Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 1

I’m not sure it has sunk in yet.

Two weeks ago I left a secure, well paid job producing videogames to dedicate my day-to-day existence to Fantasy Football. Now it matters more than ever.

Of course I’m incredibly blessed to be in that position. To be handed opportunities to write, speak and gesticulate on matters Fantasy Football for a living is something I’d wistfully dreamt about, but never quite believed would materialise.

But Fantasy Football just seems to be on a relentless and quickening path into the mainstream.

The big daily game providers from the US have arrived.

The Premier League are determined to keep the growth of their game accelerating across the world. Other games will react to keep pace. Radio and TV are catching on.

While it would be nice to hunker down and keep our little secret on the dark web, we have to accept that Fantasy Football is being brought to the masses.

I’m now utterly convinced it’s acceptable to open a conversation at family function with an enquiry on who got the assist for Callum Wilson’s goal. I think that’s now permitted and even appreciated by at least another three other people in the room.

However, soon we may not need those incredibly enlightening conversations.

Soon those assists, and perhaps even bonus points, will be fed to us along with the classifieds by an Alexander Gordon. Later today you’ll see that Fantasy Football has become part of the Saturday results service – another step I never thought I’d witness.

My role in spreading Fantasy Football to a wider audience has already been questioned and that’s understandable.

But I don’t think I can fight it. The growth of Fantasy Football either happens with or without us and it seemed I committed my involvement the moment I wrote that first blog post.

Since then, you’ve all played a huge part in getting me to this point. I’m really not sure how to thank you for that – for the support and loyalty you’ve shown (except perhaps by introducing a full desktop view for mobile users).

When things do finally settle and sink in, I’ll have more time to reflect.

For now all I know is that those 15 names on my screen are important to me. More important than ever before.

There’s new responsibility, new pressure and with it an even bigger sense of anticipation and excitement.

Enjoy the kick-off.

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

2,824 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Worzel Gummidge
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Just glad I picked my team and confirmed it yesterday. Feel sorry for the people who lost 30 minutes to update their team. Not everyone is as obsessed as we are on here. 🙂

      FPL really need to get their cr@p in order tbh.

      1. H-SF
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        agreed

      2. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        It is one hour in the while season. It won't be an issue for the next 37 gameweeks

        1. Jimmers
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          *whole

      3. Odikostar
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        3million people do

    • Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      The "Who has the worst bench" competition
      Jakupovic Capoue Amat Evans

      Though i do expect all of them to atleast be starters atleast 🙂

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        not enough atleasts

      2. Gaffa914
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Jakupovic Feghouli Amat Smith

      3. Bill Haverchuck
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Have exactly the same

      4. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Jaku pieters fletcher mcaulay

      5. Wouter
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Jaku Watson Amat and Pieters, not a whole lot better

      6. Give us a smile
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Mine is same as yours with Kone instead of Evans.

        1. KickIt
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Same for me....need that Everton transfer

      7. Francescoli
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Foster, Capoue, Amat, Kingsley

      8. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Jak Capoue Amat Kingsley..

        This post was sponsored by Aldi

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

          Winner 😎

        2. Valar(Keith)
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          And we have a winner 🙂

        3. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          I like aldi

      9. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Evans replaced with Williams. Thats me.

      10. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Foster Williams Fletcher Anat

    • Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Last man standing league code?

    • FPL Emu
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I just missed an important train ride. It was supposed to leave at 11.30, but instead left at 11.22.

      Oh well, only myself to blame. Should have gotten on way earlier.

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Brilliant 😆

      2. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        It didn't leave at 11,22 - it was just full and had no room left

        1. Ayew Serious
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          This! And you should have known it was going to be crowded

        2. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          yup. book your tickets in advance and don't leave it to last minute and you're sure to get your ride.

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

        If the train crashed, like FPL, you would rather not be on it.

      4. Ayew Serious
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        The key word being important.

      5. Clump
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Jump on a bus.

      6. Gigging Order
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Although, if you know that it was more than likely to leave at 11.22, then yes, you only have yourself to blame.

        1. FPL Emu
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Ok, fair enough. But I would be compensated for the ticket.

          =

          Wildcard

          1. Clump
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Mate you'll have to contact the train provider, this is a football site.
            You'll save money on the bus anyway.

      7. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Does the train service have a history of departing early? If so, you should have anticipated it.

      8. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        But it leaves early every day

    • Wouter
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I'm tied for first right now

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I'm not because I took a hit 🙁

      2. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        If my luck was like last year, i'd somehow be behind you, good luck.

      3. Podge
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Damn im joint last 🙁

    • 'Broadsword Calling Da…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I had to pop out all morning, did I miss the perennial last minute mad dash to make a team and crash the site?

      1. Gaffa914
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yep

        1. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          oh dear (I say smugly knowing that, the numbskull I am, i'd have been caught up in it probably), when will they learn 🙂

      2. Sánchez
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Of course

      3. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Nothing new there

      4. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I wish I saw it haha

    • MOBAFFILIATED
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      let us NOLITOOOOOO

    • Worzel Gummidge
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Fully expect Hull to score tbh.

        1. RᴀᴄɪɴɢTᴏᴀᴅ
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Me too, Abel is an utter menace.

        2. SilkySkills
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Own goal?

        3. Odikostar
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Diomande bandwagon

      • Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Ladies. Have a good season!

        Looking forward to the banter!

        1. Podge
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Shut up.

          Does that count ?

        2. Q
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          🙂

      • Paanmonkey
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        troll of the year..yes it is

      • Ziro
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I started Amat and benched Terry. 😎

        1. mr gruber
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          would have been my choice anyway...

      • Rolls-Royce
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Mahrez Captain 😎

      • palace ash
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Gray bandwagon

      • ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Huge apologies to those of you who experienced problems accessing the site this morning. This was due to unprecedented levels of traffic

        https://twitter.com/OfficialFPL/status/764413648030855168

        1. ★Kuntheman★
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Bunch of procrastinators

        2. Ayew Serious
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Free bench boost?

          1. Slartibartfast
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            AoA

        3. Jonny HOW SON?
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          That helps a lot.
          Go hide FFS

        4. DeadStarComing
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Like the top comment. What good is this.

        5. bring_on _the_fantasy
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          There is no excuse for a crash in this with all the technology available these days. Were not on dail up anymore. Stop making the site so fancy and upgrade your servers!!

          1. Bucky Barnes
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            They probably would spend a lot of money on expensive kit if you were paying to play
            But we're not
            So they don't

        6. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Stop moaning, people. Sites do still crash these days when too many people try to log in the same time. You know it, everybody knows it, you had like a month to make up your teams and if you didn't do it earlier, then sheet happens.

          1. fiveyears
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            This, most people could still access it up to 11ish

          2. DeadStarComing
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            The deadline was 11:30

      • money face bandwagon
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        vahrez here 🙂

      • Guy Demel
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Think I left the armband on Amat

        1. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Why would it be on him to begin with?

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

            ^this.

        2. Paanmonkey
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          then you better ask him to give that back

      • DeadStarComing
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Feels weird not actually knowing what team I've ended up with. I forget every season that you should rule out the last 30 mins before deadline!

      • Jonny HOW SON?
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        They should extend the deadline!

        1. BB-8
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          This

          1. Paanmonkey
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            this too

        2. fiveyears
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          No, no they should not.

      • Tadic is the new Eriksen
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Fuchs and Mahrez - let's gooooo!

      • TokyoRisingSun
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        The thought of Musa and Vardy taking on Huddlestone fills me with endless joy

      • Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Any Hart owners on here? You should be a little worried, apparently Caballero will start today

        1. LAMB TEA
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          why will u even pick hart? he is rubbish

      • BLANKET DEFENCE
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Whats this about a free GW2 wildcard

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          The people who are desperate for it are those who left their team till the last minute. Unfortunate but inevitable.

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            That is due to the site crashing

        2. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Few seasons ago site crashed few hours before deadline and we got free wc in gw2

        3. Sánchez
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          They better not do that rubbish again

      • devils advocate
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yes!!!!!!

        Captain Vardy hat trick! !!!!!!

        Sorry, just posting it now incase this site crashes and can't do it later.

        1. Odikostar
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          🙂

        2. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          oh dear.............

      • Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Actually i'm glad it crashed.. i would've done a last second
        Ibra + Hazard + Mee too Kane + Mahrez + Shaw.. kinda glad i stuck to my guns

        1. Odikostar
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          You should be

          1. Valar(Keith)
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Problem is i'm not sure who my captain is anymore.. and if capoue started ahead of Firmino 😆

        2. Valar(Keith)
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          *to
          A) seems so much more fun for this week.

      • kinglourenco
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Assuming they were the same price, would you rather have stekelenberg or foster long term??

        1. The Pesci challenge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Defo foster. Steak is rubbish and injury prone (Fulham fan).

      • Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Seems a bit weird they didn't just extend the deadline

        1. Ayew Serious
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Musa in every team

        2. Jimmers
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Team line-ups had been released so it couldn't happen

        3. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          why would they, the deadline is there so we don't know the team line-ups

      • Fragzurp
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Best place to watch HD football online?

        1. SilkySkills
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Pub

        2. Podge
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          The internet

      • Crouching Tiger
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Made a last minute switch from Tadic and Musa to Alli and Gray and now seeing Musa start... feels like I'm already regretting the decision a bit.

        1. devils advocate
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          I did try telling everyone here a couple times that Musa would start.

          Maybe subscribe to my posts for future reference. 😉

      • Saint & Reevesy
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Musa starts

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Really?

      • joinho
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I know this is a bit late but,
        Musa's starting! 😀 I'll be kicking myself for taking armband off him at last minute later i bet.