Interview

Interview – Simon March – Fantasy Premier League Winner

Our series of summer interviews kicks off with Simon March, aka “Dufflinks”, who was crowned the overall winner of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game last Sunday.

A long-standing member of the Fantasy Football Scout community, Simon clinched the title by 21 points, pipping fellow community member, “Jinswick”, who staged a dramatic late surge to push for the crown having finished in the top 6k in each of the final three Gameweeks.

Simon talks us through his highs, lows and the tactics used in a season that saw him replace Tom Fenley as the reigning FPL champion.

Congratulations on your victory. After going into the final day with a 34-point lead, did you really expect the final day to be as tense?

Thank you!

I expected it to be tense but probably not as tense as it eventually was. The rational part of me was thinking; “34 points is surely too much to make up in one Gameweek…” but the FPL manager in me knew that anything can happen, especially on the final day! So, even with a solid point buffer and having been number one for 14 weeks, I wasn’t taking anything for granted. There was always a fear that somebody could ‘Whigfield’ me. And they nearly did!

Where did you spend the final fateful hours? What kind of emotions were you going through as the matches unfolded?

The plan right up until Sunday had been to watch the final matches in the pub but, as it got closer and the tension grew, that felt like tempting fate. I ended up watching at home, glued to FFS and the live text and experiencing probably every emotion you could imagine! Looking back, I think if I’d gone through that in a crowded pub with a sketchy internet connection… I might actually have lost it! I’d love to say I was totally cool about the whole thing, but I wasn’t.

The next day was, of course, a different story and it was time to celebrate! Now also armed with “a lifetime supply of pub banter” as one friend described it!

What made you decide on drafting in Yannick Bolasie as your final transfer of the season? Did you even consider Theo Walcott as a threat?

That was actually one of the hardest transfers of the season. I had originally planned to bring Hazard back in but, with the “wisdom-teeth saga” ongoing, I decided instead to add some depth to my attack. I needed a nailed-on, low/mid-priced midfielder, on form and ideally playing at home. Bolasie ticked all those boxes and the fact that my nearest competitor had him was ultimately the clincher. In the end, I think Bolasie might have scored the least out of anyone I’d considered. However, his inclusion meant that I’d finally owned a player from each Premier League team over the season. So there was that.

Embarrassingly, since I know all too well what Walcott is capable of, he hadn’t registered with me as a major threat. After all, he hadn’t been starting and had shown no real FPL form. I should have known better.

The “danger men” in my mind were Hazard, Christian Benteke, Romelu Lukaku and Jamie Vardy. Looking back, Walcott was an inspired differential punt by both Jinswick and Stuart Greenacre, and one that very nearly paid off.

At what point did you begin to realise that the title could be at risk?

As soon as that first Walcott goal went in on four minutes I started to think; “Uh-oh…”. Then, all within the few minutes just before half time, Walcott completed his hat-trick. With Diego Costa and Marc Albrighton both also scoring for Jinswick and a Jeffrey Schlupp assist thrown in for good measure, I knew then that I was definitely in trouble. It was the nightmare scenario playing out in front of me. And there was still the second half to go.

Fortunately for me, things then started to swing back in my favour, with Wes Morgan fetching an unlikely assist, Charlie Austin scoring to wipe out Jinswick’s double Leicester clean sheet and then, finally, my captain Sergio Aguero scoring a late goal. That’s when I knew I’d probably won it. I don’t think anyone in the world celebrated that goal like I did.

You were sitting on top spot since Gameweek 24 – do you think that was an advantage? How did being out in front hinder or benefit your methods?

I think it probably seemed like more of an advantage than it actually was. There’s a perception that, if you have a decent lead, then you can just “play it safe” while others have to take risks to catch you. The latter part is true but, with a few Gameweeks to go, there are no real “safe” moves available. In fact, it feels like the advantage shifts to the chasers, if not individually then collectively. Chasing managers can differentiate their teams specifically against yours whereas it’s impossible for you to cover all the potentially explosive differentials featured among the 100-odd teams that could theoretically catch you in the run-in. You basically watch every match from behind the sofa.

All you can really do in that position is to try and minimise the risks where possible and hope that the most objectively “sensible” options pay off consistently enough. The longer your lead, the greater the risks people seem willing to take to catch you, so I assumed that there would be something to play for right up until the end. For that reason, I avoided the temptation to try and “kill it off” in the final weeks with one massive differential Captaincy punt or by going too heavy with my Wildcard for double Gameweek 34. I wasn’t looking to break any points records, I just wanted to make sure I was set up for the long-haul.

We noticed in the opening Gameweek, you left Gylfi Sigurdsson on the bench and watched him score 13 points. Do you remember that opening week? You surely could not have envisaged how things would pan out from that point?

Yes, I benched him for Bojan! I guess that goes to show that you can make costly mistakes and still recover from them. Traditionally I have a poor first Gameweek so I was just glad to get a respectable 65 points. And, for anyone who believes in omens, 65 was my exact average score over the season…

Did memories of that Sigurdsson bench haul guide your decision in Gameweek 20, when you played him over 18-point Harry Kane? It almost seems that the Swansea man was determined to break your season!

It was even worse than that, as in Gameweek 19, I’d played Kane ahead of Sigurdsson. Kane blanked and Sigurdsson scored a goal! It did feel like a conspiracy at the time…

I’d gone into that Christmas period thinking that “strength in depth” was the way to go with all the uncertainty that the fixture congestion creates. It ended up not paying off at all but it had worked at other unpredictable points in the season such as around international breaks when I received some valuable auto-sub points.

It’s painful to have points on the bench but, in my view, it’s still better than not having had that player at all. Though it rarely feels that way at the time.

You had as many United players as your beloved Chelsea over the season. You also backed Wayne Rooney with the captaincy in five of the first six Gameweeks – a soft spot for United? Are you sure you’re not Granville in disguise?

I was surprised to read that actually. I think United had a seemingly good run of fixtures to start the season and Rooney is, of course, a proven Fantasy asset so that was probably me “channelling my inner casual”. Looking back he didn’t do too badly for me.

I suppose it helps to underline how, if you want your FPL team to be successful, you have to check your real-world allegiances at the door.

One unique aspect of your campaign is that you seem determined not to take point hits for transfers. Presumably, that was a strict policy – can you explain that? Have you applied the same tactic in previous seasons?

Yes I’ve taken about four hits in all the six seasons I’ve been playing. I’m not totally against them, there are times when a hit is necessary or potentially advantageous such as when you need to get in a vital player immediately, can’t field a full team or around double Gameweeks. Some players seem to have a real skill around taking hits.

Personally, I find it very easy to talk myself out of taking point hits, so generally don’t go through with them even when I am considering one. A potential benefit of that mindset is that it forces me into a more measured approach to transfers, so I don’t suffer too many knee-jerk transfer disasters.

How did your Wildcard strategy differ this season? You played it very late in the season – do you think that proved pivotal to your victory?

I think this is the first time my Wildcard has made it past Gameweek 4. Historically my initial team selections have often been too imbalanced or inflexible to take advantage of form players or to adapt to shifts in fixture difficulty so Wildcarding early became a necessity. Other times I used it tactically to build team value.

This season my initial team was well-balanced and, with price-rises slower than in the past, I didn’t see an advantage in wildcarding early. Wherever possible, I banked my free transfers and, since I was doing quite well, I sometimes found myself struggling to even use those.

In the end, keeping the Wildcard did prove crucial not, as it turned out, because it was a massive points success when I used it in double Gameweek 34 (thanks Raheem…), but mainly because it forced many rivals to spend four, eight or even 12 points on hits to get a team that I was able get for free. It also helped me set my team up for the run-in, including the double Gameweek 37.

The best time to use your Wildcard is, of course, whenever you need it most, but I think there’s definitely an advantage to keeping it late.

You’ve had strong FPL campaigns before, finishing 3833 in 2012/13 but you then slipped to 114293 the season after. What were the factors that made the difference to your hike in rank this season?

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that there was a huge amount of luck involved. I think you need a certain degree in order to win this game.

In terms of what I did do, the key single principle I worked towards throughout the season was to maintain flexibility. In my initial selection I made sure that I chose players with a range of prices so that I could easily swap in any form players that emerged without the need for major surgery.

I carried over my free transfer wherever possible because you can make a far bigger difference to your team using two transfers compared to just one and I made transfers as late as possible to take into account as much team news as I could.

With the slower price rises, this was a more viable tactic this season, but I was still ready to trade team value for flexibility in most instances.

Finally, I kept both my Wildcards as late as possible which, as mentioned, allowed me to take advantage of double Gameweeks and set up my team for the run-in.

What was your best decision made over the course of season? And what was your worst? Were there any unsung heroes?

The worst was definitely the decision to bench Harry Kane in Gameweek 20. I can laugh about it now but it was so hard to take at the time that I think my girlfriend actually had to console me. Oh, and then there was Loic Remy…

I think all my best decisions involved keeping faith with players a little bit longer than their FPL form at the time perhaps merited. This was definitely true of Dusan Tadic ahead of his 23 points in Gameweek 8 and, later on in the season, of Alexis Sanchez, David Silva and even Aguero. It’s surprising how quickly these proven players can become differentials if you remain patient.

I think bringing in John Terry, who wasn’t very widely-owned at the time, for his three goals in four matches over Christmas was vital for climbing the rankings, as was getting onto the Kane and Charlie Austin bandwagons quickly. The Terry transfer was a classic FPL manager; “Well, he’s due…” selection!

I’ll also happily buy my new cult heroes Wes Morgan and Paul McShane pints should I ever run into them!

You’ve been contributing to the Fantasy Football Scout since 2011. How difficult was it to participate in the community while you were contesting for the top ranks?

Very difficult. I knew that some rivals were following my posts so getting a “Rate My Team” was obviously out of the question. I realised though that I couldn’t even offer views or advice without potentially giving away clues to my own plans. So I more or less went quiet for the last few weeks. I’m looking forward to getting involved again next season now I have nothing to hide and, hopefully, some good experience to share.

Like the previous winner, Tom Fenley, you were signed up as one of our members. Did you use any of the tools to guide your progress over the season?

Yes, definitely. I used the Season Ticker, Comparison Tool and Rate My Team in particular throughout the season and especially to guide my initial selection and Wildcards. The Comparison Tool is a great arbiter for choosing between players and the Rate My Team tool came in very handy when trying to identify the relative strengths and weaknesses of my team when compared to those of my rivals.

Unlike Tom, you watched very few live matches, why do you think this worked for you when, for Tom, watching matches proved so important to his win?

Yes, largely due to the time zone here in Singapore, which is seven-to-eight hours ahead of the UK, I saw maybe four live matches over the course of the season. If there is any advantage to this, then it’s that good performances in the real world don’t always translate into FPL points. I’ve often watched matches in the past and thought that a certain player looked good and transferred them in on that basis, only for them to do nothing except waste another transfer when I had to get them back out. Meanwhile, players that seem to barely touch the ball are somehow racking up the points.

There obviously are advantages to watching matches, though, but not being able to can force you to think about players differently and, perhaps, in terms closer to how FPL is scored. And adopting that mindset can definitely work to your favour.

How did being in a different timezone affect your season. Did you really sleep whilst matches were being played and tables calculated? Surely that must have been tortuous at times?

Early on, I slept through the evening kick-offs no problem but, towards the end, I would often wake up in the middle of the night knowing that a crucial match was going on and I’d have no choice but to check the scores. If I was lucky, the match was almost over but I remember for the recent Arsenal vs Swansea match, I was sat up in bed at about 3am following the live text from about 20 minutes in. So much was riding on that match that there was no chance of going back to sleep until it was over. It was ‘refresh… refresh… refresh’ for what seemed like an eternity.

The time difference did have some advantages though. The biggest, I think, was that, with prices changes happening at about 9:40am / 10:40am Singapore time, I usually had until the very last moment to make transfer decisions where price was a factor. A ‘Deadzone privilege’ perhaps!

Can you describe how your season has affected your relationship with friends and family? To what extent did your campaign take over your life?

My friends and family have been amazingly supportive throughout, I honestly can’t thank them enough. It was obviously never far from my thoughts but, towards the end, I think FPL started to take over their lives a bit too and they were kicking every ball along with me. Literally the first thing friends would ask me when I saw them would be; “How’s your Fantasy team doing?”.

I think my family knew my team about as well as I did as I’d often get random texts like; “Hazard penalty!” from them. A couple of friends told me that, at their workplaces, people I hadn’t even met were following my progress and cheering me on. It was the most humbling but surreal thing I think I’ll ever experience.

How do you approach next season? Do you still have Fantasy Football ambitions? Will you now consider some of the “money games”?

Right now I’m just thrilled to have won it and relieved that I can go back to following football like a normal person without constantly thinking things like; “Okay, well, I need Terry to score but Ivanovic to blank. How could that work…?”. Going forward, I’ll still try and be competitive with FPL but also have a bit more fun with it. And I’m looking forward to being able to discuss ideas and strategies with the FFS community again.

That said, there is still the league and cup double left to win….

Finally, do you have any shout-outs to any of the FFS or Fantasy Football Community?

I was honestly blown away by the huge level of support I received from the FFS community. Their reaction when I was climbing the ranks and when I finally won it was, again, truly humbling. I’m so, so grateful for it all. Thanks to all of them for this and for all their advice, this season and in seasons past.

Thanks to all those players who were in or around the top 10 over the last few weeks for making it such a great competition and well played to Jinswick especially for making me a nervous wreck with some legendary final Gameweek punts.

Of course, huge thanks to Mark, Jonty, Paul, Granville and the whole team of contributors at Fantasy Football Scout. I sincerely couldn’t have done it without this site and the excellent resources and community you’ve built.

Finally, I’d like to dedicate this win to the memory of Simon Humber aka “Absinthe”; a much-missed member of the FFS community who many will know passed away recently after a long and brave battle with cancer. A too-small gesture for a real champion.

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

890 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Zasa
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    🙁

  2. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    🙂

  3. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Why the took did that Prince Ali fella withdraw?

    Now, somehow, we're f**kin stuck with Septic Bladder for another 4 years 😡

    1. Mickeylicious
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Didnt understand the withdrawal. Maybe he was bribed out!!

      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Unbelievable really

    2. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      if he likes elections so much, maybe he should have some in jordan

  4. Captain Shirokov
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Faith in humanity - obliterated.

  5. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Did Simon get paid for this interview?

    I want to know for my interview next season 😉

    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I'll book you in Mr B.

  6. Sp0rting
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    You never know, maybe Sepp has learned from his mistakes.

  7. Sp0rting
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    I've never looked at the FPL prizes before but, now that I do, I'm really underwhelmed.

  8. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Mr. March has encouraged me to save transfers more often next season. Chances are, you'll get an injury or ban in the near future and those are the times you can get the best points swing from a FT.

    1. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah bit most people dont save it becoz they already have sometjing important in the team to deal with. Waiting for future injuires is a luxury not many can afford

  9. Somalion
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    So what was the point in bidding £10 million for Clyne? Pool must know he wasn't going for that price?

    1. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      The first bid was always most likely to be rejected. If liv bid 20m to start with they might rejected it hoping for more. Bidding 20 now might work

      Just my opinion

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        it's more like 12 followed by 15.. and then some other team will sign him or he will extend his contract @ Saints..

        1. faux_C
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Seemed to be pretty firm rumours this morning that 12.5m would get him and he wants to be allowed to move to Liverpool.

          1. Licky
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Player actually wants to join Liverpool = Player is actually awful and know Liverpool is the best he can get because they're tossers. 😉

      2. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe, not sure they should be low balling Soton, given how well they get the max out of transfer fees. Worth a bash!

    2. Licky
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I don't know anymore, some saying Southampton want 25m for him, not worth 15m in my opinion, besides we only have so much to play around with and the real needs are GK, DM (after the club sell Lucas for some unknown reason) and a Striker.

      1. Licky
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Besides, Wisdom, Flanno both RBs, and there are more academy prospects behind them too.

        1. faux_C
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          I don't think he'd be a bad buy, but every penny we have should be going towards goals, not full-backs.

          We were a whisker away from winning the league with Flanno and Aly Cissokho as our full-backs because we had GOALS.

  10. Ruth_NZ
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Lets the player know not to sign a new contract I guess.

    Clyne has 1 year left, if he doesn't re-sign Soton are virtually forced to sell this summer.

    1. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Ach, reply fail to Somalion.

  11. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Liverpool Make Second Bid for Mateo Kovačić

    Liverpool are reported to have put in a second bid for the young and talented Croatian midfielder.

    Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport have claimed that Liverpool submitted a second offer of £12.9 million for the services of the 21-year-old midfielder, and while this is a considerable improvement on the original offer, a compromise will need to be reached as Inter's valuation of the player is close to £18 million.

    1. faux_C
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      That's been around since this morning, and GdS are more than a little hit-and-miss on transfers. Would be nice to get him though.

      1. Licky
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, I don't believe it personally.

  12. faux_C
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    So the FPL winner averaged of 65 points a week. I finished at 3k-ish and averaged 59 points a week.

    Doesn't sound like much, but adding an extra goal, assist or clean sheet a week, every week, is a pretty daunting prospect!

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Making small changes to your game can accumulate large gains over a whole season. I suppose that is the difference between top 10k and top 1k players.

  13. Zombie
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    So, a quick poll. Who is your captains this week? :'( :'(

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Morgan (c) Birdseye (vc)

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Walcott.

      Recent Wenger quotes:

      "Being 26 to 32 is the best age as a striker and I wouldn't like to miss that golden age. He can be transformed. He is naturally gifted to play in this position."

      "I work with him in both situations, as a striker and as a wide player but the quality of the runs is so fantastic with the pace he has. When he was younger he was rushing his finishing but he is a good finisher now."

      "I always said that one day he would play through the middle and it grew in his brain. He is now 23, and I decided to play Thierry Henry at 23 through the middle because you have to learn a lot before."

      *Why hasn't he been playing?*
      "He created the chances, I always say he can play through the middle because he has good movement and good finishing. He's a good goalscorer but has been out for a year. A year in football is a long time takes time to come back to the best for the sharpness and confidence."

      .
      Him and Rooney(~10m) are my value picks for next season.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Obviously the 23 one is not recent 😀

      2. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        if Theo is nailed on OOP he's worth 15m

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Aye. But he's likely to be around 8.5-9.0. *drools*

          Can see this next season:

          .........Theonry
          Alexis...Ozil....Ramsey
          ........Caz.....DM

          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            any indication that Theo is first choice striker and he's in

            was so disappointed I couldn't get him last GW. Was just no way of calling which 2 of my Arsenal mids wouldn't play

            1. Robben Mee Blind
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Ditto

          2. Zombie
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            What's happening here 😯 ??

            1. Piggs Boson
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Pre-season hype going into overdrive. Over reaction is what we do best at this time of the season 😉

              1. Zombie
                • 11 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                You can always go and spend 30 minutes on watching Kung Fury!!!

                1. Piggs Boson
                  • 12 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  I'm off to the pub in half hour. That'll keep me away for a while 🙂

                  Post/pre-season is my favourite FPL time though. I love speculation, stat-analysis and GW1 tinkering.

                  1. Zombie
                    • 11 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Alright, Prost. Enjoy.

                    btw, Kung Fury would be the best drinking movie around this time 😀 😀

          3. sinik
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            You think Giroud will be out of favor next season? Did I miss an article?

      3. Khal Drogba
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        What are the chances he'll go back to being classed as a forward next season? That's my main worry.

  14. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Ireland have a bank holiday this weekend and the UK don't..

    https://i.chzbgr.com/maxW500/7485948160/hCD8CE291/

    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      😎

      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        😎

        Doubt we'll need the shades though 🙁

    2. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      and pissy weather forecasted as usual 🙁

      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        It was like a winters day today with the rain and that cold breeze,we were spoilt with that 2 weeks of 20 degrees 6 weeks ago(Yeah yeah Aussies we know that's a cold winter for ye 😉 )

        1. RoysCallerAnne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          I had the heat in the car set to 23 degrees this morning ffs

          1. Licky
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            It was pretty brisk in Dublin CC yesterday.

    3. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Luck of the Irish again!

      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        🙂

  15. Robben Mee Blind
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Just when you thought it was all over....
    One transfer left in Telegraph game for cup final. Who would you rather have?

    A) Giroud
    B) Benteke
    C) Walcott
    D) Cazorla

    Already own Kos, Bellerin, Ramsey, Ozil & Samchez

    1. Darth
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      B

      1. Robben Mee Blind
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks Lord Vader

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Tough one - B or C, depending on whether you want a sure starter.

  16. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Great interview and congrats to Dufflinks!

    The saving a transfer tactic is an interesting one. I saved a transfer 5 times in the first 14 GWs and it coincided with my season high rank of 1,234 in GW14.
    I think in my previous 5 seasons I had only saved the FT once or twice.
    Some of was down to luck (no injuries/ suspensions to deal with) and some of it was down to pure luck. For the first time ever I seemed to stumble upon a pretty strong well balanced squad from GW1.

    I lost my discipline somewhat from that point on but it's definitely a tactic I will try and emulate next season if I'm lucky enough to pick a good starting 15.

    1. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      My (lofty) goal next season is to take no hits.

  17. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    The turd has been flushed

    Newcastle United FC ‏@NUFC 6m6 minutes ago
    Newcastle United have confirmed this evening that Ryan Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez have been released.

    1. faux_C
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Um, harsh.

    2. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Oh jeeez I remember that floating turd season so well. Raylor I swear outscored my Simpson like 3 to 1 for about 6 months!

    3. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Makes it sound like they were in prison. Coming to think of it I suppose in a sense they were!

    4. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Ashley is a coont, bet he's behind this. Hope Jonas gets a chance at a club with some honor.

  18. Felix_Da_House_Cat
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts guys?

    I figured £1k bet, gives you £650 profit on Arsenal to win in 90min.

    Given their start last year, I don't see Arsenal making the same mistake 2 years running.

    And although anything can happen.. Im tempted.

    Is this madness

    Please advise

    Miaow!

    1. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Even if you can afford to bet 1k, it's still crazy. Go to the Caribbean for a week instead.

      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        this

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I know it's the cup and anything could happen but I can't see anything other than a win for Villa

    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Oh and by the way I saw Felix da Houscat live in 2006 at Oxygen,one of the best gigs ever 🙂

      1. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I think he played at POD in the mid 90s. I think I was there too.

        1. Captain Shirokov
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          I love the ambiguity in this comment. 🙂

        2. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Back in the day 🙂

      2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        New album out soon. Silver screen Shower scene my personal favourite

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Cracking tune,Madame Hollywood and Harlot not far behind 🙂

          1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Yep kittenz and thee glitz was a great album, still play it sometimes.

          2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Dance music is my passion, have around 700 albums all alphabetical order (geek alert) 🙂

    4. Bauerhaus 24
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Would losing that money keep you up at night? If so, walk away.

    5. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Don't.

  19. Zombie
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    I posted a detailed comment about the best movie ever, Kung Fury, which was released last night and it was moderated. God knows why. Urrggghh!!!

    1. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I'm locking this thread. If you have any further queries email Jonty. Thank you

      1. Zombie
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Why? we haven't even started talking about Balotelli yet

      2. RoysCallerAnne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        *complicated home made mechanical device activates in TMs bedroom involving his toe being yanked by a piece of string looped over it.

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          😆

          1. Zombie
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            these smilies just don't do the trick :\

            1. Optimus.
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              The : lol : and :shock : emotions are badly missed..When I was skim reading the would stop me dead in my tracks so that I wouldn't miss something good 🙁

              1. Zombie
                • 11 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                So true. BringBackThe:shock:Eyes

        2. Captain Shirokov
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          😀

        3. Zombie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          I told that Aussie bugger to lay off the powder but he never listens

    2. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Kung Fury released?? cool

  20. Robben Mee Blind
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Simon March - a deserving winner. Came across as a very humble guy in the Scoutcasts that he did.

    I also went the whole season without taking any hits and, although it wasn't a planned strategy, it served me very well. I did actually intend to take a hit in GW34, but decided it wasn't worth a hit to get in a 3rd Liv player (a sad indictment from a fan!). I also managed to save my transfer quite a few times which also worked out well.

    Anyone tempted to try and take less hits next season or will it lessen the enjoyment for you?

    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on how seriously I take it.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Has there ever been a non deserving winner?

      1. Robben Mee Blind
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Ha- fair point!

      2. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Sepp Blatter?

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Does he go by the name SpiderM4tt?

    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      My best season was one where i took 40+ hits in the season,every season since I've tried to cut back by 5-10 hits and seem to be getting progressively worse 😯

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I don't really have plans when it comes to number of hits. Sometimes they are useful sometimes they aren't. Can't really be planned in my opinion. I reckon if one of the boffins calculated the perfect season it would probably involve plenty of hits.

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          All I know is I will never go a whole season without taking a hit even if I tried as I'm partial to a drink of a weekend..One poor gw,few drinks later,Boom 🙂

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Exactly how FPL should be played. 😀

            1. Optimus.
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Ha

    4. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I too will be avoiding taking a hit next season.

    5. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Lessens the enjoyment for me.

  21. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    tl:dr

    1. Zombie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Here, have a gif: http://media.giphy.com/media/2gwGW4P6GQak0/giphy.gif

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      http://i.imgur.com/SI86h6A.gifv

      Can you imagine the amount of time has gone into making this article? At least show some courtesy, Gink. I'd be pretty gutted if I had worked hard on this only to have people shrug it off. It's a very useful article.

    3. Simon March
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Shame mate, because your ranks since have been bloody abysmal. 🙂

      1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Did you just reply to a post from almost 2 years ago? 😀

        1. Simon March
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I just wish I could have got there earlier. 😉

  22. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Gutierrez released by Newcastle.

    Why doesn't this shite club get relegated at all?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      There's probably more to it than simply just releasing him. But then again it is Newcastle so maybe not.

  23. HVT
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Well done Simon and that's a wonderful gesture mate.

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Is he still giving his prize to Doosra? I don't remember seeing it in the article, but long to read through again to check.

      1. Robben Mee Blind
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Think I remember someone posting earlier in the week that it was against the T&C of FPL to transfer the prize

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Might be worth emailing them and asking, surely they can't be that heartless. It's not like he's selling it. Mark and co must have some influence too?

            • 10 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Is the prize just cash? It's his.. he can do as he pleases with it, surely?

            1. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Nah it's like VIP trips to some Prem games or whatever.

              1. Robben Mee Blind
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                Yeah, it's something like that

                  • 10 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  Oh I seeeeeeee. Yeah, I'm sure if he explained the situation, they might help. I'd hope so, anyway!

                  1. Epic Fail
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 13 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Personally if it were me I'd politely decline SImon's offer anyway, as nice as it is. I think he should enjoy his win.

              2. John t penguin
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                Surely it's his choice to take or send who he wants

            2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              No cash involved playing for money is against certain countries and fpl is played worldwide

              1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
                • 12 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                I really didn't word that very well did I.

                1. Robben Mee Blind
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  🙂

    2. HVT
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I think I may be misunderstood - I'm Not sure about Simon donating his prize to Doosra, I was referring to dufflinks Gesture :
      " Finally, I’d like to dedicate this win to the memory of Simon Humber aka “Absinthe”; a much-missed member of the FFS community who many will know passed away recently after a long and brave battle with cancer. A too-small gesture for a real champion. "

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah sorry to hijack your thread. Wasn't meant.
        Though slightly on topic, I think I'm gonna go ahead and arrange a cash league in his honour. Half the prize money going to charity. I would say the whole of it going to charity, but it would probably have less appeal and actually end up a lower amount.

      2. Robben Mee Blind
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I believe he did mention a couple of months ago that he would donate his prize to Doosra and family if he won, but dedicating his victory to Absinthe is a great sentiment

        1. Licky
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          I was off for a bit during the year, what exactly has Doosra been struggling with? I knew he was ill. 🙁

  24. Essan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Well done Simon - and a good interview there. I think the fact you finished at 114293 last season just shows how there IS luck involved, and however bad we performed this season there is always hope (says he who ended up just outside the top 100,000 ...... ) 🙂

  25. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Just loading up the Witcher 3.

    Excited!!

    1. Zombie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I have heard that the hero goes on a quest to save his love but in the way, ***** all the ladies he can find (well, the player does but it doesn't effect the game)

      Noob (now a noob) out

  26. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Okay I'm about to tear into Fanny Batter, close your ear holes now if easily offended or disagree with me.

    1. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      is this some new scottish delicacy?

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Only if it's deep fried

      2. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Deep fried fanny batter, made from girders.....

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I was with you up until Batter,

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        😀

    3. Zombie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      In India (specifically in Goa), we have a liquor made of Cashew nuts. It's called Fanny and it stinks worse than a bull's rotten bal*s

      #JustSaying

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        🙂

    4. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      In light of today's developments, should football be outlawed?

  27. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    So, any update on the big news story of the day?

    Not FIFA nonsense... Who's going to sign Paul McShane!!??

    1. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      i suppose it depends on who takes over at real madrid

  28. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    jonas gutierrez ‏@elgalgojonas 2m2 minutes ago
    Two things I learn from my illness how you can support a player (newcastle fans) and how you leAve a player alone (newcastle owner)

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I'm a bit dense, but what does he mean?

      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        I think what he's trying to say is Thank you Newcastle fans and feck you Mike Ashley

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Cheers.

          As much as Ashley is a bar steward, he's in a no win situation. Keep a player you don't want 'just' because he was ill, or get rid of him and have everyone hate you.

          I guess he embraces the hate.

          1. Licky
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Yeah to be fair, it was a sticky situation, but still handled poorly.

          2. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            It's a fair point, Raylor had spent ages on the injured list as well, Ashley runs that club like a business, so he didn't want to be paying people who weren't doing their jobs

    2. the axolotl
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      easy to look at this and hate ashley, but why would a club want to hang on to gutierrez, or ryan taylor for that matter? not exactly being left on the breadline

  29. the axolotl
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    early contenders for relegation next year?

      • 10 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Watford.

    1. Licky
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Liverpool if the Brodge is still in charge...

      1. Licky
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Norwich's manager first to get sacked, I'd put a cheeky bet on that too.

          • 10 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          no chance, save your money.

        1. Cash'nBurn
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          You might as well throw your money down a drain.....absolutely no chance of Alex Neil being sacked next season, let alone being the first......

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Bournemouth to break Derby's record.

        • 10 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Lies.

    3. Parm
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      3 promoted sides, Newcastle & Sunderland. Villa & Leicester in the mix depending on the Summer.

      1. the axolotl
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        villa and leicester ended season on the up, i'd expect that to translate into reasonable form next year but hard to say. obviously the summer will tell a lot, but there's something rotten at newcastle, i'd imagine they'll struggle again next year. i think norwich are best equipped of promoted teams to stay up

  30. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Any NBA fans here? Cleveland Cavaliers @ Golden State Warriors tonight, who wins?

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Can I watch it on Paddy Power for free online ? . I watched it for free earlier on in the season but not sure if playoffs are free ?

      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Not sure mate

    2. getfunky
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Golden State for me, there's jsut so much depth to their team... loving watching curry this season, the kids developed some serous moves to add to his ridiculous shooting. incresdible player.