Premier Manager 97 Overview
Premier Manager 97 is a football management simulation for the Sega Mega Drive. The player assumes the role of a manager, with a primary long-term objective of rising from the lower professional divisions to the top tier of English football.
Managerial duties extend beyond team selection to encompass the club's complete financial and infrastructural health. This involves strategic player transfers, negotiating stadium advertising, and funding stadium upgrades to increase capacity and improve facilities. A core responsibility is maintaining a balanced budget to avoid finishing the season at a loss.
Match outcomes are determined through simulation, not direct control. The action is represented by a moving ball indicator and text commentary describing events such as passes and tackles. Key scoring opportunities are highlighted with brief, animated sequences.
The game offers two distinct modes. The main career path begins with a third-division club, which is challenging. Alternatively, a demo mode allows for single-season control of any Premier League team.