Ain't played FM08 in a while: Can you answer a few questions for me please, Lads?

1. When is the best time to use a target man?

2. When is the best time to use a playmaker?

3. Can you use a playmaker and a target man in the same team?

4. When it's raining or bad weather, do you use long balls or short balls (I've forgot)?

5. When do you use close down all over the pitch?

6. When do you play fast football and when do you use slow tempo?

Many thanks in advance.

1. when you are against short defenders, and you play with fast forward and attacking wingers... also tick the "hold ball" for the target man.

2. i never use a playmaker...

3. hmmm... i think not... but then again i never use a playmaker.

4. long balls, slow tempo.

5. close down? i think it's best when you are trying to level the game or for a last-minute goal.

6. depends on your team and the team that you're facing.

hope i helped a little.

Anyone else got any answers?

First of all, and I must apologise for being pedantic, but I hate this use of the word 'ain't' in place of 'I haven't'.

You haven't played FM08 in a while. OK?

Now I've got that off my chest, I will do you the honour of answering your questions.

1) If you have a target man centre-forward who is stronger than his marker and, crucially, can out jump him, you could play with a target man.

It works well in more defensive tactics, i.e. you can play slow tempo, keep the ball, play it up to the big man and rest assured that he will win the ball and retain possession for you. This way you can frustrate you opposition by keeping the ball and this will be your best chance to create some chances. You will be looking for good possession stat and slow build ups on the highlights screen. Remember to keep an eye on your target man and the number of headers he is winning.

Also, it is a good technique for dealing with very defensive sides who play a deep defensive line. Your target man will win headers in deep positions and be a real threat - he could be the difference between scoring or being kept out.

I use the target man option as a specialist tool, sometimes implementing it in games where I see that I will get an advantage. I never start with it.

2) I would say, primarily, where you have an absolutely class player who is head and shoulders above the rest of your team and who can win the game by himself. If you feel that you want your side to get the ball to one player all of the time, then this is the option to use. So if your side are all crap but you have a player who can win games by himself, this is a good option. Personally, I never use this option. I may consider using it as a specialist tool if the conditions described above applied to my team.

3) Yes, I believe so. I've never tried it. I tend to stick to simple tactics and don't 'overwhelm my team with instructions.

4) I don't do anything. I tend to play a mixed passing game anyway, which is the best passing style to implement. Adjust slightly for a more direct approach or a shorter approach, but generally keep things mixed and don't restrict your team to one style. For poor weather, I would watch the possession screeens and the pass completion stats during the game and ONLY make a change if I see that my players are not retaining possession well enough.

5) I tend to use this for very attacking formations. My idea is to keep the ball as much as possible and put the opposition under pressure all of the time. Also, I always close down on the wings and up front through player instructions.

6) Tempo is about speed and urgency:

Up tempo game – team will look to make things happen quickly and sharply. This is normally associated with a longer passing style. More of an attacking choice. Mainly to be selected when playing against an inferior team . Also, an urgent attacking option in the last 10 minutes when looking for a goal. Used as a specialist tool during games.

Slow tempo game – team will slow things down and not be so urgent with the ball. Associated with a shorter passing game. More of a defensive choice but also a patient attacking choice when seeking to dictate the pace and probe for openings. To be used when playing against an inferior side at home or a superior side away from home.

Normal – middle of the road, for a more balanced and cautious approach. To be used against equal opposition both at home and away.

Hope this helps!

C.