The Hatters Revival

[richyja]

Hi everyone,
Now as I am sure you are aware, I am new to this forum, story making, however luckily not this series of games! Due to this, support, feedback and constructive criticism would be gratefully received!

Anyway, back to the game/story, and The ChosenOne has recently been appointed as the new manager of Skrill North's recently relegated team, Stockport County. This team was chosen for no reason other than that they had no manager IRL, and that they would offer a good challenge to see me well into FM14.

TheChosenOne, has only ever been involved in Sunday League Football so this appointment has come as a surprise to many of The Hatter's faithful, but this new managers drive, enthusiasm and determination to succeed, many are supporting his first foray into management.

As you may expect, I have no transfer budget, and a measly wage budget of ?5,900/week. This left me with no option but to delve into the free transfer market, in search for some players to send me back into the Skrill Premiership.

I'll be back next update with transfers, tactics and pre-season for you to get your teeth into!

Thanks again in anticipation of your support and i'll be back in not too long with my next update.

 

[richyja]

Summer Transfers
As i have already mentioned, my transfer budget doesn't exist, however I do have a bit of leeway with wages so I delved right in hoping to add flair, creativity and success to an already reasonable team (for the Skrill North) and it took no time at all acquiring 7 players to do exactly that. I felt most areas of the squad were now good enough to leave us with a good chance of promotion. Due to this i felt only two players needed to leave, mainly because they were the worst players I had seem on FM in a long time!
Anyway, here is a screenshot of my business this summer.
View attachment 436877
I feel all of these players should really be playing at a level above ours with many predicted to be leading league 2 players in the foreseeable future, however I obviously welcome their addition to my squad here at Stockport!

Tactics
I know many people like to see different tactics and how they work so I'll post a screenshot so you can have a look if you wish. I dont expect this will stay how it is for long, but I think it will offer a solid starting block for future success!
I am a stickler for the 442 due to its balanced approach, and am interested by the option of having a false9, so have implemented this into this tactic, with the aim of the bbm and poacher to capitalise on the space provided by my wandering striker.
Anyway, enough of my rambling and onto the tactic:
View attachment 436873
now finally...
Pre-Season
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the way my team gelled, and tactic worked, leading my team to an impressive four wins out of 6. With the two defeats I am disappointed to lose like that to non-league Lancaster, but in form league 2 side York were always going to win, so losing 3-0 is nothing to be ashamed of!
Here's a screenshot of pre-season for you all:
View attachment 436867

Thanks again for your time reading through this and any feedback positive or negative would be welcome and greatly appreciated!

I will be back relatively soon with my next update which will see us up to January, see you soon!

 

[richyja]

Half Season Review
It really hasn't taken me long to get here, the games have flown by and I can happily say I have been delighted with the results as well, in all competitions - Skrill North, FA Cup and FA Trophy.
Firstly i will share with you my fixtures played so far in the Skrill North:
View attachment 460880
Unbeaten!! I am thoroughly delighted with my season so far! You will be able to guess my league standings by that, but ill put it up to show how far ahead of everyone I am!
View attachment 436786
As you can see, the league is pretty much already in the bag, 17 points ahead of second place Barrow. My target is for an unbeaten season, with the likes of Jevons banging in more goals than I could have hoped for, I think I am in the best place I could be to do exactly that!

I am extremely pleased with our involvement in the FA Cup, reaching 2nd round, after a thrilling victory over league 2 Accrington, but League 1 Swindon proved a leap too far, and our run ended there. Despite this, this competition was financially our saviour, with crowds reaching over 7'000! Anyway, here is our progress:
View attachment 436764

I am also equally pleases to say that I am still in the FA Trophy thanks to some impressive performances, here is my success so far:
View attachment 436763
My aim is to win this competition, but my hopes aren't unrealistically high!

I have been having such success here, with The Hatters, I have received some recognition from the media and players alike:
View attachment 436761View attachment 436760View attachment 436762

Anyway thats all for now, and I'll be back when I have finished the rest of the season!

Thanks again and see you soon!