SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
So basically after a discussion in the forums over our favourite versions of this wonderful game, I was inspired to revisit Championship Manager 97/98. This was my first game in the series, given to me by my uncle as a birthday present and started a love affair which has lasted to this day. I would play it all day every day and I still have numerous players that I hold dear to my heart due as a result.

So yeah I'm gonna start a career thread, my first in a very long time. Mainly for myself but obviously it's great if you enjoy it too. I actually did this a couple of years ago and didn't really stick to it but this time I promise I will, I haven't really been into FM16 too much but with this the passion is well and truly back. I will be managing Man Utd (of course) and there will be no real aim other than to enjoy the hell out of it. But I will obviously be comparing my record to Fergie's over the same time period and see how I compare. Also it will just be fantastic to see a load of great players and sides from the past again.

You can only load 3 leagues in this version so I have went with England/Spain/Italy. Also if there is anything that you want to see – certain players, certain teams etc then let me know and I will happily dig them out for you
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/n3y9tVDYJ8NID4E02IEYmCVX878nTvmSZqiTR7xB.png

So after releasing some of the deadwood and youngsters on free transfers this is what I'm left with – and a couple more of these will probably be sold/loaned out as well. I have £45m to play with and my priorities are going to be a starting CB, a covering CM, cover for Giggs and Becks on the wings and probably a Striker too, maybe even two considering those injuries. I'm so looking forward to trawling through all my favourite CM legends again.
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
After a quick search through the market I have identified a few players who could fit the roles, At CB I have made an offer for a young Sol Campbell who is already a starter for Spurs and looks to be an improvement on Henning Berg. On the right wing I noticed that Brian Laudrup was available from Rangers and he would be ideal to provide some experience whilst Becks develops. Additionally on left wing I hope to sign one of either Djalminha or Denilson - both pacey young Brazilian wingers who were fab on this game and who will be great to rotate with Giggs.

As for a Striker... that is going to be hard. In the mid/late 90's everywhere you looked was world class strikers and in this game in particular I have so many favourites. Ronaldo, Crespo, Batistuta, Chiesa, Del Piero, Bierhoff, Romario, Solskjaer, Sheringham, Ostenstad, Bestchastnyk, Smicer, Kuka, Yorke... I could go on forever. However my all time favourite from this series is Ibrahima Bakayoko... whom I signed practically every time I played and was always a total boss. I'm gonna go for him first for nostalgia's sake. I remember being so upset when he signed for Everton years later in real life and was utter garbage.

Also looking for a CM brought back two more CM faves that I will be desperate to sign.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/iT8djusudSeR5AB9IG6g6rQuGqTkFgUMcGpsl02k.png

Bjorn Heidenstrom - That fact this guy is in the lowest tier of English football is forever baffling. But is as solid and reliable as they come. Good cover for CB in a pinch as well.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/t7WUSRaMPUPu4bB7acbmW6Zmn6bhZmHJF4TINoyM.png

Niclas Alexandersson - Like Heidenstrom, another solid and reliable if not spectacular player. With the added bonus that he can cover every position except GK. Mr Versatility! A must-buy.
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
The simplicity of this version means time passes incredibly quickly and so the Charity/Community Shield is upon us already and I have yet to get anyone in. All the injuries to my strikers means I will be lining up like this.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/7OQKjlM7saZUx7F158YJMD5QthaXurcKOTr3kSG9.png

The inexperience of a 22 year old Scholes and 19 year old Nevland up top does not inspire me with confidence. Sheringham has just come back from injury but was nowhere near fit enough to play. The rest of the names on that bench highlight perfectly why I need to bulk out the squad.



SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/IM03t9aPAlJRWe69ophkWG8VEjTI1nbex1BqLoRL.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/OCqBKB3HDe9dpBj0yhsB3GGVGliccShb1qB7as2N.png

A late strike from the little magician denies me my first silverware
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/6B3OPXYMYDXRIusx9FPzD4r6h0jiNCW1AZ2zTZ4U.png

Got my grubby paws on Campbell just in time for the season opener. £8.25m a new club record

First game of the season was a massive one against Liverpool. I've decided I'll probably post updates around every 10 games or so, with exceptions for big games. Let me know if you would like it in more or less detail if you prefer.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/b9uth7N2uWNMREuA1IKwnvQj5ZYCFWchGG3s8YF2.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/wvzIYQvNXDf9pCCiPG55LELOV9pmDW2CSzp8bkLB.png

Oh Teddy Teddy! A now fit Teddy Sheringham settled any nerves that the cup final might have given me about this season. Always great to beat a rival, but even more so in a manner like this. Cracking start!
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
Got my boys

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/8JgnGSXnSaPrwx7ROQgMdDwZJes7BC1t7V5T0Wjz.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/cehQZNaUbVRSPMfwLakkyhpLJdHUQHGojBQUc8qY.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/jBwc1MvQkwBmpwanJ0igDVjgHrYB0YlqulfAQFwO.png

Spent a combined 17.3m on these three, as well as £4m on Richard Wright in goal as backup/future Schmeichel replacement as he is a bit of a wonderkid on this game. I've spent a lot of what the board have given me but the majority of my signings and potential signings are all really young and so I won't have to spend much in the future... unless someone truly amazing becomes available. It will even itself out I hope.

Leyton Orient and Sheff Wed keep telling my Heidenstrom and Alexandersson aren't for sale so no movement there yet. They will cave eventually. I've also had a few bids for a promising 19 y/o Rio Ferdinand rejected too.


SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/eDLP0Q9Fj0nfbwNyMuuKNriTm19nfVJPdSloY4xJ.png

Now that I've got some signings in I will be lining up like this. Quick and direct
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/8aY0UgKhqMW6lzOzwShKoIKuniG5ZGq01tMwL2NU.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/dVsTEXsjjvsgpAxWIIqyg5rLYH9h4kk5EUbuIdCU.png

I have absolutely zero impluse control . Though looking at those stats and knowing what he turns into how could I refuse

My problem now is I have Bakayoko, Henry, Solskjaer, Sheringham, Cole (as well as Scholes/Nevland/Notman) for 2 positions. Too many good strikers. It will just be a case of rotating them and checking how they perform to decide who gets sold on. Either that or the first one to complain about playing time goes Realistically though its between Ole, Cole and Sheringham with probably 2 of those 3 moving on at some point.

As for signings though I'm drawing a line unless one of my two midfield targets becomes available.
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
Also Bakayoko, Denilson and Henry all scored on their debuts. Impact
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
Been drawn in a Champions League group with Barca, Bayer Leverkusen and Banik Ostrava. A tough group it seems, especially as I seem to recall this edition of CM as one of the less forgiving ones. Making roads in Europe always seemed like a right ball ache. Hope I'm wrong though.

Incidentally this Parma side is ludicrous

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/1gnScivcJMr8uRo6WggImQp2oi4unOs4jxU2LmQV.png
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
I love seeing retro games posted on the careers section @SpinSwimScream so of course I'm going to follow. KIU.
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
I love seeing retro games posted on the careers section @SpinSwimScream so of course I'm going to follow. KIU.


Thanks man. Yeah I realised it had been far too long since I had been in the career section and this seemed like the perfect route back. Just gotta get around to catching up to everyone else's career threads now.
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
Leyton Orient finally relented and I got Heidenstrom in for 325k. Notman and Nevland went out on loan. There won't be anymore signings this season.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/i8LWwWFKhbRgVJWtfTEzmWHhKiZy1MHEaU1rkfOs.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/re0Uq3gtTvxtWlu13bEzPtGUm01lhOomW8soTOra.png
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
10 Games in and I can't have any complaints. Unbeaten in the league and Europe and my defensive record is fantastic, though with Barca next that will probably change very soon.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/fz8vtnfeEgLROOOvOM6IeOyARmYHRDGUtGvQTLEG.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/h0cruExOCEvC84XFAEZc5MTQIKPeVJvRqljVl2Zi.png

I have managed to stay surprisingly free of any new injuries. As a result both Cruyff and Solskjaer requested transfers for lack of playing time. Solskjaer can get fucked though, he only came back from injury like a week ago.
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/diNp32RpTfqwtY8Eyk5jsb2rrJIdWA2GYXjJlhTL.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/NRaofCVAfhsEl0XkM6oZAAFtaHDu2mJUFkVXzODz.png

I'll take it...
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/GR6QQIe300eglHaSI9SIyPpKoAp8iULEMnHobtNf.png

No more of this please guys. My heart can't take it, when Bakayoko missed the kick to win it I thought we had thrown it away. Never has the 3rd round of the League Cup felt so important
Fola
17 years ago
5 months ago
3,240
Premium
This is brilliant. Very tempted to invest in this now.
Dan
12 years ago
4 months ago
16,964
This makes me want to restore a former FM version
Grimnir
16 years ago
2 months ago
2,727
I opened this career and drowned in nostalgia.

Loving it

Please keep this up!
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
Thanks guys, I'm exactly the same and yeah I really plan to stick with it long term. My dissertation at Uni is due in a few days so things will be slow-ish to begin with but then after that it will be full stream ahead
Andrew♣
13 years ago
1 year ago
238
this is the first fm i ever played, that man utd squad screen brings back the memories. i hated sheffield wednesday, alexandersson and benito carbone always seemed to turn into god mode against me, you better watch out for those two
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
this is the first fm i ever played, that man utd squad screen brings back the memories. i hated sheffield wednesday, alexandersson and benito carbone always seemed to turn into god mode against me, you better watch out for those two


Was my first one too. But yeah I bought Niclas on every save but Sheff Wed seem reluctant to let him go this time. I'll get him eventually though. Carbone has moved to Parma thankfully so I can avoid that one They still have Di Canio though..
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
Damn me having so many Strikers already.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/WUDVOoF7PYO6VYOAPm6Qon7hqLqMaL62g8JUIESq.png

This guy is really grabbing my interest. Scoring like fun for the Norwegian national team and those stats look great. Really cheap as well... could get him for around £2m. I'll hold off for now though until I decide who I'm selling. A young Lampard is also catching my eye, great stats but West Ham don't wanna sell.

Also just a reminder that if there is any players/teams you wanna check out at any point just say
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/pMp3PBNl4GKk2NOp9pRlQv1mZVD4Mf2YyqTuVCMI.png

Out of the group easy enough. Forgot how different the CL was back then as only the winners of each group go through, with the 2 highest 2nd place finishes. So it's straight through to the Quarter Finals
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/ygxSAYaTacStubw8ORSEfUokK306XMZcbf1KVk1t.png

Absolutely nightmare draw against probably the best team around at this moment in time. Some tasty ties elsewhere too Barca v Bayern obviously but also Monaco v Parma, two very young, talented and exciting sides.
Shedender
17 years ago
1 month ago
13,751
Ah, Newcastle in the Champions League. Memories.
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
The last 10 games haven't quite gone as smoothly. Surprise package Wimbledon with a healthy-ish lead.

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/leT4Sms4eLCcPE0LrgRhXnWyAYBrjZqRF5xOSqCF.png

https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/WFnmQNrv9NtQjLJW3eKQoukQ4ZWWTWB1ZbfbYHBA.png
https://sortitoutsi.net/uploads/mirrored_images/fOkpWT9oFIZPh8gq2yoaEm3i6GweDEVTS74g25QM.png

Too many silly draws and a very poor patch of form in November that just happened to coincide with injuries to Bakayoko and Laudrup. Also crashed out of the League Cup to Newcastle.

Positives - only 5 behind, still only lost 1 league game and only 2 in all comps and Bakayoko and Laudrup are coming back from injury. Plus our defensive record is insane, only 6 goals conceded in the league. Solid
SpinSwimScream
14 years ago
10 hours ago
1,598
Ah, Newcastle in the Champions League. Memories.


Haha aye, they're doing great too. Not so much in the league though. Probably as Shearer has been injured for all of it. Only made 1 start this season
itchycoo
15 years ago
1 year ago
1,652
Love this! I remember having a great save on 97 with Wolves. I had a striker duo of Batistuta and Cantona a few seasons in... Those were the days...

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