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One of the big problems with many management computer games is that, naturally, they can very easily lose the human element.

Playing against a host of computer-programmed opponents can get to be a little limiting in the end, despite the host of options the computer is able to choose from.

This is where Multi-Player Manager comes in, giving you and up to three friends the chance to really annoy each other in your quests for soccer glory.

With 64 teams to choose from all four of the English divisions, the choice is entirely up to you.

There is, of course, a thirty week season, so it's up to you to make your moves within that period, both in the League and the Cup but what a novelty it is to be able to start off four player-controlled teams in the fourth division, and see who comes out on top at the end of the day.

You can be sure there's going to be plenty of needle as each manager tries desperately to outbid the others for top players and tries to wheedle the other's strategy out of him before a local derby.

Naturally, there are hosts of options to choose from, as you'd expect from a strategy/management game, including training, scouting, injuries, wages, ground safety, vying for TV coverage, sackings and transfers, all of which need to be carefully balanced to gain success.

However, the whole affair takes on a fresh edge when you know that your opposition is in the same boat as you are, equally capable of flashes of inspiration, or of making howling mistakes.

After all, what else are cups and leagues won or lost on? If you think you know your friends' minds well, you'll soon find out just how much after a few rounds of strategy bashing together.

As with all of the D&H strategy games, the format has been well thought out, the graphics are clear and the easy-to-access icon controls make for smooth running of the game at all times.

The multi-player element should add an extra dimension to this excellent management offering but just remember to make sure the opposition is looking the other way while you are making crucial management decisions, otherwise you could find all of your hard thought out plans coming unstuck in the first few minutes of the big game.