I brought this the other week for the XBox 360 so it may be a little different from the PC version but basically I suck! I need you guys to give me a few pointers

I'm not totally unfamiliar with it, I've played the 03/04 version but I'm a little rusty

I'm Birmingham City, started out with a 4-4-2, attacking Full back & wingers, given them a bit of Creative Freedom, CB's on Man Mark, Counter Attack, few knocks to the left for Defensive Line, slightly Attacking & slightly fast Tempo

I see you guys did well with Watford on FM07 Challenge so you may well be able help.

I'm signed upto the SI forums, but there's loads of stuff on there, I've printed off some bits & bobs, so I'll give them a read later on.

Do have any pointers to get me started on to make the most of the strength of BCFC? I got stuffed 3-0 in the last game against Arsenal, Fabregas & Van Persie destroyed me

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arsenal destroy everyone... every game i've played, they've been awesome.

my tip would be... don't use brum!

I didn't really make any progress until i stopped using 4-4-2.

The latest version does seem a lot harder than previous versions though. Not sure what tips I would give. It's taken me years of building a decent squad to make good progress.

I've not got SWFC to the champions league and beat AC milan at hillsborough in front of 55000 fans! I lost the away leg though. :O(

I still haven't won the premier league yet.

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I'll post a big reply in the next half hour. Also, bear in mind that you're using the XBox. As far as i know, it's totally different?

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I did think maybe brum wouldn't be the best choice to start off with but we all have to start somewhere.

I tinker around with my team a fair bit, I stick with 4-4-2, but adjust the Mentality, Width, Defensive Line, Creative Freedom but still suck just as much. I can live with getting dicked by Arsenal but struggling against Fulham at home isn't on :D

Is it worth buying a game guide rather than trudging through thousands of threads? Some guys in a game log type thing using the blues did really well but didn't give any tactics etc

Are Team Talks worth it?

Should I adjust to suit the opposition tactics?

Is player morale important? (I've noticed my players play a lot better if it's Okay or upwards)

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Nice one Stu, ta mate. From what I've read there's not much difference, but I've not played the PC version

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I used to be a master tactician in the old ones and find the new ones are really different and much more challenging, but that's a good thing.

In 08 I haven't experienced the degree of success that I am used to from the older games, but I have brought Derry City F.C. to the Group Stages of the Uefa Cup!

I normally play 4-4-2 with attacking wingers.

Tip to beat teams like Arsenal, United Chelsea and Liverpool etc. is use 5-3-2, 5-4-1 or 4-5-1. Hit them on the counter, cos unless your team are on a good run or you have a good combination of players, you're unlikely to match the talent that the bigger teams have.

When I'm smaller teams, I also use alot of the youth players, developing talent instead of trying to sign good players. It usually works out.

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sometimes they can win you a match.

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Most of the time, they lose them though.

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my team always moan that i'm too hard on them.

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Not necessarily most of the time. It depends on what option you choose and generally, if your team are good enough. If you're 3-0 down at half time, it's hard to come back to 3-3 or even win it, unless you have a supersub on the bench!

When I'd lose to teams by ridiculous scores I always let the team know how angry I was, but it just seems to bring their morale way down.

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