Hello and welcome to this FM blog, containing 4 reasons why you should consider managing the Hereford FC in FM20.
Hello and welcome to this FM blog, containing 4 reasons why you should consider managing the Hereford FC in FM20.
I’ve decided to recommend this team to the wider community due to both the positive outlook I have of the club in real life and the fun I’ve had managing them in Football Manager!
So without further jibber-jabber, let's get right into the list, shall we….
1. Phoenix Risen From The Ashes
After the winding up of Hereford United in December 2014, the supporters of the club vowed to start their own new phoenix club under the rule of local businessman John Hale and thousands of supporters behind them, the journey back to the football league began.
Starting in the Midland football league, Hereford exuded superiority wherever they went, including runs in the FA Cup, FA Trophy, and most notably at one point a 27 game winning streak. Combine this with crowds of 4,000 plus and it becomes very clear that they are already too big for this level and are itching to get back to where they belong. A mere 3 league titles in a row lead to a return to National League football back in 2018, playing in the Vanarama North is where you will take charge of the club and inherit an already impressive history.
Can you be the one that continues the meteoric rise and takes the Bulls back to where they belong?
2. The Playing Squad
Upon starting the game, you will be inheriting an already impressive group of players for the level that they are currently playing at. However, as anyone who has played football manager, or real-life football for that matter, will tell you, this will not matter for a thing should these players not receive the right attention and actually play as a team.
Within the squad, I felt there was a good mixture of young players bursting through the ranks and a few older heads to keep the squad grounded and to set you off on your promotion push! A major highlight for me is the young striker Kelsey Mooney, whilst only 19 years old at the start of the game he is already at a first-team level starting off on a 3-star ability for the first team, decent stats in pace, determination and stamina means he is a valuable asset to chase down lumbering defenders and loose balls!
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| The man himself! Kelsey Mooney. |
Combine this injection of youth with an older head, for example, Josh Gowling, who’s leadership and bravery combination means he remains a rock at the back for at least the first season, and you will be onto a winner already!
3. The Board
Who you have watched over you has always been an important factor in FM, and this one is no different!
A chairman that would ‘never leave the club of his own volition’, is supportive of the decisions you make and is not afraid to spend money to help your progress means you will not have to worry about being sacked for no reason and have the full backing of the club behind you.
However, whilst their demands may not be as strict as some clubs, they still know what they want and will keep an eye on the progress of the club.
4. Finances
If you have ever started a save in the lower leagues of England before you know one of the biggest and most common problems that will face a manager, and that is finances!
This level is not home to the richest clubs in the world and many just about break even or make losses on a regular basis. This, however, is not a problem you will face at this level with Hereford as a healthy bank balance (for this level anyway) means you will have a decent amount to play with. Whilst you will be £86 over budget at the start wage wise, this is easily remedied if you move some transfer budget across to the wage budget.
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| It's not looking bad, is it? |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rich history of the former club and the ambition, fight and determination shown by the Phoenix club makes Hereford a great ‘road to glory’ style challenge on this Football Manager, backed by the board with a decent starting squad at your disposal, do you have the vision this club wants?
READ ALSO: 4 Reasons to take Hartlepool United to the Top in FM20
