Football Manager/Will Still

[spudski]

... there's hope for you yet.

Quite an incredible story 

Will Still. A 30 year old manager of League 1 Reims in France.

Youngest manager in Europe.

Played FM all through his teens, got into analytics. Ended up impressing a manager with his knowledge.

Ended up managing Reims sacked their manager.

Has managed 12 games, W6 D6 L0 Gf 20 GA 5

Last game held PSG to 1-1 draw.

No pro licence. So Reims get fined 25,000 euros every time he manages a game.

That's the condensed version.

It really is an incredible journey and story.

https://www.sportsjoe.ie/amp/football/reims-will-still-281719 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Still_(football_manager)

[spudski]

Even more impressive...he coaches in both English and French. 

Quite amusing video with the English thrown in.

 

[Atyeo's Love Child]

For somebody who is only 30 he looks so confident and assured in that clip, when he does go to a bigger club you cannot imagine he'd have any issue managing the big name players.

Assume he also speaks Belgium fluently, so really impressive.

[TBW]

Still took him 13 years. I wouldn't wanna start making an effort now based on that, even if my Football Manager careers are flawless. I'd be almost 50 by then!

[Tom]

27 minutes ago, Atyeo's Love Child said:

For somebody who is only 30 he looks so confident and assured in that clip, when he does go to a bigger club you cannot imagine he'd have any issue managing the big name players.

Assume he also speaks Belgium fluently, so really impressive.

Assume he speaks what? 

[IAmNick]

FM games seem to have a bad rep for some reason, but they're incredibly detailed these days. I genuinely think they're a really good way to learn about the game, the leagues, about running a club, contracts, constraints, transfers - loads of things in and around the game.

You can fail FFP and get transfer embargos, players won't settle if other squad members don't speak the same language, dressing rooms form cliques due to the personalities of the players, boards will reduce or cut off funding based on your performance, there are loads of tactics/formations/roles/positions for players etc.

It's definitely not just "bid and get any player you want to build a dream team" stuff which seems to be the prevailing opinion sometimes.

Edited January 31, 2023 by IAmNick

[Show Me The Money!]

You sure he’s not just reloading his saved games if he loses? 

[Taz]

6 minutes ago, Show Me The Money! said:

You sure he’s not just reloading his saved games if he loses? 

I was just about to post something similar actually!!

[Show Me The Money!]

2 minutes ago, Taz said:

I was just about to post something similar actually!!

[1960maaan]

1 hour ago, Tom said:

Assume he speaks what? 

 

He meant Belgiumese obviously

 

[Port Said Red]

strength 9 

[Tom]

10 minutes ago, Percy Pig said:

 

He was pretty good before the patch (and was decent in FM 22 too), have you got a "before" to compare it to?

[Kodjias Wrist]

8 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

strength 9 

Some stats are ridiculous on the game. Strength, Acceleration and Pace has always been poorly judged. Semenyos strength was at 14 I think when for me should be 16 / 17.

[spudski]

18? surely it's 19?

[Davefevs]

2 minutes ago, spudski said:

18? surely it's 19?

Start of 22/23 season age

[Dr Balls]

Do you think there is anybody in our squad who would get more than a 5 for corners? Why are we quite so bad at dead ball situations?

[Tom]

1 hour ago, Percy Pig said:

 

 

So I found what seems to be a before (obviously if his potential has increased that's the main thing):

Changes are (compared to FM 2023 at release):

Technical

Crossing +2

First Touch +1

Tackling +2

Mental

Anticipation +3

Composure +2

Determination +4

Flair +2

Off the Ball +1

Positioning +3

Work Rate +3

Physical

Balance +3

The buffs to his mental stats are the real surprise, really. 18 determination is a big thing in FM. 
 

 

Edited March 2, 2023 by Tom

[johnheadbcfc]

Thats a real good player right there 

[Tom]

21 minutes ago, Dr Balls said:

Do you think there is anybody in our squad who would get more than a 5 for corners? Why are we quite so bad at dead ball situations?

Matty James has a 13 for corners, haven't checked them all but it was the obvious one to check.

[Dr Balls]

7 minutes ago, Tom said:

Matty James has a 13 for corners, haven't checked them all but it was the obvious one to check.

Well clearly they have not seen him recently!

[1960maaan]

Still  going strong

 

Mods, any chance of adding his name to the heading as it's far beyond just FM Manager. 

Edited March 12, 2023 by 1960maaan

[spudski]

21 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

Still  going strong

 

Mods, any chance of adding his name to the heading as it's far beyond just FM Manager. 

It really is remarkable what he's achieving. 

[spudski]

I also be looking at their CF. 

21 years old, English, 17 goals this season.

https://www.whoscored.com/Players/384065/Show/Folarin-Balogun

[!james]

13 minutes ago, spudski said:

I also be looking at their CF. 

21 years old, English, 17 goals this season.

https://www.whoscored.com/Players/384065/Show/Folarin-Balogun

On loan from Arsenal...

[spudski]

8 minutes ago, !james said:

On loan from Arsenal...

Yes he is. I posted it in the transfer section. Still might be worth a look.

[!james]

Just now, spudski said:

Yes he is. I posted it in the transfer section. Still might be worth a look.

Pretty sure he will go to a bigger club than us next season after his exploits this season! 

[spudski]

9 minutes ago, !james said:

Pretty sure he will go to a bigger club than us next season after his exploits this season! 

Maybe...depends on whether Arsenal would want to sell or loan again...or keep. 

I like this French lad playing in Italy at the moment as well, for Sassuolo.

Not sure of the limitations re visas. 

 

[spudski]

1 hour ago, 1960maaan said:

Still  going strong

 

Mods, any chance of adding his name to the heading as it's far beyond just FM Manager. 

What a fantastic interview that is. You can't help but warm to the lad. Worth a watch. 

[Porto Red]

Never heard of him or his story before. What an impressive guy. Wouldn't bet against him achieving those dreams at the rate he's going. 

[1960maaan]

51 minutes ago, spudski said:

What a fantastic interview that is. You can't help but warm to the lad. Worth a watch. 

It's a fantastic story, it's amazing anyone gave him a chance to start with.  I was mesmerised by his training session too.

[spudski]

Just now, 1960maaan said:

It's a fantastic story, it's amazing anyone gave him a chance to start with.  I was mesmerised by his training session too.

He obviously has talent, and he ' lucked out' by one person giving him an opportunity. 

Football is often seen as a closed shop, jobs for the boys etc...but analysis and such like, is more to the fore front, and people from outside football are starting to get opportunities. 

Watching his training sessions and interview, it shows he has something about him. Sometimes you just nee that bit of luck. 

He comes across so we'll. 

[1960maaan]

1 minute ago, spudski said:

He obviously has talent, and he ' lucked out' by one person giving him an opportunity. 

Football is often seen as a closed shop, jobs for the boys etc...but analysis and such like, is more to the fore front, and people from outside football are starting to get opportunities. 

Watching his training sessions and interview, it shows he has something about him. Sometimes you just nee that bit of luck. 

He comes across so we'll. 

Totally, and I have the feeling over here he wouldn't have got the opportunity, which would have been a loss. 
I really hope he has some real , tangible success along the way, but never loses his spark. 
I will watch with interest.

[Tinmans Love Child]

9 hours ago, spudski said:

He obviously has talent, and he ' lucked out' by one person giving him an opportunity. 

Football is often seen as a closed shop, jobs for the boys etc...but analysis and such like, is more to the fore front, and people from outside football are starting to get opportunities. 

Watching his training sessions and interview, it shows he has something about him. Sometimes you just nee that bit of luck. 

He comes across so we'll. 

AVB lived in the same apartment block as Bobby Robson when he was at Porto and chatted to him and ended up getting a job at Porto, having never played the game professionally!  Unbelievable really

[The turtle]

33 minutes ago, Tinmans Love Child said:

AVB lived in the same apartment block as Bobby Robson when he was at Porto and chatted to him and ended up getting a job at Porto, having never played the game professionally!  Unbelievable really

I believe in this case it was Mourinho. (I could be wrong)

 

But that's not Just luck, as he got his start from sir bobby.

[iamalagerdrinker]

Can someone who does play FM send me some print screens of Alex Scott on the new update? I'm in the process of moving house so buying a new laptop has had to take a back seat 

[1960maaan]

53 minutes ago, iamalagerdrinker said:

Can someone who does play FM send me some print screens of Alex Scott on the new update? I'm in the process of moving house so buying a new laptop has had to take a back seat 

This is the thread you want.

 

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, The turtle said:

I believe in this case it was Mourinho. (I could be wrong)

 

But that's not Just luck, as he got his start from sir bobby.

I think Mourinho was initially the interpreter, and it was AVB…but I could be the one that’s wrong.  It’s one of them though

[1960maaan]

This is turning into a great thread, as well as Will Still stuff, I just learnt ..

AVB lived in the same block as Bobby Robson at 16.
Robson appointed him to Porto's observation department.
Then arranged for AVB to get his coaching Licences.
Got his "C" Licence at 17 !

Does show luck plays a big part.
As a side note, just reading Gary Numan's Biography and he says the same, but adds. He believes you can reduce the amount of luck you need. He read reviews and studied where the music papers did most of their reviews and where Labels would tend to gather. Then tried to be and play those venues when he could. Interesting take on it.

I did know that Mourhinho was Robsons interpreter though.

 

 

[Tinmans Love Child]

13 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

This is turning into a great thread, as well as Will Still stuff, I just learnt ..

AVB lived in the same block as Bobby Robson at 16.
Robson appointed him to Porto's observation department.
Then arranged for AVB to get his coaching Licences.
Got his "C" Licence at 17 !

Does show luck plays a big part.
As a side note, just reading Gary Numan's Biography and he says the same, but adds. He believes you can reduce the amount of luck you need. He read reviews and studied where the music papers did most of their reviews and where Labels would tend to gather. Then tried to be and play those venues when he could. Interesting take on it.

I did know that Mourhinho was Robsons interpreter though.

 

 

Yeh Barce fans referred to Jose as The Interpreter as an insult when he managed Real

https://youtu.be/dpYA_d4A4E0

 

Edited March 13, 2023 by Tinmans Love Child

[Tinmans Love Child]

2 hours ago, The turtle said:

I believe in this case it was Mourinho. (I could be wrong)

 

But that's not Just luck, as he got his start from sir bobby.

Wiki on Jose:  Then, in 1992, an opportunity arose to work as a translator for a top foreign coach: Bobby Robson had been appointed as the new manager of Lisbon club Sporting CP and needed an English-speaking local coach to work as his interpreter.  His presentation was on 7 July, alongside president Sousa Cintra, manager Robson and Manuel Fernandes.  Mourinho began discussing tactics and coaching with Robson in his interpreting role. Robson was sacked by the club in December 1993. When Porto appointed him as their head coach, Mourinho moved with him, continuing to coach and interpret for players at the new club.

Wiki on AVB: He has spoken fluent English since childhood, for his grandmother was from Stockport, England.  At the age of 16, Villas-Boas found himself living in the same apartment block as Bobby Robson, who was then manager of FC Porto. Following a conversation between the two, Robson appointed him to Porto's observation department.  Robson arranged for Villas-Boas to obtain the FAcoaching qualification, the UEFA C coaching licence in Scotland and for him to study the training methods of Ipswich Town. He obtained his C licence at the age of 17, and his B licence at 18. He received his A licence at the age of 19, and later acquired UEFA Pro Licence under the tutelage of Jim Fleeting.

[Donny T]

4 hours ago, iamalagerdrinker said:

Can someone who does play FM send me some print screens of Alex Scott on the new update? I'm in the process of moving house so buying a new laptop has had to take a back seat 

Hes worth £80 million in my save after 1 season and promotion to the prem . Mehmeti is worth £77 million and massengo £85 million .

[iamalagerdrinker]

On 02/03/2023 at 18:26, Percy Pig said:

 

 

[The turtle]

8 hours ago, Tinmans Love Child said:

Wiki on Jose:  Then, in 1992, an opportunity arose to work as a translator for a top foreign coach: Bobby Robson had been appointed as the new manager of Lisbon club Sporting CP and needed an English-speaking local coach to work as his interpreter.  His presentation was on 7 July, alongside president Sousa Cintra, manager Robson and Manuel Fernandes.  Mourinho began discussing tactics and coaching with Robson in his interpreting role. Robson was sacked by the club in December 1993. When Porto appointed him as their head coach, Mourinho moved with him, continuing to coach and interpret for players at the new club.

Wiki on AVB: He has spoken fluent English since childhood, for his grandmother was from Stockport, England.  At the age of 16, Villas-Boas found himself living in the same apartment block as Bobby Robson, who was then manager of FC Porto. Following a conversation between the two, Robson appointed him to Porto's observation department.  Robson arranged for Villas-Boas to obtain the FAcoaching qualification, the UEFA C coaching licence in Scotland and for him to study the training methods of Ipswich Town. He obtained his C licence at the age of 17, and his B licence at 18. He received his A licence at the age of 19, and later acquired UEFA Pro Licence under the tutelage of Jim Fleeting.

Thanks......i learnt something.

Until today, i thought it was jose who learnt from bobby, then avb who learnt from jose. Clearly not

 

 

 

 

[Tinmans Love Child]

59 minutes ago, The turtle said:

Thanks......i learnt something.

Until today, i thought it was jose who learnt from bobby, then avb who learnt from jose. Clearly not

 

 

 

 

Well there defo would have been a stage when all 3 were at Porto together, and I guess AVB might have still been at Porto when Jose took over, but I'm not 100% sure, very interesting stories though.  Jose and AVB have had their critics but to have done so well, especially Jose, considering where they started is unreal!  

[iamalagerdrinker]

@Percy Pig Could you post / DM me Mehmeti attributes please on the update? Cheers!

[southside]

I thought he'd changed his first name, but no, he's Will Still

[Silvio Dante]

Not sure whether this goes in the Scott transfer thread, Scott general thread or FM threads in here (mods merge as needed) but post the mid season update there is an interesting name as the most signed in Football Manager…

 

[Gazred]

55 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

Not sure whether this goes in the Scott transfer thread, Scott general thread or FM threads in here (mods merge as needed) but post the mid season update there is an interesting name as the most signed in Football Manager…

 

Plenty of love for him in the comments.

I gave up on FM a few years back. It got so indepth it was becoming harder than my day job!

[Davefevs]

Just now, Percy Pig said:

Greatest game ever created. 

Greatest data ever created

[M.D]

Its a simulation 

[DaveF]

4 minutes ago, M.D said:

Its a simulation 

Issss ittttt?!?!

[Gazred]

24 minutes ago, Percy Pig said:

Greatest game ever created. 

Played it for many, many years. I guess I just have less time these days.

It's certainly the ultimate football sim. Spent a lot of time on the Spectrum version of Football Manager, made by the legendary Kevin Toms. Football Director on the same machine was also quite good.

[Davefevs]

18 minutes ago, Gazred said:

Played it for many, many years. I guess I just have less time these days.

It's certainly the ultimate football sim. Spent a lot of time on the Spectrum version of Football Manager, made by the legendary Kevin Toms. Football Director on the same machine was also quite good.

I used to too, but kids stopped that.  Excel Divorce Manager by wife used to call it!

[Silvio Dante]

30 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

I used to too, but kids stopped that.  Excel Divorce Manager by wife used to call it!

I believe it’s been cited in multiple divorce cases, saw a figure of 50 before.

Its a good job you moved on from your stats based obsession Dave. I’d hate to think that you’d sunk deeper into that hole.

[Davefevs]

7 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

I believe it’s been cited in multiple divorce cases, saw a figure of 50 before.

Its a good job you moved on from your stats based obsession Dave. I’d hate to think that you’d sunk deeper into that hole.

OTIB saved me

[Gazred]

14 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

OTIB saved me

You've no doubt got the stats to prove it.

[1960maaan]

14 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

OTIB saved me

So instead of spending many hours , wasting time on Football Manager, you spend many hours productively on here .

Good work Mate 

[elhombrecito]

1 hour ago, M.D said:

Its a simulation 

[1960maaan]

Anyway, Will Still .....  umm ... still making news.

Been linked with Spurs, the story I saw was that ...

Italian outlet Sportitalia have claimed in a new report that Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Fabio Paratici has held a meeting with Will Still about the possibility of becoming the manager of Spurs.

According to the report, these talks were held in Switzerland as Tottenham recently identified the Reims manager as a new candidate for the role.

I was speaking to my Brother in Law (Spurs fan) and he said that Paratici had been suspended. Had to check that, and it appears he has "stepped back from his role" Sky reports;

But then the Mail says ....

Tottenham have opened talks with Remis boss and Football Manager enthusiast Will Still about possibly becoming the club's next manager. 

and add

His success hasn't gone unnoticed and according to Sports Italia, Still had a surprise meeting with Spurs' managing director of football Fabio Paratici about becoming Tottenham's new boss. 

This, despite Paratici taking a leave of absence pending the outcome of an appeal following his worldwide ban over his dealings while at Juventus. 

I guess his 30 month ban was in Italian football originally , and he is appealing so may be free to carry on in the mean time, odd though.
Anyway, away from the sideshow of Paratici , this could be really interesting. Still has been brilliant in France, 3 defeats in 24 games. I would love him to get the job, would make the Prem really interesting. Be great to see what he could do with making Spurs less Spursy. 

[spudski]

35 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

Anyway, Will Still .....  umm ... still making news.

Been linked with Spurs, the story I saw was that ...

Italian outlet Sportitalia have claimed in a new report that Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Fabio Paratici has held a meeting with Will Still about the possibility of becoming the manager of Spurs.

According to the report, these talks were held in Switzerland as Tottenham recently identified the Reims manager as a new candidate for the role.

I was speaking to my Brother in Law (Spurs fan) and he said that Paratici had been suspended. Had to check that, and it appears he has "stepped back from his role" Sky reports;

But then the Mail says ....

Tottenham have opened talks with Remis boss and Football Manager enthusiast Will Still about possibly becoming the club's next manager. 

and add

His success hasn't gone unnoticed and according to Sports Italia, Still had a surprise meeting with Spurs' managing director of football Fabio Paratici about becoming Tottenham's new boss. 

This, despite Paratici taking a leave of absence pending the outcome of an appeal following his worldwide ban over his dealings while at Juventus. 

I guess his 30 month ban was in Italian football originally , and he is appealing so may be free to carry on in the mean time, odd though.
Anyway, away from the sideshow of Paratici , this could be really interesting. Still has been brilliant in France, 3 defeats in 24 games. I would love him to get the job, would make the Prem really interesting. Be great to see what he could do with making Spurs less Spursy. 

That'll be interesting as Will is a massive Hammers fan 

[1960maaan]

19 minutes ago, spudski said:

That'll be interesting as Will is a massive Hammers fan 

Yeah, one of the articles reporting the approach mentions that. Not an opportunity (if true) that he could seriously turn down though . Will be watching with interest. 

[Taz]

It's the sort of thing that Levy might try to be honest, can't say I'd be too impressed as a Spurs supporter though, as let's be honest, it would be massively underwhelming.

Poch

Mourinho 

Conte

Will Still.

 

[David Brent]

3 hours ago, spudski said:

That'll be interesting as Will is a massive Hammers fan 

He’s not likely to turn down an opportunity to work with a big club because he happens to support a different club. 

[1960maaan]

2 hours ago, Taz said:

It's the sort of thing that Levy might try to be honest, can't say I'd be too impressed as a Spurs supporter though, as let's be honest, it would be massively underwhelming.

Poch

Mourinho 

Conte

Will Still.

 

Poch was a balls up by Levy, just because he said they would have to rebuild the squad he goes. Then they spent a fortune on the next two managers , who have failed. At least they should get some fresh ideas.

[spudski]

33 minutes ago, David Brent said:

He’s not likely to turn down an opportunity to work with a big club because he happens to support a different club. 

I wasn't insinuating that...however it's not very often a manager says who he supports. 

[W-S-M Seagull]

Could be seeing him at Ashton Gate on Saturday as he held talks with Sunderland today about their vacancy.