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Gunning For Glory Episode 3: The season begins and the window ends
Catch up on the previous episodes here; Episode 1, Episode 2. I honestly thought selling Alexis Sanchez would be easy. Mesut Ozil is gone, off to Bayern, but the Chilean still remains in my squad. Things are in the works for a replacement and I’d very much like to spend the funds from an Alexis […]
The Land of Opportunity
Now that the virtual version of Damon is back in America and has written a Major League Soccer guide, I’ve decided my next piece of business should be to manage an international soccer team. Back in the summer, I dabbled lightly in international soccer when I was in charge of Australia, but that was more […]
The Madness of Mumbai Part XVII: The trip into the unknown
Catch up on the ISL journey so far Part IX, Part X, Part XI, Part XII, Part XIII, Part XIV, Part XV and Part XVI Welcome back to the Mumbai Express, and we’ve got a corker of an update for you today. Why’s that? Because we take our first little baby steps towards the Continental competition of the AFC Champions League. […]
Letou Decide: Mlog 22nd November 2017
A quiet Wednesday, with 2 youth team games on. The U18s hosted Watford U18s and came away 3-0 victors with an impressive display by youngster Craig Davies who netted himself 2 goals. The U23s also played Watford and ended up getting a point in a 0-0 draw. Also an update from the physio, Renato Sanches […]
Tempo10 Ep12: Champ Man – from glorified spreadsheet to global obsession
Mike and Matt are joined by Dave (@cm9798 on twitter) as they step back to a time when teenage boys all over the country spent their evenings and weekends alone in their bedroom in front of a computer screen… Dave talks about CM tactics, Cult Heroes and why he still holds those early versions close […]
CM0102: Walking in a Windsor Wonderland – WCQ 2010 Part 2
Once again, we’re well placed to make a challenge for the second place play-off spot after a decent start to the campaign. As always, you can also have a look at the real life 2010 World Cup Qualifying Campaign review from Henry’s perspective of being a Northern Ireland fan. Russia v Northern Ireland Darren Kelly […]
CM01/02: Canary Corner – Part 3
We’re into the final 12 games of a season where Norwich, poor potless Norwich, were meant to struggle. Saddled with debt, I was left with a competitive if unspectacular side to take on the ultra-aggressive English First Division. I mean seriously, it’s like every team is fed only raw meat. Anyway, somehow we’ve got ourselves […]
Letou Decide: Mlog 21st November 2017
Another quiet day with no press conferences or anything happening at all, so with that in mind it’s time to start preparing for Saturday’s game against Brighton. As you can see from the table above, Brighton have been in fantastic form and find themselves in the heady heights of 6th place. They’ve achieved that by […]
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum: Part Three
Welcome to Episode Three! I would love to bring you good news. Unfortunately, I cannot do that yet. A truly sucker-punch 2-0 defeat to Newcastle was the first match after the international break. Despite having in excess of 60% of the ball, the Magpies snatched a goal in the first half, and a late one […]
The Madness of Mumbai Part XVI: Will I get bored in India? No, probably not
Catch up on the ISL journey so far Part IX, Part X, Part XI, Part XII, Part XIII, Part XIV and Part XV With the real world ISL kicking off at the weekend, and you can follow my thoughts on all that here, it was quite fitting that we got the second season of my stay at Mumbai City FC […]
Chalk and Cheese: The Rivals 1.3
Preseason Birmingham’s preseason (Garrido): A mixed bag in pre-season as Birmingham as win 50% of their pre-season friendlies including a disappointing defeat to a poor French side in which we absolutely dominated. That being said the players are still getting used to the possession tactic I’ve implemented, and there are some signs of it beginning […]
Gunning For Glory Episode 2: Pushing through pre-season
When I say nobody wants Alexis or Ozil, I’m not exaggerating. The rule states they cannot sign a new deal and I’d very much like to cash in. Unfortunately, everyone is ruining my fun – Chelsea particularly rubbing me up the wrong way by offering just £25m for the Chilean. Then, Bayern Munich swoop. £39m […]
Behind Enemy Lines Episode 3
FM18 Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines | Episode 3 | Let’s Play Football Manager 2018 Welcome to my channel and welcome to Football Manager 2018 and the new 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 to […]
The Madness of Mumbai Part XV: Can Mumbai avoid the second season syndrome?
Finally, finally and thrice finally it is time for the second ISL season under my stewardship to get the hell underway. Catch up on the ISL journey so far Part IX, Part X, Part XI, Part XII, Part XIII and Part XIV Pre-season seems to last a very long time out here – three months to be precise. That’s […]
Letou Decide: Mlog 20th November
So the first game has been and gone but sadly ended in defeat. During the game, it was obvious my system needed another striker added to it as we were keeping possession well, but not creating chances. Therefore I’m unsure whether to give it another go, or change my philosophy early – but we’ll come […]
The Last Tango in Bucharest: Ep. 1
A New Beginning CHARLIE: Welcome to a new beginning, the start of the second series to be featured on the Higher Tempo Press emanating from Tango Towers. We’re very proud of the Rivalità Tra Fratelli series, even if it did lose its way towards the end, and now that the Champions League has been won […]
Letou Decide: Swansea City vs Everton Match Report
Everton emerged winners in an entertaining and tense battle between the two struggling teams. Swansea dominated possession in the early stages but struggled to find space to shoot, before the deadlock was broken in the 19th minute when Sandro belted home a goal of the month contender. Swansea manager Stuart Reid reacted not long after […]
Letou Decide: Swansea City vs Everton Match Preview
Everton will be looking to put paid to their run of bad form, having lost their last 3 Premier League games. Swansea haven’t had a much better time, winning just one of their last 6 league games. Swansea welcome a new manager at the Liberty Stadium, with Stuart Reid making his home debut, with fans […]
Behind Enemy Lines Episode 2
FM18 Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines | Episode 2 | Let’s Play Football Manager 2018 Welcome to my channel and welcome to Football Manager 2018 and the new 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 to […]
The Madness of Mumbai Part XIV: How I am navigating the Scouting Centre
Indian greetings to you all. As you should know by now, Mumbai City FC are the new ISL champions meaning this old fool has won back-to-back league titles since his sacking by Brescia all the way back when FM18 was still in BETA. Catch up on the ISL journey so far Part IX, Part X, Part […]
Letou Decide: Mlog 17th November 2017
10.15 AM: Yet another press conference grilling me ready for my first game in charge, asking what I make of Everton’s struggles so far (I reckon they’ll bounce back soon), how we’ll bounce back after defeat against West Ham (I say it’s in the past, I wasn’t even in charge!), how Watford will get on […]
CM0102: Walking in a Windsor Wonderland – WCQ 2010 Part 1
The 2008 European Championship Qualifiers very much felt like being back to square one. The squad is ever changing now with retirements and young players coming through. For the upcoming 2010 World Cup Qualifiers we are up against it again. A group of Armenia, Norway and Russia is completed by superpowers Spain. Northern Ireland v […]
FM18 Formation Guide: 4-4-2
The Mike Bassett Choice 4-4-2 has become a relatively obsolete formation in recent years, as teams attempt to infiltrate the half spaces and overload defences. However, as Atletico Madrid and Leicester have proven in recent seasons, there is still a place for the old faithful in football. Defensively, it is one of the most rigid […]
The Madness of Mumbai Part XIII: I just want to avoid Bengaluru…
Catch up on the ISL journey so far here, here, here and here Welcome to Mumbai, the mad city that never, ever sleeps. When we last spoke (and if you haven’t caught up on the Indian leg of the journey then have a look above) Mumbai City FC were guaranteed a playoff spot for the end of […]
Letou Decide: Mlog 16th November 2017
9 AM: Press conference introducing me to the media, among the things discussed is my relationship with the chairman (which is fantastic), whether the Premier League is my main focus (it is) and whether I’m confident for my first few games in charge (I am). 10 AM: Rest of the day is spent preparing on […]
Behind Enemy Lines Episode 1
Arsenal FC Behind Enemy Lines | Episode 1 | Let’s Play Football Manager 2018 Welcome to my channel and welcome to Football Manager 2018 and the new 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 to the top […]
The Madness of Mumbai Part XII: Steps into the unknown, albeit it successful steps
Welcome to Mumbai, the most populated city in India and boy do we have a doozy of an update for you today my friends. Catch up on the ISL journey so far here, here and here Mumbai City are 100% in the play-offs and with just two regular matches left, our nine-point lead over Bengaluru FC means that […]
Letou Decide: Mlog 15th November 2017
An Introduction So here we are, you the public have voted me to take the reigns at Swansea and I am truly honoured. I have been to Wales once before to climb Mount Snowdon, so my only memory of Wales is that it is cold, very cold – however, the warm reception I have received […]
Tempo10 Episode 11: The (un)Social Network Game
Mike and Matt are joined by one half of the Rivalità Tra Fratelli series, Craig, as they discuss various different ways of playing Football Manager from network saves to journeyman adventures. An unmissable episode, not least for Mike’s flawless pronunciation of Rivalità Tra Fratelli – a feat for which he spent all day in a […]
Exploring Newgens: Asia
Welcome to Exploring Newgens: an article series on finding the best youth prospects across the globe for your FM17/FM18 team. From Scotland to Australia, Korea to Nigeria, and Peru to Canada, there are plenty of players generated in-game with the potential to make a difference in your squad. Join Alex Dieker as he guides you through […]
CM01/02: Canary Corner – Part 2
Welcome back to Norfolk, where I sit in a room with the lights and heating off to try and save money. Norwich City are desperately trying to forge a promotion campaign, but with the notable handicap of being saddled with debt. Although the debt has halved since I took over, I can’t deny it is […]
TEMPO 10 SPECIAL PODCAST: Letou meet the manager!
Mike and Matt are back at it again, this time meeting Stuart Reid (Reids, @from_the_wing) Reids is your winner of our Letou Decide manager vote. Stuart will be taking over Swansea City on Football Manager 2018 as a part of our collaboration with Letou, official sponsors of Swansea City FC. He joins Mike and Matt […]
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum: Part Two
We pick up Episode Two right after the first leg of my Europa League qualification tie with Aberdeen. It’s fair to say we are up against it, and could really do with more clinical finishing after the clutch of chances missed at Goodison. There is some positive news, at least. The arrival of a potential […]
The Madness of Mumbai Part XI: “The ISL is like a golf course, and we have played the front nine well”
Hey hey. Welcome back to India. The ISL is finally in full swing and boy do I have a lot to update you on. I think you will be reading this on Tuesday, but it was written off the back of a weekend’s worth of game time so quite a lot of in-game time has […]
Chalk and Cheese: The Rivals 1.2
Chalk and Cheese: The Rivals 1.2 In the last episode I ran through Raul Garrido’s philosophy and his transfers for his Birmingham side, now it’s time for Aurelio Ferrentino’s Aston Villa side. Aurelio is a classic Italian manager, prioritising defensive stability. Clean sheets get points, points moves you up the table.With a small transfer budget (£1m) […]
Gunning For Glory Episode 1: Campaign in North London begins
Josh asked you to vote on his first Football Manager save, you chose Arsenal. Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil cannot re-sign, the transfer record cannot be broken until 2020. Here, his journey begins. I should have known better. Humanity can’t be trusted with a vote. Brexit, Donald Trump, Boaty McBoatface. Whatever happens, people screw up. […]
The Madness of Mumbai Part X: How does 8 go into 5?
I tell you what, it’s a bit like being back in Serie A in the late 80’s and early 90’s this. No, not the general quality of the league or the squads, but trying to crowbar the foreign players into a squad and getting the right balance. In the Mumbai City squad, I have eight […]
Slack FC – Ten Years On
“It’s happened again. It’s happened a-gaaaaaaaaaain! Slack FC update is late – It’s happened again” Yeah I know, I know. This project hasn’t exactly gone as planned. However, this project has coincided with the craziest year of my life so far. That’s no excuse, but it’s the one I got. In any case ladies and […]
FM18 League Guide: Ireland
Hello and welcome to another Higher Tempo Press Football Manager 2018 league guide. After @accordingtofm’s fantastic Colombian guide, we’ve had @LongBallFoot submitting a wonderful Scottish league guide (tipping my favourite Scottish side ‘Patrick’ Thistle as his personal recommendation) and @damoncmcknight has the respect of everyone at Tempo Towers for attempting to explain Major League Soccer’s […]
Rivalità Tra Fratelli, Episode 32: The Last Stand
This is the story of two brothers, a modern-day Cain versus Abel if you will, based surprisingly now in Paris. 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 […]
Classic Championship Manager: Scotland on the Road to Euro 2004 Part VII
Hello! Welcome back. Remember last month where Scotland qualified for Euro 2004? It wasn’t vintage, but we were one of the best three runners-up which, let’s be honest, is as good as Scotland can really expect. In this update, preparation begins for Portugal 2004 as we welcome Austria to Hampden for a friendly, then we’ll […]
The Madness of Mumbai Part IX: They only play cricket in India, right?
Did ya notice the name change? Did you? Did you? Did you? I was sitting at my desk preparing for my second season in charge at Skive at the phone went. “India baby. Bollywood. Cricket. Elephants at weddings. And the ISL. You coming?” How the hell could I resist? Mumbai City FC, co-owned by Bollywood […]
FM18 League Guide: Australia
G’day mates, throw another shrimp on the barbie and take a trip to Lassiter’s to see Dr Karl for this is a rather tortuous entrance to the Higher Tempo Press Australian A-League guide. I’ll drop the Aussie accent now, mostly because I was never a huge Kylie fan and Waltzing Matilda doesn’t really cut it. […]
CM0102: Walking in a Windsor Wonderland – ECQ 2008 Part 2
Today sees the tail end of our 2008 European Championship Qualifying campaign. As always, you’ll be able to catch the real-life review on That Football Daily. The group is delicately poised at the halfway point. We sit in 4th but are only 3 points off that elusive 2nd place currently occupied by Greece. Catch up […]
FM18 Formation Guide: 4-2-3-1
Formation History During the late 2000’s, football saw a sharp decline in teams using 2 strikers. Managers realised that they could control the game better if one of those strikers sat permanently deeper, filling into the CAM role. This would give them more dominance in the midfield, without totally disregarding goalscoring. Thus, the 4-2-3-1 became […]
Meet the world’s longest serving manager…
Meet the World’s Longest Serving Football Manager! There is no doubt that Football Manager is an addictive game. We’ve all skipped meals because of a mid-seasons slump in form, we’ve all stood in our suits addressing an imaginary dressing room before a cup final and we’ve all missed out on important family occasions because of […]
On the Skive Part VIII: Last Day Dramas…
Ciao. Yeah, still doing that as I fancy another stab at Italy at some point. Anyway, yesterday I told you that we were heading into the last match of the season pretty certain we were getting promoted but with a teeny, tiny slim chance of nicking the title from Avarta. To do that we needed […]
FM18 League Guide: Major League Soccer III: Player Acquisition
Welcome back to my MLS guide. In the first post, we went over league structure, and in the second post we covered roster composition. In this post, we’re going to discuss various topics related to player acquisition, including the allocation ranking, allocation funds, the three main drafts that a Football Manager will experience, and the […]
On the Skive Part VII: Oh, you don’t hate me anymore?
Well, would you look at that. Having gone unbeaten for the first eleven or so games, the players were bitching and moaning about me not being the gaffer for them. Oh, they love a team meeting on FM18 don’t they? Yet, Skive hit a tricky patch in the run up to qualifying for the Promotion […]
CM0102: Walking in a Windsor Wonderland – ECQ 2008 Part 1
After narrowly missing out on a World Cup play-off place we’re raring to go for the 2008 European Championship Qualifiers. Don’t forget to check out Henry’s real-life review of that 2006 Qualifying Campaign over on That Football Daily. We’ve yet again been drawn in a group with Bulgaria, alongside them are (expected group winners) Italy, […]