Quote:
Originally posted by Whistler
How about 3 basic tips. What do newbies get wrong that sets them back.
1. Well, you've actually started at the perfect time. There's just been an overhaul of the match engine and it looks like plenty has changed. So a lot of the
"old hands" will be testing just as much as you!
Trial and error are the best ways to test things, but specifically regarding substitutes, leaving them on auto is probably not advisable as the game could easily take off your best player or top goalscorer. Better to control it to some extent. "Weakest player" will remove the player in the lowest form, I believe, but I could be wrong because I rarely (if ever) use it- all my substitutions are given clear instructions of take off Player A and replace him with Player B. This also gives you control over your players' match fitness, which affects how well they train. If a player is not playing in matches and not getting match fitness, they will train considerably slower than someone playing regularly- but you also need to manage their fatigue. Different managers have different opinions on how high fatigue can go before it affects a player's performance on the pitch. Myself, I never let a player's fatigue go above 10 if possible.
2. The thing new players usually get wrong is thinking you can make decisions in the short term. Financial control is a huge aspect of running your club. It is very easy to go out and spend big on talented players that your club actually doesn't really need- and paying them big wages your club can't afford. Similarly, it's tempting to think that expanding your stadium immediately will bring in more money so you can spend big in future. It doesn't always work like that- you need to win matches as well to draw the fans in. So it's a balance of improving both the squad and the stadium steadily. Again, trial and error. Very few managers will succeed at their first club. Don't be afraid to test things- you can always move to a new club if things go horribly wrong!
3. Read the forums and the help files. There's a lot of useful things in there. Be wary when reading the forums as people will have differing opinions on many things, some of which will not be correct. So take everything you read in, but be sure to test it yourself to see if it's actually correct. The help files contain factually correct information while the forums contain more speculation- but since the forum information isn't common knowledge, if you find something is right you have an advantage that other people don't have.
Also don't be afraid to PM other managers asking for help. Most of them are more than willing to answer questions and offer pointers. In the past, sharing game-sensitive information was not permitted, but the rules have been relaxed and we can now say what we like! Again, just be aware that we all have our own opinions and some may not be entirely correct.
Good luck!
