I've always read the EPL reports and then div1 when it was introduced, not just because I got into div1 at the time
Even for teams involved it's nice to see what people think of your team and other teams involved. Good for a quick roundup and scouting mission
I think it's important to be included as members will see that and aim to be in The Zone one day. And let's face it, we need all the determined managers we can get to boost the number of players in MZ England and improve the transfer market.
Okay it's only a small thing but it adds to it, as do banter on forums, also try and get the MZ England site up again for a better community.
Maybe lower league coverage would be good though but only as a quicker roundup. Mention scorelines and scorers, whatever, could try to name as many teams as possible, get them some publicity and feel important.
Keep more detailed reports for top teams in EPL / div1.
Some people complain about too many match reports. Erm, they can just ignore it and read the articles only. No need to spoilt it for others who want to read it.
Articles:
latest news (how it affects managers etc)
suggested ideas
transfer deals
interviews
strange or interesting
- (own-)goals
- matches
- other events
- friendly league reports
- facts etc
official cups (and how English teams are doing in them)
Maybe bring back the quiz. Polls and Power Rankings are cool. Nice to see smaller teams get mentions on there.
Also - graphics. I know the quality of articles is the most important thing but it doesn't hurt to make it look pretty. Look at the Portuguese Zone and the Brazilian ones. Class. Dunno if you can find anyone with good Photoshop skills, otherwise I'll help with my crappy Paint Shop Pro 6 skills
Could have better graphic tables
tactics with match reports (or just name the formation along stats like SC i.e. 4-3-3 could suffice, would still make managers scout actually, "4-3-3" wouldn't give much away about whether it's pushed up or not, meatwall or not, etc)
top scorers
badboys (yellow / red cards)
EPL and / or div1 team of the week
animated images (i.e. goal - would take a bit of work with live or analyser, recording as avi and converting to gif, I could try but my PC is a bit **** and that's putting it mildly!)
some comical images like Ash's Bo' artwork, etc.
Don't ask me what the point of this is. Just some random thoughts and some ideas to maybe take on board. Hopefully you can find some more reliable members to write and get it out on a more regular basis. The Zone is a good read with the potential to be a great read. It's already improving and hopefully it will continue in that direction. Sounds easy in theory but a lot harder in practice I know, but good luck!
Got to make it up with next one...
