A Football Manager '09 Dynasty

[JetsIn06]

Welcome!

This is my first real attempt at a FM dynasty. I had one that was fairly short lived that followed me learning the game, but I gave up after a bit. A few months ago I started playing again, and once I saw the 3D engine in '09, I had to give it another go.

I've gotten the hang of a few things, but I'm still learning the ropes. Hopefully anyone who reads this can give me some tips or answer any questions I have.

So let's get things started. Here is my game world.

[JetsIn06]

Hampton and Richmond hire Omark as coach!

Steve McPherson, the chairman of H&R has hired me to lead his team to the top of Blue Square South. He's paying me $23,500 a year and my contract runs out in June of 2009.

Hampton & Richmond Borough F.C. are a football club based in the suburb of Hampton, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, London, England. They were founded in 1921 and formerly known as Hampton F.C. until 1999 when they changed their name in an attempt to draw a wider support base from around the Borough. In August 2007, the club started their first campaign as members of the Conference South.
The club has a core support base of around 300 to 350 people, average attendances have been rising for the past two seasons and continue to do so. The club remains the only senior level football club to represent the borough (which includes the towns of Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham, Whitton and Richmond), and is consequently seen as its football club. However, the club arguably struggles in attendance due to the close proximity of other London football clubs, and the popularity of rugby union in the borough.

I had fun managing H&R in a previous game, so I'll start off my career with them.

[JetsIn06]

Assistant's Team Report

My assistant, Mick Howe, welcomed me to the team with a full team report.

[JetsIn06]

The 2008-2009 Hampton & Richmond Squad

I appreciate the help, but I don't trust my assistant's choices for our starting eleven. I'll go through each position, and then decide what kind of formation we'll use and what kind of tactics we will employ.

KEEPERS

We have two guys fighting for the starting job. Let's start with the recommended guy, Matt Lovett. At 28 years old he's a veteran with experience, but he lacks the reflexes and handling that I want to see in a GK.

The other one, who I think will take the job, is the youngster Joe Talbot. He's only 17 years old, but his reflexes are much quicker. Also, his jumping is top-notch.

CENTRAL DEFENDERS

To kick things off, we have Dean Wells, who specializes as a sweeper and central defender and is 23 years old. He doesn't have all the skills I'm looking for, but he is a very brave player and doesn't mind breaking up plays in the middle of the field. Another plus is his long throwing ability. Basically, this guy lacks the physical attributes I want but is a smart player.

Elliot Braithwaite is nothing to write home about. He's a good team player and a hard worker but doesn't really have the stuff I'm looking for.

Next up is Orlando Jeffery. I really like this guy. He's 29, and his real strength is his jumping ability. His heading is inconsistent, but he's always up there contesting crosses. He's also a great team player, and I see him taking a starting job.

Rob Paris is a 30 year old center defender. He's very similar to Braithwaite and I doubt he makes the starting squad.

John Scarborough looks like a great candidate. Similar to Wells, he lacks the physical and technical attributes that I'd like but he's a very smart player and is a great influence on the players around him.

FULLBACKS

This definitely feels like our weak spot, so my assistant was right about that. I have one player that is a natural fullback, and he only plays on the right side. I may have to play a center defender out of position, but I'm hoping I can pick someone up on a cheap transfer. Anyway, our one guy here is Graham Harper. Graham isn't great, but he looks like he can get the job done. Again, this will be my main focus on the transfer market.

MIDFIELDERS

First off, we have Glenn Harris who is on loan at Slough. He's not terrible but we probably don't need him here yet.

Next up is Stuart Lake. Lake can play on the left side or in the center. He's 28 years old, and is quick and creative. His biggest negative is his crossing which leaves a lot to be desired.

Dudley Gardner is a 34 year old player/coach who plays in the center or on the right. He's not great, but he's a hard worker and a great teamate, a good guy to have on the squad.

Robbie Kember plays up the middle as a midfielder or defensive midfielder. He has an excellent work rate and stamina, which makes him a perfect fit for a role as the DMF in a diamond formation.

Ryan Lake can play all three left midfield positions, WB, MF, and AM. He has a good cross and is pretty quick, but is below average in other important areas.

Next up is Barrie Matthews. This guy is the definition of a utility player. He can play most positions on the field very well, but excels as an AMF or a wingback. His weakness is that he struggles when he has the ball.

Marcello Fernandes is a center midfielder who isn't great at anything. We may look to unload him ASAP.

ATTACKERS

This looks like a big strength for us. We have two guys who are undoubtedly our starters.

Let's start with Lawrence Yaku, a 33 year old veteran. He doesn't have the best technique, but his physical skill set is great. He's fast, accelerates quickly, and is as fit as an 18 year old.

Our other starter is Ian Hodges. He's the opposite of Yaku. He's not that quick but he is great at finishing his scoring chances.

Ben Wright is next up but doesn't offer much other than a knack for some spectacular shots. Unfortunately, he's not consistent on normal chances.

To round out the team, we have Nana Badu. He's pretty bad.

[MJ4H]

Throw me a bone and give us some youtubed 3D highlights once in a while

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by MJ4H

Throw me a bone and give us some youtubed 3D highlights once in a while

If I can figure out how to do that, I just might.

[JetsIn06]

Hampton & Richmond Call Up Chris Robinson, James Wheeler to First Team

With gaping holes at the fullback spot, I checked out our reserve squad for some worthy players. Chris Robsinson looks great for the job. He plays onthe right side and has excellent positioning and pace. Wheeler is similar and can play on the left side.

[JetsIn06]

Here's a look at our standard formation and our starting eleven. We're running the 4-4-2 diamond.

[JetsIn06]

Season Expectations

The board expected us to challenge for the Blue Square South title, and we confirmed that we expect to.

Transfer Budget: $16,000
Payroll: $325,000 py

[JetsIn06]

July 9, 2008

Omark Offers GK Lovett, and Others to Clubs

With our starting eleven decided, I went through some contracts and would really like to unload some of them so I can bring in some new players, especially right midfielder.

GK Lovett is set to make $24,500 this season, so getting his contract off the books would help a lot.

Some other players we offered are DC Braithwaite and D/MFC Fernandes.

[JetsIn06]

July 11, 2008

I got more than twenty offers for Lovett.

We accepted a free transfer of GK Lovett to Northampton of Coca-Cola League 1.

Finally, to end the day we put in a $5K transfer offer to Weston-super-Mare forMF Ashan Holgate. He would be a big upgrade over Harper.

[Izulde]

Looking forward to this. What do the green dots on the starting 11 on the pitch mean?

[sovereignstar]

Originally Posted by Izulde

Looking forward to this. What do the green dots on the starting 11 on the pitch mean?

Their competence at the particular position they're playing.

[JetsIn06]

July 13, 2008

Ebbsfleet (Blue Square Premier) at Hampton & Richmond
(Friendly)



We created some opportunities, but couldn't capitalize. We missed a clear cut chance at a goal and that would have put us ahead. We also scored on our own net on a corner. Way too many offsides as well.

Opponent Goals:

AMF Matthews on own goal (81)

H&R Goals:

ST Hodges (40)

Man of the Match:

ST Ian Hodges (H&R)

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by Izulde

Looking forward to this. What do the green dots on the starting 11 on the pitch mean?

What Jeff said. They go green, yellow, orange, and then red depending on whether it's their natural position, they're comfortable there, or they suck there.

Hope you keep following along.

[JetsIn06]

After discovering the only way to get real competition names is to start a new game, I'm going to do that now rather than regret not doing it later. I'm going to do everything the same though...so everything should stay the same except our scores in the friendly games. I'll get everything back up and running in a few.

Also, dumb question, but how can I schedule a friendly?

[sovereignstar]

You should be able to schedule a friendly from the team fixtures screen.

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by JetsIn06

July 11, 2008

Finally, to end the day we put in a $5K transfer offer to Weston-super-Mare for MF Ashan Holgate. He would be a big upgrade over Harper.

Looks like I missed the cost over time. It will cost me $27K in the long run. I don't even know if we'll be able to afford his contract but I'm going to keep experimenting. I'd really like to upgrade the right MF.

[JetsIn06]

July 14, 2008

Hampton & Richmond draw Hayes and Yeading

The draw for the first round of the Setanta Shield was today, and we have a matchup with Hayes and Yeading on September 9th.

For the second round, we'll face the winner of a matchup between Havant & Waterlooville and Eastleigh.

[JetsIn06]

July 15, 2008

Chester (Coca-Cola League 2)at Hampton & Richmond
(Friendly)



We played these guys pretty well. We missed another clear chance which is dissapointing. Again, we had way more offsides, something I'm not entirely sure how to fix.

Opponent Goals:

DMF Hughes (18)
MF Mozika (37)

H&R Goals:

ST Badu (63)

Man of the Match:

MF Damien Mozika (Chester)

Injuries:

DR Chris Robinson, Calf Strain, Out 2 Weeks to 1 Month

[JetsIn06]

July 19, 2008

Tranmere (Coca-Cola League 1) at Hampton & Richmond
(Friendly)



It's tough playing these teams that are a few divisions above us, but the fact that we're not getting killed is a good sign I think. Losing a player on an early redcard really hurt us, and we missed a few shots that looked destined for the net.

Opponent Goals:

ST Greenacre (18)
ST Moore (35)

H&R Goals:

-

Man of the Match:

AMF George O'Callaghan (Tranmere)

[JetsIn06]

July 20, 2008

Hampton & Richmond approve field alterations.

We've decided to install a narrow pitch, 117 yards long and 76 yards wide. We don't have the dominant wingers that we'd like to have this season, so keeping the focus off of them and more on our midfielders seems like a good way to go.

GK Lovett Signs with Northampton

Northampton finally offered a contract to our backup keeper. We're now looking for a cheaper replacement.

[JetsIn06]

July 22, 2008

Hereford (Coca-Cola League 1) at Hampton & Richmond
(Friendly)



Gah. Another close one. I'm getting pretty pumped about starting the regular season.

Opponent Goals:

AML Done (3)
ST Williams (30)

H&R Goals:

AMC Matthews (85)

Man of the Match:

AML Matty Done (Hereford)

[JetsIn06]

July 22, 2008

H&R offer AMF Mustapha Hadji big contract.

In our search for a new right midfielder, we've found Morrocon veteran Mustapha Hadji. He's 36 years old, but he looks like a huge upgrade over what we have.

Here is our offer to him.

[JetsIn06]

July 26, 2008

French team makes 11th hour bid on Hadji

Crap. This would be a big loss.

[JetsIn06]

July 26, 2008

Exeter (Coca-Cola League 2) at Hampton & Richmond
(Friendly)



One shot? Ugh. We tried a more standard tactic today after playing an attacking style for a few games. Their goal was total bullshit too. The guy was clearly offsides.

Opponent Goals:

AMF Bashman (87)

H&R Goals:

-

Man of the Match:

AMF Steve Basham (Exeter)

Injuries:

DC Orlando Jeffery, foot injury. Out 3 weeks to 2 months.
DL James Wheeler, head injury. Out 6 days to 2 weeks.

[JetsIn06]

July 27, 2008

H&R sign GK Brian Walker to youth contract after free transfer.

[JetsIn06]

July 30, 2008

H&R offer high squad win bonuses.

Winning is worth it. If we win the BSS, the players will share $7K as a bonus.

[JetsIn06]

July 30, 2008

Hampton & Richmond U18's at Hampton & Richmond
(Friendly)



Wow. We can't even beat our U18 squad. I scheduled this so the guys could get a win before the real games start but we couldn't do it.

Opponent Goals:

AMF Guichard (84)

H&R Goals:

ST Hodges (19)

Man of the Match:

ML Stuart Lake (H&R)

Injuries:

-

[Coffee Warlord]

I thought they did away with the forward/back arrows.

[JetsIn06]

July 31, 2008

H&R lose out on Hadji

A Spanish team, Terrassa, have swooped in and signed Hadji. Looks like we're back on the marker for a RMF.

[JetsIn06]

August Outlook

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by Coffee Warlord

I thought they did away with the forward/back arrows.

They still have forward and back, but no more side arrows and no more curved arrows. Now, it basically means whether a player is attacking, defending, or neutral. Someone else may have a better explanation of what they do now.

[JetsIn06]

August 2, 2008

Lincoln (Coca-Cola League 2) at Hampton & Richmond
(Friendly)



Too many fouls, but we played fairly well today. I really can't wait to get the real thing started.

Opponent Goals:

AMF Frecklington (23)
AMF Wright (65)

H&R Goals:

LMF Lake (6)

Man of the Match:

AMF Ben Wright (Lincoln)

Injuries:

-

[kislingbury]

Im from Hampton Court, so Ill be following this one for sure.

Good luck down in sunny Surrey.

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by kislingbury

Im from Hampton Court, so Ill be following this one for sure.

Good luck down in sunny Surrey.

Awesome! Thanks!

[JetsIn06]

August 2, 2008

H&R pick up backup GK Adam Thomson on loan from Hayes and Yeading

[JetsIn06]

August 4, 2008

Hampton & Richmond select starting DC John Scarborough captain.

We've named starting ML Stuart Lake vice captain. These two have a lot of influence among the rest of the players.

[JetsIn06]

August 5, 2008

Evergreen (Ireland) at Hampton & Richmond
(Friendly)



A good win to end the preseason games, although it was against a clearly inferior team. I'm hoping it gives the team a morale boost before we start the real games.

Opponent Goals:

ST O'Toole (65)

H&R Goals:

ST Hodges (pen 22)
ST Yaku (34, 44)

Man of the Match:

ST Lawrence Yaku (H&R)

Injuries:

-

[JetsIn06]

August 9, 2008

Hampton & Richmond at Welling
(Blue Square South)



We had a ton of chances. Yaku had at least three that hit the post.

Opponent Goals:

AMF Nurse (19)

H&R Goals:

-

Man of the Match:

AMF Chris Nurse (Welling)

Injuries:

-

[JetsIn06]

August 10, 2008

H&R announce season ticket sales.

A whopping 150! Nice!

[JetsIn06]

August 11, 2008

Maidenhead manager Hippoltye doubts Omark.

Oh snap. Our next opponent Maidenheads manager has told told the media that he doesn't see us getting promoted. Oh yea asshole? I went to the media and told them that I can't wait to kick their ass next match. Bring it.

[JetsIn06]

August 12, 2008

Hampton & Richmond at Maidenhead
(Blue Square South)



Damn it. We tried another defensive gameplan today and once again we couldn't even get the ball close to the net. We'll have to be more aggressive from now on.

Opponent Goals:

DMF Nicholls (55)
ST Pacquette (69)
ST James (90 +3)

H&R Goals:

-

Man of the Match:

AMF Dale Binns (Maidenhead)

Injuries:

-

[NoSkillz]

Love FM dynasties! Keep it up!

[DaddyTorgo]

love FM dynasties too - would love to be doing one myself but I find it hard to balance my desire to play play play with the need to stop and write

[DaddyTorgo]

no way - could one youtube 3d highlights? fuck me that'd be awesome!

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

love FM dynasties too - would love to be doing one myself but I find it hard to balance my desire to play play play with the need to stop and write

man, I know how you feel. At least with this game it goes by pretty slow. With OOTP of FOF I would just need to sim through weeks at a time.

[JetsIn06]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

no way - could one youtube 3d highlights? fuck me that'd be awesome!

Maybe if you use fraps? Let me try something...

[JetsIn06]

August 16, 2008

Basingstoke at Hampton & Richmond
(Blue Square South)



A solid win to bring up the morale of the squad.

Opponent Goals:

-

H&R Goals:

ST Hodges (2)

Man of the Match:

ST Ian Hodges (H&R)

Injuries:

-

[JetsIn06]

Stupid question...

What are caps?