Introduction

Welcome to my new blog. I have decided to do this as my friend and I are keen Football Managers and we thought it be fun to try and write stuff about our trials and tribulations during the game. My name is Dave (the clue is in the title). I hope you enjoy.

For this project, I thought I'd have a go at being Arsenal manager. Firstly, I am not a fan of Arsenal. Just to let you know. I prefer teams like Tottenham, Swansea, Barcelona and Dortmund. This is an attempt to try my own ideas of what Arsenal COULD do. Secondly, please don't berate EVERY decision I make. I am doing this as I would if I were manager, not trying to appease you/fans. I will make drastic changes. I will buy/sell as I see fit to try and win trophies. Please, don't hate me. Thirdly, I hope you enjoy.

This first blog I intend to try and introduce myself and my aims of what I plan to do. The plan WILL change. In this piece, I will try and outline what players I have in mind to bring in, who to go, staff, formations and outline where I think I'll end up. Fingers crossed I will not bore you. LOL etc etc.


Now, my aims. (Disclaimer: Do NOT hold your breath)

My main aim is to try and bolster the current squad with a few purchases and maybe a few people being sold. Mainly bringing in players in key positions, like Left Back. But also to bring in few (youngish) centre mids to cover Wilshere and Arteta when injured/suspended/knackered. Also, a striker - personally don't think Giroud is that good irl, but on FM he tends to be quite prolific... who knew!?. Maybe a 'keeper too... I've always like to bring in Butland but then again, could venture to the German pairing of Ter Stegen (M'gladbach) or Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover). If I can use the youth that is available, I will try... but I'm not banking on it.

First definite buy - Wellington Nem. OH MY GOODNESS he does good. Especially when you can get him for a measly £3.5m or so (minimum fee release clause. He's worth around the £8m mark). AMRLC/ST. Scout. Scout him now. Like, NOW. I digress... When you have a budget of around £30m (don't quote me), you have a large scope to bring people in, BUT DON'T BLOW IT ALL AT ONCE!!! Arsenal fans, I will not be bringing in Neymar, Falcao or any other wonderfully brilliant players like that. I am going to be realistic and try and do this the normal way (ie: not control another team so I get shit-tonnes of money).


Second aim. Sort out the staff. Tried managing Arsenal in the first few months of owning FM13, but didn't get far (boredom/save file corruption). From what I remember, I think Steve Bould is the only GOOD staff member. I advise sacking everyone, and starting from scratch. However, that would be stupid. Bring in quality scouts like Borba Filho, Gilmar Francisco, Luciano D'Onofrio etc (basically, anyone with a 18 rating for Potential and ability). HEADS UP: When signing scouts, try and sign at least 1 that has a reasonable rating in the "Tactical Knowledge" department. Great if scouting opponents.

These are my main aims. AND NOOOWWWW... To the actual game!

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