One of the things we love the most about Football Manager is that no two saves are ever the same. Whether you’re trying to hunt down that first Champions League trophy, you want to take a semi-pro club into the big time, or maybe you’re looking to create an obscure lower-league dynasty, the real magic lies in the story you are telling – the story you build on season after season.
However, for too many FM players, there comes a time in every save, no matter what it is, when the excitement wears thin. You might have hit an unstoppable run, potentially you’re stuck in a promotion playoff loop, or maybe you’ve just lost that loving feeling with your club.
So, how can you keep that spark alive and build a save that you actually look forward to coming back to night after night… after night? Well, here are some tried-and-tested ways that you can breathe new life into your Football Manager journey..
Decide the Story You Want to Tell Before You Click Continue
A save that lasts is about more than just getting the results — it’s about the whole story. Before you hit ‘Start New Game’, you need to ask yourself: what’s the hook? Do you want to revive a fallen giant? Do you want to recreate a real-world Hollywood storyline like the meteoric rise of Wrexham? Or are you looking to replicate a historic tactic from one of the greats — Ajax’s total football, or maybe Klopp’s gegenpressing machine?
Your goals shouldn’t just be about your trophy cabinet. Build up an academy that has lots of local talent. Develop a club identity that’s about more than just one generation of players. Or maybe you want to try to beat that rival in head-to-head clashes every season. Having that clear ‘why’ and having reason behind every single thing you do can help you push through the occasional tedium and irritating losing streaks.
For inspiration, why not check out FM Scout? And remember, some of the best saves start off with the simplest ideas.
Mix Up the Challenges
Remember, long saves don’t have to be linear. If your dynasty feels like it’s getting a bit stale, then shake it up a bit! Why not be a bit daring – and resign at your peak? Pick up a club in the same division that seems to be struggling. Or maybe even change countries completely and take your hard-earned reputation elsewhere. A mid-career ‘journeyman switch’ can really help to keep your whole journey alive and maybe adapt some of your tactics and recruitment to a whole new league.
Let’s be real… the FM database is huge — why not try out leagues you’ve never thought about before… managing in South Korea, for example? Or trying to build a force in the MLS with all of its quirky roster rules.
And don’t be afraid to eye up some of the bigger competitions, too — who knows, one day you might get your underdog team all the way to the Club World Cup final. (Oh, and by the way, some of those people who bet on Club World Cup and other football tournaments regularly are often those with the freshest FM saves.)
Dig Into the Data
One of the things players love the most about FM is how deep you can go when you feel like it. If you feel like you’ve hit a plateau, then start digging into the stats. Have you fully optimised your training schedules? Is there any way you can adjust your defensive shape to stop those irritating last-minute goals from being leaked? Is your new striker actually as good as his star rating suggests he is?
Sites like Training Ground Guru are great places to go for real-life coaching insights. Who knows… You might even discover a new love for set-piece coaching you never had before!
Create Your Own Rules
If you set yourself restrictions, it can turn everything into a fresh new puzzle. Maybe try a ‘youth only’ policy where you stop signing established players. Or maybe limit yourself to local players.
Or, you could stop with the expensive transfers and build through free agents and your academy only. With rules like this, every win feels sweeter, but every loss hits deeper.
Stay Social With It
One reason that some saves fizzle is because of isolation. Sharing your progress, or maybe your tactics here on The Higher Tempo Press or social media can add some excitement and interaction.
Other people will be able to follow your highs and lows – and cheer you on when you finally get one over on your biggest rival..
There’s No Right Way
The best thing about FM is that it’s such a personal game. Some managers are gunning for glory… with packed stadiums and Champions League success, while some want to revive a bankrupt lower-league side inch by inch. Ultimately, whatever save you go for, it’s yours, so own it.
If you don’t enjoy your current style of play, change it. If it feels boring, make it harder. Just make it something you want to come back to.
