Play in your browser
- Use a computer with a keyboard and mouse: Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari. Phones aren't supported.
- Press Play Now. The first load is about 8 MB.
- Starting a new game takes about 5 minutes with the full database. That's normal: it was built for 1997 PCs. After that, a week of play takes 15–20 seconds.
- Save in the game as normal. The site keeps your save in this browser on this computer automatically, and the bar under the game says when it's stored.
- While you play, the menu opens other pages in a new tab so the game keeps running. Leaving or reloading the game page stops it, so save first; the browser asks before it lets you go.
- Updates arrive by themselves: just reload. Your saves are kept.
- Game changes (how matches, transfers or finances work) apply as soon as you load your saved game.
- Database changes (players, clubs, managers, ratings) only appear when you start a new game. Your current save keeps the database it started with.
Known Issues
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Hints & Tips
The game plays just like the original, so guides for CM 97/98 still apply. cm9798.co.uk has hints, tips and tactics from the original game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started
Why does starting a new game take so long?
It's normal. The game was written for 1997 PCs and is running inside an emulator, so setting up a new game with the full database takes about 5 minutes. After that, a week of play takes 15–20 seconds. Don't reload while it's working.
Can I play on my phone or tablet?
No. You need a computer with a keyboard and mouse. On a phone you can still read the story, view screenshots and browse the database.
Which browsers work?
Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari on a desktop or laptop.
Do I need to install or download anything?
No. The whole game runs in your browser tab.
Does it need an internet connection to run?
Yes, to load the game. Once it's running, everything happens in your browser, so a dropped connection won't stop your game. You need to be online again to reload or start it.
Saves
Where is my save kept?
In this browser, on this computer. A different browser, a different computer or a private window won't see it.
I lost my save. What happened?
Usually the tab was reloaded or closed while the game was still being stored. Before you leave, wait until the bar under the game stops saying Game saving… and shows Game last saved at with the time. Clearing your browser data also deletes your saves.
Can I move my save to another computer?
Not at the moment.
I reloaded for an update. Why hasn't anything changed?
Database changes (players, clubs, managers, ratings) only appear when you start a new game. Updates that need one carry a red New game badge on View Updates.
Data & ratings
I disagree with a player's ratings. Who chose them?
Every player starts from real 2026/27 squad data. The top players were then checked against well-known public rankings, using AI to help. Young players have room to improve, and players past their peak don't. It won't be perfect, so send us feedback with the player's name and what you'd change.
A player is at the wrong club, or is missing.
The database is a snapshot from the start of the season. Report it through Share Feedback. Fixes appear when you start a new game.
Why are reputations or wages different from real life?
They're scaled to fit the 1997 game's limits, so club boards can still afford the stars.
Which leagues can I manage in?
See Database Updates for every playable league and the other countries in the game.
Dates & calendar
The days and dates don't look right.
The game still runs on its 1997 calendar. Only the year shown has been changed to 2026/27, so dates fall on different weekdays from the real 2026 calendar (for example, the game shows Saturday 9 August, but 9 August 2026 is a Sunday). The fixture schedule also follows the 1997 pattern, not the real 2026/27 fixtures.
Will there be a 29 February?
Not in 2028. The game's calendar is still 1997's, and the matching year, 1999, wasn't a leap year.
Gameplay
How do I speed up matches?
Press the spacebar once the match has kicked off.
Is it the same game as CM 97/98?
Yes: the same game with updated data, plus a few changes such as five substitutes, no work permits and no limit on foreign players. See what's different from 97/98. Guides for the original still apply, and cm9798.co.uk has hints and tactics.
The game crashed or froze.
Reload the page and load your last save, then tell us what you were doing when it happened.
Can I go full screen?
Yes. Once the game has started, use the Full Screen tile in the menu.
About the project
Is this official?
No. It's an unofficial, not-for-profit fan project. Championship Manager is a trademark of its owners.
How do I report a bug or suggest something?
Use Share Feedback. Issues we already know about are listed under Known Issues on this page.
How often is it updated?
Whenever fixes are ready. Everything that has changed is on View Updates.