So, who of the soccer crowd plays Worldwide Soccer Manager (aka Football Manager)?

I've heard about this game for quite some time but just started playing recently. Holy crap, this game is addictive. I've had it for no more than a month and I'm already finishing up my third season.

I've read about it and it sounds pretty stinkin' awesome. Are you playing 2006? Where'd you find it and for how much?

Yes. There's a trial offer on Sega's website. You play 6 months (gametime) for free and then after that you have to pay $30 to keep playing. Completely worth it but I think 2007 is coming out in October some time.

do you actually play the games or just make roster changes?

Everything but play the games. The computer sims the game and you can watch it (either the whole match or just key moments) so you can make tactical adjustments be it on a team level or individual level (man-marking vs zone marking, instruct a player to put in more early crosses etc.) The level of control is insane.

On top of that you have the personnel decisions to make such as transfers, contracts, youth academies, and you also have to deal with the media as well. EA came out with FIFA Manager 06 but I could only play the demo because it wasn't released in the US (at least I don't think it was). Honestly, I thought some aspects were better but Worldwide Soccer Manager is generally considered to be the best out there if you are in to that kind of game.

i just DL the demo and damn it is addicting. Im tearing up the Premiership with ManU and my transfers.

I started with Yeovil Town (I like a challenge). This has been an insane challenge because you have no assets to start. Your training facilities suck, your stadium only holds 9,000 (of which only 5,000 is seated), and you only have $100,000 to work with initially to make transfers.

2006: Managed to stay up in League 1 with a 15th place finish
2007: Gained promotion to the Championship by finishing 2nd
2008: Stayed up in the Championship by finishing 11th.
2009: As of right now (Feb I think) I'm in 5th place. No way I'm going to finish top 2 because Ipswich and West Brom are running away with it, but I have a legit chance at grabbing a playoff spot. If I do, who knows...maybe I can qualify for the Prem.

In that time I've managed to sell enough players to fund a stadium expansion (now holds 11,500) and improve training facilities from below average to good.

The most annoying thing about playing with a small club is that it's impossible to hold on to the badasses you find and nurture. I've got 4 players on my first team that are constantly getting attention from the likes of ManU, Leverkusen, Valencia, etc. It's just a matter of time before I have to sell them because they demand a transfer or I lose them on a free because they won't sign a new contract.