Nov 24, 2014  As with everything in Football Manager 2015, It’s about measured actions. While no half measures is a great turn of phrase, it wont serve you well in the world of football management.

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A celebration of the cult behind the Football Manager (FM) series of computer games, which have been taking over the lives of football fans for 20 years. Meet the greatest players you never saw. Discover how one game can cause 35 divorces, one honeymoon and a police raid.

Go the next level with our guide to Extreme FMIain Macintosh writes about football for numerous A celebration of the cult behind the Football Manager (FM) series of computer games, which have been taking over the lives of football fans for 20 years. Meet the greatest players you never saw. Discover how one game can cause 35 divorces, one honeymoon and a police raid. Go the next level with our guide to Extreme FMIain Macintosh writes about football for numerous publications in Asia, USA and the UK and is one of the Football 50, the top football writers on Twitter according to TEAMtalk.

Kenny Millar is a sportswriter for The Sunday Post. Neil White is a former sportswriter for The Sunday Times. All three are Football Manager addicts. Football Manager Stole My Life is a look back at the twenty year history of football management simulation game, through development on an Amstrad CPC464 to the world beating behemoth that it is today, filled with the kind of anecdotes that a non-player would classify as lunacy but for the rest of us merely remind us fondly of our own behaviour whilst in a particularly engrossing saved game. But beyond discussions of favourite versions, legendary players and real life footballers who became Football Manager Stole My Life is a look back at the twenty year history of football management simulation game, through development on an Amstrad CPC464 to the world beating behemoth that it is today, filled with the kind of anecdotes that a non-player would classify as lunacy but for the rest of us merely remind us fondly of our own behaviour whilst in a particularly engrossing saved game.

But beyond discussions of favourite versions, legendary players and real life footballers who became hooked on the game there's also some serious discussion about the impact of the game on the real life sport it simulates, some intelligent comment from intelligent football people, and an example of what can only be described as 'fan fiction' centred on the game players experiences. It's an eye opening look in to a strange world, and a comic endeavour meant to pay homage to something a lot of people spend almost all of their free time thinking about. Much like the computer game it discusses the book is set out in such a way that as somebody interacting with it you find yourself saying 'just one more chapter (game)' repeatedly before finally putting it down only through duress. The major drawback for me is that I came to it after seeing the recent documentary, An Alternative Reality, which seems to have taken all of the really interesting and strong aspects of the book as the basis for its content, which detracted from some of the novelty of hearing about divorces that cite the game, honeymoons taken to locations chosen because the game player is currently managing a team in that town and applying for real jobs based on your experience managing that team in Football Manager. This was an enjoyable read from probably my favourite series of games ever. The reason I love the games is for their immersion and depth and level of detail that has not only gone into the games but the level of detail you put in to playing it get the best out of the experience. Unfortunately these aren't traits that the book shares with the game.

Don't get me wrong, there is genuine love for the series and an affection throughout the book but the game thrives on stories that can't help but have This was an enjoyable read from probably my favourite series of games ever. The reason I love the games is for their immersion and depth and level of detail that has not only gone into the games but the level of detail you put in to playing it get the best out of the experience.

Unfortunately these aren't traits that the book shares with the game. Don't get me wrong, there is genuine love for the series and an affection throughout the book but the game thrives on stories that can't help but have 'you had to be there' to them.A new file in FM is an undertaking and something you devote more time than you'd like to admit. The book on the other hand is light, easy and an incredibly quick read. You get an injection of nostalgia that isn't gleaned from reading other stories but from remembering your own. The book is never not enjoyable but it would perhaps be more suited to a magazine special over a couple of months.

Ultimately it never recreates the 'just one more game, I promise' feel of FM to that of a really fun book, where you never feel 'just one more page, I promise.' Recommended for fans but this scout report signs off telling perspective buyers to not expect a potential world class purchase with this. A slim book at just over two hundred pages, and not a lot of content once you take into account the number of half-blank spreads, photographs and in-chapter quotes taking up a whole page. As a consequence of this, and of the final thirty or so pages being an unfunny bit of fan fiction, I was pretty underwhelmed by this. I understand that a long and dense book on the same subject probably just wouldn't have worked, and I did get an hour or two enjoyment from it. But it does feel like a A slim book at just over two hundred pages, and not a lot of content once you take into account the number of half-blank spreads, photographs and in-chapter quotes taking up a whole page.

As a consequence of this, and of the final thirty or so pages being an unfunny bit of fan fiction, I was pretty underwhelmed by this. I understand that a long and dense book on the same subject probably just wouldn't have worked, and I did get an hour or two enjoyment from it. But it does feel like a amateurish and cobbled-together book, an opportunist stocking-filler containing little more than you could find spending a short time online looking at Football Manager forums.Maybe it is because I am a relatively low-grade obsessive player of FM, keen on it for a few weeks every few years, but more likely this is a modest effort. A fun book for FM addicts like me, it could also could be helpful in explaining your addiction to WAGS or friends. It certainly made me feel better about my own addiction. While there have been times I've played up to 5 matches a day for weeks on end, right now I only have enough time to play every two weeks.The best parts of the book were the interviews with the Sports Interactive team, and the interviews with actual players about their legendary in-game prowess. However, the fan fiction at A fun book for FM addicts like me, it could also could be helpful in explaining your addiction to WAGS or friends.

It certainly made me feel better about my own addiction. While there have been times I've played up to 5 matches a day for weeks on end, right now I only have enough time to play every two weeks.The best parts of the book were the interviews with the Sports Interactive team, and the interviews with actual players about their legendary in-game prowess. However, the fan fiction at the beginning and end just felt like unnecessary padding. This is a good book for those obsessives who have lost days, weeks or longer sat in a room playing football manager. This looks at the scouting systems, how possibly the next future Messi will be found on the database. Also others who did not lead up to their football manager billing. Very good read apart from the end pages which is a fictional story written from a managers perspective in Germany.

I thought this was poorly written and more space could have been given to fans perspective of the This is a good book for those obsessives who have lost days, weeks or longer sat in a room playing football manager. This looks at the scouting systems, how possibly the next future Messi will be found on the database. Also others who did not lead up to their football manager billing. Very good read apart from the end pages which is a fictional story written from a managers perspective in Germany. I thought this was poorly written and more space could have been given to fans perspective of the game. Very disappointed in this. It is a collection of snippets that could have run as 1 pagers in a weekly football magazine that have been stuck together in a 'book' format.I read an exerpt from the interview with a psychologist that was really interesting and thought it would be a sort-of-novel, maybe from a few peoples perspectives showing how it really had stole their lives.Unfortunately, that was the best part of the book and the majority of it was based upon 'in the 1999 version of the game, Very disappointed in this.

It is a collection of snippets that could have run as 1 pagers in a weekly football magazine that have been stuck together in a 'book' format.I read an exerpt from the interview with a psychologist that was really interesting and thought it would be a sort-of-novel, maybe from a few peoples perspectives showing how it really had stole their lives.Unfortunately, that was the best part of the book and the majority of it was based upon 'in the 1999 version of the game, this player turned out to be a superstar, and in reality he could only make the Norwegian second division'. Very dull.One to avoid. Had been looking forward to reading this since I became aware of it and got it for Xmas.I liked the story of how CM/FM came about, and some of the superstar players that never made it in real life like Cherno Samba.Was pleased to hear someone else also had a regen striker called Anatoli Todorov. I had him as well and he was awesome for me!Having said that there is some rubbish in this book. The last 20 pages are utter rubbish and can quite happily be skipped.Overall, it's a decent book for Had been looking forward to reading this since I became aware of it and got it for Xmas.I liked the story of how CM/FM came about, and some of the superstar players that never made it in real life like Cherno Samba.Was pleased to hear someone else also had a regen striker called Anatoli Todorov. I had him as well and he was awesome for me!Having said that there is some rubbish in this book.

The last 20 pages are utter rubbish and can quite happily be skipped.Overall, it's a decent book for someone who knows just how addictive CM/FM is.It has to be said though, I've never worn a suit whilst playing in a FA Cup or Champions League final! Could have been so much moreEnjoyed the Extreme FM part - though given it clearly applies to the vast majority (or at least a great deal of) those reading this book, so much more could have been done with it.Must admit I skipped Iain Macintoshs fan fiction at the end - which is perhaps testament to the book. Enjoyable as theres very little FM content in this format - so probably only by default. Could have been so much moreEnjoyed the Extreme FM part - though given it clearly applies to the vast majority (or at least a great deal of) those reading this book, so much more could have been done with it.Must admit I skipped Iain Macintosh’s fan fiction at the end - which is perhaps testament to the book. Enjoyable as there’s very little FM content in this format - so probably only by default.

For me, Football Manager Stole My Life was filled with nostalgia of the versions of the game I have spent many hours playing while in the throws of addiction, remembering previous top signings that the scouts had predicted as wonder kids, and generally reliving parts of my youth and twenties.It is a mix of a book, with some interviews from the games creators The Collyer Brothers, which take us from the beginning up until around Sports Interactive get involved. We hear from players who had been For me, Football Manager Stole My Life was filled with nostalgia of the versions of the game I have spent many hours playing while in the throws of addiction, remembering previous top signings that the scouts had predicted as wonder kids, and generally reliving parts of my youth and twenties.It is a mix of a book, with some interviews from the games creators The Collyer Brothers, which take us from the beginning up until around Sports Interactive get involved. We hear from players who had been given great potential as youth players, and see how their careers turned out, and how recognised they still are thanks to what is essentially a computer game. There is a fascinating section about the charities aided by sales of Football Manager - War Child and Kick It Out. There are anecdotes of how Football manager has affected many people, and there is even some fan fiction.It is a well put together book, that is entertaining, and can easily be read in short spurts, as the chapters and sections are all relatively short. There is even the original pitch document that was used to pitch the first iteration of the game to games publishers in which you can see a lot of the base concepts are still present in the game itself.I loved reading this book, due to my long running love affair with the subject matter, I was grinning when I saw a brief mention of a forum challenge that I've participated in myself. However if you are not a fan of Football Manager (previously Championship Manager in its early days), or have no interest in footballers, then this probably isn't the book for you, as it really does feel like a pure love fest and a proper celebration of at the time it was published, 20 years of this fantastic series.

It is what it is (and what it is, is bloody awful).First, a confession: I used to be a real 'Champ Man' addict and up to 2002 I played the game religiously, so the idea of a book dedicated to the series (which later become 'Football Manager' in a dispute that wasn't referred to once) delighted me immensely.The book read like classic propaganda in favour of a cause and went so far in praising the game and overplaying the importance of it in the sport of football it's almost comical. This wasn't It is what it is (and what it is, is bloody awful).First, a confession: I used to be a real 'Champ Man' addict and up to 2002 I played the game religiously, so the idea of a book dedicated to the series (which later become 'Football Manager' in a dispute that wasn't referred to once) delighted me immensely.The book read like classic propaganda in favour of a cause and went so far in praising the game and overplaying the importance of it in the sport of football it's almost comical. This wasn't shown as a light hearted thing but portrayed as a life changing event that was wholly good.

Even when your wife takes your children and emigrates with then while your putting a computer game first on your list of properties. But, hey, that's funny, right?!I'm a life-long football fan, I know most of the obscure payers mentioned, It's not a long book and it cost me £1.09 on a (kindle) sale. In this basis it was cruising to a two star rating, but, that's until I read the last chapter. Okay, the last chapter was (I think) meant to be a tongue-in-cheek and was written as an adaptation of a real Football Manager season, but it was one of the least funny, least interesting, least entertaining things I. Read.I've tried to illustrate some positives but I've failed, I've tried not to swear.

And I deserve high praise for succeeding. Utter drivel.DT.

As a games developer, a football fan and yet another person to have lost thousands of hours to this franchise, this book was immense. It was entirely relatable to me.

That give it the first 4 stars.The final star was earned because ultimately it dug into the kind of depths that the game is famous for. Interviews with the creators, the researchers, the cult heroes and my fellow FMers which were filled with humour and nostalgia galore.A nice little piece at the end by Iain Macintosh who recounts As a games developer, a football fan and yet another person to have lost thousands of hours to this franchise, this book was immense. It was entirely relatable to me. That give it the first 4 stars.The final star was earned because ultimately it dug into the kind of depths that the game is famous for. Interviews with the creators, the researchers, the cult heroes and my fellow FMers which were filled with humour and nostalgia galore.A nice little piece at the end by Iain Macintosh who recounts his short spell with Heidenheim in the German Third Division finishes it off well, as it's the kind of story we all tell about our days involved in the game. We all want to be a manager and we don't just see the stats or the inbox whilst playing, we see ourselves on the sidelines, in our suit and tie, ready to walk our team at Wembley.

We see ourselves ranting at the players for a poor performance and jumping into the stands with the fans after a victory. Most of all, we see ourselves ramming microphones up the backside of media representatives. The idea of the book was great - funny little anecdotes about how the game came into existence, about how some players went on to become legends in the game but not in real life, about how the addiction of this game has led to splits or divorces in some of the gamers' lives.

Execution, on the other hand, could have been better.I was excited about reading this as I've been addicted to Football Manager since I started playing it 7 or 8 years back, but the book doesn't give the same feeling of The idea of the book was great - funny little anecdotes about how the game came into existence, about how some players went on to become legends in the game but not in real life, about how the addiction of this game has led to splits or divorces in some of the gamers' lives. Execution, on the other hand, could have been better.I was excited about reading this as I've been addicted to Football Manager since I started playing it 7 or 8 years back, but the book doesn't give the same feeling of 'just one more game'. It feels like a bunch of articles and anecdotes - that could've easily been made as a magazine column - crammed together to make a book. Moreover, it's an interest-specific read, so you'll find some of the incidents and anecdotes bizarre if you don't love the game as much as some of us do. So, good read but could've been better. I nice read for all those - like me - who have spent way too many hours around this game (is it a game?

Is it reality?). It is quite interesting to read other people's testimonies and see yourself there, remember those unknown gems who you would always sign no matter what, the great matches you've played, the unending lists of possible transfers, the frustration of losing a trophy on extra time or the pure joy of being the national or european champion.

Plus, you can even find Albert Camus in I nice read for all those - like me - who have spent way too many hours around this game (is it a game? Is it reality?). It is quite interesting to read other people's testimonies and see yourself there, remember those unknown gems who you would always sign no matter what, the great matches you've played, the unending lists of possible transfers, the frustration of losing a trophy on extra time or the pure joy of being the national or european champion. Plus, you can even find Albert Camus in it!Although there are some interesting articles about how the game was created and even some funny accounts of (mis)adventures, I did have to push myself to finish the book. I mean, you've already spent so much time with the game, you don't want to overspend it even more with the book! I fondly remember one Friday evening, maybe some ten or twelve years ago, when I started playing a game of Football Manager after dinner. Suddenly I realised sunlight was coming through the windows and I had no idea how time had passed so quickly.This book is an enjoyable read for all FM (and CM before that) fanatics.

It could have been a great book with some smart editing, but unfortunately it feels too much like a collection of articles and blog posts. It would make a great FM magazine I fondly remember one Friday evening, maybe some ten or twelve years ago, when I started playing a game of Football Manager after dinner. Suddenly I realised sunlight was coming through the windows and I had no idea how time had passed so quickly.This book is an enjoyable read for all FM (and CM before that) fanatics. It could have been a great book with some smart editing, but unfortunately it feels too much like a collection of articles and blog posts.

It would make a great FM magazine special edition, but as a book it is just a fun read (if you love the game - otherwise it will be boring and slightly bizarre at times). Stick with the forums.There is little new here and the main chapters are incredibly drawn out.The opening chapters are interviews with the developers which most FM gamers would have read before.There are lists of players and plenty of articles of people talking about the effect of FM on their lives. I found these to be a little boring & throwaway at times and would have preferred a more detailed discussion & analysis.I enjoyed the final chapter chronicling the comic efforts of a FM Stick with the forums.There is little new here and the main chapters are incredibly drawn out.The opening chapters are interviews with the developers which most FM gamers would have read before.There are lists of players and plenty of articles of people talking about the effect of FM on their lives.

I found these to be a little boring & throwaway at times and would have preferred a more detailed discussion & analysis.I enjoyed the final chapter chronicling the comic efforts of a FM writer taking over a fictional club and I admit it has renewed my interest in the game. A really uninteresting read. I've been playing Football Manager (and Championship Manager before it) since 1993, so, yes, all the references to players that were greats of the various versions were understood and digested, but it really didn't get past the point of, 'Wow, Tonton Zola Moukoko was really good in the game, wasn't he?' I don't really know what I did expect from this book, but I didn't enjoy what I did get. I wouldn't even go so far as a magazine article gone too far; I'd say a forum A really uninteresting read. I've been playing Football Manager (and Championship Manager before it) since 1993, so, yes, all the references to players that were greats of the various versions were understood and digested, but it really didn't get past the point of, 'Wow, Tonton Zola Moukoko was really good in the game, wasn't he?'

I don't really know what I did expect from this book, but I didn't enjoy what I did get. I wouldn't even go so far as a magazine article gone too far; I'd say a forum post that's been expanded accordingly. Sorry, authors.