[FM24] The English Football League thread | Rise to the Premiere League

[Brian]

England is one of the most popular places to manage (and everybody loves a feel good story ), I thought it would be nice in sharing each other process on climbing the English pyramid. 

I look forward in seeing you are doing in the lower leagues of England and rising to the Premiere League! 

[Brian]

Currently managing my first ever lower league save. Started with Tonbridge Angels. 

 

Already off to a hot start off the season (we're predicted to finish midtable (14th).

[Sean3h]

For anyone starting in the Championship with a bit of money, I'd highly recommend striker Samed Baždar from Partizan.

I managed to pick him up for my Norwich side for £6.25m in January of the first season after losing Rowe for £26m, and he's been absolutely fantastic for me. He only wanted £7k a week for wages as well, which was an absolute bargain.

He took a little while to adapt and managed 9 goals in 14 starts across all competitions in the 2nd half of the season, with an average rating of 7.61 and leading me to promotion. Now that I'm in the prem, he's managed 31 goals in 33 starts in all competitions, with a 7.40 average rating. 28 of those goals have been in the league, and he's now apparently worth up to £57m if the in-game transfer value is to be believed.

[Brian]

Didn't know this type of lower league saves are this mental. 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2023 by Brian

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I am starting an EFL youth only save and I was wondering if anyone knew of any EFL clubs either in Vanarama Conference, League 1 or 2 that have a good track record of producing good players through their youth system.

I know Crewe used to have a good youth system but I don't think they do anymore. I remember Exeter producing some good players like Ollie Watkins etc. 

Burton Albion have the amazing facilities due to them using the English FA's facilities and I did have a good save with them a few years a go. 

Just wondering if I am missing some obvious ones.

Anyone got any suggestions please?

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I downloaded an English lower league file and a few teams that caught my eye cos of their surprising facilities.

Rubbish nickname but Great youth facilities for AFC Sudbury.

They haven't had any players come through their youth system that I have heard of.

Telford United is a club with good training and youth facilities and have a decent 6,300 capacity stadium. 

Boreham Wood have Excellent Youth Facilities. They have also got a track record of producing good young players like Kyle Vassell, Pelly Ruddock, Illiman N'diaye,  Lee Hodson, Matthew Whichelow, Corey Whitely, Inih Effiong, Simeon Akinola, Calaum Jahraldo-Martin, Ben Goodliffe,  Mo Faal, Sorba Thomas and Ellis Brown who have gone on to play for teams like Glasgow Rangers, West Ham United, Watford, Wolves, Sheff Utd etc.

Solihull Moors have Great Youth facilities and also have produced players like Dior Angus, Amari'i Bell, Will Grigg, Danny Lupano etc.

Colchester United have good training and youth facilities. They have produced players like Tom Lapslie, Alex Gibbey, Sammie Szmodics, Macauley Bonne, Greg Halford, Dean Gerkan etc.

Tranmere also have good training and youth facilities and former academy players include Cole Stockton, Joe Murphy, Danny Holmes, Ash Taylor, Max Power, Steve Jennings, Jason Koumas etc.

Other obvious choices are Derby and Reading but I fancy a harder challenge then managing them.

If anyone have any suggestions then feel free to contribute.

 

 

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I Picked My Team

So after having a proper think about it and got some suggestions from other people on the forums I have decided to go for a team that I haven't previously mentioned but I think they are definitely the type of team I want to do a youth academy only save with. 

The club is ......

 

The reason why I want to do a youth only save with Charlton is because in modern times they have produced some good players like Ezri Konza, Alfie Doughty, Mason Bustow, Albie Morgan, Ademola Lookman, Jordan Ibe etc. 

They are also a fallen giant after they spent many years in the Premiership including a few mid table finishes. 

Charlton have good training and youth facilities, good academy coaching and also above average youth recruitment & a nice 27,111 capacity stadium. 

Best Starting Eleven

Board & Fans Expectations

Easy enough expectations I think with the board just wanting us to work within our wage budget and reach the Play Offs. I think I will be able to do both.

Fans just want us to develop players from the youth system which is what I will be doing and also similar to the board they want us to reach the Play Offs.

I will keep you posted as I go along.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I got some really good youth talents coming through the academy after getting my first season youth intake.

4 x Elite Talents & 6 x Top Talents.

Morty Reekie looks like a very good player but his Temperamental personality is quite concerning.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Charlton Athletic Season 1 Review

We rinsed the League One with us getting 106 points for the season and ending the season as Champions.

Our best players were Scott Fraser and Alfie May who both got 21 goals each for the season.

Our other best players for the season were Tyreece Campbell who has a bright future in football. He is only 20 years old and he managed to get 16 goals and 10 assists for the season. He also got the highest average rating with a 7.18 rating.

Charlie Kirk also had a great season with 13 goals and 15 assists for us.

Recent youth intake player Morty Rekkie managed to score on his debut which is nice to see.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Morty Reekie breaking records already.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I am gutted he has gone but he wanted to leave due to the stupid bug of players wanting to leave if the squad isn't reduced so I cashed in on him and got a good deal for him. 

I was hoping to keep him for another season or two at least but these things happen and helps the long term finances of the club.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Using the money I got for Campbell wising with the board agreeing to improve the training and youth facilities.

We also convinced the board to improve the youth recruitment.

[vrig]

I know Chansiri is an absolute basket case, but is it not overdoing it for him to expect a midtable finish from a penniless Sheffield Wednesday who are predicted to finish 21st in the game, and are currently rooted to the bottom in actuality?

[silentwars]

On 12/11/2023 at 18:06, Ronaldo Beckham said:

I am starting an EFL youth only save and I was wondering if anyone knew of any EFL clubs either in Vanarama Conference, League 1 or 2 that have a good track record of producing good players through their youth system.

I know Crewe used to have a good youth system but I don't think they do anymore. I remember Exeter producing some good players like Ollie Watkins etc. 

Burton Albion have the amazing facilities due to them using the English FA's facilities and I did have a good save with them a few years a go. 

Just wondering if I am missing some obvious ones.

Anyone got any suggestions please?

 

I know you've got a club now but Barnet would of been a good choice.

Produced a number of good players who are playing in the league, such as: Ronnie Edwards & Ephron Mason Clark (both now at Peterborough), Afolayan (now at St Pauli), Jamal Lowe (Swansea), Albert Adomah (QPR) probably some others too.

They also have great training facilities on this years FM.  

[Ronaldo Beckham]

1 hour ago, silentwars said:

I know you've got a club now but Barnet would of been a good choice.

Produced a number of good players who are playing in the league, such as: Ronnie Edwards & Ephron Mason Clark (both now at Peterborough), Afolayan (now at St Pauli), Jamal Lowe (Swansea), Albert Adomah (QPR) probably some others too.

They also have great training facilities on this years FM.  

Sounds good. I nearly picked Barnet.

I will do a Barnet youth only save at some point so thank you for the information. 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Charlton Season 2 Youth Intake

Another great youth intake with 5 x Elite Talents & 4 x Top Talents.

Jonathan Ashman looks like someone who can come straight into the first team and has excellent workrate.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Ashman already starting for us and breaking records.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Charlton Athletic Season 2 Review

We just about stayed in the league this season by the skin of our teeth. We were in the relegation zone for 80% of the season but we managed to win a few games in the last few months of the season and grind out some draws. We only stayed up by 4 points. We were very lucky.

Alife May was our main man upfront with 16 goals for the season. The 31 year old was a wise old head in a fairly young squad. 

Our other best player was Charlie Kirk who got the highest average rating of 6.92 and he scored 11 goals and got 9 assists.

Former Charlton player Tyreece Campbell had a good first season with Sheffield Wednesday with him playing 42 games for them with him scoring 4 goals and getting 9 assists.

We reluctantly sold Zach Mitchell to Leicester in January who had a £2.6m release clause that they activated. 

He was my only major sale this season.

Morty Rekkie has had a great first proper season with the first team with him playing 42 games, scoring 5 goals and getting 7 assists. 

He is now rated between £16m-£26m. I am tieing him down to a new contract with a £31m minimun fee release clause. He could end up being our record transfer fee received for the club if we do sell him. I am hoping we can keep him for a few years.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I have slightly altered my transfer policy with me signing former Charlton Youth academy players but only if they are on free transfers.

I will only do this on special occasions. 

Mason Burstow was released on a free transfer from Chelsea so I decided to sign him.

[kopfan1977]

Got a soft spot for Charlton. Did a decent length save (7 seasons) on FM22 with them. Got them back to prem and into Europe. Had some decent talents, but my hometown team got relegated to league one so I left to go save them. 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

My best result so far with Charlton Athletic

[Barnetfan]

On 15/11/2023 at 14:29, Ronaldo Beckham said:

Sounds good. I nearly picked Barnet.

I will do a Barnet youth only save at some point so thank you for the information. 

You also get a bit of a windfall in the first week as you get 50% of the transfer fee for Ronnie Edwards, usually goes early for around 4 million.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Just now, Barnetfan said:

You also get a bit of a windfall in the first week as you get 50% of the transfer fee for Ronnie Edwards, usually goes early for around 4 million.

Yeah I will definitely give Barnet a go when I get bored of my Charlton save.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Dunwoody has a great debut for us after he come through my Season 3 Youth Intake. 

2 goals in his debut is a great way for him to introduce himself.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Charlton Athletic Season 3 Review

A lovely mid table finish and great progress for a very thin squad of 22 players I had for most of the season with a lot of my youngsters going out on loan.

I was in the play offs and then one of my star players Morty Reekie had a lot of mid table Premiership teams try low ball offer me and when I rejected the offers Reekie kicked off and the squad took his side annoyingly.

It ruined the morale and the players downed tools. We went on a winless streak of 8 games but managed to turn it around after a while to settle in 10th place.

Keeping Reekie is going to be very difficult. He had a great season with 16 goals and 9 assists.

My other key player was Miles Leaburn who banged in 23 goals from 27 games for the season. 

Luckily I have managed to tie him up to a new contract with a minimun fee release clause of £13.5m.

Karoy Anderson managed to have a great season as well with 12 goals and 11 assists for the season. 

Squad Overview

[JawZy]

Glad to seee Leaburn still good on FM, he has become a player on FM i kinda trust at most levels

[Ronaldo Beckham]

3 hours ago, JawZy said:

Glad to seee Leaburn still good on FM, he has become a player on FM i kinda trust at most levels

Yeah he is really good. I think his dad Chris Leaburn played for Charlton as well from what I remember.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I am gutted he has gone so soon as I would of liked another season with him playing for us but he kept complaining when I rejected offers and it was ruining the dressing room morale.

£12m plus 40% profit on the next transfer is a really good deal for the club.

Rated at £33m-£48m. I will cash in the 40% profit clause asap as I am not confident in Spurs selling him on for a good transfer fee.

I have bought back Tyreece Campbell because I sold him for £6m and I had 30% profit on the next transfer but Hull came in with a £6m offer which was accepted so I would of made nothing on the future fee release clause and I needed someone to replace Reekie.

Hopefully I can sell him on again for good money. He is valued at £8-£10m now as well which was more then he was valued when I originally sold him.

He also fits in nicely with the social groups already at the club.

 

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Charlton Athletic Season 4 Review

A disappointing season as we finished 10th again which is not what was the plan as I wanted to try push further up the league this season and try get into the play offs.

Hopefully next season will be better.

We definitely missed Reekie this season.

Talking of Reekie I sold his 40% profit on his next transfer for £3.7m. I might regret this if Spurs ever sell him for big money.

Reekie ended up going on loan to Blackpool in January and scored 2 goals and got 2 assists in 15 games for them.

Our best players were Miles Leaburn who scored a massive 37 goals for the season. He was also our top performer with a 7.20 average rating.

Karoy Anderson also was great for us this season with 7 goals and 10 assists for the season.

Our breakthrough prospect for the season was Mohammed Sailou who came through our youth intake last season and this season he played 20 games, scored 6 goals and got 6 assists.

Squad Overview

The financed at the club are not good at the moment with our projections telling us we will be £63m in the red in the next 3 seasons. We are projected to lose £32-£36m each season. 

We need to keep selling our best players and hope we have enough in the youth ranks to replace them.

My aim is to get higher up the league next season and hopefully get into the play offs. The long term aim is to become a regular Premiership team.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

I sold Karoy Anderson for £12m to a Saudi Arabian team and sold Pantelis Psaroulis to Aston Villa for £10m plus 30% of the profit on the next transfer.

I will miss Anderson as he was a key player for me last season but he kept moaning about leaving so I had to get rid.

Psaroulis barely played for me and I had other central midfielders so I sold him as I got a good offer from Aston Villa for him. 

Ideally I want to try make £30m each season from player sales to help the long term debt.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Charlton Athletic Season 5 Review

An unexpected promotion for Charlton Athletic. I wont lie I feel like it is too soon for us. I would of been happy staying in the Championship a few more seasons but it is great to see the young lads get promotion to the big league.

We didn't make it easy for ourselved with us just scrapping into the play offs. I was exstactic we got into the play offs and I would of been ok with us getting knocked out in the Semis but we managed to beat Norwich just about with a 5-3 aggregate win. We drew 2-2 in the home leg and then unexpectingly beat them at Carrow Road 3-1.

We then beat Luton Town 3-1 in the play off final to get us to the promise land of the Premiership.

Goals from Tyreece Campbell and Henry Rylah was enough to win the final.

I have been given a massive £36.83m transfer budget but that will be going into the wage budget.

The key men for me was Miles Leaburn as always he was my top goalscorer but with just 21 goals this instead of the whopping 37 goals he got last season. I hope that is not a sign of things to come as he is only 24 years old and nearing his prime years in football. Also I am hoping he can make the step up to the Premier League.

Ashley Maynard-Brewer got my best average rating and had a great season in goal for me with 9 Clean Sheets as well.

Honourable mention to Aaron Henry who after a few seasons on loan to Crawley, AFC Wimbeldon, Rotherham and Fleetwood he impressed me enough to make him a full team regular and he didn't let me down with him playing 42 games, scoring 4 goals and getting a 12 assists. He was a great replacement for Karoy Anderson.

I have no idea what to expect next season. I would like to maybe stay in the Premiership for financial reasons but we are doing ok financially and even 1 season in the Premiership should help us for many seasons to stay afloat.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

Nice to see we are getting closer to beating Chelsea in producing the most Premiership players.

[Ronaldo Beckham]

After having a terrible start to Charlton's first season back in the Premiership I have decided to quit the save. I was getting a bit bored of it after I got promoted to the Premiership. I wanted a few more seasons outside of the Premiership first before I ultimately got to the big league.

I have enjoyed myself though and I will be back in the EFL soon as I will be starting a Barnet save soon which will be mostly me signing former Barnet youth academy players, players from my Youth Academy or signing the best players from the Vanarama Conference, North and South or lower.

I will be posting the Barnet save on the Careers section so feel free to have a look if you want and thanks for following my progress with Charlton.

 

[Brian]

Every year I managed some big teams like Ajax, Celtic, Barça, etc.. and go for the complete total football experience. As I'm from the Netherlands and Johan Cruijff is my biggest inspiration, it's always fun recreating teams from the past that played total football. But, I never make it past season 3-5, as I get bored fairly quick due to the teams being so strong in their respective leagues.

So I wanted to give myself the ultimate football manager experience and started to manage on the 10th tier in England, at Sidmouth Town A.F.C. Went there on holiday some years ago, so I thought it was fitting to managing them to the Champions League. 

After almost everybody rejecting my contract offers and joining other teams, I managed some players to come and play in Sidmouth. We went from expecting to finishing 15th to 3th.

With only one promotion spot, it's going to be brutal. 

 

 

[oakesypvfc]

Anyone who has played in League One tell me how my team Port Vale are looking this year?

[dothestrand]

Stoke City got relegated after a simmed first season so I'm going to see how I get on with them as they were my local team at uni. It's quite nice as basically the guys on big money who you want to leave are very happy to and are getting offers. 

[Rollin93]

Nice to see a English league thread 

I’m currently on the fence whether to start right in the dark depths of England like I normally do or just do a save with a local team like charlton 

[gggfunk]

Currently enjoying my Brackley Town save that I started a couple of days ago. As usual, I chose Sunday league experience and the highest badge, and I gave myself 20 points on working with youngsters and youngster knowledge. I like to see my manager as a former Youth coach who was given a chance to lead the first team.

The plan is to stick with Brackley, take them to the Premier League and eventually win the Champions League, so a typical non league to PL save. It's something I've never tried before. I'll see how it goes, I still can't rule out changing a club during the save if I get an offer I can't refuse.

Just finished the first season, my squad wasn't too strong and not very wide, so I knew it would be very hard to win the league. After all, I was at the top of the table for most of the time, even before the very last game. Unfortunately, I lost the final game to Blyth who eventually won the league. We finished only third and played South Shields in the playoff semi final. We lost on penalties

It hurts, but honestly... we weren't ready for playing in a higher division yet and I believe it would be impossible to stay up there. So it's good that it ended like this.

Now it's time for season number two. I've already finished my pre season, we did a good job on improving the squad, doing multiple transfers which on paper look very promising. Hopefully we can smash the league this year!

[gggfunk]

My second season with Brackley is done and we managed to win the league! We were at the top of the table since like November and our form was pretty consistent for the whole season, so the title was expected; however, the second Scunthorpe was on our back for most of the time and the promotion was confirmed only after 43 games.

The aim for next season was to avoid the relegation, I was afraid we would struggle heavily but, surprisingly, after 27 games we are 4th and still in a race to even win the league. Plus, we had a good run in the FA Cup as we were eliminated only in the 4th round after a replay match vs QPR. It's a shame really as we could play West Ham in the next round, which could be s nice financial boost.

[gggfunk]

It's very quiet here, does nobody play in lower leagues this year?

I've done my third season with Brackley, we finished 4th and lost in the first round of the playoffs to Rochdale

I know it's still a great achievement for a newly promoted team to even get to the playoffs, but we had a really good chance to win the league if only out form wasn't so poor in the last couple of games. We had only 4 points less than the league winners

Now the plan is to give the squad a bit more depth and quality and make a stronger push for the promotion to EFL.

[gggfunk]

End of season four. We finished second in the league losing just 4 points to the winners Chesterfield. In the playoff's semifinal we made a revenge to Rochdale for the last year's defeat, beating them 3-2. Thanks to this, we were just one game away from being promoted to the EFL.

In the final we faced Barnet. We were leading 1-0, then 2-1 in the extra time, but they always managed to even the score. It was all decided only in penalties. We scored 4 out of 5, but they were perfect... which means we lost our third playoffs within 4 seasons

After all, I must say this was still a good season. We had a great run in the FA Cup where we were eliminated only in the 5th round by Brighton, beating Premier League Bristol City a round before. We made some good money there and our bank balance finally exceeds 1mln. Does it change anything? Yes, because the board has just confirmed the club turns to professional!

My personal reputation grows as well as I received multiple offers from other clubs - Notts County, Lincoln (both playing in League 1), and even from a Premier League side Bristol City (I guess they were impressed by me when I beat them in the FA Cup a few weeks earlier). I decided to reject all the offers as my job at Brackley is not done yet.

[JawZy]

10 league games into first season, ill be happy if we finish 18th tbh.

[Dreambuilder]

Playing Southend United. Faced Woking in the Vanarama National playoffs final at Wembley infront of a 38000 crowd. Second playoff attempt. Woking played narrowly, so we defended narrowly and played wide offensively by distributing wide  I didn't count on promotion first season as Southend starts with a transfer ban and -10 points but we finished second in the table. The good thing with less signings is that you get very good team cohesion.

 

 

 

[gggfunk]

Fifth, sixth and seventh seasons with Brackley done. I love this save!

 

Season 5

In the fifth season we were fighting for the promotion again and it was going well as we were around playoff places for most of the time. However, closer to the season's end our form became much poorer, so I decided to change my tactic from Vertical Tiki Taka to Gegenpres. It really worked as we started to perform much better, won many games and even had a chance to still finish first! Eventually, we didn't make it and we had to wish for luck in the playoffs again... And again, we lost... This time we started from the semi final where we were beaten straight away, losing to Newport 2-3 (the crucial goal conceded in the stoppage time). At this point my frustration was huge, but how different can one feel after losing the third playoffs in a row...

 

Season 6

I'm not going to lie, I was thinking about resigning for a moment. But then I decided to give it the last try. The plan for this season was to start strong, jump at the top of the table and simply win the league without the need to play in playoffs again, as I didn't really believe we could succeed there. I was hoping that my new Gegenpres tactic would smash other teams as it was really effective at the end of the previous campaign. Well, I couldn't be more wrong as our form at the beginning of the season was terrible and after 10 games we were stuck at 18th place... I was pretty sure this would be another year without the success, but I still tried to get back on the winning path. I realised that our team lacks good headers, in both defence and attack. I managed to sign for free two players - an experienced centre back with heading 16, and a 24 yo striker with jumping reach 19. Plus, I came back to the original Vertical Tiki Taka tactic that brought us promotion to the National League earlier. I must say it was a perfect change as we started winning games and moving towards the top of the table. Luckily for us, the leading teams' form was inconsistent and we had a chance to catch them up. It took some time, but after 36 games we finally landed at the first place. Nevertheless, the situation wasn't clear until the very last game when we needed a win to finish first and gain automatic promotion. It wasn't an easy game and we conceded a goal early, but thanks to an amazing comeback we did it... Yeah! It took us 4 years and 3 lost playoffs in a row, but finally we are promoted to the EFL!

Another great information was that the board decided to build a new stadium.

 

Season 7

The first year in Sky Bet League 2 was supposed to be all about avoiding relegation. I was worried we would struggle heavily, but the first couple of games proved that I was wrong. We had some fantastic performances, including 5-1 vs Burton Albion. Thanks to this, we occupied a place in the top three and pretty fast we guaranteed ourselves a stay in the league for the next season. At least that is what I thought at the time - we were safe. Fortunately, our great form didn't stop. The miracle was confirmed after 40 games - we secured a promotion to the League 1! What is more, on the last day we even confirmed the first place. Who would've thought? 

[Dreambuilder]

Today I did a whole season 53 games with Hampton & Richmond. Played 4-2-3-1 but with too careful instructions at first. Had 9 games without a win so I threw in the towel and switched to high intensive gegenpress  Kaboom! Rest of the season became like a breeze and we won the playoff final and gained promotion  The Beavers are going up! 

 

Edited January 15 by Dreambuilder

[gggfunk]

I finished my 8th season with Brackley and we are not slowing down - we have won Sky Bet League 1 with ten points more than second team and promotion secured with 6 games in hand. Championship here we go!

I think the real challenge starts now, we will be facing much stronger teams with way better financial situation as our overall balance is on minus and the wage budget is only 435k which, compared to other clubs, is just funny. Avoiding relegation is going to be hard but crucial.

[JawZy]

 

We finished the season fairly strongly putting us within reach of playoffs places, bt I am very happy with this

we lost both cups in the rounds we entered, so we didnt get any decent mony in through any cups.

 

The players stats at end of season - some key players were either recalled or left on a fre during the season

Edited January 17 by JawZy

[JawZy]

2nd season - board wanted top half. we were close to the playoffs, but finished just outside

 

A lovely run in the fa cup this season. - FA trophy I used yth and backup players.

[gggfunk]

I keep playing my Brackley save where I'm already at the beginning of the 12th season. It's actually the first time ever when I'm that far in any of my FM saves and I must say it's definitely worth it!

 

Season 9 - Championship

The kickoff of our debut season in Championship couldn't go any better as it was linked with the opening of our brand new Brackley Stadium. We performed well, beating Middlesbrough 1-0 after the goal scored by our vice-captain - the legendary Romeo Beckham who's been with us since Vanarama North times, so from the very beginning! I signed him for free in the summer 2024 and he's been crucial for our success. I definitely owe him a debut in Premier League with me, one day... or wait, it will happen next year as we actually won the Championship already this year! Finished with 93 points after another fantastic season.

I guess the misfortune that was hounding us when we lost three playoffs in a row now turned into blessing as we managed to win three straight promotions. Wow!

Coming back to our squad, besides Beckham I also have Jobe Bellingham, who's been a good addition but keeps getting injured quiet often. Our best player is Reiss Denny though, a real monster as advanced playmaker!

 

Season 10 and 11 - Premier League

Before the start of our Premier League dream I had to make sure our squad was strong enough to keep up with other teams. It wasn't easy as our reputation was still very low and even though the board finally gave me some transfer budget to spend I couldn't really convince many good players to join us. Eventually I signed some young talented guys plus a couple of more experiences ones, including 34 yo Dwight McNeill. He did well and his 10 league assists really helped us to avoid the relegation as we finished 16th. It wasn't easy though as we were fighting until the very last game before we secured staying in the league for the next season. We won only 7 games and collected 33 points, only three more than the 18th team.

The next season wasn't much different, just as last year we struggled a lot but eventually we finished again at 16th place. This time we scored 34 points and won 8 games, so yeah, there is progress.

[Dreambuilder]

On 24/01/2024 at 10:08, gggfunk said:

I keep playing my Brackley save where I'm already at the beginning of the 12th season. It's actually the first time ever when I'm that far in any of my FM saves and I must say it's definitely worth it!

 

Season 9 - Championship

The kickoff of our debut season in Championship couldn't go any better as it was linked with the opening of our brand new Brackley Stadium. We performed well, beating Middlesbrough 1-0 after the goal scored by our vice-captain - the legendary Romeo Beckham who's been with us since Vanarama North times, so from the very beginning! I signed him for free in the summer 2024 and he's been crucial for our success. I definitely owe him a debut in Premier League with me, one day... or wait, it will happen next year as we actually won the Championship already this year! Finished with 93 points after another fantastic season.

I guess the misfortune that was hounding us when we lost three playoffs in a row now turned into blessing as we managed to win three straight promotions. Wow!

Coming back to our squad, besides Beckham I also have Jobe Bellingham, who's been a good addition but keeps getting injured quiet often. Our best player is Reiss Denny though, a real monster as advanced playmaker!

 

Season 10 and 11 - Premier League

Before the start of our Premier League dream I had to make sure our squad was strong enough to keep up with other teams. It wasn't easy as our reputation was still very low and even though the board finally gave me some transfer budget to spend I couldn't really convince many good players to join us. Eventually I signed some young talented guys plus a couple of more experiences ones, including 34 yo Dwight McNeill. He did well and his 10 league assists really helped us to avoid the relegation as we finished 16th. It wasn't easy though as we were fighting until the very last game before we secured staying in the league for the next season. We won only 7 games and collected 33 points, only three more than the 18th team.

The next season wasn't much different, just as last year we struggled a lot but eventually we finished again at 16th place. This time we scored 34 points and won 8 games, so yeah, there is progress.

Good job. I signed Romeo Beckham too with York in an earlier save. Not the best stats but I really liked the Beckham documentary on Netflix  

 

Now I’m trying to take ”The Iron” steel industry city Scunthorpe to greatness from Vanarama North. Leading Vanarama National now in 2nd season and cant wait to get into EFL! What surprised me most is that our average attendance has increased like 60% in one year :O 👍
 

Edited January 27 by Dreambuilder