Yo! Here's another story from me that's going to run alongside the http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/foot...ories/293156-saving-parma-zero-heroes-v2.html story that I'm also doing. As the Parma one is updated game-by-game; I can't play it so much as I'd have to keep updating the story; which I don't want to do too much of yet. This Dunkerque story will be monthly updates, so I can rattle through seasons quicker, as they're a club starting in the French National League. Anyway, less of me rambling, and more of who Dunkerque actually are:
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Dunkurque are based in Dunkirk in France; famed for the remarkable evacuation of Allied troops in World War 2. They're a very small club, and have never played beyond Ligue 2. Their Coupe de France performances haven't been particularly special: with a solitary semi-final appearance back in 1921 and four subsequent quarter-final appearances. They actually have a real life connection with Dartford FC of Kent which isn't replicated in FM. Facilities-wise, Dunkurque are pretty poor: with a 4,200 capacity stadium (1500 seated) whilst the training facilities are classed as 'below average' and the youth facilities 'basic'. The club are in a pretty poor state financially, and we're predicted to have a -£1.2m by the end of the season; a nice cup run could help that. Also, whatever trophy I win (if any) will make me the most successful manager ever, we've never won anything.
Playing Squad
As you might expect, we're not exactly blessed with technically gifted players - most are solid for this level, but seeing as we're predicted to finish in 16th out of 18, the squad can't exactly be incredible. I've highlighted three players that I believe will be vital in our bid for survival (that's my aim: survival). These three players are: Christian Senneville (RB), Gaetano Muraglia (DM, M(C)) and Sebastien Dorizon (ST). They're the backbone of our team, but in truth, all of our players are pretty similar in terms of quality: sh*t. What's worse is that we have no money to spend, and our wage budget p/w is £0. We've got a hugely difficult task on our hands in a bid for survival.
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The title of this story refers to a 'dream'. Well that dream is to obviously play in, and eventually win, Ligue 1. That would be a massive achievement for a side like ours as we haven't ever played in Ligue 1 before, and we haven't been in Ligue 2 since 1996, that's my whole life! I don't think I'll make any changes to the playing squad; there won't be any coming ins and I won't look to actively sell anyone, but if the right offer comes in for someone, I won't hesitate to accept as we could really do with the money. Oh and of course, I've set myself some financial constraints to make things extra tough, here they are:
- No signings over the fee of £6m;
- No-one can earn more than £20k p/w (not likely until we reach Ligue 1);
- Maximum agent fees of £300k;
- Maximum appearance fee of £4k;
- If a bid is received that is double or more the value, it must be accepted.
Some of those rules may be familiar if you've followed the Parma story. I hate agents and their greed and I feel it's an unnecessary expenditure to have to fork out for. We're not exactly the most finance rich club in France so we can't go round spending *****-nilly on players, we have to be smart in our dealings, focusing a lot on developing players and selling them on for good fees. If we can reach Ligue 1 following this criteria; then I think we can call it job well done.
I've already played until mid-October as I hadn't decided if I was going to write it up or not. That means that there won't be any league tables at the end of the August or September updates as I forgot to take screenshots (DOH). From October onwards however, there will be. Due to August and September already being completed, I'll probably have those updates out later tonight, so stay tuned!
View attachment 282344
Dunkurque are based in Dunkirk in France; famed for the remarkable evacuation of Allied troops in World War 2. They're a very small club, and have never played beyond Ligue 2. Their Coupe de France performances haven't been particularly special: with a solitary semi-final appearance back in 1921 and four subsequent quarter-final appearances. They actually have a real life connection with Dartford FC of Kent which isn't replicated in FM. Facilities-wise, Dunkurque are pretty poor: with a 4,200 capacity stadium (1500 seated) whilst the training facilities are classed as 'below average' and the youth facilities 'basic'. The club are in a pretty poor state financially, and we're predicted to have a -£1.2m by the end of the season; a nice cup run could help that. Also, whatever trophy I win (if any) will make me the most successful manager ever, we've never won anything.
Playing Squad
As you might expect, we're not exactly blessed with technically gifted players - most are solid for this level, but seeing as we're predicted to finish in 16th out of 18, the squad can't exactly be incredible. I've highlighted three players that I believe will be vital in our bid for survival (that's my aim: survival). These three players are: Christian Senneville (RB), Gaetano Muraglia (DM, M(C)) and Sebastien Dorizon (ST). They're the backbone of our team, but in truth, all of our players are pretty similar in terms of quality: sh*t. What's worse is that we have no money to spend, and our wage budget p/w is £0. We've got a hugely difficult task on our hands in a bid for survival.
View attachment 282342View attachment 282341View attachment 282340
The title of this story refers to a 'dream'. Well that dream is to obviously play in, and eventually win, Ligue 1. That would be a massive achievement for a side like ours as we haven't ever played in Ligue 1 before, and we haven't been in Ligue 2 since 1996, that's my whole life! I don't think I'll make any changes to the playing squad; there won't be any coming ins and I won't look to actively sell anyone, but if the right offer comes in for someone, I won't hesitate to accept as we could really do with the money. Oh and of course, I've set myself some financial constraints to make things extra tough, here they are:
- No signings over the fee of £6m;
- No-one can earn more than £20k p/w (not likely until we reach Ligue 1);
- Maximum agent fees of £300k;
- Maximum appearance fee of £4k;
- If a bid is received that is double or more the value, it must be accepted.
Some of those rules may be familiar if you've followed the Parma story. I hate agents and their greed and I feel it's an unnecessary expenditure to have to fork out for. We're not exactly the most finance rich club in France so we can't go round spending *****-nilly on players, we have to be smart in our dealings, focusing a lot on developing players and selling them on for good fees. If we can reach Ligue 1 following this criteria; then I think we can call it job well done.
I've already played until mid-October as I hadn't decided if I was going to write it up or not. That means that there won't be any league tables at the end of the August or September updates as I forgot to take screenshots (DOH). From October onwards however, there will be. Due to August and September already being completed, I'll probably have those updates out later tonight, so stay tuned!
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