Non-League To Big League Part Six: Pre-Season


Hello and welcome one and all to part six of Non-League To Big League in Football Manager 2024 (with the 2024-25 season database). It's time for us to take a quick look at what's been happening in pre-season as we await the start of my second season in charge of Grimsby Borough in Northern Premier League Division One (East). If you haven't seen any of last season or you'd just like a refresher then click here.

Tactics


I've decided to go for something a little different in terms of tactics for the early part of the new season. The 4-4-2 diamond with fluid counter-attacking has been abandoned in favour of utlilisng a back five (with wing-backs), a holding midfielder with someone on the periphery of the striker and two wide men. We're trying a different mentality as well this season, hopefully by playing with a vertical tiki-taka, we can punch some holes in opposition defences as well as playing some (hopefully) easy on the eye football. 

Pre-Season Results


It's been something of a modest pre-season (unlike in real life, I was unable to get a friendly organised against Grimsby Town) but it has been somewhat successful as we've recorded three consecutive wins (for the first time in the save, sadly not in competitive fixtures) by overwhelming Dronfield Town and Wakefield from the league below. We had to come from behind in our final friendly against Armthorpe but manage to turn it into a confident and dominant showing. 


We also received news that our FA Cup campaign will get underway with a home tie against Sleaford Town, which is a favourable draw since they come from the division below, not that we'll be taking anything lightly though. 

Transfer Activity


Our standout incoming transfer is undoubtedly the signing of 19-year-old central defender Ciaran Thompson, who we manage to bring in following his departure from Newcastle United. Other new signings come in the shape of Burton Albion defender Toby Oakes, two players from higher levels in Matty Bowman and Kyle Hammond. Versatile full-back Jeremie Milambo comes in from Matlock Town while we welcomed striker John Murphy back on a permanent deal after his contract at Prescot Cables came to an end. 


We only have one player departing the FDC in a transfer deal and unfortunately it's defender Jaz Goundry, who I was planning to make a focal point of the team. I can't stand in the way of progress though and he leaves for Enfield of the National League South with my best wishes. 


There's another departure in the shape of Andy Taylor's retirement from playing which brings to an end his 19-year senior career. Having been our top scorer last season, it'll be interesting to see if we miss his goalscoring prowess as the season wears on. 

That's your lot for this brief interlude as we look towards the beginning of the new season. Sam Topliss has been named as our new captain and it's time to make our mark on the division. 

Onwards and upwards Borough. 

Thanks for reading, see you in the next one! 












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