retired_daria

After reading some of this forum archives I realized that up until now I was playing LLM using the more liberal guidelines. Particularly I used the search window to look for staff and to direct my scout for players on loan.

Starting a new game with FM2007 I decided to play it the way you stricter LLaMas are playing. This is fun, I really want to experience a true LLM challenge and actually battle for relegation rather than getting promoted every year.

I understand that there are a lot of gray areas in the LLM guidelines that require judgment but since I don't have any knowledge or experience on how things are working in real life, my assumption used to be that if other teams are doing it in the game it's OK as far as LLM is concerned, but apparently the stricter of you don't see it that way and this brings me to ask for some clarifications as I want to know how you zealous LLaMas are playing:

FM2007, managing a team in Conference North:

1) I'm using a scout that has 3 in judging player ability and potential.
Several months into the first season and I'm unable to find a better scout using the Job Center, the few that apply have judging player ability and potential of 3 or less. Other teams have better scouts. Is it broken, or is it the way you play it ?

2) Is it reasonable to sign anyone who apply through the Job Center ?
Previously when I used the Search window to search for staff I only signed staff from England. Using the Job center most reasonable applications are from unemployed people in Ireland and Wales. Is it reasonable to sign them or do you ignore them because they are not from England ?

3) I read in the Media that teams from my division are chasing players but I think in all the cases so far the players were from Ireland or Wales, not from England, so I'm unable to send a scout.
What do you do in this case ? Ignore the player and media or consult with your AM and if he thinks they are worthy offer a trial and test them in the Reserves for a few weeks ?

Obviously the bottom line goal is to enjoy the game and have fun.
Perhaps I'm digging too deeply into rules here but I'm really curious and want to know how you zealous LLaMas are playing the game.

I'll probably have more questions. Thanks in advance for your help.

retired_sargent

I am a jealous LLaMa, I envy all the others who do better than me.

1) This is the way I play it. If I can't find another scout, I use the one I've got.

2) I will employ anyone from the UK and Ireland (if playing in the UK or Ireland, obviously)

3) If the media flag up a player, I will scout him or even offer trial terms.

4) There is no point 4.

Too much questioning is not good for your game, play as realistically as possible and enjoy yourself.

retired_pmetzger1

Church, you're killing all the fun by being helpful and to the point.

retired_jmathias

Valid. I now have nothing to potboot...

oh, wait!


What Church said. Except that I scout players before I trial them as well. If I trial them.

retired_berrysale

The two Brians state the truth there.

retired_holden

Do better with the players you have and as the reputation of the club and yourself improves you'll attract a higher quality of applicants of course. But its up to you to put your management skills to the test and work with what you have in the meantime.

For point 2, I never trusted Job Centre in FM06 and would use the Staff Search with appropriate filters for nationality etc but I am now satisfied with the Job Centre in FM07.

Point 3, that's just the cheating AI. It had to do that to beat you because your skills as so superior to it. Just remember you're not playing against Deep Blue here.

retired_daria

Brian wrote:
The scout is not useless because over time he gains England knowledge. It is better than nothing.

I understand that, but as noted in my post I have no idea how it works in the real world so I relay on what other teams in the game are doing, that's why I asked.

retired_sargent

I find this a patronising and unhelpful reply. the OP asked a few questions on his new LLM career, he broke no rules, suggested no modifications to existing LLm guidelines and posted in a clear and grammatical way. There is no need to upset people and to confirm the view that we are an agressive, unhelpful group.

retired_berrysale

The issue of the scout :

Well, it's up to you, but would you really hire a scout who has no knowledge of playere and clubs in the UK?

He'd probably know of the high-profile clubs and nothing of the clubs like Hinkley or Ford United and where they are.

retired_kris1971again

If he has the ability, i'm willing to take a chance and be patient if nothing better offers itself. Would always take an adaptable scout with high teens on judgement over a local lad unable to tell the difference between a barn and a bicycle.