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FM17: Possible teams to manage
In light of recent posts detailing some teams that you could manage in FM17, I'll be doing my own take on this topic, going through country in the game at the start (no databases) and giving you the team from that country which, in my opinion, would be the most interesting one to manage. So here we go:
Europe
Austria: FC Wacker Innsbruck
A fairly new club, having been formed in 2002 and currently playing in the second tier of Austrian football, they were the result of the demise of two clubs: FC Tirol Innsbruck and (the original) FC Wacker Innsbruck. FC Tirol Innsbruck, at the time of their liquidation in 2002, were the strongest team in Austrian football, having won the Premier League title in 1999, 2000 and 2001, the last being under the stewardship of Joachim Low, the current German national team manager. As in many cases, poor financial management led to relegation and inevitably, liquidation. FC Wacker Innsbruck were one of the most successful teams in Austrian football, having won the league title 5 times in a golden period during the 1970s. In addition, 5 cup wins and a run into the QFs in Europe also followed in the 70s, further progression only being prevented by the away goals ruling. Sadly, poor management of their finances led to their liquidation in 1999. However, the new FC Wacker Innsbruck have played in the Bundesliga for 8 seasons out of the 14 seasons of football they have played since their inception, so the quality is clearly there in their squad. An interesting challenge for sure and a slightly obscure fallen giants save for those who enjoy those type of saves
Belarus: BATE Borisov
Absolute giant in the Belarusian Premier League but nothing more than mice in Europe, BATE are yet to move beyond the group stages of the Champions League in 5 attempts, despite some commendable results, including a 3-1 win against German behemoths Bayern Munich in 2009. Domestic dominance is a given for BATE Borisov, having won the last 10 titles in Belarus and 12 overall, a record. Clearly, the aim of this save would be to challenge in Europe and while it may seem as a challenge, the infrastructure at BATE Borisov is in place, and if good youth facilities, the aim should be to challenge for Europe with a core of youth players.
Belgium: KV Mechelen
KV Mechelen are a club with a history many clubs would be proud of, having won the Belgian Pro League 4 times, which puts them 8th of the all-time list, only taking into consideration clubs that still exist. However, something which isn't quite so well known is their European exploits. In the 1987/88 European Cup Winners' Cup, KV Mechelen, with a squad consisting of players such as Erwin Koeman, Eli Ohana (a Beitar Jerusalem legend) and all-time Belgian legend Michel Preud'homme, they went all the way to the final of the competition and went on to defeat Ajax in the final, Piet den Boer's goal securing the win in Strasbourg. However, financial issues resulted in the club never reaching the same heights, with their biggest achievement after their European triumph coming the season after with a Belgian Pro League title. The aim in this save would be to propel the side firstly to Belgian glory and after that, to European glory. Currently in the Belgian Pro League.
Bulgaria: Levski Sofia
Levski are arguably one of the most successful clubs in Bulgaria, having won the league title 26 times, second only to CSKA Sofia and have the honour of having never been relegated to the tier below since their inception in 1912. Their fierest rivals are the aforementioned CSKA Sofia, who have been relegated to the third tier of Bulgarian football due to financial issues (a common theme for many of these teams). However, if you were to manage this team, your biggest challenge would be to overcome Ludogorets, the current holders of the Bulgarian First league title. for the last 5 years and sole representative of Bulgaria in Europe in recent times. The challenge here would be to first overthrow the dominance of Ludogorets first and go on to win the club's first league title since 2009, then moving on to your European ambitions.
Croatia: Rijeka
Of course, whenever you do a save in Croatia, the team to beat is Dinamo Zagreb, who were on an unbeaten run lasting 109 games until not too long ago. Rijeka were the last team they lost to before Osijek and in my opinion, the most interesting team to do a save with in Croatia. Despite never having won the Croatian/Yugoslavian league title, they've finished runners-up a total of 8 times, including 3 2nd place finishes in the last 3 years. With sound youth and training facilities, Rijeka are the best positioned team to compete with Dinamo and with European football in the first season, headway in Europe would go a long way, particularly with a side consisting of players such as Alexander Gorgon, who would be an important player for your side's ambitions.
Czech Republic: Dukla Prague
Dukla Prague were one of the most successful team in Czech football, having won the First League title 11 times and lifting the Czech Cup 8 times, making headweight into Europe as well, having reached the European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final in the 1985/86 season. Their most successful player has been Josef Masopust, when his exploits in the 1962 World Cup led him to win the 1962 European Player of the Year. Incidentally, in the 1962 World Cup, where Czechoslovakia reached the final only to be beaten by an incredible Garrincha-led Brazil, Dukla Prague sent 7 players, the most of any Czechoslovakian side. However, once the club lost its association with the military, it almost immediately lost its top flight status, starting a downward spiral which ended up in the 3rd tier of Czech football. A merging with another club did little to improve their fortunes and Dukla Prague were effectively forgotten. That was until 2001, where Dukla Dejvice decided to use their yellow and red colours, which led to Dukla Prague management to take ownership of the team, signalling the return of Dukla Prague to Czech football. They're probably best known to people in England because of the Half Man Half Biscuit 1986 song 'All I Want For Christmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit', which led to increased shirt sales for the club.
Denmark: Brondby
A club with an incredible youth setup, generating stars such as Brian and Michael Laudrup, John Jensen and Peter Schmeichel, Brondby have all the ingredients to be a dominant force in Danish football and in time, European football. However, for some reason, this hasn't been able to happen, with the side not having won the title for the last 12 years. Evidently, they are an underachieving club but with the correct vision and guidance and obviously, making full use of their incredible youth system, success shouldn't be too far away for the club.
England: Fulham
Fulham are the team I support, having followed the club since the day I was born. Times have been hard for us since Al-Fayed left and things don't seem to be getting any better in the near future. However, that's not the reason why I'm suggesting that you should do Fulham if you're considering a save with an English team. Fulham are the oldest club in London who have played in the Premier League, having been formed in 1879. Fulham's greatest achievement would have to be making the Europa League final, with a run that was masterminded by - believe it or not -, old Roy Hodgson, a run which involved beating Juventus in an absolutely epic match at the Cottage where, having lost 3-1 in Turin, we overcame the deficit with an incredible 4-1 victory. Despite the 2-1 loss in the final after extra time, the campaign would go down in Fulham history no matter what. After that however, the same heights were never reached again, with poor management and a change in ownership resulting in Fulham's relegation in 2014 to the Championship, where we've been ever since.
Finland: SJK
Having won the title last season, SJK are in a good position currently for you to build on their success and go on to dominate Finnish football and maybe even be competitive in Europe. The challenge would be to stop HJK, who had won the previous 6 titles before SJK stopped their run. But a good academy system and a brand new stadium, which was completed in the summer will hold 6,000 fans compared to the old stadium's 4,500. Interesting save if you enjoy building from relatively nothing
France: RC Strasbourg Alsace
A former Ligue 1 winner (1979) and only one of 6 clubs to have won all 3 domestic titles in France, RC Strasbourg Alsace's story is similar to many teams on this list. Having been historically successful and competing in Europe regularly in the 1990s, 2 relegations in 3 season, between 2007/08 and 2009/10 saw the club end up in the National league in France, or the third tier. Then, a year later, in 2011, the club became completely liquidated and ended up in the 5th tier of French football. However, two years later, they were back in the National after back to back promotions and in May 2016, after a monumental campaign which saw the side finish top, the club entered Ligue 2, becoming professional for the first time in 6 years. So morale's high, youth system's great, churning out players such as Frank Leboeuf and Morgan Schneiderlin, and the stadium holds 29,000. Bringing back this fallen giant will be an interesting save if they are what interest you.
Germany: Kaiserslautern
The German equivalent/improvement to Leicester City, Kaiserslautern hold the distinguished honour of being the only side in German football history to have been relegated, gotten promoted and won the Bundesliga all within three incredible seasons. Winning the league title with players such as Michael Ballack and Andreas Brehme under the guidance of Otto Rehhagel, who also managed Greece to Euro 2004 glory, was an incredible achievement and one the club should have built on and advanced from. Unfortunately, financial mismanagement and stadium renovations so that their stadium would comply with FIFA rules for the 2006 World CUp left the club crippled for cash. Somehow, it wasn't until 9 years later that the club actually got relegated to the 2.Bundesliga and have stayed there for 8 out of the 10 seasons since their relegations, a 2 year spell in the Bundesliga the only time they've been outside it. Another fallen giant but one that wasn't ever given a chance to be built on. An excellent fan base and a stadium with a capacity of almost 50,000, everything's in place for the club to be a dominant force in Germany. Maybe you could give this club what it deserves?
Greece: Xanthi
One of the few teams on this list with good financial management, Xanthi aren't a particularly spectacular club but one where club management isn't an issue. Now fairly established in the Greek Superleague, aiming to get into the 'Big 3' of Greece, Olympiakos, Panathinaikos and AEK Athens should be the first priority but an efficient youth system should be the focus of your time at the club should you chose to manage them and a firm ethos. Also, they have quite a cool badge with the philosopher Protagoras on it and were also managed by the great Howard Kendall for a year, in 1994
Holland: Vitesse
Perhaps better known as Chelsea's B team, the agreement between the two clubs, in place due to a friendship between the owners of the two clubs, is something that should be more beneficial for Vitesse, with high quality youngsters being churned into the side. However, they have not been able to take full advantage of this agreement, with the club having never won the Eredivisie in their history or attaining any silverware either, with 2 runners up medals being their best showings in cups. It's up to you to take this club to heights they should have really already achieved with the infrastructure they have in place.
Hungary: Puskas Akademia
While this team may put many people off, as they are indeed the youth squad of Videoton, this only means that they are able to get the best talents in Hungary as a result of Videoton's reputation. Named after the Hungarian and all-round footballing legend Ferenc Puskas, Puskas Akademia only recently were relegated to the 2nd tier but you should be able to bounce right back up with everything in place as it is. One of the most challenging saves by far but also I feel it to be one of the most rewarding ones as well, having done one in FM15. Other teams to consider are Vasas, who have made an incredible start to the current season and,as always, the ultimate fallen giants save, Honved. However, Puskas Akademia has that extra bit to it as it's up to you to not sully the good name of the legend the club's named after. Can you handle that pressure?
Iceland: Stjarnan
One of the bigger teams in Iceland, Stjarnan won the league title as recently as 2014, meaning that you've got everything in place for a good side. However, you'll do well to dethrone FH from their pedestal at the top of Icelandic football. The main reason why I've chosen this team is for their celebrations reel, which if you haven't yet seen, I recommend you do so now. They're quite unique. However, don't think they're only on this list because they're a laugh. After some research, I found that they have some of the best facilities in Iceland, better so that the ones at FH, so everything's in place for a good save.
Ireland: Cork City
One of the first professional teams in Ireland, Cork City are a fan-owned club, a result of the club's financial turmoil in 2010, where the club's management wound up, resulting in Cork City entering a period of examinership where they were under the protection of the court. However, fans made a new club which entered the second tier of Irish football and in 2011, obtained the naming rights of Cork City Football Club, which followed promotion into the League of Ireland Premier Division in 2012. With an amazing fanbase and 7,365-seater stadium, adding to Cork City's 2 Premier Division titles and making a European run will be a challenge, but one that you are well positioned to do.
Israel: Beitar Jerusalem
See my post on the 'Beitar Jerusalem and Israel' post
Italy: Bologna
A fallen giant perhaps not quite as well known to many people, who may chose a team such as Pro Vercelli or Torino, Bologna rank 6th on the all-time list in titles won, as well as being a founding member of Serie A. However, their last title came in the 1963/64 season, which preceeded a golden age for the club, before WWII, when the club won 4 titles in 6 years. However, the end of WWII started a period of mediocrity for the side, with mediocrity turning into disaster for the club when in 1981, they got relegated from Serie A for the first time in their history, followed by yet another relegation into Serie C1. The club regularly seesawed between Serie A and Serie C1 for the next 15 years. However, times seemed to look up, with success coming in the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1998. Unfortunately, relegation in 2004/05 resulted in more seesawing for the club. However, having survived last season in Serie A, could you bring stability to this once great side?
Northern Ireland: Linfield
The greatest team in Northern Ireland. 51 league titles, 42 Irish Cups, 1 domestic quadruple (2005), 5 domestic trebles and a world record 23 doubles and a quarter-final run in the 1966/67 European Cup tells you enough I guess. The aim for this save would be to replicate the 1966/67 season and made headweight in Europe, replicating domestic success in Europe. Playing in an incredible stadium, Windsor Park, Linfield should be an interesting save, albeit very long. Youth development, as always, should be a focus
Norway: Brann
Formed in a café after the locals were disappointed with the quality of football clubs in the local region, Brann quickly became a mainstay in the Norwegian Tippeligaen, winning consecutive titles in 1961/62 and 1962/63. However, the following season resulted in a shock relegation, with injuries to almost the whole team and sales of key players leading to them going down. A promotion in 1967 meant that they stayed in the Tippeligaen for the next 11 years, until the 1979/80 season, when they went down. What followed over the next 7 years was nothing short of crazy. The club managed to get promoted and relegated consecutively for the next 7 seasons, a world record amongst clubs in the top tier. Stability followed for the next 27 years, until the 2014/15 season, when they finally went down in another shock result. However, at the start of the game, having achieved promotion last season, they'll be in the Tippeligaen. Can you establish supremacy in the Norwegian league with this side and dethrone Rosenberg as the best Norwegian club?
Poland: Cracovia
One of the more successful teams in Polish football, having won 5 league titles, Cracovia were perhaps stunted due to the Nazi invasion of Poland, with the side being hardest hit by the banning of Polish people playing sport because once they had been liberated, because of the number of Jews that had been captured and tragically killed in the Holocaust, much of Cracovia's side had gone, with the side suffering relegation in 1954 after years of struggling in the league. Were it not for WWII and the horrors that followed. Further tragedy followed when their wooden stadium burned down, followed by 4 consecutive relegations into the 4th tier of Polish football in 1975. Promotion to the Ekstraklasa only occurred in 2004, where it has stayed since without doing anything special. Will you become the person to bring this club the glory that they truly deserve?
Portugal: Braga
Perhaps the only Portuguese team with any chance of breaking into the famous Portuguese 'Big 3' of Benfica, Porto and Sporting CP, Braga's best finish in the league has been a 2nd place finish in the 2009/10 season. They're clearly not a bad side however, a Europa League run into the final in 2009/10 and winning the last ever Intertoto Cup. Another positive about managing Braga is their incredible stadium, by far the best stadium that I've ever been to. They've finished 4th 4 times in the last 7 seasons, signs that the Big 3 may just be impenetrable in real life but in the game, a sound infrastructure and outstanding facilities, as well as top financial management makes you know that success with this side should be ingrained, just for whatever reason, the club only has 2 Taca de Portugals in its trophy cabinet
Romania: FC Viitorul
Formed in 2009, Viitorul are clearly a very new club. However, the reason that I recommend going with Viitorul is because of the incredible youth setup that they have in place, In fact, youth development has such an emphasis on the club that the club in English means 'The Future Football Club' and has the best youth facilities in the country and some of the best in the whole of Europe. However, the club's biggest attraction is the owner and current manager (not when you take over), the Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi, shown by the club's nickname Pustil Iul Hagi, or in English, Hagi's kids. To make this save more interesting, you could only sign players through the youth system, with an effective transfer embargo in place.
Russia: Anzhi Makhachkala
Anzhi made headlines in 2011 after a billionaire takeover saw the club sign high profile players such as Yuri Zhirkov, Balazs Dzsudzsak, Roberto Carlos, Mbark Boussoufa, Willian as well as the main attraction, Samuel Eto'o, earning a then-world record €20.5 million/year. Results paid off for the club, with 2 consecutive runs into the Round of 16 in the Europa League showing just this. However, in 2013, with the owner reducing the team's budget by 66% due to ill-health, they lost several of their high profile players, resulting in them finishing last in the season, suffering the indignation of being the worst last-placed team in all of Europe. Can you show this club that you don't need money to be successful. They did get promoted right back to the first division at the first time of asking so you will be playing top-flight football in the first season
Scotland: Falkirk
Falkirk are only on this list because of my experience with them in FM16, where I took this side to the Scottish Premier League and the Champions League QF. In all honesty, Scottish saves in FM have always been the most interesting. Any team is interesting, although, if you can find a Scottish Lowlands League database, I would highly recommend playing with Gretna 2008, a club with an incredible story which you end make end on a positive note. Going back to Falkirk however, solid youth facilities and top young players such as Myles Hippolyte and Kevin O'Hara will be part of the future of this club, while players such as CM01/02 legend Mark Kerr provide stability and balance to this side, who were a play-off game away from the Scottish Premier League. Build on this and create a dynasty
Serbia: Vojvodina
The most successful club in Serbia outside of the two Belgrade clubs Partizan and Red Star, Vojvodina won two Yugoslavian titles and finished runners-up 3 times in that time. However, since the split, they've not been able to replicate any sort of league success in the new Serbian league. Historically, the club have placed an emphasis on work-rate and disciplined, structured football, placing results over aesthetically-pleasing football. The focus for you as a manager should be continuing this tradition for the club, as well as finally adding a trophy to a single Serbian Cup, won in 2014, to their trophy cabinet. They also have a quality youth system, with players such as Dusan Tadic and Milos Krasic coming out of it.
Slovakia: Kosice
A relatively unknown club outside of Slovakia but one of the better known clubs domestically, Kosice are one of the most successful clubs within Slovakia, having won the first tier 2 times since the split up of Czechoslovakia. However, the sale of the club to Italian owners resulted in instability for the club which meant that they ended going down into the 2nd tier of Slovakian football in 2003. Financial disarray resulted in the club close to liquidation and relegation to the third tier, until the owners of Steel Trans Licartovce Blazej Podolak (ST LBP), the favourites for promotion that season offered them help, resulting in this historic club effectively becoming their reserve side. However, in 2005, STLBP were renamed MFK Kosice, and attained promotion in 2005, only to get relegated again last season. Their most successful player of recent times has been Nemanja Matic, leaving the club for a club-record fee of £1.75 million to Chelsea.
Slovenia: Celje
One of 3 clubs to have never been relegated from the Slovenian First League, Celje are one of the oldest clubs in Slovenia. Having won the old Slovenian Republic League once but never winning the new version of the league, post Slovenia's independence, bringing some trophies to this side by establishing an aggressive, high tempo style of football should be your focus, given that it is in their history. Success will be earned, with Maribor and Olimpija already established and head and shoulders away from the rest of the teams in the league
Spain: Athletic Bilbao
If you're a fan of transfer policies and challenges, then look no further than Bilbao. Having never been relegated from the Liga BBVA, one of three teams to do so (no prizes for guessing the other two), Bilbao's policy of only signing players who are Basque-born or are of Basque heritage is, on paper, an extremely restrictive policy, given the size of the Basque region and the rivalries within the Basque region resulting in players being unwilling to leave their clubs. However, shrewd management and an outstanding 'cantera' has meant that the club has been able to provide outstanding young players without ever compromising financially. It is also not a sports corporation, being a fan-owned club, one of three teams with this honour in the BBVA, the other two being Barcelona and Real Madrid. Having won the league 8 times and the Copa Del Rey 234 times, second only to Barcelona, there needs to be no more evidence of their policy being successful, with a Europa League final in recent times adding to this success, the latter achievement being under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, one of the best tacticians of all time. Using this, you can build a dynasty with this side, with players such as Inaki Williams, Unai Lopez, Ager Aketxe and Kepa Arrizabalaga forming the fulcrum of your side for years to come, with players from the youth system guaranteed to be of a high quality.
Sweden: Hammarby
Fans. Simple as. If you decide to choose this team, you'll be having some of the best fans in the world behind you and while that may not mean much in a video game, it is often nice knowing that you have an outstanding fan base, with Hammarby's fans holding the highest average attendance in Swedish football, with 25,507. If you haven't already done so, I recommend seeing Copa90's documentary on the club, a really top watch in my opinion. However, if you were to choose Hammarby, there's one thing you'd have to correct: their perennial lack of success, with only the one Allsvenskan title in 2001 to brag about. And the leader of your side is none other than the legendary Kennedy Bakircioglu, the ultimate CM wonderkid. What more could you want?
Switzerland: Vaduz
The only team in the Swiss Super League to be based in Liechtenstein, FC Vaduz can be considered to be merely a 'guest team' in Switzerland, because they don't compete in the Swiss Cup and cannot represent Switzerland on the international stage, meaning that winning the Swiss Super League will not get you anywhere; the only way that you can qualify for the Champions League is by winning the EUropa League, the only continental competition that the club can enter is by winning the Liechtensteinian Cup, the only domestic competition that the club can enter. However, winning this competition is almost a given, with the quality of the competition being so unbelievably low that you are guaranteed a place in the Europa League qualification rounds. However, playing Champions League football is a whole other ballgame which makes this team an interesting, yet highly challenging save to do. Of course, there is always the Swiss Super League to deal with, where the priority should be pushing Basel off their pedestal. For any more information on a Swiss League save, contact FM Grasshopper, who'll know all about them.
Turkey: Besiktas
The perhaps forgotten club in Istanbul, Besiktas are a very successful club in their own right, just may be in the shadow of their Istanbulian counterparts. European success hasn't yet come for the club and it should really be on the top of your priority lists. However, they've just won the Turkish Super Lig in the 2015/16 season. Using this success, you should be able to build a dynasty for the club, making them into the most successful club in Turkey and the biggest club in Istanbul. They've also never been relegated from the top flight, one of three clubs to never get sacked, the others being Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk
One of the most successful clubs in Ukrainian football, Shakhtar have just lost their iconic manager Mircea Lucescu, who was their most successful manager of all time, having guided the club to 8 league titles, 6 Ukrainian Cups and the last ever UEFA Cup, before it was renamed as the Europa League. Following in his footsteps will be a massive ask, given his legendary status at the club. However, with the fantastic squad they have and their deep knowledge of Brazil allows you to use this to your advantage, meaning that you can continue on their philosophy of having an attack full of Brazilians and a defence of Ukrainians. They currently play in the Lviv Arena due to conflict in the Donbass Arena but once they return, you should be able to enjoy playing in the 50,000 capacity, 5-star stadium.
Wales: Making their coefficient better
Now bear with me here. The idea of this save is not to have one team and make them into a superpower in Wales. Instead, the aim is to make the whole Welsh league into a superpower. There are two ways that you could do this. The first way would be to attempt to play with every single team in the league, resigning from a club once you feel that you've built them into a sound enough position. This obviously means that the save will be incredibly long and perhaps even tedious for some. I expect that this would take you at least 30 seasons to get the Welsh Dafabet League into the Top 10 for league coefficients. Alternatively, you could manage TNS, by far the strongest team in Wales and try to offload the players you get with the other teams in the league to try and improve their squads, which not only makes them better but also makes the league more competitive,
South America
Brazil: Flamengo
The home team at the almost holy stadium, the Estadio do Maracana, Flamengo are one of the most successful clubs in Brazilian football as well as the most iconic, with the club being the most supported club with Brazil. With 4 league titles, the club are indeed the most successful club outside of Sao Paulo. The club's support, as stated before is incredible, and during derbies, the stadium attendance can reach astronomical levels, with a derby vs Fluminense in 1963 attracting 194, 603 spectators, a record for a game between two football teams. The club has also produced a numerous amount of stars, none more successful than Zico, who spent almost all of his career at Flamengo, ranking over 250 appearances for the side. Using this youth system, you should be able to bring success back to the side, who have not won the Brazilian Serie A since 2009 and having never won the Copa Libertadores since 1981.
Argentina: Velez Sarsfield
The most successful team outside of the Argentine 'Big 5', Velez Sarsfield are an extremely successful club, despite not having the big name of the like of Boca Juniors or River Plate. Producing top quality players has never been an issue for this club, with the likes of Diego Simeone, Nicolas Otamendi coming through their system. Trying to bring this side into the Big 5 and make them a power in Europe, adding to the lone Copa Libertadores title in 1994
Chile: Audax Italiano
The 6th most successful club in Chile, success hasn't come easily for the side in recent times, their last meaningful piece of silverware coming in 1957, a Primera Division title. They have played in the Copa Libertadores as of recent but haven't really got anywhere in the competition. Manage them and try to establish them as a dominant force in Chilean football, usurping the likes of Colo Colo and Universidad de Chile.
Colombia: Millonarios
With former players such as Alfredo di Stefano, albeit bought illegally which resulted in the club having to undergo a suspension by FIFA, Millonarios are one of the most successful clubs in Colombian football, with 14 Primera A titles to brag about for the club from the capital Bogota. They've also played in every season of top-flight football, one of three sides to achieve this feat, the other two being Sante Fe and Atletico Nacional, their fiercest rivals. Continental success is a must-have with this side, with the side's best showing in the Libertadores being a semi-final run in 1960. Could you bring that to them?
Peru: Alianza Lima
A team which has been hit by tragedy in recent times, Allianz Lima are still one of the most successful clubs in Peru, having won 22 titles, the last coming in 2006. The amount of titles they could have won would have been so many more though, were it not for an airplane crash in 1987, which resulted in the deaths of the entire first team squad and coaching staff, the only individual involved in the crash surviving being the pilot. This tragedy coincided with a dark time for the club, where the club hadn't won a title since 1978 at the start of the 1980s. The crash only worsened the situation the club was involved in, with the title drought lasting a further 19 years, the next one coming in 1997. Were it not for this crash, who knows what heights this team could have reached. Try and redeem this great club, guiding them to domestic and continental success inside your tenure
Uruguay: Montevideo Wanderers
Created by two English brothers, Montevideo Wanderers were named after Wolverhampton Wanderers, who had just won the FA Cup in the year 1902. Just 4 years later, they were Primera Division champions under the old format and in 1923, when the new Uruguayan FA created a new league, they only went on to win the inaugural championship. However, since then, this historic club has been suffering in the trophy cabinet, mainly as a result of financial issues, which caused the club to actually move their location, from the capital Montevideo to Las Piedras in 1969 (they did return to Montevideo in 1974). A series of relegations and promotions has plagued this club and while it seems to be undergoing a period of stability on the footballing format, having stayed in the Primera Division for the last 15 years, they have not won a single trophy in this time. Bring silverware back to this club, perhaps playing an English brand of football, taking the 4-4-2 to Uruguay and ushering a new era of domination in the country
Asia
Australia: WSW
A team with a quite incredible story, WSW were formed in April 2012, and within 2 years of their existence, they had written a story that most other clubs could only dream of. A year after their inception to the A-League, they only went on to make the grand final and win it, This allowed them direct qualification to the 2014 AFC Champions League, a competition which had never before been won by an Australian side. What side the Sydney club do? They only went on to win it! An absolutely fantastic story but one that seems to have stagnated over the last few seasons, bringing back the glory days with this side should be an interesting challenge and one that should last you quite a while.
China: Hebei China Fortune
A team in the news recently because of their large investments in players, such as the signing of Ezequiel Lavezzi, who ended up with the player bagging himself the largest contract in world football, Hebei have recently been promoted to the highest tier of Chinese football. Your job would be to make them stay there, signing the stars required for this task with the wage budget at your disposal
Hong Kong: South China
The most successful club in Hong Kong with a monumental 41 league titles, South China have an interesting history. Formed in 1904 by a group of Chinese students, they had a policy of only buying Chinese players, which had worked incredibly well for them up until the 1980s, where more and more clubs began to turn professional, which allowed for foreign players to join the other clubs, meaning that South China were sort of left behind in the league. However, once they had over-ruled this policy, the vote going out to the fans, the club enjoyed success for a long time, with the club winning 4 titles in the 1990s. However, in the 2005/06 season, South China got relegated after an incredibly poor season. Normally, what would happen was that the club would go down to the tier below. However, after South China appealed to have their relegation over-ruled, it was accepted by the Hong Kong FA, on the condition that they improved their squad. Needless to say, the club accepted their offer with open arms and improved their squad. They must have done a good job of it because they won the league the next season. After that, they agreed a partnership with Armani to design their kits as well as creating a partnership with the Hong Kong Red Cross. Continue on the success with this historic club and become a legend.
South Korea: Jeonnam
One of the bigger clubs in South Korea, Jeonnam are yet to win the league, their best showing being a runners-up medal in 1997. However, they have got some silverware in their trophy cabinet, with 3 Korean FA Cup winners medals to show for it, coming in 1997, 2006 and 2007. Still, this isn't enough for this side and for almost 2 decades, they've been severely underachieving. Could you be the manager to change all that?
Singapore: Albirex Niigata
The only club in Singapore based in Japan, Albirex have a team entirely filled with Japanese players, a result of the club's affiliation with the original Albirex Niigata, who are based in Japan. Having just achieved promotion to the top league, the aim of this save would be to become the best team in Singapore, overpassing Brunei DDPM, the only other team in the league based outside of Singapore and maybe even winning the AFC Champions League, making you even better than your senior affiliate.
Malaysia: Selangor
The most successful team in Malaysian football, Selangor have an absolutely stacked trophy cabinet, with it holding 33 Malaysian Cups and 7 Malaysian Super League titles. They play at the Stadium Shah Alam, which holds a massive 80,000. Choosing this team would give you two aims. One would be to continue on the success of the club and aim to win the club's first Super League title since 2010 in your first season. The other would be to try and get somewhere in the AFC Champions League, which would be very much a long term plan
India: Mohun Bagan
In FM14, my first year playing Football Manager, I had no idea what save I was going to do. I always wanted a challenge, irrespective of what team I did. This ruled out the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid etc. In the end, I decided that I should look closer to home, in other words, India. While I don't live in India, half of my family is indeed Indian and so I thought it would be a great idea to do a Club & Country in India, aiming to make my club and the Indian National Team the best in the world. As it happened, the club I chose was Mohun Bagan. A club with a rich history, they are the oldest club in India, having been formed in 1899 and in 1911, became the first team to defeat an English side, with the side they defeated being the mighty East Yorkshire Regiment. Nevertheless, it was an achievement that had never been done before and one that sent this club straight into the history books. They are also the most successful club in India, having won 248 trophies in their long and illustrious history. In short, they are my favorite Indian team and one that I couldn't advise you to do anymore.
Indonesia: Persiraja
Situated in Aceh, the city that was tragically most heavily affected by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, the club has only won 2 league titles in their history. However, their long standing development of their academy has been a mainstay of the club. Your aim should be to continue the development of their academy, creating a dynasty with the regens coming through your club
North America
Mexico: FC Juarez
Based in Juarez, possibly the most dangerous in the world, FC Juarez is one for anyone trying to start a blog, as in my opinion, they make for the best storyline save in the whole game. The possible storylines that can be done with this side are endless and it will be by far on top of my list for FM18 (yes, I'm already thinking about FM18 just 1 day after FM17 beta gets released). They currently play in the second tier of Mexican football, so will be in the game right from the start. The previous team from Juarez were fairly successful, spending 3 seasons in the top flight before financial mismanagement made then disband, leading to Alejandra de la Vega, the only female owner in Mexico, form the new club
USA: Real Salt Lake
With just the one MLS Cup to their name, Real Salt Lake are the classic bottle-jobs, having finished runner-up in 3 major competitions in the last decade: the 2011 CONCACAF Champions League, the 2013 MLS Cup and the 2010 Supporter's Shield. The aim for this save is to remove the club'd bottle-job tag and win some trophies for a change. Also, their club colours are quite nice and could make for some nice kits, if you're into making football kits. However, since it will be an MLS save, you'll need to be doing your research on the rules on the league before you start. NB: I expect FMAcidphire to be making a database and if he makes it local, it gives you access to the NACL teams. If you choose to play with this database, I would then go for New York Cosmos, for reasons that will become clearly apparent if you just see their history.
Africa
South Africa: Ajax CT
The main reason why I've chosen to go for this club is for the fact that the club's senior affiliate, if you hadn't guessed before, is Ajax Amsterdam, the legendary Dutch team. As a result, they follow the Ajax youth development programme, including the TIPS training programme for youngsters. The challenge would be to further implement this legendary system into Africa, which they've already done, with the club having produced players such as Steven Pienaar and Thulani Serero, who have gone on to make a name for themselves in Europe
And there we have it. My first major post in FM17. I really wanted to do this just so that I could get back into blogging and get a feel for it and needless to say, I really enjoyed making this post. It took me 5 days of solid research to get this done but I feel that it was time well spent. Hope you all enjoy it
Cheers,
Sid
Europe
Austria: FC Wacker Innsbruck
A fairly new club, having been formed in 2002 and currently playing in the second tier of Austrian football, they were the result of the demise of two clubs: FC Tirol Innsbruck and (the original) FC Wacker Innsbruck. FC Tirol Innsbruck, at the time of their liquidation in 2002, were the strongest team in Austrian football, having won the Premier League title in 1999, 2000 and 2001, the last being under the stewardship of Joachim Low, the current German national team manager. As in many cases, poor financial management led to relegation and inevitably, liquidation. FC Wacker Innsbruck were one of the most successful teams in Austrian football, having won the league title 5 times in a golden period during the 1970s. In addition, 5 cup wins and a run into the QFs in Europe also followed in the 70s, further progression only being prevented by the away goals ruling. Sadly, poor management of their finances led to their liquidation in 1999. However, the new FC Wacker Innsbruck have played in the Bundesliga for 8 seasons out of the 14 seasons of football they have played since their inception, so the quality is clearly there in their squad. An interesting challenge for sure and a slightly obscure fallen giants save for those who enjoy those type of saves
Belarus: BATE Borisov
Absolute giant in the Belarusian Premier League but nothing more than mice in Europe, BATE are yet to move beyond the group stages of the Champions League in 5 attempts, despite some commendable results, including a 3-1 win against German behemoths Bayern Munich in 2009. Domestic dominance is a given for BATE Borisov, having won the last 10 titles in Belarus and 12 overall, a record. Clearly, the aim of this save would be to challenge in Europe and while it may seem as a challenge, the infrastructure at BATE Borisov is in place, and if good youth facilities, the aim should be to challenge for Europe with a core of youth players.
Belgium: KV Mechelen
KV Mechelen are a club with a history many clubs would be proud of, having won the Belgian Pro League 4 times, which puts them 8th of the all-time list, only taking into consideration clubs that still exist. However, something which isn't quite so well known is their European exploits. In the 1987/88 European Cup Winners' Cup, KV Mechelen, with a squad consisting of players such as Erwin Koeman, Eli Ohana (a Beitar Jerusalem legend) and all-time Belgian legend Michel Preud'homme, they went all the way to the final of the competition and went on to defeat Ajax in the final, Piet den Boer's goal securing the win in Strasbourg. However, financial issues resulted in the club never reaching the same heights, with their biggest achievement after their European triumph coming the season after with a Belgian Pro League title. The aim in this save would be to propel the side firstly to Belgian glory and after that, to European glory. Currently in the Belgian Pro League.
Bulgaria: Levski Sofia
Levski are arguably one of the most successful clubs in Bulgaria, having won the league title 26 times, second only to CSKA Sofia and have the honour of having never been relegated to the tier below since their inception in 1912. Their fierest rivals are the aforementioned CSKA Sofia, who have been relegated to the third tier of Bulgarian football due to financial issues (a common theme for many of these teams). However, if you were to manage this team, your biggest challenge would be to overcome Ludogorets, the current holders of the Bulgarian First league title. for the last 5 years and sole representative of Bulgaria in Europe in recent times. The challenge here would be to first overthrow the dominance of Ludogorets first and go on to win the club's first league title since 2009, then moving on to your European ambitions.
Croatia: Rijeka
Of course, whenever you do a save in Croatia, the team to beat is Dinamo Zagreb, who were on an unbeaten run lasting 109 games until not too long ago. Rijeka were the last team they lost to before Osijek and in my opinion, the most interesting team to do a save with in Croatia. Despite never having won the Croatian/Yugoslavian league title, they've finished runners-up a total of 8 times, including 3 2nd place finishes in the last 3 years. With sound youth and training facilities, Rijeka are the best positioned team to compete with Dinamo and with European football in the first season, headway in Europe would go a long way, particularly with a side consisting of players such as Alexander Gorgon, who would be an important player for your side's ambitions.
Czech Republic: Dukla Prague
Dukla Prague were one of the most successful team in Czech football, having won the First League title 11 times and lifting the Czech Cup 8 times, making headweight into Europe as well, having reached the European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final in the 1985/86 season. Their most successful player has been Josef Masopust, when his exploits in the 1962 World Cup led him to win the 1962 European Player of the Year. Incidentally, in the 1962 World Cup, where Czechoslovakia reached the final only to be beaten by an incredible Garrincha-led Brazil, Dukla Prague sent 7 players, the most of any Czechoslovakian side. However, once the club lost its association with the military, it almost immediately lost its top flight status, starting a downward spiral which ended up in the 3rd tier of Czech football. A merging with another club did little to improve their fortunes and Dukla Prague were effectively forgotten. That was until 2001, where Dukla Dejvice decided to use their yellow and red colours, which led to Dukla Prague management to take ownership of the team, signalling the return of Dukla Prague to Czech football. They're probably best known to people in England because of the Half Man Half Biscuit 1986 song 'All I Want For Christmas Is A Dukla Prague Away Kit', which led to increased shirt sales for the club.
Denmark: Brondby
A club with an incredible youth setup, generating stars such as Brian and Michael Laudrup, John Jensen and Peter Schmeichel, Brondby have all the ingredients to be a dominant force in Danish football and in time, European football. However, for some reason, this hasn't been able to happen, with the side not having won the title for the last 12 years. Evidently, they are an underachieving club but with the correct vision and guidance and obviously, making full use of their incredible youth system, success shouldn't be too far away for the club.
England: Fulham
Fulham are the team I support, having followed the club since the day I was born. Times have been hard for us since Al-Fayed left and things don't seem to be getting any better in the near future. However, that's not the reason why I'm suggesting that you should do Fulham if you're considering a save with an English team. Fulham are the oldest club in London who have played in the Premier League, having been formed in 1879. Fulham's greatest achievement would have to be making the Europa League final, with a run that was masterminded by - believe it or not -, old Roy Hodgson, a run which involved beating Juventus in an absolutely epic match at the Cottage where, having lost 3-1 in Turin, we overcame the deficit with an incredible 4-1 victory. Despite the 2-1 loss in the final after extra time, the campaign would go down in Fulham history no matter what. After that however, the same heights were never reached again, with poor management and a change in ownership resulting in Fulham's relegation in 2014 to the Championship, where we've been ever since.
Finland: SJK
Having won the title last season, SJK are in a good position currently for you to build on their success and go on to dominate Finnish football and maybe even be competitive in Europe. The challenge would be to stop HJK, who had won the previous 6 titles before SJK stopped their run. But a good academy system and a brand new stadium, which was completed in the summer will hold 6,000 fans compared to the old stadium's 4,500. Interesting save if you enjoy building from relatively nothing
France: RC Strasbourg Alsace
A former Ligue 1 winner (1979) and only one of 6 clubs to have won all 3 domestic titles in France, RC Strasbourg Alsace's story is similar to many teams on this list. Having been historically successful and competing in Europe regularly in the 1990s, 2 relegations in 3 season, between 2007/08 and 2009/10 saw the club end up in the National league in France, or the third tier. Then, a year later, in 2011, the club became completely liquidated and ended up in the 5th tier of French football. However, two years later, they were back in the National after back to back promotions and in May 2016, after a monumental campaign which saw the side finish top, the club entered Ligue 2, becoming professional for the first time in 6 years. So morale's high, youth system's great, churning out players such as Frank Leboeuf and Morgan Schneiderlin, and the stadium holds 29,000. Bringing back this fallen giant will be an interesting save if they are what interest you.
Germany: Kaiserslautern
The German equivalent/improvement to Leicester City, Kaiserslautern hold the distinguished honour of being the only side in German football history to have been relegated, gotten promoted and won the Bundesliga all within three incredible seasons. Winning the league title with players such as Michael Ballack and Andreas Brehme under the guidance of Otto Rehhagel, who also managed Greece to Euro 2004 glory, was an incredible achievement and one the club should have built on and advanced from. Unfortunately, financial mismanagement and stadium renovations so that their stadium would comply with FIFA rules for the 2006 World CUp left the club crippled for cash. Somehow, it wasn't until 9 years later that the club actually got relegated to the 2.Bundesliga and have stayed there for 8 out of the 10 seasons since their relegations, a 2 year spell in the Bundesliga the only time they've been outside it. Another fallen giant but one that wasn't ever given a chance to be built on. An excellent fan base and a stadium with a capacity of almost 50,000, everything's in place for the club to be a dominant force in Germany. Maybe you could give this club what it deserves?
Greece: Xanthi
One of the few teams on this list with good financial management, Xanthi aren't a particularly spectacular club but one where club management isn't an issue. Now fairly established in the Greek Superleague, aiming to get into the 'Big 3' of Greece, Olympiakos, Panathinaikos and AEK Athens should be the first priority but an efficient youth system should be the focus of your time at the club should you chose to manage them and a firm ethos. Also, they have quite a cool badge with the philosopher Protagoras on it and were also managed by the great Howard Kendall for a year, in 1994
Holland: Vitesse
Perhaps better known as Chelsea's B team, the agreement between the two clubs, in place due to a friendship between the owners of the two clubs, is something that should be more beneficial for Vitesse, with high quality youngsters being churned into the side. However, they have not been able to take full advantage of this agreement, with the club having never won the Eredivisie in their history or attaining any silverware either, with 2 runners up medals being their best showings in cups. It's up to you to take this club to heights they should have really already achieved with the infrastructure they have in place.
Hungary: Puskas Akademia
While this team may put many people off, as they are indeed the youth squad of Videoton, this only means that they are able to get the best talents in Hungary as a result of Videoton's reputation. Named after the Hungarian and all-round footballing legend Ferenc Puskas, Puskas Akademia only recently were relegated to the 2nd tier but you should be able to bounce right back up with everything in place as it is. One of the most challenging saves by far but also I feel it to be one of the most rewarding ones as well, having done one in FM15. Other teams to consider are Vasas, who have made an incredible start to the current season and,as always, the ultimate fallen giants save, Honved. However, Puskas Akademia has that extra bit to it as it's up to you to not sully the good name of the legend the club's named after. Can you handle that pressure?
Iceland: Stjarnan
One of the bigger teams in Iceland, Stjarnan won the league title as recently as 2014, meaning that you've got everything in place for a good side. However, you'll do well to dethrone FH from their pedestal at the top of Icelandic football. The main reason why I've chosen this team is for their celebrations reel, which if you haven't yet seen, I recommend you do so now. They're quite unique. However, don't think they're only on this list because they're a laugh. After some research, I found that they have some of the best facilities in Iceland, better so that the ones at FH, so everything's in place for a good save.
Ireland: Cork City
One of the first professional teams in Ireland, Cork City are a fan-owned club, a result of the club's financial turmoil in 2010, where the club's management wound up, resulting in Cork City entering a period of examinership where they were under the protection of the court. However, fans made a new club which entered the second tier of Irish football and in 2011, obtained the naming rights of Cork City Football Club, which followed promotion into the League of Ireland Premier Division in 2012. With an amazing fanbase and 7,365-seater stadium, adding to Cork City's 2 Premier Division titles and making a European run will be a challenge, but one that you are well positioned to do.
Israel: Beitar Jerusalem
See my post on the 'Beitar Jerusalem and Israel' post
Italy: Bologna
A fallen giant perhaps not quite as well known to many people, who may chose a team such as Pro Vercelli or Torino, Bologna rank 6th on the all-time list in titles won, as well as being a founding member of Serie A. However, their last title came in the 1963/64 season, which preceeded a golden age for the club, before WWII, when the club won 4 titles in 6 years. However, the end of WWII started a period of mediocrity for the side, with mediocrity turning into disaster for the club when in 1981, they got relegated from Serie A for the first time in their history, followed by yet another relegation into Serie C1. The club regularly seesawed between Serie A and Serie C1 for the next 15 years. However, times seemed to look up, with success coming in the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1998. Unfortunately, relegation in 2004/05 resulted in more seesawing for the club. However, having survived last season in Serie A, could you bring stability to this once great side?
Northern Ireland: Linfield
The greatest team in Northern Ireland. 51 league titles, 42 Irish Cups, 1 domestic quadruple (2005), 5 domestic trebles and a world record 23 doubles and a quarter-final run in the 1966/67 European Cup tells you enough I guess. The aim for this save would be to replicate the 1966/67 season and made headweight in Europe, replicating domestic success in Europe. Playing in an incredible stadium, Windsor Park, Linfield should be an interesting save, albeit very long. Youth development, as always, should be a focus
Norway: Brann
Formed in a café after the locals were disappointed with the quality of football clubs in the local region, Brann quickly became a mainstay in the Norwegian Tippeligaen, winning consecutive titles in 1961/62 and 1962/63. However, the following season resulted in a shock relegation, with injuries to almost the whole team and sales of key players leading to them going down. A promotion in 1967 meant that they stayed in the Tippeligaen for the next 11 years, until the 1979/80 season, when they went down. What followed over the next 7 years was nothing short of crazy. The club managed to get promoted and relegated consecutively for the next 7 seasons, a world record amongst clubs in the top tier. Stability followed for the next 27 years, until the 2014/15 season, when they finally went down in another shock result. However, at the start of the game, having achieved promotion last season, they'll be in the Tippeligaen. Can you establish supremacy in the Norwegian league with this side and dethrone Rosenberg as the best Norwegian club?
Poland: Cracovia
One of the more successful teams in Polish football, having won 5 league titles, Cracovia were perhaps stunted due to the Nazi invasion of Poland, with the side being hardest hit by the banning of Polish people playing sport because once they had been liberated, because of the number of Jews that had been captured and tragically killed in the Holocaust, much of Cracovia's side had gone, with the side suffering relegation in 1954 after years of struggling in the league. Were it not for WWII and the horrors that followed. Further tragedy followed when their wooden stadium burned down, followed by 4 consecutive relegations into the 4th tier of Polish football in 1975. Promotion to the Ekstraklasa only occurred in 2004, where it has stayed since without doing anything special. Will you become the person to bring this club the glory that they truly deserve?
Portugal: Braga
Perhaps the only Portuguese team with any chance of breaking into the famous Portuguese 'Big 3' of Benfica, Porto and Sporting CP, Braga's best finish in the league has been a 2nd place finish in the 2009/10 season. They're clearly not a bad side however, a Europa League run into the final in 2009/10 and winning the last ever Intertoto Cup. Another positive about managing Braga is their incredible stadium, by far the best stadium that I've ever been to. They've finished 4th 4 times in the last 7 seasons, signs that the Big 3 may just be impenetrable in real life but in the game, a sound infrastructure and outstanding facilities, as well as top financial management makes you know that success with this side should be ingrained, just for whatever reason, the club only has 2 Taca de Portugals in its trophy cabinet
Romania: FC Viitorul
Formed in 2009, Viitorul are clearly a very new club. However, the reason that I recommend going with Viitorul is because of the incredible youth setup that they have in place, In fact, youth development has such an emphasis on the club that the club in English means 'The Future Football Club' and has the best youth facilities in the country and some of the best in the whole of Europe. However, the club's biggest attraction is the owner and current manager (not when you take over), the Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi, shown by the club's nickname Pustil Iul Hagi, or in English, Hagi's kids. To make this save more interesting, you could only sign players through the youth system, with an effective transfer embargo in place.
Russia: Anzhi Makhachkala
Anzhi made headlines in 2011 after a billionaire takeover saw the club sign high profile players such as Yuri Zhirkov, Balazs Dzsudzsak, Roberto Carlos, Mbark Boussoufa, Willian as well as the main attraction, Samuel Eto'o, earning a then-world record €20.5 million/year. Results paid off for the club, with 2 consecutive runs into the Round of 16 in the Europa League showing just this. However, in 2013, with the owner reducing the team's budget by 66% due to ill-health, they lost several of their high profile players, resulting in them finishing last in the season, suffering the indignation of being the worst last-placed team in all of Europe. Can you show this club that you don't need money to be successful. They did get promoted right back to the first division at the first time of asking so you will be playing top-flight football in the first season
Scotland: Falkirk
Falkirk are only on this list because of my experience with them in FM16, where I took this side to the Scottish Premier League and the Champions League QF. In all honesty, Scottish saves in FM have always been the most interesting. Any team is interesting, although, if you can find a Scottish Lowlands League database, I would highly recommend playing with Gretna 2008, a club with an incredible story which you end make end on a positive note. Going back to Falkirk however, solid youth facilities and top young players such as Myles Hippolyte and Kevin O'Hara will be part of the future of this club, while players such as CM01/02 legend Mark Kerr provide stability and balance to this side, who were a play-off game away from the Scottish Premier League. Build on this and create a dynasty
Serbia: Vojvodina
The most successful club in Serbia outside of the two Belgrade clubs Partizan and Red Star, Vojvodina won two Yugoslavian titles and finished runners-up 3 times in that time. However, since the split, they've not been able to replicate any sort of league success in the new Serbian league. Historically, the club have placed an emphasis on work-rate and disciplined, structured football, placing results over aesthetically-pleasing football. The focus for you as a manager should be continuing this tradition for the club, as well as finally adding a trophy to a single Serbian Cup, won in 2014, to their trophy cabinet. They also have a quality youth system, with players such as Dusan Tadic and Milos Krasic coming out of it.
Slovakia: Kosice
A relatively unknown club outside of Slovakia but one of the better known clubs domestically, Kosice are one of the most successful clubs within Slovakia, having won the first tier 2 times since the split up of Czechoslovakia. However, the sale of the club to Italian owners resulted in instability for the club which meant that they ended going down into the 2nd tier of Slovakian football in 2003. Financial disarray resulted in the club close to liquidation and relegation to the third tier, until the owners of Steel Trans Licartovce Blazej Podolak (ST LBP), the favourites for promotion that season offered them help, resulting in this historic club effectively becoming their reserve side. However, in 2005, STLBP were renamed MFK Kosice, and attained promotion in 2005, only to get relegated again last season. Their most successful player of recent times has been Nemanja Matic, leaving the club for a club-record fee of £1.75 million to Chelsea.
Slovenia: Celje
One of 3 clubs to have never been relegated from the Slovenian First League, Celje are one of the oldest clubs in Slovenia. Having won the old Slovenian Republic League once but never winning the new version of the league, post Slovenia's independence, bringing some trophies to this side by establishing an aggressive, high tempo style of football should be your focus, given that it is in their history. Success will be earned, with Maribor and Olimpija already established and head and shoulders away from the rest of the teams in the league
Spain: Athletic Bilbao
If you're a fan of transfer policies and challenges, then look no further than Bilbao. Having never been relegated from the Liga BBVA, one of three teams to do so (no prizes for guessing the other two), Bilbao's policy of only signing players who are Basque-born or are of Basque heritage is, on paper, an extremely restrictive policy, given the size of the Basque region and the rivalries within the Basque region resulting in players being unwilling to leave their clubs. However, shrewd management and an outstanding 'cantera' has meant that the club has been able to provide outstanding young players without ever compromising financially. It is also not a sports corporation, being a fan-owned club, one of three teams with this honour in the BBVA, the other two being Barcelona and Real Madrid. Having won the league 8 times and the Copa Del Rey 234 times, second only to Barcelona, there needs to be no more evidence of their policy being successful, with a Europa League final in recent times adding to this success, the latter achievement being under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, one of the best tacticians of all time. Using this, you can build a dynasty with this side, with players such as Inaki Williams, Unai Lopez, Ager Aketxe and Kepa Arrizabalaga forming the fulcrum of your side for years to come, with players from the youth system guaranteed to be of a high quality.
Sweden: Hammarby
Fans. Simple as. If you decide to choose this team, you'll be having some of the best fans in the world behind you and while that may not mean much in a video game, it is often nice knowing that you have an outstanding fan base, with Hammarby's fans holding the highest average attendance in Swedish football, with 25,507. If you haven't already done so, I recommend seeing Copa90's documentary on the club, a really top watch in my opinion. However, if you were to choose Hammarby, there's one thing you'd have to correct: their perennial lack of success, with only the one Allsvenskan title in 2001 to brag about. And the leader of your side is none other than the legendary Kennedy Bakircioglu, the ultimate CM wonderkid. What more could you want?
Switzerland: Vaduz
The only team in the Swiss Super League to be based in Liechtenstein, FC Vaduz can be considered to be merely a 'guest team' in Switzerland, because they don't compete in the Swiss Cup and cannot represent Switzerland on the international stage, meaning that winning the Swiss Super League will not get you anywhere; the only way that you can qualify for the Champions League is by winning the EUropa League, the only continental competition that the club can enter is by winning the Liechtensteinian Cup, the only domestic competition that the club can enter. However, winning this competition is almost a given, with the quality of the competition being so unbelievably low that you are guaranteed a place in the Europa League qualification rounds. However, playing Champions League football is a whole other ballgame which makes this team an interesting, yet highly challenging save to do. Of course, there is always the Swiss Super League to deal with, where the priority should be pushing Basel off their pedestal. For any more information on a Swiss League save, contact FM Grasshopper, who'll know all about them.
Turkey: Besiktas
The perhaps forgotten club in Istanbul, Besiktas are a very successful club in their own right, just may be in the shadow of their Istanbulian counterparts. European success hasn't yet come for the club and it should really be on the top of your priority lists. However, they've just won the Turkish Super Lig in the 2015/16 season. Using this success, you should be able to build a dynasty for the club, making them into the most successful club in Turkey and the biggest club in Istanbul. They've also never been relegated from the top flight, one of three clubs to never get sacked, the others being Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk
One of the most successful clubs in Ukrainian football, Shakhtar have just lost their iconic manager Mircea Lucescu, who was their most successful manager of all time, having guided the club to 8 league titles, 6 Ukrainian Cups and the last ever UEFA Cup, before it was renamed as the Europa League. Following in his footsteps will be a massive ask, given his legendary status at the club. However, with the fantastic squad they have and their deep knowledge of Brazil allows you to use this to your advantage, meaning that you can continue on their philosophy of having an attack full of Brazilians and a defence of Ukrainians. They currently play in the Lviv Arena due to conflict in the Donbass Arena but once they return, you should be able to enjoy playing in the 50,000 capacity, 5-star stadium.
Wales: Making their coefficient better
Now bear with me here. The idea of this save is not to have one team and make them into a superpower in Wales. Instead, the aim is to make the whole Welsh league into a superpower. There are two ways that you could do this. The first way would be to attempt to play with every single team in the league, resigning from a club once you feel that you've built them into a sound enough position. This obviously means that the save will be incredibly long and perhaps even tedious for some. I expect that this would take you at least 30 seasons to get the Welsh Dafabet League into the Top 10 for league coefficients. Alternatively, you could manage TNS, by far the strongest team in Wales and try to offload the players you get with the other teams in the league to try and improve their squads, which not only makes them better but also makes the league more competitive,
South America
Brazil: Flamengo
The home team at the almost holy stadium, the Estadio do Maracana, Flamengo are one of the most successful clubs in Brazilian football as well as the most iconic, with the club being the most supported club with Brazil. With 4 league titles, the club are indeed the most successful club outside of Sao Paulo. The club's support, as stated before is incredible, and during derbies, the stadium attendance can reach astronomical levels, with a derby vs Fluminense in 1963 attracting 194, 603 spectators, a record for a game between two football teams. The club has also produced a numerous amount of stars, none more successful than Zico, who spent almost all of his career at Flamengo, ranking over 250 appearances for the side. Using this youth system, you should be able to bring success back to the side, who have not won the Brazilian Serie A since 2009 and having never won the Copa Libertadores since 1981.
Argentina: Velez Sarsfield
The most successful team outside of the Argentine 'Big 5', Velez Sarsfield are an extremely successful club, despite not having the big name of the like of Boca Juniors or River Plate. Producing top quality players has never been an issue for this club, with the likes of Diego Simeone, Nicolas Otamendi coming through their system. Trying to bring this side into the Big 5 and make them a power in Europe, adding to the lone Copa Libertadores title in 1994
Chile: Audax Italiano
The 6th most successful club in Chile, success hasn't come easily for the side in recent times, their last meaningful piece of silverware coming in 1957, a Primera Division title. They have played in the Copa Libertadores as of recent but haven't really got anywhere in the competition. Manage them and try to establish them as a dominant force in Chilean football, usurping the likes of Colo Colo and Universidad de Chile.
Colombia: Millonarios
With former players such as Alfredo di Stefano, albeit bought illegally which resulted in the club having to undergo a suspension by FIFA, Millonarios are one of the most successful clubs in Colombian football, with 14 Primera A titles to brag about for the club from the capital Bogota. They've also played in every season of top-flight football, one of three sides to achieve this feat, the other two being Sante Fe and Atletico Nacional, their fiercest rivals. Continental success is a must-have with this side, with the side's best showing in the Libertadores being a semi-final run in 1960. Could you bring that to them?
Peru: Alianza Lima
A team which has been hit by tragedy in recent times, Allianz Lima are still one of the most successful clubs in Peru, having won 22 titles, the last coming in 2006. The amount of titles they could have won would have been so many more though, were it not for an airplane crash in 1987, which resulted in the deaths of the entire first team squad and coaching staff, the only individual involved in the crash surviving being the pilot. This tragedy coincided with a dark time for the club, where the club hadn't won a title since 1978 at the start of the 1980s. The crash only worsened the situation the club was involved in, with the title drought lasting a further 19 years, the next one coming in 1997. Were it not for this crash, who knows what heights this team could have reached. Try and redeem this great club, guiding them to domestic and continental success inside your tenure
Uruguay: Montevideo Wanderers
Created by two English brothers, Montevideo Wanderers were named after Wolverhampton Wanderers, who had just won the FA Cup in the year 1902. Just 4 years later, they were Primera Division champions under the old format and in 1923, when the new Uruguayan FA created a new league, they only went on to win the inaugural championship. However, since then, this historic club has been suffering in the trophy cabinet, mainly as a result of financial issues, which caused the club to actually move their location, from the capital Montevideo to Las Piedras in 1969 (they did return to Montevideo in 1974). A series of relegations and promotions has plagued this club and while it seems to be undergoing a period of stability on the footballing format, having stayed in the Primera Division for the last 15 years, they have not won a single trophy in this time. Bring silverware back to this club, perhaps playing an English brand of football, taking the 4-4-2 to Uruguay and ushering a new era of domination in the country
Asia
Australia: WSW
A team with a quite incredible story, WSW were formed in April 2012, and within 2 years of their existence, they had written a story that most other clubs could only dream of. A year after their inception to the A-League, they only went on to make the grand final and win it, This allowed them direct qualification to the 2014 AFC Champions League, a competition which had never before been won by an Australian side. What side the Sydney club do? They only went on to win it! An absolutely fantastic story but one that seems to have stagnated over the last few seasons, bringing back the glory days with this side should be an interesting challenge and one that should last you quite a while.
China: Hebei China Fortune
A team in the news recently because of their large investments in players, such as the signing of Ezequiel Lavezzi, who ended up with the player bagging himself the largest contract in world football, Hebei have recently been promoted to the highest tier of Chinese football. Your job would be to make them stay there, signing the stars required for this task with the wage budget at your disposal
Hong Kong: South China
The most successful club in Hong Kong with a monumental 41 league titles, South China have an interesting history. Formed in 1904 by a group of Chinese students, they had a policy of only buying Chinese players, which had worked incredibly well for them up until the 1980s, where more and more clubs began to turn professional, which allowed for foreign players to join the other clubs, meaning that South China were sort of left behind in the league. However, once they had over-ruled this policy, the vote going out to the fans, the club enjoyed success for a long time, with the club winning 4 titles in the 1990s. However, in the 2005/06 season, South China got relegated after an incredibly poor season. Normally, what would happen was that the club would go down to the tier below. However, after South China appealed to have their relegation over-ruled, it was accepted by the Hong Kong FA, on the condition that they improved their squad. Needless to say, the club accepted their offer with open arms and improved their squad. They must have done a good job of it because they won the league the next season. After that, they agreed a partnership with Armani to design their kits as well as creating a partnership with the Hong Kong Red Cross. Continue on the success with this historic club and become a legend.
South Korea: Jeonnam
One of the bigger clubs in South Korea, Jeonnam are yet to win the league, their best showing being a runners-up medal in 1997. However, they have got some silverware in their trophy cabinet, with 3 Korean FA Cup winners medals to show for it, coming in 1997, 2006 and 2007. Still, this isn't enough for this side and for almost 2 decades, they've been severely underachieving. Could you be the manager to change all that?
Singapore: Albirex Niigata
The only club in Singapore based in Japan, Albirex have a team entirely filled with Japanese players, a result of the club's affiliation with the original Albirex Niigata, who are based in Japan. Having just achieved promotion to the top league, the aim of this save would be to become the best team in Singapore, overpassing Brunei DDPM, the only other team in the league based outside of Singapore and maybe even winning the AFC Champions League, making you even better than your senior affiliate.
Malaysia: Selangor
The most successful team in Malaysian football, Selangor have an absolutely stacked trophy cabinet, with it holding 33 Malaysian Cups and 7 Malaysian Super League titles. They play at the Stadium Shah Alam, which holds a massive 80,000. Choosing this team would give you two aims. One would be to continue on the success of the club and aim to win the club's first Super League title since 2010 in your first season. The other would be to try and get somewhere in the AFC Champions League, which would be very much a long term plan
India: Mohun Bagan
In FM14, my first year playing Football Manager, I had no idea what save I was going to do. I always wanted a challenge, irrespective of what team I did. This ruled out the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid etc. In the end, I decided that I should look closer to home, in other words, India. While I don't live in India, half of my family is indeed Indian and so I thought it would be a great idea to do a Club & Country in India, aiming to make my club and the Indian National Team the best in the world. As it happened, the club I chose was Mohun Bagan. A club with a rich history, they are the oldest club in India, having been formed in 1899 and in 1911, became the first team to defeat an English side, with the side they defeated being the mighty East Yorkshire Regiment. Nevertheless, it was an achievement that had never been done before and one that sent this club straight into the history books. They are also the most successful club in India, having won 248 trophies in their long and illustrious history. In short, they are my favorite Indian team and one that I couldn't advise you to do anymore.
Indonesia: Persiraja
Situated in Aceh, the city that was tragically most heavily affected by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, the club has only won 2 league titles in their history. However, their long standing development of their academy has been a mainstay of the club. Your aim should be to continue the development of their academy, creating a dynasty with the regens coming through your club
North America
Mexico: FC Juarez
Based in Juarez, possibly the most dangerous in the world, FC Juarez is one for anyone trying to start a blog, as in my opinion, they make for the best storyline save in the whole game. The possible storylines that can be done with this side are endless and it will be by far on top of my list for FM18 (yes, I'm already thinking about FM18 just 1 day after FM17 beta gets released). They currently play in the second tier of Mexican football, so will be in the game right from the start. The previous team from Juarez were fairly successful, spending 3 seasons in the top flight before financial mismanagement made then disband, leading to Alejandra de la Vega, the only female owner in Mexico, form the new club
USA: Real Salt Lake
With just the one MLS Cup to their name, Real Salt Lake are the classic bottle-jobs, having finished runner-up in 3 major competitions in the last decade: the 2011 CONCACAF Champions League, the 2013 MLS Cup and the 2010 Supporter's Shield. The aim for this save is to remove the club'd bottle-job tag and win some trophies for a change. Also, their club colours are quite nice and could make for some nice kits, if you're into making football kits. However, since it will be an MLS save, you'll need to be doing your research on the rules on the league before you start. NB: I expect FMAcidphire to be making a database and if he makes it local, it gives you access to the NACL teams. If you choose to play with this database, I would then go for New York Cosmos, for reasons that will become clearly apparent if you just see their history.
Africa
South Africa: Ajax CT
The main reason why I've chosen to go for this club is for the fact that the club's senior affiliate, if you hadn't guessed before, is Ajax Amsterdam, the legendary Dutch team. As a result, they follow the Ajax youth development programme, including the TIPS training programme for youngsters. The challenge would be to further implement this legendary system into Africa, which they've already done, with the club having produced players such as Steven Pienaar and Thulani Serero, who have gone on to make a name for themselves in Europe
And there we have it. My first major post in FM17. I really wanted to do this just so that I could get back into blogging and get a feel for it and needless to say, I really enjoyed making this post. It took me 5 days of solid research to get this done but I feel that it was time well spent. Hope you all enjoy it
Cheers,
Sid