This article will explain why you should see Dundee FC as a potential goldmine, and the basis of an incredibly satisfying save on FM22.
This article will explain why you should see Dundee FC as a potential goldmine, and the basis of an incredibly satisfying save on FM22.
If there’s one thing we all love, it’s a club with potential. A little bit of history, a decent city, and a fanbase to build on is always the recipe for a fun long-term save. Sometimes these are big clubs that have fallen on hard times, but sometimes these are clubs that have never fulfilled their potential. Dundee FC (not to be confused with city rivals Dundee United) are certainly one of the latter. A handful of trophies in the past and some big-name signings have been soiled by two administrations, and more relegations than their fans will care to remember.
History
Sadly, their best days seem very much confined to the past. Without a trophy since 1973 and one of the longest losing streaks in the Scottish Cup - failing to lift the trophy since 1910 - The Dee are in dire need of better fortune, and some much-needed trophies befitting one of Scotland’s most historic clubs.
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The Present
In more recent times, Dundee haven’t had to look for their troubles. Two separate administrations, in 2003 and 2010, nearly killed the club as debts mounted. Thankfully, under new ownership, the club is in far healthier financial shape and, as the season starts in 2021, are projected to grow financially.
In terms of players, your first season’s success will hinge on the form of Charlie Adam. A man who needs no introduction, returning to his boyhood club for an emotion swan song, Charlie still has plenty in the tank for your first season in charge.
Your squad also has a healthy dose of first-team-ready academy graduates. Fin Robertson, Max Anderson, and Josh Mulligan are all ready for first-team football, with Jack Wilkie and Lyall Cameron among the development squad waiting for their chance to shine. The immediate future is very bright as there’s at least 6 or 7 academy players with Scottish Premiership potential. They can either be sold on to boost club coffers and fund your growth of the club, or integrated into the first team for cost-effective solutions to gaps in the squad.
We’ve already spoken about the sound financial footing, but you also have a board keen to invest in the future of the club. In real life, the board have pumped money into training and youth facilities, and you can definitely get more out of them as you build your club. The board are keen to see you develop your youth, and with the talent already there, you have an opportunity to prove you’re worth the further investment in this area.
In the terraces, you’ve got arguably one of the most dedicated fanbases in Scotland. These fans have saved their club not once but twice, and continue to follow their team all over the country. If you want to see - and hear them - at their best, look up videos of the fans who travelled to Selhurst Park for Julian Speroni’s testimonial.
Dundee is also one-half of one of Scotland's best derbies. Matches against Dundee United are among the most hotly anticipated matches for fans of both sides and have never been short of drama. These sides have contested cup finals, relegation deciders and title parties at each others’ expense, and the atmosphere is always a joy to behold. Maintain a strong record against United, and you’ll have the love of Dundee fans forever.
I hope this article has inspired your next save. This club has known many a false dawn, and more heartbreak than any fanbase deserves; with you at the helm, can they finally bring it all together and fulfil this club’s undoubted potential?
Behind the Scenes
We’ve already spoken about the sound financial footing, but you also have a board keen to invest in the future of the club. In real life, the board have pumped money into training and youth facilities, and you can definitely get more out of them as you build your club. The board are keen to see you develop your youth, and with the talent already there, you have an opportunity to prove you’re worth the further investment in this area.
In the terraces, you’ve got arguably one of the most dedicated fanbases in Scotland. These fans have saved their club not once but twice, and continue to follow their team all over the country. If you want to see - and hear them - at their best, look up videos of the fans who travelled to Selhurst Park for Julian Speroni’s testimonial.
Dundee is also one-half of one of Scotland's best derbies. Matches against Dundee United are among the most hotly anticipated matches for fans of both sides and have never been short of drama. These sides have contested cup finals, relegation deciders and title parties at each others’ expense, and the atmosphere is always a joy to behold. Maintain a strong record against United, and you’ll have the love of Dundee fans forever.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has inspired your next save. This club has known many a false dawn, and more heartbreak than any fanbase deserves; with you at the helm, can they finally bring it all together and fulfil this club’s undoubted potential?
