If you're looking to challenge yourself in FM21, then managing one of these teams from League 1 could be your cup of tea.
If you're looking to challenge yourself in FM21, then managing one of these teams from League 1 could be your cup of tea.
However, don’t let this fool you, as the league isn’t as one-sided as it may seem with anyone being able to beat anyone and many of the ‘bigger’ clubs struggling to get themselves out of it.
This can make for some exciting FM21 saves, and the question poses itself, can you take the challenge?
One of the bigger teams within this league, and arguably The biggest, is Portsmouth FC. Known as Pompey and founded in 1898, Portsmouth find themselves within the third tier of English football after having a torrid time of it within recent years, being saved from liquidation in 2013.
This can make for some exciting FM21 saves, and the question poses itself, can you take the challenge?
Portsmouth FC
Once a proud member of both the first division and the Premier League, even lifting the FA cup in 2008 and therefore earning themselves a place in Europe, financial and ownership troubles during the early 2010’s triggered a spiral downfall of the club, shooting down what was once a highly decorated force within English football.
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Despite being within the third tier, the squad at the players’ disposal is quite a strong one, with real strength in most positions on the pitch. One of the major highlights within this squad would be forward John Marquis.
RELATED: Teams to manage that have shocking finances in Football Manager 2021
Despite being within the third tier, the squad at the players’ disposal is quite a strong one, with real strength in most positions on the pitch. One of the major highlights within this squad would be forward John Marquis.
The former Doncaster, Millwall and Northampton Town striker saw his most prolific form wearing the colours of Doncaster Rovers scoring over 60 goals for the South Yorkshire club; however now finds himself on the south coast and will be a key player within your squad, partnered with someone such as Jordy Hiwula the two can fire you within contention of that coveted top spot.
Another one of the ‘big boys’ within the third tier, Sunderland, much like Portsmouth, have been on the decline since their days in the Premier League. Nicknamed the Black Cats and founded in 1879, Sunderland themselves have won six first division titles, a record that has only been bested by five other clubs, and has more recently reached the final of the League Cup in 2014. Despite this decorated past, however, the decline of the football club has been steep in recent years and now find themselves stuck in League One, crying out for someone to take the reins and take this football club back to where it belongs.
Sunderland AFC
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In terms of the squad that you would have at your disposal, a major highlight I would point out would be captain Max Power, the midfielder/right-back has had a decent career within English football, playing for the likes of Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic, but now finds himself in the North East with the black cats and will be a real asset to have around the squad.
In terms of the squad that you would have at your disposal, a major highlight I would point out would be captain Max Power, the midfielder/right-back has had a decent career within English football, playing for the likes of Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic, but now finds himself in the North East with the black cats and will be a real asset to have around the squad.
Another highlight within the Sunderland squad would be striker Charlie Wyke. The former Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Bradford City front man has been a pivotal part of the Sunderland team, linking up with the midfield to create the goals that will help you challenge for the top 6 positions.
Founded in 1908, Fleetwood Town represent one of the tougher saves within League One and will be suited to managers who prefer a slightly bigger challenge when trying to get out of the league and into the Championship. Being non-league as recently as the 2011-12 season, winning the Conference National, the Cod Army’s rise into League One has been nothing short of meteoric, winning the League Two play offs just a couple seasons later in 2013-14. Now finding themselves within the third tier, the highest the club has ever been, can you be the manager that pushes them even further?
In terms of the playing squad at your disposal, the most notable highlight is Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan. The former Stoke City and Manchester City midfielder joined Fleetwood in 2020 and brings a lot of top-flight experience to the squad, something which is very important to have in any squad, whichever league you are playing in.
Fleetwood Town FC
In terms of the playing squad at your disposal, the most notable highlight is Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan. The former Stoke City and Manchester City midfielder joined Fleetwood in 2020 and brings a lot of top-flight experience to the squad, something which is very important to have in any squad, whichever league you are playing in.
Another highlight I would say is defender Janoi Donacien. The 27-year-old, on loan from Ipswich Town, has bounced around a lot within his career, not being able to settle properly since his departure from Aston Villa, spending a lot of time out on loan, and now finds himself within the cod army. His lower league experience will complement that of others within the squad, helping to create a more balanced team to contend with.
