[FM22] It's only Estonia throw away - A build a nation save

[danielgear]

End of season 3 review
We finished our 3rd season in Estonia as manager of FC Flora as secured our 3rd title in a row on the final day. Nomme Kalju have been our main challengers each season, finishing 2nd twice once by 1point and goal difference of -3 behind us. They're also the club that until this point we have given the most money to through transfers, So they're doing something right. Below them its anyones game,
This season was probably our weakest yet. We started really strong straight away building up a great gap but when we hit the summer our players were knackered and our form changed. We started missing chances we would finish before and conceding late goals. 
Having looked at it we dominated games but we actually turnt over possession more than any other team in the league, so late in the year we changed it up by reducing the tempo and directness of our play to see if that changed anything and we managed to make a late run to secure the title. 
We had a hard group in the Europa Conference League but we gave it our best shot but it was the same time as our poor form. I'd really like to make Europa at least next season. Onto the players..

Goalkeepers



Nomm played every game for us, averaging 6.94. he has been solid for me but we do have a young player coming through who at some point will be challenging him.



Moskvin was promoted to the U21s last season aged 16 and was their player of the season. arguably he is probably the better keeper already but he is still only 17 and Nomm hasn't let me down yet. The issue I have is he's wanted by a few Swiss, Polish and Russian clubs are following him so I also don't want to annoy Nomm dropping him if Moskvin then gets snapped up.
My current plan is for Moskvin to have a second season for the U21s before taking over the first team role aged 18 in season 5.

Right Back



Lilander is a perfect example of players I didn't rotate enough last season with him starting 50 matches, This next season we have let Jarviste go and we have two young right backs who will be rotating in and potentially pushing on for the starting position

 

Both need to improve they will be getting U21 and first team game time to hopefully speed up their development.

Left Backs



Elhi has been steady but picks up a lot of niggles, I've already mentioned I've signed Jarvelaid to be the new starter and Elhi will drop down to backup. From both left back and right back I do want more offensive returns next season.

Centre backs



The same 3 rotated as last year and all 3 again have been solid. averaging around the 7.0 mark rating. We have promoted one player whos outgrown the U21s now for the next season to offer more rotation . 



Subka comes in with a chance to take the step up to top flight football and give us a 4th option at centre back.

Centre Midfield



Sommets was the main star again, most minutes, most goals, most assists and highest rating. Poom was steady rotating with Jermatsenko in the middle. Shein hasn't made the cut and has been moved on this winter. Vaher left after a 6 month stay and Valja has another year to earn his spot. They will be joined by new signing Lepistu and after a brilliant preseason 16 year old Sander Poom (as mentioned above not a son) next season.

Right Midfield



Alliku at 33 is still the main man playing over 50 games scoring 13 setting up 11. Viidas came in and hes been given a few chances and done well and next season along with 16 year old Karibov they will be looking to take over as the long term successor. Mannilaan and Jarviste have both left the club.

Left Midfield



Next season I want more from Kosker, in his defence he has been rotating between left back and midfield all season but with Lepik leaving and Hansen as the rotating option he will be the mainstay and he needs to increase his output, he massively underperformed his xG last year and only set up 8 goals. 



52 starts 52 goals for the FC Flora legend Sapovalov and still aged only 20. Kauber underwhelmed but still set up the same amount as Sapovalov so thats one thing to look at but Sapovalovs stats are crazy, outperforming his xG by 15 goals he's been voted the best player in the league and we need to get more out of his. Personally amazed he's still here.



Off the pitch we have made more upgrades





Another staff member gets a top flight job



more fans are coming to watch the team aswell.



And we have made our first "big" sale of a youth prospect



Ivanov was top scorer for the u19s last season and Grasshoppers came in with an offer, whilsy €185,000 doesn't seem like a massive fee its the biggest fee i have received at the 40% of profit could be a good sum in the future as his value shot up to €650,000 after the move. We had no further signings in the winter window but we did ship a few out.





And every single one of them have already been picked up by another club so hopefully they can help other clubs improve. 

Looking forward to the season ahead I do want to try and control games more and have a consistent season not as dramatic end as last season as also try and intergrate a few more youngsters into the first team squad whilst scouting around for improvements from other clubs.

[Draakon]

You just have to love how out of touch with reality FM sometimes are. 1,644 average attendance?

I'd say that in reality average is somewhere around 200-300. Usually there around 200 crowd in Estonian Meistriliiga and for example - the last season's final match between Flora and FCI Levadia that was played in December brought just over 1,000 crowd (but it was the last match day and the title decider, so definitely not your average game). The ways how that FM can project the crowd attendance to grow 8x over just two years is something that Estonian FA would love to learn from.

[danielgear]

4 minutes ago, Draakon said:

You just have to love how out of touch with reality FM sometimes are. 1,644 average attendance?

I'd say that in reality average is somewhere around 200-300. Usually there around 200 crowd in Estonian Meistriliiga and for example - the last season's final match between Flora and FCI Levadia that was played in December brought just over 1,000 crowd (but it was the last match day and the title decider, so definitely not your average game). The ways how that FM can project the crowd attendance to grow 8x over just two years is something that Estonian FA would love to learn from.

I’d imagine the games projected it as a knock on effect of me qualifying to the Europa Conference league first knockout round and also the groups 3 years in a row as well as 3 titles in a row would attract some more fans. I do think in the first season our average was about 800? 

[danielgear]

It’s also not an out of the box league so it’s probably database related too

[_Ben_]

On 05/03/2022 at 10:16, danielgear said:

And every single one of them have already been picked up by another club so hopefully they can help other clubs improve. 

Everything looking great so far @danielgear! I love the above quote. You're now surpassing the quality of the rest of the league yet you're still able to give them players to help them develop. That's the key behind growing the league as a whole.

Anything planned to off-season? Bigger targets next year?

[danielgear]

42 minutes ago, _Ben_ said:

Everything looking great so far @danielgear! I love the above quote. You're now surpassing the quality of the rest of the league yet you're still able to give them players to help them develop. That's the key behind growing the league as a whole.

Anything planned to off-season? Bigger targets next year?

Cheers Ben, It is great to see them getting picked up and strengthening other clubs my one concern was the AI wouldn’t pick them up and they’d just retire but every single one was. 
The majority are good enough top flight players and will get games. Plus it also means those clubs don’t have to spend money yet can improve. I will keep an eye on a few of the ones who were close to staying to see how they develop. 

3 areas I’m looking to improve either through signings or promotion of youth in the next 12-24 months are a replacement/upgrade on Kosker at left midfield. A new partner for Sommets in the middle, MPoom has done well but I’d like to get more out of that position, the youngster Sander Poom could be one to watch there already and the final one is at right back. As I mentioned above I do have two youngsters in Kaos and Mark but neither feel like an upgrade. We’re in that sort of strange position domestically where the newgens are too young to be viable options but the real players aren’t any better. There is one right back I’ve been following Ojamma but he plays for a rival and he doesn’t feel like a big enough upgrade to weaken them. 
I did agree a swap deal plus cash to swap with my current right back but he wouldn’t agree terms with them. 
There’s a few international players that play abroad who I’d love to sign and have tried a few times but currently the league is a step down for them. 
 

On the pitch the need for more European knock out games is the main target. We need to make sure we’re winning titles to get that Champions league playoff berth as we’re the nations best chance of increasing or improving the European spots we get going forward.

[_Ben_]

1 hour ago, danielgear said:

On the pitch the need for more European knock out games is the main target. We need to make sure we’re winning titles to get that Champions league playoff berth as we’re the nations best chance of increasing or improving the European spots we get going forward.

Ambitious but got to happen if you want to start making real moves in the country.

Anything new coming internationally?

[danielgear]

Just now, _Ben_ said:

Ambitious but got to happen if you want to start making real moves in the country.

Anything new coming internationally?

There’s an 18 year old winger at Benfica who’s looking good other than that it’s just Moskvin, Poom and Karibov who I have. It’s great to see a rival produce a player like Karibov aged 16 though hopefully that’s a good sign going forward. All my national team staff are saying call him up already. 

[_Ben_]

5 minutes ago, danielgear said:

There’s an 18 year old winger at Benfica who’s looking good other than that it’s just Moskvin, Poom and Karibov who I have. It’s great to see a rival produce a player like Karibov aged 16 though hopefully that’s a good sign going forward. All my national team staff are saying call him up already. 

Have you posted a screenshot of the Benfica lad? I like Karibov (making sure my Estonia hat is on rather than my Russian one) but would say he's somewhat limited. However, for the level you're at, his age and, actually, how good he is at what he needs to do make him a great option!

[danielgear]

7 minutes ago, _Ben_ said:

Have you posted a screenshot of the Benfica lad? I like Karibov (making sure my Estonia hat is on rather than my Russian one) but would say he's somewhat limited. However, for the level you're at, his age and, actually, how good he is at what he needs to do make him a great option!

I haven’t, I will do next time I’m on, again he’s like Karibov, limited but for an Estonian he looks good. I’ve tried to sign him but no interest in stepping down to our level. 
Hoping to develop Karibov as much as I can in the time he’s here, hopefully he can get picked up by a bigger club and improve at a higher level. 

[danielgear]

here is the 18 year old Benfica have just sold him @_Ben_

 

[danielgear]

Preseason and March 2024

After the issues last season with with fatigue and fitness I'm really focusing on rotation, rest and recuperation this season. with a potential 60 game season and still a small first team squad as I want the U21s and U19s to be competitive in their divisions I don't want to promote players just to take a bench spot. 



4 pre season games just to get basic fitness levels up, this is the first change i've made this season. With 17 games in March, April and May I'm hoping they will gain fitness through these early games and peak by the summer when we start our European adventure. 4 wins and plenty of rotation.





We started the season nearly losing to local rivals Levadia but Kauber came off the bench to snatch a point for us. We then won the Superkarikas Vs Nomme Kalji with Sapovalov getting the winner. Sander Poom made an instant impact this season with a hat trick from centre midfield with Karibov also getting his first senior goal as we beat newly promoted Narva JK Trans 5-1 and Kauber getting the 5th. Alliku is out for 3 months so this gives Karibov and Viidas more chances and both have taken it, Viidas scored a double in a 3-0 win over Vasprus with Sapovalov also on the scoresheet. We rounded off the opening month with a 4-0 with over Tartu JK with 4 different scorers, Sommets, Kosker, Valja and Viidas again. 
A solid start to the season 13 points from a possible 15, We've managed to rotate plenty and with 14 goals we have also had 8 different scorers. 

We had two friendlies with the National team this month as well and I was keen to try a new formation that suited the players we have in the squad rather than try and fit the players into the 4141 and this is what we have come up with.







The change in tactic seemed to help improve performances, with two draws this month. We should have won vs Greece but we conceded a late set piece but its a decent start to the change of tactic and something to build on and with the Nations league draw looking favourable maybe we might see some improvements soon on the international stage.



I think theres 6 potential winnable games there, All will be close affairs but if we can play well I think theres a chance to improve our ranking at least if not top the group.

[danielgear]

April 2024

I've been playing a lot this week and forgetting to update so I'm going to catch up the posts now before carrying on any more. After March we topped the table and we wanted to carry that form into April.





A 0-0 draw with newly promoted Talinna Kalev wasn't the best start to the month in a game we dominated but at least we bounced back by beating Kuressaare 3-0 with goals from M Poom, Kosker and Sapovalov. We made it 7 unbeaten by thumping Nomme Kalji 3-0 Lepistu got his first goal since signing from a free kick after Sapovalov and Sommets fired us into a 2-0 lead. Next up was TJK Legion in which we ran out 3-0 winners again, Sapovalov got a double with Kosker also on the scoresheet. 16 year old Karibov was the only scorer as we beat Tulevik 1-0 away before beating Tartu JK 2-0 away thanks to an own goal and a Kosker winner to secure the victory. We rounded off a busy month winning a 3rd game in a rown beating rivals Levadia 3-0 with Sapovalov getting two and Sander Poom also on the scoresheet. 
Two months 12 games unbeaten so far. I've been thinking of improvements and with Kosker and Kauber out of contract this winter these and the two areas im looking to improve if possible otherwise I'll renew their deals. Kauber has been disappointing since signing and Kosker has been solid but he's now the weakest in the squad as the squad improves.



We've opened an early 9 point lead but history tells us we start dropping points in the summer so its much needed.

[danielgear]

May 2024

I talked about areas to look at improving (Right back, Centre Midfield, Left Midfield and backup striker) I think I can cross off Centre midfield as Sander Poom has emerged! At Just 16 he has pushed Marcus Poom down to 3rd choice as he partners Sommets in the two advanced of the 3 central midfielders and he has an eye for goal too. Can we keep him? That is the question





We started May with a 1-0 win over Kuressaare with Sander Poom getting the winner and man of the match award. A Sapovalov double helped us beat Narva JK 2-1 before he scored 4 to beat Vasprus 4-1, He earnt himself a rest vs Tallinna Kalev and we managed to win 4-0 without him and 4 different scorers, Alliku returned from Injury scored then got injured for another 4 months, Sander Poom scored again and Koskor and Lepistu were both also on the scoresheet. Sapovalov returned from his rest to destroy Nomme Kalju with a hat trick as Viidas and Sommets also scored in the 5-1 win.



A 15 point lead at the end of may and a 16 game unbeaten start to the season the tactical change seemed to have made a difference as we seem calmer infront of goal. I mentioned Alliku getting a second long term injury, coupled with him hitting 35 and his contract running out this winter I've made the hard decision not to renew the clubs most appearance holder for another year following the emergence of Karibov and Viidas. I'm hopeful another Estonian club will pick him up on a free as hes still a decent player but like Kosker the squad has moved beyond him. The June transfer window is now open and I have 3 targets in mind.

[danielgear]

June 2024

June is a short month domestically this month on the pitch but not off it. We managed to bring in two of my three targets and also let one player leave.



With 6 months left on his deal I've let Kauber leave. He really hasn't made an impact here and I'm hopeful he can get back into form at TJK Legion. We got no fee and are paying half his wages but we save half his wages for 6 months too. I went straight out to replace him as I wanted a experienced back up to Sapovalov, This player i nearly signed in the winter as he took the second division by storm last year scoring 28 in 36 but I wanted to see how he got on in top flight following his teams promotion and he's done well.



As you can see he's moved up from the third division at the start of the game and has scored at each level so this was very appealing as we will create chances for him.



€100,000 with a 40% sell on fee was agreed to get him in the door and at 27 he's a nice age for the squad. He won't be a starter but he will get game time as we rotate Sapovalov more often when the European games start.



A 2* squad player but his stats don't lie, he can score at every level and if he does that here which Kauber didn't I'll be a happy man.

Next in was a player I've been following from the start on the save but never pulled the trigger as I had Kosker and other option but now seems like the right time.



€105,000 gets Pavel Marin through the door. I tried to add a sell on % but they locked it in as non negotiable when I enquired.



An upgrade on Kosker (who we still have until winter) And at 28 he won't block the pathway for my youngsters long term, I'll look to add a few traits but he suits the IW role a lot more than Kosker ever did.





A 4-1 thumping of TJK Legion started the month off well with Lepistu, Sander Poom, Kosker and Lipp all on the scoresheet before a 1-0 win over Tulevik thanks to a late Sapovalov penalty secured the points.



Sitting nicely at the top of the table and rotation is working all the players are fit and we have had the emergence of Poom and Karibov



As you can see here they are both getting game time and starts, Poom has 7 goals and 2 assists, Karibov has 2 goals and 5 assists. Both are only 17 years old and have taken to top flight football with ease. Karibov averaging 3.66 dribbles per 90 and a 84% pass completion. I'd like to focus on getting his chance creation and assists up so far so good. Poom started off as more of an impact/rotation from the bench but hes outperforming his xG 7 goals from an xG of 3.14 and 36 shots. His 68.24 passes per 90 with a 89% completion are great to see with 2.47 of them being key every 90 minutes. Both players have over 7.0 average match rating and have made encouraging starts. Its interesting to see that the Assistant thinks poom is already close to his maximum potential ability but Karibov has a lot more to grow. We will keep an eye on both of these but my decision to make them skip youth and U21 football seems to be paying off. Both being far too good for that level.
With these two youngsters doing well we also had the good news of more potential stars coming in the next intake



More good news followed this with improvements for our club and league rankings





The league is into the top 100 in europe now and we are up to the 76th best team, I was hopeful this would help tempt some Estonian internationals back to the country. We had transfers and loans agreed for Jonas Toom but the player rejected both despite being 32, transfer listed and not getting much gametime. He would have been my best centre back too. I'll try again in the winter.

We also had two more international games this month





Beating Moldova who are in our nations league group was a great start with Sorga scoring the only goal before we beat Malta 3-0 with Sorga scoring 2 and Sappinen the other. The tactic change seems to suit us better and hopefully going into the September internationals we can get results in competitive games.

 

[AcidBurn]

Sander Poom is a strong name

[danielgear]

1 minute ago, AcidBurn said:

Sander Poom is a strong name

He’s been a strong player 

[danielgear]

BREAKING NEWS



After 125 goals in 3 years for the club. one of the Russian Premier League clubs finally pulled the trigger and with his head turnt he leaves for a potential €250,000. The major issue we have is the transfer window has closed. We have European games so new signing Andre Jarva has just gone from back up striker to leading the line and at a time when we are trying to qualify for European football. 

[danielgear]

July 2024

As mentioned above Sapovalov left the club this month and a lot of pressure goes onto Jarva's shoulders to fill his boots. With the registration window closed domestically we have picked one player to play back up in the league and one in Europe.

Sevastyan Ehin who we signed in my first season has 17 goals in 19 games for the U21s but he can't be registered for the first team so he will be the European games back up. Joonas Nuuma 17 year old can play for the first team so he will be back up domestically.



Ehin is out of contract this winter and is wanted by a few top division sides on a free so we will have a decision to make there, I've also got my scouts out looking for another Estonian striker for next season to partner Jarva as I think senior football is way too soon for Nuuma.





We started July off with a 2-2 draw with second place Levadia new signing Marin getting a double, Sapovalov scored his 125th and potentially last ever goal for the club in a 3-0 first leg win over NSI Runavik with Lipp and Jarva (scoring his first of hopefully many for the club) The second leg was also 3-0 with goals from 3 new players this season in Jarva, Lepistu and Marin to secure a 6-0 passage to the next round. Next Jarva made it 3 goals in 3 games in a 4-2 win over Kuressaare, Sommets and Kosker also scored along with an own goal. Jarva made it 4 in 4 in a 3-1 1st leg loss to Astana before he grabbed a last min winner in a 1-0 win over his former club Narva Jk. A 95th minute winner for Astana knocked us out of the champions league as we had been leading 3-1 thanks to Jarva, Poom and Ehin all scoring.



Jarva has stepped straight into Sapovalov's boots since he left scoring 6 goals in 6 games so hopefully the loss won't be noticed. We top the table by 14 points and we are looking good for our 4th title in 4 years. We also had the good news of some upgrades this month.




The youth recruitment and training facilities both received investment to help us keep improving off the pitch. We also lost another staff member to a top flight job



He actually replaced my former assistant manger so another sign of us developing not just players but staff too. I've mentioned the youth a lot and both are having great seasons so far. The U21s can't get promoted to the same division as me but it looks like the U19s can go in the same division as the U21s so we could potentially have 3 teams in the top 2 divisions.



The U21s are second and look on course for a top 3 finish



The U19s are top and again look on course for a top 3 finish. It will be interesting if they do get promoted to have both teams in the second division.

We dropped into the Europa League and we have been drawn against Derry City so hopefully we can get past them and into the group stages

[Matty Aqua]

On 11/03/2022 at 10:12, danielgear said:

BREAKING NEWS



After 125 goals in 3 years for the club. one of the Russian Premier League clubs finally pulled the trigger and with his head turnt he leaves for a potential €250,000. The major issue we have is the transfer window has closed. We have European games so new signing Andre Jarva has just gone from back up striker to leading the line and at a time when we are trying to qualify for European football. 

Sapovalov! 💔 has been a massive signing! well worth the €90,000 spent on him!, what does his attributes look like now after a few seasons of good football?

Did the DOF navigate this deal?

[danielgear]

13 hours ago, Matty Aqua said:

Sapovalov! 💔 has been a massive signing! well worth the €90,000 spent on him!, what does his attributes look like now after a few seasons of good football?

Did the DOF navigate this deal?

Here's his attributes when he joined vs when he left. 

Increases - 
Corners 2>3
Dribbling 8>9
Long Throws 6>7
Penalty taking 7>8
Anticipation 10>12
Bravery 8>9
Composure 12>13
Decisions 6>8
Determination 8>9
Leadership 7>10
Off the ball 13>14
vision 7>9
Acceleration 14>15
Balance 6>8
Stamina 11>13
Strength 3>6

TOTAL INCREASE = 25 ATTRIBUTE POINTS



Decreases
Crossing 4>3
Concentration 5>4
positioning 7>6

TOTAL DECREASE = 3

OVERALL = 22 ATTRIBUTE POINT INCREASE

He improved nicely over the 3 years, I suppose the strangest one is the decrease in positioning. 
In regards to the DOF no he didn't deal with this one. I took full control. I actually haven't been using the DOF as much as I do in normal saves as I want to be able to control the trickle down effects of sell on fees etc.
 

[danielgear]

August 2024





We started the month off with a 1-0 win over Vasprus with Jarva on the scoresheet. He seems to be capable of replacing Sapovalov in the domestic games but as we were about to find out he's finding it a bit harder in europe, We thumped Derry City 3-0 away with Sander Poom, Sommets and Ehin scoring which means we can rotate for the second leg. A 1-1 draw vs bottom of the table tartu JK will do as we maintain our unbeaten season with Kosker on the score sheet. The rotated team lost 2-0 to Derry City in the second leg but both goals came late on so we were never really worried. Another draw vs the now bottom team Tallina Kalev was followed up by a battling 0-0 draw away at Red Star. The goals have dried up as we made it 3 0-0's on the bounce with a draw vs Nomme Kalju and the final game of the month vs Red Star was devestating as we lost on pens! I truly believe if we had Sapovalov that game we'd be playing in the Europa League this season. Jarva missed a handful of chances. But at the least we have qualified for the Europa Conference League again.



There are some positives to take, our usual July and August domestic downturn in results hasn't been as drastic, whilst we dropped points they were draws not losses and we still have a healthy 10 point gap with 11 games left and we are on track for an unbeaten season. As I mentioned above we have dropped into the Europa Conference league and the draw wasn't kind to us



3 bigger clubs to test ourselves against. I'm frustrated we didn't beat Red Star as the Europa League could have raised our profile more but we will try our best here.

 

[DefinitelyTaylor]

Glad to have caught up properly. Quite the ride thus far! You have been extremely unfortunate in Europe this year. Not content with the cruel fashion of heading out against Astana, Red Star do you on penalties! Very cruel. Sander Poom looks to be a real talent for you although losing Sapovalov at the time you did is quite the blow.

[danielgear]

36 minutes ago, DefinitelyTaylor said:

Glad to have caught up properly. Quite the ride thus far! You have been extremely unfortunate in Europe this year. Not content with the cruel fashion of heading out against Astana, Red Star do you on penalties! Very cruel. Sander Poom looks to be a real talent for you although losing Sapovalov at the time you did is quite the blow.

Cheers mate, yeah that’s one of the issues with Estonia. Transfer windows are closed when everyone else is open. 

I really thought this was the year I’d at least make Europa league with the form we are in. 
 

Sander Poom has been outstanding and has just set up a goal for the international team after coming on too. 
Karibov has had his first international start as a RWB and set up a goal too. So my youth development is starting to impact the national team now. 
 

It’s a shame Sapovalov left but it’s also good for him to play at a higher standard. I’ve been keeping an eye and he’s struggling to score as many but they are bottom of the league. 

[DefinitelyTaylor]

19 minutes ago, danielgear said:

It’s a shame Sapovalov left but it’s also good for him to play at a higher standard. I’ve been keeping an eye and he’s struggling to score as many but they are bottom of the league. 

Entirely agree regarding the step-up in quality on a weekly basis being a massive blessing for his personal development. Shame that he may not flourish as much as he could as a result of his team’s current situation. Hopefully there’s some improvement on that front.

[danielgear]

12 minutes ago, DefinitelyTaylor said:

Entirely agree regarding the step-up in quality on a weekly basis being a massive blessing for his personal development. Shame that he may not flourish as much as he could as a result of his team’s current situation. Hopefully there’s some improvement on that front.

Even the Russian second division is a much higher standard. I feel he could easily score goals at that level. I was looking last night, the Estonian top division is ranked two below the English conference 

[ForzaItalia]

Admire the grind with this save! Never have thought of doing a save in Estonia, the only player that ever comes to mind is Poom. I did a similar short save in Slovenia earlier this year but struggled to find enjoyment once I had peaked with the players I could get (only using Slovenians). Be great once you get your first amazing regen!

[danielgear]

1 hour ago, ForzaItalia said:

Admire the grind with this save! Never have thought of doing a save in Estonia, the only player that ever comes to mind is Poom. I did a similar short save in Slovenia earlier this year but struggled to find enjoyment once I had peaked with the players I could get (only using Slovenians). Be great once you get your first amazing regen!

Cheers mate, I’m actually really enjoying the save. I am getting to the point where some of my newgens are better than rival first team players but I am just adjusting my parameters as I need to keep signing players to ensure the distribution of cash throughout the nation 

[ToxicBeer]

I never had the courage to start a Build a Nation challenge, follow you

[_Ben_]

On 15/03/2022 at 10:38, danielgear said:

Cheers mate, I’m actually really enjoying the save. I am getting to the point where some of my newgens are better than rival first team players but I am just adjusting my parameters as I need to keep signing players to ensure the distribution of cash throughout the nation 

This is what is setting this apart from all the other build a nation saves, for me! I love that you're not just intent on steam-rolling the entire nation for your own personal gain. I mean, that might come, but you're effectively strengthening the rest as there is nothing worse than your countrymen letting you down in Europe.

How's the plan feeling so far? Like it's working or are you not quite where you wanted to be at this stage?

[danielgear]

36 minutes ago, _Ben_ said:

This is what is setting this apart from all the other build a nation saves, for me! I love that you're not just intent on steam-rolling the entire nation for your own personal gain. I mean, that might come, but you're effectively strengthening the rest as there is nothing worse than your countrymen letting you down in Europe.

How's the plan feeling so far? Like it's working or are you not quite where you wanted to be at this stage?

Domestically I feel like it’s working. Whilst Nomme Kalju and Levadia are sticking around 2nd and 3rd (the two who have received the most from me) the rest of the league and the top 2 of the league below have all been competitive and the majority have received some form of funding from me. Whilst they’re not spending transfer fees they are investing in foreign players on frees with more wages etc.

In Europe I’m the only one who’s done anything of note which is the next step the other teams need to make. I currently have a balance of €8m which with the end of season in sight I’ll be looking to try and invest as much as possible in other clubs with they youth intakes and first team players. 
I did think realistically it would take 10 seasons for the other clubs to catch up with me to be qualifying for group stages but my performances have already increased the amount of teams that qualify for the European playoffs (CL x1 EL x0 ECL x3) 

The issue or at least dilemma I have is whether or not I keep snapping up their top youth or not.

the pros are my set up and staff are better so they will more likely develop to better players with me and the clubs get an immediate influx of cash from me and a sell on fee so potential for more cash further down the line. 
 

The cons are I potentially am weakening a rival, I use Karibov as an example, at 16/17 he’s already a first teamer for me. Would he have be promoted as quick for them? Would he have improved them? Or would he have rotted there. 
 

I think the €215,000 they received now and 40% sell on fee is more valuable to them now as even prize money wouldn’t cover that for them and there’s a potential they could get another large sum in the next few seasons if he heads abroad to somewhere like Russia. 
 

overall the plan is working, I just wish the AI managers were abit better in Europe 

[danielgear]

September 2024

September is a busy month for us, domestically we're in the business end of the season and chasing our 4th title in 4 years and an unbeaten season, We start our Europa Conference League games and The national team starts its nations league campaign. Also we have the very important youth intake.(I'll cover that in the next post)





We started the month with a late draw vs TJK Legion in which a 92nd minute goal from Jarva maintaining our unbeaten season. We followed this up with a 3-1 win by a fully rotated team in the cup vs Retro. Ehin scored after two youngsters helped us take the lead, centre midfielder Ivanov (who will be promoted to the first team next season) opened the scoring and Jarve whos a nice right midfielder grabbed the second. We then opened our ECL campaign and despite taking a 1-0 lead via MPoom, Frankfurt then smashed us to make it 3-1. A big top of the table clash vs local rivals Levadia ended in a 2-2 draw a fairly even game to keep the gap between us. We then brushed aside Tartu JK 3-0 Subka, Kosker and MPoom were all on the scoresheet. We ended the month with a 1-1 draw with Kuressaare with Karibov on the scoresheet.



Levadia has closed the gap at the top to just 6 points, Nomme Kalju are most likely out of the running already. An unbeaten season looks on the cards. We have quite an influx of players leaving this winter so season 5 could see an overhaul of the first team. We have some promising youngsters on the verge of the first team which are at the point that they need to be playing first team football now.
Next up in the start of the Nations league.





We started the campaign with the two bigger nations in the group and despite taking a 1-0 lead vs Georgia we couldn't hold on. Iceland were just too strong for us, But again set pieces played a part. This wasn't the best start to the campaign but with 4 games left and 2 vs Moldova the weakest team we have a chance to put things right.

[danielgear]

September 2024 Youth Intake



Another potential golden generation and according to the HOYD Maksim Kait and Nikita Raudsepp are already first team quality with 2.5* Current ability. Kait could be a potential Karibov replacement long term if he gets snapped up. Raudsepp could be a potential to fill our weak spot of depth at right back. With the U19s winning their title both the U19 and U21 will be in the second division next season so these players will get a good introduction to senior football.



Kait has a good base of attributes to start with aged 16, the low determination is a worry but for a winger I can overlook it. His physicals already look good considering he still has time to grow and improve here. 




At just 15 Tamberg has plenty of time to grow, his mentals already look good. His physicals are an area for attention but he has 5 years before first team football on his side.



Parn at 16 is already behind Kait despite his better personality, He will be an U19 player with an eye on to drastically improve him across the board.



With our U21s Goalkeeper potentially being promoted to the first team this winter, Pareiko is a timely addition to the youth set up and will likely be promoted straight to the U21s.



We are light on striker options but I don't think Madissoo will be the answer but he will hopefully grow into a useful squad player. 



His technicals and physicals need improving but I'm happy with his mental attribute base. His fickle personality is something I hope to improve too.

Following the addition of these players I've gone out and signed a few best of crop from other Estonian clubs. I have thought this over if I'm doing the right thing for the nation by snapping up the best talent but I think I am. The clubs are getting an instant cash investment now for players they will likely not use for a few seasons. and if they improve and get a future transfer they get another cash investment from the 40% sell on fee in the future, And I believe I can develop players better than the AI.




First in the door is Left back Loigo, He technically needs to improve but has a decent base of mentals and physicals to start with. 




I mentioned above about a lack of strikers so Nomm joins us. Dribbling and composure aside I like the look of him already.




Theres a potential for 1 or at least 2 of my U21 Left midfielders to get promoted to the first team this winter so a welcome addition here. Physically he has a good base to start but we will look to get him developing elsewhere asap.




A lower league team intake player. With our U19s looking like they will need a GK he looks like a decent pick up. potentially a long term back up keeper for the first team.




Another option on the left side of the pitch we give our U19s an option. His physicals and technicals look decent enough we just need to work on those mentals.




And the final youngster is Siid who looks the most first team ready of all the new recruitments. physically he looks the part already. A year in the U21s will see how he suits senior football.

Overall a potential €1.12m investment in Estonian football spread between 6 different clubs plus potential 40% of any next sales. We've strengthened the youth set up teams with both in the second division next season. 
We will review all 3 squads at the end of the season and see how they look going forward for next year.

[danielgear]

October 2024

Another busy month ahead, 3 competitions for club and two more international games





We started the month with a brillant 2-2 draw with AIK, We equalised twice after going behind with Kosker and Sommets on the scoresheet. Jarva went back to his old club and scored twice in a 3-0 with over Narva JK Trans, Lepistu with the 3rd. Vaprus held us to to a 0-0 draw before St Gallen beat us 5-1 in europe, Sommets scoring the only goal. We bounced back with a 3-0 win in the cup vs Volta with Marin scoring 2 and Ehin on the scoresheet. And we rounded off the month with a 1-0 win over Tuelvik to ensure we keep a 4 point lead and our unbeaten run going.



Levadia are running out of games to catch us but we can't seem to pull away.



It's looking highly unlikely we will qualify for the knockouts this year again after another strong group.




We've had confirmation of the U19s title win, they have blown away the competition. Next season in the second division will be a bigger test.





Moldova you have been Sorga'd!!! Overall an even game but a Sorga hat trick was the difference. Sappinen grabbed the 4th. SET PIECES! DAMN SET PIECES!! A late set piece goal saw Iceland beat us 1-0, they probably deserved to win but t was frustrating to lose that way. We are looking good to avoid relegation though so overall a good month internationally.





 

[danielgear]

November 2024





A 2-1 win vs bottom of the table Tallinna Kalev with goals from Jarva and Kosker saw us start the month well before St Gallen again beat us 3-0 this time. A 0-0 draw vs Nomme Kalju saw us fall off the top of the table for the first time this season, We're a point behind with a game in hand though. Following the lost to St Gallen we can't qualify so I used the AIK game to see some U21 players in action. We were outclassed as we lost 3-0



It's still in our hands so I'm not too worried and we're still unbeaten. It was also nice to see our success being spotted abroad as Grasshoppers offered me their managers job. I obviously declinded.



We also made a blockbuster transfer deal in Estonia this month. Signing the best player is the league this season. 30 year old Robert Kriss joins us from rivals Levadia for €200,000.




An all rounder but I'm not really sure what to do with him. He will likely rotate between starting Striker and Left midfielder. But hes scored 32 goals from left wing this season for Levadia!! I signed him thinking he would lead the line for a year at least, but his stats from LW are pretty great.







An unbeaten month at international level, we don't get to say that often. We started with a 2-2 draw with Georgia in which they dominated us but Sorga gave us a 1-0 lead and Jurgens equalised late on. Before a 3-2 win over Moldova secured 3rd place for us. Tamm opened the scoring before Jurgens netted a double. A pretty decent nations league for us overall.

[danielgear]

December 2024

Two league games left and two wins would see us win the title again.





We started off with a 1-0 with over Tulevik, Jarva scoring early on and then we stopped them from taking a single shot. A game in which we dominated but a lack of quality infront of goal meant we didn't score more. Then it came down to the final day of the season. We could afford to draw and we'd win it on goal difference again but no we made sure and Jarva scored the only goal in a 1-0 win. 4 seasons 4 champions and in none of them have we ran away with it. We rounded off the month with the kids getting taught a lesson in Frankfurt.



Again its nice to see a team manage to go toe to toe with us and we're not dominating easily.



The U21s finished second but can't get promoted so the playoff spot was given to Maardu in 3rd.



U21s vs the U19s next year in the second division. It will be interesting to see the gap between the teams as they brushed aside the 3rd division teams.




An Unbeaten season!! 11 draws is a lot but better than losing and even with europe to content with too its been a really good season.

A little update on Sapovalov, hes found russia hard but his team is rock bottom of the table but after a slow start with 1 goal in 13 league games hes now scored 4 in the last 4 so hopefully he kicks on, he will likely be playing in the russian second division next season where I expect him to shine. Whereas Kauber who started his career at TJK legion with 4 goals in his first 4 games only scored once in the next 9.

Squad season review up next

[danielgear]

So despite the game telling me numerous times they would and were, the U19s haven’t gone up. I don’t mind but with the game saying they had its mighty frustrating 

[danielgear]

2024 Squad Season Review

Goalkeepers



Ever present Karl-Romet Nomm just 26 years of age and has kept the most clean sheets ever in the Estonian Premier League breaking his own record, Will finally lose his number 1 shirt this winter.



He turnt 27 and as Moskvin turnt 18 he over took him on ability. My concern is Moskvin won't be around long after a year exposure so I am offering Nomm out on loan for the next 2 years with a recall clause. Matrossov comes in to replace recently retired Kutt as the backup keeper and an older head if Moskvin struggles with form but his performances for the U21s the past two seasons mean I can't hold him back any more.

Right Backs



Lilander is becoming injury prone and with just one assist this season (Mark getting 2) This could be Lilander's final 12 months. I can't find a ready made replacement for him so Kaos will be promoted as his form has been great for the U21s.

Left Backs



I put left back next to highlight the difference, 13 assists coming from left back in comparison to 3 from right back. Jarveaid has proven a good signing and Elhi will leave this winter as his contract is up. Wouldn't mind a few goals this year though.

Centre Backs



Lipp and Lukka were the main pair with Subka overtaking as third choice. Avilov whilst still a quality player is blocking the pathway for better youngsters and could help upgrade another Estonian club so he will be released.



Sorting by ability Hansen and Seeman are both rated the best centre backs and their form for the U21s has been great and with Avilov out of the way they will likely be targeting Lipp and Lukka's spots. I'm wary of changing too much too soon with inexperience keeper behind the defence I think Hansen and Seeman might have to wait another 12 months.

Right Midfield



Karibov was sensational 10 assist and 3 goals in his first season at top flight level has given me the confidence to let club legend Rauno Alliku go at the end of his contract. Viidas scores more but doesn't seem to set as many up. but I like having the variety of styles.

Left Midfield



I might regret this as Kosker scored 11 and assisted 4 is leaving the club this winter despite better returns than Marin 6&5. But we have a few youngsters who could benefit from some first team football so we have to open the pathway.



Mihhailov is nearly 18 and Kalvoja already is so we need to push them on this season.

Centre Midfield



Like Karibov, Sander Poom has taken to first team football, 9 goals and 4 assists is a great return, he already formed a partnership with Sommets, Marcus Poom and Jermatsenko are the depth options and Valja will leave this winter. Lepistu was our best player all year and we have recently promoted a youngster to the first team after his sensational season for the U21s

Nurmik scored 16 in 26 from centre midfield for the U21 he needs to get in this team, somehow 
Rotation will give him the chances.

Striker



Jarva came in as a backup to Sapovalov and actually having to be the main man with 13 goals in 30 appearances he's not as clinical but he will get a full preseason with us and We have signed Kriss to lead the line if needs be but I'm leaning towards starting him Left Midfield just to see if he can replicate the form he showed last season at Levadia.

Out of Contract



With 7 first team squad players leaving it, theres chances for youngsters to step up. As mentioned I've et Valja go on a free he's joining Nomme Kalju. Kutt has retired. Ehin and Alliku have joined Paide, Elhi has joined TJK Legion. Avilov  and Kosker have yet to be picked up (It's only early) 
Overall I'm happy that we have managed to move on players to other Estonian clubs to help improve them 5/7 and create a pathway for the youth to come through. I'm wary about bringing too many through at once but there are some that are forcing my hand. 

[youthintake]

6 hours ago, danielgear said:

September 2024 Youth Intake



Another potential golden generation and according to the HOYD Maksim Kait and Nikita Raudsepp are already first team quality with 2.5* Current ability. Kait could be a potential Karibov replacement long term if he gets snapped up. Raudsepp could be a potential to fill our weak spot of depth at right back. With the U19s winning their title both the U19 and U21 will be in the second division next season so these players will get a good introduction to senior football.



Kait has a good base of attributes to start with aged 16, the low determination is a worry but for a winger I can overlook it. His physicals already look good considering he still has time to grow and improve here. 




At just 15 Tamberg has plenty of time to grow, his mentals already look good. His physicals are an area for attention but he has 5 years before first team football on his side.



Parn at 16 is already behind Kait despite his better personality, He will be an U19 player with an eye on to drastically improve him across the board.



With our U21s Goalkeeper potentially being promoted to the first team this winter, Pareiko is a timely addition to the youth set up and will likely be promoted straight to the U21s.



We are light on striker options but I don't think Madissoo will be the answer but he will hopefully grow into a useful squad player. 



His technicals and physicals need improving but I'm happy with his mental attribute base. His fickle personality is something I hope to improve too.

Following the addition of these players I've gone out and signed a few best of crop from other Estonian clubs. I have thought this over if I'm doing the right thing for the nation by snapping up the best talent but I think I am. The clubs are getting an instant cash investment now for players they will likely not use for a few seasons. and if they improve and get a future transfer they get another cash investment from the 40% sell on fee in the future, And I believe I can develop players better than the AI.




First in the door is Left back Loigo, He technically needs to improve but has a decent base of mentals and physicals to start with. 




I mentioned above about a lack of strikers so Nomm joins us. Dribbling and composure aside I like the look of him already.




Theres a potential for 1 or at least 2 of my U21 Left midfielders to get promoted to the first team this winter so a welcome addition here. Physically he has a good base to start but we will look to get him developing elsewhere asap.




A lower league team intake player. With our U19s looking like they will need a GK he looks like a decent pick up. potentially a long term back up keeper for the first team.




Another option on the left side of the pitch we give our U19s an option. His physicals and technicals look decent enough we just need to work on those mentals.




And the final youngster is Siid who looks the most first team ready of all the new recruitments. physically he looks the part already. A year in the U21s will see how he suits senior football.

Overall a potential €1.12m investment in Estonian football spread between 6 different clubs plus potential 40% of any next sales. We've strengthened the youth set up teams with both in the second division next season. 
We will review all 3 squads at the end of the season and see how they look going forward for next year.

Phenomenal business, developing these youngsters will surely payoff soon!

[danielgear]

2 minutes ago, youthintake said:

Phenomenal business, developing these youngsters will surely payoff soon!

Thanks mate. I'm starting to see the youth come through. The issue becomes turnover of talent then we don't want anyone stagnating.

[youthintake]

16 minutes ago, danielgear said:

Thanks mate. I'm starting to see the youth come through. The issue becomes turnover of talent then we don't want anyone stagnating.

I like what you're doing though, by not letting your talent rot. Even if the senior first team player is having a decent season.

I'm not sure if you mentioned it before, but I like that the U21 are in the pyramid and it avoids loaning out your players.

[danielgear]

42 minutes ago, youthintake said:

I like what you're doing though, by not letting your talent rot. Even if the senior first team player is having a decent season.

I'm not sure if you mentioned it before, but I like that the U21 are in the pyramid and it avoids loaning out your players.

Yeah and the U19s. They can get competitive football and I can control their development. The only issue is the the U21/U19 manager doesn’t always pick the players I’d like him to play. 

[danielgear]

Preseason 2025

After our winter off season we came back to preseason with our squad ready to go, we started off with 5 friendlies ahead of the season opener. with 5 wins, 0 goals conceded, 16 scored and plenty of rotation we were ready. I've kept the tactic the same as last year so it was just about getting fitness levels up.


We made one more addition before the season started bringing in an experienced right back





A DNA score of 30 hits the mark, his dribbling is a concern but his crossing hopefully will outweigh that. With how much possession we get in the oppositions half and the right backs find themselves in the crossing zones thats all i'll need from him offensively.

We also had the World Cup Qualifying draw..



A testing group in which we are the worse on paper I'd like to think I could try and pick some points up against the likes of Bulgaria, Scotland and maybe Switzerland.

[danielgear]

March 2025

We start the season with a 4 games across 3 competitions and an international match.




We started the season off with a massive 5-1 win over Kuressaare, Youngster Nurmik on the scoresheet following his promotion to the first team with Kriss also scoring on his debut. Sommet, Sander Poom and Marin rounded off the scoring. We then had the Superkarikas final vs TJK Legion in which we won 3-0 to lift the trophy, the two youngsters SPoom and Nurmik were both on the scoresheet again along with Lepistu from the spot. We then beat our Under 19s in the cup 4-0 Jarva scored a hat trick with Kriss grabbing one late on to round of the scoring. We finished the month off with a 2-0 win over Narva with SPoom and Kriss on the scoresheet again.
All 4 games we were clinical espeically the first when we scored 5 from an xG of 1.47 we are playing really well and being able to intergrate youngsters and see them play well is great.



Due to cup games we have only played two but already sit in 4th. And now we go to our 1 international game for the month





A MASSIVE win for us to start our qualifying campaign, we took our chances well with Antonov scoring from an early free kick before we were very much backs against the wall then Jurgens came off the bench to win a penalty which he then scored to secure a historic victory for the national team.



Second with games in hand over teams below us, I'd love to finish second but don't think we will. But overall it rounded off a great start to the season.

[Draakon]

Side note from Estonian's perspective: I've noticed before that FM plays quite freely with names and different ethnic background. Around 25-30% of people in Estonia are ethnic Russians, so Russian names are pretty common and obviously are represented in the database as well, so there's a chance that regen names are Russian names (like Baranov, Zenjov, Vassiljev in our current national team). That's fine and fair representation of reality.

What bothers me is that FM regen generator combines those names in a wrong way (Russian first name to Estonian family name). The names should be either Estonian or Russian, or (and it's pretty common) that Estonian first name is combined with Russian family name (in families that are mostly Estonian, but somewhere in the past have inherited Russian family name). 

FM very often combines those names in the other way - Estonian family name with Russian first name. And I can tell you that it is extremely rare in Estonia and I've yet to see an Estonian family who'd give his son a distinctively Russian name like Aleksandr, Stanislav, Jevgeni, Kirill or Nikita. Only truly international name in that regard is Aleksander, but here the version of the name hints the background - Aleksandr (Russian), Aleksander (Estonian), Alexander (international). Estonian family could use Aleksander or Alexander, but never Aleksandr.

Those combinations like in this thread: Sergei Sild, Nikita Raudsepp, Stanislav Tamberg, Maksim Käit etc. are weird enough to raise an eyebrow in Estonia. 

However, Oliver Grigorjev or Urmas Ivanov could be somebody from real life that you know.

[danielgear]

4 minutes ago, Draakon said:

Side note from Estonian's perspective: I've noticed before that FM plays quite freely with names and different ethnic background. Around 25-30% of people in Estonia are ethnic Russians, so Russian names are pretty common and obviously are represented in the database as well, so there's a chance that regen names are Russian names (like Baranov, Zenjov, Vassiljev in our current national team). That's fine and fair representation of reality.

What bothers me is that FM regen generator combines those names in a wrong way (Russian first name to Estonian family name). The names should be either Estonian or Russian, or (and it's pretty common) that Estonian first name is combined with Russian family name (in families that are mostly Estonian, but somewhere in the past have inherited Russian family name). 

FM very often combines those names in the other way - Estonian family name with Russian first name. And I can tell you that it is extremely rare in Estonia and I've yet to see an Estonian family who'd give his son a distinctively Russian name like Aleksandr, Stanislav, Jevgeni, Kirill or Nikita. Only truly international name in that regard is Aleksander, but here the version of the name hints the background - Aleksandr (Russian), Aleksander (Estonian), Alexander (international). Estonian family could use Aleksander or Alexander, but never Aleksandr.

Those combinations like in this thread: Sergei Sild, Nikita Raudsepp, Stanislav Tamberg, Maksim Käit etc. are weird enough to raise an eyebrow in Estonia. 

However, Oliver Grigorjev or Urmas Ivanov could be somebody from real life that you know.

That’s very interesting, as Estonia isn’t an out of the box league I wonder how much research goes into this.

[Draakon]

Even if you don't have Estonian league in the game, occasional Estonian regens pop out here and there. For example, I play as Estonian manager and whatever club I manage there are on average one Estonian player in each youth intake because of my 'influence' in the club and youth work. So I've noticed this weird name-mixing before, but your save makes it much more evident because there's more examples of that. 

Edited April 2, 2022 by Draakon

[danielgear]

1 hour ago, Draakon said:

Even if you don't have Estonian league in the game, occasional Estonian regens pop out here and there. For example, I play as Estonian manager and whatever club I manage there are on average one Estonian player in each youth intake because of my 'influence' in the club and youth work. So I've noticed this weird name-mixing before, but your save makes it much more evident because there's more examples of that. 

Might be something worth raising on the bugs forum for a future improvement 

[danielgear]

April 2025

A busy month for us, 8 games in 25 days playing every Saturday and Wednesday. We need to do what we have done most seasons and build up a lead before the European games which tends to make us drop points.






We started the month with a 1-0 win over Vaprus with Kirss again on the scoresheet, we followed that up with a 1-0 win over local rivals Levadia, Jarva giving us an early lead then we controlled the game without getting that second goal to put it to bed. Tartu JK then made us drop our first points of the season in a 0-0 draw where we against weren't clinical infront of goal. We bounced backed smashing Nomme Kalju who have struggled this season so far 5-0, Kirss got an hat trick, Marin and Jarva got the goals. Kirss and Jarva were on the scoresheet again as we beat TJK Legion 2-0. 2nd place Tulevik scored a injury time equaliser in a 1-1 draw after Kirss gave us the lead to see us drop another 2 points. Kuressaare felt the backlash as we beat them 3-0 Marin scoring after a Subka double. a massive 3-0 win over Levadia thanks to a Kirss hat trick saw us go 50 games unbeaten in the league.



We have a 3 point lead and a game in hand heading into May, we have been able to rotate the team enough to avoid injuries and keep fitness levels up, a few youngsters have got game time as we intergrate them into the first team. As always the main focus is European football. 

[danielgear]

May 2025

Sorry for the lack of updates, Holiday and half term for the kids haven't helped but I've got around to completing May as we head into the June transfer window. A busy month with 8 games in the league and cup





We started the month off by beating Narva JK 3-1 at home with Kirss scoring two and Jarva grabbing the third off the bench, we then went to Paide for the first of three games vs them this month and we laid down a marker by beating them 2-0 thanks to a Kirss double. A late goal from Jarva secured a win vs Tulevik after they had equalised minutes before when we lead the game after Kirss put us ahead. We then travelled away to Paide for the cup Semi final and a double from our youngster Nurmik after an early goal from jarva sent us through to the final. We then rotated the team for the home match vs Paide in the league and ran out 5-0 wins with Markus Poom delivering a 2 goal MOTM performance, Jarva, Marin and Kirss all joined him on the scoresheet. Next up was the cup final and we were big favourites, but it was not to be Tulevik beat us in extra time, Tulevik took an early lead in which they looked to be holding onto with the clock ticking down Marin scored to send it into extra time. Nurmik scored early on to give us a 2-1 lead before a late equaliser and then a crushing winner from Tulevik in the 118th and 120th minute meant Tulevik secured the cup.
We then seemed to suffer from a hangover from the loss as we scraped past Vasprus 1-0 despite 25 shots and a xG of 2.35. In the last game of the month we dropped points and we drew 1-1 with Tartu JK after Marin scored a late equaliser.
Overall we're doing well in the league the cup final loss hurt but our main focus this year is Europe.



A 13 point lead ahead of the qualifiers starting soon is a good start to the season, And another one of our staff members has been given a top division job which again is testament to our development of non play staff as well as playing staff.



Ahead of the transfer window opening I've made a signing for a player I've been watching for a few seasons now, His performances last season nearly made me bring him in during the winter but with the high turnover of players I was dubious of bringing too many in at once. 




WIth an average rating of 7.30 over the past 2 and a half seasons, 26 goals and 26 assists from centre midfield in 82 games gives him a goal contribution stat of 0.63 per game in a much lesser team. If he can transfer that performance to my team i expect those numbers to increase.



I actually see him as a rotational starter for me covering numerous positions as we enter the european games part of the season. I'm mainly looking to use him as cover for Karibov as the right midfielder as a wide midfielder which I've tweaked to create a inverted playmaker role. He will also play as one of the midfield 3 too in some games.



With just 6 months on his deal left at Paide they get €45,500 upfront with a potential for 50% of any future sale. Which helps them get some funds for a player who was likely leave on a free.