Heh guys and welcome back to episode two of this FM 2020 lower league story. Last time out we discussed my aims for the save, how I will play and why I chose York City. Today we delve into the detail; I’m talking transfers, squad and tactics.
At the start of any save I sack and hire backroom staff. With few fancying a move to the National League North I failed to make many additions but did strengthen the coaching team. David Pipe will take care of fitness, Ian Towey possession training and Noel Greening the defensive side.
Goals and Aspirations
My main goal is to reach the Premier League. Short term I expect to gain back to back promotions to the Football League and then push on for a play-off spot in League Two by season 3. I am not restricting this save but will try and make all decisions with three principles in mind;
- Buy under 25’s.
- Develop a young hungry side.
- Play attacking, pressing Football.
My principles will make a huge difference even to season one. With a small wage budget I have to offload in order to buy. My highest earners are 30 years old and above so it is time for a clear out!
Transfers — Out With the Old…
My oldest players are also my best; Mcnulty the clubs captain and stalwart centre back is 35 and too slow for a high line. Burrow and Langstaff are good players but casualties of my need for cash. Moke did not suit my style on the wings with a lack of speed and Elliot Durrell is brilliant but also too slow and old.
I almost cocked the whole transfer window up. Various targets opted for bigger clubs leaving me to pick from the scraps. Having already offloaded big players we had to settle for some under par signings like Pearson and Tchaouna. I did however grab 5 fantastic kids who will grow with the team…something I am keen to develop going forward.
Below are my 5 key signings, click the names to see their profiles…my whole squad will be shown further down;
- Umberto Otranto could be a mainstay in central midfield even at League Two. He will be my spark and our best player at just 21 years old.
- Davis Keillor-Dunn will offer speed and skill from the left wing. At 21 years old he can finish and will be play alongside Otranto for a few years.
- I have no idea how we found Pedro Garcia, the 16 year old appeared during a filtered search. This kid could feature for a long time even if only in rotation.
- Jamie Gray is a quick, pressing forward and at 21 yeard old precisely what I need. Better players turned me down but I think Gray could work for at least season one.
- Finally McNulty’s replacement, Pietro Romano is a quick 19 year old centre back and one for the present as well as future.
I believe these five will play for at least the first two seasons and owing to their potential maybe longer.
FM 2020 Lower League Tactic
I want to play attacking, pressing Football but not ship a tonne of goals. So the formation will be a 4-1-3-2 with flat defence, DMC, MC, two wingers and two aggressive strikers. This is a high pressing, possession dominant system.
Origanally created by Knap for FM19, I have adapted the old system for FM 2020. You can read my full review of this tactic here.
York City First XI
Below is my starting XI and key players, I won’t bore you with the whole team but this is subject to change. With no registration process I am free to buy and loan as I please so futher additions are possible.
Goalkeeper — Peter Jameson
My main keeper, Peter Jameson should play every minute barring injury. More than capable at this level I may not need to upgrade for a few seasons at least.
Right Back — James Pearson (new signing on loan)
A panic buy after selling my first choice right back (to free up some wages) Pearson is not ideal but will do for season one.
Left back — David Ferguson
Already at the club I felt no need to change Ferguson, he has good speed, stamina, work rate and crossing ability.
Centre Back — Pietro Romano (new signing)
Very good for the Conference North and will be a mainstay next season. That speed will be vital plus I like players with determination, teamwork and work rate.
Centre Back — Theo Vassell (new loan signing)
Oh I wish this was a permanent deal as Vassell would be a good addition. I am a huge fan of physcial and Athletic defenders, a combination which is hard to find in the lower leagues.
Defensive Midfielder — Tony Njike (new signing)
I have gone for a passing DMC rather than ball winning midfielder due to our stature in the Conference North. I thougt it best to have a hard working, strong DMC who could pick a pass and develop with the team.
Central Midfielder — Umberto Otranto (new signing)
I am like a giddy kid at Christmas, this lads way above my current level and will grow into a club legend. He will feature from Central Midfield as my main man, its so hard to attract technical players at this level.
Right Wing — Pedro Garcia (new signing)
What to say about Garcia, this kids got a lot of potential and enough current ability to make my first team. His speed, flair and technical ability should flourish bringing Pedro through the leagues with me.
Left Wing — Davis Keillor-Dunn (new signing)
An exciting winger Keillor-Dunn is a natural ML with skill, technique and athletism, those three characteristics I am looking for. I reckon he will chip in with some goals owing to his finishing of 12.
Striker — Jamie Gray (new signing)
With good anticipation, off the ball and acceleration Gray is great in behind and a good finisher. The ideal striker for my style of play, I was fortunate to sign him.
Striker — Dan Maguire (injured long term)
Maguire will be like a January signing when recovered from his knee injury. Out for 5 months he should be availble by Christmas and will partner Gray as the gruesome twosome!
Fill in Striker — Kyle McFarlane
Until Maguires return we are light upfront so McFarlane will do a job.
York City Full Squad
15 players are 23 years and younger which bodes well for the future. Almost all the over 25’s are not first team players either, so my philosophy to develop a young, hungry side has come togther nicely.
Finances & Wage Management
With so much transfer activity the finances were bound to take a hit. Signing on fees took their tole so I am hopeful of a cup run to boost the balance back up.
I have increased the wage bill by about £2K per week going £681 p/week over my budget. I am happy with that when you consider the talent we have aquired.
Pre-season Friendlies
I use pre-season for fitness and familiarising the team with my tactic. Job done and not a bad set of results.
Thats all for today folks, you should now have a feel for my stystem, squad and the general direction of York City FC. My 4-1-3-2 tactic will be analysed and shared shortly, so keep an eye out for that.
The next update will feature my end of season report. If you have any questions or just want to leave a comment I’d welcome any below.
