I'm playing the updated version of cm 2000/1. the latest patch downloaded from sports interactive. For years I've been addicted but crap at the game. This year though I seem to have cracked it. I won the league with NUFC for three seasons on the trot won a couple of cups and did well in Europe.

The secret of my sucsess, I put down to less tinkering with the team, along with a set tactic and good judgement of players.

Most of the time I play four at the back, three on the centre line in midfield ( no wingers) an attacking midfielder in front and two forwards ahead of them .I stick to this formation playing direct attacking football.

I never sub a player in the first half, (unless they are injured) but use all of my subs i the second.If they slip to a 5/10 or if the defenders are losing to many tackele, or the strikes missing shots, I bring them off, no matter who they are.I also try to take them off whenever their condtion is less than 75%

The best thing about this game is the buying and selling of players. Mind you as newr versions come out the players stats seem to be mor random. A good player for someone else is often not good for you. To find good players you need good scouts, which I search for and offer vast amounts of money. There is nothing like finding an unheard of player, buying him , playing him and watching him develop to find that you are onto the next ronaldo.

After doing well with Newcastle I decided to try a lesser team. i went for Stoke city in the second division, as they have a decent team to start with, a small amount of money but the potential to be a big team. See my other thread for details on this challenge.

I dare say next time i start I'll try with a team like Whitley Bay, or Blyth Spartans and see if I can get them in the premiership.

So, how about you?

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2001