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. Ziyech on the Bench
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    My first hit this season: Took -8 for this GW, hopefully works out long term.

    Ryan

    Alonso, Laporte, Mina / WB, Bennett

    Salah, Richarlison, Maddison, David Silva / Kennedy

    Kane(c), Wilson, Arnautovic.

    0.6 ITB.

    1. chaser123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Looks decent to me

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

      depends on what it was. -8 and you still have Laporte and kenedy in your team.

      1. Origi-nal
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        What's wrong with Laporte?

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

          Won't give BPs if a clean sheet and won't have attacking returns if no clean sheet.

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

            Laporte has scored 2 goals in Champions league this season...you cant say he wont get attacking returns??!!

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

          Nothing. Clearly a non-owner

  2. chaser123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Chances of Robbo and Mane playing?

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

      Mane probably not. Robbo is probably 50/50

      Wait on Klopp presser

      1. chaser123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Is there a presser today?

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

          No

          1. chaser123
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Reckon I should transfer one out for -4 considering my bench of Barkley, Doherty and Success?

  3. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    With a wildcard to be used by the end of the month, when’s the best time to use it? Team in good shape just now but no Kane/Auba...

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

      Would have thought this week/next unless you want to wait until after the busy xmas period if your happy with your squad

    2. 420king
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I'm using it next week. Not unhappy with my team but feels like I'll waste it if I hold on much longer.
      Good fixture swing too.

  4. mixology
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Remainder of press conferences tomorrow? (i.e. pochettino) Awaiting any trippier news as I didn't see any.

  5. claretdownunder
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Hi

    could you please help me with 3 questions

    1) Is there any news on Robertson
    2) How likely is he to play
    3) Will we find out before the deadline

    Thanks for your help

    1. rainy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      No
      We don't know more than FPL, who think it's 75%
      Possibly (should have a presser before the match)

    2. Kub3
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I’m speculating he won’t play. He’s going to play most games over the festive period and Liverpool need to rotate and not burn players out if they’re going to stay close to City.

  6. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Could you recover points lost in a hit doing martial to Sané?

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

      100%, although it seems martial will start this week after being rested last weekend, never know if sane will miss out tomorrow. but over the near future, you will definitely make the points up barring a sane injury

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

        or sane falling out of favor for some reason

        1. mgilbert86
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          I feel like utd are so bad I can’t start him

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

            Not this week, but next week, technically Saturday you can.

    2. nibby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      If sane starts, yes

  7. pakornk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Are any Arsenal mids worth getting?

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      No

    2. Jimmy Floyd
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Can see Ramsey becoming an option in a couple of weeks but too risky at the moment

    3. nibby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      None. Too much rotation for attacking mids

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

      Might as well get Bellerin. Cheaper+ CS points possibility+starter+decently attacking.

  8. Hermanos FC
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Fabianski
    Robbo Alonso Laporte
    Fraser Hazard Mane Richarlison
    Jimenez Aguero Arnautovic

    Patricio Gudmundsson WB Cedric

    I have two FTs
    And 1.1 ITB
    So Mane out Sane In?
    And Aguero out Kane In?

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

      Yes and yes

  9. nibby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Who to get from thisbunch?

    A) Stones
    B) Keane/Digne/Mina
    C) Bellerin

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Hell no on A and C so B

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

        Thanks man. Do u think Mina will be a good pick among the 3 of tgem?

        1. mgilbert86
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Keane I think for baps

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

      Kolasinac

    3. Alonso The Great Midfielder
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      b of course

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

      Digne.

  10. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Aguero > Auba this week or next?

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

      This

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      This

  11. Alonso The Great Midfielder
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Which player should i get rid for a hit? Or just save transfer
    a)Knockaert
    b)Westwood
    c)Patricio

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

      Play knockart

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

      Knocky. The guy's just a shite Eden Hazard.

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

    Used my 2FT

    Aguero + Bennett -> Aubameyang + Digne

    GW15 Team

    Fabianski
    VanDijk Laporte Balbuena Digne
    Brooks Sane Hazard Salah (C)
    Arnautovic Aubameyang

    Hamer Jiminez Doherty Camarasa

    0FT 0m ITB

    GTG?

  13. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Captain and vice- captain ok?

    Ryan
    Alonso Robertson Doherty
    Hazard(v) Sterling(c) Sane Richarlison Anderson
    Arnie Wilson

    Button Fernandez Bennett Kamara

  14. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Any advice on who to go for in spurs defence? Currently have Trip but will he feature? Im doubting it. surely Toby is a she in after Verts red?

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

      hoping for a poch press conference tomorrow as I want to bring trips in. him and lloris is all im looking at for spurs defence.

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

        lloris isa good shout

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Trippier if fit. Foyth for a bargain. lloris if you want to limit Spurs assets in other areas

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

    When KDB is back which combo scores higher?

    A - KDB + Siggy

    B - Sterling + Camarasa

    1. Jules Rimet
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      lol A

  16. Fantasizer
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Alli, son or eriksen?
    Alli is cheaper than eriksen
    Son is prone to rotation but could be electric...!??? Please help as i am getting rid of mane

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

      honestly i'd monitor the next 2 gameweeks. they have about 13 great fixtures. i'd rather wait and have a better idea of who looks best option than bring someone in now and then want to switch after watching spurs the next few matches.

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Son for me but have a good backup

    3. Fantasizer
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I am chasing my mini league rival and i canr wait... and that against defensively awful saints... should i go with eriksen. he has to start right?,?

      1. olidooley
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Alli would be my pick of the three

    4. Kub3
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Alli

    5. GoonSquad
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Alli if I had to choose today.

  17. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Gtg here? Used 2 FTs to bring in Sane/Kane for Hazard/Aguero....

    Patricio
    Alonso Robertson TAA AWB
    Salah (c) Sane Sigurdsson Fraser
    Kane Arnie

    Hart Ings Doherty Hojbjerg

    1. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      My keepers are nasty this week....maybe every week!

  18. Kub3
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Watching Liverpool yesterday it’s evident to me they’re not the same team they were last season going forward. They’re still a good team but they’re much better defensively now than they were. The have the fewest goals allowed in the league. Even better than City. Thinking of finally getting rid of Salah because in a way this is affecting him also. Just my opinion. Doubling up on their D is the way to go I think.

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Agree. Have had VVD and Robbo the last few weeks and it’s worked out really well

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Fair comment.

      Did you see this article about LIV:

      https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46379846

      Not sure getting rid of Salah before BUR is a good idea though.

      1. Kub3
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, it won’t be before Burnley but right after most probably.

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      They're missing the chemistry that made them so class in the second half of last season. To me Mane and Salah are greedier, not to back themselves to score, but to prevent the other from scoring. The obvious pass to the man in a better position is not made as often as last season.

      The defence can still improve and Van Dijk is almost the sole reason why it is better. Alison of course has helped to improve them. Gomez was always going to be a very good defender, has a lot to learn defensively but no better master than Van Dijk. Robertson and Arnold have more to learn about defen ding but will surely do so. Hopefully Lovren will be kept well away from the starti ng 11. Klopp still needs a creative mid and a solid defensive mid. Dare I say it, and hopefully not tempting fate for Ireland, but Declan Rice could be the nan.

  19. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Is diop or Bernardo on Brighton nailed?

  20. tvz32
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Best 5th mid over the holiday period for 5.4 or less? Currently holding Obiang as fodder and he is no longer nailed

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Gunnarson at 4.4 at 3.2 ppm.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Patterson.

  21. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Who to bench
    (1) Doherty
    (2) Jimenez
    (3) AWB

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      1 imo

    2. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Doherty

    3. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      2.

      Doherty: never bench, never captain, never never, etc etc.

  22. Licious Lizard
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Which is the best 4.0 keeper on WC?
    Cheers

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Steele. BRI 3rd choice. Lowest ownership at that level so you do not have to worry about price drops.

      1. Licious Lizard
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks! So no one looks like even getting a chance in the near future?

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Nope.

          Can you change your grav please? Your boobs are affecting my barnacles.

          1. Licious Lizard
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            Haha lol

            1. Jafalad
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 4 months ago

              Assuming you are a lady of course.

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Cover for your own

      1. Licious Lizard
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers
        Unfortunately not a possibility though :/

  23. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I have noticed TV on the top 1K has been dropping recently. It must be Mendy Hazard being taken out. Now Robbo?

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I checked the top 10 the other day and noticed no one owns Salah. Sterling's rises must be the answer.

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

      Good spot 😮

  24. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Phrased it poorly last time.

    Need some bench cover so jonny to
    A. Diop
    B. Bernardo

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Diop has great fixtures.

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers! Am only looking for the next couple of weeks as I’ll likely wc then.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      who is bernardo 😮

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Lol. Didnt really know who he was until I was checking who has been playing for Brighton

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

      A

  25. Ragabolly
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    I am slightly worried about Arnie and thinking of downgrading to Wilson.. He seems to always miss some games and now we're in December, the month of rotation. Also, Chicharito could nail the striker spot?
    Am I just being paranoid?

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Valid concerns...Chicha looked sharp the other day. Who are your other fwds

      1. Ragabolly
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Kane Auba

        1. Mini Mane Mo
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Mitro or Jiminez?

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, I'm afraid you are.

      "There's neither good nor bad but thinking makes it so."

      W Shakespeare.

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

      Probably you are tbh. West Ham's fixtures are really good, we know that he is a good scorer, Bournemouth's fixtures are turning and also despite the many "knocks" Arnie only missed 1 game in the last 8 matches.

      Btw, thanks a lot for livefpl

    4. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      seems like Hernandez will hurt him

      That burnley haul tricked me I think

      1 2 5 against Brighton, Cardiff and Newcastle isn’t great

    5. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      He's carrying injuries. Many players do. He's very good for that price. If his form drops or he's out due to injury you can sell him then.

    6. Ragabolly
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Cheers all, will sleep on it

    7. Amey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Chicha is always hot and cold. Don't trust him.
      If Arnie fails 2-3 weeks then I'd prefer F. Anderson

  26. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Hey guys,
    Thinking of putting either Son or Alli in the team this week? Thoughts on who would be better? Gut feeling says Son but stats say Alli. TIA 🙂

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

      Eriksen.

    2. olidooley
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Alli

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

      Son

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Amey! followed your advice over the weekend which got me some decent points so thank you for that! Really feeling Son as well but im so worried he will be rotated way more than Alli? HELP haha

  27. olidooley
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Play one:

    a) Ingsy (tot)
    b) Wan-Bissaky (bha)
    c) Doherty (CHE)

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

      I'm playing Wan-Bissaky over Dohertyey

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      B

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

      Bissaka

    4. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I think Brighton have scored in every game this seson except against city, so not hopeful of a CS for AWB. Wolves are leaky at the mo too.

      I think with Doherty vs AWB this week it comes down to who do you think is more likely of an attacking return. I'm edging towards Doherty.

  28. eoan
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Is anyone keeping Aguero?

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

      I am IF he has traveled to Watford and another leak about him playing.

  29. JohnBlack
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    G2G or should i take some hits? Salah out after Burnley. 0ft, 0.3itb

    Fab
    Alonso - Robbo - Laporte - Doherty
    Sterling(VC) - Salah(C) - Richrlison - Fraser
    Auba - Arnie

    Patricio Ings Hojbjerg Bennett

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

      G2g

  30. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Best option this week?

    A) Doherty (CHE)
    B) Wan-B (bha)

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

      B