Where are they now…

Legendary computer games Championship Manager and Football Manager have allowed us to unleash the soccer coach within us. Sadly, some of the heroes of these timeless managerial masterpieces will wish that their careers reflected those that they experienced in the virtual world.

The former Manchester United striker Daniel Nardiello has proved to be the biggest disappointment. He was once hailed by Championship Manager as being the next Alan Shearer and he certainly lived up to his billing in the virtual world, eventually becoming a prolific goal scorer. However, things didn’t quite turn out that way in the real world. After failing to settle at Barnsley and Queens Park Rangers, Nardiello opted for a move to Blackpool. The Welshman has since been shipped out on loan to Hartlepool, Bury and Oldham.

Another player that failed to make the grade is Tonto Zola Moukoko. Many experienced Championship Manger players would argue that he is to date, the finest young player to grace the series. Once an attacking midfielder that scored a hatful of goals, his whereabouts in the real world is now unknown. However, rumours circulating suggest that he may be playing for Atlantis FC, a side in the Finnish second division.

Alex Notman is another Brit who didn’t make it to the big time. Championship Manager regarded him as Manchester United’s next number nine, but the Scot failed to make a single appearance at Old Trafford and was sold to Norwich City in 2000. Sadly, Notman was forced to retire in 2002 after damaging ankle ligaments, meaning he never won a cap for his country.

Former Millwall striker Cherno Samba was tipped by Championship Manager to be the next Emile Heskey and he proved to be an excellent signing on several editions of the game. Manchester United and Liverpool were both reportedly interested in signing the young striker, but Samba failed to live up to the hype in real life and now plays for Greek second division side Panetolikos F.C.

And Icelandic international Andri Sigþórsson was meant to be the next Brazilian Ronaldo. But his virtual career failed to reflect his real one and after several depressing seasons in the Bayern Munich reserves, Sigþórsson returned to Iceland. After winning a measly seven caps for his national side, the ‘next Ronaldo’ retired in 2004.

So despite football manager simulations becoming increasingly realistic, it seems that they still have some way to go before they are as accurate as the real thing.

Tommy Curran