FM16: Leeds United FC - Everybody loves Massimo!

[garymac]

just finished first season only got 11th spot seem to be a draw specialist team.....anyway gotta set my stall out next season and go for automatic promotion....onwards n upwards hopefully guard against injuries lost Byram dallas and antennuci with long term injuries didnt help. any suggestions on physios and fitness coaches

[Nicko Blaggo]

just finished first season only got 11th spot seem to be a draw specialist team.....anyway gotta set my stall out next season and go for automatic promotion....onwards n upwards hopefully guard against injuries lost Byram dallas and antennuci with long term injuries didnt help. any suggestions on physios and fitness coaches

I've not found that much quality backroom staff that will come to Leeds in the Championship. But you could try:

Yury Vardanyan, Fitness Coach (may have already retired after first season). Antonio Pintus also.

David Fevre (runs his contract down at Blackburn) Physio.

[pedromanuelpinto]

Hi all,

During the first season with Leeds I was able to have a promotion, but wasn’t easy. I had just reach the top 6 in the last 3 games of the season and was able to won the playoff.

Now in the Premiership I’m having some trouble and with some difficult calendar (Chelsea and Man City). I have buy some good players, but my squad isn’t yet at Premier level.

I’m using a possession football that have worked very well in the Championship, it isnt’ tiki taka, beacause they can also play fast and quick to the front.

Now I’m trying to stay in the Premiership, but I think that I will need an AP (AMC) and possible a better striker.

Also, I don’t know if I should change my striker role… still thinking at that.

[Hoarau]

Nice update, Pedro.

Some interesting signings for your first season in the premier league. How's Sander shaping up?

I've just finished my second season with Leeds, first back in the premiership(writing up an update just I'll put up in the next day or so). Not sure if that approach is gonna work first season, especially with the vast difference in the levels of intellect and technique on the pitch. I was finding it tough last season to apply a really possession based dominant game, I'm having much more success as I've posted with a more direct, counter based set up. Perhaps wait untill the quality of player is of a higher standard to attempt that.

Just a wee spoiler, got taken over by a consortium, season 3 budget - £61m(avoid relegation), improving all aspects(youth, coaching, facilities etc).. Best part? They aske me if I think we should buy Elland Road!? Eh... Yes! Top bloke.

[pedromanuelpinto]

Hi,

Sander is doing just ok. Isn't a first choice yet, but I'm expecting that in the end of the season he will be.

Can you share the counter tactic and TI for ideas? I'm just used to have a possession ball. In the begin of the season I have 2 draw and 2 loss, but we are playing well, but conciding in the defend...

[Hoarau]

Couple of posts up in response to Welsh I put up what I'm currently using.

[Welshace]

This thread changed the way I think about tactics and specifically Counter attacking tactics..

Well worth reading through and implementing it.

http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php/444680-The-Art-of-Counter-Attacking

[iahuk]

Into my 5th season now and Lewis Cook has come on nicely.

Hey Chob, which FM2016 Skin are you using? The ones I download keep crashing!

[Welshace]

Hey Chob, which FM2016 Skin are you using? The ones I download keep crashing!

http://www.fmscout.com/q-15468-Skins-crashing-with-the-1620-update.html

[Jonno Wilson]

Jonno's Leeds United - Season 1

Being a Manchester United fan, there were mixed opinions by the fans and media when I took over. I was hoping to quickly silence my critics. Having looked through the Leeds squad, the first thing I noticed was a core of great young players, players that could be developed into good Premier League players in the future. I wanted to have a go at getting to the playoffs despite being predicted to finish about 15th, so I identified the defence and midfield as an area to strengthen in the summer.

Final League Table

It wasn't as easy as it looks, I spent a lot of the time sat in positions between 1st-4th all season. Only 1-3 points seperated about 6 teams, and we only really pushed away on game 43 of the season when we beat Hull City away from home 1-3. We clinched the title at rival side Preston on the last day of the season, a comfortable 2-0 win.

Transfers

I'd recommend upgrading the defence somewhat, the two lads I brought in at the back were steals for the prices I paid. Absolute machines at Championship level. Joel Campbell was a good january loan signing too after I had TWO winger/inside forwards break their legs in November.

Signing of the Season - Galeano

This lad was the pick of my transfers, £800k, absolutely solid at the back, and had a bit of pace about him which was handy chasing a striker back when playing with a high back line. Barely missed a game and consistently performed.

Signing of the Season Runner Up - Riviere

So come January I was sitting 1st in the league, but I wasn't convinced by my striker Chris Wood. He was a target man but rarely held the ball up, and had only managed about 5 goals in 20. Most of my goals were coming from my IF's either side of him. So I scraped what I could together and went for this guy. £1.8m very well spent. Didn't quite make it at Newcastle and was available almost half price of his value. I liked his pace and acceleration. I wanted a pacey attack and he fit the bill. His goals got us promoted. He was a big player for the big games, our run in towards the end were against sides in the top 6, and he kept scoring when we looked unlikely to win. Great buy.

Formation / Strongest XI

We had a small squad, and the entire 11 picked itself. We struggled with defensive injuries in January and had a big wobble, but when 8 or 9 of these players were fit we generally dominated games with this formation. As I said earlier, I liked the young core of this squad, so I built the team around the players already there in Byram, Cook, Taylor, and Murphy.

Performance of The Season

We were under pressure to get a win, and we exited our bad run of form by pulling out this performance. We had perhaps more important results, but I've picked this as I doubt we will hit this many in a league game for a good few years now.

Next Seasons Objectives

Use the huge TV deal of the Premier League to invest heavily in the defence and attack of the team. I'm aiming to get 5-6 new players into the strongest 11 to ensure a smooth transition to the Premier League. Leeds are a big enough club to attract some good Premier League players.

Flog some of the over performers

Season	|     League	      |     Position	|    Europe	|    Top scorer   	  |    Achievments
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2015/16	|  Championship      |	     1st	|      N/A	|  Riviere (15)         |   Championship Winners

[chob]

Hey Chob, which FM2016 Skin are you using? The ones I download keep crashing!

I'm playing FM Touch and it's one of the standard skins that comes with it.

[garymac]

Doesnt get any easier for me managing Leeds, in 2nd season in championship bought lewis Grabben and knocked in 22 goals in 30 games ive been top all season ahead of brighton by 8 points and Grabben goes and breaks his leg with 16 games to go...ive loaned Lee Tomlin whos scored 10 and Byram has 10 playing attcking wing but my back up strikers wood and erwin have been abysmal.. 16 to go and going to be a battle still waiting for a takeover so cant get any cover, gonna be tough:eek:

[Hoarau]

Leeds United : Season 16/17





Overview :

Well, where to start. I anticipated this first season back in the Premier League to be plentiful in excitement, pumpings & learning curves. After our unprepared promotion last year the board really backed me, even though I was stuck with Mr Cellini until the end of the season that didn't stop him funding us both in budgets and club improvements. If I remember correctly he gave us a starting budget of £16m which I was pleasantly surprised with but I was even more shocked when just before December he handed me another £21m.

That initial budget was more than enough for what I was planning and really helped me attract a couple of quality players, beating off what I hate to call "bigger" clubs.

It really was an unexpected adventure, finishing up in our first season back in England's top flight an overachieving 8th, this after rocketing up to 4th/5th at some points.

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Transfer Centre :



Ins & Outs -

I spent about three nights straight after beating Derby in the playoff final just setting up my scouts and scouring myself, the surprise promotion have us little time to gather a dossier of targets. Which was quite refreshing as it meant I was drawn to players I haven't signed before so it feels fresh. This was actually one of he most engaging preseasons I've ever had on any CM/FM, I analysed, scouted several times by different staff and even used the bring in on trial feature, which I've rarely if ever used before.

I also set up my DoF to find players for the first team and my new HoYD to search for youth players, another feature I think I have vastly under rated as we managed to get a couple of decent players from this avenue. I do however feel the need to look into improving our DoF, Gower isn't bad, in fact he has a decent eye for talent it's just if we are looking to keep taking the next steps then I feel we need someone of more stature and reputation out there representing the club, so due to thy train of thought I won't be renewing Mr Gower's contract at the end of the season.

Ins :

Cheikhou Kouyate - West Ham

This was a role I thought we have been crying out for since I joined Leeds. I wanted s no nonsense type to compliment the technical passing game of both Mowatt & Cook. Big Chiek has came in provided us with a presence, that's not to be detrimental to his overall game which is very capable. He was transfer listed for a knock down fee which I couldn't pass up, the combination of value-age-role type and experience of the league was too good for my liking. Was my first signing back in the EPL.

Bogdan Vatajeu - Craiova

After spending a good while setting up my scouting network this lad and a couple others came up on one of the first reports, a lung busting WB, has some great stats for crossing, pace, acceleration, passing intact there's only about 2, maybe 3 at the most of his stats under 12.. He isn't all bombardment though, he does have a defensive solidity about him that of course is vital given how much pressure we will be under from the better teams.

His club took a bit of negotiating but his fee versus what he offers is a real steal, Romania has a real influx of absolute quality this year, I easily could have brought half a team worth of talent from this one report due to the great value in that country just now. I'll be keeping an eye on the national job as well..

Alexandru Tudorie - Steaua

Another Romanian! New favourite nation to raid! Like I said I really could have filled the squad with lads from this area. Big Alex is a throw back, he's 6'4 but he's agile and can move over the ground. He's also young enough that I believe he cousin be mounded into a few roles successfully. After moving on Chris Wood I felt I needed a presence up top to be a foil for Jose Valencia. He has a good spread of stats on the important areas aswell as a good physicality.

He's young so I can take my time with him until he makes a role his own, he's done really well playing of Valencia as a TM(s), it's hard though at this stage to play two up front every game due to the opposition we face week in week out.

Emanuel Mammana - River

Not much needed said I don't think, he spent last season here in loan to relative success and I feel he can grow into a top level CB which will be good for the club once the expected interest from abroad turns up. He spent the season partnering Bellusci and covering for his lapses, for one so young he's very composed on the ball.

Mohammed Elyounoussi - Molde

Felt the club needed some creativity out on the flanks and Mo certainly brings that. High flair and high creativity meant excitement and when he got his chance he was bright. Is didn't play with wingers for a lot of the season so he maybe didn't play as much as either of us would have liked. Another great find from our scouting team, much like the next lad..

Mitja Lotric - Koper

Love this wee lad, he's a cheeky rascal. Which I know is an odd description but when you see him darting around the pitch annoying defences and generally making a pest of himself you'll understand. Played bit part really behind Valencia & Tudorie but was a nice alternative, chipped in with a couple of great wee goals.

DoF signings :

As I mentioned above I set my DoF out to find players for the first team, I cancelled the first lad he targeted, an Arsenal CM called Niles, looked OK, nothing that we don't already have. After that he found 3 players a agreed to take, was surprised the first two were interested but grateful and really improved our quality of depth.

Rubén Neves - Loan

The second player my DoF brought to me and I snapped him up. A really technically top notch youngster who while still has to grow into himself he adds another level of quality. Was good rotation for Cook, Mowatt and Kouyate. Would have liked to have either kept him on loan again or bought him outright but as you can imagine Porto put the stop to both.

Joshua Kimmich - Loan

Ugh. I had such high hopes when he signed on loan from Bayern, him and Rubén where gonna be my continental "Mowatt & Cook". I'm not sure what it was, me not using him right, him not lifting a cause he's been sent on loan to lowly Leeds.

He just didn't perform and I really did give him a chance, he was sloppy on the ball and weak in the challenge. Never been more disappointed in a player I've signed in a long time. Due to one of my January window signings I ended up agreeing to cancel his loan with no regret.

Ravel Morrison - Loan

Was not expecting this, was looking for a really creative spark during preseason as I felt it could be where we lacked coming into the Premier League. Lazio and my DoF agreed a season long loan for a controversial figure, I was hesitant at first due to his real life history but honestly he was nothing but professional, trained well and player very well. His vision and flair really gave us an edge we really didn't possess before he came to Elland Road. Trying to make it permanent but Lazio are asking for a fee I can't really find right now.

Kim Seung-Gyu - Ulsan

Out of nowhere this one came, I'd never seen him on FM or heard of him but my DoF again agreed the deal and I was delighted to go along with him, a real "bargain" if you will. Solid keeper, good age, bonus of a leap in overseas interest.

I'm getting lots of bids for him but oddly never of his value, he's worth £2.4m but no bid has went past £1.1m, most are even as low as £950k. It's weird because he doesn't have a min.fee clause or anything so I'm stumped and he's starting to get miffed as its clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea etc making the bids but I'm not accepting such terrible offers.

January Signings :

Julien Weigl

Jumped at the chance to get a player of both this class and his potential for what I consider a modest fee. He's the reason I gave up, gave in and cancelled Kimmich's loan deal. He's similar in some respects but for me betters in others. He's a real footballing mind on the field, calm, composed and deadly with his passing.

It seems odd to spend big on a CM when I already have Mowatt & Cook but he really offers something different and gives me quality to bring in during the long slog of the premier league campaign.

Bernard Mensah

Can't believe some of the teams we beat off for this lad. I finally got the creative AMC I needed after failing to recapture Ravel Morrison, and honestly so glad my scout brought him to my attention. Transfer listed by Atl.Madrid for a not too hefty sum, compared to others out there, of £8.5m.

Outs :

Chris Wood Wolves £1.9m

Liam Cooper Sheff Utd £600k

Scott Wootton Sheff Utd £350k

Luke Murphy Reading £575k

Jan :

Stuart Dallas Palace £1.4m

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Competition Review :

Premier League -



-----------------------------------

Player Performance :

Squad -

Managers Player Of The Season -

Jose Valencia

Really? It couldn't be anyone else could it? First season in the premier league and he grasps himself 20 goals!? And some against the top clubs, a brace against Arsenal in one of our highlights of the season, winning 2-1 against The Gunners.

Signing Of The Season -

Emanuel Mammana

Solid, still learning yes but he was really a step above what we have at the back with Bellusci, his age does lend him to to mistakes but its a small price to pay to have a player of this level developing at our club.

Under Performer Of The Season -

Joshua Kimmich

So disappointed, not sure who with more, him or me? I just couldn't get anything out of him and I really wish I could have as he's now on the transfer list for a knock down fee.. But sometimes players just don't work out at certain clubs so we've moved on now.

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Pre-Season :

Departures -

This could be the season with our biggest turnover of playing staff. There's a few players who just didn't cut the mustard as they say so I may very well have to reshape things significantly this summer. If I get a good offer for Bellusci he may well leave as he's just too much of a risk, he did have good games and was overall better than I thought he was gonna be but I always have "the fear" whenever I see him involved in a highlight.

Targets -

It's a tough one just now as I'm unsure of the budget we'll be working with. I'd like to Ravel Morrison back to the club but could be difficult financially.

Tactics -

I seem to say the same thing each season but I'll need to rework something even though we finished quite highly as we can smash and grab points off Arsenal & Liverpool then we'll drop points at home to Watford and Bournmouth..

Finding this years a real challenge to nail down something to work home and away, could be time to try and make a set of both.

Expectations -

It's really the same rehash of what I hoped for in my last update, I just want to keep myself in this League and slowly build. We really overachieved this year, probably due to clubs not knowing what to expect from us so they took us lightly. I'm expecting a much harsher and more unforgiving campaign next year, a "second season syndrome" kinda thing. Here's hoping not though eh!

This update was kind of rushed due to family stuff over the holidays, I'm already writing season 3's update on my phone as I go about my day the last couple and it's a dozy(for all the wrong reasons). So hopefully it'll be a bit better of a read that this one. Spoiler, welsh, some real devastating legend Valencia related news..

[Welshace]

Noooooooooooooooooo

(no idea what the news is, but i'm sure I don't want to know...)

[Hoarau]

Honestly Welsh, i'm heartbroken. Its ruined the whole holiday season for me..

[macca72]

Great updates Hoarau. I may have finally shaken my ME blues, so will hopefully be posting a 1-2 season update later tonight...

Right, here we go.

Season One: 2015/2016: Champions

We won the league fairly easy in the end, with 100 points. Nothing of note in the cups, some spankings handed out by Arsenal and Man City.

Top 3 results...

Transfers

Not a huge amount of business done, but some important ones for the future.

Forsell: For me still the best way to spend <50k. 13 goals and 12 assists in 38 games, he was very close to being my player of the year (7.56 avg rating).

Mammana: £4m option to buy is a no brainer, he's the new Balanta, and the fact you can get him in the Championship is insane (7.21 avg rating).

Stojanovic: Was bought to let Byram play a more advanced role and will only get better, 5 goals and 10 assists from right back. (7.67 avg rating).

Cahais: Memories, brings experience and an absolute bargain at £150k. (7.30 avg rating).

Mason: Brought in as cover for MC / AM, didn't get much time but signed off with 4 goals in our final league game.

Niang: He gets my player of the season. Wood was poor (see flops below) and he came in on loan and scored 19 goals in 22 games to seal the deal

Flop(s)

Wood - Couldn't find any role he was good at, misses bucket loads of chances. Poor player for me. 9 goals in 20+ games before Niang came in tells it's own story.

Plenty to do to improve the squad for next season...

EDIT: Should also mention I got the takeover, but nothing really changed. Some investment in infrastructure, but no more money in the transfer market.

[macca72]

Lewis Cook is going to get his own special mention. I have a feeling I have lucked out on his PA. This is him end of season 2 - about to go into beast mode.

He's a Wonderkid and not long ago had the "could be the next Paul Gascoigne" line.

[Hoarau]

Nice macca, made the championship look easy. I was lucky to get out season 1!

Some tidy signings, a couple we made the same. Forsell & Mammana are absolute bargains given the level Leeds start at.

Cook is looking good, better on yours than mine, I've really messed about with his development by constantly changing his roles and training focus. He's only 21 and has been listed the same as yourself wonderkid/gazza but it's Byram & Taylor who have exploded on mine, I'll go into it more in my next two update as I'm a season behind but they're both valued at £20m+ with clubs like PSG trailing Taylor & BARCELONA after Byram! They're both starting to get itching feet aswell so that's an issue.

How's Cook been about moving for you? Kept his head? Anyone else had them stick around despite interest from afar?

[macca72]

Cheers.

Cook has been fine, I had a few months wobble with him where he wouldn't talk about a new deal, gave me the "can't match my ambitions" line, which is what leads me to think he's at the very top of his PA range. He eventually relented and only wanted 40k a week, which I was happy to go with.

I basically play 2 supporting CM's, so have had him and Mowatt on B2B training from the outset, truth be told Mowatt has probably outperformed him stats wise, but I'm pretty sure Cook is about to go off the charts good, he's started picking up MOM awards for basically running the midfield.

That's impressive with Byram and Taylor. I tied them down to good contracts first year, so if anyone wants them, they'll have to pay big.

Taylor has been solid for me, I haven't had much out of him by way of goals or assists, but I play quite conservative fullbacks a fair bit of the time, so haven't really been asking him to bomb forward that much. Byram has been good, causes all sorts of problems down the right and his partnership with Stojanovic is great.

I've started to look at more wingback type players for my advanced roles, they offer so much more than lazy one dimensional pace merchants, Byram being the perfect example.

I'm a season behind too, will be updating my first season in the Prem soon, but it's fair to say it was incredible. Same as you I don't think I've ever spent so much time scouting and choosing players, but it paid off

[macca72]

Season 2: 16/17: Too much, too soon?

Errr, bonkers really. No idea how that happened but I fear second season syndrome more than anything else now.

You'll see I haven't quite finished the season, that's deliberate as the board have just given me the £40m transfer fund for next year, so a lengthy period of player hunting is underway...

Ideal targets would be: Back up DL, Top class CB, Top Class CM, Top Class AML, World Class Striker

We won the Capital One cup as well, a brilliant final performance against Arsenal, who we played 3 times and won them all across the season

Top 3 results

The semi of the cup had to be up there, winning 4-2 against man u at Elland Road, before a brilliant counter attacking display saw us win 2-1

Transfers

Mammana - Well on his way to being a legend, had to wait until the death before he would join but he's the rock in defence.

Cascone - A regen I think, found him in the Peru national team, took a punt so will see how he develops. Determination of 20 and 2 footed. Can play DC, DM or MC.

Schaub - Followed this lad from the start, brilliant all round player (AML, AMC, AMR) a steal at £5m

Carrillo - Signed him on loan before I could get Origi, he stayed until I signed Embolo so didn't really make any impact

Origi - Beast, see below for star player

Garratt - Backup GK, released from Crewe, probably won't play but young

Christie - Surprisingly good, his attributes are fantastically balanced and he's very versatile, and British.

Okore - Backup from relegated Villa, I'll see how I go but if I sign a top class replacement for Cahais, he'll probably leave

Embolo - Really wanted him since the game launched, he's versatile and killed it either playing as a ST, AMC or AMR. Hopefully can keep him for a long time

Horn - Not much to say, international class keeper for peanuts.

Star Player

Origi, beyond any doubt. Without him there's no way we would have achieved what we did. He also has Leeds now listed as his favourite club, I may see If I can convince Liverpool to let him come perm.

Flop(s)

None really, everyone averages over 7, a complete squad performance.

Summary

Amazing season, huge over performance, the extra £24m transfer budget I was given in November changed the game . Wobbled in December / Early Jan but a huge upturn after Horn and Embolo arrived. Was able to better utilise Origi and Horn is different class. Up until the last game of the season (yet to be played) have only lost twice since 21st Jan, away to Chelsea and Spurs (both spankings).

Next season will be very interesting, truthfully still a huge gap between me and the top teams, Man City were poor this year and will come again, and frankly Spurs, Chelsea and man u are in a different league altogether, I'll have to spend all of the £40m very well if I am to perform anything like this again next year.

[Nicko Blaggo]

Season 2: 16/17: Too much, too soon?

Errr, bonkers really. No idea how that happened but I fear second season syndrome more than anything else now.

You'll see I haven't quite finished the season, that's deliberate as the board have just given me the £40m transfer fund for next year, so a lengthy period of player hunting is underway...

Ideal targets would be: Back up DL, Top class CB, Top Class CM, Top Class AML, World Class Striker

We won the Capital One cup as well, a brilliant final performance against Arsenal, who we played 3 times and won them all across the season

Top 3 results

The semi of the cup had to be up there, winning 4-2 against man u at Elland Road, before a brilliant counter attacking display saw us win 2-1

Transfers

Star Player

Origi, beyond any doubt. Without him there's no way we would have achieved what we did. He also has Leeds now listed as his favourite club, I may see If I can convince Liverpool to let him come perm.

Flop(s)

None really, everyone averages over 7, a complete squad performance.

More to follow in a bit...

Well done macca, fantastic that.

I'm just about to kick off the first season in the Premiership. I'm pretty happy with the team. ☺

[Hoarau]

Leeds United Season : 2017/18





Overview :

Honestly I don't know how I survived, both keeping my job or my sanity. This was one of the worst seasons I've ever managed on any CM/FM. After last seasons over achieving 8th place finish I have to admit I was quietly optimistic about sneaking another top 10 finish. How wrong was I.. The season started out not the worst and not the best, picked up some points here and there but then seemed to drop silly points at stages I'd have expected to secure comfortably.

I think this is where the season turned, around October we went on a run of maybe three games without scoring never mind getting any points. I pretty much pinpoint this as where the players and I lost our way and forgot the vision I've been trying to implement. A few poorly selected team talks by me followed up by some even poorer tactical gambles really contributed to the morale and confidence of the whole squad crashing through the floor.

It was turmoil, players unhappy due to game time but then playing poorly when given the chance, the board approaching me 4 times to discuss the poor state the club had found itself in. I was so distraught as I'm loving this save but I was sure that my days where numbered as even the media had me at 3/1 to be next sacked at the turn of the year, just looking back we went on a 15 games streak without a win, only two draws in that run aswell... So you can imagine how close I was to the unemployment line and the end of this save,

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Transfer Centre :

I brought in a number of youngsters with the view to loaning them back out like Larsson, Kyei, Zekhnini & Hayden. The odd names you'll see are Mauri, Klose and Vidic there was a double sided reason for brining these older players in, their mental stats where really top notch and something we've lacked in our squad to help with tutoring but the added bonus is they all have promising coaching attributes and I'm hoping to sign all three up once their one year deals expire.

Ins & Outs -



Ins(of note) :

Luke Garbutt £1.8m

Luke was transfer listed by Everton which I found surprising as his scout report was very encouring. He started out at Leeds so he contributes to our home grown contingent and he gives decent competition to Taylor for the LB spot while offering decent cover at LM. Great squad player. Has played really well when called upon and I'm finding myself trying to rotate more to get him game time.

Jores Okore £750k

Brought in as cover due to the weakness we suffered here last year, wasn't that great when called upon and he's starting to moan about lack of games so don't think he'll stick around as I have 3 very good CB's to choose from plus I've promoted Jack Vann to be our forth choice.

Calum Chambers £16.5m

Steal. Getting him in on loan for the second half of the season played a huge part in us staying up, he was immense at both RB and when he had to he was solid at CB. At the end of the season I approached Arsenal and asked them what it would take for us to get him, they said £22m.. After some negotiations it got down to the fee you see and I snapped their hand off. He still has so much potential which can only be good for the club while he's already attracting interest midway through season 4.

A bargain for a young, English international.

Michael Keane £6m

A former Man Utd player but don't hold that against him, I love this lad! He's almost a throwback to an older style British CB, kinda like a budget John Terry. He's all round good at everything without excelling in an specific area what I love about him is he's consistent. Rotated well with Shawcross & Mammana.

Great fee aswell for what I consider quality and that ever valuable HG status. He also has the bonus like Garbutt of not asking for insane wages which is something always helps. Of course he had a shaky run during our terrible run of form, I've said it before that I don't blame him or the other players at all as I buckle not him or them so I wouldn't judge him on that period.

Ryan Shawcross £8.25m

£8.25m could be seen as a large fee for a 29 year old but we've been lacking leadership at the heart of the defence since I joined and big Ryan certainly provides that, he's my perfect type of defender.. No nonsense. He provides the presence next to the continental style of Mammana and in my own mindset I always need that security or I panic! Ha!

Julien Green

This was a gamble who has more than paid off, 16 games with 5 goals & 5 assists. Released from Bayern, I offered him a trial he came in and exploded over the two friendlies he played. Signed straight away for under £23k a week his value rocketed to £7m, he's attracting interest from the Bundesliga already but I like the impact he gives us with his pace and movement.

Hirving Lozano £13.75m

This was our luxury signing, his agent approached me and said his client was interested in a move to Leeds. I checked him out and sent for a scout report. Signed immediately, hefty fee but he's too good an investment to turn down, much like Mammana he's a player who's probably too good for us, I reckon I can make a good profit should there be any interest. He seemed to have a love affair with the FA Cup(as I do, but more on that later) where he topped the scoring charts for the competition with 11 goals in 9 games, 15 goals overall for the season from RM. League champions Tottenham and "interested in anyone" PSG are sniffy around him at pre season.

Outs(of note) :

Casper Sloth

Gaetano Berardi

Giuseppe Bellusci

If I'm honest I got longer out of these 3 than I had expected, good solid performers for the club and I hate dismantling squads straight away but for us to take the next step and solidify in the top league it had to be done, not much made on them less than a million each but it's something. Made my profit next though..

Bernard Mensah £33.5m Dortmund

As soon as the bid came in his head was turned, I managed to get Dortmund up to a decent fee I felt and off he went. Great wee player, always has some magic in him he only lasted a season and a half but he was a class act. A player I'll be looking at in other saves, shame I couldn't keep him around for longer .

-----------------------------------

Competition Review :

Premier League -



We should have been down, I cant be any more honest. We were terrible from pretty much the start of the season until about February. Our horrible form came from my poor tactical choices, some poor business in the transfer market which all lead to losing the players and their faith in me. The moral kept plummeting after every defeat and I honestly couldn't see any end. I took a couple of days away from FM and then came back and I must give my second thanks in this thread(first for Valencia) to welsh, I read that thread cleon put up about counter attacking football and then read a couple of threads from around the scene of people who have created decent counter attacking tactics(our own knap and another from elsewhere). Not gonna lie but I straight up stole some of their ideas, slightly tweaked and changed to fit my square pegs in the round holes and what do you know.... it started to turn around.

The fixtures also helped I must admit, by that I mean only really Arsenal & Chelsea were games we got dominated. Getting results against Liverpool & Manchester United are for me the games that kept me up as I had pretty much written them off and as it played out they really counted to our final points tally. A terrible season that was really turned on its head, ive never been involved in that kind of turn around both play and morale wise, I had almost accept our fate and my own after Xmas but a bit of hard work and simple thinking really does help. Here's the comparison of how bad it was compared with how it ended...

How was I not sacked!?



Still can't believe this run..



Domestic Cups -

League Cup :

Went out early, poor showings all round.

FA Cup :

Winners.



Yeah you read that right, not only where we one game away from relegation but we somehow managed to go and win the FA Cup, we did have some favourable draws along the way and yes the final against Man City went to penalties but after the campaign we just went through lifting that trophy was absolute euphoria, one of those FM moments you actually celebrate and shout out loud for real.

It was a real turn in fortunes for us, I've no idea what we turned it on in those cup games and couldn't for the league, truly a great FM mystery but I like to look at us turning our form round and in our last two games of the season we secured our league status and we won the FA Cup.

-----------------------------------

Player Performance :

Squad -

Managers Player Of The Season -

Alexandru Tudorie





33 games, 14 goals from the big man, kinda having a man crush on him due to pulling us out the mire towards the end of last season.

Signing Of The Season -

Hirving Lozano





Great player, too good for us if I'm honest. His fee doesnt seem as bad now that i've just recieved a bid of £45m from League winners Tottenham

Under Performer Of The Season -

Sam Byram

3 goals and 6 assists in nearly 40 games is really poor compared with his previous two campaigns. He just wasn't the same swashbuckling force I've came to expect, it was tough to watch but I must take some of the blame again due to the mistakes I was making. He's already started the new season much better so I just put it down to being a sufferer of the scenario we were in.

-----------------------------------

Pre-Season :

Targets -

I'm looking to make a few major changes after last seasons turmoil, while I know that sounds crazy after how badly we gelled last time out I have a much stronger core and with certain players leaving it opens up holes to fill. I'm looking at a new GK, CM, AMC, STK & a winger or two.. so just a couple eh?

Tactics -

With the good improvement made at the tail end of last season I feel i'll just spend preseason getting the squad used to that set up and go from there.

Expectations -

Simple & brief, a solid start and focus on that mythical 40 points needed to survive again.

[Nicko Blaggo]

Leeds United Season : 2017/18





Overview :

Honestly I don't know how I survived, both keeping my job or my sanity. This was one of the worst seasons I've ever managed on any CM/FM. After last seasons over achieving 8th place finish I have to admit I was quietly optimistic about sneaking another top 10 finish. How wrong was I.. The season started out not the worst and not the best, picked up some points here and there but then seemed to drop silly points at stages I'd have expected to secure comfortably.

I think this is where the season turned, around October we went on a run of maybe three games without scoring never mind getting any points. I pretty much pinpoint this as where the players and I lost our way and forgot the vision I've been trying to implement. A few poorly selected team talks by me followed up by some even poorer tactical gambles really contributed to the morale and confidence of the whole squad crashing through the floor.

It was turmoil, players unhappy due to game time but then playing poorly when given the chance, the board approaching me 4 times to discuss the poor state the club had found itself in. I was so distraught as I'm loving this save but I was sure that my days where numbered as even the media had me at 3/1 to be next sacked at the turn of the year, just looking back we went on a 15 games streak without a win, only two draws in that run aswell... So you can imagine how close I was to the unemployment line and the end of this save,

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transfer Centre :

I brought in a number of youngsters with the view to loaning them back out like Larsson, Kyei, Zekhnini & Hayden. The odd names you'll see are Mauri, Klose and Vidic there was a double sided reason for brining these older players in, their mental stats where really top notch and something we've lacked in our squad to help with tutoring but the added bonus is they all have promising coaching attributes and I'm hoping to sign all three up once their one year deals expire.

Ins & Outs -



Ins(of note) :

Luke Garbutt £1.8m

Luke was transfer listed by Everton which I found surprising as his scout report was very encouring. He started out at Leeds so he contributes to our home grown contingent and he gives decent competition to Taylor for the LB spot while offering decent cover at LM. Great squad player. Has played really well when called upon and I'm finding myself trying to rotate more to get him game time.

Jores Okore £750k

Brought in as cover due to the weakness we suffered here last year, wasn't that great when called upon and he's starting to moan about lack of games so don't think he'll stick around as I have 3 very good CB's to choose from plus I've promoted Jack Vann to be our forth choice.

Calum Chambers £16.5m

Steal. Getting him in on loan for the second half of the season played a huge part in us staying up, he was immense at both RB and when he had to he was solid at CB. At the end of the season I approached Arsenal and asked them what it would take for us to get him, they said £22m.. After some negotiations it got down to the fee you see and I snapped their hand off. He still has so much potential which can only be good for the club while he's already attracting interest midway through season 4.

A bargain for a young, English international.

Michael Keane £6m

A former Man Utd player but don't hold that against him, I love this lad! He's almost a throwback to an older style British CB, kinda like a budget John Terry. He's all round good at everything without excelling in an specific area what I love about him is he's consistent. Rotated well with Shawcross & Mammana.

Great fee aswell for what I consider quality and that ever valuable HG status. He also has the bonus like Garbutt of not asking for insane wages which is something always helps. Of course he had a shaky run during our terrible run of form, I've said it before that I don't blame him or the other players at all as I buckle not him or them so I wouldn't judge him on that period.

Ryan Shawcross £8.25m

£8.25m could be seen as a large fee for a 29 year old but we've been lacking leadership at the heart of the defence since I joined and big Ryan certainly provides that, he's my perfect type of defender.. No nonsense. He provides the presence next to the continental style of Mammana and in my own mindset I always need that security or I panic! Ha!

Julien Green

This was a gamble who has more than paid off, 16 games with 5 goals & 5 assists. Released from Bayern, I offered him a trial he came in and exploded over the two friendlies he played. Signed straight away for under £23k a week his value rocketed to £7m, he's attracting interest from the Bundesliga already but I like the impact he gives us with his pace and movement.

Hirving Lozano £13.75m

This was our luxury signing, his agent approached me and said his client was interested in a move to Leeds. I checked him out and sent for a scout report. Signed immediately, hefty fee but he's too good an investment to turn down, much like Mammana he's a player who's probably too good for us, I reckon I can make a good profit should there be any interest. He seemed to have a love affair with the FA Cup(as I do, but more on that later) where he topped the scoring charts for the competition with 11 goals in 9 games, 15 goals overall for the season from RM. League champions Tottenham and "interested in anyone" PSG are sniffy around him at pre season.

Outs(of note) :

Casper Sloth

Gaetano Berardi

Giuseppe Bellusci

If I'm honest I got longer out of these 3 than I had expected, good solid performers for the club and I hate dismantling squads straight away but for us to take the next step and solidify in the top league it had to be done, not much made on them less than a million each but it's something. Made my profit next though..

Bernard Mensah £33.5m Dortmund

As soon as the bid came in his head was turned, I managed to get Dortmund up to a decent fee I felt and off he went. Great wee player, always has some magic in him he only lasted a season and a half but he was a class act. A player I'll be looking at in other saves, shame I couldn't keep him around for longer .

-----------------------------------

Competition Review :

Premier League -



We should have been down, I cant be any more honest. We were terrible from pretty much the start of the season until about February. Our horrible form came from my poor tactical choices, some poor business in the transfer market which all lead to losing the players and their faith in me. The moral kept plummeting after every defeat and I honestly couldn't see any end. I took a couple of days away from FM and then came back and I must give my second thanks in this thread(first for Valencia) to welsh, I read that thread cleon put up about counter attacking football and then read a couple of threads from around the scene of people who have created decent counter attacking tactics(our own knap and another from elsewhere). Not gonna lie but I straight up stole some of their ideas, slightly tweaked and changed to fit my square pegs in the round holes and what do you know.... it started to turn around.

The fixtures also helped I must admit, by that I mean only really Arsenal & Chelsea were games we got dominated. Getting results against Liverpool & Manchester United are for me the games that kept me up as I had pretty much written them off and as it played out they really counted to our final points tally. A terrible season that was really turned on its head, ive never been involved in that kind of turn around both play and morale wise, I had almost accept our fate and my own after Xmas but a bit of hard work and simple thinking really does help. Here's the comparison of how bad it was compared with how it ended...

How was I not sacked!?



Still can't believe this run..



Domestic Cups -

League Cup :

Went out early, poor showings all round.

FA Cup :

Winners.



Yeah you read that right, not only where we one game away from relegation but we somehow managed to go and win the FA Cup, we did have some favourable draws along the way and yes the final against Man City went to penalties but after the campaign we just went through lifting that trophy was absolute euphoria, one of those FM moments you actually celebrate and shout out loud for real.

It was a real turn in fortunes for us, I've no idea what we turned it on in those cup games and couldn't for the league, truly a great FM mystery but I like to look at us turning our form round and in our last two games of the season we secured our league status and we won the FA Cup.

-----------------------------------

Player Performance :

Squad -

Managers Player Of The Season -

Alexandru Tudorie





33 games, 14 goals from the big man, kinda having a man crush on him due to pulling us out the mire towards the end of last season.

Signing Of The Season -

Hirving Lozano





Great player, too good for us if I'm honest. His fee doesnt seem as bad now that i've just recieved a bid of £45m from League winners Tottenham

Under Performer Of The Season -

Sam Byram

3 goals and 6 assists in nearly 40 games is really poor compared with his previous two campaigns. He just wasn't the same swashbuckling force I've came to expect, it was tough to watch but I must take some of the blame again due to the mistakes I was making. He's already started the new season much better so I just put it down to being a sufferer of the scenario we were in.

-----------------------------------

Pre-Season :

Targets -

I'm looking to make a few major changes after last seasons turmoil, while I know that sounds crazy after how badly we gelled last time out I have a much stronger core and with certain players leaving it opens up holes to fill. I'm looking at a new GK, CM, AMC, STK & a winger or two.. so just a couple eh?

Tactics -

With the good improvement made at the tail end of last season I feel i'll just spend preseason getting the squad used to that set up and go from there.

Expectations -

Simple & brief, a solid start and focus on that mythical 40 points needed to survive again.

Fantastic update that.

[tony777]

Just started a test run with Leeds, signed no one pre season. Got a late bid in for Bianchi from Parma on dead line day. It was all to be paid in installments so decided to negotiate the full sum up front (£1.9m). Got them up to £1.5 and the rest over 12 month, but forgot the Italian cut off time seems earlier so missed out lol.

Basically doing this to see about tactics as I havent played since 2009. After a few lame attempts with 442 and 451 I am starting to grind out results with a narrow 433.

Normal defensive line. Play out of defense. Overlap on wings ??. Short passing game. Havent lost in 5 now after being bottom of the league after 6 games with 2 points. With it now starting to take shape a bit might not give it up, but the squad is a bit slim for this system. Erwin doesn't seem to perform anywhere in the front 3, Wood Doukara and Antenucci are all doing well up front but I have no cover. Mowatt Cook Sloth the mid 3 rotating with Murphy Adeyemi. but need decent cover again there. Defence is as would be Byram Bellusci Cooper Taylor with Wootton (5 goals already) Berardi and Bamba as back up. need to sort the team out in Jan if i carry on with this test run

[garymac]

Managed to get promoted in 2nd season and spent my budget on harrison reed and tylas browning who both acheived a rating of 8+ getting me promotion....14 games into PL im sitting in 15th but just beat Man U2-0 and went wid a board request for transfer money and they gave me 27 million .....!!!! i was taken over by someone called scally.....mmm wonder where his cash came from...anyway im after a good striker who would be interested, im tempted by woodrow from fulham for 10 mill not sure he will do the business in premiership. any advice guys

[Hoarau]

I've just finished my 4th season, 3rd in the Premiership and Haris Seferovic scored 26 goals while Tudorie got 18.

Another option I've been eyeing is Benik Afobe(spelling might be wrong, check Wolves)

[Welshace]

I might be wrong... but have you mentioned what happened to Jose?

[Hoarau]

Oh ****! That's right.. must be PTSD or the like..ha!

Well here goes :

End of an Era, The Legend of Jose is no more..

Start of the 2017/18 season I get the news item telling me of the contracts expiring within the squad, a couple of names needed looking at but one in particular stood out massively, Jose Valencia, who has amassed himself 54 goals in 90 games with his value reaching £9m at the end of the season. I of course went to offer him an extension straight away so I offer him a new deal which he immediately accepts....

This is were my nightmare begins, a couple of days later I get the terrible news that Jose Valencia has been DENIED a w/p due to not representing his country enough! The horror!! So I cancel the contract and approach the board with the hope of maybe getting a w/p feeder club to get round the issue.. the board knocked me back. I'm losing my star man and favourite FM16 player so far. It was honestly one of the most gutting moments ive experienced on any FM, he played a handful of games before picking up an injury for 3 months, he came back in February but couldn't force his way into the team due to my commitment to others and the fact I was losing him, FC Midtjylland stepped in and signed him on a bosman.. Heartbroken.

[Hoarau]

After what can only be described as the most stressful preseason ever, after about 10 bids from so many clubs which almost resulted in a squad mutiny I've finally accepted a bid from Barcelona for Sam Byram, the fee?

North of £50m, his value is £23m. I had to, he was beyond unhappy.

[macca72]

After what can only be described as the most stressful preseason ever, after about 10 bids from so many clubs which almost resulted in a squad mutiny I've finally accepted a bid from Barcelona for Sam Byram, the fee?

North of £50m, his value is £23m. I had to, he was beyond unhappy.

Something else that, you'll work wonders with that cash.

Slow pre-season for me, so far have got Mings in from Bournemouth as cover for Taylor, and Dembele on a free from Spurs, he was an absolute bargain, only wanted 20k per week and will add some experience to the squad.

Couldn't get Origi, his wage demands were upwards of 100k per week and I'm at that transition stage where I can pay good wages, but not the elite level needed to attract the very best.

I'm keeping an eye on Liverpool though, as something has to give. They've basically loaded themselves with some unreal talent - Schurrle, Barbosa, Icardi, Balotelli, Origi, Ibe, Coutinho, Sturridge, Firmino are all competing for places, someone's going to flip soon and a bargain could be had on the transfer list...

EDIT: Arsenal have gone radio rental as well, transfer listing £60m worth of talent they bought last season

[Hoarau]

Leeds fan will hate me, the amount of ex-Manchester United players I've got in my squad is ridiculous..

Michael Keane, Ryan Shawcross, Ravel Morrison, James Wilson & Wayne Rooney!

Let me explain in my next update before lynching me..

[Hoarau]

Something else that, you'll work wonders with that cash.

Slow pre-season for me, so far have got Mings in from Bournemouth as cover for Taylor, and Dembele on a free from Spurs, he was an absolute bargain, only wanted 20k per week and will add some experience to the squad.

Couldn't get Origi, his wage demands were upwards of 100k per week and I'm at that transition stage where I can pay good wages, but not the elite level needed to attract the very best.

I'm keeping an eye on Liverpool though, as something has to give. They've basically loaded themselves with some unreal talent - Schurrle, Barbosa, Icardi, Balotelli, Origi, Ibe, Coutinho, Sturridge, Firmino are all competing for places, someone's going to flip soon and a bargain could be had on the transfer list...

EDIT: Arsenal have gone radio rental as well, transfer listing £60m worth of talent they bought last season

I've got nearly £110m in the transfer kitty and I've done all my summer business(probably too much business to be honest but more on that in my next update), I already miss Sam, hoping Barcelona don't play him and he becomes unhappy 'cause i'd bring him home in a minute.

Who's gonna fill the gap Origi left? He looks a beast in my save, well out of my reach(interested wise)

[macca72]

I've got nearly £110m in the transfer kitty and I've done all my summer business(probably too much business to be honest but more on that in my next update), I already miss Sam, hoping Barcelona don't play him and he becomes unhappy 'cause i'd bring him home in a minute.

Who's gonna fill the gap Origi left? He looks a beast in my save, well out of my reach(interested wise)

I really have no idea, I just beat Man City away 1-0 in the opening game, but it was a complete smash and grab. I managed to pick up Kevin Kampl from Arsenal on loan for the year, he looks great and was a victim of their madness. He got the winner.

I've got a week before the next game and I want a striker in, but I can't find anyone. The only one I'm tempted by is Welbeck who is available from Man City after they spent £14m on him last year and played him 6 times, but for obvious reasons I'm sceptical.

[macca72]

Well, the Origi shaped hole was filled by...Origi

I went back to Liverpool with a hopeful (desperate) bid of £17.5m for him and they crazily accepted. I threw the kitchen sink at him and we finally agreed, I'm pretty happy with that.

Of course, that wouldn't come back to bite Liverpool straight away would it...

[SirManager]

Started a save last night. Will re post later tonight with my current updates. Struggled to sign any big players in the free transfer window and only got two 30 year old as back ups.

Out of 2nd round of cup with a defeat to Norwich. Sitting 1st with 9 points out of 3 games.

[SAFC 14]

Started a game with Leeds the other day first time playing since FM 14 and had a really tough start. Couldn't get the grips of the tactics and had only 2 wins in my first 15 and we were 2nd bottom. Seemed to be having lots of draws and narrow losses, made a few tweaks to my tactics yesterday and seems to have done the trick, drew the first game and then we've won 5 in the next 6 including three 3-0. Just coming up to January now and Gourcouff (free) is finally fit and Amalfitano (free) is now available so hopefully can kick on and have a much better second half to the season.

Lewis Cook has been fantastic, average rating of 7.53 and about 7 assists labelled as the next Paul Gascoigne, really hope I can get him a new contract sorted as he is currnetly not interested in renewing. Byram is also a great attacking full back and has grabbed a few goals when I've played him at RM. Really impressed by the young players at the club.

[I Like Pie]

Its only January but finally in my 4th season im fighting for the top4 spot.

Only lack of quality right inside forward stopping me from challenging the title..

Tried to sign Bale, but he joined Chelsea instead already had an agreement with Domenico Berardi, but he got injured for 5 months so canceled the deal.. my biggest prospect is out for 9 months! and all my current players are crap in AMR

Signed Odegaard in January, so I hope im done with that position..

My current team:

Interesting January fixtures:

Btw Bayern offered 60m for Cook

[badi]

Hey guys great updates from all of you. I would really love to manage Leeds back to the top but... I really struggle to hire J. Valencia. I started a lot of times already, but always, no matter how high my offer would be, he signs for Tigres, Monterrey or some other Mexican club. I have no clue how you guys attracted him. Any advise?

[Valo]

Hey guys great updates from all of you. I would really love to manage Leeds back to the top but... I really struggle to hire J. Valencia. I started a lot of times already, but always, no matter how high my offer would be, he signs for Tigres, Monterrey or some other Mexican club. I have no clue how you guys attracted him. Any advise?

I just started a couple of hours ago. I signed him with a similar technique that Nicko and others recommended earlier - get the player to accept your terms, and then increase the offer. If the offer is good enough, they'll sign instantly. IIRC, Valencia agreed to 7k and then signed immediately when I offered 9k.

[badi]

I just started a couple of hours ago. I signed him with a similar technique that Nicko and others recommended earlier - get the player to accept your terms, and then increase the offer. If the offer is good enough, they'll sign instantly. IIRC, Valencia agreed to 7k and then signed immediately when I offered 9k.

I've done that too. He agreed to 60k euro/month, then I increased to 70k euro/month and added +5% wage increase after promotion and he accepted Tigres 62k euro/month offer... I guess my offer was not good enough. GOtta offer him 100k euro/month.

[Valo]

I've done that too. He agreed to 60k euro/month, then I increased to 70k euro/month and added +5% wage increase after promotion and he accepted Tigres 62k euro/month offer... I guess my offer was not good enough. GOtta offer him 100k euro/month.

If your offer is good enough, the player will say "I am very happy with the offer" or something along those lines, and will accept your offer immediately, so you don't have to wait or worry about other teams. If you really want him, just improve the deal until that happens.

[Norfolk Enchants]

My current team:

How does your midfield duo go? I wouldn't have thought that's the best combination to use, neither role is defensively sound

[Hoarau]

Leeds United Season : 2018/19





Overview :



What can I say, the difference in my mood when finishing this season and last season is hard to fathom, we really outperformed what I had expected us to. Our performance in the league was sensational, especially at home where it became somewhat of a fortress. We seem to be developing some what of a rivalry with Liverpool which is a shame as I have real life man-love for Jurgen Klopp! I have no idea how both those results happened against Liverpool both positively(6-1..) and negatively(4-0..really!?).

We seem to have Man City's number, coming away this season with two 2-0 victories against them. Chelsea & Arsenal seem to be two teams we just cant get a result from, that's something i'll have to address tatically I think.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transfer Centre :

Ins & Outs -

Ins(of note) :





I'll start with what I consider my number 1 bargain in this save, Jack Wilshire for £4.9m has proved to be inspired, he's gave a bit more experience, at higher level at least, to our young midfielders. His vision is second to none and he can pick a pass on the turn better than most I've managed in FM. The less said about Chuba Akpom the better, read down some to see how he turned out, I faired much better with the signings relegated duo Haris Seferovic & Jack Grealish, not crazy fee's for our club easily returned in their respective performances. Seferovic was our number one striker and really lead the line chipping in with a great showing of 27 goals. Angelo Fulgini is a young French RB who can also cover at DMC, played well enough when called upon, may see more game time this coming season due to Byram's departure.

Tiemoue Bakayoko was brought in from Roma to rotate with Kouyate, played really well and done his job, some interest in him at the end of the season so he could move on if the right bid comes in due to his value being near £23m. The next three seems to show somewhat of a unofficial partnership between ourselves and Monaco, Anwar El Ghazi, Paul Nardi & Thomas Lemar. Nardi is our back up keeper who really did shine when called upon, really good to have a reliable number 2. El Ghazi & Lemar where great additions adding explosiveness and creativeness we really haven't had before.



This is a mass of newgens to boost the youth teams, some real gems in here that should provide us with a steady stream of first team players which could prove to be bargain prices.

Outs(of note) :





Ridiculous profit made on both of these lads, Elyounousi went due to me having my bid for Grealish getting accepted and Wolfsburg offering all the money upfront. The same happened with Tottenham, I was adamant I wasn't letting him go for cheap especially to a league rival, but when the stepped in and offered £45m straight upfront I had to accept, againwith me already finding a suitable replacement in El Ghazi for a exceptional fee he had to move.

-----------------------------------

Player Performance :

Squad -

Overall i'm delighted, the boys really pulled up their socks this season and showed real potential, here's a glimpse of how we performed.

Players Awards



Player Stats



I couldn't believe when one of the England squads was announced and this was what I saw, it's great to have a real homegrown spine to our squad and I'm consciously making transfer decisions based on this. My only regret is letting Sam Byram leave but after that offer from a club like Barcelona I couldn't make the player anymore unhappy, I'm kinda hopeful he gets unhappy there and we can bring him back eventually. :



Managers Player Of The Season -

Jack Grealish

I could have went with any number of the squad here, Haris Seferovic being the main shout but I really feel young Jack ended up being one of our unsung heroes this season. After Aston Villa got relegated I scouted Jack to see what the damage would be and was pleased to find out Villa only wanted £10m, for me that was a no-brainer due to his home grown status, age and potential. He was a menace to defences, a real live wire, and has great delivery, especially at corners.

Signing Of The Season -

Anwar El Ghazi

I have to agree with the fans here, after losing Lozano last year I was worried some of our flair and creativity would be clearly absent but after spotting this lad on the transfer list I sent for a scout report that came back stating he was a must buy, I checked his asking price and was shocked Monaco only wanted just over £7m. He didn't ask for ridiculous wages, south of £50k a week is great in my mind. 24 games - 7 goals - 6 assists, not a world beating haul but he settled in quickly and adapted well to our set up.

Under Performer Of The Season -

Chupa Akpom

Brought in for £9m, sold for £5m. Poor all over, I thought I could mould him into a mini-Walcott of sorts due to some similar stats and having age and room to develop but he just couldn't take to any role. Other players started performing much better at the important times of the season so he became unhappy and asked to leave. He's since been sold on after a campaign of 11 games - 1 goal - 1 assist. Perhaps not enough time given to him but with the performances of others he just didn't seem interest during play. I hate not being able to develop someone I eyed as having talent.

-----------------------------------

Pre-Season :

Targets -

I've not really got anyone in mind but I reckon there will be significant interest in some of players given their performances. i'm hoping for not too busy a summer as I don't want to break the squad up and have to spend the start of next season trying to gel a new squad together.

Expectations -

Not to get too carried away but I reckon we can push for the Champions League places again, hopefully progressing out of the group stages. I value the domestic cups quite highly, especially for the fans sake, so i'd like to give us a chance of picking one of them.

[rafiky]

i am well into my 6th season at leeds. really enjoying the save. lost lewis cook after season 2 when he refused to sign a new contract and only had 12 months left. but i will buy him back one day! i must!

you can come and check out the progress of my leeds save on youtube http://www.youtube.com/c/LokiDokiGG i am on episode 57 so you have a bit of catching up to do

anyone else doing a leeds save on youtube? would like to check it out

[macca72]

i am well into my 6th season at leeds. really enjoying the save. lost lewis cook after season 2 when he refused to sign a new contract and only had 12 months left. but i will buy him back one day! i must!

you can come and check out the progress of my leeds save on youtube http://www.youtube.com/c/LokiDokiGG i am on episode 57 so you have a bit of catching up to do

anyone else doing a leeds save on youtube? would like to check it out

I've just been watching it, I'm enjoying it, good work.

[Nicko Blaggo]

16.2 curiousity, so one more save for me. Signed the same players I've posted about before, but added:

GK Fernando Miguel, 30 yo at Vitoria (£300K). Decent Premiership quality, better than Sylvestri.

DC Filippo Romagna, 21 yo at Juventus. Well known obviously, loan with a £3.5M buy.

Staff wise, I still can't find much. But did sign:

Ass Man, Michael Lindeman. I've forgotten about him on previous saves, will do very nicely in the Championship.

Scout, Diego Caniggia at Catania. He's only decent and costs compensation. But, as the Chairman agreed to my expand scouting request, he's now using his knowledge of South America looking for gems.

The big news though is that I got a differant takeover approach during September 2015. It might be a tycoon....

[Valo]

The big news though is that I got a differant takeover approach during September 2015. It might be a tycoon....

The ownership of the club definitely adds some unpredictability to Leeds saves. I was fired despite being 4th in the table off the back of a 6-0 away win at Sheffield Wednesday, even though the manager that the new owner initially wanted, Oscar Garcia, had already become Sheffield Wednesday's manager! Thankfully I was allowed to stay after a reload. Felt very random.

[brad.h]

Alright guys, just after a bit of guidance please. Currently on my 3rd attempt with leeds after doing terribly in the first two saves, but havent been able to get anything to work tactically. Whenever I play attacking I seem to get torn apart defensively, but when I play counter they still find a way through and I've ended up losing the majority of my games. Anyway most of you did awesome in the Championship so any general pointers or tips would be greatly appreciated, cheers.

[Nicko Blaggo]

The ownership of the club definitely adds some unpredictability to Leeds saves. I was fired despite being 4th in the table off the back of a 6-0 away win at Sheffield Wednesday, even though the manager that the new owner initially wanted, Oscar Garcia, had already become Sheffield Wednesday's manager! Thankfully I was allowed to stay after a reload. Felt very random.

My dreams of a tycoon takeover are in tatters. It turns out it's just a consortium deal, again. And, like you, I've got the Oscar Garcia story.

[PitchPosh]

i am well into my 6th season at leeds. really enjoying the save. lost lewis cook after season 2 when he refused to sign a new contract and only had 12 months left. but i will buy him back one day! i must!

you can come and check out the progress of my leeds save on youtube http://www.youtube.com/c/LokiDokiGG i am on episode 57 so you have a bit of catching up to do

anyone else doing a leeds save on youtube? would like to check it out

Just taken a look at your videos and really enjoyed them! Keep up the good work