willz121
17 years ago
8 months ago
462
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1169441&stc=1


I've been toying with starting a new game on FM17 for a while now, after having massive success on a long term save at Sheffield United. I tried a few different clubs; Chelsea where I won the treble in the first season, Juventus where my star players all decided they wanted to move to bigger clubs, and then Barcelona where I dominated the league in 2016/17, before becoming disillusioned with player wage demands and trying to find the next big thing.

This lead me to searching for clubs with a good youth system already in place, and outside of their nation's top league in able for me to focus on player development a lot more. With France producing some fantastic young footballers at the minute, the end destination was FC Sochaux.

The academy has produced several notable talents, such as Yannick Stopyra, El-Hadji Diouf, Jérémy Ménez, Bernard Genghini and Benoît Pedretti, among others, so I am really excited to see what sort of talent comes through during this save. I will be focussing on bringing players through the Academy as much as possible, and try to limit the number of first team signings I make each season to enable us to develop from within. The major worry will be keeping hold of the players we have at our disposal for as long as possible, and ensuring we make good money on those that we do sell. I am starting the game with first window budgets disabled, so at least we will have a good run until the January window to assess the squad and keep our players.

One concern off the bat is that we already have five loan players at the club, and that is now the limit for the season. I don't want us to focus on loanees, but without a doubt there will be a time where we need to bring someone in as cover, or to add a spark to the side. I had originally lined up Kasey Palmer (Chelsea) and Gedion Zelalem (Arsenal) as potential loan targets, but with the five already done and dusted, they will have to be shelved.

We have a 20,000 capacity stadium, and we are predicted to finish 10th by the bookies. However, overall feel from the board is to avoid relegation. If we can get anywhere near the top three this season, that would be fantastic, but it will be all about focussing on getting the players out on the pitch as much as possible and hopefully see them develop.

I'll be updating this thread at the end of each game month, so I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for reading.
willz121
17 years ago
8 months ago
462
August 2016

https://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/111817.pnghttps://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/226.png


Paris FC 0 - 2 Sochaux
Domino's Ligue 2

An away trip in the captial saw us start the campaign with a fantastic two nil win. Paris was a potential destination for me as it would be a huge challenge to try and topple the mighty PSG with their city rivals, but for now I will stick with Sochaux.

Aksel Aktas and Florent Ogier gave us the perfect start to the season with a goal each.

https://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/226.pnghttps://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/212.png


Sochaux 2 - 0 La Berrichonne
Domino's Ligue 2

Our first home game of the season saw a repeat score line of our night in Paris, but this time an own goal and a goal mouth scramble saw Rafa Navarro open his account for the season. It wasn't a pretty match, but another clean sheet and another three points is welcome regardless of how we play.

https://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/110326.pnghttps://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/226.png


Tours FC 0 - 2 Sochaux
Coupe de la Ligue 1st Round

If the last game was scrappy, this one was a delight. We could've been four up at half time, but with a rotated side to give some of the younger players a start, we couldn't find the net. Just after the break though, Jeando Fuchs broke the deadlock, and it was no more than we deserved. Fuchs looks like a very capable player at this level, and impressed against opposition from the same division. Madger Gomes, formerly of Liverpool and Leeds United, doubled our lead to send us into Round 2.

https://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/110456.pnghttps://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/226.png


Valenciennes FC 0 - 0 Sochaux
Domino's Ligue 2

For a minute there, I thought I had broken FM and I was going to win every game of the season 2-0, but alas it wasn't to be and we travelled to valenciennes and played out a rather tepid scoreless draw. Games like these will happen, and with a young side, we might need to add a few experienced heads to try and grind out results.

https://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/226.pnghttps://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/112552.png


Sochaux 1 - 1 Quevilly Rouen Metropole
Domino's Ligue 2

This was a game we really should've won, as Quevilly are a side who will struggle this season to stay afloat. However, an own goal was all we could muster, and instead of a comfortable home win, we instead come away with a difficult draw.

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Sochaux 4 - 1 Stade Lavallois MFC
Coupe de la Ligue 2nd Round

Drawn at home against a lower league side was probably the tonic we needed after the previous performance, and we managed to find the net four times. Moussa Sao grabbed a hat-trick in the first 39 minutes, and Madger Gomes secured the rout just before half time. We let one slip in the second half, but a great win and morale boosting for the players.

https://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/110326.pnghttps://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/226.png


Tours FC 0 - 2 Sochaux
Domino's Ligue 2

No I haven't copied this one twice by mistake, we managed to get another 2-0 win at Tours, this time in the league. Moussa Sao continued his excellent form, scoring both goals. It looked as though we wouldn't break them down, but in the 81st minute, Sao broke the deadlock and added his second in injury time.

https://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/226.pnghttps://cdn.sofifa.org/teams/10/18/light/1738.png


Sochaux 2 - 1 Havre Athletic Club
Domino's Ligue 2

A win to round off an eventful first month, and one that has surprised me in the way we've strung together a decent run of form. Florent Oglier scored in the first game this month, and bookended it with a goal here. Emile Rzepecki, who looks like he could have an excellent future with us, managed to grab his first goal as well and we looked comfortable until the 70th minute when we conceded. Cue nervous finish, but we got over the line in the end!

League Table

Second in the league behind Stade Brestois 29 is more than we could've hoped for at this early stage of the season, but I am enjoying the save and bringing through some of the youth talent into the first team already. Whether we can maintain this pace remains to be seen, but it's a great start.

Financial Update

Finances are looking secure at the moment, although we did make a £437k loss this month which will need to be addressed. The major expenditure is on player wages, so we may need to trim the squad a little bit and replace from within.

Player of the Month

I've been really pleased with the performances of a number of our players, with Jeando Fuchs nailing down a place in our midfield, whilst Nicolas Senzemba has been superb at left wing back. However, Moussa Sao takes the plaudits here, with his five goals in six games.
DNZY
16 years ago
3 days ago
1,883
Premium
I have a soft spot for Sochaux, will follow!
willz121
17 years ago
8 months ago
462
September 2016

So far behind with updating this story due to renovating a house. Less graphics for the next few updates to get them done and posted!

Stade de Reims 2 - 3 Sochaux
Domino's Ligue 2

First half was appalling at Reims, but we managed to fight back and turn it around. Maxence Lacroix looks like one for the future, and he scored to get us back into the game at 2-1 in the 65th minute. Moussa Sao continued his excellent form, putting us level at 69 minutes, before El Hadji Ba scored a minute before the end to give us three points.

Sochaux 0 - 1 Chamois Niortais FC
Domino's Ligue 2

Awful performance from the forward line, as we huffed and puffed but couldn't break down our visitors. First defeat of the season, and it was a tough one to take.

Sochaux 1 - 1 Stade Bresois 29
Domino's Ligue 2

An 82nd minute equaliser gave us a point at home, as again we failed to trouble the scoreboard despite many attempts on goal. We've struggled these last two games, so a change of tactic may be warranted.

Clermont Foot 0 - 1 Sochaux
Domino's Ligue 2

Florin Berenguer scored midway through the first half to give us three points. Again, we created many chances, but failed to capitalise on them as Clermont Foot stood strong. A tough away game, but glad to pick up three points after two disappointments.

Sochaux 2 - 1 GFC Ajaccio
Domino's Ligue 2

Goals from Jeando Fuchs and Moussa Sao gave us our second consecutive win of the month. It was another case of not scoring enough goals to make the game reflect the stats, but thankfully we outscored them and finished the month strongly.

Player of the Month

Very tough one to call. Moussa Sao continued his decent form in front of goal, but Jeando Fuchs is my Player of the Month after some excellent performances in central midfield.

League Table

I can't access IMGUR at work, so no screenshot, but we're second in the league at the end of September. We're just 1 point behind Nancy, and three clear of Le Havre in third.
willz121
17 years ago
8 months ago
462
October 2016

Lee Chung-Yong has been added on a free transfer along with Jan Kirchoff and Andre Horta. They are all on decent wages but will hopefully add some real class to the side.

US Orleans 1 - 4 Sochaux
Domino's Ligue 2

Finally we converted our chances, with recent signing Lee Chung-Yong scoring twice. This was sandwiched by goals from Florin Berenguer and Mart Ristl. Ristl is fast becoming a key member of the squad, who despite rarely scoring, is a top performer every game.

Bourg-en-Bresse 1 - 1 Sochaux
Domino's Ligue 2

Florin Berenguer at it again here, as we took an early lead only to be pegged back. We weren't good enough over the game to get three points, so will have to be happy with the point. Really need to improve though as we fight at the top of the table.

Sochaux 2 - 0 FC Lorient
Coupe de la Ligue Round 3

Facing a side in the same division as us in Round 3, we played brilliantly and secured a comfortable 2-0 win. Andre Horta opened the scoring, before Moussa Sao completed the win. Horta should really be playing at a higher level than this, but he's been good in his first few appearances.

AJ Auxerre 1 - 2 Sochaux
Domino's Ligue 2

Centre back Rayan Senhadji popped up with a rare goal early on to secure us an excellent lead, before Moussa Sao scored again to give us the win. Auxerre pegged us back in the middle of the second half, but Sao was on hand to give us a win.

Player of the Month

Has to go to Moussa Sao again this month. He has had a hand in everything that's been good this month. Hopefully we can keep hold of him, but some other sides are already tracking him. We've agreed two transfers for older players to leave in January, with centre backs Florent Ogier and Pierre Gibaud both departing.

Both are out of contract at the end of the season, so cashing in on them - albeit a very low cash price - is important.

League Table

Still second, still a point behind Nancy, but now five points clear of Quevilly in third.
willz121
17 years ago
8 months ago
462
November 2016

Sochaux 3 - 3 AC Ajaccio
Domino's Ligue 2

Absolute end to end stuff here, with Lee Chung-Yong opening the scoring after 16 minutes. Ajaccio scored twice either side of half time, before Rafa Navarro (52) and Gabin Lamboley (53) gave us the lead. Ajaccio scored late on to tie the game up, but it was an exciting one to watch.

US Joigny 0 - 9 Sochaux
French Cup Round 7

Well this was a bit of a joke all round really, but I am delighted that we converted so many of our chances. We rotated the squad a bit, but the stand out player was Andre Horta who banged in FIVE goals! Mathys Kuntz opened the scoring after just 2 minutes, but then we had stalemate until Horta netted his first on 44. Cue the half time kick up the backside, and then we exploded. Gabin Lamboley scored after 46 minutes, and Jason Pendant made it four on 55.

Horta wrapped up his hat trick with goals in the 73rd and 76th minute, before Jeando Fuchs jumped in on the action in the 87th minute. Horta wasn't done though, scoring in the 88th minute before we won a late penalty which he converted in 90+1.

All round good performance, and what a result!

AS Nancy Lorraine 0 - 2 Sochaux
Domino's Ligue 2

Cometh the hour, cometh the man and Lee Chung-Yong scored twice to give us a priceless victory over our early rivals. He was on top form throughout and caused them all kinds of issues. The result was marred by injury to Jan Kirchoff - was always a punt signing him - who is out for two months.

Sochaux 2 - 0 Racing Club de Lens
Domino's Ligue 2

Another double, this time from Andre Horta, secured a valuable win over Lens. I remember growing up that Lens were a very decent side, but they are now languishing at the bottom of Ligue 2. On another save, they could've been the club I would pick, but for now, a valuable win.

FC Lorient 1 - 1 Sochaux
Domino's Ligue 2

After dumping them out of the cup, they got their revenge here with a dogged performance that we just couldn't overcome. Two goals in the first three minutes settled the tie, as Lee Chung-Yong scored with barely a minute on the clock, and they equalised within two minutes of us taking the lead.

It was a very dull affair after that, but another point is okay after how we performed earlier in the month.

Player of the Month

Tough call between Lee Chung-Yong and Andre Horta, so they will share it this month. Both have been outstanding, and I hope we can keep both for the remainder of the season. Horta has a few Ligue 1 clubs interested already!

League Table

The victory over Nancy sees us move three points clear of them at the top, with Stade Brestois in third five points behind us. Delighted with performances so far!
Grimnir
16 years ago
5 months ago
2,727
This seems to be going really well, keep up the good work!

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