Journey of a Deadman: #39 (Basel) – The Swiss System

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“I got my first real Swiss team! Took the offer just in time! Now I’m with the blue and red! Twas the summer of ’29!”

Welcome back to my Football Manager 2021 journeyman series with Shama Deadman! In the last chapter, we saw Shama lead his Győr team into the final stages of an epic battle for the Hungarian league title.

Now, he’s decided to leave Hungary behind (which is probably a wise decision given recent events) and pursue a new challenge in Switzerland! Today, we’ll have our first look at the challenge awaiting him at Basel. Is he in heaven… or has he been reckless? Continue reading “Journey of a Deadman: #39 (Basel) – The Swiss System”

Journey of a Deadman: #38 (Győr) – Six Games From Glory

Here we go, folks – it’s the 2028/2029 season finale!

In case you missed the previous two chapters, Győr have built a clear lead at the top of Hungary’s first division. Shama Deadman’s side look set to become Nemzeti Bajnokság champions for the first time since 2013… but Újpest are hot on their heels!

Can Shama’s green machine win him a first trophy in management? Or will their lilac rivals leave them crying? Continue reading “Journey of a Deadman: #38 (Győr) – Six Games From Glory”

Journey of a Deadman: #37 (Győr) – Jeepers Keepers!

It’s time for another chapter from my Football Manager 2021 journeyman career, where Shama Deadman is having the time of his life in Hungary!

We’re midway through the 2028/2029 season, and Shama has led Győr to the top of the NB I. You can read more about how they got there in Part 36.

Much of Győr’s success so far this term has been down to a rock-solid defence – and perhaps the greatest goalkeeper to come out of Romania since Helmuth Duckadam! So… what could possibly go wrong? Continue reading “Journey of a Deadman: #37 (Győr) – Jeepers Keepers!”

Journey of a Deadman: #36 (Győr) – The Dream Continues

Shama Deadman’s fourth season in Hungary is underway. Having guided Győr to promotion – and then into Europe – can he now lead a title challenge?

In the 2028/2029 season preview, we met several new signings – including a certain bear-hugging Russian – who Shama hopes will take his Győr team to that next level. We also saw how they got on in their first two qualifying matches for the Europa Conference League (spoiler: not very well).

Today’s chapter will take us through the first half of the new league campaign. Was last season’s incredible 3rd-place finish a fluke… or can ETO defy expectations once again? Continue reading “Journey of a Deadman: #36 (Győr) – The Dream Continues”

Journey of a Deadman: #35 (Győr) – Europa Calling

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We’re into the NINTH season of my Football Manager 2021 series, which has taken our manager Shama Deadman on a journey across Europe. Today’s chapter is a very special one for Shama, who at last gets to experience a continental competition for the first time!

Shama has been at Győr for three seasons, in which he has led this Hungarian second-division team to an impressive 3rd-place finish on their top-flight return, as well as a Magyar Kupa Final. You can read more about their successes in the 2027/2028 season review.

Now, though, focus turns towards the 2028/2029 season. In today’s post, we will have a fresh look at the Győr squad and see what business Shama has done as he tries to turn his nearly-men into serious challengers.

We will also find out how Győr get on in their first matches in the Europa Conference League. Yes, it’s basically a glorified Intertoto Cup, but it’s still a European title that most footballers dream about winning! I mean, you can see how delighted Scott Parker was when Newcastle actually won something all those years ago! Just look at his face! Continue reading “Journey of a Deadman: #35 (Győr) – Europa Calling”

Journey of a Deadman: #34 (Győr) – A Season To Remember

The 2027/2028 season has finished, and it’s been an incredible campaign that Győr fans will never forget!

In their first season back in Hungary’s top division, Shama Deadman’s side built on a strong start and secured an unexpected 3rd-place finish – and a spot in the Europa Conference League next term! They also made it through to the Final of the Magyar Kupa, which you can read about here if you haven’t caught up yet.

In today’s season review, where we will look back on a magnificent nine-and-a-half months. He will then have to decide whether to extend his stay in Hungary… or look for a bigger job elsewhere. Continue reading “Journey of a Deadman: #34 (Győr) – A Season To Remember”

Journey of a Deadman: #33 (Győr) – The Battle For Europe

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The 2027/2028 season is almost over, and it looks set to be the greatest of Shama Deadman’s career!

In the previous chapter, we saw Győr continue to beat the odds in their first season back in Hungary’s top division. As we head into the last few weeks, not only are they close to securing a top-four finish in the league… but they are also in contention to win the Magyar Kupa!

There’s still time for things to go horribly wrong, but can Győr hold their nerve and secure European football for next season? Let’s find out… Continue reading “Journey of a Deadman: #33 (Győr) – The Battle For Europe”

Journey of a Deadman: #32 (Győr) – Wanted!

Thank you very much for joining me for the latest chapter of my FM21 series with journeyman coach Shama Deadman.

Part 31 took us through the first half of the 2027/2028 season, which marked Győr’s return to Hungary’s top division after a six-year absence. It really could not have gone much better, thanks largely to an English goal machine who has already built a strong following at ETO Park!

We now rejoin the story in the winter months, where Győr are hoping to keep the good times rolling – and maybe even secure their survival with time to spare! But with several clubs making admiring glances in the manager’s direction, is Shama about to have his head turned? Continue reading “Journey of a Deadman: #32 (Győr) – Wanted!”

Journey of a Deadman: #31 (Győr) – Welcome To The Top Flight

It’s taken a while, but today is the day that Shama Deadman finally hits the big leagues! Well, I’m not sure you would call the Hungarian first division a ‘big league’, but anyway…

After winning promotion from the NB II, the Győr squad has been rebuilt ahead of what is sure to be a much more challenging NB I season. You can read more about Shama’s rebuild in Part 30, but you can probably guess how well things have gone…

Today’s chapter will take us through the first half of the 2027/2028 season. Can Győr keep themselves clear of relegation danger? Continue reading “Journey of a Deadman: #31 (Győr) – Welcome To The Top Flight”

Women’s football – coming soon to Football Manager

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As many of you may well be aware, Sports Interactive announced last week that they have begun work on introducing women’s football into Football Manager in the future.

Studio director Miles Jacobson has set out SI’s roadmap for incorporating women’s competitions into FM, explaining the sheer amount of detail that will go into making the experience as in-depth and realistic as possible.

This process will take time, and we’ve been told that women’s football WILL NOT be included on Football Manager 2022. The plan is for it to be introduced in a future FM, either on release or as free mid-season DLC – but not as a standalone game.

Women’s football is consistently one of the most requested new features FMers have asked for. The announcement of its future arrival was met with widespread praise… but also with some loud opposition.

I’ve had some time to take in this news and collect all my thoughts. So here’s what I have to say about these exciting new developments… Continue reading “Women’s football – coming soon to Football Manager”