FM2010 – Ten things you need to know

After managing Notts Co for almost 10 seasons, from Coca cola league 2 promote to English Premier league same as Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, there are still new stuffs that i can learn from and improve my game.

After reading alot of articles then process and tried, i have come to conclusion that it is really helped, Notts Co had win EPL championship for 2 seasons (16-17, and 17-18). In this season, Notts Co still remain strong in the league after 9 matches. (see the pic below and find out)

( 9 Won! not bad huh…)

The link i share with you here, it’s just my thought and with additional links that i had prove to be useful. (promote abit the website that help me, )

1. First and for most – Knowing Your Team

Look through your first team squad and see what kind of players do you have, this mainly will help you decide what formation will be more suitable to use base on the players best position.

Goalkeeper – GK normally by default there are train to be a normal duty goalkeeper, so if your GK is a super keeper and can take up the sweeper keeper that will be awesome.

For me, i use normal GK duty.

Related : What makes a super keeper?

Defender - Do you have better centre defender or side defender? most team will have a balance like right and left defender + 2 centre defenders. but some team more lacking in side defender, then you can choose to have three good center defender than having 2 side lacking, lousy defender.

How can i know what makes the defender good?

the basic skill they should have – tackling, marking, and heading. mentally – anticipation, concentration and decision will be good to judge a good defender too.what do you think?

Related: How to build your centre back?

I have been using the stopper/cover system for past few seasons (sometimes cover/defend), it works well for me and it ensure me to continue search for this criteria centre back. Did you found any great duty?

Midfield – Passing, stamina and work rate? it really depends what duty you want to set for them. I like to use two approach of formation – a) ML-MC-MC-MR or b) MC-MC-MC. this two work well for my team. For MC i normally set it either Advance playmaker+deep lying playmaker or Advance Playmaker+Ball winning Midfield.

Attacker – Finishing, First touch, anticipation, composure and off the ball. I use Poacher and target man most of the time. one cover the heading part and one the run part. this two team up can give you some amazing score.

here is the general summary by the away stand too – General guide.

2. Set your formation and try out during pre-season time.

Normally by default the formation will set to 4-4-2, i like this formation, you can read this article by FM-Britain – Simple 4-4-2. and another formation i rotate will be 4-3-3. Do not change too many formation due to the chemistry and familiarity of the team, you change too many formation will drive your team down, be consistency.

3. Set your training schedule – Article by Fantastic

4. Set a transfer policy

Questions that you need to take into consideration when you buy a player,

a. What major nationalities of players you have? sign some from this country will make your current players happy and newcomers fit in.

b. Get team report and see which area you are lacking at and consider those players that your assistant suggested. (not every time their suggestion is good)

c. Scouting will be great before you want to buy that player.

d. Is the player’s personality crash or fit into your team?

e. What strength and weakness that the player have? is that player what you want?

5. Understand what the shout touchline do – Touchline

6. Set Captainincy

how to choose captain and vice-captain (player that is potential and younger than captain?) Influence is first that they need, and then team work and determination. they must be senior of the team (not a player just bought in because others might not buy into him), also always play in first eleven. (no use that if they don’t get to play and waste their captaincy)

7. know how to talk/interact in team talk & press conference.

“Say something that the players need to hear”

this book will help you understand more how to interact – Communication & Psychological Warfare ‘10

8. two articles – Develop the youth team, and Youth Tutoring – Article by Fmpundit

9. Coach Team – Part 1 & Part 2 – different coach, different skill.

10. make friends with other mangers, Made easier for transfer

It’s good that for long term because more easier to make a players transfer with them.