Managing in League Two

To round off my time on the current Football Manager before the next game, I want to spend my time managing League Two side Southend United. Mostly because they are a local team to me but also because I've never really managed at a lower level with a basic team. I managed Sheffield United in League One but given the fact they have an incredibly strong team, the first season is very easy.

I tried managing Southend United before I'm just not used to football like this. I can't make a tactic that sees me score many goals or get many results from games. Everything is 1-0, 1-1, 0-0 or a small goal defeat. I'm not expecting to win every game 3-0 or above but I'm not able to score more than 2 in a game so if I do conceed a larger number of goals, I've got no chance. I've pretty much accepted I have to play a 4-4-2 formation but beyond that I can't get a complete setup that will help me grow and become a big side.

Does anybody have any advice on what I could do to move Southend United forward as a club?

Hello mate. My forte is signing players and I have just started a game as Southend to test who I could bring in.
All of these players can be signed on a free transfer at the beginning of a new game for Southend...

check out these guys for free transfers-



May I present Ariza Makukula. He is a cracking Portuguese capped target man who has some fantastic stats. He may be 33 but he will score goals for fun for Southend in League Two. His wages may use most of your budget and you will have to promise him key player, but I think he's worth every penny at that level.

Ok don't blame me for this fellas hairstyle, but he will be a massive talent on the wing for Southend, even at 35 his stats are great.



Probably best as an advanced playmaker rather than a winger due to his age and slowness. But Jaroslav has caps for the Czech Republic and still would be a key player for Southend at £625 a week.

if you are missing a decent DC then I always recommend German. This fella is quality and under 30...



this guy was set for bigger things a few years ago but it just didn't happen. Southends enforcer for a top wage. his value increases rapidly.

again, I have just chosen the players asking wage, but here is a quality DR for Southends level...



started off at arsenal so he's English. an American international full back! I think a cracking signing for Southend. wages too high though...

This lanky Haiti DL has a French passport so signing him will be no probs!...



a quality player for Southend.

I think Frode looks cracking in a Southend shirt...



hair braids always look decent on Southend beach! He is a quality signing at the beginning of the game.

I am just going to remind you at this point, that ALL of these players were signed at the beginning of a new game for Southend and I dare say that their wages can be negotiated...

Get a decent senior affiliate, get some good players on loan.

Take a few experienced free agents as Tyrion said, get a parent club to sprinkle in some youth and pace as fmgod said and finally snap up a few prospects who you will play, develop and sell on at a profit after a few seasons.

I normally try to get myself a solid spine (GK, CB, DM, ST) and build the rest of my team from there. Be patient with it and be resourceful, don't be afraid to make use of 1 year contracts and loan deals.