Interview

Interview – Jon Sumner (Jinswick) – Fantasy Premier League Runner-Up

Against the odds, Jon Sumner (aka “Jinswick”) put together a trio of Gameweek scores that not only pushed him into the top ten of the Fantasy Premier League, it almost saw him topple long-time leader, Simon March.

A veteran of the Fantasy Football Scout community, we catch up with Jinswick in this latest post-season interview to quiz him on the catalyst for his late title push, and the emotions involved in what was an extraordinary climax to the campaign.

Congratulations on your superb season and for making the final day so tense. How did you spend that day and how did you feel as the day unfolded?

Thanks Mark, and the same to you. Sunday’s a working day here in Dubai so I spent most of it in the office. That being said, I was still regularly checking for team news and to see if Simon March, aka “Dufflinks”, had made his transfer. It was a fairly uneventful morning, but with about an hour to go until the deadline, Simon had made his move. I’d decided a few weeks back to “go for it” in the run-in, so I wanted as many differentials as possible in the final week to have any chance of making up ground. Despite my best Columbo impersonation, I couldn’t figure out what move he had made, although I could determine a few players that he definitely hadn’t got, including Theo Walcott and Diego Costa. With 30 minutes to go I made my transfers, only to find out minutes later that Hazard had trained the day before. Then, when I saw that my captain Costa was on the bench, I was close to giving up all hope. I actually said to my mates “now watch Walcott go and score a hat trick”.

I’ve never experienced such a crazy 45 minutes in all my days in Fantasy Football. A first half hat-trick, my captain coming off the bench on 29 minutes to score a penalty he should not be taking, and then for Jeffrey Schlupp to assist a Marc Albrighton goal. All my differentials were coming in. I did a quick score check at half-time and realised that if everything stayed the same I was neck and neck with Simon. Just ridiculous. I remember being perched up at the bar at half-time and thinking for the first time that I could actually win this.

The second half was actually pretty stressful, trying to watch all six screens in the pub and not being able to check for updates elsewhere due to my phone being dead. It was also a pretty disappointing half in the end with no clean sheets remaining and no further goals or assists. Truth be told, Simon ran out a deserved winner in the end, so a big congratulations to him for getting to and staying at the top for so long. I’m also quite glad that not captaining Walcott didn’t cost me the title in the end – that would have really niggled me for a long time.

What were the factors behind acquiring Diego Costa and Theo Walcott for the final day? What were your other options and how did you decide on the captaincy? Did Jose Mourinho’s press conference really sway you to put the armband on Costa?

There were a few factors really. Theo looked a huge threat when he came on against Sunderland midweek and with Arsene Wenger saying he’d be resting a few players for the FA Cup final, I fancied Walcott to start and put on a performance. As for Costa, I had him down as a lock to start given Jose’s comments midweek, and with Sunderland having nothing to play for and probably still being on a comedown from their midweek celebrations, I could see Chelsea putting on a show for the fans with Diego being heavily involved. Both players are also very explosive options and after I’d figured out Simon definitely hadn’t brought in either, that was probably the clincher. The other option I was looking at was Olivier Giroud to Christian Benteke. I was pretty torn between who to captain – I really fancied Walcott to do well, but there was still a fair bit of doubt over his starting role and so, ironically, I went for Costa, because he was definitely going to start, wasn’t he? Jose had got me. Not for the first time.

Going into the final day, did you really believe that you had a change of clawing back the gap between yourself and Simon March?

Normally I would have said definitely not – 43 points is a big lead and Simon clearly knows his stuff. But I’d had such a great run over the past few weeks, so a little part of me still believed. Realistically I knew it was still very unlikely, but that if I managed to get a 25-30 point captain and Aguero blanked then I could be in with a chance. I figured I may never be in this position again and I’d regret not giving it a shot far more than slipping from 4th to say 20th if it all went horribly wrong. Clawing back his lead in just 45 minutes goes to show that anything is possible.

Including the final day, you had three extraordinary Gameweeks, finishing in the top 6k each time. Indeed, you only entered the top 100 in Gameweek 31. What was the main factor behind your late charge up the ranks? Was it purely the Gameweek 34 Wildcard?

I think a late Wildcard and some extensive planning for the double Gameweeks played a big part. I had actually got to 67th in Gameweek 23, but a run of six red arrows in seven weeks knocked me back out of the top 100 fairly quickly. I seemed to be nailing my captaincy picks towards the end also, and I started to get some luck in the closing weeks that I perhaps hadn’t had earlier in the season, such as Albrighton coming off my bench with his first goal of the campaign.

This is your eighth FPL season, with 724 being your highest rank prior to 2014/15. Did you approach this term differently and apply any new strategies?

I started taking the game seriously about five years ago and I think I’ve only made minor tweaks to how I approach it since then. I watch a lot of football and have probably analysed player and team stats a bit more this year. I’ve also been more patient with making transfers and have put more emphasis than usual on form over fixtures, especially with attacking players. I’ve also tried to keep my team as flexible as possible, often saving transfers and keeping at least one premium priced player in each position (except for in goal). I tend not to worry about having a strong eighth attacker though – instead I usually stick an “uber” in midfield and fatten out the other seven attackers.

You took nine hits this season. What is your attitude to taking hits? Have you been consistent with your transfer hit policy season to season?

I don’t really have a strong view either way on point hits. I tend to look at the risk and reward of each move and if I think it’s likely to pay off over the next few weeks then I will usually go for it. Hits just before a Wildcard or right at the end of the season are obviously more risky as there’s less time for the players involved to repay your faith. I haven’t kept track of the number of hits I take each season, but I would guess it’d be around ten each year.

We noticed that you went through the whole season without bringing in a single player from Burnley, Stoke and Hull and put a lot faith in both City and Arsenal – fetching in eight and nine of their players respectively. Were you aware that you were concentrating your transfer policy on these teams as the season progressed?

I wasn’t aware I’d avoided those teams completely, but I do tend to go with attacking players from teams who score the most goals and try not to use many transfers on cheap defenders. Aguero and Silva were the stand out options from Man City this season, although my defensive picks from their squad were a disaster – Pablo Zabaleta, in particular, scoring me a total of zero points from the three games I played him, and Gael Clichy wasn’t much better. With Arsenal improving in the second half of the season and having a decent double Gameweek, this definitely played a big part in me bringing their players in. Being an Arsenal fan also swings the vote in their favour if I’m struggling between two options.

Like Simon March, you also missed Harry Kane’s 18-points in Gameweek 20, benching him behind the likes of Stewart Downing, Christian Eriksen and David Silva. Do you recall the agony of that particular Gameweek? Was this your season low-point?

That was a shocker, and a classic case of form versus fixtures. Kane had three goals in four but was up against a defensively solid Chelsea side. I don’t think anyone would have predicted Spurs putting five past Chelsea, but it goes to show that form is ultimately king. It probably wasn’t the season low for me as I wasn’t alone in benching Kane that week. A score of 23 points and a rank of 3.4 million in Gameweek 29, knocking me out of the top 100, was probably the low point.

You’ve played four at the back on ten occasions this season, when most favour a three-man defence. In fact, 4-4-2 was your most successful formation in terms of average score. Are you an advocate of investment in defence?

This actually really surprises me. I’m very much a 3-4-3 guy so I’m guessing that injuries or auto subs must have been the reason for most of those. The last few weeks were a little different as I was starting all my differentials to Simon in the run-in, including starting Martin Skrtel over Kane in the last week. The less said about that the better.

I would say I normally always go super cheap with both keepers and start with one medium to high-priced defender that start most weeks, and then have cheap options for the rest. This affords you extra flexibility if other options become must haves in defence and it still leaves you plenty of cash to spend on the higher scoring midfielders and attackers. With the Southampton and West Brom defenders being cheap and coming good this season, I think it very quickly became a case of one from Chelsea, one or two from Southampton/West Brom and two-to-three cheapies from the rest.

What was your best decision this season? Conversely, was there any decision (other than the final day captaincy) that you can look back on now and identify as something that might have cost you the top spot?

There are quite a few that stand out. Captaining Sergio Aguero for all his big hauls, Alexis Sanchez in Gameweek 21 (38 points) when most went with Eden Hazard, Santi Cazorla in Gameweek 23 earned me 34 points and Christian Benteke (46 points) in Gameweek 31. I also managed to dovetail John Terry and Leighton Baines perfectly throughout the season, with Baines averaging me almost nine points per game. Other than the final day captaincy, my most costly errors were probably avoiding Charlie Austin for his hat-trick, benching Kane in Gameweek 20 and not captaining him for his hat-trick against Leicester in Gameweek 30. It’s mainly Tottenham’s fault.

Paul McShane proved a vital asset for Simon March towards the end of the season, do you have any similar unlikely heroes to talk of?

I think it has to be Marc Albrighton. He was rotting on my bench for half the season, scoring next to nothing, but when he was called upon he averaged me almost nine points per game, which is pretty ridiculous for a 4.2 midfielder: he was my George Boyd. Coastal Pantilimon and Patrick van Aanholt getting an unlikely pair of clean sheets each in the double Gameweek should probably also get a mention.

As a Fantasy Football manager, how much credence to you put on statistics in comparison to scouting players via live matches? Did you get to watch a lot of football over the season?

They show every match live over here, so I watch a lot of football. But I also delve pretty deep into the statistics, so I think both are important to scoring well. Understanding exactly how the scoring works, applying that to the relevant stats, and watching the games for changes in form (to catch players before the masses get on board) are probably the key aspects for me. The wealth of information and tools in the Fantasy Football Scout member’s section are also particularly useful.

You’ve been a member of the Fantasy Football Scout community for many years. How did your progress this season change the way you approached you contribution in the community?

I don’t think it’s changed too much. I’ve been posting for a few years now, primarily in the “Deadzone” (from 12am to 6am), but perhaps I did post a bit more than usual in the run-in. There were quite a few people rooting for me on the site during the final day which was really nice. I’ve never seen my name appear so often. It’s a great community on Fantasy Football Scout and the advice I received definitely played a big part in where I finished up this season. Thanks everyone.

Can you describe how your season has affected your relationship with friends and family? Were they aware that you had the opportunity to claim the crown on the final day?

The wife is pretty good about it really, although with three young kids it is definitely a balancing act at times. Sprinting to the lounge at the sound of a goal (any goal) during dinner time has become the norm. We had our mini-league prize giving on the final day, so I watched the games in the pub with my mates. They were all aware of the situation and were very supportive, especially at half time when I was in beside myself. Despite just missing out on the top prize, I did manage to win their Quarter Four prize and also scoop three of our five mini league awards, including “The Wolf” award for most aggressive play: a great trophy to behold.

Will you play again next year and compete for a top rank again? Do you have extra motivation knowing how close you came this time around?

Absolutely. I thoroughly enjoy the game and don’t expect to ever stop playing. The chances of finishing this high again are pretty small, but the motivation is still there to win FPL and to get to number one in the Fantasy Football Scout Hall of Fame. Plus I’ll always look to win all my mini leagues. I’ve had a quite a few people get in touch the past week or so to congratulate me and ask for tips for next season, so the pressure is definitely on to back it up in 2015/16.

Finally, do you have any shout-outs to any of the FFS or Fantasy Football Community?

I’d like to give a big shout out to all my mates across the various mini leagues I play in – especially my long standing Fantasy football rivals, Joe Charters and Andy Bourne and all the Dubai lads in League Nars (Jason Tranter, Mark Hiess, Tariq Imam, Scott Tranter, Tony Fargher, Eddie Fitzgibbon, Adam Shaw, Andrew Dentice, Jay Carlsen, JP Etheridge, Mark Brown & Jonty Vavasour). There are too many FFS posters to name, so I’d just like to thank you all for being such a great bunch and for helping me along the way. Finally a special mention to Simon Humber, aka “Absinthe”, who sadly passed away this year. A great guy who loved his football and played the game right to the end.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

599 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Chelsea are keen on bringing in Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid, with uncertainty over last summer's defensive signing Filipe Luis, according to the Daily Mirror.

    The 26-year-old Belgian, on loan at Southampton last season, has also attracted reportedly interest from Tottenham and Man City.

    Alderweireld has 43 caps for Belgium, and said last week: “I really want to go to a club that really wants me.

    “There are three options - stay with Atletico, stay with Southampton or go to another club. So we will see what happens."

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      better stay with Saints..

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        yup

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Would be better to stick with Saints

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        what's up homie?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Not much 😛
          Exams going on, enjoying MLS fantasy and trying to reduce my comment pages on FFS 😀

          1. Moin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            haha! I forgot about MLS Fantasy...all the best for your exams!

    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Uncertainty with their recent LB signing, so they'll get a CB to make up for it. Tabloid transfer logic ftw

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        lol true

    4. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Just paper talk

  2. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Milner, Adebayour Wally Henderson all nailed on FPL prospects next year if tfr rumors are true.

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Adebayor will be in my team from GW1 if he joins CP

      1. Nickofoz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        He's still a lazy footballer who hasn't had consistent game time in a long while

        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          true, will have to watch him pre season first

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Ade and Henderson to?

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Not Henderson sorry but Ade to CPalace

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Ade to Palace is interesting

    3. Nickofoz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      What are the rumours about Henderson? He just signed a new contract

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Sorry, threw in Henderson as my nailed starter foe next season.

      1. Nickofoz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Oh okay. I agree he could be a great option with Gerrard being absent. If he comes in at 7.5 it might be hard to ignore him

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          My thinking too.

        2. Tomeister
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          But he plays for Liverpool....

    5. Tomeister
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Milner and Henderson. That's TWO Liverpool mids possibly....

  3. KujaliaFC
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Will Jack Grealish be a MID or FWD next season?

    Given that he's scored zero goals for Villa so far, he should be super cheap, right?

    And given that he's insanely talented, with confidence to rival Nik Bendtner, and now has a manager willing to play him, he'll surely be fantasy gold, right?

    P.S.: If Diaby stays at the Arsenal, he's going to have a breakthrough season next term. You heard it here first.

    1. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      That last thing we heard many times before elsewhere. Like, seasons ago.

    2. Nickofoz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Probably 5.0, and I don't see why he would be a FWD

      1. KujaliaFC
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        A 5.0 attacking starting MID in a typically attack-minded Sherwood team goes straight into my 15 man squad.

        1. Nickofoz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Eh, too expensive for a fifth mid and not good enough for a fourth.

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I can't see him being fantasy gold. He might do ok though.

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Not good enough to be a 4th mid and too expensive to be a 5th ?

        1. KujaliaFC
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          His performance against Liverpool in the cup augurs well for a breakthrough season next term.

          Sherwood's gung ho approach should suit his game too.

        2. QPR expects... glory!
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Sooner have Scot Sinclair if a similar price and he gets a starting spot. At least he knows where the net is. And if Tekkers leaves he might be first up for pens as well

    4. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      if Benteke leaves... might be interesting.

  4. Camp No No
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Oh, the deadzone... bit too dead even for my admittedly necrophilic taste. Time to sign out. Bye!

  5. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Transfer News:

    - Aston Villa are set for a fresh move for Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, 23, as a potential replacement for Christian Benteke (Daily Mirror)

    - Aston Villa will offer Christian Benteke a club record-breaking £15m deal to sign a new contract, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United interested in the Belgium striker (Daily Star)

    - Spanish side Athletic Bilbao have targeted Arsenal’s 28-year-old left-back Nacho Monreal, who has just a year left on his current deal (Daily Mirror)

  6. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Reports in France say that Manchester United are the closest in the race to sign Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin, who had long been expected to join Arsenal.

    http://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/2015/6/1/8696471/manchester-united-move-ahead-of-arsenal-for-southamptons-morgan

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      would make investing in their defense a must

  7. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Arsene Wenger Rules Out Potential Move for Juventus Midfielder Arturo Vidal

    http://www.90min.com/posts/2220159-arsene-wenger-rules-out-potential-move-for-juventus-midfielder-arturo-vidal?utm_source=RSS

    1. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Doesn't really fit the Arsenal signings profile. 28 already, costs too much and will have no re-sale value at the end of his contract.

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Over 18-year-old, not known for smooth technique and penchant for short passing, aggressive tackler, has one heckuva shot, not injured. Definitely not the Arsenal type.

        1. KujaliaFC
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Lol.

  8. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Dayot Upamecano? Who?

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      He's a 16 year old CB, One for the Future

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Ah, ok. Arsenal, United and City are interested.

        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          United signed him

            1. Camp No No
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              He would do better to stay in France for now. One to forget if he goes to PL at age of 16.

  9. Heels_Over_Head
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Patrick Vieira the frontrunner to manage Newcastle? Big name with no managerial experience.

    Sounds like an Ashley hire.

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      He will never work under the terms Newcastle will want as a coach but not a recruiter.

      1. Heels_Over_Head
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        People will do lots of things to get their first top flight job. Once your name is in the hopper, you get more jobs. I'd take it if I were him.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Not if in a season the name will be worth Shxxt.

    2. KujaliaFC
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Can't be worse than John "I'm the best manager in the BPL" Carver.

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        hahaha true!

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        To be fair it was "coach" and not manager. tongue in Cheek!

  10. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Who would you rather have in your side?

    Henderson, McCarthy or Schneiderlin?

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Matic 1st
      Schneiderlin 2nd

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Obvious Matic who is streets ahead.

    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      McCarthy

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Agreed

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Schneiderlin

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I still think its 50/50 which of Mc and Schneiders who goes to Man U

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          I don't have a clue abt McCarthy(don't even know how he looks 😀 ), so can't comment on him but Schneiderlin is good and I would take him over Henderson.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            Everton would have been far worse without him. Definitely developing from a work horse to a player of influence.

  11. Tomeister
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    So it looks like Liverpool are actually gonna sign Ings.

    Have they just given up on trying to NOT be the sixth placed club they are?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I have seen worse for a freebie but compensation will make a difference on good value.

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          But we won't pay a penny less than £12m,probably

    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Very hard to recruit top level talent when there is no ECL to attract them. Ings is about their level. A good young player who scores goals and unlike Sturridge isn't injury prone

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Nothing else for value that would go to Liverpool other than Austin. Benteke would be a good shout.

  12. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    How important is picking the right team for the opening gameweek?
    When do you stop chasing the money and purely points returns?
    Is it worth using your wildcard for price rises early weeks if your GW1 is a stinker?

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Never use your WC on GW2...

      GW1 is hit and run so pick players who have decent fixture and pick 2-3 punts so that you can change them overtime...a right balance is a must in GW1 team

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        That is why I asked. My 2 best GW1 points returns. 8k and 18k went on to be worse seasons.

      2. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Unless your Spiderm4tt and you do exactly that and then go on to win FPL.

        Point is there really aren't any absolutes in FPL, there are countless successful and effective ways to play the game.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I never specifically chase money. I aim for points alone. Get the right players and the money will follow. Especially now if the price rises stay as slow as they have been. I very rarely used up my whole budget.

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I guess GW1 team is very important. If it goes wrong, we will be forced to take hits/use WC. By getting a decent starting XI, you might save 12-16pts and WC.
      Never really bothered with price changes and my final TV was only 102.something, never came across situation where I couldn't make transfers because of cash issues. Maybe because their were so many cheap options.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Mine was 108 and I know you finished higher than me.

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Exactly this. I had the TV of a pauper too and finished pretty high.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Yep. 61 tfrs and 140pts wasted for wrong Captain/VC choices cost me big. rank stupidity on my part. Finished 15K

    4. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      It's not that important really but a good start would certainly help your cause. I don't believe in chasing the money though, especially with the way the price rises have changed.

  13. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Does anyone know if Real Oviedo got promoted to Liga Adelante or not?

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      http://bfy.tw/6nY

      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Massive fail

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Yes...Yes it is 😆

          It's early 😀

    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      They did

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        thanks!

  14. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Yaya Toure Staying at City:

    Midfielder Yaya Toure says he will definitely be staying at Manchester City and is hoping to challenge for major honours next season.

    "I will definitely stay,” he said. “The fans don't have to be worried. "My target this year is to try to do everything possible to make this team improve well."

    1. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I wonder if that includes closing down opponents and running around the field 😉

  15. The Sarjeant
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Good morning guys!

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Morning

  16. The Sarjeant
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Nooooooo! Members accounts are now expired!!!!

    When are we going to be able to buy membership again? I need to access data!

    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Tomorrow. We'll just do some prep and then we'll open up again.

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Thank god for that lol! Cheers Mark!

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      My aim next season is to actually use the members area, not just buy it.

      1. The Sarjeant
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Haha! I need to use the RMT tool more. I always use it pre-season and then never bother.

        1. Beavis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          I don't really rate it too much as you can't really base your opinions on it but it's a nice indicator to know more or less where you stand over a 6 week stretch.

  17. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    too much speculation but I think Benteke, Walcott & Miller will extend contracts at their respective clubs..

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I think Benteke and Walcott will stay and Milner will go

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Navas looked shite the whole season.. Miller will be nailed on next season..

        1. Siva Mohan
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          If Man City doesn't make a big RM/RWM signing, they will stick with Milner..

          1. Beavis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            It's not up to them if Milner will stay. He clearly wants first team football and it looks more and more likely that he will leave.

    2. Doolittle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I think Sterling may stay at Liverpool.

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        no one is ready to pay big money for a average player..

        1. Doolittle
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah I just can't see who would want/need him. He's not good enough for Chelsea imo, he could possibly go to City and replace Nasri, but I think City can do better, and if he goes to Madrid/Bayern then I hope he likes sitting on the bench.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            The little pratt wants London though.

            1. Doolittle
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 9 months ago

              Arsenal really don't need him, he's nowhere near Cazorla/Ozil/Sanchez's level, so that leaves Spurs. It would seem pretty stupid to agitate a move to a non-Champions League club.

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 9 months ago

                His choice is London or Champions league. I personally do't think he is good enough as a CL starter.

                1. Doolittle
                  • 11 Years
                  8 years, 9 months ago

                  Agreed, because he's English he's been hyped up to an extraordinary degree, but I simply don't think he's that good. I think his agent has talked up moves to all great clubs, but none of them are that interested.

        2. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          i think CIty will get Sterling and Liverpool get Milner

  18. Doolittle
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Morning all. That Messi goal on Saturday - Jesus Christ. I think he's actually improving, absolutely terrifying.

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      yup!

    2. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      He's an extra terrestrial, can't be human!

      1. Doolittle
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Except for heading, defending and penalties, I think he's the best player I've ever seen in every aspect of the game. His records, strangely, detract from how good he is at other things. I think he's the best finisher, dribbler, passer, and has the best vision, "football intelligence" and awareness of any player I've ever seen.

        The whole game will feel different when he retires. The best player in the world is usually someone like Figo, Nedved or Kaka (it was bloody Michael Owen in 2001!). The game will return to normal, and it will be a sad day.

  19. QPR expects... glory!
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Now Southampton have qualified for Europa League do people see that as a positive or negative?

    I wonder whether they have the squad depth anywhere but striker to play so many games without it effecting them, especially considering they will have to qualify so will be playing real games from the end of July onwards

    1. Doolittle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      It's certainly not a positive, at best it's a slight negative. Recently the teams in it have done badly in the league, but I'm not sure you can attribute that to just the Europa League.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Means they might already be in form come the start of the season.

    3. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I think they have the quality to do well in the Europa League and Koeman has done well in managing in European competitions before. I don't think they'll be able to do as well in the league as they did last season, but I think they'll still get a top half finish and do well.

    4. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      No squad depth. Everton were horrific, but partly because Martinez had a strategy wake up call

    5. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Negative! Their players should be OK until the EL starts, but I'll be offloading then.

  20. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Szczesny: "I've got all the support in the world from the manager. You can stop your gossip I will definitely stay at Arsenal."

    Ospina & Szczesny as backup keepers for Cech? now Cech to Arsenal transfer is not definitely happening..

    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      If they buy Cech or any other starting GK then Szczesny will leave regardless of those quotes.

  21. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Have people tried starting the season with a few £m in the bank in order to jump on bandwagons (barring the season when everyone had Torres > Rooney lined up)? Has it worked and is it a decent strategy?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I havent but Its seems like a smart move

    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Having few million in the bank will surely work

    3. Doolittle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      It would be great, but I've never been able to assemble a starting squad for less than 99.5-100m.

      1. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        If a couple of your players end up being duds though (which they inevitably will be) then does the extra flexibility 'beat' the unpredictability of you trying to get the 'best' players in your squad from the start?

        Not sure if that makes sense..

        1. Doolittle
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          I get your point, the issue is getting the correct expensive players. This season, with Sanchez, Hazard, Aguero, Ivan/Terry, Silva et al, I can't see myself being able to save money.

      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I think its better just to have a good spread of player prices in your line up so that you can rush anyone in at any price point.

      i.e. a 6.5, a 5 + cheapos in defence
      10.5, 9, 7.5, 5.5, 4.5 in midfield
      12, 9, 6 up front and your able to get in pretty much anyone.

      1. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I know what you mean by budget allocation but that's not necessarily true. Using your example budget you can't shift the 5.5 midfielder to a 6.0 (e.g. Young to Siggy as it were this season) or if you have the 9m striker but then you wanna get a 10m striker who's done well GW 1 again you can't.

        If you leave the 2m in the bank, one of your players will obviously be weaker as you are saving the money but it also gives you the flexibility to make all of the above moves.

          • 10 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          If that's the case though you're better off doing your 7.5 -> 6 or 12 -> 10 and upgrading elsewhere with the spare cash.

          1. Beavis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 9 months ago

            What if your 12m or 7.5m have already perfomed well GW1?

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          You are right IMO. using your budget reduces your choices for tfr's 50%.

    4. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      GW1 - saved FT
      GW2 - Giroud >> Jovetic
      GW3 - Jovetic >> Naismith

      this time I have to plan well.. having cash ITB looks a decent strategy..

    5. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I think you are basically stuck with your side for the first 2 GW's if not chasing money or change for injury. Hence the importance of a quality bencher. Probably a defender and hope further forward you make good decisions

  22. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Have you paid your subs Mark? I notice you are the only poster with a member logo 😉

    1. The Sarjeant
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      I wonder if I can borrow his password to make some tables!

  23. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Motherwell v Rangers highlights yesterday

    That goalkeeping(start) 😆

    Fight(end)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix_QPXYPMSY

    1. BabyB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      🙂

      Feel a little sorry for bell as he has played ok this season. That was a horrible mistake though.

      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        His swing at the ball reminded me of this

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huqBT50U914 🙂

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      *logs off 🙁

      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Sorry KOL 🙂

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          After the highs of last week I came crashing down to reality yesterday.

          Really need Scotland to get a result in Dublin now to pick me up

  24. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Lazio, Monaco, CSKA Moscow, Sporting Lisbon and possibly Panathanikos are potential Qualifier opponents for Man United.

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      and Valencia as well..

    2. Nickofoz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      It'd be funny to see them not make it

  25. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    Manchester City have stepped in and approached Valenciennes 17-year-old defender Dayot Upamecano with a salary offer according to reports in France.

    2 February – Man United have signed Dayot Upamecano

    6 February – A deal for Upamecano is off for administrative reasons

    24 April – United now close to agreeing personal terms with Upamecano

    22 May – Personal terms reached with Upamecano

    30 May – United agree fee with Valenciennes for Upamecano

    31 May – Man City offer Upamecano a salary proposal 😆

  26. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    With delighted Gooners looking up from the streets, Wilshere bellowed into the microphone that he had a question. "What do we think of Tottenham?" he asked, to which the Arsenal faithful replied in time-honoured fashion: "S**t!"
    Wilshere, who obviously knows his Arsenal songs, responded: "What do we think of s**t?" and the Gooners replied: "Tottenham!" and launched into an anti-Spurs song.
    The Indy reports that Wilshere then led the crowd in another expletive-laden chant mocking Tottenham "until the microphone appeared to be cut off".

    Read more: http://www.theweek.co.uk/fa-cup/63828/wilshere-mocks-spurs-after-fa-cup-win-as-arsenal-target-title#ixzz3bnbcctxa

    1. Tomeister
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      It's laughable how so many gooners are obsessed with Spurs...

    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Poor by Wilshire....just poor...

    3. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Wilshere is one of the most dislikeable players around. Some people seem to enjoy and almost encourage his "lad" persona but it's a complete joke. One of the many reasons why he will never be a top player imo.

  27. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 9 months ago

    How can someone find out how many supporters sides there are in the FPL. I know my position as an Evertonian and a South African but not how many there are in total.

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      There isnt a way, could be an interesting poll for the scouts to put on the home page during the summer though. List the 20 PL teams and have an option for 'other'

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I completely misread your question 🙂

        Im not sure how you would that out, sorry.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Surely a lot of people would like to know the amount of their clubs supporters are playing in the FPL. I can't be the first to ask.

    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Do you mean how many people are in the South African league or Evertonian league?

      If so then go to the league and click next page. Then change the page number in the URL until you find the last page.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers

    3. Doolittle
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      Where did you finish in the Everton league Smeggs? 36 for me.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        145 due to too many tfrs and bad captain picks. Good pos for you though.

        1. Konig Luther
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 9 months ago

          there is at least 163 managers 🙁

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I guess about 12 000

      3. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 9 months ago

        I just found out 24 040

    4. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 9 months ago

      There are 173,475 in the Liverpool league, including 20 who only started in GW38 and one who finished with -842 points.

      Wonder how many there are in the United one - I would imagine that that will probably be the largest.