FM Story #1 - Ipswich

[BigMoney964]

Welcome to my first ever FM story. I say story, it's more going to be me making a ton of mistakes, getting relegated a few times and then jumping from the roof of a tall building when it all gets too much. Suicide-related jokes aside, I'm not an expert at Football Manager, I wouldn't even class myself as good. I've been casually playing since 2012, but have never really got stuck into a career. I tend to start a game up, do between 2 and 5 seasons, and then get bored. I figured that posting about my journey might help me concentrate on sticking with it.

There are loads of good threads on this site, but many of them lack something that I quite like when playing FM. Realism. I like to try and keep my career's (fairly) realistic, meaning I'm not going to assemble a squad of world-beating wonder kids by 2018. I'm going to use my own knowledge, my staff's recommendations, and the in-game transfer rumours section to assemble transfer shortlists, and then I'll see which players take my fancy.

So, let's get into it. Why Ipswich? I clicked the random team button. That's why. Fully aware that I'll probably never get out of the Championship in this series, I'm targeting the lofty heights of a top-half finish in my first season. My media prediction is 14th, so I don't think we're too far off being a top-half side. Below are my budgets.

Transfer budget: £2M
Wage Budget per week (remaining): £190K (25.5K)

So, we have a little bit of cash, but not too much. I'm hoping to bring in one or two good players to build on the signings that have already been made in-game in this transfer window (starting day is 9th July 2014).

I'll post screenshots of results, statistics, and other information that I deem to be important. I'll probably also set up a YouTube channel and upload all the goals on there and shove a link in this thread so you can enjoy my successes and failures in HD.

I will probably post one update on this thread every in-game month.


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[BigMoney964]

Shortlist

OK, I lied! Sometimes there may be more than one update per month. Just wanted to show you the shortlist I've got going. I feel like I want to get to know the players I already have before I spend too heavily, so I'm planning on fairly light transfer activity in this window. I might only get one of these players, or I might get all five. These are just the options I'm looking at currently. Anyway, here's my list:

Yaya Sanogo - Pretty sure most of you will know this guy. Young French striker signed by Arsenal in 2013. Played a few games in the Premier Division last season, but I'm looking at getting him on a loan deal for the 2014/2015 season. He's good in the air, is pretty quick and can finish.

Theo Robinson - Jamaican international (9 caps) striker, played for Doncaster. Now they've been relegated to League 1, I'm hoping to fire in a bid on the cheap. Looks like I'll have to compete with Charlton, but this guy has got a lot of Championship experience as well as a lot of pace and stamina. Also adds a bit of 'flair'. Not sure what that means, but I like the sound of it! Valued at £600K so well within our budget.

Haris Vuckic - Newcastle's young Slovenian striker is next on our list. He can also play as an attacking midfielder, so offers us versatility. Looking at a loan deal for this guy, although he's in demand. Nearly half of the clubs in the Championship are interested in him! He's skilful and has got great technique. I'd love to get something done with him.

Etien Velikonja - A new face in English football, you may not have heard of him. After a couple of good seasons at Maribor (Slovenia), Cardiff bought him for £1.4M, but he's failed to make an impact. I'm thinking of sorting out a loan deal for the 25 year old, because he's got a good finish on him.

Danny Wilson - Last on our list is this up-and-coming central defender. He's already played for Scotland 5 times, and at the age of just 22, he's got a lot of potential. After a couple of good seasons at Hearts, he may now be open to a transfer after their recent relegation. His tackling and heading are awesome! Valued at around £165K, he could be a hidden gem.

So, there you have it. Let me know what you think. Who would you most like me to sign out of these five players? I'll be back with an update at the end of July (in-game).

 

[PatrickLFC]

Great start mate!

 

[robbie91]

Good start! Theo Robinson is usually available on a free at the end of the season!

 

[RichardAbbott18]

As an Ipswich fan, I recommend buying a creative central midfielder and getting some pace in wide areas. As a football manager player, I'd say 4-2-3-1 with Limited Full Backs would be a could option. Maybe try McGoldrick as a SS behind Murphy as a TM? Best of luck, will be following and dear god please smash Norwich

 

[mollyparra]

Welcome to my first ever FM story. I say story, it's more going to be me making a ton of mistakes, getting relegated a few times and then jumping from the roof of a tall building when it all gets too much. Suicide-related jokes aside, I'm not an expert at Football Manager, I wouldn't even class myself as good. I've been casually playing since 2012, but have never really got stuck into a career. I tend to start a game up, do between 2 and 5 seasons, and then get bored. I figured that posting about my journey might help me concentrate on sticking with it.

There are loads of good threads on this site, but many of them lack something that I quite like when playing FM. Realism. I like to try and keep my career's (fairly) realistic, meaning I'm not going to assemble a squad of world-beating wonder kids by 2018. I'm going to use my own knowledge, my staff's recommendations, and the in-game transfer rumours section to assemble transfer shortlists, and then I'll see which players take my fancy.

So, let's get into it. Why Ipswich? I clicked the random team button. That's why. Fully aware that I'll probably never get out of the Championship in this series, I'm targeting the lofty heights of a top-half finish in my first season. My media prediction is 14th, so I don't think we're too far off being a top-half side. Below are my budgets.

Transfer budget: £2M
Wage Budget per week (remaining): £190K (25.5K)

So, we have a little bit of cash, but not too much. I'm hoping to bring in one or two good players to build on the signings that have already been made in-game in this transfer window (starting day is 9th July 2014).

I'll post screenshots of results, statistics, and other information that I deem to be important. I'll probably also set up a YouTube channel and upload all the goals on there and shove a link in this thread so you can enjoy my successes and failures in HD.

I will probably post one update on this thread every in-game month.


View attachment 932862

I feel like I want to get to know the players I already have before I spend too heavily,