So that was 2016.
Many will be glad to see the back of it, mainly for non-football reasons.
For myself and Fantasy Football Scout, it was a big year of transition. On the face of it, everything changed.
We launched the new version of the site back in April and, after several incremental fixes and tweaks, I think we’ve eventually settled in our new surrounds – particularly with the last update a couple of months back.
My first big thanks to you, the community, is for sticking with us during that spell and for your patience and support throughout.
I reserve my next thank you for all those who contribute to the site, and who help and work behind the scenes with the business.
To Paul and our editorial team who continue to put up with my demands; they work tirelessly to deliver articles that go on bringing eyes to our pages. After all these years, Paul remains a calm, faultless and sage-like editorial companion who proves particularly helpful when I need to gang up on Jonty.
Talking of Jonty, my thanks also go to him for stepping up his involvement behind the scenes in the last twelve months, and for managing our moderation team. That crew give up their time and help build and maintain what I believe is one of the most enthusiastic and active football communities on the net.
Next, I want to thank Granville and Andy who take time to talk nonsense with Jonty and myself each week. Two hundred and nine episodes in, the ScoutCast rolls on and some of you are even listening.
Then there are the folk that barely get recognition on our pages.
Ed who worked all hours to help roll out the new design and who continues to react to every issue, wrinkle and demand I throw his way, no matter when I come calling. And Chris, who has driven the business behind Fantasy Football Scout from the get go and still tolerates and keeps my pessimism in check.
Of course, I also want to thank Pip my fiancé and my two children who support and stand by me. All those times I’m writing, commissioning, posting and emailing are often moments stolen from them.
There has been some major changes for me this year. I left my day job to increase our editorial work with the Premier League and dedicate all my working day – and quite frankly, most of my nights – to Fantasy Football.
I’m still adjusting. My family is still adjusting, and Fantasy Football Scout is still adjusting.
Next week, once the frenzy of the festive spell settles, I’ll be asking you to help with that process.
We will be carrying out our first survey since 2010, asking you to help us find out more about our visitors, what you like, what you don’t like and what you want and expect from us.
From then on, I want to share more with you. What we’re planning, what we’re doing, what we’re thinking.
Which brings me to my final big thanks, extended to you.
Without you visiting our pages and contributing your wisdom and wit to our community, I simply would not be here tapping this out.
Over the years, those who read the articles, post comments, listen to the podcast and sign up as members have continued to provide me with the drive and incentive to keep me invested and determined to build on what we have.
I am amazed at how far we’ve come together and humbled by the loyalty and support you have shown myself and the team behind Fantasy Football Scout.
I hope that, with your help, starting with your feedback and ideas in our survey, we can make things even better and go on building this thing.
Many thanks again and Happy New Year to you and your families.
Now on to 2017. Fewer idols lost. More green arrows.
