And so begins 2016.
In just over 36 hours time we’ll send our boys over the line for another Gameweek, like nothing has really changed.
Before all that, it’s time to step away from our teams, resist the temptation to activate a drunken Wildcard and take stock.
Let’s go through this methodically.
Firstly I want to raise a huge glass to all those who have toiled on Fantasy Football Scout, either scribing words on the pages, moderating comments, chatting on the ScoutCast or just reading my sometimes senseless emails behind the scenes.
A special thanks goes to Paul, our unshakable editor who works tirelessly to ensure that the site is fed with quality articles from both himself and his talented team of writers.
To Jonty who has taken on even more this past year; he’s continued to manage the community and our team of moderators to maintain what we believe is one of the best football communities on the net. However, he’s also helped pick up the slack behind the scenes that I cast away when Edith, my second child, came into the world in the summer.
And, by the way, talking of that moderation team – they volunteer their time do their upmost to keep things in order and have, as a group, given me back enough of my life to keep the site in existence. Huge thanks go to them for their efforts over the past twelve months.
Then there’s Ed who keeps the site running, Chris who ensures we get the deals to pay the bills, and Granville who provided the rivalry that re-ignited my Fantasy Football flames eight years ago.
So many have played a part this year and in previous years – I’d like to extend a big thanks and a Happy New Year to them all.
For once on these pages, I’d also like to thank Pip my wonderful and ridiculously patient fiancé who continues to stand by me while I tap on a laptop over dinner; while I wistfully drift to thinking about whether to sell Kurt Zouma when I should be discussing my son’s choice of primary school. She puts up with a lot and supports me without question, when she’s every right to send me to Coventry on a free transfer. I know – I need to marry her and lock her in.
Then, of course, I’d like to thank you guys. Without you, the community behind the site – those who read our articles, those who sign up as members and those who take time to comment and exchange views – I certainly would not have the incentive and drive to invest the time and effort involved. I’m both amazed and humbled by the loyalty you show and the support you offer myself and the team.
In truth, I’d like to have achieved more on the site this year. Twelve months ago I announced that work was to begin on the redesign and almost a year later, we’re yet to roll it out live.
We’re tantalisingly close and my first resolution of this New Year is to finally get FFS vs4.0 over the line.
My second is to push through the new hire that will work on FFS alongside Ed and help us take the site forward in 2016. The ideas have piled up – we will invest and get more help to implement them. We’ll be distributing the job ad later this month – spread the word when it’s out there.
Finally, after today’s problems with our host, I guess my third resolution should be to move our servers. Today’s prolonged spells of downtime was far from welcome and I can only apologise for the issues we’ve suffered.
However, the fact that, once we were back online today, you guys simply rumbled on with your chatter epitomises the patience, loyalty and spirit that will help keep myself and the team motivated and ensure that FFS continues to thrive and grow.
Many thanks again and happy New Year to you and your families.
Now, on to Gameweek 20. Should I sell Zouma?
