Rising from the Ashes: Reviving Football's Fallen Clubs on Football Manager 2023

Explore the challenges of reviving fallen football clubs in Football Manager 2023, featuring historic teams that have seen better days.

Here is a list of teams that were founder members of leagues but have found tough times. Getting any of these clubs back to their former glories will be a great challenge on Football Manager 2023.

When it comes to Football Manager 2023, the ultimate test of a manager's skills is not only to lead a team to success but to revive a club that has seen better days. From Oldham Athletic, the first former Premier League team to be relegated to non-League, to Racing CFF, a Ligue Un founder member now playing in National 2, these six teams have experienced a fall from grace and are in need of a leader to guide them back to their former glory. Join us as we take a closer look at these historic clubs and the challenges that await those who take on the task of restoring them to their former greatness.

Oldham Athletic - Premier League Founder Member - Currently playing in the National League

In 2022, Oldham Athletic became the first former Premier League team to be relegated to the non-League. After being relegated from the Premier League back in 1994, the club fell into a downward spiral going through a financial crisis after the financial crisis. The Latics have recently been taken over, and this could hopefully be a turning point in the club’s future. Getting out of the National League won’t be an easy task, however, as Oldham will be fighting against teams like Wrexham and Notts County.

Accrington Stanley - Football League Founder Member - Currently playing in League One

As the famous advert said, “Accrington Stanley? Who are they?” Well, they were a founding member of the Football League in 1888. In the 1960s, the club went bust and refounded. Nowadays, Stanley play in League One after getting back into the Football League in 2006. Having spent the last few seasons in the third tier, Accrington Stanley will be looking to continue their progression. Despite having one of the smaller budgets in League One, Stanley will be looking for a top-half finish or higher this season.

READ ALSO: 6 Exciting Teams to Manage on FM23

Saarbrücken - Bundesliga Founder Member - Currently playing in 3. Liga

Saarbrücken got relegated in the first season from the first season of the Bundesliga in 1963 and have never returned to the German top tier. In 2020, Saarbrücken became the first fourth-tier team to play in the semi-finals of the German Cup. Unfortunately, they lost 3-0 to Bayer Leverkusen. Can you be the manager to get Saarbrücken back to the Bundesliga and maybe to a DFB Pokal Final?

Pro Vercelli - Serie A Founder Member - Currently playing in Serie C

Pro Vercelli were renowned for being one of Italy’s most successful clubs in the early stages of Italian football when they won seven national titles. The last time that the club played in Serie A, though, was in 1935. So, despite being a founder member of Italy’s top flight, Pro Vercelli’s recent existence has been spent in the lower leagues, and they currently play in Serie C. Getting this sleeping giant back to the upper echelons of Italian football will be an interesting challenge.

READ ALSO: 4 Sugar Daddy Clubs to Manage on Football Manager 2023

Racing CFF - Ligue Un Founder Member - Currently playing in National 2

Racing Club were one of two Parisen sides which took part in the first-ever French top flight in 1930 (the other being the now-dissolved Club Français). Racing won their only top-flight title back in 1935 and have also won 5 French Cups. Last season, Racing were promoted back into the fourth tier. A long-term aim with Racing Club could be to try to become the biggest club in the French capital. Can you overtake the might of PSG?

Arenas Club de Getxo - La Liga Founder Member - Currently playing in the Segunda Federación

Arenas Club de Getxo were one of the founder members of the Spanish top flight, and they even won the Copa del Rey way back in 1919. Despite spending a few seasons in La Liga, most of Arenas’ existence has been spent in the lower leagues of Spain. The town of Getxo is located on the outskirts of Bilbao. So, if you can get the club to rise up the leagues, you’ll soon be fighting the pride of Basque football, Athletic Club.

READ ALSO: 10 Most Interesting Teams to Manage on FM23

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking on the challenge of reviving a fallen football club is no easy task, but it can be a rewarding experience for any manager. These historic clubs have seen their fair share of ups and downs, but with the right leadership and strategy, they have the potential to rise again. It will be a difficult journey, but with determination and hard work, the rewards of bringing a club back to its former glory can be truly satisfying. Whether it's fighting to get out of the lower leagues or challenging for top honours, the challenge of restoring a club to its former glory is one that is sure to test a manager's skills and determination.