[sbu_large_image] Preamble
13 August 2016 2824 comments
Mark Mark
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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.

  1. Make United Great Again
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    COME ON FANTASY FOOTBALL SCOUT

  2. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Any changes needed or let this roll? On my break need quick answer

    De Gea jaku
    stones kone mccauley friend amat
    Hazard Mahrez lamela redmond capoue
    Ibrahimovic Aguero gray

  3. RomeluStormzy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Couple of queries...

    1) Is Amat the best 4 mill?
    2) Is Redmond nailed on?

    Aprreciate it!

    1. Hect.OR 98th
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, yes

      1. Ninjaa
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I hope so add it have both

  4. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season rc…
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    19 minutes till cut off time.....
    Good Luck

  5. macca84
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Foster/Heaton
    Pieters/Amat/Stones/Shaw/Friend
    Redmond/Mahrez/Fletcher/Hazard/Deulofeu
    Ibrahimovic/Aguero/Gray

    Any suggestion?

    Thanks

    1. BRNO BOY
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      i have the same team but:¨
      Heaton-Jaku
      Fletcher-Capoue
      Deulofeu-Lamela

      1. macca84
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I have Foster/Heaton for rotation and Deulofeu because could play striker

  6. Art Vandelay
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    David Silva anyone?

  7. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Just taken out Souare, Hazard and Vardy and put in Dann, Oscar and Ibra. aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Wuss.. Can't believe people are getting him just because they are scared of his ownership 😛

    2. Odikostar
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard is a must have

    3. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Ibraaaa

      I can't take him out. Team looks so wrong.

      No Leicester players vs. Hull is a worry, but Bournemouth is a good fixture for Zlatan also.

    4. L1CKY
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Should of kept haz and vardy

    5. andymck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I bottled it last night and got Zlatan in too! Couldn't face the fear every time United play haha.

    6. Tatty Bojangles
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      PUT THEM BACK!

    7. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season rc…
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Ha Ha
      Will you regret it or make further last minute knee jerks!

    8. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Mad! But them back in! Quick!

    9. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I lied - the site won't update to allow me to do it anyway 🙂

      Eriksen to Lamela and Vardy to Ibra is probably a much more sensible way to afford him as well

  8. Hect.OR 98th
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Play Friend or Valencia?

    1. andymck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Valencia.

      1. Hect.OR 98th
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks

  9. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Railway signalling is a system used to direct railway traffic and keep trains clear of each other at all times. Trains move on fixed rails, making them uniquely susceptible to collision. This susceptibility is exacerbated by the enormous weight and inertia of a train, which make it difficult to quickly stop when encountering an obstacle. In the UK, the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 introduced a series of requirements on matters such as the implementation of interlocked block signalling and other safety measures as a direct result of the Armagh rail disaster in that year.

    Most forms of train control involve movement authority being passed from those responsible for each section of a rail network (e.g., a signalman or stationmaster) to the train crew. The set of rules and the physical equipment used to accomplish this determine what is known as the method of working (UK), method of operation (US) or safeworking (Aus.). Not all these methods require the use of physical signals, and some systems are specific to single track railways.

    The earliest rail cars were first hauled by horses or mules. A mounted flagman on a horse preceded some early trains. Hand and arm signals were used to direct the “train drivers”. Foggy and poor-visibility conditions gave rise to flags and lanterns. Wayside signalling dates back as far as 1832, and used elevated flags or balls that could be seen from afar.

    The simplest form of operation, at least in terms of equipment, is to run the system according to a timetable. Every train crew understands and adheres to a fixed schedule. Trains may only run on each track section at a scheduled time, during which they have 'possession' and no other train may use the same section.

    When trains run in opposite directions on a single-track railroad, meeting points ("meets") are scheduled, at which each train must wait for the other at a passing place. Neither train is permitted to move before the other has arrived. In the US the display of two green flags (green lights at night) is an indication that another train is following the first and the waiting train must wait for the next train to pass. In addition, the train carrying the flags gives eight blasts on the whistle as it approaches. The waiting train must return eight blasts before the flag carrying train may proceed.

    The timetable system has several disadvantages. First, there is no positive confirmation that the track ahead is clear, only that it is scheduled to be clear. The system does not allow for engine failures and other such problems, but the timetable is set up so that there should be sufficient time between trains for the crew of a failed or delayed train to walk far enough to set warning flags, flares, and detonators or torpedoes (UK and US terminology, respectively) to alert any other train crew.

    A second problem is the system's inflexibility. Trains cannot be added, delayed, or rescheduled without advance notice.

    A third problem is a corollary of the second: the system is inefficient. To provide flexibility, the timetable must give trains a broad allocation of time to allow for delays, so the line is not in the possession of each train for longer than is otherwise necessary.

    Nonetheless, this system permits operation on a vast scale, with no requirements for any kind of communication that travels faster than a train. Timetable operation was the normal mode of operation in North America in the early days of the railroad.

    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      🙂

    2. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      looooooooooooooooooooooool

    3. Lazarus Star
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      TL;DR please

    4. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      😆

    5. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Timely

    6. Tatty Bojangles
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Please hulk this.

    7. aehii
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I didn't think i'd learn anything today.

    8. Woga
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      \o/

  10. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Post to all managers here who are non-members.

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/13615224

    As there is Mini League for FFS members only I think that ML for FFS non-members is interesting idea as FFS non members are big part of this site community

    1. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I regard membership as basically cheating 😉

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

    Waiting for all the gravless to disappear in 18 minutes.

    1. Rinseboy
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Hi mate why you going Long over Gray? Gray seems to be in all teams but interested in your reasoning?

  12. Lecky Legs FC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    6.5 in the bank for a forward which one would you choose?

    A)Gray
    B)Llorente
    C)Long

    1. Lazarus Star
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. GREEN IS GOOD
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Gray

    3. L1CKY
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      A

    4. NorthernMan
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      A)

  13. DoobNoob
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    pages flying

  14. Lazarus Star
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Starting to worry about no Lei against a depleted Hull.

    A) Ibra > Vardy
    B) Oscar & Azpi > Mahrez + 4M
    C) Ramirez (bench) > Drinkwater or Albrigton
    D) Cross fingers

    1. Sp0rting
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      A

  15. Burger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Which one would you go for out of?

    A. Schmeichel, Oscar, Delafeou, Ibra

    Or

    B. Foster, Firminho, Ayew, Vardy

    ?

  16. And nothing else Mata'…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Walcott or Ayew?
    Hurry people!!!

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

      Ayew

  17. The Hoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Best 5.5m or less midfielder for first 3/4 weeks? Fischer? Gaston Ramirez? Ibe? Routledge?

  18. Francescoli
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    bottomed

    A) Hazard and Eriksen
    B) Sanchez and Oscar/Ayew

    1. zaink257
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      got same dilemma, going with Sanchez and Oscar

  19. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Is it stupid to have Bolasie. I think he'll go all out on his last game to say thank you.

  20. Takedog1
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    mahrez or martial

  21. le flem
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    pick one

    a. alli ramirez long
    b. tadic delefeu gray

  22. keano
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Double up on Tadic by getting Redmond or stick with Ramirez?Cheers

  23. foley_fd
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Stop fretting guys - it's the one week of the season where you have a very limited knowledge pool to work from.

    Maybe you'll get lucky, maybe not.

    If not, we make changes from next week.

    Good luck all.

    1. Fred54
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Hazard, Firminho or Sanchez.

      Need to pick two of them...arrghhh!!!

      1. foley_fd
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 7 months ago

        I'm waiting to see how Sanchez starts the season, so the first two for me.

  24. Sp0rting
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Backend Error.

    Ooh missus!

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      😀

    2. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      just how missus epicfail loves it
      x

  25. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Bench one of Terry or Valencia

  26. John Still Likes John Still
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Sorry to post again. Went to bottom of the page.

    I've had my team 'locked' for two days now but last minute jitters. Please help. Do I go for an attacking 7 of....

    Haz, Mahrez, Lamela, Firmino
    Rooney, Gray, Aguero

    Or

    Haz, Eriksen, Firmino, Redmond
    Vardy, Gray, Aguero
    With 1m left over.

    Thanks all and good luck

    1. Kroos Kontrol
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      The latter.

  27. Kroos Kontrol
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    I have 1.5M in the bank and I don't know where to go, any suggestions? Worried that Ayew and Redmond is too much hot and cold.

    Kasper 4.0
    Stones Shaw Evans Friend 4.0
    Hazard Firmino Redmond Ayew 4.5(Capoue)
    Vardy Gray Aguero

    I am set on the front line and high priced options. I am open to removing Ayew or Redmond.

    1. John Still Likes John Still
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      I'd leave it and then do Ayew to an Arsenal mid in a couple weeks.

  28. Goonther
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    Almost!

    A) Ibra and Mahrez

    or

    B) Kane and Hazard

  29. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    why am I thinking of putting in januzaj and kone?

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 7 months ago

      Moyseh on your mind

  30. P&F
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 7 months ago

    A) Sanchez, Redmond & phillips
    Or
    B) firmino, Tadic, lamela

    Just got a feeling about Sanchez but collectively feels weak.