From Rosey Posey to European Glory: A Bonnyrigg Rose FM Journey

With the latest news and the now even longer wait till the next iteration of FM I thought it was only right to clear the deck, go back to the original database and start a fresh save. Something slightly different whilst keeping some of the home comforts. I’ve tried (and failed) many saves over the past 6 months, losing interest after a season or two and even having a laptop crash on me most recently. Now we’re back in the game and I’m looking to make this my most committed FM save to date! So here we go…

From Rosey Posey to European Glory: A Bonnyrigg Rose FM Journey

The Beginning of a Scottish Fairytale…

Welcome to my latest Football Manager save—one that starts in the small Scottish town of Bonnyrigg and (hopefully) ends under the bright lights of the Champions League final. I’ve taken over Bonnyrigg Rose FC, a semi-professional side in Scotland’s League 2. The goal? Take this humble club from mid-table obscurity to the top of European football. Ambitious? Absolutely. Impossible? Not in FM.

Meet the Club: Bonnyrigg Rose FC

Bonnyrigg Rose Football Club— "The Rosey Posey"—has been kicking about since 1881, but only recently made the jump to senior league football. Right now, we’re valued at a modest £148K, and our squad is made up of part-timers. Our fortress? New Dundas Park—a ground that holds 3,000 fans (86 seated ha) and boasts a pitch condition officially rated as "Very Poor." Perfect for tiki-taka, right?

Board and Fan Expectations: Don’t Get Relegated (and beat Newtongrange!)

The board isn’t setting the bar too high, which is fine by me. The main tasks for this season are:

• Stay within the wage budget (easier said than done)
• Grow the club’s reputation
• Finish mid-table in League 2
• Be somewhat competitive in the cups

Meanwhile, the fans want to see some defensive solidity, good set-pieces, and, most importantly, a win if we ever come up against our local rivals, Newtongrange. No pressure.

Squad Assessment: Diamonds in the Rough (and Some Deadwood)

After my first deep dive into the squad, it’s clear we have some talent, but also some… let’s say, financially questionable contracts.

Key players to build around:

• Kerr Young (CB) – Solid, dependable, and one of the leaders at the back.
• Cameron Forbes (CM, 17) – Young, exciting, and has the potential to be a club legend.
• Dean Watson (AM, 21) – Skillful playmaker, could be a difference-maker in attack.

But let’s be real—this squad isn’t built for long-term success yet. I’ll need to cut costs, bring in fresh legs, and figure out a tactical setup that plays to our strengths. A 4-3-3 sounds like a solid base to work from, but I do like the idea of creating some 3 at the back formations to help us a bit more defensively.

So What’s Next?

The transfer window. This is where the real work begins. Expect plenty of ins and outs as I look to fine-tune the squad before the season kicks off.

Stay tuned for the next update once the window slams shut. Will we find some hidden gems? Will I regret my decisions immediately? Only time will tell. Let’s get this journey started.

#FromRoseToRiches

Great opening post mate, consider me invested.

I like the look of this story already, be interesting to see how it develops.

Summer Transfer Window: Rebuild Mode Activated

With the transfer window now closed, it's time to break down the chaos of the past few months. Players have come and gone, wages have been balanced, and The Rose is looking like a whole new team. Have I built a squad capable of exceeding expectations? Or have I just signed a bunch of free agents for the sake of it?

The Departures: Saying Goodbye

It was a mass exodus this summer, with 10 players leaving permanently between the ones who left before and who i've managed to move on as well as two more heading out on loan. Some departures were expected, while others… well, let’s just say, Tranent has basically become our retirement home.

Notable exits:

• Kevin Smith → Cowdenbeath (Free) – A veteran who’s been around the Scottish lower leagues, but it was time to move on.
• Dean Brett, Scott Gray, Alan Horne → Tranent (Free) – A trio of players heading to the same club. I guess they just really love playing together.
• Cameron Forbes → Penicuik (Loan) – The young midfielder has great potential, but he needs regular game time at the moment. Hopefully, he develops well there.
• Smart Osadolor → Elgin City (Free) – A move that felt inevitable. Never really fit into my plans.

Losing some experience hurts, but let’s be real—this squad needed a shake-up.

The Arrivals: The New Faces of Bonnyrigg

Now for the fun part: the recruits. With a minimal budget, free transfers and loans were the name of the game. And I think we’ve done well.

Key Signings:

• Will Armitage (CB, Southampton – Loan) – A bit of a coup for us. Strong, quick, and should boss the backline.
• Pharrell Williams (Winger, Birmingham – Loan) – No, not that Pharrell Williams, but hopefully he’ll still make us happy with some assists.
• Ty Barnett (CM, Wolves – Loan) – Big potential. If he adapts to Scottish football quickly, we could have a real weapon.
• Josh Giurgi (RB/RW - Free) - A young attacking full back who seems way too good for this level. Great addition.

Are We Ready?

The squad looks stronger overall—better depth, better balance, and actual competition for places. But as we all know, new signings mean nothing if they don’t perform on the pitch.

Next up: the season begins. Can this squad gel quickly? Or will I be regretting some of these deals by Christmas? Stay tuned.

#FromRoseToRiches

That's some window, but you obviously thought the squad needed overhauling. Good on you for having the cojones to do that.

Here's hoping the new look Rose gel and you can start to create your own brand of history. Maybe you can cope being semi-pro for the bottom 2 divisions but whether the board will agree to go full time in the Championship is the biggest challenge.

Best of luck mate.

Thanks mate! It's one of those things where the squad was pretty mid-level for league 2 but also with some of the wages it's safer to offload them now and try and bring in some decent youth and loan players. Would have loved to stay more homegrown but its near on impossible with the wages they are all looking for!

The semi-pro part works well with people seemingly happy to accept lower wages, but yeah if we do have success it's certainly going to add even more to the challenge when moving up the leagues!

Mid-Season Review: A Title Race Heats Up & New Faces Arrive

Results: A Strong Run Keeps Us in the Hunt

With the season at its midway point, Bonnyrigg Rose continues to punch above its weight in League 2. Our recent run of results has been a mix of statement wins, hard-fought battles, and a few frustrating stumbles.

Some key highlights:

A dominant 5-0 thrashing of Montrose in the Scottish Challenge Cup – Amilcar Djau Codjovi and Aaron Splaine ran the show.

A thrilling 5-1 win over Stenhousemuir – A clinical performance showcasing our attacking firepower.

A crucial 2-1 win over Spartans – Pharrell Williams with the winner in a tight contest.

Despite a couple of narrow losses, the team has shown resilience, especially in the cup competitions.

League Standings: The Title Race Is On

After 21 games, we sit 2nd in League 2 with 42 points, just behind Clyde, who have been relentless at the top with 49 points. Spartans are trailing in 3rd, giving us some breathing room, but promotion is far from secured.

If we want to take the title fight to Clyde, we’ll need to stay consistent and keep the goals flowing.

Transfer Window: Strengthening for the Final Push

January has seen some key arrivals as we look to bolster our squad for the run-in:

Maldini Kacurri (CB, on loan from Arsenal) – A young, talented center-back who brings composure and defensive solidity.

Ben Cisse (ST, on loan from West Brom) – A powerful striker with pace, looking to add some extra firepower up front.

Michal Rosiak (CM, on loan from Arsenal) – A technically gifted midfielder who will help control games and provide creativity.

Claudio Osorio (RW/CAM, free transfer) – A skillful winger who adds depth to our attacking options.

Ben Paton (CM, free transfer) – A versatile midfielder with a strong work ethic and good passing range.

With these additions, we’re aiming to push Clyde all the way and—if nothing else—secure promotion by any means necessary.

The second half of the season is going to be a rollercoaster. Can we pull off something special? Stay tuned.

#FromRoseToRiches

From Rosey Posey to Promotion: Bonnyrigg Rose's First Season Recap

As the dust settles on our first season in charge of Bonnyrigg, it's time to reflect on a whirlwind campaign that saw us go toe-to-toe with Clyde for the Cinch League 2 title, battle through cup competitions, and ultimately secure promotion.

League Campaign – A Title Race for the Ages

With Clyde setting the pace early on, we knew consistency would be key if we were to challenge for the title. Despite a tough loss against them in January, our squad showed immense resilience, bouncing back with crucial wins against Dumbarton and Forfar. Our attacking trio of Josh Hinds, Amilcar Djau Codjovi, and Claudio Osorio were instrumental, consistently finding the net when we needed it most.

March and April proved decisive, with victories over Stenhousemuir, Elgin City, and Spartans keeping us in contention. However, a late-season slip-up against Stenhousemuir saw Clyde edge us out for the championship by just three points. Nonetheless, finishing 2nd with 76 points and going on to secure promotion via the playoffs is a fantastic achievement for the club in our first season and we are moving on up!

Cup Glory – Scottish Challenge Cup Champions

While our league form was strong, it was in the Scottish Challenge Cup that we truly made a name for itself. After navigating through the early rounds, we faced Hamilton in the semi-finals and emerged victorious thanks to an Aaron Splaîne masterclass.

The final against Partick Thistle at The Falkirk Stadium was a true test of character. We took an early lead through Ty Barnett, only to be pegged back twice. But in the dying moments, Amilcar Djau Codjovi sealed the victory with a dramatic 90+2’ goal, securing our first piece of silverware.

Key Players & Standout Performances

• Claudio Osorio (13 goals, 10 assists) – Our midfield engine, consistently pulling the strings and chipping in with crucial goals.
• Amilcar Djau Codjovi (15 goals, 6 assists) – Our talisman on the left wing, delivering in the big moments, including the cup final winner.
• Josh Hinds (17 goals, 2 assists) – A clinical forward who thrived as the spearhead of our attack.
• Aaron Splaîne (18 goals, 8 assists) – Our penalty king and midfield maestro, always reliable from the spot and in open play.
• Pharrell Williams (7 goals, 6 assists) – Not just a name to remember in music, but a key playmaker in our squad!

Tactical Evolution

Our tactical setup evolved throughout the season. Initially focused on attacking play with an aggressive high press, we adapted to include more controlled build-up play. The 4-3-3 system allowed our midfield to dominate games, while wingers Codjovi and Giurgi provided width and attacking thrust.

Defensively, Maldini Kacurri and Will Armitage formed a solid partnership, ensuring we remained tough to break down, conceding just 41 goals across the league campaign.

Looking Ahead – League 1 Awaits!

With promotion secured, the challenge now shifts to establishing ourselves in League 1. Reinforcements will be needed to strengthen the squad, and tactical tweaks may be necessary to cope with the increased quality of opposition.

The board has backed us, I have a new contract now in place and with momentum on our side, Bonnyrigg Rose is ready to continue its meteoric rise. The money is now in at the club but we're still fighting an uphill battle as we enter the league above! Can we push for another promotion next season? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure – this journey is just getting started.

Stay tuned for updates on transfers, preseason, and our League 1 ambitions!

#FromRoseToRiches

Season 2 Begins!

The dust has settled, the transfer window has seen its fair share of ins and outs, and now it's time to get down to business. After an incredible first season, we enter our second campaign in the cinch League 1 with momentum on our side and a squad that looks more than capable of making a mark at this level. The bookies have us as outright favourites at an astonishing 1-167 odds, but football isn’t played on paper – we need to prove ourselves on the pitch.

A Strong Pre-Season and Transfer Window

This summer has been all about reinforcing our squad without breaking the bank. In true Bonnyrigg fashion, we’ve stuck to free transfers and loans, ensuring we remain financially stable while adding real quality. The likes of Adam Rasheed from Torino, Jaden Heskey from Manchester City, and Samuel Ntanda from Sampdoria bring a mix of youthful exuberance and top-level potential to the squad. We’ve also added experienced heads in the form of Luke Young and Liam Polworth, who will provide leadership and control in midfield.

On the departures front, we bid farewell to several players who have served us well, including Declan Byrne and Kieran McGachie, both moving to Peterhead. These exits make room for our new  in the wage budget and ensure we have a squad balanced enough to compete at the next level.

Tactics and Season Ambitions

We’re sticking with our tried-and-tested 4-3-3 system, a formation that saw us dominate at times last season. The shape gives us defensive solidity while allowing our attacking players the freedom to express themselves. With a midfield trio capable of dictating play and a front line packed with pace and finishing ability, we should have enough firepower to trouble any team in the league.  I’ve found it very effective whilst easily being able to adapt it into a 3-5-2 for some of the tougher games too.

Our financial health is also in a good place, which gives us confidence that we can build long-term stability while continuing to push the club forward. We remain part time so we shouldn’t have huge costs going forward, but I do need to spend some time working on the staffing here so that if we do live up to expectations then we’ll be able to transition into the higher levels without needing a mass rebuild.

The Road Ahead

Our season is only just starting, and the anticipation is building. We know this league will be a step up from last season, but the goal remains the same – promotion. If we can get off to a strong start and build early momentum, there’s no reason why we can’t push for back-to-back promotions and continue our climb up the Scottish football pyramid. We're in a financially secure position (for the time being) and if we can have some level of success in the cup and the luck of a couple of high profile ties then we can look to improve this even more!

Now let's get going and stay tuned as we kick off Season 2 – the journey continues!

#FromRoseToRiches

Jaden Heskey, as in big Emile's lad?

Nice capture to grab someone off the PL heavyweight, I assume it's a season long loan right?

Hopefully he's a bit of a chip off the old block as in a target man who you can make things happen around him and he throws in a few goals too.

You've got to prove yourselves again, perhaps a season of consolidation wouldn't be a bad thing. Good luck Kyle, again.

It is indeed! He's still young but seems to be a real quality player for this level! Ideal for being a loan for the year.

It's got off to a good start so its interesting to see the different in levels after the promotion not being as big as i first thought!

Mid-Season Check-In!

As the calendar flips to 2025, we find ourselves at the halfway mark of what has been a thrilling second season in cinch League 1. The journey so far has been filled with highs, challenges, and plenty of goals, but one thing is clear – We are now here to make a statement.

Dominating the League

After a fantastic start to the season, we sit top of the table with a commanding lead. 16 wins in 18 games, a +38-goal difference, and an impressive 49 points have put us in pole position for promotion to the Championship. The bookies had us as favourites, but even they might be surprised at just how dominant we've been so far.

Our nearest challengers, Airdrieonians, have kept up a decent pace, but with a seven-point gap between us, we’re in control of our own destiny. Further down the table, Clyde and Partick Thistle are scrapping for playoff spots, while Queen of the South and Kelty Hearts are battling to avoid relegation.

Key Players Stepping Up

Our success has been built on a squad that continues to exceed expectations. Ephraim Yeboah has been nothing short of sensational, bagging 21 goals already and proving to be the league’s most dangerous striker. Tadeo Moreira and Josh Giurgi have chipped in with crucial goals and assists, while Luke Young and Liam Polworth have controlled the midfield like the seasoned pros we looked to bring in at the start of the season.

At the back, Jack Kingdon and Adam Rasheed have formed a rock-solid partnership, ensuring we have one of the best defensive records in the league. James Hillson and Ovie Ejeheri have both been reliable in goal when called upon, giving us confidence in our last line of defense and especially more important as we seem to be picking up injuries in goal every other game at this point.

Tactical Tweaks Paying Off

Our tried-and-tested 4-3-3 system continues to work wonders, but I’ve also experimented with a 3-5-2 setup in tougher matches, giving us more defensive solidity without sacrificing attacking threat. This flexibility has allowed us to adapt and grind out results when needed, keeping our momentum strong.

Cup Runs and Extra Challenges

While the league has been our primary focus, we’ve had some exciting cup adventures as well. Our Scottish Challenge Cup run continues into the quarter-finals, and we’re still in the Scottish Cup with hopes of a potential giant-killing on the horizon. The one disappointment was our League Cup exit to Dundee, but lessons were learned, and it was a reminder that we still have work to do before we’re ready for the higher divisions.

We're now growing more as a club though so we're looking much stronger financially aswell as overall work at the club taking place to build up everything around us in hope that we can secure back to back promotions.

Looking Ahead This Season

With promotion in sight, the second half of the season is all about keeping our foot on the gas. We can’t afford complacency. The squad’s morale is high, the tactics are clicking, and the dream of back-to-back promotions is very much alive. I’ve got my National B license in place and looking to get my A license by the end of this year too!

Can we keep this incredible run going and book our place in the Championship next season? Time will tell!

#FromRoseToRiches

January Transfer Window Round-Up

The winter window is shut, and we’ve made some smart moves to strengthen the squad while letting a few players move on. Here’s how things shaped up at New Dundas Park.

 New Arrivals

🔴 Bakary Sow (Free Transfer) – Former Sevilla youngster with plenty of potential. A pressing forward with solid physicals and good determination—if we develop him well, he could be a real asset.

🔴 Leonardo Benedetti (Free Transfer) – A versatile midfielder who adds experience and depth to the squad. Not the flashiest signing, but a useful one.

Departures

➡️ Amilcar Djau Codjovi → Nea Salamina (£9K, rising to £10.25K) – A decent fee for a player who wasn’t getting much game time.

➡️ Aaron Splaine → Peterhead (Free Transfer) – Limited opportunities here, so a move makes sense.

➡️ Paddy Martin → Elgin City (Free Transfer) – With our goalkeeping situation sorted, he moves on for regular minutes.

With the squad fine-tuned, it’s time to focus on the run-in. Can Sow prove to be a hidden gem? Will Benedetti be the steady presence we need? Time to find out!

#FromRoseToRiches

Bonnyrigg Rose: Dominance, Records, and Near Cup Glory

What a season. After securing promotion last year, we stormed through League 1 in dominant fashion, racking up 32 wins out of 36 games and finishing a staggering 29 points clear at the top. Our tally of 98 points was nothing short of sensational, proving that Bonnyrigg Rose isn’t just here to take part—we’re here to take over.

League 1 Champions: An Unstoppable Force

From the get-go, we set the pace and never looked back. The attacking trio of Ephraim Yeboah, Samuel Ntanda, and Leonardo Benedetti proved lethal, tearing defences apart with clinical finishing and creativity. Yeboah, in particular, was sensational, bagging crucial goals throughout the campaign.

Key highlights included:

• 8-0 demolition of Kelty Hearts in February—an absolute masterclass.
• 4-1 thrashing of Cove Rangers, showcasing our relentless pressing game.
• 5-1 victory over Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup Quarter-Final, proving we could turn it on in the big moments.

Squad Building and Development

Our squad of 23 has been perfect for this level, with a cup run alongside the league games we’ve not struggled with the depth and have been able to have some younger players coming in and not struggle at this level at all.

My loanees have been stars this year, super effective for the short time they are here, with Ntanda being so effective that he’s been it into the club favoured personnel page! Alongside Yeboah they added 76 goals to our team this year, so quite a large whole to fill next season If we cant get them back!

Scottish Cup Run: So Close, Yet So Far

Our dream of cup glory ended in heartbreak at Hampden Park against Celtic in the semi-final. Despite an early goal from Benedetti, Celtic’s class showed, and they edged us out 2-1. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but the run itself was a testament to how far we’ve come.

Looking Ahead: The Championship Awaits

With League 1 conquered, the Championship will be our next proving ground. Reinforcements will be needed, but this squad has already shown they belong at a higher level.

We’re finally building up the club with some improvements all across the board. Out finances are the best they’ve ever looked and we’re hitting our club vision each year so far. We’re also ahead of schedule but I’d imagine once we get to the top division we’ll then struggle to get up to speed, so we’ll take what we can at the moment with the back to back promotions!

The journey from Rosey Posey to European glory continues. We’re one step closer.

#FromRoseToRiches

Kyle my man,

Congratulations on making back to back promotions. Helluva achievement. This has similarities with my FM19 save where I started out with Edinburgh City in the Third Division. Unfortunately on that save, things went sour when the board refused to back us with a request to go full time and we started to lose heavily in the Championship and they wouldn't go back on it. That save saw me end up resigning but led to an incredible career elsewhere mate. Are there any chances of going full time if you don't have it yet? It's gonna be needed sometime anyways.

Keep up the good work with this, still an enjoyable read. 👍

Thanks mate! It's been a real good season and in all fairness its been one of my favourite saves ive ever done! We're not going too outlanding or throwing the club in long term debt. It's a great start and there is so much more to come!

Interesting to hear about your save, ive not been able to go professional either so im having to wait it out now and hope that the free deals can do well enough this year!

Summer Transfer Window 2025: Building for yet another Promotion

With the new season fast approaching, the focus at New Dundas Park has been on strengthening the squad to compete at the highest level we’ve ever been at in the Cinch Championship. With the bookmakers making us 2-9 favourites for promotion, it was vital to ensure we had the depth and quality to justify that tag.

Transfers In: Free Agents Galore

Despite working with a limited budget, we managed to bring in a host of talented players on free transfers, bolstering our ranks without breaking the bank. Here’s a breakdown of our new arrivals:

• Killian Phillips – A dynamic midfielder who brings energy and technical ability to our midfield.
• Paris Brunner - A highly talented young winger with an eye for goal, expected to be a key attacking threat.
• Will Sweet – A composed centre-back to add depth to our defensive options.
• Jamie McCart – Experienced and reliable, McCart brings leadership at the back.
• Sergio Díez  – A versatile full-back who can provide width and defensive stability.
• Louie Barry  – Former Aston Villa wonderkid with electric pace and creativity.
• Barry Bannan – The marquee signing of the summer! A veteran playmaker with immense experience, set to be the heartbeat of our midfield.
• Marc Leonard – A technically gifted midfielder who will provide control in the centre of the park.

A solid mix of youth and experience, this batch of signings ensures we have the quality needed for a serious promotion push.

Our lineup looks a lot different from last season, but with the real quality we’ve brought in, it's going to be a super exciting season again!

Transfers Out: Raising Funds for the Future

While we focused on bringing in reinforcements, we also allowed some players to move on, generating a total of £135K in transfer fees, amazing when you compare that to the start of the save!

• Ben Paton to Dunfermline Athletic (£47.5K) – A good servant to the club, but it was the right time for him to move on.
• Javier Boñar to Real Unión (£26K) – A promising player, but one who wasn’t in our immediate plans.
• Claudio Osorio to Cove Rangers (£6.75K) – A squad player who departs in search of more regular football, he did really well for us but we just can't offer enough game time now!
• Liam Polworth to Falkirk (£55K rising to £71K) – A significant deal for us, allowing us to free up wages and reinvest in the squad.

Squad Outlook and Season Ambitions

With this mix of experienced professionals and exciting young talents, we believe we have built a squad capable of dominating the Championship. Barry Bannan’s arrival signals our intent, and the bookies’ faith in us suggests we are on the right track.

In other club news, the training facilities are getting a nice upgrade and sadly without being able to turn professional we’re throwing money at other areas of the club. We do need to work on our staff though so I'll be giving that an overhaul in the next few months.

The aim is clear – promotion to the Scottish Premiership. Let’s make history. Mon the Rose!

#FromRoseToRiches

Gutted that they’re not going pro, just hope you don’t get battered by clubs with better budgets. That’s what happened to me and Edinburgh City mate. Some good recruits, should be enough for a good mid-table as minimum.

Can always ask board again in close season of season three. If you get a third successive promotion then they have to go pro for sure.

Hear the chant now: “We got Bannan, Barry chuffing Bannan. Somehow I don’t think you’ll understan. He’s the wee Scotsman, who’s better than Zidane. We got Barry Bannan…”

He has to be pushing 36, 37 in this save. Right?

I will dig the story for you and send you via PM. You won’t believe how it turned out…