MDK Interview

 goalunited LEGENDS - Manager Interviews

 Interview with Steve from MDK

How did you discover the game?

I have always loved football and other strategy and management games so found GU by accident in 2011.  MDK was my second team and has been my main focus for the last 5 years..

Which real team do you support?

Leeds United, born and bred in Dewsbury, Yorkshire.  Glad to be back in the Prem after the 16 years of turbulence.  Loving the Bielsa factor and how it has not just changed the club, but the community and city too.

Game feature you would introduce?

Like Bekki, I think the ability to change your formation and use substitutes at half time would allow us all to get rid of the half time cards (which is what I assume GU put in place to replicate this but in an easier to achieve software solution.

General thoughts on the game and how long you see yourselves playing the game?

I enjoy the gameplay but not the card collecting.  The transfer fee should be paid to the seller not just what GU offer you!!  It has its faults, but I can still see myself playing this a few seasons more.

Proudest Moment so far in your Goal United career?

Surviving 25 seasons in the top-flight – 21 in the top 3 and winning 7 titles and 6 cups.  The first was my proudest as MDK had finished 2nd to “Sepps Brown Envelope” 7 seasons on the trot before finally toppling a previous great champion.

Team you have most trouble playing? 

Whipton are a long-term bogey-team for MDK but every season a team comes up who MDK  always seem to struggle with for a season or two.  Last season was Totton and this season Manchester Blue.

Do you have any targets for the future?

The full rebuild MDK have undertaken has taken longer and our desire to play without loan players makes it harder.  However, several new teams have emerged (Swans, Sesh-Heads, PG Girls, Tamerton and have become title winners or very close to it.   Even those being demoted are getting stronger.  If MDK manage to survive this season, I hope we can challenge once again for the title.

Most Disappointing Moment? 

Will be dropping down to Div 2 after such a long time at the top.

If you had to offer one piece of advice to a new player starting today, what would it be?

I would echo Bekki in saying don’t just expect what got you to the top, to work at the top – it doesn’t.  Buying strong oldies to climb the lower divisions requires making lots of money and having a good sponsor but is not sustainable in the top flight.  I started MDK to do it right – so in their first season I developed a strong youth academy.  Even without Gold/Top Youth cards it is possible to get a youth player to 6.0 STR by age 21 and 8.0 by age 24.   Those players got to 9.6-9.8 before I sold them.  They need to have their 2nd and 3rd positions trained to at least 80 before they reach Exp 80.  So don’t over-play them too early.

Biggest Influences during your time playing Goal United?

In the beginning, most managers were already established in the top divisions and wanted to stay dominant, so climbing the leagues (9 back then) was pretty much learn as you go on – but I did learn a couple of tips from the Germans about training.  Along the way I’ve hopefully helped quite a few managers who have reached out and have always encouraged successful managers to have respect for those below them as without the many teams below, this game would fold.  It’s good to see newer successful managers sharing their knowledge too.