Positives first, graphics are impressive and the user-friendly nature when you have an adapter to use a PS2 controller or xbox controller, (Never tried using the keyboard). The layout is very clean and dead easy to use, even if you have never used it you know instantly what to do. The master league is well constructed simple, and not over complicated, plus builing your dream team is after all why we buy games such as Football Manager.

However despite these positives, there are negatives and boy are there some negatives. How easy it is to score from long range with players such as rooney or vicente (especially) is just ridiculous.

Possibly the most enfuriating thing is the lack of any intelligence from any player on the pitch! The defenders seem to run away from the ball when an attacker is coming forward unless you controlled all 4 to sort themselves out. The first touch is sometimes spot on, whereas sometimes it is dreadful. The adriano not being able to hold it up… more »

Positives first, graphics are impressive and the user-friendly nature when you have an adapter to use a PS2 controller or xbox controller, (Never tried using the keyboard). The layout is very clean and dead easy to use, even if you have never used it you know instantly what to do. The master league is well constructed simple, and not over complicated, plus builing your dream team is after all why we buy games such as Football Manager.

However despite these positives, there are negatives and boy are there some negatives. How easy it is to score from long range with players such as rooney or vicente (especially) is just ridiculous.

Possibly the most enfuriating thing is the lack of any intelligence from any player on the pitch! The defenders seem to run away from the ball when an attacker is coming forward unless you controlled all 4 to sort themselves out. The first touch is sometimes spot on, whereas sometimes it is dreadful. The adriano not being able to hold it up against shaun wright philips! (although entertaining if you are in control of SWP :P). And sometimes they dont even bother with a first touch, when you place a ball through they let it roll of the pitch, i mean come on, its just the basics.

Keepers are a liability!, if the ball travels straight at them from a weedy tap from a forward he parries it either back to him or his ONLY partner in a sea of 10 defenders!

Similarly you find you have to tackle the same player for an age and then when you tackle him the ball magically goes to another opponent or flies 20 yards of the pitch for a throw-in.

Im in a difficult position as a lover of the sport and the enjoyment of some aspects of the game. But i would have many more hairs on my head if they made it less frustrating in some areas!