The Higher Tempo Press
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Thoughts from Tempo: 7 things I’ve loved during FM17
Hello folks, how’s the British bank holiday treating you? Ironically, it is cloudy in Spain today as if it knew what weather I am supposed to get on a Bank Holiday Monday. And, it’s not even a bank holiday here. Typical. Anyway, I thought I’d get into the habit of writing a weekly post about […]
Under The Lens Part 9: A Quick Recap
This installment of Under the Lens will be a bit different from our usual monthly roundups. Unfortunately, I had problems with my USB and wasn’t able to retrieve the last few episodes of the season. Luckily though I’ve managed to go back into Football Manager 2017 where the Lens save is still intact, so this […]
1.36 Boeren, Boeren PSV: Winter Transfer Dealings
The winter transfer window is simultaneously one of the most enjoyable and one of the most stressful points in any Football Manager season for me. Having assessed the first half of your season you have an idea of where your squad already has strength but also the areas that you need to strengthen – January […]
Rivalità Tra Fratelli, Episode 21 (Juventus)
This is the story of two brothers, a modern-day Cain versus Abel if you will, based now in the Allianz Stadium. If you’d like to replicate this challenge, we’re using the updated medium database with the following leagues: England (Premier League, Championship, League One & League Two), Italy (Serie A & Serie B), Spain (La […]
Strategy for pre-season friendlies: Anglo-Saxan Chronicles 58
I have delayed the start of the pre-season at FC Saxan for as long as possible in order to give me time to focus on off-the-field matters, such as scouting players. But the time has come! For me, the main value of pre-season friendlies is to develop match fitness. My decisions about starting line-ups and […]
Leiria hit awful run of form as coach delays decision on future
Eight league games without a win has seen Leiria slip down the league table. The newly promoted side had started the season well and harboured slim hopes of breaking into Europe. These hopes are now all but gone as they slide to 14 points behind 5th place. It is not so much the points gap […]
The Land Down Under XXIII
G’day, mate! The Central Coast and all of Australia are buzzing with excitement as I write this update to conclude the 2020 calendar year! In the last update, we saw the Mighty Mariners secure the 2020 AFC Champions League, and I declared “Mission Complete!” for the club angle of the save, with my next goal […]
1.35 Boeren, Boeren PSV: Eredivisie Match 19 – Go Ahead Eagles v PSV
Pre-Match PSV are again favourites today with odds of 1/3 in what is a dress rehearsal for the KNVB Beker Quarter Final. Go Ahead have a depleted squad today with three players out suspended and Marcel Ritzmaier and Chris David out through injury. PSV have no new squad problems, Guardado the only casualty. The Teams […]
Brexit Premier League: Part 3
Teething Problems I’m going to level with you. This week didn’t turn out well. You get those sessions on FM sometimes where one tiny thing goes wrong in the first game, and the team never quite manage to turn it around. When we left off last week, we were sitting pretty in 7th, having won […]
Overall staff assessment, completed: Anglo-Saxan Chronicle 57
The third and final way I assess the backroom staff as a whole is by looking at the comparison in the database with other clubs: Well, what do you know> For all the underwhelming-ness of our recruits, they’re judged above average for the Moldovan top flight on every count! And on six counts we’re best […]
FM17 European Gigalo Challenge Episode 10: Marching on with Marseille
My first full season at Marseille has started fantastically, we’re second in the table with five wins and one draw from seven games. We’re the second-highest scorers in the league with 17 goals, five of which have been scored by new signing Willian Jose. With our pre-season expectations being to qualify for the Europa League, […]
How to Build the Perfect Squad: Part Two
I’ve written about squad building before, and I want to touch on this again. Why This blog stems from me being a tad bored and starting a new save for funsies as Barcelona. I’m sat having a look at the squad, and say to myself, “blast me, this is terrible”. My girlfriend, knowing sweet-F-A about […]
1.34 Boeren, Boeren PSV: KNVB Beker Third Round – PSV v VVV-Venlo
Pre-Match As you would expect PSV are favourites for this fixture, VVV are performing well in Jupiler League as they sit in 2nd place. However, the bookmakers can’t see beyond PSV as is illustrated by odds of 4/7. Guardado is still some way from fitness for PSV. The Mexican is expected to be missing for […]
Overall assessment of staff, contd: Anglo-Saxan Chronicle 56
The second way I assess the backroom staff at FC Saxan is the most obvious: I look at the training allocations. This looks underwhelming. But I suppose you could say it’s decent. We achieve at least a two-star lead coach rating everywhere, except handling. And the coaches workload is manageable, being a mixture of ‘light’ […]
Where Eagles Dare Part 7: December ’16
The first match of December see us travel to the deep south to lose against Roda JC. They are 11th in the Eredivisie and have some pretty decent players to field. You know, the type of players I don’t have at my disposal. In a futile effort to end this month on a positive note, […]
Under The Lens Part 8: Things Are Getting Tense
Ever so slightly moving into the latter stages of the season we could start to put the pressure on if we were to win against ESTAC Troyes away from home. They’re currently stuck in 15th so I’m expecting a win and with Bilal Bari continuing to impress in his debut season in the first team […]
1.33 Boeren, Boeren PSV: Eredivisie Match 18 – PSV v Sparta Rotterdam
Pre-Match Back to matches that matter and league leaders PSV are 1/6 favourites for the visit of Sparta. Andres Guardado is the only casualty for PSV today. Kenneth Dougall and Martin Pusic miss out for Sparta. Back to our full strength squad today and there’s a return to the starting line up for Jetro Willems. […]
Slack FC: Season 2
Alright guys! Welcome to another edition of Slack….yeah yeah, I know what you’re thinking… “Regista, you took your bloody time with this update didn’t you?” Yeah, you’re right. I did. I’m incredibly sorry about that. This isn’t how I’ve wanted this save to go, but with moving house and changing jobs real life has intervened […]
Overall assessment of staff: Anglo-Saxan Chronicle 55
I have decided to use three methods for assessing the backroom staff that I’ve recruited. First, I look at the mental attributes of the team: In particular, I look at determination, discipline, and motivation. The database reveals that nobody (apart from the chairman) has a determination attribute of less than 8 out of 20. No […]
Where Eagles Dare Part 6: November ’16
November will be a very big month for us. Not only do we face our arch rivals PEC Zwolle, we also travel to Rotterdam to take on Feyenoord. Furthermore, we are given the opportunity to put Excelsior at greater distance. Our first match of the month is also our biggest. The rivalry between PEC Zwolle […]
To Dare Is To Do Episode 41
FM17 Tottenham Hotspur FC To Dare Is To Do | #41 Goodbye Jan | Let’s Play Football Manager 2017 Welcome to a Football Manager series on my channel, that’s right its Tottenham Hotspur. Today we say goodbye to Super Jan who’s asked for a new challenge, we also have the small matter of the visit […]
FM17 European Gigalo Challenge Episode 9: Moving to Marseille
I’ve got a new job and it’s a big club, it’s a chance for me to build my reputation. However, the Champions League victory in 1993 means they won’t count towards my challenge- it is a fantastic opportunity though and one I’m keen to dive straight into. I’m greeted by the news that Dimitri Payet, […]
1.32 Boeren, Boeren PSV: Champions League Match 6 – PSV v Napoli
Pre-Match I could try and get excited about this as our last European game of the season but we’ve been a disappointment in Europe as is illustrated by Napoli being odds on 4/7 favourites away from home. Team news feels somewhat irrelevant as I’ll be resting my first team and sending out the reserves/youngsters. The […]
Staff costs and club finance: Anglo-Saxan Chronicle 54
I’m sure that Mr Merciu, our chairman, as the owner of a successful agricultural machinery company, knows about finance. It’s tempting, therefore, not to worry about money and leave it all to him. But what harm would it do for me to keep a weather-eye open? How could prudence on my part do anything but […]
The Land Down Under XXII
G’day, mate! Welcome back to the Central Coast! When we last left off, we had a strong preseason. We lost the FFA Cup again for some reason, but we had the team warmed back up and ready for the season. It’s the start of December as I write this, and I’ve got some wonderful news […]
Under The Lens Part 7: That’s More Like It
After the winter break we’re finally back with some football, but before we get into that there were a few ins and outs to tell you about. This deal was settled before the window opened on New Year’s Day. Yes, Guira does seem decent but over my for few months at the club he just […]
1.31 Boeren, Boeren PSV: Eredivisie Match 17 – PSV v ADO Den Haag
Pre-Match PSV are again instilled as heavy favourites at 1/6. PSV are missing Jorrit Hendrix through suspension with Guardado, Schwaab and Lammers on the injury list. ADO Den Haag have a total of 7 players on the treatment table added to the fact they are now managerless following the sacking of Alfons Groenendijk. I feel […]
Rivalità Tra Fratelli, Episode 20 (Palermo)
This is the story of two brothers, a modern-day Cain versus Abel if you will, now based in Serie B. If you’d like to replicate this challenge, we’re using the updated medium database with the following leagues: England (Premier League, Championship, League One & League Two), Italy (Serie A & Serie B), Spain (La Liga […]
Appointing a coach: Anglo-Saxan Chronicle 53
Previously I set out my criteria for appointing a coach at FC Saxan: The candidate needs to be strong in an area of coaching in which we’re currently weak (notably, attacking). He needs not to have an inappropriate personality. He needs to be at least fair mentally, in such areas as determination and discipline. And, […]
Morale drops at Leiria as poor run ends positive start
Just one league win in the last four has put an end to Leiria’s impressive start to the season. Following the heroic 1-0 win at European hopefuls Braga on the opening day of the season Leiria’s form turned patchy. They suffered two straight defeats to Porto and surprise package Chaves which left them in mid-table. […]
To Dare Is To Do Episode 40
FM17 Tottenham Hotspur FC To Dare Is To Do | #40 Cup Run | Let’s Play Football Manager 2017 Welcome to a Football Manager series on my channel thats right its Tottenham Hotspur. Today we have something a bit different for you as we take on Hartlepool United in the 3rd Round for the FA […]
The Land Down Under XXI
G’day, mate! We’re back at it once more! The winter vacation has come to an end, preseason has come and gone, and now it’s time to get you all up to speed and get ready for the upcoming campaign. In this update, I’m going to go over the matches of note and go over the […]
1.30 Boeren, Boeren PSV: Eredivisie Match 16 – PSV v NEC Nijmegen
Pre-Match Confidence is high after that Zwolle result and that is reflected in the PSV odds of 1/6 at home. Guardado and Lammers are still out injured but Santiago Arias also misses out through suspension because of his 10 yellow cards in 14 matches! NEC’s Lorenzo Burnet is definitely out while Maurice Multhaup is a […]
Brexit Premier League: Part 2
Beating Europe The first competitive game for the Brexit-based West Ham team was, fittingly, a Europa League clash with Serbian outfit Red Star. The first leg of the Third Qualifying Round was at home, so it was looking to be a fairly straightforward way to get used to my team and their tactics. Delightfully, I’d […]
Appointing an assistant manager: Anglo-Saxan Chronicles 52
Previously I set out my procedure for appointing an assistant manager at FC Saxan: Search for the following attributes: judging ability; tactical knowledge; man management; and working with youngsters. Check the personality. Check the overall approach to the game. Check that the determination and discipline attributes are not too bad. Check they can contribute to […]
European Gigalo Challenge Episode 8: The journey takes a new route
I don’t want to speak prematurely but I think I’ve cracked it. My Leeds side, with all our financial struggles, are flying high in the Premier League. Yes it’s only October but considering my target was to ‘fight against relegation’, and not necessarily avoid it, I’m definitely on-form. I even think I saw Massimo Cellino […]
Southampton’s Black Box: Part 8
Welcome back to ‘Southampton’s Black Box’: a story focused on the organised success of the club known for their over-achievement. As the title implies, the save will be highlighting and representing the recruitment strategy by Southampton. I will be compiling a large database of players in the game to assist me in my FM17 successes, as well as […]
The Young Lions: Player Development
The whole point of this series is to develop players, and youth development is a controversial topic in the Football Manager community. I always aim to educate people, and this blog is here to show you how I train and develop younger players. If I can convince you into my methods, then fantastic. Why Develop […]
1.29 Boeren, Boeren PSV: Eredivisie Match 15 – PEC Zwolle v PSV
Pre-Match Continuing to totally ignore recent form, the bookmakers see PSV as the favourites again with odds of 1/3 despite being away from home. PEC Zwolle will miss midfielder Stef Nijland due to a dislocated shoulder. Guardado remains out for PSV and is joined among the missing by Sam Lammers who has a twisted ankle. […]
To Dare Is To Do Episode 39
FM17 Tottenham Hotspur FC To Dare Is To Do | #39 Derby Cracker | Let’s Play Football Manager 2017 Welcome to a Football Manager series on my channel; that’s right, it’s Tottenham Hotspur. Today we take on Arsenal in the Premier League, we also take a look at the next round of the Champions League […]
Appointing a goalie coach: Anglo-Saxan Chronicle 51
Regular readers (good morning to both of you, gentlemen) will be aware of a tension between my ideal approach and the realities of managing FC Saxan. A case in the point is the business of appointing a goalkeeping coach. I was always going to appoint a specialist: there was never any question about that. I […]
Where Eagles Dare Part 5: October ’16
It feels good to have said goodbye to the 0 points. The four points we won in the last four matches gives us a platform to build on. Hopefully, we can continue gather points during October. On paper, Willem II, Heracles Almelo, and NEC are sides we should be able to get some points against. […]
Under The Lens Part 6: The Run to the Winter Break
So we start December we have our 8th round fixture in the French Cup. However, off the back of recent form and our opponents being Valenciennes who are still running strong at the top of Ligue 2, I’m not too confident. Let’s just hope Appiah’s form from last month continues and rubs off on the […]
1.28 Boeren, Boeren PSV: Champions League Match 5 – Celtic v PSV
Pre-Match Celtic take the favourites tag today with home advantage giving them odds of 5/4. They are missing two key players with Scott Sinclair and Erik Sviatchenko sidelined through injury. PSV are without Andres Guardado who continues his recovery while Jorrit Hendrix is suspended for tonight’s tie. After drawing against Celtic in the home tie PSV […]
Appointing a fitness coach: Anglo-Saxan Chronicle 50
I’ve wedged the door of my office open, partly to get a bit of a draft going and partly to save Grace Price, my PA, from having to knock every time she brings confirmation of a backroom appointment. This time the news is of Dan Digharcava: I do not think young Dan will set the […]
Where Eagles Dare Part 4: September ’16
In order to lift morale a bit and get further used to the new system, I plan a friendly against AGOVV Apeldoorn during the international break. AGOVV is a club that has overseen the rise of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Dries Mertens and Nacer Chadli. Since then they went through bankruptcy and now find themselves on the […]
FM17 European Gigalo Challenge Episode 7: Life in the Premier League
Upon securing promotion, I immediately get down to business. My scouts are everywhere, I’ve got reports coming through my ears. I immediately sign Vinicius Junior, the one Real Madrid splashed an audacious amount on in real-life, for a minimal fee and inserted a £20m release-clause; I plan to exploit that at a later club. Luke […]
1.27 Boeren, Boeren PSV: Eredivisie Match 14 – PSV v Excelsior
Pre-Match Despite PSV’s troubles in the last game the bookies again put them as massive favourites with odds of 1/6 against 18th placed Excelsior. Andres Guardado is still undergoing rehabilitation treatment for his torn calf muscle but Jeroen Zoet is available for selection but still short of full fitness. Mike van Duinen is a definite […]
Down by the Riverside: Part 3
Welcome to the third and final part of my trip down memory lane to a time where Great Britain were serious contenders for the Eurovision song contest and David Beckham wore number 10. I’m trying to keep Middlesbrough in the Premier League in the 96/97 season, a feat Bryan Robson failed to achieve despite having […]
Appointing a factotum: Anglo-Saxan Chronicle 49
According to a memo from FC Saxan’s chairman, I can appoint four members of staff for the U19 squad – a manager and assistant manager, a coach, and a physio. Plus a Head of Youth Development. Mr Merciu, that’s very good of you – but we have no players in the U19 squad. Plus we […]