Hi guys,
Just about to finish my second season in charge and having stormed the scottish third division, I've already won the second division with 5 games to spare and am currently 24 points clear of second place.
In a previous save with Peterhead I managed to get to the first division in the same way in successive seasons....I then finished third but in what was the worst piece of managing I think I've ever done, I decided to offer low bonuses for league and cups which destroyed my squad morale resulting in a final day relegation the next season.
Whilst I'll never make that mistake again, I am aware that the first division is a massive step up. I've got good foundations in place for a good season next year....BUT....the difference in quality between the second and first I find is high.
The main concern for me is getting in some quality centrebacks and central midfielders whilst retaining the core of my team. I don't want to sign too many players straight away as I find that has a detrimental effect on the team at the beginning of the season regardless of how extensive your pre season is.
The club is in great shape finance wise with over half a million in the bank (loads of pre season friendlies vs big teams anyone!!!). My goal scoring power is high with the likes of the usual suspects in Pablo Counago, Jamil Adam and Elliot Chamberlain contributing 64 goals between them of the course of this season and who I think will still score in the first division. I also have the likes of James Cronesberry and Yohan Guichard providing plenty of service from the wings.
What experiences have people had in making the transition from the second to the first division? Any ideas/recommendations? When you get to this stage of club management when you've vastly overachieved and find yourself with the big boys, most of whom are professional status clubs, it becomes tricky to stay competitive without going for broke and signing loads of players on big wages that take time to settle in.
Just about to finish my second season in charge and having stormed the scottish third division, I've already won the second division with 5 games to spare and am currently 24 points clear of second place.
In a previous save with Peterhead I managed to get to the first division in the same way in successive seasons....I then finished third but in what was the worst piece of managing I think I've ever done, I decided to offer low bonuses for league and cups which destroyed my squad morale resulting in a final day relegation the next season.
Whilst I'll never make that mistake again, I am aware that the first division is a massive step up. I've got good foundations in place for a good season next year....BUT....the difference in quality between the second and first I find is high.
The main concern for me is getting in some quality centrebacks and central midfielders whilst retaining the core of my team. I don't want to sign too many players straight away as I find that has a detrimental effect on the team at the beginning of the season regardless of how extensive your pre season is.
The club is in great shape finance wise with over half a million in the bank (loads of pre season friendlies vs big teams anyone!!!). My goal scoring power is high with the likes of the usual suspects in Pablo Counago, Jamil Adam and Elliot Chamberlain contributing 64 goals between them of the course of this season and who I think will still score in the first division. I also have the likes of James Cronesberry and Yohan Guichard providing plenty of service from the wings.
What experiences have people had in making the transition from the second to the first division? Any ideas/recommendations? When you get to this stage of club management when you've vastly overachieved and find yourself with the big boys, most of whom are professional status clubs, it becomes tricky to stay competitive without going for broke and signing loads of players on big wages that take time to settle in.
