Football Manager 2014 patch 14.1.4 brings match engine changes

I’ll miss every single one of my strikers trying to take shots from 40 yards out. Oh wait, no I won’t.

Sports Interactive has released a patch for Football Manager 2014, bringing the game to version 14.1.4 and the in-game match engine to v1433 (yes, they have separate version numbers, Football Manager loves numbers okay?) It’s compatible with all saved games except, oddly, if you’re using the Swedish Reserve League. So if you’re playing in or with that you’ll need to start a new game.

That’s down to the fix for “Allowed overage players to feature in Swedish Reserve league,” which is a pretty good patch note but not quite as funny as “Fixed bug where keeper storms out too fast when narrowing angle and risks overshooting target point.” And nothing beats the one about Paul Robinson’s dog from earlier in the month.

Here’s the changelist. Steam should automatically patch Football Manager 2014 to the latest version, unless you’ve told it not to.

14.1.4
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STABILITY & PERFORMANCE
– Fixed rare crash/freeze during processing
– Fixed rare crash when using edited data
– Fixed rare crash in backroom advice
– Fixed rare freeze when processing

COMPETITIONS
– Prevented teams from entering both Champion & EURO Cups
– Allowed overage players to feature in Swedish Reserve league* (You will need to start a new save for this fix to be in your game)

CONFIDENCE
– Fixed user being sacked for not dropping a player they already sold

PROGRESSION
– Adjusted Free Kick attribute progression

TRANSFERS & CONTRACTS
– Lower league players now more willing to negotiate contract renewals

EDITOR
– Prevented IGE use in network game
– Fixed free agents being unable to transfer in IGE
– User can now activate Italian Serie D

MATCH ENGINE v1433
– Some important improvements to the engagement of the ball player with reduced slide tackle count
– Fixed under hit near post corners that caused too many easy chances
– Fixed the worst examples of wild off target shots and passes
– Reduced long shots (thank god – Peter)
– Fixed bug causing some deflections/blocks to be potentially missed
– Reduced directional change on regular player collision avoidance
– Fixed metrification bug causing full back to run to centre of pitch when overlapping
– Fixed bug where keeper storms out too fast when narrowing angle and risks overshooting target point
– Increased fouls at lower levels
– Pushed d-lines ups a bit when ball not in attacking third
– Fixed some headers being directed higher than intended
– Fixed keepers not reaching some obvious balls above their head
– Fixed some instances of players not closing down ball player including at short corner
– Fixed some instances of players not making no-brainer tackle attempt
– Tweaked default cross aim point slightly
– Some further tweaks to kick/header inaccuracy
– Improved player blocking of shots and crosses
– Fixed some minor bugs in ball deflection code
– Some general improvements to engagement of ball player
– Reduced instances of tackles leading to corners
– Some more tackles made in danger situations
– Improved detection of Clear Cut Chances when player behind defence
– Slightly more opportunistic shots taken especially when chasing a goal
– Small tweaks to some shot velocities
– Minor tweak to pass AI reducing any risky short ones under no pressure
– Full backs come a bit deeper to offer keeper pass in 4 man defences when long kicks not instructed
– Reduced instances of keeper handballs outside area
– Fixed red cards being displayed for these handballs outside area
– Stopped players running through nets
– Fix for some issues with high d-lines not positioning correctly
– Fix for some issues with clearing header direction
– Reduced instances of clearance kicks in unrealistic areas
– Fix for keepers not saving some shots dipping and hitting woodwork
– Fix for players not leaving obvious ball for keeper
– Made keepers make use of their area better after catching ball
– Reduced some long shots in deeper central areas
– Fixed some examples of Clear Cut and Half Chances being missed
– Tuned player match ratings