retired_pamela

Something I've thought of fairly recently, is the lack of opportunity to start as an assistant.

Correct me if I'm wrong and have somehow missed this feature, but presently I believe you can only manage a club and not become an assistant.

A lot of people play this game for the realism of starting at a lower league club or unemployed, getting offered the position of manager and working up to the top. However an added element which would be a huge benefit to the game, would be the ability to start as an assistant manager.

That way, you could take control of Reserves, or U18's fixtures, and if you make a name for yourself, you could then progress into full time management.

At the same time, you would be able to recommend some of the younger players to your manager, and help groom some of the exciting youngsters (or unhappy reserves) at the club whilst using all the player interaction you would as a normal manager. Maybe expanding further, if the manager sacks or leaves for a different job you could get the opportunity to go with him (or be sacked too). Manager interaction could also become important as you build a rapport with someone who could potentially be a rival in the future.

The functionality is almost already there in the game for this to happen (ie taking control of reserve/youth matches), but of course there are many possibilities.

What do other people think?!

rytm2323

It's not a new idea for starters, but no, I don't agree. It's called Football Manager. Not Football Assistant Manager, Football Chairman, Football Scout or Football Kit Man.

However, kudos for an intelligent, well thought-out opening post. I disagree with your idea, but not the way you explained it. :thup:

retired_calhoun_s

Reserve team manager and U18's etc could work. But i dont think being an ass man would benefit the game really, there isn't enough stuff for you to.

Also on being Reserve team manager and U18s manager there would have to be a more active role in training maybe to give more stuff to do as you wouldn't have any say in transfers.

retired_mssa007

Seen it before. Still a rubbish idea. There's simply nothing to do. I don't get why people keep coming up with these weird ideas.

An assistant will just do what he's told to do. He has no decisions to make.
Phil Neal was assistant to Graham Taylor for England. All he did was say "Yes Boss" for four years.

It's like the moron yesterday with his Football Chairman idea where you get to :
-watch training
-throw parties
-decide whether or not to go to games

Please stop!

retired_2b135again

I can see your point and do think you should be able to apply for U18, Reserve and U18/U21 International jobs but would there be enough to do as an assistant?

If it could be made possible it would be a great feature on a career game where you start in LLM and to enhance your reputation/CV, take an assistant job at a bigger club....Steve McClaren for example.

Interesting :thup:

retired_marcias

I don't care about my CV, I'd be bored out of my mind as an Assistant Manager!

And yes, as an option I could just ignore it, but it would require significant SI implementation time so I object to it on those grounds - that I'd rather that time be spent on something worthwhile.

retired_mssa007

Har. You just made a dull idea sound even duller by introducing Steve McLaren into the equation!
Day 1 : Organize training
Day 2 : Sort that silly hair-do out
Day 3 : Teeth whitening appointment
Day 4 : Game

retired_pamela

Well the idea would be for it to be a stepping stone for those people who want a "career" in FM.

Thanks for the initial feedback.

In response to their not being enough to do, the only real element missing would be transfers.

However you would be responsible for:

Reserve matches / formations (unless the manager insisted using the same one as he is) / lineups etc.

U18 matches / formations / lineups / contract renewals

Player interaction for the U18s and Reserves:

"Tell player A that you are impressed with his development and if he applies himself well he will have a big future" or

"Tell player B that unless he puts more effort into training / improves his attitude, he may have to look for a new career".

Manager interaction - occasionally the manager may ask for reports on the youth or reserve team and you are presented with a list of options. You may also be asked for approval on certain signings or make your own recommendations etc.

Team reports - compiling team reports and recommendations on a routine basis.

I'm not saying it would be an integral part to the game but the Football Manager series is forever expanding and this is just a natural continuation to that.

retired_calhoun_s

You can be international U21/19 manager already, but i certainly think that being able to manage club reserve teams and u19's would be a good idea, especially for those of us that like a career game (my record is 36 years with 7 different clubs).

In response to SWaRFeGa, i half agree about assistant managers being yes men but its also their job to suggest stuff to the boss. ALthough in terms of the game i cant see how this would be implemented.

retired_col

I like it, but I'd love to be a chairman, it'd be good, sacking and appointing managers and staff, recomending players, working with finances, having the oppurtunity to sell a player over the managment