Topic: Football Manager 2018

[mc_red22]

Currently in mid December of 2017 on my Liverpool save. I'm 2nd in the league & finished 2nd in my CL group despite being in with Juve & PSG.

I signed: Depay, Belotti, De Ligt, Rulli & Rajkovic. Sold: Bogdan, Mignolet, Markovic, Ings, Flanagan & Klavan. I'm going to try & sell Sturridge in the January window. He does alright but he slows everything down, shoots from daft places and is never fit enough to start a game.

Is Salah ridiculous on anybody else's game? Has 14 goals (9 in league) & 11 assists (8 in league) in 17 all comp games (12 league games) so far.

[El Lobo]

Currently in mid December of 2017 on my Liverpool save. I'm 2nd in the league & finished 2nd in my CL group despite being in with Juve & PSG.

I signed: Depay, Belotti, De Ligt, Rulli & Rajkovic. Sold: Bogdan, Mignolet, Markovic, Ings, Flanagan & Klavan. I'm going to try & sell Sturridge in the January window. He does alright but he slows everything down, shoots from daft places and is never fit enough to start a game.

Is Salah ridiculous on anybody else's game? Has 14 goals (9 in league) & 11 assists (8 in league) in 17 all comp games (12 league games) so far.

Seems pretty standard to me 

[CheshireDave]

Managed to limp over the line in the first season picking up the National League title and taking Macclesfield back in to the Football League.

All but about 3 or 4 players were on 1 year deals and as such became free agents at the end of June 2018. I was very frugal in the first season and only brought in 0% wage contribution loanees so as such I had a nice wage budget to play with and some money in the pot with a bit of budget alterations. I have a complete new team. I released everyone except about 4 or 5 backup players. I purposely picked a long pre-season as I thought with a complete new squad of players I need a few games to decide what’s the best XI and whether or not I still need to improve. My squad is still one of the cheapest and lowest paid in League 2, but this is to be expected. I have signed 4 loan players and a lot of free transfers. I spent £40k on a striker/LW with great finishing and pretty good technical stats on the whole.

My plan is to build a large cheap squad with a couple of gems (relatively speaking!) and loan a few out with the option to recall.

Pre-season was fine. Won all the games I should have won and lost 5-2 to Southampton’s first team. First half hat trick from Redmond. They made a load of changes at HT and I brought it back to 4-2 before they scored late on.

Anyway, with an unrecognisable team from last season I took on Colchester at home in the first game. Led twice and eventually lost 3-2 to a very late goal. That’s the only game I have played in the League and my next fixture is Sunderland in the Carabao (or Checkatrade I forgot). But I am not bothered about that cup.

Media thinks I will struggle to stay up. They may be right. But gonna give it a good go. Board are over the moon with me and even more so that I dismissed speculation Crewe and AFC Wimbledon were in for me. I don’t intend on leaving my job at Macclesfield irrespective of who comes in for me.

[bobby19]

For those who have been playing it so far - are there many bugs/problems so far ?!? I intend to buy it but usually wait to the new year so the initial issues are all sorted.

[CheshireDave]

For those who have been playing it so far - are there many bugs/problems so far ?!? I intend to buy it but usually wait to the new year so the initial issues are all sorted.

Not really any bugs no. I listen to a couple of Football Manager podcasts (sad I know) and they haven't mentioned much in terms of bugs or issues.

If you buy it now if they do find a bug they'll patch them periodically anyway.

[Mr Mingebag Squid]

Purchased this last night and spent longer fiddling around with everything than actual games. I know a lot of people moan about the level in detail in the game, but i love it!

Started off unemployed and got the Solihull Moors job...Two wins and a defeat in three friendly games so far. Exploiting the loan and free agents market nicely - though Liverpool wont loan me any youngsters

[CheshireDave]

I know a lot of people moan about the level in detail in the game, but i love it!

Same. Hours pass by when I play FM. I can be pissing about reading scout reports, comparing players for ages! Times I will go over an hour between pressing 'continue'.

I started a save the with Gremio in Brazil the other night. First half of the season is just the state league and some other pre-season tournament. It's all a bit weird. In the state league I am smashing teams 6-0, 5-0 etc because they're just nothing teams. But I am not sure if I should be playing my full strength team or what. I think I may as well because the Serie A main league doesn't start for about another 5 months! Not managed a side in Brazil before on FM so not really sure what the deal with it is. Going to revisit that league next week or something. Fancy doing an unemployed start save with minimal reputation and see what I can do.

Good luck with Solihull! You'll do well to keep them up.

[mc_red22]

For those who have been playing it so far - are there many bugs/problems so far ?!? I intend to buy it but usually wait to the new year so the initial issues are all sorted.

Not sure if it's a bug as such but sometimes when I'm picking a team on the tactics screen, some of the players' names disappear so won't let me pick them. I then have to select my team on the squad screen.

Another issue I've come across is when the odd player complains about not getting game time. I played Moreno 3 games in a row but then he complained because he hadn't been given game time I played him for the next 4 games but then moaned about how I hadn't kept my promise - a promise that I never made - which then unsettled the likes of Coutinho, Lovren & Sturridge.

How can a player that played 7 games in a row complain that he hadn't been given game time?

[Mr Mingebag Squid]

Same. Hours pass by when I play FM. I can be pissing about reading scout reports, comparing players for ages! Times I will go over an hour between pressing 'continue'.

I started a save the with Gremio in Brazil the other night. First half of the season is just the state league and some other pre-season tournament. It's all a bit weird. In the state league I am smashing teams 6-0, 5-0 etc because they're just nothing teams. But I am not sure if I should be playing my full strength team or what. I think I may as well because the Serie A main league doesn't start for about another 5 months! Not managed a side in Brazil before on FM so not really sure what the deal with it is. Going to revisit that league next week or something. Fancy doing an unemployed start save with minimal reputation and see what I can do.

Good luck with Solihull! You'll do well to keep them up.

I love the Brazillian leagues.

It is split into two competitions - the state championships and the "main" league. The state championships are made up of all the teams in that state. Usually one or two bigger teams and a lot of smaller rubbish ones. The state championship is good for keeping trophies ticking over.

Serie A is the main division - this is where are the bigger teams strive to make the Libertadories (South American Champions league!)

And I love Gremio - played as them years and years ago when Ronaldinho was there and always have a soft spot for them now.

And Solihull has started well - drew 4-4 with Leyton Orient away in first match with a last minute equaliser. Onwards and upwards!

[.adam]

Coming to the end of my first season.

Ins:

Matijs De Ligt
Domenico Berardi
Timo Horn
Rodrigo Bentancur (loan with optiont o buy for £22m)
Fabricio Bustos

Outs:

Simon Mignolet
Ragnar Klavan

I'm currently top on goal difference from the Mancs with two games to go. Utd have got to play Arsenal (3rd) in their penultimate game so I hope it doesn't go down to the wire.

Also through to the semi-finals of the CL. First leg I lost 2-1 away to Atletico Madrid but I'm hopeful of turning it around at Anfield.

I play 5-2-3 with wingbacks. Trent has come on leaps and bounds for me, he starts most games and often captains the team. I've also got him on pens!

Summer is going to see a rebuild. I have not been happy with Henderson, he rarely supports me when I ask him to do something for me and he constantly supports a player in any disagreement with me over playing time. Him and Milner are getting jibbed. With Keita coming in I am hoping to pick up Lewis Cook from Bournemouth as well.

I think also think I'll sack of Lovren and Matip and look to get a couple of top class CBs in the door. Tempted with Laporte's release clause but sadly Umtiti has signed a new deal with a massive release fee.

[CheshireDave]

Lewis Cook

Became an amazing player on FM17. I had it with Leeds and eventually flogged him for about 80m

[bobby19]

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/7608948?storeID=4437&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59158%7Ccid:598901029%7Cagid:24337525370%7Ctid:aud-144400486596:pla-382377298733%7Ccrid:86937795170%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:3008414760554406242%7Cdvc:t%7Cadp:1o1%7Cmt:%7Cloc:9045217&gclid=CjwKCAiA9rjRBRAeEiwA2SV4Zc9BKL0AsHC7RaMEV3hGShqXIxtwH3jpcaXpmhFO_WNgWXBqDzHKCxoCShkQAvD_BwE

Listed for £20.99 at Argos surely that’s a mistake ?

[Elzar]

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/7608948?storeID=4437&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59158%7Ccid:598901029%7Cagid:24337525370%7Ctid:aud-144400486596:pla-382377298733%7Ccrid:86937795170%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:3008414760554406242%7Cdvc:t%7Cadp:1o1%7Cmt:%7Cloc:9045217&gclid=CjwKCAiA9rjRBRAeEiwA2SV4Zc9BKL0AsHC7RaMEV3hGShqXIxtwH3jpcaXpmhFO_WNgWXBqDzHKCxoCShkQAvD_BwE

Listed for £20.99 at Argos surely that’s a mistake ?

It's £20 on Amazon too!

[bobby19]

It's £20 on Amazon too!

I’m off to Argos to collect now - goodbye rest of the world

[red_lfc_costello]

Thanks for that, was thinking of picking this up and for £20 I will!

Is argos or amazon doing a code so its instant or is it only hard copies?

[bobby19]

Think it’s only hard copies.

Got home to install it & discover my laptop isn’t good enough to run it 

[red_lfc_costello]

Think it’s only hard copies.

Got home to install it & discover my laptop isn’t good enough to run it 

Passed argos on the way home and popped in to grab a copy!

needed to do a load of updates on the laptop so only got the game installed late, looking forward to starting a save tonight when the little one is in bed!

[Outer Mongolian Red]

Can't decide who to be on this game.

I normally start in the lower leagues but don't really have the time for that anymore & I don't like starting off as a top side either.

[XabiArt]

Must be the longest i've gone without buying this game, might get it for over the christmas holidays.

[ScottScott]

Holy shit £20.99 at Argos and £20 at Amazon? I was going to wait for the new year but fuck it I'll dive in this week! I have just started a journeyman save on FM17 so I'll put that on hold and start it again with FM18

[mc_red22]

Have a guess who made it into the team of the year.

Both played the same amount of league games.

Mo Salah Achievements/Stats
Players' Player of the Year
Fan's Player of the Year
English Football of the Year
Goals: 17 (4th in the league)
Assists: 19 (1st in the league)
Chances Created: 31 (Tied 1st in the league)
Key Passes: 64 (Tied 1st in the league)
Average Rating: 7.56 (1st in the league)
Man of the Matches: 6 (Tied 2nd in the league)

Jordon Ibe Achievements/Stats
Goals: 1
Assists: 4
Chances Created: Didn't finish anywhere near the top 20
Key Passes: 59 (4th in the league)
Average Rating: 7.17 (12th in the league)
Man of the Matches: 1

This game is still fucked when it comes to some awards.

[Mr Mingebag Squid]

Half way through my second season with Solihull Moors.

I was predicted to get relegated in first season and a good middle part of the season had me flirting with the top half, but a run of no win in 12 including 8 straight defeats had me finishing 20th and escaping relegation on the final day! Board were happy though and the fans.

Lost three quarters of my squad as they didn't want to re sign with me, but their loss as a 25 game unbeaten streak has me sat 3 points clear at the top!

Team have slowed down and drawn 4 of my last 6, but still exceeding expectations.

One problem i have noticed though, when I concede, I concede two or three in a minute or two. Is this a bug? I also seem to concede loads in the 91st, 92nd, 93rd etc...

[ScottScott]

Picked this up today and I've been tinkering with logos and face packs since 6pm 

Forgot how much work you had to put in to get it looking it's best! Can't wait to get started though

[mc_red22]

Transfers in this game can FUCK OFF!! 

Man City have a £34m (8.5m up front) offer accepted for Dolberg but I have a £40m (all up front) offer rejected.

Southampton transfer listed Van Dijk and are asking for £46m. I offer £46m, one team has had 40m accepted but they want 72m from me.

[Welshred]

Because the game uses personal relationship between in game managers and between clubs. We've pissed Southampton off in real life therefore Southampton are pissed off with us in the game for example.

[ScottScott]

Picked this up today and I've been tinkering with logos and face packs since 6pm 

Forgot how much work you had to put in to get it looking it's best! Can't wait to get started though

Downloaded facepacks, logos, kits and trophies. Put them all in the right folders (Sports Interactive/Football Manager 2018/graphics/ and so on) but even when I reload the skin and clear the cache it doesn't work 

Do I also have to uncheck the cache skin option?

[Mr Mingebag Squid]

Downloaded facepacks, logos, kits and trophies. Put them all in the right folders (Sports Interactive/Football Manager 2018/graphics/ and so on) but even when I reload the skin and clear the cache it doesn't work 

Do I also have to uncheck the cache skin option?

Yes. Untick that box and tick the one below (which i think is reload the skin?)

[Mr Mingebag Squid]

Downloaded facepacks, logos, kits and trophies. Put them all in the right folders (Sports Interactive/Football Manager 2018/graphics/ and so on) but even when I reload the skin and clear the cache it doesn't work 

Do I also have to uncheck the cache skin option?

Out of interest, where have you downloaded the face packs from?

[ScottScott]

Out of interest, where have you downloaded the face packs from?

I got them all from FM Scout. I've used it before and they've always been good. Will report back tonight once they work after your tip above 

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/7608948?storeID=4437&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59158%7Ccid:598901029%7Cagid:24337525370%7Ctid:aud-144400486596:pla-382377298733%7Ccrid:86937795170%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:3008414760554406242%7Cdvc:t%7Cadp:1o1%7Cmt:%7Cloc:9045217&gclid=CjwKCAiA9rjRBRAeEiwA2SV4Zc9BKL0AsHC7RaMEV3hGShqXIxtwH3jpcaXpmhFO_WNgWXBqDzHKCxoCShkQAvD_BwE

Listed for £20.99 at Argos surely that’s a mistake ?

Will this work on a Mac? The image shows it does but some of the comments say PC only.

Anyone know where best to buy a steam code for Mac for this? £36.99 on Steam itself seems harsh when you see these type of deals!

[CheshireDave]

Anyone know where best to buy a steam code for Mac for this? £36.99 on Steam itself seems harsh when you see these type of deals!

These are very reliable - https://tinyurl.com/yaxqx6o5

That said the argos link is for PC, Mac and Linux. On the top left of the cover.

[ScottScott]

These are very reliable - https://tinyurl.com/yaxqx6o5

That said the argos link is for PC, Mac and Linux. On the top left of the cover.

Argos is for PC, Mac and Linux yeah. Bought it the other day. You get the Steam key in the box as well. £20.99 is a steal

[Ciara (with a capital "C")]

Thanks, guys!

[mc_red22]

Two years in a row my draw in the group stages of the Champions League have been insane. 17/18 I got PSG & Juventus. 18/19 I've just drawn Atletico & Bayern (the team that knocked me out in the last 16 last season).

I have no idea how or why the board expects me to get to the semi's with draws like these.

[sminp]

Two years in a row my draw in the group stages of the Champions League have been insane. 17/18 I got PSG & Juventus. 18/19 I've just drawn Atletico & Bayern (the team that knocked me out in the last 16 last season).

I have no idea how or why the board expects me to get to the semi's with draws like these.

First season I got Barca, Bayern and Feyernoord and won the group. Got Porto in the next round and won 2-1 away in the first leg and that’s as far as I’ve got.

[red_lfc_costello]

First season I got Barca, Bayern and Feyernoord and won the group. Got Porto in the next round and won 2-1 away in the first leg and that’s as far as I’ve got.

I got Barca, Bayern and Nice. drew 1-1 with Bayern away, beat Barca 6-3 at home and drew with nice 1-1 away.


I'm enjoying the game at the moment, not playing it much, maybe an hour or so most evenings once I sit down. Haven't really bought anyone apart from VVD who's been very good, Robertson is in for an injured Moreno and TAA is doing a fantastic job at RB, called up to England in October and scored on his debut! Ings was banging in the goals in pre season. Currently sitting top after 16 games I think it is, only 1 loss and 1 draw, 14 wins. Might sound like a strange complaint but it seems a bit easier this year, maybe its just our front 4, but every time a new FM comes out I seem to struggle in the first season before either being sacked in the new year or finding a grove and finishing strong. This year I'm flying from off, which is cool when you don't have the time to dedicate to it.

[sminp]

Yeah I’ve found it easier. Won the league cup, running away with the league and still in the champions league and fa cup. My only signing is Van Dijk too. I’m playing a 5-2-3 (3 centre backs, 2 wing backs, 2 centre mids and 3 strikers). Converting Can to a naturalised centre back as well as he has the defensive stats and the ability to pass out of the back.

[Upinsmoke]

Think I'll get this then. I always feel that football manager in recent years is unduly difficult in some areas. That's not to say I haven't had success in recent entries but sometimes you literelly try everything and don't get remotely close to finding some consistency.

[Welshred]

It's probably easier for you this year because we're the best we've been in real life for a number of years

[Mr Mingebag Squid]

Finished my second season as Solihull Moors and exceeded all expectations by getting promoted via the playoff. I had been top for 90% of the league and Leyton Orient nipped in at the end as i drew too many games.

First season as a league club - it's tough. Really struggling to get players to sign that are better quality, while teams all around me are getting academy stars on loan! If I can avoid relegation, it'll be a bigger achievement than promotion.