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_______ _______________________ -\ ¬|===/ _____________ ¬\==- | | / /\ _____| ¬| \ \ -=| |==\/ \__ ¬ |=/ /=- ___ \/ |/ / ___________________/|_____ /===- -=-=-=-=-\/=-PRESENTS-=-\______/ CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER 1993 PLAYERS HANDBOOK 100% DOCUMENTS ORIGINAL SUPPLIED BY SUCRAM TYPED BY CYGNUS DATE 01/07/93 LOADING AND SAVING Insert disk 1 into the internal drive, the game will then autoboot. If you have an external drive you can insert disk 2 into it. When you have finished playing ALWAYS save your game and exit using the `Quit` option. PRINTER OPTION If you have a printer connected click on "Printer On", if not click on "Printer Off" It is possible to print out most screens by pressing `P` on the screen you wish to print out. NEW GAME, CONTINUE SEASON OR QUICK START NEW GAME If you want to start a new game click on this icon. If you`d like to play using real player names and data, click onto `1993 Players`. If you want to manage using computer-generated players names and data, click onto `Generate Players`. It is possible to play using a maximum of 4 players. Select the number of players that wish to participate and then select the teams that you want to manage and input your names and select your personalities (be honest). The computer takes approximately 30 minutes to generate your game data. QUICK START If you have read the `New Game` information and are eager to play without a 30 minute wait, this is the option for you. It will allow you to play previously generated game (with real players names and data), with a club that has already been chosen. If you do not want to manage this club, it is possible once in the game to resign and add yourself in as a new player with the club of your choice. (See Manager/Jobs and Board/Resign.) CONTINUE SEASON If you wish to load a previously saved game select this option, and your game will load. THE MAIN MENU The following options are available from the main menu screen. (i) Continue Season Proceeds to the next set of fixtures. (ii) View Tables A variety of club/player tables to look at. Notes:- In the case of the league division tables click on [-DIV] or [+DIV] to change division. When viewing the manager rankings table, click on [-SCR] or [+SCR] to display a different portion of the table. When viewing the group tables, click on [-GRP] or [+GRP] to show other tables. Click on PRT from the league table to print out the league table currently displayed. Click on a players name to reveal his factfile (See "The Player Factfile"). Click on a team name to call up the squad details screen (see"Squad Details"). (iii) Fixture Info. Gives information about past results and forthcoming fixtures and allows you to view past winners of all competitions. You can also see which teams have been seeded in Europe. (iv) Club Details Allows access to any of the 80 club`s squad detail screens (see"Squad Details"). (v) Arrange Friendly Click on "Arrange Friendly" icon from Main Menu. Highlight which week you`d like to arrange a match for by clicking on the week number. Click on "Select Opponents" and then select the team you wish to play (Teams of the same division are less likely to accept your offer.) They will then inform you whether or not they accept. You must the choose a venue. If you wish to change the venue, click on "Select Venue" and rearrange it. You can cancel a fixture by clicking on "Cancel Fixture". Your opponents details can also be viewed here by clicking on "Opponents Details". (vi) Match Reports Check out the match statistics for recent matches in each competition (see "The Match".) (vii) Find Player Gives facility to help find a player to buy, (see "Transfers".) (viii) Board/Resign Find out the board`s level of confidence in you, and resign if you cannot take the pressure. (ix) Manager Jobs Allows you to add another player to the game, and to see which managers are facing the axe. You can also see which management jobs are currently available and view your management history. (x) National Squads Displays the latest English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish and Northern Ireland senior and under-21 squads. (xi) Change Picture Choose a new background picture or change the colour and brightness of the present one. (xii) Save Game Saves the current state of play to disk. SQUAD DETAILS SCREEN The squad details screen and the options available from it give detailed information about each club - ranging from ten year history to its current playing staff. (i) The Squad List The following abbreviations can appear to the far left and right of each player name:- [IJ] Currently injured [SU] Currently suspended [U] Unhappy [L] Transfer listed by club or available for loan [R] Transfer listed by request [C] Out of contract [1-GK] Picked for matchday squad To the immediate right of each name are letters indicating the player`s position(s): [G] Goalkeeper [D] Can play in defence [M] Can play in midfield [A] Can play in attack [R] Can play on right [L] Can play on left [C] Can play in centre Clicking on a players name will call up his factfile screen (see "The Factfile".) Players names indicated in cyan indicate players who were promoted to the squad at the start of the season from the youth team. (ii) Options The following options are available:- [TRNS] Displays a list of recently bought/sold or loaned players for the current season. [STAFF] Details of your backroom staff and also gives the facility to dismiss someone (see "Backroom Staff".) [LEAG] A chart showing the club`s league position after each league game played. [FIXL] Displays the clubs fixture list. The next fixture to be played is highlighted in green. Clicking on a past opponent`s name will call up the match stats screen for the game (see "Match Statistics".) [ACCS] A run-down of the club`s income and expenditure over the last week. Computer-controlled clubs are unlikely to allow you access to this confidential information. [RSRV] Displays Reserve Team and allows selection (See "Teams and Tactics".) [INFO] Leads to a general information screen. From here you can click on the next three sub headings :- [PRINT] To print out your squad and the current seasons transfers and results. [HIST] To display the club`s achievements over the last ten years. [RECS] To display club records (e.g. clubs biggest win.) [AVR] A table showing the seasons average match ratings for each player. [DSP] A table showing the seasons disciplinary points accumulated by each player. [GLS] Goals scored by each player this season. [MOM] A table showing your players `Man of the Match` awards. [PEN] Allows you to select your penalty takers, click on players name and then move up until he is in position. (iii) Additional Options If the club is computer controlled, one more option is available:- [TEAM] Displays computer team, its tactics and style of football. For human controlled clubs there are a number of other options:- [PRV] Calls up last match stats. screen (See "Match Statistics".) [TCT] Calls up the tactics editor (see "Teams & Tactics".) [OPP] If you are about to play a match, this option will call up your opponent`s squad screen from which you can view their team etc. [DEFS] Displays a table showing the players in the squad who can play in defence, together with their strengths and weaknesses, and current season`s average match ratings. [MIDS] As above but for the midfielders. [ATTS] As above but for the attackers. [O2] [CLR] etc These icons are associated with team selection and are described [SWP] under "Teams and Tactics". For clubs without a manager [APPL] Allows you to apply for the manager`s job and/or see who else is being considered for the job. TEAMS AND TACTICS Immediately before the match, the squad details screen is displayed allowing you to select/adjust your team, its tactics and style of play. The screen can also be called up from the main menu (see "The Main Menu.) 1. Team Selection To select a player:- (i) Click on the shirt number (ii) Click on the name of the player who is to wear that shirt To swap two player`s shirts (i) Click on the first shirt number (ii) Click on [SWP] (iii) Click on the second shirt number To select a reserve player (i) Click on [RSRV] (ii) Click on the shirt number (iii) Click on the name of the player who is to wear the shirt 2. Tactics/Style Of Play Click on [TCT] from the squad details screen to display the tactics editor screen. The diagrams assumes play goes from bottom to top right (e.g. leftback is positioned at the bottom left.) To allocate a shirt to a position (i) Click on the shirt number (ii) Click on the position icons (e.g. for right-back click on [DEF] and on [RIGHT] Note: You cannot have more than a certain number of shirts allocated to a given position. If you try to allocate a shirt to a position you will not be able to exit this screen. To avoid this, use the [SWAP WITH] facility to swap positions around to achieve the desired formation. To swap the position of two shirts (i) Click on the first shirt number (ii) Click on the [SWAP WITH] (iii) Click on the second shirt number. To select the captain (i) Click on the shirt number of the player who is to be captain. (ii) Click on [CAPT] To use predefined tactics: There are a number of predefined tactics available. (i) Click on [NEW FORMATION] (ii) Choose the new tactics from the sub-menu which appears. To change style of play (i) Click on [STYLE] STYLES OF PLAY The manager`s choice of style of play is a key part of the team he is trying to build. Different styles of play test different attributes, e.g. a striker playing under a long ball style needs good heading ability: playing a small striker in such a team will not fulfil his potential. There are some skills that are needed regardless of the style of play: Defenders and Midfielders need to tackle well, and a certain level of passing ability is needed by all members of the team. Heading is always important for central defender sweepers, and some degree of flair and creativity is required by any wide men. The Anchor Man The anchor man effectively carries out a sweeper`s role, but in front of the defence. He helps take pressure off the defence and also provides a vital link between defence and midfield. The anchor man needs all of the qualities of a sweeper but passing is more important as he will often instigate attacks from the back. The Support Man As his name suggests, the support man assists the attack by providing them with through balls. He should be creative, as part of his job is to create chances for the front men. Since he also helps out in midfield, some midfield-type qualities are useful (tackling, passing, etc.) Long Ball Style Passing abilities are important for teams playing the long ball style. Defenders aim for areas of the pitch rather than individual players, e.g. the penalty area or flanks. The front men then need the ability to win these high balls, or the pace to run onto them. This style of football has received a great deal of criticism because it is not appealing to watch , but no-one can deny its effectiveness within the English game. Examples in today`s game are Sheffield United & Wimbledon. Direct Ball Style This differs from the long ball style in that the ball is played long but more accurately to players. Often there is a target man who is constantly aimed for. passing is more important throughout the team, this is essentially a more refined version of the long ball style. Example in today`s game : Leeds United. Ground Passing Style This style involves the ball being played to feet with clever 1,2`s and flicks used to create openings. Players therefore need technical ability (e.g. flair, creativity and passing) especially midfielders and attackers. Example in today`s game : Norwich. Counter Attack Style Playing `on the break` relies on the speed and quick thinking of players to convert a defensive situation into an attacking one. Pace is therefore vital throughout the team as all players will try to get forward to support the cause. Since the counter-attack relies on quick, accurate passes, passing and creativity are important, if the attack is to be incisive. Example in today`s game : Nottingham Forest. Continental Method This method involves patiently building an attack and waiting for the right moment to strike the killer blow. All players are likely to get forward at some point (with the exception of the sweeper) so flair and creativity are a must for the whole team. This is the most skilful and enjoyable-to-watch type of football. Examples in today`s game are Manchester United & AC Milan It is the managers job to bring out the best in his players. Playing Peter Beardsley as a target for high balls will not bring out the best in him. (ii) Choose the new style from the sub-menu which appears. To Push A Player Forward (i) Click on the shirt number of the player to be pushed forward. (ii) Click on the [FORW] box. An up-facing arrow appears on the diagram. Note: You can`t push your sweeper, goalkeeper, support man or anchor man forward. To Pull A Player Back (i) Click on the shirt number of the player to be pulled back. (ii) Click on the [BACK] box. A down facing arrow appears on the diagram Note: Again the sweeper, goalkeeper, support man or anchor man can`t be pulled back. To Stop A Player Pushing Forward/Pulling Back (i) Click on the shirt number of the player. (ii) Click on the [NORM] box. General Note: Pushing a player forward means he will spend more time in a more forward position and less in a defensive position. A similar system applies to players pulling back. THE MATCH The match screen gives the following information ; the competition, venue, time elapsed, the score, the performance of the defence, midfield and attack (as small bar charts) goal attempts by each team and an indicator as to which team is currently on the attack. Any important incidents during the game are displayed (goals, penalties, bad fouls, bookings, sending offs etc.) To Make A Substitution/Tactical Move In the case of two human controlled clubs playing, click the left mouse button or hold down "H" for a home substitution/tactical move or click the right mouse button or hold down "A" for an away substitution/tactical move. In the case of one human-controlled club playing against a computer team click any mouse button for a substitution/tactical move. A menu then appears letting you make a tactical move/substitution, see your opponents team or view the match stats. screen (see "The Match Statistics Screen".) 1. To Make A Substitution Select "Tactical Move", the tactics editor is then displayed. (i) Click on the shirt number of the player to be removed. (ii) Click on [SWAP WITH]. (iii) Click on the shirt number of the player to come on : 12,14 or GK (GK Premier League or Euro Competitions only) The diagram confirms the substitution. 2. To Make A Tactical Move Select "Tactical Move". The Tactics Editor screen is then displayed. Adjust your tactics as described in the section "Team and Tactics" To Speed Up The Match Use this option when you are 6-0 down with 20 minutes still to go !. Hold down the spacebar and the minutes will go by quicker. THE MATCH STATISTICS SCREEN The match statistics screen gives you information about the team`s performance and also tells you how well individual players played. Each player is given a match rating from 1-10 (10 being the highest). These are shown to the right of each player`s name. Additionally, the following abbreviations may appear to the immediate right of each player`s name:- IJ Player went off injured C The captain SO The player was sent off BK The player was booked There may also be a small number displayed to the right of a player`s rating e.g. T COTTEE IJ 10 3 This indicates the number of goals the player has scored, in this case T COTTEE played out of skin (rating of 10) and scored a hat-trick, but was taken off injured. Below the player ratings are percentages indicating the domination of the defence, midfield and attack, and the number of goal attempts each team made. Use these to judge the overall team performance. The attendance is displayed at the bottom. Finally the player who is highlighted has been voted Man Of The Match. BUYING PLAYERS There are six main areas here : the normal search ) the scout search ) The Player Search foreign players ) transfer news the transfer list the shortlist buying a player the scout report (i) The Player Search The player search facility is designed to help you find players to buy. It is called up by selecting "Find Player" from the main menu (see "The Main Menu",) and then clicking on "Normal Search". You will be presented with a series of menus asking you to specify : the required position(s), attribute(s), value range(s), search division(s) and age range(s). For a scout to perform a player search you must click on "Scout Search". You will be asked to select a scout to perform the search. You will be presented with a series of menus asking you to specify : the required position(s), attribute(s), value range(s), search division(s) and age range(s). A list will be displayed. Click on a player name to display his factfile (see "The Player Factfile") click on [-SCR] or [+SCR) to show more of the list, and click on [RECS] repeatedly to see if any of your scouts recommend any of the players displayed (see "Backroom Staff".) Click on "Foreign Players", this allows you to view a pool of players from various countries who are interested in playing in England. To buy the players fact file click on [BUY]. His fee is negotiated by your overseas agent, all thats left for you to do is to agree a contract. Scouts There are two ways to allocate scouts. the first is to allocate a scout to a player who is already shortlisted. View your shortlist, click on [WCH] and select a player, then choose a scout to watch him. The second method is to view a players factfile, click on [ADD] and select "Shortlist & Watch". This will shortlist the player and allow you to allocate a scout. To read a report, click on "Scouts", highlight the scout whose report you wish to read, and click on [LAST REPORT]. His report will display all relevant information. (ii) The Shortlist The shortlist is a list of possible buys drawn up by the manager. To view your shortlist, click on "Find Player" from the main menu (see "The Main Menu") and then on "Shortlist". Click on a player name to display his factfile (see "The Player factfile") and then click on [RECS] repeatedly to see if any of your scouts recommend any of the players on your shortlist. [WCH] : See "Buying A Player" and "Scouts" To shortlist a player, call up his factfile (see "The Player Factfile") and click on [ADD]. To remove a player from your shortlist, call up your shortlist, click on [DEL], and then click on the name of the player you want to remove. (iii) The Transfer List The transfer list is a list of players who are available for sale or loan. Call it up by selecting "Find Player" from the main menu (see "The Main Menu") and then clicking on "Transfer List". The list will be displayed. Click on a player name to display his factfile (see "The Player Factfile"). Click on [-SCR] or [+SCR] to show more of the list, and click on [RECS] repeatedly to see if any of your scouts recommend any of the players displayed (see "Backroom Staff".) (iv) Buying A Player To buy a player you must have his factfile screen displayed. 1. APPROACHING Click on [BUY] to approach the player. You will then be informed how much money you have available and asked to confirm whether you want to approach to buy or loan. The player`s club then decides if it is willing to release him, and if it is, the player decides if he wants to join you. If the player is at a human-controlled club, a menu will appear allowing you to accept or refuse the approach. You cannot refuse an approach to a player who is out of contract. 2. OTHER BIDDERS Any other clubs who have the player on their shortlist are give the chance to join in the bidding. In the case of human-controlled clubs, a menu will appear giving him the chance to approach the player. If he is interested, he will be able to bid for the player. 3. NEGOTIATING THE FEE Assuming the player is not on a free transfer, the clubs then agree a fee for the player. Firstly, each of the bidding clubs makes an offer (see "The Negotiations Screen") Secondly, the selling club sets the asking price (see "The Negotiations Screen"). The process is repeated until :- (i) A fee is agreed or, (ii) No agreement is reached after several rounds of negotiations. If no fee has been agreed and the player is out of contract, the independent tribunal set the fee. 4 NEGOTIATING THE CONTRACT Once the fee has been agreed, the player and the new club must negotiate a contract. The contract length and weekly wage are negotiated (see "The Negotiations Screen"). If both are agreed, the player joins the club. THE NEGOTIATIONS SCREEN The negotiations screen is used for setting player asking prices, making offers and negotiating a player`s contract. You can click on: [-] To decrease the activated digit by one. [+] To increase the activated digit by one. [A DIGIT] To activate that digit. [FACTFILE] To display the player`s factfile (see "The Players Factfile".) [DONE] When you have finished. The box above contains all the responses to your actions (Player/Club refusals etc.) THE PLAYER STATUS MENU The player status menu is called up by clicking on [STA] from any of your own player`s factfile screens (see "The Player Factfile".) The following options are available :- (i) List Him/Loan Him This puts the player on the transfer list. You must decide on an asking price for him. As a guide, look at the coach`s estimation of his value - shown on his factfile screen (see "The Factfile".) Display switches to asking price screen from which you can set his valuation (see "The Asking Price".) (ii) Remove From List Removes the player from the transfer list Note: If the player is out of contract he has the right to refuse to come off the list. (iii) Revalue Him Allows you to change the valuation of a transfer listed player Display switches to asking price screen from which you can adjust his valuation (see "The Asking Price".) (iv) Not For Sale This option prevents approaches to the player by other clubs (i.e. they are told that he is not for sale at any price.) (v) Allow Approaches Click on this to reverse the effect of "Not For Sale", thus allowing clubs to approach him again. (vi) Fine Him If you feel the player deserves a fine, then this option will dock a week`s wages. Note: You can only dock one weeks wages at a time. (vii) Insure Him Insures the player against injury. You will be told of the cost per week of insuring him, and then asked for confirmation. Note: You cannot insure a player who is currently injured. (viii) Uninsure Him Removes the insurance. (ix) Increase Wage Gives you the chance to increase the player`s weekly wage. Display switches to the wage negotiation screen (see "Negotiations Screen") from which you can adjust his wage. (x) Renew Contract Allows you to negotiate a new contract for the player. If he is out of contract or if his current deal expires within that season. Display switches first to the contract length negotiation screen (see "Negotiations Screen") and then to the wage negotiations screen (see "Negotiations Screen".) (xi) Rehabilitate You can arrange treatment for injured players, at a cost ! PLAYER REQUESTS Your players may make requests to leave (if not transfer listed) or to stay (if transfer listed) at any time during a season. A menu will appear giving you the chance to accept or decline his request. You cannot refuse a player`s request to leave if he is out of contract. THE PLAYER FACTFILE The player factfile displays details about a players abilities, status and recent history, It is also used for buying, transfer listing and general manager player interaction. Options Available :- [ADD] To shortlist the player and allocate scout (see "Buying Players".) [BUY] To buy the player (see "Buying Players'.) [STA] For transfer listing, fining etc (see "Player Status Screen".) [HST] By clicking on this icon, a screen is displayed showing the career history of the player. The appearances made, goals scored and average match ratings are listed season by season. Also shown are the career totals of these details. In the case of one screen not containing all the information available, clicking on [MORE] shows the remainder. [HST] is split into 7 boxes :- (1) AGE CLUB COUNTRY England, Scotland, Wales, Eire, N.Ireland, etc (The country the player is eligible to play for.) If the country is followed by a `U`, the player is currently selected for the Under-21 squad, and if by an `I`, the player is selected for the full international squad. CONTRACT Given as week/season eg "9/1". This is the point at which his contract expires. In the case that it has already expired, "FREE AGENT" is displayed. WAGES Per week STATUS/ Transfer valuation. If he is not currently transfer- VALUE listed the valuation is based on the coach`s assess - meant of the player and is followed by a "C" for example "120000 C". INSURANCE How much it costs the club to insure the player per week. If the player is not insured, "NONE" is shown. POSITION/ "Def","Mid","Attk","Gk" or a combination of. "L","R", SIDE "C" (Left,Right,Centre) or a combination of. (2) CHARACTER The player`s personality PASSING Rated 1-20 eg Glenn Hoddle would get 20, while Terry Fenwick would get 1 !?! TACKLING Rated 1-20 Lee Dixon - Paul Elliot PACE Rated 1-20 Nigel Clough - Gary Lineker HEADING Rated 1-20 Paul Ince - Niall Quinn FLAIR Rated 1-20 Perry Groves - Darren Anderton CREATIVITY Rated 1-20 John Fashanu - Ray Houghton STAMINA Rated 1-20 Dean Saunders - Bryan Robson INFLUENCE Rated 1-20 (Over other player`s performance) Nayim - Gordan Strachan (3) Player morale report VERY LOW, LOW, OK, GOOD or SUPERB. (4) Availability. Fitness and shirt number if selected. If the player is injured a description of the condition and an estimate given by the physio, of the time to recover is shown. (5) Last Season. Appearances, Goals, Disciplinary points and Average ratings for last season. (6) This Season Appearances, Goals, Disciplinary points and Average ratings, International call-ups and Man of the Match awards for this season. (7) Future/Clubs Targeted by. If the player has been targeted by other clubs this will be indicated. THE BACKROOM STAFF Each club has the following staff in addition to the players and manager. To view a club`s staff, click on [STAFF] from the squad details screen. (i) The Coach Responsible for training the squad (ii) The Physio Responsible for improving match fitness and helping players recover from injury. (iii) Three League Scouts The league scouts watch and recommend players to the manager. (iv) The Youth Scout The youth scout`s job is to recommend and report on talented youngsters. If you are not happy with a particular member of the backroom staff, you can sack him and find a replacement. To Sack One Of Your Backroom Staff (i) Call up the staff screen. (ii) Click on [SACK] (iii) Click on the name of the person you wish to sack. You will be asked for confirmation. If you confirm, then you will be given the choice of finding your own replacement or allowing the board to appoint one. To Find Your Own Replacement Staff You will be presented with a series of menus asking you to specify the required reputation(s) and age(s) of the potential replacement. A list of possible replacements will then be displayed. Click on a particular name if you want to try and appoint them. Notes: (i) Your staff may have ability in different areas. (ii) When viewing the list of possible replacements; A The ability shown is his ability in the position you are trying to fill. B Click on [-SCR] or [+SCR] to show more of the list (it takes up more than one screen.) Player Insurance Insuring a player has the following benefits :- (i) If he is sent to Lilleshall (see "Player Injuries") his fees will be paid for by the insurance company. (ii) If he needs an operation the medical fees will be paid for by the insurance company. (iii) If he is forced to retire through injury, the insurance company will pay the club his value (as assessed by an independent tribunal.) (iv) If you want to treat a player with a minor injury, the cost of basic treatment is covered. To insure a player see "The Player Status Menu" section. Sackings/Job Offers/Applying If a manager has been sacked you may apply for the job. To do this, call up the club`s "Squad Details Screen" and click on the [APPL] box. A menu will appear allowing you to apply for the job or to see which other managers are being considered. To see which jobs are available at any given time, select `Managers Jobs` from the "Main Menu" and click on "Job News". Any jobs available will be marked `Available`. During the period of time that a club is without a manager, the coach takes temporary charge of the team. Weekly News At any time you may be presented with relevant news. This may be related to your squad (eg injuries etc) or of interest to the football world in general (sackings,takeovers etc.) There is also a weekly transfer news round-up. This is a list of all the weeks transfers and loan deals. Player Injuries If a player sustains a serious injury you may be given one or both of the following options : (i) Send him to Lilleshall The National Rehabilitation Centre at Lilleshall in Shropshire has facilities and equipment to help players back to fitness after injury. Sending a player to Lilleshall can speed up recovery. You will be informed of the cost. (ii) Send him to a top surgeon abroad For very serious injuries you may have the chance to send the player abroad for an operation by a leading surgeon. If successful, his recovery time will be shortened. You will be informed of the cost of the scheme (it tends to be restricted to the rich clubs.) STRATEGY TIPS 1 MATCH There are two ways in which a manager can approach a match in terms of team selection. The first is to (generally) select a team that works well as a unit, and can hold its own against most teams it meets during the season. The advantage of this is that the manager can build a side that he knows he can rely on, only needing to change in the event of injury or suspension. In 1981 Ron Saunders Aston Villa side won the First Division title using only 14 players - his team knew exactly what was required of them and complemented each other well. However in 1987, Howard Kendall`s Everton landed the Championship in a rather different way. In the course of that season over 20 players were used - but the side worked because it played to its strengths, and because the tactics were adapted to the players available. This second approach works by treating each game separately, having a strong squad capable of adapting to the opposition and changes in team selection (including injuries.) Another way in which a manager proves his worth is by his ability to influence the game while it is underway : by use of either a change in tactics or substitutions. A good manager will be able to spot not only a problem that exists, but also be able to see why the problem exists, and if he has the facilities at his disposal to make the necessary changes. It is also worth looking at the examples of the likes of Wimbledon, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace in recent years. These teams have never been able to attract the top players but have kept amongst the elite by relying on attributes such as stamina, reliability and team spirit. Of course any team which is seriously capable of winning trophies will need players of the highest quality to rise above the average. The ways in which a manager may approach life in the lower divisions may also be different. Getting out of a certain division requires a lot of resilience on the part of the players, and there is no substitute for experience. Note how Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson brought in certain types players to escape the old Division 2 and different types once promoted (Vinny Jones being a case in point - Bought to escape Div. 2 and then sold) 2. TRANSFERS Money doesn't`t necessarily buy success. It can help though, and managers need to be able to be flexible enough to realise when a large transfer is really worth the money and when a bit of bargain hunting is necessary. The best bargains are generally not obvious at first sight. Maybe a player has had 2 or 3 bad seasons that have kept him out of the limelight. Maybe injury is partly responsible. Maybe the team he is part of has had a bad run and affected his morale. The more astute manager will delve into a player`s past or look for ways in which he might fit into his team better than the one he is currently part of. The scouts are very useful to the manager because they can get around to watch players every week while a manager cannot. All the best clubs have a reliable network of scouts who can direct their manager to the players worth looking at. 3. CAPTAIN The captain holds the team together out on the pitch and must be someone who is respected and liked by the players around him. It is also worth noting that great sides will have several `captains` on the field which keeps them going when things get tough. 4. DISCIPLINE AND MAN-MANAGEMENT It is important that a manager deals with players as people in a way that will help him get the best out of them. The personality factor is always important. Managers must remember that every player is different and will react differently in given situations. Issues such as player-fines, wage increases and dropping players need to be treated carefully as the wrong decision can create a problem that could affect the whole squad and certainty the individual player. 5. INJURIES A good physio will naturally help here - but it is important to realise that some players are more susceptible than others. Additionally it is wise to insure players whenever possible as not only are their wages paid while they are under treatment, the treatments also paid for. In the event of a player being forced to retire through injury, compensation may also be paid. 6. CUP TIES AND DERBY MATCHES These games carry an atmosphere of their own and are more susceptible to upsets. Very often the braver managerial decisions are rewarded although luck always seems to play a large part too. 7. YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE Young players need to be nurtured through to maturity. Beware of spoiling a youngster by exposing him to the game too soon or too often. Also beware of tiring players by playing them too often in a short space of time - especially at a young age and also if they are getting to the end of their career and their legs aren't`t quite what they used to be. A good mixture of youth and experience is helpful - especially to younger players who may need a guiding hand. Malcom Allison`s side of kids for Man City in the early 80`s had ability but no driving force - and the question has to be asked - "Where are they now?". 8. CREATIVE AND GOAL-SCORING PLAYERS Every team needs to create chances, and they need players to make the most of the chances. A lack of either of those will mean fewer goals. It is up to the manager to get the balance right in these areas. It is also worth remembering that certain players can turn a game with one moment of flair - though to many of todays managers those players are a luxury that cannot always be afforded in the English Game. (Pat Nevin,Duncan McKensie,Alan Hudson?.) USER GUIDE OTHER PLAYER ATTRIBUTES In addition to the player information described in the section "The Player Factfile" each player also has the following attributes :- SHOOTING Accuracy of shooting. Has the player got an eye for goal? CONSISTENCY Inconsistent players have regular `Off-Days`. DIRTINESS How dirty is he? Dirty players foul and get sent off etc. INJURY PRONE Likelihood of player getting injured. TEMPERAMENT How does he react to provocation? These attributes are not displayed on any screen. The manager must ascertain these attributes from the player`s match statistics - ratings, goals, etc - both in the past and in the present. It may be worth putting down these attributes on paper and marking your squad`s or transfer target`s hidden qualities to these attributes. PLAYER DISCIPLINE Everytime a player gets booked he is given 5 disciplinary points. A sending off is worth 10 disciplinary points. If a player is booked and sent-off in a match, he is given 10 disciplinary points. A sending off results in an instant one match ban. Every 20 disciplinary points results in a two match ban. If a player is needed by his club (due to a small squad,and injuries to other players) the player is put under delayed suspension. He will then serve his ban as soon as possible (eg when his squad has less injuries etc) Clubs with a high total number of disciplinary points in the squad run the risk of a fine. PLAUDITS Original Concept : Oliver & Paul Collyer `93 Edition : Intelek Data Research : Andy Haynes Music : Allister Brimble Graphic Support : The Kremlin Project Manager : Kris Hall Docs Copier : Cygnus"-Ed" Thanks to `Match Weekly' for their assistance with the data research. If your still reading or printing this far, then well done! and if not BLAH,BLAH,BLAH DRONE,DRONE,DRONE RHUBARB,RHUBARB,RHUBARB ******************************** LSD ********************************