S5E10: What Now? Reflecting on FM25 and Looking Ahead to FM26
In this season finale of The FM Technical Area, we take a reflective and forward-looking journey through one of the most unusual years in Football Manager history. FM25 was hyped as a landmark release — and instead, we faced a cancellation, community frustration, and a holding pattern that tested our creativity.But through it all, the FM community kept going. From deep saves to custom content, tactical tinkering to narrative roleplay, the game lived on — even without major updates.Join us as we:Reflect on the FM25 cycle and what it taught usShare top tools, podcasts, books, and YouTubers to prep for FM26Explore 3 creative save ideas to keep you engaged this summerHighlight community insights and how you’ve stayed inspiredLaunch our summer challenge: #FMScoutingChallenge💡 Featured Segments:FM25 Fallout: Lessons from a season of delays and creativitySummer Scouting: Podcasts, videos, and books to sharpen your FM brainSave Ideas: Off-meta concepts to keep things fresh until FM26Community Voices: What kept you playing through the limboThe FM Scout Challenge: A summer project to plan your FM26 saveCheck out our site! Get in touch via email (GG/TTA), BlueSky (GG/TTA) & Slack (#gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea) #WeAreTheCommunity (Slack/BlueSky) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
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S5E9: Manager in Focus — Kjetil Knutsen & the Bodø Blueprint
In this episode of Manager in Focus, we turn our attention to the Arctic Circle and the remarkable rise of Kjetil Knutsen, the architect behind Bodø/Glimt’s tactical revolution. From a club with one of the smallest budgets in European competition to conquering Roma 6–1, Knutsen’s philosophy offers inspiration for every Football Manager save.🔍 We break down:Knutsen’s tactical identity and principlesHow to replicate his 4-3-3 system in FMRecruitment strategies that echo Glimt’s brillianceWeekly training schedules with tactical purposeA listener Q&A on pressing without losing shapeAnd a brand-new Community Challenge: The Bodø Blueprint🟡 Community Challenge: The Bodø BlueprintStart with a small club, limited budget, and big ambition. Build a vertical, high-pressing 4-3-3 with youth at its core — and conquer your domestic league and beyond.Challenge rules & details in the episode.Tag your progress using #FMBodoBlueprintResources Mentioned:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3589385/2022/09/14/knutsen-de-zerbi-brighton-potter-tactics/https://www.reddit.com/r/Glimt/comments/1cedw7g/why_is_no_club_looking_at_kjetil_knutsen/https://totalfootballanalysis.com/team-analysis/bodo-glimt-2023-title-chasing-tactics-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tacticshttps://news.bet365.com/en-gb/article/kjetil-knutsen-profile/2025050512325304497https://tottenhamhotspur.blogspot.com/2025/04/tactical-analysis-tottenham-hotspur-vs.html#:~:text=FK%20Bod%C3%B8/Glimt%2C%20under%20coach%20Kjetil%20Knutsen%2C%20play,artificial%20pitch%2C%20Glimt%20often%20push%20the%20tempohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lusc8gJC7Kc Check out our site! Get in touch via email (GG/TTA), BlueSky (GG/TTA) & Slack (#gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea) #WeAreTheCommunity (Slack/BlueSky) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
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S5E8: Training Ground Truths - Keeping Players Happy & Improving in FM24
In this episode of The FM Technical Area, we’re exploring the art/science of perfecting the an often overlooked & underappreciated element of Football Manager - Training🏗️ We explore:Training Ground Unhappiness & How to Solve ItTraining Week ApproachesTraining PhilosophiesAttribute SynergyWith real-world inspirations and Community-inspiration, this episode gives you a blueprint to develop your players and turn them into stars.We also have:🔥 Community Challenge: The Development BlueprintCheck out our site! Get in touch via email (GG/TTA), BlueSky (GG/TTA) & Slack (#gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea) #WeAreTheCommunity (Slack/BlueSky) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
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S5E7: Hidden Gems & Transfer Market Mastery
In this episode of The FM Technical Area, we’re diving into one of the most rewarding aspects of Football Manager 2024: discovering hidden gems and mastering the transfer market. Whether you're rebuilding a fallen giant or starting from the bottom, smart recruitment is everything.🏗️ We explore how to use Recruitment Focuses to find:Under-the-radar youth prospectsPhysical monsters from obscure leaguesVersatile bargain buysContract-expiring starsPlayers perfectly tailored to your tactical visionWith real-world inspiration from Borussia Dortmund, RB Salzburg, Brentford, Atalanta, and more, this episode gives you a blueprint to scout like the pros.We also have:🌍 Community Spotlight - Ponta de Lança🔥 Community Challenge: Revive a forgotten leagueCheck out our site! Get in touch via email (GG/TTA), BlueSky (GG/TTA) & Slack (#gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea) #WeAreTheCommunity (Slack/BlueSky) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
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S5E6: The Art of Set Pieces
Set pieces can be the great equaliser, the secret weapon, or the marginal gain that wins you the title—and in this episode of The FM Technical Area, we’re diving deep into how to master them in Football Manager 2024.From short corner experiments and free-kick strategies to throw-in routines and penalty psychology, this episode is packed with real-life inspiration, FM-specific tips, and tactical insights to help you squeeze every last goal from dead-ball situations. If you're just trying to turn frustrating 0-0 draws into gritty 1-0 wins, this is for you.We cover:Why set pieces matter more than ever in FM24How to build routines that mimic real-world successes (like Arsenal’s set-piece clinic)Traits and attributes to prioritise for each set-piece typeHow to defend like a fortress against aerial bombardmentListener questions on tinkering routines and signing specialistsPlus, there’s a challenge for all you tacticians out there: The #FM24SetPieceChallenge.Ready to turn chaos into goals? Let’s go.Check out our site! Get in touch via email (GG/TTA), BlueSky (GG/TTA) & Slack (#gaffergraemo & #thefmtechnicalarea) #WeAreTheCommunity (Slack/BlueSky) interactions form a vital part of the pod, so get involved! Music from Pond5 - Electronic Dance Music (Happy Background Summer Party Sport Club Short) - P5 Music by Pond5
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