KW-FM
Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2022
- Messages
- 103
- Reaction score
- 190
- Points
- 43
With FM25’s release date passing, it feels like the perfect time to dive back into FM24 and embrace a fresh challenge. This time, I’m taking on the monumental task of turning around the fortunes of Dorking Wanderers FC. The club suffered relegation in real life last season, but under the leadership of Marc White and with me stepping in to guide them, the aim is clear: rewrite the past and secure a brighter future for DWFC.
As one of the few semi-professional teams in the Vanarama National League, Dorking is already facing an uphill battle. However, the squad has some genuine quality sprinkled throughout, and with some clever transfer dealings, there’s a real opportunity to build something special here.
The club, founded in 1999, has been on an incredible upward trajectory over the years. But to continue climbing the ranks, we’ll need to focus on strengthening not just the team but also the club’s infrastructure.
The current squad is large—perhaps too large for this level. The upside? It gives me room to make significant changes.
- Defense and Goalkeeping: These are clear weaknesses, so expect some early signings here.
- Squad Size: I’ll trim the team down to a more manageable 22 players, freeing up wage budget and sharpening our focus.
- Experience vs. Youth: The squad has several players over 30, and I’ll look to replace some of them with younger, more dynamic options to build for the future.
The backroom staff is another area in need of attention. It’s oversized and riddled with poor contracts, which isn’t ideal for a semi-professional outfit competing against professional teams. A staff clear-out is on the cards, with a focus on cutting costs while maintaining essential quality.
The board has set some achievable targets for the year:
- League Stability: Cementing our place in the National League is priority number one.
- Cup Progress: A solid cup run could inject much-needed funds into the club.
The club’s financial situation is steady, with £222,000 in the bank. My aim is to operate within our means, making the most of free transfers and clearing out unnecessary expenses. A good cup run could further boost our financial health and lay the groundwork for long-term stability.
I’ll be updating this save three times a season:
- Preseason Kickoff
- Post-January Transfer Window
- End-of-Season Review
Let’s get to work— Up the Wanderers! #UTW