Those kettle-busting loading times have been shortened (and halved by the fact that you can switch off everyone else's scores); you can meddle and fiddle everything at your club from your staff wages to the size of the west stand, and yet not go blind as a result (although you probably will go gaga); and the match footage is exciting enough to make watching games from the dugout a sheer joy.

Even worse, there are 10 great short-term challenges to be played on LMA Manager, of the type which are perfect for post pub play. You can, for instance, choose to help some minnow beat the drop, or you can come in and steer someone to promotion, or help someone land the treble. Even your mates can get involved.

There's too much to list that's good about this sim, but I should also warn you that you do get points for doing well as a manager in LMA, and for those who go on to become a true great in the game in the mould of Shankly (the task of - sob! - years) there's a place in the 'Hall of Fame' on the Codemasters website. And no, no, no! I'm not going down that road. Jumpers for goal posts... little boys in the park... dog poo on the ball... I can handle it...