Hey guys and welcome to my FM 2012 Charlton AFC story, 2030-31 season report. During the last campaign my boys waltzed through League Two in record breaking style winning the JPT along the way. Now we face a bigger challenge, but still hold confidence and hope for promotion from League One.
A quick glance through the expectations and media odds indicates our minimum aim this season is a top half finish…fair enough, but to offer just £3.5K p/w extra in wages is a little cheeky if you ask me. Lets just hope the squad from lat season is still strong enough.
Due to our poor budgeting I couldn’t afford to lose any bodies, our squad is bare as it is so I struggled to raise any extra cash for wages. But I did manage to offload three unneeded players, this freed up around £1.5K per week extra wage money.
There wasn’t a lot on offer in the transfer market, especially for free but I did manage to sign a few good players. Phil Probert will be my new ball winning midfielder, Robert Miles my backup defender and Ounnas my new central midfielders.
Results — August to October
So the season begins and as always I wanted to start winning. Unfortunately the first two games brought about 1 point, I couldn’t have asked for a worse start. But things picked up from there as we failed to win just one of our next 11 league matches. We were elimatec in the Carling Cup third round but progressed well in the JPT.
Results — November to December
After a tough start in August, my boys went on a fantastic run of form and carry that into Winter. We enjoyed yet more success from November to December winning 9 league matches and drawing just one. We also kept our JPT hopes alive and qualified for the third round of the FA Cup.
After such a great start to the season Charlton find themselves top of the table by 5 points. Always fun to see the likes of Colwyn Bay in second and Kirbymoorside in 7th lol :)
Results — January to March
We are heading into crunch time, the second half of the season is where titles are decided and trophies are labelled. During this period my side went on to win all our league matches bar one draw and one loss…we even made it to the 6th round of the FA Cup where Man City narrowly beat us 1-0. But the real biggy is our JPT final clash against Colwyn Bay.
JPT final vs Colwyn Bay
This is our second consecutive JPT final, we won the competition last year and hope to repeat the feat again this year. Colwyn Bay are one of the major forces in lower league football now, but we had more than enough to overhaul them. A goal either side of half-time left the scores at 2-0 and resulted in my second consecutive JPT triumph.
Results — April to May
Not much left to the season now and after yet more success my boys were on a high. This form saw us through the remaining months with a 100% record winning 9 out of 9 matches.
Another fantastic season included more record breaking with our 123 points. The Championship will be a tall task but we now have a very good base to build on.
Looking through the squad stats you’d have to single out Ramsay’s 43 goals as heroic and centre back Cassidy’s 22 goals as extraordinary. Those two have been the key to my success over the last two season. But I’d also like to point out Davydenko’s 10 goals and 14 assists, the youngster is finding his feet now. Also worth a mention is Alhassan for his 14 goals and 15 assists on the right wing.
Financially we are no better off than last year. The bank balance is £820K in the red…not a disastrous amount considering we are one step closer to the EPL, but this means no proper investment in players next season which could make things very tough.
As for Scarborough, they had an excellent season winning the Champions League beating Betis in the final and also the FA Cup. My old club were unfortunate to finish second by 1 point in the league, but two trophies is still excellent.
Well that is all for today, I hope you enjoyed the read and will be back for my Championship campaign. Until then please free to comment below and thanks for dropping by.
saltwater
14 июля, 2012 at 15:50
Nicely done, waltzing to another promotion in style. Not to mention the JPT, as it’s always nice to get the double whatever the cup. Unlike the Seadogs story, you have a bit of financial upheavel and that will make it interesting to see whether you can get into the prem first time of asking, as I recall it was also the only place you kind of struggled with Scarborough. So next update should be very interesting!
Some of your player … Brilliant! I do hope you can renew Daveydonko’s contracts as he seems like a real lower-league star, as well as of course Colin Ramsey.
As for Scarborough — Darren? Darren who? :D
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 16:45
Thanks mate, I agree that this season should see the end of our ‘domination’ through the leagues…while we can challenge in the Championship it should be a lot tougher now and the finances are probably to blame there.
As for the comment at the end, you cut me, you cut me deep ;)
chris
14 июля, 2012 at 18:32
Hey Darren. Been following your stories for a while, but this is my first comment. I really enjoy reading your posts, great results and a really cool game ;) I love challenges my self, therefore I recently started a game with Darlington FC. They are bankrupt and have a 25000 seater arena, but with -10 points for finacial mess, meaning you cant sign any players until your are out of receivership :( I am getting slaughtered. Plan was to arrange friendlies against big team to get money, stay in the division and build from there, but I just cant get points. Have you had a look at Darlington and what do you think of this challenge?
Ps: sorry for the long post ;) And again thanks for your wonderful story.
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 18:47
Sorry I haven’t looked at Darlington, sounds like a good challenge but to be honest your hands are tied when you can’t sign anyone at all…you can’t use your own tactics as you can’t sign your own players. But like you said if you can stay up then rebuilding can start next season.
Kevin
14 июля, 2012 at 16:05
Hey Darren
Hope you had a good vacation mate and nice to see you back in such good form. Another excellent season highlighted by a phenomenal goal spree aside from the points tally. Like freshly baked bread I can literally smell the Premier League begging for Charlton. Great stuff.
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 16:46
Thanks Kevin, we seem to have spent the last two years scoring for fun and while next season will be much tougher, I am hoping some of the best players form this season will shine again.
Conor Joseph Donovan
14 июля, 2012 at 16:11
Wow! Total domination yet again. Well done!
But I do agree next season may not be as easy. You’ll probably have no transfer funds and maybe only slightly more wage budget, so you won’t be able to strengthen extensively for the step up in standard.
Fortunately, you have already built up a good core of players with hardly any money so I wouldn’t rule you out of winning the Championship or at least finishing highly. But the lack of money obviously makes that difficult
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 16:47
Yeah the finances will restrict me, all I can do is try to offload a few players to free up the wages and stretch that budget to the max…I don’t mind going 500K further into dept as its better to that and go up than try to get a positive bank balance but remain in mid-table.
Malhar Bhadbhade
14 июля, 2012 at 16:43
hey Darren,
no surprises there!! another brilliant season and you find yourself another step closer to the real challenge, which lies in the EPL…hopefully your financial situation will improve sooner rather than later so you can sign some quality players..really happy to see Scarborough do well as well..the time is not far when you will have to play against your old side..and that will be very very intriguing..anyway, good luck for next season in the Championship and hopefully the next update is sooner than this one :D cheers !
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 16:50
Thanks Malhar, I think the finances aren’t an issue if we get promoted again next season, the issue will come once we are in the EPL trying to challenge without strengthening much for the first season…or of course if we miss promotion next season then things will get sticky. As for Scarborough I am happy to see them maintaining the success (still with my starting XI that I built ;))
Gaurav Chaddah
14 июля, 2012 at 17:06
Great stuff mate, when will the next podcast be up? ;)
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 17:31
Thanks, Jake is on holiday at the moment so won’t be for a week or so.
Alex Murray
14 июля, 2012 at 17:22
The players you signed looked far too good for league one. It’s interesting to see so many of the lower league teams from the custom database so high up in the league ladder. Great season, Scarborough beware!
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 17:43
Thanks Alex, I was delighted to sign such great players…they’ll come in handy next season :)
vaibhavc
14 июля, 2012 at 19:13
Nice season Darren! Another league, another title! You must be number 1 in the hall of fame, right? And is Jake around? I haven’t seen him on the forum and the podcasts have stopped for a while.
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 19:20
I’m not number one yet, you don’t get points in the hall of fame for lower league trophies unfortunately. Jake’s on holiday, we’ll look at doing a Podcast when he returns.
Dan
14 июля, 2012 at 19:53
Hey Darren,
Can anyone stop you? Maybe Scarborough? That’ll be an interesting game when it comes! :)
Another storming season and I’m starting to run out of things to actually say on your posts! I feel like there’s nothing I need to say other than well done. Of course when you do come up against Scarborough I’ll be forced to support the Northerners you understand! ;)
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 20:26
Yeah I can’t wait to come up against Scarborough, that will make for some exciting matches indeed. But don’t worry, as a Northern lad myself I’ll understand you supporting Scarborough ;)
TheZiggy
14 июля, 2012 at 20:03
Another stunning season, shredding your way to another league title. With the financial position it’ll be interesting to see if you can achieve another straight promotion from the Championship, given there may well be nothing to spend again. The team does look pretty strong as it is, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if it becomes another romp.
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 20:28
Thanks Ziggy, the finances will certainly be restrictive but just a few quality buys may be enough. I think the big decision comes when we finally reach the Prem, I can either go hell for leather and sign players of high wages to challenge or try building a team on a tight budget in the hope we can get the finances sorted first.
Barry
14 июля, 2012 at 20:03
Hi darren, been following your posts for about a year and podcasts too, really enjoyable read every post! One thing that comes to mind is how fast you play the game, you always play a very in-depth, detailed game, but with seemingly quick speed! i love football manager, but i am the manager of a pawn brokers and have 2 kids and a missus, so my fm time is always maybe 2-3 hours every other night, how do you find the time to play and report in the way that you do? Not forgetting the work that you put into the podcasts and your scouting network!! Keep up the good work mate, barry
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 20:42
Hey Barry, I am very busy myself but I make time for the game and site…to be honest while most people would be out drinking or doing something on a weekend, I’ll spend my time with my wife FM and the site. I try and get an hour or more of game play in every night then on the weekends I hammer it and get at least 8-10 hours done…obviously while I play I reply to comments and then take a break from the game to write profiles and posts. It isn’t always easy and sometimes I do question why I do it :) But I am the sort of person that has to be doing something constantly, I’d get bored if I just sat around so I wouldn’t change it.
Martin F.M.J.S
14 июля, 2012 at 20:20
Another great season mate not far to go to the Premier League now. The finances are not great but hopefully that will improve next season. Good Luck :D
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 20:43
Thanks Martin.
tomasso
14 июля, 2012 at 20:45
You’ve worked miracles here and I think the way you’re going you should have no problems next season. Very interesting with the evolution of the leagues with clubs like Wigan in the same league as Alconbury and East Manchester. I wonder if it will be the same in 20 years.
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 21:03
Thanks mate, as for the league evolution, what I’d love to see is the likes of Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal or City etc relegated…that is my FM dream lol :)
Ivo Knežević
14 июля, 2012 at 21:47
Dominating just like Scarborough AFC a decade earlier ;)
And Ramsay reminds me of Southern quite a bit, what do you say?
I wonder if the same players can do wonders even in the championship.
Amazing job mate.
Good luck in the next season.
Oh, and when is the next episode of the podcast ?
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 22:00
Thanks Ivo, can’t believe it was a decade ago when Scarborough were just coming off the back of lower league domination, this has been my longest FM save and certainly my favorite. As for Ramsay he has reached Southerns status in terms of lower league goal scoring but he’s no where near Sotherns PA back in the day. Southern has gone on to be Englands number 1 striker but Ramsay has pretty much hit his peak already unfortunately, still a legend though :)
As for the Podcast, Jake is on holiday so I’m awaiting his return, will probably be more than a week before we get round to doing one.
Jack Kelly
14 июля, 2012 at 22:10
Hi Darren another good season and congrats on the jpt win shame to see my team (gillingham) finish bottom. Can we look forward to any weird team names in the championship ? It’s very interesting to see these weird teams appearing
Darren Smith
14 июля, 2012 at 22:54
Thanks mate, the Championship does have a few weird teams…expect the likes of Berrow, Seven Achre and Newport County.
Johnny Karp
15 июля, 2012 at 12:56
Another excellent season Darren, well done! The squad is very good and I don’t think you need too many new lads to do well in the Championship.
Darren Smith
15 июля, 2012 at 13:39
Thanks Johnny, I agree the side doesn’t need much strengthening but there are certain areas that need a bit more strength in depth.
Sean
15 июля, 2012 at 13:26
Don’t you ever get bored of just winning practically every game? its good to see that you have a good tactic but i mainly enjoy the game because its a challenge. I don’t see how you can play this game so much and win all the time and not get bored?
Darren Smith
15 июля, 2012 at 13:41
I just don’t…it is a challenge to win you know, I don’t just press continue, continue, play! A lot of effort goes into getting this type of form and if the effort wasn’t there then I wouldn’t win…obviously I don’t get bored or I wouldn’t carry on.
Tegar Triemanudigdo
15 июля, 2012 at 14:44
Damn, Colwyn Bay in League One!? Looks like we have to prepare a major changes here in the real life around 10 years from now. Congratulations for going back to Championship and I’ll look forward on the next chapter.
Darren Smith
15 июля, 2012 at 14:52
Thanks mate, there are still a few bizarre teams in the Championship also so prepare yourself ;)
FMNewbie
15 июля, 2012 at 17:57
Hi Darren I have been following your journey and have been impressed and inspired to have a crack from that far down the leagues myself. Just a question, what settings for the database did you start with? Did you start with a large database?
Darren Smith
15 июля, 2012 at 18:07
I always start with a large database yes and generally load the Spanish, Italian and Brazilian leagues also.
silva
15 июля, 2012 at 18:06
Great Season Darren keep it up. :)
Darren Smith
15 июля, 2012 at 18:13
Thanks Silva.
Raymond Sadeghi
15 июля, 2012 at 18:11
hey darren, I started a team with alfreton and all i can really get are draws and losses. What tactics do you use?
Darren Smith
15 июля, 2012 at 18:14
I use this tactic http://www.mediafire.com/?pqu0aera2ipb9zi but it requires particular player with pace and good technical abilities.
Raymond Sadeghi
15 июля, 2012 at 18:33
sorry darren, but also wat types of players do u recommend like players with good potential, skill, dribbling?
Darren Smith
15 июля, 2012 at 18:40
You need pace and technical ability (dribbling will also be important) upfront, on the wings and a solid defense, pace is very important at the back. Always look for players with potential but you’re wasting your time buying a player with the potential to play in the league you’re currently in, look for players with ability to be leading stars in your current league and the potential to go way beyond that.
Ana Garcia
15 июля, 2012 at 21:29
Congratulations Darren!
120 a goals a record for that league? An amazing total to have scored you are like the lower league equivalent of Barcelona! :)
Finances will always be a little bit of a struggle until you get into the premier league where as you know will get more than enough!
Good luck!
Darren Smith
16 июля, 2012 at 11:49
No it isn’t a record Ana, that belongs to Scarborough with 128 ;) Lets just hope we can hang in there for a few more seasons and be able to sort the finances then.
Stefan
16 июля, 2012 at 08:31
Hey Darren great job. What is the your team talk before the game
Thanks
Darren Smith
16 июля, 2012 at 11:46
Thanks Stefan, I use different team talks every game as it varies on many different scenarios.
Stefan
19 июля, 2012 at 05:24
Hey Darren
What various team talk to you use
Darren Smith
19 июля, 2012 at 11:38
I’d suggest reading this https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/2011/10/football-manager-2012-team-talk-guide-pre-match-half-time-and-full-time/
Lye
16 июля, 2012 at 13:54
Solid result all the way which continue the revival of Charlton to the top of the summit. You are getting it there. This is a stunning season and what a tally of points you have accumulated. All well and looking forward to the Championship.
Darren Smith
16 июля, 2012 at 18:42
Thanks Lye, every season will get tougher as we gain promotion after promotion but Charlton are almost there now.
FMNewbie
18 июля, 2012 at 09:48
Darren, Just another quick question as I am sure this hasn’t been covered in your posts and responses to people comments on this thread and your legendry Scarborough one. What do you do about training in non league? Do you use your own schedules, download or just leave the training on the «general» setting?.
This is something I am finding hard to get to grips with!
Darren Smith
18 июля, 2012 at 11:50
I just use Maestro Ugo’s training schedules which can be found here https://www.footballmanagerstory.com/2011/11/download-the-best-training-schedules-for-football-manager-2012/
FMNewbie
18 июля, 2012 at 13:17
Thanks!
Sibo
19 июля, 2012 at 06:05
Hey Darren,
Well done on an insanely good season yet again with Charlton, you are really re-building them and bringing them up the leagues quickly, I definitely think that you are building a really good team at Charlton especially Ramsay, Cassidy and Davydenko.
I can’t wait to see you taking on Scarborough in the Premier League very soon, although it is going to be a bittersweet experience if and when you eventually overtake them and take Charlton to the top of European football.
P.S. I have started blogging on FMCrowd again if you want to check out my new career:
http://grimsbytownfc.fmcrowd.com/
Darren Smith
19 июля, 2012 at 11:40
Thanks Sibo, it was a very good season indeed. I’ll check your blog out again if I have time but may not be able too on a regular basis.
denson
19 июля, 2012 at 23:57
Haha, My local team Colwyn Bay in League 1 :D
Went to watch them yesterday,
Great season again don’t know how you keep gaining consecutive promotions!
Good Luck in the Championship :)
Darren Smith
20 июля, 2012 at 11:48
Thanks mate, the promotions keep coming because of a few key players…once you have the tactics and structure its all about finding the right players.
CsAtlantis
20 июля, 2012 at 00:50
Going up to the championship! Some players were simply brilliant Darren, Ramsay scores when he wants :P, Cassidy was a rock at the back (a very good goal return of 1 goal per 3 games for a DC!) too and I am looking forward to see how Davydenko progresses, I think he will be an important part of your team when you get into the Premier League
Congratulations on the double and good luck in the Championship, you should get a nice amount from TV money next season!
Darren Smith
20 июля, 2012 at 11:49
Thanks mate, I hope we can receive some cash next season, the finances need a boost…but I’m very happy with the squad,
Varun
4 августа, 2012 at 06:58
Great stuff Darren you eased your way through to another league title!:)
Darren Smith
4 августа, 2012 at 09:00
Thanks Varun.