Premier Manager 97 is the return of one of the most popular managing games of the 16-bit computer era. While in name it belongs to the Gremlin-owned franchise, the game itself is a direct translation of PC Fútbol 5, part of Dinamic's longest running series, with little differences between.

It includes all nationwide leagues with 92 teams, updated teams for the 96-97 season (included an online database with player and manager information, career and trivia), a 3D match engine with comments from Barry Davies (but it isn't possible to play the game as in the original game).

While only the English league is available, it is possible to play in pre-season friendlies or international competitions against most first division teams in Europe and South America, as well as sign their own stars.

There are two game modes: Manager and Pro-Manager. Manager allows the player to start in any team. Pro-Manager on the other hand, requires the player to build his career from the Conference, promoting the club from the lower divisions or getting promoted himself to better ranked teams. It's possible to tweak options such as the level of control ("trainer" leaves the player only in control of player tactics and squad selection, "accountant" is the exact opposite, giving the player control over transfers, contracts, staff, finance, board room options and ground expansions but no limited control over the squad, "Manager" gives control in all but contract deals and "total" gives full executive control) or if players age and eventually retire or play forever.

Up to 20 (!) players can play in Manager mode, 8 in Pro-Manager.

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