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14 May 2018 893 comments
Paul Paul
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We are delighted to announce the official launch of the Fantasy Football book ‘Wasting Your Wildcard‘.

Written by regular site contributor David Wardale and fully endorsed by Fantasy Football Scout, it will be out on Thursday, July 26, to plug the painful gap between the end of the World Cup and start of the 2018/19 Premier League season.

Subtitled ‘The Method and Madness of Fantasy Football’, the book is being published by Penguin’s respected sports imprint, Yellow Jersey Press, and is packed with hints and tips from some of the best Fantasy managers out there.

But it is as much about the people as the game, with stories of glory and despair, mini-league skulduggery and humiliating failure and the strange grip the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) in particular has on managers from Australia to Zimbabwe and just about everywhere in between.

There are in-depth interviews with FPL champions and Fantasy-mad Saudi princes, a comprehensive look at the eternal conflict that is stats versus ‘the eye test’ and chapters on the history of the game, the all-conquering beast that is Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and what the future of Fantasy Football might look like.

There’s also a revealing section on our very own Mark, detailing the methods behind his successful approach to playing FPL.

Written by a fan for the fans, we think Wasting Your Wildcard will inform and entertain in equal measure, while grappling with the reasons behind why we, as supposedly grown-up men and women, cannot resist playing a game of footballing dress-up.

And to give you a taste of what you can expect, we’re planning to publish an exclusive extract for newsletter subscribers in the very near future.

SAVE £5 WHEN YOU PRE-ORDER WASTING YOUR WILDCARD WITH WATERSTONES.COM! Simply enter the discout code SCOUT18 at checkout and you can save a fiver – one third off the cover price.

Australian fans can order through Booktopia.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

893 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Does anyone know if Ryan Sessegnon's birthday is on Friday?

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I doubt it. Surely the commentator would have mentioned it if it was.

      1. 32chickens
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Is it his birthday...No one said

  2. Richd
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Sad not to see the Fulham boys crying like last season when Reading destroyed them.

  3. 32chickens
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    A book?
    With a free VHS?

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Think I will stick to the Beano

  4. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Ayew -> Dunne?

    Cheers for the help this year everybody

    1. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Ki -> Success ?

  5. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Spain/Messi worth a punt @80/1?

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      The Punt was done away with when Ireland joined the Euro

  6. Holy See
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    In lighter news, in last position! one bad week.... https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/entry/5849432/history

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      No transfers since GW34

  7. the snazzy viking
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    perfect, will pre-order it and read it over the holiday whilst lying on a sunbed 😎

  8. SeizeYourLuck
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Where to play fantasy world cup?

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      the official fifa one, should be up and running in the next month or so. need to read the rules though because they are slightly different, you can do mid-round live substitutions

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

        Ok thx ill check out

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

      Superbru are on it already .... No budgets too

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

    Is it sad I want to set up a preseason watchlist in excel?

    ....doesnt matter I already know the answer 😛

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      do it

    2. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Dubravka and Aubameyang are my first names on the sheet. very tempted to start without kane depending on price

      1. the snazzy viking
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        if Kane is higher than 12m then I'm not even considering him

      2. OldBenKenobi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Im going for "nail on" players only next season. so will try to get centrebacks (hopefully goal scoring ones) and avoiding wingbacks. And talisman players (doesnt matter if the team is small)
        NO MORE Willians or Lingards etc

        1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          ye talismans and nailed players is the mantra. spent too long trying to find lower priced bargains like Christensen etc.

        2. Duffy Dunk
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah Willian and Lingard could be great value if they get transferred or loaned to other teams.
          Willian is wasting his team at Chelsea, he should go

  10. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Marco Silva replacing Big Sam. Everton to challenge next season?

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      relegation?

    2. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      This is going to be fun. Nothing better than seeing Evertonians suffer!

    3. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      This reminds me of Richard Keys' tweet. Which I can't link you to, because he blocked me.

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

        You actually been blocked by the living legend himself..why he block you? Wouldn't you 'smash it?'

    4. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Did a decent job at Hull mostly, but the wheels fell off in the games he had to win (Sunderland, Palace).

      Didn't rate him at all this season at Watford. Surprised they finished so high up the table. They seemed to be a terrible side.

    5. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Excellent appointment for them

      1. Digital-Real
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        12th place finish beckons

  11. liiusions
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hang on, Ederson got -1 points despite not playing? If you started him in your team would he get autosubbed out or do you get the -1? Never seen that before

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      he would get autosubbed

  12. Sánchez
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    The promo code saves £3 not £5 😉

  13. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    There's a FFS newsletter?

  14. Captain Arctic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    I would have bought a net notebook with this cover. 🙂

  15. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    What are some of the transfers you are hoping to see in the bpl this Summer? Gonna be a busy window with the early deadline!

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      mahrez to watford
      vardy to arsenal
      toby to huddersfield
      rondon to cardiff
      shawcross to burnley
      shaquiri to newcastle

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        I think more like:

        mahrez > arsenal
        Vardy > spurs
        Toby > Southampton
        Rondon > Palace
        ShawX > Everton
        Shaqiri > Burnley

  16. Somar
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hey all. Thanks for all that gave me tips and suggestions throughout the season. I love this community. Signing off now. See ya in July. Cheers

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

      Have a good one Mo.

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      adieu! 😉

  17. Arctic monkeys
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is Ryan Sessegnon a winger or a left back ? Just seen the highlights he looked Lively along with Kamara Fredericks and Mitrovic

    1. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Started the season as a left back, but since about December, has been playing a more advanced role. Left attacking midfielder really.

  18. Waltomade
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    FPL lessons learnt this season??

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Do better next season

    2. Unfathomable Ruination
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Take less points hits.

    3. Johnny Leghorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Follow the crowd until gw26 or so then start to do your own thing.

    4. dvdguy
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Just captain Salah

    5. Good Times
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      When luck isn't your way, even the best plans will fail so chin up and keep moving...

    6. Kane Toads
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      keep the FH Chip for a blank GW. Don't get Kane til September.

  19. SkeletONv01
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Willian > Mahrez? Have exact funds.

    1. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      probably (c) as well

  20. A Betting Man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Looking through some stats...

    2016/17:
    (C) Total Points - 577
    (VC) Total Points - 478

    2017/18:
    (C) Total Points - 500
    (VC) Total Points - 600

    The Salah Effect.

    Interestingly my total possible captain points if I always captained highest scorer was 978 in both seasons.

  21. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Have we had an explanation yet as to why Ederson kept his -1 despite not even playing

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Got a yellow card for running onto the pitch when Jesus scored.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      If your Goalkeeper plays 0 minutes in the Gameweek, he will be substituted by your replacement Goalkeeper, if he played in the Gameweek.

      Need a playing 2nd GK to cover the 0 minute part.

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      This is exactly why I avoided picking Ederson...it was always going to be a pen miss or an illegal pitch invasion with him 😆

    4. Numb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      He got autosubbed though didn't he?

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        He didnt really play in the Gw though did he, so I still fail to see why the -1 stands

        1. Sánchez
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          I agree. I think it's a bit ridiculous. Some without a playing second keeper actually got the -1. Should have been treated as a zero given he wasn't part of the match at any time.

  22. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Is the paperback out?

    1. davidwardale
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      July 26. Pre-order now available.
      As for the nudity, in the other immortal words of Patrick Stewart - "You'll get nothing and like it."
      There is swearing, though.

  23. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    In the immortal words of Patrick Stewart - “Will there be nudity in it?”

    1. davidwardale
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Reply fail - please see directly above.

  24. GazPage
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    I won my mini league in my 8thattempt. I’ve came 4th, 5th, 6th,9th, 11th, 11th, 17th last season as stopped trying and this year 1st. It’s a strong league with guys finishing in the top 1,000 previously.

    I went the whole season without Kane and finished 80k. Poor final gameweek but I’m super chuffed. They think I used a subscription but I didn’t. I just refused to take 4 point hits until the end of the season searched for bonus points. I won the league because I had the most bonus points.

    I won £225 and bragging rights, but how can you break the top 1,000? What is regarded a strong position? I always felt too 200 k was good

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I'd say inside the top 10k is generally regarded as a 'decent' season around here. It's by no means a given though. Tough school...

    2. TOPCAT1960
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Well done you !

      I also won both my public mini leagues that i entered with 2209pts and my highest finish in 9 seasons of playing. Overall Rank 125k

      Well pleased, but I took 72 points in hits so could have been alot higher!

    3. Je suis le chat
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Its getting harder each year but I think sensible play should get you into the top 10k. Rules are; 1. Always captain player leading scout poll, 2. Load team with high ownership players who are nailed, 3. Take no hits.

  25. Siva Mohan
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Hello DZers!

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      This DZ is morphing into a Supermassive DZ

      1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        we just can’t let go

        1. Legomané
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Eliteserien looks intriguing...

          1. Kane Toads
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            Eliteserien is interesting - my second season now. Once you get used to it - not knowing the players prob helps. - FFS Picks are good to follow

          2. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 7 months ago

            It's great.. reminds me of when I first started FPL. You should give it a go 🙂

  26. Elvy
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    What happened to Richarlison? In the first 13 GWs he got 5 goals and 5 assists, met the eye test, the stats test and probably the Rorschach test. After that he got 3 assists, with nothing at all from GW22 on. Strange...

    1. rrcmc
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      I recall it seemed to coincide with a manager change; certainly one to watch if he moves club.

  27. Paul
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Already missing FPL!

  28. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Wow this is slow. How does Mark fund his rockstar lifestyle during off season

    1. Holmes
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      By following sober lifestyle during this period 😉

  29. Eden Wizard
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    City's monopoly of players will ruin FPL 18/19 - Bookmark

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 7 months ago

      Mahrez & Zaha links are just a joke.

      Existing winger list: Jesus, Bernie, Sterling, Sane (Silva & KDB capable)...

      1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        but he’s also said players want to leave to play more - I expect that means bilva for one

      2. Jebiga
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        this

      3. DantheManinaPan
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 7 months ago

        Jesus is not a winger - one of Mahrez/Zaha wouldn't be a bad buy - need to cover the possibility of one of Bernie, Sterling, Sane getting injured, and if they play well enough, could still get regular football.

        1. Eden Wizard
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 7 months ago

          Jesus played LW (inside forward) before Mendy got injured and last season.

  30. A.T
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 7 months ago

    Congrats David. Looking forward to having a good read of it.