Podcast

Meet the Manager #4 – Richard Clarke

Richard Clarke is among an elite core of managers who have topped our Hall of Fame, which is based on the career achievements of those in our Fantasy Premier League mini-leagues.

He achieved this momentous feat just last month and after since slipping to 11th spot he is keen to once again return to the summit and secure his ambition of being number one when the season ends.

In the latest in our Meet the Manager video series he reveals how he plans to see off the competition and discusses the strategies that have earned him such incredible success over his 12 previous campaigns.

With seven top 10,000 finishes, including last season’s 263rd and a 303rd rank in 2011/13, he is a competitor that cannot be underestimated. In fact, he is yet to have a poor season, with 2015/16’s end rank of 32,547th his ‘worst’ to date.

Richard (FPL team link here) discusses the importance of keeping tabs on elite managers and the season ticker. He also reveals how analysing probability can ensure managers make their own luck.

This season’s trends are also discussed, as he reveals which heavy hitter he is looking to shun on his upcoming Wildcard and how the tried and tested ‘eye-test’ let him down badly last weekend.

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

The first Meet the Manager video, featuring Triggerlips, can be viewed here, while the second, featuring Philman, can be seen here. Last week’s episode, featuring Will Thomas, is available here.

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1,174 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    My team for next GW:

    Patricio
    Alonso-Robbo-Trippier
    Salah(c)-Hazard-Richarlison-Fraser
    Aguero-Wilson-Mitrovic

    2 FT 0 itb

    A. Trippier to Doherty
    B. Trippier to Mendy
    C. Hennessey&Bennett to Hamer&Doherty
    D. Hennessey to Fabianski
    E. Something else

    With A,i can save some money to upgrade maybe Aguero to Kane or Fraser to someone after bournemouth fixtures gets more difficult.

    1. tafrère
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Trippier to Mendy or TAA.

      If Fraser injured, Trippier to Doherty + Fraser to Maddison.

      1. Legohair
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I didnt actually think that Fraser/Maddison move,not a bad idea.
        I wont bring TAA because i have Robbo already and with Gomez/TAA rotation i think Robbo is much better option

        1. tafrère
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Richarlison-Maddison is a good pair at midfield to go along with Salah-Hazard. But that means downgrading your defense and there are a lot of options in defense that cost money but deliver big time (Robbo, Mendy, Alonso, Trippier). It's a tough call. If Fraser can ben safe from injury he's the key to a balanced team.

          In fact, we almost have the exact same team, but I'm on WC so I feel yours is very strong, especially if you still have your WC intact (but I don't think so haha).

          1. Legohair
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Yep i already used my WC in GW 5. Good comments thank you.so i will monitoring Fraser situation and if he is out(i doubt),then maybe Trippier&Fraser to Doherty&Maddison(great fixtures)

  2. thericeking
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    soooo

    ings and mitrovic

    laccazette and nobody special

    1. thericeking
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      *or

    2. sk24
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Ings and Mitrovic for me, dont like fodder forwards

    3. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      A.)

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

      thanks all

  3. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    WC draft, any thoughts ?

    Ryan - Button

    Alonso - Mendy - TAA - Doherty - Bennett

    Salah - Hazard - Richarlison - Fraser - 4.5

    Aguero - Mitrovic - Wilson

    Will switch Ryan to Fabianski in GW11.
    Maybe Robertson instead of Mendy but it'll mean doubling up on Pool defense (could be great).
    Two more games for Salah to justify his pricetag.
    If Fraser is injured I will need to try to fit Maddison or just try other cheap options like Knockaert or Schürrle.
    Wilson will stay in my team for the next two and then considering to ditch for Arnautovic or Murray.
    No room for Lacazette or Vardy, sadly.

    1. FPL_Sponge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Like it. Also on a WC.

      Just tried to do similar, but with Arnie instead of Wilson and Knockaert instead of Fraser and was 0.1 off.... needed Doherty for Robbo before is price rise! (but may still keep Robertson so wasn't willing to sell)

      1. tafrère
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I like Arnautovic, but Wilson offers more value imo for the next 2 at least. Knockaert could be the new Fraser when fixtures swift indeed.

  4. P-h-o-e-n-i-x
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Which 4.4 mid is going to get maximum game time? Stephens, Masuaku, Obiang? Or someone else?

    Want to downgrade my 5th mid to a 4.4 one to free up some cash.

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      4.4's are dead to me

    2. thericeking
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      yeh get luncheon at 4.3 and bank .1

      1. thericeking
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        well get some luncheon if your hungry... I meant puncheon

  5. sk24
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Play Ings or Kenedy?

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Ings

  6. Tmel
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Patricio
    Walker Doherty Alonso Robertson
    Mane Hazard Richarlison Fraser
    Arnie Kane
    (Stek Maddison Ings AWB)

    1FT

    Had originally slated in a WC this week but team still performing well, should I look to use it this week or hold and just do Kane > Kun/Laca for free?

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      So had I (8 same players) but decided to wait. Not good ib for money game and no pressing need to use wc. I think keeping Kane for one week might be worth it. It is Whu and he should score.

  7. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    A good clip on the intelligence involved in Liverpools press

    https://twitter.com/DistanceCovered/status/1049645915693309952?s=19

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      It seems more like common sense than intelligence. Imagine what footballers could do with an IQ of over 100 😀 Thanks for the vid

  8. fish66
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Wildcard is active atm, any thoughts on the below?

    (a) Fabianski
    (b) Patricio

    (c) Alonso, Robertson, Richarlison, Hojbjerg, Aguero
    (d) Gomez, Jonny, Sterling, Brooks, Lacazette

    _______ Hamer
    _______ _______ TAA Doherty WB
    _______ _______ Hazard Salah Maddison
    _______ Arnie Jiménez

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B and c

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      A and C

    3. HamezMace
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      b/c

    4. Pinturicchio10
        5 years, 5 months ago

        AC

      • Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        B+C But d would be different and might work.

      • thericeking
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        defo C.. a/b are equal prolly

    5. The Legend Squad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      RMT... 2FT and 0.7 ITB

      Patricio
      Alonso Robertson WanBiss S.Cook
      Hazard Mane D.Silva
      Aguero Lacazette Mitro

      Hamer Bennett Guendouzi Neves

      1. Pinturicchio10
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Good squad that. Should score fairly well.

      2. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I currently have Bennett as wolves cover, Chilwell for me passes the eye test and will surely get attacking returns soon...

        So GW 10 looking to do Trippier and Hennessey to Chilwell and Alisson

        Any thoughts? Or a wolves double up with Doc?

        1. Pinturicchio10
            5 years, 5 months ago

            They seem like sensible transfers to me.

        2. Miguel Sanchez
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Long term:

          A) Arnie and KDB
          B) Aguero and Fraser

          1. Pinturicchio10
              5 years, 5 months ago

              I'm not one to go Aguero-less unless absolutely necessary, but I do feel like A is a stronger pairing due to Bournemouth's upcoming woeful schedule. Arnautovic should crush Fraser over the next 10 or so gwks so that tips it for me.

              1. Miguel Sanchez
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Aguero's minutes are becoming an issue and limiting his appeal as a captain option. Captain options could come from Salah and Hazard and feel more confident in KDB starts once the fixtures start piling

                1. Pinturicchio10
                    5 years, 5 months ago

                    Yeah it's a slight concern for sure. I refuse to sell just yet though and he'll almost certainly be my captain in gwk9, and most home games for City in general for that matter.

                2. Miguel Sanchez
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  and you're a very careful man, Pat, a very careful man

                  1. Pinturicchio10
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      It's the only way to go about things in the milk business.

                3. MTPockets
                    5 years, 5 months ago

                    B b/c KDB yet to play a game

                4. as33
                  • 8 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  Bilva>Richarlison?

                  1. Pinturicchio10
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      I'd prefer Maddison but Richarlison will do the job.

                  2. TorresMagic™
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 14 Years
                    5 years, 5 months ago

                    Up to #6 in live HoF 😯

                    1. KingOllie
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      Well done

                    2. Mr. Hindsight
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      Could you explain how does this HoF work for FFS. Who all are considered. Is there some league. I know they consider FPL points of past seasons too but not aware how it works. P.S. Joined FFS Community from the start of this season so kinda new here

                      1. Deulofail
                        • 8 Years
                        5 years, 5 months ago

                        If you join the FFS minileague, you should be able to find yourself in the HOF rankings. Check out this article for more info

                        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/09/12/the-most-successful-fpl-managers/

                    3. Ricardo355
                      • 14 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      Nice One TM. Was #1 two weeks ago - record and interview with Jonty and look what happens!

                  3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                    • 7 Years
                    5 years, 5 months ago

                    Why is Salah so adored on this site? Yes he missed plenty of big chances last season but after watching every game he looks a shadow of the player he was last season, 12.8m for an out of form player is surely a complete no-go?

                    1. jtreble
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      His stats.

                      1. jtreble
                        • 7 Years
                        5 years, 5 months ago

                        ... and, therefore, potential.

                      2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                        • 7 Years
                        5 years, 5 months ago

                        I judge it on the eye, he looks lost out there and the pressure really looks like it's getting to him

                        1. jtreble
                          • 7 Years
                          5 years, 5 months ago

                          Every player goes through dips in form. GW9 - 19 looks promising.

                    2. KingOllie
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      Because the aim of the game is looking forward, not backwards.

                      People are banking on him turning it around for the next few GWKs - he clearly has the stats/potential

                    3. MTPockets
                        5 years, 5 months ago

                        Adored? Right now he's annoying as hell, just has good upcoming fixtures to try correcting that.

                    4. Critical Observer
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      Salah han’t looked that bad, just somewhat sloppy/unfortunate/deflated.

                      Mane on the other hand is garbage personified, offers absolutely nothing for his team.

                      1. Critical Observer
                        • 7 Years
                        5 years, 5 months ago

                        Reply-fial, see above.

                    5. Bialystrzelec
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      2 FT £3.3m ITB

                      Patricio Hamer
                      Alonso Trippier TAA Doherty AWB
                      Hazard Mane Maddison Fraser Richarlison
                      Aguero Mitrovic Jimenez

                      What needs to be done here? I'm little worried about Wolves, as their good fixtures are slowly drying out. Doherty could become first sub, as I have Patricio in goal. Should I bring Fabiański id Arnie? Trippier od another issue.

                    6. Pieterke30
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      Not get TAA now seems like sound advice but what if you already own him, but not Robbo?

                      TAA out Robbo IN = waste of a FT or not?

                      Im hesitating between... (2.5 itb)

                      A. TAA to Robbo (and start Ings vs bou)

                      B. Pereira to Robbo (and bench Ings in order to start both Pool defs).

                      What would u do?

                    7. Messsiaah
                      • 8 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      WC team:
                      Patricio Hamer
                      Alonso Robertson Laporte Doherty Awb
                      Salah Hazard Maddy Rich Masuaku
                      Aguero Mitrovic Ings

                      gw10 Pat > Fab
                      gw11 Mitro > Arnie

                    8. Pieterke30
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 7 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      TAA out Robbo IN = waste of a FT or not?

                      Im hesitating between... (2.5 itb)

                      A. TAA to Robbo (and start Ings vs bou)

                      B. Pereira to Robbo (and bench Ings in order to start both Pool defs).

                      C. Save FT and punch someone around me if TAA gets benched and Ings blanks.

                      What would u do?

                    9. Alpharius
                      • 5 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      Thoughts on below;

                      Ederson (Steklenburg)
                      Robbo, Alonso, Doherty (Wan-B) (S.Cook)
                      Hazard, Hughes, Fraser, Mane (Guendozi)
                      Aguero, Wilson, Kane
                      0.4 itb 1ft

                      Considering:
                      1) Cook-Lovren,
                      2) Kane-Kamara, Guendozi - Salah (-4)
                      3) Hold transfer for a week to reassess how to use Kane money
                      Planning on potential W/C after gw10

                    10. Lestat
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      5 years, 5 months ago

                      I finished top 10k 5 out of last 7 years but would still appreciate your thoughts on my wildcard team. – zero funds left.

                      Patricio/Hamer
                      Alonso/Mendy/Trent/Bissaka/Bennett
                      Hazard/Mane/Salah/Westwood/Masuaku
                      Wilson/Aguero/Jimenez