smp20 Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 Take Us Out Of This Eely Swamp Land: Ely City F.C. So I've decided to take over one of my local clubs that I have coaching ties to in real life. Ely City F.C. play in the Eastern Counties League in the 9th tier of English football. The 'city' of 20k inhabitants is famous for it's Cathedral and it's name means 'island of eels' as back before the Fens were drained in the 1600s it was and island surrounded by swampland. Its now time to take the club from the dark ages to the English football league. Of course I will be focusing on youth development as usual and I will be signing local players as much as possible to keep it realistic (or indeed players at the club IRL but not in the game). Very little in the way of facilities to start with, as expected with a club of this level. The Unwin is a nice little ground though! I've already played the first couple of months (Jul/Aug 2017) of the save and this is how it stands: Transfers Harry Reynolds, Sam Reed and Deakin Napier all play for Ely IRL so I made it my aim to bring them in. I added McNulty and Harnwell, two former Cambridge Utd youth products, who will add depth to our squad. Marc Abbott is from my hometown and I know him well, but unfortunately he's been released already after a bad injury. Craig Nurse is our 'hard man' in midfield, while Lawton and the Saunders twins add physicality up front and at the back. Ashley Cain is a speed merchant who will be a superb impact sub. Tactics Tactic's wise I'm keeping it pretty simple with a balanced 4-4-2. We will try to play it out, but if we can't we won't be afraid to go direct to our TM. We will be relying on wing play to create our chances and a traditional front pairing. I don't want to give the opposition any time or space on the ball so we're stopping them play it out from the keeper, marking them tight and closing down at all times. Staff Yes that's right, me and Chadders are doing it for nothing! Love of the game. Other staff needed to be paid to be interested, but we've got a decent GK coach, fitness coach and some local non-coaching roles. August Results & September Fixtures A very solid start and we're still in the FA Cup! Though next we face Shoreham of the 8th tier so they could be tricky. The media predict us to finish top (4th before our signings) and I reckon we've got it about us to do it. Of course at this level only one team goes up so we need to avoid any long blips of form. Players This is our squad - 13 of whom are actual players from last season that started at the club or I brought in - and the rest are my signings. I think it's a well balanced squad, althought it's clear that Sam Reed is too good for this level. Key Men Sam could play at a much higher level, but I'm glad he's opted to play for us like he does IRL. He's got good pace, movement and can finish - exactly what you want from an advanced forward. Watch out slow defenders, he loves to beat your offside trap. 'Deaks' is a tricky winger with a bit of pace. IRL he's Ely's most impressive player and he's not bad in FM too. After a successful trial I opted to sign Carlito to give us a physical presence up top. At 6'5 and nearly 16 stone, he's an immovable object that will strike fear in the defenders and complimenting Reed well. IRL Reynolds is on trial at St Neots of Tier 7 after a fanastic 2016/17 campaign for Ely; I fully expect him to be superb between the sticks for us. Saunders is a well balanced winger who is our best performer so far in the league. Him and Reedy have been insane. Manager This is me, as true to real life as possible. Steve Evans, the hatred is mutual you crooked barstard. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 10, 2018 Author Share Posted July 10, 2018 September Results A couple of loses in the league but we're still going strong in the FA Cup and we're just one win away from the first round proper. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 10, 2018 Author Share Posted July 10, 2018 Tough draw, Maidenhead are mid-table 4 leagues above us. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Constantine Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 Winning FA Cup in your third or fourth season. Calling it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 10, 2018 Author Share Posted July 10, 2018 6 minutes ago, Constantine said: Winning FA Cup in your third or fourth season. Calling it. Christ that would be nuts Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 10, 2018 Author Share Posted July 10, 2018 First upgrades Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 10, 2018 Author Share Posted July 10, 2018 Continued through to the end of 2017 and we're still right up there . We made it all the way to the FA Cup first round proper after beating Maidenhead from 4 levels above us, what a win. We were rewarded an away tie against Scunthorpe, who annihilated us 7-0. We're still going in the FA Vase, but we face Cray Paper Mills who have Kevin Lisbie . Sam Reed is still smashing the charts, his partner Lawton is also impressing. Deakin Napier has been our best creator - my fave IRL too! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 11, 2018 Author Share Posted July 11, 2018 Youth Intake 2018 A decent intake with a crop of players that could become stars at this level; whether they can go above that it's uncertain. Our HOYD highlighted the keeper as the hottest prospect, while Atkinson is the player closest to being first team ready. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 11, 2018 Author Share Posted July 11, 2018 League Table ~ Results ~ Transfers ~ Facilities ~ Finances Unfortunately we fell away from Wroxham who won the title with 100 points. It was disappointing to finish in 3rd below Coggeshall; they will be tough again next season. I switched to an attacking, very fluid approach which is more fitting with how I like to see football played. We lost our keeper Harry Reynolds and ball-winner Craig Nurse which impacted our first 11 negatively, however Harry is already back and Nurse is likely to return too after being released. It's a bit of a merry go round at this level. We've managed two upgrades to our JC and YR, while we are looking financially healthy thanks to our cup run and all of our players now playing for nothing. Reed, Napier and J. Saunders have been our standout players. We really need to improve our backline if we stand a chance of going up next season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ITFC_Blue Posted July 11, 2018 Share Posted July 11, 2018 Good luck, will be following. Out of curiosity, are you from Ipswich (noticed it on your staff page)? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 11, 2018 Author Share Posted July 11, 2018 14 minutes ago, ITFC_Blue said: Good luck, will be following. Out of curiosity, are you from Ipswich (noticed it on your staff page)? Cheers! I was born there but only spent first 2 years of my life there. Did grow up in Suffolk though, albeit west! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidthekid Posted July 11, 2018 Share Posted July 11, 2018 I like this save, must be crazy coaching people you actually know Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManUtd1 Posted July 11, 2018 Share Posted July 11, 2018 1 minute ago, kidthekid said: I like this save, must be crazy coaching people you actually know "Don't let me down like you did last night in the FA Cup qualifiers, Sam." "Ehh...FA Cup...?" "You know what you did." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidthekid Posted July 11, 2018 Share Posted July 11, 2018 3 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said: "Don't let me down like you did last night in the FA Cup qualifiers, Sam." "Ehh...FA Cup...?" "You know what you did." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dllu Posted July 12, 2018 Share Posted July 12, 2018 9 hours ago, kidthekid said: I like this save, must be crazy coaching people you actually know I'm doing the same in my Thisted save. It's actually quite interesting to see how right (or wrong) the FM scouts got it sometimes... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timetxu Posted July 12, 2018 Share Posted July 12, 2018 Are some of the players in the game actually the ones you're managing? Because if so, are... YOU in the game??!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidthekid Posted July 12, 2018 Share Posted July 12, 2018 14 minutes ago, dllu said: I'm doing the same in my Thisted save. It's actually quite interesting to see how right (or wrong) the FM scouts got it sometimes... Awesome. Are you writing a thread on it or it's a personal save? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dllu Posted July 12, 2018 Share Posted July 12, 2018 9 minutes ago, kidthekid said: Awesome. Are you writing a thread on it or it's a personal save? https://community.sigames.com/topic/353382-fm13-thisted-city-on-the-edge-of-forever/ Sure, it's veered off a bit from the original idea, but from the start I was doing something similar to what smp20 is doing here. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 12, 2018 Author Share Posted July 12, 2018 10 hours ago, kidthekid said: I like this save, must be crazy coaching people you actually know It is pretty nuts, adds a bit of immersion I've not had with a real lower league save before. 10 hours ago, ManUtd1 said: "Don't let me down like you did last night in the FA Cup qualifiers, Sam." "Ehh...FA Cup...?" "You know what you did." Reedy won't let me down... 44 minutes ago, dllu said: I'm doing the same in my Thisted save. It's actually quite interesting to see how right (or wrong) the FM scouts got it sometimes... Ooohh interesting, will check it out! Yeah I imagine that a lot of the attributes and player info is randomly generated...I've got a player 6'6 in game when IRL he's about 5'8.... 40 minutes ago, Timetxu said: Are some of the players in the game actually the ones you're managing? Because if so, are... YOU in the game??!! There are 12 players at the club that are on the books IRL - think I signed 3 of them. Also a few players that were there in 15/16 or 16/17 but left. Unfortunately I'm not in the game as I've only been involved with the club for the last month and I'm first team coach - only the manager is in the game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 12, 2018 Author Share Posted July 12, 2018 2018/19 Early Season Update With the exception of a slip up against Haverhill Rovers we've had an impressive start this season. However, so have a few other teams including Stowmarket still with a 100% record. We need to maintain this level of performance to have a chance of overtaking them. We've switched out the target man for a defensive forward and young Jon Williams has been a revelation in the role. We face Salford away in the 3rd qualifying round of the FA Cup which will prove difficult. We've brought in a lot of released Cambridge Utd youngsters who I hope can realise their potential here at Ely. Transfers Results & Fixtures League Table Player Stats Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobby_McDonald Posted July 12, 2018 Share Posted July 12, 2018 Can't believe you aren't top with all those wins. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 13, 2018 Author Share Posted July 13, 2018 9 hours ago, Nobby_McDonald said: Can't believe you aren't top with all those wins. Yeah, Stowmarket have had an amazing start Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 13, 2018 Author Share Posted July 13, 2018 What a win!!!! We managed to take professional Salford all the way to extra time and of course Reedy popped up with the winner. We've got a very winnable game in the 4th qualifying round against a team at our level but struggling. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 13, 2018 Author Share Posted July 13, 2018 Well that was disappointing . 10 men after 30 seconds, but we were 2-0 and 3--1 up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 14, 2018 Author Share Posted July 14, 2018 Youth Intake 2019 Very excited about Justin Dale . A star in the making, just needs a bit of tutoring. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 14, 2018 Author Share Posted July 14, 2018 This is how the league stands at the moment. Coggeshall are level with us, but we have a game in hand. Stowmarket could get within 2 points of us if we lose our game in hand and they win their two. It's tense! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 14, 2018 Author Share Posted July 14, 2018 It's looking like a title race with Coggeshall and an outside chance for Stowmarket. Of course we play them both! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 15, 2018 Author Share Posted July 15, 2018 We did it!!! Reedy is the hero, scoring a hat-trick in both of the big games. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 15, 2018 Author Share Posted July 15, 2018 League Table ~ Club Info ~ Facilities ~ Transfers ~ Finances It was a great title chase all the way to the final two games and we managed to finish ahead of Coggeshall. If Stowmarket had continued their early form it could easy have been 3 teams on 110+ points. Sam Reed and Deakin Napier have been the stars of the season, 2 players at the club in real life. Deeks has even become a club legend . We lost Jon Williams, Matty Taylor and Jack Mills before Christmas which sparked a mass signing of lots of former Cambridge Utd players. With the exception of Hoyte and Guy, the latter who become a fan favourite in just one loan spell, they all came through Cambridge's academy. Our youth setup has had a further couple of upgrades to Good JC and Above Average YR. With all of our players on amateur contracts we're in a decent financial position, though I'm looking forward to when we can offer proper part-time contracts to offer a bit of protection for our top players. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 15, 2018 Author Share Posted July 15, 2018 And he's back Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 15, 2018 Author Share Posted July 15, 2018 We're now in the Isthmian North League and we're expected to do well - outside chance of the playoffs. A few local derbies in there - Bury Town, St Ives and Mildenhall. I've been offered a proper part-time contract and I can now offer part-time contracts to players Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToMexico!! Posted July 15, 2018 Share Posted July 15, 2018 Completly missed this somehow, I live about 20 minutes from Ely. Seen them play a few times when Lynn first reformed after their administration. I see Jamie Alsop is still there after a couple of seasons with Lynn. Good luck for the forthcoming season Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 15, 2018 Author Share Posted July 15, 2018 7 minutes ago, ToMexico!! said: Completly missed this somehow, I live about 20 minutes from Ely. Seen them play a few times when Lynn first reformed after their administration. I see Jamie Alsop is still there after a couple of seasons with Lynn. Good luck for the forthcoming season Cheers! Ah I know Lynn well, it's my nearest big town. Jamie Alsop is indeed still at Ely, had a bad injury last season but is back fit and will be first choice LB (IRL) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 15, 2018 Author Share Posted July 15, 2018 Love it when this happens! He's got a real chance of breaking into the first team now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToMexico!! Posted July 15, 2018 Share Posted July 15, 2018 22 minutes ago, smp20 said: Cheers! Ah I know Lynn well, it's my nearest big town. Jamie Alsop is indeed still at Ely, had a bad injury last season but is back fit and will be first choice LB (IRL) I live in Downham so not far from either if I want to go watch some lower league games. If I get bored of my current save it will probably be another Lower League save with Downham Town. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 15, 2018 Author Share Posted July 15, 2018 1 hour ago, ToMexico!! said: I live in Downham so not far from either if I want to go watch some lower league games. If I get bored of my current save it will probably be another Lower League save with Downham Town. Small world, so do I! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 15, 2018 Author Share Posted July 15, 2018 Got myself a new captain! He's the highest earner at the club by far, but he'll be worth it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenzar Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 You might have Ely, but I see your 20k city and 'raise' you Wells with 10k. Going nicely, mind! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 16, 2018 Author Share Posted July 16, 2018 6 hours ago, Lenzar said: You might have Ely, but I see your 20k city and 'raise' you Wells with 10k. Going nicely, mind! Ah yes, the smallest city in England, if you discount City of London. Ely had the mantle years ago before it started to get majorly developed. Cheers, enjoying it so far! Hopefully get a few more at the games soon, still getting around 150 crowds. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nobby_McDonald Posted July 16, 2018 Share Posted July 16, 2018 Very well done SMP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 17, 2018 Author Share Posted July 17, 2018 14 hours ago, Nobby_McDonald said: Very well done SMP. Cheers @Nobby_McDonald Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 17, 2018 Author Share Posted July 17, 2018 2019/20 Mid-Season Update So we've had a ridiculous start in the league, I believe turning into a proper semi-pro outfit has really helped me put together a better side. 100% record going into the new year . We had a good run in the FA Cup before getting knocked out by Braintree, but we were knocked out early on in the league cup and FA Trophy. Nevermind we can have another go at it next season, it would be nice to grab a cup! Transfer wise we brought in even more former Cambridge lads and some local players. We've got quality depth for the first time. Williams and Osei have formed a formidable partnership up top, while Waldren has bossed the midfield and grabbed a lot of goals as well, a fair few pens. We could still do with improving our central defence, I hope I can bring in a top local target soon. League Table Cup Runs Transfers Player Stats Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToMexico!! Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 Great start to the season, going unbeaten the whole league season would be a great achievement WIlliams and Osei are on fire A lot of players brought in with first names beginning with J. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 17, 2018 Author Share Posted July 17, 2018 7 hours ago, ToMexico!! said: Great start to the season, going unbeaten the whole league season would be a great achievement WIlliams and Osei are on fire A lot of players brought in with first names beginning with J. Cheers - Yeah Williams-Osei have been keeping Reedy out the side - i just lost to the illustrious Bowers & Pitsea so I can't go unbeaten oh well, looks like we'll be going up to the next level . Good spot, it certainly wasn't intentional! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 17, 2018 Author Share Posted July 17, 2018 We may be a small semi-pro club, but our junior coaching is exceptional Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 17, 2018 Author Share Posted July 17, 2018 Class of 2020 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidthekid Posted July 17, 2018 Share Posted July 17, 2018 incredible intake but even better season. 27 games 27 won Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 18, 2018 Author Share Posted July 18, 2018 9 hours ago, kidthekid said: incredible intake but even better season. 27 games 27 won Unfortunately we couldn't keep up the streak, but that intake is one of my all time faves! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smp20 Posted July 18, 2018 Author Share Posted July 18, 2018 Overall a high quality season, we romped the league and we did well in the FA Cup, narrowly missing out on getting to the 1st Round. League Table All 3 games in which we dropped points were away from home therefore we boasted a 100% home record. Osei bagged 5 goals in the final game of the season, a 5-5 thriller vs Brightlingsea Regent, to draw level with Williams on 42 league goals. Our only potentially challengers Wroxham had a striker that banged in 53 league goals . Facilities We haven't had the dosh to upgrade our facilities, but our youth setup is up there with the best in the country . Finances As expected with a new wage structure, i.e. actually having to pay our players, and a substantial outlay for our youth setup we find ourselves in a small amount of debt. Ideally next season we will have a good cup run as I can't see our general income increasing too much next season. Player Stats Of course Osei and Williams took the plaudits this season, but we had a good squad all round with some players, such as Deakin Napier, performing well above their abilities. Top Performer Profiles Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToMexico!! Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 Great season, 155 league goals is an amazing tally. That guy from Wroxham then scoring half of his clubs league goals on his own Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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