Eidos Interactive has announced the Q1 2007 release of Championship Manager 2007 for Xbox 360, PS2 and PSP.

Championship Manager 2007 screenshot

These console versions are being developed by Gusto Games, and this will be the series' Xbox 360 debut. Eidos is promising fans of the series a new vibrant look, plus intuitive controls that it claims will make the game more playable than before.

The Xbox 360 game will feature Xbox Live support, allowing managers to go head-to-head in Online Battle Mode. Xbox Live will also be used to download season data and new challenges, as well as comparing Manager Profiles with friends. The PSP game will also feature wireless head-to-head battles.

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New to CM 2007 is the ability for managers to create their own custom set piece drills, which can be tested on the training ground and then, with a bit of luck, used with devastating effect in the matches that count. Managers are also now able to provide moral boosts to the team, be it before or during a match.

As well as a 20-season mode, the game will feature a host of set tasks to complete in Challenge Mode, both at club and international level. The new game also includes a more comprehensive transfer system that enables more intricate player negotiations.

With Football Manager 2007 heading to PSP and Xbox 360 towards the end of the year, Championship Manager 2007 certainly has some stiff competition when it makes its way to stores in the early part of next year.