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*P/S: I'll be doing this story from a 1st person view instead of the previous 3rd person view. I found that a LLM story is more enjoyable to write in 1st person view since it is not as well known as the top leagues and the player/writer input seems to be the main interest. Thank you.
Blue Square Bet Premier 2013-2014
If you've been following my story, it is known that we've been struggling for consistency for some part of last season. I consider that we are lucky enough to win the league and achieve promotion, but personally, I think that is more down to the quality of our players rather than a collective effort.
Ahead of the new season in a league with higher standard, I intend to change that. My aim is to promote collective effort. I thrive to get strong performance from all over the park. To achieve that, I have decided a tactic make over is required.
In the final week of last season, I've tested the counter attacking 5-3-2 in away games. It proved to be a hit with some good result prompting me to test it in home games. The tactic did not disappoint. Hence, I have decided to create a more attacking version of 5-3-2 for home game and retain the counter attacking 3-5-2 for away games.
The Tactics
5-3-2 Control
This is a short passing possession based formation. We are going to use this in a match that we expect to win or while chasing goals. Don't be mistaken by its defensive layout! This is a very attacking formation. The players are expected to keep the ball as long as they can with short passing and sharp movement. Most of the creative plays go through the Deep-Lying Playmaker and the Advance Playmaker. The wing-backs is expected to fulfill both attacking and defensive responsibilities and provide width for the team.
5-3-2 Counter
Pretty similar with the previous formation, this is the counter attacking version of 3-5-2. Will be mostly used in away matches or against teams of higher reputation, the Avance Playmaker will drop into the Regista position, directing plays from deep. Some players are allowed to play more direct passes but other than that it's pretty much similar to its attacking version
Board's Expectation & Budget
It is quite a high expectation considering that we just got promoted in the previous season. But I hope to thrive under the challenge. We were expected to finish 17th by the media and I am going to try my best to exceed that.
The Signings
Ins and Outs
As you can see, this is a total squad revamp! 15 new players were signed and 9 players were sent out of the club. 10 of the 15 signings will walk straight into the 1st team. The other 5 were all young players with potential, under the age of 18 and will be allowed to develop in the reserve squad.
1st Team Signings
Defenders
Only 17 years old but already is one of the best defender in the club. A promising talent who can play in central midfield as well. I am exited by this talent and is hoping that he is going to develop into an important player for the club.
Last season loanee who perform admirably was signed permanently after his club refused to offer him a new deal.
A loan signing from watford. Will mainly play at the left side of the 3 man backline and provide cover at the left wing back position.
A loan signing from QPR. Will provide cover at the right wing back position.
19 Years old left wing back with huge potential. Decent physical stats which is always a bonus in the Lower League. A definite starter.
Midfielders
Another 19 years old with huge potential. Will fight for the starting berth as the Deep Lying Playmaker in our team with the aging Marc Canham.
Forwards
Kevin BEASTvue. Great stats for BSP standard. Will be asked to lead the line especially after two of the club's top scorers last season, Marek Kincl and Troy Hewitt, moved to pastures new.
20 years old striker with great potential and great physical stats. Will start a longside Kevin the Beast.
19 years old stiker with huge potential. Will provide an understudy to Kevin the Beast.
Verdict:
I am very pleased with the deals that we've done so far. No transfer fees were spent which is always good. Although I have nearly fulfill the provided wage budget with only about €230/week left, I believe the current squad can provide a strong base for the next few seasons and yes, I am planning to limit the transfer dealings in the next few season.
The signings brings our squad's average age down to the lowest in the league!!!
