lukekarts

I'm already leaving Lyon out because they're too big; and I'd rather not manage PSG or Nantes (hate their colours)... so who do you recommend, and why?

Ideally I'd like a team with a couple of decent younsters and established players - Monaco springs to mind - and also a decent transfer budget. A decent or expandable stadium would also be helpful.

I've heard the French League gets good in a few years; but to be honest it's the only major Eurpoean League I know relatively little about so any advice is welcome.

Thanks for your time.

Sir frosinone

what about Marsellie

grahamf

Not too many teams in the French league with cash, St Etienne will give you 6 mil if you ask for more. On the plus side though you can pick up plenty of decent players on the cheap. St Etienne, Sochaux, Rennes or even PSG might fit the bill. Monaco are a decent team but are quite a challenge as they have low attendences, kind of like Blackburn in that respect.

lukekarts

Have St. Etienne got any good players? Off the top of my head I can't think of anyone...

As for Monaco, who is there of note beyond Menez & Givet? I kinda fancy the challenge but I'm not convinced if I will be able to keep my good players. I suppose I can boost attendances by doing well.

What about Marseille, anyone good beyond Nasri and Cisse?

Thanks for your replies so far!

the--dud

Marseille, Bordeaux, Auxerre are all fun challenging teams to manage mate :thup:

grahamf

St Etienne have a couple of decent wingers like Payet, Feindouno and Bilos when he comes back from loan also Guarin. Top half finish is possible but plenty of room for improvement and more than possible with the good youth set up and decent size stadium.

I like the French league as apart from Lyon its relatively even and any team can come through with a couple of seasons development.

Gakpe for Monaco can become really good.

Queen of the Stevenage

Stade Rennais FC.

In Europe, have Briand to start with and can be the platform to go higher!

McTavish

Lens make a good challenge. They have a good stadium and training facilities plus a decent reputation. Not sure how much cash they start with but they have an excellent youth setup.

Nantes are a similar prospect. Valenciennes if you want something more challenging - they were semi professional until 2005 before winning promotion to the top flight in two successive seasons.

I wouldn't bother with Monaco if I were you, I've managed them before and despite having a some pretty succesful seasons you never get the attendences/income to maintain a decent team for any length of time which can get frustrating.

bazblock

auxurre (sp) have the best youth team/facilities in france

HoPeY

Bordeaux to be fair churn out alot more talent than Auxerre.

Try Stade Rennais FC.

But I must say your missing out not choosing Lyon, it's still a challenge to make them into a european powerhouse, but your choice :<