Rikulec Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 From the author of: FM16: The Frozen Throne FM17: Into the Wild Welcome back. After a faulty start to my FM17 adventures and ending the previous thread after the first season, I promised you a new one. I admit, it did take longer than expected as I've been toying with a couple of ideas. I've finally come to a decision - this save is going to start in the best place for football and, especially, for Football Manager. The Aim The top, obviously, but this time starting either in the 6th tier in England or the 4th tier in Scotland after a couple of months of simulation. Similarly to the previous attempt, I will only apply for jobs initially. Once I've found a club to start at, I can only switch clubs when approached. The Manager An older version of myself, though I like to think I'm a bit more knowledgable about football than this guy here. The Save 50 leagues from 38 countries should be more than enough. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 19, 2017 Author Share Posted February 19, 2017 It's November 9th and I'm heading to Manchester for my first interview. FC United find themselves in the 20th place with 14 points from 17 games, three points from safety. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 19, 2017 Author Share Posted February 19, 2017 It only took them three days to come back. God, they must be desperate. Jakub Słota's Management Career - New Club - FC United of Manchester The journey starts here. To be honest, I'm not really sure what to expect. The squad looks good enough to secure our survival in the league at the very least. Club Name: FC United of ManchesterNickname: Red RebelsYear Founded: 2005Status: Semi-ProfessionalStadium: Broadhurst Park (4,238 capacity, 510 seated) The club's history is not very long, but it sure is interesting. That's a lot of added value for every save, and I feel that I'm really going to enjoy this, even though I'm far from being a Manchester United fan. I only have two hours between signing the contract and my first league game, so I better get right to it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 19, 2017 Author Share Posted February 19, 2017 Supportive from day one. I like it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - November 2016 - FC United of Manchester National League North It should have been six points from two games really. Upon my arrival I noticed we had pretty much no one able to play on either wing, so I decided to go with a possession-based 4-1-3-2. Ambitious for this level, but the early signs are good. We dominated both games, but fell to some silly goals against Stalybridge despite getting the lead twice. This allows us to escape the drop zone, but only thanks to superior goal difference. FA Trophy Once again, we could have got this done on first attempt, but it simply wasn't to be. Our strike partnership continued to shine, but I'd also like other players to contribute to our goal tally. In the First Round we've drawn Lincoln away. We're doomed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 20, 2017 Author Share Posted February 20, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - December 2016 - FC United of Manchester National League North We score in every game, but we also concede in every game. Our central defenders are not really up to the league standard (and that probably tells you how poor they are), and we also have massive trouble defending set pieces. Something has to be done about that. FA Trophy Surprise surprise. We parked the bus and simply waited for our chance, which eventually came. With better accuracy the result could have been much more impressive. Next up, Eastbourne Boro at home. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 21, 2017 Author Share Posted February 21, 2017 There goes our first choice defensive midfielder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 22, 2017 Author Share Posted February 22, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - January 2017 - FC United of Manchester National League North Yes, it was as busy and narrow as it looks. Only Harrogate really outplayed us, this I will admit. We conceded late goals both against AFC Fylde (where we were lucky not to lose anyway) and Altrincham away (where we should have scored more). All in all, our game is improving every week, if we can continue that trend, we should have little trouble staying up. That's the only aim for this season. FA Trophy **** off. We really should have got through after the home game, but our horrenous defending proved costly and we needed a late own goal to escape with a draw. The replay was not so good, and a poor save attempt to a long range free kick cost us the place in the next round. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 23, 2017 Author Share Posted February 23, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - February 2017 - FC United of Manchester National League North A cracking month sees us rise one place in the table. Much more importantly, we've extended our advantage over the dreaded places to 8 points. We're still not safe, but it was a massive step in the right direction. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 23, 2017 Author Share Posted February 23, 2017 I didn't even need to ask for the raise myself. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 23, 2017 Author Share Posted February 23, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - March 2017 - FC United of Manchester National League North Horribly frustrating. Our two main problems are striking - conceding late goals (both Tamworth and Halifax scored after the 85 minutes mark) and scoring only through strikers and nobody else (we don't create enough chances for other players). With six games left, I'll just carry on until the end of the season. After that, we'll see. Youth Intake Is it too soon to be asking for a decent one? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 24, 2017 Author Share Posted February 24, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - April 2017 - FC United of Manchester National League North An amazing month to tick the season off, featuring extending a helping hand to Nuneaton in their spectacular last minute survival surge. Our defence has been remarkably solid and the front men didn't disappoint in these extraordinary circumstances. Admittedly we did play weaker opposition than last month... but who cares? Points are points. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 24, 2017 Author Share Posted February 24, 2017 Hopefully a sign of things to come next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keano16 Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 Things are starting to look up! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 24, 2017 Author Share Posted February 24, 2017 1 hour ago, Keano16 said: Things are starting to look up! They sure are. The real fun is going to start when the transfer window opens and I finally get to make my revolution. Cheers for the comment mate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 25, 2017 Author Share Posted February 25, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - Season Review - 2016/17 - FC United of ManchesterNational League NorthResults (Aug-Jan) - Results (Feb-Apr) (red line marks my arrival)Competition Performance: 14th Taking into account the disastrous start that led to the previous manager's departure, I have to be happy with the season. Since I took over we grabbed 37 points from 25 league games - not bad, taking into account the quality of our central defensive players (or lack thereof). I'm happy to have turned our difference around and end with a positive one.FA CupCompetition Performance: Fourth Qualifying Round I came too late for that.FA TrophyCompetition Performance: Second Round Apart from the Lincoln game we didn't seem determined enough to get far here. I'd fancy us doing better next season.Squad We have a few players of good quality, but there are also areas where we need to strenghten over the summer, particularly centre back and defensive midfielder.Transfers (red lines mark my arrival) - Finances The only transfer I took part in was Matty Wolfenden's departure. Nothing to talk about really. The average attendance of over 3,000 makes FC United a truly exceptional club at this level, and this is reflected by the finances. We're easily capable of making profit every season. Some of this money might be invested into our facilities in the near future.Player of the Season1st - Chris Chantler - our tactic is a very demanding one for wide defenders. Luckily, the best player in our side this season was a left back. Chantler played a vital part in our game, scoring once himself and setting up ten more goals. On the flip side, he's not interesting in extending his deal. Shame.2nd - Jason Gilchrist - of course, our top goalscorer also had to make this list. He has his droughts, but when he's on form, he bangs them in pretty much every week. A clinical finisher when needed, and the ball always seems to find him in the box.3rd - George Thomson - the guy who dictated tempo and brought the much needed creative spark into our midfield. His league stats may not be very impressive, but his vision helped create many attacking moves that led to goalscoring opportunities. A key player.Next Season Everything depends on the quality of players I can bring in during the transfer window. With the right additions a promotion challenge is certainly a possibility. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 26, 2017 Author Share Posted February 26, 2017 As promised. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 26, 2017 Author Share Posted February 26, 2017 Took a bit longer than expected. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 26, 2017 Author Share Posted February 26, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - Season Preview - 2017/18 - FC United of ManchesterBoard Expectations:National League North: Top half finishFA Cup: Fourth Qualifying RoundFA Trophy: First RoundMy Expectations:National League North: Top half finish is a minimum. I'll be satisfied with a play-off spot.FA Cup: Get as far as possible, make as much money as possible.FA Trophy: I'm not too fussed about that.Budgets:Transfer: £0Wage: £6,929 (currently spending £6,072)Balance: £103,428 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chestermike Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 gonna enjoy reading this good luck Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 27, 2017 Author Share Posted February 27, 2017 5 hours ago, chestermike said: gonna enjoy reading this good luck Cheers mate. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Rebels everywhere............. Good Defenders are hard to come by in the lower levels......either Big and dumb or Short and can't jump or head the ball! which makes for terrible set piece defending or high line hijinks......... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbokav1971 Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 On 23/02/2017 at 22:38, Rikulec said: Youth Intake Is it too soon to be asking for a decent one? Ouch! It's never too soon. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 27, 2017 Author Share Posted February 27, 2017 29 minutes ago, Hootieleece said: Rebels everywhere............. Good Defenders are hard to come by in the lower levels......either Big and dumb or Short and can't jump or head the ball! which makes for terrible set piece defending or high line hijinks......... Oh yeah, it was a struggle until I finally managed to find someone half decent... or someone who seems half decent. We'll see what comes out of that. 10 minutes ago, Jimbokav1971 said: Ouch! It's never too soon. I guess there are a few more reputable teams in our area that talented youth would more likely go to. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 27, 2017 Author Share Posted February 27, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - Pre-Season - 2017/18 - FC United of Manchester Friendlies Managed by my assistant Brede Hangeland, the lads managed a surprise win against TNS. Transfers Five incomings, including three defenders. I'd have loved to keep Chantler, but he wouldn't even talk to us. Dan Preston - not bad, I guess. He probably falls into the big category, hopefully he won't have too much trouble on the ground. Japhet Mata - if the local big boys can have Mata, why can't we? Japhet brings in bags of potential and an interesting option up front. We could possibly also play him at left back if I get really desperate. James Haran - could this be the most intelligent player down at this level? We'll see, as he has just become our first choice right back. Michael Potts - a backup option to boost our numbers in midfield. I like his mentals. Jayce Olivero - we got an international player, for real! Jayce has five Gibraltar appearances at the age of 19 and he could actually do well replacing Chantler. I have very, very high hopes for this guy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 27, 2017 Author Share Posted February 27, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - August 2017 - FC United of Manchester National League North Considering it's still very early days, I'd say we're in a good position. Of course we're frustratingly incosistent, but I believe it will always be a thing at this level unless we somehow build a team vastly superior to others. We could and should have done better at home to Chorley and probably shouldn't have given away a penalty against North Ferriby, but apart from that it's pretty much fine. The problem is our defensive improvements didn't really improve much. Perhaps they need more time to gel. I don't believe Nuneaton are going to run away, they are bound to fall apart at some point. The fight is on. In other news, Gibraltar held Estonia to a 0:0 draw in the WC qualifiers. Olivero played 90 minutes and got a 6.9 rating. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 1, 2017 Author Share Posted March 1, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - September 2017 - FC United of Manchester National League North Things started off rather slow, but then we got better and better... until we got absolutely out of control. The Altrincham result is a freak one, and a new league record at the same time. We were immense in that game, unstoppable. Another highlight of September is definitely the performance of Sam Sheridan, who went all Frank Lampard this month, rounding it off with a sensational 30-yard free kick in the 7:0 victory. We're top now, but there's just three points separating us from 9th. Tight, tight, tight! FA Cup Whoops. The media will certainly haunt me with this for years to come. Tom Eckersley's mistakes cost us two goals in the first half, and we just couldn't give a sufficient response after the break. A match to forget. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 1, 2017 Author Share Posted March 1, 2017 If you have any doubts whether he deserved the award, have a look at this. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adonalsium Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 YES! Rikulec is back. Author of my favourite journeyman save and a funny guy. I will be following this keenly! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManUtd1 Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 2 hours ago, Rikulec said: If you have any doubts whether he deserved the award, have a look at this. Whoa...what a strike! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adonalsium Posted March 1, 2017 Share Posted March 1, 2017 Yeah, and that free kick. It was as if you could draw a straight line into the upper corner of the net and the ball would follow that exactly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 1, 2017 Author Share Posted March 1, 2017 1 hour ago, Adonalsium said: YES! Rikulec is back. Author of my favourite journeyman save and a funny guy. I will be following this keenly! Good to see you again. 1 hour ago, ManUtd1 said: Whoa...what a strike! 53 minutes ago, Adonalsium said: Yeah, and that free kick. It was as if you could draw a straight line into the upper corner of the net and the ball would follow that exactly. I literally jumped out of my chair when that went in. These don't happen very often! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 2, 2017 Author Share Posted March 2, 2017 Moving forward. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 2, 2017 Author Share Posted March 2, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - October 2017 - FC United of Manchester National League North An unbeaten month solidifies our position at the top and also extends the league unbeaten run to eleven games. Still far from Chester's record of thirty in 2012/13, but that's a long shot. For now, we're playing well and delivering results where necessary. The only worrying thing remains the lack of output from players other than strikers (only George Thomson managed a single goal). Transfers Surprise departures of two rotation centre backs created a demand for defensive players. I think you'll agree it was to our benefit. Kevin Burgess - the first of the three new players, and by far the least spectacular one. He won't be getting much game time, but we need him for the sake of numbers. Akil Wright - that's better. He's young, he's versatile, and he's exactly the type of player we had been missing in the DM strata. Well, we don't anymore. Adam Curry - why he attracted no interest from sides bigger than us is a huge mystery to me. We capture a fantastic centre back for just £250 p/w. I couldn't be more excited about him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 2, 2017 Author Share Posted March 2, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - November 2017 - FC United of Manchester National League North Thirteen games unbeaten, three points clear at the top, eleven points separating us from 6th placed Kidderminster, and a wonderful birthday gift from Michael Potts in the game against their outfit. FA Trophy We had a brief scare when they pulled one back around the 75th minute, but we also had Jason Gilchrist. Grantham away up next. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adonalsium Posted March 2, 2017 Share Posted March 2, 2017 How do you even. Lower league management eludes me. It seems that you've once again managed to get the squad in order and on a winning streak. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 3, 2017 Author Share Posted March 3, 2017 9 hours ago, Adonalsium said: How do you even. Lower league management eludes me. It seems that you've once again managed to get the squad in order and on a winning streak. Thanks. I wouldn't get excited too quickly as it's still relatively early and a lot of bad things could happen, but yes, I'm happy with the squad, especially after the October additions. We seem to be on the right track. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 17 hours ago, Rikulec said: Jakub Słota's Management Career - October 2017 - FC United of Manchester National League North An unbeaten month solidifies our position at the top and also extends the league unbeaten run to eleven games. Still far from Chester's record of thirty in 2012/13, but that's a long shot. For now, we're playing well and delivering results where necessary. The only worrying thing remains the lack of output from players other than strikers (only George Thomson managed a single goal). Transfers Surprise departures of two rotation centre backs created a demand for defensive players. I think you'll agree it was to our benefit. Kevin Burgess - the first of the three new players, and by far the least spectacular one. He won't be getting much game time, but we need him for the sake of numbers. Akil Wright - that's better. He's young, he's versatile, and he's exactly the type of player we had been missing in the DM strata. Well, we don't anymore. Adam Curry - why he attracted no interest from sides bigger than us is a huge mystery to me. We capture a fantastic centre back for just £250 p/w. I couldn't be more excited about him. Both Burgess and Curry will be good additions........a little worried about Wright's and Curry's Determination............could become a problem if you start losing........... What Formation are you using? and What roles and shouts to get such good results? I like knowing what other players are doing to improve my saves. I've been playing with 4-2-3-1 wide in my saves and seem to be doing alright.........won Vanarama with York City and then a Surprise Promotion! I think success is determined by getting the roles right and getting suitable players Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 3, 2017 Author Share Posted March 3, 2017 1 hour ago, Hootieleece said: Both Burgess and Curry will be good additions........a little worried about Wright's and Curry's Determination............could become a problem if you start losing........... What Formation are you using? and What roles and shouts to get such good results? I like knowing what other players are doing to improve my saves. I've been playing with 4-2-3-1 wide in my saves and seem to be doing alright.........won Vanarama with York City and then a Surprise Promotion! I think success is determined by getting the roles right and getting suitable players I can't really see Curry's determination being a problem, but yes, there is some slight concern with Wright. Everything's working fine now though. I believe I said in one post that I use a narrow 4-1-3-2. I started off with Counter strategy and a rigid shape, but now I'm using Control from time to time as well. The only shouts I use are Pass Into Space and Be More Expressive, with an occasional switch to possession stats if I want to be more defensive and kill a game off. The roles are fairly basic as well, with a WB(A) on the left side and a WB(S) on the right side of the defensive block, a DM(D) in front of them, a midfield trio of a CM(S), a DLP(S) and a CM(A), and a classic DLF-AF duo up front. I like simple tactics, especially at this level where I don't believe my players would be able to perform some complicated system. Maybe a time will come to use something more ambitious. Or maybe it won't. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hootieleece Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 I meant Burgess instead Curry......... and I must have missed the 4-1-3-2 reference........I like that formation had a few good saves in FM15 with it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 3, 2017 Author Share Posted March 3, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - December 2017 - FC United of Manchester National League North The results keep coming. The performances... not so much. We were toothless in both our home games this month, and the away wins were actually quite nervy - Solihull Moors definitely were the better team and Telford didn't deserve a 3:0 defeat at all. We have to step up if we want to keep Gloucester safely away from us. They even briefly held the top spot before losing to Kettering in game 25. It has become a two horse race. Who will blink first? FA Trophy Not a good season in the cups. Not a good one at all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 6, 2017 Author Share Posted March 6, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - January 2018 - FC United of Manchester National League North An absolutely huge month for a number of reasons. First of all, we started it with a vital win against our main rival. Second, we got through the last fixture congestion unharmed - from now on we will be only playing weekly. Third, we only conceded one goal and that was a penalty against North Ferriby. And finally, the league is ours to lose now. We're strong. We have the quality. We just need to keep things on track. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 6, 2017 Author Share Posted March 6, 2017 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 6, 2017 Author Share Posted March 6, 2017 The interesting thing is that my reputation seems to be skyrocketing, now at 25%. Each time a job in the National League opens up, my profile shows interest from the club. It even says Ruch Chorzów from the Polish top flight is interested at the moment. That said, I'm still yet to receive an interview offer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 6, 2017 Author Share Posted March 6, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - February 2018 - FC United of Manchester National League North We lost a game. In all honesty though, we had it coming. We had some lucky wins before, now it came back to bite us in the arse. Eight games left, we have a seven point advantage. Don't let it slip, pretty please. Youth Intake Two potentially interesting players. I like the look of Warnock, he certainly does have a couple of useful traits. Philip Olsen Alex Warnock Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noikeee Posted March 7, 2017 Share Posted March 7, 2017 Bit of a bad month, but the way this season is going I'd be surprised if you're not going up as champions. Good job so far. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 7, 2017 Author Share Posted March 7, 2017 1 hour ago, noikeee said: Bit of a bad month, but the way this season is going I'd be surprised if you're not going up as champions. Good job so far. It certainly wasn't our best month, the games have been really narrow though and with some slightly better luck we should be able to sail smoothly for the title. Thanks for the comment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 7, 2017 Author Share Posted March 7, 2017 Balls. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 7, 2017 Author Share Posted March 7, 2017 Jakub Słota's Management Career - March 2018 - FC United of Manchester National League North Back to our ways. Yet another unbeaten month, not even our goalkeeper's injury prior to the Boston United game could stop us. We're not letting this slip now, I can't even think of the size of the catastrophe it would take to make us throw the title away. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted March 8, 2017 Author Share Posted March 8, 2017 It had been coming. We clinch the title with three games to spare. Pleasant as always. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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