I am a rabid fan of Arsenal and the English Premier League. It’s just so thrilling and full of twists and turns to keep one entertained and tuned off from the tedious grind of this world.
As a “great” dad, I have since brainwashed my three sons into the exciting world of being a Gooner. You can imagine their angst and umbrage to hear me rooting for Jan Vertonghen (of the funny rabble down the road from the Emirates) and in a North London derby no less!
Before any crazy Gooners out there reach for their weapons of choice to attack me, please hear me out. It’s the malaise and fever called Fantasy Football that’s done it!
I’ve been well and truly indoctrinated into a new dimension of football called the EPL Fantasy Premier League. I get to be a Premier League manager every season and compete against the over five million other managers who have signed on to the exciting role play over the 38 weeks of the season.
Because it’s always a stretch to fit my 15 players into a squad built with a measly 100 million virtual currency, I know why Jose Mourinho moans over not getting cash to acquire even more defenders to park his bus at the Old Trafford or how important it was for Monsieur Wenger to master the art of bargain buys in the lean days of construction of the Emirates.
3-5-2? 4-4-2? Clean sheets? Assists? Red cards? Injuries? Aguero or Salah? Regular headaches that must be contended with. Your tactics and research skills have to be well honed if you must overcome these murky waters. And as my sons found out since becoming managers themselves, your club loyalties are sorely tested!
Another season is upon us. Fingers crossed as my Super Jive FC earns its bragging rights over colourfully named teams such as UntouchaBULLS, Blue Chest, WhenSaturdayComes, Who’s Your Daddy, 1st Coast of Anger, TDD runs the City etc.
Pep Guardiola has nothing on me. May the best manager prevail!
Rotimi Dada is a financial consultant in Lagos, Nigeria. In his spare time he is the Manager of Super Jive FC of the Fantasy League
Brilliant Rote! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Now you’ve finally taken the writing plunge please please please make it regular, weekly!
As for playing … maybe I’m getting closer to considering it. Thanks to how you put it across but there are still some things I still consider sacrilege!
Nice article. Game on.
Fantasy league always creates a dilemma for me especially when one of my players score against Chelsea fc. Should i celebrate getting fantasy league point or ponder about Chelea’s fc losing on the field of player…… Its a love hate situation but guess what……..I love the feeling. I cannot give up fantasy league for anything especially with the thrill of always beating TDD every year in our side betting arrangement. I reamin loyal to Chelsea FC ( the only team that thrives in a choatic situation)
JT – I finished ahead of you 2 seasons ago!
Dont forget names like Inya’toros FC
Hard to phantom how FPL has become more than Fantasy in Nigeria. Its now like a reality. Particularly excited about this season.
Hard to phantom how FPL has become more than Fantasy in Nigeria. Its now like a reality. Paeticularly ezcited about this season.
My wife cannot get over why I play every year – the emotions, time, energy and other resources put into it!
The season is here again – absolutely look forward to doing well and the bragging rights it comes with!
The rollercoaster life of a virtual football manager. Difficult task, nonetheless ever so thrilling.
Bring on the bragging rights, let’s go RotexFC “You will never walk alone!”
Lol, the names of the teams in the last paragraph alone is fun to read.
And yes the contradiction of being an Arsenal fan yet routing seriously for a Vertonghen that plays for the North London wannabes in a North London derby just captures the madness that the allure for fantasy footie is.
That for me is what defines the illusion that fantasy football is, it’s what amuses me when I look at and listen to you managers.
Nice piece sir, let the games begin
@Rotimidada. well said… before the game begins i am pondering if i want to go this route again. fantasy football is addictive . you are in a serious strategy meeting, then you remember deadline to the next game is 30 minutes, you start sweating and cant concentrate again, wham!!! you excuse yourself to go to the gents. crazy!!
I can’t but agree with you….or waking up in the middle of the night to set my team is a regular occurrence
Let the games begin…..Dendocker a player to watch closely in my opinion…
This season is my first foray in to the dizzy world of fantasy premier league. I have registered a team imaginatively called DADA. My signings are computer generated but exciting non the less. Let the games begin.
My Egbon,
Your thoughts are well captured .
For me , i dont do fantasies . I believe in reality.
Its ok to live in some fantasy land . Lol.
Nice written piece.
Cheers
Let the games begin…….. Ijebu City FC!!! We Never Win Anything!!!
You’ve eloquently captured the new addiction of so many fantasy football players out there. Beautifully written piece, watch out for the Oranmiyan Warriors on our virtual battleground and may the best manager win!