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Post by Reiver on Jun 9, 2020 15:48:59 GMT
I have decided, I'm going back to Südtirol, I already have a file with all the bugs fixed and am just working on optimising the promotion relegations between the lower sudtiroler leagues. Now, I need help choosing what team I'll play with. Südtirol as the top team is out of the question, as is St. Georgen. In fact, they're the teams that indirectly will help me climb up the ladder. These are the teams I'm torn between: In the 5th tier: FC ObermaisThe overachieversFormed only the the late 60s, this used to be a lowly neighbourhood team from the town of Meran, the second biggest in Südtirol, where at the time there was a team lplaying at semi-pro level and got close to Serie C a few times. They have shot up the leagues in the last years, modernised their look, and have a rabid following for a lower league club, with 3 different tiffosi groups, and a great atmosphere in their home games - think like an italian version of Dulwich Hamlet or Clapton. Last year they went all the way to the playoffs to go to Serie D and actually lost outside the field when they refused to play against Legnaco after their fans were attacked before the away game. Against points are a tiny (if very picturesque) stadium (only 500 people), low reputation and facilities. SSV BrixenThe academyBrixen is the third biggest town in the region, and Brixen are their main football representative. It has the second best youth facilities of the region, and while on the lower levels will most likely regularly provide me with some players good enough to play for the main squad. Their stadium is also three times bigger than the one of Obermais, and have better reputation, but they're missing the big fan presence that Obermais have. Bozner FCThe central onesBozner has the advantage of playing in the capital. Their stadium isn't amazing but if they need to groundshare as we go up the leagues the best options are all close by, and it'll be easier to convince players to join. They play in a nice and rare orange and black combination, but their logo is very basic. What database are you using? A modified version of fmsiamonoi.forumcommunity.net/?t=61572316
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Post by dalenichol on Jun 13, 2020 8:29:16 GMT
It's very slow going here in Burkina Faso. For the 23/24 season, season tickets are set to jump up to 4500+, attendance will likely go up a bit more too. But we're slow in other areas. Other than that first Junior Coaching upgrade, the board have refused every single request at every opportunity, whether it's facility based or feeder/parent club requests, which is becoming a massive frustration. Our financial situation is fine, but understandably doesn't lend itself to massive upgrades, which is maybe why the board are hesitant (they're not using the financial response, though) and our lack of success in Continental football is a factor, but there's no seeding in Africa, so we got very strong opposition at the very first round. This year we're in the CAF Confederations Cup, their Europa League equivalent, so I'm hoping that we'll have a bit more luck here and get a couple of rounds in, because the gate money from the casablanca game last season is the reason we ended up with that 704k in the bank. Still, we're progressing albeit very slowly.
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Post by Nick on Jun 13, 2020 9:37:40 GMT
Despite the lack of facility upgrades, which is always frustrating, I think that's a pretty positive first few years Dale. You look like you're there or thereabouts consistently in both league and cup, while no seeding makes continental football a minefield. Finances are steady, attendances are rising, same with sponsorship and season tickets. Plenty to be happy about. Can you screenshot some of your better players for me?
What's the long term plan with the save? Looking at the league rep, it's going to be some time before you even break top 10 by the looks of it.
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Post by dalenichol on Jun 13, 2020 11:40:04 GMT
Yeah, the continental no seeding makes it a bit of a nightmare. I think it's weighted in favour of the bigger teams/nations, but not explicitly to allow them to avoid eachother. So far, in our 3 continental campaigns, we've faced 2 teams from Morocco (3rd ranked league) and one from DR Congo (8th), so it's just one of those things you have to deal with, unfortunately. I does lead for some funny 10-0> results when teams like Kaizer Chiefs go up against some amateur side from the Seychelles though! Long term is just to improve the club and the league. Similar to what Stouters is doing with Northern Ireland and a direct copy of a save on the SI forum where a guy took a team from Cameroon and made them the best in the continent (and CWC winners, I'm sure) over about 30 seasons or so. It's something I've wanted to do for a while and tried briefly in Asia with Macau on either 18 or 19, but it can be difficult and frustratingly slow. It's also easy to fuck yourself completely by rushing facilities or player wages and ending up financially devastating the club, but it'd be nice to make a bit more progress on the facility front to improve our intake, if nothing else. Best player at the club is probably Ousman Bandaogo. He was top scorer in his first season but had a stutter last year, this year he's got 4 in 5 games, including 3 in the Confed Cup. Nana Asante-Odjer is another one, alongside Emmanuel Effa. We're limited to 5 non Burkinabe players, and the nation isn't producing as much talent as i'd like for now, but we're doing what we can. We had a decent intake last year. but until we can improve our facilities, these players just wont develop to their potential, so it's a bit of a slog, but this was never meant to be a short term save.
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Post by Nick on Jun 13, 2020 14:12:46 GMT
It seems a popular way to play at the moment. I've decided that Asia will be the next place I have a save, but I've no decided on which nation yet.
Some solid looking players there. For the league in general, I assume anything above a 10 is seen as a good attribute?
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Post by dalenichol on Jun 13, 2020 14:14:50 GMT
It seems a popular way to play at the moment. I've decided that Asia will be the next place I have a save, but I've no decided on which nation yet. Some solid looking players there. For the league in general, I assume anything above a 10 is seen as a good attribute? I was tempted by Asia, but I have a hard time dealing with how little names are in the database for regens. It's bad in Africa, but it's awful in Asia. I really like managing there too, which is a shame. Yeah, I'd be happy with anything over a 10 for most players, or even just a few that have those key attributes for their role. Similar to how you scout for lower league players, etc
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Post by Nick on Jun 13, 2020 16:56:32 GMT
Is there anything available to download to increase the amount of names in the game? There seems to be something for everything else.
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Post by dalenichol on Jun 13, 2020 17:09:27 GMT
I remember Laura that does the Aswijan stuff on twitter/patreon saying something along the lines of you'd need to create staff/players in the database beforehand, as the game only picks from a limited pool of names that are used by the people already populated in the database.
I could be talking out of my arse there, but I'm sure that's what I remember seeing.
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Post by Nick on Jun 13, 2020 17:19:34 GMT
That sounds like far too much work.
It's her that does the regen faces isn't it? I joined the Patreon and downloaded the files, but I can't work out how to get them into the game. I'm usually pretty good with stuff like that but this has made me rage on more than one occasion so I've given up.
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Post by dalenichol on Jun 13, 2020 17:22:01 GMT
Yeah, the very same. I keep meaning to look into this, but never bother Aye, if that's how it's done, it's just too much effort. I know on the older games, maybe as far back as CM, you could just enter names into the database.
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Post by Reiver on Jun 13, 2020 19:25:33 GMT
It is indeed done by adding people into the database.
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Post by mrcool on Jun 13, 2020 23:42:54 GMT
I remember Laura that does the Aswijan stuff on twitter/patreon saying something along the lines of you'd need to create staff/players in the database beforehand, as the game only picks from a limited pool of names that are used by the people already populated in the database. I could be talking out of my arse there, but I'm sure that's what I remember seeing. This is correct, Its worth adding just 50-100 fake names as dodgy players and you will get a wider range of names for regens
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Post by Dirk Nowitzki on Jun 14, 2020 8:37:01 GMT
Are you using Timo's leagues Dale? Or is it a database you made yourself? There must be a lot of fun to be had in Africa!
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Post by dalenichol on Jun 14, 2020 9:03:42 GMT
Are you using Timo's leagues Dale? Or is it a database you made yourself? There must be a lot of fun to be had in Africa! Yeah, it's Timo's database. I'd love to get back into creating my own files, but I struggle to find the time...and when I do have time, I just want to play games! I find Africa really fun to manage in; there's plenty of nations with really competitive leagues, some big teams with money to burn, some absolutely cracking team names (Eleven Men in Flight FC, Mighty Dragons FC, Hungry Leopards to name a few) and the continental competitions haven't been completely borked in favour of the big rich teams and leagues. Couple that with some of the incredible regens that turn up, particularly in some of the more obvious nations, and you have a fantastic continent to play in. The only drawbacks, really, are the lack of names in the database for some nations and the fact that South Africa, as the only playable league, is unrealistically overpowered (Although it seems they've maybe been nerfed a little on 20). But yeah, Africa, like Asia, is pretty fun to play if you fancy something outside of Europe or the 300 games a season of South America.
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Post by Dirk Nowitzki on Jun 14, 2020 11:03:02 GMT
Yeah, it's Timo's database. I'd love to get back into creating my own files, but I struggle to find the time...and when I do have time, I just want to play games! I find Africa really fun to manage in; there's plenty of nations with really competitive leagues, some big teams with money to burn, some absolutely cracking team names (Eleven Men in Flight FC, Mighty Dragons FC, Hungry Leopards to name a few) and the continental competitions haven't been completely borked in favour of the big rich teams and leagues. Couple that with some of the incredible regens that turn up, particularly in some of the more obvious nations, and you have a fantastic continent to play in. The only drawbacks, really, are the lack of names in the database for some nations and the fact that South Africa, as the only playable league, is unrealistically overpowered (Although it seems they've maybe been nerfed a little on 20). But yeah, Africa, like Asia, is pretty fun to play if you fancy something outside of Europe or the 300 games a season of South America. Thanks for the info! I'm pretty tempted to manage in Africa for the first time, and start with ASEC Mimosas. I have just holidayed 2 seasons with some African leagues loaded to get a general feel for the league structures. Ivory Coast only has 26 league games, which probably makes you blast through seasons but also leaves massive holes in the schedule, and a lack of opportunities to give game time to youngsters and earn money of ticket sales. ASEC did get 3 or 4 great regens though! Given the vastness of Africa it's a shame the CAF doesn't feature more clubs, it would be nice to have a 32-team group stage. Do you find there is a lack of decent staff available? Maybe I just need to dive in and see if I like it though!
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Post by Nick on Jun 14, 2020 11:13:09 GMT
ASEC are a great club to manage, who consistently produce unreal young players. You'll dominate the league from the off though and your only real challenger will be Africa Sports. In previous versions of FM, I've gone unbeaten and still lost the title to them.
Have a look at Enyimba in Nigeria, Asante Kotoko in Ghana or maybe even Zesco or Zanaco in Zambia if you're looking for the continental challenge over the domestic one.
Most of the nations play fewer matches than you're probably used to. Save for South Africa who always used to have about 5 domestic cup competitions.
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Post by dalenichol on Jun 14, 2020 11:44:24 GMT
ASEC aren't the powerhouse that they used to be, but you'll still likely get domestic dominance fairly quickly and easily with them. However, in reality that's going to be an issue wherever you go, because the financial disparity on the continent means that realistically, once you get some money and can consistently bring in decent players either through intake or purchases, you'll likely outgrow the competition fairly quickly. Plus, ASEC do routinely bring through players like this guy: So yeah, that's a pretty good reason to manage them. You'll definitely find continental football a challenge with them too, most likely, so that's another plus point. All the clubs Nick mentioned would be good choices too, for the reasons he's outlined. I'm pretty sure Zesco are really quite rich, at least in terms of that particular region. I remember having a save with Zanaco and we just couldn't match them, because they'd just go out and spend money that we couldn't fathom spending. Egypt and Tunisia are your biggest leagues outside of South Africa. Tunisia is a fantastic shout but you might find their big teams either too easy a challenge to start with if you manage them or too big to break down if you take a smaller team in the league. Egypt has a similar problem, with Al Ahly being realistically the best team in Africa with Zamalek being their big rivals, but you also have the new boys on the block, Pyramids FC... Not to spend too long on that story, but boy it's a fun one. Basically a Saudio billionaire and politician Turki Al-Sheikh was named honorary president of Al Ahly in 2017 or 18, claiming to be a long time fan. He had a series of disagreements with others involved in the club and decided that, instead of just buggering off and doing something else, he'd step down as president, buy a different football club, move them from their home town to Cairo and go all PSG on the league. It hasn't quite worked out, funnily enough, and Al Sheikh sold his stake to an Emirati businessman, but it would still be an interesting challenge. Full Story: www.planetfootball.com/in-depth/the-incredible-story-of-pyramids-fc-happening-right-now-in-egypt/Elsewhere you've got cash rich TP Mazembe of DR Congo (lots of money and talent, relative poor league), Kabuscorop (Angola) who once signed Rivaldo, and a selection of other teams from the likes of Morocco and Algeria. Honestly, there's just so many possible teams in Africa. EDIT: Also, if you manage one of the North African clubs, I'm fairly sure that Timo has created the Arab Club Championship and the Arab Nations Cup, which would add to those league. I might make it a wee project for this or FM21 to create more of the regional competitions in Africa and Asia to make the saves more immersive.
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Post by Dirk Nowitzki on Jun 14, 2020 13:18:20 GMT
This is amazing guys! That story about Pyramids FC is crazy. "Officiating has been another predictable point of contention, and foreign referees, including Danilo Grujic, the man who oversaw the 2018 Champions League final, have been drafted in at Pyramid’s request (and expense) to officiate in three of their matches." Haha, just imagine Manchester United paying a referee of their liking to officate their games. I'm aware that you'll likely win the league in Ivory Coast from the beginning, but this may be a good introduction to managing in Africa. I was looking for some other teams with good facilities that would pose a bit more of a challenge on the domestic front, but those seem to be scarce. Meanwhile, I holidayed a bit further and my goodness does ASEC churn out some incredible youngsters! I've also just found this: www.fmscout.com/a-african-club-competitions-fm20.htmlIt basically makes the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup very similar to the European CL, in terms of the setup of the competitions. May holiday a bit to look what it does, but it seems like it puts a lot of money in the African football economy, which may or may not be fun.
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Post by dalenichol on Jun 14, 2020 13:37:02 GMT
This is amazing guys! That story about Pyramids FC is crazy. "Officiating has been another predictable point of contention, and foreign referees, including Danilo Grujic, the man who oversaw the 2018 Champions League final, have been drafted in at Pyramid’s request (and expense) to officiate in three of their matches." Haha, just imagine Manchester United paying a referee of their liking to officate their games. I'm aware that you'll likely win the league in Ivory Coast from the beginning, but this may be a good introduction to managing in Africa. I was looking for some other teams with good facilities that would pose a bit more of a challenge on the domestic front, but those seem to be scarce. Meanwhile, I holidayed a bit further and my goodness does ASEC churn out some incredible youngsters! I've also just found this: www.fmscout.com/a-african-club-competitions-fm20.htmlIt basically makes the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup very similar to the European CL, in terms of the setup of the competitions. May holiday a bit to look what it does, but it seems like it puts a lot of money in the African football economy, which may or may not be fun. Yeah, ASEC would be a very good introduction if this is your foray into managing in Africa, so it's definitely a good one to consider. A revamped set of continental competitions could be really interesting, please let me know how that works out!
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Post by Nick on Jun 14, 2020 13:56:11 GMT
If you're looking at good facilities, outside of the obvious choices, take a look at Ismaily, Wadi Degla (both Egypt) and Ajax CT (South Africa). As Dale says though, if it's you're first time in Africa, you can't go wrong with ASEC.
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Post by Nick on Jun 14, 2020 14:53:22 GMT
I'd heard of Pyramids, and seen in game that they were throwing money around, but hadn't heard their story. What an absolute mess.
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Post by Dirk Nowitzki on Jun 14, 2020 19:26:16 GMT
I have settled on trying a save with ASEC. The custom database I linked to with the different Champions League format pumped too much money into the economy (Al Ahly ended up with 250m in the bank in 2027, after winning the CL almost every year). It also removed dynamic league reputation so that kind of makes sure all the big teams become even bigger. I'm now trying to create a West-African league myself, with 64 teams from the 16 countries in West-Africa. Hope I can make that happen, and that it's easy to copy leagues (I don't know if that is possible) because then it would be straightforward to create some leagues for other regions as well.
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Post by mrcool on Jun 15, 2020 8:17:21 GMT
Never played in Africa before (Obviously i cant for this version as i only have Stadia) But it looks so interesting
Might load up a previous FM to play in these leagues.
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Post by dalenichol on Jun 15, 2020 20:55:59 GMT
It does put us down to 250k in the bank, which isn't great, but still, its about fucking time that we got some upgrades...only taken 5 years!
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Post by Dirk Nowitzki on Jun 15, 2020 22:32:34 GMT
I have created 4 regional competitions, for North, West, Central + East and Southern Africa in order to create some more continental games. The teams that finished highest in their leages will enter this competition, regardless of whether they play in the African Champions League or Confederations Cup. The reason for this is that I'd otherwise probably hardly ever play in it with ASEC. These are the amount of teams in each competition from each country: The first round consists of 8 groups of 8 teams playing each other once, and only the numbers 1 proceed to the quarter finals. Quarter finales, semi finals and the final are all just one game in a random large (at least 20k) stadium in one of the countries from the region. All 4 winners end up in some kind of Super Cup at the end of the season, playing a semi final and final in a random giant (60k+) stadium. There is some money to be won, but no crazy amounts. I have tried to schedule the games at moments where some countries had gaps in the schedule. For example, the regional knock out fase all takes place in April since many countries had no games there (perhaps due to the Ramadan? I believe it was around that time of the year). Schedules differ quite a bit per country though, but games should be automatically moved so hopefully it won't cause too much trouble. I may remove some secondary cups here and there though, since this can add up to 12 games to the schedule. Here is the link in case anyone wants to try it or have a look: www.mediafire.com/file/dy5sda4o4z2mt1d/Regional_African_Cups_+_Finals.fmf/fileI'm excited to start with ASEC now, although I do have some doubts whether it's not better to start with a different team that is not already the best of its region, perhaps in Zambia...
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Post by dalenichol on Jun 15, 2020 23:24:11 GMT
I really like what you've done here Dirk, so I'm interested to see how it plays out.
I still think you're fine starting with ASEC, as you'll have challenges on all fronts, and as far as your regional competition is concerned, there's one or two teams from Nigera, Mali, Ghana and Senegal that would potentially give you a run for your money. Having all four regional winners in a competition at the end will be cool, that North African competiton is going to be tooooough.
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Post by mrcool on Jun 16, 2020 8:09:50 GMT
This looks really good. May have to purchase the stream version so i can play in Africa
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Post by hokster on Jun 21, 2020 15:06:15 GMT
So my Newell's save feels like it's getting slightly stale: I can't muster any enthusiasm for the Argentinian cup, I have to fend off constant transfer requests for my players (resulting in them getting unsettled), and while we've built ourselves up as a domestic powerhouse and are progressing slightly in the Copa Libertadores, we just can't get past the Brazilians. For some reason (well, mainly because the sponsorships values are extremely sticky), I can't be financially sustainable without getting to the CL final or selling off players constantly, which makes it hard to stay attached to the save.
I'm looking for something else, but I'm not entirely sure what. I was thinking about having a save in Brazil: their regens look consistently nice compared to the Argentinian ones that are coming through, and the state championships make things a bit of a slog, but they're good for youth development and add something different. Another option would be a game in Italy, where I could take a team like Cagliari and do a cantera save (do I remember Ben doing one of those ages ago)? I was also drawn to the idea of a Southampton save for the youth (though I haven't checked to see if they still have quality regens coming through like they used to).
Any suggestions? It doesn't have to be limited to those options, because as I said, I'm not feeling drawn to anything in particular. Thanks!
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Post by ttgb on Jun 21, 2020 15:45:20 GMT
I am having similar thoughts with my Palermo save and wondering what I can do next. What is a cantera save?
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Post by hokster on Jun 21, 2020 15:51:11 GMT
I am having similar thoughts with my Palermo save and wondering what I can do next. What is a cantera save? Using a transfer policy similar to Athletic Club's cantera policy. So we can sign players from some specified region (or nationality, in Athletic's case), but not broader than that. In the case of Cagliari, it might be something like only signing Sardinian players (other than whichever non-Sardinians come through your academy). It'd be a bit broader than a YDWAWK save, but still provides some restrictions.
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