The Higher Tempo Press
Latest Posts
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. […]
2-4-3-1 Formation in Football: Surprisingly Balanced Variant Of 4-2-3-1 But Vulnerable To Counters
In our latest article looking at football formations, we have reached the 2-4-3-1 formation, which some modern head coaches have used in recent years. The formation is an adaptation of the highly popular 4-2-3-1. How do teams set up in the 2431 formation? The formation starts with two centre-backs, with four players in front, two […]
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 […]
3-2-2-2-1 Formation in Football: Adapted From 3-4-3 Offering A Balanced Attack And Defence
In the latest article on our journey through the world of football formations, we look at the 32221, also known as a “double-wing” or “double-pivot” used by a select group of modern bosses at the top of the football tree. How is the 32221 formation set up? The 3-2-2-2-1 starts with three defenders, with two […]
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 […]
3-2-3-2 Formation in Football: Adaptation of 3-5-2 Strong in Attack and Defence
Today, we continue with our tour of the most used formations in the beautiful game. The formation we are looking at today is the 3232, which is an adapted version of the highly popular 3-5-2 or even a variation of the long-forgotten W-M (W-W) formation. How is the formation setup? The formation is an alternative […]
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 […]
4-4-1-1 Formation in Football: A Versatile Adaptation Of 4-4-2
Next on our journey into the wonderful world of football formations is the 4-4-1-1, which is a formation that many head coaches have used in the past and a small group of coaches still use now. How is the 441 set up? The 4-4-1-1 is a simple adaptation of the seemingly ever-popular 4-4-2 formation. It […]
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 […]
4-1-1-3-1 Formation in Football: My Personal Favourite, 4-2-3-1 With An Attacking Edge
We continue our journey through the world of some of football’s most popular formations. Today, we look at the 4-1-1-3-1 formation, which is a variation of the highly popular 4-2-3-1. How is the 41131 set up? In the 4-2-3-1 set-up, the formation differs from its parent formation in just one play position. In the backline, […]
3-1-3-3 Formation in Football: Flexible And Fluid Allowing Players To Move Into Space
In the latest of our articles on popular formations, we look at the 3-1-3-3, which many modern-day coaches have used to achieve success in recent years. How is the 3133 set-up? The formation begins with three centre-backs, whose primary role in the team is to prevent the opposition from scoring. However, like with most modern […]
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 […]
4-2-2-2 Formation in Football: ‘Magic Box’ Central Overload With Lots Of Attacking Options
In the latest of our articles about popular football formations, we cover the 4-2-2-2, which has, over the years, been used by many of the world’s top club and international teams. How do teams set up in the 4222 formation? The formation is set up as it’s described. The formation includes four defenders, two defensive […]
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. […]
4-1-3-2 Formation in Football: Solid 442 Variation Requiring Good Full-Backs
The latest article in our journey through popular football formations takes us to the 4-1-3-2 formation, which, like many modern formations, is just a variation of the traditional 4-4-2. How do teams set up in a 4132 formation? The set-up for a 4132 is relatively simple. The formation starts with a flat-back four of two […]
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 […]
4-1-2-3 Formation in Football: Fluid Front Three In Attack But Vulnerable On The Counter
The 4-1-2-3 is the latest tactic that we will examine in our journey through the world of football tactics. This is a formation that has been popular with managers across the globe over the years. How is the 4123 formation set-up? The 4-1-2-3 can be a variation of the 4-3-3 or even a 4-4-2. The […]
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, […]
3-5-1-1 Formation in Football: Adaptation Of 3-5-2 With One Forward Dropping Into Number 10 Role
In today’s article, we examine the 3-5-1-1 hybrid formation, which has been used by some of the more forward-thinking head coaches in the beautiful game in recent years. How is the 3511 set-up? At the base of the formation are three centre-backs whose primary job is to prevent the opposition from scoring goals. They tend […]
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 […]
3-4-2-1 Formation in Football: Modern System With Strong Midfield For Playing Out From The Back
In the latest in our series on popular football formations, we take a look at the 3-4-2-1 formation, which has grown in popularity in recent decades with teams at the top level of the beautiful game as more and more head coaches look to gain the upper hand over the opposition. How is the 3421 […]
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 […]
3-1-4-2 Formation in Football: Flexible Midfield For Dominating Possession
Next on our journey through the most popular football formations is the 3-1-4-2 formation, a variation of the formerly popular 4-4-2 formation. Many modern head coaches have used this formation. How do teams line up in a 3142 formation? The 3-1-4-2 is set up in a relatively simple way. The formation uses three centre-backs, who […]
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 […]
4-1-2-1-2 Formation in Football: The Ideal Alternative To A Flat 4-4-2
The 4-1-2-1-2 is the next stop on our whistle-stop tour of formations. In recent decades, some top managers have successfully used this variation of the formerly popular 4-4-2 formation. How are teams set up in a 41212 formation? Isn’t It Just A 442 Diamond? The 41212, or diamond formation, as it used to be known, […]
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 […]
5-4-1 Formation in Football: Highly Defensive Requiring Discipline And Concentration
We continue our journey of examining popular football formations and how they are used in real-life games and Football Manager. Our latest stop is the 5-4-1 formation. How are teams set up in a 541 formation? This formation is the most defensive of the popular football tactics. It is primarily designed to prevent the opposition […]
4-1-4-1 Formation in Football: Highly Versitile In Attack And Defence
In the latest article of our series on popular football formations, we are going to look at the 4-1-4-1, which is a formation that many top managers have used over the years. How are teams set up in a 4141 formation? The 4141 formation is a highly versatile formation that can be both defensive and […]
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 […]
4-2-4 Formation in Football: Very Attacking With Deeper Full-Backs
In today’s article, we continue our series by looking at the different popular formations used in football. Next on our journey is the 4-2-4 formation. How are teams set up in a 424 formation? The 4-2-4 is predominantly considered an attacking formation, as it puts so many players in attacking positions. The formation usually starts […]
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 […]
3-4-1-2 Formation in Football: Between 352 And 343 But With A Number Ten
Today, we continue our journey through different football formations by looking at the 3-4-1-2 formation, which has gained popularity in recent decades as it’s a variation on various other formations. How are teams set up in the 3412 formation? A 3412 is similar to a 352 set-up, with one difference in that the system uses […]
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 […]