Charlton will take on Colchester United in the opening round of the EFL Football Manager Cup on Wednesday and you can play your part in guiding the Addicks to victory.
The makers of Football Manager, a popular computer game, have partnered with Mind and the EFL to bring you the EFL Football Manager Cup – an FM tournament that will take place over the next month.
54 clubs from across the EFL, each represented by a virtual manager, will face off in a straight knockout competition with the final two teams left standing facing off in the showpiece final in mid-May.
There are a variety of virtual managers from across the EFL taking part, including first-team players, supporters, staff and even an ex-professional rugby player.
We're giving all Charlton fans the chance to be involved in team selection and tactics, so keep an eye out for votes on our social media channels in the coming days.
Here's how Round One looks...
As well as supporting the Addicks during the tournament, you can also show your support for the EFL’s charity partner, Mind, the mental health charity. In these tough times their services are needed more than ever so while you’re being entertained by the action, please consider donating on this JustGiving page which will be open during the tournament.
EFL FOOTBALL MANAGER CUP SCHEDULE
• First round match dates – Monday April 20th to Thurs April 23rd
• The second round – week commencing April 27th
• The ‘round of 16’ – week commencing May 4th
• The quarter finals – May 11th to 14th
• The semi-finals – Saturday May 16th
• The final – Sunday May 17th
TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW
54 teams across the EFL’s three divisions compete in a knockout tournament with the aim to crown one club as the EFL Football Manager Cup winner.
Due to there being 54 teams taking part, 10 teams have been given a bye into round two. This was determined by random during the first round draw and has been implemented to ensure 32 teams take part in round two.
TOURNAMENT RULES
• Matches to be played on FM20 Touch Versus mode, teams must play as themselves.
• This is a straight knockout tournament, with all ties comprising one game. Each tie will go to Extra Time and Penalties, if necessary, to produce a winner.
• The ‘Home’ team of each tie will host the match
• Suspensions/Injuries won't carry over to the next round