So, I started my managerial career at Notts County and brought in quite a few half decent players, In my first friendly of the season against Kelty Hearts, I was expecting a comfortable win...aaaah, but no, Kelty Hearts took a day off and Barcelona turned up, with their silky skills, fast accurate passing and their ability to make my players look like brainless zombie morons, that coupled with their strikers' ability to score 2 goals from 30 yards, despite the fact his only ability above 7 is for long throws, results in a 4-2 loss. I think I will give up playing non-league clubs in friendly since this seems to happen in every new game I start.

Is this common or am I just the unlucky one whose "tactics" aren't good enough to beat Basingstoke under 10's?

Not just you, I've been played off the park several times at the beginning of games for Woking when playing teams full of greys in early rounds of the FA Cup.

Give yourself a little more credit.

I think that with your tactics you should be able to beat all the teams up to Basingstoke under 17's at least. :p

Thankfully, I haven't had this problem as such although I have struggled against certain lower teams in friendlies (usually I win by a goal or draw).

To be honest I never really worry about the friendlies as they are merely warm-ups and gelling exercises. If your team starts losing badly when the season begins though, I'd get ready to manage the team who just beat you shortly after getting sacked.

And so the next game comes along, away at Fleetwood, favorites to win you say???

Not a chance, absolutely battered, Fleetwood had 67% passing accuracy, 59% tackles won and get this... an amazin 69% of headers won, despite the fact all of their players but 1 has heading stats lower than 5. I lost the game 1-0 after having had 1 shot on target ot Fleetwoods 8.

I didn't know you could throw the ball into the goal now

Just so we're clear, you are basing this on ONE FRIENDLY, correct? Just checking...

Its the curse of the "Grey" team....

Stuns me when @ 50-1 to win, i barely get a shot off.

I didn't know you could throw the ball into the goal now

Just so we're clear, you are basing this on ONE FRIENDLY, correct? Just checking... </BLOCKQUOTE>

If you read all of his post, it's quite clear he's not basing it on this one particular game.

I wish I was Chas,

I've just noticed it in general. The only problem I have is I can't just say I'm managing a poor side. I also have this if I manage other decent teams from all kinds of leagues.

NepentheZ now you come to mention it, I have read about the Grey teams thingy... Is that a known "issue?"

It seemed only in N. Ireland. You get drawn against a LOT of "Grey" teams, as there are so many domestic cups to play in, and more often that not they will cause you issues.

Best be it to check the bugs forum to see if anyone has reported it, but I don't think its something SI have looked into. (although I could be very well wrong)

Well now I'm just confused, The same team that were battered by Kelty and Fleetwood and got a flukey 4-1 win against Welshpool, despite being second best have just fought a full strength Palace team who scored from a pen and in the 94th minute, to draw 2-2.

This game messes with my head!!!