Day 2

I'm still baffled what to do, despite having put a few hundred hours (as Torquay manager) into another save in FM 12. This game moves slowly, but then so does real life management.

I awoke to the news that one of the youth team players has left the club. He doesn't appear to be particularly talented, so I'm not sure why he apparently refused to a sign a professional contract. Eh, no big loss—like I said, he's kind of crap.

I got a few reports from my scout and Assistant Manager on players they think would improve the team. Racked with indecision, which stems mostly from my lack of knowledge of my current squad, I offered trials to the two of them who are free agents. I hope I don't miss out on any great signings through this timidity, but I have to be careful or I'll blow what little money we have on someone who just sits on the bench.

I need every new signing to be a star player for Lincoln either now or, in the case of youngsters, later.

Are you f-ing serious? I've been here for one day.

I met the press today. They asked me a bunch of boring, cookie-cutter questions. I resisted the temptation to storm out, for fear it may damage my reputation.

My Assistant Manager proposed an intra-squad friendly, which I immediately thought was a splendid idea. It's scheduled for tomorrow night. I can't wait to see my boys in action.

In the meantime, I thought I should do some searching of my own for potential signings. I skimmed through a list of free agents and scouted a few random players, along with a bunch of veterans who used to play for their national team—many of whom I have seen play in real life.

Hey! I've heard of these guys! Can't believe they still play.

Scouting is important for three reasons—firstly, many players have some or all of their attributes "hidden" because neither you nor your staff are familiar with them; secondly, players have characteristics that are hidden, such as susceptibility to injury, potential ability, sportsmanship, versatility, and consistency; and thirdly, judging their overall ability is not as simple as adding or averaging their attributes (some players are better than the sum of their parts, while others are worse).

I've already received two reports back—one is very good, while the other is terrible. I offered the good one a trial with the team; I think he might be worth offering a contract straight up, but I want to be cautious.