Away from the real world, where Leamington FC are sitting just above the relegation places in the National League North table after a run of defeats, fans enjoy the challenge of taking a relative minnow up through the leagues in popular football management games such as Football Manager 2022.
Available to play on mobile and PC, the latest instalment of Football Manager has won plenty of admirers and offers fans a truly authentic management package. This particular category of gaming is already crowded overall, with other appealing options, including the likes of Football Rules online slot and FIFA 22, but no other game has the detail around running a team that Sports Interactive’s product does. In fact, players can do virtually anything on Football Manager, from taking part in press conferences to scouting for talent in obscure foreign climates. The game is simply unrivalled.
For fans of Leamington FC, the game throws up even more of a challenge. Of course, given Leamington’s limited resources, it’s a real test of any budding manager’s credentials. YouTuber lollujo has recently started a career as manager of the side that currently sit in the sixth tier of English football. Like many players of the game, and football fans in general, there is nothing like climbing up through the divisions and finally reaching the promised land of the Football League, similar to what the likes of AFC Wimbledon have done previously. For managers of Leamington FC, though, it’s an even tougher challenge. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some tips on how to take Leamington FC on a promotion journey.
Use friendlies to assess talent
Unlike managing Manchester City, Leamington FC doesn’t have a seemingly unlimited amount of money to work with. With that in mind, you’re going to have to carefully assess each player during pre-season as you attempt to assemble a promotion-winning squad. Don’t necessarily go on statistics or the players who are being selected in the real world, largely because it isn’t always accurate, but also because certain players that aren’t necessarily performing outside of the game might thrive under your management. Give every player a chance in the few friendlies you have and then look to rebuild your squad from there.
Any free transfers available?
Once you’ve taken part in some friendlies and have gained an insight into the talent (or lack of) that you have at your disposal, then it’s time to use the game’s mightily impressive search tool to locate any bargains. You might be able to loan a player from a club in the same division while also being able to search for any unattached players that are desperate for a way back into the game. Although Leamington FC’s resources are limited, there are options out there in the transfer market with some careful planning and some shrewd moves being executed. Be patient; you’ll find the right balance eventually.
It’s a marathon not a sprint
One of the key aspects of any Football Manager career is patience and planning. With pre-season over and your squad assembled, you and your team of players should be ready for a gruelling campaign in a hugely competitive non-league environment. Given its ruthless nature, patience is absolutely vital. There will undoubtedly be low points, but it’s important not to make wholesale changes during a season as it can disrupt any rhythm that you do have. Your options in terms of playing staff might be even more limited, too. Managing Leamington FC should be seen as a long-term project. If you’re craving immediate success, then you’re managing the wrong club.
