Under my stewardship, my local club, newly promoted to League One, were sent packing, back to the foot of the foot-to-ball league system. And, more damning still, it'll quickly become dull. If the simulation becomes predictable, whether through inadequate behind the scenes number-crunching or the existence of mechanics that players can easily exploit, then it does not represent sport. At its heart, the Football Manager series is concerned with the hope and sense of expectation that Sean Bean identified as the heart of Sky Sports SoccerBall Actual Football way back when. If there's no joy in the struggle and no challenge following a couple of victorious seasons, the model has failed. It's important to win and lose, and to experience as much of life at the top and bottom as possible, before judging a management game. I've spent 130 hours playing the game and more than I care to count considering which elements Sports Interactive have improved, and which elements seem to have taken a step backwards.

But reviewing a specific version of Football Manager means comparing the game to itself. If I were to review Football Manager, it'd consistently rank in my favourite games of every year.

After tasting success and failure, I'm ready to tell you wot I think about Football Manager 2016. I've found young stars at bargain prices, and built a team of overpaid ego-machines who are ready to down tools as soon as the going gets tough. I've won titles and cups, and I've been sacked following a relegation that was more surrender than battle.

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