Championship Manager: Season 01/02 (PC Version)

Before you attempt to go any further with reading this review- be warned.

I am not one to discriminate, but your knowledge of the game must stretch beyond (being able to give a near perfect explanation of the offside rule in a misconcepted ploy to impress the ladies).

A hard, football fanatic, with a shared feel and meaningful knowledge of the game is what is required.

Pele, arguably one of the greatest sportsmen to have ever graced world football famously described football as "the beautiful game."

It was not called beautiful based on some biased opinion. It merits its beautiful tag and I will tell you why.

If your knowledge is lacking, it is advisable to escape self inflicted boredom and find some alternative reviews that your knowledge can relate to.

I am sure that Alan Titchmarsh or Delia Smith would happily welcome you reading one of their gardening or cookery reviews.

Delia Smith more than most: "Where are you? Where are you? Let's be having you! Come on!!" (FA Barclays Premiership: Norwich City v Manchester City, 28th February 2005).

For those of you who have decided to stick around, I will just cut to the chase.

Championship Manager 01/02- the award winning football management game is simply breathtaking.

It surpasses other management games with its added extra dimensions.

I suppose you are all probably wondering how a game that was released eight years ago can possibly stand head and shoulders above rival management games and the latest versions of Championship Manager.

Championship Manager 5 and Championship Manager 2007 spring to mind.

Well, despite its relatively simple graphics credit where credit is due to the considerably superior ones of Championship Manager 5, it is a fabulous game.

If you prefer the day-to-day hands on approach with your players, select a club from the hundred playable leagues around twenty-six countries (Note: The use of the installable official patch 3.9.68 which comes with the game enables you to step into the unknown of the South Korean K- League).

The fact that it is called Championship Manager 01/02 is irrelevant. You can download the latest player updates for that current year from the CM community website. At least one patch is released each year so the changes missed are not too significant, if a patch is not released to coincide with a new managerial appointment or a big transfer move.

Additionally, why not try your hand at international management. The CM3 Save game editor is very useful for changing and modifying stats in the game. Give yourself an unlimited transfer budget or transform your inadequate low attendance stadia into a world class 100,000-seater stadium- with let's say retractable roof that would give Wembley a run for its money!

Be careful about setting too high inflation on tickets- you don't want to lose your lifelong supporters in favour of rich businessmen after 'prawn cocktail sandwiches'.

It is all up to you. But that is merely the tip of the iceberg.

The main factor why you should seriously consider buying this game is its 'REALISM'.

Everything about it corresponds with the real life demands that a football manager has to face: Its unparalleled extensive profiles; clubs and player databases; player and staff scouting and masses of tactical and training options; and Attribute Masking Mode feature allowing you to view the statistics and players that a manager would realistically know about.

Its sole difference is that you are managing from the comfort of your adjustable seat, while the manager with the Pro Licence qualifications and so forth is managing on a typical Saturday afternoon.

If the stress of football management becomes too much, or you simply need a break apply the 'Holiday' function which allows you to preset how you want players, tactics, transfer bids to be controlled before you jet off.

Beware, your team could either flourish or go horribly wrong in your absence.

As well as this, you can assign your scouts to compile information on your next opponents, youth players or search anywhere on the globe for the hottest talent to take your team to the next level.

In addition, if you really want to be well briefed with your team- take over your reserve team as well!

An excellent function that comes with the game is the ability to complain to the FA regarding controversial referee decisions that have affected the outcome of the game or one of your players, or to request a postponement of a forthcoming fixture to suit your convenience.

Wait for it. It gets better.

You as a manager have the power to respond to the media regarding ambition, player form, and transfer speculation.

Undertake transfer activity: Loan players in/out, take players on trial with views to permanent moves; place unwanted players on the transfer list; let a player know what their status at the club is and much much more...

One of the greatest features on the game is the ability to issue ultimatums to the club's hierarchy. Be careful not to issue too many ultimatums. I tried it once- just as for a laugh.

The initial idea did not equal the outcome. It ended in tears.

Regardless of your managerial abilities- a press conference will be called. Your desk will be cleared.

The game's ultimate downside is the fact that it is seriously addictive. The game's realism as a professional football manager makes you become attached to the game and you almost depend on it.

Fortunately for me I am able to set limits for the amount of time I spend playing the game and place important assignments before inserting my CD into the drive.

But some others have not been so lucky. Some have lost not one, but several jobs; failed crucial exams, while some have lost partners; forgotten to feed themselves and spent so long on it that they have aged in a day. (Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but you can see the effect).

Purchase your game at any game store such as HMV or Gamestation.

Sign up to www.champman0102.co.uk and chat to mutual CM gamers in the exclusive CM 01-02 community.

Dave Delaney, an extremely avid follower and holder of every Championship manager series dating back to its original release described Championship Manager 01-02 as being "the most addictive and realistic game you could ever play."

No other football management game allows you so much control over players, contracts, media, the FA, chairman, scouts, coaches and the fans.

It has the most intelligent game engine of any football game, as everyone in the game has feelings and will react as in real life to current future actions and events. I reiterate that the realism is again impeccable.

For example, I currently manage Tottenham Hotspur and requested a report on Gareth Bale. The contents of this report stated "he should be kept hold of as he has a great future at this club." "He is an expert in dead ball situations."

As any fan will know- this is spot on. He is a 17-year-old wonderkid who has barely come out of school.

But he became the youngest ever player to represent the Wales senior squad at international level; and recently signed for Spurs in a big money move from Southampton. He also has a deadly left boot at set pieces.

So it is for that reason, that I have no choice but to award the game no other than five out of five. There is so much more that I have yet to divulge. I have run out of superlatives. Please, for your sakes: Buy the game. It will be the most important game of your life.

Game rating: 5 out of 5.