FM26 gaffer’s playbook
Mastering FM26: build a club, not just a tactic
A modern manager’s guide to Football Manager 2026. Dual phase tactics, smarter recruitment, dynamics, finances and the brand new UI, all turned into clear routines you can copy into any save.
Trusted by FM Blog readers in 100+ countries.
Prefer a bigger upgrade get all FM Blog books plus the Game Planner for £18.99 .
Early feedback calls it "the clearest FM guide I have read in years".
Why this Football Manager 2026 book exists
FM26 gives you more tools than ever, but also more ways to get lost. Too many saves die because nothing is connected.
This book was written for managers who are tired of jumping between tactics, guides and YouTube videos, and still feeling like something is missing.
Mastering FM26 is about building a system you can trust, so every decision makes sense inside one clear football idea.
What you will learn in FM26
This is not a plug and play tactic. It is a full framework for building a long term FM26 save that survives match engine updates, squad turnover and the new interface.
FM26 tactics – in and out of possession
Turn the new dual shape system into something you control. Clear examples of how to set up In Possession and Out Of Possession so your team looks like one idea, not two different squads.
Recruitment that fits your game model
Use Squad Planner, Recruitment Focus and transfer data to build a squad that actually suits your style. Profiles first, attributes second, with real world wage discipline.
Dressing room, promises and supporters
Decode FM26 Dynamics and the new supporter confidence screens. Learn when to bend and when to stand firm so you keep the squad on side across ten seasons.
Training, match prep and Data Hub
Weekly routines that link training, rotation and the Data Hub so you act before a slump hits. No more random sessions, just clear habits you can reuse in every save.
Building a world, not a one season save
How to structure a ten season career. Succession planning, golden generations, rebuild years and when to walk away with your legacy intact.
New FM26 UI made simple
Turn the Portal, tiles, cards and bookmarks into a custom control room. Less clicking, more managing, especially in long term saves.
What is inside – short overview
Ten chapters, each finishing with Roy’s checklists and three key reminders, so you never get lost in your FM26 world.
- Identity and world building – choose what kind of gaffer you are and how big your FM26 universe should be.
- Dual phase tactics – build In Possession and Out Of Possession systems that share one clear idea.
- Role combinations – midfield pairs, wide triangles and rest defence patterns that keep you stable.
- Recruitment and squad planning – use Squad Planner, Recruitment Focus and TransferRoom in one joined up flow.
- Dynamics, promises and supporters – understand why your squad really turns against you and how to stop it.
- Finances and infrastructure – wage ladders, budgets and facilities that keep the club alive across ten seasons.
- Training and Data Hub – weekly routines you can reuse in every save, with clear match day habits.
- The new UI – Portal, tiles, cards, bookmarks and FMPedia turned into a simple navigation pattern.
What you receive after checkout
- Instant email with a secure download link.
- PDF eBook you can read on desktop, tablet and phone.
- Lifetime access to the file - you can re-download any time from your email.
- Direct support from FM Blog if anything goes wrong.
Ready to take control of FM26
Download the eBook, pick one save and use Roy’s routines as your template. No tactics file required, just clear thinking.
Who this book is for
Mastering FM26 is written for players who want a long term save that survives patches, squad turnover and real life time limits.
- You are tired of plug and play tactics breaking after every update.
- You want one clear game model you can use at different clubs.
- You enjoy long term saves, regens and building a club identity.
- You like practical routines - not theory for the sake of it.
- You want the new FM26 UI and dual shapes to work for you, not against you.
Best value - full FM eBook bundle
Like the look of Mastering FM26, but want everything in one go? Grab all current FM Blog books plus the Game Planner in one discounted bundle.
FM Blog eBook Bundle - only £18.99
Get Mastering FM26 together with all other FM Blog books and the printable plus digital Game Planner. One purchase, instant access, lifetime use.
- Mastering FM26 plus earlier Roy Rovers guides in one pack
- Football Manager Game Planner in A4 and GoodNotes format
- DRM free PDFs you can read on any device
- Cheaper than buying each product separately
Most FM Blog readers upgrade after buying one book.
One checkout for all books - download links sent to your inbox within minutes.
What FM players say
Feedback from early readers who tested the book on FM26 saves.
I finally understood how to use the new in and out of possession shapes without breaking my defence. If this had existed when FM26 launched, it would have saved me dozens of hours.
The weekly routine is gold. I stopped bouncing between saves and actually took one club from mid table to Champions League in four seasons.
Bought the new guide last night and after having read it with all the changes in the game it may be the best and most detailed one yet.
Want even more FM26 help?
Already picked up the eBook and want extra tools, shortlists and graphics
FAQ
I do not have PayPal – can I still buy?
Yes. Card payments are supported. At checkout simply choose the card option and complete the purchase as normal.
I purchased but did not receive the download email?
Check your spam and promotions folders. If the email is not there, contact FM Blog with your order email and we will resend the download link manually.
Is there a printed version?
No. This is a digital PDF eBook. That means instant delivery, lower price and the option to read it on your phone, tablet or desktop.
Which Football Manager version is it for?
The book is written around Football Manager 2026 and its new systems, especially the dual phase tactics and UI. The core principles still help if you play FM24 or future versions.
Do I need to be an advanced player to use it?
No. The tone is friendly and practical. You can be a long time FM addict or a returning player. Each chapter ends with simple checklists you can follow step by step.
I am not great with tactics - will I understand it?
Yes. The book uses plain language, real examples and screenshots. You do not need to be a tactics expert. You can follow Roy’s routines step by step.
Disclaimer
This eBook is not endorsed by Sports Interactive or SEGA and is intended for entertainment purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and not those of Sports Interactive or SEGA. Football Manager, the Football Manager logo, in game generated images and any other Football Manager related items are registered trademarks and copyright material owned by Sports Interactive or their respective holders.
Look inside – sample pages from Mastering FM26
