Michael Hopcroft

I recently picked up WSM 2008 and I'm trying to learn the ins and outs of play. Right now I'm in a game managing the LA Galaxy of MLS, and while that's been fun I'm wondering if there is a particular side that the experts here believe is a good one for a relative beginner to learn the functions of the game.

I somehow think, counter-intuitively, that taking over a champion side is not the way to do this because of the pressure and fewer opportunities to learn from mistakes before getting the sack. I don't think I'd last long at Chelsea or Man U.

Passer-by

Maybe one of the hidden giants? Such as At.Madrid, Getafe, St.Etteine.

JAStewart

Man U or Arsenal are unbeatable in my game.

dweaver

Your intuition is correct. If you're not spot on with your tactics, you'll underperform and you might get sacked. Experctations are ridiculously high for, say, Chelsea, as the board axpects a Top 2-3 finish in the league, semi-final or final appearances in both domestic cups regardless of draw, winning the Community Shield(!?!?!?) And a semi-final appearance in the CL.


I'd suggest going for a powerful squad predicted by the medi ato finish below 5th.

Like Man City in England, AT. Madrid in Spain, PSG in France, Feyenoord in Holland or Juventus in Italy.


My personal recommendation would be Feyenoord. Only 3 big teams in Holland a decent 4th, and still you're expected to finish 6th of all places. So try that and experiment your heart out with tactics and the like. I'd advise against taking over Man City or any other Prem side for that matter, as the competition in the Premiership is ridiculous for a beginner.


Hope that helps!

ScobieB

Wellington Phoenix in the Hyundia A-League (Australia). You basically start with a blank canvas, the team was only established this year so has no history.

Only 21 games a season and no relegation.

towerofpower

In my opinion every beginner would be better off starting with lower league team. Not only it's easier at lower leagues, but it's better playground to learn different tactics as well I think. At top level you get punished more easier from tactical ineffectivenes.

JohMil

I'd agree with dweaver re: going for a good squad but not one that’s tipped to do brilliantly. Atletico have a very talented squad so they might indeed be a good bet? I chose the higher ranked Valencia for my first go in FM08 and loved it as their team is superb, but I had to set up my team following some of the guides in the Tactics forum on here after struggling through the first few matches.

Alternatively, what about Rangers or Celtic? Higher expectation perhaps but there shouldn’t be too much competition from anyone else in the league and in most games your players will be loads better than the opposition?

copperhorse21

I enjoyed starting in Scotland.

Plenty of cheap coaches and inexpensive players to choose from. More forgiving boards and no relegation in Div 3. A couple of National Cups and the chance for European exposure at the highest level in Scotland. Leagues are available for your different squads (1st team, reserves, and youth) so you can develop some homegrown talent.

Hey, if Scotland was the proving ground for Sir Alex Ferguson before moving to Man U then you could try the same thing too.

Phippsy

Chelsea..obviously

neilb242

i keep hearing palermo in italy are good. can't imagine you'd be expected to top the table with them either