Alright boyz, here we go!!! FM 2006 First Impressions

[Coffee Warlord]

It needed to be done.

I actually had the willpower to stop playing fairly early last night, mainly because I had a bunch of stuff to do at work today. But, here's the early impressions. I started up my boys at Notts County again, and I'm hoping to start a dynasty on them after I finish the first season.

There's just SO much more 'fluff' to this game. There's blurbs about your players every freaking where. There are fun news articles about your team after every match (akin to FM2005's writeups for international and major cup games). You get just a freaking ton more information about your team. Yay for immersion!

The streamlining of training is quite nice, though I haven't gotten far enough into the season to let you know how it's working. I do love the fact that every player has a 'current opinion of his training schedule' blurb, however.

I have yet to use the team talks, instead leaving that to my assistant for the time being. I'll try it tonight, we'll see. While I haven't really attempted to use the 'quick tactics' thing mid match, early impressions are it's a little clunky. But as I said, haven't look at it enough to make a full opinion.

I still suck at this game.

The game announcers are much improved, with extra handy details. "So and So should take the blame for this goal" and so forth. Nice to know.

Can't comment on the speed in comparison to 05, because I played 05 on a pissant computer, but my new machine (3000+, 2gb ram) pretty much flies. There's VERY little 'greytime', and I'm running a Large DB, with 7 countries and about 20 leagues.

I'm liking it. I'm liking it a *lot*.

Btw, either my guys just flat out *suck*, I'm playing them wrong (I'd like to think I know enough to where this isn't true), or there's been a change in player's match ratings. I'm getting a ton more 5's and 6's for my guys than in 05, instead of the usual 7's down the board, with 1 or 2 higher/lower.

[QuikSand]

There's just SO much more 'fluff' to this game. There's blurbs about your players every freaking where. There are fun news articles about your team after every match (akin to FM2005's writeups for international and major cup games). You get just a freaking ton more information about your team. Yay for immersion!

I hope this stays fresh as the game goes on... in most games where this sort of thing has been used, the narrative got stale prety quickly. I harken back to the scouting reports in OOTP (and the Mogul games) where there were a dozen or so packaged comments about the game that the text would include. On a first review, it seemed like an interesting and immersive idea -- which pretty quickly turned into a drone that I completely tuned out.

I hope the execution in FM is broader and better... and am fairly optimistic that it will be.

The streamlining of training is quite nice, though I haven't gotten far enough into the season to let you know how it's working. I do love the fact that every player has a 'current opinion of his training schedule' blurb, however.

This would be a great boon to me... I never enjoyed the level of detail that proper training seemed to require in previous versions, and usually resigned myself to just settle for whatever I got by putting my staff in charge. Getting individual feedback sounds promising... though I'm a bit wary about this becoming like TCY with the time allocations that were (at least initially) just dreadfully boring to me.

Again, I'm hopeful that this is a better balance (for my tastes) and pretty optimistic.


I am really looking forward to this game. My last couple of CM/FM experiences weren't all that rewarding, but I have been in the "deep immersion" stat with it before... and it might be the best sports sim in existence for that purpose.

[MizzouRah]

CW,

Next time I'm in Chi-town, I'm coming over and watching you play. I still have trouble understanding certain things within the game. :) loans, transfers, which teams are bad, how many leagues to run, tatics, etc.. lol

[Coffee Warlord]

Like I have any idea. :)

[Francis_Cole]

there's been a change in player's match ratings. I'm getting a ton more 5's and 6's for my guys than in 05, instead of the usual 7's down the board

Yes there has been a slight change, I think the 7 "average" was used too often last year so you know exactly who's performing below par.


I still have trouble understanding certain things within the game

Let us know which bits you are having trouble with, and in what leagues and ill try and explain if you would like


Cheers
Fran
Sports Interactive

[KevinNU7]

As someone who has never played FM but is very interersted why is it that you need to have certain leagues open and some leagues closed?

[Francis_Cole]

As someone who has never played FM but is very interersted why is it that you need to have certain leagues open and some leagues closed?

Basically: The leagues you select when you start a new game are the leagues you can manage in. There is nothing to stop you selecting all the leagues, but of course the more leagues you have running the more players/fixtures/etc etc the game has to then process and so the slower the game will be moving from one day to the next.

Going further into detail there are also options when you can have a league running, but not enabled for you to manage a club in. This "basic" detail is faster then having the league running in "normal" detail, still allows you to see the fixtures/results/stats etc for that league. But you can't manage any club in it.

So, if a user has no interest in (for example) the Australian league, then they simply don't chose that league when they start a new game and the game won't have to process all the australian league fixtures etc and thus its faster than if the user had selected that league

Sorry for the long explanation, Hope this clears it up?

Cheers
Fran
SI

[FrogMan]

As someone who has never played FM but is very interersted why is it that you need to have certain leagues open and some leagues closed?
Leagues that you call "open" are leagues that the game will simulate with complete player stats and in which you can go manage if you want to someday. By selecting some leagues, you creat what I call a "Football Universe" (that's my term) in which simulation will happen. The more leagues you select, the more processing will be needed and the slower the game will go from one day to the other.

For example, my current dynasty in FM2005 (though it's similar to one diffence in FM2006, I'll explain later) has the following leagues selected:
England (from League One and up)
France (top division)
Germany (top division)
Spain (top division)
Italy (top division)
Holland (top division)
Scotland (top division)

Or just about, something like 7 countries, 10 leagues. This means if I get sacked at QPR, I could apply for a job in any of these countries, or in a lower level in England. I tried starting a game with 10 countries and 15 or 17 leagues and it wasn't running fast enough for me.

As for the difference between FM2005 and FM2006, from what I understand by reading the SI forum, you can now select leagues with "basic details". These leagues are not manageable (i.e. you can't go take over a team in these leagues) but the games are still simmed with a very basic engine, thus generating a league table, helping the immersion factor even more, at a very small cost in term of processing time.

FM

[FrogMan]

drat, me and my long winded answers, Francis beat me to it :)

FM

[FrogMan]

dola, but the good things is I wasn't very much off base from the the guy who's in the know ;)

FM

[Francis_Cole]

Yeah, good work frogman :)

[Coffee Warlord]

As I spend the day at work pondering tactics to use. :)

[KevinNU7]

So if I was looking for a player to transfer in from a country not open at all (neither in full or baisc mode) would I be able to get stats on his performance that season?

[KevinNU7]

Can you open countries in the middle of your career?

[FrogMan]

So if I was looking for a player to transfer in from a country not open at all (neither in full or baisc mode) would I be able to get stats on his performance that season?
Depending on your database size, teams from all over the world the world are included in the game and you can see these teams' stats, although how they are generated is a bit grey to me.

I mean, take Freddy Guarín for me. He was playing in a league that is not selected to me (Colombia) yet I could see his stats, or something that gave me an idea if he was good or not, in addition to his skill ratings...

FM

[FrogMan]

Can you open countries in the middle of your career?
Nope, once you create your game with the countries you have selected, you are stuck with these until you retire and that could conceivaly be more than 12 calendar months later.

IMO, this makes it on the the biggest decision you have to make and the game has not even started yet. I usually spend almsot a couple of days thinking and deciding which countries I want to see simmed...

My first career with QPR, I had started my game with England, top to bottom and no other countries. That would have limited me to playing only in England for the rest of the life of that career.

FM

[Francis_Cole]

So if I was looking for a player to transfer in from a country not open at all (neither in full or baisc mode) would I be able to get stats on his performance that season?

Yes, For players in leagues which arn't "selected"/"open" basic stats are generated for them. So for example if you just select the MLS, David Beckham will still be in the game at Real Madrid, he will have generated stats (like games played, assists, goals, average rating etc). However you will be unable able to see any of the fixtures real madrid have played, nor any other info like league tables etc.

Cheers
Fran
SI

[MizzouRah]

Quick question:

Playing the demo and wondering during a match, if I substitude a player, why I can't I sub him back in later in the game. It shows a red arrow and won't let me put that player(s) back into the game?

[moriarty]

Quick question:

Playing the demo and wondering during a match, if I substitude a player, why I can't I sub him back in later in the game. It shows a red arrow and won't let me put that player(s) back into the game?

Maybe i misunderstand the question, but it's basically against the rules of most (all?) soccer leagues.

[FrogMan]

Quick question:

Playing the demo and wondering during a match, if I substitude a player, why I can't I sub him back in later in the game. It shows a red arrow and won't let me put that player(s) back into the game?
Regular soccer rule. Like Major League Baseball, once you're out, you can't go back in. This isn't hockey ;)

FM

[FrogMan]

grrr, I'm very slow today :)

FM

[Passacaglia]

Can you open countries in the middle of your career?

This would be such a nice feature. It's to FM what "teams changing conferences" is in TCY and BBCF. IMHO. OG screwed me again!!!

[vex]

What to do...I want Civ IV, BBCF, FM 2006, and kinda AOE 3....What to do...

[BreizhManu]

Oh I don't if you're already at that stage (bought the game saturday, installed it sunday) but a great new thing is YOUR contract renegociation.

Like me I was able to make a counter offer asking for an improvement of the training facilities which the board accepted.

[moriarty]

Oh I don't if you're already at that stage (bought the game saturday, installed it sunday) but a great new thing is YOUR contract renegociation.

Like me I was able to make a counter offer asking for an improvement of the training facilities which the board accepted.

Very cool - you could always make ultimatums in the past, but I like the idea of having to negotiate your own contract.

[Francis_Cole]

This would be such a nice feature. It's to FM what "teams changing conferences" is in TCY and BBCF. IMHO. OG screwed me again!!!

This unfortunatly would be very hard to do. Imagine if in the game you are now in 2010, and suddenly want the english league.

The game would have to work out what has happened in the whole of england for the last 5 years. Also now load in all the english players in from the db (as when england was not selected only famous/good players would have been loaded). Then work out what those players have done during the 5 years. etc etc. A lot more difficult to achieve than it first seems :)

[KevinNU7]

But if I wanted to transfer in an English player in 2010 the game would let me go in there though. Does that mean that teams in closed leagues do not transfer players, amoung themselves? And how does the game decide who makes the Champions League if they don't track the closed leagues?

[DaddyTorgo]

it's here. i am actually installing it in my car as i go to bring Fozzie his copy

[QuikSand]

i am actually installing it in my car as i go to bring Fozzie his copy

I think it's supposed to be played on a computer -- but I don't have the latest version. Good luck with that, though.

[Francis_Cole]

But if I wanted to transfer in an English player in 2010 the game would let me go in there though. Does that mean that teams in closed leagues do not transfer players, amoung themselves? And how does the game decide who makes the Champions League if they don't track the closed leagues

Clubs from inactive leagues would still transfer players. Though the amount of players which are loaded from inactive leagues, and the level of transfers/detail from these inactive divisions would be less than if you selected them.
If you selected just an league from outside europe then then the champions league wouldn't be selected or simulated.

If you have never played FM2006 before I suggest you get the free demo and give it a try :)

[rexallllsc]

Got it yesterday.

So much to do, so much to see! :)

Very impressive. Cannot wait to play more.

[KevinNU7]

[b]If you have never played FM2006 before I suggest you get the free demo and give it a try :)
Can't run it at work and my internet has been down at home. I will probably wait for the US release and then still think about it.

I love asking a ton of questions though :D

[Emiliano]

Mmm... Maybe this is the year I start playing FM again... From what I've seen, the game looks very good.

[MizzouRah]

Regular soccer rule. Like Major League Baseball, once you're out, you can't go back in. This isn't hockey ;)

FM
See how much I know. On Sunday's when I coach my girls soccer team, they come out and later they go in. :)

Sheesh... do you take your players out when they get tired? ..or leave the good ones in all game long?

[FrogMan]

See how much I know. On Sunday's when I coach my girls soccer team, they come out and later they go in. :)

Sheesh... do you take your players out when they get tired? ..or leave the good ones in all game long?
hehehe, it's the same with most youth leagues :)

about subbing out your players, you'll get a feel for it. My take is condition is most important on the wings in my type of tactics, so I tend to sub out my wingers when they get to under 75% in the second half, then I sub whoever gets the lowest in the last 25 minutes of the game or so. Barring any tactical move though, like subbing out a striker to put in an extra defensive middie to protect a lead, I may take out the lowest condition striker, but I could also keep him in if he's having a very good game...

Hope this helps...

FM

[MizzouRah]

hehehe, it's the same with most youth leagues :)

about subbing out your players, you'll get a feel for it. My take is condition is most important on the wings in my type of tactics, so I tend to sub out my wingers when they get to under 75% in the second half, then I sub whoever gets the lowest in the last 25 minutes of the game or so. Barring any tactical move though, like subbing out a striker to put in an extra defensive middie to protect a lead, I may take out the lowest condition striker, but I could also keep him in if he's having a very good game...

Hope this helps...

FM
Yes, it does.

Ok, now a team wants one of my players who was a scrub, but is now doing quite well for me since I brought him up from the reserve squad.

My question? I want to reject the proposal right? I mean, I really don't want to lose this guy right now. What are the benefits to letting him leave, other than making some cash?

Thanks!

For some reason, this version is much more user friendly than 05 was. I'm getting a bit more into this demo than 05.

[AlexB]

I've been a fan of CM/FM since CM2, and was distinctly unimpressed by FM2005. But I am glad to say SI are back on form - FM2006 is just simply put excellent so far - about three months in to my game and I am hooked once again.

I felt FM2005 was very non-responsive to your changes, but so far FM2006 feels like the things you change (or don't change) actually have an effect this time, not always what you had intended (which is a good thing!) but there is an effect of some sort.

It's easier to use, navigate, and to repeat what's above, like all previous versions to 2005, you quickly become immersed in the game. Even though the straw that broke the camel's back for me in 2005 is still there (I won't mention it in case other people haven;t noticed :)), this is the only thing I have so far found to be a problem, and I seem to be able to quite happily ignore it this time!

Fingers crossed that it continues this way - good work fellas!

[FrogMan]

Ok, now a team wants one of my players who was a scrub, but is now doing quite well for me since I brought him up from the reserve squad.

My question? I want to reject the proposal right? I mean, I really don't want to lose this guy right now. What are the benefits to letting him leave, other than making some cash?
Depending on how much your team board is allowing you to keep from player sale, it's not only cash, but it's also transfer budget you can use to buy another player.

See it this way. Your team board gives you a budget to buy players at the start of the season, say $100k. Once you've spent that $100k, they won't allow you to spend anymore until next season. Sometimes, you can start with no budget at all.

The other thing they set is how much, as a percentage, of each sale you can use again to buy new player. If your team finances are not that good, they could tell you you will keep only 50% of what you sell, in that case, if the player is useful for you and the offer isn't too high, it may not be worth it to accept it. But at other times, the team board will tell you that you can retain 95% or 100% of sales and then it could make sense to let go of the player.



For some reason, this version is much more user friendly than 05 was. I'm getting a bit more into this demo than 05.
Don't know about the friendlyness of FM06, but I think it might simply be because it's your second go at it. Did the same thing to me with FM2005 after trying CM4 at first...

FM

[Icy]

See how much I know. On Sunday's when I coach my girls soccer team, they come out and later they go in. :)

Sheesh... do you take your players out when they get tired? ..or leave the good ones in all game long?In soccer you can do only 2 or 3 changes in the whole match so you really need to know what are you doing as if you use all your changes and one of your players is injured, you won't be able to replace him and if he needs to leave the field, you will play with one player less than the opposite team.

Usually all pro players can handle a full game, and in fact they usually get angry when benched, specially top stars. The changes are done after an injury or for strategic purposes mainly, like if you're winning and you pull a forward to bring in an extra defender or the other way if you're loosing, or if one of your players is being overplayed by the rival. Of course if one of your players is really tired, you can change him close to the end of the game for a fresh one with the hope of being able to outrun the already tired opposing team. This is done specially for attacking wingers/forwards, bringing in a fast one towards the end of the game to use his speed vs tired defenses. Also sometimes when a team is not doing good in a match, the coach can choose to bring in a fresh player trying to make the team react. Of course the benched player won't feel so good as it's like saying that he was the cause if the bad playing.

Also some star players are replaced towards the end of the game to give them a rest if they play in some competitions, like International, European leagues and domestic, that means he plays up to 2 or 3 games per week.

Sometimes, when a team is clearly winning and playing at home and one of the home players had an awesome performance, he is benched a few minutes before the game ends, so the public can offer him a big applause for his effort as he leaves the field.

[MizzouRah]

Thanks to the both of you!! Great stuff in there!!

[FrogMan]

given how player lose condition in FM, I also often pull out a player when we play two games in three days and I want him to start both games. If we only play one game, then our next is seven days later, I'll tend to go with who's playing well or not and more tactical changes.

I've never heard of a player getting pissed at me for pulling him out of the game in FM though, as Icy was stating, although I can understand he may be referring more to real life...

FM

[FrogMan]

Thanks to the both of you!! Great stuff in there!!
no problem, keep asking questions, we'll get you to love this game and you'll hate us for it ;)

/start shameless plug
If you got some time, come over to my dynasty, this could give you an idea as to why and how I do things... Not that I know everything, but I try to explain why I picked this or that player and such things...
/end shameless plug

:D

FM

[MizzouRah]

no problem, keep asking questions, we'll get you to love this game and you'll hate us for it ;)

/start shameless plug
If you got some time, come over to my dynasty, this could give you an idea as to why and how I do things... Not that I know everything, but I try to explain why I picked this or that player and such things...
/end shameless plug

:D

FM
Yeah, I need and will do that tonight at home. I'm 2-0 so far with Stafford, but navigation has been easier for me this time around. I'll keep plugging.

:)

[Pumpy Tudors]

I've never heard of a player getting pissed at me for pulling him out of the game in FM though, as Icy was stating, although I can understand he may be referring more to real life...
It's happened to me in FM, if only during the match. I've seen commentary that says that a player is furious for being taken out.

[Icy]

I've never heard of a player getting pissed at me for pulling him out of the game in FM though, as Icy was stating, although I can understand he may be referring more to real life...
FM
Yeah i was talking about real life, never happened to me in FM either. It would be nice to see it added, of course the more professional a player is, the less chances of he being pissed when benched.

[FrogMan]

It's happened to me in FM, if only during the match. I've seen commentary that says that a player is furious for being taken out.
cool, was the player's morale altered because of that? I mean I could see a player going from "Superb" to "Very poor" because of that even though the team won its game.

Thanks for the info, as I said, I don't remember it happening to me before...

FM

[Icy]

Dola, nice to see it happends in the game too as Pumpy Tudors posted, awesome stuff!

And Mizzou, you can ask whatever you want to know about soccer. As every Spanish guy, i grew up with soccer being the only sport around me and even played it as keeper when i was young (regional under 18 league). Even my wife complains that in the TV news, at the sports time, it's only talked about soccer, like 25 minutes for it and 5 for all the other sports :)

[FrogMan]

Dola, nice to see it happends in the game too as Pumpy Tudors posted, awesome stuff!

And Mizzou, you can ask whatever you want to know about soccer. As every Spanish guy, i grew up with soccer being the only sport around me and even played it as keeper when i was young (regional under 18 league). Even my wife complains that in the TV news, at the sports time, it's only talked about soccer, like 25 minutes for it and 5 for all the other sports :)
Icy, I'd expect no less from than to know your football/soccer inside out :)

Me, I'll try to help anyway I can. Was a referee for 8 years in my younger days so I've seen some soccer, although I'm learning tactics with the likes of Marc Vaughan as my master :D

FM

[Pumpy Tudors]

cool, was the player's morale altered because of that? I mean I could see a player going from "Superb" to "Very poor" because of that even though the team won its game.
I don't remember if or how the player's morale was affected. I didn't even play the game that much compared to a lot of you guys, so now I'm starting to wonder if I just imagined it. How could I see it and you guys not? Maybe it didn't really happen. :eek:

[FrogMan]

I don't remember if or how the player's morale was affected. I didn't even play the game that much compared to a lot of you guys, so now I'm starting to wonder if I just imagined it. How could I see it and you guys not? Maybe it didn't really happen. :eek:
I rarely pull out a player that is doing well among a bunch of players having a bad game, and when I do, it's because his condition is around 65%. I'm thinking he doesn't really mind to be pulled out when he's unable to run after opponents.

It really wouldn't surprise that it is possible to happen and I've never seen it. The depth of this game never cease to amaze me...

FM

[Bee]

I don't remember if or how the player's morale was affected. I didn't even play the game that much compared to a lot of you guys, so now I'm starting to wonder if I just imagined it. How could I see it and you guys not? Maybe it didn't really happen. :eek:

Wasn't your imagination...I've seen the same commentary. If it affected their morale, it was pretty minor (like from Superb to Very Good).

[Bee]

I rarely pull out a player that is doing well among a bunch of players having a bad game, and when I do, it's because his condition is around 65%. I'm thinking he doesn't really mind to be pulled out when he's unable to run after opponents.

It really wouldn't surprise that it is possible to happen and I've never seen it. The depth of this game never cease to amaze me...

FM

Yep, under those circumstances you probably wouldn't get it. The times I remember it happening I was up by 4 or 5 goals at half time and was looking to get some experience for a youngster, so I'd pull someone who was still relatively fresh and had put up very good numbers in the first half. I only saw it a few times over the last few versions (and I don't know if it's still in the game or not).

[SirFozzie]

DaddyTorgo dropped it off, and I am now impatiently waiting for the patch to finish, then off I go! Wonder how my section of the data worked out.. (I was one of the MLS mini-researchers, so if you think the Revs are too powerful, you can always blame me :D)

[SirFozzie]

game loading now, I am officially a league whore in FM2006, 35 nations, 54 leagues, with all the USA players loaded :D

[FrogMan]

game loading now, I am officially a league whore in FM2006, 35 nations, 54 leagues, with all the USA players loaded :D
dear God :eek: 35 nations!!! All on normal or is that including those on basic?

If all on normal, may I ask what kind of beast you're running this thing on? I mean I know you'll only be coming for air in what, 7 weeks, but still, an answer would be cool :D

FM

[Coffee Warlord]

game loading now, I am officially a league whore in FM2006, 35 nations, 54 leagues, with all the USA players loaded :D

You plan on running like...a game a week? :)

[SirFozzie]

dear God :eek: 35 nations!!! All on normal or is that including those on basic?

If all on normal, may I ask what kind of beast you're running this thing on? I mean I know you'll only be coming for air in what, 7 weeks, but still, an answer would be cool :D

FM

All on Normal:

AMD Athlon64 Processor
3000+
2.0 Ghz, 1.50 GB of Ram
PAE

[SirFozzie]

More like a game every 15-20 minutes, but that's cool.

I accidentally started with USA time frame (Feb05, but that's ok, I'll manage till July 05 with New England, then add a big name Foreign team)

[FrogMan]

that's pretty fast, although you got a better processor than I do and three times as much RAM as I do, heh

When you say a game every 15-20 minutes, that's a game of your team?

FM

[DaddyTorgo]

wooohooo

[SirFozzie]

Yup, I'll play 3-4 weeks an hour once I get going (right now, I'm posting to the Dynasties forum, so that's slowing me down. :D)

[Marc Vaughan]

Sheesh... do you take your players out when they get tired? ..or leave the good ones in all game long?
Very basic rule of thumb for soccer sims - players won't be 'tired' until around 60-65 minutes unless they get a knock in a match, obviously if someones playing dreadfully then don't worry about subbing them before that.

Also word of warning - subbing goalies is a good way to destroy their confidence ... this happens very very rarely irl unless they're injured for just this reason.

[Marc Vaughan]

PS> My hints and tips file (kicking around on sigames.com and some other sites) covers some basic tactics etc.
(end blatant plug ;) )

[Coffee Warlord]

Also word of warning - subbing goalies is a good way to destroy their confidence ... this happens very very rarely irl unless they're injured for just this reason.

Out of curiosity, does this apply in friendlies? I've often swapped keepers at halftime or thereabouts in the preseason to get them both into form.

[SirFozzie]

No, Friendlies are exhibition games so the goalie expects it.

[SirFozzie]

BTW, anyone see the picture of the PSP version of FM2006?

Guh. I might have to buy a PSP just for that, looks so sweet.

[RPI-Fan]

What does running a league on "Basic" mean?

[klayman]

Ok, now a team wants one of my players who was a scrub, but is now doing quite well for me since I brought him up from the reserve squad.

My question? I want to reject the proposal right? I mean, I really don't want to lose this guy right now. What are the benefits to letting him leave, other than making some cash?
On top of what Frogman has already said, it's important to consider the player's relationship to you and the team. If the player is unhappy with you, you might have difficulty signing him when his contract is expiring, and then risk the prospect of losing him for free to another team. You also have to judge the proposal to his value to you. If he is a scrub that you called up, it's likely he is replacing an injuried player, or you are looking actively for someone better to play his position. In that case his playing time might considerably drop soon and with it his value.

On the other hand, if he keeps playing and playing well, then his value might double or triple to the offer you all ready have, so if you sell now you miss out. Of course, if you don't sell now and if he is ambitious, then he might want to leave anyway, cause now he's too good for the club. Or he might demand wages out of your budget, and you'll have to try to sell him for cheap before his contract expires.

A billion things could happen. So what should you do? You're the manager, that's up to you :)

[SirFozzie]

From Marc:

Also bear in mind that FM2006 introduces the concept of a 'basic' modelling level for a league, this is much faster than a normal or full detail league - however it doesn't actively retain players from that league so only the bigger clubs will be fully populated ...

You do however in this mode get to see league tables etc. for the league in question.

[RPI-Fan]

From Marc:

Also bear in mind that FM2006 introduces the concept of a 'basic' modelling level for a league, this is much faster than a normal or full detail league - however it doesn't actively retain players from that league so only the bigger clubs will be fully populated ...

You do however in this mode get to see league tables etc. for the league in question.

Can you later manager team(s) in "Basic" leagues? Can you switch them to normal or full detail at a later point?

[klayman]

What does running a league on "Basic" mean?Basic just simulates the league with games and stats, but you are not allowed to manage in it. The amount of players loaded in the database is higher than when the league is not selected, but lower for the normal league selection.

[klayman]

doh

[klayman]

Can you later manager team(s) in "Basic" leagues? Can you switch them to normal or full detail at a later point?no

[DaddyTorgo]

had problems so far getting the game to start more than once (bad sectors on the HD maybe?). I think I've finally got that licked now though and am looking forward to firing this puppy up!

[jbmagic]

wow there so many different tactics you can do.

anybody have a great guide on tactics and what kind of personal you need to run each type of tactics?

thanks

[Eaglesfan27]

I haven't finished catching up with this thread yet, but I've seen players in either CM 03/04 or FM 05 get pissed off for being taken out, particularly if they were close to their hattrick. I remember when I had one mercurial player (can't remember which one) he would routinely become quite angry at me for taking him out in the 2nd half.

[Eaglesfan27]

game loading now, I am officially a league whore in FM2006, 35 nations, 54 leagues, with all the USA players loaded :D
Dang! I have a monster computer that FM 06 is going on, but I was only planning on doing about 15 nations and 30-35 leagues (with me managing in the MLS.) :)

[jbmagic]

Eaglefan27 cool

i cant wait to hear your impression son how the MLS league is done in fm 2006

[MizzouRah]

Very basic rule of thumb for soccer sims - players won't be 'tired' until around 60-65 minutes unless they get a knock in a match, obviously if someones playing dreadfully then don't worry about subbing them before that.

Also word of warning - subbing goalies is a good way to destroy their confidence ... this happens very very rarely irl unless they're injured for just this reason.
Thanks to all your guys!! Your help is greatly appreciated. I am determined to get into FM one way or another. More questions will follow I'm sure. :)

Marc,

I was pulling goalies like I would a hockey goalie... whoops! I am undefeated though, so hey.. :D Allow two easy goals and your getting replaced!

I pulled this striker from my reserve squad and the guy has been unreal so far for me.. now, a team wants him.. so I think I'll hold on to him for now.

[SirFozzie]

Here's a picture (click to get the full version) of the Aurora Blue Flow Skin in FM2006. It rocks.

http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/460/newscreen1ht.th.jpg (http://img470.imageshack.us/my.php?image=newscreen1ht.jpg)

[Sadalia]

Yeah, I love the Aurora skins; before I got them I didn't really think a skin could add that much to a gaming experience, but these days I find playing FM without Aurora pretty much unthinkable.

[FrogMan]

I like my silverstone skin for FM2005, but I think Aurora will be the one for FM2006, at least at first...

FM

[RPI-Fan]

Thanks to all your guys!! Your help is greatly appreciated. I am determined to get into FM one way or another. More questions will follow I'm sure. :)

Marc,

I was pulling goalies like I would a hockey goalie... whoops! I am undefeated though, so hey.. :D Allow two easy goals and your getting replaced!

I pulled this striker from my reserve squad and the guy has been unreal so far for me.. now, a team wants him.. so I think I'll hold on to him for now.

I still replace goalies when I don't like their performance.

Fortunately for them, in Belgium, you can only dress 4 subs so I usually don't have a goalie on the bench. But I definitely have a very tight string when it comes to not starting a goalie if he has an average game or worse (doesn't hurt that I have two legit #1's, a young guy who's playing well in limited chances, and a teenager who is tearing up the reserves -- <0.50 GAA).

[Fouts]

More like a game every 15-20 minutes, but that's cool.

I accidentally started with USA time frame (Feb05, but that's ok, I'll manage till July 05 with New England, then add a big name Foreign team)

What do you mean by "add a big name Foreign team" ?

[Fouts]

BTW, does anyone start the game unemployed? I did this for the FM2006 demo and picked up a team pretty quickly. We kicked some butt during the 6 months even though all the game previews said we had no chance. I didn't understand why they said we suck, and then preceded to slaughter everyone.

Either the press was way off, or the game let me win to get me to buy it.

I am dying to get my hands on this game. One thing I enjoyed was the home page, ton of team info there. I hope the next version of EHM has that.

[SirFozzie]

add a manager, managing a big name team, that is.. (Since from February to july, they literally have nothing to do, if you start the game in Feb05)

FM2006 is a LOT faster then 05.

[Fouts]

add a manager, managing a big name team, that is.. (Since from February to july, they literally have nothing to do, if you start the game in Feb05)

FM2006 is a LOT faster then 05.

Are you saying you can roleplay as 2 different managers in the same universe?

Maybe I am misunderstanding.

[SirFozzie]

yes, you can have multiple managers (The demo only allows 1).. but you can play games with multiple managers either over the net, or just on one computer.

For example, DaddyTorgo and I are going to be doing a net game as the Old Firm in the next few weeks. :D

[Fouts]

yes, you can have multiple managers (The demo only allows 1).. but you can play games with multiple managers either over the net, or just on one computer.

For example, DaddyTorgo and I are going to be doing a net game as the Old Firm in the next few weeks. :D

Wow, very cool. I would be interested in hearing how the net game goes. I'm not even sure how you can manage it.

[Crapshoot]

Old Firm loving scum! My Hearts team is about to break their hold on the SPL (Celtic just fired O'Neill and are in 5th - Hearts havent lost a game in 30 and are in Champions League QF, but still goddamn second to Rangers) :D

[daedalus]

Are you saying you can roleplay as 2 different managers in the same universe?Can't speak for any of the earlier version but I was able to do that even back in 01/02.

[Marc Vaughan]

BTW, anyone see the picture of the PSP version of FM2006?

Guh. I might have to buy a PSP just for that, looks so sweet.

Heh - thats exactly what I've done ... we'll be getting some test UMD's in the near(ish) future for the game (prior to that we have to play on 'test-kits' and PC based emulation versions) and I've made a point of purchasing a PSP so I can play on the train on a PSP once we've got them in (if you're interested I picked up a Japanese PSP from Ebay for £120 which wasn't bad (around 60% of retail price in UK).

[Marc Vaughan]

Can't speak for any of the earlier version but I was able to do that even back in 01/02.
All versions of CM/FM since CM2 have been able to have multiple managers.

All versions of CM/FM since CM3 have had network games.

(if you didn't realise you can mix and match the two, for instance have a network game on 2 PC's in different locations and have 3 managers on each PC's for a total of six managers in the game etc.)

[moriarty]

wow there so many different tactics you can do.

anybody have a great guide on tactics and what kind of personal you need to run each type of tactics?

thanks

JB - try the hint guide in this thread:

http://dynamic.gamespy.com/~fof/forums/showthread.php?t=43794&highlight=vaughan+hints+tips

[Francis_Cole]

BTW, does anyone start the game unemployed?

Some would say thats the only way to go :)!

[Passacaglia]

I don't have FM 2006, but my typical start is unemployed, then wait for the first vacancy in conference north/south.

[Calis]

For example, DaddyTorgo and I are going to be doing a net game as the Old Firm in the next few weeks. :D

You better be Celtic!

And you better win.

Fugging Huns.

[SirFozzie]

I plan on being Celtic.

And I plan on running Rangers ragged.

"Glasgow is green and white.. GREEEENNN AND WHITE!"

[SirFozzie]

Hey Marc.. where did the Print To Text button go? I do miss it so... :D

[FrogMan]

Hey Marc.. where did the Print To Text button go? I do miss it so... :D
you mean, it's not under "options, print screen" like in FM2005?

FM

[SirFozzie]

Argh. I blame the new skin :D

Thanks, FM :D

[FrogMan]

Argh. I blame the new skin :D

Thanks, FM :D
Yeah, after I posted it occured to me it could have been a skin effect. I've seen some ways of printing some more screen on the SI forums, like the match report and match stats if you are interested. I could dig the thread and get some info on how to unlock it with a couple of easy mod to some xml files. IIRC, Ter himself was onto this to possibly include it in a future patch...

FM

[Eaglesfan27]

add a manager, managing a big name team, that is.. (Since from February to july, they literally have nothing to do, if you start the game in Feb05)

FM2006 is a LOT faster then 05.
That is awesome news!

Makes me feel even better about running it on my upstairs computer where I won't be able to watch TV while playing. :)

[Galaril]

How is MLS this version? Does it feel like MLS or like an European league?

[SirFozzie]

It feels like MLS. I wish I had the Bosman rule, for example... Since both conferences are on the same screen now.. it feels right.

[MizzouRah]

I still replace goalies when I don't like their performance.

Fortunately for them, in Belgium, you can only dress 4 subs so I usually don't have a goalie on the bench. But I definitely have a very tight string when it comes to not starting a goalie if he has an average game or worse (doesn't hurt that I have two legit #1's, a young guy who's playing well in limited chances, and a teenager who is tearing up the reserves -- <0.50 GAA).
It must be that "hockey" feeling we have. :D

[sovereignstar]

Does SI not have a license for Bundesliga? If not, does anyone know why? Just going by the gold demo here, so do correct me if I'm mistaken.

[DaddyTorgo]

now running with no problems. currently sitting 1 pt back in the Norwegian Tippeligen about 1/4 of the way through the season and still LOVING the game. It definately has that "just one more game" feel. I signed off everything else on my computer last night at 1am to play one more game before bed...didn't end up sleeping till 2:15 and another week or two of game time.

*addicted*

[Emiliano]

Does SI not have a license for Bundesliga? If not, does anyone know why? Just going by the gold demo here, so do correct me if I'm mistaken.
Nope. Don't know why. But there is a file that puts all the real players names in the DB. In the demo (I'm using the demo as well) you can't do anything though, because the DB is compressed and you start the game with a "quick-start" compressed DB.

[Icy]

Ups there is a bug in the Spanish (the league i was playing) and Portugese leagues. The squad numbers that you submit to the league board are reseted after each match. You can set the numbers again after each match, but the problem is that once the official time frame to submit the player numbers is over, the players not registered can't play the official competitions. I have read at the SIgames forum that it's going to be fixed in the next patch so i guess i'll need to wait for it before playing.

About the German league real teams names and competitions names, there is an unnoficial patch that fixes it, it can be found here:
http://www.sortitoutsi.net/index.php?page=articles&view=news&news_id=1731
Download the real competition names.

You can find also more usefull stuff on that website too.

[FrogMan]

About the German league real teams names and competitions names, there is an unnoficial patch that fixes it, it can be found here:
http://www.sortitoutsi.net/index.php?page=articles&view=news&news_id=1731
Download the real competition names.

You can find also more usefull stuff on that website too.
yup, Susie rocks! :)

FM

[Coffee Warlord]

Does the crowd noise cut out for anyone else when you make a quick tactics change during the match?

Have to pause/unpause the game for it to come back. Weird.

[vex]

Does the crowd noise cut out for anyone else when you make a quick tactics change during the match?

Have to pause/unpause the game for it to come back. Weird.
They're just stunned :D

[Marc Vaughan]

Does SI not have a license for Bundesliga? If not, does anyone know why? Just going by the gold demo here, so do correct me if I'm mistaken.
I believe EA have the exclusive for this league - should it become a non-exclusive licence then we'd obviously be interested in looking into it in the future ...

[Marc Vaughan]

Ups there is a bug in the Spanish (the league i was playing) and Portugese leagues. The squad numbers that you submit to the league board are reseted after each match. You can set the numbers again after each match, but the problem is that once the official time frame to submit the player numbers is over, the players not registered can't play the official competitions. I have read at the SIgames forum that it's going to be fixed in the next patch so i guess i'll need to wait for it before playing.

We're working on this at the moment - you won't have to wait for long until its out, apologies for not having spotted the problem before release.

PS> Fix is backward compatible so your save game will be fine to continue....

[sovereignstar]

I believe EA have the exclusive for this league

I should have known. Thanks

[Pumpy Tudors]

is the ai good

[sovereignstar]

is the ai good

This is football silly not teh nBA!

[Pumpy Tudors]

This is football silly not teh nBA!
my bad. then is the jp good. jp losman.

[vex]

my bad. then is the jp good. jp losman.
Viniteri is a stud.

[st.cronin]

jp is not good
tulane qbs all get benched
ramsey now backup

[Pumpy Tudors]

wait till lester ricard graduates
he going to own FM 2008

[Emiliano]

LOL

[jbmagic]

is the ai good


Waffles :)

http://personal.adiis.net/paulsgrains/waffles.jpg

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/waffles

[Butter]

The 2D match engine is so much better this year... it just looks like a real game of soccer... last year, I was able to get far too many easy chances on long balls, but this year the CPU is doing a much better job of challenging passes and keeping an eye on roaming strikers. Plus, the passes and shots just feel more lifelike than they did last year.

Great job!

[moriarty]

The 2D match engine is so much better this year... it just looks like a real game of soccer... last year, I was able to get far too many easy chances on long balls, but this year the CPU is doing a much better job of challenging passes and keeping an eye on roaming strikers. Plus, the passes and shots just feel more lifelike than they did last year.

Great job!

Thanks for rescuing this thread Butter ... although seeing Butter and Waffles in back to back post is making me real hungry about now ....

[FrogMan]

The 2D match engine is so much better this year... it just looks like a real game of soccer... last year, I was able to get far too many easy chances on long balls, but this year the CPU is doing a much better job of challenging passes and keeping an eye on roaming strikers. Plus, the passes and shots just feel more lifelike than they did last year.

Great job!
This is the one thing that striked me as an amazing improvement the one time I tried the demo so far. Played only one friendly and thought the balled move more realistically with bounces that felt almost 3D more than simply a view from up top. I mean I felt more like I had a good perspective of how high the ball had been kicked or passed...

FM

[vyshka]

I just got home from a week in Boston for work. I had a ups package at the office with Civ4 in it, and at home in the mailbox was my FM2006 package from gameplay. Now I must decide which to play. Maybe I will install FM2006 on my iBook and play Civ4 on desktop.

[vyshka]

Can you watch match highlights for games if the league is normal detail? I went
to see the goal highlights for a Liverpool CL match, and I couldn't find it anywhere.

[DaddyTorgo]

i was just sitting here doing a PBP for a game against my rival that i won 2-0, literally cheering and bouncing on the couch. What other game out there brings that level of enthusiasm?? None!

[klayman]

Can you watch match highlights for games if the league is normal detail? I went
to see the goal highlights for a Liverpool CL match, and I couldn't find it anywhere.Should be able to as long as the match is not that old. The game only stores so many matches (depending on your settings), so it could be that it has passed the threshold for storing highlights.

If not, then it should be on the bottom of the overview screen of the game (at least on the skin I'm using).

[klayman]

dola

I also have to say that this is the best version of the game since CM01/02. I'm very impressed so far. Great job SI!

[Pumpy Tudors]

Grr, I wish there was a way that the US release could happen earlier than Tuesday. :)

[FBPro]

I just got into this game last year after SEVERAL attempts at CM, but wow I was seriously blown away and since getting FM 2006 earlier in the week it is all I have played. Sweet additions.

[FrogMan]

Grr, I wish there was a way that the US release could happen earlier than Tuesday. :)
Dang Pumpy, patience really isn't thy name...

:D

FM

[Pumpy Tudors]

Dang Pumpy, patience really isn't thy name...

:D
It really isn't. I just bought Civ4 tonight, and yet I'm still itching for FM. I'm crazy.

[FrogMan]

It really isn't. I just bought Civ4 tonight, and yet I'm still itching for FM. I'm crazy.
there ya go, play that Civ4 thing, Tuesday will be here soon enough :)

FM

[DaddyTorgo]

good lord. i can't stop playing FM right now. it's insane

[FrogMan]

good lord. i can't stop playing FM right now. it's insane
And you know what is almost sad, I can't stop playing FM2005 right now. It will kill me to let go of that career... :(

FM

[DaddyTorgo]

i know what you mean FM. I've had careers on like CM 01/02 that I still have loaded on my old desktop that I still go back to from time to time, just to play a day or two really and "say hi" to all my guys.

[Eaglesfan27]

As previously mentioned, I won't be able to let go of my FM 05 career for at least 10-15 more seasons of gameplay.

I also picked up Civ4 today, yet find myself dreaming about playing FM 06 on Tuesday. Once Tuesday rolls around, I'll be rotating my free time between FM 05, FM 06 and Civ4. :)

[DaddyTorgo]

2 injured GK's in one match.

Just had 2 injured GK's in one match. My starter picked up a knock so I brought him off at halftime and brought in my backup. He preceeded to get injured in the 71st minute and had to come off. I pulled my team back into a defensive shell and managed to avoid conceeding a goal, ended up in a 0-0 draw. I just found this weirdly awesome, since this is definately the first time I can recall having to put a field player in the goal in FM.

[BreizhManu]

2 injured GK's in one match.

Just had 2 injured GK's in one match. My starter picked up a knock so I brought him off at halftime and brought in my backup. He preceeded to get injured in the 71st minute and had to come off. I pulled my team back into a defensive shell and managed to avoid conceeding a goal, ended up in a 0-0 draw. I just found this weirdly awesome, since this is definately the first time I can recall having to put a field player in the goal in FM.
That proves you don't play enough http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

It happened to me a few times.

[Eaglesfan27]

That proves you don't play enough http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif

It happened to me a few times.
When I was new to the series, I forgot to dress a backup keeper a few times including one time in a big English League Cup Match. Needless to say, it bit me in the ass and I never forgot to dress a backup keeper again ;)

However, I've never had 2 go down in one game.

[MrBigglesworth]

Hey, I'm trying to get into FM2006, but I know next to nothing about soccer past middle school and Hattrick level. I read the Marc Vaughan thing, but it was too advanced at some parts. Are there any sites out there for super noobs?

[jbmagic]

Hey, I'm trying to get into FM2006, but I know next to nothing about soccer past middle school and Hattrick level. I read the Marc Vaughan thing, but it was too advanced at some parts. Are there any sites out there for super noobs?


according to Marc, he said the Manual is well done and there now in game help files too.

[Marc Vaughan]

Hey, I'm trying to get into FM2006, but I know next to nothing about soccer past middle school and Hattrick level. I read the Marc Vaughan thing, but it was too advanced at some parts. Are there any sites out there for super noobs?
Press F1 to bring up the in-game help, if you have an specific questions then just post them here and either myself or someone else will answer them ...

[Icy]

Good tactics discussion with samples at SI forums:
http://community.sigames.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/521102691/m/4762059071

Visit their tactics forums for more info, as there are both noobs and veterans there, you can find very valuable info (of course mixed with the moaning that every forum has after a game release).

Also as Marc said, post here your questions and we all will try to help.

[jbmagic]

on fm 2006, i hope there not one super tactic that you can win games regardless of talent.

[FrogMan]

on fm 2006, i hope there not one super tactic that you can win games regardless of talent.
do you know any super tactics for FM2005? What I read is that it was already tougher to build one with FM2005 than it ever was in past versions...

FM

[Icy]

Anyway i don't get what is the problem with super tactics, this is a single player game mainly so unless you want to cheat yourself i dont' see any problem. If i read at sigames that putting 11 goalies will make me win all games.... well then i just won't put 11 goalies as anyway that is not realistic playing. It's like cheating playing solitaire...
Of course it's not the same for multiplayer leagues where what you do affects the others.

[AlexB]

on fm 2006, i hope there not one super tactic that you can win games regardless of talent.

442 works well enough, if you tailor it to your players... Maybe a little too well: 1st start I picked Aldershot, who are bottom of the Conference IRL and by the end of October (when I quit as I did not have the right set-up :mad: ) I was 2nd...

Now end of January 2006 with Leicester (in the end I always have to play as the mighty Foxes) I'm top (just) of the Championship and in the final of the League Cup, having beaten Bolton and Chelsea away, Liverpool at home and Arsenal over two legs in the semi (losing 1-0 against their mix team and beating the full team 2-0 at our place in the return).

IRL we are a mid-low table side building for the future: in FM 2006, with no major difference I'm the Championship Jose, and Dion Dublin is scoring the equivalent of about five years worth of goals in six months!

I'd love to think it's coz I'm great ;) but am worried about the difficulty level a little...

[RPI-Fan]

Anyway i don't get what is the problem with super tactics, this is a single player game mainly so unless you want to cheat yourself i dont' see any problem. If i read at sigames that putting 11 goalies will make me win all games.... well then i just won't put 11 goalies as anyway that is not realistic playing. It's like cheating playing solitaire...
Of course it's not the same for multiplayer leagues where what you do affects the others.

I kind of agree with you, however, if I happen upon something saying "three forwards is always better than two" and it is corroborated, I feel like I'm cheating MYSELF if I _don't_ use this info (and if I WANT to play 3 forwards I feel like I'm cheating)... so I'd rather just have this kind of thing not be out there, period (i.e. not exist in the game engine) than to have to take it upon myself to avoid it.

[jbmagic]

do you know any super tactics for FM2005? What I read is that it was already tougher to build one with FM2005 than it ever was in past versions...

FM


thats good news.


it going to be my first soccer game.

[vyshka]

Should be able to as long as the match is not that old. The game only stores so many matches (depending on your settings), so it could be that it has passed the threshold for storing highlights.

If not, then it should be on the bottom of the overview screen of the game (at least on the skin I'm using).

It was immediately after the match had completed. I was guessing it was because their opponent was some nobody team from elsewhere in Europe whose league I wasn't simming. I looked at the first week of EPL games though and the same thing there. I don't remember seeing anything in the setup, and there doesn't appear to be anything in preferences. I have the db set to normal size.

[klayman]

It was immediately after the match had completed. I was guessing it was because their opponent was some nobody team from elsewhere in Europe whose league I wasn't simming. I looked at the first week of EPL games though and the same thing there. I don't remember seeing anything in the setup, and there doesn't appear to be anything in preferences. I have the db set to normal size.Are you by chance not managing in Europe?

As from what I can figure out, the Champions League and etc, are only on full detail if you have a European leauge in full (either by setting or managing in one). I'm managing in the English Conference, and as such, have full access to the highlights for CL, EPL, Championship, etc. I also have several other leagues on normal detail (like Spain, Italy, MLS), but I cannot access any highlights from those leagues. Nor can I see any highlights from non-European cups and tournaments.

Other than that, I'm out of ideas.

[AlexB]

Now end of January 2006 with Leicester (in the end I always have to play as the mighty Foxes) I'm top (just) of the Championship and in the final of the League Cup, having beaten Bolton and Chelsea away, Liverpool at home and Arsenal over two legs in the semi (losing 1-0 against their mix team and beating the full team 2-0 at our place in the return).

Woo hoo! Won the final 3-1 against Man Utd :cool: - first trophy of FM2006, many more to come! OK, it wasn't a full strength Man U, but it wasn't an all out reserve side either - European football next year at The Walkers Stadium :eek: .

Now we've got to keep up the Championship form (still top on GD) and maybe even go for a cup double - we've got Everton in the 5th round of the FA Cup. (when we play the Toffees, it will mean that we have played all of last season's top 6 Premiership sides in the cup: tough draws!)

Even though it does seem to be coming a little easily, doesn't mak it any less fun :)

[Marc Vaughan]

Woo hoo! Won the final 3-1 against Man Utd :cool: - first trophy of FM2006, many more to come! OK, it wasn't a full strength Man U, but it wasn't an all out reserve side either - European football next year at The Walkers Stadium :eek: .
Congrats :D

Now we've got to keep up the Championship form (still top on GD) and maybe even go for a cup double - we've got Everton in the 5th round of the FA Cup. (when we play the Toffees, it will mean that we have played all of last season's top 6 Premiership sides in the cup: tough draws!)
Thats likely to be a tougher challenge than Man Utd as Everton aren't likely to be still in any other competitions at that stage (unless they've had some freaky European results) ...

Even though it does seem to be coming a little easily, doesn't mak it any less fun :)
LOL :D

Glad you're enjoyig the game, let me know how you get on next season in the Premiership ... if you roll through that then I want to take a look at your tactics .... so we can work out if you're exploiting an AI flaw we can but but ... also not least because I'll use them next time we play an inhouse network game ;)

[Icy]

Marc show that Jari's post to the Sigames forums whiners about the game being impossible :)

[FrogMan]

Marc show that Jari's post to the Sigames forums whiners about the game being impossible :)
thing is, there are about as many posts about the game being too easy... :D

FM

[sovereignstar]

I've pretty much decided that I'd like to take control of a lower level team in England once I get my hands on the game. I do have some questions as to the nationality that I choose when I add myself as a manager though.

I don't have any interest in coaching the English National Team, but some struggling football nation instead. That leads me to a few questions:

1) If I do choose a nationality other than English, does that affect my ability to manage my English club in any way?

2) How realistic would this be? Are there any international managers in England?

3) What would be some national teams to consider?

Thanks

[FrogMan]

I've pretty much decided that I'd like to take control of a lower level team in England once I get my hands on the game. I do have some questions as to the nationality that I choose when I add myself as a manager though.

I don't have any interest in coaching the English National Team, but some struggling football nation instead. That leads me to a few questions:

1) If I do choose a nationality other than English, does that affect my ability to manage my English club in any way?

2) How realistic would this be? Are there any international managers in England?

3) What would be some national teams to consider?

Thanks
To (1), no it won't affect anything regarding your management of your club. I always set my nationality to Canadian and I've taken my club to the Premiership twice.

To (2), I can't say about the conference level, but there are many Premiership manager who aren't English: Arsène Wenger with Arsenal (French), Rafa Benitez with Liverpool (Spanish?), Jose Mourinho is probably another with Chelsea. Even the national team manager is a Swede...

To (3), I don't know what you would like but I've been offered and have accepted the position of Ivory Coast manager and I'm having a blast with them... Weird enough, but Canada could be agood choice, as it's been a long while since their last presence in the World Cup ;).

FM

[Ajaxab]

I have to respectfully disagree with Frogman (:)) on this one as I would assume FM2006 to be the same as FM2005 with these questions. Your starting nationality does have an influence on your management of the club insofar as it slightly changes the kinds of players you can bring to the club. If you choose to begin the game as a Dutch manager of an English team, it will be slightly easier for you to bring Dutch players to your chosen squad. The language you speak can also make a difference. It could be slightly easier for you to bring Argentines to a German club if you start the game as a Spanish manager because you speak the same first language.

Froggie is spot on with his other answers though. I've started as a Canadian and managed several different nations in the past.

[FrogMan]

I have to respectfully disagree with Frogman (:)) on this one as I would assume FM2006 to be the same as FM2005 with these questions. Your starting nationality does have an influence on your management of the club insofar as it slightly changes the kinds of players you can bring to the club. If you choose to begin the game as a Dutch manager of an English team, it will be slightly easier for you to bring Dutch players to your chosen squad. The language you speak can also make a difference. It could be slightly easier for you to bring Argentines to a German club if you start the game as a Spanish manager because you speak the same first language.
disagreement accepted and understood ;)

Makes a whole lot of sense too, never thought about it since as a Canadian, I always started with both French and English as languages spoken, which very accurate and realistic for me, since I do speak both :) Never thought that my nationality could make it easier/tougher to sign players. I'd also guess that your reputation must have an even bigger bearing on who you're able to bring to your club, no matter what language they speak. Just an educated guess though...

FM

[Ajaxab]

Picking a Canadian nationality gives us a bit of an advantage I suppose (even if my French is pretty poor in real life :) ). I guess this variable also means that being Swiss would be the most advantageous nationality to choose as far as languages go right? German, Italian and French? Of course this advantage is offset by the fact that Swiss players don't exactly light the world on fire compared to those from some other nations.

[Coffee Warlord]

Heh. So I get added difficulty as an American low level coach in England, 'cause, well, you can never get freakin' USA players across the ocean.

[FrogMan]

Heh. So I get added difficulty as an American low level coach in England, 'cause, well, you can never get freakin' USA players across the ocean.
but you at least speak English, even though the Brits don't understand a frigging word your saying ;) :p

FM

[Coffee Warlord]

but you at least speak English, even though the Brits don't understand a frigging word your saying ;) :p

FM

They understand my team strategy well enough. "Run, run run run RUN!"

[FrogMan]

They understand my team strategy well enough. "Run, run run run RUN!"
from the "run Forest, run" school of thoughts, I see ;)

FM

[Coffee Warlord]

from the "run Forest, run" school of thoughts, I see ;)

FM

If you aren't going full out all the time, you ain't playing Nielsen style football!

[FrogMan]

:D

FM

[Coffee Warlord]

As a side. I'm overjoyed that in '06 you can actually train Pace. I'll have my whole squad flying at mach 10 down that field in no time. :)

[Izulde]

To (3), I don't know what you would like but I've been offered and have accepted the position of Ivory Coast manager and I'm having a blast with them... Weird enough, but Canada could be agood choice, as it's been a long while since their last presence in the World Cup ;).

FM

Is it possible to get lower tier nations like the IC to qualify for the World Cup?

Good to hear that you have them though, as it seems to mean that even if you don't have the league in the game, you can still coach the national side. :)

[Butter]

As a side. I'm overjoyed that in '06 you can actually train Pace.

Not realistic though, is it? As the old cliche goes: You can't teach speed... which I think is true mostly.

[FrogMan]

Is it possible to get lower tier nations like the IC to qualify for the World Cup?

Good to hear that you have them though, as it seems to mean that even if you don't have the league in the game, you can still coach the national side. :)
Take a look in my dynasty (link in sig) and you'll see that I got them through to group play of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. There is a reasonable chance of me taking them to the WC, we just got to win and hope we don't suffer too many injuries, as the national pool of players is pretty thin.

As for having the league in the game, it really didn't matter for the Ivory Coast squad as most (maybe even all) of the National Teamers are playing abroad. Didier Drogba playing for Chelsea is probably the best example...

FM

[sovereignstar]

Doh! For some reason I was under the impression that you could only manage your "home" national team.

[FrogMan]

Not realistic though, is it? As the old cliche goes: You can't teach speed... which I think is true mostly.
yeah, mostly, but one can improve his speed with drills, no? I mean a playre who's a "3" in pace should never become a "13" or "15", but he could become a "4" or a "5", no? I think it makes sense, as long as the hidden potential pace is not always very higher than the original...

FM

[FrogMan]

Doh! For some reason I was under the impression that you could only manage your "home" national team.
Nope, you can only "play" for your national team, but for managers, it's open bar ;)

FM

[Butter]

yeah, mostly, but one can improve his speed with drills, no? I mean a playre who's a "3" in pace should never become a "13" or "15", but he could become a "4" or a "5", no? I think it makes sense, as long as the hidden potential pace is not always very higher than the original...

FM

Totally agreed.

[FrogMan]

another use of being able to train pace I hope is coded in the game is to help delay the loss of pace that sometimes comes with older players. You know, this player who's great all around but has only 6 or 7 in pace and over the course of one offseason drops three points to 3 or 4. Maybe if he were training a bit more in pace, he'd have kept these 3 points for another season... Just a thought...

FM

[Coffee Warlord]

yeah, mostly, but one can improve his speed with drills, no? I mean a playre who's a "3" in pace should never become a "13" or "15", but he could become a "4" or a "5", no? I think it makes sense, as long as the hidden potential pace is not always very higher than the original...

FM

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's exactly the case. You can make people a bit faster by quality conditioning/drilling, but not like...ridiculously so.

But, since I only transfer in players with 10-11+ pace minimum, my guys will hopefully fly. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Only one more day until download! :)

(Despite loving Civ4, I can't wait for this to be available.)

[Butter]

But, since I only transfer in players with 10-11+ pace minimum, my guys will hopefully fly. :)

I usually try and find wingers and strikers even faster than that... but I'll take slow players down the middle. One of the best AMC's I ever had in a 4-4-2 diamond had a pace of around 6, as I recall.

[FrogMan]

I usually try and find wingers and strikers even faster than that... but I'll take slow players down the middle. One of the best AMC's I ever had in a 4-4-2 diamond had a pace of around 6, as I recall.
I think CW is still in conference play, so 10-11 is not bad for him. At the EPL level, I go for 15+ on the wings and at least one burner up front. The other's gotta be strong and a good header/jumper, or have crazy creativity/passing/off the ball skills to feed others around him...

FM

[Ramzavail]

Only one more day until download! :)

(Despite loving Civ4, I can't wait for this to be available.)

Who is sick tomorrow? :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Who is sick tomorrow? :)
I wish I could do that, but now isn't a good time to play sick. Oh well, I'm sure I'll still find plenty of time to play after work tomorrow evening ;)

[vyshka]

Are you by chance not managing in Europe?

As from what I can figure out, the Champions League and etc, are only on full detail if you have a European leauge in full (either by setting or managing in one). I'm managing in the English Conference, and as such, have full access to the highlights for CL, EPL, Championship, etc. I also have several other leagues on normal detail (like Spain, Italy, MLS), but I cannot access any highlights from those leagues. Nor can I see any highlights from non-European cups and tournaments.

Other than that, I'm out of ideas.

I am managing in Conf South. I guess they need to be set to extra full detail instead of normal detail.

[Coffee Warlord]

I think CW is still in conference play, so 10-11 is not bad for him. At the EPL level, I go for 15+ on the wings and at least one burner up front. The other's gotta be strong and a good header/jumper, or have crazy creativity/passing/off the ball skills to feed others around him...

FM

Yeah, I'm down in League Two. The talented speedsters aren't exactly lining up to come to Notts County...yet!

[Coffee Warlord]

I usually try and find wingers and strikers even faster than that... but I'll take slow players down the middle. One of the best AMC's I ever had in a 4-4-2 diamond had a pace of around 6, as I recall.

And I'll dola by noting I play a high paced 3-4-3. I need speed everywhere, especially in the middle, as my two midfielders are heavily charged with supporting the defense.

I'll try and post a screeny of my tactics in my dynasty thread tonight.

[MrBug708]

I wish Foz would finish up his first season as Im curious as to the MLS draft. Are there anyone halfway decent coming out? Or mostly useless players?

[Pumpy Tudors]

So at what time can we expect the download to be available? For every SI release that's downloadable, I keep hoping that it'll be released at midnight GMT. I don't think it ever happens. I can hope, though! :)

[TazFTW]

I have to respectfully disagree with Frogman (:)) on this one as I would assume FM2006 to be the same as FM2005 with these questions. Your starting nationality does have an influence on your management of the club insofar as it slightly changes the kinds of players you can bring to the club. If you choose to begin the game as a Dutch manager of an English team, it will be slightly easier for you to bring Dutch players to your chosen squad. The language you speak can also make a difference. It could be slightly easier for you to bring Argentines to a German club if you start the game as a Spanish manager because you speak the same first language.

Froggie is spot on with his other answers though. I've started as a Canadian and managed several different nations in the past.
Hmm, now I have to wonder if several Italian players didn't want to come to my Italian club because of my Hong Kong nationality.

[FrogMan]

So at what time can we expect the download to be available? For every SI release that's downloadable, I keep hoping that it'll be released at midnight GMT. I don't think it ever happens. I can hope, though! :)
patience, patience... ;)

FM

[MrBug708]

You also seem to have an edge to coach the national team of your choosen nationality. I was offered the England job, I didnt have to apply. I proceeded to get fired of course when I lost in the second round in the Euro Champs to Italy. I took over Holland, qualified for the WC, took over France and won it all. ;) Now Im the Italian national coach. Can't get the United States job to save my life though.

[Ajaxab]

Hmm, now I have to wonder if several Italian players didn't want to come to my Italian club because of my Hong Kong nationality.

I'm also pretty sure that managers, like players in the game, learn the languages of the countries they manage in over time. I want to say that it takes a couple of seasons for you to learn the language of the country you manage in if you don't know it already.

I guess it's possible that Italians woudn't come to your club if you didn't speak their language. If you learned Italian at some point in your managerial career, that could go a long way in helping you get some Italian players in.

But like Frogman said earlier in the thread, your reputation is key. Players ultimately want to play for a winner no matter where they come from.

[TazFTW]

Yeah, you do learn the language. When I started my second season with the Italian club, I learned Italian (basic).
My concern was would I be given enough time to rebuild the club. If my not knowing Italian hurts the chances of signing players then that would make it even harder to survive there.

I was also concerned about what I think is a bug. I first managed FC Dallas and got fired 2/3 the way into my second season. When I joined the Italian Serie B club, the games won in my profile went back to 0 while the games drawn and games lost stayed the same. I wondered if my new chairman would look at that and say, "He's won 0 games?? Fire him!".

Yeah, I also figured reputation was a factor. Being obscure was probably a bad thing. Oh, well now I'm local.

[Pumpy Tudors]

OK, it's past midnight GMT. Where's the download? :D

[AlexB]

Congrats :D


Thats likely to be a tougher challenge than Man Utd as Everton aren't likely to be still in any other competitions at that stage (unless they've had some freaky European results) ...

Got past Everton with a convincing 3-1 at Goodison, but then drew Middlesborough in the QF (so I had drawn Chelsea, Arsenal, Man U, Everton, Liverpool, Bolton and Middlesbrough in the two cups - all seven European qualifiers from 2004-2005 :eek:. After 1-1 at our place, lost 2-0 at the Riverside in extra time for dreams of an unprecedented treble to be shattered
:(


Glad you're enjoyig the game, let me know how you get on next season in the Premiership ... if you roll through that then I want to take a look at your tactics .... so we can work out if you're exploiting an AI flaw we can but but ... also not least because I'll use them next time we play an inhouse network game ;)

I was getting a little carried away in the previous post - I seem to remember for some reason I have found the Championship pretty easy in all CM versions (and the one FM05 game I played was the same): whether playing as Leicester or as a lower league team I seem to remember literally always getting promoted through at the first attempt. This is the only league this seems to happen for (for me anyway) - the others often hold me up for at least a season. Strange.

Nothing to see in my tactics: standard flat 4-4-2 with big man/little man combo and wingers getting to the byline. Individual instructions according to what the players can do well, but I do change marking, attacking mentality, tempo, width, defensive line and counter attacking reguarly according to who I'm playing, their formation, pace of forwards and whether I'm home or away, and change a few times mid game as well, As a result it takes me an age to play: four hours just gone and played 8 games, and 5 game weeks. Only 5 more games to go though (hopefully) :)

But both my top scorers (who are *cough* Dion Dublin and Elvis Hammond *cough* :eek: ) are now likely out for these remaining 5 league games, and have been for the last 3-4 (Everton player's retribution! Dirty Scousers!), but have moved to 3 points clear with a game in hand, and 5 clear and a game in hand over 3rd. Should be OK, but now my two senior GKs are injured as well!

Desperately trying to get loan players in to cover - Viduka came in up front, scored on his debut, and he's now out as well. If one of the 3 GKs I've got loan offers out to don't come in the next 3 days, 19 yr old Conrad Logan gets a debut in goal with a 17 year old rubbish youth midget goalie on the bench (seriously, all of my under 18 squad are between 5'4" and 5'9"! Even the DCs...)

Marc, as you can probably see, FM2006 has got me into the series again...

Just when I thought I was out, they drag me back in :D

[TredWel]

Maybe somebody can help me.

I've played around with the new training system in the demo, working out a few schedules. Which category in training does Off The Ball skill fall under? My strikers and mids all lost points there after a few months, so I figure I'm not training whatever that falls under.

[SirFozzie]

probably attacking/tactics.

[GoldenEagle]

Maybe somebody can help me.

I've played around with the new training system in the demo, working out a few schedules. Which category in training does Off The Ball skill fall under? My strikers and mids all lost points there after a few months, so I figure I'm not training whatever that falls under.
Speaking in general soccer terms, off the ball training would be more on the tactical side of things. It would be how a player would gets involves without the ball. It is a very important concept in soccer. A player who is good off the ball can make timely runs to create space for his teammates. I would suggest looking at the tactical training.

I would also like to suggest that everyone pick up a book or two on soccer. It will go along way in your immersion of FM.

[SirFozzie]

Guys: Check your game, you will have problems if you've selected amongst active leagues, the Belgium First Division (and only if that's the only Belgian league you've selected)

[Pumpy Tudors]

helo where is download thx

:D

[Eaglesfan27]

helo where is download thx

:D
I'm anxious for it too, but FM 05 will do for now ;)

[FrogMan]

helo where is download thx

:Dpatience, patience, go to sleep and it'll be there when you'll wake up, just like Christmas ;)

FM

[Pumpy Tudors]

patience, patience, go to sleep and it'll be there when you'll wake up, just like Christmas ;)

FM
I think I should've slept in. :)

[FrogMan]

I think I should've slept in. :)
yeah, looks like Santa's little helper are a bit on the slow side for the moment ;)

FM

[Eaglesfan27]

Darn! Oh well, I have to run to work in 10 minutes anyway ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

I got out of work early (shelter closed earlier than expected) and I was all excited about downloading the game. I guess it isn't out yet?

[FrogMan]

nope, isn't, although Marc Vaughan's been suspiciously absent from the board today... ;)


FM

[Eaglesfan27]

nope, isn't, although Marc Vaughan's been suspiciously absent from the board today... ;)


FM
Oh well, I've almost never been so happy to get out of work early (since I thought it would be ready for download), but I'll be happy to play some Civ4 or FM 05 for now :)

[sovereignstar]

For what it's worth, the digital download release for EHM 2005 was a total disaster.

[FrogMan]

For what it's worth, the digital download release for EHM 2005 was a total disaster.
On release day you mean? Is it any better now? I mean have the kinks been worked out?

FM

[sovereignstar]

Well I don't think they ever had a release day set for the digital download of EHM 2005. Supposedly some mumbo jumbo with lawyers and territories and crap like that. Then all of the sudden a link popped up around 11 pm central. Caused a little panic as some were able to get it and some weren't. Then, if I'm not mistaken, it wasn't the version that everyone needed to have, so everyone had to re-download the next day.

[sovereignstar]

http://community.sigames.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6461934525/m/3752074431/p/1

[FrogMan]

I see. Hopefully they have learned something from that fiasco, same way I have learned over the year to double check what file I make available to the masses within my company ;)

FM

[FrogMan]

We're getting some words from SI guys...

Yes, the game is still meant to be available today as a digital download.

At the moment, due to time differences, we are awaiting final confirmation on whether the files have been uploaded, work, and can be downloaded.

Without that, we can't give you guys a link. It's somewhat frustrating at the moment, to put it mildly.

We'll be continuing to check for the next 6 hours (to take us to midnight UK time), and will update if and when we hear more.
http://community.sigames.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/521102691/m/3212033861/p/3

FM

[Eaglesfan27]

I hardly ever go to SIgames' forum and really appreciate the updates Frogman.

[AlexB]

Just found something I've never seen before in an SI game - my scout looking for young talents reported back on a young 17 year old defender from the Manchester area.

In his profile it had a 'media outlook' line (or similar) which read 'Touted as the next Wes Brown'.

Seriously cool :cool:

(Although whether being the next Wes Brown is a compliment or an insult to the guy I've not worked out yet :D )

[Eaglesfan27]

(Although whether being the next Wes Brown is a compliment or an insult to the guy I've not worked out yet :D )
:D

[Pumpy Tudors]

Well, it's pushing midnight in the UK. Looks like we won't be getting the download tonight. I ain't mad about it, but I'm still gonna be a little impatient. I guess it's Civilization IV tonight! :D

[FrogMan]

Pumpy, I don't even need the new game since I wanna keep on playing my FM2005 career, but I kinda feel down about this... oh well...

FM

[Coffee Warlord]

Pumpy, I don't even need the new game since I wanna keep on playing my FM2005 career, but I kinda feel down about this... oh well...

FM

Shaddap and pony up the cash. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

I think FM and I both want the new game, we just want to continue our FM 05 dynasties as well ;)

[FrogMan]

oh, I will be getting the game, I just won't be starting a very serious career rightaway, thus getting the download today or tomorrow doesn't make that big a difference to me...

FM

[Sidhe]

Man I was ready at 7am this morning. I even buffed up my credit card.

:(

[FrogMan]

Looks like it will not happen today folks...

Just to confirm, it's now passed midnight here and there is no news. We'll need to wait until tomorrow(UK time) for an update. Apologies for the delay...
http://community.sigames.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/521102691/m/3212033861/p/3

FM

[samifan24]

Just found something I've never seen before in an SI game - my scout looking for young talents reported back on a young 17 year old defender from the Manchester area.

In his profile it had a 'media outlook' line (or similar) which read 'Touted as the next Wes Brown'.

Seriously cool :cool:

(Although whether being the next Wes Brown is a compliment or an insult to the guy I've not worked out yet :D )

In the demo I saw that US keeper Brad Guzan was "touted as the next Brad Friedel."

[Eaglesfan27]

oh, I will be getting the game, I just won't be starting a very serious career rightaway, thus getting the download today or tomorrow doesn't make that big a difference to me...

FM
Same here. I won't start my serious dynasty for at least a few patches. However, I am anxious to see this game in action as I haven't tried the demo at all.

[MizzouRah]

Same here. I won't start my serious dynasty for at least a few patches. However, I am anxious to see this game in action as I haven't tried the demo at all.
I think you'll be in love, I've played the demo quite a bit. :)

[jbmagic]

i am very nervous in getting this game. it will be my first soccer sim game.

just hope i will understand how to play the game and understand all the rules.

the depth of this game got my interest. :)

[DaddyTorgo]

i am very nervous in getting this game. it will be my first soccer sim game.

just hope i will understand how to play the game and understand all the rules.

the depth of this game got my interest. :)
jb...you're italian and you don't understand the rules of soccer?? what!?!?!?

[BreizhManu]

Just found something I've never seen before in an SI game - my scout looking for young talents reported back on a young 17 year old defender from the Manchester area.

In his profile it had a 'media outlook' line (or similar) which read 'Touted as the next Wes Brown'.

Seriously cool :cool:

(Although whether being the next Wes Brown is a compliment or an insult to the guy I've not worked out yet :D )
Have a look a Adailton and Grégory Bourillon from Rennes.

[jbmagic]

jb...you're italian and you don't understand the rules of soccer?? what!?!?!?


yes but grew up in the states.

just never really follow it much accept a little when the world cup is on tv.

just need to brush up on transfers, loans, tactics, what ratigns are important for each position, etc....

[DaddyTorgo]

aaaaah okay

[PilotMan]

FWIW, I went into Gamestop today to see if they had any idea when my copy of the game would be in and they said that they did not get it in yet. And they would call when it did come in. I am trying to be patient, but I have my hopes very high. I need that game.

[daedalus]

So I finally gave in and tinkered with the demo while I wait for my copy to arrive.

LOVE the new things that have already mentioned (side/position proficiencies, "moves", extra comments). Have not seen any mention of the switch from DM to WB but I dig that.

Still wish for multiple select (ie, select players 1-to-20 and scout). Still wish for more keyboard commands as the clicking is going to kill my wrist and accelerate the onset of carpal tunnel.

Questions:

1) If I have a player (for example, Ryan Smith) who is proficient (let's say, at Accomplished) at the AML slot but is not at the ML slot (let's say, at Unconvincing) and my formation (let's say, a flat 4-4-2) has my wing at the ML slot with an arrow up to the AML slot which should, in theory, have him operate mainly in the AML area of the field when we are in possession. Will he be operating at his more proficient slot of AML, where he should be playing in, or at the lesser one of ML, where he starts out at?

2) If I have a player who is rated at two position (let's say, left and centre) and he's less proficient at centre. If I set him to train in the centre in the hope of increasing his knowledge in that area, will that hurt his proficiency on the left (or make him lose the ability altogether)? I know it sounds illogical but I was under the impression that it was how it worked in CM 01/02 (which was the last version I was familiar with).

3) Slightly related to Q2 is whether I even need to train the aforementioned player in the centre of the pitch or if I can actually raise his proficiency by simply playing him there once he is already rated there (let's say that I would like to increase an Ineffectual to an Accomplished)?

Thankee. :)

[Pumpy Tudors]

I hope that I don't sound like I'm shitting on SI's efforts to get the download ready, but I'm somewhat disappointed right now. As much as I'd like to support their North American sales, I would've ordered from the UK over a week ago. The FM patches generally come out before the WWSM patches, so it would've been a boost to get FM, and it also appears that I would've had it sooner. I would've had to spend more money, but that wouldn't have bothered me.

At my last check, GameStop's website listed the ship date as November 7. I assume that the download hasn't been pushed back that far, but at this point, I don't know what to think anymore.

I'll still download on the first day that it's available. I just wish things had worked out a little differently.

[PilotMan]

Could someone give me an idea of the difference between part-time and full-time players? And what impact it has on your team? I have never really utilized signing guys to PT contracts at the lower levels. What impact does it have? Does it have any benefits to your squad?

[Marc Vaughan]

I just wish things had worked out a little differently.
You're not the only one - we're doing everything we can to get into stores reasonable fast and get decent coverage, unfortunately as always its a tad chicken and egg, until its released in America well it doesn't have the proven sales base there, until it has the proven sales base there stores are reluctant to stock it in reasonably large numbers ... :(

Could someone give me an idea of the difference between part-time and full-time players? And what impact it has on your team? I have never really utilized signing guys to PT contracts at the lower levels. What impact does it have? Does it have any benefits to your squad?

Part-time players will train less (duh? ;) ) however they're much cheaper to keep at a club, which is important for the semi-pro clubs.

You will find however especially in the English conference national that a part-time team has a definite disadvantage against professional teams because the extra training and fitness gives them an edge, especially late into a season ...

[Marc Vaughan]

PS> Best adjvantage to P/T contracts in the lower leagues is to allow you to keep a very cheap youth/reserve team in case of emergency (reserves) or in case of potential (youth).

[Bee]

I've been playing since I got the game on Monday and I have to say I'm once again having a blast. I've completely set aside Civ IV and am spending every free moment with FM2006 (probably to the detriment of my marriage...).

[PilotMan]

PS> Best adjvantage to P/T contracts in the lower leagues is to allow you to keep a very cheap youth/reserve team in case of emergency (reserves) or in case of potential (youth).
Thanks Marc, that is the info that I was looking for.

[Coffee Warlord]

Hey Marc, question.

All my end-of-season loans ended about 2 days before the league table playoffs. Which, needless to say, sucked. :)

Is this actually how the Real World Works? If it ain't...dear god please change it!

[FrogMan]

while many of us are waiting for the digidownload to become available, I got this question about it.

Is the "try and buy" download going to be one that you have to try with only quickstarts or can you really start a real game that would simply stop working after six months of playing time?

Maybe somebody who's tried the EHM try and buy could answer.

FM

[sovereignstar]

while many of us are waiting for the digidownload to become available, I got this question about it.

Is the "try and buy" download going to be one that you have to try with only quickstarts or can you really start a real game that would simply stop working after six months of playing time?

Maybe somebody who's tried the EHM try and buy could answer.

FM

You should be able to start off like you would in a normal game, ie no quickstarts.

[FrogMan]

You should be able to start off like you would in a normal game, ie no quickstarts.
cool, thanks.

FM

[Pumpy Tudors]

Judging from this thread (http://community.sigames.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/521102691/m/3212033861/p/3), the release of the digital download is out of SI's hands. Graeme Kelly has stated that they're waiting for some news, and I assume that that news will determine when the download is released.

What about the ship date, though? Was it actually November 1 or has it been pushed back? I've even seen the game listed on Wal-Mart's site (still as a preorder). I don't know if Wal-Mart will stock the game in-store, but that would be pretty cool. If the download is not ready by the time I'm back near home, I'll stop into Wal-Mart and check for it, although I don't expect it to be there. GameStop seems pretty set on selling it next week. I don't know of any other stores that might be stocking the game.

I feel like I'm hunting for NCAA 2006 all over again, except I don't need to check 7 stores in one day this time. ;)

[sovereignstar]

What we have here..

is a failure to communicate.

[Marc Vaughan]

Digi-download - we provide the game itself, it then goes to the digi service provider to get 'wrapped' and finally if I remember right Sega America get to host it, so a lot of this is out of our direct control ...

I believe we're waiting on other companies currently, but it shouldn't be too long now ..