Jurassic Volkspark – Introduction.
Rebuilding a Dinosaur. Restoring a Legacy.
Introduction
There’s a rusted sign on the gates of the Volksparkstadion.
It doesn’t say “Here lies a European champion.”
It might as well.
Once the colossus of German football — the only club to have never been relegated, until they were — Hamburger SV now finds itself trapped in a kind of Zweite purgatory, cursed to circle the top two without ever breaking through. A team with Champions League pedigree, domestic dominance in its DNA, and a stadium that still echoes with old glory.
This isn’t a save about building history.
It’s about reclaiming it.
The Premise
This is a one-club save with Hamburger SV in Football Manager 2024, focused on a long-term revival built on patience, planning, and a deep respect for the club’s storied past. The mission:
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Return to the Bundesliga
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Reestablish domestic competitiveness
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Resurrect European nights in the Volksparkstadion
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Rebuild HSV’s identity on and off the pitch, the right way
No shortcuts. No sugar daddies. No Football Manager fantasy. Just structure, systems, and faith in football logic — a commitment to doing things properly, sustainably, and with purpose.
Save Setup
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Database: FM24 with significant realism enhancements (23/24 Season)
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Editor Tweaks:
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Daveincid’s Increased Realism Megapack
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Leagues from higher reputation nations not included by default (e.g. Colombia, Egypt)
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Custom database update with hundreds of realistic tweaks to player positions, CA/PA, and more
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Leagues Loaded: All leagues above 90 reputation
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Approach: Real-world authenticity > arcade gameplay
Tactical Philosophy
Balanced automation with player-led execution
Think Louis van Gaal’s Ajax structure with the vertical incision of a less chaotic Nagelsmann side.
A team that’s compact without being passive, expressive without being naïve. Where shape serves the individual, not the other way around.
What to expect
Tactical Insight
Expect detailed matchday breakdowns with a focus on shape, structure, and decision-making — not just results, but how we arrive at them.
Realistic Narrative
This is a story rooted in plausible footballing decisions. No fantasy signings, no shortcuts — just grounded progression and club-building.
Squad Evolution
Players will rise and fall based on form, training, and development logic. Arcs will be earned, not scripted.
Clean Visuals
Screenshots will be purposeful, informative, and always football-first — no bloated graphics, no memes.
No Spoilers, No Shortcuts
No revealing CA/PA numbers. No save-scumming. No 200-goal seasons with wonderkids you’ve never heard of. Just the game, played straight.
Prefer forums? You can also follow the journey over on the official Sports Interactive forums. That’s where every update is posted first, often with extra context, reader comments, and the most up-to-date version of the save’s progress. It’s a great alternative if you want to stay one step ahead — or just prefer a more classic, community-driven experience.
Next up…The Club, The Coach, The Core
Before tactics are drawn on whiteboards or boots touch turf, we look inward — to the club itself. A city-sized institution in a second-tier body. A board unsure whether to dream or settle. Fans torn between romanticism and resignation.