Football Manager 2014 - Full Game Out Now!

[Neuqua]

Me three! Ha, I know I am going to get frustrated by the learning curve so it's easier for me to justify when the game goes on sale.

[Toddzilla]

I defy anyone to take over Rangers and last more than 2 seasons. The board has a strict "sign high-profile players" expectation while Rangers are stuck in the bowels of the 3rd level of Scottish football. Your chances of signing anyone "high-profile" is zero - and so are your chances of keeping the job.

[markprior22]

Using the handheld version (android) and was wondering if someone would give me a few basic pointers.

Concerning sets

-When do I want pressing "on"
-What situations are best for offside trap
-Same for counter attack
-What is men behind ball? When is this generally used?

-What situations or players do you consider when picking passing style?
-Same with tackling? When are best times to use normal, cautious or committed?

What attributes do you look for in a penalty taker
Free kick taker?
Corner takers?

If the kick taker slots are left empty, does the game just pick the best player (in AI opinion) when the situations arise?

Really appreciate the help.

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by markprior22

-When do I want pressing "on"

Pressing is basically telling your team to 'hassle' the opposition, close them down continually ... its great for stifling the opposition IF all your players do it or you're pressing on players who aren't technically good enough to pass quickly.

It does however tire players out ...

-What situations are best for offside trap

You need defenders with decent positioning to use an offside trap reliably, if it fails then it can give an opposition player a 'run on goal' potentially so bear that in mind.

Its ok with 'most' styles but using it with 'men behind ball' is a no-no as you'll have too many men camped back for it to be reliable ... using it with 'pressing' can be problematic also if their attackers are better than individual defenders (as they may well break 'past' the weak player).

-Same for counter attack

Counter attack is for quick hard hitting attacks on the break - think of it as sucking the opposition team into pressing onto you to try and receive the ball and then trying to quickly counter while they're out of position.

-What is men behind ball? When is this generally used?

You're a non-league side playing against Man Utd and want to keep the score below 5-0? .... you're 2-1 up with 10 minutes to go in a cup final and a mans just been sent off ....

-What situations or players do you consider when picking passing style?

Think about your team generally - short passing is best with players who are better than the usual at their level, its the 'level' you're playing at which is important.

Brighton are known for playing nice quick short passing football in the Championship - but if you've watched us play against Premiership teams in the FA Cup then invariably when we try and do the same we get our arses kicked because they're a better standard of opposition and so close us down faster than we're used to meaning our passing isn't good enough to pull it off.

Direct passing tends to be fewer passes and more well direct, it generally relies upon a target man or fast wingers who have the job of getting onto the passes down the line or holding up the ball.

Long ball is basically a lump up pitch, used best with target men to nod the ball back or hold up the ball, can be effective if you're playing a better team and keeping a few players in attacking positions for breaking (ie. lump the ball out of defense and have someone chase it).

-Same with tackling? When are best times to use normal, cautious or committed?

Look at the style of football you're trying to play, if anyone is overly aggressive in your team on a yellow card etc.

What attributes do you look for in a penalty taker

Shooting but also read the coach report as they sometimes point out specialistcs (there is a hidden attribute which influences this).

Free kick taker?

Shooting but also read the coach report as they sometimes point out specialistcs (there is a hidden attribute which influences this).

Corner takers?

Crossing but also read ...

If the kick taker slots are left empty, does the game just pick the best player (in AI opinion) when the situations arise?

Yes - although in those situations pushier personalitied players might also get a shot.

[markprior22]

Thanks Marc...

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by markprior22

Thanks Marc...

No worries - let me know how you get on (and if you have any requests/suggestions for future versions also please indicate them - although bear in mind there are only 3 of us working on FMH across all the various platforms so an all singing all dancing 3d match view isn't happening any time soon ).

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

No worries - let me know how you get on (and if you have any requests/suggestions for future versions also please indicate them - although bear in mind there are only 3 of us working on FMH across all the various platforms so an all singing all dancing 3d match view isn't happening any time soon ).

Any way to have player photos?

It looks very nice BTW and the match screen looks well done.

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

Any way to have player photos?

Yes - they come pre-installed for leagues we have licences for, FMHVibe stocks some alternative packs but obviously bear in mind copyright etc. when considering installing things.

It looks very nice BTW and the match screen looks well done.

Thanks - the UI refresh has been fairly well received in the main and a new update/patch is on-route shortly.

[Galaxy]

Is there an online FOFC league?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Is there an online FOFC league?

I've thought about the same thing. Think it would be great to get one started as long as there's a way to keep things going as members become more or less active.

[DaddyTorgo]

Yeah - that's the tricky part.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Yeah - that's the tricky part.

I haven't looked at how it all works. You able to provide a cliff notes explanation?

[markprior22]

It appears FM Handheld received an update today. I can't find any site that tells what was fixed. Do they keep patch notes for the handheld version like we are used to seeing with OOTP, FOF, etc?

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by markprior22

It appears FM Handheld received an update today. I can't find any site that tells what was fixed. Do they keep patch notes for the handheld version like we are used to seeing with OOTP, FOF, etc?

The game generally contains details of the fixes under one of the credits section.

We've done two updates for FMH so far - neither was a 'big' update, both are what are considered 'hot fixes' for specific issues ... this last one fixes a few issues in the transfer auctions in the game, to do with stalls in the auctions in rare cases where they get 'stuck', a few issues with non-UK currencies in some situation and one crash.

A 'proper' update will be forthcoming before Christmas if QA goes well with more extensive tweaks and improvements ... hot-fixes are just done if we find something we deem critical enough to need attention ahead of our planned patching schedule.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

I haven't looked at how it all works. You able to provide a cliff notes explanation?

Nah - I've never actually done an online game with people.

I just meant the tricky part would be to keep things moving forward at a reasonable pace given people's schedules and all.

I'll look into it though.

I think Foz knows more than me in that regard.

[MrBug708]

I've played online for a bit with a couple of other guys. It goes pretty slow

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

I've thought about the same thing. Think it would be great to get one started as long as there's a way to keep things going as members become more or less active.

Is it turn-based?

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

I've played online for a bit with a couple of other guys. It goes pretty slow

Do you all play in the same league?

[Grover]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Is it turn-based?

No. There is a timer that counts down each day. For it to really work, everyone has to be playing together at the same time.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Grover

No. There is a timer that counts down each day. For it to really work, everyone has to be playing together at the same time.

Sounds like a pain.

[sovereignstar v2]

it sucks

[sovereignstar v2]

If I may be quite honest.

[Alan T]

With a family, job, other responsibilities or chores, finding a dedicated time to be online at the same time as another person much less multiple people is near impossible. The only way I could do it would be if I treated it like my softball league where we set aside a specific time every week to do it.

Online league fm would be so much more awesome if you could do it with uploads and sims.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Alan T

With a family, job, other responsibilities or chores, finding a dedicated time to be online at the same time as another person much less multiple people is near impossible. The only way I could do it would be if I treated it like my softball league where we set aside a specific time every week to do it.

Online league fm would be so much more awesome if you could do it with uploads and sims.

This. It's real tough to set a dedicated time, let alone a big enough block of time to make serious progress I'd imagine.

Same reason why I want to buy say Payday 2 and get into a gang with a bunch of FOFC guys but just know I can't commit regularly enough.

[Grover]

Question for anybody who might know.

Is it possible to save the options you have showing for stats on the main squad screen? I added a number of stats for my dynasty, but I noticed when I went to General Info, then back to Stats > Overall, it had reset all of the options I had showing.

[Northwood_DK]

new patch has been released today

14.1.4
====

STABILITY & PERFORMANCE
- Fixed rare crash/freeze during processing
- Fixed rare crash when using edited data
- Fixed rare crash in backroom advice
- Fixed rare freeze when processing

COMPETITIONS
- Prevented teams from entering both Champion & EURO Cups
- Allowed overage players to feature in Swedish Reserve league* (You will need to start a new save for this fix to be in your game)

CONFIDENCE
- Fixed user being sacked for not dropping a player they already sold

PROGRESSION
- Adjusted Free Kick attribute progression

TRANSFERS & CONTRACTS
- Lower league players now more willing to negotiate contract renewals

EDITOR
- Prevented IGE use in network game
- Fixed free agents being unable to transfer in IGE
- User can now activate Italian Serie D

MATCH ENGINE v1433
- Some important improvements to the engagement of the ball player with reduced slide tackle count
- Fixed under hit near post corners that caused too many easy chances
- Fixed the worst examples of wild off target shots and passes
- Reduced long shots
- Fixed bug causing some deflections/blocks to be potentially missed
- Reduced directional change on regular player collision avoidance
- Fixed metrification bug causing full back to run to centre of pitch when overlapping
- Fixed bug where keeper storms out too fast when narrowing angle and risks overshooting target point
- Increased fouls at lower levels
- Pushed d-lines ups a bit when ball not in attacking third
- Fixed some headers being directed higher than intended
- Fixed keepers not reaching some obvious balls above their head
- Fixed some instances of players not closing down ball player including at short corner
- Fixed some instances of players not making no-brainer tackle attempt
- Tweaked default cross aim point slightly
- Some further tweaks to kick/header inaccuracy
- Improved player blocking of shots and crosses
- Fixed some minor bugs in ball deflection code
- Some general improvements to engagement of ball player
- Reduced instances of tackles leading to corners
- Some more tackles made in danger situations
- Improved detection of Clear Cut Chances when player behind defence
- Slightly more opportunistic shots taken especially when chasing a goal
- Small tweaks to some shot velocities
- Minor tweak to pass AI reducing any risky short ones under no pressure
- Full backs come a bit deeper to offer keeper pass in 4 man defences when long kicks not instructed
- Reduced instances of keeper handballs outside area
- Fixed red cards being displayed for these handballs outside area
- Stopped players running through nets
- Fix for some issues with high d-lines not positioning correctly
- Fix for some issues with clearing header direction
- Reduced instances of clearance kicks in unrealistic areas
- Fix for keepers not saving some shots dipping and hitting woodwork
- Fix for players not leaving obvious ball for keeper
- Made keepers make use of their area better after catching ball
- Reduced some long shots in deeper central areas
- Fixed some examples of Clear Cut and Half Chances being missed
- Tuned player match ratings

[DaddyTorgo]

Looks like some solid ME fixes for off-target shots and long shots (which were still plauging me).

[TroyF]

Just had a player created who is a natural MC, and an accomplished DC and ST

Can't play DM or AMC, just those three positions. He's a 4.5 star prospect, so we'll see how he does. Interesting 15 year old.

[Sweed]

Just picked up fm14 with the 30% off coupon from greenman gaming. I am having an issue, the game is creating two SI folders in my documents folder. Anyone else seeing this?

FWIW I set up a save to start and it only shows up in one of the folders so at least I know which is being used. I'm guessing this won't cause any issues but I am curious as to why it is happening?

When I click on the folders the one not being saved to shows a state of "shared" with everyone. The one being saved does not show a "state".

Win 7, Dell xps 8700.

[Young Drachma]

So tempted. So so tempted to build a custom db, but ugh so much time. But still tempted.

[sovereignstar v2]

Originally Posted by Sweed

Just picked up fm14 with the 30% off coupon from greenman gaming. I am having an issue, the game is creating two SI folders in my documents folder. Anyone else seeing this?

FWIW I set up a save to start and it only shows up in one of the folders so at least I know which is being used. I'm guessing this won't cause any issues but I am curious as to why it is happening?

When I click on the folders the one not being saved to shows a state of "shared" with everyone. The one being saved does not show a "state".

Win 7, Dell xps 8700.

The shared one is probably in the public users profile while the other folder is in your profile and is the data folder you'reused to seeing by itself. The addition of the public folder is nothing new though. Windows 7 by default combines both folders in the documents view, maybe you had changed that at some point.

[Sweed]

Originally Posted by sovereignstar v2

The shared one is probably in the public users profile while the other folder is in your profile and is the data folder you'reused to seeing by itself. The addition of the public folder is nothing new though. Windows 7 by default combines both folders in the documents view, maybe you had changed that at some point.

Thanks makes sense. Just threw me when I first saw it and being its a new computer and I just moved up from vista to 7 I wanted to make sure things were ok.

[cougarfreak]

Is there any way to delete saved games in FM handheld? I got a new iPad and bought the game today. I've been messing around with the game. Also any way to get real logos, and photos? I had my first match, and only the highlights showed when the match played out. Any way to view the whole game? I'd love to watch the little dots play out the entire match. I had "view match" selected, but I kept getting mostly text.

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

Is there any way to delete saved games in FM handheld?

Go into file sharing on iTunes and you can delete individual saves - I've never quite understood the obsession with people wanting to though as they're fairly compact in size and so don't really eat up that much space (each one is generally under 10mb in size).

I got a new iPad and bought the game today. I've been messing around with the game. Also any way to get real logos, and photos?

FMHVibe has various packs of such things you can install if you want to - obviously please obey copyright/trademarks etc.

I had my first match, and only the highlights showed when the match played out. Any way to view the whole game? I'd love to watch the little dots play out the entire match. I had "view match" selected, but I kept getting mostly text.

There isn't a 'full match' option in FMH at present (might add one in a future version but main thing is to keep the game 'nippy' really tbh).

[cougarfreak]

Thanks for the replies. Get that full match in there for me if you can! I appreciate the help.

[JetsIn06]

I'm having a blast with this game since the 1.4 patch. Fixed a lot of things that were really killing me. Still a few little things but, I'm having fun playing, which is really what matters.

Haven't gotten around to starting a LLM career yet, which I actually did quite a bit of during the beta. Been playing as the team I root for, Man City, and won the EPL in my second season, scoring a whopping 98 goals, and beating Man U by 2 points in the end. In my third season now, sitting third, having trouble rotating all my stars and keeping them happy, trying to win Champions League, which I got knocked out of in the semi-final last season.

[Mike1409]

I am enjoying the game after not playing since 11. I have always started as an LLM and then got attached and never moved to a big squad. Is it more enjoyable to play as a big club or do you get sacked easier because of your rep? I am also doing an APL career with the local squad that has been a lot of fun.

[DaddyTorgo]

Not sure if/when I've ever scored a goal like this before...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Christmas present just arrived.

Hello ho ho.

We've unwrapped an update for Football Manager 2014 just in time for Christmas.

The changes are fully save game compatible so you can continue your saved games.

Any problems or feedback please head over to our forums where the team will be on hand to help.

Merry managing.


FOOTBALL MANAGER 2014 – UPDATE 14.2.0 CHANGE LIST
======================================
Including, but not limited to:


STABILITY

- Fixed rare crash when continuing game
- Fixed another rare crash when continuing edited save game
- Fixed crash testing rules in Advanced Editor
- Fixed crash when searching invalid latitude value in Editor


MATCH v1439

- Fixed rare occurrence of stats incorrectly showing 255
- Reduced instances of direct free kicks aimed too close to crossbar inflating woodwork stats
- Fixed instances of throw ins taken just on pitch
- Tweaked urgency of engagement of ball player in own half depending on defensive player's tactical settings
- Improved general logic of when to attempt a tackle
- Tweaked aim direction of sliding tackles
- Reduced wild challenges slightly
- Fixed keeper accelerating out of area after fielding ball
- Fixed player ratings not updated quickly enough in some circumstances
- Some tweaks to player ratings including weighting on headers, interceptions and tackles
- Fixed poor detection of save quality
- Reduced first time keeper clearances under little pressure when he has short distribution PI
- Fixed strange ball movement after some instances of players pushing opponents while going to ariel ball
- Fixed non marking of short corner option player
- Reduced poor attempts to win corner off opponent
- Reduced poor cross attempts that had little chance of completion
- Reduced pointless shot attempts slightly
- Fixed quick free kick direction facing
- Fixed blocked crosses being set as completed crosses in stats
- Fixed short corners being set as crosses in stats
- Fixed players going through bench
- Fixed subs running on pitch after friendly win
- Improved keeper kick out from hands contact point
- Fixed issues with depth and width values after human tactical changes
- Fixed player standing at wrong end of pitch when following "stand in front of keeper at free kick" instruction
- Fixed bad goal kicks when the keeper kicks the ball out for an injury
- Refined counter attack trigger point depending on team mentality setting
- Improved player decision making during counter attack phase of play
- Some general tweaks to on ball decision AI
- Increased chance of player misjudging ball path slightly
- Made it harder for player to kill pace on fast moving ball especially at speed
- Improved ball velocity on some crosses
- Fixed ball contact point issue when putting ball out of play for an injury
- Added cross less often PI
- Fixed some issues with kick off AI
- Fixed some issues defending corners
- Fixed some keeper positioning and facing issues, including coming out inviting easy lobs
- Some tweaks to pass AI
- Tweaked d-line position slightly
- Fixed some further engagement of ball player issues
- Tweaked default cross aim slightly
- Reduced further attempts to buy corner off opponent
- Increased long shots slightly
- Fixed keeper misjudging occasional headed back pass
- Reduced penalty scored % slightly
- Fine-tuned CCC detection very slightly
- Reduced overhit mid-range passes caused by physics interface flaw not player error
- Tweaked player movement at dead balls slightly
- Reduced defensive headers that are aimed too close to own goal
- Small tweaks to shot and pass accuracy


FMC

- Improved Match Plan substitution logic
- Increased individual player training to prevent players becoming unhappy with workload
- Fixed mid-season Budget news item sometimes not appearing
- Fixed user not being able to declare interest in jobs when AI Managers are 'insecure'


STEAM WORKSHOP & ACHIEVEMENTS

- User can now 'scan for graphics' to manually index Workshop graphics
- User can start challenges from Workshop
- Game will now index files without a config
- Kits can now be uploaded to Workshop
- Manually deleted files will no longer produce error for users
- Italian Hero Achievement fixed


UNLOCKABLES

- Fixed rare instance where No Sacking would not unlock
- User can add second nationalities
- Can now move players between AI clubs
- Can now transfer free agents using 'move to other clubs' option
- Future transfers cleared when free agents are moved

EDITOR


- Managers can now be set correctly at B/II Teams.
- Improved team selection in custom Nation Rules.
- Advanced competition foreign player rules should now extract into the game correctly.
- Major fixture dates now visible on the Break Periods panel.
- Fixed the 3+GK from 7 substitutes rule.
- Improved loading times when multi-editing certain fields.
- Improved the re-assignment of Fitness Coaches' attributes when extracted into the game.
- Spanish Third Division may now be added to custom nation rules.
- 'Directions' may now be set on the Wage Contributions screen

IN-GAME EDITOR

- Added preference to hide the IGE icon from being displayed in the toolbar
- Added option when starting a new game to stop the IGE ever being usable on that save
- Added a filter on the join network panel to search for games without IGE
- Added Heal All Players in Squad
- Aded Unban All Players in Squad
- Added Change Morale of all Players in Squad
- Added Make Human Unsackable
- Added Terminate contract
- 'Rushing Out' attribute can now be successfully edited


COMPETITIONS & RULES

- Fixed rare example of clubs incorrectly failing FFP
- AI will now always register players when user is on holiday
- Stopped Swedish Second Divisions changing number of teams
- Spanish "B" Team Squad Numbers now remembered between matches
- Stopped players returning from their end of season break too early
- Stopped Scottish Premiership Playoff matches being scheduled for consecutive days
- Fixed rare example of Belgian season not being scheduled
- Fixed scheduling of Copa Libertadores & Sudamericana when removing South American leagues
- Fixed Italian transfer window dates
- Fixed overage rules in Russian U21 league
- Fixed Scottish Premiership Relegation Playoff scheduling
- Stopped assistant manager arranging reserve friendlies when already in a reserve league
- Fixed North American Gold Cup attendances
- Fixed Belgian Pro League European Playoff Final scheduling when cup winners qualify
- Set 2015 Asian Cup Qualifying groups as per real life
- Fixed English League Cup / EURO Cup fixture clashes
- Fixed English FA Cup replays being scheduled during international breaks
- Fixed 2015 U20 World Cup scheduling


TRANSFERS & CONTRACTS

- Reduced player bonus demands in contract negotiations
- Stopped former staff generating scout reports
- Stopped AI clubs bidding on players they cannot afford
- Improved AI shortlisting for Spanish B teams
- Stopped out of contract players from being agent owned
- Fixed expiry date being set in the past for transfer targets
- Improved logic of AI co-ownership offers
- Fixed user being unable to Approach To Sign player after deal falls though
- Fixed semi-pro sides being unable to offer non-contracts


USER INTERFACE

- Fixed Continue button disappearing before penalty shootouts
- Fixed text overrun on GK attribute octagons
- Fixed code displayed in board meeting
- Fixed match focus not state saving


TRAINING

- Fixed tactical familiarity not adjusting when some strategies changed
- Fixed formation familiarity being lost in certain circumstances


NETWORK

- Fixed Offer to Clubs screen changing when other users navigate
- Fixed warning message when clients attempt to join network game

[Honolulu_Blue]

Good stuff!

Now if only one of the fixes was to the overall morale and performance of my Wolves team.

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Now if only one of the fixes was to the overall morale and performance of my Wolves team.

Sorry as far as I'm aware the update only contains bug fixes - miracles you'll have to ask for elsewhere

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

Sorry as far as I'm aware the update only contains bug fixes - miracles you'll have to ask for elsewhere

OHHHHH SNNNNNNNNNAP!!!!!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

Sorry as far as I'm aware the update only contains bug fixes - miracles you'll have to ask for elsewhere

Words hurt, you know.







especially when they're true

[markprior22]

Any word on update for FMH?

[SackAttack]

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

Sorry as far as I'm aware the update only contains bug fixes - miracles you'll have to ask for elsewhere

Love it.

(Suck it, Wolves.)

[BigDPW]

When does the steam sale start again??? I am so ready to buy this when the sale is on... Just got a new laptop and I am looking forward to diving into FM again!

[vex]

Originally Posted by BigDPW

When does the steam sale start again??? I am so ready to buy this when the sale is on... Just got a new laptop and I am looking forward to diving into FM again!

What I'm waiting on.

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by markprior22

Any word on update for FMH?

Its 'imminent' - as you're probably aware there is a morass of apps going through submissions for the appStore so we've been waiting patiently ourselves (but its expected to be very soon).

Heres a list of the main fixes included:

#5.1 Update 1
Add more coach report strings (youngsters)
Display help pages only after menus are displayed
Fix non-English form display in comps
Various iPhone5 alignment tweaks
Fix for dragging bottom player on squad
Prevent nationally retired player being called up
Contract negotiation tweaks
Auction fixes and tweaks
Fix venue display on tablet home page
Tweak to loan interest
Player Availability screen crash fix
Live League Table now remembers scrollbar position
Live League Table goal difference text colour fix
Fix loan players not being properly released in my club
Fix WVGA Competition History not displaying correctly
Various Match Performance tweaks
Various player happiness tweaks
Fix for challenge mode in Rep Ireland
Discipline rules screen crash fix
Fix for missing "Winners" text on Home screen competition panel
Various UI tweaks and improvements
Implemented color blind mode
Tweaks to the EvoGen system
Tweaks to MyClub striker generation
Fix for crash on International Home screen

[Marc Vaughan]

btw - GooglePlay (Android) and iOS Football Manager Handheld update is available now - Amazon version will be available once its passed through their submission process fully.

[markprior22]

Thanks for the update Marc. Will check it out when I get home.