Friday November 4 is a big day for many football fans.

The latest edition of one of the greatest football games in the world, Football Manager 2017, hits the shelves across the UK.

With new and exciting features, FM 2017 promises to be the best yet, and numerous fans up and down the country will already be thinking about how they can take their side to the next level.

Whether you’re a Tottenham or Liverpool fan looking to finally win the title, or an Aston Villa supporter hoping to win promotion back to the Premier League, your side has their own individual goals and expectations for you to try and exceed.

Whether it means promoting youngsters into the first team, or breaking your transfer record on that big-name player, fans will believe that they know what it best for their club in their bid to take them to glory.

However, there will some that want to challenge themselves on the game to prove that they are a top-quality boss.

And, for Southampton fans who have seen some of their best players (and indeed managers) move on in recent seasons, the challenge is a great one.

Nevertheless, here are THREE challenges Southampton fans should attempt on Football Manager…

Win the Europa League

The Saints have never won a European competition, and haven’t even been in one since the 2003/04 season.

However, their sixth-place finish in the top-flight last time around means that you will start in the Europa League when you take over at St Mary’s.

And we reckon that it’s a title you should try and win.

English clubs have been criticised for not taking the competition seriously in recent years, but for Southampton it represents a chance to make a name for themselves on the European stage.

You should win the competition in your first season on the South Coast – remember, Europa League winners qualify for the Champions League as well (as if you needed any extra incentive!).

Get into the top four

Eighth, seventh, sixth – they are Southampton’s last three finishing positions in the Premier League, and your job is to continue that natural progression.

Once again, the Saints look like they have a squad capable of a top-half finish in the Premier League this season and, with maybe a few more additions, there’s no reason why you can’t take the Saints to the next level: Champions League qualification.

The steady improvement in recent years, despite selling their best players and seeing their managers move on, is testament to the structure of the South Coast club, and the people behind the scenes.

Your job is to continue this incredible work so that, within three years, you have finished in the top four of the Premier League, thus qualifying for the Champions League.

Developing the young players

Southampton’s willingness to give young players an opportunity is a breath of fresh air in a game beginning to be dominated by money and foreign investment.

And this a tradition you are going to uphold when you take over at St Mary’s.

Although you may keep the current squad, you cannot sign anyone over the age of 23, and must promote those from the academy to fight alongside James Ward-Prowse and co for domestic honours and to maintain your position in the Premier League.

An FA Cup and League Cup title within five years is the requirement, as well as three top eight league finishes.