I've been a keen follower of the football management sim for quite some time now, since the concept's infancy as Championship Manager 93 on the Amiga, and I have watched it's evolution over the years from the basic versions to the 'in depth' games we play today. I must say that Football Manager 2008 is by far the best manager sim around.
I was playing versions of Championship Manager when a friend of mine convinced me to give this one a try, and I must say the boy's at Sega have blown all competition out of the water here! It's safe to say I switched my allegence almost immediately.

The game is so interactive, it pulls you right into the world of football management instantly, and the game's layout make it now even more easier to use!
You have fifty leagues to choose from. Including lesser nations leagues such as The League of Wales and even an Icelandic league. This gives the game a new appeal after using the worlds best teams, this gives you an option to test your skills with the smaller clubs of the world.
There is a multitude of tactics to be taken advantage of, reduce the chances of defeat by reading scout reports on the opposition which includes, opposition formation, key player threats and even pitch size!
The interaction between you and your players and staff is also a quality feature. Scout reports on potential signings are a useful example of this. The scout will give you a detailed report on a players attitude, strengths and weakness' and then a summary of whether or not you should buy this player. This is handy when trying to make the 'right signing' for your club, because this in turn can effect your squad, board confidence and fan's opinion of you. The way you handle your players in your squad is also a great feature. Each player seems to have different attitudes, personality traits and ambitions. So this can test your man management skills when faced with a tempremental squad member.
I am also impressed with the ability to bring your own youngsters in through your club's youth system. Near enough every team has a youth squad, and a good network of coaches will be able to pick out the cream of the crop in terms of your clubs youth. With this, it's important to train your players well in order to boost attributes, and also first team experience is a great way to up their skills, sending these players out on loan is a good tactic to employ. Once these player's become the finished artical they are valuable comodities to your team at no real cost.

The media is another excellent tool on this game, you can use it to gain a psychological advantage before a crunch game with a rival team, or you can use it to praise/critise your players, as a bigger club this is also a good way to unsettle players that you are trying to bring to your club.
Beware, if you over use the media you will develop a reputation amongst you piers and this can sometimes lead to unrest amongst your squad.
T
he brilliant thing about this game is that every decision you make can have a knock on effect on the way you play it. I'd certainly recommend Football Manager 08 to any body wanting to try this sort of game. It's an addictive, time sapping game and I love it!