Hey guys and welcome to what should be a very interesting update. You may remember me recently losing the Euro Championships with Spain, then resigning from my post and also mentioning a big surprise at Scarborough. Well I revealed a little bit more within the FMS Podcast, episode two and can now explain all.
After suffering a torrid Euro experience with Spain, I went about pre-season with Scarborough. It was the usual stuff and I found it all too familiar, that was when I started considering a change within the save. I looked through what was still to achieve and if I’m honest all seemed too far away. Becoming the richest club was impossible by the fact my board won’t upgrade the stadium, winning the most amount of EPL titles or Champions League honors was around 6-7 successful seasons away and the only achievement close was being the best club in terms of reputation. So I started to think, ‘could this save be seeing its end, and if not what should I do?’
I then got bored and a little down considering such a long save may be finishing, so I looked through other clubs and tried to get an idea of which teams were where in the league pyramid, just to remind myself of how far Scarborough had come. Then I experienced a ‘light bulb moment’ in the form of one club.
Down in the depths of the Blue Square Premier sat Charlton Athletic, the club I adopted as my own while living in London. I used to watch them once a month and still have photo’s in my games room of when me and the lads were at the Valley. I have some wonderful memories from back then, traipsing down to the stadium while we were in the Premier League and calling in at every pub on the way home.
As many of you may know, Charlton were recently promoted to the Championship in real life, while in my save they spent most of their time around mid-table in that division. But recently financial problems seem to have rocked the boat so to speak and have seen the club endure three relegation’s in the last four years. Not to mention the squad is fairly poor and the club need a face lift in most areas. However, the one positive is Charlton’s reputation which should make rebuilding easier. Soooo, taking all that into consideration I took a risk, putting my reputation on the line. Before I could apply for the Charlton job I had to resign from Scarborough, that was probably the toughest thing I’ve had to do on FM! I spent so long with them and achieve so much as shown below.
As you can see from my career stats, I was just 7 games short of managing 1000 games with Scarborough…while that is some record I kind of wish I’d stayed for the last seven. ;) Below is my trophy history with the club.
All I could do now was wait and hope Charlton would accept my job application. Thankfully they did and I took an in depth look at what I had inherited….
Rather than show you a bunch of screenshots that won’t make any sense, I’ll sum it up in one image and a few words. Basically the squad is bad, bar three star players I can understand Charlton’s fall from grace, the defense is an absolute mess! The backroom staff is limited but not too bad, Tom Huddlestone is my assistant manager. ;) But then I looked at the league table, and only then was the task at hand fully clear.
For a club that is predicted to finish 1st and has such a great reputation I was shocked by their league standings. 21st position with nine points from the opening 12 games, not to mention only one win to date also! It goes without saying that the squads morale ranges from very poor to abysmal. But that is what I signed up for, so I started by making some moves in the transfer market.
All of the above players will be key this season and joined on different dates, the most important player to join straight away was Styles who will work some magic down the right wing. But my most influential signing was probably Ramsay who will play upfront but not until November. On that note lets see how Charlton performed under my management until the end of December.
Blue Square Premier results — September to December
I must admit I expected to walk into Charlton and just start winning, but I’d forgotten how morale can turn a good team bad, not to mention I’d missed pre-season and the opportunity to blend the players with my tactic. All that resulted in the form you see below, 8 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses doesn’t sound disastrous but I expected much, much more.
The poor form led to more signings as I scoured Germany and Ireland. Germany provided a decent striker but Ireland truly came up trumps with two signings that could be leading stars in League Two straight away and have the potential to go higher. Ray Whelan will be my savior at left back, while Kyle Craig looks a very exciting prospect on the left wing.
Blue Square Premier results — January to
With my new signings on board, results improved dramatically as Charlton climbed the league ladder. Colin Ramsay became a machine and I think the better quality supply was to thank for that.
So we managed an amazing end to the season, I needed to blend the squad, teach my tactic and slowly raise morale…this took the best part of 4 months or so but once all was done the results came. Unfortunately we could never do enough to gain top spot, but Charlton did finish 2nd, securing a play-off place, so lets see what happened next.
Play-off semi-final vs Irlam
OK I’m sure you will struggle to know half the teams in the Blue Square Premier now, things have changed drastically since 2011. So I wouldn’t expect you to know Irlam, they started life five divisions below the Blue Square Premier and have crawled up the leagues well. They have a deadly attack including three players that scored a combined 60 goals, all of which started the 1st leg.
To be honest I didn’t see much of an attacking threat from Irlam, now my players have gelled we are solid at the back and prevented them from getting forward often. I used a counter strategy for this game and Kyle Craig thrived bombing down the wing on a number of occasions scoring twice.
With a firm advantage from the 1st leg, I was confident of seeing the home leg out to make the final. This was done in attacking fashion as Charlton won 4-0.
Play-off final vs Wodson Park
The big day was finally here, after my first five games in charge I never expected to come this far, but Charlton were now favorites for promotion back to the football league. Our opponents were probably the most well rounded team to enter the play-offs and enjoy a very prolific striker. Wodson started life 5 divisions below the BSP but after a quick rise have established themselves at this level with 9 seasons experience, many of them in the top half also.
The final was a very nervy affair, both teams were hitting long balls during the first half and not fully settled. But Charlton’s long balls seemed to create havoc for a nervous Wodson back four, time and time again our forwards were released in lucky and bizarre fashion. We finished the first half with a 3 goal lead that I don’t think we deserved, the second half wasn’t much better, both sides were closely matched again but Wodson could only pull one back. The final whistle blew and the scoreboard read 3-1 to Charlton, we’re back in the football league!!
After a shaky start my side settled and achieved our goals. Whelan was instrumental at left back while Ramsay’s 20 goals upfront were the reason for our promotion. Kyle Craig was awesome from the left wing with 8 goals and 5 assists in half a season and Styles managed 10 goals and 12 assist from the right. You’ll notice all the names mentioned were my new signings and without them I’d dread to think where Charlton would have finished the season.
Charlton do still have some money problems and debt, I have already started next season and lets just say the budgets could be restrictive, but there’s a lot of rebuilding to do here. Anyway, that is all for now so I hope you enjoyed this special update, I’m sure it wasn’t what you were expecting. Please leave any feedback below and I look forward to reading your comments as always, thanks.
vaibhavc
18 июня, 2012 at 13:27
Wow, I never expected you to manage Charlton, and I was shocked to find out that they are in the Blue Square Premier. It was a great turnaround, from being 21st to getting promoted, finishing second.
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 18:54
Thanks mate, it should be a nice change from Scarborough.
Heresy
18 июня, 2012 at 13:55
Well, I can’t say you stepping down was a big shock ;) but I never would have thought you’d go all the way down to BSP! And I do hope the board at Scarborough thanked you for your service.
What horific managers Charlton had to have! If they dropped so much with such players available for them to sign.. then you came in, did your magic and they’ve won the promotion after lingering in the relegation spot. You deserve every credit for this, of course, but it just shows how bad your predecessors were ;)
I still admire you for sticking to one lub for 17 seasons! I’d be bored to death after winning so many trophies and I guess you’ve ultimately got tired of it yourself ;) I have absolutely no doubt that you will easily win your promotions and bring Charlton to the top in just a few seasons. You know, you could start losing for once.. would make you more human! ;)
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 18:57
Thanks Heresy, the previous managers did a very bad job and to be honest, Charlton were even deducted 10 points the season before I joined due to their finances. I’ll try that losing thing next season :)
Tegar Triemanudigdo
18 июня, 2012 at 14:39
Wow…looks like you take a huge steps there, but to be honest, I actually done that when I feel need more challenge, and what the heck did I just saw the teams of BSP? Damn, some unknown teams really shine in that division there.
Anyway, it’s good to see Charlton back into npower league again. I’m looking forward on the next chapter.
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 18:58
Yeah some of the teams down there are ridiculous.
nielsneutron
18 июня, 2012 at 14:57
Interesting to see the how the BSP looks like in 2028. I can see why you stepped down from Scarborough but I must say I am bit disappointed you did not go lower.
Anyway good luck with Charlton!!!
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:01
TBH I was thinking of going lower down the leagues but couldn’t find a club that meant anything to me, and as previously mentioned I can’t keep a save going unless I’m invested for some reason or another.
Federico
18 июня, 2012 at 15:46
We’ll be waiting for the charlton vs scarborough clash!
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:01
Now that will be interesting.
Sears
18 июня, 2012 at 16:07
Aw awesome challenge mate! I thought you would have started a new game , but thankfully you didn’t :) It may take a while to topple Scarborough , but if anyone can do it it would be you ! :D Best of luck bud
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:02
Thanks Sears, I’m not sure if I’ll have the patience to topple Scarborough but we’ll see.
John
18 июня, 2012 at 16:12
Great idea starting all over again darren! Especially with another team which means a lot to you. Could I request that you take a screenshot of how Scarborough are fairing each season?
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:03
Thanks John, I will take a screenshot of how Scarborough perform in the league each season.
Karl Deighton
18 июня, 2012 at 16:30
Shocked to see Carlton so low! Great turn around to be promoted to the football league. Hope you can turn around the finances! What are your goals for Charlton, topple Scarborough? Good luck pal!
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:04
Thanks Karl, not sure what my goals are to be honest, the main one is to establish Charlton in the EPL again like they were under Curbishley when I used to watch them.
Steesh85
18 июня, 2012 at 16:31
OOOOOOFFF! Wasnt expecting that at all. I listened to the Podcast and thought it would be a whole new game. But you can see already that Charlton will be a worth foe for Scarborough in 4-6 years. Cant wait for the future updates. COME ON THE ADDICKS!!
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:05
Haha, yeah it should make for a fierce rivalry in years to come…
Ronan Donovan
18 июня, 2012 at 16:40
wow! Amazing news! Good luck with that new challenge darren :)
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:06
Thanks Ronan.
Malhar Bhadbhade
18 июня, 2012 at 17:11
wow amazing! that was a massive massive change to say the least. From all-conquering manager of one of the best teams in the world to managing a Blue Square Premier side in Charlton! I certainly didn’t expect this much of a twist but I’m thoroughly delighted to see what you do with them. Will I be right in assuming that Charlton will be your last story so to speak till FM 13? Or you won’t rule out anything at this stage? Anyway, congrats on getting promoted, amazing job as usual. I am confident that you can do another Scarborough and win successive promotions to the EPL!! Looking forward to the next episode. Good luck! Cheers :D
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:15
Thanks Malhar, I reckon Charlton could be my last story until FM13 but we’ll see how it goes.
George Stafford
18 июня, 2012 at 17:17
Hi FANTASTIC! Story and Good Luck in your next season! I was wondering if you could make this file downloadable because i am running out of ideas on FM and would love to have a go managing in your current year?
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:16
I’m afraid not mate, the file is far too big due to it including a custom database and runs incredibly slowly now.
saltwater
18 июня, 2012 at 17:36
I’m sure it must’ve been tough to leave Scarborough, but this should be a harder and more interesting challenge. Maybe in 6 seasons those two could be battling for the title? Assuming of course that the seadogs don’t hire the ex-Charlton manger who obviously isn’t suited to this proffession. :)
But seriously what a great turnaround, those signings making a real change. And with all those odd teams down in the BSP who knows what we could see in League 2.
I’ve probably missed this but did you mention how you fared in the FA Trophy and FA Cup?
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:21
lol I can see Scarborough struggling to maintain the same level of trophies season in season out but they should be there or there abouts in seasons to come, would be gutted if they’re not. By the time I took charge at Charlton they were only in the FA Cup and I got knocked out in the second round I think.
TheZiggy
18 июня, 2012 at 17:52
Can understand how things can start to fell a bit stale, especially if the board aren’t helping to allow you achieve the final goals you’d set. Didn’t expect to see Charlton down in the BSP and in real danger of dropping even lower, as I noticed Torquay have.
A great turnaround there, with some excellent signings to help bring that change about. It’s been a very interesting twist to the story. Good luck for the next season.
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:23
Thanks Ziggy, I was shocked to see Charlton so low too, and that was why I had to join them. P.S. QPR were relegated to the Blue Square this season!
TheZiggy
18 июня, 2012 at 22:15
Ouch :( A few seasons ago though Q.P.R. were in serious risk of heading that way though, just avoiding relegation to League Two at the lowest point. I can’t think how bad that would feel, although it was horrific enough with the pain I felt at our lowest point, wondering if the club was going to survive.
Conor Donovan
18 июня, 2012 at 18:23
Wow! Must have been incredibly difficult to resign from Scarborough. I know I’d find it very hard!
You probably did make a wise decision because you have likely taken them as far as you can.
A bit surprised that you went for Charlton but more so that Charlton have gone so far down the leagues. That really shocked me to be honest.
After 12 games I was saying to myself that you would probably now be aiming to steer the team to midtable and then get promoted next season. I should learn not to doubt you — you did very well to come second and clinch promotion via the playoffs. Some clever signings made a massive difference! Well done!
How did you get on in the cup competitions with Charlton?
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:26
Cheers Conor, its been a weird old season and I doubted myself after a few games too…it seemed like mid-table was our best finish, but when I saw the players available later on my mind turned to promotion.
As for the cups, by the time I took charge Charlton were only in the FA Cup and I lost in the second round there.
Louie
18 июня, 2012 at 18:52
Woah! Bit of a shock really- but well done on promotion! Out of interest, how did Scarborough do without you?
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:28
Thanks Louie, Scarborough finished second without me but still won the Champions League.
Dan
18 июня, 2012 at 18:57
Hey Darren,
I’m not as shocked as some since I listened to the podcast but what has shocked me is how bad Charlton have become! Looking forward to seeing how this goes and watch out for Alconbury whoever they are! ;)
Darren Smith
18 июня, 2012 at 19:29
I agree Dan, I was shocked by the lack of quality at Charlton, when I saw them in the BSP I never imagined their squad been so poor. Prepare for many more weird and wonderful clubs as League 2 is full of em’ ;)
Sonny Edgeler
18 июня, 2012 at 21:51
Id just like to say I find this really intresting as I was actually in the Charlton academy two years ago!
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:40
Cool, well hopefully it will continue to be interesting.
Ana Garcia
18 июня, 2012 at 22:04
Congrats on promotion! :)
Interesting twist a bit like me in some respects in terms of us working our way to the top if you like and both competing for champions league title’s to be being at the very bottom again and working our way back there!
Charlton (Never heard of them sorry! :)) seems to be a good challenge for you and at least you don’t have my playoff jinx which is lucky! ;)
Why is there a dagger/sword on the badge? LoL random question I know! Literally the first thing I noticed am just a bit weird I guess. :)
Anyways very best of luck with your new adventure.
Jack Gfc Kelly
18 июня, 2012 at 22:23
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlton_Athletic_F.C. Just if you would like some background information Ana :)
TheZiggy
18 июня, 2012 at 22:24
The story behind the Charlton design is quite unusual. Apparently in the 60’s they held a competition for a new design, and the winning one was a hand holding a sword. Their nickname used to be the Valiants, which was supposed to be the inspiration behind it.
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:44
Thanks Ana, I think subconsciously your move to Belarus effected my decision to leave Scarborough…I did need a new challenge but wanted it within the same save. Your question on the badge has been answered below so I’ll leave it at that.
Ana Garcia
20 июня, 2012 at 21:26
Thanks Jack will have a read if I get time. :)
Thanks Ziggy, I always like the idea behind teams logo’s some are very interesting to see how they were designed.
Just a sword is a bit violent, not a great advert for you club is what I was thinking! :)
I know the feeling Darren, I know I am enjoying my team in Belarus far more than winning any of my champions league titles even if I get no success its just really nice being at the very bottom with no real hope! ;)
Good luck though!
Jack Gfc Kelly
18 июня, 2012 at 22:10
I have followed your Time with Scarborough from day 1 and it’s a shame to see that time end being a gillingham fan I dislike Charlton but I am interested to see what you do with them and will follow this journey with the same interest as the Scarborough journey
P.S I was shocked to see Charlton in the bsp :O
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:45
Thanks Jack, it was sad to leave Scarborough but lets hope for similar success with Charlton.
Martin F.M.J.S
18 июня, 2012 at 22:45
Wow like everyone else I am shocked to see Carlton that low. It is a great challenge mind and you have already done great things at the club, Well done mate and I look forward to the next update. :D
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:46
Thanks Martin, I’m looking forward to the change of scenery.
Rob Yeats
18 июня, 2012 at 23:07
Bit shocked Darren but not surprised. good luck with Charlton. Darren can i ask a bit of advice please. How can i publish my game on Facebook, screnshots etc?
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:48
You need to download PickPic or something similar and take the screenshots you want then upload them as you would any other image on Facebook.
Kevin
19 июня, 2012 at 00:58
Hi Darren
I think you made the right decision here as there is sonly so much you can do with one club and so you’ve set youseflf a new challenge. Interesting that Charlton have declined so terribly but you are surely the man to take them back to the EPL. Great choice Darren and good luck with future seasons!
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:49
thanks Kevin, the time was right for change and it would be great to take two clubs from outside the football league to glory…especially two that mean so much to me.
Luke M
19 июня, 2012 at 04:22
Hi Darren, could you please keep us updated on how Scarby are doing without you? I am most interested to see if they go into free fall.
Good luck with Charlton mate.
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:51
Of course I can mate, they won CL this season & finished second in the league. I’ll mention them in my future updates.
Luke M
20 июня, 2012 at 06:40
Wow 2nd in the league. The freefall has started ;)
Darren Smith
20 июня, 2012 at 11:45
lol, yeah kind of felt that way ;)
Lye
19 июня, 2012 at 06:51
Guess in real life we will never see that happening. Going down a few division to manage BSP club. You have really achieved what you can with Scarborough and that’s a nice challenge there. I am sure we will be seeing Charlton in the Premiership pretty soon as you immediately brought them up with your acute transfer dealings. Who took over the manager position in Scarborough by the way?
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:53
Thanks Lye, it should be an interesting new challenge but I’m not sure who the new Scarborough manager is, some regen guy.
Rob Yeats
19 июня, 2012 at 08:22
Darren or any of you guys out there. Can you help me please? How do i transfer stuff from my game onto Facebook, ie screenshots, league tables, achievements etc. Your help would be most appreciated.
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:54
I just answered this one above mate if you scroll up a little.
Johnny Karp
19 июня, 2012 at 10:21
You picked a nice challenge again Darren but what’s most important is that you pulled Charlton out of the dreadful situation that they were in. Fantastic job this season, hats off! :)
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:54
Thanks Johnny, I was going to try a lower league but couldn’t find a club available that meant anything too me, so best to stick with Charlton.
Liverpool
19 июня, 2012 at 11:30
please tactic ? OI ? pitch size ? match preparation ?
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 11:56
Heres the tactic http://www.mediafire.com/?pqu0aera2ipb9zi I let my assistant do the match preparation and never bother with pitch size, its irrelevant.
nielsneutron
19 июня, 2012 at 14:53
I would find it very interesting to see how the other leauges are looking. I mean which team from the lowest tier at the start of the game has crawled the furthest up the ladder (excluding Scarborourgh ofc) and opposite. Many just some screenshots of the top four tiers. Maybe also some screenshots of the World and Euro cup?
I find these kind of long commitment saves very intesting as I can’t seem to play them myself.
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 18:50
To be honest you’ll see a broad scope of the leagues as I try to climb through them mate so will leave it at that, I’m just worried with all the requests these posts are getting too cluttered and excessive images will slow loading of the post down. You will see the leagues soon though mate, I promise.
Gaurav Chaddah
19 июня, 2012 at 19:34
Wow! I guess it was time for a change and you’ve started great with Charlton. Goog luck :)
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 19:38
Thanks Gaurav, should be a nice change.
Scott W
19 июня, 2012 at 20:00
really enjoying the story as a carlisle fan it amazes me what could have happened on that fateful day in 99 and carlisle could have been in a similar place as scarborough. and a carlisle club crops up again in the BSP with gilford park who’s ground is literally a stones throw away from my house :) i have to admit the scarborough story did start waning, winning everything is only fun for so long, but hopefully this change will spice things up. Best of luck
Darren Smith
19 июня, 2012 at 20:06
Thanks mate, I needed to spice things up I will admit, it was getting a little samey.
CsAtlantis
20 июня, 2012 at 05:32
Wow Darren, this is quite a twist, all the way down to the BSP again, interesting to see some clubs rising up the leagues over the years
You’ve done really well to get Charlton out of the mess at the start of the season and made some great signings, who should server you well in League 2, how bad are the club’s finances? Is Tom Huddlestone a good assistant? :P
Darren Smith
20 июня, 2012 at 11:45
Thanks mate, my finances are around half a million in the red at the moment and as for Huddlestone, he isn’t a good assistant, a good coach but no more.
Benjy
21 июня, 2012 at 13:31
Looks like a great change of pace, Darren. Well done on your 1st season too, let’s hope there’s many more like that to come.
PS I love how you can end up finding ex-players in staff roles later on in the game, like Huddlestone as your assistant.
Darren Smith
21 июня, 2012 at 18:46
Yeah it should be a nice change of pace indeed, never thought I’d have Tom Huddlestone as my assistant, that’s for sure.
silva
21 июня, 2012 at 22:26
WOW Bombshell Good to see the Seadogs did well without you who is their new manager ?
But WOW How Charlton have fallen :( shocks me
Darren Smith
22 июня, 2012 at 11:37
Scarborough have some regen manager now and seem to be doing OK…as for Charlton I was shocked to see them so low in the leagues too.
Vaughn
23 июня, 2012 at 13:37
Could you update us on how Scarborough are doing in your future posts please :) Hopefully they can still rule the world without you on the reigns. (Maybe try to get a Friendly match with them, that would be interesting)
Darren Smith
23 июня, 2012 at 13:54
Yeah a few people have asked that in the comments above, I will show their progress.
Vaughn
23 июня, 2012 at 15:24
Oh and you are very good at making these, seriously talented! :D Not to mention you are one heck of a manager :)
Liam O'Rourke
23 июня, 2012 at 16:14
Hi Darren
Just finished reading your new regime at Charlton. I’m actually glad you have decided to start again from the bottom. Despite your success at Scarboro’, I felt it became to stale so I fully support your decision to drop down to the lower leagues.
I look forward to your promotion from League 2 next season
Darren Smith
23 июня, 2012 at 18:31
Thanks Liam, should be a nice change that’s for sure.
Ronald
24 июня, 2012 at 02:18
Great story, read the whole story at a strech. Damn it’s 03:00 really need to go to bed. Can’t wait till the next part though :)
Darren Smith
24 июня, 2012 at 10:04
Thanks Ronald, glad you are enjoying the story.
mike25g
24 июня, 2012 at 12:10
Hi Darren,
Sad to see you leave Scarborough but i think this is going to be a really exciting new challenge. Shocked to see Charlton have slipped so low in the leagues. I’m sure it wont be long before they return to the premiership with you at the helm though! Good luck mate
Darren Smith
24 июня, 2012 at 13:27
Thanks Mike, should be a nice change that is for sure, just looking forward to meeting Scarborough in the Cup or EPL if I have to wait that long.
Mikeyy
30 июня, 2012 at 13:13
Wow, amazing kind of domination from you so far. Can I ask you about your tactic, whats it like? Thx already.
Darren Smith
30 июня, 2012 at 16:01
Thanks Mikey, my tactic is very similar to my Arsenal 4-5-1 but with the striker as poacher, both CB’s as limited defenders and less creative freedom.
Mikeyy
4 июля, 2012 at 00:44
Thanks for response, can I still ask you have you used that tactic for a whole of your this career also with scarborough? THX
Darren Smith
4 июля, 2012 at 08:44
I did use it throughout my Scarborough career yes.
Paul
10 июля, 2012 at 15:31
Hi Darren.
I just stumbled upon your story and I’ve read the first couple of updates. It’s been amazing so far. I noticed that some of the pictures in those early updates are missing which is a shame. Would it be possible to fix that? It would make me a very happy man. :)
ofir
24 июля, 2012 at 15:49
Hello Darren,
I’ve been reading all of your stories till season 6 with Scarborough so far. and I would really like to know how did you pull it off? I myself struggling at league 2 with Gillingham with no success so far. I’ve been reading a lots of guides about this game and I’m overwhelmed by all the information. I know it must require a long detailed response from you to answer my question but I’m sure it’s a response that a lot of your readers will be more than happy to read.
I would like to know how:
1. you find such a good players for free, my scouts doesn’t seems to reach the players level you’ve hired when you where at the lower leagues
2. your tactic
3. which opposition instruction to use for different oppositions teams(if you can give an example from 1 or 2 games It would be great)
I would like to mention that I’ve really enjoyed reading your stories so far and I’m looking forward to keep reading the next ones.
Regards, Ofir
Darren Smith
24 июля, 2012 at 18:59
Hi Ofir, I will answer your questions best I can but it takes time and practice at this game, a couple of simple questions won’t solve your problems, you need in game experience so to speak.
1. I find good players on a free by sending my scouts to Ireland and all the UK. I search for players every two weeks (in game weeks of course.) These searches consist of all the less known national teams and U21, U19 major teams. I also do filtered searches for players with an expired contract the attributes I want. So if I want a good striker I may look for someone with minimum attributes of 12 in finishing pace and dribbling then siffer through the list provided. Its not about finding a quick fix, you just have to spend ages searching.
2. I won’t talk too much about the tactic just provide you with the download link http://www.mediafire.com/?pqu0aera2ipb9zi Just remember you need a fast striker and wingers as well as a solid back four and great passing midfield.
3. I don’t do my own opposition instructions, I just ask my assistant to do them for me in the game.
To be completely honest all you need is the right tactic, players that suit your tactic and good quality ones at that.
ofir
24 июля, 2012 at 20:18
Thanks Darren for your quick response. Another question if you may: Do you tend to change your tactic from time to time? So the other teams won’t learn you Or you stick with this tactic for most of the time?
Darren Smith
24 июля, 2012 at 20:30
I always stick with the same tactic, I just change to counter strategy when I’m facing really tough opponents or away from home and in bad form.
jdicks
24 сентября, 2012 at 00:48
Absolutely brilliant, mate. Just one question: how the hell do you do it!!?
Darren Smith
24 сентября, 2012 at 11:52
Lots and lots of attention to detail. But the main thing is to have a consistent tactic and always look to improve the squad with players that suit your tactics.