What's a hidden gem? An unattached 16 to 18-year-old nobody else has spotted. A few appear every summer, and about a third are world class, with potential of 86 or more. Once in a generation there's one even better.

How to find one: leads arrive from fans' letters, the local paper and the sevens circuit, and more of them if you spend on marketing. Follow a lead up in the Transfers tab, or hold an open trials day in the first weeks of the season.

How to sign one: offer a scholarship to your academy before rivals hear. You usually have about four weeks.

Your link: in the game, open the Office and tap Recruit a mate. Send it to a friend.

They get: a £150k welcome sponsor when they start a brand-new club.

You get: once they have played 5 matches, an ambassador fee, a new supporters' club member and more club followers.

What grows it: wins, big results, derby wins, club events, sell-out crowds, star signings and players going viral, plus spending on marketing.

What shrinks it: losing runs, rows over ticket prices, boycotts and cut-price sponsors fans find naff. They pay more, but followers walk.

What it's worth: better sponsor offers, a busier walk-up crowd and more online shop sales.