How Gaffer works
Gaffer puts you in the dugout during live football matches. You make the tactical calls — substitutions, formation changes, pressing triggers — and earn a Gaffer Rating based on accuracy, timing, and impact.
Five steps from sign-up to Gaffer Rating
Create your free account
Sign up in under 30 seconds with Google or email. No credit card. No commitment. Your first coaching session is free — no questions asked.
Browse live and upcoming matches
The Matches page shows today's fixtures across 9 major competitions. See kick-off times, competition badges, and head-to-head history at a glance.
Pick your side and set your formation
Choose to coach the home or away team. Set your starting 11 and formation — 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-5-2, and more. Your lineup locks 2 hours before kick-off.
Make tactical decisions during the match
Substitute players, change formation, or trigger tactical adjustments at any time. Gaffer tracks critical events — goals conceded, momentum shifts, fatigue signs — and flags them for your response.
Earn your Gaffer Rating
Every decision is rated 1–10 on accuracy, timing, and impact. Decisions made at critical moments earn bonus points. Your session score appears on the weekly leaderboard.
How the Gaffer Rating works
Every decision is scored across three dimensions. The better your calls, the higher your rating.
Accuracy
Did the decision improve the team's tactical situation based on the match state at that minute?
Timing
Was the change made at the right moment — not too early, not too late, not reactive when proactive was needed?
Impact
Did the decision lead to a measurable shift — goals, momentum, or defensive stability — in the remainder of the match?
Score formula
(Base rating × Urgency multiplier) + Bonus points
CRITICAL moments (goal conceded, late game, comeback) carry a 1.5× multiplier. Bonus points reward fast and decisive calls.
When does Gaffer prompt you?
Gaffer tracks real match events and flags decision moments automatically. You can also make proactive changes at any time.
Common questions
How is the Gaffer Rating calculated?
Each decision earns a base score (1–10) on accuracy and timing, multiplied by an urgency factor. Decisions made at CRITICAL moments — goal conceded, comeback, late game — carry a 1.5× multiplier plus a bonus point reward.
Can I use Gaffer without creating an account?
Yes. You can browse matches and start a coaching session without signing up. Creating a free account saves your session history, unlocks the leaderboard, and lets you track your Gaffer Rating over time.
What happens if the match is already in progress?
You can join a live match at any point. Your decisions are rated from the minute you join. Gaffer catches you up with the match timeline so you're never coaching blind.
How many decisions can I make per match?
Free users get 2 rated decisions per match. Coach Pro (€6.99/month) unlocks unlimited rated decisions, full session history, and leaderboard priority.
Why is my lineup locked 2 hours before kick-off?
Gaffer locks the lineup 2 hours before kick-off so the tactical challenge stays fair — you set your lineup based on your own knowledge, not a copy of the real manager's announced XI.
Ready to step into the dugout?
Free to play. Sign in with Google in one click. Your first Gaffer Rating is one match away.
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