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Promising centre-backs on FM24
In recent articles, we have looked at promising goalkeepers, full-backs and strikers. In today’s article, we look at promising centre-backs on FM24. These may not be the most high-profile, but maybe players who have been far better than their price tag, or have made a lasting impression on our recent saves. Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP) […]
Why South American countries good to scout in FM24?
In Football Manager, the road to glory with your club is very rarely an easy one unless you choose a European powerhouse with a massive transfer budget to spend on transfers and wages. Even then, one of the most critical aspects of Football Manager is recruitment. If you get that right, then more often than […]
Five promising full-backs in FM24
In recent articles, we have looked at promising players, not necessarily wonderkids or the most highly-rated in FM24, but youngsters who progress quickly or are a bargain. We have previously covered goalkeepers and forwards. Today, it’s the turn of the full-backs. So, here are some of the most promising defenders in FM24: (Please note we […]
Mistakes people make while team building on Football Manager
Football Manager is a game that, when you have played it for months, years or even decades, is easy to master. When a new edition comes out, it takes even the expert a few weeks or months to discover the nuances of the new arrival. However, there are a few mistakes you can make, especially […]
Promising young forwards in FM24
When playing Football Manager, there is nothing more exciting than seeing a young player go from promising to a superstar of the game. It could be argued that it is even more exciting when that player is a forward who comes into the team and is prolific for your team. Here are some of the […]
Enhancing Your Game: Tips for Five-A-Side Success
Five-a-side football presents unique challenges and opportunities compared to the standard eleven-a-side game. You need specific skills and tactics to excel in this faster, more technical version of football. Success demands quick thinking, sharp technique, and smart positional play. Essential Skills for Five-a-Side Players Five-a-side football requires a skill set different from that of the […]
Five terrible Premier League signings from over the years
Nowadays, the Premier League is widely regarded as the best domestic competition on the planet. It’s filled with world-class operators FM managers can’t wait to work with, there are many highly respected coaches, and it contains some of the sport’s most iconic stadiums. Despite the competition’s elite levels, though, it has featured some terrible players […]
The football podcasts worth listening to this season and beyond
Alongside playing Football Manager and watching highlights shows like Match of the Day, fans of football also unwind with a football podcast or two throughout an average season. Given the popularity of both the beautiful game and the podcast category of entertainment these days, fans have a comprehensive selection of productions to choose from in […]
Five rising star goalkeepers in FM24
Football Manager 2024 has been out for a long time, but many are still playing the game. Some are starting new saves, as there is little sign of the next addition of the game in the near future. With that in mind, I will cover some of the rising stars of goalkeeping, who, if signed […]
How Real-Life Football Practice Can Make You a Pro In Football Manager
Ever stare blankly after a tough Football Manager loss and wonder why that carefully crafted tactic just blew up? Despite all the data, adjustments, and player analysis, you lost. Why? That’s probably because you don’t have much experience in soccer. So, if you want to gain an edge in Football Manager, you need to practice […]
FM24 Tactic testing: The 2-4-3-1 Bam Bam Bam by FMTacticRoom
As we wait not so patiently for the next instalment of FM, we continue to test different tactics in an effort to find the ones that work well on FM24. The latest tactic we tested was the 2-4-3-1 Bam Bam Bam Bam tactic by FMTacticRoom. This was an interesting one, as at first sight it […]
How to Avoid Financial Pitfalls in Football Manager 2024
There have been remarkable stories of expert Football Manager players going on to manage a club in real life. Transitioning from the virtual world of being an FM24 player to a real managerial role, however, is a big leap. It’s not something that many of the millions of players ever get to experience. Inside the […]
Translating Real Football Training Principles into Success in Football Manager
Managing a football team is a multi-faceted role that involves all aspects of preparations for games, and the direction of games themselves. Success as a manager depends on various factors, from periodisation to diet control, and each of these combined in tandem can make the difference between victory and defeat on the field of play. […]
The next generation of FM player
As somebody who has played Football Manager since it was Championship Manager, I have known the delights of the football sim for a long time. However, my 12-year-old football-mad son has only had a passing interest in Football Manager until this week. EA Sports FC has become unplayable I cannot say that I have been […]
Top 5 Wonderkids You Need to Sign in Football Manager 2024
One of the most exciting aspects of any Football Manager save is discovering and nurturing the next generation of stars. In FM24, scouting and youth development have become even more refined, making wonderkid hunting a crucial part of long-term success. Whether you’re managing a sleeping giant or a lower league project, these five players are […]
Underdog Stories That Changed the Game: From Leicester to Girona
In soccer, budgets and brand names often steal the spotlight. But every so often, a team emerges from the shadows and rewrites the script. These are not just Cinderella stories—they’re strategic triumphs powered by bright recruitment, firm culture, and managers who see the game differently. From Leicester’s improbable Premier League title to Girona’s rise in […]
The life and times of FM11 wonderkid Paulo Henrique ‘Ganso’
Every Championship or Football Manager player has wonderkids that they remember over the years. One player that sticks out to me is Paulo Henrique ‘Ganso’, who first made an appearance in FM11. For me, he was the sort of wonderkid who would surely make it in real life, as he seemed to have all the […]
What happened to Championship Manager legend Tonton Zola Moukoko
Over the years, there have been numerous stories of young players destined for greatest, according to Championship Manager and Football Manager researchers and scouts. Often, these wonderkids never actually fulfil their potential and fade into obscurity. One of that growing band of players is Tonton Zola Moukoko, who was a sensation in Championship Manager 01/02. […]
FM24 Tactic testing: 2 Back Madness by Josh Daly
As we seek to strive to get more out of FM24, we find ways of keeping things interesting. One way I do this is by trying different tactics on my personal save. This doesn’t just make my game more interesting but also gives me material for my tactic-testing articles. The latest tactic I tested was […]
Top 5 attacking midfielder wonderkids in Football Manager 2024
Every FM24 player knows that landing a wonderkid can transform your save. They are not always easy to come by organically. Some of these players are already making huge waves on Hesgoal and beyond, and so their transfer value is on the rise. If you’re looking for a leg up, we’ve got you covered with […]
Former wonderkids have gone on to become managers
A wonderkid in Football Manager is a great thing. There is nothing better than seeing a raw young player with potential blossom into a top-class player. However, time stops for no man, as the quote goes. Like all of us, wonderkids grow older and eventually have to end their playing careers. But which wonderkids have […]
Top 5 Premier League Transfers in the January 2025 Window
The January 2025 transfer window witnessed major activities in the Premier League. Some clubs spend more than others to strengthen their lineup and gain an edge in the Premier League markets for sports bettors. These strategic acquisitions are processed to better their squads for the latter half of the season. Let’s have a look at […]
Why 4-2-3-1 is my go-to formation on FM
As regular readers of Higher Tempo may know (yes, apparently, we have some!), since I began writing for the site, I have tested popular tactics and shared my thoughts on whether they are good, bad, or just ugly. Like most FM players, I like the idea of weird and wonderful tactics and formations. Those formations […]
How to Turn a 2-Star Potential Player into a World-Beater in FM
Football Manager is a game that is all about unearthing hidden gems and turning them into world-class players. While signing wonderkids with sky-high potential is always exciting, there’s something uniquely satisfying about turning an overlooked 2-star potential player into a first-team sensation. With the right training, playing time, and tactical setup, even an average prospect […]
No More FM25: What the Surprising News Means for Fans
We waited and waited, and finally for the first time in over two decades, Sports Interactive and SEGA have pulled back on the launch of their flagship PC game, Football Manager. This announcement has in fact rocked the gaming community as players and fans are left puzzled as to the reason behind such a move. […]
How I am trying to make the most of FM24 while we wait for FM26
As Football Manager players, we get excited when a new edition of the game is due to drop. The editions of the games are not always that different, but as we all know, the game producers, SI, have attempted to make significant changes for FM25. This ended in FM25 being cancelled and players having to […]
FM24 Tactic Testing: GYR- Jack of Diamonds
With the recent cancellation of FM25, we decided to return to doing tactic testing on FM24, as we could be playing the game for a good while to come. The tactic we tested was GYR- Jack of Diamonds FM24, of course by prolific tactic creator GYR, and to be fair, it didn’t fail to disappoint. […]
Virtual Masterminds: How Football Manager Players Are Using Tactics to Excel in Real-Life Football
Football Manager has long been more than just a game. It offers a realistic simulation of football management, scouting, and tactical strategy. Today, passionate Football Manager players are using their virtual skills and knowledge of football tactics to excel in various real-world football roles, including scouting, analytics, coaching, and even media analysis. Applying Virtual Insights […]
Can we improve upon Ajax’s woeful 2023/24 season using FM24?
When we talk about football clubs with a rich history and legendary status, Ajax, the Dutch giants, always comes to mind. Named after a Greek mythological legend, Ajax’s lore is unique, cementing its status as a legendary name in the beautiful game. A nightmarish campaign in season 2023/24 However, despite their status as the biggest […]
Louis Saha Backs Premier League Manager to Replace Postecoglou at Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been one of promise, frustration, and more recently, intense speculation over manager Ange Postecoglou’s job. The Australian tactician brought in to transform Spurs’ style of play is in the firing line after successive defeats in a short period of time saw Spurs bow out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. […]
FM25 has been cancelled – When will FM26 be released?
Like many FM players, we have been wondering what was happening with FM25. Last Thursday, I even published an article about what was going on with the game release. In the early hours of Friday, February 7th, after what seems to have been an eternity of silence from the game developers’ SI, it was confirmed […]
What is going on with Football Manager 2025?
If you are a fan of the Football Manager series (if you are here, I assume you are), then you may well be forgiven for wondering what the hell is going on with the release of FM25. Let’s rewind to September As you may know, in September, the Football Manager’s developers, SI, made a big […]
The Most Anticipated Updates For Football Manager 2025
Highly anticipated every year, by fans the world over, the Football Manager simulation game has become one of the most popular franchises in ‘video game’ history. Each year, fans look forward to seeing what the new features and upgrades will be on the previous year’s instalment, in addition to other changes, such as transfer budgets […]
Guillermo Ochoa is an FM hero who only appears at World Cups
Scrolling on Football Manager forums and other general football sites tends to lead you to some funny things. However, sometimes you see a statement that you think is daft but makes sense to you. I recently came across one of those statements, as somebody wrote, ‘Guillermo Ochoa only seems to appear at World Cups’. Now, […]
What became of former wonderkid Ryan Gauld?
There are so many stories of young footballers being hyped up. Many of these players end up as wonderkids on Football Manager. As we all know, these players don’t always live up to their potential. One player who fits into that category of player is Scottish international winger Ryan Gauld, who was once labelled ‘The […]
What happened to CM 01/02 icon Mike Duff?
Like me, you have to be getting on in years to remember Championship Manager 2001/02. However, if you had played it, there is no doubt that, at some point, you would have come across the name of Mike Duff. Duff was a 23-year-old defender who played for Cheltenham Town, who apparently had been in the […]
River Plate is a goldmine for signing players on CM and FM
Some countries and clubs have a reputation for producing top talent, and they have become go-to places to sign players on Football Manager. Argentina is a great market to shop in when it comes to signing players. One of the South American country’s biggest clubs, River Plate, has been a goldmine for signing players in […]
Did Vincent Enyeama’s real-life career live up to his FM one?
How many Football Manager players still have memories of wonderkids from decades ago? Well, most who have played the game long enough, and if they are relatively young, there will still be players that stick in their memory. One from my Football Manager journey that resides in my brain is former Nigeria and Lille goalkeeper […]
Players that have outperformed their real-life ability in Football Manager
Football Manager scouts tend to do a good job at scouting players and giving their honest opinions on stats. However, on rare occasions, there have been players whose stats or potential have been far higher than their realistic ability, or they have just played far better in the game than in real life. Here are […]
FM24 Tactics Testing: KNAP EF 424 IF P105 AC by Knap
Although FM24 has now been out for over a year, we continue to test and try out new formations and tactics. One of the tactics we have tested recently was KNAP EF 424 IF P105 AC by Knap, also known as Electric Funeral 424. Anyone who has spent any time in the Football Manager community […]
Talented French players who could be stars on FM25
In the latest part of our series about talented young players from a particular country who could make a big impact, we have arrived at French players. Over the years, France has become renowned as a country that produces top-quality players. Here are some younger French players who could be stars on FM25: (Most wonderkids […]
Where is Championship Manager season 01/02 wonderkid Mark Kerr now?
Some players are universally recognised for being wonderkids on Championship Manager (Yes, I am old) or Football Manager. They are players who everybody remembers from a particular edition of the game. For me, one of the most recognisable players from Championship Manager 01/02 was Scottish wonderkid midfielder Mark Kerr. Who is Mark Kerr? For those […]
Talented German players who could be stars on FM25
In the latest series looking at talented younger players from different countries who could be stars in FM25, we look at younger German players who could make a mark in the new edition of the game: Jonathan Burkardt (Mainz) The forward has been a hot prospect for a while in the German game. However, injury […]
Can Chelsea Win the Premier League Title In 2024/25… And Can You Replicate Their Success on FM?
There’s some common characteristics that champions at the elite level. An abundance of quality, obviously, as well as the determination to perform to the highest standards across a long, arduous season. In that regard, squad depth is also a great help. A dollop of luck is helpful, too, as Chelsea found out in their December […]
What happened to Championship Manager 3 wonderkid Andri Sigþórsson?
Any players of Football Manager or predecessor Championship Manager will know the great satisfaction to be had from grabbing yourself a wonderkid in the games. Many wonderkids have caught the attention of the public over the years. However, most of them failed to live up to their supposed CM/FM potential. Sometimes, the game researchers threw […]
Talented English players who could be stars on FM25
Although FM25 is still a long way away, we are going to look at talented young players from different nations who could well be stars on the latest edition of Football Manager. In the first article in the series, we will look at players from England. Jamie Gittens (Dortmund) The 20-year-old winger has broken into […]
Two-Thirds of UK Supporters Advocate for Greener Football Practices
At the juncture where sport and sustainability meet, the green wave is swiftly building momentum due to growing environmental awareness. Football, considered the most popular sport on the planet, is fast becoming the rallying point for debates on shrinking ecological footprints. Being a globally followed sport with millions of fans, it has massive potential to […]
Clubs with the best youth development rating in FM24
A big part of playing Football Manager is developing young players or even wonderkids and turning them into genuinely top players. Some clubs are better than others at producing top young players, though. Who are the clubs with the highest-rated youth development set-ups in FM24? (All ratings are based out of 100) Manchester City (Youth […]
PSV Eindhoven could be a go-to club for players to sign on FM25
In the last few seasons, Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven have dominated the Eredivisie. They cruised to the top-flight title last season, and this season, they have won 11 of their 12 league matches. One reason for their outstanding form is the quality of their players. With that in mind, here are some PSV stars who […]
FM24 Tactics Testing: 415 FiveStars 100Pts by Pbopeer 3352
With the arrival of FM delayed until March of next year, we thought we would return to one of our favourite aspects of FM: tactic testing. Recently, in my personal save, I have been testing various tactics just for the sake of variety. One of the tactics I tried was 415 FiveStars 100Pts by Pbopeer […]