4 Expert Tips to Conquer the Football Manager Journeyman Save

Here are four tips that will make your Journeyman challenge on Football Manager more enjoyable.

Anyone in the FM community has attempted a journeyman save at least once. The realism of starting from the very bottom of the game and trying to work your way to the top is the biggest thrill of playing for many, and the biggest mystery to others. I have to admit, it took me a number of attempts to really get into a journeyman save, but now I’m hooked. This guide will hopefully help you to make the most of your journeyman and to enjoy one of the most interesting ways of playing Football Manager.

1. Start in September

When setting up your save, timing is crucial. Starting in September can significantly enhance your experience. By choosing the first games of the Champions League as the starting point, I noticed clubs without managers were already a month into their seasons. This meant they were far more desperate to fill their managerial vacancies. The advantage? It reduces the tedious waiting game of the job-hunting phase, letting you dive straight into competitive action.

Additionally, starting in September often means skipping the pre-season—a boon for players who prefer tactics and gameplay over organising friendlies. You’ll immediately face the challenges of real matches, helping you to immerse yourself in the save.

Pro Tip:

When selecting playable leagues, include a mix of top-tier and lower-league nations. This ensures you’ll have diverse opportunities to climb the ladder, from managing amateur clubs in Iceland to mid-table sides in Italy.

2. Take Your Time

Patience is your best friend in a Journeyman save. Moving from a Vanarama National League side to the Premier League will not happen overnight. Building your reputation is a gradual process that rewards consistency and persistence. The more you embrace this, the more enjoyable the save becomes. After all, a Journeyman save is about the journey, not just the destination.

Equally, don’t rush to change jobs. If you’re doing well at a club and they’re supporting your development—such as funding coaching badges—think carefully before jumping ship. Many opportunities may look promising but come with hidden challenges, such as unstable finances or an unmanageable board.

Pro Tip:

Before accepting a new job, thoroughly assess the club’s long-term potential. Look for factors like financial stability, youth facilities, and board expectations. A tempting short-term move might derail your progress if the club lacks a solid foundation.

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3. Adapt Your Player Recruitment Strategy

Recruitment at the lower levels requires a complete mindset shift. With tight budgets, you’ll rely heavily on free transfers, loans, and trials. Trials are an underutilised tool; they cost nothing and provide full knowledge of a player within two weeks. Once you identify potential signings, focus on mental attributes over technical ones.

For example, a striker with 12 composure and 9 finishing will likely outperform one with 12 finishing but poor composure. Mental attributes such as determination, teamwork, and decisions are invaluable in implementing your tactics effectively.

Pro Tip:

Scout leagues with a surplus of free agents. For instance, Scandinavian countries often release players during their off-season, giving you access to decent talent for free.

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4. Prioritise Defensive Solidity

At lower levels, defence wins games. It’s easier to succeed by focusing on stopping goals rather than scoring them. Invest a significant portion of your budget in solid defenders and depth in defensive positions. Defending in Football Manager often relies more on individual player quality than attacking, where team cohesion plays a larger role.

This doesn’t mean abandoning attacking play entirely. However, setting up a strong defensive structure provides the foundation for your team to succeed. Whether it’s a low-block 4-4-2 or a compact 3-5-2, prioritise stability over flair.

Pro Tip:

Set specific player instructions for defenders, such as tight marking and aggressive pressing, to counteract lower-level opponents who rely on individual brilliance rather than tactical cohesion.

Conclusion

The Journeyman challenge is not just about winning trophies—it’s about creating a story that spans nations, leagues, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re managing an obscure club in the depths of the Icelandic third division or guiding a newly promoted team to safety in Serie B, each step in your journey adds a new chapter to your Football Manager legacy.

Approach your save with patience, strategy, and adaptability, and you’ll discover why this challenge remains a favourite among the FM community. Good luck, and may your managerial journey lead to greatness!