Hey guys and welcome to my FM 2012 Charlton story update from the season 2031/32. After three consecutive promotions I face another daunting campaign, the scenery has now changed to that of the Championship but the aims are all the same…try to establish ourselves and maybe even challenge the top six. Today’s update maybe a little brisk, unfortunately time is very scarce for me of late as I am training for my first Triathlon. I need to get in shape for the end of August and lets just say my muscles have been dormant for the last few years lol :)
Every season begins with the boards expectations so we’ll start there. Due to a slight difference in the budgets on offer, I pushed my usual expectations claiming I could guide the team to a mid-table finish…this earned me very little transfer money but around £13K per week extra in wages which is incredible compared to seasons gone by. The media seem to think we can mount a promotion challenge providing things go our way so hopefully that is a positive indication of things to come.
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There wasn’t too many players I wanted rid of this season, I saw the majority of my bench warmers and reserves as important backup for injury issues. So just three players left this summer, all due to been overstaffed in their respective positions.
I did however make a lot of first team signings, due to the jump up in quality I felt there was a need to inject a little more class. The best of these were my new supporting CM Jimmy Hoey and star striker Kouassi. Both players will be huge this season while the other 5 players will be used as rotation.
Results — August to September
So I think we are all expecting Charlton to struggle this season…well struggle in comparison to the domination that usually follows pre-season. The Championship really is a grade above the other lower leagues. But to my surprise there was no such hangover during our introduction to the league, my boys won 7 and drew just two of the opening 9 matches. We were knocked out in the Carling Cup second round, but that didn’t bother me.
Results — October to December
October carried On in the same vein with 4 wins and a draw, while November saw one draw and one victory (a very short month, I know.) December was brilliant also seeing Charlton win 6, draw 2 and lose just once.
This immaculate form saw my boys rise top of the table, four points clear of Everton in second and 9 points clear of Berrow in third. Please do note that Berrow and Newport have risen through the lower leagues like Scarborough to challenge in the Championship for a good few seasons now…crazy!
You may expect me to be very happy with the team I currently have and keep things the same in order to avoid any disruptions. But I see this as the perfect opportunity to strengthen for the Premier League…assuming I can hang onto top spot of course. Before we look at my new signings there was one departure, out of favor Billong was a fairly promising youngster in League One, but he’s out of his depth for the top flight and I took the opportunity to cash in on Hull’s £250K offer.
I then went about signing some incredible talent. The first was a new striker in Con Kiely, he will be a rotational option due to a lot of players leaving next season on free transfers (I will moan about that in the next post ;)) I signed Brazilian youngster Gilmar who could be a leading star in the EPL. Then I signed Hugo who could play for any side in Europe after a few more years of development, he is by far my best player at the age of 20. Then there’s Leandro who will be my star striker next season after he’s spent the next few months settling in.
Results — January to March
My new signings need a lot of time to settle (especially the three Brazilians) so won’t feature too much over the coming months. But judging from the results we certainly don’t need them just yet. Charlton won 10, drew one and lost one match from January to March. We also beat West Brom and Birmingham in the FA Cup before losing too my old side Scarborough 1-0 in the fifth round.
Results — April to May
With all competitions out of the way, I could concentrate on finishing the Championship campaign on a high. And that is exactly what Charlton did winning 7 and losing just two of our remaining 9 matches.
Needless to say I breached the 100 point barrier with 112 points scoring an impressive 113 goals. Everton also gained promotion in second 12 points behind me while Berrow and Seven Acre lost in the play-offs.
Squad stats and finances
Another brilliant season and another promotion will see Charlton battling it out with the big boys next season. I won’t talk too much about the player ratings but new boy Kouassi was vital with 26 goals as was left winger Craig who scored 14 and added 14 assist. A lot of my key players over the last three seasons will be departing The Valley next season. None of which are by my doing, some left on a free while others had their minimum fee clauses activated…very frustrated but what can you do. :(
The finances look pretty grim at the moment and next season may get slightly worse as I need to invest in the squad to survive. The balance finishes at £3.2 million in the red, a little worrying but you all know my philosophy, spend what is needed to get European football then start recouping some cash with the Y2G system so it will be OK in the long term.
Lets take a small break from Charlton and take a quick look at Scarborough’s season. The Seadogs finished top of the Premier League, won the Carling Cup, FA Cup and Champions League…that’s right they did the quadruple. Incredible achievement and just shows what I’m up against. Guess a new challenger couldn’t have entered the EPL at a better time :)
Well that is all for today, I hope you enjoyed the update and please feel free to comment below. My next post will feature Charlton’s first season in the top flight so until then, thanks for reading.
Karl Deighton
24 июля, 2012 at 20:42
Well done on another promotion Darren. Intruiging to see the teams in each division. Glad you beat the scum and the great Berrow to the title.
Good luck in your training mate :D
Darren Smith
24 июля, 2012 at 21:08
Thanks Karl, it was another great season and to be honest I was a little surprised we won with such ease.
Sears
24 июля, 2012 at 20:58
Awesome season buddy!! You picked up some excellent players on free transfer, especially in January. Can’t wait to see how you progress in the PL, best of luck Darren
Darren Smith
24 июля, 2012 at 21:13
Thanks Sears, it was a great season and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw those Brazilians during a filtered search in January. :)
Luke M
25 июля, 2012 at 05:14
What was the filtered search Darren?
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2012 at 12:01
I can’t remember exactly but something like contract expired, then minimum attributes of like 14 pace, 14 finishing and 13 dribbling for the striker etc.
Luke M
26 июля, 2012 at 04:22
I’ve never really gone so in depth with searches, but your results speak for themselves.
I assume you do same for GK (handling etc), CB (tackling, positioning etc) and so forth?
It must take a lot of time and patience.
Darren Smith
26 июля, 2012 at 12:09
It does take patience but its common sense really…if there’s certain attributes that put me off a player when they are below a certain value I just add them to the search and it helps filter out the crap.
MRDNRA
24 июля, 2012 at 21:13
Wow those are some weird leagues. Who’d’ve thought of unheard of teams challenging for promotion to the Prem? Certainly an interesting database just wish my laptop could handle running it. Congrats on the promotion.
Darren Smith
24 июля, 2012 at 21:45
Thanks mate, I guess that when a league is active its only a matter of time before at least one of the teams makes its way up…the game has been going for 20 years now.
Adam D
24 июля, 2012 at 21:31
I was wondering about how you’re getting hot prospects, especially ones from South America, to join Championship and lower teams. Given the financial situation I doubt you’re throwing money at them.
Is your in-game reputation such that players are willing to drop down divisions in order to play for a world class manager?
Darren Smith
24 июля, 2012 at 21:46
I couldn’t say to be honest. It could be the reputation as I am 2nd on the World hall of fame.
TheZiggy
24 июля, 2012 at 21:33
Another superb season, to glide into the Premiership with relative ease. It’s a bit worrying that you have a lot of players who will be leaving, but with the promise of the TV money next season, I’m sure you’ll get a reasonable transfer budget even though you’re several mill in the red.
I try desperately hard not to allow anyone to set a minimum release clause, but sometimes they give you no choice. Also when contracts are coming to an end, and you’re in that financial hole, it’s not always possible to renew. Not an enviable position to be in, but I’m sure you’ll get it all sorted out. A decent mid-table position next season would set you on the right road.
Darren Smith
24 июля, 2012 at 21:47
Thanks Ziggy, I was a little worried about the players leaving for free too, but did hold a little hope as I tend to have a revamp during my second EPL season should we survive anyway.
Ivo Knežević
24 июля, 2012 at 21:42
Amazing job mate, scarborough did also great.
Those signings are decent and will probably help you achieve a mid table finish next season.
Good luck at the triatlon !
Darren Smith
24 июля, 2012 at 21:48
Thanks mate, it will be an interesting rivalry between Charlton and Scarborough in years to come, I am hoping to settle the club next season and then really push on.
vaibhavc
24 июля, 2012 at 22:42
Great job Darren. Actually, I wasn’t expecting you to struggle in the Championship since I expected that each year with Scarborough, and each time I was proved wrong! Looking forward to seeing what the free transfers dilemma is.
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2012 at 11:54
Thanks mate, the whole issue with players leaving is interesting but as long as the cash is there to bring in replacements we’ll be fine.
Conor Joseph Donovan
24 июля, 2012 at 22:59
Firstly, good luck with the triathlon! Should be tough!
And well done again on another amazing triumph. Next season should be a lot tougher however. But with your prudent signings, hopefully you can get a midtable finish and set you up nicely for hopefully more success after that.
Was that FA Cup game your first game against Scarborough as Charlton boss? Will be interesting when you have to play them away from home. Will the Scarborough fans give you a warm welcome after all your success there, or will they boo you? :D
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2012 at 11:58
Thanks mate, I did a little run last night and lets just say it didn’t fill me confidence so seriously need to pull my finger out for this Triathlon. :)
That FA Cup match was the first against Scarborough with Charlton, yes. Lets just hope the fans still like me as I’ll be seeing a lot of them next season.
Kevin
25 июля, 2012 at 00:14
Hi Darren
Congrats on returning Charlton to the Premier League after such a long absence. your signing of Kouassi proved inspirational as he chipped in with a very handy 26 goals. Y2G players look just the ticket and good luck as you prepare for the return to the big time!
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2012 at 11:59
Thanks Kevin, I think that Kouassi was the real difference this season
Malhar Bhadbhade
25 июля, 2012 at 00:37
Hey Darren,
no surprises there! had a fantastic season as usual! this is where I would say the real challenge begins! Toppling your old team who are sat atop the world at the moment. so delighted to see that they did the quadruple. who is their manager at the moment? The youngsters you signed look fantastic, and I think they will be stars in your next season! Can’t wait for the next season!
p.s. — when is the triathlon? Good luck for it! :D
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2012 at 12:00
The reason I started continued this save was to try and topple Scarborough in the long run so that is the big challenge for sure.
A Tiathlon is like a marathon or half marathon but you swim, then bike, then run.
Malhar Bhadbhade
26 июля, 2012 at 12:56
lol, I think you misread my question mate, but no worries :D Yeah, I’m looking forward to your encounters with Scarborough. Have they added any amazing players to their squad? Or is it still your old team?
Darren Smith
26 июля, 2012 at 19:03
Haha, sorry mate, that’s what you get for running around like a headless chicken. :) The Triathlon is on the 26th of August, so starting to brick it now as I’m no where near ready.
As for Scarborough, they are still surviving off my youth :) But they have added a little more youth of their own.
Victor Baluta
25 июля, 2012 at 07:43
Congratulations for your very good season and I think you will have a pretty good season in EPL with your transfers. I hope you’ll get some European football as soon as possible and get over your financial problems.
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2012 at 12:02
Thanks mate, getting into Europe will surely ease our finances so I am consolidating next season and then pushing on with a little luck.
Johnny Karp
25 июля, 2012 at 10:25
I never doubted you would get promoted :) Looking forward to the matches against Scarborough next season, those should be quite interesting to say the least.
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2012 at 12:03
Thanks Johnny, I can’t wait to face Scarborough, my head to head record will be grim for the next few years I’m sure :)
saltwater
25 июля, 2012 at 11:18
Wow so in total including Scarbourogh that’s like 11 promotions in a row? Incredible, I’ve never seen such a record. And I’m sure the Brazillians will pay dividens when they get regular chances in the prem, they all look like incredible players. Personally, I would have preferred if seven Acre or berrrow joined you in the prem, but you can’t have everything :)
Good luck, and it’ll be interesting to see if you can beat the record you set of finishing 6th straight after promotion.
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2012 at 12:05
It might even be a little more than that, crazy when you put it that way. My goal next season is to maybe challenge for mid-table but we’ll see what happens in the transfer market.
silva
25 июля, 2012 at 11:47
Who is Berrow, Seven Acre and how are Everton in the Championship alongside Newport Co and Berrow in 3rd place if they get promoted i would have been shocked.
Great season Darren glad you got promoted it is going to be weird facing the team that you made the best team in the world. Good Luck next season did the Sea Dogs win the CL.
GoodLuck in your training for your Triathlon.
Tegar Triemanudigdo
25 июля, 2012 at 12:27
Ah man, if only the likes of Berrow or Seven Arce get promoted to Premier League that would be awesome! Either way, well done on your return to top league in England and I can’t wait to see your team battling out there.
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2012 at 19:14
Thanks mate, should be an exciting season.
LFC
25 июля, 2012 at 13:56
the best match prepration this tactic ? the best pitch size max or small ?
Darren Smith
25 июля, 2012 at 19:13
You’ve already asked me that, the answer isn’t going to change as I’ve already given you the answer…you asked the exact same question during my 2028-29 season update…the tactic hasn’t changed.
denson
25 июля, 2012 at 22:42
Good Season Darren with another promotion and back to the premier league!!, Just a quick question, Have Scarborough got a new stadium yet?
Good Luck in the Premiership
Darren Smith
26 июля, 2012 at 12:05
Thanks mate, Scarborough still haven’t got a new stadium no.
Gaurav Chaddah
26 июля, 2012 at 00:09
Great season mate, congrats on another promotion, I think apart from when you’ve been in the premier league, you have won the league every season with both Charlton and Scarbrough? Anways can’t wait to see how you do in the premier league and come up against Scarbrough! :)
Darren Smith
26 июля, 2012 at 12:06
I think you’re right about the promotions, lets hope we can enjoy half the success next season as what we did this season.
Lye
26 июля, 2012 at 01:35
Another awesome season which you climb up to the Premiership without much difficulties. Congratulations on a job well done. Though you will be facing the prospect of players leaving but i guess you will have no problem stay in the league with you having an eye on some shrewd signings. Scarborough will now see the return of their legend and it will be a matter of time before you knock them down of the Premiership summit. It should be hard to take for you :)
Darren Smith
26 июля, 2012 at 12:07
Thanks Lye, while its disappointing to see players leave I need to see this as an opportunity to strengthen I guess.
Heresy
26 июля, 2012 at 15:59
Well, of course you dominated the Chapmionship. What else could we expect from you? ;) Great signings for the future :) If you can avoid serious injuries in the next season, with this squad you can easily try and get a mid-table finish!
Oh, you’re attempting a triathlon! Good luck, mate! Is there any area (swimming, cycling or running) you feel you’re still having difficulties with?
Darren Smith
26 июля, 2012 at 18:59
Thanks Heresy, I am hopeful of some good signings and if they come I think a mid-table finish is achievable.
I am pretty settled with the Swimming and Biking for that Triathlon but its the running at the end that will be tough, after getting off a bike your legs are like jelly so lets hope I don’t make a fool of myself and run into a ditch :)
Jojo
26 июля, 2012 at 21:02
How do you find such good players, i never find anybody like that. Good season though, too bad you lost to your old side but next time you will win it all. Cheers
Darren Smith
26 июля, 2012 at 21:12
You just need to search more then, they are there but if you don’t search constantly and in different ways then you’ll never find them. Look through the U21 teams Internationally, do filtered searches for certain attributes, look at the top clubs in Argentina and Brazil in their youth teams…all this and more at least once a month in game is required to find great players consistently.
Jojo
27 июля, 2012 at 05:55
okay ill give that a shot but what if i cannot scout that far cause the board wont let me expand my scouting range? But thanks anyway
Darren Smith
27 июля, 2012 at 18:59
That is where you’re going wrong, don’t scout their, actually search yourself.
Jojo
4 августа, 2012 at 17:28
alright now i have found a lot of really good young players, and even more who couldnt get a work permit. Thanks for the help!
Darren Smith
4 августа, 2012 at 17:46
No problem.
Chelseafan
26 июля, 2012 at 22:16
Well done on your promotion to the top flight. I’m pretty new to your website but i’ve already became a big fan of your work. I’m currently managing a team called Dartford and i just got them promoted to the blue square premier, winning the previous division by twenty points. One big problem i’m having is that i’m signing some brilliant young talent but they’re not improving at all and i can’t use the training schedules on your website because they’re not part time. Just wondering what training schedules you used for Charlton and Scarborough when they were in the lower leagues
Darren Smith
27 июля, 2012 at 18:54
Until I could use full time schedules I just used the default ones as it doesn’t make much difference at that level and training workload.
LFC
27 июля, 2012 at 08:56
AMR right foot AML left foot or AMR left foot AML right foot ?
Darren Smith
27 июля, 2012 at 18:56
You are way over complicating things, just play your wingers in their strongest role, I never go off what foot is their preferred. Generally it works to have someone cutting inside onto their strongest foot but its irrelevant, just use them on their strongest side positionally.
CsAtlantis
27 июля, 2012 at 09:37
Getting into the top flight with that kind of budget is a great achievement Darren, and some brilliant frees as usual
How are the finances looking for the next season?
Good luck mate
Darren Smith
27 июля, 2012 at 18:57
The finances are a little grim at the start of the season but we still have a decent budget.
Ryan Daly
27 июля, 2012 at 14:31
Great job Darren, winning the championship with such ease was unexpected. Cant wait to see the 3 new boys in the Premier League :)
Also good to see Scarborough have continued your great work :D
Good luck with the Triathlon btw :)
Darren Smith
27 июля, 2012 at 18:58
Thanks Ryan, it was a great season and I can’t wait to face Scarborough.
Alex Murray
28 июля, 2012 at 00:50
Good luck in your first triathlon, I’m a keen triathlete myself, it’s a great event and I want to move into doing iron-men. Anyway great season, but we’ve come to expect that, it will be interesting to watch your Premier League progress it might be tough if you lose some key players.
Darren Smith
28 июля, 2012 at 12:53
Thanks Alex, this is my first Triathlon so we’ll see how it goes…as for the season, it was great and I think next season will be interesting, we obviously won’t challenge but will be interesting to see how far up the table Charlton can finish.
Ana Garcia
30 июля, 2012 at 20:11
Amazing season as always Darren!
Are you not a little worried to see Newcastle relegated?! ;)
Interesting to see you losing to your former team in the FA Cup, I usually have a terrible record against teams I have previously managed.
Finally into the top division and with all the new found wealth you will get from TV revenue your finances will change very quickly, and with a few new additions am sure you will have no trouble in surviving your first season in the premier league.
Good luck as always! :)
Darren Smith
30 июля, 2012 at 20:39
Thanks Ana, Newcastle have been up and down between the EPL and Championship like a yoyo…they always seem to be struggling.
Hopefully we can strengthen both the squad to stay up and the finances to secure the clubs future.