Getting Started

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Welcome to the wonderful world of Soccer Manager, a football management game where you test your management skills on the Internet against other real life managers from around the world. If you are a new manager (or even require help) then we suggest you read the following 'Getting Started Guide'.

Top 5 Getting Started Questions
Image:Question.gif I have signed up with my email address but I am not receiving the confirmation code, what shall I do?
Image:Answer.gif Please be patient, if you haven't received this email within a few hours please send support a message.
Image:Question.gif I have just purchased a setup but I don't know where to create it?
Image:Answer.gif You can create your setup from the My Extras section which can be found from the top toolbar.
Image:Question.gif I want to manage by favourite club, but they are not available, what shall I do?
Image:Answer.gif New setups are created daily at different times. The clubs are first comes first served.
You can create your own setup for a small fee where you will be able to manage any club you want.
Image:Question.gif How does the players rating increase?
Image:Answer.gif Please view this page for more information about this.
Image:Question.gif How are the results decided?
Image:Answer.gif Soccer Manager have created a match engine that will look at many factors.
e.g. Player fitness, player rating, player morale, tactics, home and away etc...

Contents

Introduction

Image:Bullet_green.gif Soccer Manager a football management game where you test your management skills on the Internet against other real life managers from around the world. You choose your team selection, tactics, negotiate transfers and so on. These are the management decisions you will have to make on a daily basis.


Image:Bullet_green.gif In Soccer Manager you cannot be sacked by the chairman and he will give you enough time, and hopefully money, to turn your squad into world beaters. One of the most exciting features in Soccer Manager is the 'rating system' whereby player’s ratings change based on real life performances. You will need to use your football knowledge to find up and coming young players whose ratings will increase. Can you find the next Wayne Rooney or Cesc Fabregas and snap him up before he becomes a star? Be careful though as a player’s rating can go down as well as up!


Image:Bullet_green.gif As a member of Soccer Manager you have a choice of competing in two Setup Types – being either Standard Setups or Custom Setups. Standard Setups consist of several setup types: English Championship, European Championship, World Championship, and several other country's Championships. Custom Setups are made and designed by Gold Members and have various formats and teams in them. Many of Custom Setups are buddy leagues and private setups. Gold Members can compete in the Gold Championship Setups which are special setups and are explained later.

Registering and Activating

Creating an Account

Image:Bullet_green.gif Before you can apply for a team the first thing you need to do is create an account for the Soccer Manager site. On the Home Page there is an option to ‘Sign Up’. You will find the sign up form by clicking the ‘Sign Up’ button on the Home Page.

There are two ‘Steps’ to the ‘Sign Up’ process:


Image:Bullet_green.gif Step 1: Your Details - You will be asked to enter your personal details during this step. Once you have entered the relevant information for each field click ‘Register for Free’. Prior to doing this you will have to tick a box to confirm 'I have read and agree to the Terms Of Use' which are part of the Terms and Conditions. You will then be asked to confirm your registration details which relates to your chosen ‘Name’ and ‘Email Address’. If this information is correct please click ‘Ok’ and you will then be taken to ‘Step 2: Confirm Your Email Address’.


Image:Bullet_green.gif Step 2: Confirm Your Email Address – Once you have completed ‘Step 1: Your Details’ of the registration process you will be displayed with a message thanking you for registering with Soccer Manager and also informing you that a confirmation email has been sent to your registered email address. You will also be asked to click on the confirmation link in the email to complete your registration.

Signing In

On the Home Page you will be required to enter your email address and the password which you have selected during the registration process. This will then enable you to access My Home.

Selecting a Team

Image:Bullet_green.gif Soccer Manager gives you the freedom of choice to manage the team you want in the setup type you want. However, you can only manage one team in each setup at any one time otherwise you will be deemed to have broken the SM Code of Conduct. On My Home is the section My Clubs. This will show you what teams you currently manage and what setup type that team is in. If you want to join in as a new club or want to manage a second team then you have to click Add New Club. Once you have clicked on Add New Club you will have the option to choose what Setup Type you want to join and then you will have a choice of available clubs within that setup or choose a club and then the Setup Type that club is in. Once you have selected a club just click ‘Take Control of Club’ and you will become the new manager. You will then be taken to the Club Overview page.

Finding your way around Soccer Manager

The Site

Image:Bullet_green.gif Soccer Manager’s website can be compared to a small community, where you are able to tend to your team(s), communicate with other managers via Private Messages, the SM Forum & SM Chat Room, do business and follow the match commentary via the Score Centre. Your most important tool on the site is the Main Tool Bar, which can be located on the top of the screen and the various sub-menus associated with it.


Image:Bullet_green.gif Once you sign in via the Home Page you will then automatically access My Home and it will display the club(s) currently under your control. All aspects of the game are predominantly controlled via the Main Tool Bar.

Basic Step Guides: Buy/Sell A Player, Player rating System and more

Finding your way around Soccer Manager

Main Tool Bar – My Home

Image:Bullet_green.gif My Home is your personal news and information page for the Soccer Manager world. This page has several functions. First, it will display ‘My Profile’ with your current (if chosen) profile picture, My Profile, Account Settings, Add/Edit Picture and SM Reputation. Second, it will display ‘Friends/My Mail/Support’ with Private Messages (and if you have any new messages), My Profile, Support Tickets (and if you have any new tickets), My Friends and Invite Friends. Third, it will display ‘My Clubs’ with the club(s) currently under your control and also if your club(s) has a new message(s). You will also be informed how many clubs you can currently manage and you will also have the option to Add New Club or Quit a Club. Fourth, it displays official messages from Soccer Manager to all managers via SM Info on the right hand side of the screen, like information on new features, bugs in the game (and other technical problems), Player Ratings, articles to discuss on the SM Blog, personal messages unique to an individual setup etc. Lastly, it displays all the latest articles from the SM Blog at the bottom of the page.


Image:Bullet_green.gif When I login I see this message No Club Selected: Select one of your club(s) below at the top of the My Home page. Simply scroll down and click a "Select: Club Name" link in the My Clubs section. This change has been made to ensure that members are active for each respective club under their control.

My Home – Profile

Image:Bullet_green.gif This page has several functions. First, if you wish to change any of your Account Settings, Edit Preferences, Change Password, or Add/Edit Picture associated with your Soccer Manager customer account, then you do it via your Profile. If you make any changes to any of these settings, you will need to click ‘Save Changes’ for it to take affect. Please note that you can only edit your ‘First Name’ or ‘Last Name’ once after you have created your Soccer Manager account. Second, it will display My Profile which displays your Profile details to other members. You will also have the opportunity to set a Nickname as a substitute to your manager name and this can be changed as often as you wish. Third, it will display My Clubs which will display the team(s) you currently manage and what setup type that team is in. Fourth, it will display My Friends and you will have the opportunity to view their Profile and also you can Invite Friends to join you at Soccer Manager. Lastly, it will display My Comments Board where you will be able to delete any unwanted comments.

My Home – Private Messages

Image:Bullet_green.gif Soccer Manager's own Private Message service means you can discuss strategies with your mates, negotiate transfers with other managers or similar without ever leaving the site. You can send Private Messages to other managers by visiting their own Profile page, via Player Profile page, or by accessing a managed clubs ‘Information’ page. All mail sent to you ends up in the mailbox.

My Home – My Extras

Image:Bullet_green.gif You can control all of your extras through My Extras. This page has several functions. First, you can challenge another manager to a friendly by clicking on 'Arrange Friendlies'. Second, you can manage your setups, create new setups or admin setups you control by clicking on 'My Setups'. Third, you can select the style and color of the site for the current selected club by clicking on 'Skin Site'. Lastly, you can make important manager notes (only seen by you) to help you in the Soccer Manager world by clicking on 'Notepad'. Please note you can onlny access My Extras if you have purchased a product from the SM Shop to improve your game experience.

My Home – Fan Club Groups

SM Groups are a social network service focused on the building of communities for people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others in relation to the same football club.

My Home – Support

Soccer Manager believes that most of the answers to your questions are covered within 'SM Wiki Help or can be answered by experienced members of the SM Forum. However on occasions you may need to contact support for answers to your questions not covered within 'SM Wiki Help'. For further information go to the Support help page.


Finding your way around Soccer Manager

Main Tool Bar – My Friends

Image:Bullet_green.gif Your most important tool on the site in relation to developing a social network within the game is My Friends and the various sub-menus which are associated with it. It is divided into My Friends, Find Friends and Invite Friends.

My Friends - My Friends

Image:Bullet_green.gif This page lists all your current friends within Soccer Manager. A basic profile is listed for each of your friends, and there are several options you can do in relation to their profiles. First, you can send your friends Private Messages by clicking on 'Send Private Message'. Second, you can view the clubs currently under their control by clicking on 'View Clubs'. This will take you to their Profile and will list clubs under their control, and you will have the option to join the same setup by clicking on 'Join This Setup'. Third, you can view their friends to see if you have any friends in common by clicking on 'View Friends'. Lastly, you have the option to remove any friends you no longer wish to be associate with by clicking on 'Remove Friend'.

My Friends - Find Friends

Image:Bullet_green.gif The 'Find Friends' page allows you to search friends already registered with Soccer Manager. Search Friends allows you to search for friends by surname via 'Friends Surname' or their email address via 'Friends Email'. Once you have filled in one of the fields click on 'Search', and we will show you a list of possible matches. Please note this list does not show members email addresses.

My Friends - Invite Friends

Image:Bullet_green.gif You can request your friends join you by inviting them to Soccer Manager. There are two ways in which you can 'Invite Friends'. First, you can use the 'Import Hotmail, Yahoo! or Gmail Email Addresses' facility to find out which of your contacts are on Soccer Manager. Simpy enter your email address and associated provider, enter your associated password, and then click on 'Find Your Friends'. Please note we won't store your login or password or email anyone without your permission. Second, you can invite an individual email address to tell your friends about Soccer Manager. Simply enter their email address, and we will send them an email on your behalf once you have clicked on 'Send Email'.

Finding your way around Soccer Manager

Main Tool Bar – My Club

Image:Bullet_green.gif Your most important tool on the site in relation to running the day-to-day aspects of your club is My Club and the various sub-menus which are associated with it. It is divided into Overview, Club Messages, Squad, Tactics, Schedule, Finances, Player Shortlist and Club History.

My Club – Overview

Image:Bullet_green.gif Your club Overview is a basic summary of some of the features from My Club. It will display your clubs ‘Information’, your last five Club Messages, your Last Match and Next Match, and your clubs ‘Transfers In/Out’ for the current season.

My Club – Club Messages

Image:Bullet_green.gif This is where all your clubs information is received and dealt with. Messages regarding Transfers, Results, Players, Competitions, your Club, and the Game appear in your Inbox. Most importantly the Club Messages Inbox is where you receive and respond to transfer bids for your players and also updates on transfer bids you have made.

My Club – Squad

Image:Bullet_green.gif This is where you will find your current first team squad, and there are five sections associated with this. It is divided into General, Youth Squad, Loaned Out, Financial, and Statistical. If you have just taken over a club then you will need to view your squad to see which players you currently have at your disposal before you can decided which players you need to buy/sell (using transfers), and which players to choose when selecting your tactics.


Image:Bullet_green.gif On the General view it will list your current first team squad. If you take charge of a club in a new setup then you will have an up-to-date first team squad of that clubs real life players. However if you take charge of a club in an older setup then it might not represent the clubs real life players due to the previous managers actions in the transfer market. Your current first team squad will be listed in order of position from goalkeeper through to forward (however you can change the order shown by click on any of the markers). On the top of the current first team squad is the Player Field Description which lists information relevant to each individual player and this can be seen in more detail by clicking on the player to access the Player Profile page.


Image:Bullet_green.gif The minimum number of players you are allowed is 18. This is because on each match day you need to select a starting XI as well as 5 substitutes, leaving 2 spare squad players (in case of injury, suspension etc). This 18 have to be players currently at your club, players on loan from your club do not constitute the 18 nor do players on loan at your club.


Image:Bullet_green.gif Your club will have a Youth Squad, and its main function is to orgainse your squad. Your youth team will not play any matches due to this. Also when you take over a club in a new setup you will not have any players assigned to your Youth Squad, but you might have players within it if you take over a club in an existing setup.


Image:Bullet_green.gif Your club will also have the option to participate in loans. You could decide to loan players in/out players for a number of reasons. You might decide to take a player on loan to help cover an injury crisis or suspension and you might decide to loan out a player for him to gain first team football. Your club can loan out as many players as you whish, however there is a limit to loans though as you can only loan in three players. Also your club Chairman will not allow you to loan out any player who is classed as an important player within his squad. Your loan offer will not be submitted and it will be blocked immediately. A message will also be displayed stating “(Name of club)’s Chairman will not loan out this player so the bid has not been submitted”.


Image:Bullet_green.gif The financial screen within your squad will show every player within your club (whether he is a first team player, a youth player or on loan) and the finances associated with them. You will see how many players are on your clubs books in total, and you will see your clubs average weekly wage as well as your total wage bill each week. This is important reading as it will have an impact on your clubs budget and finances.


Image:Bullet_green.gif The statistical screen within your squad will show every player within your club (whether he is a first team player, a youth player or on loan) and the various statistics associated with them. The Player Profile page will show an individuals players statistics for the current season as well as his career statistics.

Limit Displayed Players

Image:Bullet_green.gif The new feature of ‘Limit Displayed Players’ has been added to coincide with your ‘Squad View’, and to help you personally manage the various aspects of its related features. To access this feature you will need to click on ‘Limit Displayed Players’ which is located beneath ‘Squad View’. Once you have clicked on this a small box will appear containing several display options being:

Image:Squaddisplay.jpg


Image:Bullet_green.gif You can select any of the above display options, and dependent on which of these you decide to select will effect your ‘Squad View’.

My Club – Tactics

Image:Bullet_green.gif Every week, you must select a 16-man squad for your league game. This consists of 11 players for your starting XI, and also five matchday substitutes. In addition, you may have a friendly or cup game scheduled. As well as selecting your 16-man squad for your match, you will need to decide on a formation and what tactics to use. All of these decisions are made via the Tactics page.

My Club – Schedule

Image:Bullet_green.gif This is where you can check your fixtures for the season (with proposed date of fixture), results of old matches, links to the Match Report, and links to the Score Centre.

My Club – Finances

Image:Bullet_green.gif Your clubs Finances is important reading, where you will find your clubs income and expenditure for the week as well as total for the season. You will also be able to view the previous week's results by clicking on ‘Previous Week’. There is also a summary displaying your ‘Current Balance’ and ‘Weekly Balance’.

My Club – Player Shortlist

Image:Bullet_green.gif Your shortlist will contain all the players who you have tabled a bid for, been unsuccessful in signing or who you are thinking about making an offer for in the near future. To add a player to your shortlist you will first need to access his Player Profile, then click on 'Shortlist Player', and then click on ‘Add Shortlist’. Any news related to that player will then be displayed in your Club Messages Inbox. To remove a player from your shortlist simply follow the previous instructions but click on 'Take Off Short List' instead.

My Club – Club History

Image:Bullet_green.gif Your 'Club History' page lists all of the records associated with your club and the dates these records were set.

Finding your way around Soccer Manager

Main Tool Bar – Setup

Image:Bullet_green.gif An important tool on the site in relation to the day-to-day aspects of your setup which your club is in is Setup and the various sub-menus which are associated with it. It is divided into Transfers, SMFA Comps, Tables, Fixtures, Results, Friendlies, Players, Newspaper, Rules & Managers and All Clubs.

Setup - Transfers

Image:Bullet_green.gif Most managers will want to buy/sell players in order to create a squad in their image or to fit a certain style of play, and there are several options on the 'Transfer Market' page which you can select in relation to transfers.


Image:Bullet_green.gif There are several different ways in which you can approach to buy a player, either by clicking on a squad or player name anywhere in the game, using the ‘Search’ feature to search for a particular player, or accessing the transfer list to find out which player(s) have been placed on it. If you find a player you wish to make an offer for then you will need to place a bid for him. In order to make an offer, click on the players name and then on the ‘Make Transfer Bid’ button above the Player Profile. You will then be asked to enter your offer by filling in the available boxes before you click on ‘Propose Offer’. The first box is the amount in millions and the second box is the amount in thousands. Once you have done that yo uneed to clock on the 'Propose Offer' button. To find out if any of your transfers have been successful or not you will have to access your Club Messages Inbox. Any messages which you receive from other managers and clubs in relation to transfers will be displayed here. You will be notified if you bid has been accepted, rejected or if they have made a counter-offer. Once a deal has been successful it will be processed shortly, and transfers are usually completed the next day.


Image:Bullet_green.gif There will probably be numerous reasons why you would want to sell a player, either to raise some much needed finance, to offload dead-wood, lower the wage bill to ease your finances or for other reasons. The easiest way to sell a player is by placing him on the transfer list. To place one of your players on the transfer list you need to click on the player’s name, then on the ‘Transfer Status’ button in the Player Profile section, and then finally click on 'Transfer List'. You will then be asked to enter the asking price for that player, the first box is the amount in millions and the second box is the amount in thousands. Once you have done that you need to click on the 'Confirm Transfer Status' button. Your player will then be placed on the transfer list. Then you just need to wait for an acceptable offer to come in. You will be informed on any offers via your Club Messages Inbox.

Setup - Tables

Image:Bullet_green.gif The number of divisions within the various Setup Types differ. The number of divisions within the Standard Setups are the same, with each league containing 20 clubs split between four divisions. This will differ between the Custom Setups and Gold Setups. To access the league table for your division within your setup, you will need to click on 'Tables' which is accessed via the 'Main Tool Bar - Setup'. This will display the current (normal) league table for that week, and league positions are determined by points. If any club is level on points, the next determining factor will be goal difference, followed by goals scored. To view the division you want just click on that option. You will also have the option to view the league statistics which can be accessed by clicking on one of the Player Tables choices, and also view upcoming 'Fixtures' and past 'Results' from any of the setups divisions.

There are also three additional league tables to view alongside the normal table being:

  • Home/Away - This is a table split into three sections being overall standing, home record, and away record;
  • League Form - This is a table based on each clubs last six league matches;
  • Attendance - This is a table based on average attendance.

Setup - Fixtures

Image:Bullet_green.gif To access the league fixtures for your division within your setup (and also the fixtures from the other divisions), you will need to click on 'Fixtures' which is accessed via the 'Main Tool Bar - Setup'. This will display the current fixture list for that week for your league. To view the division you want just click on that option. To access the league fixtures for each turn you need to click on the 'Next Fixtures' button. You also have the chance to view your next opposition’s squad/team by clicking on the team’s name. Here you can work your way through using the ‘Next Fixture’ button and see all the league fixtures for each turn of the season. You will also have the option to view the 'Cup' and 'Friendly' fixtures for your setup which can be accessed by clicking on one of the relevant choices.

Setup - Results

Image:Bullet_green.gif To access the league reults for your division within your setup (and also the results from the other divisions), you will need to click on 'Results' which is accessed via the 'Main Tool Bar - Setup'. This will display the current results for that week for your league. To view the division you want just click on that option. To access the league results for previous turns you need to click on the 'Previous Results' button. You also have the chance to view your Match Report by clicking on the same, and also view the action as it happened via the Score Centre. You will also have the option to view the 'Cup' and 'Friendly' results from your setup, which can be accessed by clicking on one of the relevant choices.

Setup - Friendlies

Image:Bullet_green.gif All members have the opportunity to arrange 'Friendlies'. You will be able to challenge any club within your setup to a friendly. There will be numerous reasons why you might wish to arrange a friendly ranging from trying out new tactics to giving fringe squad players a run out. In friendly games suspended players can play, a player's condition is not reduced, and yellow and red cards are not recorded. There are two steps to arrange a friendly match:

Step One: Select a Date - Once you have accessed the friendly page you will be shown your schedule for the next few weeks, displaying official matches, as well as any free dates. Any free dates will be shown as 'Challenge A Club', and you will need to click on this to arrange a friendly.

Step Two: Challenge A Club - Once you have clicked on 'Challenge A Club' you will be asked to 'Select A Club to Challenge on' your chosen date. You then need to click on the drop down box to find the club you wish to challenge. Once you have found a club you wish to challenge you need to click on 'Challenge Club'.


Image:Bullet_green.gif Once you have followed the above two steps, you will receive a message in your 'Club Messages Inbox' stating you have challenged the selected club for a friendly on your chosen date. If your club has been challenged to a friendly you will also receive a message in your 'Club Messages Inbox' stating you have been challenged to a friendly, and you will have the option to 'Accept/Reject' the request.


Image:Bullet_green.gif To access all of the friendly fixtures for your setup, you will need to click on 'Fixtures' which is accessed via the 'Main Tool Bar - Setup'. This will display the current friendly fixture list for that week for your setup. To access the friendly results for your setup, you will need to click on 'Results' which is accessed via the 'Main Tool Bar - Setup'. This will display the current friendly results for that week for your setup. You also have the chance to view your Match Report by clicking on the same.

Setup - Players

Image:Bullet_green.gif You will have the option to view any of the player statistics within your setup, which can be accessed by clicking on one of the Player Tables choices. To access the Player Tables for your division within your setup, you will need to click on 'Players' which is accessed via the 'Main Tool Bar - Setup'. This will shows you the top players for each division for different statistics including goals, average performances, assists and so on.

Setup - History

Image:Bullet_green.gif The Setup History includes full records of all the history for each respective setup in the game. To access this page you need to go to the main tool bar and select ‘Setup’, and then ‘Setup History’.


Image:Bullet_green.gif The ‘Setup History’ has six main sections within it, and these include ‘Manager Honours’, ‘Best Setup Managers’, ‘Cup Winners’, ‘League Tables’, ‘Player Stats’, and ‘Transfer Stats’. A short explanation of each section is as follows:

  • Manager Honours: This lists every single manager who won an honour with his respective club that season;
  • Best Setup Managers: This lists the top managers within the setup, and also his club record;
  • Cup Winners: This lists every single manager who won a cup competition with his respective club that season;
  • League Tables: This lists the final league table for the season for each respective division;
  • Player Stats: This lists the final player statistic tables from across the divisions including stats such as top goal scorers, top average performers, assists and so on;
  • Transfer Stats: This lists the top transfers for the season from across the divisions.


Image:Bullet_green.gif To move between each respective season, simply click on the drop down box ‘Select Season’, and then click on ‘Season 1′, ‘Season 2′ etc. However, the format for the elite Gold Setups which Gold Members participate in is slightly different, in that you have a second drop down box listing all the different leagues.


Setup - Newspapers

Image:Bullet_green.gif Each setup within the game has it's own unique newspaper called 'The Soccer Manager Times', which provides daily soccer news from across your setup. To access your setups newspaper, you will need to click on 'Newspaper' which is accessed via the 'Main Tool Bar - Setup'. This page has several functions. First, you can write and read about any 'General News' in relation to new managers, club news etc. Second, you can write and read about any 'Match Previews' in relation to fixtures, pre-match talk, predictions etc. Third, you can write and read about any 'Match Reviews' in relation to setup results, and game reviews. Lastly, you can write and read about any 'Transfer News' in relation to transfer signings, rumours, for sale etc.


Image:Bullet_green.gif To write an artcile for any section within the newspaper, you need to click on 'Write an Article'. You will then be asked to read the Terms and Conditions associated with using the newspaper, and if you agree to them you will then be required to click on 'I agree to the terms. Continue'. Please note that only Gold Members and members with an SM Reputation of 40 and over can write articles for the newspaper. You will then be asked to select a section for your newspaper article, choose a title, and then write your article. Once you have completed writing your article for the newspaper, you will need to click on 'Submit Article' for it to go live.

Setup - Rules & Managers

Image:Bullet_green.gif This page has two main functions. First, it shows the rules of the league. Second, it displays a list of all the clubs in your setup, and their respective managers (showing either the managers name or as unmanaged)

Setup – All Clubs

Image:Bullet_green.gif The primary function of this page is to list all of the clubs within your setup from their respective countries, whether they are available to manage within the setup or external from the setup. You will need to select a country to view football clubs and their squads from that country. Please note that not all of the clubs will have their respective real life squads due to transfers taking place within your setup. If you want to view a clubs real life squad you will have to click on 'Real Life Clubs' which is accessed via the 'Main Tool Bar - Game'.

Finding your way around Soccer Manager

Main Tool Bar – Media

Image:Bullet_green.gif Your most important tool on the site in relation to the communication is Media and the various sub-menus which are associated with it. It is divided into Chat, Blog, Forum and SM Wiki.

Media - Chat

Image:Bullet_green.gif You will need to click on 'Chat' which is accessed via the 'Main Tool Meida - Chat' to access the 'Chat Room'. You will enter the 'Chat Room' under your Soccer Manager account and you do not need to setup a seperate account. The 'Chat Room' is moderated by 'Chat Room Mods' and their names are displayed in red to show they are mods. Please note that profanity, personal abuse and discrimination of any nature will not be tolerated within the 'Chat Room' and can result in the loss of your account. Full details are available in the 'Forums and Public Communication section' of the Terms and Conditions. Entry to the Chat Room indicates acceptance of these rules.

Media - Blog

Image:Bullet_green.gif The SM Blog contains regular updates, and news in relation to the site, as well as articles to debate.

Media - Forum

Image:Bullet_green.gif The SM Forum is a community of liked minded individuals who all share a passion for Soccer Manager. To join the Soccer Manager community and discuss the game with other members, you will need to create a seperate account to your Soccer Manager account.

Media – SM Help

Image:Bullet_green.gif The SM Wiki is an encyclopedia about all things concerning Soccer Manager. It contains a comprehensive guide in relation to playing the game, provides information on navigating your way through the site, answers FAQs, offers help and advice, as well as anything else in relation to the game.

Finding your way around Soccer Manager

Main Tool Bar – Game

Image:Bullet_green.gif Your most important tool on the site in relation to the player database is Game and the various sub-menus which are associated with it. It is divided into SM Improvements, Best Managers, Player Ratings, New Players, Setup Types and Real Life Clubs.

Game – SM Improvements

Image:Bullet_green.gif To see what new game improvements and features are coming to Soccer Manager you will need to visit our 'Improvements Section'. All the features which are listed as 'Coming Soon!' will be worked on, and once they are complete they will then be listed as 'Recent Improvements' (with the date the improvement/new feature came in). You are welcome to visit the SM Forum to debate and discuss these features with other members! Any idea or feature you have to improve the site, needs to be submitted to SM Suggestions.

Game – Best Managers

Image:Bullet_green.gif A list of the 'Best Managers' in the game is available for all managers to view. The 'Best Managers' lists are broken up into 'Custom' and 'Standard' Setup Lists and also total points and average poins. Points are awarded for wins, draws, league titles, cup titles and if you beat a team that is stronger than your own. The top 100 managers are listed based on our manager point scoring system:

Win 3 pts
Draw1 pts
Lose0 pts
Win against stronger team 5 pts
Draw against stronger team2 pts
League Title10 pts
Cup Title10 pts


Image:Bullet_green.gif To enter the top managers list you must have played at least 15 games.

Game – Player Ratings

Image:Bullet_green.gif The primary function of the Player Ratings page is to display which players have had a rating increase or descrease. Within Soccer Manager each player is given one rating within a scale of 60 to 99. A player will increase or decrease in rating depending on his form in real life, and is not affected by how he performs for you in Soccer Manager. Rating changes take place on a weekly basis within a 'Ratings Schedule' which covers the majority of the world league’s and runs throughout the year. Each week our team of researchers will asses players performance from certain leagues (based on their performance over a significant period of time) to decide whether they warrant an increase or decrease in rating. Only players currently playing in their respective league will be reviewed in the relevant section of the 'Rating Changes Schedule'. Also a players rating can be reviewed at any time during the week(s) his respective league is being reviewed.

Game – New Players

Image:Bullet_green.gif New soccer players are constantly added to the database by our team of specialist football researchers. Whenever a new player is added to the database he will be listed in the 'New Players' section. In setups that are currently running they enter the game as free agents if they play for a team within the setup and can be bought for 75% of their valuation. If they play for a team external of the setup they will be added straight into that club. In new setups they start off at their real life club.

Game – Setup Types

Image:Bullet_green.gif Soccer Manager offers a choice of Setup Types which include Standard Setups, Custom Setups and Gold Setups.

Game – Real Life Clubs

Image:Bullet_green.gif The primary function of this page is to list all of the clubs on the database from their respective countries, whether they are available to manage within the setup or external from the setup. You will need to select a country to view football clubs and their squads from that country. All of the clubs listed represent their respective real life squads and not the squads within your setup.

Shop

Image:Bullet_green.gif You can visit the SM Shop to purchase extra Soccer Manager products and packages to improve your game experience.