you connect through a programme called hamachi which puts you on the same network as each other, guarded by password and username,
one player runs the game, no one can play the game unless the player has the game open, that player known as the host can play on his own if he chooses to (although that would be pointless). At the end of the play when you all decide youve had enough, or at a time you all agree to finish, the host will save the game, the others can just exit the game with their managers saved on the game. when you load the game back up, the users you play with just need to go on the network bit of fm and connect to the game, then re-connect onto their name and continue to manage.
times are normally assigned for playing such as 6-12 so that everyone is on and playing.
You play the game just as you normally would, you all play your matches and do your news at the same time, when you are done you press continue as you normally do, then when everyone else has pressed continue the game moves to the next day.
the host can set a time limit (as i do) which means after one person presses continue everyone else has 30 seconds before the game continues automatically.
i think its the best way to play football manager, is very fun, good bunch of lads together who are regular players and you will have a load of banter and laughs.
On hamachi you can chat to each other, winding each other up, discuss transfers between your clubs, gloat, or just chat.
hope this explains what a network game is a little better mate.