Player Manager 5: A Sports Progression Fantasy

Player Manager, Book 5

By: Ted Steel

Narrated by: Luke Francis

A one-time football fanatic continues his fight to become an all-time legend of the game in the fifth book of this hard-hitting, humorous sports LitRPG.

Max Best was on a roll. After climbing the ranks at Chester FC with his burning desire, innate talent, and the "curse" of a sentient heads-up display with knowledge of all things footie, he was named the club's electrifying new director of football. Seizing the opportunity, he saved the day and led the team out of relegation. But that's when someone tried to murder him . . .

Waking up in the hospital, Max is barely alive, with a crack in his skull—and without his curse, thanks to Old Nick, the creepy entity who gave it to him in the first place. Nick thinks Max needs some time to recover and repair as well as learn some control of his own, because Max's most pressing challenges are about to come at him from all sides. He'll need to navigate his responsibilities to his players, staff, and girlfriend, not to mention the league bosses and crazed public that want his head on either a golden bust or a silver platter.

And without his curse to guide him, for once Max will have to depend on one thing alone to get him through this mess: himself.

The fifth volume of the hit progression-fantasy series—with more than 800,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

©2025 Ted Steel (P)2025 Podium Audio

Going strong!!

Most LitRPG series lose momentum in the first book. Almost all do by the third book. Five books in to this series & Ted is still going strong. Such a fun series with characters you just want to root for. You do not need to be a sorts fan to enjoy this well-crafted series.

Didn't know anything about soccer or footy before

I had no idea about anything soccer related besides there being a ball and a goal. I honestly don't even like sports. but holy hell this book is good. it got me hooked, I actually want to know more about soccer. I cannot believe how much I loved this book.

Amazing!!!

I can’t help it but dream about a big interview with Max Best and Cole Palmer lol!!! WOT?

Player Manager is top of the table

what did I like? yes.
what did I dislike? that it ended
bring on the next one!!

Incredible

I’ve relistened 3 times to this series and will look forward to the next before book six. If you care about sports at all and enjoy litrpg you’ll love this and it’s also best written characters in the genre.