I chose Crystal Palace for my FM2005 game

Football Manager 2005 is the very first soccer management game from the Eidos Sports Interactive split.

In a way it’s an old game but with the same concept and gameplay. It’s still able to get me hooked for hours on end playing it.

For my FM2005 I chose the English league of large database. Crystal Palace was my team of choice.

I’ve always have a knack for the underdogs, given little or no chances, the thrill and challenge of bringing the club to glory is just so enticing.

The board started me on my ways with just £2 million worth of transfer budget.

It’s player hunting time once again in the bargain department. To get more cash I offloaded surplus players.

That has always been my plan, reduce the team size to a manageable squad, get the extra cash, and reduce the overall wages.

I may have lost to the Gunners, but my team did well. Click thumbnail to enlarge picture.

The plan always worked out well. My transfer kitty rose to some £7 million and I signed transfer listed players and old internationals.

Frank de Boer signed with me for a one year contract and he’s a rock in the heart of my defence currently.

The once transfer listed Alexei Smertin from Chelsea FC, settled well in my team and is running the midfield with his commanding lead.

Frank de Boer signed with my team. A great bargain buy. Click thumbnail to enlarge picture.

I even managed to convince the soon-to-be retiring Nigel Martyn to play another season. He’s 38 year old but is averaging 7.86 for my squad.

So far after seven matches, my team which was picked and forecast for relegation battle is settling nicely in third spot.

It’s all about harmony in the team. Yes that’s the keyword. A balanced mix of wise tactics and player rotation.

I’m aiming to qualify for Europe this season and so far the plan is working out well. My next match is against Cardiff in the League Cup, well that result I’ll post on another blog entry.