Championship Manager 01/02 (the final official update), the best players are a mix of legendary "cheat" players, cheap wonderkids, and reliable free agents. The "Must-Haves" (World-Class Gems)
These players are essential signings for almost any club due to their incredible performance relative to their low cost: Page 2 – A version of CM 01/02, set in the 89/90 season
Championship Manager 01/02 , the v3.9.68 patch is the definitive final official update, famously known for fixing critical bugs and refining the "Super Greeks" and "Super Swedes" who dominate the game's original database. Must-Buy "God Tier" Players
These players are legendary for their ability to perform far beyond their real-life reputations or low transfer fees. Maxim Tsigalko
(FC): The undisputed king of the game. Often available for a few hundred thousand pounds, he can easily score over 50 goals per season. Tonton Zola Moukoko
(AMC): A cult hero and widely considered one of the best players ever in the series.
(MC): A must-buy midfield engine from Falkirk who develops into a world-class player. Taribo West
(DLC): One of the most famous free agents in CM history, providing elite defense for no transfer fee at the start of the game. Cherno Samba
(SC): A wonderkid striker with incredible physical stats who can become a goal-scoring machine. The "Super Greeks" & Hidden Gems
The 3.9.68 database is renowned for highly-rated Greek prospects that can be acquired cheaply. Juan Sebastián Verón
While Championship Manager 01/02 is over two decades old, the 3968 patch (the final official update from Sports Interactive) remains the gold standard for the "ultimate" retro experience. It fixed the infamous "goalkeeper bug" and updated the squads to the 2001/2002 season.
Because the database is now historical, we know exactly who turns into world-beaters. These are the players who, thanks to the game's engine, transcend reality and become the cornerstones of any dynasty.
Here is a breakdown of the best players in CM 01/02 Patch 3968, categorized by their value to your save.
💎 Hidden Gems & Bargains (Lower League / Small Club Saviors)
| Player | Club | Position | Cost | Why | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Martin Řepka | Sigma Olomouc (CZE) | D C | £100k | Cheap, determined CB. | | Kennedy Bakircioglu | Hammarby (SWE) | AM/F LC | £500k | Swedish magician. 20 for corners, free kicks, crossing. | | Mads Jørgensen | Brøndby (DEN) | AM RLC | £500k | Versatile, creative, scores screamers. | | Bakari Koné | Ivorian youngster | F RC | £50k – £100k | Random potential, often becomes a god. | | Sergio (keeper) | Unattached? Or small Brazilian club | GK | Free / very low | Solid goalkeeper for lower divisions. | | To Madeira | Unattached (Portuguese fake player) | ST | Free | Famous exploit. Not real, but in the database. Scores 50+ goals a season. |
The "God Tier" Striker
- To Madeira: He isn't a real player (a fictional creation by the researchers), but he is a legend. Playing for a small Portuguese club, you can buy him for peanuts (£200k - £500k). He has 20 for finishing and pace. He will score 30+ goals a season even in the Premier League.
- Cherno Samba (Millwall): The famous one. He starts at Millwall. You can usually get him for £1m-£2m. He is 16 years old and rapidly develops into a 40-goal-a-season monster.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Ajax): Before he was a global icon, he was a gangly teenager in the Ajax youth team. Buy him immediately. His technique and strength are maxed out quickly.
4. Jon Dahl Tomasson (SC) – Feyenoord
Often overlooked because of his real-life stop-start career, Tomasson is a goal machine in this patch. He has "20" for Finishing, First Touch, and Off the Ball. Available for £6M-£8M, he is a poor man's Shevchenko. He will average a goal per game for 5 seasons.