shaunvamos Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 Hey guys, After running out of enthusiasm for my Bosnian youth save, possibly for starting it halfway through a Europe trip, I'm back home and have decided to start a new save in a place very familiar to me in a Football Manager environment. However, there are a few tweaks to how this save is going to develop. The Idea Traditionally, the minnows to giants youth saves seem to be among the most popular on the forums, as evidenced by the multitude of Sammarinese, Faroese and Andorran saves, among other countries. However, there have been very very few that have been successful (I should know, I have a fair few of the unsuccessful ones!). Whether or not this has been due to hitting a glass ceiling in terms of nation quality, or certain bugs in the system (youth recruitment anyone), and just stalled in other ways. San Marino and Andorra have help in the fact that they have clubs in bigger nations like Italy and Spain, but the latter doesn't really offer much in terms of support to up the quality of the national team. But what if a nation had clubs in more than one nation? Three, in fact. Enter Andorra. They have ties with France, Spain and Portugal. What I've done is created three identical teams, one for each country, and placed them into the lowest playable league in the nation. Each with the same stadium (Andorra's national stadium), facilities (10/20 across the board), kits etc. The only real difference is the reputation, which I made as a middle ground in the division, not too strong to get promoted straight away and not too weak to be relegated, possibly to be never seen again. They even have the same name, 'The Youth of Andorra', each translated to the language of the nation they will be playing in (Portuguese, French, and Spanish). It's an experiment of sorts, to try and see if it will help develop Andorra as a footballing nation and hopefully spill over into the domestic side of things. As for the club I am managing, it is a club formerly known as FC Engordany, rebranded as the Catalan translation of The Youth of Andorra (I think). Joventud d'Andorra Squad This is the squad that I inherited. It's a decent squad, an experienced squad, but it's not a very Andorran squad. Aims of the Save - Take the club as far as possible, both domestically and elsewhere using players only from our academy - Topple domestic giants FC Santa Coloma, while holding off the challenge of Lusitans and the rest - Eventually take over the National Team, and take them as far as possible -Monitor the progress of the other 'Youth of Andorra' teams in their respective countries, and determine whether or not my experiment works Let me know what you guys think, feedback is much appreciated. I can't wait to start Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 3, 2019 Author Share Posted February 3, 2019 A few things I forgot to add, my manager profile: The game setup: The leagues of Germany and Italy are included, but as view only. The tactics that I hope will bring me great success: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scousevasey Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 Will you be looking to move to the other teams at any point, or just see how they affect the national team? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikulec Posted February 3, 2019 Share Posted February 3, 2019 Following. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 3, 2019 Author Share Posted February 3, 2019 7 hours ago, scousevasey said: Will you be looking to move to the other teams at any point, or just see how they affect the national team? No I think I'll just stick to Andorra, set myself a much more difficult challenge. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 4, 2019 Author Share Posted February 4, 2019 Usually I wouldn't bat an eye at a fixture like this, but this is much weaker team I'm managing. Fun fact: my current coach used to manage Birkirkara back in 2017 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheriff7 Posted February 4, 2019 Share Posted February 4, 2019 Birkikara!Mifsud plays there.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 4, 2019 Author Share Posted February 4, 2019 37 minutes ago, Sheriff7 said: Birkikara!Mifsud plays there.. He does he's the only 'real' player in the squad though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 4, 2019 Author Share Posted February 4, 2019 Much better than I expected, although our lack of depth due to injuries really showed in the second leg. Well this is over before it begins. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 4, 2019 Author Share Posted February 4, 2019 Much better than I expected, it bodes well for the season ahead. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 4, 2019 Author Share Posted February 4, 2019 The first steps in a long journey. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 4, 2019 Author Share Posted February 4, 2019 2019 Youth Intake Didn't expect much, given the quality of the foreign players in the side, but pleasantly surprised with a few of the players we have. Decent finishing and physicals. He's okay. Will try him as a wing back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 5, 2019 Author Share Posted February 5, 2019 2018/19 Season Review League Cup Overall, not a terrible first season, we were predicted to finish 4th and did, and were no match for Lusitans and the Santa Colomas, but I expected that. A cup final is encouraging too, although we did lucky with our opponents in terms of strength and their inability to convert penalties. But it's a solid foundation to build on for next season. Best Eleven/Key Players He was our main creative force this season, as well as contributing to the scoresheets too. At 36 I don't think he has very long left, but I guess that's why he's here. Solid at the back. It's good to see one of our best players this season being Andorran, and it's thoroughly deserved, he was extremely busy in the midfield. Andorran Clubs in Europe FC Santa Coloma Sant Julia A massively impressive showing from these two, especially Sant Julia. 11-0! Granted it was against a team from San Marino, but still. 'Youth of Andorra' Team Performances Jeunesse d'Andorre (French 3rd Tier) Never got going in the league I'm afraid, so it's straight down in the first year. They did win a cup game though so there's that. Juventud de Andorra (Spanish 3rd Tier) Fared a little better than their French counterparts in terms of being closer to the other teams, but its rock bottom for them as well, and down they go. Juventude de Andorra (Portuguese 3rd Tier) They did the best of the 3 teams, but unfortunately it wasn't enough. Next Season Well my experiment has hit a very big bump in the road but that said I'm eager to see if they can bounce straight back up next season and see how well the Andorran players coming through their academies develop. I think the biggest mistake here was putting these teams in the league without any players, and without any fake players it would've been an uphill battle for any team. But, hopefully it stabilises and starts to trend positive. As for my team, hopefully a top 4 finish again, it will be interesting to see if the other Andorran clubs have managed to hold on to their good foreign players, as that will determine a lot next season. Progress Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 5, 2019 Author Share Posted February 5, 2019 The perks of signing a new contract. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheriff7 Posted February 5, 2019 Share Posted February 5, 2019 At least for Spanish 3rd tier(which i am now in my save) it would be impossible for them to stay without a strong squad, even staying at 4th tier would be a very difficult task. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 5, 2019 Author Share Posted February 5, 2019 More upgrades Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 5, 2019 Author Share Posted February 5, 2019 30 minutes ago, Sheriff7 said: At least for Spanish 3rd tier(which i am now in my save) it would be impossible for them to stay without a strong squad, even staying at 4th tier would be a very difficult task. Yes, it's been a pretty difficult introduction into the game for the new teams. The French side are in big danger of being relegated from the 4th tier as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 5, 2019 Author Share Posted February 5, 2019 2020 Youth Intake I'm liking this intake. Couple 4* PAs, which is promising considering the we have a coup,e 5* CAs for us at the moment. He has excellent everything for a player at this level, as well as that 20 determination He has the fitness I want for the system I'm implementing, and most other characteristics I'm liking as well. Not as impressive as the other two, but promising signs are there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 6, 2019 Author Share Posted February 6, 2019 2019/20 Season Review League Cup Very promising but very frustrating. We were easily the third best team all season, then we drop out of European qualification on the last day because Santa Coloma had a player sent off and blew a lead to lose to Escaldes. But UE Santa Coloma winning the cup prevented us from having a shot anyway. We really should've done more. We should've scored more. Hopefully that will sort itself out. Best XI/Key Players Defence is easily our weakest area, but despite his age Ruiz ran things. He can't have long left though. The main reason we didn't finish lower. The Andorran international finished joint 2nd highest scorer with 14, a solid effort. Andorran Clubs in Europe U.E. Santa Coloma Lusitans F.C. Santa Coloma Couple wins there. 'Youth of Andorra' Update Jeunesse d'Andorra (French 4th Tier) The other clubs I won't know about until the next season ticks over, hopefully they become playable again. I think the Portuguese one will, but a bit iffy on the Spanish one. Next Season Aim to push for European spots a bit more convincingly, hopefully with our perceived head start on the next generation over the others may show it's face a little bit. I'm expecting Lusitans to come back with a vengeance, they're my pick to take it out next season. But I think 3rd is our limit for now. Just gotta keep upgrading the recruitment and coaching and hope it all comes together from there. As for the youth projects, the best France can hope for is to come straight back up, and if the other two become playable once more, to try not to embarrass themselves. Progress Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 6, 2019 Author Share Posted February 6, 2019 Back in business Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan023 Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 This idea is amazing! Following :) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 6, 2019 Author Share Posted February 6, 2019 More upgrades Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 6, 2019 Author Share Posted February 6, 2019 3 hours ago, Jordan023 said: This idea is amazing! Following Thanks mate, glad to have you on board! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 6, 2019 Author Share Posted February 6, 2019 2021 Youth Intake Plenty of potential here, and plenty of defenders, where are ridiculously weak. He appears fairly well rounded for someone at this level. Plenty to like here as well! Not much to him except pace, hopefully he takes to learning CAM. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 7, 2019 Author Share Posted February 7, 2019 2020/21 Season Review League Cup A bit of a transitional season for us, as 7 of our veteran first teamers all decided to retire, leaving us with some serious problems. With our defence being rated dead last attribute-wise, I was expecting a massive struggle this season. Although we came 6th, I never really felt in danger of being relegated, and we were in range of the top four the whole season, just some results didn't fall for us unfortunately. I did change the tactics too, making everything much simpler instructions wise, and removing the WB position as no one in the side could play a WB well enough. But we did enough to still pose an outside threat to the bigger teams. Oh, and I called the Lusitans win Best XI/Key Players A key component in our embarrassingly weak defence. Mr Consistent up front, he was the leagues second top scorer for the second year running. Excellent season in the midfield for the Frenchman. Andorran Clubs in Europe Sant Julia U.E. Santa Coloma FC Santa Coloma Sant Julia were impressive, the Santa Colomas were not. 'Youth of Andorra' Team Performances Juventude de Andorra (Portuguese 3rd Tier) Juventude came back into the playable leagues with a vengeance, nailing a top half finish comfortably! No standout Andorran players yet though. Juventud de Andorra (Spanish 3rd Tier) Speaking of coming back with a vengeance, Juventud also made sure they were safe upon their return back to playable territory. They have an interesting prospect too... This guy looks absolutely phenomenal, and at only 17 has got a big future ahead of him. Jeunesse d'Andorre (French 5th tier) The French 5th tier isn't playable, but.... All 3 Andorran development teams are back in viewing They have a few decent Andorrans, but this guy looks the best: This Andorran team is going places very soon, I can tell you that! Next Season Focus on developing our academy products. That's all it comes down to for us now. Upgrading the last of the junior coaching is important as well, and continuing to improve the youth recruitment. Maybe we can push for top 4 and European qualification if everything goes to plan? We will see. Progress Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan023 Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 Is it possible to this experiment with another country? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 7, 2019 Author Share Posted February 7, 2019 1 hour ago, Jordan023 said: Is it possible to this experiment with another country? Do you mean put a club from a small country in a country with a stronger league that has links to that country? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan023 Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 Yeah like San Marino and Italy! But I don't know any other small countries that have a link with a stronger country! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 7, 2019 Author Share Posted February 7, 2019 11 minutes ago, Jordan023 said: Yeah like San Marino and Italy! But I don't know any other small countries that have a link with a stronger country! Well there's Liechtenstein and Switzerland, there's a few clubs in the Swiss leagues, the main one being Vaduz. Wales (if you could count them small) with Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham etc. in the English system. I'm sure there are more examples but those are just off the top of my head. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 7, 2019 Author Share Posted February 7, 2019 For some reason they rejected the junior coaching request but granted this. Oh well, any upgrade is a good upgrade! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 7, 2019 Author Share Posted February 7, 2019 2022 Youth Intake On paper, what a great looking intake. A 4* CA defender which is a massive saving grace, as well as 2* CA players in virtually every other position I use. The FM gods have bestowed upon me a great gift, I feel. Hes 6 2, he's 15, he defensive skill looks incredible. He will be a massive (pun intended) weapon for us at the back. He has some very positive attributes as well, especially his passing and first touch. His teamwork and decision making are likeable as well. I don't use wingers, so I'll see how he goes being retrained as a wingback. This is a huge intake for the club, and hopefully means we can start stringing some results together as soon as these guys can slot into the side. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 7, 2019 Author Share Posted February 7, 2019 Now I'm even more eager to put them into the first team Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nie jem frytek Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 7 hours ago, shaunvamos said: Well there's Liechtenstein and Switzerland, there's a few clubs in the Swiss leagues, the main one being Vaduz. Wales (if you could count them small) with Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham etc. in the English system. I'm sure there are more examples but those are just off the top of my head. There is A LOT http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/crossborder.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 7, 2019 Author Share Posted February 7, 2019 5 hours ago, nie jem frytek said: There is A LOT http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/crossborder.html What an interesting read, it's cool to know that football was so strong in certain countries that they won the league of the nation that invaded them! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 8, 2019 Author Share Posted February 8, 2019 2021/22 Season Review League Cup What a difference a season makes. Two of the most dominant teams in this save faced relegation, and only one survived. Sant Julia going down is probably due to their reluctance to hire a full time manager, I probably got asked 10 times to attend an interview with the board. FC santa Coloma falling so low is not as surprising compared to Encamp winning the league and Atletico America qualifying for the Europa League after just being promoted! I was disappointed with the performance of the team this year. We were among the top chance creators and barely conceded chances, but we were nowhere near as clinical as I'd like to be. Still, this is a positive that is only going to get better with the players that will keep coming through the academy. Best XI/Key Players One of the first on the team sheet, he had an excellent first full season. He's only going to get better too. He wasn't fantastic, but not much our team have been. Our other man up front didn't have as good a season we have been used to. Andorran Clubs in Europe Lusitans FC Santa Coloma UE Santa Coloma Sant Julia Not bad. 'Youth of Andorra' Team Performances/Best Andorran Player Juventude de Andorra (Portuguese 3rd Tier) Nice and safe. Jeunesse d'Andorre (French 4th Tier) Survival This guy is special! Wanted by Lyon, Marseille and Leicester, among several others. Juventud d'Andorra (Spanish 3rd Tier) All three are safe this season There's also this guy, who was bought by La Liga side Girona for 135k... He's awesome! Next Season Just keep building really. That's all we can do. Try and score more goals than our opponents I guess. Progress Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 9, 2019 Author Share Posted February 9, 2019 2023 Youth Intake Another year, another decent intake. There's a lot to like here except his determination. He looks like the finisher we so desperately need. Let's see how he goes as a wing back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 9, 2019 Author Share Posted February 9, 2019 2022/23 Season Review League Cup We just can't catch a break. That's all it comes down to really. Best XI/Key Players Andorran Clubs in Europe Encamp UE Santa Coloma Lusitans Atletico America Pretty poor. 'Youth of Andorra' Team Performance Juventude de Andorra (Portuguese 3rd Tier) Jeunesse d'Andorre (French 4th Tier) Juventud de Andorra (Spanish 3rd Tier) Nice and safe for all three. Next Season I'm desperate for a top four finish. I need progress and I need it now. Progress Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 10, 2019 Author Share Posted February 10, 2019 2024 Youth Intake There's still plenty to like about this, couple good mids and a wingback. I don't use central mids anymore, but I might try him at DM. Could develop into a decent forward. Another one who will get a go at DM. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 10, 2019 Author Share Posted February 10, 2019 2023/24 Season Review League Cup I said I wanted Europe, and I got it a change in formation led to a massive influx of goals, both scored and conceded. Luckily for us we scored more when it counted, and it brought us into second, and European qualification! Best XI/Key Players Goals upon goals upon goals, nearly doubling our single season record. Still second highest in the league though. Excelled in his new position of DM, demonstrated by his 11 assists, a new team record. Decent hit out up front. Andorran Clubs in Europe UE Santa Coloma Encamp Lusitans Penya Encarnada Poor all round. 'Youth of Andorra' Progress Jeunesse d'Andorre (French 4th Tier) The second season back is always the hardest Juventude de Andorra (Portuguese 3rd Tier) Juventud de Andorra (Spanish 3rd Tier) Next Season Consolidate our position in the league, and try and concede less goals while maintaining our scoring rate. Progress Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 10, 2019 Author Share Posted February 10, 2019 Tough introduction to Europe! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 10, 2019 Author Share Posted February 10, 2019 6-3 against a team like Dinamo Brest is a pretty good effort, and the fact that we went 2-0 up at home is testament to the quality these players can produce. It's just not at that level to progress against these kinds of teams yet. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nie jem frytek Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 8 hours ago, shaunvamos said: Ahh, reserves in proper leagues, my "favourite". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 11, 2019 Author Share Posted February 11, 2019 Maxed out junior coaching and one upgrade to go for the recruitment. This intake is gonna be great Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 11, 2019 Author Share Posted February 11, 2019 2025 Youth Intake Pretty deep intake, although a little disappointed it isn't better on the surface. He looks very good, see how he goes at CAM. Our first keeper to be featured in an intake post, he looks the goods to be a key player for years. See how WB goes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherwinriga Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 I like that idea of creating a nation coming from a minnow nation in Europe. I bet that this save was so intriguing to me! Anyway, hopefully, you'll lead Andorra into a future powerhouse someday! By the way, since I'm following your save to make sure that Youth of Andorra would be a dominant powerhouse someday, I want to know about how Andorra and other nations doing. 1.) Can I take a look at the complete FIFA World Rankings as of the year 2025 and also, some notable minnows around the world and their roster would be looked like? Don't forget Andorra, of course! 2.) Speaking of France, Spain, Italy and Portugal, how's their league and NT doing? I bet Mbappe had ruled the FIFA World Cup in 2022... or not? 3.) Can I take a look at the rosters of the Catalan clubs as well as in Badalona and Barcelona? It would be great if you'll face them in a friendly match in the future. 4.) What the Youth of Andorra in France, Spain and Portugal would be looked like? Too bad that the French side was relegated to the 5th division. Anyway, keep up the good work and look forward to see your progress in the Youth of Andorra soon! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 14 hours ago, sherwinriga said: 1.) Can I take a look at the complete FIFA World Rankings as of the year 2025 and also, some notable minnows around the world and their roster would be looked like? Don't forget Andorra, of course! Andorra's last squad: 14 hours ago, sherwinriga said: 2.) Speaking of France, Spain, Italy and Portugal, how's their league and NT doing? I bet Mbappe had ruled the FIFA World Cup in 2022... or not? 2022 World Cup: 15 hours ago, sherwinriga said: 3.) Can I take a look at the rosters of the Catalan clubs as well as in Badalona and Barcelona? It would be great if you'll face them in a friendly match in the future. Badalona: Barcelona: 15 hours ago, sherwinriga said: What the Youth of Andorra in France, Spain and Portugal would be looked like? Too bad that the French side was relegated to the 5th division. These are the best players that have come out of each academy: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 2024/25 Season Review League A tale of inconsistency this season. On our best day we were unstoppable, on our worst day we were garbage. Still good enough for Europe, But will have to work on being much more consistent if we want to reach the heights of 2nd once more. Key Players/Best XI He's excellent, but he's getting old. Strong out on the wing, and now with the emergence of depth in WB he can go back to CB. Andorran Clubs in Europe UE Santa Coloma Lusitans Encamp 'Youth of Andorra' Teams Juventude de Andorra (Portuguese 3rd Tier) Juventud de Andorra (Spanish 3rd Tier) Making strides! Jeunesse d'Andorre (French 5th Tier) Progress Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 A much easier draw than Dinamo Brest, but is it easy enough? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 12, 2019 Author Share Posted February 12, 2019 2-1 down against a team like this is acceptable, especially the fact that if it wasn't for fatigue in the last ten minutes of the first leg we would've gone through. But there is a lot of good to come out of this loss. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaunvamos Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 Maxed out Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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