Bromley's Journey from National League to Premier League

Introduction

• Bromley is the lowest ranked club in English football.
• Recently promoted from National League to EFL League 2.
• Goal: Achieve promotion to the Premier League.
• Challenges: Worst team in EFL League 2, lowest budget.

Assessing the Squad

• Current formation: 5 at the back system.
• Key players (Ben Thompson and Kamal Grant) on loan, not part of future plans.
• New tactical system: 4-1-4-1 formation, more attacking.
• Need for a left midfielder as current winger (Corey Whiteley) is underperforming (58 rated, 32 years old).

Transfers and Budget Management

• Initial budget: £800,000.
• Decision: Signed Alexander Luthard (57 rated, 18 years old) for £250,000.
  • Remaining budget: £300,000.
• Considerations for new coaches vs. investing in the youth academy.
• Hired Douglas Lennox (scout) for £161,000 to find talent in various countries.

EFL League 2 Season Performance

• First match results: Defense struggled, lost 3-0.
• Overall outcome: Finished 23rd, just above relegation.
• Board's reaction: One more season allowed but requested to return to 5 at the back formation.

Second Season Strategy

• Negotiated with the board to stick with 4-1-4-1 formation.
• New budget: £2 million for player transfers.
• Hired several new coaches for improved performance, reducing budget to £1.3 million.
• Promoted players from youth academy after their success in tournaments.
• Sold older players for squad improvement, increasing budget to £3.4 million.
• Key signings: Max Leeward (66 rated center-back for £1.4 million), Ayman Azhil (from Dortmund's second team for £1 million).

League 2 Playoff Success

• Finished 7th in League 2, entered playoffs.
• Promoted to EFL League One after beating Burton Albion.
• Key players performing well: Lucas Carrillo (68 rated), Ayman Azhil (70 rated), Massimo Carbone (10 goals, 5 assists).

EFL League One Season

• New budget: £2 million.
• Recruitment focused on improving striker position - signed Sonny Cox (67 rated) for £1.2 million.
• Managed to secure back-to-back promotions to the Championship.

Championship Season Challenges

• Budget constraints: £3 million to survive in the Championship.
• Added a few free agents but faced challenges against deeper-pocketed clubs.
• Managed to finish 15th, achieving survival.

Season 6 and Hope for Promotion

• Budget increased to £6 million, still limited for Championship.
• Continued reliance on free agents for squad depth.
• Finished 5th, entered playoffs again.
• Dramatic playoff performance but ultimately fell short.

Season 7: Premier League Preparation

• Budget increased to £12 million.
• Focus on building a competitive team while relying on talented academy players.
• Key signings: Max Leeward (85 rated) from free agency, Mario Martin (82 rated) for £22 million.

Premier League Debut

• Strong start to the season with competitive performance against top teams.
• Key players: Massimo Carbone (92 rated), Lucas Carrillo (92 rated).
• Finished fourth, qualified for Champions League.

Season 8: Title Challenge

• Aim for Premier League title.
• Significant budget of £85 million.
• Key signings for depth and quality.
• Key matches against top teams showed the team's growth and competitiveness.

Conclusion: Premier League Champions

• Achieved goal of becoming Premier League winners after years of hard work.
• A remarkable transformation from the lowest ranked club to Premier League champions.
• Highlighted importance of academy players and strategic signings over the seasons.