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. Dele
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    VVD more nailed than Robbo?

    1. Kub3
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Yep

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

      Absolutely

    3. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, slightly less susceptible to rotation, especially now Robertson is a doubt for tonight.

    4. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      No. Both are 100% nailed. Robbo will be rotated but doesn’t make him less ‘nailed’

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        This

      2. Get up ya bum
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        It doesn't?

      3. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        VvD could get more minutes

      4. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Exactly. Rotation and naildness are different. Sterling is nailed, for example.

      5. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Robbo does more yards on the pitch but don't be surprised if VVD does get a rest against weaker sides.

  2. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Laca or Auba on penalties if both playing?

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      They will be switching

  3. RyanMK
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    A. Sell Ricarlison for F. Anderson
    B. Sell Aguero for Auba. To consider: Bought Aguero for 11.2 He's now 11.4

    Should I do A or B? Or both? I have 2 FTs so can do both without taking a penalty.

    1. Shrump1004
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      B, i like Richarlison this week. keep 2FT for next week

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

    Best mid less than 6.4m in replacement of Martial? Options are scarce but looking like Kun -> Kane is essential.

    1. The Greenback Boogie
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Fraser. Townsend in good form as well.

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

      I'd go Brooks. His benching was tactical last game, should play against easier opponents which is when you want him to play.

  5. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    On WC
    A)Son,Sane, Success
    B) Richarlison,Auba, Gunarsson

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      B

  6. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Fabianski 4.0
    TAA Digne Doherty Awb _______
    Sterling Sane Anderson _______ ________
    Kane Aubameyang Wilson

    A) VVD + Fraser + Gunarsson
    B) Diop + Richarlison + Cairney

    The way I see it il be playing Digne, Doherty and TAA most weeks with Awb and Diop and Cairney being backup to cover rotation and tough fixtures. Going VVD makes my back line a lot safer though and I've had Fraser since the start. Which option do I go for on WC?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I think B.
      Bow double attack is not worth it given their fixtures.
      Everton's long term fixtures are pretty good and Richarlison is a good option.
      Think the cheap defence could work out around the fixture congestion. Less clean sheets.

  7. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Please help me decide..

    A. Patricio to Fabianski (-4)
    B. Save

    Patricio
    Alonso Robertson Dunk
    Sterling Hazard Sane Fraser
    Kane(c) Arnautovic Wilson

    Hamer AWB Doherty Camarasa

    1. The Greenback Boogie
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Not worth -4 for a GK in my opinion. Patricio could get save points as well.

      1. Hits from the Bong
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        He never gets save points! And he’s averaging less than 2 points a game in the 6 games I’ve owned him..

        1. The Greenback Boogie
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Yes, Wolves have hit a bit of a slump. But it's against Chelsea so I am guessing he will at least get 1 or 2 save points. Not worth the -4 hit I feel. I have the same GK combo and I am holding for this GW.

          1. Hits from the Bong
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            Cheers for reply. I think he’ll probably get one save point and end up with 2 points. While Fab gets one save point and ends up on 7. Will think about it some more..

  8. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    People are making way too much of aubas shot on target conversion rate while forgetting that he has also missed plenty of sitters from about 5-10 yards out during the same run that didn't count as shots on target.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I'm more concerned about Laca returning.

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

      They should have defeated Chelsea !!
      Auba+Mikhi missed 3-4 sitters i guess

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Conversion rate is a real concern. Auba a class act all the same but Laca will have a big impact now he is back. I wish Laca did not play for Arsenal. Auba would be first man in my side then.

    4. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Ha, very good point.

  9. The Greenback Boogie
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    In a bit of a mess this week. Have Kun, Mane & Ozil (worst mistake ever) and a bench containing Hojberg and Bennett. Thankfully have 2 FT's and 1.0 in the bank. Which move makes sense for this manic festive period?

    A. Mane & Ozil --> Sane & Son (Wait to see if Kun plays and then ship him out for Auba next GW)
    B. Kun & Ozil --> Auba & Sane
    C. Kun, Ozil & Mane --> Kane, Sterling & Fraser for -4 (Not sure Sterling plays though)
    D. Kun, Ozil & Mane --> Kane, Sane & Son for -4

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      C for the long term

    2. ILOVEBAPS
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      D

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      D looks exciting, B will probably get you more points

    4. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      C looks good

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

      A or B
      According to news on Mane & Kun

  10. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Morning all. Good to go and stick with this lot with no hits? Considering taking my second hit of the season to do Robertson -> TAA for a hit but not sure if that makes sense with the bench I've got. Nevertheless there could be several other no shows too. TAA could also be rotated in the next two so would you take a hit somewhere else?

    Patricio
    Robertson, Alonso, Laporte, Wan-Bissaka
    Salah, Sane, Richarlison
    Kane, Arnautovic, Wilson

    subs: Button --- Doherty, Murphy, Hojbjerg --- 0 FT, 0.9 ITB

  11. NOMONEY
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    loads are selling kun, but im tempted to keep if he does play a part tonight.

    people are selling because he is doubtful for tonight and then a tough fixture against chelsea at the weekend, but is it really a tough fixture?! he loves scoring against chelsea at stamford bridge..

    CHE (home) vs MCI (away) in PL
    2011/12 - 1 goal
    2012/13 - 0 goal (he played behind dzeko in that game)
    2013/14 - 1 goal
    2014/15 - 1 goal
    2016/17 - 3 goals
    2017/18 - 1 goal

    thats 7 goals in the past 6 seasons for this fixture.. thats incredible, considering chelsea are very tight at the back when they play at home

    1. NOMONEY
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      my bad, shouldve been:

      CHE (home) vs MCI (away) in PL
      2011/12 - 1 assist
      2012/13 - 0 goal (he played behind dzeko in that game)
      2013/14 - 1 goal
      2014/15 - 1 assist
      2016/17 - 3 goals
      2017/18 - 1 goal

      1. Goonsquad245
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Pretty sure KDB scored the only goal of the game last season, and aguero didn't score a hat trick the season before.....

        1. NOMONEY
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          they did, courtois was sent off that game

          https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36003978

        2. NOMONEY
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          and yes my bad, that goal by aguero was for the home game

      2. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        no idea where you get your 3 goals from in 2016/17

        1. NOMONEY
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          posted in link above

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            ok, that season 2015/16 on transfermarket

        2. NOMONEY
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          argh typo, meant to be 2015/16

      3. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Kun away form more a worry.

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      so 6-7pts? nothing to worry about

      1. NOMONEY
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        if you dont include bonuses

    3. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I doubt playing Chelsea is a reason people are selling. For me I was going to sell anyway because I want Kane and 3 city mids

      1. NOMONEY
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        for me i think aguero can cover for one of the mids, bar maybe sterling. but he is nailed on and consistently scoring

        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Ah the old "cover" the biggest fallacy in ffs' long line of fallacies.

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 3 months ago

            This This This ^^^^^

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

      I will keep kun if playing Watford.
      And will definitely transfer him out for laca even if he scores hattrick.
      Have sane+sterling !

      1. NOMONEY
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        im losing him if he doesnt make the squad tonight, his injury records are exactly great

  12. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    How many minutes do you think the following will get?

    A) Aguero
    B) Mane
    C) Vardy

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      A. 30
      B. 0
      C. 80

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

      A) 15-20 or 0
      B) 0
      C) no idea

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

      30
      0
      60

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

      Is Mane out, for sure?

  13. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    AlreAdy have massive regrets of the moves I made last night. Salah/camarasa/Kun >> sand/Anderson/kane(-4).

    Patricio - Foster
    Alonso Digne Awb — Doherty Schindler
    Haz Rich Martial Anderson Sane
    Kane Arnie — Jimenez

    - shouldn’t have got rid of salah this gw against Burnley.
    - if I could back, I would do martial / Kun >> Fraser/kane. Avoid the hit and take the hit next gw for salah/Jimenez >> xx/Aubameyang (c)!

    Salah will play midweek and rested for weekend grr

    1. tokara
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      move on mate

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Good moves so chill.
      I prefer Auba to Kane but time will tell. I have been wrong before.

  14. FPLShaqiri
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Kiko Fermenia now 4.2 and seems nailed. Good defender to rotate on WC?

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Sure is some good value there. Good attacking threat.

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I took my Holebas pts early on and ran.

      No from me.

      Wanna B.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        One guy in my ML ha dumped all his defensive big hitters and got Digne Wan B Doherty TAA and Delph.
        Ding this gave him 2.5 mil to get Auba and Kane. Watch this space!

    3. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Far from nailed. Janmaat has just returned.

  15. LD
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Begovic
    Alonso Robbo* AWB
    Salah (c) Haz Martial Fraser
    Aguero* Arnie Jiminez

    Foster Doherty Bennett Hoj

    Have 2ft and 0.9 itb.

    Thinking Aguero, Alonso -> Kane, TAA. Leaves me without any city though, worth a hit?

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Rule number 1 never lose Alonso.
      So no.

  16. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    bench is dubious.

    so what to do with mane? (th ebelow transfers are for a hit)

    1 - Alli
    2 - Sane/dilva
    3 - siggy
    4 - don't take the hit

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

      3

    2. RyanMK
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      1 or 2 for me. Silva looks certain to start especially after missing the previous game.

    3. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      cheers

  17. davidmcnamara
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    2FT

    A) Kun -> Auba, Roll 1
    B) Kun -> Kane, Martial -> Fraser

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

      A

    2. RyanMK
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      A

  18. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Already taken a hit so this better be gtg. What ye think? - hope Robbo plays

    Ederson

    Alonso Laporte Robertson TAA

    Sterling (C) Eriksen Alli Fraser

    Wilson (VC) Arnie

    Hamer Jimenez

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Rest of bench is Bennett Stephens - Sorry

  19. Gentle_Turks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    TM
    What were your transfers....?

  20. davidmcnamara
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    GTG? 1FT, 0.2 ITB

    Fab
    Robbo, Digne, Alonso, WanB
    FAnderson, Hazard (C), Sterling, Rich
    Auba, Arnie

    Stek, Martial, Doherty, Success

    Still not 100% on the (C) keen to hear what ppl think

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I would C Sterling and VC Arnie

      1. davidmcnamara
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 3 months ago

        Risk of 1pt cameo?

        1. Albrightondknight
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 3 months ago

          Can't see that that has happened so far this season so hope not.
          Just got him in last week and ML rivals are quite happy to C him. Think I am too.

  21. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Re: On WC
    A)Son,Sane, Success
    B) Richarlison,Auba, Gunarsson

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Probably B

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I would like all 4 but Sane and Son re rotation in same team not viable IMO

  22. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Good to go for later?
    No idea how I get Auba in next week if he still looks good!

    Pat
    Alonso AWB Robbo
    Salah Siggy Sane Brooks
    Kane Arnie Jiminez
    Hamer Doherty Yedlin Job
    2.7ITB

  23. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Aguero > Abu worth a hit?

  24. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Get rid of Vardy or Aguero, this week?
    Both flagged.

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      Both

  25. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    One good thing about PL midweek games is EVERYONE IS KNACKERED

  26. Bleach †
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Sane should start tonight, right?

  27. balint84
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    worth to buy Martial? What is his role when Lukaku comes back?

    1. Lallama
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 3 months ago

      I don't like the way he plays with Lukaku. Way better without him

  28. ZeBestee
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Worth making these moves for a hit?

    Hazard + Bednarek >> Son + VVD

    Captaining Salah.

  29. Olaf Sabres
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you put as your first sub. Doherty or Jimenez?

  30. Starsleague
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 3 months ago

    Nice article! It's interesting to play the football fantasy on the app, Stars league (http://starsleague.game) which has immense features all needed. Have a look at the https://starsleagueff.app.link/fantasyfootball_community