FM 2012 Charlton AFC story 2032-33: The start of something big

Hey guys and welcome to my FM 2012 Charlton update from 2032/33. After four seasons of rebuilding we are finally back in the big time, Charlton endured a long slide down the league ladder before my appointment as Scarborough rose from the ashes and now I am back to challenge my former side. As many have already said, this is where the challenge really begins, it will take a good few years but this season is the first proper step towards toppling the Seadogs from their thrown at the pinnacle of World Football.

My initial budget was set at £17.5 million and the wage budget at £135K per week…this sort of money is enough for me to really build a foundation for the seasons to come. I went about signing players straight away and despite stretching my budget the board decided to offer even more…

…The seasons expectations were to avoid relegation, but I upped this to a mid-table finish. While the £22.5 million budget wasn’t completely in addition to the initial budget, a large amount of it was extra funds. I even have £64K per week extra for wages. However the media odds of 5000-1 indicate I may need the entirety of that cash!

I have already mentioned a few keys players may be leaving this summer, well here is the full list. My best defender, Cassidy left for £2.5 million, Wolves activated his minimum fee release clause which was devastating. I also lost Ramsay, my legend goalscorer and Davydenko, my wonderkid winger as they would not sign new deals. Most of the other departures were to clear funds for the new arrivals.

Now we move onto what was a very busy summer in terms of players entering the Valley. The best of which you can see by clicking their names. Luis Firmino is an incredible wonderkid that will start on my left wing and was signed for £140K. Pernao was my most expensive signing in defense at £13 million, while his compatriot Chorao was signed for £7 million and will be my best midfielder. Then finally we have my best signing in Calelo who plays right back and is one of the most talented defenders around.

Results — August to October

My Premier League campaign got off to a flyer with 3 wins and 2 draws to tough opposition, we then lost to Man City and Chelsea but saved face with a 3-0 victory over Birmingham. Charlton also made it to the 4th round of the Carling Cup but were then beaten to Championship side Sunderland.

Results — November to December

November was a good month, despite a late 4-0 loss to Arsenal we did thrash both Wolves and Norwich. December continued in similar vein as we won 4, drew two and lost to you know who…Scarborough!!

After a very good start Charlton find themselves in a hefty 3rd position…its still very early but my boys are level on points with Scarborough after playing a game more.

My board decided such form deserved a better budget, I capitalized on this saying I could attain a top half finish. As a result my transfer budget is now in excess of £10 million.

Despite more money been thrown into the development of my squad, I decided to resist temptation and sign one very talented central defender. Cosmi is 17 years old and despite some low physical attributes has great potential.

Results — January to March

Despite opening January with three wins on the bounce, I then suffered some rather awful injuries. I think this bad luck is responsible for my form of zero wins, 3 draws and 3 losses in the EPL. I did however beat Bolton, Liverpool, Manchester Utd and Manchester City in the FA Cup…an incredible run which sees me reach the semi-final.

Results — April to May

After some torrid form in the league and amazing triumphs in the cup, I wanted to tilt the balance slightly. This is exactly what we did, Charlton just saw off the challenge of Blackpool in the FA Cup semi-final winning 2-1. But our Premier League form really got going with 6 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses…by the way, we lost to Scarborough, again!!

So the Premier League campaign finished on a high and I’m sure you’re wondering where my boys finished. This is probably the first season in forever that the results don’t give it away. Well I can confirm we finished in a very respectful 6th position. I was delighted with the lads and this was much better than I’d anticipated.

FA Cup final vs Arsenal

My first major final with Charlton and its my old foe Arsenal…if you remember, I lost three times in this competition and at this stage against the Gunners while managing Scarborough. All I can say about this game is that it was a stormer, I recommend watching the highlights by clicking here. The goals may have been scrappy but this match stunk of commitment, work rate and a gritty underdogs performance. A performance that paid off!!

So my first major trophy is the FA Cup and won in a very admirable fashion against one of England’s top sides. So my rise continues and while Scarborough won the EPL, they endured early exits in the FA Cup and Carling Cup not to mention a semi-final loss in the Champions League…that gap is closing :)

Squad stats and finances

You always expect some fairly low ratings during the first EPL season as every player has to adapt to such a high standard of football. But Pernao my new centre back defied this theory with a 7.4 and 11 goals. If my key striker Leandro hadn’t been injured for months on end then I think we may have made the Champions League with the Brazilian adding too his 10 goals.

The most notable news to comes about after the seasons end was our stadium expansion plans. The board decided to increase the stadiums capacity by 7,000 seats at a cost of £8.5 million.

After that investment the clubs finances stand at around £5 million, not bad considering our large investment in players (although the majority of my deals are been paid off over 24 months.) But we did start the season around £5 million in the red so positive signs financially I think.

Well that is all for today guys, I hope you are still enjoying the journey. Charlton had a great season, winning our first major competition, finishing 6th in the league and qualifying for the Europa League. Lets hope we can push on from there next season, but until then I look forward to reading your comments as always.