott Donald).  But, we're in decent enough shape for now.

Goals for 2054/55: Make a run in the World Cup knockout rounds with Scotland, as a precursor to 2058.  Reach the Champions League knockout rounds.  Win the Süper Lig.

Squad|League Overview|Finances Overview|Income Detail|Expenditures Detail|Transfers

Süper Lig Fixtures|Champions League Fixtures|Europa League Fixtures|Türkiye Kupası Fixtures

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Champions League Review

Three potentially eligible teams reach the quarterfinals -- Rennes, Wolfsburg and (incredibly) Cukaricki.  None reached the semifinals, which was a major disappointment.  Samir Nasri's Lyon faced Frankfurt in the final, and won their 2nd Champions League title, the first having come in 2045/46.

bc0d20f923c288521c9f599a56e077f5.jpg 295a4df80d2b5db3358667b0beaab49d.jpg

24a545b3cc9d12940dd92905ef70163d.jpg

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Challenge Overview

777c823bafb2424b6aa0fe6c5cde4a6d.png

8f03154de366c1408d33213881d27289.png

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Forgive your enemy.  But, remember the bastard's name.

fener_scotland.thumb.png.320a915ef5dc54fb5f1bca41f32a06ed.png

Fenerbahçe / Scotland

2054 World Cup -- Scotland Squad Overview

After a strong qualifying campaign, Scotland should be ready for a good tournament.  Our defense was immense -- not conceding a single goal.  The problem has been putting away our chances.  With any luck, facing stronger sides, they'll be more aggressive and thus give us more opportunities to hit them.

If we can execute, we'll go far.  If not, we're likely to go out early in the knockout rounds.

082d03a11a2c816b286c1291fe5ddea9.jpg

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Goalkeepers

75b03a8d96782128f23505ef208c8011.jpg b47882fe082c0c52c251b158d1c58a38.jpg e5366896a71965c38faa1d0f43a0d3ef.jpg

Caldwell's retirement and unavailability for selection is a problem.  He's been Scotland's No. 1 for nearly 2 decades.  His absence will be felt.  Ideally, I'd have started him with McLaren on the bench and Strachan a distant 3rd.  As it it, McLaren will have to carry a heavy burden.  I'm not sure that he's up for the task just yet.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Liberos

564495f495b3958c60a4390cbda7c1e8.jpg b47d2bac98844d2c23f7cdc1b8b9b26f.jpg

I'm pleased with how McCabe has progressed over the last few years.  He'll start.  Cadden remains a very capable backup both here an in the central midfield.  I considered bringing Lee (on loan at Fener from Monaco), but Cadden is a much better player at this point and I want his depth.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Defenders

de7f58c603b3268f2ff949b178356f3c.jpg 3540336143e9b73382facd92a5371930.jpg 7d81d591730e73a903cc13a19da17f4f.jpg 34491847c2a4663e6553660d8f2fe24c.jpg 6b9d4f28b25004ee20dca740c895a909.jpg 3d023fcb94406856158e2eb939e5c704.jpg a6dc5842aea15273b2628198a43e942f.jpg 8edc8a546d17332fde6bd8726c86685a.jpg

Paterson and Holt will get the nod at fullback.  I brought Donald along (after much deliberation) as a backup -- he and Sean Donnelly (from Liverpool) are very comparable at the moment, but Donald has far more potential so he gets the nod.  As the backup left back, it was a toss of the coin between Jim Donnelly (Monaco) and Barrowman (Fener).  I went with Donnelly as I feel he's slightly more well-rounded and defensive-minded, thus offering us something different given how attack-oriented Holt is.

At centerback, Hutton will pair with Martin.  Robertson and Young to deputize.  There's not much between Martin and Young, and Robertson has buckets of potential.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Midfielders

71289e031fc26f0ca7cf998449670cbe.jpg c78b83e409087d5cd5f5123745432f52.jpg 06bf9fd16d4594d9f6655c1d4c6796ad.jpg 8952454d86cd1c4dd2b3c04603138778.jpg

This is a no-brainer.  Rae will take up the left-sided, attacking midfield role.  Dickov will play the right-sided more defensive role.  Milne and Polworth are very capable backups.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

Attacking Midfielders

2f30de0f3fd96a86a2cce71c04740926.jpg 584b53cf015c0d24aef2679938eebeaa.jpg 239473b8f457fc4bbc3a37dfda2e4f99.jpg d6c9024372580c9b928ac47ce268d462.jpg 25cf9923735419d749b66873ec1e7494.jpg ffcedb8176b8383ab6565b74ed224905.jpg

Finally, the front three.  These guys have to perform if we have any hope of making a run.  McBride will almost certainly start as the deep-lying targetman, flanked by Baird and McAllister.  Stevenson can play anywhere across the front 3, but primarily will deputize (if needed) as the deep-lying targetman.  Hamish "I should've remembered the rocks" Maxwell is more of a pure goalscorer than the others, not as well-rounded.  David "There Can Be Only One" Macleod is a bright young talent, who struggled a bit on loan at Vicenza this past year.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Forgive your enemy.  But, remember the bastard's name.

fener_scotland.thumb.png.320a915ef5dc54fb5f1bca41f32a06ed.png

Fenerbahçe / Scotland

2054 World Cup -- Pre-Tournament Friendlies

The match against the United States was my nightmare scenario -- total dominance, but only a 1-goal margin.  The 2nd XI were better against Peru, even if a late own goal made it look closer than it was.

Bottom line -- I used these matches to get our fitness levels up.  The scorelines are not a good measure of our abilities.  Morale is high.  It's just a matter of executing.

I also have to maintain perspective -- this is a side being built for 2058.  We have only one player over the age of 30 -- Strachan, a reserve goalkeeper.  Martin is 30, and the only player in my starting XI over the age of 26.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

a15402f4a57d44cb95c7ffdce208e45f.jpg fb7369893fe87b9d4c26492498af653e.jpg

d2d727f0b13988499a32ad57ccd7ecd6.jpg

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, oriole01 said:

Is that a neck tattoo on Hakan? What a legend.

I think it's the hairpack...a slew of players have that shadowed look.

Granted, Hakan having a "NO RAGRETS" tattoo on his neck would be brilliant.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Forgive your enemy.  But, remember the bastard's name.

fener_scotland.thumb.png.320a915ef5dc54fb5f1bca41f32a06ed.png

Fenerbahçe / Scotland

2054 World Cup -- Group Stage

We begin the tournament with a 4-nil demolition Australia, who leave St. James with (as Leto put it) a giant mushroom print on their forehead.  A statement of intent.

A massive match against Colombia followed.  A hard-fought 90 minutes, with the sides only separated by Scotty "Sick Boy" McBride burying a rebound in the 30th.  Another 3 points, from what was likely to be our toughest match in the Group Stage.  We're starting to get into a rhythm.

With qualification all but assured, I rotate my squad and play my 2nd XI (save for McLaren in goal)  for the Russia match.  A draw and we go through as group winners.  We control, but cannot find a way past our old friend, Berezin.  0-0.  No matter.  We're through, and with the draw , Russia go through -- level on points with Colombia (who drew with Australia), but with more goals scored.

We will face Costa Rica, who were runners-up in Group A, behind hosts England.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

5ba8ee2eed55656e7fe3aa54122efecb.jpg 3aa10062afff7a68c6b325504001073c.jpg 9cf22ab6208bcd9f75e36324d4c4aee7.jpg

5bcd1c77de59da53af4a6d32630105c5.png bfd241ecf7ed5622d70a0f9b1d3f156e.png

dc437a27a2708f760ce01e54d0349c19.png

a84529e822b73e3e7188ff7146827ccb.png

England, Germany and Belgium have to be the favorites to go through from the top half of the bracket.  Scotland, Spain and Italy from the bottom.

Carnage in Group F, the Group of Death, as both Mexico and Argentina crash out.  Colombia shot themselves in the foot, and easily could have done better.  France seem to have imploded, like in South Africa.  Brazil...they've been awful for years.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Forgive your enemy.  But, remember the bastard's name.

fener_scotland.thumb.png.320a915ef5dc54fb5f1bca41f32a06ed.png

Fenerbahçe / Scotland

2054 World Cup -- Second Round vs. Costa Rica

Costa Rica set out at Old Trafford to  counter our libero with a libero.  I can only assume they're trying to **** with my head.  Silly buggers.

We will begin with PM Branco di Libero, removing the overlapping team instruction and asking that we play wide.  I considered playing the same XI that started against Russia, but it felt too cute by half.  90 minutes, anyone can win.

The first 30 minutes are dull and dreary.  Costa Rica content to knock the ball around in their end and deny us a look at goal.  We tweak our tactics -- looking to be a bit more direct, and not dither on the ball in the attack.

Halftime.  Costa Rica are barely venturing forward.  Time for PM Lupo Rabbioso.

The switch in tactics pays off immediately, as our high press forces a turnover and we launch forward at pace, Rae breaking into the channel to bury it.  1-nil.

We keep the pressure on, and force a corner in the 51st...as the ball ping-pongs about the box...penalty!!!  McCabe buries it!  2-nil!  We're rolling!

With 20 minutes to play, we're in complete control.  I bring on all three substitutions and have the lads drop deep.  We're not in the quarterfinals yet, but it's time to kill this match off.

McAllister hits our 3rd in the 78th.  This match is over.  But not yet, as Macleod buries a loose ball from distance in stoppage time.

As I ponder whether I could have gotten away with my 2nd XI, Leto pipes in to remind me that we haven't given up a goal in a competitive (non-friendly) match since Norway, in October 2052.

He's just jinxed it, hasn't he?

We'll face the Netherlands at Elland Road, always a happy hunting ground for Hakan.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

5d1d077ca10d6731795119a814d90b3d.jpg

730c6b6d5925b0d66c027d866e59ecef.jpg bc2c5a8ac54b5dc8b7515ae3b14c0fbd.jpg

280c05d9c25dfe8dbda971fccfbad333.jpg 3af54b0170685b532861308a1091c5d1.jpg 8d11722060487da2463bb083e1a18bd1.jpg adb15bf61017f5b9c7b01eac5dae56c7.jpg a4e7011f3a6ddf5eb743d047beea6cc4.jpg

c1695dd1e6972d705017c620767063a6.jpg

98d39973111c5f983e238c8b6f5ad40f.png

Link to post
Share on other sites

Forgive your enemy.  But, remember the bastard's name.

fener_scotland.thumb.png.320a915ef5dc54fb5f1bca41f32a06ed.png

Fenerbahçe / Scotland

2054 World Cup -- Quaterfinal vs. the Netherlands

Elland Road.  Betsy and the lads at the Old Peacock.  Wonderful memories.  But we cannot be distracted.  The Dutch are very strong, led by Cas Sahin, the midfield general I wanted to sign for Club Brugge years ago.

They should be tired from playing through penalties against Spain, but you never know.

An early cross in from Holt...flicked by McAllister over Jacobs' head...a tremendous start!  But Holland won't go down without a fight, leveling in the 15th minute and going ahead in the 21st.  I knew Leto had jinxed it.

We go into the half down 1, needing to make a change.  I give them the hairdryer, then turn on Michael Jackson and force the lads to dance and sing in front of the mirror.  "I'm talking to the man in the mirror...oooh!"

Ludwig thinks I've lost my mind.  He might be right.

5 minutes into the 2nd half, the Dutch hit their 3rd.  We switch to Rabbioso.

But we can't find a way through.  We're out.

**** you, Michael Jackson.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

1c7072394684e9ae370dc7fd0dfd8a85.jpg

961fc4a0d7a58fffd0730f77402b027a.jpg 54109a39a8e34c90c46bc82b26117fe2.jpg c50038f8c70291bb7c717c18a4e648dd.jpg

b4f702516ab68a003eab4da48b5c0526.jpg

fa685b487a14287d49621751b6f4ac23.jpg

6dfe0ce37ff6e0144d9340659b7020f4.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites

Just now, BoxToBox said:

"delighted with World Cup showing", must not have seen the MJ stuff.

I've denied the media reports, categorically.  Leto backed me up, but then moonwalked out of the presser.  

Not helping, ****head.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Image result for world cup

2054 World Cup Review

I'm not thrilled, as I felt the Dutch were a winnable match that we simply blew.  But, the Dutch went on to win the whole thing and place most of their squad in the tournament XI.

More importantly, we have a newly-eligible national side.  One I'm extremely excited above -- Cote d'Ivoire!  A truly fantastic development.  

For now, though, Hakan's focus is solely on Fenerbahçe and Scotland...with renewed vigor.  He's got 4 years to get this side into shape.  Which means I've gone back in to try and land some key young Scotsmen, to try and bring them to Istanbul...

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

94e1e58c5ae9f1007b68649955c7856d.jpg 65829c1c0be9c0d73b65872d27c437ff.jpg

3b63ad42e35c1871cb1724dc7edd3a02.png

8b1b4adf2c38119a6c8bc559c556a650.png

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Keano16 said:

At least there's one positive to come out of the tournament.

Huge positive.  And, quite frankly, this Scottish side should be tremendous in 4 years' time.

Just now, Rikulec said:

This is going to be interesting.

:ackter:

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hakan has doubled down on the Scotland project, only taking breaks to ritualistically burn Michael Jackson in effigy out back by the pool.

4b6d3d5e25c68d99ba2880be265895d2.png 

McLaren remained 3rd choice and threw a fit this summer after I've spent the last 8-9 months trying to unsettle him.  No more French reserve football.  McIntyre and Muhsin were kids I signed at Monaco (to arrive when they turned 18) with bags of potential.

Link to post
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, mjaferrie said:

Scottish strikerless system.  *shudders*... It's like that night in Prague all over again.

You'll be smiling when we win it all in 4 years!  :lol:

3 hours ago, Fer Fuchs Ake said:

Ivory Coast should be good. African regens in FM are usually quality.

I think they'll be great fun -- might be a challenge, but done in the right country it'll be a good club/country setup.

My efforts to unsettle Scottish youngsters have borne further fruit...Falkirk wouldn't settle for less than McNamara's $25M release clause...until he threw an absolute fit.  His arrival means that Fox's loan has been terminated.  McNamara has the potential to be a starting CB for Scotland, whereas Fox looks likely to top out as a squad player.

3990007b71e4f100c8340030835fc041.jpg 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Still a 3rd seed in Europe...frankly, we haven't earned anything higher.

6cd8f651515489012b82973ffa42136b.jpg 

Dortmund is a tough 2nd seed to draw, but Benfica and Zenit should be manageable.  We'll be targeting 2nd or 3rd -- there's no reason we can't reach the knockout rounds of one competition or the other.

(Malmo! :D)

Edited by ManUtd1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Forgive your enemy.  But, remember the bastard's name.

fener_scotland.thumb.png.320a915ef5dc54fb5f1bca41f32a06ed.png

Fenerbahçe / Scotland

September 2054 Mini-Update

I return from the World Cup in England with a bitter taste in my mouth and a one-track mind.  Win.

While Leto and Ludwig **** about in what remains of our downtime before the new season begins, I get to work.  We land a few key signings, and ship out some of the dead weight.  Our performance in the Süper Kupa is poor, and we lose on penalties.  But, no matter.  We begin the Süper Lig campaign in top form, and are ready to assault Europe.

With Scotland, our exploits over the past few years have seen us rise to a #2 ranking, and go from tier C in the Nations League to tier A...drawing England and Spain in the process.

A solid win over the English, followed by a hard-fought draw in Sevilla.  Looking good, lads.

a94749b63818d5598b3a041e0fd920a2.png

b40a3bcf09c3ff136d2ecadf43f74c96.png

3363b98fd0dbacd3fdf72a97fec13728.jpg

3e62886071486beb4d2d942c04e051c9.jpg

17f1956b208c526a701fd0cddce1b08b.jpg 2159e3486de96e07f1027a3ef4cf499a.jpg

Link to post
Share on other sites

With 5 matches to play, 5 points separate the top 5 in the Allsvenskan.

29578431787fcd05ae8d43b027ce4bce.jpg 

Malmo, Djurgardens and Elfsborg are still alive in Europe -- the latter two in the Europa League.  So, fixture congestion could give Helsingborgs and AIK an advantage.

Link to post
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Keano16 said:

Never thought we'd be blessed to see someone like Fellaini ever again.

That moment against Bayern has been forever enshrined in the memories of United fans...certainly didn't expect to see a carbon copy today.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...