retired_svier

My TM closes down just above mixed and seems not to go out of position, I wouldnt have him close down more though he is the main point of the tactic and if he is to far away from play the defender will get in front of him, thats my take anyway.

retired_rayrhi

Hmmm, good point, Leroy. I have ALWAYS started the game as an amateur player. Do you think that this will somehow affect performance?

retired_hope

It is definately something to consider.

A manager with a higher starting reputation will definately be able to develop good relationships much faster with their players due to the player having greater respect for their manager.

Not only that but you don't get all players moaning at the begining due to you being a rookie.

Sky King

Interesting. I have never thought of such difference. It would be funny if starting reputation was the secret difference maker between the likes of Cleon vs Hammer.

retired_maverick8

2nd update.

Table

Results

A couple of results were frustrating, a shock 3-0 defeat be Villa especially. First I score an own goal, then they get a pen, then Ferdinand maked a hash and gifts them a goal.

And the 0-1 home defeat against Liverpool, I dominated play and then Kuyt scores a wonder goal which turned out to be the last kick of the game!

Player stats

I have a few players in the top for average ratings but could be better.

I suppose I can't grumble too much with the results, I'm top of the league and qualified for the EUFA cup, a 2-0 away win at Hamburg was pleasing. I'm still not happy though as I feel I should have won more games in the league, i have struggles with injutries which has not helped, I may have to reduce intensity in training.

As for the tactic, it's pretty good to say it is a 4-3-3, initially I wanted to see if I could get it to operate with two strikers in the wide positions, but due to Boe Mortes' form I have got to play him on the left, I then alternate Ashton & Johnson on the right wing.

So far I would say the tactic is solid defensively, As you can see I have a good 'goals against ratio' but you may also see that I have not set the world alite in terms of goals scored, I have a few ideas to rectify this but as I am top I do not want to change things too much.

I have set up a decent corner routine where Iverson gets a good few goals from corners, this worked against Chelsea even though I lost 2-1 (I should have won!) I'd say I score 1 every 5 corners so far which is not too bad.

retired_maverick8

I also started the games (as I always do) as a no body. Now I see why I was refused extra funds and missed out on Corluka!

retired_laprudenti

No Hammer gave me the tip on starting as a X-Internationl player along time ago and what leroy says it spot on it makes a massive diffrence at the begining of a new game

retired_maverick8

I had no idea it made such a difference, makes my success all the more enjoyable

retired_rayrhi

I just loaded a new game for the first time as an ex-international manager. I noticed a few significant things instantly:

1. Morale is all in the green
2. Nobody thinks I will hinder the progress
3. Fans are optimistic about me
4. New signings are desperate to impress
5. It is said that <your name> enjoys a growing reputation in football when you take the hotseat.
6. A lot more players are available to buy.

I wonder if this was SI's way of incorporating a difficulty level? We shall see.

retired_rayrhi

I decided I'd contribute with my new found realisation that being a former international player seems to hold some benefits.

Morale and Formation