I’m back (what, you thought I was taking a hiatus?) with a new story, and with a new found focus on story-telling specifically. This time around is going to be…well, you’ll see for yourself in the end. Regardless, there is a bit of conversation that needs to take place before this story begins in earnest. Let’s consider this post the «warm up», or the «prologue» if you will. Let’s begin where the last one ended (apologies in advance, this could get wordy)…
Following the absolutely gutting loss of the FC United save (trust me guys, I tried everything, including passing it off onto fresh installs on fresh computers), I was at a complete and total loss for what to do. I considered doing a meandering Journeyman, just going wherever the winds took me. I considered a Pentagon, and joining Ana on her quest for the five Champion’s League trophies. I considered going straight to the top, and taking over a club the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, or otherwise. I even considered a far future save, simming the game out to 2025 or 2030, and seeing what I could find.
None of those ideas really stuck with me though, and so I retreated back to the place I always go when I need inspiration: Norway. Since I first started playing Football Manager last year, I’ve almost always had a Norwegian save going on the side. I love the country, and I love their league. Viking is my absolute favorite football club, and if I ever conquer my fear of flying, I’d like to go see a game some day. So Norway is my own personal little FM Utopia. As I was playing (some tiny club called Algard), I pondered my (and more importantly, The Bear’s) future.
Again, I was at a loss. I couldn’t make my Norwegian save my main save, it’s too personal. Ana suggested Portugal, which did hold some appeal. Another (CsAtlantis? I can’t remember >.<) suggested Wigan, which also piqued my interest (I’m a sucker for the underdog). I even started saves with both of those, but just couldn’t get into it. And it was after I closed that Wigan save that it hit me.
I knew where I had to go, and I knew what I had to do. I have unfinished business you see, a mission that was never completed, a quest that needed my attention. There was only one place I would find my purpose:
Salisbury City F.C.
———
Now, before we wrap this up, it’s time to address this posts very title: declaration of intent. As I mentioned in the beginning, this will be a different style from before (not drastically now that I think about, as it has been alluded to before). For all further posts in this story, I will be writing 100% in character. That character is, of course, The Bear. I do want to make it clear: The Bear’s thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions do NOT necessarily reflect my own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions. If the nature of the post dictates some Out of Character commentary, it’ll be clearly identifiable (either in italics, or a special «OOC» section of the post).
There will also be a focus on character development, and general story-telling. I know this will not appeal to all of you, and I know some of you won’t have the patience or desire to read through a wall of text. My job is, of course, to make that text as interesting as possible, but I also plan to include enough pictures that skim readers will be able to get the jist of the idea. I hope I won’t lose too many readers over this decision, but I’ll understand if I do.
I’d like to give you all my whole-hearted thanks for your support; not only thoughout this save-loss ordeal, but throughout my time writing here in general. I would do shout outs, but it would take a few pages to mention everyone that needs mentioning. Just know that every comment (even if I don’t always have time/forget to reply) is read and appreciated.
As a «gift» (if you can call it that), I wanted to give something back. I know a lot of folks have expressed an interest in FC United and its rather fascinating history, and I received more than a few «How are you playing them?» questions. Well what I have here is a save where FC United is officially (no database tweaks, hacks, or otherwise) playable. It starts in June 2012 (the soonest you can get them) with a large database and several leagues outside of England also loaded (Portugal, Spain, and France I think are all represented in some capacity):
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NPRCURHR
Feel free to share it, link it, whatever — no credit necessary (I didn’t do anything anyone else with a little patience couldn’t have done). Thanks again everyone, I’m looking forward to a long, fruitful, and extremely well «backed up» story.
Alex
29 ноября, 2011 at 09:08
I am really looking forward to this story. I had a quick look at your forum story from last year and found it enjoyable, Salisbury return! I hope you don’t lose readers as a result of the bear, essentially the main difference with the bear is that posts ooze passion, and the occasional picture of him.
Stromson
29 ноября, 2011 at 15:29
That’s more or lest the jist of it, yep. :-P Hopefully the story will live up to last years incomplete excursion.
Johnny Karp
29 ноября, 2011 at 09:13
Welcome back mate, you did have some unfinished business with Salisbury and I think you have made a great choice. Looking forward to the Bear’s new adventures!
Stromson
29 ноября, 2011 at 15:31
Thank’s Johnny, I hope they’ll turn out well!
vaibhavc
29 ноября, 2011 at 12:27
I can now follow your story from the beginning, unlike your last Salisbury story. I will read it no matter what format it is!
Stromson
29 ноября, 2011 at 15:43
Thanks Vaibhav, I appreciate the support. :)
Kevin
29 ноября, 2011 at 12:45
Hi Stromson
Great choice, Salisbury is practically my home town in England. I lived about 30 minutes drive for there — Bradford on Avon.
Stromson
29 ноября, 2011 at 15:45
Not sure if they’re your «home town team» or not, but I’ll do my best not to let you down. :)
luke
30 ноября, 2011 at 14:53
Guess we would be an old fashined derby game then Kevin, I am from MELKSHAM!! Small world!!
CsAtlantis
29 ноября, 2011 at 13:32
I did not suggest Wigan by the way, I tend to suggest leagues rather than a certain club :P, anyway in character or not (The Bear does not hibernate too long it seems) Salisbury FC doesn’t seem familiar, do they play in the BSP or BSN/S?
MortenJ
29 ноября, 2011 at 14:14
They play in the BSS, but achieving promotion in the first season is pretty doable :)
Stromson
29 ноября, 2011 at 15:46
Ah well, I probably should’ve gone back and checked to see who made the suggestion. :-p Morten is correct regarding their league.
MortenJ
29 ноября, 2011 at 14:12
Awesome man, i had a Salisbury save going earlier this year, but lost interest :)
I won the BSS and the FA Trophy! in the first season, and the board decided to build a new stadium for the team.. However i didn’t get any significant raise in the wage budget, so i get annoyed with it… Best of luck to the bear though :D
Stromson
29 ноября, 2011 at 15:59
If you don’t really have a connection with the team, I could see them being fairly boring to play. I have a pretty strong history with them though, so I’m looking forward to the challenge. I like that new stadium bit too, that’s encouraging. :-D
Laxeyman
29 ноября, 2011 at 16:25
Really sorry that you lost the FC United save Stromson, you were doing well and the story was going places… however, I’m sure that Salisbury will be an excellent story too, and I’m looking forward to it :) Good luck!
Stromson
30 ноября, 2011 at 16:18
Thanks Laxey, hopefully we can duplicate the feat with Salisbury!
nielsneutron
29 ноября, 2011 at 17:45
Great choice but it is on a very unhappy premise. I get why you wont do it all over. I will be reading it for sure.
Stromson
30 ноября, 2011 at 16:19
Yeah, just too painfully to go back and retread the same ground over again. Sure I could’ve restarted with Afan Lido or FC United, but it just wouldn’t have been the same. Fresh start!
Kieran
29 ноября, 2011 at 20:49
Thats where i come from and live!
Very excited for this story!
Good luck with the finances :L
Stromson
30 ноября, 2011 at 16:20
Haha, thanks Kieran, I remember when they went into administration a couple of years ago. Hopefully we’ll be taking your club to the top!
Dan
29 ноября, 2011 at 21:19
Hi stromson,
I’m always open to a different style of story, good luck!
P.s. You could always hop on the ferry to Norway :D
Stromson
30 ноября, 2011 at 16:22
That would be one hell of a ferry ride from Washington DC! Trust me, if I lived over there I would’ve done it long ago!
Dan
30 ноября, 2011 at 16:58
I had no idea you lived in the USA, you’re right that would be a long ferry trip! A cruise might be more appropriate in your situation :)
TheZiggy
29 ноября, 2011 at 23:23
I think this should be interesting to hear The Bear giving us his thoughts while managing Salisbury. I just hope he doesn’t start to chew on players if they don’t play well. ;)
Stromson
30 ноября, 2011 at 16:23
No promises… ;-)
Ana Garcia
29 ноября, 2011 at 23:39
England again. :)
I dont mind, I always enjoy your stories so am looking forward to this one also.
Good luck!!
Stromson
30 ноября, 2011 at 16:23
I know, I know, I knew you’d be disappointed in me. Trust me, I considered Portugal long and hard, but it just didn’t feel right. I promise you I’ll try out South Africa though!
Darren Smith
30 ноября, 2011 at 11:48
Back to where it all begin eh, wouldn’t have it any other way. Good luck mate.
Stromson
30 ноября, 2011 at 16:24
Yeah…I’ve yet to see a story to it’s proper conclusion, so this seemed like a fitting quest.
Sears
2 декабря, 2011 at 17:12
Good luck with this!