Cm 01 02 Patch 3968 Best — Players Portable
Unearthing Gems: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Players in the CM 01/02 Patch 3.9.68
For two decades, Championship Manager 01/02 has remained the gold standard for football management simulations. While the vanilla 3.9.60 database is legendary, the community-updated Patch 3.9.68 (often mislabeled as 3968) is the definitive version for modern retro players. It fixes bugs, updates league structures, and—most importantly—recalibrates player attributes to reflect the early 2000s football landscape with brutal accuracy.
If you are diving into a fresh save with the 3.9.68 update, you know the drill: the board wants a top-half finish, but you want the Champions League. To get there, you need the right squad. But with a database of over 100,000 players, who are the true must-buys?
This guide covers the absolute best players in CM 01/02 Patch 3.9.68, divided by position and budget.
Note on Patch 3.9.68: Unlike the original 3.9.60 (famous for the non-contract Scandinavian exploit), 3.9.68 has stricter scouting and adjusted attributes. Players like Maxim Tsigalko are still phenomenal but slightly nerfed, while others have risen to god-tier status.
Conclusion
The CM 01/02 Patch 3.9.68 remains the ultimate test of man management. The database is balanced enough to be challenging, but generous enough to reward deep scouting. Whether you exploit the free transfer of Rivaldo, build a dynasty around Mark Kerr, or take a non-league side to glory with Skalidis banging them in, these players are the keys to your success.
Now load up the patch, set training to "Intensive," and conquer Europe.
Do you have a favorite hidden gem from 3.9.68 that didn't make the list? They are likely a goalkeeper from Colombia or a striker from Romania. That is the beauty of CM 01/02.
The following paper details the essential signings for Championship Manager 01/02 using the official v3.9.68 patch (the "Super Greeks" database). Scouting Report: Elite Talent for CM 01/02 (v3.9.68) 1. The Legendary Foundations
These players are considered "cheat codes" or mandatory signings regardless of your team's stature. Maxim Tsigalko
(FC): Often cited as the greatest player in the game's history, the Belarusian regularly scores 50+ goals per season. Tó Madeira
(SC): A fictional legendary striker at Gouveia; he remains a goal-scoring machine in this patch. Taribo West
(D LC): A world-class defender available as a free agent at the start of the game.
(MC): The "go-to" central midfielder from Falkirk, renowned for his work rate and low price tag. 2. The "Super Greeks" (Patch 3.9.68 Exclusives)
This specific patch is famous for over-tuned Greek players who dominate European football. 3.9.68 Good Players - Google Groups
Championship Manager 01/02 (CM 01/02), the 3.9.68 patch represents the final official update for the game, famous for its deep pool of "super players" and wonderkids that can transform any team. The "God Tier" Essentials
These players are considered must-buys regardless of your team's stature due to their massive impact and relatively low cost. Alan Smith
In the legendary 3.9.68 patch (the final official update for Championship Manager 01/02), the player database remains one of the most iconic in football gaming history. While many "cheat" players from the original 3.9.60 version are still present, some attributes and availability were tweaked. Holy Trinity " (The Icons)
These are the players widely considered essential for any successful save, often referred to as "cheat" players due to their overpowered performance for low costs. Football Manager Wiki Maxim Tsigalko
: The undisputed king of the game. Playing for Dinamo Minsk, he can regularly score over 50 goals a season and costs roughly £2m. Tó Madeira
: A fictional player added by a scout who was later removed in some fan updates, but remains a "god" of the 3.9.68 database. He is a prolific goal machine available for a nominal fee. Cherno Samba
: The Millwall wonderkid remains one of the most famous prospects, capable of becoming a world-class striker within a few seasons. Football Manager Wiki Bargain "Must-Buys"
These players are either free agents at the start or available for less than £500k, making them perfect for any club level. Taribo West
: A high-profile free agent at the start of the game who provides immediate world-class defensive stability.
: Often called the "Scottish Zidane," he is a dirt-cheap central midfielder from Falkirk who dominates the middle of the park with consistently high ratings.
: A legendary utility man from Cheltenham who can play across the defense and midfield at a world-class level. Hugo Pinheiro
: One of the best young goalkeepers in the game, usually available for a small fee (around £100k-£300k) from Marinhense. Dionisis Chiotis
: A legendary Greek keeper from AEK Athens who often outperforms global stars like Buffon or Kahn in-game. The "Super Greeks" & Hidden Gems
The 3.9.68 patch is famous for its overpowered Greek players. Football Manager Wiki Anastasios Skalidis
: Available for around £150k from Chania, he is arguably the best pure finisher in the game, often averaging over 1.25 goals per match. Nikolaos Tobros : A rock-solid young defender available for a very low fee. Josh Blake
: A "hidden" goal machine available for as little as £1k-£3k. He has been known to score 50+ goals in a single season for lower-league teams. Ibrahim Said cm 01 02 patch 3968 best players
: A versatile Egyptian defender who can reach elite levels quickly. Top-Tier Wonderkids
If you have the budget, these young stars develop into the best players in the world. Francesco Totti
Title: Unlocking Greatness: Top Players in CM 01/02 Patch 3968
Introduction
Football fans and Championship Manager enthusiasts, rejoice! If you're anything like us, you've spent countless hours navigating the intricacies of the beautiful game, guiding your team to victory, and searching for that perfect squad. In CM 01/02, Patch 3968 has become a benchmark for many, offering a well-rounded and challenging experience. But have you ever wondered which players reign supreme in this popular patch?
In this article, we'll dive into the world of CM 01/02 Patch 3968 and uncover the top players that can elevate your team to new heights. From dominant defenders to clinical strikers, we'll highlight the best of the best, helping you build a formidable squad that can conquer any opponent.
Top 5 Goalkeepers
- Peter Schmeichel (GK) - Manchester United: A legendary Danish goalkeeper, Schmeichel boasts exceptional reflexes, shot-stopping, and leadership qualities, making him a top choice for any team.
- Oliver Kahn (GK) - Bayern Munich: A commanding presence between the posts, Kahn excels at organizing his defense and making crucial saves.
- Ed de Goeij (GK) - Feyenoord: A Dutch shot-stopper with impressive reflexes and distribution, de Goeij is an underrated gem in Patch 3968.
- Jim Leighton (GK) - Manchester United: A veteran Scottish goalkeeper, Leighton offers reliability and experience, making him a great addition to any squad.
- Christophe Revault (GK) - Toulouse: A French goalkeeper with a penchant for making spectacular saves, Revault is a solid choice for teams seeking a top-class shot-stopper.
Top 5 Defenders
- Paolo Maldini (DL/DR) - AC Milan: An Italian defensive legend, Maldini's incredible defensive skills, leadership, and experience make him a must-have for any top-tier team.
- Jaap Stam (DL/DR) - Manchester United: A dominant and athletic Dutch defender, Stam excels at winning headers and making crucial tackles.
- Alessandro Nesta (DL/DR) - AC Milan: A stylish and intelligent Italian defender, Nesta's reading of the game and passing range make him a valuable asset.
- Sol Campbell (DL/DR) - Tottenham Hotspur: An imposing English defender, Campbell's aerial ability and defensive prowess make him a top choice for teams.
- Marcelo Salas (DL/DR) - River Plate: An Argentine defensive rock, Salas's tenacious tackling and leadership qualities make him an excellent addition to any squad.
Top 5 Midfielders
- Zinedine Zidane (ML/MR) - Real Madrid: A French maestro, Zidane's exceptional vision, skill, and goalscoring ability from midfield make him a game-changer.
- Paul Scholes (ML/MR) - Manchester United: An English midfield legend, Scholes's passing range, vision, and goalscoring threat make him a vital component of any team.
- Rui Costa (ML/MR) - Fiorentina: A Portuguese creative force, Costa's exceptional skill, vision, and set-piece expertise make him a top pick.
- Michael Essien (ML/MR) - Lyon: A Ghanaian box-to-box midfielder, Essien's energy, tackling, and passing range make him a valuable asset.
- Claudio Ranieri (ML/MR) - Leicester City: An Italian midfielder with a wealth of experience, Ranieri's tactical awareness and passing ability make him a solid choice.
Top 5 Forwards
- Thierry Henry (ST) - Arsenal: A French goal-scoring phenomenon, Henry's exceptional pace, skill, and finishing ability make him one of the best strikers in the game.
- Ruud van Nistelrooy (ST) - Manchester United: A clinical Dutch striker, van Nistelrooy's exceptional finishing, movement, and hold-up play make him a top choice.
- Andres Moritz (ST) - Werder Bremen: A Swedish striker with a keen eye for goal, Moritz's pace, skill, and finishing ability make him a valuable asset.
- Fernando Morientes (ST) - Liverpool: A Spanish striker with a clinical edge, Morientes's goalscoring ability, movement, and hold-up play make him a solid pick.
- Marcio Santos (ST) - Santos: A Brazilian striker with exceptional skill and pace, Santos's goalscoring threat and creativity make him a great addition to any squad.
Conclusion
Patch 3968 in CM 01/02 offers a rich pool of talented players, and with this guide, you'll be well on your way to building a formidable team. Whether you're a seasoned CM veteran or a newcomer to the series, these top players will undoubtedly help you unlock greatness and conquer the football world.
Who's your favorite player in CM 01/02 Patch 3968? Share your team successes and favorite players in the comments below!
The Championship Manager 01/02 patch 3.9.68 is the ultimate version of the most iconic football management simulation, famous for its "Super Greeks" and legendary wonderkids The "Holy Trinity" of Strikers
These players are virtually guaranteed to score 40+ goals per season in any narrow formation. Maxim Tsigalko (Dinamo Minsk):
The undisputed GOAT of the series. Available for roughly £2m, he routinely scores 50+ goals a season Anastasios Skalidis
The star of the "Super Greeks" patch. He has a goal-per-game average that rivals and can be bought for as little as £150k Tó Madeira (Gouveia):
A legendary "fictional" player created by a scout. He is a technical genius who can be found at Portuguese side Gouveia if you have a large database loaded. Elite Midfield & Creative Maestros
Who are your go to players you sign at the start of a save? : r/CM0102 23 Nov 2022 —
In the cult-classic simulation of Championship Manager 01/02
, Patch 3.9.68 serves as the definitive final official iteration, often referred to as the "Super Greeks"
database. This patch is renowned for its specific balance of legendary "cheat" players and a sudden influx of overpowered talent from the Greek second division. Google Groups The "Super Greeks" and Database Shifts
The hallmark of v3.9.68 is the emergence of several Greek players whose attributes far exceed their real-world counterparts. Anastasios Skalidis
: Frequently cited as the "god" of this patch, he is a prolific striker who can easily average over a goal per game. Dionysis Chiotis
: A world-class goalkeeper available for a relatively low fee from AEK Athens, consistently performing as one of the best in the game. Nikolaos Tobros
: A young, rock-solid central defender who develops into a cornerstone for any elite team. Football Manager Wiki Essential "Must-Buy" Legends
Regardless of the patch, certain names remain synonymous with success in CM 01/02. These players are often the first targets for experienced managers due to their high "Important Matches" and "Consistency" hidden attributes. 3.9.68 Good Players - Google Groups
The Championship Manager 01/02 v3.9.68 patch features legendary "super" players, with Maxim Tsigalko, Tó Madeira, and Anastasios Skalidis considered essential, high-scoring strikers. Top wonderkids and budget gems to sign include Cherno Samba, Kim Källström, Taribo West, and Mike Duff, while key attributes for success on this database include Finishing, Positioning, and Pace. For a detailed discussion on the best players, visit champman0102.net. Thread: Good Players - Original Game
24 Nov 2015 — Who were the gods of the 3.9.60 and 3.9.68 databases? List so far: Maxim Tsigalko. Andrei Milevsky. Isaac Okoronkowo. Taribo West. DDNS.NET Unearthing Gems: The Ultimate Guide to the Best
This is a classic question for Championship Manager 01/02 (with the patch 3.9.68 – the most popular and stable version).
In this version, the game is driven by hidden attributes (Consistency, Important Matches, Injury Proneness, Versatility) and fixed potential abilities (many are -2, which is the highest random range, or fixed 190+). Below is the ultimate shortlist of god-tier players, bargain legends, and long-term stars.
The Set-Piece Gods: The Corner Exploit
Patch 3.9.68 has a notorious corner-kick exploit: aim for the near post with a player who has high Jumping, Strength, and Heading. The following players turn this exploit into a guaranteed goal every other game.
- Taribo West (free agent): The single most important signing in the early game. Released from AC Milan, West demands high wages but is available on a free. With 20 for Jumping, 19 for Strength, and 20 for Determination, he wins every aerial duel. Sign him, set him to challenge the keeper on corners, and he will score 15+ league goals as a center-back.
- Isaac Okoronkwo (Shakhtar Donetsk, Nigeria): A cheaper, younger version of West. 18 for Jumping, 20 for Marking, and immense physicals. He is the defensive rock and set-piece target for the first five seasons.
- Jose Antonio Culebras (Real Madrid B, Spain): A hidden gem. His technical attributes are mediocre, but with 20 for Jumping and 18 for Strength, he is a cheat code at the near post for any mid-table team.
Midfielders
- Bakari Koné (Lorient) – Ivorian left winger. Pace: 20. Dribbling: 17. Cost: £350k. He is unplayable against tired full-backs. Low Stamina, so use as a super-sub or rotate heavily.
- Alexander Farnerud (Landskrona) – The Swedish Källström-lite. Passing: 18, Technique: 18. Cost: £500k. Develops into a world-class playmaker by 2005.
The Powerhouse Giants (Established Stars for Big Clubs)
If you are managing Barcelona, Arsenal, or Bayern, you need immediate world-class players.
- Rivaldo (Free Agent) – In 3.9.68, Rivaldo starts the game as a free agent because his Barcelona contract expired. Yes. You can sign the 30-year-old Ballon d'Or winner for £0. He wants £100k/week wages, but he will give you two seasons of 20+ goals and 20+ assists. Unreal exploit.
- Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid) – The best left-back ever coded. Pace 20, Free Kicks 20, Long Shots 20. Score 10 goals a season from full-back. Costs a fortune (£40M), but worth every penny.
- Patrick Vieira (Arsenal) – If you want physical domination in midfield, Vieira is the answer. Strength 20, Tackling 20, Influence 19. He wins the ball and gives it to Källström. Perfect duo.
The Golden Children of the Lower Leagues
The genius of Patch 3.9.68 is that glory is not reserved for the rich. Three players define the "Rags to Riches" save:
- Julius Aghahowa (Shakhtar): A striker with 20 for Pace and Jumping. He costs £8-10 million but is worth double. A goal-machine who also excels on the wing.
- Assane N'Diaye (Sedan): A Senegalese defensive midfielder with 20 for Determination and Tackling. Available for under £500k, he is a poor man’s Patrick Vieira—only better.
- Cherno Samba (Millwall): The most famous young striker in CM history. At 15, he has potential ability of -2 (the highest possible). Within two seasons, he becomes Tsigalko’s equal. Sign him immediately.
3. The Specific Bargains (Under £5m)
For those managing mid-table teams (Sunderland, Bolton, Villarreal), these are the players that keep you in the league.
- Moussa Latoundji (FC Midtjylland): The "New Vieira." He is tall, strong, and dirt cheap. He runs games in the centre of the park.
- Kenneth Bakkelund (Lyn Oslo): A Norwegian defender who has world-class potential. You can usually snag him for under £1m.
- Adrian Mutu (Inter/Verona): His career path is complicated, but if you can get him, he is a supreme finisher.
- John O'Shea (Man Utd): Often transfer listed or available on loan. He can play anywhere across the back four and midfield. A squad player who performs like
In Championship Manager 01/02 patch 3.9.68, several players are legendary for their high-performing "hidden" attributes and potential, often outperforming world-class stars. Elite Tier (Must Buys)
These players are universally considered essential for any squad due to their consistent high performance.
Maxim Tsigalko (ST, Dinamo Minsk): Arguably the greatest player in the game's history. Despite low initial value, he consistently scores 50+ goals per season.
To Madeira (ST, Gouveia): A legendary fictional player included by a researcher. He is a prolific goalscorer but requires a large database and the Portuguese league loaded to appear.
Tonton Zola Moukoko (AMC, Derby): A cult hero known for incredible creativity and goals from the attacking midfield position.
Cherno Samba (ST, Millwall): A powerhouse striker with exceptional physical and finishing attributes.
Mark Kerr (MC, Falkirk): Often called the "Scottish Zidane," he is a cheap, reliable central midfielder who dominates the middle of the pitch. The "Super Greeks"
The 3.9.68 patch is famous for over-powered Greek players who are typically affordable.
Anastasios Skalidis (ST, Kalamata): An elite goal machine often comparable to Tsigalko.
Dionisis Chiotis (GK, AEK Athens): Widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the game, often keeping clean sheets against top opposition.
Nikolaos Tobros (DC, Paniliakos): A rock-solid young defender available for a very low fee.
Vasilis Goniotakis (ST, Ergotelis): Another high-scoring Greek forward. Budget & Hidden Gems
Mike Duff (D/AM R, Cheltenham): A legendary right-back who consistently achieves high average ratings and can be bought for roughly £20k.
Taribo West (DC, Free Agent): A world-class defender available for free at the start of the game.
Assane N'Diaye (DC, Shakhtar): A physical beast who dominates in the air.
Kim Nam-Il (DMC, Chunnam): One of the most effective defensive midfielders in the 3.9.68 database.
Arriki Afriye (ST, Ghana): A fast and clinical forward often available for a bargain. The "Super Swedes"
Kim Kallstrom (AMC, Hacken): An elite playmaker with high potential.
Kennedy Bakircioglu (AMRC, Hammarby): A versatile attacking threat.
Stefan Ishizaki (AMR, AIK): Highly creative winger who develops into a world-class player.
🚀 Quick Start Routine (First Transfer Window)
- Free transfer: Sign Taribo West.
- Buy: Mark Kerr (Falkirk) – offer £250k.
- Buy: Mike Duff (Cheltenham) – offer £250k.
- Loan/cheap buy: Kim Kallstrom (Hacken) or Kennedy Bakircioglu (Hammarby).
- Scout Shaktar Donetsk – Aghahowa + Okoronkwo are there.
- Set your captain to someone with 18+ determination and influence (e.g., West, Van Bommel).
Enjoy the greatest football management game ever made.
For many veteran players, Patch 3.9.68 represents the definitive experience of Championship Manager 01/02
. It refined player attributes and fixed bugs while retaining the legendary "cheat" players that made the game a cult classic. Essential Signings for Any Team Note on Patch 3
These players are widely considered mandatory for a successful 3.9.68 save due to their low cost and elite performance.
Tonton Zola Moukoko: The best Championship Manager player ever
Championship Manager 01/02 (the final official update), the best players are a mix of legendary "cheat" players, cheap wonderkids, and reliable free agents. The "Must-Haves" (World-Class Gems)
These players are essential signings for almost any club due to their incredible performance relative to their low cost: Page 2 – A version of CM 01/02, set in the 89/90 season
Finding the best players in Championship Manager 01/02 using the official v3.9.68 patch
is the ultimate goal for any manager looking to dominate the football world. This specific database is famous for its legendary "super-players" and "wonderkids" who perform far beyond their real-life counterparts. 🌟 The Must-Buy Legends
These players are the cornerstone of any successful 3.9.68 save. They are often affordable and will lead your team to silverware within seasons. Tonton Zola Moukoko (AM C):
The crown jewel of CM 01/02. Buy him from Derby County immediately. To Madeira (S C):
A fictional striker created by a scout. He is arguably the greatest goalscorer in the game's history. Maxim Tsigalko (S C):
A Belarusian powerhouse. He routinely scores 50+ goals a season if played in a high-pressing system. Mark Kerr (M C):
The engine room. Found at Falkirk, he possesses incredible work rate and passing. Taribo West (D LC):
Available as a free agent at the start of the game. He is a world-class defender for zero cost. 💎 Elite Wonderkids
These youngsters start with low attributes but develop into global superstars within two to three years. Kim Kallstrom (AM C):
A Swedish maestro with a lethal left foot and high set-piece attributes. Julius Aghahowa (F C):
Incredibly fast and versatile. He can play anywhere across the front line. Assane N'Diaye (D C):
A rock-solid defender often found at Shakhtar who remains cheap for the first window. Arjen Robben (AM L):
At PSV, he is already a dribbling wizard and becomes the best winger in the game. Stefan Selakovic (F RC):
A goal-scoring machine from Halmstad who can be bought for a bargain price. 🛡️ Defensive Foundations
Winning titles requires a solid backline. These players offer the best value-to-performance ratio in the 3.9.68 patch. Dionisis Chiotis (GK):
The best goalkeeper in the game. He plays for AEK Athens and is consistently reliable. Ibrahim Said (D C):
An Egyptian defender with high versatility and technical skill. Mike Duff (D R):
A Cheltenham legend. He is dirt cheap and performs like a Premier League veteran. Kakalov (AM/F C):
A versatile forward/midfielder who provides incredible squad depth and high ratings. 📈 Scouting Tips for Success Check the Greek League: Players like Anastasios Skalidis are incredibly overpowered in this patch. Abuse Free Transfers:
Always search for players with expired contracts on July 1st. Physical Stats Matter:
In the 3.9.68 engine, Pace and Acceleration are often more important than technical skills for strikers. To help you build the perfect squad, could you tell me: What is your starting budget team/league are you managing? Do you prefer a specific formation (like the infamous 2-3-4-1 or a standard 4-4-2)? I can provide a tailored shortlist based on your specific needs!
While Championship Manager 01/02 is over two decades old, the 3968 patch (the final official update from Sports Interactive) remains the gold standard for the "ultimate" retro experience. It fixed the infamous "goalkeeper bug" and updated the squads to the 2001/2002 season.
Because the database is now historical, we know exactly who turns into world-beaters. These are the players who, thanks to the game's engine, transcend reality and become the cornerstones of any dynasty.
Here is a breakdown of the best players in CM 01/02 Patch 3968, categorized by their value to your save.