The unorthodox approach of King Leonidas wasn't for everyone, but it had certainly endeared The Spartans FC to the Scottish football neutrals. Leonidas' relentless focus on players with high aggression, bravery, composure, concentration, determination, positioning, stamina, strength and work rate in a bid to build a Spartan Army had seen the club rise from League 2 to the Premiership in nine years.
The Spartan Army massively upset all the odds to record the best season in club history and reach the Championship playoffs for the first time in 2031. But the challenge now was to build on that improvement and ensure they didn't suffer a repeat of the relegation in 2029.
King Leonidas was granted iconic status at The Spartans FC as led his unfancied charges to an unlikely League 1 title at the first time of asking. That meant his Spartan army were set for their 4th campaign in the cinch Championship with everyone expecting them to fail.
The Spartans FC just about managed to stay in the cinch Championship for a 3rd campaign as King Leonidas' young side finished 8th amid a really tight relegation battle. And it seemed another tough campaign lay in waiting.
Even for a manager who thrived on succeeding when presented with challenging situations, this was a mission impossible. The inspirational attitude and unwavering Spartan ethos of manager King Leonidas had led his unfancied charges into the cinch Championship for the 2026/27 campaign.
The people of Edinburgh expected carnage, and carnage they received. King Leonidas led a wild rampage around the Scottish capital, dragging an army of Spartans FC players, staff and fans on a messy bar crawl across the city to celebrate the club's back-to-back promotions and first-ever taste of tier three football.
The intimidating figure of 6ft 8in King Leonidas burst through the front door of Ainslie Park Stadium, muttering Greek curses as he rushed towards his office. He'd just received the news that big-name signing Asamoah Gyan had agreed a move to Bosnia just days after Leonidas had allowed backup striker Cammy Russell depart for Elgin City.
With the superbly named The Spartans FC being playable for the first time in Football Manager 2024, it's time for a save that epitomises the Spartan ethos of courage, honour, loyalty, integrity, selflessness and values of equality, military fitness and austerity in Football Manager terms.
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