Alan_R

Recently started a new challenge for myself (see AL.s FM Challenge in 'challenge me' section )

I'm Hong Kong national team and also Tai Po Football Club. With Hong Kong I've put out a few smaller teams in Asian qualifiers (East Timor) but I havn't looked too convincing. I feel I'll get through but as I have a weak side (no quality players) I feel I'll be on the wrong end of a good beating if I meet any bigger teams. Same goes for Tai Po, I'm one of the smaller clubs in the league.

So I'm just posting to see if any one has any suggestions as to what tactics to play if you have a poor squad and are clear underdogs most games.

I'm quite experienced playing FM and I usually go small clubs but it is very difficult to strengthen team when no player outside hong kong will sign so I thought it would be a good idea to get the opinions of other FM experts!

Bowser

Since you have a weak squad, I advise you to play it simple. Passing is your choice (I tend to play Direct) Tempo goes with passing, slow tempo with short passing or direct passing and fast tempo. Dont close in too much, particularly if your squad doesnt have much talent. You dont want your players jumping in and it goes for the same for tackling. Always put Counter Attack, and put a Target Man.

Alan_R

Thats my current tactic, quick counter attack with target man. So good to no someone agrees with my thinking.

Problem is in my strikers are quite small. In hong kong if you do find someone tall they are usually have low strength so don't make great target men. Guess I'll just have to work with what I've got.

Thanks, keep the advice coming I'll let you know how it goes.

Bowser

Its true chinese people are small (like me xD im chinese and im a midget)...you could try ball played to feet...

Alan_R

tactical victory! even as massive underdogs i've won my first league game, with 10 men!!!



heres my tactics, nice and simple:

logomofobognor

That looks good.....i also play as lower league clubs!!

Personally thou if i am playing a tight counter attack i would set both strickers to be really attacking on their personal settings and set your center backs and full backs to set positions then -

Mentality - a quater of the way up (so quite defensive
Freedom - I would leave this depending on how confident you are with your midfield
Passing - as you have it, maybe a tad lower as you may find some passes will be too direct and not make it to players feet especially with a high tempo
Width - I play alot more narrow, as you are playing direct you dont want the ball being mixed up all over the park, you want to go straight for the kill ;)
Closing down - I would drop this down alot more aswell
Time wasting - for some reason i have this up a bit further as it seems to give me more of a hold on the game even though i am playing quite a fast tempoed counter attack
Defense line - bring this wright back to almost the back as it gives you a good base to start counter attacks from

then most important of all set your passing focus to down the middle!!!!

hope this helps?!?!?

Edit - Also give your wingers run arrows half way to AM to support the strikers

Alan_R

do you not find if you drop too far back and close down yopu give the team too much space to fire off shots? as the keepers in lower leagues are terrible I don't like to risk that. what do you think?

logomofobognor

Not really.....because the team is so narrow it makes very little space for them too take shots! What you can do is set your 2 centre mids to close down more often but i assure you this is quite an effective tactic! I will put a screen shot up when i am at my laptop for you to see.

I mean what you are doing is practically the same as me apart from i pull the bars back that extra quater and pay through the middle?!

what do you think??

Alan_R

yeah i'll give it a go. seems like similiar player mentalities i use for my alternate formation.

At start of the season with small club i set my pitch to narrow. Play 4-3-3 attacking. I go all out attack, very direct play and obviously narrow due to my pitch. Made my home ground a fortress. but you usually need some big strikers. not found that so far in this game.

Ive inherited a terrible solihull moors team in my current game. I really need to rebuild but have no funds to do so. However Im working with what Ive got and using your recommendations my pre-season has went well so far. 2 wins and a draw in 3 friendlies. I'll take more of the same once season starts.

logomofobognor

I would play a 433 but i never feel comfortable without someone infront of my full backs!!! My tactics have made me pretty good away from home thats for sure!!!

If your looking for some good players (depending on what leagues you have) then check out Drew (AML) and Morrow (FC)?!?!

Alan_R

neither player seems to be in my game maybe theyve retired if a club hadnt picked them up. Im a few seasons in, as part of the challenge was to start outside europe in minor footballing country (in my case hong kong) then work my way to european success.

Best conference player ever Darren Jack from Crumlin Utd. Hes powerful, very consistent and versatile. He play AMR/ST but hes best as a target man (strength is 18!) Ive played him across the midfielder LM/CM/RM and RB too when I've had injuries and hes still played well. Makes a decent captain too. He is my favourite FM discovery.

He was a key part of my Fisher Atheltic team Ive so far got to the championship.

logomofobognor

Ha ha yeah they have a few players old Crumlin Utd!! i currently have their keeper Russel Payne in goal in my Bognor game, he always does well!! Also Baba the left back i hear is good but i never sign him as bognor have Walis-Taylor!! look for him but a few seasons on he normally gets snapped up if he develops well!! Check for Onandi Lowe, he might be hard to get or retired but is amazing in the lower leagues! Shame about Morrow, he starts at Bagnor who ever they are!! good luck mate and check out my current game!! Bognor Till I Die

Alan_R

hes still at bognor (who are now non-league in my game. Hes out of contract but doesn't want to come to me. I'm going to try and pull out all the stops to get him! I take it he is one of bognors best players? I'll have a look at your thread too.

logomofobognor

He is a definate purchase!! Solid at the back and if you get him on a full time contract he will develop loads, i will put a screen shot up of him soon!! check out Nightingale as well if he is still there!? and maybe Beck, they are about the only worthwhile signings?! Cant believe Bognor are non league tsk tsk!!!

Alan_R

got nightingale on a free. Hes not very good now but my squad is terrible so why not!

logomofobognor

ha ha he's got good pedigree thou as he did play for Pompey lol!!! It obviously depends on how his stats have been maintained as he can be quite a good finisher, but not that good ha!!

Have a look for afew of the old Brighton youngsters i.e Doug Loft, Wes Fogden, Llyod Skinner, Chris winterton, Zac Beda, Joe Gatting and Scott Chamberlain!! If these players have stayed in the lower leagues then they are well worth a look