The FM20 Youth Academy Challenge

[streety]

So attempt 2 after my failed Swedish jaunt. Now in Denmark and i have taken over as Kolding B Manager 

Club History

Club Vision/5 Year Plan

Manager Overview

 

 

[XaW]

I think my tweaks are working. We are walking the league now.

[craigcwwe]

Seeing as you're also playing as NK Zadar @grff if you can recall, how is/has Josip Stokic done for you? He looks a real talent at just 17 years old and he's been very good for me this first season. 

[grff]

42 minutes ago, craigcwwe said:

Seeing as you're also playing as NK Zadar @grff if you can recall, how is/has Josip Stokic done for you? He looks a real talent at just 17 years old and he's been very good for me this first season. 

I don't think he was in my game due to his age, as I my save was started before the Winter update. Have you got the kits for Zadar?

[craigcwwe]

11 hours ago, grff said:

I don't think he was in my game due to his age, as I my save was started before the Winter update. Have you got the kits for Zadar?

Ah right, I see. 

Not got the kits for Zadar no. 

Edited February 24, 2020 by craigcwwe

[Scoham]

I’ve never attempted this challenge before, am I right in thinking playing this way mean it’s quicker to build and maintain tactical familiarity and have a single core social group since you never sign any players? I think that’s caused problems for me in FM in the last few years, and I’ve perhaps underestimated how much of a difference it makes.

[Diego D10S]

14 minutes ago, Scoham said:

I’ve never attempted this challenge before, am I right in thinking playing this way mean it’s quicker to build and maintain tactical familiarity and have a single core social group since you never sign any players? I think that’s caused problems for me in FM in the last few years, and I’ve perhaps underestimated how much of a difference it makes.

Definitely  But thats probably the only advantage. But you still will have several social groups. If you want a big challenge join us in the struggle. But be prepared to be frustrated  

[vikeologist]

12 minutes ago, Diego D10S said:

Definitely  But thats probably the only advantage. But you still will have several social groups. If you want a big challenge join us in the struggle. But be prepared to be frustrated  

I mean, I have currently have 4 social groups amongst my first team. Worryingly, my gay player is in a social group of his own. 

Mind you, I suppose that's fair enough. I suppose one can't expect my entire team to go with him to ,<insert gay cliché here>.

The advantages are probably more related to support.

[jepze]

Season 2020/21

Table / Squad / Transfer / Finances

After the new patch, i decided to start over, but this time it isn't in England, but in Wales. I started as manager at Monmouth Town, who come up to the second tier in the summer of 2020, and they need a manager, and I overtook them. The squad was on 15 man, so i doesn't expect something this season. The club is an Semipro club, where no one is on contracts. It means, that every club can get our players, so the hardest job, was to make them stay in the club. We was expected to end at the 14th place, but we have a good start of the season, and it means we are ending on 11th place. The tactic was a 5-3-2, where the midfield was a RM, CM and LM, because we havn't got more than 1 CM in the club.

We played in 2 cups, where we got some decent results. In JD Welsh Cup we got to the 3rd round, where we lost to Colwyn Bay, who won the other second tier league. In Nathaniel MG Cup, we manage to get to the quarter finals, where Cardiff Met Police knocked us put of the the tournament. They are the 2nd best team in Wales right now.

The youth intake was okay. We got a very decent keeper, Sam Summers 21a, who can be the number 1 keeper for many years, i think. We also got an decent ML, Adam Dunn 21d. We have 2 AML, but i think he will go into the first team now, and fight for the places at the ML spot, if wedon't change the tactic to play with an AML. The last man, i will look at, is one of the "badest" players in this youth intake. Marcus Bodenham 21i is an central midfielder, and he can be the key to change the tactic from 5-3-2 to 4-4-2 or maybe 4-1-2-2-1. Who looks good, but everything looks good at this level :P

[Diego D10S]

                                                                   

 

Ok finally I have started my new project. After countless hours of loading trying to get Rushden & Diamonds I gave up.

I started then with Nuneaton Boro to then see that @schnauzer beat me too it. GL my friend, I think thats a club with potential.

So I decided to start in Spain since nobody else are there at the moment. I start in Segunda Division B Group 4 with Real Jaèn. 

 

 

GL ALL !!  

[schnauzer]

1 hour ago, Diego D10S said:

                                                                   

 

Ok finally I have started my new project. After countless hours of loading trying to get Rushden & Diamonds I gave up.

I started then with Nuneaton Boro to then see that @schnauzer beat me too it. GL my friend, I think thats a club with potential.

So I decided to start in Spain since nobody else are there at the moment. I start in Segunda Division B Group 4 with Real Jaèn. 

 

 

GL ALL !!  

 

Thanks bud! It's going well, I'll post the first season update later today  

[thomas_e]

2 hours ago, Diego D10S said:

                                                                   

 

Ok finally I have started my new project. After countless hours of loading trying to get Rushden & Diamonds I gave up.

I started then with Nuneaton Boro to then see that @schnauzer beat me too it. GL my friend, I think thats a club with potential.

So I decided to start in Spain since nobody else are there at the moment. I start in Segunda Division B Group 4 with Real Jaèn. 

 

Really looking forward to reading your updates here. Completed the challenge last year with Real Jean, so this is a club close to my heart!! 

[schnauzer]

Nuneaton Borough FC - Season 2020/21 Review Vanarama National League North

 

League Performance - We ended up finishing comfortably in mid-table in 13th position. We were actually in the playoffs for much of the season but performances tailed off towards the end. Playing a 3-1-4-2 formation worked well and suited our players very well.

FA Cup -  Knocked out in the 2nd qualifying round by Redditch (2-0), the first game of the campaign... The less said, the better.

FA Trophy -  Again we got knocked out in our first game of the campaign, in the 3rd qualifying round. Basically we were pants in the cup competitions lol.

Squad - Decent performances all round, with one clear standout performer. My top 3 players for the season were: 1. Luke Benbow scored 20 goals, and racked up 11 assists too. Brilliant season, but worryingly is now nearly 30. 2. Rhys Sharpe A makeshift CB (natural LB), who scored 6 and assisted 3. 3. Alex Henshall 7 assists from left midfield, but probably should get more with his ability.

 

  

 

Top youngsters - We inherited two fantastic players from the holidayed season, and I have great hopes for both of them! My top 3 young players for the season were: 1. Besik Janelidze he is developing into a great deep-lying playmaker for my team. He has an 85% pass completion rate which is fantastic, and has been capped by Georgia u21s 6 times already! 2. Marcus Gourlay started as an attacking midfielder but is doing well as the more attacking CM in my formation. Brilliant mental stats for a 17yr old 3. Luke Fisher only scored 6 times this year but is a fairly decent forward. He's 6'3 tall with 13 jumping reach and 11 heading, so plays well as a target man.

  

 

Youth Intake - All in all, not too bad. Some decent talent on paper but terrible personalities. Unfortunately this was because my u18s manager did the intake rather than my driven personality HoYD (anyone know why this happens or how to assign this please??). The u18 boss was swiftly dismissed 

Transfers - No big departures to speak of. Lots of released players as Nuneaton start with a full u23 squad, 95% of which are shocking.

Finances - We have very stable finances - it was predicted to be in the red by this point but it's held up superbly. Hopefully with a cup run next season we can fund some training facility upgrades!

 

Other Updates - Coaching license up to National B, and one upgrade each for youth rec and coaching. Lovely.

Edited February 24, 2020 by schnauzer

[grff]

7 hours ago, craigcwwe said:

Ah right, I see. 

Not got the kits for Zadar no. 

I had to make them myself due to no kitpacks covering the Croatian third tier. Home kit is accurate, away kit is a bit of guesswork as couldn't find a pic of the 2020 away kit anywhere....

[grff]

NK Zadar: 2036/37 season review

WINNERS! A season to remember as we stormed to our first ever league title! We headed into the winter break with a 12 point lead before coming slightly unstuck. Dinamo and Hajduk had poor seasons by their standards which helped us clinch the title. Our Champions League campaign saw us come second in a group of Real Madrid, Feyenoord and Gent. We lost to Benfica in the first knockouts.

  

Lots of great performances which secured some fantastic results during the season.

Youth intake was quite good. Hopefully some of them can break into the first team over time.

Transfers. I resisted a bid for my wonderkid seeing as we no longer need funds for the facilities and already have £51m in the bank.

  

In other news, I was wanted by the nation team

[craigcwwe]

 

Season 2020/21 Review:

Schedule:

First half of the season:

Second half of the season:

Squad:

 

So close to the POs yet so far! We were actually in the top three places until we started to fall away down the stretch. Didn't help matters when my first choice striker only managed two goal in the last 9 games. 

Key players for us this season were my starting striker. As you can see there, 15 goals in 30 games he was the man amongst the goals for us this campaign. He actually started the season as the backup striker but after the other guy started the season badly this chap got a look in and never looked back. Funny how that works sometimes. 

Next up was Josip Stokic. Just 17 years old when I took charge of the team I instantly saw his talent and put him straight into the starting line up. Safe to say, he repaid my faith ending the season with 8 goals, second only to Mrkonjic. A direct, pacey, tricky winger I've already turned down bids of upto £230k for him at the halfway stage of this season. He ended the season with a call up to the Croatian youth squad for the summer's Toulon tournament. With just a year left on his current deal I'm eager to tie him down long term however interest in him remains, both from abroad and closer to home...

Karlo Torbarina had the third highest average rating this season. A versatile attacker who mainly operated at RW but played over on the left and up top on occasion. He scored 8 goals and assisted a further 8 from just 25 games. A fantastic output. Not the quickest player, nor the best technically, even in the Croatian second division. He works hard though, 94% tackle success rate couple with his attacking numbers means he's a first choice starter. Another that is out of contract this summer and will hopefully sign a new deal. At a good age he can be useful for another couple of seasons. 

Last but certainly not least, the GK. An amazing 15 clean sheets from 26 games. He was solid throughout the season and never let us down. I was sure to get him under a longer contract and he signed during the season. Another two years with the option of a third. At just 20 he is set to be a mainstay of this save between the sticks. My scout has him pegged as a 4.5* PA player down the line and I can see why. 

As for the cup. An ET win against lower league opposition in the preliminary round saw us draw top division side Osijek who proved too much for us in front a little over 1200 home fans. 

First youth intake. Not great but a couple of players I see something in. First up. I do like the look of this youth player. He even fits my current system too which is a bonus. At just 16 years of age I think there's a real talent to work with here. As you can see, he's hit the ground running in the youth side too. 

Next up is this chap. Will have to see which CM spot he ends up in, a defensive role or a more supporting role. Bit too early to say just yet. 

And lastly of the ones really worth mentioning we have this RB. As the more supporting FB in my formation he should fit in nicely. Some decent training improvements early doors is always good to see. Good personality coupled with a good attribute score in determination could make him a decent player with the proper training and gametime when the time is right. Quite possibly will be in my first team squad next season due to the likelihood of a departure or two in that position. In fact, there's a strong chance he's the starter at that position going into next season. 

Transfer History. Just the couple of departures for backup defenders. Well stacked in defense with a bloated squad when I took over and these two guys were well off the pace and surplus to requirements so to rid the wage bill of their weight and bring in a couple of little fees is always a plus. 

 

 

 

Edited February 24, 2020 by craigcwwe

[QSF25]

South Shields 2029/2030

Currently I am at he end of the season. 

Close to  promotion, with 4 games left to play. I am impressed since this is my first season on the L1. It's looking like a straight promotion to the Championship.

We have won the VNL North and L1 Leagues.

We have Exceptional academy coaching and Excellent Youth recruitment. It has been hard to sell any of my players, because they are more valuable in the club than what other teams are offering. 

First Season - Straight promotion

 

Second season - Relegation

Third Season - Champions

Fourth Season - Promoted via Playoffs

Fifth season - Ninth Season Champions of League 2

We stayed four seasons on L2 barely safe from relegation until 9th season my players had so much play time they started to get really good vs the teams.

How we started L2  vs How we got out of L2

 

Current 10th season is ongoing but looking promising.

 

Current Best Players:

My Ace striker

Amazing Left Wingback

Deadly Left Inside forward

 

Best Winger I could ask for

And my trouble maker Defender

 

Currently I have 8+ loans 

One of my loans just won the VNN with Halifax and the other a promising striker won the top scorer with 25 goals.

 

 

Edited February 25, 2020 by QSF25

[vikeologist]

Vikeologist's Palermo 2033/34 Youth Intake Report

 

and this intake is definitely not going to help. I called last season’s the pits, but this is worse. Not much. That would be almost impossible.

Really it’s equal. One lot of no hopers is much like another.

It was hardly worth the futility of tagging them and offering them contracts.

No current ability. No potential ability.

However if forced to mention one of them;

Benedetto Sciacca YP14a – A central defender, and he’s Black. I mean, he is by all signs rubbish, but at least he’s going to stop my squad looking like The Aryan Brotherhood.

Actually I’ve checked my first team, and some of them have become Black since the last update. I’m not sure how I feel about the my players changing ethnicity overnight, or it coinciding with their inability to follow my simple instruction, ‘Don’t Play ****’.

So, it turns out that there’s nothing special about Benedetto after all.

 

So let’s look back 4 years to those halcyon days when there was even the slightest chance that one of my intake would darken the doors of the first team.

Andrea Spada YP10a – A defensive midfielder who has seen fairly steady action over the last 4 seasons because he’s my best defensive midfielder, but until recently hasn’t actually been much good. He’s up to 3 stars now though, and has been better this season.

Mario Fedeli YP10b – A promising right winger. The trouble is that my best right winger is Luciano Campi YP5g, who is basically my best player and is almost certain to record the highest average rating for the 6^th straight season. Fedeli has to make do with being the bridesmaid, and apart from suspensions, never the bride.

Riccardo Montanaro YP10c – Had no idea who this was. Turns out he’s still with the club, and on his second underwhelming loan spell in Serie C.

Rocco Moresco YP10d – A striker who can’t displace my top 4. Currently out on loan, he may get a chance next season.

Giovanni Guerreri YP10e – Sold to Juventus for £1.5 million. U23 Serie B action for him, and now he’s on loan in the Austrian top league.  

Nino Giaconia YP10f – Goalkeeper I sold for a nominal fee. Currently on loan in Serie C.

Orazio Fricano YP10h – Gets quite a few games because he’s theoretically my best left back. I need a good left back. Orazio isn’t a good left back, but nobody else does much better.

So I reckon that’s 6 or 7 players from 4 years ago who are better than my crap YP14 ever will be.

 

Edited February 25, 2020 by vikeologist

[Diego D10S]

So I got fired after 5 months in Real Jaèn. Club Takeover at a very bad time because if me arguing with a couple of very old, overpaid and very influential player  

Wasting no time and starting over, staying in Spain Segunda Division B, starting with Alcoyano.

 

 

GL ALL !!  

[XaW]

Just got myself a new goalkeeping coach...

[craigcwwe]

350k PA off the wage bill, almost half, several youths promoted to the first team with a fair few older heads out the door and one of our best players sold means a rough start to season two.  

Edited February 25, 2020 by craigcwwe

[SpS_Zen]

I notice youth players progress faster since the last update :o

[schnauzer]

 

We've had an excellent start to our second season, here's hoping we can at the very least secure a playoff spot!

[jepze]

Season 2021/22

Table / Squad / Transfer / Finances

We are done with the second season, and i've only one thing to say...

We are promoted to the best league in Wales, and I hope we can get professional, so we can give our players a real contract. It will mean, than we can get some money for our players, instead of they are leaving on a free transfer. But back to the table. We won the league in the last round, where we got a 3-1 victory against Penybont. It was a big relief for me, and all they guys was fighting for the club!

In the 2 cups, we havn't make a big impact. In JD Welsh Cup, we got to the 3rd round. We won against Panteg and Garden Village, before we lost against Carmarthen, the 4th place from JD Cymru North. In Nathaniel MG Cup, we started the run against @XaW's Caersws, where we got a 4-0 victory. Afterwards we won against Penybont, before we lost to the winners of the cup, TNS.

Our youth intake was okay, and we got some players, who is close to the first team. 2 players are already in the first team squad. The first one are Kojo Richards 22c, who is our best goalkeeper in the club. Last time we got Sam Summer 21a, who is way better than Kojo, but he left us to join Bangor City, who ended on 10th place in the JD Cymru Premier. Kojo will be our starter for the next year and hopefully for the next few years. The next player is Peter Lynch 22a, who is our backup right wing. He looks good for our clubs level, but i'm not sure, if he will be any good in the first division. The last player, i'll talk about is Ethan Seager 22k, who is a ball winning midfielder, and that's what we need in the first team. I think you will find him next year in the first team. Lastly a funny player is Kim Ki-Seok 22m. I don't know if he will come into the first team right now, but i hope he can get some fans in South Korea, so we can sell come jerseys to Asia.

[XaW]

7 hours ago, jepze said:

we started the run against @XaW's Caersws, where we got a 4-0 victory.

In all seriousness though, nice going! Also, good luck trying to pronounce a few of the team names, way too many L's and W's for my likening!

How on earth did you get a South Korean player? In all my years I've had a few English, some Irish, and a lone German, unless I'm missing something.

[jepze]

6 hours ago, XaW said:

In all seriousness though, nice going! Also, good luck trying to pronounce a few of the team names, way too many L's and W's for my likening!

How on earth did you get a South Korean player? In all my years I've had a few English, some Irish, and a lone German, unless I'm missing something.

Hahaha thank you, and you right, half of the names can be pronounced.

I can tell you have i got the guy from South Korea, but he is in the club now, to sell som jerseys :P

[craigcwwe]

Note to self: Don't change tactics dramatically during the season in an effort to curb poor form. 

Edited February 26, 2020 by craigcwwe

[vikeologist]

17 minutes ago, craigcwwe said:

Note to self: Don't change tactics dramatically during the season in an effort to curb poor form. 

Yes, I panicked and did this, only to end up returning to my original tactics.

[craigcwwe]

Just now, vikeologist said:

Yes, I panicked and did this, only to end up returning to my original tactics.

Got threatened with the sack just four games into the new tactic. Changed back and w1 d1. Scoring four. 

[thomas_e]

South Shields

Season Summary 2027-2028

Our first season in League One, and it was a good one. We started the season absolutely fantastic, unbeaten in the first 7 games, but after this we settled down and finished on a solid 13th place. We were top half of the table for most of the season, but around February it was obvious that making the playoffs was unrealistic. 

We introduced a few youngsters into the team this year. Derek Trodd, Godwin Uzo and Max Dempsey all were regular starters and performed well. We have a great CB from this years intake, Gary Smith, and he might become a starter next year if his development continues. 

Our legendary striker Jason Gilchrist has had a fantastic career with us, winning several top scorer trophies during our rise up the league ladder. He is now 33 years old and this season he was out of his depth. 4 goals in 17 games, and if he decides to renew his contract, he will have a backup role. 

Hopefully we can do a little bit better next season and go far in the FA Cup, as we can really use the cash! 

 

Season Summary

          

 

Top performers

          

 

Top talents

          

 

Season	|	League                      |   Position    |    FA Cup     |       League Cup            |   Notes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2020/21	|	Vanarama Nat. League South  |	  1st       |  1st round    |       2nd Round (FA Trophy) |   Promotion! 
2021/22	|	Vanarama Nat. League        |	  7th       |  3rd round    |       2nd Round (FA Trophy) |   Made the playoffs 
2022/23	|	Vanarama Nat. League        |	  5th       |  3rd round    |       2nd Round (FA Trophy) |   Lost VNL playoff final 
2023/24	|	Vanarama Nat. League        |	  7th       |  1st round    |       4th Round (FA Trophy) |   Lost first playoff leg
2024/25	|	Vanarama Nat. League        |	  1st       |  2nd round    |       3rd Round (FA Trophy) |   Promotion! 
2025/26	|	Sky Bet League 2            |	  7th       |  1st round    |       2nd round             |   Lost first playoff leg 
2026/27	|	Sky Bet League 2            |	  3rd       |  2nd round    |       1st round             |   Promotion! 
2027/28	|	Sky Bet League 1            |	  13th      |  4th round    |       1st round             |   Solid mid-table finish 

 

Edited February 27, 2020 by thomas_e

[darren1983]

Palermo Season 2031/32 Review Serie A

 

League - Good season really, We started OK but around the turn of the year we went 9 game's without a win which looked like it would drag us into the relegation battle, we thankfully found some form by winning 7 out 7 which gave us some breathing space that, couple with the teams below us being in even worse form, meant relegation was never an issue. We lost 9 of our final 11 (winning the other 2) but did give both Milan sides a scare away from home. The issue really is that our players are just not good enough for this level aside from Marco Gianotti YP05B who looks great and finished joint 3rd top scorer in the league. The best of the rest are Serie B level at best with most still being Serie C level. This  will be our issue for a couple more seasons I think until the better youth players come through. Just gotta keep being better than the sides around us and hope to grab the odd scalp from the bigger sides

Cup - Sam as usual, beat the lower league side before losing when we play someone at our level

Transfer - Again thanks to the TV money we don't need to sell anyone so it's mainly loans and small fees out

Squad - A couple new players made their breakthrough this season but otherwise still same guys in the main. Gerry Tomaselli YP06B won GK of the year and Francesco Rebiscini YP10C has become an U20 player on the back of his breakthrough season with us

Finances - I do like being in the top flight

Youth Intake - Another decent looking one, another tagged as a "golden generation" and can't moan about 2 potential 5* players and a further 2 4.5* players

Corrado Gulla YP12A - a left back, our first decent looking one all save, it's an area we've struggled with so am hoping he'll make it his own soon
Daniele Nicoletti YP12B - a good looking GK. Even with Tomaselli doing well it never hurts to have another GK
Mattia Borghesi YP12C - wide man that can play either side which suits my preferred tactci
Tiziano Marchesi YP12D - the player my staff were most excited by, another good option at full back

Career Overview

Year		League		Position	Youth Coaching		Youth Recruitment 	Notes
2020/21		Serie C		9th 		Adequate		Adequate		Lost in 1st round of playoffs
2021/22		Serie C		5th 		Adequate		Adequate		Lost in 3rd round of playoffs, got 1st coaching badge, won manager of the season
2022/23		Serie C		3rd 		Adequate		Adequate		Promotion through playoffs, 2nd coaching badge, manager of the year again 
2023/24		Serie B		14th 		Adequate		Adequate
2024/25		Serie B		12th 		Good			Good			3rd coaching badge and youth coaching/recruitment upgrades
2025/26		Serie B		6th 		Excellent		Excellent		Lost first round of playoffs, youth coaching/recruitment upgrades 
2026/27		Serie B		15th 		Excellent		Excellent
2027/28		Serie B		8th 		Excellent		Excellent		Lost in playoff semi finals
2028/29		Serie B		14th 		Excellent		Excellent 
2029/30		Serie B		2nd 		Excellent		Excellent		Promotion. Continental B badge acquired 
2030/31		Serie A		17th 		Exceptional 		Exceptional		Working towards Continental A badge
2031/32		Serie A		14th 		Exceptional		Exceptional		Started on Continental Pro license 

 

[MadCatPT]

On 20/02/2020 at 23:20, Crayam99x said:

My best player by far, Lee Lucas, is a Vanarama National quality player according to my staff.

In my save Lee Lucas is a League 2 talent with and expiring contract that doesn't want to even talk contract and just goes away, not even one game got out of him... 

[Crayam99x]

53 minutes ago, MadCatPT said:

In my save Lee Lucas is a League 2 talent with and expiring contract that doesn't want to even talk contract and just goes away, not even one game got out of him... 

Actually he was a League 2 talent at the start of my save as well. Just declined because we are terrible hahaha

I'm very lucky he's still with me. Even declined an offer one time
Definitely a terrible thing for you, but fun to see how each save is different in that way.

Btw, if you have that Eliot Richards guy, put him on all free kicks and corners and he should win you games on his own.

[XaW]

XaW - Caersws - 2035/36

Table | Squad | Transfers | Finances

A poor-ish season last year, but this time we were back to our best. We rolled the league winning all but one single match, in where we drew against Aberystwyth Town that ended 0-0. TNS had a worse season than last, and almost got caught by Bangor City. I'm very happy with our season, and we only conceded 11 goals in 36 league games. Going for all wins next year!

In the Welsh League Cup we beat Taffs Well, Cardiff Met Uni, Gap Connah's Quay and Bangor to reach the final. Here we crushed Carmarthen Town to reclaim the trophy. In the Welsh Cup we beat Llanelli Town, Haverfordwest, Colwyn Bay and Bangor City to reach the final. Here we beat Cefn Druids for another domestic clean sweep.

In the Irn-Bru cup we beat Greenock Morton and Airdrieonians before losing to Montrose in the quarter final.

And we were in the Champions League this season as well. We started in the 3rd qualification round against NK Maribor of Slovenia and we crushed them to go through. In the playoffs we faced PAOK of Greece, but they weren't any match for us either. So into the group stage we went. Here we had a milder draw than before, but still hard. We got Porto of Portugal, Barcelona of Spain and Dinamo Zagreb of Croatia.

We managed to beat Porto away and Dinamo at home, and we drew away to Zagreb while losing the remaining three matches. This meant we ended in 3rd place, just behind Porto.

So into the Europa League we went. Here we faced English side Everton in the 1st knockout round. They beat us 2-1 in both matches to knock us out of Europe for this season.

The map didn't chance, since no new countries visited this year.

The youth intake were mediocre, but at least one talented player in Anthony Goodridge 36a.

The leading players this season have been Josh Jones 30e, Marc Lloyd 31c and Chris Williams 31e.

[grff]

NK Zadar: 2037/38 season review

A heartbreaking end to the season as we lost out on the head to head rule to Hajduk on the final day. We had been top for the previous 29 rounds. We were taught a footballing lesson by Juventus in the Champions League 1st knockouts so that part of the challenge is going to be really tough.

Plenty of decent performances. Tin Deak broken the league record for best average.

Youth intake was terrible. I took on only one prospect and discarded the rest. We did manage to get all the way to the Uefa Youth League final before being defeated.

  

Transfers

 

[MadCatPT]

Meet John Smith, new manager of Merthyr Town F.C.

[jepze]

Season 2021/22

Table / Squad / Transfer / Finances

First season in the JD Cymru Premier was fine, i think so. We got a 9th place. But we was in the relegationzone before the last 5 matches, and I was i bit worried about, if the team wants to fire med, if we got relegated to the second tier. But I doesn't need to worry about it because we will play in the first tier next year again. If you asks us about to be professional, i'll say, that we havn't done it yet. I asked the board 4 times this season, and they said YES!... but why havn't a good enough economy to do it...

In the 2 cups, we havn't make a big impact, again this year... In the JD Welsh Cup, we got to the 3rd round again. We won against Ruthin and Afan Lido, before we lost against TNS. In the Nathaniel MG Cup, we started the with a 1-0 victory against STM Sports. Afterwards we won against Caramarthen, before we lost to Caernarfon (I can't pronounce the 2 last teams :P)

Our youth intake was okay, and we got some players, who is close to the first team. We got 2 players moved up to the first team right after they signed a contract . The first one are Pálmi Rafn Kristjánsson 23a, who is our joined best left winger. I know some of you think, "Hmm, is he from Wales?". I can say no to that. He is from Iceland. We are getting a very cultural club with players from Wales, Iceland og South Korea now, and i love it! The next player, who joined the first team, is Daniel Gibson 23b. He is another center midfielder, so we got 3 youth players to fight for the 2 spots in the starting lineup. Bobby James 23e is the third player i will showcase. He is a right back, and after we lost Michael Tranter 21k, we havn't got a good right back. Hopefully he can join the first team in the next season to give some competition for the right back spot.

Edited February 27, 2020 by jepze

[Diego D10S]

Well I got fired again. Alcoyano had a very old squad and the board expected top half. Bad physical attributes is just a tactical nightmare and I couldnt figure it out in time.

I will probably give Real Jaèn another go but I will give you a break from my failed attempt post and wait until I have finished a season. Some tactical testing is needed too I think.

 

GL ALL !!!  

 

[thomas_e]

@Diego D10S, hope you at least stay in Spain! 

[schnauzer]

Question for this board: How much money do you need to have in the bank to upgrade facilities?

We currently have 407k in the bank, and in two seasons time we are projected to increase to 671k, yet my board won't allow upgrades due to "the club's present financial situation".

Our training and youth facilities are only at basic, so surely they wouldn't cost too much to upgrade.

Anyone have any ideas how far off I might be from persuading them?

Thanks!

[schnauzer]

Nuneaton Borough FC - Season 2021/22 Review Vanarama National League North

 

League Performance - After a fantastic season in which we defied our predicted bottom place finish by flirting with winning the league, we ultimately faced the disappointment of play-off heartbreak. We were part of a very close 6 horse race for the top spot along with Hereford, FC United, Chester, Curzon and Telford, but we faded away right at the end. In the playoffs we edged past Telford in the first game, winning 2-1, before losing 2-0 to Chester - who went on to get promoted. A great season all in all, in which Luke Benbow scored 37 goals! Also, we now have good youth recruitment and good academy coaching, so next year's intake will hopefully be special.

FA Cup -  We were disappointingl knocked out in the 3nd qualifying round by Bromsgrove Sporting on a replay - which we lost 4-5 at home, thanks to their bog average CM scoring 4 long range goals. I wasn't very happy .

FA Trophy -  A bit better in the FA Trophy, we beat VNL side York City to get the 2nd round, where we were beat by FC United.

Squad - Our star striker went goal crazy this season, but most players improved their performances this year. My top 3 players for the season were: 1. Luke Benbow he was the division's top scorer with 33 league goals, but his performances tailed off at the end, probably costing promotion. Still a top player though. 2. Akeal Rehman When I took over he was a rather unremarkable DM in the u23 squad. He has since become a key player in the DLP-D role at the base of our midfield. 3. Alex Henshall I said on my last update that he probably should have gotten more assists that season with his ability, and this year he did! 16 in the league, 18 in total.

 

  

 

Top youngsters - Besik Janelidze may have had a very disappointing season, but my other original prospect has really flourished! My top 3 young players for the season were: 1. Marcus Gourlay this lad is looking like our first big sale. Now rated at 5 stars CA, he has Cheltenham sniffing around him. Hopefully we can keep him. 2. Alessandro De Rose Didn't think he looked great from last years YI, however our other strikers were playing really badly so I gave him a chance. Scored 11 goals in 22 games! 3. Matthew Millar with our ageing defence Millar started to play, and did pretty solidly. I think our new YI centre backs are better though.

  

 

Youth Intake - I would say this years' YI was fairly good. Webb and Isaac have already tasted league football and look very decent. Poor personalities across the board though so the HoYD (driven) gets the chop, and in comes a new one with a professional personality and 12 CA and 13 PA stats.

Transfers - Just a few loans to see if I could get some of the fringe players to develop (they didn't).

Finances - Even more stable than last season! We have increased attendances which helped, and a low wage budget.

 

Other Updates - Started my Continental B license. Youth recruitment and academy coaching both up to good. Attendances up on average over 300 per game.

[darren1983]

3 hours ago, schnauzer said:

Question for this board: How much money do you need to have in the bank to upgrade facilities?

We currently have 407k in the bank, and in two seasons time we are projected to increase to 671k, yet my board won't allow upgrades due to "the club's present financial situation".

Our training and youth facilities are only at basic, so surely they wouldn't cost too much to upgrade.

Anyone have any ideas how far off I might be from persuading them?

Thanks!

I think it all depends on how much the upgrades cost, they might also be reluctant to do so while you're still part time so may be best to try and go full time first. Hope for a good cup run and get around 1m in the bank and you might be able to push through some. Wish I could be more help though.

[DazRTaylor]

4 hours ago, schnauzer said:

Question for this board: How much money do you need to have in the bank to upgrade facilities?

We currently have 407k in the bank, and in two seasons time we are projected to increase to 671k, yet my board won't allow upgrades due to "the club's present financial situation".

Our training and youth facilities are only at basic, so surely they wouldn't cost too much to upgrade.

Anyone have any ideas how far off I might be from persuading them?

Thanks!

Depends on your existing facilities.

If you have "Basic", then it won't cost very much.  If it is reasonable, then it costs more.

[Diego D10S]

                                                             

                                                                                                                    Season 2020 / 2021

                                                                                                      3rd in Segunda Division B Group 4

                                                                                                  Knocked out of Promotion Playoff Final

                                                                                                  League Table                 Transfer History

 

So finally I'm getting started  Getting a fantastic start but lost the two most important matches of the season.

Last match of the season I was leading the leauge by 2 points, could have secured the leauge win with a win over Marbella but lost 0 - 2.

Promotion final was a very even one but lost 2 -3 on aggregate.

I have no rush getting promoted, I feel this leauge is the best one for development at the moment.

 

Finances are terrible, currently 5million in depth. Loosing 500K a month, got rid of some overpaid very old players but income is low so finances will be a big challenge.

 

Youth intake was pretty decent and I got a good number of players that can be useful pretty quick. Nothing special but highlighting these guys.

 

 

Also I was lucky enough to get these two boys when I started. They didnt look good at all in Juli, but both potential and stats have gotten a boost during the season. 

 

 

GL ALL !!!  

 

                                                                          

 

 

Edited February 28, 2020 by Diego D10S

[schnauzer]

@darren1983 @DazRTaylor Thanks for the help guys! I've got 550k in the bank so hopefully it's not too far away now

[schnauzer]

We've had our first big sale - and it wasn't Marcus Gourlay! Rotherham and Charlton were both after John Webb, who we only got a couple of months ago in our most recent youth intake. They both kept at the bidding and eventually I negotiated Rotherham to a £70k initial fee with a 50% of next sale add on - maybe not the best deal but I feared the board would step in and accept a bid without a sell on clause.

[Diego D10S]

6 minutes ago, schnauzer said:

@darren1983 @DazRTaylor Thanks for the help guys! I've got 550k in the bank so hopefully it's not too far away now

I'm guessing between 200K and 500K. If they wanna upgrade also depend of club vision, how good you perform, your status in the club and if your owners are cheap. So no blueprint here.

[XaW]

19 hours ago, schnauzer said:

Question for this board: How much money do you need to have in the bank to upgrade facilities?

We currently have 407k in the bank, and in two seasons time we are projected to increase to 671k, yet my board won't allow upgrades due to "the club's present financial situation".

Our training and youth facilities are only at basic, so surely they wouldn't cost too much to upgrade.

Anyone have any ideas how far off I might be from persuading them?

Thanks!

It also depends on what country you are playing in, I've noticed. Low cost countries cost less it seems.

[vikeologist]

Vikeologist's Palermo 2033/34 Champions League Report

Group Stage

 

Last season we won every group stage match, but things did not go as smoothly this season. Drawn in a tough group with Bayern and Man City, we squeezed through by the skin of our teeth with 2 wins, 3 draws and a defeat. We did not look like potential champions.

1^st Knockout Round (if applicable)

 

Spoiler

 

Palermo 3 – 4 PSG

I wasn’t at all optimistic before the round. The only surprise is that it was so close. We were going out on away goals until they scored a last minute goal. We had plenty of chances to win.

The depressing thing is that we might not even get back into the Champions League unless things improve dramatically.

 

Quarter Final (if applicable)

 

Spoiler

N/A

Semi Final (if applicable)

 

Spoiler

N/A

Final (if applicable)

 

Spoiler

N/A

Edited February 29, 2020 by vikeologist

[grff]

NK Zadar: 2038/39 season review

A frustrating season as we were beaten to the title by Hajduk again. We lost 5 games all season, all with a 1-0 scoreline in games we dominated. In Europe we got to the Europa League semi-finals before losing to Monaco. Our Champions League campaign was over pretty quickly after being put in a group with PSG and Chelsea.

Some good numbers posted. The assists record was broken by Tin Deak.

Youth intake was nothing to write home about as we took on just one prospect.

  

Transfers wise we sold our record scorer as he was no longer bagging the required goals. Lots of offers coming in for our 5-star midfield wonderkid but all rejected as we now have £100m in the bank.