FM STORY: Are Blackburn relegation candidates?

[scotty2hatty]

Jumping on Pads' bandwagon a touch but I always start a Blackburn game when the new versions come out but don't last very long due to the lure of starting a game with a team with megabucks.

Some posts will be in the form of news type articles and others will be personal opinion.

The idea is I get a bit of feedback and support to keep me motivated throughout the season(s).

Hope you enjoy.

[Josedinho]

GL. Reckon it gets any better than just surviving?
Wage budgets seem to be a struggle with many clubs so hard to bring in players.

[scotty2hatty]

In real life, survival this season seems like it will be an achievement but no such joy in FM as the board have requested a midtable finish. Limited in both transfer and wage budgets as the Venkys keep their proposed millions in their pockets. I think 10th-14th will be acceptable.

[scotty2hatty]

So an inspection of the first team squad leaves me a tad more optimistic.

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson is probably in the top 5 or 6 keepers in the league so I'm very happy with him as my number one. Bunn actually looks like a decent back-up but I'll be hoping Robinson stays fit the entire season.

Defenders: Samba is obviously the main man, he's very good and will be a key player. Nelson is also a quality player but is ageing so I see Samba's partner coming in the shape of Scott Dann with Givet also very capable. Olsson is a good pacey left back and I think he might interest a few clubs but I can't let him go. Right back is a real issue as Salgado and Ribeiro are both fairly poor.

Midfield: Three good defensive midfielders in the shape of N'Zonzi, Grella and Petrovic and they will all have an important part to play I feel. Hoillet, MGP, Dunn and Formica look talented. Formica in particular looks like he will be an excellent supporter to a sole striker.

Strikers: Strikers are all mediocre but all offer something a little different so gives me options. Yakubu and Roberts will be nice solid targetmen and should hold the ball up well whilst Goodwillie offers a little more pace and could be a good impact player.

[scotty2hatty]

Instantly made a bit of an error. Agreed to sign 38 year old Mexican Blanco on a free transfer but didn't realise the deal wouldn't go through til January. Huge bummer as he has all the ability in the world with >18 ratings in crossing, dribbling, passing, flair, creativity, technique and first touch.

Signed Lomano Lua Lua on a one year deal to give Formica some competition.

[pleno1]

Actually really decent squad imo. If you can keep core of team together whilst slowly adding new players and nurturing your young stars could be a sick 5 season game/plan.

Sturridge on loan from Chelsea? Tompinks defensive cover?

[scotty2hatty]

MAN CITY BID £20.5M FOR SAMBA

Unfortunately it was only £4m up front, I renegotiated for the full amount straight up as I had to weigh up losing my best player with the abilty to bring in 4 or 5 good players. Man City didn't want to hear it and pulled out of the deal.

[scotty2hatty]

Actually really decent squad imo. If you can keep core of team together whilst slowly adding new players and nurturing your young stars could be a sick 5 season game/plan.

Sturridge on loan from Chelsea? Tompinks defensive cover?

Tompkins actually insta signed for Newcastle. Was very interested in bringing in Sturridge but despite Chelsea being willing, he wasn't. Same with Welbeck. Very disappointed as I believed either/both would make a huge difference.

£500k of a budget. A right back is a huge priority. Any ideas?

[Josedinho]

Not sure it will be any help but I had Goodwillie on loan at Wednesday. Seemed a streaky player. Goals in games would go something like 1,2,2,0,0,0,0,2,3,2

[scotty2hatty]

Not sure it will be any help but I had Goodwillie on loan at Wednesday. Seemed a streaky player. Goals in games would go something like 1,2,2,0,0,0,0,2,3,2

As a loan striker?

[ChipRich]

Formica defo your best attacking threat i think from what i can see looking at the Blackburn team.
Hoilett obv going to be good too.
Centre backs are obviously decent and NZonzi is deece. Rochina can prob turn ok too if he gets the games.

Anyone got any deece player coos for my York team? Am like 10 games into 1st season in the conference, currently 2nd.

[action man]

getting this game monday, gonna be siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick

[Josedinho]

Not sure it will be any help but I had Goodwillie on loan at Wednesday. Seemed a streaky player. Goals in games would go something like 1,2,2,0,0,0,0,2,3,2

As a loan striker?

Yeh loan striker with wingers. This was in Championship.

[scotty2hatty]

Not sure it will be any help but I had Goodwillie on loan at Wednesday. Seemed a streaky player. Goals in games would go something like 1,2,2,0,0,0,0,2,3,2

As a loan striker?

Yeh loan striker with wingers. This was in Championship.

This adds confidence to my belief he could be a decent impact sub I think.

[scotty2hatty]

Blackburn have had a successful and unbeaten pre-season and go into the season opener against Bolton in a confident mood.

5-4 v Twente
2-0 v Club Brugge
1-1 v Reading (a)
4-0 v Grimsby (a)
3-2 v Sevilla
4-0 v Bournemouth (a)
1-0 v Cliftonville (a)
2-1 v PSG
5-0 v Wakefield