Podcast

Meet the Manager #10 – Mark McGettigan (aka FPL General)

With top 500 finishes in three of his last four seasons Mark McGettigan, aka FPL  General, is a more than worthy interviewee for our Meet the Manager series.

Mark explains what it takes to make the leap from being a good Fantasy Premier League manager to one who is challenging for the top places in the competition.

As well as patience and an aversion to hits, he believes that bravery in the transfer market and avoiding the crowd are important lessons to a successful ascent up the rankings.

He also reveals why underlying statistics are only one part of his Fantasy management jigsaw, which is dominated by the good old-fashioned eye-test.

The FPL website’s own Watchlist tool is another vital weapon in Mark’s Fantasy management armoury. He discusses why this often overlooked function has been so important to helping him better organise his thoughts regarding transfers.

However, with a current rank just outside the top 400,000, he faces one of his toughest tasks yet in 2018/19.

As well as sharing his strategies for success he also analyses where it has gone wrong this season and how he plans to turn it around.

Tapping into Manchester City’s potent midfield and ending his reliance on mediocre captains look key as he aims to once again finish strongly.

The chat with Mark is available to view on Youtube here and in the embedded video below.

Previous Meet the Manager interviews:

Marc Rubinstein

Kenneth Tang

Jay Egersdorff

Adam Hopcroft

Matthew Jones

Richard Clarke

Will Thomas

Philman

Triggerlips

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

2,276 Comments Post a Comment
  1. liboo
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    mane + willian out for Mehrez + Son

    os that worthy -4 ????

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Not mahrez..get Silva

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Which silva and why?

  2. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    GTG?

    Fabianski
    Vandijk Laporte Balbuena Digne
    Brooks Sane Hazard Salah
    Arnautovic Aubameyang

    Hamer Jiminez Doherty Camarasa

    OFT

    1. LSK
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good. Salah (c)?

      1. Bruno Bruno!!
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Yes Salah (C)

        1. LSK
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Gtg then. Let's hope for a haul.

  3. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    How do we feel about Mahrez tomorrow? It’s been awhile and he’s due for a start...

    Good differential as well.

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      think he will start...after this GW though, who knows when he gets his next start

    2. Rsforstar
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Considering mahrez usually starts bigger games rather than sane, i think he will play vs che at weekend instead

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I think so, too.

    3. Jayv807
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      different isn't always good. I wouldn't go there as none of know what ideas are rolling around in Pep's head and Mahrez hasn't looked great IMO.

    4. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Thanks all was just a thought. Cheers

    5. LSK
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't. Sterling is at risk of being rotated but it doesn't mean he'll definitely be rotated so not worth bringing his potential replacement in imo.

  4. Man Chest Hair United
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Salah and obiang out
    Sane and son in for -4?

    Or too risky?

    1. LSK
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't. Salah could score big this week. Not worth a minus 4 I don't think

    2. Rsforstar
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      not this GW

    3. Numbuster
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      keep.. obiang on bench

  5. LSK
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Any hits needed? Gone without Kane.

    Fabianski

    Alonso Robertson AWB Duffy

    Martial Salah (c) Richarlison Sterling

    Arnautovic (vc) Auba

    Hamer Jiminez Doherty Obiang

    1. Bruno Bruno!!
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Looks solid Alonso a rotation risk but looks good

      1. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Why single out Alonso as a rotation risk?

    2. Numbuster
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      look g2g

  6. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Ederson
    Robbo*-WB-Doherty-Alonso
    Rich-Mane*-Fraser-Sterling
    Kane C- Arnie

    Hamer-Jimenez-Diangana-Bednarek

    0 FT and 2.7 ITB. I already used 2 FT to bring Kane and Mane LoL.

    With my very very bad bench and rotation risk with Robbo and Sterling and Mane who surely wont play should i go for Anderson instead Mane (-4).
    That move will give me space for Laca instead Jimmy in GW 16.

    What you think?

    1. Numbuster
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      i think its worth to get a hit...

    2. Rsforstar
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      this week play mane

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Why play mane when he's likely out?

    3. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Unlucky. Well, that's the risk we are taking with early transfers. Wait for Pool presser to deside is what I'd do.

      If Mane is a serious doubt, your plan sound good. Laca is understandably very overlooked right now but I think he's a great option. Might bring him in instead of Auba but have to see how how Arsenal line up against Utd.

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Agree. Guess who I bring in GW 14 ? Aguero instead Laca and he punished me. Actually both punished me lol even i wait 5 min before deadline but thats fantasy. I hope Laca wont start vs United which means he will surely play vs Hudd.

  7. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Doherty > TAA?

    Ryan
    Alonso Robbo* Laporte Doherty Bennett

    1. Numbuster
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Keep.. Read some review on TAA said his last games performance not that good enough.

    2. _figu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Utd (yes, I still include them here haha), Arsenal and City in next 7 or 8. Don't think it's the right time for it. I was looking at that yesterday as well.

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah don’t see why not

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Are Foyth or Kolasinic or Coleman options?

    4. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Doherty is season keeper for me. I would ditch Bennet

  8. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Looking at Improving bench. Have Patricio and Hojberg as fifth midfielder. Which to do first?

    A) Hojberg ---> Brooks
    B) Hamer ---> Fabianski

    1. Numbuster
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      brooks price has improved..
      i guess keep the hit .

      Pat > Fab? u can save 0.5 unit

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Doing the move GW 17.

        1. Numbuster
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          LOL lets wait Week 16 over only discuss this.

          in this 2 week GW you may desperate need the 0.5 unit too.

  9. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Save ft? 1ft 0itb

    Hennessy
    Trippier, TAA, Coleman
    Salah(c), Hazard, Sterling, Martial, Fraser
    Arnie, Wilson

    Patricio, WB, Jimenez, Doherty

    1. Numbuster
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Keep..

  10. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Who should I ditch with my ft folks?
    No playing subs so have to ditch one

    Mane
    Martial

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Hold a bit longer I reckon

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Didn’t realise how much of a doubt Mane was. Must be him then.

    2. lugs
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Mane, i think Martial will play, Mane has a cut foot or something so he's a doubt

    3. Win'dian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Mane

  11. Trovsmash
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Please help.

    What on earth do I do with Stones?

    .5 itb.

    A. Keep and hope he plays
    B. Downgrade?
    C. if so downgrade to?

    1. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A

    2. LSK
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Keep this week - good chance he plays. No point second guessing rotation during midweek games because there's bound to be some shocks. He'll need to go soon though, maybe for Bellerin against Huddersfield next week?

    3. Numbuster
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      B,C to AWB?

      1. Numbuster
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        but not in this week. so Keep 1st

  12. squ1rrel
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Current team:

    Fab - 4.0
    Alonso - Robbo - Doherty - S. Cook - AWB
    Haz - Sterling - Mane - Fraser - Guendouzi
    Auba - Arnie - Jimenez

    0.8 ITB, 1 FT

    Mane -> one of Alli/Eriksen/Son? If so, whom?

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Eriksen.

    2. Win'dian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Son, more explosive and with remaining amount you can upgrade ur bench to handle occasional rotations

    3. Numbuster
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Alli

    4. LSK
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Whoever you want most. Honestly that's the sort of decision that comes down to personal preference as all could be great but if you pick the one who is rested or blanks on our advice you'll be pissed. Best to go with your gut on this one.

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Erikson home to Burnley looks a great fixture. More nailed than Son, IMO.

  13. Citizenkane91
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    How does this look for a WC side:

    Fabianski (Hamer)
    Digne Yedlin Wan-Bisaka (Kolasinac Schindler)
    Siggurdson Sterling Sane Anderson (Brooks 1. sub)
    Auba Kane Arnautovic

    This is the one I'm leaning towards.

    Alternatively:

    Fabianski (Hamer)
    Digne Duffy Schindler (Bellerin Schindler)
    Siggurdson Sterling Sane Son Anderson
    Auba (Wilson) Arnautovic

    Defenders lurking in the background: Diop, would mean Felipe goes for Brooks in the first version; VVD instead of Duffy or Yedlin. If I am to keep a Liverpool defender, it has to be one less prone to rest in the forthcoming matches.

    1. Citizenkane91
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Last Schindler should be Wan-Bisaka.

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Look superb. Yeah, probs first one there for a 3-4-3. Like the Bellerin or Kola pick. Intending getting Bellerin, I'd say. Monréal due back soon, I think...

        1. Citizenkane91
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Thanks, Big Andy.

          Monreal still two-three weeks away, a lot of juicy games in that time, so I'm not overly worried. Choice will be purely based on attack threat. There's also a possibility of Monreal and Kolasinac starting at the same time, with Monreal in a back three, and Bellerin/Kolasinac as wingbacks. Anyway, by that time I'm thinking Trippier has entered the picture. 😉

    2. Win'dian
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Decent team but looks a bit too top heavy. Doesn't matter though if you like it.

      1. Citizenkane91
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I see where you're coming from, but what are the alternatives at the back?

        Robertson? 50/50 this GW. TAA? Will be a constant rotation worry for me, and I'll need to maintain a good bench over time to mitigate the risk of a Liverpool CS being rested. VVD is a safe option with BAPS potential, but I imagine attackers will snap those versus Burnley and Bournemouth (a game I'm not sold on defensively for Liverpool, by the way).

        Trippier? Too soon to come into contention, but definitely one I do want in a few gws time.

        Alonso? Azpic has looked better, irregardless of price, and Arsenal defenders tempt me more than Azpic.

        Doherty? Digne looks the better option at the moment, and Schindler/Duffy/Yedlin just rotates so well, for less money.

        Come GW17 I Imagine I'll have shifted a few of the latter names for a City defender and Tottenham. I MAY just upgrade one of them to VVD for GW15-17.

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good, I'm on WC too and would like a heavier defence though.

      1. Citizenkane91
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I hear you regarding the balance, though I do feel that is the direction the current is flowing, with Wolves' fixtures turning with their confidence crumbling, withLiverpool's defensive shuffle-athon about to start, I'm not trusting any of Gomez, TAA or Robertson. VVD is an option, of course, and one I'm heavily considering. Would mean Brooks to some really cheap bench fooder though, like Hudson-Odoi, until GW17, and as such I'd be more vulnerable to a Sterling rest this GW.
        Alonso is a major doubt versus Wolves, the lad even looks in need of a rest, and has City in GW 17, even Azpiculeta has seemed a far better option of late. Bellerin or Kolasinac would take on the mantle of a Chelsea premium.

        All of this leads me to the feeling that the better option is to ease into a reshuffling of funds into the back over time. Yedlin, Schindler, Digne and an Arsenal defender should give decent clean sheet potential over the next 5, with attacking potential and bonus penchant to boot. Trippier within reach at any moment, something I'm looking at once they get both Alderweld and Vertonghen back.

        1. noquarternt
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Very good and well thought out ideas there.

          I just think over the whole of the season Alonso and Robertson are going to be monster points scorers. They'll miss the few games now and again, especially so in the coming gameweeks as you've written. I don't fancy seeing Chelsea's fixtures turn and be looking at having to splash 7 mill+ on Alonso later on. Also Doherty is so cheap for his attacking threat.

          My current one is:

          Fabianski (Steele)
          Alonso Robertson Doherty (WanB Schindler)
          Sterling Sané Anderson (McArthur Gunnarson)
          Kane Arnie Aubameyang

          With at least one bracketed player to play each week.

          It's not perfect, but I feel everyone should start most gameweeks and I've got good haulage and captain options for the next 2 months.

          Still open to changes but I'm pretty happy at the moment.

      2. Citizenkane91
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Mind sharing your WC draft?

  14. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Thinking to use free hit. I made 2 free transfers and i regret now. If i use FH that would cancelled my transfers yes and i would have 2 FT for GW 16?

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      No you will only have 1ft gw 16. Really not worth it. Best used in a blank or dgw.

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Ok. But what my team will look like? I bring Kane for this gw. Am i going to have him for gw 16 or not if i use FH?

        1. noahzark22
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          If you use the free hit, your team goes back to what it is now after all your transfers

          1. IRBOX ⚽
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            * what it was before any transfers

            1. Niho992
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              So thats mean i will have 2 FT and Aguero and Salah who i ditch

              1. IRBOX ⚽
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 4 months ago

                You’ll have Aguero and Salah yes, but only 1FT

                1. Niho992
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 4 months ago

                  Then i wont use FH. Thx.

  15. nico05
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I’d say top 1, great firepower

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Sorry that was in response to CITIZENKANE

      1. Citizenkane91
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks, Nico.

        It feels right. I'm also considering going Kane Auba Wilson, the idea being that Felipe will 1) cover Arnautovic, 2) allow a West Ham defender like Diop, and 3) Wilson is an upgrade on Brooks/Fraser. But, I have a soft spot for Arnautovic, and rather than continue to be outshone by his brazilian counterpart, I think he's about to hit an upturn in form, so while the head says one thing in terms of better team-structure, heart interferes.

  16. Jayv807
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Considered doing Robbo to TAA to free up some cash. Decided to wait even though TAA was rising yesterday, since Robbo was very close to a price rise which would increase my sale value on him.

    That worked out well....

    1. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah I dunno, I think I might do something similar. But am loathe to losing such a reliable player...

  17. Aubaaaaa
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    For the December period, which one would you rather have in your team?
    A. Anderson
    B. Richarlison

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Anderson

    2. Numbuster
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A

    3. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Both

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Any other cover from either side, no? I think WHU may have more goals in them at the mo than the Toffees...

    4. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      FAnderson

    5. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A probably. Those fixtures.

  18. MikeLowrey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    G2G this gameweek? Will probably WC next week

    Fab
    Alonso TAA Stones
    Salah Sterling Rich Fraser
    Firmino Wilson Arnie

    (Ryan AWB Doherty Kante)

  19. jia you
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I had two options in my head this week:
    A. Aguero to Auba
    B. Aguero + Billing to Arnie + Filipe (-4)

    I chose the later which could prove a big mistake if my Hammers fail to deliver over the next two!

  20. stumanchuu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Mane and aguero out

    Ali and kane in -4 capt Kane?

    1. Geezer
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    2. Numbuster
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      good moves

  21. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Already gained 0.1 profit in SP on Auba #nice

  22. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Too sideways for -4?

    Hazard -> Anderson
    Arnie -> Auba

    Or do it next week? Also would be for -4

    1. Geezer
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Next week

  23. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    If Bennett is out of favor, new FPL player Yan Valery could be the next 4.0 starter. Will have to monitor the situation to see whether the new coach (supposedly Hassenhutl of RBL) will play him or not.

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Played in Hughes' last game in charge and impressed too.

    2. ZTF
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      He surely wont

    3. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I want Bednarek to start some games.

  24. rambo.
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Non Salah and Kane owners who r u captaining?

    1. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I own Kane but would cap Auba

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        1 0 UTD ; Felle 87'

        1. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          5-1 Spurs
          Kane 16' 26' 54' 66' 78'

          1. noquarternt
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Love these posts

            1. Niho992
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              I can dream about it 😛
              Actually will be 2-0 Dier and Foyth.

        2. noquarternt
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Lol

      2. Vamos Los Celeste
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        1-1 Mkhi Fellaini

  25. CaTriEm
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Felipe Anderson + Arnautovic double-up. Thoughts?

    1. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I've got it on WC...doesn't feel great...but can't see anything better.

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Viable, but not for me.

    3. jackjones
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I have both. Worth trying for their upcoming fixtures.

    4. ZTF
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Do you have one already, if so which

      1. CaTriEm
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        I've commited to the decision already, brought in Anderson and already had Arnie. Wondering if there's many doing the same.

  26. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    WHU fans do you think Diangana will be on bench at least vs Cardiff?

  27. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Aguero>Kane

  28. Vamos Los Celeste
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Ryan
    Alonso TAA Balbuena AWB
    Salah Sterling (C) Richarlison (VC) Fraser
    Firmino Chicha

    Hamer Doherty Hojbjerg Iheanacho
    0FT 5.0 ITB
    Any suggestions ?

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Nothing for a hit. Next GW, Bobby to Auba

      1. Vamos Los Celeste
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        i thought so too , but much money itb make u think again

    2. rambo.
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Did you consider putting the armband on salah?

  29. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Robbo just had to get injured didn't he, ffs

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Moreno essential. 2 points confimed.

    2. Lav
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Went to TAA to fund Kane for me.

    3. Vamos Los Celeste
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      time for some loco Moreno

    4. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Is he confirmed out?

  30. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Watford 0 - 4 Bournemouth
    Watford 0 - 3 Liverpool
    Watford ? - ? Man City

    Watford can't handle the fast paced attacking teams. Blood bath incoming? City beat them 6-0 away last season.

    1. Vamos Los Celeste
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      without kun & Raheem it's 2-0 for City