Couple questions on the network play mode

Hey,

I am an avid football manager fan and I have always enjoyed playing all of the issues I have had.

I now feel I should give this "network" mode a try on Football Manager 2011. My friends told me I can join a season with them, as long as we all play at the same time.

So basically, I was just wondering, do I need to have downloaded the game via Steam?

Also, more importantly, I am one of those people who hates it when the games closes, in fact I delete my file, even if I saved it the game before and I lost the game, it is just very off putting to replay games, even mere days. So if the game crashes will it recover where we left off? Therefore completely prevent anyone skipping a game they have lost or even skipping a mere day to try sign somebody.

If so, how does this "recovery mode" work? Must I tick any particular boxes?

Additionally, what if the internet disconnects?

Thank you, please get back to me A.S.A.P.