In the legendary 3.9.68 update for Championship Manager 01/02
, certain players became immortalized as "cheat" codes or "super-signings." While some original legends saw their stats shifted, the 3.9.68 database remains the gold standard for many fans of the game. The Absolute Legends (Non-Negotiable Signings)
These are the players widely considered "must-buys" regardless of your club size: Maxim Tsigalko
Often called the greatest CM player ever. In 3.9.68, he remains a goal-scoring machine capable of 50+ goals a season. To Madeira
A fictional "super scout" player included as a joke by a researcher; he is essentially a 100% success rate striker.
The engine room. Cheap, young, and eventually becomes the best midfielder in the world. Taribo West
Available as a free agent at the start. He is a world-class defender who will join almost any club. Dionisis Chiotis
Widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the game, often available for a relatively low fee from AEK Athens. The "Super Swedes" & Wonderkids
The Swedish researchers for this edition were famously generous with stats: Kennedy Bakircioglu
A versatile attacking threat who dominates the right wing or the hole. Kim Kallström Possesses a lethal left foot and incredible passing range. Fredrik Risp
A rock-solid, cheap center-back who develops into an international star. Stefan Selakovic Another Swedish gem known for high pace and finishing. Elite Bargains & Hidden Gems
If you are managing in the lower leagues or on a budget, these players are indispensable:
The "3968" database (officially known as the v3.9.68 patch) is the final official update for Championship Manager 01/02
. It is widely considered the "definitive" version of the game, fixing numerous bugs and refining player attributes to create a list of legendary "wonderkids" and hidden gems. Essential "Cheat" Players and Legends
These players are famous for having attributes that far exceed their low cost or real-world status, often dominating the game's match engine.
Version 3.9.68 is the definitive official patch for Championship Manager 01/02
, notorious for its balance and the legendary "Super Greeks" database. While some cult icons like Tó Madeira
were removed in this version for being fictional, the 3.9.68 database remains packed with world-beaters and hidden gems. 9.68 database: The "Super Greeks" & Elite Strikers Anastasios Skalidis
(SC): Often cited as the greatest striker in this version, averaging over a goal per game. He is typically available for a bargain price from Chania. Maxim Tsigalko
(SC): The undisputed king of CM 01/02. Though work permits can be tricky in the Premier League, he is a 50-goal-a-season machine for any team that can sign him. Josh Blake
(SC): A legendary "pound-for-pound" signing. He costs as little as £1k and can consistently net 30–50 goals a season. Essential Bargains & Free Agents
The Ultimate Guide to Championship Manager 01/02: Uncovering the Best Players
Championship Manager 01/02, a game that still holds a special place in the hearts of many football fans and gamers alike. Released in 2001, this iconic game allowed players to take control of their favorite football teams, making tactical decisions, managing player transfers, and competing for domestic and international glory. One of the key aspects of the game was the vast array of talented players at your disposal. In this article, we'll dive into the world of Championship Manager 01/02 and explore the best players in the game, specifically focusing on those with a rating of 3968.
The Game's Legacy
Before we dive into the best players, let's take a brief look at the game's legacy. Championship Manager 01/02 was developed by Sports Interactive and published by Eidos Interactive. The game was a massive hit, praised for its addictive gameplay, in-depth player stats, and authentic football experience. The game's success can be attributed to its ability to allow players to live out their football fantasies, creating a sense of ownership and immersion.
The Best Players in Championship Manager 01/02
With over 4,000 players to choose from, selecting the best players can be a daunting task. However, based on their in-game stats, performances, and overall impact on the game, we've compiled a list of the top players with a rating of 3968.
Top 3968 Rated Players
Other Notable Players
While the above players boasted a 3968 rating, there were many other talented players in the game. Some notable mentions include:
Tactics and Team Building
While having top players is essential, building a cohesive team and implementing effective tactics are crucial to success in Championship Manager 01/02. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your players:
Conclusion
Championship Manager 01/02 remains a beloved game among football fans and gamers. The game's attention to detail, addictive gameplay, and vast array of talented players made it a standout title. The best players with a rating of 3968, including Thierry Henry, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and David Beckham, were highly sought after for their exceptional abilities. By understanding player stats, building a cohesive team, and implementing effective tactics, you could experience the thrill of managing your favorite football team. Whether you're a seasoned CM01/02 veteran or a newcomer to the series, this guide provides valuable insights into the world of Championship Manager 01/02 and its incredible players.
FAQs
Q: What is the best formation in Championship Manager 01/02? A: The best formation depends on your players' strengths and your personal playing style. Popular formations include 4-4-2, 4-3-3, and 3-5-2. championship manager 01 02 best players 3968
Q: How do I improve player morale in Championship Manager 01/02? A: Improving player morale can be achieved by winning matches, providing regular team talks, and ensuring players are happy with their roles and positions.
Q: Can I still play Championship Manager 01/02 today? A: While the game is no longer officially supported, you can still play Championship Manager 01/02 through various emulators and patches available online.
Q: What is the most important stat in Championship Manager 01/02? A: The most important stat varies depending on the player's position. For example, a striker's finishing ability is crucial, while a defender's tackling and interceptions are vital.
Q: Are there any notable real-life football managers who played Championship Manager 01/02? A: Yes, several notable managers, including José Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers, have spoken about their love for the Championship Manager series.
Championship Manager 01/02 , specifically version 3.9.68, remains the definitive edition of what many consider the greatest football management simulation ever created. This final official patch not only stabilized the game but solidified a pantheon of "cheat" players and wonderkids whose digital exploits became the stuff of legend. The Eternal Legends of the 3.9.68 Database
In the 3.9.68 database, certain names evoke instant nostalgia for the "scout-less" era of management. These players often outperformed the world's most expensive superstars despite their modest real-life careers. Maxim Tsigalko
(SC): Arguably the greatest digital footballer in history, the Belarusian striker is a mandatory signing from Dinamo Minsk. In the 3.9.68 version, he routinely scores over 50 goals a season for a mere £2m. Cherno Samba
(SC): A legendary teenage prodigy from Millwall, Samba’s potential in 01/02 was virtually limitless. He remains the archetype of the "wonderkid" whose in-game development surpassed all reality. To Madeira
(SC): A fascinating "ghost" in the machine, Madeira was a fictional scout-created player. While he was famously powerful, finding him often required a large database and specific league loads.
The "Super Greeks": This patch is famous for its overpowered Greek talent. Players like Nikolaos Tobros (DC), Anasthasis Tsikitsiris (DC), and Giannis Kalogeras
(D/DMC) offered world-class defensive stability for bargain prices.
The Swedish Contingent: Sweden was a goldmine in 3.9.68, featuring stars like Kim Källström (AMC), Kennedy Bakircioglü (AM FRLC), and Stefan Selakovic (F RC). Strategic Bargains and Free Agents
Success in 01/02 was often built on the "Bosman" scramble—a mad dash for elite free transfers available from day one. Taribo West
(DC): The ultimate free agent, West offered elite physical stats (Strength 20, Bravery 20) and was a cornerstone for any top-flight team.
(MC): Often cited as the best value-for-money midfielder, Kerr was a tireless "beast" from Falkirk who could anchor any midfield for a small fee.
(D/AM R): A right-back from Cheltenham who consistently achieved high average ratings, proving that technical attributes like Positioning and Pace often trumped raw "tackling" skill. The Enduring Legacy of 3.9.68
The brilliance of this specific version lies in its balance. It was simple enough to "bash a season out in a night" but deep enough to require tactical mastery. It introduced "attribute masking"—a fog of war that forced players to actually scout or rely on their hard-earned knowledge of hidden gems.
“CM 01-02 was as balanced as a finely-crafted sword. Its mechanics were simple; you could play a match in five minutes, a season in six hours, a full career in a month.” The New York Times · 4 years ago
“The first time I signed [Morten Rasmussen] was with the sole intention of selling him... imagine my surprise when he turned into a genuine world beater within three seasons.” PCGamesN · 9 years ago
Today, the game lives on through a dedicated community at Championship Manager 01/02 Forums, who continue to release data updates. Whether you are chasing 50 goals with
or hunting for the next "King Kazu" Miura, the 3.9.68 database remains the gold standard of football management.
Championship Manager 01/02 3.9.68 patch is the final official update from SI Games and is widely considered the definitive way to play the "original" game. While it removed the legendary "cheat" player Tó Madeira
, many other cult icons remain available to dominate the league. The Must-Buy "Gods" of 3.9.68
These players are essential signings for any team, often combining low cost with world-class performance. Cherno Samba
Championship Manager 01/02 (CM 01/02) is arguably the most beloved entry in the series, maintaining a massive cult following decades after its release. The 3.9.68 patch represents the definitive version of the original database, fixing critical bugs and refining player attributes to create the ultimate nostalgic challenge.
If you are looking to build a world-conquering squad in the .68 database, these are the essential players you need to sign. The Iconic Legends
These are the "gods" of CM 01/02, players whose in-game ability far exceeded their real-world careers. Arjen Robben
"Robben ( Arjen Robben ) is a really amazing player," Okada said. Arjen Robben
3.9.68 patch (the final official update) is widely considered the definitive version of Championship Manager 01/02
. In this version, several players are legendary for their ability to deliver world-class performances regardless of the league or team size. The "Holy Trinity" (Must-Buys)
These three players are the gold standard for any 3.9.68 save due to their consistency and low cost: Maxim Tsigalko
Frequently cited as the greatest player in the game's history. He can reliably score 50–100 goals a season and is available for a very small fee from Dinamo Minsk. Tó Madeira
A fictional "scout" player added by the researchers. He has perfect technical stats and is arguably the most clinical finisher in the game, often available for under £500k from Gouveia. Sergey Nikiforenko
The ultimate creative force. He typically secures 30+ goals and 20+ assists per season from the attacking midfield role and is affordable even for smaller clubs. Top Players by Position (v3.9.68) Player Name Hugo Pinheiro Lusitânia
Exceptionally high potential; the best long-term keeper in the game. Dionisis Chiotis AEK Athens Highly reliable and affordable "stop-gap" for elite teams. Taribo West Free Agent In the legendary 3
One of the best defenders in the game and available for $0 at start. Cheltenham
The best right-back in the game, despite playing in the lower leagues. Ibrahim Said Quick, strong, and becomes a world-class center-back.
Often referred to as "the Scottish Zidane" for his incredible playmaking. Kennedy Bakircioglu A set-piece specialist and dominant winger. Stefan Selakovic
Incredible pace and crossing; can win World Player of the Year. Kim Källström BK Häcken Boasts one of the most powerful long shots in CM history. Cherno Samba
A wonderkid with massive potential who becomes a physical powerhouse. Hidden Gems and Bargains Assane N'Diaye
A rock-solid defender available for a bargain price from Shakhtar. Jonas Lunden
A versatile attacker from IFK Göteborg who can be signed on a pre-contract at the start of the game. Tiberiu Ghioane
A utility player from Dynamo Kyiv who can cover almost any position at a high level. Andrey Milevskiy
Another Belarusian gem who provides elite defensive stability for a tiny fee. For the latest patches and data updates, the CM0102.net Forum remains the primary hub for the community. (like the famous ) to get the most out of these players?
Championship Manager 01/02 Shortlist of 200 Players - Facebook
The Last Perfect Season: A Championship Manager 01/02 Story
In the autumn of 2023, Leo’s laptop was a museum piece. Its fan whirred like a dying bee, and the screen held a ghostly afterimage of spreadsheets. But on that screen, glowing through a DOS-box emulator, was the holy grail: Championship Manager 01/02. More specifically, the 3.9.68 database update.
To the outside world, it was a relic. To a certain breed of thirty-something, it was the Codex Sinaiticus of football.
Leo had been chasing a dragon for twenty years. He had managed Real Madrid on FM24, built a dynasty at Newcastle on FM08, even conquered Europe with Red Star Belgrade on FM15. But nothing—nothing—felt as pure as the 2D circles of CM 01/02. The game didn’t care about 3D match engines or press conferences. It cared about one thing: finding the monsters hidden in the data.
And in the 3968 database, the monsters were real.
The Scouting Revelation
Leo started unemployed, his reputation set to "Automatic." He took the job at Brescia, a small, proud club from Lombardy. The board wanted mid-table. Leo wanted immortality.
His first act was not to drill tactics. It was to fire his entire scouting team. He didn't need them. He had the list.
He opened the "Search" filter. Age: Under 23. Position: Striker. Value: Less than £500k.
Then he typed the names like sacred incantations.
Anatoli Todorov. The Bulgarian. Pace 20, Finishing 20, Dribbling 19. He was 16 years old and cost £240k from Litex Lovech. In the real world, he never became a superstar. In CM 01/02, he was Pelé reborn. Leo offered a contract before the first friendly.
Taras Mikhalik. The Ukrainian defender. Not a household name in real life. In 3968, he was a brick wall with tackling 18 and positioning 20. He cost £180k from Dynamo Kyiv’s reserves.
Kim Kallstrom. Everyone knew him. But in 3968, he was still at Hacken, a 19-year-old with passing 19, long shots 20, and a release clause of £300k. Leo signed him and built the midfield around him.
And then… Maxim Tsigalko. The Belarusian myth. The player whose very name makes old CM veterans go misty-eyed. He had 20 for Pace, Finishing, Off the Ball, and Determination. He cost £500k. He would score 50 goals a season. He didn't exist in real life as a great player. But in the database, he was a god.
The Season
The first match was a 1-0 loss to Juventus. The pundits wrote Brescia off. Leo smiled. He knew.
By October, Todorov had his first hat-trick against Venezia. Tsigalko was holding the ball up, laying it off to Kallstrom, who would smash in 25-yarders with the nonchalance of a man playing FIFA on amateur mode.
The 2D engine was simple: green circles chasing a white dot. But in that simplicity, the magic lived. You saw Mikhalik step out of the defensive line to intercept a through ball. You felt the tension as the dot wobbled toward the opposition box.
By January, Brescia was 4th. By March, 2nd. Leo had made no tactical tweaks. He simply played 4-1-3-2, attacking, hard tackling, no offside trap. The game was broken, and he was happy to break it.
The defining moment came against Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final. 2-2 on aggregate. 89th minute. The dot moved to Tsigalko, 25 yards out. He had "Shoots From Distance" as a hidden attribute. Leo held his breath. The dot flew. The net rippled. The commentary read: "Tsigalko curls it into the top corner! A wonder goal!"
Leo pumped his fist in an empty room. His wife, passing by, sighed. “Is that the Bulgarian again?”
“Belarusian,” Leo corrected, not looking away.
The Aftermath
Brescia won the Scudetto on the final day. Tsigalko finished with 42 league goals. Todorov had 28 assists. Mikhalik had an average rating of 8.32. The board offered a new contract. Leo rejected it.
He had done what thousands of players had done before him. He had exploited the 3968 database. But that wasn't the point. Thierry Henry (Arsenal) - Regarded by many as
The point was the feeling. In the modern games, everything is analyzed to death. xG. Data hub. Player chats. In CM 01/02, it was just you, your wits, and a handful of impossibly overpowered teenagers from Eastern Europe. It was a simpler time. A better time.
Leo saved the game. He named the file “GOAT_3968.” Then he closed the laptop, leaned back, and smiled.
Twenty years later, the game was still undefeated. And so was he.
Championship Manager 01/02 , the 3.9.68 patch represents the game in its final, most polished form. While some fans argue that certain "super-wonderkids" from earlier versions (like version 3.9.60) had their attributes slightly adjusted, the database remains filled with world-class bargains and legendary performers. The "Must-Have" Legends
These are the players widely considered essential for any 3.9.68 save, regardless of your team's stature: Maxim Tsigalko
(SC): Even on the 3.9.68 patch, Tsigalko remains the most lethal striker in the game. Available for a low fee from Dinamo Minsk, he is capable of scoring 50+ goals per season. Taribo West
(DC): The legendary free agent. At the start of a new game, West is often available for no transfer fee and remains a rock-solid defender for almost any club in the world.
(MC): A cheap central midfielder from Falkirk who develops into one of the best in the game. Though some players report his stats appearing lower on paper in 3.9.68, he remains a consistent top performer with high average ratings. Hugo Pinheiro
(GK): A young Portuguese goalkeeper available for a minimal fee (usually under £200k) who quickly develops world-class reflexes and handling. Ibrahim Said
(SW/D/DMC): A versatile Egyptian defender who is remarkably cheap and effective across multiple positions in the back line. Elite Wonderkids & Bargains
If you have a slightly larger budget (typically £1M–£5M), these players offer world-class potential: Kim Källström
(MC): The Swedish midfield engine. He can be signed for around £1M–£2M and dominates the center of the pitch with his technical ability. Julius Aghahowa
(F C): An incredibly fast Nigerian forward who is a target for almost every major club early in the game. Kennedy Bakircioglü
(AM FRLC): A versatile Swedish attacker who can play anywhere across the front line and provides consistent goals and assists.
(D/MR): A reliable right-back from Cheltenham who is famously consistent and a staple for many championship-winning sides. Hidden Gems of the 3.9.68 Database
For those looking for less obvious names or dirt-cheap options for smaller clubs:
(AMC): A Brazilian attacking midfielder known for high goal-scoring output from the midfield. Sergio Lara
(AMR): Often available as a free agent, he is a highly effective winger with excellent work rate and crossing. To Madeira
(SC): A legendary "fictional" player included by a scout in the original database. While he is most famous in early versions, he remains a cult hero for his goal-scoring prowess if found. Andri Sigþórsson
(SC): An Icelandic striker who is typically very cheap and a reliable source of goals for mid-tier teams. Top Active Players (2001 Reality)
While the game is famous for its wonderkids, the 3.9.68 database also captures the "Galáctico" era and prime world-class talent: 3.9.68] - Championship Manager 2001/2002 Forums
Championship Manager 01/02 , the "3968" version refers to the final official SI Games Patch v3.9.68. This database is legendary for its "Super Greeks"—a group of overpowered players from the Greek leagues—alongside the game's timeless "cheat" players and cheap wonderkids.
Below is a breakdown of the best players in the 3.9.68 database, organized by their role in a squad. The "Super Greeks" (Patch 3.9.68 Specials)
This patch made several Greek players statistically superior to world-class stars. Anastasios Skalidis (SC): Arguably the best striker ever in the series, averaging over 1.25 goals per match. Dionysis Chiotis
(GK): A world-class goalkeeper available for a relatively low fee from AEK. Alexandros Papadopoulos
(SC): A massive talent who starts cheap and increases in value exponentially as he develops. Stavros Tziortziopoulos (DL): A frequent "go-to" for the left-back position. Antonis Voulgaris
(SC): Another lethal Greek forward frequently cited as a "god" of this database. Essential "Cheat" Players & Legends
These players are iconic across almost every CM 01/02 version for their ridiculous performance relative to their cost.
Championship Manager 01/02 Shortlist of 200 Players - Facebook
Championship Manager 01/02 (CM 01/02) remains one of the most influential football management simulations. Its detailed player database and scouting system let users discover prodigious talents and build dominant squads. Players often reference specific database IDs (such as 3968) when discussing notable in-game footballers — either real-life stars or fictionalized wonders generated by the game's scouting data. This paper uses ID 3968 to illustrate how to evaluate and utilize top players in CM 01/02.
If you are reading this, you likely fall into one of two categories. Either you are a veteran gamer who spent the early 2000s glued to a 15-inch CRT monitor, shouting at 2D dots, or you are a curious newcomer wondering why a simulation game from 2001 still has a cult following two decades later.
For the uninitiated, Championship Manager 01/02 (often abbreviated as CM 01/02) is widely considered the greatest football management simulation ever made. It is the perfect storm of addictive gameplay, a golden era of football talent, and a database so famously well-researched that it predicted future Ballon d’Or winners.
But there is a number that echoes through the forums, Reddit threads, and fan sites like a secret password: 3968.
CM 01/02 originally shipped with a database version often referred to as 3.9.68 after the final official patch. However, the “3968” in community lore means the original 3.9.68 database before any fan edits — where certain players (like Mark Kerr, To Madeira, Taribo West, Kim Källström) had absurdly low release clauses, phenomenal attributes for their age, or were free agents.
Note: To Madeira is a known fictional player added by a tester, but he’s part of the 3968 legend.
| Player | Trick / Reason | |--------|----------------| | Razvan Rat | Cheap LB/RB, can be retrained, incredible consistency. | | Bratu (Dinamo Bucharest) | Scores 30+ goals a season for £200K. | | Nikiforenko (Dinamo Minsk) | Cheap CM, long shots 20. | | Selakovic (IFK Göteborg) | AM RC, free after 1 season. |