This has been a sobering week for Fantasy Football Scout. The tragic loss of Simon Humber, known to us as “Absinthe”, has dominated my thinking in the last 48 hours. I make no apologies for dedicating today’s “Preamble” to his memory.
What struck me most was the incredible bravery, humour and determination he showed in the face of his hateful condition. The fact that Simon found the time and inclination to make four transfers leading into last weekend’s deadline speaks volumes. It tells us just how much Fantasy Football meant to him – how much he enjoyed testing himself against his own targets and those set by his friends, colleagues and perhaps even those of us here on these pages.
Simon epitomised what’s good about our community. He took time out to share his knowledge, he joined in the banter, he helped others. Right to the end, Fantasy Football gripped him.
We all share that passion and, although deeply saddened by his loss, I’m also warmed by the reaction of the community to his death and the many tributes made.
It’s extraordinary what an internet community can become. How the like-minded can form a connection and build something so strong that it can rally at times like this.
Football fans are so often vilified by those who see the “beautiful game” as a overpaid, absurd circus of misconduct. Simon, like all of us, could see past these flaws. An obsessive follower of his team (Portsmouth), a studied and dedicated Fantasy Football manager, a genuine football fan. There’s no doubt, he was “one of us”.
I was proud of having Simon as a contributor to our site and we should all be proud that, together, we were a community that made Simon feel welcome and at home.
RIP “Absinthe”.
Now, I’m going to consider my transfers. No matter what, that’s what Simon would have done.
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