[FM23] The 44 - The EFL teams who have never been in the Premier League - [4/44] - Chapter 5: Colchester United FC

[Punch]

Introduction

After spending over 20 seasons on my FM21 save, it was time for a change, and a new challenge.

I spent some time considering my save options now I have upgraded to FM23.

I thought about another Youth Only save, another Low Level save, even trying a different island team, but for my first FM23 FMCU save, I wanted to do something a bit different to that, maybe even something a bit out of left field, but still within the bounds of what I like to play.

I started reading up about challenges and save ideas, and then finally found the one that caught my eye.

 

So, I give you, The 44...

Edited January 6, 2023 by Punch

[Punch]

The 44

Note: this is not my picture.

I have seen it shared in multiple places, and re-shared, so I am not sure who the original poster is to give credit.

If anyone does know, I am more than happy to give credit to that person.

 

 

I give you The 44.

The 44 teams in the English Football League (Championship, League One, and League Two) who have never played in The Premier League.

 

When reading about this list, there were a few controversies and arguments about the list.

Note 1: I am aware that football in England began prior to 1992, so if this list offends your sensibilities, feel free to read it as 'The 44 Teams in the EFL who haven't played in the Top Flight since 1992'

 

Note 2: The Wimbledon Vs MK Dons argument.

- AFC Wimbledon didn't exist in 1992 and the current entity is both in the EFL, and has never been in the Premier League, so qualifies for this list.

-MK Dons - we all know the MK Dons story - franchise FC, plastic FC, the club that stole a spot in the EFL, and all the other names that go along with their move to Milton Keynes. But as they have since relinquished all rights to Wimbledon's history, trophies, records etc, the MK Dons entity is also both in the EFL, and never been in the Premier League. So they also qualify for this list.

 

Note 3: Not withstanding note 1, the rest of the 42 clubs are pretty straightforward as far as I can tell.

 

So in short, I didn't pick one team to play for me FM23 save...I picked 44

 

Edited December 1, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

The Save

The objects for the save are pretty simple, take control of all 44 clubs, and get them promoted to The Premier League.

 

I don't really do formal rules as such, but it's not going to be youth save, transfers will happen, within the bounds of trying not to bankrupt the club.

I am going to delegate a lot of jobs to the DoF so I can concentrate on the squad, training, combinations etc.

I am going to re-start a new save with each new club, otherwise the database would end up enormous, and make the manager club appropriate, so there is room for me to grow with the club, along with upgrading club facilities along the way.

 

I will attempt to get the club promoted from which ever League they are currently in, up to the Premier League, then complete one season in the Premier League, at which point I will resign, regardless of finishing position, and move on to the next team.

 

I was considering how to pick the teams, I started with the first team on the list, but I might go with some type of random generator for the rest of the teams. But I guess I can work that out as I go.

Edited December 2, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

Chapter 1 - Accrington Stanley FC

 

Initial Squad

A reasonable looking squad to get us started, but we run into a few issues already

 

We already have 4 players with long term injuries. Not a great start.

 

No transfer budget, already over budget on wages, and not much money in the bank.

 

The bookies have us likely to be relegated, so it looks like I might have taken a tough challenge straight up.

Edited December 1, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

 

Apparently I made myself a 23 year old

 

The Board don't have huge expectations for us this season.

 

The fans want to see youth players come though, and to gain a higher reputation than Morecambe.

 

I am using a 4-2-3-1 tactic, in my usual aggressive and attacking manor.

Well...to start with at least.

 

No a huge pre-season, before we kick off the season at home to Charlton, so lets get into it.

Edited December 1, 2022 by Punch

[Cheez3y]

Interesting save idea.

No major pressure of winning title xyz, just get promoted to the PL.

Really liking it. Will follow.

[Punch]

8 hours ago, Cheez3y said:

Interesting save idea.

No major pressure of winning title xyz, just get promoted to the PL.

Really liking it. Will follow.

Haha thanks Cheez3y, something way out of the box from my last story.

[Punch]

JUL-AUG 2022

Some up and down results through the Friendlies, but it's more about minutes in legs than wins anyway.

We started off the season with a thumping win over Charlton, then went top of the table after beating Burton.

We got brought back to earth in a tight tussle with Shrewsbury, then belted FGR.

A late winner over MK Dons, before rounding out the League month with a tight loss against Exeter.

Two good wins in the League Cup and we are through to the Third Round.

The EFL Trophy is going to be used for the rotated squad, to give them some extra minutes.

 

Despite predictions putting us near the relegation zone, an aggressive start to the season has us up in the play off spots.

 

We are losing money, so we may need to sell some players by January.

 

Transfers

I am pretty happy with the squad overall, but we are a bit light on in the AM(C) position.

With no money. no transfer budget, and no wage budget, I had to get a bit creative, so I went looking at some affiliates we have, and raided some youngsters from Burnley.

 

I found these two kids floundering in their U21's squad, and even better, they agreed to send them both, for free.

So we have gone from being light on the AM(C) position, to having some competition for places now, and Burnley are picking up 100% of the tab for the two loanees.

 

The games keep coming thick and fast.

[Punch]

I am also pleased to see some partnerships developing already.

This tactic appears to be coming together nicely.

[Punch]

 

SEP 2022

With the Bristol match at the end of the month moved due to internationals, we ended with an undefeated month, although we gave up points in two draws.

 

The match against Ipswich could have went either way, but two late goals, and a saved penalty gave us all the points.

 

Another tight one against Lincoln, coming from two goals down to salvage a draw, although the xG suggests we should have won.

 

We dominated Wycombe in possession, but in a tight match, we had to settle for a share of the points.

 

We gave Cheltenham nothing, dominating possession again, but we only just scraped home. A win is a win I guess.

 

We slip a place to 4th, but still holding our own in the play off places.

 

The rotated squad rounded out the month with a win on penalties in the Pizza Cup over League Two Rochdale.

We dominated every area of this game, but only just scraped home.

 

We top the group with Liverpool U21's to play.

 

We are losing plenty of money, and with one of the Boards goals to be self sustaining, this doesn't look great for the future.

 

A monster local derby against Morcambe to start the month, followed by the rescheduled Bristol match, in what will be a busy month.

[Emozil]

Love this idea and writing style. Best of luck!

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Emozil said:

Love this idea and writing style. Best of luck!

Thank you! Glad to have you along for the ride.

[Sonic Youth]

Good idea for a save 

You already sound rejuvenated and have moved ahead quickly.

With 44 teams to play, moving Nakamura fast is definitely a must  

[Punch]

2 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Good idea for a save 

You already sound rejuvenated and have moved ahead quickly.

With 44 teams to play, moving Nakamura fast is definitely a must  

Yeah I decided to do something completely different to start with, a long term one team save might come later on.

Haha no chance I move that fast. Lightning doesn't move as fast as he does

[Punch]

 

OCT 2022

3 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses in the League this month.

 

We started the month with a dominant win over Morcambe in the derby.

 

Bristol dominated this one, but we came back from 0-3 down to level the scores, before they scored late to take the win.

 

A tough fought match at Plymouth, where we again went down to a late goal.

 

A total domination of Derby, and we probably should have scored more.

 

A strange game against Bolton, they dominated possession, but could do nothing with it, we created plenty of chances, but could do nothing with them.

 

Back to our dominant best against Peterborough, no shots on target for them.

 

We rounded out the month with another derby at Fleetwood, and we dominated, but found ourselves behind for most of the match, from their only shot on target. A late goal rescued a draw.

 

We find ourselves still in the play off places, but we are also only 3 points above 10th place.

 

Pizza Cup against Liverpool U21s, dominated the match, couldn't put the ball in the net, lost on penalties...enough said. But on a good note, the rotated squad get more minutes.

 

Despite the loss, we still qualify top of the table.

 

We are still losing money, but some bigger crowds this month helped soften the blow somewhat.

 

A tough draw in the FA Cup as we kick off our campaign away to Wednesday.

 

After a hectic few months, we have only two League games this month, and three Cup games.

[Punch]

NOV 2022 - FA Cup 1st Round - At Sheffield Wednesday

The Board and the fans had very low expectations for this match, both expecting us to lose...and we did our best to make that happen.

 

 

One of the stranger games I've been involved in, and that's saying something.

We gave away a penalty, which was then saved, had a player sent off, gave away a mass of possession, yet still managed to score two goals despite being a man down.

We take the win, and the boost it will bring the finances, shake our heads and move on.

 

 

We travel to Oldham for the 2nd Round.

 

This adds our 4th Cup game for the month to the schedule.

[Punch]

NOV 2022 - League Cup 3rd Round - At Blackburn Rovers

A bit of an upset as we run over the top of Blackburn, as they struggled to deal with our aggressive forward attacks.

 

Maybe a help to the finances as we draw a Premier League team away in the 4th Round.

[Punch]

NOV 2022 - FA Cup 2nd Round - At Oldham Athletic

 

A solid result as we head to the 3rd Round with a dominant display.

 

Drawn away again as we head to Luton for the 3rd Round.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2022

Just the two League games this month, but we end up with 4 Cup games, and end up undefeated through them all.

 

We beat Wednesday for the second time this month after knocking them out of the FA Cup, but we put in another dominant performance and take the three points.

 

We dominated this match, but gave up a two goal lead to end up with a draw. We played well, but this was points lost.

 

We maintain our 4th place.

 

Our rotated squad put in a great performance to put us through to the 3rd Round of the Pizza Cup.

 

A good month financially as the Cup runs kick in.

 

I must be doing something right as the Board have extended my contract.

 

The League kicks back into gear next month, we Stockport in the Pizza Cup, and a big meeting at Hotspur Stadium in the FA Cup.

Edited December 2, 2022 by Punch

[shaunvamos]

This is absolutely nuts, and I'm here for all of it  Good luck!

[Punch]

4 minutes ago, shaunvamos said:

This is absolutely nuts, and I'm here for all of it  Good luck!

Thank you! Certainly different to my last save

[Punch]

DEC 2022 - League Cup 4th Round - At Tottenham Hotspur

 

We end up getting rolled 0-3, but we held our own for the first 80 minutes. as their class and endurance showed through.

The £800k for our share of the gate is a massive boost to our bank account.

Edited December 2, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

 

DEC 2022

We actually went 5 League games without a win back to last month.

 

We scored first, gave up two goals, then managed to salvage a draw. Should have got more from this game, but could also have gotten less.

 

A really tight battle against Portsmouth, we had our chances but couldn't get anything for our efforts.

 

This was disappointing against the last place Vale, we dominated the game but just couldn't get the ball in the net.

 

Dominated possession against Barnsley, but couldn't make it count as we had to settle for another draw.

 

Derby day, and we absolutely blew Morcambe off the park. was one of our best performances of the season.

 

We stay 4th in a packed table.

 

The rotated squad march on in the Pizza Cup.

 

A monster payday from our League Cup gate at Hotspur Stadium gives us a massive boost.

 

Our Youth Intake looks like there could be some decent prospects.

 

We kick off the new year at Derby, before more Cups, and a busy League month.

[andychar]

Do you have to do any teams that win Promotion to the football league as well? Or is it just these 44?

Also is it like the Nearly Men where if an AI team does it will they be ticked off the list? Or is it literally you or nothing?

Lovely idea for a save either way.

[Punch]

8 hours ago, andychar said:

Do you have to do any teams that win Promotion to the football league as well? Or is it just these 44?

Also is it like the Nearly Men where if an AI team does it will they be ticked off the list? Or is it literally you or nothing?

Lovely idea for a save either way.

I am just doing the current 44 teams.

Once I finish one team I will be restarting a fresh database, otherwise it would just get huge, probably get crazy slow, and eventually probably end up crashing.

So anyone that gets promoted out of the National League during the save of one team, will be irrelevant when I start the next team…if that makes sense 

[Punch]

 

JAN 2023 - FA Cup 4rd Round - At Luton Town

 

A shock result as we run riot over Luton in the first half, and they were never able to recover.

 

We get The Gunners in the 4th Round, away again, so not a single home game yet this FA Cup.

This will also add another game to our already busy January.

 

 

[Punch]

 

JAN 2023 - FA Cup 4th Round - At Arsenal

 

Our Cup run is over after being dominated out of the game by a far superior Gunners outfit.

Having a player sent off didn't help, but the game was already well over by then.

[Punch]

 

JAN 2023

It was a poor month as we win only one League game, although we salvage a late draw at the end of the month.

We exit the Pizza Cup with a poor display, while we had a shock advance to the 4th Round of the FA Cup.

 

Just the one League win, even though we usually dominate possession and chance creation, just slipping a bit in the execution.

 

We slip to 6th, but it's a jam packed table. 4th to 13th are covered by two wins.

 

 

With no transfer or wage budget to speak of, there were no new faces, but we did send a couple out on loan, who weren't really playing.

 

Plenty of deals being done by our division opponents though.

 

The deep FA Cup run done wonders for the bank balance, so has eased some pressures there.

 

 

With just the League to concentrate on now, January shapes as an important month to test our promotion race credentials.

[Punch]

 

FEB 2023

A much improved month as we go unbeaten through February, although giving up a late goal to last place Burton to give away points was not a good end to the month.

 

We continue to dominate possession, and be aggressive on our chances, managing to take plenty more this month.

 

We moved up a spot to 5th.

 

We had our first player of the week.

 

Going on to become our first Player of the Month.

 

No Cup games makes a massive difference to the bank account.

 

A very quiet month with just one game each week.

[Punch]

 

MAR 2023

With the Exeter game at the end of the month moved due to Internationals, we ended up with a very short month game wise, but the results were brilliant.

 

A great series of results as we take 9 points from 9.

 

We hold 5th place, and have built a bit of a buffer over those teams below us.

 

We picked up another Player of the Week award.

 

Our first Young Player of the Month award.

 

Our winning run also earns me my first Manager of the Month award.

 

The Analysts rated us as the best attacking team in the League this month.

 

We were predicted to be in the relegation fight, so one of our objectives was to remain in League One, and as we now can't be relegated, objective passed.

The fact that we are in a play off fight is a massive bonus.

 

Another big hit to the finances this month, and the Board won't budge on upgrading any facilities.

 

The schedulers are insane...3 games this month, and 8 games next month

[Punch]

 

APR 2023 - Youth Intake

As it's not a major part of the save, I am not going to be diving too deep into the Youth Intakes.

There are a few decent prospects here, but in reality, most of these are probably not going to help us get where we want to go.

 

The Best 2

Spoiler

 

 

[Punch]

 

APR 2023

A month of hell, but what a performance, it all absolutely clicked and we went on a tear winning 7 of 8 games, and dropping points only to Pompey.

 

 

Our incredible run has taken us from relegation candidates, to the top of the table with one game to play.

But...this table

Last game of the season and 5 teams can still win the title...this is insane.

 

Our run seen me collect the Manager of the Month award.

 

One game to play, and it's the biggest of our players careers.

Edited December 3, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

 

MAY 2023 - Match Day 46

A brilliant result as we come from behind to win the game, and the title on the last day of the season.

 

A crazy end to a crazy season as the top 5 sides are spread by 4 points.

I almost feel sorry for Portsmouth who scored enough points to win the title, but don't even get an automatic promotion spot, and now have to run the play off gauntlet.

 

An unexpected bonus to a great season.

[Punch]

 

Edited December 3, 2022 by Punch

[Cheez3y]

Crazy run to end the season.

Gratz on promotion first try.

[Punch]

29 minutes ago, Cheez3y said:

Crazy run to end the season.

Gratz on promotion first try.

Thank you!

That season was crazy, so many teams in with a winning chance on the final day.

[Herr Müller]

This league table!

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Herr Müller said:

This league table!

One of the craziest season endings I have seen.

[Sonic Youth]

Now that’s a way to end a season! Congrats on promotion 

That table is super tight. Goals scored was the difference for you?

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Now that’s a way to end a season! Congrats on promotion 

That table is super tight. Goals scored was the difference for you?

Crazy finish to a season.

Yes, we had same goal difference, but we scored 4 more goals, so I am guessing that was the decider.

[warlock]

Really well done on the promotion. My first thought when you started the thread was you'd chosen one of the toughest (if not the toughest) clubs to open with. Money will always be your greatest challenge until you get to the PL - a small ground coupled with a limited catchment area, compounded by local rivals. You're sandwiched between Blackburn Rovers and Burnley, with the Manchester clubs not far away, so you're depending on a good cup run until you get that big TV money.

KUTGW 

[Punch]

48 minutes ago, warlock said:

Really well done on the promotion. My first thought when you started the thread was you'd chosen one of the toughest (if not the toughest) clubs to open with. Money will always be your greatest challenge until you get to the PL - a small ground coupled with a limited catchment area, compounded by local rivals. You're sandwiched between Blackburn Rovers and Burnley, with the Manchester clubs not far away, so you're depending on a good cup run until you get that big TV money.

KUTGW 

Yes, we made very clever use of loans, especially some free ones, including from Burnley, but we were not allowed to keep any of them for another season, so we will be back to the drawing board for the new season.

The stadium is a draw back, as it can’t even be expanded to meet EPL regulations either.

Thank you! Hope you enjoy the ride.

[Punch]

 

JUL 2023 - Pre-season

A big pre-season of friendlies as we had a combination of new faces, players returning from long term injury, and a slight tweak to the tactic, all to get used to.

A brilliant start though as we went unbeaten, including knocking over Burnley, and Hearts.

 

Just some minor tweaks to the tactic, still fairly aggressive, still 4-2-3-1, but changed the full backs to wing backs, and the AM(C) to a Shadow Striker.

Will be interesting to see how this goes in the higher division.

 

The New Faces

We lost both our loan AM(C) players, which left us light on again, and there was very little available, and nothing on free transfer.

So I had to get the Board to break open the piggy bank and I splashed out £500k on a genuine AM(C), who will be our regular first choice.

 

Next in was £120k on an exciting midfielder, who can double up as an AM(C) if needed.

 

next in was an experienced wing back who we picked up off Wolves for under £20k.

I originally thought he might be part of the rotation, but his starts and form through the friendlies has put him in contention for the regular starting spot.

 

A back up defender to help boost our stocks, cost me £35k, which is probably more than I wanted to pay, but the options in our price range are very slim.

 

We brought in some experience in the center of defence, who has quickly established himself as a key player in our defensive line.

The best part, free transfer.

 

So all up we have spent about £700k on transfers, which is basically nothing compared to a lot of the teams we will be up against this season, so it will be fun to see how they go.

We are still looking at possibly adding another striker, and maybe a winger to boost the rotation.

The options that we can afford have been very slim so far, so again we have had to be creative, and there is still the possibility of some loan in players.

 

The extra wages we are now paying are going to hurt financially this season, so we are going to need the Cup runs to try and keep us afloat.

 

The Bookies rate us no chance of staying up, not even close.

Brighton wages £53 million, our wages £3 million...just goes to show what we are up against.

 

Kick off time as we make our debut in The Championship.

[Punch]

 

AUG 2023

We started the season belting follow promotion team Ipswich, before getting brought back down to earth by Bournemouth, and more than held our own against Blackpool.

 

A brilliant start to the season as three of our four goals are scored by our new players.

 

 

We are surprisingly high on the table after three games.

 

 

 

A tight battle but we won through to the 2nd Round.

 

A dominant win over League Two Swindon sends us to the 3rd Round.

 

We draw League One Bristol in the 3rd Round.

 

We are going to need the Cup runs to keep our heads above water.

 

A tough start to the month, before an international break, and then four tough away games in the League, and a home League Cup tie.

This month may be a success if we can scrape together any points.

[Punch]

AUG 2023 - Transfer Round up

We sent a few players out on loan, and sold a couple of minor players that weren't appearing. No major deals.

 

We brought in one more player to bolster the defensive stocks, costing us only £20k.

Might prove a useful foil to Danny Bath who has started the season like a house on fire.

 

Just how up against it we are. Fulham spent £52 million, we spent £750k.

 

Over £1.4 billion spent across England, Liverpool spent £135 million themselves.

 

This is almost comical. We are the 24th place team, and spend less than half of 23rd.

[Punch]

 

SEP 2023

Taking points off Rotherham and Fulham was a massive start to the month, before we upset the Championship apple cart by belting Luton and Coventry, only to end the month losing the one game that I thought we were a chance of taking points from.

 

 

Occupying space in the dizzying heights of the top half of the table, where no one gave us a chance to be.

 

 

Mission accomplished over a League Two side, sending us through to the 4th Round for the second straight year.

 

...where Man City await.

We will probably get spanked, hopefully the gate makes it worth the trip.

 

What about Danny Bath?!?!

The 32 year old journey man central defender was brought in to be an experienced head in our defensive line.

He has quickly turned himself into our number one defender, but is also turning into an offensive threat, banging in 5 goals in 10 games.

Considering he was a free transfer, this may well be the deal of the century.

Wins a high percentage of tackles, hasn't received a single card, high passing efficiency, and high shots on target rate, making the opposing keepers work.

Early days, but this guy is having a massive influence on our season already.

 

While the TV revenue is just about covering the wages, the other expenses are putting us into the red every month.

 

In contract news, the Board feel I am doing something right as my contract has been extended...and a pay rise to boot.

 

Another big month of games coming up, concluding with our trip to Manchester.

[Punch]

 

OCT 2023

Our unbelievable start to the season continues as we knock over Millwall, Sunderland and Huddersfield, before again struggling in the match we should have won.

We had a game less after the Stoke match was moved due to internationals.

It looked close, but Man City were comfortable in knocking us out of the League Cup.

 

 

 

We now find ourselves in the play off spots, which would have been considered insanity if you predicted it prior to the season starting.

This new tactic is working wonders for us.

 

Our form did win me a first Championship Manager of the Month award.

 

 

 

2-1 looks like we almost pulled off an upset, but in reality, City never got out of second gear, with a late goal keeping the score close.

Showing the reality of a team that spends £6 million per week, against a team that spends £3 million...per year...

£500k from the gate was a nice bonus though.

 

A big gate from City sends us back into the black...but only just.

 

A busy League month with the extra game from the re-arranged Stoke match.

[Punch]

 

NOV 2023

With the Stoke game postponed a second time for Internationals, we were left with the 5 games, getting thumped by Watford, we then upset 2nd place QPR, and then losing to relegation zone WBA.

A good win over Reading before scoring a late goal to equalise, and and even later own goal to upset Swansea.

We just keep collecting points.

 

 

 

We are still hanging around the Play off zone, only being one win from the lead, but also only 4 points from not being in the top 10.

 

Back in the red.

 

First licence upgrade complete. Just one left.

 

In FM21 the December schedule was always a nightmare...I see FM23 is no different, although not helped by our twice postponed Stoke match.

[Punch]

 

DEC 2023 - Youth Intake Preview

An excellent intake, but will be interesting to see what prospects we end up with.

[warlock]

Still going well, especially in a promotion season. FA Cup run in the new year?