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Letou Decide: Mlog 18th December 2017

A quiet Monday is ruined by the news that Wayne Routledge will be out for 2-3 months with a torn hamstring. With nothing to do but reflect back on Saturday’s vital win against Leicester (that leaves us  17th) it gives me something to think about – Should Ayew be rewarded for his heroics against Leicester […]

Letou Decide: Leicester City vs Swansea Match Report

A dramatic comeback from 2-0 down saw Stuart Reid’s Swansea steal the three points in some style. Swansea dominated the first-half but were punished by the referee for a push in the box, leading to a Mahrez penalty to make it 1-0 to Leicester. Leicester doubled their lead just three minutes later with a fantastically […]

The Last Tango in Bucharest: Ep. 5

European Dreams THE MISSION: Enter the unforgiving world of Football Manager 2018, beat your bitter sibling rival to claim prestige in Romania and earn the honour of being named the Last Tango in Bucharest. THE SNAG: The Rivalità Tra Fratelli series on Football Manager 2017 raised more questions than answers in Tango Towers. Is Charlie […]

Letou Decide: Leicester vs Swansea Match Preview

Swansea manager Stuart Reid is still under pressure after only winning 4 points from his 6 games in charge so far, he finds himself with a great chance to pick up 3 points as his Swansea side face off against bottom of the table Leicester. Joins us over at TheHigherTempoPress Twitter for all the action […]

WHAT IF we invested millions in Indonesia?

Webster’s Dictionary defines an experiment as… “an operation or procedure carried out under controlled conditions in order to discover an unknown effect or law, to test or establish a hypothesis, or to illustrate a known law” Following on from the success of last week’s Old Firm experiment we have decided to Go East! The Asian […]

Letou Decide: Mlog 15th December 2017

Time for the pre-match press conference and time to sort our tactics ready for tomorrow’s game against Leicester! Reporter: It’s fair to say Swansea didn’t have the best of times against Tottenham, so are you looking for a reaction from your players in this game? Me: The whole team wants to bounce back with a win. Reporter: A […]

Behind Enemy Lines Episode 10

FM18 Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines | Ep 10 | Knock On Wood | Football Manager 2018 Welcome to my channel and welcome to Football Manager 2018 and the current series to the channel Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines, me and my team of Ex-Tottenham Players take control at the Emirates to get Arsenal back […]

FM18 Formation Guide: 4-4-2 Diamond

Square Pegs, Round Holes Some teams are simply not blessed with wide players. This generally isn’t the case with club sides, as they tend to ensure they are fully stocked in every position. National sides, however, have to work with what’s available. In some cases, this can lead to an abundance of players in one […]

The Land of Opportunity IV

Back again with another international break down. I wish I could say things were going great, but it’s on the low end of average, at best. If you want to brush up on what’s been going on so far, you can check out parts One, Two, and Three at the provided links. In this international […]

Letou Decide: Tottenham vs Swansea Match Report

Despite their fine win over Liverpool last time out, Swansea were always tipped by the bookies to lose to Tottenham last night. Spurs came into the game 5/2 on to win the match. Swansea must be absolutely devastated after a heartbreaking defeat to Tottenham. It was a game of few chances but Swansea opened the […]

Gunning For Glory Episode 10: All coming apart at the seams

Josh’s Arsenal side have started to encounter problems and he now faces a battle to save the campaign. Catch up with the journey so far: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 8, Episode 9. March has been frantic. After a draw to Newcastle and a defeat to […]

#Tempo10 Ep15: Build Your Own League

Chris (chrisdarwenfmg) returns to the pod to join Mike to talk about his Indian Superleague database. Tired of success in the traditional leagues Chris has created his own to test his skills. Check out the site for the database download link

The Madness of Mumbai Part XXV: चैंपियंस एक बार फिर

Catch up on any parts you have missed right here! Those of you that can cast your minds back 24 hours will know that the Mumbai City Express stopped off at station UNBEATEN on the way to departing to the ISL playoffs. We had a couple of AFC Champions League matches in there, but all […]

Letou Decide: Tottenham vs Swansea Match Preview

Game-day at Wembley and here’s how the two teams are likely to lineup: Tottenham: Swansea: Match coverage starts at 7.30 over at TheHigherTempoPress Twitter account!

Gunning For Glory Episode 9: European Endeavours & Cup Clashes

Arsenal are going strong under Josh and the signs are looking very good. Catch up on the journey so far: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 8. The past few months have been bloody fantastic. From a very tight battle for a top-four finish, we’ve turned things […]

Canary Corner – Part 6

Welcome back to Carrow Road. You may remember last time I was poking the board with a rather large stick asking for some money to spend. They’ve relented, and we’ve not won in nine games. Are the two related? Quite possibly. But I’ll be the bigger man and carry on. Spurs are coming. The run […]

The Madness of Mumbai Part XXIV: Mumbai pay me to make the big decisions

Catch up on any parts you have missed right here! Oh, my word do I have an update for you today. I know, I know, they’ve been a little less frequent in the last fortnight but I made the mistake of (a) thinking anyone was reading them and (b) anyone would mind if we spread […]

Irons in the fire: Episode One

Everton decided I was not their man for Football Manager 18. I fell far short of my goal, but it hasn’t stopped me from trying to do a similar thing at West Ham. Slaven Bilic was sacked by the Hammers earlier this season, having been on the brink of it for the best part of […]

Letou Decide: Mlog 12th December 2017

With match-day tomorrow, there are a few things to get out the way, the first of which is a press conference: Reporter: Last time out against Liverpool your team played very well.  You must be hoping the side carries that form into the next game? Me: It gives us confidence. The whole team wants to […]

Gunning For Glory Episode 8: The title race heats up

Josh has got his Arsenal side back into the swing of things but will there be an annual Gunners collapse? Catch up with the journey so far: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7. After a spectacular December and a superb start to the New Year, we’re flying high. […]

Behind Enemy Lines: Episode 9

FM18 Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines | Ep 9 | Hot To Tot | Football Manager 2018 Welcome to my channel and welcome to Football Manager 2018 and the current series to the channel Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines, me and my team of Ex Tottenham Players take control at the Emirates to get Arsenal […]

Letou Decide: Mlog 11th December 2017

I’m still reeling from Saturdays triumphant 6-4 win over a strong Liverpool side, that takes us out of the relegation zone. As ever the case at this time of year though the schedule is non-relenting and playing again on Wednesday, as we’re up against a Tottenham team who have been underperforming in the league so […]

FM18 League Guide | The Indian Super League

Let’s Football folks, let’s football. The Indian Super League (called the ISL from herein) is a league that is fast becoming very close to my heart, mainly as I got lumbered with writing about it for www.indiansuperleague.uk – but, shockingly, I have grown to really like it and have invested a bit of time and […]

The Last Tango in Bucharest: Ep. 4

Opening Day Drama THE MISSION: Enter the unforgiving world of Football Manager 2018, beat your bitter sibling rival to claim prestige in Romania and earn the honour of being named the Last Tango in Bucharest. THE SNAG: The Rivalità Tra Fratelli series on Football Manager 2017 raised more questions than answers in Tango Towers. Is […]

The ICT Crowd #3: Nobody likes a show off

Another Saturday lunchtime and another appointment with this ICT mob again. Thankfully, though, this week’s is one filled with positivity and happiness. But don’t worry as I have embarrassed myself in a cup. I’ve played a fair whack so shall we? Irn Bru Cup Last season we had that disaster with Mark Ridgers in goal […]

Letou Decide: Swansea vs Liverpool Match Preview

Without the future of Stuart Reid still in doubt (the vote calling for his sacking was split 50/50!) this is how he’s approaching a likely tough game against a strong Liverpool side: Jurgen Klopp has gone for plenty of attacking swagger in his team, with Firmino, Sturridge and Coutinho likely to be the main attacking […]

The Madness of Mumbai Part XXIII: The Mumbai Express is back on track!

Catch up on any parts you have missed right here! Don’t panic, I’m here. I’m here. Admittedly, I nearly wasn’t but I am here. I had a momentary save wobble last week, but a good session last night got me well back on the Mumbai City Express and we are chugging along at quite the […]

Frankenstein Friday Experiments: What if Rangers and Celtic…?

Webster’s Dictionary defines an experiment as… “an operation or procedure carried out under controlled conditions in order to discover an unknown effect or law, to test or establish a hypothesis, or to illustrate a known law” The Old Firm in… Scotland? One of the questions that often comes up when people talk about The Old […]

Letou Decide: Mlog 8th December 2017

Another day with not even a press conference to take, so it’s time to look at tomorrows game at home to Liverpool. Liverpool have been flying high in the league and find themselves in 3rd place. We’ve (obviously) been in terrible form – so the most I can do is try to suppress the Liverpool […]

Gunning For Glory Episode 7: Success across the board

Josh’s Arsenal side are starting to find their rhythm but there’s still plenty to do. Catch up on the journey so far: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6. The turnaround last time out was superb. After our blip, I’m pleased with our improvements and the 4-2 win over Chelsea at […]

Behind Enemy Lines Episode 8

FM18 Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines | Ep 8 | Anfield Crap | Football Manager 2018 Welcome to my channel and welcome to Football Manager 2018 and the current series to the channel Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines, me and my team of Ex Tottenham Players take control at the Emirates to get Arsenal back […]

FM18 Formation Guide: 3-5-2

The Juventus System When Antonio Conte became manager of Juventus in the summer of 2011, he realised that the formation that would get the most out of the available players was 3-5-2. At the time, he was working with the classic Juventus back three, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio in midfield, and Alessandro Matri up […]

The Land of Opportunity III

We’re back at it again with another series of international matches in our quest to outdo Bruce Arena and take the USMNT into the 2018 World Cup. In this update, we’re going to cover the March international friendlies and June’s World Cup qualifier matches. Before we get into that, if you’re just now finding this […]

Letou Decide: Mlog 7th December 2017

Another day where not much has happened, apart from the analyst giving me the data on Liverpool’s last match. It’s time to start thinking tactics as the vote is currently poised at a 50/50 split between sacking me or keeping me, so I could still be in charge for Saturday. I’m leaning towards the 3-5-2 […]

Letou Decide: Mlog 6th December 2017

A quiet day other than receiving the scouting report for Saturday’s game against Liverpool: So begins the tactical planning for the match, although I may not be in charge – with the vote poised precariously. If you haven’t voted on whether to sack me or give me another few games, head on over to the […]

#Tempo10 Episode 14: Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone

Mike (@accordingtofm), Matt (@FM_Adventure) and Jack (@OffThePitchFM) talk about their Football Manager comfort zones and stepping out or stepping up to another challenge. Like a Gillette Soccer Saturday panel, the team show utter shock at a world of football outside of Europe’s Elite leagues. Don’t forget to tweet @thehighertempo with your guess at this week’s #TempoTrivia

Behind Enemy Lines Episode 7

FM18 Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines | Ep 7 | Short But Sweet | Football Manager 2018 Welcome to my channel and welcome to Football Manager 2018 and the current series to the channel Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines, me and my team of Ex Tottenham Players take control at the Emirates to get Arsenal […]

Canary Corner – Part 5

Greetings! When you were with me last, Norwich were becoming the new entertainers. Goals fly in at both ends and the results are all over the place. It must be great for the neutral but I can’t tell you how annoying it is to routinely score twice and not win. As if to prove my […]

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum: Part Five

We are back! Back in rather unpleasant circumstances. As you may remember, Farhad Moshiri handed me an ultimatum. Eight points from five matches. Five matches that were: West Brom (A), Huddersfield (H), Arsenal (A), Southampton (A) and Leicester (A). The Baggies were rock bottom with one win to date. They were a complete mess. Tony […]

Letou Decide: Mlog 5th December 2017

5th December A quiet day other than stewing on my defeat. Tuesday consisted of a team meeting to boost morale (although I may well not be in a job for long) that saw all the players respond in a positive fashion and an FA cup draw that saw draw Bristol City away. Time to start […]

Gunning For Glory Episode 6: The big tests come thick and fast

Josh’s Arsenal side are slowly improving but there is cracks between the lines. Catch up with the journey so far: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5. It wouldn’t be fair to say I’m unhappy with my side but the defeat to Bournemouth was incredibly frustrating. Clearly, we’re not quite at the level I want […]

Letou Decide: Swansea vs Bournemouth Match Report

Heartbreak for Swansea and their manager Stuart Reid as despite a dominant first half performance, they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Cherries. Swansea started the first half full of attacking swagger and things looked to be going well when Abraham was pushed over by Arter in the box – referee […]

Letou Decide: Swansea vs Bournemouth Match Preview

The lineups are in! Swansea manager Stuart Reid has switched to a three at the back formation that looks strong on paper, with Bony and Abraham likely to cause problems for the Bournemouth defence. Eddie Howe has opted to carry on playing the 4-4-2 formation they’ve used all season. The pace of Afobe is likely […]

Letou Decide: Mlog 4th December 2017

It’s the day of the match so that can only mean one thing: press conference time! Reporter: What are your thoughts on Tottenham parting company with Mauricio Pochettino? Me: It’s an unfortunate part of the game and could easily be me in the same situation with a few poor results. It’s never nice to see […]

The Madness of Mumbai Part XXII: You can thank us later India

Catch up on any parts you have missed right here! I do love starting a catch up with some very good news. In the last update, I was worrying that it might take forever for India’s reputation to improve enough for us to get at least one Champions League place back. It turns out by […]

The Last Tango in Bucharest: Ep. 3

A Tactical Sweep THE MISSION: Enter the unforgiving world of Football Manager 2018, beat your bitter sibling rival to claim prestige in Romania and earn the honour of being named the Last Tango in Bucharest. THE SNAG: The Rivalità Tra Fratelli series on Football Manager 2017 raised more questions than answers in Tango Towers. Is […]

The ICT Crowd #2: How to embarrass yourself in the Betfred Cup…

So, season one ended in a seventh-place finish and a crap ton of money leaving the club’s coffers. To say things were precarious financially was the understatement of the century. The board’s £24,000 wage budget in season one turned out to be far too ambitious for our puny gate receipts to stay on top of […]

Letou Decide: Mlog 2nd December 2017

Since we’re playing on Monday there’s a rare Saturday without a game, this lets me take in the scores as they happen, and I’m glad to see all the teams around us lose which means a win against Bournemouth will take us up into 16th. So it’s time to plan for the game. According to […]

The Madness of Mumbai Part XXI: The Dilemma

Catch up on the ISL journey so far Welcome back to India where we have just finished our AFC Cup campaign. The AFC Cup does seem quite a strange competition, given that it straddles two seasons and involves playoffs here there and everywhere. Having won an “InterZone Playoff Semi Final” I was clueless as to what […]

Letou Decide: Mlog 1st December 2017

With people on social media calling for my sacking/resignation after the defeat to Chelsea that leaves me (and Swansea) winless for 3 games, it’s hard for me to concentrate on the match ahead, knowing it may very well be my last. Luckily we’re up against a struggling Bournemouth side on Monday night, so hopefully, we […]