3 Year Plan: Rochdale A.F.C

3 Year Plan: Rochdale A.F.C.

Hello and welcome to my first ever Football Manager Story. I have been a fan of the game for a few years now and have read other stories on various forums so I thought it was about time I gave it a go myself.

I will be posting updates as often as time allows me, they will cover a month in the game and I will go over results, player performances, transfers and anything else that crops up.

As the title suggests I have a three year plan managing Rochdale, this is my first save in Football Manager 2014 having got is a Christmas gift. I plan to get Rochdale playing Championship football in just 3 seasons. The bookies have tipped us to finish in 10th place but with I believe play-offs are certainly achievable.


The Team
As you can see, I inherited a fairly in depth squad with suitable cover in most positions so felt that bringing in players was unnecessary. I did however have a look at players who were on a free transfer and those available for loan.
As a result of this I bought in two strikers, these were Mike Grella on a three year deal and Kieran Agard on a season long loan from League 1 side Rotherham United.
The players that left the club were young attacking midfielder Callum Camps who was snapped up by A.F.C. Bournemouth in a deal worth £33,000.
Elsewhere Joel Logan, Scott Tanser and Steve Collis all went out on loan. Joining Luton Town, Kidderminster and Forest Green Rovers respectively.


Pre-Season

Results were mixed in the team’s first pre-season under my management. Draws at home to Port Vale and Dundee weren’t terribly bad results as they were both ‘higher opposition’ so matching them was pleasing. A 4-3 loss at home to Crewe wasn’t at all worrying either as putting 3 past an established team in the league above was impressive. Finally an away trip to non-league side Trafford ended in a convincing 4-0 win, a score line which came as no surprise
.
As you can see both Grella and Agard, the sides new signing’s, were on the top of their game both getting on the score sheet.
This is always pleasing and will have helped them settle into the team and gain some much needed confidence heading into our first game of the season.