Leeds United Club manager - a review

By Andy Baggott
November 28 2003

After a few busy days, I have managed to have a go at the new Leeds Utd manager game – here is a sneak preview of my time there....

The Game

I marched in to the office in my first day, and decided to make some immediate changes. Although a loyal servant, I had to sell Jason Wilcox, and Nick Barmby. I sat them down in my office, and whilst not happy with my decision, they reluctantly accepted that in these trying times, sacrifices had to be made. I told them I’d help to fix them up with a new club as quickly as I could.

Sunderland soon came in for Wilcox, with a £1 million pound bid. It was too good to refuse, and the winger quickly agreed terms, said his goodbyes, and left. There were a few tentative enquiries for Barmby, but nothing concrete. His attitude in training was good, so he remained part of the squad.

I scoured the transfer market, looking for a player with potential, and picked up Jermaine Defoe for a bargain £1.8 million. With little funds to spend, I went with what I had.

The First Season

First up was Everton. After some good play, we won a corner, and there, unbelievably, was Batty, heading home to give Leeds the lead. I was straight out of the dug out, arms raised. The game ebbed and flowed, Robinson produced a couple of good saves. With 20 minutes to go, Smith picked up a knock. I gave young Defoe the nod, and he stripped his tracksuit, and ran on to great applause for his debut – he almost scored too, being denied by the post, as we went on to win 1-0

Training

Training that week was light, and next up was Newcastle. Defoe was on from the start, as Smith was still struggling. On the hour, our old nemises Shearer headed home. I threw on Bridges, and his cross led to Viduka levelling. The full time whistle blew – 4 points from 2 games, and we were comfortable in 6th. Bakke was injured in training, then an email from the Chairman – good luck in your next game it said, it’s a big game – you’ve guessed it, Man Utd up next at Old Trafford.

Man Utd

I recalled Smith for the game, and sprung a surprise by pairing up Milner and Batty in centre midfield. Sakho took the place of Johnson at left midfield, and we were off. Giggs went close for the home team, Smith headed wide for us. Half time came and went, but still deadlocked. I threw on Lennon for the tiring Pennant, and Chapuis replaced Smith. It worked a treat. 68 minutes, and Lennnon ran on to Olembe’s through ball, he crossed, and Chapuis scored at the second attempt. The Leeds fans went mad – celebrating to my right. Could we hold on? There were a few scares, but we made it – a great win. Back at Elland Road, I got another email from the chairman, congratulating me on a great win. I sat back in my chair, basking in the glory of a fine win, and 2nd in the table. Life couldn’t get any better – then a knock on the door – Kelly wanted out, he felt the need for a move – back to the drawing board for your’s truly as I asked my assistant to come in and give me the low down on young Fraser Richardson – was the lad up to the task, or would I have to wheel and deal in the transfer market….

Opinion

Back in the real world… I enjoyed the game. There were some great touches, photo’s of the players flashed up when involved in the match. The email system works well, and the commentary is good. It depends what you’re looking for.

This game isn’t Championship Manager – but what else is?  There is not the level of detail of CM, but it is still hugely enjoyable. All the downsides of CM – too much waiting time, getting too involved etc, don’t happen with this game. It’s very easy to pick up, and very hard to put down.

At £20 it’s well priced - much cheaper than most of the other offerings without a drop in quality, and a great game for Leeds fans.

 There are also around 500 fans included in the game as players, with acknowledgements in the instruction book – including yours truly. I searched for my name, and I was a 16 year old striker with Swansea, valued at £34K – tried to buy myself, but Swansea had a small squad and wouldn’t release me – I’ll keep trying!!

For your chance to win the game, go onto the message board, and see the topic headed ‘COMPETITION’

To have a look at the official page, go to justfootball.net/leedsunited.

You can now vote for the changes to the game when the upgrade is available to download - go to http://www.justfootball.net/fanvoting.asp and make your choice...