atribecalledFM

Hey folks! Like many, I'm a long time lurker on this challenge and whilst I have attempted a youth academy challenge a few years back (and failed miserably), it feels the time to have a serious stab at it. Been struggling to decide on country & club, but couldn't see many attempting Czechia and as a Liverpool fan that enjoyed watching our demolition of Sparta last night, I thought I'd head there and see what could be done. Really excited by the club that came through as their board and fans want us to develop players from our academy, so hopefully show some patience in my attempts to do just that. So here goes!

Introducing Björn Jakobsson Björn is a former professional footballer from Akranes set to take his first role in football management. He rose through the IA Akranes academy in the mid 00's making his debut at 16. He would go on to europe with spells at Inverness in Scotland, Viborg FF in Denmark and Östersunds FK in Sweden, before eventually returning to IA at the age of 30. Sadly, upon his return to IA, a reoccurring achilles injury led to him retiring from football aged just 31. Björn had already begun studying his coaching badges and took on a role for KSI (Football Association of Iceland), working with the football academies across Iceland. His role involved working with the many indoor 'football houses' around Iceland, to bring the highest standard of coaching to each of them. During an interview with Four Four Two magazine, Björn said "I believe this small but mighty nation now has the tools in place to nurture the fire in our hearts and that one day we will see Iceland lift a major international trophy". Björn now finds himself in charge of one of Icelands most successful clubs IA. Unfortunately IA find themselves back in the second tier for the fourth time in 14 years. Something that would have been unimaginable during their period of domination in the 90's. A period that saw them competing in europe and winning 5 of their 18 top flight league titles. They now haven't won a title in over 20 years and have been left behind by the likes of rivals KR who now have a record 27 titles. Björn now has an opportunity to make a real impact on Icelandic football. HIs manifesto to the board was to change the culture of the club over time. To be inspired by their viking ancestors and use that resolute mentality to not only outperform their fellow Icelandic teams, but eventually take on the european giants. After all, Iceland is no stranger to giants! With this new club DNA in mind, a set of self imposed rules have been put in place: 🇮🇸 To only sign Icelandic players. 👶 To nurture our academy players and offer a route into the first team. 🔭 Only sign players found by his scouting team or offered by agents. The idea of setting these rules is to not only aid our club and national league, but to help the national team get back to a major tournament and try to better the sides of 2016 and 2018, by making a major tournament final, maybe even winning it. Björns objectives are ambitious but he believes he can shape the future of Iceland and achieve them: Regain promotion to the top flight Dominate the top flight and become the first professional Icelandic club Create the best academy in the country Improve our club and league reputation and coefficient points Become the first Icelandic club side to win a European trophy Help the Icelandic national team win a major tournament

Excited to follow this one. I once took Tromsdalen to Champions League glory (it took me 30 years), so have a lot of love for the Norwegian lower leagues. I'm currently writing up my first ever career post on here from the depths of lower league Denmark, so look forward to comparing notes. All the best with your save.

Just caught up and love to see a fellow enthusiast for lower league struggles! Also congratulations on taking the plunge. I too have been an insanely long term reader on these forums and I'm currently writing the back story to what will be my first ever post on here, so thank you for further inspiration to get involved in sharing stories! Good luck with the save.