Championship Manager 01 02 Best Players 3968 [best]
The official v3.9.68 patch is widely considered the definitive version of Championship Manager 01/02. Released by SI Games to fix bugs like the "West Ham duplicate strikers" and "Polish First Division relegations," it also refreshed the database, giving young stars like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo significantly higher potential. The GOATs: Legendary "Cheat Code" Players
Regardless of your budget, these three players are essential for any v3.9.68 save.
Maxim Tsigalko (ST): The undisputed king of the game. Despite modest "on-paper" Current Ability (CA), his "intrinsics" for a striker are near-perfect, allowing him to score 50+ goals a season. championship manager 01 02 best players 3968
Mark Kerr (MC): A tireless Scottish midfielder available for a pittance from Falkirk. He consistently averages 8.00+ ratings and dominates the center of the park.
Taribo West (DC): Starts as a free agent. He is a defensive wall who will sign for almost any top-flight club at the start of the game. Elite Potential: Best Wonderkids in v3.9.68 The official v3
The .68 patch notably boosted the ceilings of several future real-world legends. 3.9.68] - Page 2 - Championship Manager 2001/2002 Forums
🛡️ Solid Defenders
- Lúcio (Leverkusen) – Pricey but perfect CB.
- Nemanja Vidić (Red Star) – Young, becomes a beast.
- Christian Chivu (Ajax) – CB/LB, set-piece king.
- Matthew Etherington – Turns into a great left wing-back.
Goalkeepers
- Costanzo (River) – Starts cheap (£1M), becomes world’s best.
- Chiotis (AEK) – Very cheap, reflex 20, handling 19.
- Frey (Parma) – More expensive but 10+ year elite.
5. Long‑Term (5–10 years) Best Players
These players start young but develop into absolute peak CM‑engine monsters: 🛡️ Solid Defenders
- Mark Kerr – still the best DM at 28.
- Kim Källström – becomes the best all‑round midfielder in the world.
- Maxim Tsigalko – scores 50+ goals a season for a decade.
- Cherno Samba – potential to be better than any real striker.
- Joe Cole – if you can afford him (~£10M), becomes Beckham with dribbling.
- John Welsh (Liverpool) – cheap DM, mental stats become 20 across the board.
Forwards / Wingers
- Cherno Samba (Millwall) – 15 years old, finishing 18, free (compensation).
- Anatoli Todorov (Litex) – AM/F C, “the Bulgarian Shearer”, £1M.
- Julius Aghahowa (Shakhtar) – Pace 20, jumping 20, finishing 18.
4. Kim Källström (Hacken) – The Swedish Sniper
Before he became a cult hero for Lyon and Sweden in real life, Kim Källström was a CM deity. He has a rocket of a left foot and a Long Shot attribute of 19+. He also has incredible Creativity and Passing. Available for under £2M, he is the perfect advanced playmaker or attacking central midfielder. In the 3968 update, his consistency is unmatched.
8. Contracting and Transfer Advice
- Buyout strategy: world-class prospects demand high transfer fees and wages; scout for release clauses or youth affordability.
- Contract length: secure long-term contract (3–5 years) with performance-based incentives.
- Resale: if used in a money-save, develop then sell at peak when OA/PA are high to maximize profit.
- Wage structure: align wages with club finances—overpaying affects squad harmony and transfer budgets.