Photo: Disclosure/Bromley FC – Caption: Striker Michael Cheek celebrates one of his two goals in access / Play10
Last weekend was a great story in English football. This is because the modest Bromley FC, from England’s fifth division, achieved unprecedented access to League Two, corresponding to the fourth division and considered the first “step” of professional football in the country.
And the way the small club achieved the feat is one that will be remembered. Bromley gained access with the help of Nathan Owolabi, just 23 years old. He arrived to provide support as a tactical performance assistant after winning a competition involving the game “Football Manager”.
The game, developed by Sports Interactive, aims for the player to be a club coach and be in charge of numerous tasks, such as, for example, hiring policy. Thus, FM, as it is known, held a competition in partnership with Xbox (console brand) and Bromley, in which the winner would win a contract with the fifth division team. Nathan won promotion and was then able to sign with the club permanently.
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May 5, 2024
The role, according to Bromley himself, involves “following and learning from the entire coaching team, including manager Andy Woodman, to understand the intricacies of all the tactical decisions necessary to prepare a football team for success.”
Unreleased access
And not bad for a first season, as Olowabi helped the modest club gain its first access to the professional sphere in 132 years Of history. It was last Sunday (5), at the mythical Wembley Stadium, against Solihull Motors. After 2-2 in normal time, and a goalless extra time, Bromley won 4-3 on penalties and thus secured their place in League Two 2024/25.
“I’ve always been obsessed (with Football Manager). I consider it the most realistic simulator game out there. I heard about the promotion and said: “Why not give it a try?” I gave myself about a 5% chance of winning. It was surreal to receive the news that I won”, he revealed in an interview with “TNT Sports” in England.
To win the contest, Nathan needed to follow a few steps, the first of which was winning a domestic league on FM. He would then need to fill out a form and submit a one-minute video explaining why he should get a chance at Bromley. Finally, the interview with the club’s technical committee.
Thus, Nathan’s journey will have a three-part documentary and will be released in 2024.
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2024-05-06 18:06:00
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