8. Bring In Replacements Before They Are Needed
Nigel French/EMPICS SportSir Alex Ferguson pursued a strategy of early replacement at United: I did feel sentimental about great players leaving us," he wrote in his autobiography. "At the same time, my eye would always be on a player who was coming to an end. An internal voice would ask, whens he going to leave, how long will he last? Experience taught me to stockpile young players in important positions." After selling Pedro, I drafted Adama Traoré into the first-team, who quickly marked his first start with a goal and an assist, and then just two days after Montoya left, I commenced talks with Milan for the transfer of De Sciglio. At the end of my first season, I will most likely dump Victor Valdes, Alex Song, Xavi Hernadez and Carles Puyoll; Valdez has refused to sign a contract extension, Song's performances have been mediocre while Xavi and Puyol are nearing the the twilight days of their respective careers. I have eight months to find a replacement for Valdes but I have already started scouting for a potential successor to the 32-year-old. Songs replacement is already at the club (Romero) and Xavi's mantle will be passed onto the talented La Masia graduate Sergi Roberto.who boasts a passing accuracy of 92 percent - the ideal replacement. Finally, I hope I will be able to replace Puyol with Real Sociedads Inigo Martinez. Bringing in replacements before they are needed avoids a transfer period or a panic purchase after the players departure. Lyons chief Aulus claimed that his club used to rope in replacements for potential outgoing star one year or six months before the latter was sold. Football Manager addicts should do the same.