Championship Manager 01 02 Best Players 3.9.68 Page
Finding the championship manager 01 02 best players 3.9.68 is only half the battle. You must use the 4-1-3-2 or 4-3-3 Diablo tactic (search the forums). The match engine cannot handle a free-roaming attacking midfielder. Play To Madeira as a free role AMC, or Tsigalko as a fast striker with "Run with Ball" and "Through Balls."
Pro tip: Set your passing to "Direct" and tempo to "Quick." With players like Kerr and Källström, you will slice through any defense.
Championship Manager 01/02 (version 3.9.68) occupies a special place in the history of football-management video games. Released by Sports Interactive in 2001 as part of the long-running Championship Manager series, the 01/02 installment is widely remembered for its deep gameplay, sprawling database, and the emergent narratives it produced for players. The specific build 3.9.68 is often referenced by fans for its stable balance, large scouting pool, and the presence of many future stars in their youth — factors that combine to make it a beloved classic among simulation enthusiasts.
Depth and Mechanics Championship Manager 01/02 delivered an unusually deep simulation for its time. The core gameplay loop—signing players, setting tactics, training squads, and managing finances—was supported by a detailed match engine and an extensive player database. Managers had to balance short-term results with long-term squad development, negotiate transfers and contracts, and react to injuries and morale swings. The tactical interface, while less visually polished than later titles, offered granular control over formations, player roles, and match-day instructions, encouraging tactical experimentation and reward for strategic planning.
Database and Scouting One of the strongest pillars of CM 01/02 was its player database. Thousands of real and fictional players were included, each with a range of attributes governing technical skill, mental traits, and physical ability. The game’s scouting system allowed managers to search by position, attribute, age, and value, enabling the discovery of hidden gems. Many users fondly recall discovering future world-class talents — youngsters with low initial value but high potential — and watching them mature into the backbone of championship teams. This capacity for “creating” stars through scouting and development gave the game remarkable replay value.
Tactical Freedom and Emergent Stories CM 01/02 empowered players to create their own tactical philosophies. Whether deploying classical formations like 4-4-2 or experimenting with sweeper systems or narrow diamond midfields, managers could tailor team instructions and individual player roles. The combination of tactical nuance and player personality led to emergent narratives: an overlooked veteran becoming a dressing-room leader, a youth prodigy rising from the reserves to World Player of the Year, or a mid-table club climbing to continental competition after a shrewd transfer window. These stories forged strong emotional attachments between players and their virtual teams.
Community and Modding The game’s longevity owes much to its active community. Fans produced database updates, tactical guides, and unofficial patches that improved realism and extended gameplay. Forums and fan sites became hubs for sharing tactics, save files, and stories of improbable seasons. Even decades later, those communities continue to preserve and celebrate CM 01/02, trading updated squads and tweaks that keep the experience fresh.
Legacy and Influence Championship Manager 01/02’s influence persists in modern football-management simulations. It demonstrated that depth, a rich database, and player-driven narratives could create a game with enduring appeal. Though later titles improved graphics and user interfaces, many fans argue that few matches captured the addictive combination of discovery, strategy, and storytelling as cleanly as CM 01/02. Its successor iterations, as well as rival franchises, owe part of their design philosophy to the standards set by this release.
Conclusion Championship Manager 01/02 (v3.9.68) remains a benchmark in sports management gaming: a title defined by depth, a rich scouting database, tactical freedom, and memorable emergent stories. For many players, it is not just a game but a platform for personal narratives and long-running campaigns that stand as some of the most enjoyable experiences in football simulation history.
For lower-league or budget-conscious managers.
| Player | Club | Position | Cost | Why buy | |--------|------|----------|------|---------| | Assane N’Diaye | Free agent | DM / M C | Free | Senegalese beast. High work rate, tackling, stamina. | | Eldar Hadžimehmedović | Free agent | AM / ST | Free | Bosnian playmaker. Technical, flair, cheap wages. | | To Madeira | Unattached (fictional) | ST / AM C | Free | Controversial – a fan-made player in the original DB, but patched out in 3.9.68. Not available. | | Cherno Samba | Millwall (ENG) | ST | £200K | 16 years old. Becomes an elite striker in 2–3 seasons. | | Kim Björklund | Free agent (SWE) | D/DM C | Free | Solid backup, good mental stats. | | Dionisis Chiotis | AEK (GRE) | GK | £200K | Best young keeper. Reflexes, handling, consistency. |
For clubs with cash (€5M+ budget).
These players are reliably excellent in 3.9.68 for immediate impact. Use them if you need guaranteed quality.
(These names mirror real-world 01/02 strengths and remain top picks in community DB updates like 3.9.68.)
What made this patch so special wasn't just the numbers—it was the knowledge. The game was so perfectly broken that tactics became dogma. The famous 4-1-3-2 or the 4-3-3 "Diablo" (with a central attacking midfielder arrowed straight up) exploited the match engine mercilessly.
But the real joy wasn't winning. It was the story. It was watching Maxim Tsigalko (the real-life Belarusian who never made it big) score a Champions League final hat-trick for your Ipswich Town. It was seeing Lionel Morgan (the Wimbledon winger whose real career was destroyed by injury) become the world’s best left-midfielder.
CM 01/02 v3.9.68 wasn't a simulation. It was a dream factory. And in that dream, Tó Madeira never missed. Mark Kerr never got booked. And you, the manager, were a genius.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go check if Taribo West is still available on a free transfer.
Recommendation for the reader: If you want to actually play this today, search for "CM 01/02 3.9.68 download" and the community patches that run it on modern hardware. The database is frozen in 2001, but the addiction is timeless.
For Championship Manager 01/02 (v3.9.68), the "best" players are a mix of legendary bargains and high-potential "wonderkids." While some famous overpowered players like Tó Madeira
were removed in this official patch, many "God-tier" options remain. 🌟 Top Players for v3.9.68 Attackers (ST/SC/FC) Maxim Tsigalko :
Still the ultimate goal machine if you load the Belarusian league. Andri Sigþórsson : A reliable, high-scoring striker from Iceland. Eldar Hadzimehmedovic : A young talent who develops into a world-class finisher. Josh Blake
: An incredibly cheap goal machine, often available for under £3k. Midfielders (MC/AMC/Winger)
: One of the most famous bargain midfielders; consistent and cheap. Julius Aghahowa championship manager 01 02 best players 3.9.68
: A versatile forward/winger with explosive pace and scoring ability. Kennedy Bakircioglu : A Swedish creative force who dominates the right wing. Kim Källström
: A high-potential Swedish midfielder with elite long shots. Defenders (DC/DL/DR) Taribo West
: The best free agent in the game; world-class quality for zero transfer fee. Isaac Okoronkwo : A rock-solid, affordable Nigerian center-back. Fredrik Risp : A reliable and cheap young defender from Sweden.
: A legendary right-back available for a small fee from Cheltenham. Goalkeepers (GK) Hugo Pinheiro
: A cheap, high-potential keeper who becomes one of the world's best. Dionisis Chiotis : A legendary Greek keeper with incredible reflexes. Franco Costanzo
: A high-potential Argentine keeper similar to a young Buffon.
🎯 Pro Tip: To find the best "regens" (players who reappear after retiring), search for players aged 15–16 and filter by the retired legend's nationality and position. If you'd like more specific help: Tell me your transfer budget. Mention which league you're managing in.
Ask for a specific position you need to fill (e.g., a DL or a DMC).
I can then give you a tailored list of targets for your save!
For Championship Manager 01/02 patch 3.9.68, the "best" players are often divided between legendary "cheat" players and new hidden gems specific to this final official database update. The "Super Greeks" (New in 3.9.68)
The 3.9.68 patch is most famous for making Greek players incredibly overpowered: Anastasios Skalidis
(SC): Widely considered the most broken striker in this version. He scores roughly a goal a game and is often available for under £1m. Dionisis Chiotis (GK): One of the best goalkeepers in the game. Stilianos Doukas (MC): A creative engine in midfield similar to Mark Kerr. Nikos Tobros (DC): A highly reliable young center-back. Anastasios Kalogeras (DL): A top-tier left-back. Essential Free Agents & Bargains
These players are either free or available for a nominal fee at the start of the game: Taribo West
(DC): The ultimate free agent. He is a world-class defender who will sign for almost anyone. Mark Kerr
(MC): A legendary bargain from Falkirk. He typically costs around £400k and develops into one of the best midfielders in the world.
(D/MR): A versatile and cheap right-back from Cheltenham who consistently performs at a world-class level. Ibrahim Said
(D/DMC): A versatile Egyptian player available for a low fee, often considered the best "ball winner". Julius Aghahowa
(FRLC): A high-pace attacker from Shakhtar Donetsk who can dominate any league. The All-Time "Cheat" Players
While some are slightly nerfed in 3.9.68, they remain elite options: Maxim Tsigalko
(SC): Still the most prolific goalscorer in the game, though some users find him harder to sign in this specific patch than in earlier versions. Tó Madeira
(SC): The famous fictional player who is essentially a guaranteed goal machine. Assane N'Diaye
(DMC): A defensive powerhouse from Shakhtar who often wins the highest average ratings. Hidden Gems for Lower Leagues Josh Blake
(SC): An extremely cheap "goal machine" available for as little as £3k. Hugo Pinheiro (GK): A great young goalkeeper available for a small fee. (DC): A reliable defender who can be found in Portugal. Finding the championship manager 01 02 best players 3
The official 3.9.68 patch for Championship Manager 01/02 (often called the "Super Greeks" database) significantly boosted several Greek players while maintaining the legendary status of classic "cheat" players. Elite & "Cheat" Players
These are the world-class essentials that can carry almost any team: Maxim Tsigalko
(SC): Widely considered the greatest player in CM history, capable of scoring 50+ goals a season. To Madeira
(SC): A legendary "fictional" striker who remains a scoring machine in this version. Sergey Nikiforenko
(AMC/FC): A versatile legend often paired with Tsigalko; brilliant behind the striker. Anastasios Skalidis
(SC): A standout in the 3.9.68 patch, often averaging over a goal per game.
(MC): An absolute engine in midfield and usually the first signing for any manager. Top Prospects & Bargains
High-potential players available for low fees or as free agents: Dionisis Chiotis
(GK): One of the best goalkeepers in the game, a staple of the "Super Greeks" patch. Taribo West
(DC): A legendary free agent at the start of the game, though he can be difficult to sign for smaller clubs. Isaac Okoronkwo (DC/DLC): A reliable and affordable defensive powerhouse. Kim Källström
(AMC): A young Swedish talent who develops into a world-class playmaker.
(D/MR): A versatile defender/midfielder who is incredibly effective for his low price. Julius Aghahowa (FRLC): Known for his blistering pace and high potential. Position-Specific Recommendations Key Players Goalkeepers Hugo Pinheiro Franco Costanzo Dionisis Chiotis Defenders Fredrik Risp , Ibrahim Said , Tieme Klompe Midfielders Assane N'Diaye , Kennedy Bakircioglü , Andrés D'Alessandro Strikers Eldar Hadzimehmedovic Joao Paiva Pawel Brozek
Championship Manager 01/02 patch 3.9.68 (the final official update), player selection shifts slightly due to the nerfing of some legendary "Super Greeks" found in earlier versions. While icons like Maxim Tsigalko and Tonton Zola Moukoko
remain top-tier, this version is widely praised for its balance and the longevity of its "hidden gems". Essential Free Agents
These players are available at the start of a save for no transfer fee and should be your first targets regardless of your club's size: Taribo West
(D LC): The ultimate free signing. Though harder to convince than in earlier patches, he remains world-class for several seasons. Alonso Solis
(AM C): A creative force who often demands a higher wage but provides immediate elite-level impact. Montenegro
(AM L): A fantastic left-wing option who consistently performs well in high-level leagues. Sergio Lara
(AM R): Excellent work rate and crossing; a reliable free option for the right flank. Top-Tier "Must Buys" (Under £1M) Maxim Tsigalko
(SC): Still the game's greatest goal machine. Costing around £2M from Dinamo Minsk, he routinely scores 50+ goals per season.
(MC): Often cited as the first player you should buy. He dominates the midfield with elite determination and work rate.
(D/AM R): A versatile legend who can play across the entire right side and often reaches world-class status. Tó Madeira
(SC): A legendary "cheat" player found at Gouveia (requires a large database). He is virtually guaranteed to score every game. Hugo Pinheiro (These names mirror real-world 01/02 strengths and remain
(GK): A young, cheap goalkeeper from Portugal who develops into one of the best in the game. Fredrik Risp
(DC): A reliable, inexpensive Swedish center-back who is a cornerstone for any defense. Elite Wonderkids (High Value)
If you are managing a top-tier club with a large budget, these young stars are the premier investments: 3.9.68] - Championship Manager 2001/2002 Forums
Championship Manager 01/02 (Patch 3.9.68) , player attributes and effectiveness vary slightly from the original 3.9.60 database. While legends like Maxim Tsigalko
remain elite in the official 3.9.68 update, some players like Taribo West
may show slightly different stats depending on whether you are using the updated database or just the software patch. Essential Signings (The "Gods")
These players are widely considered mandatory for a successful save due to their consistent world-class performance and low cost:
Navigating the final official database (3.9.68) of Championship Manager 01/02
is a journey through football history. Whether you're looking for world-class legends or dirt-cheap hidden gems, certain names are essential for any successful save. 🏆 The "Cheat" Tier (Essential Signings)
These players are notoriously overpowered and should be your first priority. Maxim Tsigalko
(SC): The undisputed GOAT of CM 01/02. He typically scores 50+ goals a season and costs around £1-2m from Dinamo Minsk. Tó Madeira
(SC): A legendary fictional scout-created player who is a goal machine for any team. Taribo West
(DC): The ultimate free agent. A world-class defender who can be signed for £0 at the start of the game.
(MC): A Scottish midfielder from Falkirk who develops into a world-class playmaker for a very low fee. ✨ Elite Wonderkids
Young players with massive potential that will dominate for years.
This is the definitive long-form guide to the best players in Championship Manager 01/02 (specifically the v3.9.68 patch, which is the most popular and stable version).
In CM 01/02, success is dictated by two things: Attributes and Hidden Stats. Because the match engine favors raw physicality and specific mental attributes, the "best" players in this game are often different from real life or modern Football Manager.
Here is your comprehensive guide to building a world-dominating squad.
Two decades later, fans still boot up CM 01/02 3.9.68 because it represents a perfect moment in football data. It is the last time a game felt genuinely limitless. The players listed above are not just "good value" – they are historical artifacts of a time when a free agent from Madeira could become Ballon d’Or.
So, whether you are a veteran looking to relive your youth, or a younger fan curious about the hype, remember this list. Forget the modern wonderkids. In the world of championship manager 01 02 best players 3.9.68, the throne belongs to To Madeira, and the midfield belongs to Mark Kerr.
Now go forth. Install the patch. And win the treble by 2004. You know how.
Do you have a favorite 3.9.68 hidden gem not on this list? Mention them in the comments (or fire up the game—the save is still waiting for you).
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best players in Championship Manager 01/02 with the 3.9.68 update (the most popular and stable database patch, which fixes the original’s bugs and rebalances attributes).
The 3.9.68 update is the gold standard for CM01/02. It removes the “super keeper” bug, fixes loan issues, and re-rates hundreds of players. Below are the must-buy, world-class, and hidden gem players for any save.
Note: Attributes are based on the default 3.9.68 database. No external data updates.