Izual

Just a few quick questions really.

What's the standard squad size for a normal team.

My first team has about 35 players which I'm guessing is too much. Plus I'm having trouble trying to keep them all happy. What's the normal sort of size I'd be looking at and how many for each position?
Also, how about the reserve and youth teams, should I have a load of good players in the reserves or it that mainly just for crap players or young players I'm training up?

Secondly how about ages of players. What should the age of my players be. In the past I've always invested in young players and my average age is about 21/22. Is this too young?

Finally, what's the best way to train up good young players. I've loads around about 17\18 years old that are all going to be amazing but how do I start to incorporate them into my first team?

Phew, I know it's alot of questions. But any help on any of them would be amazing.

Queen of the Stevenage

I generally run with two players for each position except for the strikers where I only have 3 (I play 4-4-2)

My current Wolfsburg squad has an average age of 24, this seems about right for me.

With youngsters, I make them have one season in the U-19's being tutored, one season on loan to my feeder, one season playing the odd game, then bring them into the first team fully.

Izual

How often do you replace your players.

I seem to be buying about 6 or 7 senior players a season. Is this too many? I'm guessing it is. At what stage should I consider... upgrading... my team?

Queen of the Stevenage

Whenever I see a better player/prospect. I don't usually buy that many, but then perhaps that's where I'm going wrong.

SCIAG

I look to upgrade where possible. Since the start of my latest save, I have added 5 new players to the starting 11 plus countless prospects and back ups. I'm looking at incorparating between 2 and 5 youngsters into the first team squad next year (2 are already heavily involved and 2 others play small parts)

Gypsum

Really, most of the questions you just asked are down to your discretion. There are positives and negatives to having big/small or old/young squads. It's up to you as a manager to decide what is best for the way you want your team to play. The is really no right or wrong way of going about it. It's hard to know what you should be doing, but the best advice I can give you is to do what you feel is in the best interests of your team. You'll learn your preferences the longer you play through the game.

But, to answer your question;

My first team squad generally has around 20 players or a few more. Basically enough to fill a first 11, 7 on the bench and a couple of spares. But the spares are generally older, experienced players on the way down.

My reserve team size is unlimited. I just buy players who I think are good enough and if there are too many, i'll send them out on loan to keep them fit and earn them experience.

My average squad age is 25. But I generally buy younger players and build them up, rather than buying already established stars. If you have a big budget, it may be better to have a squad age around 27-30, as these would be players in their peak. If you lack the funds, go for young talent and bring them up.

To bed in the youngsters, I tend to involve them in less important, low pressure games. My youngsters usually get a good run in the league cup, and the best of them get involved in the FA Cup. The very best will find themselves involved in Premiership games if there are injuries or suspensions. If you don't think they'll get much of a chance, try loaning them out for a while. Match experience is invaluable.

Crewdy95

I feel stupid asking this question but how do I get a player to tutor a young player?