Fm 2007 Best Tactics May 2026
In Football Manager 2007, tactical success often hinges on mastering the "arrows" system and managing the balance between mentality and tempo. While modern versions of the game use refined roles, FM 2007 relies heavily on sliders and player instructions to define performance. Core Strategic Concepts
Mentality-Based Adapting: A common "easy win" method involves matching your mentality to the opposition's perceived intent. Use a Control tactic against defensive teams, Counter against balanced ones, and Defend when facing ultra-attacking setups.
The "Rule of One": This veteran strategy emphasizes slight, consistent adjustments. For instance, if facing a lone striker (like in a 5-4-1), instruct your center-backs (DCs) to man-mark and your defensive midfielder (MCd) to stick to their attacking midfielder (AMC).
Managing Tempo and Space: A quick tempo paired with short passing and an attacking mentality is frequently effective for dominant teams. However, setting creative freedom too high can lead to players losing their positional discipline. Proven Formations & Setup Tips
The Classic 4-4-2: A staple that works well when utilizing overlapping fullbacks and focusing play down the wings. Players like Giggs and Beckham on "Winger Attack" can provide the necessary width for strikers like Yorke and Cole.
Recreating Ferguson's 07/08 Style: To mirror the direct, fast football of that era, use a high tempo, play wide, and instruct players to run at the defense. This setup typically uses an advanced playmaker in midfield supported by two strikers with differing roles—one supporting (DLF) and one attacking (AF).
Defensive Stability: For a more conservative approach, a back four with very low "forward runs" and a stable midfield (with only one attacking slider) can be hard to break down.
The 3-5-2 Specialist: Some walkthroughs suggest a 3-5-2 with short passing and heavy pressing can be nearly unstoppable if your squad has the right work rate. Key Player Attributes for FM 2007
To make these tactics work, you need players who fit the specific demands of the old match engine:
Defenders: Prioritize Tackling, Heading, Positioning, and Jumping. For top-tier Premiership clubs, aim for attributes of 14 or higher.
Midfielders: Look for high Work Rate, Stamina, and Tackling for defensive roles.
Attackers: Pace, Crossing, and Dribbling are vital for wingers, while strikers need high Finishing and Anticipation.
Check out these classic in-game management tips to help you tweak your strategy during those tight FM 2007 matches: Football Manager 2007 - 3. In-Game Tactics davidkempshall YouTube• Jan 5, 2007 How To Play FM07: Tactical Design and Management Strategy
The most successful approach to Football Manager 2007 is built on the "Rule of One" and "Rule of Two" frameworks. These systems focus on linking player mentalities to their position on the pitch to create a cohesive unit. 🏆 Top Tactical Setups 1. The Classic 4-4-2 (Solid Foundation)
The most versatile formation in FM07. Use it to adapt based on match conditions:
Defensive: Low tempo, deep line, and heavy time-wasting. Wingers have no arrows.
Possession: Normal mentality, medium width, and all players (except DCs) making mixed forward runs.
Attacking: Wide width, high defensive line, and "Often" through balls. 2. The 4-2-3-1 (High Performance)
Excellent for exploiting the gaps between midfield and defense.
Wingers: Use Long Forward Arrows to keep pressure on fullbacks. AMC: Set to a Free Role to find space between the lines.
Pivots: Keep two central midfielders deeper to protect the back four. 3. Mourinho’s 4-3-3 (Elite Control)
Works exceptionally well for top-tier teams looking to dominate.
DM: A dedicated holding midfielder (e.g., Diarra style) sitting in front of the defense.
Fullbacks: Set to Attack or Normal depending on opposition width. ⚙️ Key Slider & Player Settings
FM07 relies heavily on manual slider adjustments rather than modern "roles". Recommendation Tempo Quick for home / Slow for away Controls match speed and fatigue Creative Freedom Low to Medium Keeps players disciplined in their positions Defensive Line Deep for slow defenders Prevents being caught by through balls Time Wasting Heavy when defending a lead Crucial for closing out late-game wins 💡 Pro Tips for 2007
Arrow Usage: Use "Farrows" (forward arrows) for wingers to encourage doubling up on defenders.
Target Man: If you have a tall striker, set them as a Target Man and instruct the team to feed them.
Opposition Instructions: Identify the opposition's best player and assign a specific Man-Marking duty.
Stability: Give a new tactic at least 5–6 games before making major changes to allow for tactical familiarity. If you'd like, I can help you find: How To Play FM07: Tactical Design and Management Strategy
In Football Manager 2007 , tactical success is heavily influenced by the iconic Tactical Theorems & Frameworks (TT&F) guide, which pioneered structured mentalities and player roles before the modern "Tactics Creator" era. The "meta" of this version focuses on balancing sliders to create space and utilizing Arrows (Farrows, Sarrows, Barrows) to define player movement. Top Tactical Archetypes for FM 2007 The Classic 4-4-2 (Standard/Balanced):
Setup: Wide width, medium defensive line, and "normal" tackling.
Movement: Use Forward Arrows (Farrows) on wingers to push them into attacking positions.
Roles: One central midfielder (MCd) should be more defensive (higher tackling, lower creative freedom) to protect the back four, while the other (MCa) supports the attack. The Mourinhio-Inspired 4-3-3 / 4-1-2-2-1:
Setup: Highly effective for elite teams. It utilizes a stable midfield with only one player on an attacking slider.
Wingers: Maximize "Creative Freedom" for your wingers (AMR/L) to exploit individual talent.
Defense: A conservative back four with a deep defensive line if your center-backs lack speed. The "Rule of One" 5-4-1 (Defensive/Counter):
Setup: Used to frustrate superior opponents. It features wing-backs with forward arrows and a lone striker.
Strategy: Focus passing down both flanks and instruct strikers to "Hold Up Ball" to allow wing-backs to catch up with play. How To Play FM07: Tactical Design and Management Strategy
This tactic emphasizes possession football, using a high-pressing approach to win the ball back quickly and create scoring opportunities through intricate passing moves.
FM 2007’s match engine had two exploitable "super-roles." First, the Target Man. While real-world target men hold up the ball, in FM 2007, a tall, strong striker with high jumping, strength, and finishing—set as the "Target Man" with supply to "Head"—was a cheat code. Players like Luca Toni, Didier Drogba, or a regen with 18+ jumping would consistently score 40+ goals a season. The engine struggled to defend crosses to the far post, making a powerful aerial striker the most reliable source of goals.
Second was the central midfielder with "Run from Deep" set to "Often." This was the Frank Lampard/Steven Gerrard role. A midfielder with high stamina, long shots, and off-the-ball movement would arrive late into the box, converting cutbacks and loose balls with devastating efficiency. In a standard 4-4-2, pairing a ball-winner (high tackling, work rate) with this "runner" was the engine's most balanced central duo.
If you want, specify your squad (top attributes and key players) and I’ll tailor one exact tactic and player roles to them.
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The Best Tactics for Football Manager 2007: From "Diablo" to Modern Classics
Football Manager 2007 remains a high-water mark for the series, beloved for its fast match engine and depth. Whether you're managing a global powerhouse or climbing from the Conference, your tactical setup is the difference between a trophy lift and the sack. While no single "magic" tactic guarantees a win every time, certain systems like the 4-4-2 Diamond and 4-3-3 are legendary for their effectiveness in this specific edition. 1. The Legendary 4-4-2 Diamond (Narrow)
The narrow diamond is widely considered the "ultimate" formation in FM 2007. It excels by overrunning opponents in central midfield, forcing teams that play standard flat formations to chase shadows. Key Roles:
The DMC: A physical "destroyer" is vital to protect the back four.
The AMC: Needs high creativity and passing to act as the primary engine for the two strikers.
Tactical Instructions: Use a short passing style with a quick tempo to capitalize on the midfield density.
Weakness: This formation lacks natural width. If you face a team with world-class wingers, you may need to instruct your fullbacks to man-mark the opposition wide men. 2. Mourinho’s 4-3-3 (The "Chelsea" Blueprint)
Mirroring Jose Mourinho’s real-world dominance with Chelsea at the time, this tactic is incredibly stable and hard to beat.
Defensive Setup: Use a very conservative back four with a stable midfield.
The Wingers: Max out their creative freedom sliders to allow them to unlock stubborn defenses.
Game Management: This system is perfect for "nicking" 1-0 or 2-0 wins by building from a solid defensive unit. 3. The Modern 4-2-3-1 (For Top-Heavy Squads)
While more common in newer FM titles, a well-set-up 4-2-3-1 in FM 2007 can be devastating if you have elite attacking midfielders. Football Manager 2007 tutorial part 2
The year is 2006. You’ve just finished a lukewarm cup of instant coffee, the glow of a CRT monitor is the only light in your room, and the iconic green-and-gold interface of Football Manager 2007 is burned into your retinas.
You aren't just a gamer; you’re a tactical revolutionary. While the rest of the world is obsessed with Mourinho’s pragmatic 4-3-3, you’ve discovered the "Holy Grail"—the tactical exploits that turn mid-table fodder into Invincibles. The Legend of the "Target Man"
In the FM 2007 engine, gravity worked differently. You realize that if you set your team to Direct Passing and tick the Target Man
box, you aren’t just playing football; you’re bending reality.
You sign a 6’4” brute with 18 Bravery and 20 Heading. Every goal kick becomes a heat-seeking missile to his forehead. He doesn't even need to score; he just needs to nod it down into the path of a nippy youngster with 20 Pace. It’s ugly. It’s route-one. It’s absolutely unstoppable. The Diagonals of Doom
Then, you find the sliders. You discover that by dragging the Closing Down slider to "Often" and setting the Defensive Line to "Deep," you create a counter-attacking monster. But the real magic? The
. In FM 2007, you could draw those glorious little lines on the tactics board. You drag your two central midfielders’ arrows straight into the box. Suddenly, they aren't just "CMs"—they are ghosting late arrivals that the AI simply cannot track. You watch the 2D circles dance across the pitch, and every time your winger hits the byline, a circle arrives from deep to smash it home. The "Cheat Code" Signings No tactic is complete without the disciples to preach it. Sherman Cárdenas:
The 16-year-old Colombian who costs pennies and plays like Zidane’s heir. Nicolas Millán: The Chilean wonderkid who finishes everything. Oscar Ustari:
The goalkeeper who refuses to let the AI score, no matter how many shots they take. The Moment of Glory
It’s the Champions League final. You’re managing Reading FC. You’re up against the Galacticos of Real Madrid. They have Ronaldo, Raul, and Beckham. You have a 4-4-2 with a "Target Man" and "Arrows" that look like a preschooler’s drawing.
The match starts. Madrid has 65% possession. They hit the post twice. But in the 89th minute, your Target Man wins a header. The CM circle follows his "Forward Run" arrow. He volleys it from 25 yards.
The 2D circles celebrate. You pump your fist in the dark of your bedroom, knowing that while the world sees a spreadsheet, you see a masterpiece. You’ve mastered the 2007 engine. You’re not just a manager; you’re a legend. exact slider settings for the legendary "Diablo" style or a list of the best wonderkids to fit this system?
This is the quintessential FM 2007 formation, often used by the AI but highly effective when refined by players. The Movement:
Set both wingers to have "Short Farrows" (forward arrows). This pushes them into the attacking third without leaving the midfield totally exposed. The Strike Force:
A "Target Man" and "Poacher" combo is the gold standard. Set your tallest striker as the Target Man with "Supply to Head" to exploit the engine's aerial success rate. Defensive Stability:
Use a deeper defensive line if your center-backs lack pace. Tight marking works best when paired with a narrow width and low closing down. 2. The Asymmetrical 4-3-3 (
Mimicking Jose Mourinho's mid-2000s Chelsea was a common "cheat code" for FM 2007 players. Structure: A very conservative back four with stable fullbacks. Midfield Engine:
One holding midfielder (DMC) on defensive duty to protect the line, while one central midfielder (MC) is given a "long farrow" to burst into the box—a variation of the famous "Diablo" tactic. Creative Freedom:
Max out the creative freedom for your wingers to allow them to beat fullbacks 1v1. 3. Tactical Theorems and the "Rule of One" Community veterans often swear by the Tactical Theorems & Frameworks (TT&F) guides, which simplified mentality settings. Home Framework:
Surprisingly aggressive. It often involves giving center-backs attacking mentalities to compress the pitch and keep the opposition pinned in their own half. Away/Underdog Strategy:
Focus on a "Counter" mentality. This requires a medium-to-deep defensive line, high tempo, and wide players set to make forward runs often. 4. Set Piece Exploitation
In FM 2007, corners can be a primary source of goals if configured correctly: Near Post Flick:
Set your best header to "Challenge GK" or "Near Post Flick On". The Taker:
Ensure your corner taker aims for the "Near Post" from both sides. This was widely considered the most broken way to score with a big center-back. Summary Table: Core Tactical Setups Defensive Line Closing Down training regimes that best complement these high-intensity tactics? How To Play FM07: Tactical Design and Management Strategy 15 May 2007 —
Football Manager 2007 , the most effective tactics often balance the game's engine tendencies with a structure that fits your squad. Historically, the game is heavily
based, but modern re-evaluations and veteran tips suggest a few "killer" setups. 1. The Classic 4-4-2 (Reliable "Meta")
This remains the strongest foundation for longevity. Most AI teams default to this by the fifth season, and straying too far can sometimes lead to punishment. : Flat 4-4-2 with wingers. Player Arrows
: Set high forward arrows for both wingers. Give your full-backs arrows pointing backward to ensure defensive stability. Midfield Balance
: Use two central midfielders—one with a diagonal "up" arrow (acting as an AMC) and one with a diagonal "down" arrow (acting as a DMC). Team Instructions
: Play wide, keep creative freedom high, and use a quick, short passing game. 2. The "Rule of Two" Tactic fm 2007 best tactics
A veteran strategy involves splitting the team into two distinct mental blocks for consistency. Defensive Block (5 Players)
: Set to "Defensive" mentality, man-marking, and tight marking. Offensive Block (5 Players)
: Set to "Press Often" with a higher mentality. Only give high creative freedom to 1–2 players with high creativity and flair stats. The Striker : Set the main goalscorer to maximum offensive mentality. 3. Mourinho-Style 4-3-3 (The Giant Killer)
A 4-3-3 is often cited as the best way to emulate elite real-world tactics of that era. : Use 2 DMCs and 1 AMC in the midfield bank. Instructions
: Use attacking mentality, direct passing, and pressing "all over".
: If your defenders are slow, use a deeper defensive line to avoid being caught by pacy strikers. Core Tactical Tips for FM 2007 Football Manager Forums - FootballManagerGames 14 Apr 2026 —
Unlike modern FMs, FM07 rewards direct, quick transitions over slow possession play.
Introduction: The Golden Age of Tinkering
For many fans of the legendary Football Manager series, the 2007 edition (FM 2007) holds a sacred place. It was the perfect storm: a deep yet accessible database, a thriving community, and—most importantly—a match engine that was wonderfully responsive to tactical tweaks. Unlike modern FMs where tactics can feel like opaque puzzles, FM 2007 rewarded logic, experimentation, and a few well-known "exploits."
If you’re dusting off your old CD or diving into a retro save, you need a tactical foundation that wins leagues and breaks records. This guide covers the best tactics for FM 2007, from plug-and-play super-tactics to the logic behind building your own unbeatable system.
This tactic combines high-intensity pressing with quick counter-attacks, using a creative attacking midfielder to create chances and a pacey striker to finish them off.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these three tactics offer a solid foundation for success in FM 2007. The "Park the Bus" 4-4-2 provides defensive solidity, the "Tiki-Taka" 4-3-3 offers attacking flair, and the "Counter-Press" 4-2-3-1 provides a balanced approach. Experiment with these tactics, and adapt them to your team's strengths and player profiles to achieve victory on the pitch.
Recommendations
By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating a dominant team in FM 2007 and achieving success in the world of Football Manager.
Finding the right tactic in Football Manager 2007 is about exploiting the game’s unique match engine, which heavily favors high tempo, attacking width, and the "Target Man" function. ⚽ The "God Tier" Formations 1. The Classic 4-4-2 Attacking This is the most reliable framework for FM 2007. The Shape:
Standard back four, two wingers, two central midfielders, and two strikers.
Set your wingers to "Forward Runs: Often" and "Cross Ball: Often." Player Roles:
One "Big Man" striker (Target Man) paired with a "Fast Man" (Pacey Poacher). 2. The 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow Diamond)
Perfect if you lack quality wingers but have elite passing midfielders. The Shape: DM, two CMs, and an AM behind two strikers. The Strategy: Set passing to "Short" and tempo to "Fast." The Exploit:
Through balls from the AM to strikers are incredibly overpowered in this engine. 3. The 4-2-3-1 (The Modern Approach) Great for big clubs like Chelsea or Manchester United. The Shape:
Two holding midfielders (DMs), three Attacking Midfielders (AML/AMC/AMR), and a lone striker. The Strategy:
Set your AML/AMR to "Cut Inside." This forces the AI fullbacks out of position. 🛠️ Essential Team Instructions
To maximize any tactic in FM 2007, use these specific slider settings: Mentality: Attacking (roughly 3/4 of the way to the right). Passing Style:
Direct (works best for the match engine's long-ball physics). High (force the AI into making defensive errors). Wide (stretch the opposition to create gaps in the middle). Closing Down: Always (the "Gegenpress" of 2007). 💎 The "Target Man" Cheat Code
The Target Man mechanic in FM 2007 is arguably the strongest in the series' history. Target Man Supply: Set to "To Head." The Result: A striker with high
(like Nikola Žigić or Luca Toni) will score 30+ goals a season simply by out-jumping defenders. 🎯 Iconic FM 2007 "Wonderkids" for These Tactics
If you are building these squads, look for these specific players: Sherman Cárdenas: The ultimate cheap AMC for the Diamond. Nicolas Millán: A 14-year-old winger who becomes world-class. Matias Fernandez: The perfect set-piece specialist. A rock-solid young center-back for any high-line tactic. Do you have a huge transfer budget or are you scraping for bargains Are you struggling more with conceding goals scoring them I can provide a position-by-position instruction list for your specific squad!
If you are looking to write a paper on the tactical landscape of Football Manager 2007
, you can structure it around the era's shift from rigid formations to "game-engine exploits" and the emergence of community-driven tactical theories. Proposed Research Paper Topics
The "Engine Exploit" vs. Realism: An analysis of how asymmetrical formations and "diablo" runs (long forward arrows for midfielders) bypassed AI logic compared to "realistic" setups like the flat 4-4-2.
The Legacy of "Tactical Theorems & Frameworks" (TT&F): How this seminal community document defined FM07 strategy by introducing the "Rule of One" and mentalities based on player blocks.
Case Study: The Asymmetrical Advantage: Comparing the success rates of balanced formations versus the "Triangular" or asymmetrical 4-3-3 setups that dominated online forums at the time. Summary of FM 2007 Tactical "Metas"
Based on community consensus and guides from the period, these were the most effective strategies:
Rule of One Tactic Sets - and how to implement them to perfection!
The most successful tactics for Football Manager 2007 (FM 2007) focus on exploiting the match engine's preference for high-intensity attacking and specific movement arrows. For deep strategic analysis, players often refer to the Tactical Theorems and Frameworks '07 (TT&F), which provides a "paper" or guide on how the engine processes team instructions and player roles. Core Tactical Systems
The 4-4-2 Diamond: Highly effective for dominating the midfield. Use a defensive midfielder (DM) to shield the back four and an attacking midfielder (AMC) with forward arrows to support two strikers.
The "Diablo" Influence: Based on a legendary Championship Manager exploit, this involves a central midfielder (MC) with a long forward arrow into the box. The AI often fails to mark this runner, leading to high goal counts.
Attacking 4-2-3-1: Strong for top-tier teams. Focus on wingers with high pace and creative freedom to overlap the fullbacks.
Direct 4-4-2: Best for lower league management. Use direct passing and hard tackling to bypass technical gaps in your squad. Key Team Instructions
Mentality: Set to "Attacking" or "Gung-ho" for home games to overwhelm opposition.
Closing Down: Set to "Often" to force mistakes, particularly in the opponent's half. In Football Manager 2007 , tactical success often
Passing Style: "Short" for dominant teams; "Direct" or "Long" for underdog or lower league setups.
Width: "Ultra-wide" often works best to stretch defensive lines and create space for late-running midfielders. Critical Player Attributes 442 META Diamond Tactic in FM24
While contemporary Football Manager titles focus on complex role synergies, Football Manager 2007 (FM07) was the era of the "slider" and the "arrow." Mastering the match engine in this classic edition requires a balance between aggressive pressing, wide attacking play, and the right striker combination. The Best Tactical Formations in FM 2007
In FM 2007, successful systems generally rely on high tempo and directness. While many setups can work, a few have become legendary within the community. [Archived] Football Manager 2007 - Blackburn - BRFCS.com
Winning in Football Manager 2007 requires a mix of solid core formations and the legendary "arrows" system to manipulate player movement. Unlike modern FM titles, FM07 relies heavily on sliders and individual player instructions. 1. The "Standard" 4-4-2
The 4-4-2 remains the most versatile foundation in FM07. It provides a balanced structure that can be tweaked for different mentalities:
Attacking: High tempo, wide width, and hard tackling. Forward runs should be "Often" for almost all players except your center-backs.
Defensive: Deep defensive line, narrow width, and slow tempo to waste time and frustrate opponents. 2. Specialized Strategies
Beyond basic formations, community-vetted strategies often yield the best results:
The Mourinhio 4-3-3: A conservative back four combined with a stable midfield where only one player has an attacking slider. Max out your wingers' Creative Freedom to allow them to unlock defenses.
The Target Man Approach: If you have a physically dominant forward, setting them as a Target Man can be a "goal-scoring rocket".
Asymmetric 4-3-3: Using the match engine's quirks, an asymmetric setup that shifts into a 4-3-3 in attack can be highly effective for controlling space. 3. Key Tactical Settings
Success often comes down to these specific "under the hood" adjustments:
Hold Up Ball: Use this for at least two players—ideally a DMC and a striker—to allow your defense to regroup and wingers to overlap.
Arrows: Forward arrows on wingers are essential for attacking systems, while "back arrows" on midfielders can help solidify a defensive block.
Man-Marking: Identifying and man-marking the opposition's best player can effectively shut down their entire attack. 4. General Tips for Success
Match Players to Roles: Don't force a "killer" tactic if your squad doesn't have the attributes for it; lower-league teams should keep instructions simple.
Consistency is Key: Avoid making drastic tactical changes mid-season, as this can severely damage team morale.
Patience: Give any new formation at least 5–6 games for your players to fully adapt to the system.
For more in-depth theory, the Tactical Theorems and Frameworks '07 guide on the Sports Interactive forums remains the gold standard for mastering the FM07 match engine.
FM 2007 Best Tactics: A Comprehensive Guide to Dominating the Pitch
Football Manager 2007, released in 2006, is a classic game in the beloved football management simulation series. The game allows players to take control of their favorite football teams, making tactical decisions that can make all the difference between success and failure. In this article, we'll dive into the world of FM 2007 tactics, exploring the best approaches, formations, and strategies to help you dominate the pitch and achieve victory.
Understanding the Basics of FM 2007 Tactics
Before diving into the best tactics, it's essential to understand the basics of how tactics work in FM 2007. The game uses a complex system that takes into account various factors, including player positions, roles, and abilities, as well as team shape, mentality, and instructions.
In FM 2007, tactics are built around a combination of:
The Best Formations in FM 2007
When it comes to formations, FM 2007 offers a wide range of options. Here are some of the most effective formations, along with their strengths and weaknesses:
The Most Effective Tactics in FM 2007
Now that we've covered formations, let's move on to some of the most effective tactics in FM 2007. These tactics can be adapted to suit various formations and team styles:
Best Tactics for Specific Team Roles
Different player roles require distinct tactics to maximize their effectiveness. Here are some examples:
Advanced Tactics and Team Instructions
To take your FM 2007 tactics to the next level, it's essential to understand advanced team instructions:
Tips and Tricks for Success
To achieve success with your FM 2007 tactics, keep the following tips in mind:
Conclusion
FM 2007 best tactics involve a deep understanding of formations, team instructions, and player roles. By mastering these elements, you can create effective tactics that bring success to your team. Whether you're a seasoned FM veteran or a newcomer to the series, this guide provides a comprehensive foundation for dominating the pitch in FM 2007. Experiment with different tactics, adapt to opponents, and most importantly, have fun!
Recommended Tactics for Beginners
For new players, here are some recommended tactics to get you started:
Recommended Tactics for Experienced Players
For more experienced players, here are some advanced tactics to try:
By following these guidelines and experimenting with different tactics, you'll become a master tactician in FM 2007, capable of dominating the pitch and achieving victory. Player Instructions:
To make these tactics sing, sign these FM 2007 legends: