willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
Well this is my career from FM12 that I am currently still playing through. I haven't bought FM13 yet simply due to my enjoyment of this career and hopefully it's okay to continue my story on the new forums. If it's not okay to include FM12 stories on here, please can you let me know and I will remove it. Thanks.

Firstly about me, I have started the game as a Sunday League Footballer, and unemployed. I holidayed the game until I was offered a job, and Chester FC approached me to take over as manager. I accepted, and we start our journey in the Conference North.

Chester FC, or Chester City as they were previously known, had a strong history in the Football League before suffering financial problems and successive relegations. In 2004, Chester won promotion back into the football league at the first time of asking, although the club were wound up and put up for sale in January 2010, and were expelled from the league just 2 months later.

According to Wikipedia, Chester City tried to join the Welsh Premier League before they were wound up in March 2010. Chester FC were formed, and have been working their way back towards the football league since then.

Chester play at the Deva Stadium, with a capacity of 6,000 with the majority of the stadium seated (3,485 seats). I am currently in season 2018/19, so I'll bring you upto speed.
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
We begin our journey in the Blue Square North, a competitive division in which we were expected to do fairly well in. I took over the reigns in November 2011, and began to assess my squad. We certainly had a chance of finishing in the top five, but FC Halifax were running away with the title, meaning that any chance of promotion would come via the playoffs.

League Table


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/82KpTle7dAAEkUXzZNAPnTRI0102lAVTNUk7sYRq.png


We managed to secure a place in the play-offs, and with our final game of the season against Corby, we could've moved up the table into third with a win. However, we were unable to secure a win and had to be content with a fourth place finish, and home advantage in the first leg against Altrincham.

We drew the first leg 1-1 at home, a game which we really needed to win, and we were 1 minute away before James Lawrie equalised for the visitors in the 89th minute.

We travelled to Moss Lane for the second leg, and it was that man James Lawrie again who ended our chances of promotion, scoring twice to give them a 2-0 win, and a 3-1 win on aggregate.

Altrincham went on to win the play-off, and were promoted to the Blue Square Premier.
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
To say we found form in Season 2 is a bit of an understatement. I changed my tactics from a 4-4-2 formation, to an attacking 4-3-3 formation with my wingers playing as inside forwards and cutting in as often as possible. This lead us to score goals for fun, and we managed to secure the title with ease.

Last season's disappointment in the play-offs were well and truly put behind us, and we claimed the title and also the FA Trophy to give us a double winning season.

Okay it's not quite the Premiership and FA Cup, but it's great to win any trophy and to claim both was pretty memorable.


League Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/RHGuSB8T0pMhVQ1HE0ZAxKR5D9pnwwHQ7JKHaDqP.png


We secured the FA Trophy with a win over second placed Braintree, which made the tie all the sweeter as they were our nearest challengers in the league that season.

Onwards and upwards, and into the Blue Square Premier.
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
Not wanting to dwell in the non-league much longer, we made some great signings over the summer to allow us to compete from the off. Ideally, I wanted a top half finish this season, and for us to bring a few of our own youngsters into the fold, but instead we ran away with the title and secured promotion to the football league at the first attempt.

Just to add another trophy to the mix, we managed to win the FA Trophy for the second successive season, and bring the trophy count to four in three seasons.


League Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wJpv1TxAr3tr35zrxQhUd3Eqc62P8eCSLsrOmJzH.png


This season was far too easy for us, and with zero debt and a healthy wage budget, I was able to bring in players who could easily compete at a higher level. Most impressive was the early signs of David Elderton moving into the first team picture, a player that started in our own youth academy. It'd be nice to have a few more of those coming through over the next few seasons.
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
Again, tight financial control and the prizemoney gained from obtaining League/Professional status allowed some very good signings over the summer, and I was delighted that we could compete in this division. I had a specific skill set in mind, but due to us only being allowed to scout Britain, we made a few gambles on foreign players.

We did manage to poach a couple of youngsters off Celtic too, with Lewis Kidd and Tony Watt joining for minimal fees. We should be able to turn a profit on both players, or they will become Chester legends. Either way it's great for the club!


League Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/Vpd1oREpVIgJ4POIBtEgYSyb0BijAbawHCXVC7Tn.png


We made light work of this season, and I am a little disappointed at how easy it was. We had a great battle with Chesterfield until we beat them, and then we never looked back. My achievements have been noticed by Burnley, who have just been relegated from the Premiership.

I of course rejected it, and it's time to build for League One next season! I'm a bit disappointed that we walked League Two, but that's testament to the amount of time I spent scouting and testing players out during the two transfer windows. My star centre back has been trailed by Reading, and my star striker is wanted by a host of Championship clubs.
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
We are flying up the leagues, and again at the first attempt we've secured promotion, and we're into the Championship. Our continued financial control has allowed us to slowly improve our facilities - they are still awful - but it's also allowed us to move loan players into the squad and pick up a few decent free transfers to bolster the side.

100 points, over 100 goals and another league title is a great way to secure our place in the Championship next term. We also had a lovely trip out to Wembley, where we secured the Johnstone's Paint Trophy with a 1-0 win over League Two Champions Portsmouth.


League Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/WYYOGbYBLtkiLMZWn6YSW0OGPq9f0t6GbxAv1YCc.png


So we're into the Championship, and only one league down from the promised land. Chester City had never gotten this high in the league before, and Chester FC were emulating their previous incarnation.

Surprisingly, the board decided that it was time for us to build a new stadium, a 16,000 all seater stadium. Seeing as we are currently not selling out our 6,000 seater stadium, this could be a fools errand. The board have taken out a sizable loan, and any money coming into the club is being used to pay off debts.

Chester City folded due to uncontrollable debts, so I hope this board know what they are doing!
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
FINALLY, we are struggling to compete in divisions. That may sound as a bizarre comment to some managers, but after flying through the previous divisions, it was brilliant to see us struggle here. A combination of free players and youngsters were caught out a bit around the Christmas period, and after an interesting start in the play-off positions, Festive cheer was replaced with us dropping down the table.

Fortunately, we had enough about ourselves to ensure we stayed in the division, and the financial rewards were perfect for our size of club. The stadium is still over a season away, but the crowds are improving despite our poor performances in the back end of the season.

Investment in the team is certainly required, and we'll move quickly over the summer to address the weaker areas, with Free Transfers being the primary target.


League Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wqEhxs6Lw0Vs0SoTHVsmSVhFmgTcn40VPQL1lv0g.png


Back to the drawing board, and time to prepare for next season. The biggest issue I've had this season is ensuring
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
Well the season started badly, losing our first game against Brighton. This was a tough defeat to take, but we played well and I decided to use my team talks to focus on the positives to try and create a good atmosphere around the club. It certainly worked...


League Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/GZj2U02TbrCvBWUKzqp5kGdpOUPIK7irPzfiKxkI.png


A picture paints a thousand words, but when all three of my strikers are bang on form and scoring for fun, the title was a piece of cake. We lost three games, once to Brighton in game one, once at Ipswich around January time, and finally to Hull City in the final game of the season. Three youngsters were given a debut in this game, and all performed well despite the result.

Midway through the season, there were rumblings of a takeover at the club, with a businessman coming in to take over from our current Chairman. This was great news as we could start to push forward even more, but the news that came with it was heartbreaking. The new Chairman planned to replace me with a different manager should he secure the deal.

I can't really describe how disappointing the points gap is, but the summer was spent trawling players who had been released by Premiership clubs and I believe that has paid off. Our attacking front line is simply working wonders at this level, and I was delighted when two of them signed new deals to stay a lot longer at the club. Unfortunately, one of the attacking trio departed as he was only on loan, and we couldn't afford his wages to secure a permanent deal.

Just to put a cherry on the top, we secured another visit to Wembley, this time in the FA Cup Semi-Final where we faced Premiership Tottenham Hotspur. We managed to take them all the way to extra time, but unfortunately they were too good for us.


https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/bCTxDJODMPi6JiCY0SiTxopQSFHbdCSSnggH0dvl.png


Thankfully, the performances over the season, and the fans love for me, the board saw sense and allowed me to keep my position as manager. However, my job security had dropped from untouchable to very secure. I am hoping I won't be judged too much on early Premiership performances next term!

You are now up to date, and I'll start posting more regular updates as we progress through our first season in the Premiership!
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
We had a lot of work to do to go from Championship standard players, to ensure that our stay in the Premiership isn't just a one time thing. We had limited cash to spend, but I tried to focus on bringing in some quality rather than the usual focus on youngsters.

Antonio Couto
Signed from Stoke City for £1.9m

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/willschoolar/AntoacutenioCoutoOverview_Attributes.png


Antonio is a real stand out talent, and he was available for a bargain deal of £1.9m. He is our highest rated midfielder, and will be first choice this season.

Fabio
Signed from Manchester United for £2.5m

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/willschoolar/FaacutebioOverview_Attributes.png


The left back role has been one we've really struggled with, but Fabio should fill the void very nicely. Again, a bargain fee of £2.5m allowed us to bring in a number of players. There are massive questions over the players injury record, but hopefully we can get passed that, and he can have a long career here.

Andreas Bein
Signed on a Free Transfer

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/willschoolar/AndreasBeinOverview_Attributes.png


Andreas was release by Bayern Munich, and we didn't hang about making him an offer. He has a massive potential according to our scouts, and I am looking forward to seeing him develop at the club.

Luis Santos
End of Season loan from Arsenal

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/willschoolar/LuiacutesSantosOverview_Attributes.png


Santos spent last season on loan with us, and fortunately we were able to secure him on another 1 year loan deal. We are covering his wages, but he is worth the money based on last season's performances.

Andrei Pop
Signed from Alunia (Russia) for £3m

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/willschoolar/AndreiPopOverview_Attributes.png


Andrei was highly rated by our scouts, and we were able to sign him on a four year deal. His wages and transfer fee were fairly high, but he will be part of the first team setup at 21 and will hopefully be a part of the team for years to come.

Ritchie De Laet
Signed from Everton for £4.5m

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/willschoolar/RitchieDeLaetOverview_Attributes.png


Ritchie had been playing really well during my short time as Belgium manager, so I had him scouted. The results were that he would be a first choice player and with him being able to play anywhere in the back four made him an outstanding prospect.

Eric Bekoe
Signed from St. Etienne for £2m

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/willschoolar/EricBekoeOverview_Attributes.png


Eric was signed to add something different to our striking options. He's a very physical striker and should hopefully be part of our team this season. At £2m, he is a good signing and I am pleased we managed to bring in players under budget.

Players Signed: 15 (1 on loan)
Players Sold: 3
Players Loaned Out: 14

Total Spent: £14.75m
Total Recouped: £0.75m
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
So with our new players in place, we start our very first campaign in the Premiership!

August

EPL: Newcastle United 2 - 1 Chester FC
Goals: Marconi

A tough start at St James' Park, but we fought valiantly to try and gain something from our first big game. Sadly, the Magpies had too much for us, and we came home with nothing/

EPL: Chester FC 0 - 0 Everton
Goals: None

A fantastic result, as we hosted Premiership stalwarts Everton. We gave as good as we got, and the shot count suggests that maybe we should've got something from the game, but unfortunately we weren't quite good enough to kill the game off.

League Cup: Chester FC 2 - 1 Sheffield United
Goals: Bein x2

We rotated the squad to keep things fresh and players fit, and our "second string" had enough in the locker to take the win against Championship side Sheffield United. Andreas Bein opened his account for us, scoring both goals.

September

EPL: Liverpool 2 - 1 Chester FC
Goals: Marconi

Into September, and again we started with a tough away game, this time traveling to Anfield. This is one of the biggest games for the fans, and we gave a very good account of ourselves. Similarly to previous ties, we failed to score enough goals to secure any points, but delighted Marconi continues his form in front of goal.

EPL: Chester FC 4 - 0 Wigan Athletic
Goals: Anele (o.g.), Bein, Bekoe and Faccioli

Our first game in our new stadium, and boy did we give our fans something to cheer about. We worked hard, and finally our scoring touch returned. Delighted with the fantastic result, and hope it can be a rock to build on for the season.

EPL: Bolton Wanderers 1 - 3 Chester FC
Goals: Marconi, Bein and Bennett (o.g.)

Goals bring confidence, and a three goal foray at the Reebok was just what we needed after the fantastic win against Wigan. Back to back wins for the first time this season, and we're finding some form.

LGC: Sheffield Wednesday 3 - 5 Chester FC
Goals: Marconi x3, Bekoe and Rossetti

Another Championship side, and we made very difficult work for ourselves. Despite scoring five goals, we never looked comfortable, but I am happy to be in the next round, as all money is vital to the club. Both Sheffield sides knocked out now, onto Round 4!

October

EPL: Chester FC 1 - 2 Tottenham Hotspur
Goals: Faccioli

Back to reality, and in front of the TV cameras, we were brought back down Earth with a bump. Spurs were far too good in all departments, and only a massive performance from our goalkeeper kept the score down. This season is going to have a lot of ups and downs!

EPL: Arsenal 4 - 2 Chester FC
Goals: Marconi and Boyata (o.g.)

Ouch, we went to the Emirates, and we got smashed. They worked us all over the pitch, and I was worried how many they would score. Four makes it look worse than we'd hoped, but the last two games are a real shock to the system. We aren't going to pull up trees this season, so defeats like this can be taken.

EPL: Aston Villa 0 - 1 Chester FC
Goals: Rossetti

A solitary strike from Rossetti was enough to give us a massive win. Villa are a side who I'd hope we can compete with this season, and winning in their own back yard is fantastic. Add to that my roots as a Coventry fan, and it's an even better result!

EPL: Chester FC 3 - 1 West Brom
Goals: Bein x2 and Rossetti

Fantastic result, the Baggies are in the same group as Villa. We hope to compete with these sides and avoid relegation, so another massive three points. Again, Coventry fan

LGC: Blackburn Rovers 1 - 2 Chester FC
Goals: Rossetti x2

Our League Cup run continues, and it was another great win. Three wins in three games is amazing news and we are filled with confidence.

League Table

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/willschoolar/EnglishPremierDivisionOverview_Stages.png


Ninth will do me very nicely after the first 3 months of the season; four wins, a draw and four defeats with a plus four goal difference is very happy reading!

Player of the Quarter

Andreas Bein

http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i477/willschoolar/AndreasBeinOverview_Attributes.png


Six goals in twelve games, and an average rating of 7.28 is a great showing as we start the season. He's been in great form, and I hope it will continue for a long time to come!

Next update at the end of January!
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
Well I pushed on with the career, I think I'm more tuned into seasonal updates than monthly ones. Season 8 culminated with a fantastic league finish, and another trophy in the cabinet.

League Table

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/EPIlue8bnKL2yGe7l9Gkq58COkt5rYIEpgnnXCZm.png


Fourth place finish in our first season in the top flight is just ridiculous, and I debated resigning at the end of the season to look for another challenge. However, the chance to play in the Champions League with the club I have built from the ground was too much of a pull for me to stay.

In addition to the fourth place finish, we had two trips to Wembley, and were close to another. In the League Cup we lost to Manchester United on aggregate in the semi final, whilst we got to the FA Cup Final, facing Championship side Southampton.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/9WkFxHb0pcwyTQkjDulR7fqZyMHkGlGGhfaVyKuD.png


So we step into next season in Europe. We will have to go through the qualification stages after finishing fourth, but the additional revenue and increase of our reputation should help the club to grow.
willz121
17 years ago
2 months ago
462
Mid-Season Update: January 1st 2020

Well we've reached the mid-point of the 2019/20 season, as we try to build on our fourth placed finish last season. Our first season in Europe along with the League Cup and FA Cup will make this a long and testing season, but I hope we can do well in every tournament.

I've signed quite a few players over the summer, but nothing massively of note, and the core squad from last season has remained with us.

Charity Shield

As winners of the FA Cup, we got to face Arsenal in the Community/Charity Shield whatever you want to call it. They didn't take it seriously, but we did, and we won the game comfortably 3-1.

Trophy number 1 won.

Premiership
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/gOZKMiyTXuS1xR6pUCTknBuy8p0UyNflXjZUDaAa.png


We started teh season fairly well, six points from the first 9. Defeat to a full strength Arsenal wasn't too disappointing, but then we just started firing!

Back to back 4-0 wins over Liverpool and Fulham, then 10 goals in the next two games against Burnley and Southampton. Fantastic form, and it's continued all the way up to the end of December.

The only blip was an away game with Sunderland where we took a 2-2 draw, but we haven't lost since Game 2, and we've got ourselves into a lovely position in the league.
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/OK4czHtGEIq0gxGt4LTNWueeayhYaeXHY5SLrsyk.png

Eight points clear, but City have a game in hand. We will happily take this, and hopefully we can continue this fine form into the new year.

Liverpool and Everton have both offered me the manager's job this season, and both were turned down. Everton turned to Kaka, and sacked him a few weeks ago, whilst Liverpool have turned to David Moyes!

All going to plan so far...

League Cup
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/7MdjljXCH5cxUW96JnyUXdF8kSK05IYUfuCD0OwD.png


The bribe to the FA is obviously working, not sure we could've had a much easier passage to the semi finals, and League One side Morecambe over two legs shouldn't be too much of an issue.

We got to the semi-finals last season so I want us to win this tournament this year.

Champions League
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/TDTi9ZnPcPsbfHY4qrDA0jaPRw72cYL8A6BRwvZ5.png


After smashing Roma to pieces, a draw in Moscow wasn't too worrying. We followed up with a win over Bayern before the inevitable loss to Valencia in front of our own crowd.

The reverse fixtures saw us take all nine points, conceding only two goals on the way to the group title.

We face Paris St Germain in the next round.

January Transfers

One was lined up before the window, Milan Sundalic joins us for £10m from Stuttgart. He's been scoring for fun in Germany, so hopefully his form will carry to England alongside compatriot Bein.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/DSdzYtIdkvEL2xrNFBC6fIpLk4MapRkLC9llrqmh.png


So that's about it for now, crazy times at Chester!

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