Theme Teams

Hi all, thought I might write a post about theme teams as that is what I am currently doing in Nunez (well since I joined 8 months ago!) - being an Asia/Pacific only team.

Why bother making a theme team?

- GREAT challenge. Tests your managerial ability in terms of tactics, transfers and getting the best out of what you have access too.

- A lot of fun! Maybe you need a change from a conventional team and this is a great thing to try.

- A much greater attachment to your players. No longer can you simply sell your out of form striker and replace with a similar one for a similar price. You must appreciate every good player that plays for your team and especially those who you bring up from your youth team.

- Respect from other managers. 1) Many managers in your GW will realise the challenge you are undertaking and hopefully be impressed by how well you do. 2) Often I get managers offering me "first option" on their Asian/Pacific players or even occasionally loaning me a first teamer!

Tips for making a theme team


- ENJOY IT :)

- Set up crucial filters and views; for example I have:
       - General filter consisting of Asian/Pacific players only.
       - Filter on All Players consisting of Asian/Pacific players only + Manager is online.
       - Filter on All Players consisting of Asian/Pacific u16 Free Agents as discussed in my previous post.
       - Filter on All Players consisting of Asian/Pacific players with expiring contracts.
       - Filter on Gameworld Transfers showing fresh Asian/Pacific graduates.
       - "Target" view.

       - "Development" view.
       - "Performance" view.
       - "Expiry" view.
       - Views for each position based off the "role filter" under the filter section.

If you would like screenshots/info about any of these filters/views please let me know :)


- Choose a theme you have a connection with!! Maybe that might be England, Ghana, Eastern Europe or even Bradford City.

- Have realistic targets, maybe plan to reach the championship by a certain season. If you can reach it, you will be greatly satisfied :) I've found that it's very tough for me to cement my spot as a top team in the Premier League. Right now I'm in the Championship and want to cement myself as a top 10 PL team within 3 seasons.

- CHECK U16 FREE AGENT LIST AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN, for players who fit your requirements.

- Build relationships with any managers who have a youth academy which fits into your theme. A good chance you can work out an agreement for example first option, or loaning/assessing exchange.

- Set an expiry filter which shows players with Contract Auto Renewal set to "None". If you see someone good, keep an eye on their wage auction. If no one bids, don't bid and let him go to the Free Agent list. You will notice that (for the majority of players) his value and wage demand will drop every day which makes it much cheaper for you to sign :) However keep an eye on his retirement date!


- Go to FM Live - Preferences - Communications - Transfer Alerts and set up transfer alerts! For example I filter it to Asian/Pacific nationality and SoF > 50k. This will send you a mail message if anyone who matches the filter is placed in auction, transfer list or loan list. Very useful and underused feature!

- Choose the right skill specialisations. For me, that means Infrastructure and Scouting - infrastructure will help you get kids from wherever you need and high level scouting will allow you to bid on more free agents and unlock the judging potential skillset. A case can be made for any of the other skill sets to specialise in, however I think these two add the most to a theme team.

- Search all players often using your filters and views to see if there are any decent players floating around.


I'm sure there are many more things to add but I can't think of many more important things at this time, I hope you enjoyed reading and all the best with your team!! Feel free to contact me if you need any help or have any questions. :)