I'm at work, But I'll post some screenshots at a later time regarding the Story you're about to read. (if you read it...!) Please leave your thoughts and advice. - Mike
With the inclusion of easy networking over Steam, me and my friend decided to buy FM 2013 with the main intention of playing a season over network. I took on the role of Leeds United manager, and my friend Rob took charge at Barnsley. My reign at leeds was short lived..
During pre season, and the first few competetive games, my Leeds United played very well. I signed a few players here and there, and grabbed a few on loan. I did try to get Michael Tonge but never panned out as planned. I drew Rob (Barnsley) in my second game in the League Cup and beat him 1-0 at extra time in a tightly fought match that saw both teams hit the post numerous times.
September was an odd month because even though my team were playing well, they were failing to finish. We controlled most matches. Shots taken, on target, possession.. but despite all that, we'd win 1-0.. or draw. Or even lose. Barely anything was coming of the incredible performances.
Throughout october my leeds united team lost every game. Morale dropped to abysmal and we dropped in the league to hover just outside the relegation zone. Knocked out of the cup by QPR. Infact we scored 2 goals the entire month and whenever my players got a chance they'd hit the post or hit the bar. It was becoming frustrating to see Becchio hit the post twice or three times a game and never score. Paddy Kenny was even fumbling balls left right and center, letting in goal after goal. I saw that Luke Steele (Barnsley keeper) requested to be transferred, so I offered a loan deal to my friend Rob who, (I think partly out of pity) loaned me Luke Steele.
Eventually november came, we won a couple of games with a few solid Man of the Match performances from steele, but it didn't help, we slipped down to 2nd from bottom, Sitting just above sheffield wednesday who were bottom of the league. I read in the media that the Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich managers had both been sacked. My job by now was labelled "Very Insecure".
The board had grown tired of the way I'd been performing. I think the recent wins were the only reason I hadn't been sacked already.
A few further defeats and I saw a post in the media stating that the leeds board would likely sack me if I lost this next game... Which felt almost inevitable. It un-nerved me. I changed tactics drastically to 4-3-3 to see if I could pull off a dramatic win, but there was somethnig in the back of my mind that told me I would lose. I wanted to continue to manage in the championship, partly to continue a rivalry with my friend Rob, and also to enjoy managing a team at this level.
Just before this game, I applied for the job at Sheffield Wednesday. As a Leeds fan, and the Leeds manager, this felt like the ultimate betrayal.
I don't recall who I played against in my last leeds game, I was actually full of guilt during all of it. Infact, I was so disenchanted that I didn't feel like it mattered anymore. The loss was inevitable and there was nothing I could do about it. We were winning 1-0 until 80 minutes. And it fell apart then, 2-1 we lost. It was appauling.
After sending my assistant manager to the press interview (I couldn't face them myself..) and clicking that 'Continue' button I found that my application to Sheffield Wednesday had been seized upon by the media. I barely remember what the media had said, but I remember clearly the board had found it insulting. They'd given me a chance by not sacking me yet despite the terrible performances and I'd betrayed them. I was given an ultimatum. Mutual termination of my contract or be sacked.
I could have resigned at this point, but I didn't. I had a plan. If Leeds sacked me for applying to be Sheffield Wednesday manager, it would be better than been fired for poor performances... surely?
So, I didn't resign. I apologised, gritted my teeth and waited for the sack.
Next day, (Monday) I was swiftly removed from my position. I received a few job offers from League 1 teams, which I was happy to get, but I delayed their offers until I heard back from wednesday.
1 day after being sacked as the Leeds United manager, I received a contract offer from the Sheffield Wednesday board. I negotiated with them a contract until 2015, they are paying me 3 times the wages Leeds were paying me. We tied it up, and 2 days later (Wednesday) I was announced the Sheffield Wednesday manager. There was a massive outburst of shock in the media and from fans. I'm an ex - leeds manager and a leeds united fan, and I'm now managing sheffield wednesday. (Who were bottom of the league)
As I type this, I have played 2 games as Wednesday, first was a Win, second a respectable draw, to move up to 18th, my friend's Barnsley team are now 15th, and there are only 3 points between us. It is early in the Season (and in my FM2013 career) but this has been the most dramatic game of Football Manager I have ever played.
I have never felt so involved with the game.
Leeds United remain 23rd in the League, Gordon Strachan turned down the Leeds United manager post in favour of Ipswich.
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