The Byline

By the end of the January transfer window, we’ve all usually got a good sense of how a league is going to play out and whether this year might actually be our team’s year. Things can still change of course but by the mid-point of a campaign it’s usually pretty clear who is leading the pack, who is prime for the drop and the teams more than capable of springing a surprise. 

We’ve picked out eight teams that have either underperformed or outdone their expectations going in to the 2020/21 season. Can you outdo the overachievers and turn around those who’d like to quit and restart?
 

This guide from Ihor Crusadertsar is all about using generic player roles to achieve ‘simple’ but effective football.

By ‘simple’ I don’t mean football that’s very direct or devoid of beautiful play. Rather it’s a style that requires the least tactical input from the virtual manager.

So, you’ve decided to manage an underdog... a club which has to fight tooth and claw for every point and where draws often feel like wins. That might not appeal to everyone, but for some of us there’s no better feeling than giving the league’s big hitters a run for their money. 

Choosing an underdog isn’t too difficult, but how are you going to defy expectations and set them up for success? FMSamo walks us through the things we should take into consideration when setting up an underdog.
 

With the nights drawing in, there are few better feelings than getting stuck into a long-term Football Manager save. Whether it’s ending an unwanted continental record or rising up the divisions, there are challenges out there for every manager. Here are six of our favourite long-term challenges for you to smash in FM21…

One of FM21's headline features is the Recruitment Meeting - a handy addition that allows you to harness your backroom staff’s knowledge and experience. As well as the now-familiar Scouting Centre, Recruitment Meetings give you an opportunity to fine-tune your club's transfer policy and plan for the long-term. Correctly using these meetings is an effective way to focus your Scouts on priority areas. Hopefully this article will help you understand the full potential of the Recruitment Meeting.

For me, the most influential section at the beginning of any FM save is the Team Report. This area shapes how I set up tactically and which areas I focus on in the transfer market. Football Manager 2021 improves the Team Report with additional functionality that will most likely lead me to visit it regularly throughout the season. I’ve come to The Byline today to go over this area and the improvements in FM21. Let’s begin…

In this strangest of years, the global transfer market has looked a little different. Windows have been open at different times and clubs are keener than ever to find value. As always, we kept our eye on the comings and goings across the footballing world and here are nine transfers we’re excited about.