FM12: Manchester City Thread - Time To Build An Empire

[JD nawrat]

A Brief History of Manchester City Football Club

St. Mark's (1880-1887)

With a 131 year history, Manchester City and its fans have been through sporadic eras of both ecstasy and misery. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's (West Gorton), the club had a rather humble beginning. Originally started by Anna Connell and two church wardens, St. Mark's became the concept behind which the local church hoped to prevent gang violence in the local area of West Gorton, Manchester. Surprisingly, for the time, it was not a club founded on specific religious beliefs - both Catholics and Protestants were invited to play for the new club. Anna Connell, to this day, remains the only woman in British football history to have played a large role in the creation of a major football club.

In November of 1880, St. Mark's lost their first football match, losing 2-1 to another church team, from Macclesfield. The team wore all black, rather than the sky blue shirts that have become signature for Manchester City to wear today. Later that decade, in 1884, St. Mark's merged with another team from Gorton, but this didn't last long and the two teams split up as quickly as they joined together. Instead of taking the name St. Mark's back, the team became known simply as Gorton A.F.C. This was the beginning of the move away from religious beliefs.

Ardwick F.C (1887-1894)

In 1887, Gorton A.F.C turned professional and relocated to the East of Manchester and into a new ground, known as Hyde Park - this stadium was the second-longest occupied stadium by Manchester City, having been occupied for 36 years. Seen as the beginning of a new era, the club felt it was appropriate to change their name, as they were no longer based in the Gorton area of Manchester. The club was now formally known as Ardwick A.F.C.

In 1889, following a tragic explosion in Ardwick which claimed the lives of 23 miners, Ardwick F.C and Newton Heath - known today as arch rivals Manchester United - played against each other in a friendly to raise funds following the disaster. It was the first time the two clubs met, and at the time the game didn't mean much in a footballing sense. Little did both sides know, they would go on to make one of the biggest rivalries in the 21st century in England.

Ardwick began to make a name for themselves, and finally managed to cement a place in the Football League, after a 1-0 victory over Newton Heath in the Manchester Cup would convince the Football Association to take notice of the progress of Ardwick. Ardwick became founding members of Division Two. In 1893, and through to 1894, Ardwick suffered financial troubles which lead to the club being reshaped and, crucially, renamed. From 1894 onwards, Ardwick FC, formerly St. Mark's, were now known as Manchester City, a name which has stuck with them until the present day.

Manchester City (1894-2008)

In 1899, 5 years after the club became settled as Manchester City, the team won the English Division Two, their first proper honour. This gained them promotion to Division One, the highest tier of football in England at the time.

It was in 1904 in which the club finally won their first major honour - the FA Cup. The beat local rivals Bolton Wanderers 1-0, and in the same season narrowly missed out on becoming League Champions, by finishing as runners-up.

In what was viewed as a very unfair ban, many of the Manchester City players were banned from 1905 to 1907 for supposedly breaking the wage cap of £4 per week which was imposed by the FA at the time. It was due to this ban that the team slowly entered decline, and after finishing runners-up in 1904 and third place in 1905, the team didn't make any substantial challenges for years to come.

In 1923, Manchester City moved to Maine Road, the place where they would play football for the next 80 years of the clubs history.

It was in 1933 that Manchester City first came close to winning the FA Cup for a second time in their history. However, they lost in the final to Everton 3-0, prompting club captain Sam Cowan to vow to the fans that they would win the FA Cup in 1934 the following season. In 1934, Sam Cowan delivered his promise and guided Manchester City to a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup Final over Portsmouth. Cowan became the first, and to this day the only, Manchester City player to respresent the club in 3 different finals.

In 1937, Manchester City would go on to win their first ever league title in the top division of England, winning Division One by scoring over 100 goals and going 22 games without defeat at one point. However, misery would follow as they became the only team in English football history to be relegated from the top division as the reigning champions.

Following the second World War, Manchester City legend and goalkeeper Frank Swift retired from football. It was at this point in the clubs history when they made perhaps the most controversial signing in British football history, by bringing former Nazi paratrooper and self-confessed British and Jew hater, Bert Trautmann, to the club. Despite the many protests towards this signing, the goalkeeper worked hard and attempted to prove his love for England and for the club. He famously played the 1956 FA Cup Final, which Manchester City won, with a broken neck. He became one of the most loved and successful players at the club, and to this day is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in history.

In 1965, Manchester City appointed two of their greatest figures in the club's history - Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison - as the manager and his assistant. The success was instant. City found themselves back into the top flight after winning the second division at the time. They also made the signings of the iconic Colin Bell and Mike Summerbee. Not all was rosy and City only managed a finish of 15th in their first season back into the top division. However, the wheels were in motion. The year after, City signed another club legend in the form of Francis Lee for a club record, at the time, of £60,000. Lee's debut was an important one - it ended a run of three defeats in a row, one of which was to Manchester United - as it marked the beginning of an 11 match undefeated streak. Most memorably, throughout the streak, Man City defeated Tottenham 4-1 with Colin Bell grabbing all four goals in what was hailed as the best match of that season. During it, the commentator, Kenneth Wolstenholme, also claimed that City were "the most exciting team in England". City went on to narrowly win the title, pipping both United and Liverpool to it. It was an amazing turnaround from the side who struggled to a 15th place finish the year prior. In 1969, City won the FA Cup, allowing to participate in the European Cup Winners' Cup the following year. Man City went on to win this, marking their only European title to date. That same season also saw Man City become League Cups winners, marking a double for the club in 1970.

Mercer and Allison stand to this day as two of City’s most influential figures, alongside Summerbee, Bell and Francis. Together, the legends all manager to achieve unprecedented success at the club – winning a League Title, an FA Cup, League Cup, Cup Winners’ Cup and a Charity Shield in a six-year span.

However, unfortunately communications broke down between Mercer and Allison and the former resigned from his post. The job was handed to Allison, who could not continue the success the duo had brought. Of note, Allison’s City side won a Charity Shield and a League Cup, whilst also making a League Cup final but losing in 1974 to Wolverhampton. In 1977 Allison guided City to 2nd, their highest finish under Allison.

In 1974 Tony Book, the former club captain, took over the team. Book provided some stability and was a big hit with the fans and players involved with the club. Under Tony Book, City most memorably, perhaps, defeated Manchester United 1-0 to relegate the team, thanks to Denis Law’s marvelous backheel and non-celebration which followed. In 1976 Book guided City to a League Cup victory, and in 1977 he lost out on the league to Liverpool by just one point.

In 1979 Allison returned to the club but did very little in terms of progress and was quickly sacked within a year. From 1980 until 1989, City went through multiple managers and were relegated from the top division to the second tier two twice, with the second promotion up being in 1989. In 1990, City thrashed rivals Man United 5-1 in what Fergie claimed was the most humiliating defeat of his managerial career. However, these were anything but ominous signs. Man City spent the following years sliding down the table, before eventually falling into the third tier of English football, the first time the club had ever been that low down the system.

In the 1998-99 season, City gained promotion back to division one, and in 1999-2000 they managed to automatically qualify back to the Premier League. This wasn’t to last as the club slid back down again a season later. Kevin Keegan was hired as the manager of the team for the 2000-01 season and saw them gain promotion as Division One champions, scoring over 100 goals in the league that season. From the years leading, City managed to establish themselves as Premier League regulars and managed to achieve respectable positions each year.

Legendary goalkeeper Bert Trautmann making a typical save

Man City legend Malcolm Allison

Manchester City (2008-present)

In 2008 a new chapter was opened in Manchester City’s long history. The Arab consortium, the Abu Dhabi United Group, bought over the club and instantly set standards high, breaking the British record transfer fee with a £32.5M transfer of Brazilian player Robinho, whose career was marred by inconsistency. With the new owners came many riches. City quickly became known as “the richest club in the world”. Then-manager Mark Hughes brought in players like Vincent Kompany, Nigel de Jong, Gareth Barry, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott. Most importantly, Mark Hughes signed cross-city-rival and former club legend Carlos Tevez from Manchester United. Tevez would go on to be a massive component in City’s success up until the 2011-12 season, where he controversially refused to play under the manager, thus destroying his reputation at the club and the fans demanding that he leave the club. Mark Hughes lost his job on December 19 2009, with Roberto Mancini instantly being appointed as his successor. Mancini only managed to finish fifth with City that season, but the owners confirmed that Mancini would be safe come the new season.

In the pre-season that followed, City opened their chequebook and acquired Mario Balotelli, David Silva, Aleksandr Kolarov, Yaya Toure, James Milner and Edin Dzeko. The season turned out to be a massive success, with City beating United en route to their first FA cup in 42 years and their first piece of silverware since 1976. They also finished 3rd, beating Arsenal to the automatic spot for qualification in the Champions League for the next season. Throughout the season, City became ever-reliant on the performances of a few key figures, most notably Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Nigel de Jong, David Silva and Carlos Tevez, who were essentially the spine of the team. In the summer following the season, Tevez demanded a move away from City (for the second time), and so the club acquired the signing of Sergio Aguero, as well as Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Stefan Savic. Now, it’s your turn to takeover…

Roberto Mancini sporting his signature scarf

[JD nawrat]

The Team

Goalkeeper: No guessing who starts here. Joe Hart should without a doubt be your starting Goalkeeper. Costel Pantilimon is your back-up for this position. I’d advise you to stick with these two players for this position. However, Pantilimon is only on a loan deal basis and you'll eventually need to bring someone in. Stuart Taylor is in the reserves, as is Gunnar Nielsen and David Gonzalez will come back to you from Aberdeen eventually, but neither of these are very good. Lorius Karius is in your youths and may develop into a decent backup, but he's unlikely to become anything more than. Bringing in Pantilimon on a permanent deal is your best bet, probably.

Potential Targets: Igor Akinfeev and Hugo Lloris remain the two biggest targets. Steve Mandanda is a cheaper option than both and is still quality, but I'm not sure how much better than Hart Mandanda actually is (he probably isn't).

Youth Targets: Marc-André ter Stegen is fantastic and already better than Joe Hart (if scouts are to be believed), so should be considered. He's expensive, at £25M (season 1. In season 2 he's usually available for around £17M), but he's worth every penny. Alphonse Areola is another highly touted youngster.

Right Back: Micah Richards and Pablo Zabaleta are your first two obvious choices for this role. Micah should get the nod ahead of the Argentine. There’s no need to bring in anybody, unless you don’t really want to hang onto either. Micah isn't rated as highly as he should be (arguably). Zabaleta is, according to any respectable assistant manager, the better choice. I wouldn't be quick to argue with that. Both are quality.

Potential Targets: Philip Lahm and Maicon will move to you for sure. Neither are cheap, though. Although Lahm isn't old, he's not young either. Maicon shouldn't be a long-term target. Atsuto Uchida is available for around £12M, but he's not very good defensively. A very cheap, solid target is Igor Bandalovski who many people around these forums have had great success with.

Youth Targets: There's one or two people, the notable ones being Serge Aurier and Sime Vrsaljko.

Left Back: Gael Clichy and Aleksandr Kolarov are your two options for this position. It’s difficult to call who should start as both are reliable and capable of doing so. As squad rotation is pretty certain, it may be worth using Kolarov in an attacking lineup and Clichy in a defensive one, as they certainly favour those type of roles. Kolarov's assisting ability is fantastic but he's susceptible to targeting from the opposition as he's not the best defender.

Potential Targets: There is very few world class left backs around, nevermind any who will move to you. Domenico Criscito is a great talent but is unavailable in season 1 until January at the very earliest (and even then it can be difficult). Aly Cissokho is a dependable, reliable option who is apparently available at a relatively cheap price for someone of his quality.

Youth Targets: Lucas Digne is one option who is capable of becoming something very special. Ryan Bertrand is a good English option.

Centre Back: This position has plenty and so you shouldn’t really need cover. Club Captain Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott are the two most obvious choices for the role. However, you also have Kolo and Stefan Savic available should you want somebody. If you feel Lescott and Kolo aren’t good enough (perfectly valid opinion). Dedryck Boyata also returns from loan at the end of the season.

Potential Targets: Giorgio Chiellini is the best CB in the game, or one of them at the very least, and he should be on your radar if you need/want a new CB. Thiago Silva and Christopher Samba are two very good solid centrebacks worth considering, too.

Youth Targets: Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Sokratis Papastapothoulos are two very good targets and two highly reliable targets, too. Both Greek, which means you could have a real strong partnership at the back. Grant Hanley may be worth checking out too.

Defensive Midfield: This position also comes with plenty of options. You have Nigel de Jong, Yaya and Gareth Barry who can all do great jobs here. Not to mention that Owen Hargreaves is there too. de Jong should get the nod ahead of the rest, due to his fantastic defensive ability.

Potential Targets: It might be advisable to bring in a back-up, meaning that players like Steven N’Zonzi may be viable. Cheap, reliable and willing to prop up your bench. Kara is a very highly reliable and promising player who should be considered.

Youth Targets: In terms of youth prospects, Yann M’Vila might be worth considering, although he’s not really a ‘youth’ as such anymore. Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is also one to watch out for.

Central Midfield: Again, you have de Jong, Yaya, Barry and Hargreaves to play here. You also have James Milner who can play here.

Potential Targets: Again, a bit of depth might be preferable, and so Marek Hamsik is worth looking into. Andile Jali is worth looking at; he becomes something brilliant.

Youth Targets: Jack Rodwell and Jack Colback are two good young English targets. Tom Cairney and James McCarthy are also worth targeting. Andrea Poli is another fantastic prospect. You're spoiled for choice in this position, really (same for Defensive Midfield).

Attacking Midfield: You currently have David Silva and Samir Nasri and for this role. Sergio Aguero can also take up the position, as can Carlos Tevez (name doesn't deserve to be bolded). It doesn't particularly matter who you start, as both are fantastic.

Potential Targets: Eden Hazard is world class and should definitely be one of the first to come to mind. If not him, then you have the likes of Luka Modric who is world class also. Jadson is a good option, too. You aren't starved for choice, that's for sure. It may even be worth considering Kaka who is still fantastic, even if old. He can become an invaluable tutor for you. Mario Gotze is also one of the best targets, even if young he's already more than good enough to play for any team at any level.

Youth Targets: Paulo Henrique is very much worth considering as he's one of the best young attacking midfielders in the game, without a doubt. Lucas Moura is the other highly rated youngser who you'll no doubt hear plenty of good news about. Douglas Costa is also a good youngster to consider.

Wide Midfield: Adam Johnson and Mario Balotelli are the only two player who can give you any natural width, but the latter isn't really a winger. David Silva and Samir Nasri can of course play here too. Carlos Tevez has been successful for one or two people on the forums (see posts below for further info), so that could be taken into consideration. Vladimir Weiss is a quality youngster and comes back from loan at the end of the season, so he should definitely be considered at the end of the season. Weiss and Johnson on the right and left respectively should give you brilliant natural width.

Potential Targets: Gareth Bale is one of the best wingers in the game and should definitely be considered. Other obvious choices are Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.

Youth Targets: Junior Hoilett is a brilliant player and can do a job from day one, despite his stats not looking the greatest. He can also develop massively. Antoine Griezmann is a fantastic talent and will offer some great width down the left. Dusan Tadic also looks very good too.

Forward: Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko are the two natural out-and-out striker you have. Mario Balotelli is there too, though. It's entirely your choice, but worth remembering that Mario is very good on the wings too. You even have the traitor Carlos Tevez if his real life antics mean little to you. Dzeko is obviously the option if you want a ‘big man’, whereas Aguero is more engaging in pass-and-move set-ups. Aguero is probably always going to get the nod ahead of Dzeko, but both are quality.

Potential Targets: Edinson Cavani is probably one of the best players in the whole game and should be targeted when even contemplating a new striker. There's no doubting his quality. Mario Gomez is also brilliant if you can poach him from Munchen. Hulk is another highly praised striker that you should take into consideration.

Youth Targets: Leandro Damiao is one to watch out for, as he can easily set the world alight with his fantastic ability. There's no denying that this lad can be the best. Paco Alcacer is worth looking into as well as he's a very bright young player. Yaya Sanogo and Khouma Babacar are two players who are frequently touted as being the best to watch out for, also.

[JD nawrat]

Possible Formations

4-3-3: This has started to become a universal formation used by managers worldwide. It provides great defensive coverage and is strong going forward is handled properly. Definitely advisable, as it suits your players well. It does have drawbacks, such as forcing you to play Silva and Nasri out wide, but both men can do that fine. It might also be an idea to drift them inside and make it more like a 4-1-2-2-1, though.

4-2-3-1: Very similar to the 4-3-3, but more potent in attack and perhaps more vulnerable in defence. A very popular choice and fast becoming one of the staple formations of the modern game. This allows you to fit in Nasri/Silva/Johnson/Balotelli better, but also means having to drop Barry/Milner (most likely) or another central midfielder. Much like the 4-3-3, it means having to play Nasri/Silva out wide. It is also possible to play both in the centre and make it either a lopsided 4-2-3-1, or a narrow 4-2-3-1 if you choose another player for this position (though not many spring to mind that would be worth it).

4-2-4: Perhaps a tad too attacking for most, and the decision to play two strikers isn't always a popular decision. But it allows you fit in the two marvelous strikers you have at your disposal and may be one to consider, even if just for the smaller teams. Again, Silva and Nasri may, in your eyes, be wasted operating out wide. Bringing them inside sacrifices what little width you might have, instead creating a 'stack' formation of a 4-2-2-2.

The Squad

*Note: Carlos Tevez has been omitted from the squad.

Kolo Touré also begins the game in the reserves.

[JD nawrat]

Club Information

General:

Nickname: The Citizens

Founded: 1887

Status: Professional

Reputation: Continental

Chairman: Khaldoon Al Mubarak

Chariman Status: Loves the Club

Fierce Rivals: Manchester United

Other Rivals: Stockport, Bolton

Legends: Bert Trautmann, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan,

Joe Mercer, Billy Meredith, Tony Book, Francis Lee,

Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell, Malcolm Allison

Icons: Paul Lake, Niall Quinn, Uwe Rosler, Paul Dickov, Richard Dunne,

Jim Cassell, Joe Corrigan, Yaya Toure, Paul Power, Georgi Kinkladze,

Shaun Goater, Neil Young, Tommy Johnson, Alan Oakes,

Ali Benarbia, Mike Doyle, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joe Royle,

Joe Hart, Roberto Mancini, Dennis Tueart, Paul Simpson

Favoured Personnel: Nigel de Jong, Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta

Media Prediction: 3rd

Club Captain: Vincent Kompany

Vice-Captain: Nigel de Jong

Financial:

Finances: Rich

Estimed Value: £378M

Average Ticket Price: £36.00

Average Season Ticket Price: £414

Season Ticket Holders: 36,000

Facilities:

Ground: Etihad Stadium

Capacity: 47, 405 all-seater

Year Built: 2002

Stadium Condition: Perfect

Corporate Facilities: Good Corporate Facilities

Training Facilities: Top Training Facilities

Youth Facilities: Excellent Youth Facilities

Junior Coaching: Good Junior Coaching

Youth Recruitment: Established Youth Recruitment

Transfer And Wage Budgets:

Current Wage Expenditure is £2, 269, 426 per week

Title Challenge:

Transfer Budget: £42M

Wage Budget:£2.7M p/w

Winner:

Transfer Budget: £56M

Wage Budget: £3M p/w

The Home of Manchester City - The Etihad Stadium

Conclusion: Why Go Manchester City?

Simply put, at Manchester City you have the option to build an empire; a dynasty; a legacy; whatever other superlative you'd like to use. With the funds available to you and the quality of talent already on show, there is no doubting that Man City have the potential to be a team which dominates the globe, nevermind England. An easy job? It's debatable. Despite the large amounts of cash at your disposal and the wealth of quality, success is practically demanded at Man City. Taking them on may seem like an easy route to success, but a run of poor results can easily result in a trip to the job centre if you aren't careful, ruthless and, most importantly, successful.

[JD nawrat]

Reserved for future use.

[JD nawrat]

Reserved for future use..

[JD nawrat]

Reserved for future use...

[Rubentus_Juventus]

jesus Man city look insane.

[dburns1993]

Started as City just to get used to the game and buy a few players, gone with a different formation from the suggested three though:

Means I can play Silva through the middle and I found on FM11 that Milner plays better at RM than at CM or AMR so it should work well, means no place for Johnson though

[Rubentus_Juventus]

wow Tevez is actually transfer listed.

[JD nawrat]

Started as City just to get used to the game and buy a few players, gone with a different formation from the suggested three though:

http://i789.photobucket.com/albums/yy176/dburns647/citeh.png

Means I can play Silva through the middle and I found on FM11 that Milner plays better at RM than at CM or AMR so it should work well, means no place for Johnson though

Interesting set-up there, although it doesn't differ too much from the 4-2-3-1. It provides more defensive stability with de Jong at DMC rather than MCL/R, and Milner on MR instead of AMR means he can assist in defending more. It seems like a solid set-up, as you've balanced it pretty well. Looks interesting, let us know how you get on with it.

Tevez is transfer-listed because it reflects his current situation IRL at the club. Kolo is in the reserves because of his suspension.

[Rubentus_Juventus]

yeah I know but FM doesn't usually follow something like that.

[A.McL1]

city look orgasmic in this fm

[Welshace]

Started as City just to get used to the game and buy a few players, gone with a different formation from the suggested three though:

Means I can play Silva through the middle and I found on FM11 that Milner plays better at RM than at CM or AMR so it should work well, means no place for Johnson though

ive used similar formations with city in fm11 with updates.... its the perfect formation .. or at least close to it for fitting everyone in...

you can easily bring in dzeko for extra firefire upfront aswell for milner and move silva into a slightly wider position... works beautifully and pretty damn similar to real life too

[Barnetboyz]

In the short time i've had the demo, i've found using 4-2-3-1 (3 amc's) to be very effective with Tevez going fairly mad scoring loads upfront

[McGougan33]

Great thread mate!

[Barry Cartman]

Great thread

fwiw i've set Mancini's preferred formation to a 4-2-3-1 which is similar to the 2nd formation you have in your post, but both 'wingers' are pushed in meaning he should play a target man (Dzeko) with 3 attacking players behind (Silva, Aguero and Nasri).

[Ayub95]

Started with City to get a feel for the game any chance of transfer targets?

[ScoregasmFC]

I always start with City on the demo's to familiarize myself with the game. Usually continue on with them for about 5-10 years as well. Really looking forward to this one - they look absolutely fantastic. I'm not a City fan IRL, so I'm tempted to keep him on - although I can see where everyone is coming from, and if his current attitudes are reflected in the game, then he's definitely getting the boot.

On another note, what is everyone's transfer activity looking like? Fortunately, most of the dead wood is on loan, and the squad itself actually isn't that big, so outgoing transfers aren't much of a priority (although I'm tossing around the idea of shipping out Barry or Milner and bringing in a world-class CM).

I like to play with inside forwards on the wings, so my first priority is getting at least one winger. Lavezzi looks class this year. Another attacking CM or CAM also wouldn't go amiss. I'm torn between Hamsik and Lucas Moura. I buy Hamsik more or less every year but he's always incredible. On the other hand, my scouts rated Lucas 4 1/2 stars...

[TheInvisibleMan]

Great thread mate, knew you'd do a good job.

I think Tevez's unhappiness is from the summer when he wanted to leave for family reasons. I dont think it reflects what's just happened a couple of weeks ago. Garry Cook leaving happened after the data went in so I'm sure the Tevez thing did too.

[ScoregasmFC]

Great thread mate, knew you'd do a good job.

I think Tevez's unhappiness is from the summer when he wanted to leave for family reasons. I dont think it reflects what's just happened a couple of weeks ago. Garry Cook leaving happened after the data went in so I'm sure the Tevez thing did too.

Oddly enough, the first thing in my inbox was Tevez asking to be taken off the transfer-list, saying that he wanted to stay. So perhaps you're right - Tevez being placed in reserves and on the transfer list was a reflection of his summer unhappiness, rather than his most recent strop. Very strange situation all around though. I'd be interested to hear what everyone's doing with Tevez. I would suspect that most City fans will want him out in their save, but for me, it's hard to let a player of his quality go.

[ScoregasmFC]

Great thread mate, knew you'd do a good job.

I think Tevez's unhappiness is from the summer when he wanted to leave for family reasons. I dont think it reflects what's just happened a couple of weeks ago. Garry Cook leaving happened after the data went in so I'm sure the Tevez thing did too.

Oddly enough, the first thing in my inbox was Tevez asking to be taken off the transfer-list, saying that he wanted to stay. So perhaps you're right - Tevez being placed in reserves and on the transfer list was a reflection of his summer unhappiness, rather than his most recent strop. Very strange situation all around though. I'd be interested to hear what everyone's doing with Tevez. I would suspect that most City fans will want him out in their save, but for me, it's hard to let a player of his quality go.

[JD nawrat]

Started with City to get a feel for the game any chance of transfer targets?

Once I have a proper play around with the game I will be making updates to the OP. I intend on revamping the current "The Team" section, as I feel it looks a tad under-worked at the moment and has room for improvement, as well as a better layout. Until then, I'm afraid you'll need to hope somebody else has suggestions for you, sorry.

ScoregasmFC - how about Junior Hoilett or Jano for the wings? Both young and have massive potential. As for a World Class CM, I would suggest Luka Modric if you don't go for Hamsik. I haven't looked at Lucas Moura this year, though.

TheInvisibleMan - I think you're probably right. The thing that confuses me is that our stadium is still known as "City of Manchester Stadium", rather than Etihad. Surprises me, because it's been changed for a while now.

Thanks for the comments guys.

[TheInvisibleMan]

Oddly enough, the first thing in my inbox was Tevez asking to be taken off the transfer-list, saying that he wanted to stay. So perhaps you're right - Tevez being placed in reserves and on the transfer list was a reflection of his summer unhappiness, rather than his most recent strop. Very strange situation all around though. I'd be interested to hear what everyone's doing with Tevez. I would suspect that most City fans will want him out in their save, but for me, it's hard to let a player of his quality go.

I've just started now and unsure what to do with him. In real life I hope he never plays for us again, but you're right, he is a very good player on it and wouldn't like to see him banging them in for another team! I think I will offer him out and see if there's any interest. Replacing him could be interesting if I do sell him.

[TheInvisibleMan]

TheInvisibleMan - I think you're probably right. The thing that confuses me is that our stadium is still known as "City of Manchester Stadium", rather than Etihad. Surprises me, because it's been changed for a while now.

It's mentioned in the data issues thread that Eric, the City researcher, wanted to change the name and he was overruled. Presumably it was by people higher up at SI and they argued that items concerning City's history would then include the name 'The Etihad Stadium' rather than COMS.

[JD nawrat]

I'm not going to play him. I want to sell him as soon as I can, if possible. The only way he'll ever play is if Dzeko and Aguero are injured. And whoever my third striker is (I'll sign a youth prospect). I could play Balotelli up there, but I prefer him on the wings, so I'll bring in a 3rd choice striker and Mario will be 4th choice. In other words, it's unlikely that Tevez will play for me.

Ah, I see about Etihad/COMS.

[tomtuck01]

wow Tevez is actually transfer listed.

He does yes, but when I started with them he requested to be taken off the transfer list straight away, as I see has been the case for everyone. I personally am not a Manchester City supporter, so I have no problem using him while he behaves himself. The only problem is fitting him in!

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Nice thread JDownie.

[ScoregasmFC]

He does yes, but when I started with them he requested to be taken off the transfer list straight away, as I see has been the case for everyone. I personally am not a Manchester City supporter, so I have no problem using him while he behaves himself. The only problem is fitting him in!

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Nice thread JDownie.

Exactly. Not that I condone in any way his behavior, but because I have no real loyalty to City IRL, I'm going to go ahead and let him play for me as long as he keeps himself in line. One of my managerial tendencies is to avoid people with potential character issues; so if he acts up, I'll show him the door. Balotelli is difficult enough to deal with on his own. He doesn't need Tevez stropping around and stirring the pot.

Anyways, just got a few transfers in. Broke City's transfer record to sign Lucas Moura. I'm excited about him. Aside from the 4 1/2 star PA, he's extremely versatile. I'm debating whether I should play him as an MC, AMC, or even a winger, as his pace could be a huge asset and we already have a great midfield corps.

Also brought in Ezequiel Lavezzi for that troublesome RW spot. He'll probably be the go-to guy, with Johnson and maybe Lucas as backup. I used him in last year's game and he was excellent, so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do.

Also brought in Leandro Damiao from Internacional. I like my forwards to have pace, and I've never been able to get Dzeko firing as some people have here. So right now Tevez and Damiao are battling for the starting spot (I may even convert Tevez to AMC - not sure yet).

[JD nawrat]

Cheers Tom

ON 11, I would usually use Dzeko for season 1, sell him on, bring in Aguero and Cavani, having converted Tevez to AMC instantly. But with Tevez not being any part of my plans, I'll probably rotate between Aguero/Dzeko up front, or at least play Aguero at AMC. I'll bring in a striker eventually. I tend not to sign Brazilian players, no idea why, probably something to do with Robinho, otherwise I would sign Damiao who looks like a superb prospect. I'll probably look around for a hidden gem...

As for RW, as always, I will be bringing in Junior Hoilett. I love him, both IRL and especially on FM. He was a sensation on 11 for me on RW, so I'll be hoping that it carries over to FM12. I'll probably target Jano/Hazard for LW, and that'll allow me to put Nasri and Silva in the centre (most likely on rotation).

Although the base squad looks fantastic, it needs a bit of strengthening I think. I'll probably end up bringing in Hoilett and Jano, a striker, an attack-minded CM (Modric, I imagine at the moment) and then a CB to partner Kompany, probably immediately. I tend to favour young CBs immediately, always started with Boyata and Jones on last years. Might just recall Boyata from loan. Also looking at Grant Hanley - Scottish nationality is always a plus - but I don't think he's the type capable of starting from day one, unlike Boyata and Jones were.

[nik_m]

What about playing Richards in the centre of the defence?

[ScoregasmFC]

Cheers Tom

ON 11, I would usually use Dzeko for season 1, sell him on, bring in Aguero and Cavani, having converted Tevez to AMC instantly. But with Tevez not being any part of my plans, I'll probably rotate between Aguero/Dzeko up front, or at least play Aguero at AMC. I'll bring in a striker eventually. I tend not to sign Brazilian players, no idea why, probably something to do with Robinho, otherwise I would sign Damiao who looks like a superb prospect. I'll probably look around for a hidden gem...

As for RW, as always, I will be bringing in Junior Hoilett. I love him, both IRL and especially on FM. He was a sensation on 11 for me on RW, so I'll be hoping that it carries over to FM12. I'll probably target Jano/Hazard for LW, and that'll allow me to put Nasri and Silva in the centre (most likely on rotation).

Although the base squad looks fantastic, it needs a bit of strengthening I think. I'll probably end up bringing in Hoilett and Jano, a striker, an attack-minded CM (Modric, I imagine at the moment) and then a CB to partner Kompany, probably immediately. I tend to favour young CBs immediately, always started with Boyata and Jones on last years. Might just recall Boyata from loan. Also looking at Grant Hanley - Scottish nationality is always a plus - but I don't think he's the type capable of starting from day one, unlike Boyata and Jones were.

Never had Hoilett, I'll have to check him out. A CB sounds like a good idea too - Kompany is probably the best in the game apart from Thiago Silva and Chiellini, but unfortunately Lescott and Toure are just not on the same level. My scouts say Gary Cahill is available for about £12 million, which is pretty reasonable. He looks good on the game, and he's home-grown, which helps. Boyata was excellent on FM11, so maybe I'll just recall him.

I looked at Hazard too but his price seems to have doubled from last year. I'm not sure if he's worth it, as there are plenty of other young players with great potential available for less.

[Yaniv123]

Play a 4-2-3-1

3 AMC 1 Dzeko\tevez

with striker Moves to channels (wideplay)

you will demolish any team

[luton]

I've just started now and unsure what to do with him. In real life I hope he never plays for us again, but you're right, he is a very good player on it and wouldn't like to see him banging them in for another team! I think I will offer him out and see if there's any interest. Replacing him could be interesting if I do sell him.

I had the same message in my inbox. The guy is a class act so i am torn between the devil and the deep blue sea. In real life i would like to see him never play for us again or anyone else as he is a disgrace, but as for the game i'm noy sure.

[JD nawrat]

What about playing Richards in the centre of the defence?

He should be your RB... no real need to move him to CB.

Never had Hoilett, I'll have to check him out. A CB sounds like a good idea too - Kompany is probably the best in the game apart from Thiago Silva and Chiellini, but unfortunately Lescott and Toure are just not on the same level. My scouts say Gary Cahill is available for about £12 million, which is pretty reasonable. He looks good on the game, and he's home-grown, which helps. Boyata was excellent on FM11, so maybe I'll just recall him.

I looked at Hazard too but his price seems to have doubled from last year. I'm not sure if he's worth it, as there are plenty of other young players with great potential available for less.

Hoilett doesn't look like anything special, but on AMR Winger Attack Cut Inside he was unstoppable for me. I've never really had success with a 'winger' until Hoilett... I used to always play an Inside Forward (usually Johnson), but since Hoilett I always have a winger on the right. He's still young too, meaning he's around for years with a lot of development.

I agree with the CB stuff. Chiellini might be an idea to try and target him, but he'd use up most of the budget I think. Cahill would be good, but I'm not sure he's much of an improvement over Lescott/Kolo, to be honest. Savic is there, too. I might just go with him and use Kolo/Lescott as back-ups. But then I may recall Boyata. It's a tough call.

Hazard is definitely worth it haha, he's incredible. I think I'll probably target Jano though. He's a quality player in a few years, and was always challenging Eden for AML on 11.

[swordy9320]

This is my first team:

Milner is excellent in that DM role. I'm also pretty attacking, and he's been perfect next to De Jong.

[JD nawrat]

Would I be right in assuming Kompany is injured?

Surprising that you'd choose to play Milner at all, let alone at DM. Let us see his stats when your demo ends. Will be very interesting to see if he is consistent (always a problem for me with him on Fm11, too inconsistent).

[swordy9320]

Yep, Kompany usually.

I'll post Milner at the end, but I'm into September now and he's still the highest form player on the team with the most assists. It's that "tries killer pass" option he has with pretty good passing stat, and is good workrate wise. Retraining him positionally and stuck him on extra training. His average rating is 7.90, and the coaches tell me that he's quite consistent. Obviously, I've got him as a deep lying playmaker as that where I think he's best in that formation.

[JD nawrat]

Just reading your experience with him there makes me want to do that... I would play him at MC rather than DMC though, as I dislike playing 2 DMs (I would use formation 2 in the OP). Seems like you're getting great results from him though. Well done. It's not easy (in my experience).

[swordy9320]

I've tried to replicate how City (want to) play to be honest, and this seems the closest fit.

You can pretty much forget the positioning of the front 4 as they are completely fluid. I have it on a Very Fluid setting, with both inside forwards changing positions and the TM and AM changing positions. I've got the TM on wide play and the IFs on cutting inside. Obviously the creativity is at more expressive, I try to play through defences and short passing is on there. Depending on how confident I am in a game, I might tell my defence to push up a bit (with a shout) and with the wing backs and the Very Fluid setting, it really is an all-attack, all-defend type scenario.

The Milner thing, was because I needed someone with the ability to rough and tumble, but also be able to pass the ball forward and in extreme cases, play as a box to boxer. I tried both Yaya and Barry there, but none of them had either the pass percentage nor the assists that Milner did in pre-season. I kept him there and he's the first name on the teamsheet at present. He's just won Player of the Month for the second month running, including an awesome performance at the Nou Camp in the opening CL group game where he chipped the ball through the Barca defence for Aguero to run on to from AM and bang it in.

[ScoregasmFC]

I've tried to replicate how City (want to) play to be honest, and this seems the closest fit.

You can pretty much forget the positioning of the front 4 as they are completely fluid. I have it on a Very Fluid setting, with both inside forwards changing positions and the TM and AM changing positions. I've got the TM on wide play and the IFs on cutting inside. Obviously the creativity is at more expressive, I try to play through defences and short passing is on there. Depending on how confident I am in a game, I might tell my defence to push up a bit (with a shout) and with the wing backs and the Very Fluid setting, it really is an all-attack, all-defend type scenario.

The Milner thing, was because I needed someone with the ability to rough and tumble, but also be able to pass the ball forward and in extreme cases, play as a box to boxer. I tried both Yaya and Barry there, but none of them had either the pass percentage nor the assists that Milner did in pre-season. I kept him there and he's the first name on the teamsheet at present. He's just won Player of the Month for the second month running, including an awesome performance at the Nou Camp in the opening CL group game where he chipped the ball through the Barca defence for Aguero to run on to from AM and bang it in.

That's quite impressive stuff. As JDownie says, it's not easy getting results out of Milner. To be honest, I really only keep him around for his versatility. He's never really excelled at anything, but he's decent at just about everything. So perhaps I'll try him as one of my MC's as a deep-lying playmaker (I don't use DMC's either). Any special instructions for him?

My front four is quite similar to yours though, except, rather than having the two inside forwards switch, I'm having Aguero (AMC) and Tevez (Deep-lying forward) switch to devastating effect. I have a couple more pre-season games to iron out the kinks, so I'll try the inside forwards switching.

[tomtuck01]

As some of you have mentioned, I too have signed Gary Cahill. I got im for £10.5million plus 20% of the profit from next sale.

I wasn't going to bring in a central defender initially, as there is already a good number of decent CB's at the club. But after a couple of my defenders picked up knocks, I needed one, and he was the best value for money player available.

[Burty76]

Am going to start a game now, but disagree with a few people who've said that 4-2-3-1 is the way theyre playing IRL. Until he threw a strop in Munich when he came off, Dzeko was playing up front with Aguero, in a 4-2-4. So my team / formatio will be :

GK Hart

DR Richards

DL Clichy

DC Kompany

DC NEW (poss Hummels?)

DMC De Jong (Anchor Man Defend)

MC Yaya (B2B)

AMR Silva (Advanced Playmaker Support)

AML Nasri (IF Support)

ST Aguero (DLF Support)

ST Dzako (TM Attack)

[JD nawrat]

I agree with Burty, in that we don'y play 4-2-3-1, but rather a 4-2-4 in real life. But for all intents and purposes, I imagine it would be easier to replicate our style with a 4-2-3-1... Having said that, having Silva and Nasri switching positions, and giving all four front men free roles, plenty of creativity (maybe toning Dzeko's down a little) and plenty of roaming, then a 4-2-4 would work fine too.

Whenever I play as City, I'm probably going to to favour benching Aguero/Dzeko and having them rotate, playing with Balotelli on the LW and Silva through the middle, to allow Nasri on RW. I don't care to try and replicate our form; I'm not Mancini, I'll play my own style which will still be attractive and successful.

Anyway, re: CB, Hummels is a good idea, Burty, definitely. Failing that, I'd look at Cahill, as other have suggested, and maybe even the likes of Chiellini (although he'll be very expensive, I imagine).

[luton]

Has anyone found and decent coaches or a decent assistant manager?

[JD nawrat]

I haven't looked on this years FM, but I imagine last years coaches will be very similar to this years.

In other words, look at Steve Clark, Atillo Lombardo, Massimo Bonini, Ricardo Moniz, Harold Schumacher, Jim Blyth etc (very good chance I've spelt a few of these wrong). The usual suspects, basically.

[luton]

Cheers Jd, i'll have alook.

[suarez7carroll9]

Is Gai Assulin really on 25.000 quid per week? That's a bit much for a flop player that hasn't played a game for 2 years. I don't know why City went through the legal trouble to sign this ***** player. Amazingly useless player to have IMO.

[Rubentus_Juventus]

Is Micah Richards underdone? Every time I see him play he seems to bomb up that right flank and seems like his attacking attributes haven't been given enough credit.

[bluemoon]

Is Micah Richards underdone? Every time I see him play he seems to bomb up that right flank and seems like his attacking attributes haven't been given enough credit.

He's definitely underrated on FM. He's got a few odd stats that don't really fit with real-life most obviously, his heading and off-the-ball are woefully low.

[lfc7]

How has Adam Johnson been performing for everyone? As am looking on buying him for my Liverpool side for £15M thanks