Hey guys and welcome back to my FM 2011 Newcastle story. Last season was a change from the normal and a tough pill for me to swallow. Despite dominating the league, we took an early exit from the Champions League and were fortunate to win both the League Cup and FA Cup, all of which was uncharacteristic considering the previous three seasons. Today’s post is packed full of transfer action and changes at Saint James Park, all with the aim of getting back on track and dwindling down my massive squad.
We start the season as ever with expectations. My personal goals should be obvious by now, to win everything and make money in the process lol :) My board certainly share that view and are expecting a lot of trophies this season. Their offer of £150 million for transfers will not be used and I expect a profit and nice return as always.
Before I update you on the clubs improvements and transfers let’s sneak a peek at the richest clubs list. Barcelona are still top and walking it, but they have decreased in value by £30 million from last season. Real Madrid still reside in second place but they only added a further £40 million to their value from last year. Now we move onto Newcastle in third place, we have increased the clubs value by £88 million meaning a current valuation of £562 million. Do the Maths and you’ll notice I’ve gained £55 million on Real Madrid from last season and an incredible £112 million on Barcelona. Not too shabby but there’s a long way to go.
I have spent the last three seasons trying to improve the clubs fairly poor facilities. I think the board have been excellent and as a result my facilities have been upgraded at least once in all areas. I am still looking at these and improving further where possible. I have also tried to make inroads for a new stadium but the board stand firm in saying ‘no!’ :(
You’ll notice my ‘youth recruitment’ is now established, well that made no difference to my new intake of youth. All were awful across England and I couldn’t find even one rated with the potential to be good in the EPL. On the same subject, the whole of Europe failed to produce good youth, I think there was a glitch this year to be honest…or maybe SI are sick of me poaching these guys and decided to hide them :)
OK enough fooling around, its time for every bodies favourite, transfers! I will introduce the new signings first as I feel the departures are far more exciting and important. So joining the club this year were three youngsters, the first you’ll already know as his transfer had been agreed last year. Fernando joins from Fluminense for £1.5 million, my coaches rate this kid with the potential to play at a similar level to Santos. Hopefully that will prove true, but I certainly need to concentrate on his pace.
Next up we have a very young left back signed for £4.9 million from Auxerre. With my other left backs looking unstable I may decide to sell one early and need to get the cover in now. Saint-Louis is 17 years old and has massive potential.
Last but certainly not least we have a brand new right winger, Ziegler was signed for £15 million from Stade Rennais. I have followed the 21 year old for two seasons now and decided not to bid for him last year when I could have paid half the price. This kid will be rotated with the genius, Anconetani.
To summarise my transfers in, we managed to find a future prospect upfront and in defence while strengthening the first team with a new right winger. The total cost of my summer transfer spree amounts to £21.5 million but wait till you read on as my transfers out are a little risky to say the least.
Quite a few important players hit an awkward age this year and I had to make some tough decisions. Jack Wilshere turned 26 years old and never really hit his potential, with such huge wages I offered him out and ended up accepting Inter’s £14 million offer (the same value as I bought him for.) Then we have 27 year old Kakuta, the left winger is sensational but needed to move on soon. I was keen to cash in and Marseille offered me £32.5 million meaning a profit of £30 million. With Kakuta gone I could give Goetz and Gilson the game time they need to become world class. My last big move was Jack Rodwell, a player I had to tear myself away from but knew the valuation would fall very soon as I want to play younger midfielders next season. After offering him out for £40 million I accepted Tottenham’s bid of £30.5 million. A nice profit there of £12.5 million took some of the sting away.
There are three midfielders I’ve tried desperately to offload last season and thankfully all left this time around. Thiago went to Valladorid for £3 million all of which became profit. Then my youngster, Matturano was offloaded to Basel for £4.2 million. The 19 year old hadn’t progressed and we made more than £2 million profit. Then Phil Clarke has been rotting within the reserves for many years since signing on. The 23 year old was sold for £3.7 million to Blackburn (the same value I originally paid.) A lot of hot prospects went out on loan this season too. All with the aim of down sizing my squad while offering first team experience.
In all we raised £89 million from player departures and loan deals, meaning a £67.5 million profit from transfers alone. Now seems like a perfect time to reveal the clubs finances. We finished last season on £193 million, an incredible amount of money but this year seems even better…the bank balance after transfers and Friendlies reads £257 million!!! Pretty amazing how been financially proud and using such a system as the Y2G can make you rich.
Now let’s introduce the squad of 2018/19, my one and only concern comes on the left wing. Harry Goetz has amazing attributes but still lacks consistency while Gilson just isn’t ready to play against the big boys. Ow well hopefully they’ll surprise me and if not I’ll delve into the transfer market…we’ve got more than £200 million to spend :)
As always the season starts with a pointless match and the Community Shield. This season tied me against Manchester Utd despite them finishing the season trophy-less, they qualified after finishing runner up to me in the league and FA Cup. I set out as always with a strong squad and 4-5-1, while United were using a different formation in the 4-2-3-1. Watch the match highlights below to see how Newcastle fared, no commentary just the goals this time I’m afraid.
Reasonable match but very even and I felt pressured throughout. Newcastle’s defence just doesn’t seem solid like the seasons that have passed, but I’ll give it some more time before making changes. On the upside, Sanogo seemed to find his long range shooting boots again. :)
Despite winning the Community Shield, our performance made me a little nervous and then I checked the opening fixture list. Ahhh, what the hell happened there, we play Chelsea away, then Man Utd at home, Man City away before two easier opponents. Then its straight back to it against Spurs, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool. What a tough opening to the season, guess I have to resolve these defensive problems ASAP.
Well that is all for today, a very busy pre-season with tonnes of changes. Thank you for dropping by and please feel free to ask any questions below. I look forward to reading your comments as always.
P.S. please note my tactics haven’t changed yet, but did during the season. I have two posts ready, one with my results up until January and another very long post explaining my new tactic in detail. Seen as this new tactic came into play around November time, I could publish either post first…but leave the decision up to you. Would you rather hear about my new tactic first, or see my results until January and see the tactic after?
Kevin
9 июля, 2011 at 09:27
Hi Darren
My goodness, you are turning into footballs version of Donald Trump the way you buy and sell assests. Three kids in…all amazing especially Ziegler. I’d be interested to see your new tactic and good luck for the new season!
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 09:51
Thanks Kevin, I certainly do shift players around but its all within the Y2G guidelines which seems to working so far. Having said that, when this game starts to die down a little I might just keep one set of amazing players into their 30’s to finish the story…we’ll see :)
ravenie
9 июля, 2011 at 10:26
The finances at Newcastle are outstanding, as is your team. You are pretty much Manager-Chairman :P.
I have a small question for you though, is this your day job?
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 11:04
Yeh, this is probably the first time I’ve ever been financially aware and it does add another aspect to the game. The chairmen must love me lol :)
Nah mate, I wish this was my day job lol :) I work 9 hours a day, 6 days a week in the real world :) but just dedicate my spare time to the site. Not that I’d ever use the same wording when explaining this to my wife. :)
Daniel
9 июля, 2011 at 10:39
Well done on the transfers, great income! Unlucky about the champions league in the last post, did that make you think? you maybe need to get rid of a couple of players? well, i hope you do well this season and i think your players will progress massively.
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 11:07
Thanks Daniel, we had a lot of shuffling around to do, but that wasn’t down to my CL exit. Part of the Y2G system is selling players before they turn 29 and when they can make the most profit. Besides, I already have the youth waiting to take their place and I was worried those younger players may become unrested with a lack of first team football.
The CL quarter-final did make me consider tactics though and became my impetus for a big change in that area.
Jean Paul
9 июля, 2011 at 10:41
Me personally, I would like to see the tactic explained first to see how you have moved on with it. I think you were quite risky in the transfer market but you are probably the best manager ever regarding transfers.
Goodluck mate.
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 11:11
Thanks Jean Paul, I think doing the tactics post first is best, but we’ll see what everyone else says. Its 2-0 to the tactics post so far :)
As for transfers, I took a huge breath before making those moves, you’re right they were incredibly risky. But I already have their replacements in youth that has grown over the last three or four years and brought in for one purpose, to take over from the sold players. Hopefully my big picture will piece together as planned.
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 11:12
P.S. thanks for the compliment on transfers, I just plan 2-4 years in advance and while it takes time it certainly seems to be working :)
Laxeyman
9 июля, 2011 at 11:10
Good prospects brought in there Darren, and the amount of money you got in was incredible! Seeing as most of them were around 27, you made the right decision (in my humble opinion) to sell them on for a huge profit. You will certainly win the league again, and hopefully you can regain the CL too, good luck!
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 11:14
Thanks Laxeyman, we’ll soon see if selling those players was right or wrong, but if my replacements can make the step up I’ll be ecstatic. As for the EPL, I’d expect another easy win while the CL depends on the draw.
Johnny Karp
9 июля, 2011 at 11:59
You cruel man, how could you sell Kakuta after he had scored that goal? :) Just kidding mate, you brought in some exciting prospects again so I guess the system is well in place and producing the results, both financially and technically.
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 12:37
lol, must admit I did feel bad seeing Kakuta go…you’d be shocked by his progress since signing. I just hope we can continue to find the right players at the right age and price. This is a delicate system and one mistake can cost me big time.
Ana Garcia
9 июля, 2011 at 12:19
Your edging ever nearer top of the rich list and already in this season you have turned over a staggering amount of money.
Shame about the lack of English youth around, but thats hardly your fault so hopefully there will be a wealth of top class players in the next few years!
Very difficult start to the season but at least you will get some of those games out the way early, so the best of luck! :)
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 12:39
Thanks Ana, we’ll hopefully be the richest club before FM12’s release :) I can’t hurry along anymore than I am thats for sure. :)
The English talent is very frustrating, but I did manage to find someone a little older on the cheap, we’ll see him within the next update.
Lye
9 июля, 2011 at 15:33
Hi Darren,
It will still take you some time to catch up but you are getting closer to Real Madrid and Barcelona. A lot of players left and three youngster in. Another clever business there. You still have a pretty strong squad and i have confidence that it will be another rewarding season. Good luck.
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 16:49
Hey Lye, I am expecting a minimum of 5 years before we catch Barcelona, unless I sell my entire team lol :)
I think the squad is just as strong as last year, but we’ll see what happens.
vikingmarius
9 июля, 2011 at 16:08
Great pre-season mate, hope it works out, and your squad is getting younger and younger before you said that a part of the y2g was letting go of people once they reached 28 and now you oldest player is 25 and in 3 or 4 years your oldest player will be 21 :P but anyhow great work as always
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 16:50
Thanks Viking, I think we managed some good and sensible business in the transfer window. I’m starting to accept buying slightly older players also now, mainly because the talent is getting tougher and tougher to find.
Joe Lance
9 июля, 2011 at 18:00
I have to admit, you shock me with the huge profits you make on transfers, i don’t know why but i’m never able to sell my players at such huge amounts. This season is going to be interesting.
BTW, I think you should post your tactics first. That way i can poach them.lol.
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 19:03
Like I always say Joe, its all about when you sell and playing the player as though they are the rock of your team. Every single player I sell for a big profit, is actually one of the best at what they do in the world…may seem like an exaggeration but its not. You have to be prepared to sell your top talent, if their not one of your best players when you sell em’ no one will be that interested in buying them…not the Barcelona’s and Man City’s anyway, and if their not interested your left with clubs that lack funds. You see where I’m going anyway.
We’ve had three votes for the tactical post to be first so I think we can safely say that is how it’ll be.
vaibhavc
9 июля, 2011 at 21:12
Hey Darren
Great job on your place in the world’s richest club, but it will be a while to beat RM and Barca. I can’t believe some of the money paid, 32.5 million for Kakuta and 30.5 for Rodwell. I think both are worth it though. Will Sanogo stay at Newcastle or will you sell him next season as he is turning 26?
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 22:57
Thanks Vaibhavc, hopefully we can continue to gain ground on the Spanish giants financially. Like I’ve previously mentioned, when I sell these big value players, they are all at the peak of their game and the best in the biz…if they weren’t than my scouting system would have failed. Sanogo is the next big name to leave, but its a delicate situation because every player loves him and I don’t want to damage morale. Maybe he’ll leave at the end of next season.
liam101
9 июля, 2011 at 21:48
Some more great signings Darrren. You are just raking it in moneywise. only be a few seasons till you top madrid
Darren Smith
9 июля, 2011 at 22:57
Thanks Liam, topping Real would be nice.
CsAtlantis
10 июля, 2011 at 03:15
Big profits there in the transfer market
New tactic? What could it be…….a 5-4-1? :P
Great bank balance you have there, weird that your board doesn’t want to give in to your demands for a new stadium
Darren Smith
10 июля, 2011 at 09:04
Thanks CsAtlantis, we certainly did well in the transfer market. The new tactic is a surprise, but I have no problem in giving away the formation, its the same shape as I’ve been using. But it couldn’t be more different from the current tactic :)
Mike
10 июля, 2011 at 12:26
Hi Darren,
a very productive off-season there, I think you have made some really bold moves in your transfers out, but as you have proved many times before, you sell the players at the right time. The three youngsters coming in also seem to have bags of potential and Im sure you will turn them into world beaters soon enough! It must be really frustrating at the lack of young english talent, but I’m sure they will come through eventually! I think your squad looks in great shape for the upcoming season and a quadruple could well be on the cards.
Can’t wait to read your tactics post!
Mike
Darren Smith
10 июля, 2011 at 13:07
Thanks Mike, I hope you’re right and I made my sales at the correct time. Only the season ahead will show, but I have my fingers crossed and feel optimistic. The tactics post will be ready early next week, probably Monday or Tuesday.
Sears
10 июля, 2011 at 15:43
Hey hey :-)
Been catching up on some posts now, I’m a tad bit late commenting but firstly I, like many others, would wish to see this new tactic first. Secondly, more wise business in the market. I mean…. You made gigantic profits (again!!!) Your best signing was Ziegler, he looks quality.
With Shaktar (and sorry for going off topic), I’ve hardly spent anything, £14 mil in my 1st season, and sold players worth £13 mil so just a one million loss. So far in my 2nd season I’ve managed to spend just £5.75 million, and I sold loads of deadwood to clear some wage budget. Amazingly, I’ve £69 million left to spend (£335k wage budget also) and a healthy budget of £88 million. Now here’s my problem… My only main source of income is via the Champions League. Without it, we would be losing anything up to £2 million a month, possible even more. We did great last year reaching the quarter final, but I worry that if I spend to much we won’t recoup it and will make huge financial losses. But for us to make a impact in Europe, we did to splash the cash on some quality players. What do you think I should do? I’ve pretty much done the basics, like, get a foreign feeder club (Managed to get Shandong in China) and improve the youth facilities. I’m currently selling all my deadwood, and I’ve bought a fair share of Ukrainians, which is important. Unfortunately a lot of them are over priced, clubs are holding me to ransom and I definitely won’t give in. We made a £14 million profit last season, mainly because of our sponsorship (£30 mil) and prize money (£14 mil, predominantly CL money). Winning the league only nets me £114,000 and the T.V rights is something similar. What do you think?
Darren Smith
10 июля, 2011 at 16:21
Thanks Sears, hopefully the profits can keep rolling in :) I will be doing the tactics post first as your the fourth or fifth person to request it.
Now onto your game, I have four words for you ‘Youth to Gold’ System. Give it a go mate. Basically try finding bargains for the start that will play first team football, then they can be sold at a huge profit later on. Once you’re satisfied with your team just go for the youngest players possible to then sell them at an inflated price in the future when they’ve served their purpose and hit their peak (not exceeded it.) Don’t worry about finances for the first few seasons, just sign players to strengthen your squad, then when your happy turn to developing youth. After which these youngsters will grow to replace the expensive signings and you can offload the older/expensive players for decent cash. Once you get a cycle going, your sorted. I reckon you’re making at least £30 million less than a top four EPL club, which means the money has to be made up somewhere else. Now the only place to do that is in the transfer market. We’d expect to spend around £30 million a year in the EPL, so if you can make losses in the first few years but then have the quality to sell when replacements are ready in youth, you’re sorted. Hope that makes sense.
Matt Clark
11 июля, 2011 at 18:51
Hey Darren
Risky business in the transfer Market but that shouldn’t keep you from winning the treble though the cl could once again cause you some hardships remember who you are selling to.
P.S. could you put at the top of each preseason post how many times Newcastle have won each competition to give a sense of their standing in world football.
Darren Smith
11 июля, 2011 at 19:08
I agree Matt, very risky business….that is if you haven’t seen my young replacements within the squad. All raised over the last three seasons to serve their purpose this year. I’m not too worried over than the squad harmony of course.
Good idea with the winning tally for each competition, I’ll do that from now on. :)
Matt Clark
11 июля, 2011 at 19:57
I just had a proper glance at your squad and I am absolutely gobsmacked at how low sanogos rating is and leads me to wonder how many goals marcelo santos would score if he was first choice it’s amazing how good the rest of your players must be if he is considered by your assistant as one of your weaker players
Darren Smith
11 июля, 2011 at 20:10
Those ratings are for potential ability as opposed to current ability, but still your evaluation is valid. Santos is seen as good as Sanogo and will be better while the other players CA is closing in fast on their PA. I am blessed with great players and thankfully bought them well while at a young age. Hopefully the gamble pays off, but when you lose players like that there’s bound to be some nerves pre-season :)
Silvershaft
11 июля, 2011 at 19:39
Hi Darren!
I’m sorry if this is slightly off-topic (although it fits in with the transfers), but could I ask you your opinion on a possible transfer in my Wolves story? I’ve just finished season 1 with Wolves and I finished 5th, qualifying for the Europa League next season. My strikers are Steven Fletcher, Araujo, Kevin Doyle and Leigh Griffiths (the latter being 20 years old with pretty decent stats). I’m pretty sure I’ll sell Doyle as he’s nearing 28, however my situation with the other 3 is a bit more troublesome.
Fletcher’s 24 and he’s the best striker in my squad. Last year I sent Griffiths on loan to MK Dons in order to get first team experience, and although he hasn’t really improved his stats are still quite high for his age (16 finishing, 15 pace, 14 composure, etc.) and I’m not sure whether to send him out on loan again or rotate him with araujo. As for Araujo himself, his value has risen to 7 million and he’s still 19 years old. Despite this he is still notably worse than Fletcher is, and I’m worried that Araujo and Griffiths won’t grow to their full potential if Fletcher remains my primary striker.
In addition, I was also planning on purchasing Sanogo as another young prospect due to your high rating of him and selling Fletcher (or Griffiths). However I would then have 3 strikers who all need first team football in order to develop. I’m not really sure what the best course of action is. I know that I’ll also be competing in the Europa League, but I’m not sure if my strikers next season can all get sufficient playing time, even with that competition included. I could leave some to play with the reserves, but I think that would lower their morale rather than improve their attributes.
Just so you know, I was thinking of starting the YTG system during this summer. In January I already purchases 2 prospects in other positions, however those positions are not as fiercely contested as the striker position.
So my question is ; in your opinion, what should I do with my striking situation? Should I send certain players out on loan and buy Sanogo? Which players do you think I should give first-team honors to? Should I place some players in the reserves system?
Sorry for the quantity of words in this post, but I think this will allow you to make a more informed judgement (should you decide to reply).
Silvershaft
Darren Smith
11 июля, 2011 at 19:59
No problem mate, I think I’ve worked out the solution as I was faced with a similar dilemma numerous times at the toon. First of all, sell Doyle and buy Sanogo for definite! That will leave you with 4 strikers, I would recommend sending Griffiths out on loan for one further season, if you don’t then Fletcher must go because the other 3 have far more potential.
Now if you are playing a 4-5-1, then is what I propose and lets assume you keep Fletcher and loan out Griffiths.
— Use Fletcher for the league games, but rotate him with Sanogo, the Frenchmen should play against the easy teams and not as many matches.
— Play Sanogo in every domestic cup match that isn’t against the likes of Man Utd or Chelsea. Then you should use Fletcher against the bigger boys….however, if you’re not bothered about elimination then use Sanogo every cup match.
— Use Araujo in Europe alone and no one else unless Araujo is unfit. This is because Araujo always plays best in Europe, he is great there and not so good domestically.
By my calculations every player should get at least 15 matches. You can mix this up, but I think you get the idea. If you use a 4-5-1 then this will be best in my opinion. Sanogo will get some game time without damaging form as he is still young, Araujo is playing in his favourite competition while Fletcher is winning you the big matches. Hope this helps mate.
Silvershaft
11 июля, 2011 at 20:16
Thanks for the swift reply! Just one more quick question (this will definitely be the last thing I ask you in this section). As I’m starting the YTG system, should my squad only be composed of first teamers and hot prospects? Should I sell my 24 — 30 year old backups and replace most with prospects?
Thank you for taking the time to reply if you decide to do so.
Silvershaft
Darren Smith
11 июля, 2011 at 20:52
No problem mate, now onto the Y2G system. I generally have two great players for each position, then youth backups beyond that to play in the reserves and as backup. I even send them on loan if need be. You should try working out a system that best suits your team for developing youth and getting the results. Its tough to explain mine. :)
Jonathan
13 июля, 2011 at 08:27
Hi Darren,
I have just read all of your posts, and i think your story is one of the best i have read. But i have just one question to ask you, does the YTG system work with big clubs or do you have to start with small clubs like QPR, Middlesbrough, Derby, Leicester,etc?
Darren Smith
13 июля, 2011 at 12:29
Thanks Jonathan, I’m always shocked to hear someone take that sort of time to read my story so well done. As for the Y2G system it works best with a top club. You already need great first team players and then to buy the best young talent around. If you are with a lower team, that talent you attract may not be good enough in three years time as your reputation will grow. You can use it for either, but I waited until I was a massive side in the EPL with Newcastle.
Jonathan
13 июля, 2011 at 16:07
Thanks for the reply Darren, i have another question, what if the replacement that you bought is not developing like you want him to, do you stick with him or do you buy another young player?
Darren Smith
13 июля, 2011 at 19:14
No problem mate. I have bought failed youth about four times so far, well one of them just hasn’t developed fast enough but I know he has the potential. That’s my right winger Diop who’s now 20, I bought him at 18 years old to replace Wilshere. I sold Wilshere this year but feel Diop needs one or two further years so kept him and used the kid against weak opponents. I broke my rule a little by overspending on another young right winger who is more than good enough to play. Having said this, I’d usually recommend offloading any youth that hasn’t developed to your taste, ultimitely they’ll wind out rotting on the bench and lose value.
Jonathan
14 июля, 2011 at 03:50
Thanks mate, this will definitely help me a lot