smeagoltonez

Is it safe to also select 'Double intensity' for under 23s & u18s training when player condition is 'excellent' like we do for the first team? Or does this cause burnout?

Sorry, another question! If 'decisions' is given a higher CA weighting than the other centre-back attributes (& so I'm assuming it's more important to how well a centre-back performs), why is it not highlighted as a 'key' attribute but a 'preferable' one when looking at a CB(d)? And when looking at a NCB, 'decisions' isn't highlighted at all but is still given the highest weighting for CA? Thanks!

I have some more questions about this: 1) do these weightings also apply to how the players perform in the match engine or is it just for CA calculation purposes? If so, this changes how I view my centre-backs. I usually look at positioning, concentration & jumping reach first & neglect decisions a little! 2) I noticed that decisions (& composure) are not important for an NCB. This suggests to me that decisions are only used by a CB(d) when he has the ball at his feet (which pass to play) & that decisions are important for CB(st) & CB(c) when they have to decide whether to attack the ball or cover (depending on the role selected). Am I wrong? Thanks!

Does that weighting count for CA or how they perform in the match engine or both? Thanks!

Yeah, I'm just wondering whether anyone has some figures to show whether clubs do indeed making a profit (or at least break even) over a 10 year period or something. I know that Brentford are planning to reintroduce their academy after previously doing away with it but I read that's more to do with Brexit & the PL planning to make academies compulsory. I suspect that most clubs don't make a profit.

I often wonder this exact thing, why bother? And why do clubs bother IRL? It's often argued that it's so that clubs can become self-sufficient but when you consider how much money is spent on youth programmmes & how rarely it pays off, is it really worth it? Is it simply that clubs are all chasing the dream of getting one gem that pays for the entire youth programme for years? Is this a realistic dream? Maybe someone with a better knowledge of club finances can answer that?

I will try & find the topic that I read it in. It was on this forum & I think it was a reputable source but my searches have come up empty so far...

That's scary! Maybe in that case it would be good to train very defensive traits to supplement the 'hold position' instruction?

Cool thread! I've not managed to test it out properly yet but my CM(a) is in a 442 with a lowish block. He's not the best finisher but he's an aggressive runner who is good in the air. Because of his attacking traits, I'm going to play him in BBM role so that he (hopefully) resembles a CM(a). I'm hoping he attacks the box to get on the end of crosses (a bit like Soucek). No idea if it will actually work out like that though. He's paired with a CM(d) & alongside him is a DW(s). On the other wing I have a WP(a). In front it's a TF(s) & a PF(a).

I didn't realise strength was also difficult to develop as a player gets older. I knew that physical attributes such as pace & acceleration were harder (& that makes sense) but I'm sure I previously read that this didn't apply to 'strength' which again, makes sense (at least to me anyway as a player can get stronger by lifting weights). So I need to concentrate on improving all physicals when they're young? Thanks!

Yeah that's the issue, I think he can only be set as a player/owner for the same club. Another feature for SI to add I suppose!

Is it safe to also select 'Double intensity' for under 23s & u18s training when player condition is 'excellent' like we do for the first team? Or does this cause burnout?

Just like with the players, it would be awesome to have media descriptions for managers. Would be fun to check out the likes of Mourinho & Klopp as well as managers such as Hodgson & Allardyce. Redknapp & Warnock would have been fun too before their retirements.

So does that mean even your holding DM would suddenly stop holding & go all out on the attack?

Hi all, Just read the news about Nottingham Forest's Steve Cook becoming the new owner of of Sussex non-league side Westfield. Is it possible to edit the game data so that he is listed as the owner of Westfield while continuing his normal playing duties for Forest?

Thank you, I did not know any of this! Very helpful! So is it still difficult to improve the attributes of a player aged over 24 if they have below 6 for the one you're targeting?

I remember in last year's version, I sent a hopeless youngster out on loan to a lower division. He played in every game with decent form & when he returned, the coaches gave him a higher star rating but I used Genie to check his CA & it hadn't changed. I'm guessing his value would have increased too. I think form counts for a lot.

Did you look at the social hierarchy of the youth players? It will show you which players are the most influential. Just like with the first team, the players with high ability who have played lots of games & who been there the longest will have the most influence & are the most apt at influencing others (for good or bad). Captains & vice captains will get an influence bonus. You can check why each player is where he is on the hierarchy ladder by clicking on him.

Whereas my young players with Championship potential always gather unwanted interest in League 2. I suppose it depends on what you see as 'decent bids' though? Is a 6 figure sum decent? Last summer IRL, Colchester sold Poku for a 'substantial six-figure fee' & he had Championship potential. Chilvers will be next IRL & is already gathering interest at the beginning of my save.

I always struggle with this part. Do I want a 'more rounded player' or someone who is a master at the attributes needed for their position & role? A well rounded player would make sense for a utility player but maybe not a first choice inside forward? I'm thinking more in terms of lower leagues where players may not have much attribute points to spend on development. Does what I'm saying making sense or am I wrong? Thanks!

I suppose I'd simply mentor them & get them loan moves if I had the funds. Playing as Colchester in League 2 means that by selling a couple of youngsters who I'm doubtful over could give me enough funds to bring in another loanee or better. Decisions, decisions!

What if a youngster (with a bad personality) is not good enough to be in your first team but may have a shot at progressing to something half decent if he were to gain a good personality, would you move the youngster into your first team so that you can mentor him or just cut your loses & sell him while the value is higher? Is it better for him to try & progress with the other kids at his level or get working on his personality asap to gain max improvement. Hmmmmm. I suppose the ideal solution is to have lots of good personalities is your u18s & u23s so that the squad influences him & you can mentor him with other youngsters without giving him an inappropriate promotion. That would need significant work each season though.

Yep! Hopefully it doesn't occur again. I'm assuming that it was something I was doing but who knows what.

Very strange, I can't recreate it now! I had the players written down but when I go to make loan offers, the board now allow me to pay a contribution higher than £0. Nothing has changed. I literally just loaded the game up.

Thanks for your reply. I'll upload some screenshots tomorrow.