News

Revealed: The new FFS editorial line-up for 2021/22

Fantasy Football Scout are delighted to announce their new editorial line-up ahead of the upcoming Fantasy Premier League season, and we think it could be our best squad yet.

Leading the line we have former deputy Neale Rigg, stepping up after three seasons of world-beating assists and Team News provision to become Editor.

Neale – aka “Skonto Rigga” – is a vastly experienced writer and seasoned FPL manager who has played a huge role in the site’s relentless growth and
our recent award-winning endeavours.

Of course any great manager needs a similarly skilled assistant so we’re
absolutely thrilled to reveal that Tom Freeman (known by many of you on site as “avfc82”) will come on board as Deputy Editor of the site.

Tom is unquestionably one of the world’s best FPL managers, having finished in the top 1k on a remarkable five occasions. A long-time Fantasy Football Scout user and commenter, he has graduated through the editorial ranks from FPL Question Time contributor and freelancer to Pro Pundit in the last couple of years. Now he will support Neale’s efforts in a full-time editorial capacity.

These two appointments represent a huge statement of intent for Fantasy Football Scout, but they certainly won’t be the last, so stay tuned for more exciting line-up news to come in the next few weeks.

We can already confirm that we have some familiar faces returning for the new campaign, with stellar names such as Lateriser, Zophar and the one and only Mark Sutherns on board as Pro Pundits for 2021/22.

And we’ll again be able to count on the tireless work of – among others – Az, Sam, Joe, Ted, Geoff, Ian, Paul, TopMarx and Gianni in the upcoming season, be it on the site, in front of the camera, behind the scenes or somewhere in between.

The changes aren’t all incoming of course. As many of you will be aware, our colleague David Munday is departing the full-time role after three fabulous years in the job.

He’s been a great servant to the Scout cause and we wholeheartedly thank David for all of the hard work since his appointment and wish him all the very best as he moves onto pastures new. Suffice to say David won’t be a complete stranger though, he remains a valued ambassador and you can expect to see our erstwhile Editor popping up with the odd cameo going forward; once a Scout, always a Scout!

Whilst we do have a clear summer transfer plan, we remain on the lookout for new talent and partnerships. So, if you fancy getting involved yourself, either with community articles, joining our Scout Network or the Scout Academy, please do get in touch via this link.

106 Comments Post a Comment
  1. New FFS editor and deputy
    Skonto Rigga
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Afternoon all,

    I'm chuffed to bits to be stepping up as Editor and humbled to be asked to do so.

    I'm even more delighted to welcome aboard Tom, a bona fide FPL great and a manager whose season history only serves to underscore my own C-list status. He's not just a Hall of Famer but an astute writer, too, and there's no surprise that his Spot the Differential series came out smelling of roses in the recent survey we conducted. It's not often you get FPL prowess married with journalistic ability but in Tom, as we had with Mark, we've got just that.

    If you're not aware of who I am (why would you be), I've been playing some form of Fantasy Football for the best part of 25 years and have been working as Deputy Editor on the site for the last three. The badge may say '3' next to my name but, without wanting to sound like Tony Blair in his utterly lame efforts to prove how much of a Newcastle fan he was, I genuinely have lurked for well over a decade and I was a fan/voyeur of the site long before I became an employee.

    That's another reason why it's so great to have Tom as my number two, as he's been an active member of Fantasy Football Scout almost since its inception and it's great to reward - if that's the right word - someone who has been a loyal, long-time supporter of Scout with a role such as this.

    Which brings me to you, the community. One of the things I'm intent on doing in the hotseat is to listen and learn from regular site frequenters and commenters - most of them, anyway 🙂 I think there's probably a fair criticism that a lot of talent and intelligent opinion from within has gone untapped at times over the years, while suggestions about site improvements should also be actively encouraged and listened to.

    The recent appointment of Az as Member Strategy Manager was a major step in the right direction and he's already been hard at work with that aforementioned survey. The likes of him and Geoff will often be your first port of calls but it's also important that I should be paying close attention, too.

    How more FFS community involvement manifests itself in the editorial side of things remains to be seen, but the return of FPL Question Time with contributions from yourselves and more focus on the on-site luminaries in our Hall of Fame are two things I'm very keen on; do let me know if you have any other ideas.

    It'll be a gradual leadership transition, so don't be expecting massive immediate changes to our editorial approach; nor do there need to be wholesale alterations, as a lot of what Scout is doing already is, I firmly believe, pretty damn good and considerably better than you'll find elsewhere.

    In a neat segue, I want to finish by paying my own tribute to the work that David has done over the last three years. He has taught me a lot about being at the helm of a site but, far more importantly, he is a thoroughly nice fella - I've mentioned this elsewhere but he has been a dream of a boss, repeatedly overlooking my inability to hit a deadline, and there are countless acts of generosity I could cite if it wasn't for the fact that it would embarrass him. There's always a human being behind the writer/editor/Pro Pundit, and he's one of the good ones.

    To the next chapter.

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Congrats Neale. Great news 🙂

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks Jarv 🙂

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Fantastic, congrats!

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thank you kindly!

    3. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Congrats!

      What’s the stance for this site going forward on partnering and promoting gambling sites? It became quite overbearing last season and the Football Index debacle was handled terribly. I don’t know if an apology happened but if so I missed it.

      I’ve been a member for over 10 years. It would be good to understand if the commercial side of this business will continue to be the priority or whether it will be a bit more thoughtful.

      I have no problem at all with monetising this site but do believe the advertising should be appropriate given the wide range of people and ages who use it. That said, I think fewer ads for paying members would be a bonus.

      Cheers

      1. The Orienteer - find me in …
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yes, it was the gambling stuff that made me not renew membership. Destroys lives!

      2. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I was waiting on that question... 🙂

        Yeah, I - and we - do hear you and I'm really sorry you feel that way. It'd be all too easy for me to say "it's not my department, I'm purely a writer" regarding sponsorships etc but I am a paid employee of the site now, so I can't just wash my hands of it and all of us are answerable. Long story short and genuinely not trying to dodge the issue, I haven't got an adequate enough response for you on my first day in the job. While a small number of sponsorships will inevitably still happen (as they do on pretty much every single other website and as they have done even in the good old Mark days), we are exploring options this summer - one of which you mentioned in your final paragraph.

        Feel free to drop me a line at neale@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk if you want to chat about this further.

        1. Smurf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          I just want to add, as another veteran of the site that I echo Ron’s concerns. I’ve been a paid member since the first season it started, but if the gambling bombardment continues I won’t any longer.

          Appreciate you can’t offer any more details right now, I just wanted to show my support for Ron’s comments so that the site is aware this issue is seen very inappropriate for many of us members.

          1. riot
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 9 months ago

            Echoing Smurf, been a member for most of my 10 years here but I was planning to end this season due to the above.

            1. Saint Tim
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              2 years, 9 months ago

              Similar views here from another long-time paying member. Good luck and keep up the good work (ex the gambling overload)

              1. Hymie
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 9 months ago

                Same here!

      3. barry custard
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 8 months ago

        Excellent comment Ron.

    4. FPLMarc
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Well done, boss.

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers Marc 🙂

    5. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Well deserved

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        That's damn high praise, appreciate it... unless you're quite rightly talking about Tom

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          🙂 Toms still learning the trade. FPL position isnt the same as being a good writer.

    6. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Big congrats Neale and best of luck to David in the future!

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers bud!

    7. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Good luck in your new role. This is still a fantastic site and has helped me enormously over the years achieving decent finishes.It really enhances the fantasy football experience. Continued success.

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        That's great to hear, thank you!

    8. Squeazy
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Absolutely outstanding news. The site’s content couldn’t be in better hands IMO.

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers Squeazy, means a lot.

    9. Mince n Tatties
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Congratulations Neale - not a better man for the job!

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Ah thank you - it was my attention to detail with the FFS Cup draws that swung the decision with the bosses...

        1. Mince n Tatties
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          I put a good word in for you…

    10. alsybach
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Good luck Mukka!

      1. Skonto Rigga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thank you! I'll need it 🙂

    11. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Congrats Neale well deserved!

    12. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Good stuff. Congrats.

    13. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Congratulations Neale.

      It's something I've been calling for for a while. Your articles are the best in the business and this makes so much sense and is thoroughly deserved.

    14. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Mark's BACK, baby!

      "MARTHA! Bring me my baby oil."

    15. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Congrats, Neale and Tom - well deserved!

    16. Alchim1sT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      best of luck sir!

    17. Don Van Vliet
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Huge congratulations, Neale. Thoroughly deserved.

    18. riot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Congratulations and best of luck!

    19. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Great news. Well done Neale!

    20. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      A bit late to the congrats party, but nevertheless, congrats. I like it when good people make it to positions of influence. All the best.

    21. Hymie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Congrats Neale, looking forward to seeing things done your way this year and beyond!

  2. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Captain..?
    A. Ronaldo
    B. KDB
    C. Wijnaldum
    D. Depay

    1. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I’ve gone for KdB but I am chasing a 30 point gap in a mini league.

      If I was top of the league I would have more likely picked Ronaldo

      1. Taegugk Warrior
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        I’m chasing too… put the armband on wijnaldum at the moment…

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      D

    4. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Think I'm going D as he's on pens and has the better fixture.

  3. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Is there going to be greater support for Geoff? Always seems like he just doesnt have the time to do the community justice.

  4. rozzo
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    So for someone who has missed out owning Ronaldo in the group stage I think it's only right I captain him for his hat trick later.

    Right?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Hope you're right with 3 to smash the record.

  5. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Who's on pens for Holland?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Depay is Netherlands penalty taker

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Ty

      2. sjh
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        But what about Holland? And who are the Dutch?

  6. FDMS All Starz
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Cap poll:

    A) Depay
    B) Lukaku
    C) Kdb
    D) Wijinaldum
    E) Dumfries

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      It may take a while, probably an hour or so but if you scroll up about 3 posts you will see someone asking the same question and it has some responses already.

      You're welcome

      1. FDMS All Starz
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        How about this, is Dumfries a better cap option than the rest? Don’t see that answered anywhere

        1. jayzico
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Dumfries(c) for me. 80 points separates No.1 in the world and me. So WTH

        2. Moxon
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Screw it, I'm going Dumfries too. Why not

    2. LSK
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      A

    3. ZombieEaten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I’m on Lukaku but flip flopping between Ronaldo, Dumfries and Depay

  7. Ray Kinsella
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Hi everyone, and good luck for later. Please advise, who to captain out of Ronaldo, Lukaku, Depay, Wijnaldum, KDB or Dumfries. I am heading my mini league with ni chips left, the guy below me has both chips left...

    1. sjh
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I'm going Depay but I don't have Ronaldo so it makes my decision a little bit easier. If I fancied being risky I'd go for Dumfries.

    2. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks. i may just close my eyes and pick someone at random.

    3. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      KDB for me, for few reasons:
      - Portugal is shipping goals for fun, Czechs look more difficult to break down.
      - Belgium is getting better by the game
      - KDB is just a class player with many routes to points

      1. sjh
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Don't come in here with your logic, questioning my choice of captain today

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Sorry boss.

    4. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I agree. I'm going KDB...

    5. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Ronaldo. 10,9,10 points. Breaking the world record tonight against a poor Belgian defence.

  8. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Captain Ronaldo or Depay?

    1. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      i think we all have the same issue! delay looks safest, but if it goes wrong it'll be devastating to see KDB or ronaldo or lukaku go mad and score a bagful of points. i am tempted to go kdb now for that reason

  9. BlzE_94
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Captain Depay or Dumfries?

    1. sjh
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Safe option is Depay. Risky option is Dumfries but could pay off big. How risk averse are you?

  10. LSK
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Everyone just captain Depay. Unless you want to captain somebody else, in which case captain them.

    1. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      that's good advice!

  11. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    KDB, Depay or Wijnaldum to wear the C today?

  12. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Donnarumma to Stecklenburg worth it?

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I would say so.

      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks Vertigo. Good luck today.

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          Same to you, sir.

    2. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Why wouldn't you do it?

    3. ZombieEaten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I’m doing it. Don’t see it as a huge risk

    4. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Why would you even ask that?

  13. azz007
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Need help even one opinion

    Depay Dumfries windaljum captain?

    1. bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Depay. No doubt.
      Would you move Donnarumma out for Steckenburg?

      1. azz007
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yes i would. But I have stek and simon

      2. fenixri
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        Yes. Losing 2 points for minimum 1 point or cs potential

    2. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      We're all having that same question

    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Wijnaldum.

    4. Ray Kinsella
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      of those depay for me

    5. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I'm leading towards Wijnaldum out of the same three, and I own Ronaldo too.

  14. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Have a feeling De Boer's tactical inadequacies will show when the pressure is on. Surprised so many people are so high on Holland.

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Holland and high are almost synonymous.

    2. Haa-lala-land
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Good call Bemba

  15. fenixri
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Who would you captain?

    Ronaldo
    Depay
    Wijnaldum

    I dont have C for tomorrow (only French def) , and Forsberg for last day. I want to C Cr7 but nor sure is it wise to do that.

    1. The Reptile
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I'm swinging towards CR7 now out of those and KDb

      1. fenixri
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 9 months ago

        You are right, its fun to C CR7. So ne it. Thx man

        1. fenixri
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 9 months ago

          *so be it

  16. ZombieEaten
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Surprised to not see Lukaku in so many C poll questions

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I have him but captaining Ronaldo.

    2. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      I think it's because he has a ceiling of 10pts. He's normally the target for the final ball when playing for Belgium and rarely assists like he does for Inter. Whereas the other options (Ronaldo, Depay and Wijnaldum) tend to be more involved in their teams' build-up so their assist potential enhances their goal scoring potential and a higher points ceiling.

  17. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Who shall I captain?

    1. Depay
    2. Dumfries
    3. KDB

  18. Footieboot
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Worth it to captain Malen as a differential?

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 9 months ago

      Oh aye, that's how you do it...

  19. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    Fair play and all that to those involved. But, I have to admit the way the article above was written made me laugh. Not sure whether it is intentional or tongue and cheek or what?

    It was similar in tone to when a football club makes a signing - 'statement of intent', 'best in the world' etc :D. All very dramatic altogether!

    I think care is needed on some of the statements etc - because it could start sounding a bit hyperbolic, and dare I say silly? If it continues in this vein all that will be missing is to add - 'ever' to the end of sentence.

    Example : 'The best signing, EVER' etc

  20. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 9 months ago

    A. Digne, Jota
    B. TAA, ESR