We present you three teams from the lower English football class, National League North, to manage in Football Manager 2021. Only for the best.
We present you three teams from the lower English football class, National League North, with whom you will definitely play your save on Football Manager 2021 until the next edition of the game.
So today we’re going to look at three teams you can play with for tens of virtual years until you get into England's football elite.
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Formed in 1977, Gateshead FC is the newest incarnation of previous football clubs in the famous Tyneside region of England. Nicknamed the “Heed” the club spent a decade playing in the National League, the ‘top-flight’ of the English non-league system, but has recently been relegated to the National League North in 2019 due to financial irregularities surrounding the club.
As with any club, you manage the players that are going to be at your disposal are an important part about choosing a save and there are a few players that stand out for the Heed who form a decent starting squad. One of these players, and most likely the most famous name on the list, is Mike Williamson.
Gateshead
Formed in 1977, Gateshead FC is the newest incarnation of previous football clubs in the famous Tyneside region of England. Nicknamed the “Heed” the club spent a decade playing in the National League, the ‘top-flight’ of the English non-league system, but has recently been relegated to the National League North in 2019 due to financial irregularities surrounding the club.
As with any club, you manage the players that are going to be at your disposal are an important part about choosing a save and there are a few players that stand out for the Heed who form a decent starting squad. One of these players, and most likely the most famous name on the list, is Mike Williamson.
The former Newcastle United defender joined Gateshead in 2018 and has so far amassed 61 appearances for the club, scoring one solitary goal. Now the player/manager of the club, the big man at the back brings a wealth of experience to the club, having played for clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Oxford United, Watford and of course Newcastle.
Another notable name on the list is Nicky Deverdics and, whilst not as famous as Williamson, is an important player to have within the squad. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder has plenty of experience within non-league, with his biggest spells being with Dover Athletic and Hartlepool United between 2014 and 2018, before joining Gateshead in 2019.
Another notable name on the list is Nicky Deverdics and, whilst not as famous as Williamson, is an important player to have within the squad. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder has plenty of experience within non-league, with his biggest spells being with Dover Athletic and Hartlepool United between 2014 and 2018, before joining Gateshead in 2019.
Whilst both these players are both into their thirties and haven’t got the longest amount of time within their careers left, they help to form a decent starting squad whilst you build your own team worthy of gaining promotion to the National League.
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One of the more ‘well known’ names within the National League North is Boston United and is one of the better, or ‘easier’, teams to start with in my opinion at this level of the game.
Boston United
One of the more ‘well known’ names within the National League North is Boston United and is one of the better, or ‘easier’, teams to start with in my opinion at this level of the game.
Nicknamed the Pilgrims, Boston United were formed in 1933 and have spent most of their life in the English non-league pyramid, but also spent some time within the football league between 2002 and 2007. Boston were then relegated to the National League North after being placed into administration and, after a yo-yo between the leagues, now find themselves back in the National League North again.
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The players that Boston have at their disposal make this an interesting challenge as they have an impressive squad at this level, boasting a wealth of non-league experience throughout the squad. One of the notable names within the squad is Jay Rollins.
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The players that Boston have at their disposal make this an interesting challenge as they have an impressive squad at this level, boasting a wealth of non-league experience throughout the squad. One of the notable names within the squad is Jay Rollins.
The pacey forward joined the pilgrims in 2015 and is currently the clubs longest serving player following new deals in both 2018 and 2019. Despite being pushed out of the limelight by the other attacking options as the club, such as top scorers Jordan Burrow and Jordan Thewlis, he will still be a large part of any managers squad, especially being able to fill other positions over the years.
Another notable name within the squad is centre back Luke Shiels. The pilgrims’ first signing in the summer of 2019, the defender has considerable experience within the non-league pyramid, regularly playing against Boston throughout the years, with clubs such as Harrogate Town, Alfreton and Worksop.
Whilst the pressure of promotion sooner rather than later may be more prevalent at Boston it is still an enjoyable one and the save is more suited to those who don’t often start this far down the leagues.
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Formed in 1985 and nicknamed the ‘Brakes’, formerly known as both Lockheed Leamington and AP Leamington, the current club Leamington FC have spent their entire life playing within the English non-leagues and currently find themselves in the National League North for the third season in a row.
Whilst the pressure of promotion sooner rather than later may be more prevalent at Boston it is still an enjoyable one and the save is more suited to those who don’t often start this far down the leagues.
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Leamington
Formed in 1985 and nicknamed the ‘Brakes’, formerly known as both Lockheed Leamington and AP Leamington, the current club Leamington FC have spent their entire life playing within the English non-leagues and currently find themselves in the National League North for the third season in a row.
Starting as Leamington would be more of a challenge for managers compared to the past two clubs, especially for players who don’t manage in non-league often. But are set up to be a very rewarding save, particularly for those who enjoy a road to glory.
Whilst the Leamington squad may not be the most well known within the league, there are a couple notable mentions to talk about. One of these would be midfielder Callum Gittings, having joined the team in 2015 he has became an important member of the squad racking up over 150 appearances in the centre of midfield in the following four seasons. Even showing his versatility by playing over 85 minutes as a goalkeeper after their current keeper Jake Weaver was sent off.
The reliable keeper, who spent the 2019/20 season on loan at the Brakes from Birmingham City before recently joining permanently, is the other notable mention within the Leamington squad. Despite having several offers after his release from Birmingham, Weaver decided that his playing future belonged at the Brakes and proved himself to be a reliable option between the sticks during his loan spell, making 42 appearances before the season was cut short in March due to the coronavirus, also being voted the fans player of the season last May.
Summary
Managing a team in lower football leagues can be truly challenging, difficult and at times can seem like an impossible mission to achieve promotion. But when you finally get that first promotion and catch the momentum, the world will be yours. Therefore, although it seems like a hard effort, leading a team from the lowest leagues is truly fulfilling and rewarding. Plus, you’ll learn so much about Football Manager in one save, more than you’d learn if you'd go on to manage one of the top teams.
