After reading a few of the FM stories on here, I have decided to take the plunge myself and create my own story. Some of the stories have been very well written and interesting to boot, I just hope mine doesn't let the side down.
Naturally, I decided I wanted a bit of a challenge, so decided on Accington Stanley in Coca-Cola League 2. They have one of the worst set-ups in the league and are basically a Non-League club punching above their weight.
Before I started I decided on a few rules I would follow;
1. I won't exploit any known bugs in the game e.g. The corner tactic or Pre-season tournaments.
2. I will be using all my own tactics.
3. I will not buy players I cannot afford. If I can't afford the fee I will not allow any clauses such as paying over X number of months, the only clause I will allow myself is offering a percentage of next sale.
4. I will see this through to the end, which ever comes first; The sack or The Champions League!
5. Doesn't really need saying but, no external editors (FMRTE, Genie, etc.)
I am using a large database on the 10.2 patch. I have selected England as my only playable leagues right down to Blue Square North/ South level. Also loaded all players based in the UK and Ireland and players from top division clubs in Europe.
I have set my past reputation to automatic and favourite club to Burnley (who else?)
Background
There have been numerous incarnations of Accington Stanley, all under various guises. The current team were founded in 1968 and their only honours to date are various Non League trophies, the most significant being the Conference National (currently Blue Square Premier).
Stanley play their home games at the Crown Ground, with a capacity of 5,057 (2,000 seated) they have one of the smallest Stadiums in the league with only Barnet and Dag. and Red. beating them.
Maybe I am over stretching myself here but my aim is to win the Champions League, I know it is ambitious but I won't set a limit on how long it will take to complete.
Completely rid the club of debt. I will be fiscally prudent throughout the game and will look to secure the clubs finances.
Upgrade current facilities to Top Class including youth academy.
Get an average attendance of at least 30,000 (over a season).
I am not expected to do well this season, the board are happy for me to just " learn from the experience of participating in League Two", but I think I can do a little better than that and have told them I will avoid relegation. In reality, I will be disappointed if I don't get mid-table. The media expects us to finish 20th.
The club's finances are in a mess, the bank balance is £15k in the red and we also owe a further £350k, with having a small stadium and fanbase it looks like it will be a tough debt to maintain.
I'm currently under my wage budget of £11,820 p/w by a few hundred pounds but that will be have to be drastically cut. I have noticed we are throwing money away on loan signings when there are better available for much less.
I have a transfer budget of £0 and don't expect to be paying any fees for a few seasons. Though I may need to sell some of my better players along the way.
I have a pretty weak squad if truth be told, the strongest position seems to be CB, but all areas need to be strengthened. I like to have 22 players in my first team squad (two for every position) and start a few short.
Wish me luck, I've got a feeling I'm going to really need it. If you have any constructive criticisms on where I could improve my layout or writing style then feel free to comment. (Don't forget this is my first story, so go easy on me.
Cheers.)
I will post my first update tomorrow.
Naturally, I decided I wanted a bit of a challenge, so decided on Accington Stanley in Coca-Cola League 2. They have one of the worst set-ups in the league and are basically a Non-League club punching above their weight.
Before I started I decided on a few rules I would follow;
1. I won't exploit any known bugs in the game e.g. The corner tactic or Pre-season tournaments.
2. I will be using all my own tactics.
3. I will not buy players I cannot afford. If I can't afford the fee I will not allow any clauses such as paying over X number of months, the only clause I will allow myself is offering a percentage of next sale.
4. I will see this through to the end, which ever comes first; The sack or The Champions League!
5. Doesn't really need saying but, no external editors (FMRTE, Genie, etc.)
I am using a large database on the 10.2 patch. I have selected England as my only playable leagues right down to Blue Square North/ South level. Also loaded all players based in the UK and Ireland and players from top division clubs in Europe.
I have set my past reputation to automatic and favourite club to Burnley (who else?)
Background
There have been numerous incarnations of Accington Stanley, all under various guises. The current team were founded in 1968 and their only honours to date are various Non League trophies, the most significant being the Conference National (currently Blue Square Premier).
Stanley play their home games at the Crown Ground, with a capacity of 5,057 (2,000 seated) they have one of the smallest Stadiums in the league with only Barnet and Dag. and Red. beating them.
Long Term Aims
Maybe I am over stretching myself here but my aim is to win the Champions League, I know it is ambitious but I won't set a limit on how long it will take to complete.
Completely rid the club of debt. I will be fiscally prudent throughout the game and will look to secure the clubs finances.
Upgrade current facilities to Top Class including youth academy.
Get an average attendance of at least 30,000 (over a season).
1st Season
Up Hill Task
I am not expected to do well this season, the board are happy for me to just " learn from the experience of participating in League Two", but I think I can do a little better than that and have told them I will avoid relegation. In reality, I will be disappointed if I don't get mid-table. The media expects us to finish 20th.
The club's finances are in a mess, the bank balance is £15k in the red and we also owe a further £350k, with having a small stadium and fanbase it looks like it will be a tough debt to maintain.
I'm currently under my wage budget of £11,820 p/w by a few hundred pounds but that will be have to be drastically cut. I have noticed we are throwing money away on loan signings when there are better available for much less.
I have a transfer budget of £0 and don't expect to be paying any fees for a few seasons. Though I may need to sell some of my better players along the way.
I have a pretty weak squad if truth be told, the strongest position seems to be CB, but all areas need to be strengthened. I like to have 22 players in my first team squad (two for every position) and start a few short.
Wish me luck, I've got a feeling I'm going to really need it. If you have any constructive criticisms on where I could improve my layout or writing style then feel free to comment. (Don't forget this is my first story, so go easy on me.
Cheers.)I will post my first update tomorrow.
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