bigbelly

The Aim

Keep Fisher Athletic in the Premiership until Chelsea return, then do the double over them in a Championship-winning season.

The Rules

Starting with the 7.02 Data Update, use the editor to swap Fisher Athletic (Conference South) with Premiership champions Chelsea. Make no other changes (Changing Beckham's future transfer is allowed, because it's of very little consequence.)

Load the English leagues, Conf N/S and above, large database. Load no other leagues or nations' players. You MUST manage Fisher.

Do not use FM Scout/Genie, but use whatever tactics you like, downloaded or otherwise. But remember: Finding tactics capable of keeping Fisher in the Premiership is (more than) half of the battle.

Post and end of season review each year. Screenshots of your final league position and Chelsea's are compulsary. Anything else you want to show is encouraged.

Discussion of players, tactics, etc, is allowed, so be warned. Keep us updated in this thread. And remember, the challenge is complete when you do a league 'double' over Chelsea (Beat them home and away in the league) and win the Premiership. Don't worry if you do get relegated first season, it's tough to avoid, but you need to be in the Premiership when Chelsea get promoted. If Chelsea end up in the division above you at any point, the challenge is over.

To join the challenge, post a screengrab of your manager profile on your first day.

Just to underscore the degree of difficulty of this challenge, here's a screengrab of the chairman's welcome message:

Yep, no money...

retired_macca1875

Nice idea, although I imagine the first season will be rather demoralising.

bigbelly

Thanks. It is, a real test of managerial mettle and perseverence, as well as tactical and transfer nous. It's bordering on the impossible, but it is possible if you're shrewd enough tactically.

retired_macca1875

Have you tested it?

How do Fisher get on in the Premiership?

retired_0PETE1

Tbh, some people cannot use their editors, namely me :p. So it would be better to upload the database which you are using. So it is like a standard.

bigbelly

Yeah, it works pretty well if you get your tactics/signings right. I've managed to finish 17th in my first season, but it was an extremely tough slog. From then on it gets easier with the obvious rep boost and financial windfall from TV and final position bonuses, although sometimes the board use the money to expand the stadium or training facilities, but you can get some good vets on the free transfer list at the end of season one and if you get a decent regen in the youth team you're in a solid position to complete the challenge. The biggest peril is relegation in the first season, even with the parachute payment. It's a tough fight to get back up from the Championship in time.

bigbelly

Uploading now. I'll link in just under an hour.

bigbelly

As requested:

The Database

Also, I forgot to say in the first post that you should set your manager reputation to 'Sunday League Footballer'

bigbelly

The bookies seem to think we've got no chance...

... and the Fisher squad is hardly overflowing with stars as we head to the opener against Arsenal...

... Here's hoping Arsene fields a weakened side.

Make that his Under 10s.

bigbelly

When two tribes go to war...

...Only Arsenal can score...

It's not all bad though. I made a tactical change after Arsenal's fourth went in and managed to keep them down to only one more goal, which just goes to show - this challenge is as much about tactics as survival.