Ponta de Lança
@pontadelanca10.bsky.social
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Ponta de Lança | Substack
Football Manager tactics, squad management, and youth development content. Click to read Ponta de Lança, a Substack publication. Launched 3 days ago.
pontadelancafm.substack.com
Excited to announce the new home of my tactics, squad management, and youth development content - Ponta de Lança Substack.
Please like, share, and subscribe ready for my first post - Building a Hale End Dynasty - next week.
Thank you for the support 🙏
pontadelancafm.substack.com
Please like, share, and subscribe ready for my first post - Building a Hale End Dynasty - next week.
Thank you for the support 🙏
pontadelancafm.substack.com
First thoughts on FM26, out on Tuesday.
Sadly, difficult to write.
I am temporarily pausing all paid subscriptions until I find inspiration to return to my writing schedule.
Heartfelt thank you to those who have supported Ponta de Lança so far, and I hope to be back soon ♥️
Sadly, difficult to write.
I am temporarily pausing all paid subscriptions until I find inspiration to return to my writing schedule.
Heartfelt thank you to those who have supported Ponta de Lança so far, and I hope to be back soon ♥️
November 9, 2025 at 12:53 PM
First thoughts on FM26, out on Tuesday.
Sadly, difficult to write.
I am temporarily pausing all paid subscriptions until I find inspiration to return to my writing schedule.
Heartfelt thank you to those who have supported Ponta de Lança so far, and I hope to be back soon ♥️
Sadly, difficult to write.
I am temporarily pausing all paid subscriptions until I find inspiration to return to my writing schedule.
Heartfelt thank you to those who have supported Ponta de Lança so far, and I hope to be back soon ♥️
Travelling with work for the last week, so haven't had much chance to play/post.
Grab a coffee, relax, and enjoy the story of Bukayo Saka - my G.O.A.T. in Football Manager 2024 - from 💫 Star Boy to Superstar!
Grab a coffee, relax, and enjoy the story of Bukayo Saka - my G.O.A.T. in Football Manager 2024 - from 💫 Star Boy to Superstar!
November 2, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Travelling with work for the last week, so haven't had much chance to play/post.
Grab a coffee, relax, and enjoy the story of Bukayo Saka - my G.O.A.T. in Football Manager 2024 - from 💫 Star Boy to Superstar!
Grab a coffee, relax, and enjoy the story of Bukayo Saka - my G.O.A.T. in Football Manager 2024 - from 💫 Star Boy to Superstar!
Far and away the most iconic team in Premier League history, Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal dazzled with pace, power, elegance, and artistry, completing an unprecedented unbeaten season known simply as 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔.
October 21, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Far and away the most iconic team in Premier League history, Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal dazzled with pace, power, elegance, and artistry, completing an unprecedented unbeaten season known simply as 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔.
Fun morning writing about the most iconic team in Premier League history 🥳
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔 in Football Manager 2024 will be in your inbox 10am on Tuesday morning ☕️
Enjoy!
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔 in Football Manager 2024 will be in your inbox 10am on Tuesday morning ☕️
Enjoy!
October 19, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Fun morning writing about the most iconic team in Premier League history 🥳
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔 in Football Manager 2024 will be in your inbox 10am on Tuesday morning ☕️
Enjoy!
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒔 in Football Manager 2024 will be in your inbox 10am on Tuesday morning ☕️
Enjoy!
You rejoin me in 2037, calmly navigating a period of transition from one great team to the next. Declan Rice retired last summer, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Jurriën Timber have entered the ‘last dance’ era of their careers, and a new generation is emerging..
October 14, 2025 at 9:26 AM
You rejoin me in 2037, calmly navigating a period of transition from one great team to the next. Declan Rice retired last summer, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Jurriën Timber have entered the ‘last dance’ era of their careers, and a new generation is emerging..
Seamlessly replacing club legends enables sustained long-term success and builds great teams into dynasties that transcend individual teams or players - no matter how iconic - to rewrite football history.
Enjoy ☕️
Enjoy ☕️
October 7, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Seamlessly replacing club legends enables sustained long-term success and builds great teams into dynasties that transcend individual teams or players - no matter how iconic - to rewrite football history.
Enjoy ☕️
Enjoy ☕️
Palmeiras’ legendary 1996 team, famed for the ‘ataque do 100 gols’ - the ‘attack of 100 goals’ - encapsulated the artistry, joy, and soul of Brazilian football, characterized by positional fluidity, intricate combinations, dribbling, one-twos, diagonals, and asymmetries.
September 23, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Palmeiras’ legendary 1996 team, famed for the ‘ataque do 100 gols’ - the ‘attack of 100 goals’ - encapsulated the artistry, joy, and soul of Brazilian football, characterized by positional fluidity, intricate combinations, dribbling, one-twos, diagonals, and asymmetries.
Inspired by the legendary AC Milan Lab of the early 2000s, the Hale End Lab initiative manages game-time, optimises training, and adapts tactics to maximise player longevity, extending elite-level performance far beyond typical prime years, turning star players into all-time greats.
September 16, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Inspired by the legendary AC Milan Lab of the early 2000s, the Hale End Lab initiative manages game-time, optimises training, and adapts tactics to maximise player longevity, extending elite-level performance far beyond typical prime years, turning star players into all-time greats.
A little distracted by the football over the weekend, so just finishing up this week's post: Introducting Hale End Lab (inspired by Milan Lab of early 2000s) exploring player longevity in Football Manager 2024.
In your inbox tomorrow morning! ☕️
In your inbox tomorrow morning! ☕️
September 15, 2025 at 2:43 PM
A little distracted by the football over the weekend, so just finishing up this week's post: Introducting Hale End Lab (inspired by Milan Lab of early 2000s) exploring player longevity in Football Manager 2024.
In your inbox tomorrow morning! ☕️
In your inbox tomorrow morning! ☕️
Few milestones capture the scale of football club growth quite like building a brand new stadium; a 110,000+ seater emblem of sustained success and ambition for the future.
New post outlining the planning & financial impact of building Hale End Stadium.
New post outlining the planning & financial impact of building Hale End Stadium.
September 10, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Few milestones capture the scale of football club growth quite like building a brand new stadium; a 110,000+ seater emblem of sustained success and ambition for the future.
New post outlining the planning & financial impact of building Hale End Stadium.
New post outlining the planning & financial impact of building Hale End Stadium.
Ponta de Lança - ‘point of the lance’ or ‘spearhead’ - describes the iconic and enigmatic Brazilian ‘number 10’ graced by legends such as Pelé, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar; goalscorers, playmakers, and artists.
👇 including download link for paid subscribers.
👇 including download link for paid subscribers.
September 2, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Ponta de Lança - ‘point of the lance’ or ‘spearhead’ - describes the iconic and enigmatic Brazilian ‘number 10’ graced by legends such as Pelé, Zico, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar; goalscorers, playmakers, and artists.
👇 including download link for paid subscribers.
👇 including download link for paid subscribers.
Exploring tactical evolution underpinning a glorious decade developing the Hale End ‘golden generation’ - Saka, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri & Dowman - into global superstars, evolving the playing style with modern football trends & adapting the system as players develop.
Out now ☕️
Out now ☕️
August 26, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Exploring tactical evolution underpinning a glorious decade developing the Hale End ‘golden generation’ - Saka, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri & Dowman - into global superstars, evolving the playing style with modern football trends & adapting the system as players develop.
Out now ☕️
Out now ☕️
The Deep-Lying Playmaker is one of the most influential yet understated roles in football; a midfield architect orchestrating play from deep, dictating tempo, and controlling the rhythm of the game with calmness, composure, elegance, and finesse.
Enjoy ☕️
Enjoy ☕️
August 19, 2025 at 9:48 AM
The Deep-Lying Playmaker is one of the most influential yet understated roles in football; a midfield architect orchestrating play from deep, dictating tempo, and controlling the rhythm of the game with calmness, composure, elegance, and finesse.
Enjoy ☕️
Enjoy ☕️
Spent the morning writing about my (𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑) favourite tactical role in Football Manager 2024 - including a tribute to Tiago Dantas (my GOAT) - covering what makes the role so effective and how to use it in your own tactical systems..
August 16, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Spent the morning writing about my (𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑) favourite tactical role in Football Manager 2024 - including a tribute to Tiago Dantas (my GOAT) - covering what makes the role so effective and how to use it in your own tactical systems..
New post exploring the concept of intra-system rotations within the functionality of the Football Manager tactics creator, creating a dynamic and fluid style of football within a 2-3-5 attacking shape.
Out now ☕️
Out now ☕️
August 12, 2025 at 9:54 AM
New post exploring the concept of intra-system rotations within the functionality of the Football Manager tactics creator, creating a dynamic and fluid style of football within a 2-3-5 attacking shape.
Out now ☕️
Out now ☕️
New post exploring the concept of intra-system rotations within the functionality of the Football Manager tactics creator, creating a dynamic and fluid style of football within a 2-3-5 attacking shape.
Out 10am GMT, tomorrow morning ☕️
Out 10am GMT, tomorrow morning ☕️
August 11, 2025 at 4:09 PM
New post exploring the concept of intra-system rotations within the functionality of the Football Manager tactics creator, creating a dynamic and fluid style of football within a 2-3-5 attacking shape.
Out 10am GMT, tomorrow morning ☕️
Out 10am GMT, tomorrow morning ☕️
If you’re feeling inspired by the excitement of the approaching new season and want to start a new save, enjoy my 10 tips to help you improve at Football Manager 2024, gradually developing your own tactical identity.
August 10, 2025 at 9:15 AM
If you’re feeling inspired by the excitement of the approaching new season and want to start a new save, enjoy my 10 tips to help you improve at Football Manager 2024, gradually developing your own tactical identity.
My favourite save of Football Manager 2024 ♥️ Building a Hale End dynasty; dominating European football for a decade with Myles, Ethan, and Max, alongside Bukayo Saka..
August 9, 2025 at 12:39 PM
My favourite save of Football Manager 2024 ♥️ Building a Hale End dynasty; dominating European football for a decade with Myles, Ethan, and Max, alongside Bukayo Saka..
Interested in building your own tactics in Football Manager 2024 but not sure where to start?
Baseline tactic templates provide a simple, balanced foundation using various formations for readers to evolve & adapt to their teams, gradually developing your own tactical identity.
Baseline tactic templates provide a simple, balanced foundation using various formations for readers to evolve & adapt to their teams, gradually developing your own tactical identity.
August 8, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Interested in building your own tactics in Football Manager 2024 but not sure where to start?
Baseline tactic templates provide a simple, balanced foundation using various formations for readers to evolve & adapt to their teams, gradually developing your own tactical identity.
Baseline tactic templates provide a simple, balanced foundation using various formations for readers to evolve & adapt to their teams, gradually developing your own tactical identity.
Explore Lionel Scaloni's Argentina side, breaking the tactical homogeneity of modern football, platforming Messi, and conquering world football with a flexible, adaptive player-driven tactical setup.
August 7, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Explore Lionel Scaloni's Argentina side, breaking the tactical homogeneity of modern football, platforming Messi, and conquering world football with a flexible, adaptive player-driven tactical setup.
Three-part series exploring the greatest teams of the Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United dynasty, out now.
Starting with the Cantona-era, moving through the Class of '92, and finishing with Cristiano Ronaldo; exploring tactical evolution as well as the foundations of success.
Starting with the Cantona-era, moving through the Class of '92, and finishing with Cristiano Ronaldo; exploring tactical evolution as well as the foundations of success.
August 6, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Three-part series exploring the greatest teams of the Sir Alex Ferguson Manchester United dynasty, out now.
Starting with the Cantona-era, moving through the Class of '92, and finishing with Cristiano Ronaldo; exploring tactical evolution as well as the foundations of success.
Starting with the Cantona-era, moving through the Class of '92, and finishing with Cristiano Ronaldo; exploring tactical evolution as well as the foundations of success.
Final post on Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United dynasty, covering the great Cristiano Ronaldo team of 2008 out now..
Not at all easy to write as an Arsenal fan, so I hope you enjoy! ☕️
Not at all easy to write as an Arsenal fan, so I hope you enjoy! ☕️
August 5, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Final post on Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United dynasty, covering the great Cristiano Ronaldo team of 2008 out now..
Not at all easy to write as an Arsenal fan, so I hope you enjoy! ☕️
Not at all easy to write as an Arsenal fan, so I hope you enjoy! ☕️
Writing about Football Manager can bring your save to life, crystallise your thought process, create a community, and improve you as a player.
Reflections on 3 months of Football Manager substack for those thinking of returning to long-form writing ✍️
Out now. Enjoy! ☕
Reflections on 3 months of Football Manager substack for those thinking of returning to long-form writing ✍️
Out now. Enjoy! ☕
July 29, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Writing about Football Manager can bring your save to life, crystallise your thought process, create a community, and improve you as a player.
Reflections on 3 months of Football Manager substack for those thinking of returning to long-form writing ✍️
Out now. Enjoy! ☕
Reflections on 3 months of Football Manager substack for those thinking of returning to long-form writing ✍️
Out now. Enjoy! ☕
"My aim was to build the club again rather than to build the team. I was confident that if we did the first part properly, and people were patient, we’d eventually be able to have the best team."
- Sir Alex Ferguson
New post on Sir Alex Ferguson & the Class of ‘92 ♥️
- Sir Alex Ferguson
New post on Sir Alex Ferguson & the Class of ‘92 ♥️
July 22, 2025 at 2:04 PM
"My aim was to build the club again rather than to build the team. I was confident that if we did the first part properly, and people were patient, we’d eventually be able to have the best team."
- Sir Alex Ferguson
New post on Sir Alex Ferguson & the Class of ‘92 ♥️
- Sir Alex Ferguson
New post on Sir Alex Ferguson & the Class of ‘92 ♥️
"My aim was to build the club again rather than to build the team. I was confident that if we did the first part properly, and people were patient, we’d eventually be able to have the best team."
- Sir Alex Ferguson
⏳ Part 2 next week..
- Sir Alex Ferguson
⏳ Part 2 next week..
July 17, 2025 at 3:28 PM
"My aim was to build the club again rather than to build the team. I was confident that if we did the first part properly, and people were patient, we’d eventually be able to have the best team."
- Sir Alex Ferguson
⏳ Part 2 next week..
- Sir Alex Ferguson
⏳ Part 2 next week..