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. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Screw you price rises 🙁

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      That's the price of Brexit.

  2. Duffy Dunk
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Who's your captain at the moment?

    1. Cesc Pistols
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Haven't brought him in yet, but it's gonna be (K)ane.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

    3. Goonsquad245
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Kane

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

      Kane however Wilson tempts me

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

      Salah

    6. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      A non-citizen, Kane.

  3. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Any news on trippier?
    Want a spurs defender. He seems best even if he rotates some times

    1. Scotty B
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      You can't ask that on here in afraid that's a question relating to fantasy football. That is simply not acceptable on this site!

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        What ? 😀

      2. Goonsquad245
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        He's not asked it nearly enough times

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

    Best move to get Kane, no hit.

    A) Billing > 4.3m
    B) martial > f Anderson
    C) Salah > Sterling

    Currently on A with C next week

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. Cesc Pistols
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      B, by miles.

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

      I did B

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

      I think Martial can do well in this game
      He's on my watchlist

  5. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    RP on new article

    Gents. What do you think?

    A) Kun, Robbo > Kane (C), TAA (-4)
    B) Kun, Fraser > Kane (C), Brooks (-4)
    C) Kun > Auba (FT)
    D) Kun, Haz > Auba, Spurs mid/ FAnderson (-4)

    1FT 0.4itb
    Fab
    Alonso, Robbo*, Duffy, Doherty
    Salah (C), Sané, Haz*, Fraser
    Kun*, Wilson
    (Foster) (Schindler, Diangana, Success)

    I’m leaning towards A but need some help!

    1. mr. inconspicuous
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Think I’m doing a mate

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers boss. Looks reasonable. I love Robbo but it enables me to keep Salah and Haz just for this week and then will either WC in GW16 or 17

  6. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts about Lacazette as option from GW16 onwards?

    1. Cesc Pistols
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Great enabler if you want to stack up on the big hitters (ie Salah, Sterling, Sane and Kane).

    2. Left Peg
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      He has trolled me too many times. I feel like Auba will outscore him.

    3. Goonsquad245
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Keep an eye. I think he's a great option

  7. Cesc Pistols
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    A) Alonso, Hazard, Aguero ➡ Trippier/Luiz, Sterling, Kane (-4)

    or

    B) Hazard, Aguero ➡ Sane, Kane (free)

    If B, is Sane enough City cover for now?

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

      leave hazard

  8. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    The General is back! But he ain't having the best season.

  9. Olee
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    REPOST

    Patricio (Button)
    Alonso-Robbo-Laporte (AWB-Doherty)
    Sterling-Sane-Gudmundsson-Richarlison (Hojbjerg)
    Kane-Wilson-Arnie

    Looking at potentially this:
    A: Alonso+Gudmundsson -> Digne/TAA+Alli/Son (-4)
    B: Gudmundsson -> F. Anderson

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

      B

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

        Not certain I like double WHU though

    2. Goonsquad245
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      B by an absolute mile

  10. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    This Aubameyang v Kane decision is really easy isn't it...

    1. Miles105
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Soooo hard

    2. mr. inconspicuous
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      It’s easier to downgrade to Auba rather than have to find the money to upgrade to Kane

    3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Aubameyang all day for me. Kane still looks a shadow of his former self.

    4. Goonsquad245
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I have Kane, but now kind of wishing I'd gone for Auba....

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        How come?

        1. Goonsquad245
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Captaincy option in 16, and I think he could tear sou and BUR a new one following that too. Went for Kane in honesty because he's an easy downgrade if it goes wrong and it's pretty impossible for me to fit them both in....

          Sounds weird as I've just brought him in, but Kane is potentially playing for his place in my team vs SOU

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

      Saving the hassle get both I already have Kane and will have auba come the weekend

    6. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Imo Kane is getting a full rest vs Leicester or Burnley 😮

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

        ... and Auba is guaranteed 90 mins in every game

        1. fr3d
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          In the next 3, yes.

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

        More likely Aub gets a rest

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

          Auba have less games where he's needed in other competitions – and if he doesn't start, he's brilliant coming on from the bench.

        2. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Flagged for being anti-Aub's.

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

            Flagged for being anti anti Aub

        3. fr3d
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          Nope, full rest for Auba after Hud. While Kane is running his butt off in Barcelona

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

            After a hatty or two

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

      Both is the answer

    8. TAT
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Kane losing a sprint against Sokratis made my mind up.

    9. Dannyb
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I've gone Kane and Laca.

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

        Looking to have both for the weekend.

        With sterling and sane.

        Hazard will have to make way

      2. Goonsquad245
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Thinking the same next week.

    10. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      yes, get both 😛

  11. mr. inconspicuous
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    2 FT’s and need to find money to fund Kane, a thinking

    Robertson - TAA
    Aguero - Kane

    Yay or nay?

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Yes all day long

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

      Judging by Robertson transfers out and TAA transfers in, this is a popular option.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      lovely jubbly

  12. MASTER ROSHI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Cant decide between Richarlison or Siggy? Which is less likely to be benched?

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

      I would go for Siggy

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      neither, both important players for Everton.

      I'd probably get Siggy if I had my time again.

  13. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    How to use 2 FTs? 0.7 ITB

    Patricio Hamer

    Alonso Robbo Chilwell Doherty WB

    Salah Hazard Martial Kenedy Hojbjerg

    Aguero Arnie Wilson

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

      I did Martial, Aguero -> Anderson, Kane

    2. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      robby to TAA
      Kun to Harry

  14. United10
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Would you ditch Robertson for Trent to fund Mane to Auba? I'm on WC

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Can you do mane to Auba.

      1. United10
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        yea id just be swapping a striker 4.5 to mid 4.5, im on a wildcard

  15. Champione
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on Hazard + Diangana > Son + Felipe Anderson for 2 FT?

    Dubravka
    Alonso Robertson Digne Diop
    Salah Sterling Hazard Richarlison
    Arnie Mitrovic

    Hamer Doherty Jimenez Diangana

  16. jdp219
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    1) Kun, Bednarek > Auba, TAA (-4)
    2) Kun, Bed > Kane, Digne/Duffy/SCook (-4)
    3) Kun > Kane

    Had 2FTs. Already did Salah > Sterling. And now basically trying to cover Robbo and his "dead leg" flag (Doherty my only current replacement).

  17. NoName
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    G2G?

    Begovic
    Robertson Alonso AWB
    Salah Sane Anderson Richarlison
    Kane Arnautovic Jimenez

    (Patrício, Doherty Femenia Stephens)
    0FT 0.4ITB 1WC

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Robbo maybe injured

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

        Thanks. Any estimate for how long? Not keen on a hit for a defender. Probably just let Doherty play.

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good - Robertson is the only big issue but not worth a hit with Doherty off the bench.

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

        Thanks. Thinking the same.

  18. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Really struggling to make a decision this week...

    Anyone getting rid of Mane??

    I really think Aguero will play but want to get Kane in...

    Reluctant to drop hazard or martial to be honest!

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

      I dropped Mane and Kun last night
      Dont think either will play

      1. Meme2011
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Who for?

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

          Kane and F. Anderson

          Planning to get Auba/Laca next GW

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

      Who cares if he plays or not. Next two are away from home. That is a big 4 pts total.

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

      I dropped Martial to Anderson. Utd are in tatters and Martial is the fall guy for some bizarre reason.

  19. Romford Pele - Don't w…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Who to start?
    A) Doherty (CHE)
    B) Diop (CAR)
    C) Wan-Bissaka (bha)

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

      B

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

      B

  20. Meme2011
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Do I try and get Kane/Eriksen in?? Or something else?

    Patricio (Foster)
    Alonso, TAA, Digne, Doherty, (W.Biss)
    Hazard, Sane, Martial, Mane, (Hojberg)
    Aguero, Arnautovic (Ings)

    £1.3m in bank. would love to hear suggestions...

  21. TAT
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Who to have first on bench in case Robbo don't play – Camarasa or Doherty?

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

      camarasa

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

        It's probably a 2-pointer confirmed, but at the same time – Doherty will struggle to get more!

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

          he will struggle to get more and if chelsea do score 2 hes looking at just 1 point but he does have attacking threat and wolves did score vs spurs and city but doesnt mean will be involved.
          Camarasa = safe 2 points
          Doherty = likely 1 or 2 could be 0 could be 5-6 depends if u want to gamble

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

            Yeah, it's a tough one! Guess with a GW of uncertainty over the big hitters, then a safe two-pointer isn't that bad really. Might be more than just one player missing out too!

    2. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Doh!

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

        Confident he'll get anything out of that fixture?

  22. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    close to final draft of my wildcard.

    thoughts ?

    Fabianski (Hamer)

    Robbo/TAA/Digne/AWB/Doherty

    Sterling/Sane/Siggy/Brooks/Gunnarsson

    Auba/Kane/Arnie

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

      Why double Pool defence, doesn't make sense

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

        best def in the league and they both have attacking threat and it allows me to upgrade schindler to digne
        although it means i have to play a def with a tough fixture in 18

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

      Think this looks good! Expensive front three, but there's a good case for having all of them 🙂

  23. Ready Manager One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    How about ditching Alonso for TAA to fund Kun to Kane for a hit? I also have Robbo so it’d be double liverpool which I dont mind cos Liverpool def is looking pretty good right now.

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

      looking at just that on my wc
      was gonna ditch robbo but now ditching alonso for taa and upgrading schindler to digne

    2. Demel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Funny. I did that last week and a lot of people told me that Alonso was essential. I still think ditching him is a good idea.

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

        Looking at ditching Alonso too. would make the midfield/striker spots easier to get right.

      2. Ozzy smith
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Hmm, he's still only 2nd behind Sterling for total points at 7.1 mil. I understand he's the easy cash cow, always fighting myself to keep.

  24. Dannyb
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Gtg guys?
    Patricio
    Alonso Pereira AWB
    Sterling Sane Anderson Siggy
    Kane Laca Arnie
    Hamer Bennett Holebas Hoiberg
    Will shift Patricio next week for Fab possibly. Still undecided between Sterling and Kane for captain.

    1. Rider on the Storm
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Gtg, kane

    2. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      If I had Kane, I'd have that armband on him straight away. Especially as you don't know how many minutes Sterling will play, if any.

  25. ankil2009
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Can remove one of aguero or mane for -4, who should i remove, who looks least likelier to play?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I'm more confident Aguero won't start and then he has Chelsea next. I'd probably bet on Mané not starting also.

      1. ankil2009
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        With aguero doing some training i was hoping he plays, sick of taking hits

        1. Hand of clod
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 4 months ago

          I didnt see him in City's pre Watford training video this evening https://www.mancity.com/citytv/behind-the-scenes/training/2018/december/man-city-pre-watford-training

          1. ankil2009
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 4 months ago

            I just watched this video but i couldnt find Aguero, was he actually there?

  26. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    My front 3 are AKA which are AKA AKA.

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

      AKA bare points

  27. GRPunk
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    A. Aguero > Kane
    B. Aguero + Paterson > Lacazette + Anderson

    Either would be for free.

    1. Rider on the Storm
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      I would do a if i could

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

      Or
      C. Aguero > Auba

    3. Giroud Depardieu
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      B

  28. Rider on the Storm
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    2ft, best choice?
    A aguero martial
    B lacazette eriksen
    C kane brooks/fraser

  29. BENOIT
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Finding it hard to pull the trigger on ditching Salah.

    Surely Sterling, Sane and Alli etc offer better value until Jan?

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

      Ali unproven this season.
      Sane not sure.
      Sterling definitely.

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 4 months ago

        Sterling definitely better value as MysteryDave said above, but it's all about his minutes. Cannot see Salah playing this weekend's match which makes me think he'll play tomorrow, especially after his 75 mins on Sunday.

  30. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 4 months ago

    Will sterling rise tonight? On 80% >>>
    Do price changes tomorrow come in from 2am or when the deadline passes?
    I wanted to make some moves for the next game week but could be priced out. If I can make it through tonight then do the moves between 1845 and 2am I should be OK

    1. The Count of Monte Cristo
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure the exact time but it's around 1am-2am GMT. If you do it by then you'll be fine.

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

      Times vary usually between midnight and 4am.

    3. Duffy Dunk
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 4 months ago

      In 2 hours and 15 minutes from.. NOW!