THE last time I played Football Manager it was 2001, it was called Championship Manager and Kim Kallstrom and a made-up Brazilian named Reinaldo were firing my squad to Champions League glory.

Since then I’ve grown up a bit – I think – but when I was asked to review the latest offering by the award-winning makers of Football Manager I did not hesitate.

My first impressions of Football Manager 15 were good. Testing the beta version meant there were a few glitches but it was smooth and despite the odd goal crazy game, pretty realistic.

Visually it is impressive, the main screen is easy to navigate and the 3D game screens have been totally rebuilt from the 2014 version.

I’d even say it reminds me of the version that dominated my youth.

What I did like at the start up of the game was deciding what type of manager I was going to be. Tracksuit or suited and booted? Mourinho or David Moyes? It wasn’t hard to choose.

The interaction with the media is also a nice touch. However, when you are on a bad run – and I’ve had plenty – the questions can go on a bit. Now I know how it feels to be on the other side.

All in all, the game is slick and the amount of advice you get from coaches and scouts is very helpful.

Sports Interactive know what they are doing and this latest instalment of the brand will quite rightly be a success.

JAMES WILSON