FM 2020 Lower League Story: York City — Stone by Stone

Hey guys and welcome to the first episode of my FM 2020 lower league story. I can’t believe 8 years has passed since my last story with Scarborough, back in the good old days of FM12. I have missed writing what genuinely peaks my interest and can’t wait to kick the new era of FM Stories off with the new games full release.

Why York City?

Enough nostalgia, lets dive in with the new save — so why York City? Simple, they are my local team. To be more precise the most local and playable team in Football Manager 2020. I find stories with personal meaning read best and last longer but it was a toss up between York and Newcastle. The lower leagues won!

York is a fair sized city surrounded by history. One of my favourite features the Roman/bar walls, have stood for centuries and used to be the City’s defence system.

Nicknamed the Minstermen we are lucky to have one of the largest and most beautiful Minsters in England. Cobbled streets and old Victorian buildings add to the Cities character and make it one of my favourite weekend getaways.

Its about time York had a Football club to match the stature of their City.

FM 2020 Lower League Story — The Aim

Guiding York to the Premier League is my long term target. I cannot remember the last time I took a worse side to the Premier League since Scarborough, I just haven’t had time but that will change for FM20. Below are my targets for the first three seasons.

Season 1 — To win and dominate the Vanarama National League North

Season 2 — To win the National League earning promotion to League Two

Season 3 — Make the play-offs in League Two.

My Playing Style

I will manage and write the story as myself, no alter ego. I am loading a large database with England, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil and Argentina as playable something I do every save. I will set my experience to ex professional and coaching badges to suit.

There are no restrictions, I just want to enjoy a good old fashioned, no holds barred lower league story. Having said that, I will try to follow the below framework.

• Buy young players
• Build for the future
• Play attacking, exciting Football

Club History & League

York resign in Englands lowest playable division — the Vanarama National League North. They never really recovered from relegation to the old Division 3 back in 1999 and became a yoyo club. As the City walls stood firm, the sides finances fell to ruin and with it York’s Football League status.

Entering a third year in the National League North there is hope of promotion, but I will of course be wishing for much, much more.

York are odds on favourites for the title but teams such as Chester and Hereford could pose a threat. The biggest challenge will be building a team capable of back to back promotions.

The Mintermen’s highest all time finish is 3rd in League One.

Finances & budget

I think most National League sides are in the same boat with little to work with so I am grateful for a little wiggle room.

Balance — £197,277

Transfer budget — £5K

Wage Budget remaining — £1.5K per week

Club vision

SI have cautioned club vision plays a big role in FM 2020. Intrigued to see how this unfolds it seems my own goals are in advance of the clubs. Keeping the wage budget under wraps may prove tough however and it is a top level priority.

We have lots to get through with my squad, transfers and tactics so I won’t drag this introduction out. I Can’t wait to get my teeth stuck in and share pre-season. Episode two will be up within the week so follow us on social media to avoid missing out.