Hey guys, I have some very important news to share. There is no easy way of saying this so we’ll jump straight in with the bad news. I have given up my part ownership of Footballmanagerstory. Due to work commitments and my personal life I cannot continue to run the site with Johnny. This decision means I will no longer write stories and comment or moderate in the forum. The strain of these responsibilities has become too much and I need to take a break and sit back a little. That is the bad part over with, so before I move on to more positive news let me do a few shout outs.
I’d like to start by saying thanks to everyone who has commented and followed my stories over the last two years. It’s been a truly brilliant journey and one I wouldn’t swap for anything. So many of you have commented that I couldn’t possibly talk about everyone, but believe me when I say I know and am grateful to all of you. Now on to a few very special shout outs.
Everyone who has written for me: I want to say thank you so much to everyone who has written for allthatisfootballmanager and footballmanagerstory. You guys were and are what makes both sites tick and I am grateful to all of you for your time and effort.
Ana Garcia: A special little lady who has captured the imagination of our little community. Ana first joined me at Allthatisfootballmanager while still writing on this site and I have loved working with her. You are a great lass Ana and I will always follow your stories…thank you so much for everything you did on my old site and on FMS.
Lye: Always hanging around my posts with a friendly comment. We’ve exchanged comments for a while now and I always look forward to hearing from you, despite taking more of a back seat I’ll continue to follow you mate. :)
Laxeyman: The first comment I ever received was from you, you have followed my every post over the last few years and I never felt alone even when I received just one comment per post. :) Thank you so much for following me mate.
Kevin: You my friend are a top lad and someone I have grown very fond of. Our email conversations will not end and I expect regular updates on how lifes going. ;)
Sears: What can I say, only four months after starting my journey I found you on the net and we never looked back. You were my first writer and we’ve enjoyed the journey together as mates. Thank you for your friendship and commitment over the last few years, you made all of this easier and more enjoyable.
Johnny Karp: LEGEND, the don of Football Manager and a true example to all of us. You have helped me from day one, I started not knowing what a blog was and you helped me with some simple questions. You then recommended I start an official site and that took off. After some hosting issues you offered me the opportunity to merge with FMS. Basically every step I have taken has stemmed from you and you have moulded me into the blogger I am today. Having said all that, the thing I value the most is our friendship. We share the same interests, similar opinions and a very similar way of thinking. I am forever indebted to you and the site, which takes me onto the good news. ;)
I AM NOT LEAVING FOOTBALLMANAGERSTORY!!! That’s right my friends, I am still staying with FMS and writing for Johnny. The easiest way to explain what I will and will not be doing is in bullet points.
- The reason I felt like I needed to give up my part ownership is because I will not be writing any stories for the foreseeable future, this also means all voting on who I’ll manage in FM 2012 is cancelled. For those who are interested, Malaga won the poll with 134 votes. Norwich were just 10 votes behind in second. Anyway that is now irrelevant as writing about my saves has taken the most amount of time. I need to take more time for myself and the only way to do this is stop writing about my games.
- I will still be around the site and reading everyone’s stories. I may not comment on every single post but I will read them all.
- I will no longer be around the forum, unfortunately commenting and reading through the forum took up 25% of my time. When I find time I will catch up on what you’re up to but please don’t be offended if I fail to comment.
- I will remain in charge of the scouting network. Now this is quite exacting for me. With FM 2012’s release I have a lot of ideas and want to take the scouting network up a level. Due to the fact that I can write and maintain that extension when I like makes this pretty easy and not so demanding.
- I will continue to write on the main site with my tactics, tips and guides. So don’t think I’m abandoning you, as I’ll continue to share everything I know and this will probably be every two weeks or even more regular.
To summarise, I have loved been such a big part of this site but it’s time for me to take a back seat. I will be around the site every other day, writing posts and commenting. But I need to have rid of the responsibilities including regular posts for the sake of my personal life. I have grown very fond of our community and feel so attached to this site. Writing this post and making this decision hasn’t come easy, in fact I’ve been putting this off for a long time and almost changed my mind tonight after an 11th hour effort by Kevin via email! :) There is always the chance that I will join Johnny as a site owner again, but at the moment I just can’t keep up with everything and need to step back. As I’ve previously mentioned, please don’t think I’m disappearing as you’ll see a lot of me, just not so much in the forum nor with my stories.
So let me reiterate, I am not leaving Footballmanagerstory. I may not be writing stories but I’ll be writing a lot of other posts and be seen around the site and scouting network more than a fly around…well you get the idea. :) :) Please feel free to ask any questions below and this is certainly not he last time you’ll read me writing this sentence…not by a long shot.
Thanks
Darren
Why?
4 октября, 2011 at 19:59
Oh come on! Why Darren? You are an excellent writer, an astonishing virtual manager and your stories were purely great! I have been a fan of your job since day one and I have posted you some comments ever since you were having the allthatisfootballmanager.blogspot.com domain. It’s a shame that you will not be posting again, this is a huge blow to this website. It’s a pity you stop. But personal life comes always first. I just hope that you will make the big comeback in the near future.
Darren Smith
4 октября, 2011 at 21:24
Thanks very much mate, I appreciate your comment and its readers like yourself that made this decision so tough. I know there’s a lot of people that have followed me from day one and I feel like I’m letting you down. However, on the upside I will still be writing at least once every two weeks with plenty of tips and articles. Also I am going to try and take the scouting network to the next level.
I’d never rule out a comeback, at the moment I can’t handle everything but after a break who knows how I’ll feel. :) Thanks again.
Sibo
4 октября, 2011 at 20:05
Whoa.
Didn’t see that coming at all!
Darren, I have loved your stories ever since I first stumbled upon your site allthatisfootballmanager, so I can’t say that this decision is not somewhat upsetting. As I said in my 300th post in FMCrowd, you were one of the main reasons why I was inspired to blog. However, there are lots of things that need to be put before FM so I completely understand and respect your decision.
It is a shame that the web won’t be blessed with your great blogging, but at least you won’t be gone for good, still writing guides and everything , so I suppose that has softened the blow.
Hopefully you’ll still pop around FMCrowd and see what’s happening there, I’ve really enjoyed your comments, always helpful and supportive so that’s another thing I’m glad you’ll be keeping up.
Anyway, before I make this comment as long as your post I’ll just about wrap it up. It will be a shame and I’m sure I speak for everyone with a clue about FM blogging when I say the stories will be missed.
Good luck though, and I’ll see you around on the scouting network, FMCrowd and when you do the occasional post here. :D
Darren Smith
4 октября, 2011 at 21:16
Thanks for the kind words Sibo, I have been shocked throughout the last two years on how many people have started blogging after reading my stories. That is what made this decision so difficult, I’ve been toying with the thought for a month but felt I couldn’t keep neglecting my life. While I write stories and manage the site with Johnny I just have no time what so ever.
I will definitely be writing, tactics, guides, player profiles, player lists, general articles and all sorts. In fact I’d be surprised if I’m not writing at least twice a week. I’ll be hanging around the community till I lose my passion for the game, don’t be offended if I don’t comment on all your posts as I’ll catch up from time to time.
On a side note I have big plans for the scouting network so hope you’ll be able to help with that as you did during FM 2011. :)
Laxeyman
4 октября, 2011 at 20:07
A very sad day for the community Darren, but I fully understand your problem, juggling personal life, work and everything with FM is very difficult unfortunately. It was a pleasure following your stories over the last couple of years, and I’m looking forward to the Scouting Network becoming bigger and better than ever :)
Darren Smith
4 октября, 2011 at 21:10
It’s a sad day for me too mate, but I have little time for myself and this will only shorten as the site grows. I’ll still be writing and may even update you all on what I’m doing in game, so I’m not going anywhere mate. :) Thanks again for following my stories for so long.
MDTM
4 октября, 2011 at 20:22
Hey Darren,
It is sad to see you leave the site to which you have contributed so much to. Your stories have been a joy to read and certainly inspired me to start my own on the forum. You have always been a patient, helpful and enthusiastic member of the community and hopefully join will become that again in the future. Good luck with your work and personal life and the development of the scouting network. All the best, Dan.
Darren Smith
4 октября, 2011 at 21:09
Thanks mate, that means a lot. This was a very tough decision but I just had no time left for myself. You’ll still see me around writing posts and in the scouting network mate.
Nicholas Phipps
4 октября, 2011 at 20:37
Wow, :( I honestly never expected this. Obviously personal life comes first but this is a huge blow for the community. I really enjoyed your stories and in my opinion, they were one of the best on the site and so it’s a huge shame to see you stop now. Still looking forward to seeing you on the scouting network for FM 2012 and making the occasional post here, although it would be nice if you could eventually start another story on this website. All the best :)
Darren Smith
4 октября, 2011 at 21:07
Thanks Nick, I appreciate the kind words. With all the different responsibilities and work I had no time for myself and while I love writing stories its just too much. I won’t rule out a return to full time blogging but for now you’ll see me a lot writing in the scouting network and general posts here.
Daniel
4 октября, 2011 at 21:49
I did not see this coming and the community has definitley lost one of the best fm writers around. You were the reason i wanted to try out writing about FM and you gave me my cahnce even though i didnt use it very well on allthatisfm and fmstory (sorry about that by the way) definitley gonna miss your stories but at least your not completley gone
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:22
Thanks Daniel that’s nice to hear. I will still be writing but the stories just took up too much time. Who knows, I may be able to return some day in the future.
Bigbaz
4 октября, 2011 at 22:10
Gutted mate! I no I don’t always comment but iv always followed yourself and your Newcastle save is the best iv read an one day hope to achieve a successful story like it. Glad your not leaving 100%,, break will prob do you good aswell. I hope u will still let us no who u decide to manage in fm12 whether it be Malaga or someone else.
Thanks for the stories
Bigbaz
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:21
Thanks mate, that means a lot and I am very sad to end my run of stories. I’ll always keep you guys updated on what I’m upto and any new tips so you’ll see me more often than I make out. :)
Sears
4 октября, 2011 at 22:23
I fully understand you’re decision buddy. I can’t imagine how difficult it was to publish that post, though people shouldn’t forget you have a wife, a full time job and you’re still a very young man. Everyone will miss you terribly, but I’m thrilled to hear that you’ll be doing to occasional post. Running this site must have been a pain in the arse at times (?) so a break is well deserved. There is so much I could say, but instead I wish you the best of luck mate, I’ll really miss you’re stories, I don’t want you to go, but at the end of the day it’s you’re decision and I 100% respect it. Best of luck mate, I’ll see you around *sniff sniff*
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:19
I knew you’d understand Sears, to be completely honest this decision is ironic. It seems selfish in one way but its actually the opposite. I want more time to spend with my wife and couldn’t leave work so had to cut back with the only other thing I do. :( I’ll miss everyone a lot and I don’t think I’ll ever fully be happy with the decision but I owe it to myself and my wife really. When the burning desire to write becomes to much to suppress I’ll be back mate….guess we’ll just see how I cope with withdrawal symptoms. :)
Rui Santos
4 октября, 2011 at 23:48
I don’t usually post here or in the forum (my nick is PTManager), but I read every story, including your awesome stories ^^ Good luck and I hope you come back sometime, i’ll miss your stories ;)
(Sorry for the english, i know it’s not perfect)
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:15
Thanks Rui, that means a lot. I will miss writing my stories and may come back to it eventually.
Martin - F.M.J.S
4 октября, 2011 at 23:48
Hi Darren,
I understand your decision but at the same time i can’t help being sad. Your a really good manager and your stories are great too. I will keep my eye out for your post that you do write on tactic, players etc and hope we can stay in touch. Good Luck with your scouting network i look forward to your big plans :) .
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:16
Thanks Martin, it is sad to stop writing the stories but this decision has been toyed with for a month now. When you consider something for so long it not only means a lot but also suggests you have no option but to concede. On the up side I’ll be around the site and posting a lot of tips and tactics etc.
Stromson
5 октября, 2011 at 00:09
Wow, I’m pretty shocked, but I understand completely. «Real» life is time consuming and important, and I’ll never fault anyone for wanting to spend more time on what’s important to them. I’m glad you’ll be sticking around, although I’ll miss your excellent stories and admiring your skill as a manager.
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:13
Thanks Jon, I enjoyed writing my stories but just couldn’t keep up with everything including 9-10 hour days at work. At least I can really focus on the tips and tactics etc. :)
Kevin
5 октября, 2011 at 00:29
Hi Darren
Diidn’t expect to see this quite so soon and I appreciate the mention in your article which as usual was superbly written. I don’t think I can add any more to what has already been said except your stories will be missed and were FLIPPING brilliant!!
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:12
Yeah I didn’t plan on such a quick announcement but you guys just know me too well and guessed what it was. :) I am sad to stop writing my stories but I am a little like Alex Fergusan…it doesn’t matter how convincingly I say I’m retiring it will never be set in stone :)
Malhar Bhadbhade
5 октября, 2011 at 01:30
hey darren,
i did fear the worst when i read your last post about the ‘important announcement’. but i tried to convince myself that you couldn’t possibly stop doing this! i really cant believe it. no offence to the other writers, they’re all great, but i just loved reading your stories. since the newcastle save, just the way you set them out has been fantastic. it’s really sad to say goodbye, but best of luck for work and whatever else you choose to do in life :) and hope you keep playing football manager…and as you will be around this site, i will continue to ask for advice whenever i need it. anyway, hope to see you around on this site…really very sad though. i thoroughly enjoyed reading your stories and introduced them to my friends, who were also awed by your achievements, especially that Newcastle team haven’t seen a better one yet. thanks for all your stories, they will be sorely missed!
cheers,
( a very depressed) Malhar
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:09
Don’t be depressed buddy, I’ll still be around very often and offering as many guides and helpful posts as I can think of. Not to mention tonnes of player profiles on the scouting network. :) There’s always the possibility of me writing stories again but I can’t think about it until I experience a full personal life which has been missing for a year now.
Lye
5 октября, 2011 at 01:41
Hi Darren,
It’s a sad day for the FM community. Your stories will always be missed. Thanks for the mention. I can’t remember when we start supporting each other but we have established a friendship i can’t imagine before.
As an adult juggling from family, work and a full time job, i fully understand your decision to take a back seat role. Priorities always have to come first. Running a blog needs a lot of time investment and hard work. Sometimes i am just too busy with personal life and find it hard for some playing time.
I am glad you will still be around writing tactics and tutorials for the scouting network. We need you around. Hopefully you will be back to give us another fantastic story in the near future. Fingers crossed mate.
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:07
Its a sad day for me too Lye, this is such a bitter sweet decision. I love the idea of going running again and spending more time with my wife but hate the idea of not controlling the site with Johnny and writing my stories…you know what they say, ‘you can’t have it all’. I too feel like we’ve formed a friendship and I have done the same with so many through my blogging that I couldn’t ever stop completely until my passion goes out the window. I may return to writing my stories but only if I’m 100% sure it’ll last.
Calin
5 октября, 2011 at 06:50
Hey Darren,
Your stories were always a pleasure to read and I think that the folks over at Newcastle always felt better when you started managing the team :)
In the end, as long as you’re sticking here and posting tips and tactics and such, it’s still a good thing: Football Manager is not all about posting your stories, which is really time consuming. However, since we all love our and others’ stories, I have a question for you: since you’ll still be playing FM, why not still post the story here but covering a larger time frame, somewhat similar to what I do on Football Manager Freak: I post updates three or four times per season and, even though it is not as in depth as posting more often, it’s still better than nothing. Just a suggestion!
Either way, it was a pleasure reading your stories and I am sure that you know best what to do!
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:04
Thanks Calin, I loved writing the stories as much as you guys enjoyed reading them. As for reporting on my game the big issue is I play at such a fast pace I can’t keep up with the save. I currently write half season reports and even then I find myself wanting to play the game more but held back because I have to write about it. I guess I could keep you guys informed with season for two season long posts but that’s something I’ll need to test and be happy with before committing. We’ll see how I feel come FM12’s release.
tom
5 октября, 2011 at 08:18
Hey Darren,
Such a shame about no more stories…Can honestly say that reading your stories has changed the way i play FM…so thanks!!!
Hope you still post blogs on youth development guides and similar things to Y2G.
All the best mate, in the end, its just a game and should never be put before work and personal life.
Look forward to the scouting network updates, and i hope you enjoy FM12.
TJ
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:01
Thanks Tom, its always flattering to hear my stories helped. I loved writing them but had no real choice in stopping to be honest. However, I’ll be sure to write as much as I can in terms if tips.
Martin
5 октября, 2011 at 09:25
Hey Darren! Wow this has come as a massive shock, but it is difficult to post, moderate and also keep you personal life sweet, I know that and I only a blogger lol.
Your stories have been truely great and you have given so much to the site, your tactics and other posts such as your Y2G have been unbelievable.
Best of Luck Darren and hopefully you’ll miss posting your stories so much you’ll be back before we know it :P
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 12:00
Thanks Martin, I know I’ll miss writing my stories for sure…but its all about sacrifice. Do I neglect my personal life to write what I love or do I have a personal life and cut back on the writing? I decided its time to have a bit of both. :) We’ll see how I feel in the future but for now I want to get some of my life back…I want to train for the great North Run etc…things I never had time for before.
Martin
5 октября, 2011 at 13:30
wow! great north run…hats off to you pal…I have alot of time for people who do stuff like that…if you enter send me an e-mail and i’ll send some sponser money your way :) All the best mate :)
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 19:33
Yeah I just ran 3 miles tonight which is no where near enough but I’ve got loads of time left. :)
malhar
5 октября, 2011 at 13:49
hey darren,
I fully appreciate how difficult it must be to juggle between this and personal life. But since you’re going to play, and also continue visiting this website, why dont you give us an update every 2 or even 3 seasons with how your team is doing? That way, you can relax and enjoy the game at your own pace and i’m sure everybody here would love that. I know I would. Just something to think about :) anyway, thanks for all the wonderful stories and advice. Really do appreciate it.
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 19:30
Yeah that is certainly an option mate. I’ll just have to wait and see, some testing will be required and I may even formulate these long posts in to articles but we’ll see what happens.
George Dobson
5 октября, 2011 at 16:16
Thats a shock Darren ive followed your stories for a while and they have been brilliant I am glad you are not going complety though that would have been awful I will look foward to your guides and tips and lastly Id like to say thanks for writing some amazing stories, George
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 19:28
It is sad to stop writing stories George but as you say I’ll still be writing my guides and profiles etc.
Dan
5 октября, 2011 at 17:18
Hey Darren,
I’ve got to say I’m a little shocked but I had a feeling in the back of my mind this is what you were going to say. I understand how FM can get in the way of personal life and blogging does take up a lot of time, I quit for a while when I was on FMCrowd so I can empathise with you a little :)
I fully respect your decision and can imagine how difficult it must have been to juggle everything. Enjoy yourself and hopefully we’ll see you back here at some point in the future. Thanks for all the great stories and advice you’ve given out and especially thanks to you and Johnny for giving me the chance to write on this site :)
Darren Smith
5 октября, 2011 at 19:26
Thanks Dan, this was a tough decision but with every day that passes I am feeling more optimistic as this will offer me more time and patience to write guides, tips, tactics and profiles etc. I see this more as getting rid of the pressure of punctual posts as opposed to anything else. You certainly still see a lot of me and I can’t wait to read your FM 2012 story.
onecapwonder
5 октября, 2011 at 23:14
I’m really sorry to hear this, I got into FM after a long hiatus from Champ Man (last game was on the Xbox version of 02/03) and the stories along with the rest of the site really got me hooked and willing to revisit this classic time sink. Your stories have been very entertaining and your advice on youth development has been vey helpful for me. Thanks for everything you’ve done and I hope you find some time to play FM12 when it comes out.
All the best.
Darren Smith
6 октября, 2011 at 11:47
Thanks mate, I appreciate the kind words and am sad to stop writing my stories. However, I’ll still be writing a lot of guides, player profiles, tips and articles so you’ll see a lot of me.
vaibhavc
6 октября, 2011 at 20:18
Hey Darren
I am really unhappy that you are leaving. You are an amazing writer, and you always did really well in your stories. You even combined two teams for one tactic. I will look forward to your other guides. Thanks for everything.
Darren Smith
6 октября, 2011 at 21:14
I’m sorry mate, a little sad myself. But this will free up more time for guides, player profiles and general tips on a happier note :)
FM Blogger
6 октября, 2011 at 21:47
Hi Darren!
Well I haven’t posted you any comment for a lot of time, though I still read all the posts you made. First of all congratulations for making another great story, you made Brighton a powerhouse in less than 5 seasons and this is a remarkable achievement. I do understand the reasons that lead you take this decision, although I must admit that I was a bit shocked. This is a big loss for the community, but the good thing is that you will be around making player’s profile posts and other useful guides. I hope that in the future you will make a comeback.
fmblogging.blogspot.com
Darren Smith
7 октября, 2011 at 11:54
I may return with stories in the future mate but for now want to concentrate on other stuff and writing guides, tips and player profiles. So you’ll still see a lot of me. Thanks for the well wishes.
Joe Lance
6 октября, 2011 at 22:30
What?! Looks like I’m the last to hear this. I wonder why it wasn’t on CNN and BBC. The fm community is losing a legend! Sanogoooooo! So many memories. Y2G!!!!! Gonna miss you here. Thats for sure. Have a good life and i hope you get all things together.
Darren Smith
7 октября, 2011 at 11:52
lol, I don’t think CNN nor the BBC quite caught this headline mate :) I’ll miss writing the stories but still around for guides, tips and profiles mate so you’ll see a lot of me.
CsAtlantis
7 октября, 2011 at 04:48
Hi Darren,
You have contributed a lot to this site and allthatisfootballmanager, it’ll be a bit odd to not have any stories from you but I am glad that you will still be on this site sometimes, your personal life takes precedence after all
Anyway, with any luck Pardew will do a decent enough job at Newcastle…………maybe an European spot this season with the Frenchies
Darren Smith
7 октября, 2011 at 11:50
Thanks mate, I’ve enjoyed doing these stories but the last few weeks have become painful. Therefore I think spending more time on guides and tips which can be done irregular is better. I’ll still be around and posting a lot though.
Luke M
7 октября, 2011 at 05:37
Hi Darren, i am spewing to see you go. I had gotten over FM, until i stumbled across this site vis FMPundit and became hooked on yours and Johnny’s stories. You guys are unbelievable managers and as lame as it sounds, your Newcastle story is my inspiration now. I have read and re-read all your stories, hints and tips and i cant wait for FM12 to come out so i can put it into practice. Your Y2G system and tactics have changed the way i look at the game.
Thankyou Darren and i REALLY hope to see you writing stories again, although i guess i can’t see how you can do any better than the Toon and Brighton ones.
Oh and i’m a Liverpool fan, you can have Carroll back but Enrique is doing great, big loss for you guys.
Luke
Darren Smith
7 октября, 2011 at 11:49
Thanks for the kind words Luke, I appreciate it. It is sad to leave the story writing behind but I can now write more guides, tips and player profiles on the up side.I’d never write off doing my stories again but it won’t be a for a while if I ever do.
Luke M
8 октября, 2011 at 02:45
One question, once I shortlist a player, how do I get the list of shortlisted player up on the screen?
Sounds silly but its frustrating me.
Darren Smith
8 октября, 2011 at 12:30
Just click on your managers name at the top and then hover over the search option and then click ‘shortlists’.
nielsneutron
9 октября, 2011 at 04:50
So what will happen to the site? Will Johnny take full responsibility?
I do get your point and I hope you will find the time to post again in a foreseable future.
Darren Smith
9 октября, 2011 at 09:12
The site will continue as normal mate, no difference there but Johnny is now the sole owner and therefore has all the responsibility. Having said that I’ll still be around every day and helping out. In fact the only difference is I won’t be posting my stories. Don’t worry, I’ll be writing a lot of posts and article and keep full control of the scouting network. This announcement may seem bad but I actually think its for the best as I can now provide more posts on tips and tactics etc.