The 3.9.68 patch is available on Championship Manager 01/02 forums (like The Dugout or CMRevolution). Make sure you have the original game (or an abandonware copy) and install the patch before starting a save. Then clear your weekend – because you’ll need it.
Have you found any hidden gods on 3.9.68?
Drop your favourites in the comments. (I see you, Kennedy Bakircioglu fans.)
Keep managing, you beautiful nostalgic tactician.
Championship Manager 01/02 patch 3.9.68 , the "best" players are typically categorized into legendary "cheats" (unrealistically overpowered), affordable wonderkids, and reliable free agents. This guide identifies the top performers based on community consensus and database values. The "Must-Buy" Legends
These players are iconic for having attributes in the "wrong" places that result in world-class performances, often outscoring or outperforming the world's most expensive stars. Maxim Tsigalko
: The undisputed king of CM 01/02. A Belarusian striker from Dinamo Minsk who consistently scores 50+ goals a season. Tó Madeira
: A legendary "fictional" player included by a scout. He is a goal machine but may require the Portuguese leagues to be loaded. Sergey Nikiforenko : Often signed alongside
to play in the hole; he provides a relentless supply of assists and goals Assane N'Diaye
: Widely considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the game due to his high physical and defensive stats.
: A Scottish midfielder from Falkirk who becomes a world-class playmaker for a very low fee. Top Wonderkids (High Potential)
These players are young (under 21) with extremely high potential ability (PA) and will become the best in the world within a few seasons. Highlights Pablo Aimar One of the highest potential ability ratings in the game. Julius Aghahowa Elite pace and finishing; a perennial fan favorite. Kim Källström BK Häcken Famous for his long shots and creative passing. Fernando Torres Atlético Madrid
Starts as a teenager and grows into a premier world striker. Andres D'Alessandro River Plate High technical skill; one of the best creative engines. Dionisis Chiotis AEK Athens
Often cited as the best goalkeeper in the game relative to cost. Bargains & Free Agents
Ideal for clubs with limited budgets or those looking to bolster their squad immediately for no cost. Taribo West
: A high-profile free agent at the start of the game. He is world-class but can be difficult to convince to sign for smaller clubs.
: A versatile "legend" from Cheltenham who can play across the right side or in defense at a world-class level for a tiny fee. Isaac Okoronkwo cm 01 02 patch 39 68 best players full
: A reliable, fast defender from Shakhtar available for a reasonable price. Ibrahim Said
: Another high-performing defensive option from the African leagues. Hugo Pinheiro
: A young, cheap goalkeeper who develops into a top-tier starter. The "Greek Gods"
Patch 3.9.68 is famous for its overpowered Greek players. If you enable the Greek leagues, look for: Alexandros Papadopoulos Stilianos Doukas Nikos Tobros
It looks like you're asking for a review of a specific Championship Manager 01/02 database patch (often labeled "39 68" or similar, referring to a data update from around 1968 or a community patch version like 3.9.68) and its "best players."
Here’s a concise review based on the classic CM 01/02 community patches (e.g., the popular March 2022 Update or 3.9.68 database):
The patch "39 68" seems to refer to a specific version or build of a patch. Without context, it's challenging to decipher what these numbers directly indicate, but it could imply a sequential version number, a build date, or a coded reference to specific data sets within the patch.
What it is:
The "39 68" (3.9.68) patch is the final official data update for CM 01/02, but community versions (like CM 01/02 Starter Kit) often remaster it with updated transfers, CA/PA fixes, and modern tactics. The "best players" lists are typically crowd-sourced from veteran players.
Get this patch if:
You love nostalgic, numbers-driven management with broken cheap wonderkids and a pure tactical challenge.
Skip if:
You need modern graphics, real agent/press interactions, or dislike exploiting obvious OP signings.
Pro tip: In this patch, sign Mark Kerr, Kim Källström, Mike Duff, and To Madeira immediately – you'll win the Premier League with any team in 2 seasons.
Championship Manager 01/02 remains the gold standard of football management simulators. Even decades later, the "v3.9.68" data patch—the final official update—is considered the definitive way to experience the game. Whether you are playing the original database or the patched version, finding the right talent is the difference between a treble and the sack.
Here is the ultimate guide to the best players in the CM 01/02 3.9.68 patch, ranging from world-class superstars to the legendary "cheat" players. The Legendary "Cheat" Players
These are the players whose attributes don't always match their world-class performance. They are must-buys for any club.
Mark Kerr (MC): The king of CM 01/02. Cheap, young, and consistently averages over 8.00. Have you found any hidden gods on 3
Tonton Zola Moukoko (AMC): A Derby County youngster who becomes the best playmaker in the world.
To Madeira (SC): The most famous "fake" player in history. If he is in your database, he will score 50+ goals a season.
Assane N'Diaye (DC): An absolute rock at the back available for a pittance from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Taribo West (D LC): Available on a free transfer at the start of the game. He is a world-class defender for any side. Elite Goalkeepers (GK) A reliable shot-stopper is vital for the 3.9.68 engine.
Dionisis Chiotis: The AEK Athens legend. He is cheap and arguably the best keeper in the game.
Hugo Pinheiro: A young Portuguese star who grows into a literal wall.
Franco Costanzo: A high-potential Argentinian who starts at River Plate.
Sebastian Frey: For those with a bigger budget, he is the most consistent elite keeper. The Iron Defenders (D C/L/R)
Clean sheets win titles. These men ensure your keeper has a quiet afternoon.
Ibrahim Said (DC): An Egyptian powerhouse who is incredibly cheap and versatile.
Mike Duff (D/R): The best right-back bargain in the game, usually found at Cheltenham.
Lucio: If you have the money, the Bayer Leverkusen man is the best pure defender in 3.9.68.
Kaka Kaladze: A versatile AC Milan defender who can cover the left and center perfectly. Midfield Generals and Creative Wizards (M C/L/R) Control the tempo with these engine-room maestros.
Julius Aghahowa (F RLC): While listed as a forward, he is a cheat code on the right wing or upfront.
Kennedy Bakircioglu (AM/F RC): A Swedish legend who dominates the right flank. Keep managing, you beautiful nostalgic tactician
Stefan Selakovic (F LC): Another Swede who provides incredible value for money.
Mark van Bommel: The best "realistic" defensive midfielder in the game.
Kim Kallstrom: A young powerhouse with a rocket of a left foot. Clinical Finishers (SC)
The 3.9.68 patch is famous for its "super strikers." These are the ones who never miss.
Maxim Tsigalko: The GOAT. If you don't sign him from Dinamo Minsk, you are playing the game wrong. He will break every scoring record.
Sergey Nikiforenko: Tsigalko’s partner in crime. An AMC/FC who provides endless assists and goals.
Pawel Brozek: A Polish wonderkid who becomes a world-beater within two seasons.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: In this patch, he is a young Ajax striker with terrifying potential.
Javier Saviola: Expensive, but arguably the best "real" striker available at the start. Tips for Success on Patch 3.9.68
Use the "Diablo" Tactic: If you want to win every game 5-0, search for the CM 01/02 Diablo tactic. It exploits the match engine's positioning.
Scout Scandinavia: Players in Sweden and Norway are undervalued and usually have high "Consistency" and "Big Games" attributes.
Check Free Agents: Taribo West and Josep Guardiola often start without clubs in 3.9.68.
Manage Training: Move your youngsters to "Intensive" training for Skill and Tactics to see their attributes explode.
🏆 The 3.9.68 patch is a masterpiece of nostalgia. With these players in your squad, you'll be lifting the Champions League trophy in no time.
GK: Costanzo (or Chiotis – free agent Greek god)
RB: Mike Duff
LB: Okoronkwo (retrain him – trust me)
CB: Taribo West
CB: Samuel Kuffour (Bayern – often unsettled)
RM: Kallstrom
LM: Mark Kerr
CM: Kim Källström
CM: Mido (yes, the Egyptian – on loan from Ajax first)
ST: Maxim Tsigalko
ST: To Madeira
In 3.9.68, a good goalkeeper wins you 15 points a season. Avoid the old legends (Buffon, Toldo) due to cost. Look for these titans.
These players are so good that buying them feels like cheating. But hey, that’s the CM way.
Patches for games like CM 01/02 were crucial for keeping the game current with real football data. These patches often included: