http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/10/Logo_of_Luch-Energia_Vladivostok.png/150px-Logo_of_Luch-Energia_Vladivostok.png

Each poster needs to finish the season in a 'reasonable time frame'. I think 10 days maximum.

As we're in Russia, hand over day is February 1. So that means on February 1, you save your game, and upload it.

Sugar Daddy is currently on in Foreground in our game. Come the end of Season 2020-21 (ie. in June 2021), this will be switched to background in FMRTE by the person saving the game (this way the person about to start has no reason to have FMRTE).
Then three years later, in June 2024, this will be changed to underwriter. Same rules apply (ie. switched off by person finishing the 2023-24 season).

List of managers:
2012-13: Dan (Winner of First Division, promotion to Premier League)
2013-14: Juventino (5th in League, Cup Finalist)
2014-15: Alex (3rd in League, Europa League 4th Qualifying Round, Cup 7th Round)
2015-16: Skiptomylou (3rd in League, Europa League Quarter Final, Champions League Qualification)
2016-17: Juve/Dan (Europa League Quarter Final, 2nd in League, Cup WINNERS!!)
2017-18: fender (League Champions! Cup Winners!)
2018-19: Alex (Undefeated League Champions! Cup Winners! Champions League Winners!!)

**** me that's great name! Here we go again!

Let's go, folks. I hope I can run this properly. I'll let y'all know when I can take over (or get in line). I'm not sure that my Chelsea save will keep me interested much longer.

Just remember whose idea this was... tssssss. You should make the first post nicer, Alex. Write a little intro on the club and Vladivostok, maybe add a few pictures. We should get the feeling we're actually that far in cold cold Siberia when we're reading the team updates, hehe.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/10/Logo_of_Luch-Energia_Vladivostok.png/150px-Logo_of_Luch-Energia_Vladivostok.png

If someone wants to write an opening spiel and find some pictures, I'm happy to add them to the post ;)

Otherwise Dan can add them to the first real post! :D

I didn't say I would definitely do out immediately!

**** me, now I'm going to have to play this before installing anything else on the new computer, which should get here tomorrow.

Na, no hurry Daniel.

We can continue to discuss exactly what we want, and I can restart the game.

Gives us a day or two to really get it right. I just thought you were keen to get in to it :)

This is great. After Christmas, I got a bit of a break from Uni and work so I'm definitely up for it then.

Get this thing up Alex, I'm ready to go.

Updated the link. It's ready to go!!

I know in press conferences you get asked if the far travel to an opponent will affect your team negatively... I wonder how much a factor it plays in the game.

Okay, this is unacceptable

1) The transfer window closes in 4 days. **** you.

2) Contracts end dates are June 30th??????

#1 has to be corrected, there's absolutely no ******* way I'm going into the season with that squad. #2 should be fixed too, but if it can't that is very very unfortunate, but I can deal with it if it's not fixable.

Hmmm, I'll see if I can start at a different date.

Not sure we can fix number 2, without doing it manually for all or players. Does number 2 effect is when resigning players?

Fixed the issue with start date. I had Belarus 2012 selected as start date (so that it'd be 2012, not 2011 - I hate playing in the past). I've changed it to Korea, which has a start date of January 2012, so you get an extra long period at the start :)

The second, I'm not sure what we can do.

Try the new link Dan :)

Maybe the reason for those contract ending dates is that in real life Russia is planning on converting their competition to a winter competition (like the Western European ones)? I don't know if FM implemented this in the game.

Not sure we can fix number 2, without doing it manually for all or players. Does number 2 effect is when resigning players?

Yes, when I offered contracts I could only offer June expiration dates.

Getting past 4 now, gotta be up by noon to... work... on Saturday, but Saturday night/Sunday morning and then all Sunday should be good. New computer is waaaaay faster than what I'm used to.

Oh, that's annoying. But to be fair, I don't let guys I want get to within 6 months of the end of their contract anyway.

Looking forward to seeing this play out.

I have a feeling (looking at the draw) that the Russian League might change to July - June after this season.

After the huge winter break, we're in the "relegation group" from last year, to start with (basically like the split in Scotland, but in this case bottom 10 top 8). This lasts until the end of May, when I assumed the League goes back to the full 18 sides. I guess from then, the League will be played as a July through May/June League like the rest of Europe. There was no relegation/championship group in the league last year, so I can only assume that this is basically an 18 month season as a transitional phase. I'm going to simulate (holiday) 12 months and see what happens.

If this is the case Dan, you play until June 1 (or after the last game) like in previous games. We can play this by ear a bit. Everyone afterwards will just play the usual 12 months.

Yeah, I didn't know what that meant, but figured I would just roll with it and see what happened. Transitioning to a schedule like the Ukrainian league with a long winter break makes sense. If you're doing it now, please let know in the next 3 hours if possible. Also explains why there were no season expectations.

I'm fairly certain that is what it is. The game is holidaying now, I'll let you know soon. Guessing after this "championship/relation" phase, there will be a short break, and the season proper will start. The fixtures from last April aren't championship/relegation split, so I'm fairly sure this is a transition.

I'm ducking out for lunch now, but I'll use phone my PC to check soon

Yep. As expected. Season proper kicks off in August. You get what is essentially a practice season. Then they have a big break from November to Marsh.

Do the bottom 4 teams in the Relegation League get relegated?

Think so. But we're starting near the top, so surely should be safe??

Not sure if it's bottom four, or bottom from each region or something

Alright cool. Will start playing very soon.

Wooooo

Just checked. Yep 4 bottom sides relegated.

Ahhh, Vladivostok in January

http://icons-ak.wunderground.com/data/wximagenew/e/eggbunny/1.jpg

****. At least we have this

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/1452/salary.png

Wow. Don't know who I'm going to be able to buy worth anything near that amount, but I shall do my best.

Other rules we should know about: in the First Division we can only have 3 foreign players on the field, and must have a Russian U-21 player in the squad at all times. I assume this is more relaxed in the Premier Division, but I can't tell you for sure.

Everyone on the team I took over is horrible.

So with that in mind, and knowing that we can only have 3 foreign players, I set about building a team.

Let me tell you, there are NOT many good players that want to come to Vladivostok. The first signing is Tresor Mputu, a Democratic Republic of the Congo international, and the star player of TP Mazembe in the DRC. In 2010 they were the first team not representing CONMEBOL or UEFA to make the Final of the FIFA Club World Cup, knocking off Pachuca and Internacional before losing to Internazionale in the final. Not only that, but I actually read about him in real life in a book called Africa United!

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/9598/mputu.png

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/6340/mputu1.png

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/9982/mputu3.png

No probelm Tresor. Next we signed the Iranian National Keeper who looks pretty good. 2/3 Foreign signings down.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8430/mirzat.png

On the home front, we grabbed a good young defender from Zenit's reserves.

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/7708/chemi.png

The final foreign signing is a big Kazakhi dude

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/8490/osta.png

Wrapping up the signings in the winter is a Russian kid. Sadly I have 2 old guys coming in July, but I must have "Signed" them at the end of their contracts instead of offered a transfer fee to their clubs. Whoops.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5118/vasy.png

I normally don't mess with this aspect too much, but I did at least get some good coaches in

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/1273/coaches.png

Damn I remember trying to play with Anji last year but was put off by the foreign rule limit. Good signings so far... good Russian players will be very valuable. Long term goal could be to win the world cup with Russia too.

Honestly, I'm already regretting signing a foreign keeper, an entire 1 game into my career as manager. Russian keeper will be a top priority.

FUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 games from the end of the Relegation season, in 1st place by 6 points with only 1 draw the entire session, and the game crashes. I didn't save once. I'll make the same signings, although I might not go for the Iranian keeper and find some other foreigner. Son of a BITCH! Okay auto save, guess I'm turning you on now.

Haha, I usually save fairly often without autosave anyway. Often use autosave now though, because I've done that before :D

I guess this gives me a reason to have my normal paranoia. Also, the game speed has a lot to do with it. I wouldn't have been half as far on my old comp. Games approached really fast.

Alright, here we are:

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7916/divisionq.png

Kind of a meh performance, but at least it will get me to ditch the 3-4-1-2. I have made some legitimately great signings that I'm stunned we got to come to the Russian First Division (at least one anyway), but the transfer window opens on August 1, and sadly, the opening rounds of the Cup are played before then:

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/1355/anjig.png

Looks like we won't be lifting this trophy this year.

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/5735/noway.png

"This is a historic day for Luch and the city of Vladivostok. I would like to dedicate the great victory over the immoral capitalists of Anji to the memory of our recently deceased Dear Leader who taught me all about courage, strength, and football tactics."

You were very Luch-y.

The Dagestani's are GONE! :D

Basically a middle eastern side, playing an east asian side :D

Signings!

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/8095/fivei.png
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/1047/foury.png
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/6209/oneavt.png
http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/6720/sixn.png
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/382/threesp.png
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/3500/twoxz.png

Huge upgrades, particularly at keeper and right back. The Uruguayan kid looks to be amazing for First Division too. Oh, and I did promise you a blockbuster didn't I?










http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2816/lacina.png

He looks really good. But quite low heading for someone that has generally target man abilities. Still, for First Division, (Y)

EDIT. I'm too used to higher levels I guess. At lower levels, he isn't so much a target man, as an all round striker. Fast enough, and good enough on the ball to hold his own....No JC Vinet though :P

With such amazing jumping and finishing, I don't think his heading is too big of a problem. If I can get his pace and composure up he'll be a monster.

I actually was on the verge of signing him with Gladbach, so that he'd come to us now is really amazing. His story is that he transferred to Kuban in the Russian Premier League from CFR Cluj in Romania, and had a dreadful season in which the club was relegated. He was unhappy and now in the same division as us and as soon as he popped up on the interested players list I had a bid in for him.

In FM11 Lacina Traore would sign for Barcelona in the first season in many of my games.

edit: He transferred to Kuban in real life and is managed by former Chelsea and Romania NT player Dan Petrescu (aka Mulder).

Well, thanks to a massive 20 team First Division to go along with an enormous winter break, games are every Saturday AND Wednesday. Fuuuck!!

How many sides in top division?? That'd be no fun with Europe games on top!?

There's only 16 in the Premier Division, so that's 8 fewer games, which is probably just enough to make it bearable. The cup also seems to be fairly short and mostly contested before the season starts. Tough start to the league for us, but we seem to have found our footing; we've had a lot of injuries, the most stunning of which left us with a 17 year old keeper in net for 7 games. However, we actually won 5/7 of those games, so it didn't end up being all that important. Still, I think you can pin almost all of that 1-3 loss to Khimki on the kid. Oh, and his debut was the 2-2 draw, where he got lobbed from about 40 yards in the 88th minute.

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/153/fixtures.png

Check out those dates. Which puts us here.

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/9615/divisione.png

Best player so far has actually been Mier the Uruguayan, although in limited games because of injuries. After him it's Traore and Mputu.

EDIT: At this point most teams in the Russian Premier League have played 9 games. That compares to 6 in England, 7 in Germany, and 11 in the notoriously early starting Ukrainian Premier League.

What are board expectations?

Promotion. We're really clicking though, with the players healthy we've been on a real tear; Mputu, Traore, and Mier missed some or all of those first 5 games, not to mention our best defender Gadjibikov who is out until next year, and our #1 keeper.

It's great to finally see this up and running!

I'll also have time to play in the next couple of weeks (after that it will be difficult again), so I'd love to go next if that's all right.

If Juventino goes next and does his in time I'd like to be in the mix for going next since it will probably sync with my time off for Christmas holidays.

My question is: what happens if I don't get promoted and get sacked?

Because of youth team callups I had to go on vacation for one match as I didn't have a single registered Russian U-21 player to put in the side. We won 3-0. Looked at the formation wondering what position my assistant played a random grey player that I couldn't find: didn't see one. He just played the regular starting XI without a Russian U-21 player. Whatever.

My question is: what happens if I don't get promoted and get sacked?
Add a new manager? If our North Korean gets sacked it will probably push him over the edge and he'll commit suicide, so probably another name. I still like Uli Kunkel, the Autobahn band member/ porn star/ nihilist (from The Big Lebowski).

Yeah I like that idea. Maybe just everyone isn't meant to be as successful as Pablo Castro, if one manager fails, someone else gets a crack.

Forgot to post this, good luck when you guys get to the Premier League

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/4353/crud.png

How is that possible? Alex, you didn't increase the league's rep or something did you?

Although maybe it being the only playable league had an effect. Which would suck, really.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/6965/divisionw.png

Alright, maybe I won't get sacked.

http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/8030/fixturesm.png

Sorry, there are the fixtures for October/November. To be honest I haven't played nearly that well IMO, and was surprised when I saw that record.

Winter signings!

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/707/kokor.png

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/8676/mkrt.png

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/7475/tasch.png

I think the last guy could be really special. You might be thinking, "you won't be able to play all of your best players at once because of foreigner limits". Yup. I had like 75m to spend this year, so **** it.

More talent to Russia:

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/9988/transu.png

How is that possible? Alex, you didn't increase the league's rep or something did you?

Although maybe it being the only playable league had an effect. Which would suck, really.

No, but (as I said in the discussion thread) I made some of the other Russian sides have sugar daddy chairmen as well...Usually only background sugar daddy, not foreground like ours. But it will still give them money to spend. The bigger sides would have already had decent rep, but I didn't raise it at all (in fact I think I lowered them ever so slightly to try and counter against the money they would now have).

Obviously the idea is that it makes it harder to get to the top, and the whole league can increase together - instead of just us improving, and the rest of our league becoming crappy. With only two tiers, it could have been a pretty quick game!

Yeah, I actually don't mind it. Guys like Dzsudzszak have budged for Russian money in real life, although I'm not sure he's on the same level of potential as Pjanic and Hazard.

Makes for an interesting game.

Interesting signings by the way, all from former Soviet nations.

I think it would have been more interesting to give a couple lower league Russian teams a deal like we have, but keep the top clubs about the same. I mean, the Moscow clubs are pretty rich anyway, and Anji has a sugar daddy. I'd like to see like Sibr have some gas sugar daddy or something.

You can still do that, right? I like that idea.

Yeah, I just didn't want to change things too much. And I like the idea of the big clubs being proper European forces. Also thought that this way the premier league can strengthen above us...I think after a few seasons we should turn them off too (like with us). Zenit, CSKA, Spartak etc are big clubs who already have, or are likely to get billionaire owners (especially if the Russian League starts getting some European success).

Also if we made loads of lower sides get a sugar daddy, we could be sacked loads of times before progressing anywhere. And it could also end up with loads of crappy little clubs getting bigger, but the big cubs just staying the same. Meaning the league could be full of decent, but not brilliant sides.

In ten years I'd love to see Russia having few sides in the knock phases in Europe. Especially if it's those big famous Russian names

We definitely can still add sugar daddy to some (1 or 2 max I think) lower sides. Think we should look at sides in good locations for it if we do though :)

I think sugar daddy at any of the clubs is something to keep an eye on though. If the big clubs become too big too quickly, and just keep on spending stupid money, season after season, than we should possibly turn it off, just leave them as a big club with lots of money (so they aren't allowed to spend it all every year).

Alright, season is over, pretty good showing actually. The team really became unbeatable when it got healthy.

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/2317/divisionk.png

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4815/secondz.png

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4637/leaguestats.png

Also, here is my favorite match of the year, and of course the best individual performance.

ENMRb9RfaWc

To make it realistic I'm picturing a hail of bananas raining down on him after the 4th goal. Russia, after all.

And finally, the end of the year awards:

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/4148/award1n.png

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/2097/award2u.png

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/359/award3m.png

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/16/award4.png

Think it's kind of cool that Mputu and Traore split the Player of the Year Awards, because they were definitely the two best players in the league and their average ratings were really close.

I've grown attached to Tresor Mtupu and he has really thrived in on the right wing, please don't sell him. Aside from him and Lacina, I'm not really going to fight to keep anyone. Mier is good, but probably around the same ability as the Russian kid I brought in during the winter; however he might be useful as a left back, I don't know. The next person will have to spend a LOT of money to get competitive IMO. I'd say only Mtupu and Traore are the only ones good enough to play for a team in Europe. Have fun.

Juve, I guess you're free to jump in. I'm not ready to play this yet. Just keep an eye on how much the big Russian clubs are spending (and performing). And if they're going too well too quickly, we'll turn sugar daddy off.

Me neither, I'd appreciate if managers gave some ideas on how they're playing and who they're playing and how they're doing, doesn't have to be in detail. Just so the next manager has a good idea on what to expect.

Anyway, good job Nimi, blasted through that in no time, good work.

Yeah, I was thinking that first season was very short on detail. But it was all over in a day!

I'll download the game today! Don't think I'll play as fast as Nimi but I'll try to make detailed posts of the team, tactic and transfers. Looking forward to challenging the Moscow teams and Zenit... although that might be impossible this season, we'll see.

Told the board I'd go for a mid-table finish and I'm trying to make signings to achieve that. Transfer budget close to 60M and a huge wage budget (4.5M per month) to boot. Let me see what I can do.

We moved from 20th to 31st place on the list of richest clubs in the world. We have the budget of Champions League teams... It could go real fast with Luch. When I played with Dukla I added a sugar daddy, but I didn't up their original budget which made it a bit harder. I only got my first results in Europe in the sixth year, which was more fun to be honest.

Signings:

An extra good goalkeeper:
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/8453/revishvili.png

Defenders, a mix of youth and experience:
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/5121/dcvasin.png
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/7460/dzudovic.png
http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/5708/knyazev.png

Midfielders, with the addition of Zenit veteran Zyryanov and the verstale vetaran Nemov (he can pretty much play anywhere):
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/466/zyryanov.png
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/2762/nemov.png
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/7840/mcbabenko.png
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/5964/kolomeitsev.png

And in attack the addition of another Zenit vetaran, Victor Faizulin, and the talent from Serbia Ninkovic who'll give Mier a battle for his place in the line-up:
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/2407/faizulin.png
http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/7141/ninkovic.png

More depth on the wings:
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/1769/schermafbeelding2011122.png

Looks like some good signings. What are the foreign players rules in the top division?

No more than 6 foreigners in the first XI, and at least one Russian U21 player in the match squad. Nothing too bad.

So, technically, we can have as many foreigners as we want, but only 6 can play at any one time? So, a match squad could have 13 foreigners (6 starts and 7 on the bench) and one U21 Russian in the squad, and so long as there are only 6 foreigners on the field at any given time, we're good?

Not suggesting we buy lots of foreigners and sub them on for one another, but the limitations can be toyed with.

You're ****ed if a Russian player gets injured, and they play a really rough brand of soccer over there. I was meaning to attach the amount of bookings in the first division last year because it was insane. Having a guy with a cross over his head in the first 10 minutes was almost expected.

Some decent signings, but also not exactly Lucas Moura or Eden Hazard. This game is going to be about increasing the reputation slowwwwly to attract better and better signings I think. Might not go as fast as some of you think. I also opened up Scout Genie after I finished and the custom database doesn't allow it, so we'll see how many of yall's signings were legit too (H)

Yeah, you're right actually. Luch's reputation doesn't allow for signings like that.

But hey, first game of the season:
http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/9775/dinamo.png

Mputu had to come off injured in the 15th min, Kubik to the rescue! Man of the Match performance from him. With 10 men we countered them away on a 1-1 score. Incredible win.

And look at that ambiance...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/242/458513739_4be101f39b.jpg

What doesn't the custom database allow?

Anyway, obviously I don't suggest having 20 foreigners and 5 Russians, but if our squad is big enough, 9-12 foreigners and the rest Russians (3 or so of which should be U21) would be good.

Hahaha, 10 bookings. What did I say!

I also opened up Scout Genie after I finished and the custom database doesn't allow it, so we'll see how many of yall's signings were legit too (H)

I'm confused. What does this mean? What would make illegit signings? Why did the custom DB not allow Scout Genie?

Can't load the database for whatever reason. You don't think using Genie Scout to look through the PAs of the entire database is cheating?

Yes it would be, I'm gonna have faith that no one does that, it would really take the joy out of the game, especially one in which signing good young players will be crucial.

I've never had Genie Scout.

Having a custom DB shouldn't effect Genie Scout though, as the save game is in exactly the same structure still.

You sure it isn't the 12.1 (or whatever it is) update to the game from SI?

Positive

That's quite silly, considering how many people (especially the type of people that would use a Genie to "cheat" scout) don't use the default database. And it wouldn't be hard to just make it read from the save game database. Not sure why the original database would be so important.

No idea. I cheat in my own games though.

There's still FMRTE which not only allows you to see potential but also edit things. I don't know if it works with a custom database but most likely it does.

And since we're on this topic..

Alex, why did Chelmsford have so many young Australians with ridiculously high potential? (H)

No idea. I cheat in my own games though.
Lol, I do the same. It's part of the fun for me to have amazing youngsters in my team. Don't really care how I get them.

On the plus side, I haven't downloaded tactics since FM10 which I'm proud of.

There's still FMRTE which not only allows you to see potential but also edit things. I don't know if it works with a custom database but most likely it does.

And since we're on this topic..

Alex, why did Chelmsford have so many young Australians with ridiculously high potential? (H)

Didn't, did they? Had that centre back who was a gun, and a left winger. Think that was it. Also that striker who was half English, but played for England. I just went looking for the best young Aussies in the game. :) But just by scouting the world and filtering for Aussies with high potential.

The game seems to create loads of half Aussie/English in my games, and they usually come through an English academy and play for England :(

Gentlemen.

http://media.salon.com/2011/12/team-america-jong-460x307.jpg

I have made two more signings for depth. Players we'll probably forget about soon, but I didn't have back-ups on LB and RB.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/4605/grigalava.png
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/2175/yeschenko.png

Next up: CSKA Moscow in Vladivostok. I have decided to stick with Nimi's formation as the attack has proved to work that way (I stuck by Mier, Mputu and Traore). Traore was unfortunately injured, but Kokorin is a good replacement. I find him to be very active, pressing his defenders and creating chances out of nothing.

CSKA... well, Dzagoev and Honda were on the bench.

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1710/luchcska.png

Our pure fighting spirit would not let us be intimidated by the team from Moscow; ATTACK!!! ATTACK!!! FORWARD!!!

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1324410461/980/6171980.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5972/schermafbeelding2011122x.png

The fans were clearly impressed and prepared a homage to their leader:

http://www.globalpost.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/gp3_fullpage/north-korea-mass-games-arirang-festival-3-20110908.jpg

With an approving nudge the leader showed his appreciation.

http://in10words.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/kim-jong-il-in-team-america-preview.jpeg

Kokorin scored 1-0. Unfortunately Vagner Love equalized 5 minutes later. We were every bit as good as them and could've won. Kokorin hit the post twice, GRRRR.

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.993854.1324314737!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_485/image.jpg

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/1769/schermafbeelding2011122.png

Still, a performance to be happy about. The team from Moscow could not beat us!

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1706/spartakm.png

http://media.salon.com/2011/12/team-america-jong-460x307.jpg

That's right. 5 games played; won vs. Dinamo Moscow and Spartak, drew vs. Amkar, CSKA and Terek Grozny. Terrible draw versus Terek. I was leading 0-2, but because of Dzudovic's mistakes (bad pass and he caused a penalty) they came back to 2-2. Meh.

Gentlemen.

http://media.salon.com/2011/12/team-america-jong-460x307.jpg

Hahahahaha, this absolutely killed me

Unbeaten from September 26th 2012 to September 26th 2013.

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7954/schermafbeelding2011122f.png

Wow I'm surprised you're competing so well. Some of the big Russian teams have world class players.

Another great away win and still unbeaten. Four wins, three draws, second place behind CSKA on the league table. Mputu, Mier and Traore are on fire. Gotta give credits to Nimreitz, his tactic is perfect for this team. Especially the midfield dynamics help the attackers create chances versus stronger opposition. Zyryanov's experience may also have something to do with it, it's working out great so far despite his age. Young Kolomeitsev is playing alongside him and he had his breakthrough game:

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/6448/rubino.png

Yeah, I was interested in Zyryanov last year, but he wouldn't drop a division.

Actually it would be cool if people kept a similar tactic but added tweaks to perfect it.

We could always keep the last man's tactic as a 3rd choice one to train, at least.

Winter update:

Results:
http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/6231/resultsz.png

League Table:
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/7504/leagues.png

Remained unbeaten at home, but got in a bit of a slumb later on in away games because of injuries and suspensions. I missed three starting defenders for a couple of weeks and Lacina Traore is one bad motherf*cker... he got suspended FIVE games at the end November (and it will carry over the winter break). Depth is still a problem for this team, so I decided to make some signings to hopefully keep us at the top this season. Second place (to reach the CL Qualifiers) might be difficult, but I'm definitely aiming for Europa League football (Top 6).

Depth in defense was my main priority. Epureanu and Kombarov will provide quality and experience; players that have competed at the top of the Russian league and will continue to do so:
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8804/epureanu.png
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/888/schermafbeelding2011122h.png


I also looked at some U21 teams and found this gem in Belarus, the future and present of Luch-Energiya. He will immediately be one of our best midfielders, if not THE best. His name will probably be mentioned a lot in this thread:
http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/8777/lashankovic.png

Another gem, a player that could be equally important to Luch's future... Lacina Traore's fellow Ivorian Kipre:
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/7212/kipre.png

Also a young talented goalkeeper that will arrive in the summer:
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/4269/kolotsey.png

And this young Czech Svec will arrive on a Bosman:
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6307/svec.png



Merry Christmas, gentlemen, and may Luch-Energiya climb to new heights in the new year.

http://media.salon.com/2011/12/team-america-jong-460x307.jpg

Oh, we're going for it. Snapped up the transfer listed Pavlyuchenko from Tottenham, I figured he'd make a nice punch of the bench. With a natural fitness of 19 I don't see problems with his age (32 is not that old anyway).

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7874/pavw.png


Decided to loan Shiskin from Lokomotiv. Better than anything we had at RB.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/7743/shiskin.png


The next manager will find a bit of a mess in the Reserves. Young players reject loan deals and are subsequently unhappy and I can't get rid of veterans that just don't cut it anymore for Luch. Some of their contracts expire, though, and it's not like we need the transfer sums.

Hey, stadium fireworks in St. Petersburg! Has anyone ever seen this?

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4034/fireworksw.png

Lashinkov! Oh wow, and I'm guessing the scout says he has great potential too.

Really good season Juve, exceeding my expectations by a lot. We could win the Champions League in the 4th season at this rate.

Yeah, this seems too easy!!?

I guess that's the problem with choosing a lesser league (and starting only one tier from the top).

I guess if we do start winning everything early, the challenge is to build a dynasty, especially with Sugar Daddy being switched off after ten years. And to get the DLR into action. Would be great to see the worlds genuine superstars playing for us, Zenit, CSKA etc. And becoming part of the big three leagues (sorry Dan, Germany are a solid fourth!)

It's not easy, dude, I'm a pro.

As you can see the differences were quite small at the top (below CSKA that is) and I didn't start the second half of the season very well. Don't get too excited (top 6 should be reached though).

Yeah, I was sort of disappointed when I saw Juve was doing so well, sort of hoped we'd take longer to reach the top. But since our long-term goal is to carry Russia forward, we'll still have a good 10 seasons in front of us, at least.

I hope you're taking every opportunity to ask for feeder clubs, stadium expansions and youth upgrades. That **** will come really handy.

Yeah, I was sort of disappointed when I saw Juve was doing so well, sort of hoped we'd take longer to reach the top. But since our long-term goal is to carry Russia forward, we'll still have a good 10 seasons in front of us, at least.

Yeah, I was a little disappointed too. That said, from winning in Russia to winning in Europe will be a much bigger step than EPL to Europe.

I'd like us to qualify for the Europa League at least once-so we can tick that box ;)

Yeah, I was a little disappointed too. That said, from winning in Russia to winning in Europe will be a much bigger step than EPL to Europe.

Uh... not with 4.5m in wages and 100m in transfer fees.

How can you guys play with Weekly or Monthly wage option? Yearly is by far the best IMO. That way you can actually put a value on what it means and compare it with other expenses like transfers or club costs.

Custom.

What? Do you mean custom view, you insert a description of yearly wage in the selection screen?

No, I mean I do it out of custom, it's the default and I'm used to it.

Ah, yeah I'm like that with many things.

Month is extremely confusing to me because each month has a different number of days, but just like Az said, I'm used to weekly wages and that's how they are reported in real life, so that's what I use.

EDIT: Back in the CM days I used British Pounds as my currency, but most transfers now get reported back to the USA in Euros, so that's what I use now.

Month is extremely confusing to me because each month has a different number of days, but just like Az said, I'm used to weekly wages and that's how they are reported in real life, so that's what I use.

EDIT: Back in the CM days I used British Pounds as my currency, but most transfers now get reported back to the USA in Euros, so that's what I use now.

I'm the same with previously using pounds, and now generally Euros.

Weekly, Monthly or Annually doesn't really confuse me. It's all relative.

As for the different length month thing, it's actually a 12th of a year Dan. Just like a week is 7/365s of a year.

It's the way rent is calculated here too. They advertise weekly rent prices, but generally charge monthly. Meaning to work out your monthly rent, you'd have to divide weekly by 7, multiply it by 365, then divide it by 12.

Nah, rent here is by the month. February costs the same as July.

The league has come to an end...

Results:
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/7556/fixturesf.png

League Table
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/2633/leaguetabley.png

Right on. The numerous draws cost me a better qualification in the end, but I'm proud to have only lost 5 games as a newly promoted team and our unbeaten status at home. CSKA is just another level right now.

The new signings disappointed a little bit. Pavlyuchenko didn't score a goal and the additions in defense didn't really improve our team either. Faizulin's role was minimalized in the second half of the season, and I generally stuck by our veterans. Plenty of unhappy youngsters in our team at the moment, but I hope the next manager will find a way to loan them out.

Also, youth and training facilities are in the process of being upgraded. Don't worry about that.

Key players: Mputu and Traore. Our captain Mputu finished as our league top scorer with 12 goals, 7 assists and 7 Man of the Match awards. Difference maker.

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/5303/eurocup.png

The Cup Run:

Finished off Terek Grozny and perhaps the historically most important team from Moscow, Spartak, in the Quarter and Semi-Final. Our team is REALLY strong at home, huge difference with away games. It's definitely a strength to have.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1111/semifinalu.png
(That's Kipre's debut by the way, sent off after a few minutes. We're going to have fun with this guy. Because of a further 4 match ban he probably won't be able to play in the Cup next year.)

CSKA will be waiting in the final. It's going to be a tough one...

''NEXT UP: LUCH-ENERGIYA VLADIVOSTOK - CSKA MOSCOW. THE BATTLE FOR THE RUSSIAN CUP, EDITION 2013-2014, LIVE ON THIS NETWORK. STAY TUNED.''

(EDIT: You gotta be f*cking kidding me. Traore, Pavlyuchenko, Vasin (our starting DC) away on international duty. Odd for a game like this...)

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/9861/paperu.png

2014 Russian Cup Final:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/26/PFK_CSKA_Logo.svg/150px-PFK_CSKA_Logo.svg.png http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/10/Logo_of_Luch-Energia_Vladivostok.png/150px-Logo_of_Luch-Energia_Vladivostok.png

CSKA Moscow - Luch-Energiya Vladivostok


Line-ups:
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/7901/lineups.png

Luch are missing star striker Traore, veteran Pavlyuchenko and rock in defense Vadin because they're away on international duty. Troubles for Russian champs CSKA Moscow are much worse; they're missing EIGHT players on international duty, including Vagner Love, Akinfeev and Doumbia. Zhirkov and Berezutsky will miss the game because of suspension.

Unfortunately I lost the game 1-0. Pretty drab performance from our boys, creating zero clear cut chances. Especially Mputu couldn't do anything (finished the game with a 5.8 rating), he really seemed to be missing his attacking partner Traore. Sucks. CSKA's depth proved to be decisive in the end.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1769/schermafbeelding2011122.png
http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/1769/schermafbeelding2011122.png

Lacina Traore finished as the tournament's top goalscorer with 5 goals in 3 games.

Losing finalists is still a good performance, right? They're definitely talking about Luch in Russia now.


Save game: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0DME4I9R

Erhmmm I'm having problems updating my version of FM so I can't play that save game file so someone else will have to do the season.

Go to the Sports Interactive forums, I had that too, and managed to solve it. I think what you have to do is right click FM2012 in the Steam window, go to properties, local files, and click verify game cache. Then I think you have to exit Steam and restart it.

But to go the forums and have a quick look for people with similar problems. There's a thread with solutions.

So who is next?

I think Spartak are one of the Sugar Daddy sides. So I'm guessing it could be a new manager in there next year!

Can't remember the sides I "helped" a little, but I tried to base it on the historically big sides. Think it was Spartak, CSKA, Zenit, and Dinamo or Locomotiv I think. Can't remember properly, which I guess is ok anyway.

Also I'll jump in after Yoyo and whoever is after/before him if that's ok. I'm at family home now until the 28th, so can't play before then.

I'm actually surprised Mputu is playing this well, but now I'm like a proud dad about it. Tresor! Might not be the worst idea to ask him to stop playing internationals.

Also I'll jump in after Yoyo and whoever is after/before him if that's ok. I'm at family home now until the 28th, so can't play before then.
Looks like Horatiu ain't playing. You're up when you can play again!

I thought someone else would jump in too? Hence Horatiu + whoever is next/before him.

Has SD appeared on this thread yet? I can play, but not until Tuesday night or Wednesday.

I'll facebook Denny, he did seem very interested.

I could probably go soon, but I'm busy until the new year pretty much, I'd be better around mid-Jan.

Then you go after me Az. If someone can go before me, go for it. If I get home, and no one has gone, I'll go.

Sure, although anyone who wants to come in after Alex is more than welcome to.

Reading this makes me want to get a new comp so i can join in. :(

I got so excited when I saw you posted in here. Damn.

Yeah, so, I'm busy until New Year's, but after that, I tihnk I'll go for sure after Alex, haven't played FM today and barely played yesterday, I think I'm losiung motivation for the save, and before I undertake a big one I want to do, I'll do this. So go Alex, go.

I got so excited when I saw you posted in here. Damn.
Same. The man who signed Jean-Claude Vinet.

In a car on way back to Sydney now. So probably play tonight

**** yes!

Nah, rent here is by the month. February costs the same as July.

Yeah, they charge you per month here, and every month is the same. However they advertise and negotiate per week.

So I officially pay $475 per week here.

But we pay on the 8th of every month.

And we pay the same every month, we pay $475/7 (per day) X 365 (per year) / 12 (per month).

Downloading game now :)

That sounds needlessly complicated and painfully expensive. And I find it funny that they'll probably force you to pay an extra $5.65 per month next year because it's a leap year.

Yep, it's ridiculous. They just do it because $500 per week sounds much better than 2175 per month!

So I'm just going through the game at the moment, trying to organise pre-season friendlies that the board doesn't deem are too far to travel! Japan and Korea are decent club sides, but they play March through November or something, so it's the middle of their season.

Ukraine, and even most parts of Russia are too far to go! :(

I'm playing two Chinese sides, and a Japanese side I think :)

Then I went through and requested investment in youth (approved), investment in junior coaching (approved), a talent ID day (approved) then more physios (originally knocked back, but eventually approved).

My transfer budget for this season is like 6million euros!! :( What happened to the billions of dollars we're meant to have thrown at us!!?

Hahahaha, tough luck buddy.

Then I went through and requested investment in youth (approved), investment in junior coaching (approved), a talent ID day (approved) then more physios (originally knocked back, but eventually approved).



A talent ID day? Is that like a Russian event where government officials request identification papers from their citizens?

Hehe, well, despite the low transfer budget, I hope you're excited about developing the talent on this team, Alex. Lashankov will hopefully make some strides in his development, I'm really excited about this player. I'm also curious to see who you will use for your matches, we have a pretty large squad now. Perhaps you can sell a few unused players to increase your transfer budget. I sadly failed doing that.

Same. The man who signed Jean-Claude Vinet.

I have a legacy to live up to now? (H)

I am also intrigued by this talent ID day.

It's a trial day sorry. I just couldn't remember the name when I was typing it. Same thing.

Basically free agents play off against each other, in front of our staff, and we sign the ones we want.

Really struggling to get use to the team in this game, just because I can't remember any of the names. They all just look and sound Russian to me :(

Give them nicknames!

Na. I'll get used to it. I just like fiddling around loads pre-season, before I start getting right into the matches. Getting to know the side loads before I start the season properly.

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/2756/cavadov.png

Got this guy for 1.5million. Another striker, but can also play on the left. Handy for depth. And two youth guys that were scouted from elsewhere in Russia who won't really feature in first time I don't think, but my scout (or Assistant Manager) said they should be considered definite signings.

Wait, correction, one of those youth players turned us down, and went to Dinamo Moscow :(

http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/8458/bystrov.png

Free transfer. Again, mainly for depth. Handy when it's free :D

By the way, I am working at bringing in some central defenders, as I think we're lacking a bit there. But I just haven't got the ones I want yet :)

Just got thrashed in our first pre-season friendly. I didn't realise that it was set to Assistant Manager controlling them. I definitely want to play friendlies when I don't know the side!

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/9917/kryvtsov.png

Missed out on my first choice CB, but this guy should keep us a bit safer at the back for a bit.

I'm experimenting with Kipre as a target man, but in behind a conventional striker, instead of leading the line. Obviously making runs forward and contesting headers too. I want to get Kipre involved, he looks good.

Stupid Editor didn't seem to save the Europe kits properly. So we just wore our usual kit. I hope the Russian Revolution anniversary kit works.

ARGH! This just got much harder than I realised. Most of our signings haven't been Russian, and whilst the rules say no more than 6 foreigners in the "First XI" what they mean is no more than 6 foreigners on the pitch at once! :(

So if you have loads of foreign players on the bench, you can't sub them on.

Hahaha, yeah dude. I could only have 3 in the First Division!

I imagine this is an issue in real life too. Whenever I look at the stats for the Ukrainian Premier League I'm stunned not to see the Shakhtar guys who are so good in the Champions League dominating. I imagine in the league a lot more of the Ukrainian players play and Willian and Luiz Adriano might get the day of on match day occasionally.

Yeah. It just annoyed me that it says "in the First XI" when it really means "on the pitch". Quite different really. Just means we need to rotate in the league, and play foreigners in Europe.

Does anyone know how to turn "Always On Top" off? I play the game windowed, and browse whilst I'm doing it. Never had an issue before FM12, now it seems to be stuck on Always On Top, so I have to minimise it to be able to see my browser.

Never had that problem. Try right clicking on stuff.

And about the First XI, I guess you've never played in the former USSR; I usually played a game with Shakhtar every year, so it wasn't surprising to me. One game maybe in FM09 the foreigner limit actually kept going down without notice seemingly at random between seasons. So I'd be all ready with my 4 Ukrainians and POW, now I need 5 Ukrainians, then 6. Very annoying and it made me quit when it changed the second time.

Yeah, it was probably a well known change to those following the Ukrainian League IRL, so the game didn't announce it.

UEFA as a whole has been trying to encourage local players in local leagues.

That's an annoying problem. It happens in the MLS too with loads of silly restrictions. Can take the fun out really quickly.

Holland is king for this. That's why I usually have an Ajax save with every version. The only limits are the CL ones; out of 25 four are homegrown and four more are grown in nation.

Sorry. Due to the time of the year I haven't been home much to play this...I've just picked the game back up and I'm 2-0 down after half an hour to GNK Dinamo :(

3-0 This could be Europe gone here...Not sure what's going on. We just had two good draws to Moscow opposition in the League :(

We are away from home, and I stuffed the team talk, but still!! :(

3-1. If we get one more back 3-2 away from home isn't so bad!

Nope. 3-1 it is to be...So we need 2-0 in the second leg.

Second leg leading 1-0 after 60 mins and on top...then BAM they get a 25 yard screamer :( This will be the end of europe this year.

Damn. Also, don't get too downhearted after away European losses, the opposition having to travel to Vladivostok is a HUGE disadvantage for them. It's not as bad for us since we're traveling back in time, but for them the games would essentially be at like 4 in the morning.

That's IF fm takes those things that much into consideration. Who knows what kind of calculations they make.

Also keep your head up! It was probably due to using a new tactic or having new players.

Think a mixture of the two. And not knowing my squad that well. It's such early season and so for me personally, early days for knock out football.

I'm really struggling! Only a few games in, in the League and really struggling to get a win. Tried to change to the 4-5-1 (Chelsea under Jose style) formation that was already saved for us (in the tactics area), but that has just lost me a game in the Cup 4-0!! :(

Tried the narrow diamond, and it seemed to get better results. Juve, how were you playing to get all of those results??

I used Nimi's tactic. He had major success with it in the second part of his season in the second division and I didn't see any reason to change it. Our star players performed great in it and it even resulted in a year long unbeaten run.

Edit - I should also mention I used this tactic with Dukla Prague, so I'm familiar and comfortable with it. It's probably the go-to tactic to start building a team. Another key to European (and domestic) success with Dukla was the speed of my players in this tactic, especially when I was still fighting for my place in Europe's elite. They were devestating on counter attacks and my defenders and midfielders could haul in and close down any player of the opposing team without problems. Major weapon to have.

(I'm gonna pull a Xifio and quote myself. All players had great balance and agility aswell.)

Leftback Miroslav Praznovsky: Acceleration 16, Pace 19
Centreback Tomas Kalas: Acceleration 17, Pace 17
Centreback Robinho: Acceleration 17, Pace 18
Rightback Kakhaber Mujiri: Acceleration 20, Pace 19

Defensive midfielder Jozef Hrcka: Acceleration 17, Pace 17
Center midfielder Ksao Gezaw: Acceleration 20, Pace 20
Center midfielder Saul Marinelli: Acceleration 19, Pace 20

Left winger Walter Cortez: Acceleration 17, Pace 19
Right winger Diego Ferreira: Acceleration 17, Pace 15
Striker Akif Kara: Acceleration 15, Pace 17

Woah man, that's sick. I always wanted to assemble a team like that but never had the patience.

Which was Dan's? The 4-5-1 or the diamond 4-1-2-1-2??

I think maybe part of my problem was that I tried to make the side play like real contenders, rather than playing on the counter. I guess it's probably a little premature with this side, to start doing that! :(

Just won 2-0 away from home with the narrow diamond. It seems to be working better already.

Good news is, I've still not lost in the League. 4 draws and 1 win, but things are looking up!!

Mine was the standard 4-3-3, maybe says 4-5-1 in the name, but it has advanced wingers.

Yeah, same thing. The old Chelsea/Mourinho 4-5-1/4-3-3

I played one game with it, got thrashed, so haven't touched it again.

Why did we spend 12 million Euros on this guy:

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/8804/epureanu.png

Hahaha, you're so bitter!

Nah, I was just curious. He isn't even starting for me. That isn't a 12million defender.

Didn't you spend like 60 million at Chelmsford on a central defender that wasn't even world elite? Money is clearly not the issue here anyway, sir. Place him on your bench, there's not a problem in the world.

Could you post some slighly expanded updates with screenshots of your formations and all that instead of these snippets on the go? It's no fun following your season this way.

Silvinho ended up being great for us! :D

Dan just didn't like his height, his attributes (apart from that) were all ridiculous: speed, tackling, marking, acceleration, strength...And his jumping wasn't terrible.

Yeah, I've hardly played, hence no screenshots. I'm about 7 games into the league season.

Once I get a few games in, and comfortable with the game myself, I will!! :)

PS. I tried my own formation, and got a few league draws (and good preseason) results with it. But after the Europe and Cup debacles have gone back to the two that were saved in our pre-made tactics area. The 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 diamond.

28th of September at the moment:

Down 1-0 at half time, and then we were up 4-1 until the boys started relaxing a little!!

I feel like this is a bit of a turning point! :D

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7981/28sep.png

Traore had been struggling, and was unhappy earlier in the year (wanted to move to a bigger club), but now I've resigned him, and he's happy and SCORING a hattrick for us :D

At the moment I'm rotating some of the players a bit, to see who performs best. Hard as we've got loads of ok players, no real stand outs.

Kryvstov is the next guy I really want to hit form. (Picture earlier in the thread). He's our mainstay starting CB (and the reason I can't see how we could spend so much on a much crappier one).

I'm starting Lashankov every game, as he hasn't really let me down (definitely without excelling) and I think it'll definitely develop him.

The only thing I don't like about the 4-3-3 (it won me that game) is that it only features one striker, and whilst we have some great wingers/wing forwards, we also have loads of depth up front - Traore, Kipre, Pavlyuchenko etc and the formation means only one of them on the field at once.

So we're the only undefeated side left in the League, and we're only 5 points from the top, even if we have drawn quite a few games!

CSKA Moscow Away from home. If I'm still undefeated after this, than we're going well! :D

BOOM!!!!

17mins, not really with the run of play, but PICK THAT ONE OUT!! :D

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/3402/pickthatout.png

Cavadov has impressed the last couple of games actually. He and Mier fighting for the LF spot.

ARGH!!! Just before half time, hit us on the break away, rounded the goal keeper. 1-1.

NOOOO! They just got a lucky rebound goal. 2-1. 56mins

OWN GOAL!! :( 3-1. This game is cruel.

4

Got this guy coming next year! Looks like he'll be decent, but to be honest I bought him for the name!! :D

I hope that I'll be getting off too!! :D :alex:


http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4095/illbegettingoff.png

Really struggling with this 4-5-1/4-3-3. Going back to 4-4-2 Diamond.

Back to diamond and up 3-0 after 70mins. Definitely sticking to this!!

I may have just signed Harry Kewell as a coach, purely because I wanted to work with Harry Kewell :(

Oh :( Board blocked it!! Bugger

Proudest moment of the game so far!! :D

The boys have been playing better lately. But next game is Zenit away from home! I'm a bit concerned about pay back!

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/8459/boomgv.png

Lol, 3 injuries to Zenit. :-)

Away from home, Zenit leading after 13mins...

We hit back @ 35...but Zenit hit straight back at 39 :( 2-1...

We're actually matching them mostly though which is awesome!!!...

Then 76th minute...GOALLLLL!!! 2-2...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HOLD THIS (Or score!)

2-2, but Svec is out for 6 weeks :( He has been great in midfield for us! The youngster are all doing well.

I'm going to have another rant about the players that were brought in previously! Faizulin, cost 4.7million euro, only started 5 games (12 off the bench) last year, and isn't in my plans this year and now is unhappy and wants to be transferred. I'm letting him go, but I think we'll lose money on him.

A bit frustrating when I've got no money to spend. Not sure why my budget is so low to be honest, but spending on loads of guys who were no better than the ones we already had, probably didn't help!!! :( /rant

I'm only buying young guys, guys who are free (or represent ridiculous value) or guys that really improve the side.

Lol, 3 injuries to Zenit. :-)

That's not the point!! :blush:

Two of their injuries were guys that picked up knocks, were left on (or hadn't been subbed) then got injured again too! :D :alex:

Your constant whining about players and snails pace of play is not as entertaining as I would hope. BTW I'm going to be absolutely ecstatic when Az gets 90m next summer.

Hahaha yeah I bet he will too! :D

Yeah, I'm speeding up now. Sorry, I've hardly been at home since Christmas. So not at computer. Back at work now, and today finished on time, so giving it a good 5-6 hours tonight (I hope!!)

I'll post winter break results next, then begin the second half of the season. Shouldn't take long, I should be nearly finished after it :D

So halfway through the League season/winter break:
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/566/halfwayl.png
The table
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1976/tableus.png


The league season didn't start too bad, just loads of draws. Then after being dumped out of the cup and europe, I started experimenting trying to chase results. I was thrashed in two games midway through, but apart from that have generally been competitive in all league fixtures. Only concerns are that when I've lost, I've lost big, but that was generally playing the 4-3-3 (or my old formation).

Sitting 8th, but two points separating 3rd from 8th, so I'm still hoping for a top 4 finish.

Wow, you suck Alex. Maybe your problem is unfamiliarity with the formation?

I'm going much better with the Diamond. I've never sucked in my games, and things are getting going in this one. I really struggled at the start. We had a huge squad of very samey players, none of which really had stand out attributes in areas that I liked.

I think the squad was a little too big for our aspirations to be honest, too much quantity, not enough quality.

I also lost some games trying to play like the big sides. We're not Zenit or CSKA yet, we can beat them, but we have to play to our strengths. That's what I've been doing since.

I don't think coming 8th, in this league, with this team, is really sucking though! Especially when we're 2 points from 3rd. The draws have really killed me. If a quarter of those were wins, and a quarter losses, (so I still had 4 draws, but 2 more wins, 2 more losses), I'd be in 3rd 2 points clear of 4th!!

I'm trying to bring in one or two BIG signings in this window. I've dragged the wage budget right down, and so I have 38million to spend. Hopefully I can get someone really good. In my diamond 4-4-2 formation, a world class play maker could make a huge difference.

So I spent ALL of my transfer budget and wage budget on one player:

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/4127/wooox.png

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/6171/gansoy.png

I'm not going to show you guys the wage though :(

And whilst he only cost 32million euro (absolute bargain I think) I had to pay his agent 5 million, and we have a 50% sell on clause or something :(

Holy ****. You do not suck. What the **** is Ganso doing in Vladivostok?

See Dan I haven't been ****!!

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/3156/moy.png

Holy ****. You do not suck. What the **** is Ganso doing in Vladivostok?

He was still at Santos, just threw every bit of money I could at him! :D

He'll probably be unsettled and cost us more than it was worth, but we'll see!!

Messi won every individual award he could basically...Hard not to after he lead Argentina to the World Cup!

Cassiano is also available free. He isn't contracted, and his attributes also look awesome!! For some reason he also only thinks he is worthy a backup role at the club, so I offered more and more money than he wanted. I have no transfer money left (and no wage money really after this), but if I get him too, our midfield will be unbelievable...Pity they're both brazilian (and foreign!)

Cassiano and Ganso in midfield, I can't wait for the next game...Got to work out how I'll play them. Unless I go back to one striker, and play them both in behind (and move the middle men wider). Though I'd like to stick to the diamond for now. Think I'll play one in the middle, one at the top of the diamond.

Ganso is a beast, we have our CM for the next 6 years or whatever. How long is his contract?

Good to see Ganso.

Is Kevin Philips still about?

Only contracted until 2018, couldn't get him to sign 2019.

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/864/cassianoa.png

This is Cassiano, the other man. I'm playing Cassiano in central midfield, Ganso at the top of the diamond. At least for now. Cassiano has awesome physical attributes, but is let down a bit by some mental ones (teamwork, positioning, aggression through to composure etc). But he is also our deadball specialist.

Our youth candidates were just drafted. Bit of a bug I guess, still being added this time of year-hang over from when this was season start date.

Nothing jumped out and said superstar, but I had to hurry off to work, I'll read through reports on them when I get back. I also got a new Assistant Manager, much better attributes. In fact his attributes were all quite good, but he was only a youth coach. So he was happy to sign. I've improved youth facilities a couple of times now. And just requested another feeder club for the second time. First time I asked to choose and was too ambitious, so got nothing. This time I'm leaving it to the board. This is a reason I like playing with active lower tiers. Loaned out players can be properly tracked etc.

I'm actually surprised Mputu is playing this well, but now I'm like a proud dad about it. Tresor! Might not be the worst idea to ask him to stop playing internationals.

Mputu is still club captain, but i think that should change next year. He was basically in squad rotation, and now with the two Brazilians, isn't playing much. I've just made Kryvstov vice captain (was Roman) so he'll lead the side most of the year, and I'm basically grooming him as next long term captain. Ganso is Brazilian national vice captain, but I'd rather he worried about playing for now.

Your stupid diamond is at fault, Tresor is still the best right winger we have.

He, or the guy I brought in on a free from Zenit aren't that different as far as right wing goes. But your manis much more comfortable at the top of the diamond than the other guy, so he gets more games

So I'm 6/6 wins after the winter break! Great to have those Brazilians working their midfield magic, but it has raised expectations a bit I think. We go into most matches as favourites now!! :)

Also, sitting third, 3 points clear of Rubin in 4th! :D Only 2 points behind Zenit (who are 2nd), but they have a game in hand...CSKA look to be running away with it again.

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/4908/table2.png

My biggest concern is that the first separator in the Russian league isn't Goals Difference, it's games won...Where we're behind!

Our winning streak has come to an end, drawing with Alania (away from home). Another draw, so that's ten for the season, but still 3 points clear of 4th, who is now Spartak Moscow.

CSKA Moscow went out in Champions League after losing 4-0 and 2-0 to Man Utd in the first knock out round. Zenit went out of Europa League in 1st Knockout Round to Bayern. Rubin made it to the 2nd knockout round, where Villareal knocked them out.

I mention all of this, because I think we want success for some other Russian sides in Europe, to improve the League standard, and to improve our UEFA Coefficient.

Our run home isn't great, but it's ok.

CSKA Moscow and Rubin at home, so they're two of the best sides in the League..

Then Kuban and Rostov away, who are both in the relegation zone.

If I can win against either CSKA or Rubin, I should be fine. I really can't afford to drop points to Kuban or Rostov.

CSKA take an early lead. But we're having the bulk of the possession since...then BAM Pavlyuchenko 1-1 :D

And that's half time.

Svec just threw an awesome through ball to Traore...2-1 :D :D

Traore always the big game player.

We're actually the better side here too..And this is without Cassiano (he's injured :( )

3 clear cut chances to 0! :D

Traore brought down in the box!! PENALTY!! :D

EDIT: Saved :(

We've secured Europa League qualification with that win! :D

Just went up 2-0 to Rubin :D

We'll be trailing Zenit by 2 points, with 1 game left to play for both of us! So we're even a chance at 2nd here!! :D

PS. Svec is an absolute gun. The kid is 19, and runs our midfield (along with Lashankov - who is only 20!)...They do the hard yards, and let the Brazilians drop in and drop out more often. Svec throws an absolute killer pass.

There is a really good central defender (Ganso) who I tried to sign at the start of the season, but missed out to Kuban. But he has a relegation release clause of 3million! When does that clause kick in, as Kuban have just been confirmed as being relegated?

He is definitely someone for the next guy (Az?) to keep an eye on?

Before the final game. So we're a chance at second.

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/513/table3m.png

We're playing Rostov:
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/4968/previewkk.png

Zenit have Krylja Sovetov at home though, so I think they'll win, or at least draw. And I'm afraid we need them to lose. Champions League football will have to wait another season...

Oh well, gives us a chance to win the Europa League! Hopefully we're never in it again after next year!

1-0 at half time. But Zenit also up 1-0.

So it seems third is it for us this year :D

So basically you are horrible as a manager and drew a billion games, then were saved by Ganso.

If you sign Ganso the defender please nickname him Ganso II.

The clause will probably be active when the new season starts... might even have to wait till July 1st.

I was going to nickname him Gansinho.

I wasn't horrible as a manager. I was 2 points off 3rd at the halfway point. I did draw way too many games, but Juve drew 12 games, I only drew 10.

Wasn't so much saved by Ganso, as made proper classy by him - and signing the right players is part of management anyway? At the end of the day I've spent about half the money that Juve did last year as well :) So ner.

Final Table:
http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/5058/finaltable.png

This was basically the lineup I had most success with. I rotated the strikers a bit (Kipre in at target man for Traore sometimes, and Cavadov and Pavlyuchenko also rotated in and out).
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/8530/lineupe.png
The midfield I kept this way as much as I could for the second half of the season, but did occasionally rest guys, and leave guys out because of injury or lack of fitness etc.

Then at the back Kombarov often came in at LB, in another rotation sort of deal.

Basically, this was my preferred lineup though, and the one that brought with it results :D

Budakov won goalkeeper of the year and was our only representative in the team of the year! :D
Bigvava was runner up in young player of the year.

Svec is constantly under transfer speculation from big clubs :(

File name: Succession_Game.fm File size: 95.24 MB (http://www.fileserve.com/file/YPqA8yw/Succession_Game.fm)

I like the name Budakov. Reminds me of the great writer Bulgakov.

When I next take over I might just rename all our Russians to literary characters.

Prince Myshkin passes to Raskolnikov, over to The Master, GOAL!!

Alex, dude, don't compare your spending and results to my season. I was dealt a second division team (except for Mier, Traore and Mputu) and did my best to built a competitive team + depth. Players like Ganso or Kryvtsov were clearly out of reach at that time. And don't forget I signed Lashankov and Svec. I think I did all right... You can't possibly whine about not having money while making a 32 million euro signing. Even when I play with a club like Juventus those type of expenses are pretty rare.

Even though Ganso is clearly a phenom, I'm SLIGHTLY disappointed we were already able to sign him in a 32 million deal during the third season... It would've been more fun if you hadn't increased the starting budget, I think.

So is it my go? Horatiu, do you want to take this? Might not have time until Tuesday, but if Horatiu doesn't want to go, I'll take this.

And you suck Alex, I hate your updates.

Nah my version of FM is still not working for this. I'll let you guys know when I can get in line for a turn.

Alright, I'll start soon then.

Nah my version of FM is still not working for this. I'll let you guys know when I can get in line for a turn.

Says the man updating an FM12 save every day.

Says the man updating an FM12 save every day.

I'm playing the 12.0.4 version. I can't play your save game because it's been updated and I don't have the update. I made several posts about this.

I just wait for other people to post so I can rant again. I don't actually read them.