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Letou Decide: Mlog 13th April
Before we begin, there is some good news I’d like to share. Swansea’s Under 23’s played a friendly last night against MK Dons Under 23’s and while they lost (it was only a friendly), Wayne Routledge continued his encouraging return from injury by playing the first half. Meanwhile, the Under 18’s were in action away […]
Episode 131 – Pep and his half-time team talks
Chris of ronniedog.media (@tenpotatoesfm) and James Jones of footballfancast.com (@jamesjonesfm) talk about what happens at halftime on FM18. With Pep leading twice in the last week, there is no doubt that he told City “not to be complacent” rather than aggressively reminding them that “they must do better”. As ever, there are a few ‘tips’ […]
Cherry Picking – Episode Ten: the Real Madrid clash
Before kicking off our new season, I thought I would take a look at our fixture list, to see some of our upcoming contests could could decide whether any form of European challenge would be possible once again. It was extremely sobering, but in a very good way, to see fixtures against the likes of […]
Letou Decide: Mlog 12th April
For today’s Swansea City update in partnership with shirt-sponsor Letou Sports, I’ve taken a walk over to look at the Under 23’s. The manager of our development squad is Cameron Toshack and the truth is, he’s not doing a brilliant job. I know that sounds harsh coming from somebody who will probably oversee an FA […]
Farewell to Pittodrie #4 Time to go Again
With third place in the bag in a solid but unspectacular first season, could we match that feat again whilst losing the expiring loan deals of three first-team players? As always, see snippets and teasers on my Twitter account – @FM_Henke. If you want to catch up on the series then head over here! Youth […]
Wonderkids; Virtual vs Reality: Class of 2007
A New System When Football Manager 2007 was released in November of 2006, it brought with it sweeping gameplay changes. Pre-Match Team talks, no more re-gens with recycled stats from the greats, a new youth training system that would allow the development of your own wonderkids, and scouting had been completely overhauled too. Record sales […]
Canary Corner – Part 20
The middle part of any season is often the most crucial. It can really determine how a season is going to pan out and decide how likely it is there will be trophies or whatever success you crave at the end of it. In this update, I came very close to doing something I haven’t […]
Making Blackburn Great Again – Episode #7
There’s no feeling quite like that of the opening day of the Premier League. Across the nation, there be optimism and enthusiasm running rife through the streets as football fans make their way to see their beloved teams. And this remains true for the start of the 2019/20 Premier League season, where newcomers Blackburn Rovers […]
Letou Decide: Àngel Rangel
Today may be a sad day in South Wales, as I announce that at the end of the season, Àngel Rangel will move onto pastures new in the form of Major League Soccer and LA Galaxy. Rangel has been with Swansea City practically as long as I can remember, in fact, it’s eleven seasons now […]
Tempo 10: Move aside Tony Pulis
Pulis-Ball is dead. Long live Mike-Ball. Mike and Samo return this week to discuss anti-voetbal. Mike discusses his favourite footballing vintage (Stoke 2010) and how he intends on improving Dutch football with this as his base. Follow Mike (@ accordingtoFM) and Samo (@ FMSamo) on Twitter to follow their own Football Manager saves. For more […]
One Vision Part VIII: It’s the hope that kills you
The Premiership. The 90s. Real football. Class kits. Liverpool fans who can still remember when they last won the title. David Beckham only sponsored by Brylcream and yet to meet Posh Spice. Liam and Noel still talking to each other. And, of course, West Ham United at the Boleyn. Enjoy! * Wanna see the league […]
CM01/02: Canary Corner – Part 19
After the narrow failure that was the end of season 6 (part 18 for those keeping score) I couldn’t leave it there. Of course, there’ll be a season 7. There’s life in these Canaries yet. Unfortunately there is more than life in most of our rivals – in fact, there are millions of pounds and […]
Letou Decide: League Table Update
In the press conference after the win over Bournemouth, I was very disappointed. All the questions were about individuals, be it goalscorers Tammy Abraham and Jordan Ayew, or Àngel Rangel. The question about Rangel, I’ll cover in tomorrow’s offering of the Letou Decide project. I was disappointed because the league position, earned by the whole […]
Scars And Stripes Episode 27: America’s 2022 World Cup draw
As I start this piece, I haven’t actually finished with Atlanta United but the World Cup 2022 group stage draw is the perfect place to introduce the final part of my journey across the pond. It’s fair to say I’ve dominated domestic football in the United States over the course of my five years in Atlanta, whilst […]
What to do after an unexpected promotion?
It’s an exciting time during those all-or-nothing matches leading up to securing promotion. When that final whistle blows and the pandemonium brakes lose in the stands, it tempting to lean back, kick your feet up and enjoy a cool drink and break after a long campaign. After all, nobody was counting on you to do so […]
Earning Our Stripes Teil 8: Vorbereitung auf die Bundesliga
Guten tag! Welcome back to Dirk van Oortveld’s quest to take MSV Duisburg into the Bundesliga and get into the upper echelons of European football teams! If you want to catch up on what’s happened previously, check out this link here. In the previous update, we witnessed MSV Duisburg’s successful push through the promotion playoffs to […]
Letou Decide: Bournemouth vs. Swansea City Match Review
Thank you to all who joined us on Saturday afternoon over on @TheHigherTempo as our friends at Ronnie Dog Media provided live coverage of Swansea’s awesome 2-0 victory over Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth. For the first time since taking over as Swansea City manager, FA Cup games against lower league opposition aside, I felt we bossed […]
Inept International Manager: Ep. 12
Click here to find previous episodes of the Inept International Manager Today marks Australia’s first game in the World Cup against Italy and there’s no other way of saying this, as I write this and my cursor hangs precariously over the pause button… we’re winning. There are just three minutes of added time left and […]
Farewell to Pittodrie #5 Trouble in Pittodrie
With a solid pre-season completed, we enter the season full of optimism. It would be hard to maintain standards with a weaker squad but were we up to it? As always, see snippets and teasers on my Twitter account – @FM_Henke. Tartan Army on Tour Our run was ended 4-0 away at Trabzonspor. Rangers beat […]
Urwin’s Unemployment Challenge | Chapter 2
Welcome to the second chapter of the career of young English manager Nicholas Urwin. January 2018 is where we continue the journey and Urwin is finding it difficult to put a run of results together with Virton currently sat in 5th position. Urwin has picked up the French language to a basic understanding and has […]
Tempo10 Questions With… TN_TheNorthman
Tempo10 questions return this week with Paul. Paul, otherwise known as The Northman, is a well-known member of the FM community and comes on to join Mike and Samo in a much-anticipated podcast Mike and Samo interview Paul with topics surrounding youtube, twitch and much, much more. We also want to hear from you so […]
Beating Nuno – Chapter Twelve: Premier Bound
Bloody hell. I’ve just about recovered from that Wolves game last night. I mean, what are the chances? One penalty fair enough, but two? Christ almighty, my heart was working triple time. To be fair, they were both penalties so there were no gripes surrounding that, it was just an incredible game. I won’t go […]
Chronicles of a Chancer: Part 10 Swimming in Silverware?
Bronze-Wig Making a Mountain out of a Mole Hill: Part 10 ‘And Braunschweig will play…’ The same baldy-headed bastard who’d drawn the Champions League Group stages fumbled his hand around the bowl for the first round of the knockout stage. After being drawn into the group of death I made sure to be present during […]
Letou Decide: AFC Bournemouth vs. Swansea City Preview
Later today my Swansea team face Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth and I’m tense, as I always am at this time before a game. There’s a lot to play for, most notably ninth place in the Premier League and three points closer to safety from any lingering relegation fears. AFC Bournemouth are a strong team under Eddie […]
Earning Our Stripes Teil 7: Wir werden befördert!
Guten tag! Welcome back to Dirk van Oortveld’s quest to take MSV Duisburg into the Bundesliga and get into the upper echelons of European football teams! If you want to catch up on what’s happened previously, check out this link here. Readers, I come to you with some fantastic news to share! It’s been a long […]
Tactics Tested: Liverpool
Frustratingly Good If your FM team was playing like Liverpool are this season, you would be infuriated. They have undoubtedly got the second best attacking output in the league behind the superlative Man City, they have shored up the defence exceptionally and even the goalkeepers are in form. This is the best Liverpool side since […]
Urwin’s Unemployment Challenge | Chapter 6
Welcome back to chapter four of English manager Nicholas Urwin’s unemployment challenge. He is pursuing his third season in Malaysia and we pick up at February 2020 in which Urwin is managing newly-promoted side Negeri Sembilan in the first tier. A high intensity pre-season full of fixtures every few days saw the new members of […]
Letou Decide: Mlog 6th April
We begin this edition of the #LetouDecide project with some upsetting news. It seems our ‘friends’, and I use that term loosely, at Goal.com believe that Swansea City are still part of the relegation scrap. How dare they! Have they not seen what I’ve done in Wales? I’ve saved this team from nineteenth place when […]
5 Things to do to Never Sign Another Flop
Signing a new player is exciting. The endless possibilities, the promise of more, the allure of positive impacts. It’s a tricky business though. It could make or break your season or your save. What if they’re a flop? What if they’re a failure? What if they can’t do it in the big games? We’ve all […]
The Deep Lying Podcast Episode 130: Getting Retro with CM9798
Chris (@tenpotatoesfm) is joined as ever by James Jones (@jamesjonesfm) and special guest David Black (@cm9798). The guys chat retro Championship Manager and CM9798 (obviously). Dave tells us about his upcoming CM9798 World Cup. And, don’t worry, we have more FM Tips and a community roundup! The Deep Lying Podcast is a Ronnie Dog Media […]
One Vision Part VII: Something is bubbling
1995. West Ham United at a proper football ground. London didn’t even know they had the Olympics in 2012. Ilie Dumitrescu carrying a permanent calf strain. Iain Dowie being sold for £10m. What, wait? Oh, it’s an alternative reality and you can catch up on what’s been going on here. * We must be in […]
Cherry Picking – Episode Nine: The season after…
Well, then. Where do we go from here? Firstly, welcome back to Cherry Picking! It’s worth mentioning once again that the original aim for this save was to keep AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, before gradually strengthening the side every year. As it turns out, not only did we comfortably retain our position in […]
Urwin’s Unemployment Challenge | Chapter 1
Welcome to the first chapter of the career of young English manager Nicholas Urwin. June 2017 is where we begin and Urwin is set to send his CV application around the world in the hopes of hearing back from football clubs in the need of a new head coach. The chances of securing a job […]
Letou Decide: World Update
Yesterday we looked at the most competitive league in the world, the English Championship, and what has been happening in the Letou world. Today we’ll take more of a wider glance at what is happening across Europe because plenty is happening and this is the time of the season when everybody’s experience is different. There […]
Farewell to Pittodrie #3 One Down
I finished the last update at the end of December with us sitting 2 points ahead of Hearts in third place but starting to lose real ground to the Old Firm teams. Could we hold off the chasing pack to claim third and a European place? As always, see snippets and teasers on my Twitter […]
Wonderkids: Virtual vs Reality, Class of 2006
A New Year, Some New Faces The one thing most FM fans will notice throughout the years (if you’re one of those that buy it every year) is how little the database of players actually changes. Sure the skin might be different and there are almost always gameplay improvements. However, by and large, the players […]
Beating Nuno – Chapter Eleven: It’s A Funny Old Game
It’s football cliche central around here at the moment. Football is a funny old game. Last time out, you’ll recall Nuno’s Wolves seeing off Middlesbrough with nine men whereas even with four up top, we struggled. Now, the next proposition, the one we are going to run through in this chapter, is meant to be […]
Making Blackburn Great Again – Episode #6
We made it. After astonishing back-to-back promotions, me and my plucky Blackburn team had returned to the Premier League after a seven-year absence. At first, I thought we’d be looking at a mid-table finish in our first season back in the Championship, but foolish I was for having any doubt in my team. I had […]
Letou Decide: Championship Update
Following the draw against Everton, the players are back in to do some preparation for taking on Bournemouth this weekend. I don’t like to do much with them the day after a game, Nigel Gibbs just leads an extended warm down, but after that, we hit the ground running. We haven’t scored enough from set […]
Tempo 10 – Trait Expectations
Mike and Samo return to their hotseats for this week’s podcast. Tempo10’s dynamic duo have gone away and done their homework, so we’re hoping they’ve done enough to score that A* grade, a 10.0 pod rating or an elusive 50 from Grass’n’Gear. The boys look at player preferred moves this week, which ones are their […]
One Vision Part VI: People have “Yeboah” on their shirts
It’s 1995. The Premier League is called the Premiership. Fans have names like “Cantona”, “Fowler”, “Yeboah” and, well, “Dowie” on the backs of their shirts, shirts that are still made by the likes of Umbro, Pony and, believe it or not, Admiral. Tony Blair isn’t in office yet (I don’t think, I might be wrong) […]
Canary Corner – Part 18
Greetings and welcome to the final update of season 6. Managing Norwich on CM01/02 has been a rollercoaster of emotions, usually around looking at our ever-fluctuating bank balance. I’ve never known a club lose so much money on a day to day basis. Anyway, the board have agreed to let me expand the stadium, that […]
Letou Decide: Everton vs Swansea City Match Review
Regular readers of the Letou Decide project will know that I rarely get angry and lose my temper. Suffice to say, immediately following the Everton game last night I was as angry as I’ve ever been in football management. I daresay, a Neil Warnock rant had nothing on me. If you’ve never seen his rant […]
Scars And Stripes Episode 26: Our Last PlayOffs
Here we are again, the playoff stage of MLS and my Atlanta United side is aiming to lift the MLS Cup for the third year in a row. However, what they don’t know is that I’m set to quit in the close-season. I’m bringing the series to an end by leading the United States at […]
Parità dei sessi 5: Delivering the unthinkable
If I have one rule in life, it’s that I refuse to lose a derby match against a club called Sweet Milk. That’s right, it turns out we’re not the only team in Sassari. But I’ll get to that in a moment. There were heated discussions about our chances this year. Of course there were. […]
Earning Our Stripes Teil 6: Die Jugendlichen
Guten tag! Welcome back to Dirk van Oortveld’s quest to take MSV Duisburg into the Bundesliga and get into the upper echelons of European football teams! If you want to catch up on what’s happened previously, check out this link here. If you speak German, you’re already aware of what this update is about. We’re taking […]
Letou Decide: Everton vs. Swansea City Preview
Lots to get through today before we head to Goodison Park later today for an 8pm kick-off. The Premier League results saw Arsenal defeat Manchester United at the Emirates, a young man by the name of Alexis Sánchez scoring a goal in the 95th minute after Luke Shaw was sent off on the hour for […]
Inept International Manager: Ep. 11
Click here to find previous episodes of the Inept International Manager These days there are not many things keeping me awake at night but the plight of Louis Henrik is certainly one of them and I write this as he is stood in the background doing that annoying dance that managers do. What is that? […]
Urwin’s Unemployment Challenge | An Introduction
The Manager: Nicholas Urwin. Nicholas – ‘a conqueror of the nation’. Urwin – ‘the sea’. The Englishman is young, hungry and determined to make it to the top of the football management pyramid. However, he is looking to start his challenging and ambitious career outside the U.K. to coincide his adventurous personality and desire to […]
The Deep Lying Podcast Episode 129: The Injury Crisis!
This week @tenpotatoesFM (Chris Darwen) managed to hit that record button meaning he is definitely joined by @jamesjonesfm (James Jones of footballfancast.com). This week’s topic is injuries and what to do to when you are in the middle of a crisis and how you can avoid ending up in a crisis. Prevention is better than […]