What to do with 21 year olds

[MrMoose]

What are some of examples of these "clones"? I've tried searching for players with matching ratings and wages but had no success.

I think it’s more matching skill levels than exact numbers.
If everyone has a similar approach to minimum fielding, power, endo and the game prevents primaries and tech being drastically apart, it’s somewhat inevitable that fully developed players all look similar.

[boscorp]

u25 comp i think is a valid solution, something we spoke about 5yrs ago tbh

And why is potential off the table??

U25 comp for clubs or Nat sides? If its for clubs that would mean an increase in squad sizes and changes to the economy which I'm not keen on.
Is there a way to limit the divisions to create more space for them to play? Have an age limit or ratings limit that determines what division a player is qualified to play in? Exclude National players from div4?
I think that if someone is wanting to recruit, train and develop a full squad that a part of the management is to find a way to blend in new and younger players as the side matures whilst remaining competitive.

[boscorp]

What are some of examples of these "clones"? I've tried searching for players with matching ratings and wages but had no success.

I think it’s more matching skill levels than exact numbers.
If everyone has a similar approach to minimum fielding, power, endo and the game prevents primaries and tech being drastically apart, it’s somewhat inevitable that fully developed players all look similar.

I understand that can happen and they may look similar but they are still quite different in the way of sub levels. How big is the problem? Don't we need a lot of similarly skilled players to fill the divisions for all the countries that we have? My understanding is some countries still have a problem selecting a National squad of fully developed players for some roles.

[MrMoose]

I think some people feel there is an issue with the process (more so than the outcome). My understanding of the complaint (I don’t really personally have a view on it) is that there is too much restriction on training and consequently no real substantial training choices. There’s a few subtle things (one less fielding level, one more power level etc) but the game doesn’t currently reward Arms McGee that has outstanding power but can’t bowl a ball on the pitch twice in a row (power + bowl + low tech, etc.)

[boscorp]

I think some people feel there is an issue with the process (more so than the outcome). My understanding of the complaint (I don’t really personally have a view on it) is that there is too much restriction on training and consequently no real substantial training choices. There’s a few subtle things (one less fielding level, one more power level etc) but the game doesn’t currently reward Arms McGee that has outstanding power but can’t bowl a ball on the pitch twice in a row (power + bowl + low tech, etc.)

I don't think people have experimented enough with the "subtle differences" to be honest. I've had reasonable success in club games in Div1 & 2 using spectacular primaries with wc/ elite power and exc/wc endurance. They were competitive enough against their peers with higher primaries and tech.
Some youth managers are now starting to discuss the benefits of training power at 19/20 for 1 or 2 pops and they do seem to perform better in youth matches.

[GM-crowfan65]

I don't think people have experimented enough with the "subtle differences" to be honest. I've had reasonable success in club games in Div1 & 2 using spectacular primaries with wc/ elite power and exc/wc endurance. They were competitive enough against their peers with higher primaries and tech.
Some youth managers are now starting to discuss the benefits of training power at 19/20 for 1 or 2 pops and they do seem to perform better in youth matches.

I have been doing this for 20 seasons at least

[GA-James018]

I don't think people have experimented enough with the "subtle differences" to be honest. I've had reasonable success in club games in Div1 & 2 using spectacular primaries with wc/ elite power and exc/wc endurance. They were competitive enough against their peers with higher primaries and tech.
Some youth managers are now starting to discuss the benefits of training power at 19/20 for 1 or 2 pops and they do seem to perform better in youth matches.

I agree people could probably experiment more, but it's hard to fault them when, design-wise, everything in FTP encourages people to train their players similarly. From the exponential wage increase with skill, to the slowdown in training at higher levels, to the ME penalties for having too high a gap between primary and secondary skills. Unless you're very adventurous, the simple option of keeping all skills around the same level is the default option.

[Mike778]

u25 comp i think is a valid solution, something we spoke about 5yrs ago tbh

And why is potential off the table??

Re Potential. I just assumed that because it is divisive and thr amount of work it would take, it wouldnt be realistic to implement. If it was an option then for me its definitely the way I would go.

A u25 option just seems to me to be a fudge. I guess it would fill the gap and be an improvement but not satisfactorily. The reality is to win it would need as many 24 year olds as possible.

I dont think that makes the best game. Fill your team with 20 year olda to win dev, 24 year olds to win u25, 29 year olds to win senior.

[MrMoose]

I agree Boscorp that there could be more creativity. I think in the current models the risk of that outweighs the reward (or the perceived reward at least).

[boscorp]

I agree Boscorp that there could be more creativity. I think in the current models the risk of that outweighs the reward (or the perceived reward at least).

I reckon there is room in the training to develop a better standard youth than the ones that are currently popular to produce but they would not be of a good enough standard later on when they are older. And we pretty much rely on our best youth becoming our best seniors.
I don't think that should be a problem but i can see how it is for some.

[RonnieG]

Quotas

At least 4 U23s must play each game.

Simple as that?

[MrMoose]

Not sure I like quotas because it penalises particular management styles.

Like if I decide to have a squad of 30 YOs why should I be forced to have 4 u23 just so a development focused manager can be more competitive?

[boscorp]

Quotas

At least 4 U23s must play each game.

Simple as that?

Utterly ridiculous idea was my first thought. But after a few hrs of it being stuck in my mind I can envisage something like that being viable for div4. Div4 has over half of the total player base so it might be useful.
I'd be totally against a cap like that in the higher divs though.

[GM-crowfan65]

I think more the other way to be honest, if we went 24 and under say, then allow 4 overage players

[boscorp]

I think more the other way to be honest, if we went 24 and under say, then allow 4 overage players

If it was for div4 only maybe yes.