For some, the Football Manager Series is a glorified spreadsheet. For others, it is akin to a footballing religion.

Not only have developers Sports Interactive announced a release date, they have also given us a plentiful list of improvements for this year’s update. Read on for when you can get the tracksuit back on and shout “well played son” at your PC.

The game, published by Sega, will launch on Friday October 30 for PC, along with the portable Football Manager Handheld for PSP. Below is a list of upgrades direct from SI.

• Improved Match Engine – improved AI, over 100 new animations in 3D mode, new stadiums and crowds, improved pitch degradations and better lighting make for the most immersive pitch-side experience ever.

• New User Interface – completely new vibrant look and feel to the game with a light and dark skin to choose from, plus a navigational overhaul. The side menu is replaced by an intuitive tab system which allows you to access all areas of FM 2010 quickly and easily.

• Tactical Overhaul – a new tactics module makes it much easier to make your team play as you want them to. There are thousands of possible pre-set options and touchline “shout” instructions for making instant changes to your teams playing style. Don’t worry; the old system is still there for people who love their sliders.

• Match Analysis – a new tool shows you where shots, passes, crosses, headers, tackles, fouls and interceptions have happened for both sides, so you can work out your, and your opponent’s, strengths and weaknesses.

• New Data Editor – As well as being able to update squads, with the brand new and very easy to use Competition Editor you can now add cups and extra divisions for leagues currently in the game plus completely new competitions.

• News Centre – a subscription based newspaper. Get the news about the football world around you that you want, and not the news you don’t want.

• Polish – a year of polish, making the game faster, more immersive, more realistic and easier to play with better in game feedback and more advice, delivered in a more user friendly way.

• Football Manager Handheld 2010 New Features – A brand new skin for the game, improved match engine AI, new unlockable managerial abilities, assistant manager team reports and improved coach and scout reports amongst others.

Check back with us for a review of Football Manager 2010 soon.