The Guvnor: how to play

Free draft — pick 22 all-time greats and manage a 38-game league against 19 AI clubs. No budget or transfers, just squad-building and tactics.

How do you draft a squad in The Guvnor?

Each spin lands you on a real club and season; sign one of its players if your budget allows. You need a legal 22: at least two goalkeepers, four defenders, four midfielders and four attackers. Balance stars against depth: you rotate all season, so a thin bench gets punished by fatigue, injuries and suspensions.

How are matches decided?

Not by comparing two overall ratings. Your eleven becomes attack, midfield and defence zone-strengths built from player attributes, then adjusted by formation, squad chemistry, fitness, recent form and home advantage. Winning the midfield battle gives you the ball; the balance between your attack and their defence turns possession into chances and goals.

What do mentality, pressing and tempo actually change?

Mentality tilts your lines: a defensive setup plays defenders up and attackers down, attacking is the reverse. High pressing wins the ball higher and tightens the defence but drains fitness. A fast tempo cedes possession but powers your counter-attack and tires legs. A deep, fast side becomes a counter that punishes an over-committed opponent.

How do I manage fitness across a 38-game season?

Starters lose fitness each match (more under high pressing and fast tempo, and low-stamina players tire most) while the bench recovers. A tired player's effective rating falls toward 70%. Rotate rather than riding your best eleven into the ground, or you'll fade badly in the run-in.

What is the perfect Guvnor season?

Finishing 38-0: unbeaten with every game won. It's the ultimate objective and needs a strong first eleven, disciplined rotation to keep legs fresh, and tactics tailored to each opponent. Scout every side before kick-off and set up to counter their shape.

Step by step

  1. Draft 22 players: at least 2 goalkeepers, 4 defenders, 4 midfielders and 4 attackers.
  2. Pick a formation, choose your starting eleven and set your tactics (mentality, pressing, tempo).
  3. Play each match-day, rotating your squad to manage fitness, suspensions and injuries.
  4. Finish as high as you can across the 38-game season, and chase silverware over a career.

Tips