The poll is now closed, big thanks to all of you wonderful friends that took the time to cast your votes and decide which way my Football Manager 2011 career would go. There were no less than 541 votes, a fantastic response that really puts pressure on me to deliver a great story. As you can see from the right sidebar the option that gathered the most votes was «the weakest team in England», 149 votes or 28 percent of the total.
The majority decides, that’s the democratic rule, but since I want to make as many of you happy I decided that once this story will be finished I will automatically go for the second placed (Univertistatea Craiova) and then for the third (Arsenal) and so on. I guess it’s just a small consolation for those who voted for other options than the winning one but I don’t think there’s more I could do about it.
And now let’s see which is the weakest team in England! I checked all the teams in Blue Square North and South, I also had a look in the game database through the editor and I can tell you that I found a club who stands out of the crowd: Vauxhall Motors FC! They have the lowest possible reputation among the English clubs, they have a tiny stadium, no transfer money and a financial balance of -75,000 pounds! Their stadium, Rivacre Park, has just 266 seats but there’s plenty of room for people to stand behind the ad billboards as you can see from the pictures below :)
I also selected the Romanian leagues as view-only when I started the game, hopefully I’ll be able to find some good cheap players in my homeland again. To make things even more difficult I turned on the «player attribute masking» option, that will make it quite tricky to find new players to transfer.
And then I picked the club, Vauxhall Motors, predicted to finish last in Blue Square North! It will be interesting to see how we’ll manage to fare when we’ll meet my beloved Blyth Spartans :)
You can see a brief background of the club in the screen capture below, it was established in 1963 in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, and it was originally the works team of the car manufacturer Vauxhall as they opened a new car plant in town. The best player that ever came out of the club is Stoke City’s Danny Collins.
Here’s a nice picture of the town, looks fairly quiet… That’s before I’ll manage to bring Real Madrid to play here :)
Now let’s move to the actual team. I asked the assistant manager to compile a team report and I was quite surprised to see so many shiny gold stars next to the player names. There seemed to be a big problem in the centre backs area but still, the report looked much better than I would have expected.
But then I checked the assistant manager’s profile (he’s a player too you know…) and I discovered that his judging player ability and potential attributes are just a bit higher than my mother’s! I guess I should be looking for a new assistant manager…
The board kindly announced that they expect us to fight bravely against relegation. I told them we could achieve a top half finish and they generously gave me… nothing more!
I moved some of the weakest players to the reserves team while offering them out to other clubs and I was quite surprised to see one of those players confronting me about that! Here’s the nice chat I had with the lad, he came in as a lion and left as a scared puppy!
The club announced me that there was some interest for a press conference so I went to the club to meet the press. Well, «the press» was represented by just one single journalist! He had more than one question though :)
After the lonely press conference I checked the staff that I had at the club and I found quite a lonely atmosphere in there too: just an assistant manager, a goalkeeping coach, a physio and a scout… That’s all the club can afford at the moment so I’ll have to do what I can with these people…
I organized an intra-squad friendly right away to see the players in action and I have to say I was not impressed at all. The Reserves team, made entirely out of amateur players, had us 2-0 down at half time! I also discovered that we seem to have a buffoon for a goalkeeper… No, not Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon, but a true clown dressed as a goalkeeper. Overall the lads seem to look alright all dressed up as football players but there seems to be just one thing that causes them problems on the pitch: the damn ball!
It seems that I have a lot of work to do in order to make a football team out of these lads… I’ll be trying to grab as many free transfers as I can but the wage budget isn’t too generous either. Anyway, it’s a huge challenge and I hope you will enjoy reading the story as much as I’ll enjoy playing it and writing about it. Thanks for reading, see you later with a more detailed post about the transfer activity!
handyfernandy
6 ноября, 2010 at 13:04
let’s make history in Vauxhall Motors,,,,
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 15:55
Thanks mate :)
Sayam Khan
6 ноября, 2010 at 13:23
Hi Johnny
This is going to be a very very very good story. Looking forward to your transfers. Good Luck
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 15:55
Thanks Sayam.
Martin
6 ноября, 2010 at 13:25
Hey Johnny!
Nice to see you posting so soon on FM 2011!
This’ll be a challenge but i’m sure you’ll manage to drag Vauxhaull up the football league!
From my time playing the demo, I found some good players when i was managing Luton, you might be able to get some of them.
A few of them were; Karl Moore, Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu, Darragh Ryan and Matthew Lowton(I think that’s his name).
I hope they help and good luck with your new game!
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 15:55
Thanks a lot for the player suggestions Martin. I checked all four of them and they are very good at this level. Unfortunately none of them wanted to discuss a contract with Vauxhall Motors :(
warren
6 ноября, 2010 at 14:13
Hi Johnny
I like the choice of team and I hope you have the same sucess as you have enjoyed with other teams.
I have also commented on your YouTube video and I was wondering how to you get the all of the goals from a match onto one video.
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 15:54
Warren, in the upload highlights screen you can choose whether you want to upload individual goals or all the goals in a match.
Lye
6 ноября, 2010 at 14:19
Hi Johnny,
I actually thinking of choosing Vauxhall Motors as one of the five teams that went for poll. But i decided against it since i managed them before in FM09. I have great affection for them and i know they will be in good hands of an outstanding manager from now on.
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 15:53
Thanks Lye, I hope that the Motormen will be happy with me as their manager.
warren
6 ноября, 2010 at 16:26
Just realised that Vauxhall Motors are playing Hartlepool the team that I am doing my story on over at all this is football manager website in the FA Cup so it will be interesting to see who wins.
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 17:32
Looking forward to that game :)
Vinners
6 ноября, 2010 at 16:57
Hey, I am planning to use the same team as u for my fm11 career I doubt I’ll be as good but we’ll see :). I wondered if u would choose vauxhall because they have a parent club whereas the lowest club in the south doesn’t. I played with them in the demo and I was second after 15 matches with Blyth ahead by a point. I did a loan report for tranmere it was a midfielder from their u18’s who was my saving grace and a free transfer defender that saved me. My goalscorers were a free transferred johnathon pringle and the loanee anorou ( can’t spell it) and Anthony wright so don’t be too quick to get rid of him. But the demo is a small database so u may find bette people which is what I am planning to do once I get home. I hope this information helps you an I look forward to who can do better with ‘the motormen’
Vinners
6 ноября, 2010 at 17:03
bette=better, an= and. Sorry for the mistakes
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 17:32
I didn’t check the parent club situation before choosing the team to manage. The weakest team in Blue Square South had a higher reputation and a better financial status so that’s why I went for Vauxhall Motors. Thanks for the suggestions.
Vinners
6 ноября, 2010 at 18:01
Yer I didn’t check the reputation and I was always going to do it from finances. I voted for Scotland as it’d be the biggest challenge for you. But good luck and have fun managing vauxhall!
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 18:58
Thanks Vinners.
GrazJ
14 ноября, 2010 at 17:49
FYI, Went Elgin on FM2010, worst team in scotland. Currently in europe after 3 seasons thanks to participation in national cup final.
There’s a challenge for ya ;D
Johnny Karp
14 ноября, 2010 at 18:46
You did very well in Scotland, good job! I know it’s a tough challenge, I hope to make it to Europe myself sooner or later :)
dami
6 ноября, 2010 at 16:58
This is going to be a very interesting story…I can feel it…
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 17:33
Thanks Dami, I hope it will :)
Sears
6 ноября, 2010 at 18:30
Hi Johnny,
I can picture it now:
Vauxhall Motors have beaten the mighty Real Madrid in the Champions League!
I think there name is so cool :-)
I’m sure you can bring them through the lower leagues all the way to the Premier League. I might manage a lower league team too, but instead I think I will manage Athletic Bilbao as there only allowed to sign Basque players. Therefore it’s an extremely difficult challenge. What do you think Johnny?
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 18:57
Thanks for your optimism Sears! Bilbao should be a great challenge and an interesting story, I’m looking forward to it.
Darren Smith
6 ноября, 2010 at 18:39
Hey Johnny, looks like we’re in for another long and exciting story…Real had better watch out! Looking forward to it mate!
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 18:59
Thanks Darren, I hope it will be as exciting as you expect it to be. It surely will be long :)
hils
6 ноября, 2010 at 21:16
Hi Johnny,this is gonna be a amazing story!!!!!!!!!! I am managing derby on the fm 11 story!!!!!!!!!! Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 21:38
Thanks Hils, good luck to you too! :)
hils
7 ноября, 2010 at 07:17
Ooops……i did not mean to put on the fm story,i should have
put on the fm 11 demo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Harley
6 ноября, 2010 at 21:18
Hi Johnny,
In Football Manager 2010 I managed Vauxhall. It took me 12 years to get them up to the Championship. I was so happy when we finally made it so high. I am sure that you will be able to do so much better than me. Good luck on your new Football Manager adventure, i’m sure you will have many good times with Vauxhall :)
Johnny Karp
6 ноября, 2010 at 21:38
Thanks for sharing your experience Harley, it’s a very tough challenge because of the poor financial status of the club. I can’t really tell right now but I guess it’s totally possible to spend 12 seasons before reaching the Championship.
Kevin
6 ноября, 2010 at 22:08
Hello Johnny
Excellent first post for your new adventure with Vauxhall Motors and I wish you all the best as you begin the journey towards League Two and beyond!
Johnny Karp
7 ноября, 2010 at 10:05
Thanks for the good wishes Kevin, it might be a while before we reach League Two…
Arjuna Kankipati
6 ноября, 2010 at 23:09
Hey Johnny,
Good luck with Vauxhall, this is going to be one of the most interesting stories in a while.
managerstoriesfootball.blogspot.com
Johnny Karp
7 ноября, 2010 at 10:04
Thanks mate.
java
7 ноября, 2010 at 01:20
Good Club’s emblem and name.
For me, managing a club like that will be very boring.
But if you’re the one who’s in charge, I’m sure it’ll be very interesting. :D
I’m looking forward for your new signings Mr.Karp.
Johnny Karp
7 ноября, 2010 at 10:04
Thanks for the confidence Java :)
Kevin
7 ноября, 2010 at 01:40
Wow. This could challenge even someone as well versed at FM as you Johnny. The first couple promotions will be a nightmare and I look forward to reading this.
Johnny Karp
7 ноября, 2010 at 10:04
You are right Kevin, it will take a lot of work (and time) to build a good team out of what I have at Vauxhall Motors.
JonnySniper
7 ноября, 2010 at 04:11
Good luck fella, Might try something like this when me and Rob finish our story. :)
Johnny Karp
7 ноября, 2010 at 10:03
Thanks Jonny.
Mariano
7 ноября, 2010 at 07:27
Looks that you have a lot of work to do!
And with attribute masking and that AM……..You are a brave man!
Very nice beginning for the story!
I have a question regarding the stars from, the AM:
Right now with this players you are the weakest team in the league, what would happen if you were the favourite team with the same players, the starts would be the same or lower?
Johnny Karp
7 ноября, 2010 at 10:02
I think that the stars depend on the assistant’s ability to judge the players, a better assistant might give lower stars for these players. And you are right, I do have a lot of work to do :)
Plobdork
7 ноября, 2010 at 07:59
Have you Got a logo pack already?if so from where good luck it will be a very interesting story!
Johnny Karp
7 ноября, 2010 at 10:00
As a matter of fact I do have a logo pack but it’s not a new one, I just pasted the one I have used for FM 10 into the FM 2011 graphics folder :)
Calin
7 ноября, 2010 at 08:15
Well… at least your assistant manager is a really determined lad! :))
Regarding your story, I’m sure it will be a really, really interesting one to read — I simply love to see a club nobody has ever heard of being taken to the top.
Good luck with your challenge!
Johnny Karp
7 ноября, 2010 at 10:00
Thanks for the good wishes Calin. That assistant manager will probably leave the club sooner or later but his determination will help him to find a new job :)
Zheljo
7 ноября, 2010 at 09:00
great story on the horizon!
you should upload more matches to Youtube, that would be very cool
Johnny Karp
7 ноября, 2010 at 09:59
I will try to upload as many highlights as I can Zheljo, don’t worry :)
Mariano
7 ноября, 2010 at 10:15
Great idea to show the highlight moments of your story!
Tell your goalkeeper he is allowed to use his hands, the referee will not give a penalty kick to the opposition if he dares to touch the ball:)
Best of luck!
Johnny Karp
7 ноября, 2010 at 10:36
Very funny Mariano :) I’ll have a chat with the goalie and tell him that he doesn’t wear those gloves just to look nicer than the other players :)
Jean Paul Borg
8 ноября, 2010 at 15:53
Hello Johnny,
From what I have seen on the demo with Vauxhall Motors, it will be pretty tough to manage this team. I tried, and I was terrible at it, I’m sure you are much better than me though. I think I’m going to manage in Scotland and try to keep my career there.
Johnny Karp
8 ноября, 2010 at 16:31
It surely is tough Jean Paul but that’s what makes the game interesting. Good luck with your Scottish career!
mechcak
11 ноября, 2010 at 17:33
I started with vauxhall too :) Its great challenge. Good luck :)
Johnny Karp
11 ноября, 2010 at 17:40
Thanks, best of luck to you too :) And I’d be happy to hear any updates on your career.
mechcak
12 ноября, 2010 at 11:31
1st season I couldnt qualify but its normal Ithink :)
I were in top 3 half of season. Then team’s form reduced. I couldnt do management. I turned on the player attribute masking option, too.
2nd season 29th week, we are top of league. almost all squad changed.
Johnny Karp
12 ноября, 2010 at 11:51
Well done!
sergio
25 ноября, 2010 at 11:17
nice johnny really nice your post kept me interested while reading it you really should consider a career as a writer if you’re not 1 already
Johnny Karp
25 ноября, 2010 at 12:17
Thanks for the compliment Sergio. Actually I am a journalist in my day-to-day life and I also do some sports writing for other websites :)