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LMA Manager
Cover art for LMA Manager 2001
GenreFootball management
DeveloperCodemasters
PublisherCodemasters
PlatformsMicrosoft Windows, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, J2ME
First releaseLMA Manager
(1999)
Latest releaseLMA Manager 2008
(2008)

LMA Manager is a football management video game series developed and published by Codemasters. Developed primarily for consoles, the franchise differs from the PC-based Football Manager and Championship Manager series by focusing on visual details such as a fully 3D match engine, although still maintaining the realism and level of detail craved by fans of the genre - a unique combination when the series was first released.

The series has different titles in different regions: LMA Manager in the UK (named after the League Managers Association), BDFL Manager in Germany (basically the German equivalent of the LMA), Manager de Liga in Spain, Football Manager Campionato in Italy, and FC Manager - La Passion du Foot in France since the 2006 edition (the French edition of the series was previously named Roger Lemerre - La Sélection des Champions after the former coach of the France national team).

LMA Manager

[edit]

The first LMA Manager video game was released in 1999 for the PlayStation, featuring 8,000 players and 294 clubs in 32 countries.[1]

LMA Manager 2001

[edit]

The second LMA game was released - also on PlayStation - in March 2001.[2] Two versions were released, one for the English leagues as before, and another specifically covering the Scottish Premier and Football Leagues. The in-match action is presented by former footballer turned BBC analyst Alan Hansen. Sometimes this version gets caught in between the retro style of the original game, and the 2002 version. Although practically the same as the 2002 version, this contains some differences in the in-match play, and is famed for wingers cutting inside to shoot from ridiculous angles, and goalkeepers who tend to tip shots just inside the far post, making this an often frustrating game. There are also a few mistakes on the game, such as Birmingham City's Bryan Hughes being 29, instead of his proper age at the time, which was 24. It is also occasional for defenders to pick up the ball in their own penalty box, and proceed to kick it out like a keeper, as well as people scoring from their kick-off.

A slight difference from the original is the length of gameplay, in this version finishing after 30 seasons in football management while the previous version finished after 50 seasons.

LMA Manager 2002

[edit]

LMA 2002 was the final version in the series to be released on PlayStation, launched on 2 November 2001.[3] Although principally just an update from the 2001 version, the game did prove to be quite a stepping stone from the LMA of old and the LMA seen today.

The first PlayStation 2 incarnation went under the same name when released in April 2002.[4] A significant update from PS1, it allows players to manage in one of six European leagues, all of which are processed by the game simultaneously (the top two divisions in Italy, Spain, Germany and France were added, in addition to the existing top four divisions in England and Scotland). On the PS2, matches play out in full in a 3D match environment, followed by post-match highlights voiced by famous BBC presenter Gary Lineker alongside the returning Hansen. The gameplay advanced in this game from the 2001 version, in particular the in-match style. Players tend to shoot early, from around thirty yards, rather than enter into the penalty area.

LMA Manager 2003

[edit]

Originally slated for release in October 2002,[5] but releasing ultimately on 15 November,[6] this was the first edition to be released on Xbox, alongside the PS2 release. This version did not add additional leagues and contained minor enhancements from the previous game.

LMA Manager 2004

[edit]
The 2004 edition of LMA Manager incorporated a new 'feel' to the menu; match engine and 'Football One' channel.

The next in the series was released on 12 March 2004 on PS2 and Xbox,[7] and added a variety of enhancements to the match, as well as new commentary in the post-match highlights voiced by renowned commentator Barry Davies and analysed by Lineker and Hansen as before. New 'Fantasy Team' mode was added (replacing the 'Challenge Mode' in earlier games) where the users can build up a team from scratch using a preallocated budget, based loosely on the popular fantasy football game. Once the user compiles a squad and selects a team name, stadium and kit, the newly created club would compete in one of the leagues in the game. Another new feature in this version is the option (on Xbox only) of issuing tactical instructions to player's team via the Xbox Communicator headset during a match. A second edition of the game was released, updating the squads from the January 2004 transfer window.

LMA Manager 2005

[edit]

LMA 2005 was released on PS2 and Xbox on 31 October 2004,[8] and chief amongst the enhancements is the addition of the Dutch and Portuguese leagues and English Football Conference division, the first new playable leagues to be added since 2002. Another unique feature was the option to download a mid-season player roster update via Xbox Live or the PlayStation online service, and the second edition release had the updated squads by default at the expense of the online features. PS2 owners with access to an EyeToy camera can take a photo of themselves, which would appear on various newspaper articles seen in the game (for example, a celebration photo after winning a trophy, or an unhappy image after being sacked by their club).

Manchester United Manager 2005

[edit]

At the same time as the normal version of LMA 2005, a special themed edition was also released on PS2 and Xbox, entitled Manchester United Manager. As the name suggests, this version is tailored around Manchester United, and contains various photos and video clips of the club, but the game itself was unchanged from LMA, allowing players to manage any club, not just Manchester United.

LMA Professional Manager 2005

[edit]

Released alongside LMA 2005 and Manchester United Manager, this version was notable for two reasons - it is the first game in the series to be released on PC, and the first developed externally (by Kuju rather than Codemasters). The change of platform required a redesigned interface, with the straightforward joypad-based navigation of PS2 replaced by a mouse-driven control system more similar to a graphical user interface such as Microsoft Windows. Each screen the user progressed to was housed on a separate window, which made finding one's way from section to section rather awkward.

Content-wise, the PC version contains the same playable leagues, 3D match engine and transfer system as the console version, although there are extra non-playable countries added from around the world to bolster the transfer market.

LMA Manager 2006

[edit]

LMA 2006 was released on 18 November 2005 for PS2 and Xbox,[9] with a further three playable divisions included from Dutch and Portuguese leagues, as well as further enhancements to the 3D match, transfer market and player training setup (including playable 3D Training Matches for the first time). The Xbox version included the ability to upload high scores via Xbox Live. In keeping with the series' visual roots, a new option allows players to create a 3D model of their manager, who can be seen pacing along the touchlines during a match or featuring in one of the new video headlines (introducing a new transfer signing to the press, for example) included in the game world's TV station.

The game has a complex transfer process, with the ability to swap players and give instalments, but the game limits the player to only having four transfers made via contract clauses (i.e. 10% sell on clause or £75,000 to be transferred after fifteen appearances). Using contract clauses, the players can usually pick the player up for a cheaper transfer fee than what players would if they didn't use a contract clause, but after they use all four and try to use another, it will say that the club who the player currently plays for cannot afford to let him go. Once the players sell anyone they have used with a contract clause, they may then buy a player using another contract clause.

After the third-party conversion of LMA Professional Manager 2005, a second PC version was developed by Codemasters themselves and was scheduled for release in Spring 2006 alongside the first seventh-generation iteration on Xbox 360, but these versions' development slipped back, making LMA Manager 2007 a tri-format release.

LMA Manager 2007

[edit]

LMA 2007 was released on 22 September 2006 on PS2, PC-DVD, and Xbox 360,[10] with transfer updates available for download. Like other versions of the PC, it uses a graphical user interface like LMA 2005. Its main theme is "Hands Open", by Snow Patrol. Due to the lack of subsequent titles, and the fact that the PC version of LMA 2007 would not run on Windows Vista and Windows 7 due to its use of a StarForce DRM, and its limited availability on 7th generation games consoles, alongside the growing popularity of the Football Manager series, the LMA series became effectively defunct.

LMA Manager 2008

[edit]

LMA Manager 2008 was developed by Glu Mobile and released on mobile on January 23, 2008.[11]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

LMA Manager

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
LMA Manager is a series of management video games developed and published by British studio , spanning nine main titles and spin-offs released primarily for console platforms from 1999 to 2006. The franchise, endorsed by the League Managers Association—the official body representing professional football managers in —distinguished itself as one of the few football management simulations optimized for consoles, offering players control over team finances, player transfers, training, tactics, and stadium development in a realistic environment. The series began with the original LMA Manager in 1999 for the PlayStation, featuring data on over 8,000 players across 294 clubs in 32 countries based on the 1999/2000 season, an intuitive control scheme, and a 3D match engine allowing real-time tactical adjustments. Subsequent entries expanded to , , , and PC, with annual releases incorporating updated rosters, licensed leagues such as the Football League and (in the 2005 edition), and enhancements like mid-season transfer updates and customizable 3D manager avatars. Key titles include LMA Manager 2001 (2001, PlayStation), LMA Manager 2003 (2002, and ), LMA Professional Manager 2005 (2004, PC), and the final installment, LMA Manager 2007 (2006, , PC, and ). Notable for its balance of depth and accessibility on consoles—contrasting with more complex PC rivals like Championship Manager—the series included features such as authentic kits, challenge modes, post-match highlight reels, and downloadable updates for PC versions in later years. It achieved commercial success in the UK, with early entries promoted as top-selling football management games for PlayStation, though the franchise concluded after 2007 as Codemasters shifted focus to racing titles, including spin-offs like Manchester United Manager 2005. No new entries have been announced since, leaving a legacy in console sports management gaming.

Overview

Development history

The LMA Manager series was founded in 1999 by as a football management simulation exclusively designed for console hardware, specifically the PlayStation, to distinguish it from PC-dominated titles such as . acted as both developer and publisher throughout the series' run, securing official endorsements from the League Managers Association, the governing body for professional football managers in , which lent authenticity to the simulation's mechanics and data. The initial entries remained PlayStation 1 exclusives, with the series transitioning to the platform in 2002 starting with LMA Manager 2002, marking a significant graphical and upgrade tailored for the new hardware. Platform expansion to began in 2002 with LMA Manager 2003, followed by further releases such as LMA Manager 2005 on and the PC debut of LMA Professional Manager 2005, which introduced deeper strategic layers adapted from console roots without direct porting from PC competitors. Licensed mobile adaptations on J2ME platforms began in 2006 with LMA Manager 2006 by Jamdat Mobile, followed by 2007 and 2008 versions by . Further diversification occurred in 2006, incorporating next-generation support via LMA Manager 2007 on . Codemasters' involvement concluded in 2007, with the final entry under license being the mobile LMA Manager 2008 developed by , as market saturation in football management simulations intensified alongside rising competition from Sports Interactive's , prompting to pivot toward racing titles like the series. No new official entries have been released since 2008, and as of 2025, (acquired by in 2021) has not announced any revival.

Core gameplay mechanics

The core gameplay of the LMA Manager series revolves around a season-based where players act as a football club manager, handling team selection, tactical setups, training regimens, player transfers, and financial oversight to compete in leagues and cups. Matches are simulated using a 3D engine that incorporates motion-captured animations for realistic player movements and interactions, allowing real-time viewing from various camera angles such as overhead or manager's dugout perspectives. This engine emphasizes visual spectacle on consoles, with AI-driven opponent behaviors that adapt to tactics and form, creating dynamic challenges across domestic and European competitions. Key features include customizable difficulty levels ranging from beginner modes with automated aids and visible player ratings to expert settings that conceal stats for deeper strategy. Multiple game modes support varied playstyles, such as full-season campaigns spanning up to 20 years, cup-only tournaments, or scenario-based challenges focused on specific objectives like promotion or trophy wins. Club management extends beyond the pitch to aspects like stadium expansions for increased capacity and revenue, media conferences to handle press queries on team performance, and youth academy development to nurture emerging talent. The series' console-friendly design features simplified, controller-optimized menus navigated via shoulder buttons and analog sticks, minimizing text-heavy interfaces common in PC counterparts. Real-time match viewing integrates live commentary drawn from authentic football audio, with options to pause, fast-forward, or issue in-game instructions like switching to defensive play. Player development occurs through attribute progression tied to sessions in disciplines such as crossing or fitness, alongside performance in simulated matches. Data authenticity stems from licensed leagues including the English and other major European divisions, with annually updated real player statistics covering over 8,000 individuals and 294 clubs across 32 countries. The endorsement by the League Managers Association ensures simulation fidelity in managerial decision-making and tactical realism.

Series reception

The LMA Manager series achieved commercial success as the best-selling football management game series on consoles during its run from 1999 to 2008. Critical reception for the series was generally positive, particularly for its accessibility tailored to console players, though reviewers often noted limitations in depth compared to PC-based rivals like . Later entries, such as those on , typically scored in the 60-75% range from major outlets, with praise centered on the intuitive interface, visual match engine, and beginner-friendly mechanics that made complex management simulation more approachable on home consoles. For instance, LMA Manager received a 7.3 out of 10 from , lauded for its "welcoming introduction to the football management genre" via concessions for novices and a handsome 3D match engine, while awarded it 6 out of 10, describing it as a solid but less all-consuming option than deeper PC alternatives. Earlier titles similarly highlighted the series' innovation in bringing management sims to consoles with features like customizable stadiums and realistic transfer systems, though some critiques pointed to occasional interface clunkiness and bugs. The series holds a legacy for proving the commercial and critical viability of football management simulations on consoles, shifting the genre away from purely arcade-style football toward more strategic, simulation-focused experiences that prioritized visual appeal and ease of use. Its influence is evident in subsequent console management modes in titles like FIFA and , which adopted similar accessible approaches to player and match visualization. The franchise's decline after stemmed from development challenges during the transition to next-generation hardware, leading to cease annual releases without a direct successor. LMA Manager developed a strong cult following, especially in Europe, where fans appreciated its balance of depth and simplicity; communities continue to engage with older titles through emulation and modding, often drawing comparisons to the Championship Manager series for its pioneering console adaptation of management gameplay.

Early games (PlayStation 1)

LMA Manager (1999)

LMA Manager, released on September 15, 1999, exclusively for the PlayStation console, marked the debut entry in Codemasters' football management series. Developed and published by Codemasters, the game was built from the ground up for the PlayStation, distinguishing it from contemporary console titles that were often ports of PC software. The game's key innovations included the introduction of 3D match visualization on consoles, utilizing motion-captured animations to deliver realistic player movements and tactical representations. Endorsed by the League Managers Association (LMA), it emphasized authentic management strategies, such as team selection, transfers, and training, drawing on real-world football expertise for depth. This endorsement positioned LMA Manager as a pioneer in blending accuracy with engaging visuals, setting a foundation for the series' focus on intuitive team management mechanics. In terms of content, LMA Manager featured data from the 1999/2000 season, covering 294 clubs across 32 countries, with a strong emphasis on English leagues up to the Premier Division, and over 8,000 players complete with detailed statistics. Gameplay modes encompassed an open-ended career mode for long-term club progression, quick matches for instant play, and 10 specific challenges to test managerial skills. The title's user interface was optimized for the PlayStation, employing shoulder buttons (L1/R1 for navigation and L2/R2 for sub-menus) for efficient access to features, though it lacked online capabilities. Development took approximately 18 months, enabling a swift launch that captured the growing interest in console-based sports simulations.

LMA Manager 2001

LMA Manager 2001, developed and published by , serves as the direct sequel to the original LMA Manager and was released exclusively for the PlayStation on March 16, 2001. The game incorporates up-to-date data from the 2000-2001 football season, including adjustments for team promotions and relegations across covered leagues. Building on the 3D match engine introduced in the predecessor, it offers players the ability to manage teams in a 15-year career mode or shorter challenge scenarios. Key enhancements focused on broadening the game's scope and usability, with the inclusion of Scottish leagues—such as the Premiership, First Division, Second Division, and Third Division—alongside the four English divisions, enabling management in eight domestic leagues plus European competitions. The transfer system saw significant improvements through access to a full European market, simplifying player and acquisitions via an intuitive database without overly complex negotiations. Training modules were refined to better influence player development and , with options for rest and directly impacting . Reception highlighted the title's advancements in match , particularly the overhauled AI that delivered more engaging and realistic on-pitch action compared to the original. Players appreciated the streamlined interface for handling finances, staff management, and stadium upgrades, making it a more accessible entry in the series for PlayStation users.

LMA Manager 2002

LMA Manager 2002 was the final entry in the series for the PlayStation 1, released on October 30, 2001. Developed and published by , it updated the core management loop with 2001–2002 season data, including real strips, stadia, and managers, while maintaining the series' emphasis on tactical , transfers, and match . The game featured 8,000 players across 302 clubs primarily from English and Scottish leagues. Content included the four English divisions and four Scottish divisions, enabling diverse career paths and transfer opportunities within those leagues. The game supported stadium customization elements, such as adjusting pitch dimensions and adding stands, to personalize club facilities. A port was released in with graphical enhancements. Reception for the PS1 version was generally positive, highlighting its reliability on the hardware and addictive depth. Critics praised the intuitive menus that streamlined tasks like squad selection and tactics, making it accessible yet challenging for multiple seasons per . However, some noted minor bugs, including occasional glitches in transfer negotiations and loading between matches, which slightly marred the in early playthroughs.

Mid-series games (PlayStation 2)

LMA Manager 2003

LMA Manager 2003, developed and published by , was released on November 15, 2002, for the and platforms. This installment marked the series' debut on and updated the gameplay to reflect the 2002–2003 football season, featuring over 17,000 players across 720 clubs in 28 countries and coverage of 16 major leagues from , , , , , and . The game emphasized console-friendly management simulation, allowing players to handle team finances, staff contracts, transfers, stadium expansions, and training schedules through an intuitive menu system navigated via controller triggers and analog sticks. A key refinement in LMA Manager 2003 was its enhanced tactical depth, including a customizable formation editor that supported setups like 4-3-1-2 and 4-4-2, enabling players to adjust playing styles and delegate tasks to staff based on management preferences. The game introduced greater realism through environmental factors such as weather effects on matches—ranging from sunny to rainy and snowy conditions—which could influence gameplay dynamics, as evidenced by dedicated cheat codes to alter weather for testing purposes. Additionally, a youth academy system allowed scouting and development of young talents, with examples including real prospects like and integrated into team rosters for long-term squad building. These elements built on prior entries by prioritizing accessible, interactive management for and audiences, while incorporating a full European transfer market aligned with regulations. The 3D match engine remained a highlight, offering live viewing from the dugout with real-time tactical interventions and interactive post-match highlights for analysis. Commentary during these sequences, provided by and in a TV-style broadcast format, added immersion and was praised for its engaging, pundit-like delivery that enhanced the realism of match reviews. However, the game's menu-driven interface drew criticism for feeling repetitive and lacking depth in statistical tracking compared to PC rivals, with some sluggish response times in dugout commands detracting from the flow. Despite these issues, LMA Manager 2003 solidified the series' reputation as the leading console football management title of its era, with strong sales contributing to ' ongoing dominance in the genre.

LMA Manager 2004

LMA Manager 2004, developed and published by , was released in October 2003 in the United Kingdom and on March 12, 2004, in for the and platforms. The game utilizes data from the 2003–2004 football season, encompassing over 18,500 players across 778 clubs in 31 countries. A key advancement in this installment is its refined economic management system, which emphasizes strategic financial oversight beyond on-pitch performance. Players must balance transfer budgets, wage allocations, and streams, often requiring the sale of underperforming players to fund acquisitions or stadium expansions that boost attendance and income. Sponsorship deals play a central role, with tiered agreements offering escalating financial rewards based on club success and visibility, simulating real-world commercial pressures on managers. Media interactions receive greater attention through simulated press elements and the introduction of the "Football One" channel, functioning as an in-game that delivers real-time news tickers, match highlights, and post-game analysis to keep managers informed of league developments and rival activities. This feature enhances immersion by mirroring the constant media scrutiny faced by professional managers. Injury management introduces a dedicated system where players assign medical staff to oversee recoveries, influencing squad depth and long-term planning without direct intervention in every case. The transfer market expands significantly, incorporating South American clubs alongside European ones and enabling detailed reports on potential signings, though negotiations remain manager-driven without explicit agent mediation. Leagues from , , , , , and are fully licensed, providing comprehensive coverage of top-tier and lower divisions for career progression.

LMA Manager 2005

LMA Manager 2005 was released on October 22, 2004, for and , with the PC version titled LMA Professional Manager 2005 launching on the same date. Developed and published by , the game focused on football management simulation, covering the 2004-2005 seasons across 21 leagues in eight countries, including newly added Dutch and Portuguese divisions. The title introduced several enhancements to gameplay depth and accessibility, featuring an improved 3D match engine with enhanced fluidity, new goal celebrations, and all-new player models for more realistic visuals during matches. Players could view matches in full 3D or opt for highlights reels with commentary from , , and , balancing immersion with quick overviews. A morale system was integrated, where squad mental states influenced performance, with assistant managers providing updates on player unhappiness and overall team dynamics. The game included over 20,000 players across more than 850 clubs, enabling detailed scouting and transfers, alongside modes like the European Cup for international competition. Improved AI contributed to smarter on-pitch decisions, including better behavior and tactical adjustments visible in the 3D view via dugout commands. Reception highlighted the game's polished console-friendly approach to management simulation, earning a 7/10 from for its involving yet straightforward experience, though the 3D engine was critiqued as uninspiring compared to PC rivals. Aggregated critic scores averaged around 72% based on available reviews. The Xbox version incorporated early Xbox Live integration for online features and unlockable content, serving as a precursor to more advanced achievement systems in later titles. Overall, LMA Manager 2005 refined the series' balance of strategic depth and accessibility, concluding the core era before next-gen transitions.

Later games and spin-offs

LMA Manager 2006

LMA Manager 2006, developed and published by , represented a transitional entry in the series, bridging last-generation and next-generation hardware with releases across multiple platforms. The game launched on November 18, 2005, for and the original , followed by versions for and PC in 2006. This timing positioned the edition as an early title for the newly launched console, emphasizing the series' adaptation to enhanced capabilities shortly after the system's November 2005 debut. Key innovations included a new game engine and database, enabling deeper simulation elements such as an overhauled transfer market with features like sell-on clauses, player swaps, and staggered payments. The 3D match engine saw improvements, particularly on , with advanced rendering techniques including and realistic lighting effects for more detailed visuals. multiplayer support allowed players to participate in leagues and matches, with dedicated servers facilitating community interaction until their eventual termination. The game incorporated updated content for the 2005-2006 season, featuring teams from eight countries across 24 leagues and a sizable player database. was enhanced through a comprehensive network of options, including detailed player reports and global search tools to identify talent. Career progression tracking was bolstered by extensive statistics monitoring, covering individual player development, team performance, and long-term achievements over multiple seasons. Reception was mixed, with praise for the addictive depth and realistic management simulation but criticism of the match engine's crude animations and lackluster visuals on last-gen platforms. Cross-generation compatibility drew some scrutiny, as the core experience felt iterative from prior entries, with next-gen enhancements not fully resolving performance inconsistencies across hardware. Aggregate scores reflected this divide, averaging around 70/100 on Metacritic for console versions.

LMA Manager 2007

LMA Manager 2007, developed and published by Codemasters, was released in September 2006 for PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, and PC, marking the series' debut on next-generation hardware with the Xbox 360 version launching on September 22 in Europe. The game utilized an enhanced engine building on the high-definition visuals introduced in the prior installment, providing a more immersive 3D match engine for viewing simulations with adjustable camera angles and player positions. It offered management of teams across over 50 countries and eight playable leagues, including all major European competitions, with updated rosters reflecting the 2006-2007 season's transfers, promotions, and player movements. A key advancement in LMA Manager 2007 was its robust online features, particularly on , which included automatic squad updates to keep player data current and downloadable league match highlights for replaying key moments. The Xbox 360 edition introduced an achievement system with 22 unlockables totaling 1,000 gamerscore, encouraging challenges such as winning specific leagues or completing full seasons across multiple divisions, fostering a sense of progression and replayability. The transfer market system received significant depth, simulating realistic negotiations, enquiries, and player unrest through in-game notifications, allowing managers greater control over bidding strategies and . These elements, combined with tools like the in-game "FootballOne" magazine for scouting stats, emphasized community engagement and strategic depth without overwhelming complexity. The game's content focused on long-term career modes, enabling players to build teams from lower divisions to continental success, with enhanced simulation of off-field elements like media expectations and board interactions. Over 1,000 officially licensed teams were included, supporting exhaustive management simulations that prioritized tactical adjustments and squad building over minute-by-minute control. Post-launch updates further refined player movements and stats, ensuring alignment with real-world events throughout the season. Critically, LMA Manager 2007 earned scores around 70-80%, with praise for its accessible interface, addictive longevity in career modes, and visual match engine that appealed to both newcomers and series veterans. As the best-selling console football management series at the time, it achieved fourth place in the UK charts shortly after launch, reflecting strong community support evidenced by active forums and ongoing updates.

LMA Manager 2008

LMA Manager 2008 served as the concluding entry in the long-running football management series, transitioning to mobile platforms as licensed the property to following the developer's shift away from console-based installments. Released in late 2007 for J2ME-enabled mobile devices, with a formal launch date of January 23, 2008, the game represented the series' adaptation to portable gaming amid declining console support. The title incorporated updated player data and statistics for the 2007-2008 season across major , enabling players to select from over 100 clubs and engage in realistic simulations. Core content emphasized depth in team oversight, including tactical setups, training regimens, transfer negotiations, expansions, staff , and ticket pricing adjustments to balance finances. Retirement scenarios were integrated through career progression modes, where managers could build long-term legacies before concluding their tenure, adding a closure to sessions. Key innovations included a role-based system allowing advancement from coach to full director, with escalating responsibilities that enhanced replayability on mobile hardware. The game featured a functional 3D match engine capable of displaying crowd reactions during simulated fixtures, alongside options for live text commentary or skipping matches entirely. As a J2ME , it optimized the series' formula for touch and keypad controls, though some visual glitches were noted on certain devices. Reviews praised its solid execution, with Pocket Gamer awarding 8/10 for delivering a polished yet familiar experience that capped the franchise without major reinvention.

Manchester United Manager 2005

Manchester United Manager 2005 is a football management simulation video game developed and published by Codemasters as a licensed spin-off of the LMA Manager series. Released on October 22, 2004, for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles, it emphasizes Manchester United-specific content while incorporating the core gameplay mechanics of LMA Manager 2005. The game's unique aspects stem from its official Manchester United license, which enables authentic recreations of the club's elements, including the Old Trafford stadium with its expansion program, official badges, kits, and crowd sounds and chants recorded from real matches. Players can begin scenarios as the Manchester United manager, succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson in 2004, or select other clubs from the available leagues. Exclusive content includes detailed player bios, coaching tips, video highlights of the club's best goals, profiles of post-war managers, and a photographic summary of the 2003/2004 season. These features enhance immersion for fans, integrating seamlessly with the series' established mechanics for team selection, tactics, transfers, and match simulation across multiple European leagues. Reception highlighted the title's value for its club-focused authenticity and engaging depth, though some critics noted its limited scope beyond the Manchester United theme compared to the broader LMA Manager 2005. Reviews generally scored it around 70%, praising the polished 3D match engine and updated rosters while pointing out occasional interface clunkiness typical of console sims.

LMA Professional Manager 2005

LMA Professional Manager 2005 is a football management simulation video game developed and published by , serving as the PC-exclusive iteration of the LMA Manager series for the 2004/2005 season. Released in late October 2004 for Windows, it marked the series' first dedicated PC entry, built from the ground up rather than as a console port, with an emphasis on intuitive interfaces and real-time tactical control to appeal to PC gamers. The game encompasses comprehensive management mechanics, allowing players to scout talent, oversee training regimens, select squads, and devise tactics across 50 countries, including officially licensed leagues such as the English , One, League Two, and , alongside major divisions in , , , , , the , and . Matches can be viewed in full 3D real-time mode with player control, a highlights-only option for quicker play, or a Quickmatch mode, enhanced by commentary from broadcaster and post-match analysis from and . Additional features include financial oversight through sponsorship deals and advertising, as well as a Fantasy Team mode for custom squad building. Development involved contributions from studios under , including Hoodoo Studios and Kuju , resulting in what was promoted as the most extensive edition in the series to date, with an updated player database reflecting the 2004/2005 season. Upon release, it received mixed reception, earning an average critic score of 61% across eight reviews, praised for its accessible depth and match visuals but critiqued for rigid and limited over console counterparts. User feedback highlighted frustrations with the transfer system and match engine bugs, though some appreciated the sponsor customization options unique to the PC version.

References

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  26. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps/579556-lma-manager-2001/reviews/20404
  27. https://www.metacritic.com/game/lma-manager-2003/
  28. https://www.mobygames.com/game/10863/lma-manager-2003/
  29. https://www.everygamegoing.com/larticle/lma-manager-2003/58385
  30. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/563113-lma-manager-2003/faqs/25757
  31. https://www.neoseeker.com/lma-manager2003/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0418816/
  33. https://www.neoseeker.com/forums/6429/t393465-stadiums-revenue/
  34. http://www.honestgamers.com/3590/playstation-2/lma-manager-2004/review.html
  35. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox/914825-lma-manager-2004/faqs/31241
  36. https://www.giantbomb.com/lma-manager-2004/3030-2237/
  37. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/lma-manager-2004-announced/1100-6026306/
  38. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/914824-lma-manager-2004/cheats
  39. https://www.metacritic.com/game/lma-manager-2005/
  40. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/922046-lma-manager-2005
  41. https://www.metacritic.com/game/lma-professional-manager-2005/
  42. https://www.eurogamer.net/r-lmamanager2005-ps2
  43. https://worthplaying.com/article/2004/10/6/news/19725-lma-manager-2005-ps2xbox-screens/
  44. https://www.mobygames.com/game/21361/lma-manager-2005/
  45. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox/922047-lma-manager-2005
  46. https://www.ign.com/games/lma-manager-2006
  47. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/930349-lma-manager-2006
  48. https://www.videogamer.com/lma-manager-2006-pc-and-xbox-360-bound/
  49. https://www.eurogamer.net/r-lma06-xbox
  50. https://www.eurogamer.net/news270705lma06
  51. https://ps2onlinegaming.com/viewtopic.php?t=17
  52. https://www.mobygames.com/game/21362/lma-manager-2006/
  53. https://hexus.net/gaming/reviews/pc/4626-lma-manager-2006-review/
  54. https://www.everygamegoing.com/larticle/lma-manager-2006/58825
  55. https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/lma-manager-2006-review/
  56. https://www.metacritic.com/game/lma-manager-2006/
  57. https://www.metacritic.com/game/lma-manager-2007/
  58. https://www.xboxachievements.com/game/lma-manager-2007/overview/
  59. https://www.mobygames.com/game/42240/lma-manager-2007/
  60. https://www.xboxachievements.com/game/lma-manager-2007/guide/
  61. https://archive.org/details/DemosLMAManager07
  62. https://www.videogamer.com/lma-manager-2007-stats-update-out-now/
  63. https://www.mobygames.com/game/42245/lma-manager-2008/
  64. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/glu-and-codemasters-announce-strategic-publishing-partnership
  65. https://www.mobygames.com/game/21774/manchester-united-manager-2005/
  66. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manchester-United-FC-Manager-PS2/dp/B0002RMD24
  67. https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/LMA_Professional_Manager_2005
  68. https://www.mobygames.com/game/21503/lma-professional-manager-2005/
  69. https://www.amazon.co.uk/LMA-Professional-Manager-2005-PC/dp/B0002OAL94
  70. https://www.neoseeker.com/lma-professional-manager-2005/user_reviews/32981/
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