How I became ‘Director of Football’ in Football Manager

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One of the most requested features for Football Manager is a Chairman Mode or a “Director of Football Mode”. Despite the game being called Football Manager, many players are obsessed with the idea of having another role within the football sphere.

As it turns out, I’m no different and have always been intrigued by the concept of a mode centred around being a Director of Football. My favourite part of the game is managing transfers (except now, while I’m managing in Argentina and the vultures circle every six months). A mode that focuses solely on transfers, leaving tactics to a manager you’ve hired, would be absolutely fascinating.

Sadly, there isn’t a dedicated mode for this yet, and it doesn’t look like one is on the horizon. BUT, with a bit of creativity, you can craft your own Director of Football mode within the game. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best we’ve got for now. So, let’s dive into how to set it up.

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If you like this, don’t forget to check out some of our other guides, including exposing all of the different hidden abilities in the game. Furthermore, check out our lengthy interview with the Football Manager obsessed IRL striker Adam Le Fondre.

Change the responsibilities

(To navigate to Staff Responsibilities: click on Staff on the left-hand side of the screen, then click on Responsibilities next to Overview.)


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To become a makeshift Director of Football, you’ll need to tweak the staff responsibilities. Take control of all the Transfer and Contract Responsibilities and the Hiring and Firing tasks. Everything else? Hand it over to your Assistant Manager. That means training, media duties, and match preparation are now in their hands.

Let’s face it—most of us already delegate press conferences because they’re mind-numbingly tedious. Now, you’ll be taking an even bigger step back, relinquishing control of the squad entirely between transfer windows.

Choosing your Assistant Manager (who is now effectively the manager)

There are two main ways to pick your Assistant Manager, who will now effectively be your Head Coach, albeit in disguise.

Option 1: Choose From the Existing Pool

Select an Assistant Manager based on their attributes, preferred tactical style, and formation. Ideally, these should align with the players you’ll be buying and the tactical approach you want to see on the pitch.

The good news? There are plenty of quality Assistant Managers available. Plus, they’ll only agree to join clubs that match their reputation and ability, adding a layer of realism. The downside? Don’t expect to snag someone like Pep Guardiola—he’s not likely to downgrade to your Assistant Manager role. If you’re set on having a household name, this method may leave you disappointed.

Using the editor

For ultimate control, the in-game editor is your best friend. With it, you can appoint anyone as your Assistant Manager, including well-known figures. However, to maintain immersion and realism, ensure your hire matches your club’s stature. If you’re managing Rochdale, hiring Jose Mourinho might feel a tad unrealistic.

My approach? Look for realistic candidates who suit your club’s profile, check if they’re unemployed in your Football Manager universe, and bring them in. Bonus: the editor can also save your bacon if the board sacks you due to your Assistant Manager’s poor performance. You can instantly reclaim your job—a handy safety net for this mode.

Get playing as a Director of Football

Once you’ve set up the staff responsibilities and appointed your Assistant Manager, you’re ready to roll! If your team’s form takes a nosedive, don’t hesitate to sack and replace your Assistant Manager. After all, that’s part of the job.

Every time you go on holiday during matches, ensure the Use Current Tactics and Use Current Match Selection options are unticked. This way, your Assistant Manager will implement their own tactics and lineup choices.

From here, immerse yourself in your new role. Focus entirely on transfer windows and perfecting the squad for your Assistant Manager’s tactical preferences. It’s a fresh and fun way to play the game, even if it’s not officially supported. Happy managing (or directing)!

About the Author

William Reid

William is the admin of Out of Context Football Manager, an X account that focuses on FM news. He's worked for LADbible Group and is VG's resident FM expert.

Football Manager 2024

  • Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
  • Genre(s): Management, Soccer, Sports
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