Feature

Fantasy football managers encouraged to participate in mental health study

Researchers from Nottingham Trent University are investigating the impact of Fantasy Football on its most passionate fans – and they want your help.

They have applied a pre-existing, validated questionnaire pack to Fantasy Football in order to collect information on how Fantasy the game impacts those that play and, in turn, understand the wider implications of the growing phenomenon.

During this challenging year, mental health issues have been on the rise in almost all groups of people.

While there has been plenty of research on the subject over the past 12 months, very little has been conducted on what role Fantasy Football plays in our wellbeing.

“Fantasy Football has become a huge and global game and continues to grow each year,” says Dr. Luke Wilkins, lecturer in sports and exercise psychology at Nottingham Trent University.

“But one area we don’t know very much about is the mental health of individuals who play it.

“Millions of people play a Fantasy Football game for soccer of some description this season and it only takes a quick scroll through social media channels to see the highs and lows they experience on a regular basis.

“Despite this, there is little concrete information on the positive and negative mental effects Fantasy Football can have on one individual compared to another.

“We want to change that and, in order to do it, we need Fantasy managers to take part in our study.”

Participation in the study involves filling out a questionnaire pack that takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Through a series of questions, it assesses your thoughts, behaviours, emotions and experiences around Fantasy Football.

Participants do not have to answer every question and are free to leave any blank should they not wish to respond.

All data will remain confidential and anonymous. You will not be asked for your name or any other identifying features at any point. 

Study data will only be accessible by the principal investigator and his research associate. Data collected in this study may be used in future reports such as academic journals and conference presentations. However, again, no individual will be identifiable through such publication of data.

Participants are free to withdraw at any point, either during the data collection stage or for up to three weeks following it by contacting the research team and providing the unique code they generated at the start of the questionnaire pack. In this eventuality, all of the withdrawing participant’s data will be destroyed immediately.

If you have any questions or thoughts about the questionnaire, or the topic in general, please feel free to contact Dr Luke Wilkins at luke.wilkins@ntu.ac.uk.

ENTER THE SURVEY HERE

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

521 Comments Post a Comment
  1. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 26 days ago

    Really interesting survey,i hope it helps.Some spare thoughts.I think it would be nice if they could add some options to compare psychology/emotions/time spent/etc after the Fpl deadline.For example,after the fpl deadline until Monday morning(or the day after the last game) i am much more calmer than the other days.I have also noticed that on Friday i am not sleeping well.In the weekend i am not studying for the next gw and i do more often other things(books,movies,watch the games etc).It's really important for me to try and watch football as a fan and not as an fpl manager.When i can't do that then Saturday night could be bad.I will be angry,nervous,frustrated. Unfortunately my actions could affect others.I'm sorry for the confusion.

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Your comment mirrors how I feel many must feel & the note on how you feel post-deadline is a good one.

      It's a hard deadline every week and a good indicator of a switch.

      The good that can come out of something like this is leanings & recommendations of methods to combat it.

      Loads will read this and joke and say why not just close it down? The reality is if you've ever had or know people with mental health is that they simply can't without some sort of intervention or help.

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Thank you Hazz.The thin line between studying fpl and fpl addiction.

    2. Wilkins21
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Hi Wulfranian,

      Thank you for completing the questionnaire, and for your feedback here. Would you be interested in receiving information about our follow-up studies when the time comes? From what you have said, it sounds like you have a very useful perspective from which to drawn upon, and your thoughts would be valuable and contribute a lot. Please drop me an email at luke.wilkins@ntu.ac.uk if so.

      Thanks again,
      Luke

  2. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 26 days ago

    GW27 team:

    Martinez,
    Reguillon, Cancelo, Dias
    (G)undo, Bruno, Salah, Raphinha
    Kane, Bamford, Watkins

    Lloris, Shaw, Lowton, Barnes

    0ITB

    G2G or do a -4 to get KDB and give him the TC?

    1. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      I'd stick with this

      1. CheesyZoot
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Cheers, might be handy have 2 FT's in 28 as well so might just be patient and stick

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Why not TC gundo ?

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Or quad captain if they allow it

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Is this a formal demand for a new chip ?
          😀

      2. CheesyZoot
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Tempting but he is now off pens and probably pushed a bit deeper since KDB's return

  3. M2.0
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 26 days ago

    I’ve completed the survey however i reckon the results will be a bit biased since the questions are based on how you felt over the last 2 weeks.

    Given that the last two weeks include planning for the biggest DGW of the season, means that a lot of us have been more preoccupied with fpl than usual (i.e deciding chip strategies, selecting TC etc.)

    1. Wilkins21
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Hi HM2,

      Thank you for completing the questionnaire, and for your feedback here. Would you be interested in receiving information about our follow-up studies when the time comes? From what you have said, it sounds like you have a very useful perspective from which to drawn upon, and your thoughts would be valuable and contribute a lot. Please drop me an email at luke.wilkins@ntu.ac.uk if so.

      Thanks again,
      Luke

  4. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 26 days ago

    Mental health related article on the eve/afternoon of Manchester City DGW second game.
    Well played FFS 😎

    1. M2.0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Why don’t they survey the effect of Pep roulette on mental health!

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        No ill effects.
        Only that, he gets lots of abuse from FPL managers 😆

    2. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      I'm doing the survey right after Pep's XI comes out

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Ha

  5. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 26 days ago

    Not sure about Mental health, but FPL ruins fun in watching football games completely !
    It's practically impossible to not think about your assets in the ongoing games instead of focusing on overall tactics and etc (many times)....

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      exactly opposite for me 😀

      I wouldnt bother to watch games without FPL involvement, whats the point of watching few guys hitting ball around 😆

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        In big games or games with big impact (relegation/top4 etc) I love to analyse it since last 2/3 years.
        But when it comes to ©/TC/major potential FPL swings everything goes out of window 😀

      2. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        If you support a team?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Maybe that would create an excitement. Its understandable if its your local team but sitting in another corner of world, not sure I would ever have some love for any team.

          Its easy to watch National games though.

      3. Gross Blank Point
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        I'm with you here. I just wouldn't be interested in the EPL without a Fantasy team involved. Because of that I probably watch far too much football now lol

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      I agree!

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Dunno mate

      Against all my doubts I considered taking a minus 4 for DCL just to have a game to watch every day and leave hope open to the last match of the week.

      Without FPL I wouldn't care half so much. But perhaps that's just the difference between a Palace and United fan. Some of us need distraction more 🙂

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        True.
        Although being a united fan since last decade is a roller coaster ride too. With lower curves more 😀

    4. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      It definitely affects people's mental health. Maybe only a minority - but it definitely does.

      I don't personally suffer (much!) but the anticipation and expectation dragged out over a weekend; planning over a week; panic refreshing before deadlines... it all mirrors the hallmarks or unhealthy addiction habits & the facts it's all day every day (especially due to COIVD) - means the effects are likely compounded to a degree.

      It's a worthwhile investigation.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Yeah.
        Maybe we expect in return according to time we invest in FPL overall (which is huge 😀 )
        It's usually low profile GWs, with few high points throughout the season where everything you do goes well and many times nothing works.
        It affects mood for sure ! No point in denying that.

    5. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Support Partick Thistle, problem solved.

    6. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Its like gambling. It either enhances or destroys it depending on what is going on

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Yup.
        Few high points, plenty of low points.
        Not for you though. You're flying !

        1. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          I've had plenty of low points I assure you. I'm not good at doing well, I don't understand it

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Ha ha ha

    7. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      I agree that participating in FPL has ruined football a bit for me also. I used to just enjoy the game before. May go back to that again next year without having any stake in the outcome of the games (by playing FPL)

  6. Sterling Archer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 26 days ago

    City players wont be rested for the derby which is nearly a full week away

  7. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 26 days ago

    For me, being here on this site and going through all the posts and replies is more addictive than playing FPL. Anyone planning to do a survey on how that is affecting my mental health?

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Just leave that for a day or week and you will realize its affect on mental health, same with any other stuff.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Tried. Not happening! Keep coming back.

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          time to cut off and reduce time. You can continue for now, good time to leave would be when season is over. Soon you will get used to it.

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      This site has certainly had a more negative effect on my life than the FPL site.

      My study has concluded that the rolling comment page format is a significant factor.

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Concur! 100%

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          It's ironic because FFS pretends to care about mental health in FPL, while running a website that's designed to take advantage of our human flaws to generate as many clicks and refreshes as possible, regardless of the effect on the user. There's a reason they don't spend time here themselves. There's even a history of a Scout, who did spend a lot of time here, having mental health issues and needing to step away (though I can't pretend to know the details and don't need to comment any more on it than that).

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Don’t mention the plethora of gambling sites that are now entrenched with the site....

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Even more disturbing. Spineless organisation, really.

          2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Wow! Didn't know that. To be honest, I am absolutely addicted and finding it extremely difficult to stay away. I am sure it's the same case with many of us here.

      2. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        😛

  8. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 26 days ago

    Does anyone know what the impact of your favourite meal deal not being in Tesco is on mental health? Asking for a friend.

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 26 days ago

        I lost my sh*t once when they didn't have Max flamin hot crisps

      • Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Not sure about mental health, but your financial health is likely to improve

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Not sure what Tesco is, assuming its similar to McD or some kind of restaurant

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Supermarket 🙂

          2. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Very little counts....I think that’s them? Not sure lol

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              And tiny countesses...?

      • Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Good to see fellow Gooners care about each other .. 😀

      • Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        I haven't been able to buy Nduja I need for a recipe locally. It is very frustrating

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          When you eat Nduja, you become the Ndula. Puréed meat encased in skin.

    2. tbos83
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Have got Gundo, Stones and Foden. What are chances they all start?

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        around 30% I guess

      2. MIGHTY JOE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        slim

      3. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Same three as me...I’m most wanting/hopefully of Foden (differential), then Stones (Dias tested please), then Gundogan (everyone has him anyway)

      4. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        50
        50
        100

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          This

      5. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        0% that they all start

      6. tbos83
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Thanks all. Consider my expectations managed!

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          😀

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      20. b. Emotion #5: Angry. c) How LONG-LASTING?

      *Thinks of Miralles taking THAT penalty*

      *Looks for ‘Longer than 5 years’ option*

    4. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      I'll fill the survey after knowing my KDB (c) is starting tonight or not 😛

    5. Podorsky
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Foden probably has the best chance of starting.

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Bloody hope so....I’m desperate for points and he’s pretty much my only hope of differential action.....and Mee (0pts)

    6. Vazza
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      My current GKs are Areola and Forster.

      Would you

      A. start Forster (shu/mci) or

      B. bring in Martinez (wol) for Areola (liv) for free?

      1. tbos83
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        A

    7. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      I've been meaning to get something off my chest recently and this article is the perfect time.

      I've been using this site for over a decade now and while it has always provided invaluable information and tips regarding building and fixing your team, over the past couple of years the community side of things has drastically declined. Some of the comments that you see here on match days are horrendous.

      As this article alludes to, fantasy football can be a stressful thing. Yes, at the end of the day it's just a game, but we all take it pretty seriously, especially when it comes to work leagues or leagues with cash prizes. You spend ages agonising over a decision, looking at various stats and comparison tools to decide who to transfer in or out. A lot of times these decisions don't work out and it can be hard to take with all the time you put into it. The last thing you need is to come on here for matchday discussions only to be ridiculed by other members.

      The situation with Harvey Barnes at the weekend was a prime example. He was a player in great form and Leicester had a double with decent fixtures. It wasn't a wrong decision to bring him in, it was just bad luck that he got injured. The amount of abuse that was being hurled at people who just wanted to vent was disgusting. It takes less effort to say 'hard luck' to someone or offer some advice than to ridicule.

      Maybe I'm being naive, there are trolls everywhere you go on the internet, but I do miss the 'good old days' on here. I don't know what the mods can do to help improve the situation, but I really hope they try something.

      1. Cheeseoid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        A lot of the community moved to other sites, whatsapp groups and twitter. It's tricky to bring that back when it is gone

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          They should hold FFS reunion’s for each joining year. When all the old posters can come back and see who’s still here, who’s got the jobs they always wanted, who’s on the dole, who’s still not paying for drinks, who’s still a potty mouth etc...

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            We can't find out whos a potty mouth as we cannot swear!

            1. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Ha, very true 😀

        2. Hybrid.power
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Yeah I've experienced it on other unrelated forums and subreddits. There's always a golden age where everything is perfect, but over time people move on or something is changed that makes it better for some people and worse for others. I think ever since FFS teamed up with FPL it opened the door to more members, but also a lot more trolls.

          1. Cheeseoid
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Yep. There are forums out there which are invite only to keep it between friends. I've put your name forward if you are interested. Procedure is someone nominates and someone else seconds it and you leave space for others to veto. It just saves arguments or the need for moderation down the line

            1. Hybrid.power
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Nice one, that sounds brilliant!

              1. Cheeseoid
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                I think you would find quite a few of the people you are missing there. Just got to follow procedure

                If you drop me an email at

                kurt-grohl@gmx.com

                I will keep in contact if that is ok?

                1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  Nirvana?

                  1. Wild Rover
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 26 days ago

                    There's a clue in the email address 😉

                    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 26 days ago

                      Hahaha! Yes. Love those guys. And absolutely love the way Dave has progressed.

                  2. Cheeseoid
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    3 years, 26 days ago

                    Possibly, could possibly be

                2. Cheeseoid
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  Hybrid. Power I am off now but drop me an email and I should get back to you tomorrow

              2. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Seconded. Keep your eyes open 😉

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        nearly all the guys that I respected and were great banter on the DZ are all gone... the quality and integrity of posters on here has gone downhill so much over the past 4-5 years

      3. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        yeah some of the trolling on here is pathetic. I'm fine with it from my mates on whatsapp where it's give and take between people I know. But from strangers on here it is just sad.

      4. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Agree with everything above. I have collated some common toxic posts below. If you (the reader) have made any of these posts then please realise that they are heavily disliked and unwanted by the community. If you have made all of these posts then please seek help.
        1. Imagine owning XXX
        2. lol@XXX
        3. Scored 200 points. Is it above average?
        4. XXX not starting / injured / subbed under 60 mins lolololol
        5. XXX FAILLL before the game finishes.
        6. Or any other post which annoys people!

        1. Hybrid.power
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Yeah that pretty much covers it! If we're discussing 'mental health' regarding fantasy football, not laughing at people should be the first step that people take to make things better.

        2. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Guilty m’lord....

        3. Baines on Toast...
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Nowhere to hide for people who missed nowhere to hide amongst the toxic post list

          1. Baron Penguin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            I was just typing that!

        4. Ronny Sandstone
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Does the site still belong to Mark? I must have signed up around 10 years ago but have become a proper casual last 7 or so, definitely seems different now, different owners?

          1. Egg noodle
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07096709/officers

            Says he resigned in 2019. Don't know much more honestly.

            1. Ronny Sandstone
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Interesting, I've started watching the Fpl Blackbox YouTube channel this season with him on, noticed it has the Fantasy Scout logo at the end also

        5. TheBiffas
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          some of the harvey barnes troll posts were laughable. that man was in serious pain.

      5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        You have to be able to take the rough with the smooth

        KDB springs to mind on several occasions this season

        Starting with just missing 1:1's as captain with alarming regularity which was incredibly frustrating but hey-ho part of the game... then he graduates up to winning a last minute penalty vs Brighton (Woo-hoo!) which he then hands to sterling (oh no! but at least he gets an assist + the baps)... which sterling then misses (there are no words)...

        Then goes full blown mega-troll by going off injured on 59 minutes in the DGW, just before city get another pen awarded...

        Let alone those who TC'd Mane for his injury, Sane the season before etc. etc.

        Important not to chase the highs if you can't handle the lows

        1. Hybrid.power
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Totally, I've been in so many of those situations before. What I'm talking about is how crap you feel when the above happens, and then on top of that you get people going "Lol at those who own KDB!". It's just unnecessary.

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Yeah the comments are far from helpful allright - totally agree

      6. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Yes it had a real hay day. There were some wonderful people on here. There still are quite a few but we were lucky to have a glut of top posters. Used to be a fair few women on here too but they were scared off pretty quickly.

        1. Cheeseoid
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          There must be some horse eating hay joke here. Just imagine I said it and it was hilarious

      7. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Yes people are the problem, but you can't change individuals except by changing the systems). The FFS website is the real problem. It is a cesspit that they attract more and more people to dip into and eventually drown in. Meanwhile, the ad money rolls in and they preach about mental health.

        1. Hybrid.power
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Yeah definitely. For FFS it really is a balancing act; bring in more people, make more money, but we can't control what type of people we actually attract.

          It's like our government going on about mental health and we should be more aware, but they really aren't investing in the actual services that people need.

      8. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Posts on here during games are usually horrendous, all my fantasy chat is now done via whatsapp with great people I've met on here during community tournaments.

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Hi, Hasselbaink Forever. Nice to meet you. How's it going?

          1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Afternoon, can't complain. What's Deulofeu up to these days?

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Good to hear. I believe he's planning a move back to the PL so I can become relevant again 🙂

          2. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            He's having a good Cup game 😀

      9. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Ugh. I had a long post argument over someone saying bringing in Harvey Barnes "was not technically a good decision".

        I already had him from the previous week but their arguement was ridiculous & only meant to piss off new Barnes owners.

        That was horrible set of comments only meant to enrage, so I try to make a point of calling out people on ridiculous posts like that.

      10. Wilkins21
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Hi Hybrid.Power,

        Thank you for completing the questionnaire, and for your feedback here. Would you be interested in receiving information about our follow-up study when the time comes? From what you have said, it sounds like you have a very useful perspective from which to drawn upon, and your thoughts would be valuable and contribute a lot. Please drop me an email at luke.wilkins@ntu.ac.uk if so.

        Thanks again,
        Luke

    8. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Real managers don't cry

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Is this a dig at Ralph Hasenhüttl 😉

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          was that pretty much the start of their current horror spell?

          1. Holmes
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            yep, zero win since then

          2. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Idk
            It's about injuries and lots of games though thanks to playing style of them.
            They'll be top 6 if all games are 1 week apart 😀

        2. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          haha no and it's ok to cry 😉

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            😀

      2. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        but we are fantasy managers

        Its okay to not be okay

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Pep has the power to make us feel ok or not lol

    9. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      The survey is crazy long. I gave up at 62%

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        I gave up when I realised it’s like all surveys, your answers depend on a thousand other factors and impossible to pigeonhole it into a set of answers that will then produce a meaningful result.

      2. casual69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        a tad stuck up maybe, but I gave up as soon as I read Nott Trent uni

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          *Poly 😉

        2. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Why, did you go to Cambridge? What's wrong with Trent?

    10. BC1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      If you didn't have a mental health problem, get enough people to ask you enough times "How's your mental health?" and you'll soon develop one.

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Hahaha I remember when someone called me fat in school. It hadn't bothered me at all until every teacher in the school kept telling me 'I understand how it must have made you feel'

    11. mcsteely
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Martinez
      Cancelo, Rudiger, Targett, Dallas
      Bruno, Salah, Raph, Gundo
      Kane, DCL

      Bench: Areola, Bamford, Digne, Barnes

      A: Salah -->KDB
      B: Barnes --> Foden
      C: Salah & Barnes --> KDB & Grealish (-4)
      D: Something else?

      1. gedda
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        I'd definelty not get KdB until after he has played again, because of injury.

        I like C, but only if you do not plan to FH GW29. If you are, I would not take hits to get players that play that week, but if you are not, I would also not take in any players that don't - if that makes sense 🙂

    12. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Apart from FPL, usual posters who post negative all the time or just act like gods also are bad for "community" overall.

      When you're interacting with someone on online forums if you cannot be nice at least should avoid being #### !
      There should be a facility to block certain posters here for sure. Because some of them, don't add any value. So better stay away from them. 😀

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Banter is always best. It's a must yes.
        But certainly not trolling others for no reason ..

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        I’ve asked for that for years. Some however compared that idea like being back in the school playground. I completely disagree though, just as in real life you make friends and hang out with them. Obviously you don’t hang out with people you don’t like.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Yes

        2. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Sorry if my memories are mixed up. Weren't you (trying to be) a rather annoying character when you first joined?

          You make very decent posts nowadays so I'm unsure whether you have decided to change or if you were always a nice person 🙂

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Doesn’t sound like me at all. I’m a very happy bloke. Used to love people like Doolittle and Lucy and just having a laugh with anyone who’s up for it.

            1. Egg noodle
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Sorry then. There have been too many cartoon characters and animals joining the site recently. I can't keep up xD

              1. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Haha

            2. Botman and Robben
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Doolittle and Lucy were/are FPL managers?

              1. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Yes, very very good ones. Big difference though was their intelligence. Doolittle had the best command of the English language I’ve seen on here bar say Mark. Lucy is a huge Saints fan and even popped up on Match of the Day two weeks ago.

                1. Botman and Robben
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  Nice. Do you know if the are both active FPL managers today?

                  1. Rupert The Horse
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    3 years, 26 days ago

                    No they only did it when they were younger. They both got married and have moved away. More important things in life.

    13. jia you
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      I blame the Twitter brigade, the so called experts ie the patreon predators, and the getting into bed with betting sites as the three main sources of my FPL depression!
      Absolutely nothing to do with the fact that I'm a rubbish manager (and I'll even let Pep off the hook) 😉

      1. Hooky
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        A lot of the guys on twitter/youtube are rubbish managers. Got knows why people pay for advice from them!

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          yeah it's crazy

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Wow. Didn’t know that was an option.

            1. jia you
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              it's huge now sadly horse

              1. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Hmmm. Each to their own then. I remember sending my transfers off by post.

        2. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Pay for advice? Is that really a thing?

          1. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            Everyone has this patreon thing except Mark and Az.

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Bloody hell. How weird. Guess it’s the times we’re living in.

        3. Botman and Robben
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          I thought people watch the YouTube channels for free, like I do.

    14. Fit_to_drop
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Gundo & Barnes >> Look & Grealish

      or just

      Barnes >> Lingard

      Dont have funds to do Barnes to Grealish straight.

      1. mcsteely
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        Probably worth having Gundo for his double this week.
        Barnes to Look this week and Gundo to Grealish next week?

        1. Fit_to_drop
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Cheers. Yes, true about that. Im paving the way for KDB to replace Gundo in reality when i WC in weeks ahead.

    15. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      Hmm, finished the survey. It got me thinking...

    16. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 26 days ago

      How much time would people say is ok to spend on FPL related content/thoughts per week?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Hard to say but I think about football in general too much, literally every day

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            yup me too...between watching football, FPL, fantasy CM and playing CM/FM games, football is rarely too far away from my thoughts

      2. moment
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 26 days ago

        The questionnaire seems pretty heavily predicated on the notion that FPL *is* a problem, now let’s just quantify how much...

        Personally (and speaking as someone who’s had mental health issues in the past) I find fantasy entirely positive for my mental health... it’s a distraction from things (family, ageing, mortgage, job) that can be difficult, and it’s allowed me to enjoy watching football generally rather than being obsessed with the results of just the team I follow... being an utterly fanatical club football fan was way worse for me than being a fairly obsessive fantasy player.

        1. Deulofail
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          I'm 62% into the survey, so too soon to form an overall opinion Could you elaborate on how it seems to be predicated on the notion that FPL is a problem?

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            In general, it seems to be pretty rubbish (I mean 'how often have you have poor appetite or overeating'...really?). But, as I talked about on the previous page, we can't really judge too much as naive participants.

            1. Deulofail
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              What kind of scale is this? 0-8...
              ...
              5 Definitely
              6
              7 Markedly
              ...

              1. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                'Because of Fantasy Football my social leisure activities (with other people e.g. parties, bars, clubs, outings, visits, dating, home entertaining) are impaired.'

                Okay I'm trying so hard to give it the benefit of the doubt. Tricky not to conclude that this whole thing is a waste of resources, including my own time, now, though. My mental health is being negatively impacted by this survey 'very severely'.

        2. Egg noodle
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Good to hear mate

        3. Wilkins21
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Hi Moment,

          Thank you for completing the questionnaire, and for your feedback here. Would you be interested in receiving information about our follow-up study when the time comes? We are going to take a qualitative (interview) approach to explore the topic in more detail. This will also allow us to explore further the many positives and benefits that FF brings that - as many people on here have rightly stated - were perhaps lacking in the current questionnaire. From what you have said, it sounds like you have a very useful perspective from which to drawn upon, and your thoughts would be valuable and contribute a lot. Please drop me an email at luke.wilkins@ntu.ac.uk if so.

          Thanks again,
          Luke

      3. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 26 days ago

          Like any open forum it's both good and bad, I just can't remember a time when it was the utopia like forum people are describing. Maybe it was before my time even I'm not sure but since I've joined it hasnt really changed, other than a few recognisable names stopping posting

          I come on here to drop a few lines of banter

          Talk football/fpl and generally use all the conversations and data to inform my decisions

          Very very rarely I'll ask a question but even then it doesn't even get answered even if I've spent the last page or two answering others questions

          1. wulfrunian
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            I am only here for Jafooli's posts.

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Ha. Was just thinking the same.

          2. Egg noodle
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 26 days ago

            As a long time lurker ... The site was a lot less toxic back in 2011ish at least.

            At worst, a few people would argue against each other ON SPECIFIC TOPICS. But i seriously can't remember any posts that were being posted to specifically annoy/hurt other people. Like many of the one liner trash posts these days.

            Then came along the lol@ posts. And the rest is history.

            1. gedda
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              I agree. I am sure it has to do with the fact that the community on here was a lot smaller and people who both posted and lurked were more familiar with one another.

              Sometimes the pages on here move so fast I am hesitant to post as well, but most of the time people do answer and I have had some great advice on here still.

            2. PogChamp
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              I kinda like it here on match days. It's chaotic nonsense. I would never 'lol' post but having a little laugh at other peoples misfortune is part of FF for many. Some posters get over enthusiastic but I don't think it's anything more than that.

              As for advice, you can still get it but asking during match times is probably not the best idea.

            3. wulfrunian
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Both of you are far more experienced than me but i think the main problem is the mess and the poor post quality during the games.These annoy/hurt-lol posts are mainly in the weekends.Some recognisable names though are not here anymore like Bedknobs and Boomsticks, mtpockets, champ, APPLEBONKERS.
              Allow me though to say that there are still a lot of managers here which are trying almost every day to help each other.

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  Yeah during a match I can agree things are probably at their worst, it's not even the toxic lol at posts that get me. The one that winds me up most is "sitter missed" idk why but it always annoys me especially when I'm watching the match and thinking how the hell could anyone call that a sitter

                • Egg noodle
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  Good to hear. I'll be on the lookout for your posts from now 🙂

            4. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Serves you right for ignoring the email 😉

            5. RoysCallerAnne
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              It was really good in the formative years. Felt like an exclusive club. I wouldn't describe it as a Utopia but it definitely felt like a coming together of like minded people.
              I do remember a feeling of relief that I wasn't the only one that took a silly game so seriously!

              The problems started with the modding and the choice of humourless robots as mods. The reluctance to change to some form of forum structure is odd too as it's quite obvious that good discussions get lost all the time. Then, so many eejits became regular posters, that the original regular posters (and most of the good ones) found other places like twitter, whattsapp or private forums. Now, when new members join, they're faced with eejits or know-it-alls, as they're the ones who now dominate the comments sections. None of which is a good look and all of which remains un-actioned by FFS, despite actually employing people to improve things. When it became commercial, it died as a community site.

              The articles and stats are fine, the members ticker *was* good but you can get that for free elsewhere online. For those reasons, this will be my last year paying membership.

              1. Egg noodle
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Wonder what happened to RBJ, DBRonaldo, Attila The Bum etc.

                And yeah, these gambling posts have pushed me over the edge so this my last year as a member too.

                1. RoysCallerAnne
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  dunno about RBJ but those others were early twitter adaptors.

                  Yeah, the gambling affiliations are nothing less than outrageous and is another reason many people ran away from here.

              2. PogChamp
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                This site is run on Wordpress which would explain the lack of restructuring. Money I guess too.

                1. Deulofail
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  It's not wordpress apparently https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/16158392

              3. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Stands up and applauds.

            6. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 26 days ago

                And this isn't holier than thou, I definitely don't come on here to argue or make people feel bad but I'm sure I've managed that sometimes, and I don't exactly hate how it is now otherwise I wouldn't be coming back. I just think it could improve especially in regards to deeper discussions

                1. Boris Bodega
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  There are too many posters now to have serious discussions. I get more out of the WhatsApp group I'm in, in terms of quality fantasy football advice.

            7. buzzkill
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Without trying to sound like the 1000th "Barnes to who?" post this week, I haven't seen a single answer suggesting Lucas Moura.
              He's affordable, Jose seems to be playing him plus he doesn't have a blank in 29 and his last two returns have been 8, 8. Is he going under the radar?
              Trouble is I've got Kane and Son in already, is the triple up overkill? Don't want Lingard or Mount.

              My midfield is Salah, Son, Bruno, Barnes*, Gundo

              1. No Professionals
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Lucas Moura is dreadful. Don't do it to yourself.

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  Yep - he scored last week therefore he is "going under the radar" rather than "he is a waste of FPL space"

              2. WE GO FOR IT
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Moura isn't nailed on. Both Lingard and Mount are better options.
                Raph, Saka, Lookman, Soucek -> Good cheap options
                If you can go up and he's fit again, Grealish.

            8. manu4life99
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Start 1 (A would double up on AVL as Martinez in goal)

              A) Konsa(WOL)
              B) Shaw(mci)
              C) Dallas(whm)

            9. gedda
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Done. Very interesting.

              I cannot help but read into the questions quite a lot. I play both FPL and fantasy NFL, and that is (if possible) waaay more intense than FPL, since FPL is a longer season and the set-up of leagues is less intense the the H-2-H leagues of the NFL.

              I can see how this can be overwhelming as is and playing both I definetly felt that it ended up taking a lot of my free time. It is still very concerning that some struggle with this to the point where it could be damaging to their mental health and relatioships. I was always well aware of the gambling aspect of it but some of the questions in this were very worrying.

              Not that it is the responsability of the scout but it may be in good taste to also post some resources for players who may identify with some of these issues. I am no longer a resident in the UK but I am sure there are a lot of good local and global resources for those who struggle to cope. In the end, I am sure both the founders, admins and contributors all want this to be a positive and open resource for all that enjoy this website.

              ps. the irony of typing this from a work laptop - these DGWs, I tell you... 🙂

              /g

              1. jia you
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Get back to work Mr. Loffler, consider yourself warned.

                1. gedda
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  FINE

              2. Deulofail
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                The real study is on the response to the questionnaire in the comment section of this article 😉

                1. gedda
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  haha, evil genius at work.

              3. Wilkins21
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Hi Gedda,

                Thank you for completing the questionnaire, and for your feedback here. Would you be interested in receiving information about our follow-up study when the time comes? We are going to take a qualitative (interview) approach to explore the topic in more detail. This will also allow us to explore further the many positives and benefits that FF brings that - as many people on here have rightly stated - were perhaps lacking in the current questionnaire. From what you have said, it sounds like you have a very useful perspective from which to drawn upon, and your thoughts would be valuable and contribute a lot. Please drop me an email at luke.wilkins@ntu.ac.uk if so.

                Thanks again,
                Luke

            10. Pep's Money Laundry
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Guys, I'm looking for a little differential as top 6 in my ML is really tight, so would appreciate some opinions on below

              Only one guy owns Son(he doesn't own Kane), the rest of us own Kane . No one owns KDB

              A. Gundogan & Bruno to KDB & Fodder (will be last sub)
              B. Barnes & Pereira to Bale & Mitchell
              C. Barnes & Pereira to Son & Mitchell

              BB has been used and will FH29

              1. JONALDINHO
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 26 days ago

                Bruno and Barnes to KDB and Raphinha/Any 6.0mid?

                1. Pep's Money Laundry
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  Maxed out city players, so Gundagan to kdb has to be a direct swap

            11. 03farmboy
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 26 days ago

              Who’s has the better defence?

              Chelsea, Man U, Everton or Leicester

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  3 years, 26 days ago

                  In terms of fpl? Right now I'd say invest in Chelsea

                  1. 03farmboy
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 26 days ago

                    Thanks is rudiger the best Chelsea option for most nail?

                    1. @persecuted_by_mods
                        3 years, 26 days ago

                        Looks like it for sure

                  2. adam wigan
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 26 days ago

                    For clean sheets Chelsea and they have decent fixtures coming up, also if Alonso plays he looks very threatening. United not the best defensively but Shaw is creating lots of chances so might get attacking returns. Leicester also have decent fixtures now and again from GW 32 but last few weeks of the season are tough. Pereira maybe playing OOP so could be a great option

                    1. 03farmboy
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 26 days ago

                      Appreciate the detailed reply would you prefer rudiger over shaw or pereira?

                      1. adam wigan
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 26 days ago

                        Personally I have Shaw- making loads of chances and taking corners. Might get rid of him for blank GW29 though to get a Brighton defender then maybe move to rudiger the week after. Rudiger has had a few headed chances but otherwise seems to be limited to defensive returns (although these have been pretty consistent).

                        Similarly pereira probably has a higher ceiling than rudiger but also costs a lot more.

                        It depends how else you can use the money to improve your squad. Also it just seems more fun having an attack minded defender somehow!

                  3. Egg noodle
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 26 days ago

                    Triple Chelsea defence from GW30.
                    For now just get Rudiger

                    1. 03farmboy
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 26 days ago

                      It’s hard to pick 3 Chelsea defenders that will start every week

                      1. Egg noodle
                        • 14 Years
                        3 years, 26 days ago

                        Alonso Rudiger look nailed. And I expect a 3rd to be nailed by then.

                  4. No Professionals
                    • 6 Years
                    3 years, 26 days ago

                    Chelsea

                  5. WE GO FOR IT
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 26 days ago

                    Chelsea. Azpi and Rudiger are the only ones worth investing though.

                    With the other 3, you may not get as many CSs, but you can invest in players like AWB, Shaw, Digne, Castage, Pereira - who have an attacking threat.

                    1. 03farmboy
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 26 days ago

                      Thanks for the reply! Would you prefer rudiger over Digne or castage/ pereira?