This is Anfield

After the implosion of my previous save, I have decided to take on a team that I rarely ever would manage on Football Manager - Liverpool FC. I usually like to build my careers up as I go, starting at the bottom and building a name for myself.

Instead, I have decided to jump to the Premier League and straight into Anfield. The move was also inspired by the enjoyment I had of managing Jerome Sinclair and Jordon Ibe at Coventry.

Not much need for an introduction of the club, but a bit about me. I have set myself to semi-professional footballer and National B licence (which I have the equivalent of in real life as I am a Level 2 FA qualified football coach).

Being such a low reputation, it could be a risky move, but I hope it'll pay off. The board have indicated the following philosophies:

• Play possession football
• Play attacking football
• Sign young players for the first team
• Develop players using the club's youth team

Good luck and good to see you back!

Long Term Shopping List

Looking through the depth we have available at Liverpool, there will be some areas where we will need to shop in January - I have disabled transfer budgets at the start of the season - so let's have a quick look through the squad.

Goalkeepers

Most will know that the first two keepers at Liverpool are Simon Mignolet and Brad Jones, neither of whom are British, so this is an area we will need to address.

Mignolet is contracted to the club until 2018, but Jones will leave this summer (2015). Liverpool have a young Welsh goalkeeper called Daniel Ward who may have a chance to stake a claim.

John Ruddy and David Marshall immediately spring to mind, but whether they are good enough remains to be seen. Fraser Forster is another obvious choice, but I don't think we'll be able to afford him!

Defenders

Starting at right back, we've got Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan, with a youngster Ryan McLaughlin also waiting in the wings.



Left back however, we have the exact opposite, with nothing really to show. Flanagan can play there, but we will need to target a left back. Aaron Cresswell and Ben Mee are both solid options based on experience.

At centre back, we've got a massive job ahead of us. Liverpool only have Andre Wisdom of note who is British, and whilst I believe he will do a job for us, we need to add at least two more players in that position. A lot of work will go in before January, as we may be able to do a deal early on for at least one. Steven Caulker and John Stones would be ideal, but I cannot see anyone moving across Liverpool!

Midfield

Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson will be a good partnership to build on, and with Jordan Rossiter coming through as well, we could be in a strong position to focus our spending elsewhere in the immediate future. We will need to move on some expensive talent in Coutinho, Leiva and Can so we might be able to invest a little in the replacements coming in. A midfielder I have always admired is Jack Cork, so we will scout him.

Attacking midfielders

Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and the aforementioned Jordon Ibe will all be key parts of this side, and I will probably look to field all three this season as much as possible. Centrally, we also have two youngsters that shine out in Adam Phillips and Callum Nicholas:





Both of these will be watched as they develop, and hopefully we can squeeze them some game time. Will Hughes is also an obvious target, along with Jesse Lingard and Ryan Mason.

Strikers

Up top we have a lot of deadwood to trim, with Balotelli, Aspas and Borini all out the door. Origi will be another to follow, which is a shame as he might do a job for us going forward.

Daniel Sturridge will lead the line when fit, with Lambert and Sinclair in and around the squad. Sinclair will more than likely leave on loan this season.

James Wilson, Connor Wickham, Harry Kane and Jordon Rhodes are all options, along with my record signing at Coventry Britt Assombalonga, so there is plenty to think about up front!

Board backing

Thankfully, at our first meeting, the board agreed to improve the training facilities and the youth facilities, so at least we are all pushing in the same direction!





These are two things I am going to keep pushing the board for, and hopefully we can keep players improving during their time here!

Thanks for reading so far.

This looks very interesting. I'll follow, and bring the Reds back to the top mate !

Good idea man. Could be tough but good luck, I'll be reading.

Good idea, love it when people go nationalistic

Thanks dude, thought I'd better get back into a story quickly, else it might be a while until I got back writing again!

It's an unusual start for me, so hopefully we will have a good few seasons at Anfield!

Going to be very tough; firstly surviving any struggles will be difficult as the chairman will probably be quick to fire me, but secondly bringing in British players who are good enough!

I've tried it once in the past, and it was very difficult, so hopefully it makes this game a bit tougher to compete on!

Thanks for comments already guys, really appreciate it!

Interesting challenges you have set up

I'm looking forward to what choices I have to make. For example, until January I'm stuck with the non British players. Do I use them or try to focus on the younger ones? I need to balance development against meeting the boards expectations, so that in itself will be testing at times.

Board Expectations



Champions League

The minimum expectation is that the team reach the Quarter Final of the Champions Cup

So we need to qualify from the group stage to keep the board happy here. It adds pressure, and the draw will be upon us soon, so we have to hope we can avoid too many of the bigger European sides. Looking at the real life draw, Liverpool were drawn with Ludogrets, Basel and Real Madrid; a similar draw for me would be nice as I think we'd finish second out of that lot.

Premier League

The minimum expecation is that the team qualify for the European Champions Cup through participation in the Premier Division this season.

This could be difficult depending on what changes we make this season. I think we should be in and around the top six, but breaking the top four could be a very interesting test.

FA Cup

The minimum expectation is that the team reach the Semi Final of the FA Cup.

Again, I think this is quite a high expectation, but hopefully we can make a good job of it. I take the FA Cup fairly seriously with smaller sides, as it's a good earner, but hopefully we can match the board's ambition.

League Cup

The board do not regard the Capital One Cup as important and so will evaluate your performance based on results in other competitions.

This is good news, as it will mean we can use the younger players in this tournament where possible without any ramifications from the board. I'd still like for us to progress in the tournament as far as possible, but the reduced pressure is a brilliant chance to give fringe players a run out.

Our wage budget is £1.89m per week, and transfer budget is £0 due to me disabling transfers in the August window.

Next thing to do is to start the season!

Quite high expectations from the board.

Especially when I am a former semi-pro player with National B licence... they'll be waiting for an excuse to kick me out I feel! Should add to the challenge though.

August 2014

Results



League Table



Champions League Draw



Basel, Benfica and Red Bull Salzburg in our group, and I am delighted with how that has turned out. We should win the group, and I hope we can qualify strongly.

Manager of the Month



Perfect start for us, and I am delighted to have picked up the award. I hope it will help my reputation improve!

Player of the Month



Delighted for Mario here, hopefully this will make him easier to sell when the time comes. Sturridge will start getting more game time as the season progresses, but Balotelli has been awesome in the first three games.

Elite Players



Manchester United lead the way with 34 players, and I really want to see us much higher up this table than we are. We've only got 13 players in circulation in comparison, so we've got a long way to go from here.

I hope through transfers and investment in the youth facilities that we will make moves up this table, and really give us a chance to create some awesome talent.

Started well mate, I enjoyed when I done a nationalist save with United last year!

Wow Balotelli is on fire Your group looks easy to me, should win the group with ease.

Dan - Thanks for the comment buddy, I have never really done it properly before, so it's a new challenge. I wanted to manage Liverpool due to some of their young English players and I hope that this will add a new challenge to a save which will become harder as I progress.

Johno - Thanks again for the comment, appreciate you following my stories! It is an easy group, and if we don't finish top, then I will be disappointed. We need to avoid the bigger teams if we are to get through to the Quarter Finals as the board demand, and hopefully this should pave the way for that!

September 2014

Results



After a great start to the season, we went into September with confidence and recorded four wins out of our five games. We started away at West Brom where two Brits scored to give us a 2-1 win. Sterling opened the scoring before Sturridge scored just before half time. We followed that up with a trip to Austria to play Salzburg, and came back comfortable 3-0 winners. Jordon Ibe, Mario Balotelli and Alberto Moreno scored, and Ibe popped up with another goal in the next game, as we won 4-2 at home to Sunderland. Loan signing Callum McGregor (more about him in next month's review) scored twice, before Sturridge again scored the final goal.

We got an easy draw in the League Cup, and overcame York 5-1 at Bootham Crescent. We rotated the whole squad, and Jerome Sinclair banged in a hat-trick as we overcame our opponents and moved into the next round. Unfortunately, our month ended with our first defeat, losing at White Hart Lane.

League Table



After six games, we're still top, but the defeat to Spurs still hurts. We're looking to finish in the top four this season, and this start should give us a boost towards that goal.

Other News



I am delighted that Raheem Sterling has signed a new deal at the club, as it guarantees us security going forward, and to be honest, I don't think £78k is a massive amount for someone who will become a huge part of our future.

Anoher decent month apart from losing to Spurs.

October 2014

Results



A busy October saw us start at home to Basel in the Champions League, and we finished with a great 3-0 win. Markovic, Sterling and Balotelli scored the goals in the first half and it was a resounding win for us. We followed that up with a draw at home to Chelsea, with Jordon Ibe scoring the only goal for us.

We then travelled to Swansea, where we came away with another strong performance, with goals from Lallana, Balotelli (2) and Sterling, before we lost in Benfica 3-2. Disappointed to lose the game, but we need to ensure we beat them in the return game at Anfield.

We finished up the month with two big wins, 2-1 at home to Burnley and 2-1 again over Manchester City in the League Cup. The games against Swansea and Burnley gave me a chance to scout first hand Danny Ings, Ben Mee and Kieron Trippier, before the game in Wales allowed us to watch Jack Cork.

League Table



We've dropped behind Manchester United in the league on goal difference, but we're in the top four and that's my main aim.

Other News



I signed Callum McGregor on loan from Celtic as a bit of a backup to the side, but also to test how he progresses as a potential transfer into the club. He's the right age for us to be targetting, and he looks like he's been good value so far with two goals in five games.

Decent results apart from losing to Benfica.

Thanks Johno, we're nearly up to date and heading towards the January transfer window!

November 2014

Results



We started November with a thrilling draw at St Mary's, with Sterling scoring twice and Moreno securing the draw. We followed that up though with a 2-1 win over Benfica. We were behind for much of the game, before Markovic and Sakho scored for us in the last 10 minutes. That win should see us through to the next stage, and we now need to focus on securing top spot!

Two derbies followed, as a Balotelli double gave us a great win over Manchester United, before scoring another double against Everton. We kept a clean sheet against United, but weren't strong enough to keep Everton at bay. Four points from two big games though is a good showing.

We went into the game with Salzburg, and were distinctly average, but managed a 1-0 win, before tonking Villa 5-2 back in the league.

League Table



Still behind United in the league, and a win against Everton would've put us top, but again we're in the top four and in line with our season objective.

Other News



Fantastic month from Sterling, and I hope he can continue with this form for a long time to come.

December 2014

Results



In true 1990's fashion, our game with Newcastle was a goal fest, with the Magpies edging the seven goal thriller. Sturridge scored twice before Markovic netted late on, but it wasn't enough. We made amends with our next fixture though, destroying Arsenal at home 4-1. Lallana, Ibe and Sakho scored our goals, with Lallana grabbing a brace. He's been great since his return from injury, and I hope he will be a key player for us.

We travelled to Basel, knowing a win would seal the group, and we proceeded to lose 1-0. It was a terrible result, but we still managed to finish top. Thankfully we then went on a five game winning rule until the end of the month. A 3-1 win at QPR was followed by a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge in the Carling Cup. We then got back to back 2-1 wins over Hull and Palace before hitting seven past West Ham.

League Table



Top of the league at the turn of the year, a point clear of United and five clear of Chelsea in third. Midway through the season, and so far everything is on track.

Other News



I was offered a new contract by the board, and I've signed it. The deal extends my contract until 2017, so gives me another two years. Delighted to get this tied up, and even more so that the board want me to stay!

We have been drawn with Galatasaray in the Champions League 1st Knockout Round, and hopefully that will give us progress to the Quarter Finals and tick another expectation off.

Cracking month You should be able to dispatch Gala.

Doing extremeley well to date mate and galatasaray shouldn't be a big test

Thanks both for commenting and continuing to follow! We should really be dispatching teams like Galatasaray with ease, and we need to win the game to appease the overlords in the board room.

January 2015

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!! The first transfer window I've had to start making changes to the squad, and it went really well in my opinion... I would appreciate any comments on changes made to see if you agree on what I've done:

Goalkeepers

IN: John Ruddy - Norwich City - £7.5m

OUT: Simon Mignolet - Roma - £11.0m



Starting in goal, I decided to try and get this sorted as quickly as possible. I considered offers for the usual suspects, and after a lot of scouting and negotiating, Ruddy came back as the best value, and the best rated. I signed him for £7.5m and his wages of £35k per week fit very well.

Simon Mignolet was then allowed to leave for £11m to Roma. Mignolet was on much higher wages that Ruddy is, so all round I believe this is a good transfer for the club.

Defenders

IN: Kieron Trippier - Burnley - £7.75m
IN: Grant Hanley - Blackburn Rovers - £8.25m
IN: Danny Batth - Wolverhampton Wanderers - £7.0m

OUT: Alberto Moreno - Athletico - £8.25m
OUT: Mamadou Sakho - Real Madrid £25.5m



Firstly, I wanted to add Trippier after he became highly rated on my previous save, and the fact I believe him to be a very good player in real life. He will come in to right back, with Glen Johnson moving to the left to cover for the departure of Moreno.



I brought Danny Batth into the club as more of a backup for now, but the scouts were impressed with him, and he is a good age and price to cover for any impending injuries or suspensions we will have. Minimal wages, and just the delight of playing for Liverpool were enough to win him and me over, but whether he is good enough remains to be seen.



Only after signing him did I notice the section on the bottom right of the screen - banned for four matches! Ouch, so we've got an aggressive defender here, but again I believe he will be good enough to step up next season and be a competitive player for the club. Scouts rated his potential as quite high, so I hope he will prove that and become part of a strong, young, British back four.

I let Moreno go because he wasn't going to play enough once I'd signed my targets, and he was also due for an appearance pay out to his previous club. We probably could've got more money for him, but it's a deal done. Sakho was subject to a lot of bids, and on another save, I wouldn't have sold him. £25.5m + 40% of future profit is a good enough deal for me for now, and he went.

Midfielders

IN: Josh Murphy - Norwich - £7.5m
IN: James Ward-Prowse - Southampton - £26.5m
IN: Jack Cork - Swansea City - £4.1m

OUT: Emre Can - Fulham - £9.0m
OUT: Lazar Markovic - Inter - £11.0m
OUT: Lucas Leiva - Milan - £11.75m



Murphy is a bit of an unknown player to me, but after much scouting, it was apparent I needed to sign him. He's impressive on the left wing, and will form a strong trio behind Sturridge with Lallana and Sterling.



He's got the potential to be a world class player, and I hope he will realise that here. He'll struggle to break into the team immediately as Henderson and Allen are playing well, but he will become the centre piece of my team for years to come. An expensive transfer, but I hope it pays off!



Brought in as backup, although I think he will do a job when needed, I like Cork in real life and he had a great loan spell at Coventry. I hope he will kick on and give me a choice to include him as his stats are decent, and a bargain at £4.1m.

There was a lot of concern when I sold Emre Can, but I am happy with the money I got for him. Likewise Markovic and Leiva, as they financed the JWP deal and also allowed me to bolster my side.

Forwards

IN: Danny Ings - Burnley - £1.3m
IN: Connor Wickham - Sunderland - £7.5m

OUT: Rickie Lambert - Swansea - £1.0m
OUT: Fabio Borini - Leicester - £8.5m



Unlike real life, Burnley did decide to cash in on Ings, and at that price I was delighted to add him to my squad. He will be a backup player this season as Balotelli and Sturridge continue to score goals, but he will be given his chance as games stack up.



Wickham was a deadline day signing as we had loads of money to spare, and wages too, so I thought we'd take a punt on him. He's been loaned back to Sunderland for the remainder of the season as part of the deal, but I am keen to see how he develops, and if he can disrupt the current crop when he returns.

I spent £8.3m on new strikers, and recouped £9.5m for the two I sold, so I am pleased with the changes made here.

Transfer Overview



So that's how January went for me, spent £77.5m, and recouped £85.5m. The wage bill is massively lower than it was before hand, and I've got a good core of British players in the squad to use in the second half of the season.

So that's my transfers for the month, any comments? January results to follow...

Cracking signings Hopefully Wickham will improve while at Sunderland. James Ward-Prowse will be a brilliant signing for you, he's quite decent on my Valencia save.

I would have went for younger keeper instead of Ruddy.

Interesting transfer window, always a fan of having a big clear out on my games so this looks good. Some good buys there!

Thanks for your comments guys, appreciate it! Johno - there were a couple of younger keepers about, but they were looking to be very costly at the moment. Will keep my eye out, but I think Ruddy will do a job for a few years yet! Kez - it was nice to clear some of the deadwood out of the club, and I always enjoy changing teams around, so hopefully this will prove to be a good tactic at Liverpool!

January 2015

Results



Aside from transfer excitement, January was a fantastic month for me and Liverpool FC. We started off with an outstanding win over Leicester in the league, before easing past Blackburn in the FA Cup. Next up was a big game against Manchester City, and I was delighted that we came away with a 3-1 win.

We followed that up with a random run of fixtures, facing Stoke and Newcastle twice in the league and cups. A 2-0 win at Stoke in the lead took us to St James' Park for the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi final, where we had a great 4-1 win. Really pleased to get such a commanding lead in the first leg, and we hit four again as we faced Stoke in the FA Cup with Daniel Sturridge scoring a hat trick.

The second leg of the League Cup semi final was a formality, so I rested a lot of key players, and it was another 4-3 thriller, and sees us to Wembley 8-4 on aggregate. January closed with a strong win at Sunderland, with Balotelli scoring a nice double.

League Table



Top of the league after 23 games, and a four point gap over Manchester United who have a game in hand. Man City seem to have given up all hope, as have Arsenal, whilst Southampton and Everton push for top four.

In other news...



Manager of the Month award for me, very happy with that, and delighted that our four games this month have all been wins. Massive result against Manchester City is very pleasing.



Josh Murphy comes in second in his first month in the Premier League, hopefully a sign of things to come!



So close again, as Lallana and Murphy finished second and third in Player of the Month. Delighted with January all round!

Brilliant January month Especially 3-1 away against Man City.