Hey guys and welcome to my FM 2012 Scarborough AFC season 8 report. Season number seven saw the Seadogs gain promotion to the Championship and reach the FA Cup final in which we were very unlucky to lose against Premiership opponents Arsenal. But the season was not only dominated by success, I spent the last 6 months worrying about a potential takeover, when it would be completed and what would happen to my finances. Well I can confirm the transfer embargo was finally lifted shortly after I received my seasons expectations, while I missed the opportunity to sign a few quality players it didn’t hamper me too much. My chairmen, David Holland, got sick of negotiating for the clubs asking price and shut down any potential sale of the club meaning everything was back to normal.
Talking of back to normal, the clubs owners were content for me to merely avoid relegation, but I decided to go for the big budget. By claiming I could steer Scarborough into the top half I secured an impressive £2.65 million for transfers and extra £12K per week towards wages. For the first time since starting this game the media think I should be concerned with relegation, that should suggest a tough season.
With cash in hand I decided to sell, sell, sell. My eye was firmly set on a fair few targets but I needed more money and room in the squad to make way. The majority of my sales were made after finding better replacements but one key star was sold due to the asking amount on offer. Left winger Stephen Hagan had been with the club since our BSP days and developed into an Irish International but Rangers £2.5 million was too good to refuse. All together we raised £3.1 million which added nicely to my pre-season budget.
Now for what could change my season, the summer signings. I strengthened almost every area including a very expensive GK, but here are my best signings. Lopez Fuentes signed from Real Madrid, having spent his time in the youth setup he decided it was time to leave and I just couldn’t resist considering he can play MC or DC. I also added a new first team centre back in Norbert Weiller for £250K. My third favorite signing was Petricevic who will be used to funnel the ball through midfield and to assist in set pieces. He cost £170K and is another example of how effective scouting Germany proved. £2 million was spent on our new recruits and its nice to know that we improved the team greatly while still making money.
Season Begins — results from August to October
This is it, Scarborough will ply their trade in the Championship for the first time ever. It took my new boys some time to settle in and when I think back those first three months felt like a real struggle. However, when you check the results they seemed like a doddle with 7 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses in the league. My biggest surprise though came in the Carling Cup as fellow Championship side Reading thrashed us at home 3-0.
In the midst of that terrible loss to Reading some news popped up inside my inbox. After negotiating to sell the club for more than 7 months before the deal fell through my Chairmen, Danny Holland, had found another buyer. But this guy seemed entirely different, for one he had shed loads of cash (or claimed to anyway.) This left me in two minds, I was obviously crossing my fingers for an owner that would give me loads of money, but I also didn’t want this deal to stop me strengthening in January as I had endured some bad injuries early on.
Results — November to December
With thoughts of a takeover pushed to the back of my mind and some of my injured players returning I tried to pick up speed in the league. We didn’t start so well with a draw at home to Hull and loss away to Huddersfield, but then things turned for the better as my boys won our next 7 games from 8. Almost every match was won by a three goal margin bar a few including the draw away to Swansea.
This had led my boys in the right direction as we found ourselves challenging the top two. Scarborough finished the festive season in third place, just two points off top spot. Despite the great start I still had reservations when looking through the Leicester and Newcastle lineups that seemed to have super star regens.
Then near the start of January the board announced an end to the takeover talks meaning I could strengthen my squad again. But it wasn’t Danny Holland who gave me the message!! ;) We have a new owner and he looks loaded, Jordan Bradshaw has pumped £9 million into my depleting bank balance and he even had the intention of upgrading all the facilities, which actually fell through nearer the seasons end.
The new owner had secured our finances and provided me fresh hope for the future but for now he didn’t increase my funds. This didn’t stop me adding to the squad though and I started by clearing out the under performers.
I then made a few signings, the two loan signings were made to help cover for the injuries we’d suffered on the left wing and central midfield. But Mattia Siviero is a very promising 17 year old right back, he was well worth the £250K price tag.
Results — January to February
So with my new owners watching on from the stands I was desperate to impress. January and February went well as Scarborough won 6 league games, drew 2 and lost just one. We also made it to the FA Cup 4th Round where Man City knocked us out 3-1.
Results — March to May
With our winning margins closing in and a tense time ahead I braced myself for a nervy end of season. But March provided just what we needed, a great run of form. We started by beating fellow promotion contenders Newcastle 2-0 and went onto win the next 4 matches. But then disaster struck as I endured a torrid run of injuries and International call-ups, for one game I couldn’t even field a fully fit bench as shown below.
Having to survive the remaining month with no left back wasn’t a fuzzy thought, but we carried on valiantly. From the last 10 games my boys won 5, drew 2 and lost 3 but was this enough to gain promotion?
Well it was as Scarborough finished 5 points clear of third. The title race was much closer though, going into the last game of the season I found myself level on points with Newcastle and we of course drew that game to Charlton, but Newcastle actually lost away from home to Hull meaning the Seadogs lifted our eighth title!!
Further good news followed as the board announced plans to increase the stadiums capacity by 1,477 seats at a cost of £1.9 million.
This brought the bank balance down somewhat so the new chairmen decided to inject a little more cash to keep the club in the black. I think this is a sign of things to come from our rich owner. :)
Squad stats and finances
This season was probably the first one in which I doubted our promotion chances until the end, but thankfully we have now hit the top level and it is thanks to the players below. Bartlett continued from last season with 31 goals, Weiller managed 10 goals from corners and free-kicks while new MC Petricevic was vital with 7 goals and 14 assists.
Many players have walked through the door at Scarborough, some left due to the speed of which we were moving and others were just too good to hang onto. But three players have been in my side for 4 or more seasons and these three are to thank for all this success…
Reece Hendrie: Joined the club in 2013 when we were in the ESL Northern Premier, he helped guide the club to 6 promotions which is probably my proudest achievement from a player. Unfortunately Hendrie will not make the grade for our EPL season and may need to be offloaded. Hendrie has scored 60 goals and assisted 59 times from his 191 league appearances.
Nikos Nikolaou: An outstanding AMR/ST that has attracted attention every single season. Nikos joined the Seadogs in 2013 when we were in the Blue Square North and was the most instrumental player every season for 5 seasons scoring 63 goals and assisting 62 times during his 188 league appearances. Again he may struggle in the top flight but will be used as backup.
Josh Ross: I always save the best until last, Ross is an absolute gem and has developed in huge leaps every year. Signed during 2015 for our Blue Square Premier campaign the young Englishmen has scored 35 goals and assisted 49 from his 146 appearances. Now this kid could be in our squad for many more years and I would like to get him past the 250 apps mark.
Thanks to the new owners I have a reasonable bank balance going into the new season, £4.8 million is what we have and that is despite the massive decline due to our tiny stadium. But I think the new chairmen will take care of us from now on and I also reckon he’ll keep pumping money into the club City style, but only time will tell.
well that is season 8 over and my rise through the lower leagues complete. It has been a rollercoaster that never stopped rising, though I suspect next season will be no walk in the park. I have spent some time researching the EPL opposition and I have never seen so many incredible regens, the standard really is ridiculous, but I have already found a few aces myself so tune in soon to see how we fair in the top flight. Until then please feel free to comment below and thanks for reading.
Kevin
4 марта, 2012 at 11:04
Hey Darren
Early morning greetings fromToronto where it’s still dark outside and a balmy -8C :)
I’ll start with the last first and that is your assasins list which you have completed magnificently over the last couple of months and are now in the big time! Well done on winning The Championship. You picked up some great young players in Fuentus and Petricevic to add to a brilliant Josh Ross. Bartlett had yet another great season for you and it will be interesting to see how you change things for the EPL. Great job!!
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 11:29
Thanks Kevin, its been a wild journey and while the assasins list makes the challenge seem almost complete I personally feel like I’m only half way there…with some extra cash now available I think the skies the limit.
Luke N
4 марта, 2012 at 11:10
Very impressive once again Darren, it’s always sad to see a good player leave but consider the standard they’ve reached after starting in the basements of English football. A good promotion and I look forward to seeing your results in the Premier League!
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 11:31
Thanks Luke, I honestly couldn’t believe how some of my star youngsters lasted so long but next season will see just two remain from the original pack I think.
Johnny Karp
4 марта, 2012 at 11:16
Congrats on another sensational season, your youngsters showed their talent again. About the new rich owner, I don’t think you really need his money now that you’ll be getting all that Premier League TV cash :) But any extra millions of pounds are always welcome I guess ;)
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 11:33
Cheers Johnny, if it weren’t for our shocking stadium I’d agree with you on the cash side…but with less than 6,000 fans paying to watch each week the books may have been tough to balance. We’d have got on alright but the new owner may move things along much quicker, its quite exciting really as I’ve never experienced such a rich takeover.
TheZiggy
4 марта, 2012 at 11:32
Congratulations on winning yet another title. After my experience in my Championship with Torquay, I thought this would be possible. You managed 5 points more than I did, but we had a much easier time, because the second placed team was 15 points adrift, so I can think of myself as very lucky there.
You’re probably right that Hendrie and Nikolaou will struggle in the Premier League. That step up is tough, and my experience is, that almost every defence in the league is a lot stronger than the Championship teams, coupled with some mindbogglingly outstanding players everywhere in the top teams.
If you can build a very solid defence, and a couple of creative players in the middle with at least one very good striker, then you can achieve mid-table, and possibly pull off the odd surprise against a big team.
Good luck, and I’m looking forward to seeing how your first season in the top-flight goes. It’s guaranteed to be bumpy, but should be very interesting too.
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 11:36
Thanks Ziggy, I couldn’t agree with all your points more…getting the defense straightened out is very important, creativity is needed and someone at the head to slot the ball home will make all the difference too. I’ve now got a huge advantage with the money coming in from our new owner and should certainly use it.
saltwater
4 марта, 2012 at 11:32
Next season would be the moment that we had all been waiting for the last 8 weeks. The Premier League!!! You guys deserve to be there and it has been an incredible journey from the buying to the selling to the non-stop promotion. You’re great at the game Darren, but even you couldn’t have thought that it would be possible for you to get 8 championships in a row. Finally, shame to see Reece Hendrie go, I can remember you raving about him in his first season.
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 11:51
I agree mate, to think that we’d hit back to back…championships is ridiculous and I’d have laughed anyone suggesting it off! ;) Hendrie has been an amazing player for me, to be with a club that rises through the divisions for so long is probably the most surprising thing to come from the whole story.
ri916
4 марта, 2012 at 11:42
well done on promotion. Unfortunately you wont be able to get a new stadium for a while as each one has to be used for 20 years before a new one can be built. as for the quality newgens, i think it is your database edit. I have noticed that many of your quality signings have come from teams made with your edit. they seem to be making unrealistically good regens and they are getting snapped up by the EPL teams. I have tryed that edit myself and noticed how good the regens were…
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 11:53
Yeah the newgens thing could be right, but I have only seen 6 quality regens come from teams added in the editor all the others are from the standard clubs, so its up for debate.
ri916
4 марта, 2012 at 11:57
guess i thought wrong then :). a brilliant achievement anyway :)
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 12:02
I’m honestly not sure, I worried during the first three seasons that your theory is right but since rising through the leagues there has been zero good regens coming from leagues below the Championship so that put my mind to rest a little.
nielsneutron
4 марта, 2012 at 12:54
I think the issue is that regens can only be so bad if you know what I mean. So when you advance through the leagues the effect evens out.
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 13:31
That makes sense, and you’re probably right.
nielsneutron
4 марта, 2012 at 12:47
Well I guess the next step is to secure yourself in the Premier league and go for the champions league or will the challenge end before that?
Am a bit interested in you staff. How many coaches and perticularly scouts do you have? and have you been optimising them as much as you have your squad?
Also how far is your scouting range?
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 13:31
The challenge is to get Europa League football, then CL, then win the league/FA Cup/League Cup and eventually be champions of Europe so we have a way to go yet.
I have one coach for every training category and asses each players needs individually…I have around 6 or 7 scouts all capable in different countries and my range was continental this season but Worldwide for next.
MRDNRA
4 марта, 2012 at 13:25
I knew you could do it, but wow that was a close run thing. I’m sure you’ll avoid relegation next season, maybe mid table finish will be possible. Best of luck, and I look forward to the next post.
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 13:33
Thanks mate, depending on the budget I think we will be able to survive at least and hopefully look further up the table.
Liam O'Rourke
4 марта, 2012 at 13:28
Hi Darren
Congratulations on yet again another promotion. I was so impressed by your teams performances that I downloaded your «Arsenal Tactics». However, I have yet to implement this tactic with my Luton save, given the fact that I lack the calibre of players to employ such a system that requires good technic, pace, agility….so on and so forth! I tried this tactic with my Bray Wanderers save in the Airtricity League of Ireland, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out to well. With my Luton save, my tactics are just the bog standard 4-4-2, attack with a rigid style of «up and at em» direct football. So far, it as been successfull, winning the BSP and FA Trophy in my first season. However, given the resources at my disposal and the stature of Luton Town FC, I did find it relatively easy to gain promotion. Currently, Luton are top of League 2, several points clear of our nearest rivals, Colchester Utd, going into the month of march. Apologies for the length of my response, but what I wanted to ask you was, in regards to your Arsenal Tactic, what did you tweak in order to make it so successfull with Scarborough?
Again, many congratulations and I shall look forward to reading your exploits in the EPL. My prediction. A top ten finish and maybe a good cup run, possibly in both cups
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 13:40
Thanks Liam, I am hopeful of a good season next year especially with our new found riches. As for the tactic I tweaked very minor things, you can download the Scarborough version of my 4-5-1 here http://www.mediafire.com/?pqu0aera2ipb9zi
Liam O'Rourke
4 марта, 2012 at 14:56
Thanks a million Darren! I’ll give it a try.
Best of luck in the top flight
freddie
4 марта, 2012 at 13:45
Congratulations on ANOTHER title!!
Just wondering what your stadium capacity is now…
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 14:21
Thanks, I think our capacity is around the 4,000 mark.
vaibhavc
4 марта, 2012 at 14:13
Fantastic Darren! Some of your players’ form have decreased since you were in the Championship. I hope they can make the cut for next year. Is your aim next year to avoid relegation, or to achieve mid-table?
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 14:22
Thanks Vaibhav, before the new owner I had plans to just avoid relegation when we go up but after seeing more cash I think we ca hit mid-table.
sammy
4 марта, 2012 at 14:47
Great season darren, i can’t wait to see Scarborough play man utd and city, hope you make it to the top!
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 14:53
Thanks Sammy, I’ll look forward to those fixtures in a few years when we can compete, though I fear we may get embarrassed next season against the top clubs.
Martin F.M.J.S
4 марта, 2012 at 15:05
Another great season Darren it was a little tougher than your last couple of seasons but you still won the League Congrats. Next season will be even tougher but I will look forward to your next post. Good Luck :)
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 15:12
Thanks Martin.
Laxeyman
4 марта, 2012 at 15:20
Great season again Darren, you’ve done incredibly well with Scarborough, an amazing achievement reaching the Premier League in such a short time span :) I’m sure you’ll continue to do fantastically well next season, good luck!
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 15:36
Thanks Laxeyman, its been a very good save so far and I really want to take it all the way…if that happens I’ll be able to call this my most successful save for sure.
Max Truelove
4 марта, 2012 at 15:26
I support Scarborough Athletic in real life! Did you know they where only formed in 2006 due to the fall of Scarborough Town so in 13 years they have got to the BPL! Good work!
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 15:40
Thanks mate, I am a fan of the club too so yeah I know their full history…I was in the McCain stadium when we drew against Torquay in the play-off’s before been thrashed away from home and more importantly on that faithful day when we were relegated to the BSP, I don’t get to see as many games now we are in Brid but like to keep track of results and watch when possible! That is why I am investing so much into this save as the club mean a lot to me and its amazing to think they are in the top flight. :)
Max Truelove
4 марта, 2012 at 17:04
Yeah and now the Mcain stadium has been demolished there is really no way back to Scarborough.
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 17:11
I heard that when the council bought the McCain stadium they agreed to one day build a new ground in Scarborough with sports facilities as well…you never know maybe one day the will come to fruition.
Davy Doyle
4 марта, 2012 at 16:31
Won’t lie to ya I really thought you’d have trouble with the Championship as I did with Boston last year but this is an extremely outstanding achievement Darren.
Pride, Passion and Belief is pumping through the walls of the Scarbourough Ath Stadium
Have ya sent your suit to the Launderette yet for the Champions League final cos at the rate your going you’ll be needing it soon.
Congratulations mate.
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 16:52
Thanks Davy, that suit has been in a suitcase for over four years now but it’ll hopefully be hung up to straighten back out soon. ;)
Sears
4 марта, 2012 at 16:40
Well Darren, another post, another promotion and another outstanding campaign. Honestly, after seeing you fail to win you’re last few games I thought you had thrown away the title, but I was delighted to see that you hung on! Huge improvements are required before the PL season but with the new mega rich owner, I think you can cause some shocks next season. Best of luck buddy, and keep up the fantastic work
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 16:53
Thanks Sears, I agree with you that big changes need to happen…while changing an entire squad can have a negative effect I’ll have to risk it for success, lets just hope the rich owners live upto expectations and splash the cash ;)
Joelance
4 марта, 2012 at 17:27
Great, great, great. Won’t lie, i had my doubt about this season, but you manged to pull off another promotion and another championship. At this rate, you might qualify for Europe next season. Can’t wait to find out!
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 18:28
Thanks mate, to be honest I was shocked too and all the way until the end expected to be spending next season in the same division…but the new owners should make things accelerate somewhat.
Ivo
4 марта, 2012 at 18:46
very impressive darren once again … maybe you can keep your run even in epl :D i hope so … i wish you luck and maybe you can get some big names :)
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 19:16
Thanks Ivo, next season will certainly see an end to our continuous titles but I think with some great signings we could spring a surprise.
Ivo
4 марта, 2012 at 19:18
im very excited for the next season , but also for me cuz i started a save with blyth spartans and i’ll try to do something just like you :D
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 19:24
Well I hope you enjoy your new save, my advice is to take your time…don’t rush through it as that is usually when things fall apart.
Ivo
4 марта, 2012 at 19:25
thank you very much and a question… if you get an offer from a big big team will you accept it ?
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 19:27
I’ve already been offered almost every job in the EPL over the last 5 seasons but will never leave Scarborough.
Mitch
4 марта, 2012 at 19:10
Another very impressive season Darren!
Can you give us a screenshot of the club information page so we can see the club legends and icons?
Thanks :)
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 19:24
I am currently ahead of this season so have just captured the icons etc here https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/wp-content/uploads/imgs/2012/03/icons-etc.png
James
4 марта, 2012 at 21:06
Congratulations again Darren! You are a fantastic manager and this is plain to see through your amazing achievements! Just one question,what is your overall win percentage? It would just interest me to see what it was.
Anyway, best of luck for the PL, I’m sure Scarborough will do just fine. ;)
Darren Smith
4 марта, 2012 at 21:41
Thanks James, my win percentage is something I am very proud of actually…I’m a season ahead of this post but it was around 80%
James
4 марта, 2012 at 21:48
Wow that’s excellent! Keep it up! :)
Stromson
4 марта, 2012 at 22:56
Hey Darren! Wow, this really has been quite impressive. I’ve been lurking and following Scarborough’s tremendous rise to glory, and it must be awesome being able to guide your boyhood club to such heights. This database seems to have been pretty generous with the regens, and it looks like you’re finding some of the best of those available (which is awesome).
Looking forward to seeing you hoist that Champion’s League trophy!
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2012 at 19:21
Thanks Stromson, the story has been a great experience and as mentioned to do it all with my boyhood club makes it much more meaningful.
Mohammad Sadek
4 марта, 2012 at 23:10
Well done Dareen Very exciting story !!!
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2012 at 19:09
Thanks
Malhar Bhadbhade
4 марта, 2012 at 23:25
awesome stuff Darren,
8 straight league wins and promotions in a row!!! what an unbelievable achievement!!! this story is really the epitome of patience and determination. this is what taking a small club to the big leagues is all about. CANNOT WAIT to see Scarborough in the epl…wish you would finish the season in a day and upload a story tomorrow :D fantastic story, and i’m sure its going to start getting even better. well done mate! cheers! :D
p.s. — those players that you signed are fantastic btw. especially that 17 year-old RB. crazy!!
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2012 at 19:15
Thanks Malhar, it has been a long ride and still got a long way to go ;) I’ll see if I can get the post done a few days earlier this week. :)
Malhar Bhadbhade
6 марта, 2012 at 11:44
hey that would be fantastic Darren..good luck in the EPL!! cant wait to see what happens..also, if you wouldn’t mind..would you mind posting 3-4 of the world class regens you mentioned that the epl teams had…thanks :D
Darren Smith
6 марта, 2012 at 19:04
Unfortunately I am way ahead of this season in game so can’t provide any screenshots for the present.
Malhar Bhadbhade
8 марта, 2012 at 11:11
no worries mate, good luck with season 9.
Tegar Triemanudigdo
5 марта, 2012 at 03:20
Another nice journey there! And yes, EPL is very tough, and I think you’ll have to consider stay there first before moving to the top spot of the english clubs.
Anyway, I can’t wait to see your next chapter, and what the heck did I just saw Blackburn relegated to League One?! Sometimes this game had some weird results, but it didn’t surprise me since I have seen a lots of them.
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2012 at 19:08
Thanks Tegar, yes the EPL will be a massive culture shock but I plan on making foundations during the first season anyway. As for Blackburn I don’t think them going down to L1 is that unrealistic as they could get relegated to the Championship in RL and I am 8 years ahead in game…
Adam
5 марта, 2012 at 16:47
Well done yet again! Tough, but the Championship always is! I can’t wait for the next one!
Also thanks for the tips on finding quality players, I’ve started doing weekly searches in my save (A San Marino Challenge) and it’s turned up some incredible, and most importantly, cheap youngsters!
Keep it up!
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2012 at 19:05
Thanks Adam and I’m glad the help on finding players has worked…I always say you’ll achieve little without hard work and though its just a game the rule applies to FM.
Jack
5 марта, 2012 at 17:46
Hi Darren, I have to say, this is one of the most impressive stories I’ve come across not just on this site, but over a great number of sites, a cracking read! I was just wondering, what tactics have you been using throughout your rise? Thanks, Jack. :)
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2012 at 19:04
Thanks Jack, I’m glad you’re enjoying the story. As for my tactic I use a modified version of my Arsenal 4-5-1, it can be downloaded here. http://www.mediafire.com/?pqu0aera2ipb9zi
denson
5 марта, 2012 at 19:02
Great season Darren!
I predict 13th in the prem!
Good luck.
David Faithfull
5 марта, 2012 at 19:54
Amazing season Darren. Cannot believe you are in the premiership already i thought it would have taken at least 3 or 4 more seasons before you were in top flight but Scarborough have done amazing under your wing (did you see what i did there ;) ). Cant wait to see what you produce for next season!!
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2012 at 20:16
lol Thanks David, nice play on words. Next season should be a positive one as the new owner seems capable of investing large amounts, so with him around the skies the limit.
Ana Garcia
5 марта, 2012 at 20:14
Well done on another promotion and things just get better and better with the addition of a rich chairman!
Am sure with your ability to find players and his wealth you can upset a few teams in the premier league next season so good luck!! :)
Darren Smith
5 марта, 2012 at 20:17
Thanks Ana, the new chairmen has made things even more exciting so lets hope the story lives upto its potential :)
hapoo
8 марта, 2012 at 03:31
i have a question are any of your players reached legendary status?
Darren Smith
8 марта, 2012 at 11:53
No players have no, just one reached icon and a couple are classed as favored.
Dave912
8 марта, 2012 at 09:49
Hi Darren
Truely amazing story proving you are a tactical phenom guiding you team to 8 promotions is fantastic! I’m trying something the same not as low down i’m just staring as Boston i have borrowed your formation which is great work by the way i was just wondering do you use any specifc match prep and what size is your pitch?
Thanks Dave
Darren Smith
8 марта, 2012 at 11:50
Thanks Dave, I actually leave match preparation to my assistant as he tends to get it right and the pitch size is irrelevant as I never pay attention to it…its a bad idea to base tactics around pitch sizes or your away form may seriously suffer so mine is more universal.
John
9 марта, 2012 at 09:56
Hi Darren.
Great season! A lot closer than all the others but it’s still going well and you have
plenty of quality young players.
I was wondering where you found this database? I’ve looked around and can’t find it anywhere. Any help would be greats.
Cheers
Darren Smith
9 марта, 2012 at 11:08
Thanks John, as for the database, try here http://sortitoutsi.net/forum/topic/55366-official-gason-leghinf-english-national-league-system-update-taking-fm12-to-level-12-by-fma-football-manager-advanced/
Jonathan Royston-Claire
13 мая, 2012 at 01:05
Darren.
Firstly CONGRATS!
Secondly that skin looks incredible and also the range of leagues. But ALL of the badges? HOW? Where can I find that beauty? I had a joyous reign in charge of my hometown club on FM 11, taking the might Bexhill United from the Sussex County Div 2 all the way to the Championship.
A couple of other questions,
How were those regens released on frees and snapped up, and how were they so good at such a low level?
How detailed are the clubs lower down the leagues (badges, squads, correct promotion/relegation permuations?)
Sorry for the questions, LOVE this thread mate!
Jon
Darren Smith
13 мая, 2012 at 08:41
Thanks Jon, I’ll try and answer your questions as best I can. You can have the lower leagues by downloading this game http://www.mediafire.com/?y5meyuw889e8p55 then move it too documents/sports interactive/football manager 2012/games From there just load it like any other save and you’ll be taken to day one with the lower leagues added. You can also download the logo pack I use here http://sortitoutsi.net/forum/topic/53511-blogos/ as for the skin it is just the default for fm12.
I assume the regens you are talking about are the ones from lower down the league ladder, they were just so young that they weren’t under a proper contract at their clubs so free to leave when they want. As for how they were so good you’d have to ask SI that, but I have a hunch that freeing up more lower leagues results in a few quality regens landing lower down the ladder than they probably should. The leagues are fairly well detailed, for instance my Scarborough side started with around 5 of their key players in the team from real life. But the badges, kits etc will only be there with your logo packs that you download like the one I have. All promotion and relegation’s are correct also. Just be aware that you’ll need to have a fast computer to run this save as the database is extremely slow compared to normal game play, like four times as slow…so if your game takes an age to continue through already I wouldn’t recommend this.
Jonathan Royston-Claire
13 мая, 2012 at 13:11
i have 5 star performance as I have a macintosh that’s probably meant for video editing/graphic design but i literally just play FM on it! thanks for ALL of those details mate, can’t wait to crack on!
Jonathan Royston-Claire
13 мая, 2012 at 13:41
That lower league save wouldn’t download. Think the link is broken! Nightmare! :(
Darren Smith
13 мая, 2012 at 14:19
I just tested the link and it is fine, are you sure it wouldn’t download or can you just not find it…have you looked in your ‘downloads’ folder.