Here's the first batch of Championship Manager 2009 screenshots. Eidos and Beautiful Game Studios announced the next incarnation of their footy management title today and it's due in April 2009.

"We have a whole host of new features which we’re incredibly proud of," said Roy Meredith, General Manager of Championship Manager. "This is a new beginning for the Championship Manager franchise and we are 100% focused on getting it right, that’s why we have had a longer development time than any previous version of the game."

"This is our opportunity to give consumers a reason to believe in Championship Manager once again," continued Meredith. "After 4 years of mid-table mediocrity, we’re making great strides to become genuine title contenders. We want everyone to test this out by trying the demo which is out in March. Try the demo and make up your own minds."