The Official AFC Crewe – Journey up the Track Challenge

[Thyra7]

@K13eke  Just wanted to say great job in managing this challenge.

Question for you and perhaps anyone here.  Does anyone have the logo/kit that works with FM23?  I believe that the files posted here are only for FM24.

 

Cheers in advance.

Edited February 6 by Thyra7

[BluePAL]

Bit late to the party so some catching up to do. Tiny bit late on the Manager profile screenshot (16 games in) but hope it proves to case enough!

 

[Horatio Nelson]

On 03/02/2024 at 00:58, Thyra7 said:

@Horatio Nelson  I have some good tactics if you want.  A solid counter attack 4-3-3 and a complete 4-2-4 that's balanced and great for a starting tactic.

Let me know and I'll post the details.

I'm about to complete Season 1 and am top with one game to go - think I've worked it out now but may come back to you for Season 2!

[batavya]

Thanks for the information.. I should follow this rules and need to try again from scratch. Hope will be the first 🏆

Edited February 7 by batavya
Wrong word

[kieran_stutes]

6th season complete and our 6th promotion. Fantastic season once again in the league and making the second round of the FA cup, beating league two Swindon on the way! We have been given our first transfer budget for next season! Time to battle the National League North! 

[K13eke]

Hi all,

Again a massive thanks from me & everybody at AFC Crewe for taking part in this challenge.  I live a busy life so I wish I could play as much as some of you, however if you're not already a board member at the club, we just enjoy the exposure this challenge is giving our little club!

Here's an updated leader board:

To answer some questions:

@Thyra7 I'm unsure if there are any kit/logo packs floating about for FM23.  Have you tried giving it a go with the packs that are in this thread?  If they don't work, it could be a case that the club ID number attached to them is not matching due to the differences between FM23 & FM24.  My knowledge on the editor is very vague, but if you're able to get into the pre-game editor and search AFC Crewe, you can obtain the clubs unique ID.  I believe you then just re-save the packs but you would save them with the name showing the FM23 unique ID.  Hope that made sense, and if anyone in here is any better with packs and things, please let me know if I'm wrong here.  It's also a pleasure being able to run this!

@aldiyaz For exact rules if you're competing for a place on the board you can read up here: https://www.afccrewe.com/club-information/fm24-own-a-club-share-competition-tcs?fbclid=PAAabvOmSmr9BbpuGzo6S5Y997oZmcexSIbqLPIkWjo3lcx9FSIyVn14wHJJg

I'll be copying this into the main bio as well.

@kieran_stutes - I've just typed all this up and you've posted at 08:30am!  This is commitment!!  I haven't included your league win in this update, however I'll make a note to pop it into the next one.

Hope you all have a great day!

[Sir Alex Ferguson jr]

On 01/02/2024 at 16:15, Sir Alex Ferguson jr said:

Update 1 - Season 1 (2023/2024) review

Invincible season!

League table:


Youth Intake:

Transfers:

Finances:


Star players:

Let go with season 2!

Update 2 - Season 2 (2024/2025) review

Champions again, unfortunately not invincible this season (League table):

Youth intake:



Transfers:


Finances:


Star players:




Let's see what season 3 brings...

[Thyra7]

@K13eke I managed to get the kits working by changing the team ID in the config file.  I'll try it with the club logo as well.  Keep up the good work 👍

[DOUBLEALPACA]

AFC Crewe - 2026/27 Season Review

Finished what has been undoubtedly the toughest season so far of the challenge. With the additional cup competitions (four in total), and with my insistence on spending as little money as possible, the squad was most definitely spread thin throughout the early months of the season and the strength in depth (or lack of) was plain to see towards the end of the season.

That being said...

We did it - via the playoffs and quite literally by the skin of our teeth - but we did it! Four straight promotions is quite the achievement and considering we were predicted to finish mid table at the start of the season, it feels great to know we're competing at yet again a higher level next season.

As you can see from both the table and the fixtures, it was a very close run in at the end of the season. When we lost to Glossop North End and gifted them top spot, I thought it was over but a series of results meant we went into the last day of the season ahead on goal difference and of course, we lost 4-5 to Kidsgrove and they drew to lift the title. The playoff games were tense affairs and had my heart pounding but, we made it and that's all I care about!

Financially this season has been great for us, due mainly to the small cup run success we had in both the FA Vase and FA Cup.

My insistence on not spending money has also helped and as a result we do still have a couple of Amateur players on the books as well as relying somewhat on loans. I envisage that continuing next season but I did want to shout out two players who are still on amateur contracts and have been on the journey the entire time with me.

Both Ethan and Rudy (who is also my captain) have been incredible for me on this journey. Both have averaged above a 7 rating for 4 straight seasons with each season obviously being a step up. They are without a doubt the first names on my team sheet, and I cannot wait to get stuck into season 5 with them!

[Nicoo36]

So, the second season is over. Don't be surprised, the post is a bit delayed. The third season will soon be over. Hopefully with just as good an outcome as before!

There will also be a more detailed description for the next season.

[Thomas Kynes]

Edited February 7 by Thomas Kynes

[CJWills1991]

End of Season 7, This one was filled with emotions and ALOT of frustrations. But we got there in the end, unfortunately not the title but still a promotion!

After being Approved to Upgrade Training and Youth Facilities We sit at this in the balance

And this is how the run in and the playoff's faired.

*

Edited February 7 by CJWills1991

[Nicoo36]

And now! The third season with AFC Crewe is complete. It was a head-to-head with Alsager Town, who still had the chance to knock me off the top spot in a direct duel on the last matchday. But it all came about after we had a real crisis over the last ten matchdays. 5 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats, that's not the statistics of a champion. But somehow we still managed it and saved the season on the last matchday. And fortunately, not only were we able to celebrate this title, we also managed to win the First Division Cup after being knocked out of the Isuzu FA Vase in the 4th round. 

I would particularly like to emphasise two players in our club who have been with us for the entire three seasons! Luke Cunningham and Calvin Jones. Luke scored a magnificent 75 goals and assists in 95 appearances and Calvin scored 82 goals and assists in 95 games. I have attached the detailed statistics of both players as well as the final league table, the crazy last matchday, the cup win and the overall statistics of the first three years. I hope for many more crazy years in this wonderful club!!!

 

 

[Horatio Nelson]

Season 1 complete - finally - and Champions at the death! Learnt a huge amount about the lower leagues in the first half of the season, then turned on the jets in the second half. Could not have done this without replacing the entire team either, sorry to the fine gents at AFC Crewe; only existing players I used were Ezaye and Marsh, and only then for less than 30 games between them.

Just look at how badly we started the season:

[lionel messi]

15 hours ago, Thomas Kynes said:

Why are you playing in the United Counties League Premier South?

That seems way off

 

[AW24]

Season 4 complete and managed to win the league. Got knocked out early in all of the cups. Really enjoying this save so far!

[aldiyaz]

Alright, I'm back again. Same database as before, slightly larger player count even, but different approach in day-to-day operations, ie. less friendlies, more trial farming, more scouting, and less thought given -- even when we lose money due to scouting and inviting Celtic B!

Somehow my computer processes this save much quicker or is it placebo? At this point who cares anyway -- I'm here for the possible Youtube content aside from the lifetime Silver membership (which would basically be a bonus).

Rougher start to the season, but same old players and same old qualities -- our 2* are now Leading Level 12 players and 4.5* are now Good Level 11 players, which I'll upgrade soon.

On that note: welcome back Maximus Rigby and Chib Chilaka my old friends! I was hoping for Caleb Chukwuemeka to sign, but apparently he's in Vanarama already. NBD.

[Thomas Kynes]

13 hours ago, lionel messi said:

Why are you playing in the United Counties League Premier South?

That seems way off

 

This is where the database has taken after 3 titles.

 

13 hours ago, lionel messi said:

Why are you playing in the United Counties League Premier South?

That seems way off

 

 

[Thomas Kynes]

a

[Mackenie]

Season 7

May be a season behind now but I was able to put things right and take down the league title, off to the big time, the normal playable FM leagues. As per national north rules we have had to leave the Wood Park Stadium for the 7000 capacity Barton Stadium.

Salary budget has not been increased by a big amount and will likely struggle to take the title next season.

Edited February 9 by Mackenie

[CJWills1991]

11 hours ago, Mackenie said:

Season 7

May be a season behind now but I was able to put things right and take down the league title, off to the big time, the normal playable FM leagues. As per national north rules we have had to leave the Wood Park Stadium for the 7000 capacity Barton Stadium.

Salary budget has not been increased by a big amount and will likely struggle to take the title next season.

Thats season 6 my guy, Season 7 is Vanarama National North

[jetscott23]

Another Title only achieved on last day. Did rubbish in cups  

[CJWills1991]

@K13eke Can you be aware, that @MackenieSeason 6 Post is Season 5, and Season 7 post is Season 6. I believe he has more points than he should right now.

Edited February 9 by CJWills1991

[JC1707]

End of first season. Top of the league with 85points

Did anyone else get a higher GD (+72) in their first season?

[Mackenie]

6 hours ago, CJWills1991 said:

@K13eke Can you be aware, that @MackenieSeason 6 Post is Season 5, and Season 7 post is Season 6. I believe he has more points than he should right now.

I didn't get promoted in season 6, so my first season in Vanarama north will be my 8th season (not finished yet).

Edited February 10 by Mackenie

[CJWills1991]

32 minutes ago, Mackenie said:

I didn't get promoted in season 6, so my first season in Vanarama north will be my 8th season (not finished yet).

*facepalm* my dumbass dont know how to read lmfao

[Mackenie]

7 hours ago, CJWills1991 said:

*facepalm* my dumbass dont know how to read lmfao

You've just been working too hard on football manager, how about a nice relaxing week off

 

[Mackenie]

12 hours ago, JC1707 said:

End of first season. Top of the league with 85points

Did anyone else get a higher GD (+72) in their first season?

You smashed mine by about 20 goals.

[aldiyaz]

THIS TASTES LIKE PROMOTION!

[CJWills1991]

3 hours ago, Mackenie said:

You've just been working too hard on football manager, how about a nice relaxing week off

 

naaah, im ahead. gotta stay ahead. 

[aldiyaz]

AND WE FINALLY CLINCH THE LEVEL 12 CHAMPIONSHIP!

[aldiyaz]

16 hours ago, JC1707 said:

End of first season. Top of the league with 85points

Did anyone else get a higher GD (+72) in their first season?

Very good! I probably can't do it with +53 goals and 6 matches left.

[JC1707]

1 hour ago, aldiyaz said:

Very good! I probably can't do it with +53 goals and 6 matches left.

I believe in you  If you’re already champions you may as well go ultra-attacking for the rest of the season  

The worst part was all my best players either retired or were poached shortly after this  lol

[CJWills1991]

Season 8, 8th Promotion. Grabbing the Title is getting harder especially with these caliber of teams.

 

Edited February 11 by CJWills1991

[CJWills1991]

Another annoying fact about the save is you gotta keep renting a new stadium at a certain stage.

[Mackenie]

Season 8

We didn't have enough to take the title but we do get our 7th promotion of the save via the playoffs, we also averaged 500 fans at our new ground which is nice. 

[batavya]

I just start maybe five days ago and so lucky in first attempt I almost get promoted in third rank. Because this is the first time after many2 years not playing fm in pc (last played at 2014) so I dunno how the technically how it goes then I slipped to rank 6 and accidentally some player move to another club before season ended. hahaha.. I don't mind.. I start from scratch again.. I put record in my youtube also for the journey until I got the champion league even I didn't get the prize.

here is my first day video.. Thank you guys..

 

 

[Thomas Kynes]

On 10/02/2024 at 09:15, Mackenie said:

You smashed mine by about 20 goals.

[Thyra7]

Season 3, Division Champions with about 7 games to go.  I'll post my usual update at the end of the season.

 

Quote

 

[ramboacdc]

3rd season. Promotion through the play offs after losing the title on GD. Left it until the last minute of the game to tie up the final and then won it on pens. The playoff run helped boost attendance and really helped my finances. Apparetnyl the chairman is looking to sell up, so I wonder what the close season will be like!

Onto County League!

 

EDIT TO ADD COMPETITIONS PAGE:

Edited February 11 by ramboacdc
add competitions page

[Mackenie]

Andrew Black threatens to sell every season for me but hasn't yet, probably because we've been promoted 7 times without him having to spend a penny. As soon as we stop getting prize money or selling players I'm sure he'll be off like a shot

 

[aldiyaz]

On 10/02/2024 at 21:46, JC1707 said:

I believe in you  If you’re already champions you may as well go ultra-attacking for the rest of the season  

The worst part was all my best players either retired or were poached shortly after this  lol

Same bro.

I'm glad that I can still regain my squad depth with the massive database I had.

However! Because the board decided that we're Semi-Pro now, people now ask us for appearance fees. Wage commitment: not stonks.

[AW24]

Season 5 complete, very disappointing, got knocked out early in all of the cup competitions. Managed to sneak into the playoffs but my starting keeper got injured on the last day of the season so had to play a reserve keeper. Got beaten in the first playoff game, hoping season 6 can be better!

 

[thelkx]

let's go! Excited to start something new! 

 

 

[aldiyaz]

On 12/02/2024 at 01:42, Mackenie said:

Andrew Black threatens to sell every season for me but hasn't yet, probably because we've been promoted 7 times without him having to spend a penny. As soon as we stop getting prize money or selling players I'm sure he'll be off like a shot

 

How did you manage to do that?! Appearance fees already cost us like $25k in the first half season of our Semi-Pro journey and the amateurs are still leaving one by one.

[ramboacdc]

7 hours ago, aldiyaz said:

How did you manage to do that?! Appearance fees already cost us like $25k in the first half season of our Semi-Pro journey and the amateurs are still leaving one by one.

I am not sure how much is luck, but I was took over by a fan trust at the end of my 3rd consecutive promotion into county league. We were £60k in the red and these guys put a £100k loan in to balance it out. Wasn't too keen on that in all honesty but since then they have injected ~£25k in a month and it's not going on the debt. We are still insecure financially but sitting in the black now for a bit. 

 

Its scouting costs that will end up costing you. Get a month or 2 scouting done in the pre season and then don't have them scouting for the rest of the season or you will just watch the money fly out. 

 

I haven't found a way to combat losing players left and right with nothing you can do. Only a few have stayed the course so far. Connor Russo, if I ever meet you. I will shake your hand for your dedication to the cause. 

[Mackenie]

10 hours ago, aldiyaz said:

How did you manage to do that?! Appearance fees already cost us like $25k in the first half season of our Semi-Pro journey and the amateurs are still leaving one by one.

Just a mix of random 50k-100k player sales, usually get at least one a season, as well as a few good cup runs here and there. I also didn't really need to go to the top of the wage budget in most seasons. 

[Mackenie]

Season 9

For the first season in the save the board were not expecting automatic promotion but a more sensible mid table finish, after a shaky start we did end up going on an insane run including 27 unbeaten to narrowly clinch the title and make it up to the actual football leagues !

We subsequently went professional and had to move to a bigger ground. Our new home is the Mornflake stadium, which just so happens to be Crewe Alexandra's ground, as they are also in league two they decided we may as well share with us, which is a little surprising. 

Our wage budget is increased nearly double to 15k but here's the kicker, we are now subject to FPP rules which means we can only spend 50% of our turnover, so our actual wage budget isn't 15K at all but a mere 8K. This see's us severely low on players, just 15, heading into our first league two match. To top it off we also had a transfer embargo for 3 months as Andrew Black finally decided to cash in on our success, we are now owned by the fans. 

Tough season ahead but let me give you a sneak preview, our first home game of the season see's a massive increase in attendance, 2500 fans with 1000 of them being ours. We also played our first Carabao cup match of the season, away to none other than West Ham in just our second match of the season, which netted us a quarter of a million, just need FPP to catch up so we can sign more players.

[aldiyaz]

DOUBLE PROMOTION!

That makes me stand in the competition with 30 points!

Edited February 13 by aldiyaz

[K13eke]

Good Evening Everyone.

I've had a busy few days so apologies for the late leader board update.

Here's how things currently stand:

Both @Mackenie & @CJWills1991 have made it to the football league and sit nicely in League 2.  Mackenie has taken the league by winning the National League but there is an extremely interesting battle brewing here.

Can you all please sense check the above when you read this post please.  Mainly the 'points' section more than the trophies.  Trophies can include anything e.g. League wins, play offs, runner up trophies etc. I'm more concerned with the points but appreciate the fact that if we're going to run this, then we do it properly.  I'm only human so it's inevitable that an odd error will pop in here and there.

We have no confirmed accounts of this challenge being completed yet outside of the SI forum so it's all still to play for.

In the real world AFC Crewe currently sit top of the Staffordshire County Senior League Division 1 and if anyone wants to catch any of the games, every single one is streamed live via the VEO app.  All you have to do is download the app on your phone and search 'AFC Crewe'.